1 week agoNewsComments Off on Overwhelmed Strictly star Chris McCausland admits training ‘nearly killed me’ – as he hits back over ‘sympathy vote’
OVERWHELMED Strictly star Chris McCausland has admitted training ‘nearly killed me’ while hitting back at trolls for labelling him the ‘sympathy vote.
Chris, 47, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, candidly revealed the gruelling nature of rehearsals for the BBC show, admitting that it pushed him to his limits.
InstagramStrictly star Chris McCausland admitted training ‘nearly killed me’[/caption]
The comedian detailed the challenges of mastering complex dance routines, particularly the demanding cha-cha-cha, which he described as nearly “killing” him.
Despite the physical and mental strain, he remains determined to defy expectations and prove that disability is no barrier.
He told The Times: “Going straight into the cha-cha-cha on week one nearly killed me. A lot of the rehearsal time is me lying on the floor trying to plaster a smile on my face and saying, ‘Just give me five minutes.’
“I’m all for a challenge, I’m all for doing something out of my comfort zone, but I don’t want to be the ‘fun guy’.
“Because if I come on the air and because of my blindness I fail, that’s no good for anyone. The whole point of being here is to surprise people, to represent people and maybe expose people to somebody they might think would be incapable of doing these things.”
Chris openly expressed his frustration with the “sympathy vote” label, emphasizing his desire to be judged on his own merits as a dancer.
He explained: “If you’ve got a disability you have to show so much perseverance and creativity and problem-solving just day to day. There are so many people out there capable of way more than the opportunities they are given. For me it’s about representing that community.
“I hugely put myself out of my comfort zone to do something that I didn’t know I’d be able to do. And so if that inspires people to have a go at something then I’m good with that.”
They took to Instagram to share their latest episode of CHRIS DIAnneRIES – where they upload of video of themselves talking about how training has gone with fans.
Dianne revealed that at one point this week they went through their dance 22 times to make sure that they got it right.
But it appears that got too much for Chris – and at one point he had to walk away to get some “space”.
Chris said in the video: “So this is what happens…
“The Samba is very energetic and I have to have a little lie down just to catch my breathe back, just to recover, and she just talks at me constantly while I’m trying to take my brain off the dancing for a minute, have a little bit of me time.
“At one point, I had to walk away from you and you said: ‘Chris, you’re going the wrong direction’.
“I said: ‘No, I need some space. I just need some distance between my face and your voice’.”
Fans found what he said absolutely hilarious.
One wrote in the comments section: “‘I need some space between my face and your voice’,” with a laughing emoji.
A second said: “Love Chris’ honesty in these videos he does with Dianne. Heartwarming and so funny.”
Another added: “A great indicator that 2 people have hit it off is when they can laugh together about the times they irritate each other.”
“Love you guys, my favourites to win, always look forward to watching you both on a Saturday x,” a fourth chimed in.
And, the week before, Chris and Dianne danced the Waltz to Liverpool’s anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.
After the dance, Chris asked Dianne if he did ok – to which she replied: “I’m so proud of you!”
The following day their close bond was revealed as they share sweet moment in some exclusive pictures.
Snapped in a corner of the Strictly studios in Elstree, Chris can be seen kissing Dianne’s hand, as they moved through some of the motions of their dance.
In another image Dianne is seen helping Chris tie the laces of his shoes, clearly capturing their true and genuine friendship.
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?
RETINITIS pigmentosa (RP) is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive degeneration of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
This condition primarily affects the photoreceptor cells, which are essential for vision.
Common symptoms of RP include night blindness, tunnel vision, and eventual loss of peripheral vision, with some cases also affecting central vision.
RP is usually inherited, passed down through families, and is caused by mutations in various genes.
Diagnosis typically involves eye examinations, genetic testing, and visual field tests.
While there is currently no cure for RP, some treatments may help manage symptoms, such as vitamin A supplementation and low-vision aids.
Ongoing research into gene therapy and retinal implants offers hope for future advancements.
Living with RP presents challenges, but many people adapt by using assistive devices and developing coping strategies.
