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The Guardian
19 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Digested week: Wimbledon joy and the canny PR of the Dalai Lama
As someone who enjoys the women's tennis at Wimbledon, so to speak, the tournament's opening days are an annual joy and this week has been electric. Emma Raducanu leads the rise in British women powering up the world rankings, which makes the era of women's tennis I grew up in – I have a lot of time for Jo Durie, but those were hard years – seem like the 19th century. Today, after two stunning opening-round matches, Raducanu will meet Aryna Sabalenka, the mighty Belarusian world number one, which means tomorrow I will be on court one (in the park) knocking imaginary clay dust from my shoes and pretending to be in the final. If the tennis is sublime, the crowd so far has been slightly under par – although it's early days. Last year, the title of Wimbledon best dressed went for my money to Greta Gerwig, in a tan suit the provenance of which I still can't track down, as well as Zendaya in Ralph Lauren and Julia Roberts in Gucci. This week in the royal box and around the grounds we've had Cate Blanchett, who is welcome in any setting, Olivia Rodrigo and Russell Crowe, who combed his hair and dug out a tie for Centre Court. (Esquire ran a story about the £65,000 Rolex he was wearing, which if it was intended to set us against him, won't work – I won't hear a word against Rusty.) There were also, as usual, a high turn out of what my teenage tennis partner and I used to refer to nastily as Midweek Ladies, a crowd who, off-court, wear floral, ankle length dresses in pale shades and on court, are always one double fault away from losing their nerve and reverting to an underhand serve. Everyone should watch My Mom Jayne, the documentary about Jayne Mansfield made by her daughter Mariska Hargitay, released this week on HBO Max and a jaw-dropper of revelations and sadness. You may know Hargitay from her role as Detective Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU – I didn't even know she was Mansfield's daughter – and she was three years old in 1967 when her 34-year-old mother was killed in a car crash outside New Orleans. The film is heartbreaking, not least because Hargitay, who has no memories of her mother, was in the car with her siblings when it crashed. All three children survived and were raised by their father, but as Hargitay reports, she grew up feeling vaguely ashamed of her mother, a Hollywood sex bomb who spoke in a breathy voice that a generation later fell out of usage. As Hargitary digs into the history of the mother she never knew, she discovers Mansfield was an accomplished pianist and violinist, a brilliant, ambitious woman trapped by the only persona Hollywood allowed her – until now. Finally, someone has greeted the release of a new Brad Pitt movie not with praise-be gratitude for America's ageing sweetheart, but by looking at Pitt's success in shrugging off an allegation of domestic abuse. While in most of the entertainment press, Pitt's new film is treated to the customary chuckling puff piece, New York magazine runs the headline Brad Pitt is Fooling You and proceeds to get into it: the actor's image preservation, the crisis management PR he retains (former client: Johnny Depp) and the details of Angelina Jolie's allegation that he assaulted her and one of their children on a private plane. As the piece concludes, nobody cares. There's been a vibe shift since #MeToo, which let's not forget, Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, aligned itself with by co-producing the movie adaptation of She Said, about the exposing of Harvey Weinstein – a sterling piece of allyship from America's most sensitive male feminist, or something else entirely. Either way, nothing sticks. In the last five years, the worst coverage Pitt has had is for Bullet Train. There was a story in the Sun mid-week about Pitt's ex, Jennifer Anniston, or rather, about a 43-year-old man from Southampton who believed himself to be in a Facebook relationship with the Hollywood star, who had reached out to him asking for a loan. That might have been your first clue, Paul, that something about this – hard to put your finger on what exactly – didn't smell right. It wasn't the first time the unfortunate victim had been targeted over social media by scam accounts claiming to be Hollywood stars. But when 'Jennifer Anniston' sent him a copy of her driving license, along with the message 'I love you', it was enough to clinch things and convince the hapless Facebook user he was at the start of a beautiful relationship. As requested, he sent the former Friends star the £200 of Apple gift cards she was asking for and never heard from her again. Oh, to have the confidence of the Dalai Lama that we'll all get a second go-around at this. Ahead of his 90th birthday this weekend, the Tibetan spiritual leader discussed arrangements for his successor, by which, per Buddhist beliefs, he means the body into which he will be reincarnated. This is as much a political as a spiritual consideration and in his address, the Dalai Lama pushed back against the Chinese government's insistence on preapproving the reincarnation, remaining firm that when the time comes, he'll be reincarnated in line with Tibetan tradition and with no interference from Beijing. He has also dangled some spoilers, suggesting, tantalisingly, that the new Dalai Lama may not be a baby, as he was, and – in what would represent a reboot more shocking than the new Dr Who and Ghostbusters combined – may not even be male. Which goes to show that even spiritual leaders these days have a canny knack for PR.