Support from organisations and communities plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life for those affected.
BBCChris has been pushed to to his limits during training with Dianne Buswell[/caption]
PAHe remains determined to defy expectations and prove that disability is no barrier[/caption]
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Seventies Hollywood star unrecognisable 47 years after legendary horror role that left fans terrified
A SEVENTIES Hollywood star looks unrecognisable 47 years after her legendary horror role that left fans terrified.
The 75-year-old looks worlds away from her acting heyday on the cult classic.
Instagram/@jessicaharperamaJessica Harper looks unrecognisable 47 years after her iconic horror role[/caption]
She was best known for her role as Suzy Bannion in SuspiriaAlamy
Jessica Harper has aged gracefully since her memorable performance in the horror film Suspiria (1977).
In the movie, Jessica portrays the character Suzy Bannion, a ballet student who uncovers sinister secrets at a mysterious dance academy.
Her performance effectively conveys Suzy’s innocence and resolve as she faces the chilling truths of the school.
While Suspiria remains her most iconic role, Jessica has also appeared in several other notable horror films throughout her career.
One such film is Phantom of the Paradise (1974), where she plays Phoenix, a singer entangled in a twisted plot involving a demented composer.
Jessica also made a memorable cameo in The Love Witch (2016), a modern homage to 1960s horror, portraying a character named Barbara.
Additionally, she appeared in The Last House on the Left (1972) as Mari’s friend.
Jessica is still active in her career, working in both acting and writing.
She has appeared in various television shows and films in recent years, including a role in the series The Last House on the Left (2020) and guest appearances in other projects.
She frequently shares throwback photos from her younger years on Instagram, which is met with an outpouring of support and appreciation from fans.
In a post featuring a screengrab of herself in the movie Phantom of the Paradise, Jessica interacted with fans by captioning it: “Which year was #PhantomoftheParadise released?”
One fan commented: “1974. Masterpiece film, and you were great in it Phoenix!”
Whilst another added: “You were fantastic in the film, hope all is well!!!”
A third penned: “1974. I was 13 years old, working at cinema in small town. Watched every night during it’s run, now have it on dvd.”
And a fourth wrote: “I loved this movie!”
AlamyJessica has featured in several horror films[/caption]
GettyThe star, who is now 75, has aged gracefully since her memorable performance in Suspiria (1977)[/caption]
Instagram/@jessicaharperamaJessica remained active in her career, working in both acting and writing[/caption]
GettyShe had roles in various television shows and films in recent years[/caption]
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Face of ‘Zosia the VAMPIRE’ revealed after her 350-year-old skeleton is unearthed with a sickle around neck
EXPERTS have revealed the face of a 350-year-old ‘vampire’ after her skeleton was unearthed with a sickle around her neck and a padlock on her foot.
The skeleton of an 18-year-old woman who has been called Zosia was unearthed in 2022 in a field outside of the village of Pien in Poland.
Miroslav Blicharski/AleksanderArchaeologists unearthed the remains while on a dig in Poland in 2022[/caption]
Miroslav Blicharski/AleksanderUsing digital scans of her skull and a 3D printer, an expert has created an impression of what the woman may have looked like[/caption]
Oscar NillsonOscar Nillson believes that Zosia may have looked like this fair-faced woman at the time of her death[/caption]
Archaeologists who made the grim discovery revealed that the sickle was placed over her neck and the padlock on her toe because, at the time of her death, some 350 years ago, locals feared that the teenager was a vampire.
It was believed that the sickle, a curved blade used for farming, and the padlock would prevent Zosia from coming back from the dead.
Zosia’s skeleton was discovered by archaeologist Professor Dariusz Polinski and his partner Magda Zagrodzka when Polinski’s trowel hit metal.
Her remains were fully discovered after the archaeologist carefully brushed away the surrounding soil.
“It can be assumed that for some reason those burying the woman were afraid that she would rise from the grave,” Professor Polinski told the Daily Mail at the time of his discovery.
“Perhaps they feared she was a vampire.
“The sickle was not laid flat but placed on the neck in such a way that if the deceased had tried to get up most likely the head would have been cut off or injured.”
Meanwhile, the padlocked big toe on the left foot further convinced experts that her killers believed her to be a vampire as it likely symbolised “the impossibility of returning”.
Now, the so-called vampire has been given a face by experts who have revealed new information about the teenager including an artist’s impression of what she may have looked like.
Scans of the skeleton have concluded that there is an abnormality of the breast bone meaning Zosia likely had a painful and physical deformity.
Dr Heather Edgar, the medical investigator at the University of New Mexico who discovered the abnormality told The Times how the deformity could have “marked this person [to others] in a negative way.”
Her skull has also revealed that she had a protruding tooth which may have contributed to fears of her being a blood-sucker.
This along with her deformity may have largely contributed to the belief that she was supernatural leading to her death and unusual burial.
Meanwhile, facial reconstruction expert Oscar Nilsson created an impression of the teenager which depicts a fair-looking woman with blue eyes and mousey-brown, cropped hair.
The illustration was created using digital scans of her skull along with a 3D printer and clay to mould the muscles of her face.
She also appears in rather fine clothes as a silk cap was found with her remains, highlighting that she likely had high social status.
Experts also believe that she may have come from Scandinavia and could have been seen as an “unwanted outsider” as her death occurred during a period of conflict between Poland and Sweden.
Zosia was just one of around 100 skeletons located in the field outside of Pien.
Such discoveries led to the area being called the “Field of Vampires.”
However, she was the only one at the burial site with a sickle around her neck, though 30 others appeared to have been restrained in some way.
Among the other remains found at the burial site were a pregnant woman, a woman who had long suffered from syphilis, and a man with a child buried at his feet.
Some were placed face-down in their graves and weighed down with stones while others had coins placed in their mouths.
All of these people were “excluded from the community,” Professor Polinski said with all of the graves being unmarked and the deaths unrecorded.
Institute of Archeology of the Nicolaus Copernicus UniversityThe 350-year-old skeleton was found with a sickle around her neck and a padlock on her toe[/caption]
Lukasz CzyzewskiAround 100 skeletons were unearthed in what is now known as the ‘Field of Vampires’[/caption]
However, with Zosia being buried with a sickle around her neck, Polinski believes that she was the most feared by locals.
The recent findings about Zosia are set to feature in a new two-part documentary on Sky History called Field of Vampires.
The remains of a 50-year-old male were found under the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pączewo and he too had a sickle placed around his neck after death.
Archaeologists at the site say it is the first vampire tomb of its kind to have been found inside a church.
They were found in a medieval graveyard in Koszalin, with one having been decapitated and the other laid faced-down with stones on its back.
Such superstitions date back to as early as the 11th century in Eastern Europe.
NICOLAUS COPERNICUS UNIVERSITY / LUKASZ CZYZEWSKIZosia’s protruding front tooth and deformity from her breastbone may have further sparked fears about her being a vampire[/caption]
Facebook @archeo-adventureThe remains of a child found in a vampire tomb were also found in Poland with a sickle around its neck[/caption]
1 week agoNewsComments Off on ‘We are essentially in a new Gilded Age’: As workers get laid off, CEOs and shareholders gobble up hundreds of billions in profits
CEOs cite the need to downsize in a rough economy, but it seems corporations are doing better than ever.
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About the author
Katrina Vasey - Bingo Editor, The Sun
After graduating from Southampton University with a degree in English Literature, Katrina Vasey worked as a Content Editor for Law Business Research’s publication the International Law Office. Katrina joined The Sun in 2022 as the Bingo Editor, covering the four gaming platforms: Sun Bingo, Fabulous Bingo, Sun Vegas and Fabulous Vegas.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Trial of TV model accused of making false rape claim against France star suspended after no-show by lawyer
THE TRIAL of a TV model accused of making a false rape claim against AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez was suspended today after a no-show by her lawyer.
Luisa Kremleva’s brief called in sick at the last minute, alleging a “medical emergency”, ahead of her court appearance in Malaga after public prosecutors demanded a two-year prison sentence on conviction.