Sky News
23 minutes ago
- Sky News
Diogo Jota dies latest: Liverpool mourns player as police probe fatal crash; crowds gather in Portugal for hearse carrying forward and his brother
11:00:01 Police investigation into fatal crash continues Amid ongoing tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, from people across the world, police in Spain continue their investigations into the accident that killed the pair. Authorities said yesterday they were looking into the possibility that the Lamborghini the pair were travelling in left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking. A source from the government sub-delegation in Zamora, meanwhile, said "a possible speeding incident" was being probed. No other vehicles are said to have been involved in the incident. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road, including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle. We'll bring you any updates on developments surrounding the investigation as we get them. 10:29:03 In pictures: Fans descend on Anfield vigil to pay respects Fans have been descending on Anfield to pay their respects to Diogo Jota. A sea of flowers is now present outside the ground, as Liverpool supporters begin to process the tragic death of the 28-year-old and his brother. See images from Anfield as people continued to offer their tributes at the vigil this morning - and watch a live stream above. 10:09:04 Crowds in Portugal gather for the saddest of homecomings By Rob Harris, sports correspondent, in Gondomar On a quiet side street by Capela da Ressurreicao, on the outskirts of Porto, the crowd had been building through the night. Waiting for the saddest of homecomings. And at 11.30pm last night, the tranquillity of the night was broken by dozens applauding as the hearse carrying the coffins of two footballing sons of Gondomar arrived. The tragedy has resonated around the world. But their loss is felt most painfully here in their hometowns. A few minutes' drive away at Gondomar Sport Club, the collection of flowers, scarves, jerseys and candles was growing outside the academy named after Jota. It's there I encountered a former teammate of the 28-year-old who went on to win every major English trophy with Liverpool. Miguel Rocha was wearing one of Jota's Number 20 Liverpool shirts and clutching a jersey from previous club, Wolves, gifted by his friend. They played together here for a decade, through the youth ranks. "Back then, every child dreams of going professional," Rocha told Sky News. "But at the same time, we know it's very difficult, but he got it. "Me and my colleagues who played together back then, we were all very proud. "This community of Gondomar, as well as Portugal, every time we saw Diogo Jota on the pitch, we felt very proud. Nothing but pride." Licínio Ribeiro Correia watched both brothers growing up at Gondomar and continued to spend time with them. "We could see right away in Diogo that he was hungry for the ball," he recalled. "When he played, the goals were a spectacle. "Then he left here and went to Paços de Ferreira, he went to a bigger club and oh well, we lost Diogo." But Jota never forgot his roots, sending a shirt back from England to Correia. The forward's last act in a Portugal shirt was helping his country to a second Nations League title. He left Liverpool after a Premier League trophy parade and so many at the vigil came in the club's red shirts. One of them was Afonso Gama who has just completed the season playing for Gondomar's under-19s. Through the sadness, Gama reflected on seeing a player rise from such a modest, low-level club to the heights of the sport. "He made us believe that's possible," Gama told Sky News. "We know it's not for everybody. We have to work hard. "And he was an inspiration for everybody who played here." 09:45:14 Welcome back Good morning and welcome back to our live updates. We'll continue bringing you tributes from around the world after Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in Spain. A vigil gets under way in Liverpool this morning, with a wake due to take place in Portugal this afternoon. We'll also bring you any updates on the investigation into the fatal crash. Before we begin, here's a reminder of everything we know: The crash happened in Zamora, northwestern Spain, at around 12.30am local time yesterday when the Lamborghini the pair were travelling in veered off the road; The Spanish authorities said their car left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle; A Spanish government source told the PA news agency the crash was being investigated as a "possible speeding incident"; The crash took place just 11 days after Jota's wedding to his long-term partner Rute Cordoso, with whom he had three children; Liverpool FC say they are "devastated" by Jota's "tragic passing", while the Portuguese national team says the country is "completely devastated"; Liverpool manager Arne Slot said "I wish I had the words but I know I do not" and insisted Jota "will never be forgotten"; Former manager Jurgen Klopp said he was "heartbroken" by the news, adding "there must be a bigger purpose, but I can't see it"; Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain, called Jota a "champion forever" and vowed to "always be there" for his family; Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote: "It doesn't make sense", and said - "just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married"; Lionel Messi shared an Instagram story with the message "QEPD" which translates to 'rest in peace'. 23:00:01 We're pausing our coverage - scroll down the page to catch up We've been bringing you tributes from around the world after Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in Spain. We're pausing our coverage for now. Here's everything we know. The crash happened in Zamora in northwestern Spain at around 12.30am local time on Thursday. The Lamborghini the pair were travelling in veered off the road, with Spanish authorities saying a tyre blowout occurred while the car was overtaking another vehicle. A Spanish government source told the PA news agency that the crash is being investigated as a "possible speeding incident". It happened just 11 days after Jota's wedding to his long-term partner Rute Cordoso, with whom he had three children. Fans have been gathering outside Anfield leaving flowers, shirts and scarves as a flag baring the Liverpool crest was flown at half-mast. The club also opened a book of condolence at the stadium to allow fans to pay their respects. Take a moment to hear from them in the video below. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said "I wish I had the words but I know I do not" and insisted Jota "will never be forgotten"; Jurgen Klopp said he was "heartbroken" by the news, adding "there must be a bigger purpose, but I can't see it"; Reds legend Sir Kenny Dalglish said: "Football is not important at this sad time, you feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children"; Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain, called Jota a "champion forever" and vowed to "always be there" for his family; Andy Robertson wrote he will miss Jota "like crazy" and said he last saw him at his wedding just days ago; Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote: "It doesn't make sense", and said - "just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married"; Lionel Messi shared an Instagram story with the message "QEPD" which translates to 'rest in peace'. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner laid flowers outside Anfield and said "the whole city is there to support his wife, children and family". Our sports correspondent Rob Harris has looked back at the life and career of Jota, which you can watch in the video below. 22:40:01 In pictures: Flowers, shirts and scarves laid outside Anfield Throughout the day, mourners have been leaving flowers, shirts and scarves near Anfield as they pay their respects to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Take a look at some of the tributes below... 22:19:01 Your memories: Rival fan says Jota was 'one of the only players I've ever been scared of' Our readers have been getting in touch with us throughout the day to share their memories of Diogo Jota... Liverpool fans George and Liam said: Absolute gent and down to earth person. Regularly see him picking his kids up from school. Was a privilege to meet him when my son was mascot for LFC. Thoughts with his wife and kids. DW, a Wolves fan, also got in touch: Diogo was an incredible player. When he joined Wolves, he took everyone by surprise and never stopped improving. I know that he will be dearly missed by everyone in the football community and I wish my most heartfelt condolences to his family. Once a wolf, always a wolf. RIP! FarmVilleHero wrote: As an Arsenal fan one of my memories of him, while not the fondest, is how he always managed to demolish us. He is one of the only players I've ever been truthfully scared of when we have faced him at Liverpool. He is better than Figo don't you know! RIP And a Manchester United fan said: My condolences to all Liverpool fans for the tragic circumstances of his death. But most of all condolences to his family for their sad loss. Diogo was a great player and a joy to watch taken far too soon from this world. RIP both you and your brother god bless. 21:59:01 Watch: Fans sing You'll Never Walk Alone for Jota Liverpool fans have been gathering and sharing their tributes all day, after the news of Diogo Jota's sudden death in a car crash in Spain, alongside his brother Andre Silva. We've already brought you videos of supporters singing Jota's chant. This time, we have a clip of fans singing the iconic Liverpool anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone. Many of the tributes today have told Jota's new wife and three children that they will never walk alone after this tragedy. Watch the poignant clip of fans singing outside Anfield below - with that previously mentioned Jota chant included at the end of the video: 21:38:01 Watch: FIFA president pays tribute to Jota and his brother FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said "there are no words" after the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Infantino confirmed teams participating in the Club World Cup will hold a minute's silence before their upcoming games. 21:17:01 Former teammate at Jota's hometown club 'proud' of his career Our sports correspondent Rob Harris is in Porto and has spoken to one of Diogo Jota's former teammates at his hometown club Gondomar. "He was a very good friend back then," Miguel Rocha, who played with Jota for around 10 years, said. "The player that we see on the television is the player that I saw back then in training." Rocha also spoke of his pride at seeing Jota go on to win some of football's biggest prizes. "I was very proud of every goal he achieves, like playing in the Premier League and then winning the Premier League. "Every child dreams of becoming professional but we know it's very difficult, but me and my colleagues who we played with back then are all very proud. "Every time we see Jota on the pitch we feel nothing but proud." Watch the full interview in the video below.
BBC News
27 minutes ago
- BBC News
Russo the goat predicts England to lose first Women's Euros match
Russo has a bit of a reputation for predicting results - but her latest will win her no fans, having indicated defending champions England will lose their first game of the UEFA Euros 2025. The eight-year-old African pygmy goat, from All Things Wild in Worcestershire, was presented with two feeding stations - one adorned with an England flag, the other, which she ate from, bearing France's colours. "Russo really is 'the GOAT' when it comes to making decisions... so it would not surprise me in the slightest if her predictions turned out to be correct," said Matt Parker, manager of the Honeybourne zoo."[But] we're all rooting for the Lionesses to retain their European title – even if Russo isn't convinced about the opening game." "We're looking forward to what other predictions [Russo] has up her sleeve as the tournament progresses," added Mr Parker. Russo had a different verdict on Wales, with the prediction they will come out on top in their first game against the Netherlands."She seems to be a big fan of the Welsh team," Mr Parker added. Time will tell as to whether Russo has got it and Wales were both drawn in Group D of the tournament, with both playing on kick off against the Netherlands at 17:00 BST, with England going head-to-head with France at 20:00. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