The trial of TV model Luisa Kremleva was suspendedKremleva is accused of making a false rape claim against AC Milan ace Theo Hernandez
The Russian-born beauty is understood to have been made aware of her lawyer’s health problem beforehand and opted to stay away so she didn’t have to face waiting media.
It was not immediately clear this afternoon when the long-awaited trial, which well-placed sources said today had been suspended on a previous occasion when Kremleva said she was undergoing treatment in her homeland, will now go ahead.
French international Hernandez, whose club sides have included both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, was told he wouldn’t be needed to testify by video-conference from Italy after the trial suspension.
A court official said outside the courtroom, about an hour after the hearing was due to get underway: “There won’t be a trial today.
“The defence has asked for a suspension because of an emergency medical issue.”
Another insider said: “Kremleva’s lawyer called in sick at the last moment. The court only found out this morning.”
Public prosecutors allege the real estate boss’ daughter, who forged a name for herself on Spanish TV reality and dating shows between modelling assignments, made up the rape after she and Hernandez had “consensual sex” in a Porsche Cayenne outside glitzy Marbella nightclub Olivia Valere but then refused to go home with her.
They claim in a three-page indictment seen by Sun Online which forms the basis of the allegations against her that she acted out of revenge.
She was charged with perjury in relation to the “non-existent rape” following her arrest in January 2020 on a warrant after she failed to answer a court summons.
We can reveal investigators took just two days to provisionally archive her rape claim after she made her police statement in June 2017.
Full indictment report
The public protection indictment states, referring to the Milan footballer and the female model by their initials or simply the initial of their first names: “In the early hours of June 4 2017 the accused was in Olivia Valere nightclub where she had arranged to meet up with T.B.F.H.
“He was in the same venue in a VIP area with a group of friends.
“About 4am both left with the intention of having a sexual encounter and went to a vehicle parked in the car parking area which a friend of T was using and had full sex which L consented to before returning to the nightclub.
“L subsequently tried unsuccessfully to persuade T to stay with her and go home with her and ended up fighting with the women who were part of T’s group before returning to her home alone about 8am.
“From there, out of revenge and to take advantage of T being well-known, she requested the presence of police and claimed she had been the victim of a sexual assault and wanted to report it.”
Outlining how she had been taken to hospital for a routine medical examination before making a formal written statement in the afternoon. the indictment added: “She maliciously stated that after initially agreeing to having sex with T, she changed her mind and despite making it clear she didn’t want to continue, T continued and forced himself on her before injuring her by pushing her out of the car and making her fall on her knees.
Phone message
“She hid from investigators the fact that she had fallen to the ground accidentally and then again in the course of the fight with T’s female friends.”
The falls are thought to have been recorded by Olivia Valere’s CCTV cameras, which also showed her returning with Hernandez to the nightclub after the “consensual sex” she claimed was a rape.
Investigators are also believed to have obtained a phone message Kremleva sent the footballer around 6.15am, after the alleged rape, asking him repeatedly when he was going to go home with her.
Attacking left-back Hernandez, capped 35 times by France at senior level, was never arrested before a court dismissed her claim and police started preparing a case against her.
In a newspaper interview after the ‘rape’ investigators subsequently dismissed Kremleva insisted: “I have proof of the attack which are on my backside and knees.
“I would love it if Theo apologised. It’s the least I deserve.”
Her mum Mila went on Spanish TV after news of her January 13 2020 detention broke to claim: “My daughter is not under arrest. She went to pick up a court notification.
“With time the truth is going to come out.”
The model subsequently wrote on social media: “I have not been arrested. I have not been convicted of any crime. The truth will come out.”
She privatised her Instagram at the start of the month after it emerged a date had been set for her trial.
As well as a two-year prison sentence Kremleva is also facing a possible POUNDS 12,000 fine if she is eventually convicted, although two-year jail sentences are normally suspended in Spain for first-time offenders.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Scandal-hit life of £262m BrewDog boss James Watt…fraud case, beer sold in dead squirrels & romance with Georgia Toffolo
HE is BrewDog’s colourful co-founder who has just announced his engagement to Georgia Toffolo, one of the country’s best known reality stars.
However, while the couple have found their happy ever after, James Watt‘s career has been anything but a fairytale.
Instagram/@georgiatoffoloGeorgia Toffolo has revealed that she is engaged to BrewDog co-founder James Watt[/caption]
The pair began dating in 2023 after mutual friends set them upFrom its inception, James and BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie have found themselves in troubleRexJames’ career has been marred by scandals, controversies, and legal battles
Since launching BrewDog in 2007 with Martin Dickie, he has revolutionised the craft beer scene but his journey has been marred by scandals, controversies and legal battles.
Here, we look at some of the most shocking controversies of James’ career.
Controversies
From its inception, BrewDog struck gold with its marketing, from laddish humour that pushed the limits to disruptive tactics that shook up the industry.
The brand quickly won several awards and secured deals with some of the country’s biggest supermarkets.
But it did not take too long for James to find himself in hot water.
In 2009, a drink called Speed Ball was yanked off the shelves after being accused of promoting a cocktail of drugs that mixes cocaine and heroin. The deadly combination has killed many, including actors John Belushi and River Phoenix.
Drinks marketing watchdog, The Portman Group, upheld a complaint from Alcohol Focus Scotland, which raised concerns about the name promoting the illicit drugs.
In 2010, the brand was hit with yet another scandal when it began to serve beers inside the dead bodies of animals.
HandoutJames and Martin’s BrewDog has been accused of causing offence, bullying, and cheap marketing ploys[/caption]
AlamyThe brand has gotten into trouble with the Portman Group[/caption]
BrewDog caused controversy when it began selling beer stuffed in dead animals
The shocking stunt did not go down well with animal activists, who branded it as “cheap” and “degrading”.
At 55% ABV, and called the world’s strongest beer, only 12 bottles of the drinks were made. The drinks came in the bodies of roadkill including squirrels, weasels and a hare.
James told American news media at the time: “We were making such a tiny amount that we wanted to do something epic.
“We wanted to challenge people’s perceptions about how beer can be packaged; taxidermy helps open people’s eyes to the fact that beer doesn’t have to be made by a multi-national organisation.”
Over the next few years, the brand’s marketing ploy continued to spark fury. For Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, they created a beer that contained Viagra and horny goat weed.
They also hired a person with dwarfism to protest a 300-year-old rule about beer being served in third, half, or full-pint measures. They called it “the world’s smallest protest.”
The brand was also criticised for using strong, offensive language on its website. Foul-mouthed messaging used included “motherf****r”, “t**s”, and “bas***d.”
In 2014, the brand made a foray into the political landscape and targeted Russia‘s ban on “homosexual propaganda“. The brand created a drink called Hello My Name is Vladimir.
The drink was also said to not be “for the gays” and featured pictures of Russian president Vladimir Putin in Andy Warhol-style photos.
In 2015, James was embroiled in a huge transphobic scandal when 8,000 people signed a petition to ban BrewDog’s Don’t Make Us Do This… Equity for Punks ad campaign.
ABCBrewDog was slammed for promoting the use of Class A drugs when Speed Ball came out[/caption]
X/brewDogThey attacked Vladimir Putin’s ban on homosexual propaganda with a drink called Hello My Name is Vladimir[/caption]
It featured James and his co-founder posing as drag queens in a red-light district background. Campaigners said it was “offensive caricatures of people who already suffer discrimination”.
BrewDog was accused of bullying in 2017 when it named one of its drinks Lone Wolf. The brand threatened a pub with the same name with legal action.
The owners insisted that although they named their pub way before the drinks were launched, they decided not to fight the lawsuit due to the financial strain it could cause.
In 2020, there was further backlash when an ad campaign promoting its alcohol-free beer featured the tagline “Sober as a Motherfu” (you get the idea).
Several complaints were made to the Advertising Standards Authority, calling the advert inappropriate and offensive. Although some people saw it as dark humour, the ASA upheld the complaints.
Toxic work environment
In 2021, BrewDog faced serious allegations from former employees who accused the company of fostering a toxic work culture.
In an open letter published by the group “Punks With Purpose,” ex-staff members claimed BrewDog had created a “culture of fear” where workers were “treated like objects”.
It was also claimed that employees were often pressured to overwork without sufficient support or respect.
The letter alleged that BrewDog prioritized rapid expansion and aggressive marketing over the well-being of its employees, leading to burnout and low morale.
One statement from the letter described the BrewDog workplace as “built around a personality cult” that tolerated bullying and intimidation to meet business goals.
Georgia Toffolo's dating history
Georgia started dating James Middleton in October 2016. To make their dating life easier, he joined the cast of Made in Chelsea, but they broke up in 2017.
She then met Jack Maynard when she appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. Although they were spotted out on dates, Georgia later said they had never been official.
In April 2018, she was seen getting cosy with Gart Lineker’s son, George, in a club. However, she later told The Sun that she was happily single and too famous for love.
While Georgia and Charles Goode, who once dated Prince Harry’s ex, Chelsea Davy, never confirmed their romance, it was reported that they dated in 2018.
Toff dated convicted criminal George Cottrell on and off for four years before they split up for good last year. The pair had several breaks during their time together.
Georgia was reportedly heartbroken after he found love with the reigning Miss Montenegro, model Andjela Vukadinovic.
Cottrell was an adviser to Nigel Farage and played a key role during the Brexit campaign. But he
He spent eight months in a US jail after being arrested in Chicago in 2016 and for posing as a money launderer in a bid to rip off drug smugglers.
Former employees reported that leadership’s demands often left them feeling “exploited and psychologically unsafe,” claiming that dissenting voices were either dismissed or met with hostility.
One former manager recounted feeling “scared to speak up” and described an environment where workers were “expendable.”
In response, James apologised for some of the issues. He told the BBC: “It’s very clear, looking at the feedback, we haven’t always got things right here.
“We have to see this feedback as an opportunity to get better. We have to learn, we have to act. We have to take it on the chin.”
He added: “For me, it’s not about disputing individual claims. But 60 people were unhappy and we have to get better. That’s the only way we can get something good out of this situation.”
‘Inappropriate behaviour’ claims
BBCKatelynn Insing said she warned new female workers to dress down whenever James was in town[/caption]
BBCDylan Gray said he worked the rota so certain female staff members wouldn’t be in at the same time as James[/caption]
In January 2022, James found himself in further trouble when it emerged that several former employees had accused him of inappropriate behaviour.
Former BrewDog USA employees told the BBC‘s Disclosure program that James’ actions had left female bartenders feeling “powerless” and “uncomfortable”.
In an investigative documentary, several employees alleged that James was seen kissing an intoxicated female customer on a roof terrace bar.
It was also claimed that female workers were briefed on how to avoid unwanted attention from James. One bartender noted that she felt “powerless” to avoid his advances.
It was also alleged that managers tried to organise their rota so certain female staff members could be off when James was around.
Dylan Gray, who managed BrewDog Franklington in Ohio, said: “I would schedule more men at nights when he was there. I would sit behind the bar with female staff so they wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.”
James also allegedly made staff feel uncomfortable by taking women on late-night private brewery tours.
One employee, Katelynn Insing, said she would often advise new female workers to dress down whenever James was visiting.
She said: “We would make a point to warn new girls – like, ‘Hey, just so you know, James Watt’s coming to town.
“Just, kind of, leave after your shift, don’t really hang around [and] don’t always do your hair and makeup that day, like don’t catch his attention.'”
She also spoke about the alleged private tours. “Sometimes there would be one woman, sometimes there would be a gaggle of women,” she said.
“They were always intoxicated, they were in their twenties usually. They were very pretty and he would say he’s taking them on a private tour of the brewery.”
James’ lawyer denied the claims and told the BBC: “Mr Watt regularly takes both women and men, friends and customers on evening tours of the brewery.
“It is not true to say that those who accompany him are intoxicated. The claim that he did was made by an employee in June 2021.
“It was fully investigated – the claims were not substantiated – no further action was warranted by Brewdog USA HR.”
Lawsuit against ex
James won a civil suit against his ex-girlfriend Emeli ZiemAlthough he brought a criminal suit against her, the court said his lawyers had insufficient evidence
Last year, James brought a criminal fraud case against his ex-girlfriend, Emeli Ziem, alleging fraud and malicious communications.
It came after a civil court ruling last year that determined that she had improperly convinced him to pay her £100,000 in Bitcoin.
However, she was cleared of criminal fraud after James’ lawyers failed to provide sufficient evidence.
His legal representatives claimed that although they had an “overwhelming” case, they had decided to withdraw it as they had already won the civil case.
James claimed he wanted to move past the case and focus on his family and business.
Emeli, on the other hand, insisted that the outcome of the case was fair as James’ claims were “fictitious”. She said: “I don’t think anyone involved was surprised by the result.”
The judge in the civil case concluded that she had set up social media pages to spread lies about James online. Emeli then contacted James to claim she could unmask the trolls behind the accounts.
It was said that she made him pay £25,000 a time to uncover their identities.
According to Insider, Emeli was ordered to repay the £100,000 and £500,000 in expenses in the civil case.
Gold scandal and living wage row
GettyJames was embroiled in a living wage row as his employees slammed him and BrewDog[/caption]
James claimed that customers could find solid gold cans in beer cases
Last year, James said he paid £500,000 after misleading customers about a “solid gold” beer can promotion.
The 2021 marketing strategy encouraged people to find the special cans hidden in beer cases. But some winners began raising eyebrows when it was discovered that the cans were gold-plated.
In response, James said he “misunderstood the process of how they were made” and made a “silly mistake” by informing fans that they were solid gold.
The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that he had misled customers.
Speaking about the repercussions, James wrote on LinkedIn: “Those were 3 very expensive mistaken tweets that I sent out in my enthusiasm for our new campaign.
“The Gold Can saga was headline news. We were made to look dishonest and disingenuous and we took a real hammering online and in the press. Deservedly so. My initial tweets had been misleading and we deserved the flak.”
This year, James and BrewDog came under fire once again.
This time, he was slammed after he decided to stop paying his workers the real living wage. From April this year, new workers get £11.44 per hour.
Employees in London also get £11.95. While both are considered below the real living wage, they are above the national minimum wage.
In response to the backlash, BrewDog said it felt its vow to pay employees more than was required by UK law was no longer attainable.
Increased manufacturing costs and energy prices were blamed for the decision.
A letter to staff read: “Even with [a] strong performance over Christmas, as a wider business there is no hiding from the fact that in 2023, we made a trading loss, and despite many efforts in the past 12 months to reduce our spending, we still need to find more ways to get this business back to profitability and the financial stability that is needed.
“Inevitably, this does mean making some hard decisions.”
In March this year, many were taken aback when James announced his decision to leave BrewDog after 17 years in charge.
Despite leaving his CEO role, James clarified that he will remain a board member and director and a part-time strategic adviser to the business.
Georgia Romance
georgiatoffolo/InstagramGeorgia have shared several snaps of them on holiday and romantic dates[/caption]
Instagram/@georgiatoffoloIn a sweet post, James shared that he was ‘grateful’ they were ‘able to find each other’[/caption]
James and Georgia have been dating since last year after they were introduced by a mutual friend, according to Hello! Magazine.
Since then, they have become inseparable. Georgia has shared several snaps of them on holiday and romantic dates.
James says he proposed to her while they were on holiday in Greece for her 30th birthday.
Gushing about the joyous moment, he said: “She said yes! With an abundance of smiles, happiness, love & family, [Georgia] & I got engaged on Friday in Greece.
He added: “Georgia – I am so grateful that we managed to find each other and even more grateful to be building our lives together.”
Georgia, best known for her time as a cast member on Channel 4‘s Made In Chelsea, said the proposal was the “best moment” of her life “so far”.
She said: “The easiest, quickest yes to being your wife. Our love story is my favourite. How we managed to find each other out of billions of people out there will always be my greatest blessing.
“I love you forever and the magical life we’re building.”
In snaps, she showed off the huge engagement ring he gave her.
InstagramGeorgia showed off her huge ring in a series of snaps on social media[/caption]
The pair have often gushed about each other on social media
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1 week agoNewsComments Off on Sick moment paedo who used AI to make vile child sex abuse pictures admits ‘I’m sexually attracted to kids’
THIS IS the sick moment a paedo who used AI to make vile child sex abuse pictures admitted he’s sexually attracted to kids.
Hugh Nelson told cops after being arrested he had an interest mainly in girls aged around 12.
GMPHugh Nelson has been jailed for 18 years[/caption]
Greater Manchester PolicePolice have now released footage from his interview[/caption]
Greater Manchester PoliceHe admitted to being attracted to children[/caption]
The 27-year-old, from Bolton, made around £5,000 selling child abuse images to other warped sickos over several months before being snared in June last year.
He has today been locked up for 18 years, with the case the first of its kind in the UK.
In footage of his police interview shown during his trial, he admitted during a police interview his obsession had “taken over my life” and he had fallen “into this pit of despair”.
SICKENING ADMISSION
Sitting at a table and shuffling awkwardly, Nelson can be seen in the footage released by Greater Manchester Police following sentencing.
He said on video: “I would say I am sexually attracted to some kids, but I’ve been completely swept up in it.
“It’s taken over my life, sort of thing. I can’t remember how I got on that though.”
He used a 3D character generator to transform normal, non-explicit photos of children into twisted abuse images.
He sold them on an internet forum where he charged paedophiles £80 for a new “character”.
After that, it was £10 per image to alter them into different explicit positions.
While paedophiles have been jailed before for using AI to create child abuse images, this is the first time cops have been able to link the images to real children.
What the police have said
Detective Constable Carly Baines, from Greater Manchester Police, said the case was “deeply horrifying”.
She said: “It became clear to us after extensive trawls of his many devices by digital forensic experts however, that his behaviour went far beyond what clearly he was seeing as a ‘business opportunity’.
“Not only was he creating and selling these images, but he was engaging in depraved sexualised chat online about children and going as far as to encourage people interested in his online content to commit contact offences such as rape against children they knew or were related to.”
Police arrested Nelson at his family home in Egerton in June last year.
In August, Nelson pleaded guilty at Bolton Crown Court to 11 offences.
These included three counts of encouraging the rape of a child under 13, one count of attempting to incite a boy under 16 to engage in a sexual act, three counts each of the distribution and making of indecent images, and one count of possessing prohibited images.
At an earlier court appearance he also admitted to four counts of distributing indecent pseudo photographs of children and one of publishing an obscene article.
The children who Nelson was sent pictures of were all from France, Italy and the United States.
The relevant authorities in those countries have been made aware and more arrests have been made.
During his police interview, Nelson went on to say: “I just kind of like fell into this pit of despair and absolute grotesque behaviour, and it just spiralled and spiralled and got worse.”
Nelson added: “There’s this programme, which is what I’ve used to create these images.
“I’ve probably been doing it for about two years now. And I could probably say that they have got worse in nature as I’ve continued with them.
“It’s sick how much it affects your mind, especially when you have no job, you sit at home, you play games, you watch porn and you make theses stupid goddam images.
“My mind is very corrupted and warped.
“It can just be images of them posing, fully clothed, to hardcore rape images. So everything really.
“The images that I sent, I’m not sure you would classify them as any restricted image because they’re not sexual in nature at all.
“They’re just used as reference to create a 3D model from them.”
Nelson has been sentenced to 24 years. This will consist of 18 years imprisonment, six years on license, and a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
WORRYING RISE
Experts at the Internet Watch Foundation in Cambridge say they have found more child abuse pictures made using AI in the last six months than they did across the whole of last year.
Dan Sexton, the charity‘s chief technical officer, said: “Our work has always been difficult anyway.
“[But] we’ve never had to deal with the possibility that someone could download some software on their computer and create an infinite amount of new images.
“They use as many as they can until the hard drives fill up. That’s a new type of harm that which we have not been prepared for.”
