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Courier-Mail
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Waleed Aly reveals pressure as Muslim host of The Project
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Project host Waleed Aly has spoken publicly for the first time about the intense pressures and challenges he encountered as the first Muslim man to front a major Australian television program. Speaking to a roundtable of former co-hosts on Hit Network's Carrie and Tommy, Aly opened up about the backlash he received as the first Muslim man to hold a prime-time hosting role in commercial TV — revealing he received death threats and required 24-hour security while hosting the show. 'I've never spoken about this publicly but (it was tough) having to deal with death threats and security out the front of my house – sometimes for 24 hours – having to explain to the kids why suddenly there's this guy driving us around as we go the zoo and not telling them why,' he said. Former co-hosts Carrie Bickmore, Tommy Little, Waleed Aly, Pete Helliar and Dave Hughes reflected on their time on the show. Picture: Supplied 'That was very real. That was heavy stuff. So, I never thought about it that way (being the first Muslim on The Project) but I was forced to think about it … it was forced upon me.' The 16-year-old show came to an end after a period of declining ratings and to make room for a new current affairs and insight program 10 News+. Aly has been a co-host since the first episode aired and paid tribute to the 'audacious TV experiment' started by some 'outstandingly creative people'. 'I had been on the show every week (filing in, prior to being cast as a regular). I hadn't thought about it, it was just an extension of what I was doing. You go into commercial TV, and you realise everything becomes about personalities. 'I remember the moment when I was nominated for the Gold Logie, and it was me and Lee Lin Chin and there was a front-page story absolutely going (at) us, and only us … like, 'Why are these guys nominated?' 'I remember moments like that where I was like, 'Whoa, okay, this is a real thing. This is becoming real and it's all foisted upon you.' X SUBSCRIBER ONLY The Project launched in 2009, and Friday's finale was the 4504th episode. It was first confirmed last week that the current affairs and entertainment panel program was wrapping up at the end of June, with stars including Harris and Aly leaving not only their roles on the show but also with Network 10. According to insiders as many as 100 jobs overall will be impacted by Ten's decision to drop the show, which was broadcast six nights a week and has production offices in both Melbourne and Sydney. Alongside Aly, Bickmore co-hosted from 2009 until 2022 yet confessed she 'never felt enough' on the show. 'You talked about feeling like an impostor before. I never have felt enough; I never felt enough on that show,' she said. 'It's a strange thing to say when it was a huge part of my life, and I loved it! I loved it. I don't know if it was me, my own insecurities, or people's projections. The final episode of The Project aired on Friday. Picture: Supplied. 'I'll never forget the moment the words were said to me 'why can't you be more like Waleed?' 'I knew what they meant. You were extraordinary (Waleed) and you arrived on the show and changed the game for commentary everywhere. You were extraordinary. But that wasn't my strength, nor should it have been, nor did I want that, nor did the show need that. 'But the problem was that when something good happens, it's hard to not want everybody to do that good thing, so we can get more of that goodness, and make it even better because we've struck gold! It was like … 'No, Waleed is Waleed!' I should never have been you, we needed to be ourselves, and so often I felt like I needed to be someone else. Something clicked in my head and I realised, I just need to be me.' Originally published as 'Death threats, 24 hour security': Waleed Aly reveals dark Project toll as first Muslim TV host
Herald Sun
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Herald Sun
Greens candidate Hannah Thomas injured in Belmore Palestine protest
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas has come away with graphic injuries after a pro-Palestine protest descended into chaos. A horrific photo, posted in the aftermath of the protest action, shows Ms Thomas with damaged left eye that is shut completely with streaks of dry blood caked onto her cheek. The unauthorised protest took place on Friday morning outside SEC Plating in Belmore, Sydney. Protesters claim the company provides components used in a class of jets operated by the Israeli Defence Force. NSW Police attempted to disperse the group, stating the protest was not authorised. 'Five people have been arrested following an unauthorised protest in Sydney's west this morning,' a police statement read. 'About 5.35am Friday, officers attached to Campsie Police Area Command attended Lakemba Street, Belmore. 'Police issued a move on direction to a group of about 60 protesters, who allegedly attempted to block pedestrian access to the business. 'A 26-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were subsequently arrested after allegedly failing to comply with the direction. 'During the 35-year-old woman's arrest, she sustained facial injuries and was taken to Bankstown Hospital for treatment.' The injured woman has been identified as Ms Thomas, who challenged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the federal seat of Grayndler at the election earlier this year. A video recorded by one of the protesters captures a confrontation between police officers and several attendees. In the footage, some protesters can be heard shouting, 'let go of her.' A woman wearing a black coat is from the group and at one moment she appears to fall to the ground alongside a police officer. An officer is heard instructing, 'Get up now,' to which the woman responds, 'I'm trying.' It is not clear if the woman who is taken away in the video is Ms Thomas. A photo taken after the incident appears to show Ms Thomas standing next to an officer with visible swelling around her eye. A source has confirmed with NewsWire that Ms Thomas has undergone initial surgery and her vision may be impacted. A joint statement from the Greens said NSW Police had 'violently attacked and assaulted protesters' at the 'peaceful picket … leaving one woman with serious facial injuries and arresting multiple demonstrators'. 'SEC Plating reportedly is involved in providing plating services for various parts used in F-35 jets,' the statement reads. 'The State of Israel's fleet of around 40F-35 rely on the global supply chain and supplement supply from countries like Australia to continue the genocide against the Palestinian people.' The statement says Peter O'Brien Lawyers has been engaged to represent Ms Thomas along with other protesters. Ms Thomas has not been charged with a crime, the police said. The police have charged a 29-year-old woman with refuse or fail to comply with direction, a 24-year-old man with larceny and goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, a 41-year-old man with using offensive language in or near public place or school and a 26-year-old man with refuse or fail to comply with directions and hinder or resist a police officer in the execution of duty. They were all granted conditional bail and will appear before Bankstown Local Court on July 15. Inquiries into the matter are ongoing, the police added. Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield was arrested in the tussle and claimed the protest constituted 'legitimate political expression against genocide'. 'I witnessed the brutal assault against a community member this morning, someone who was lawfully expressing themselves in public, and it was sickening,' he said. Originally published as Greens candidate Hannah Thomas suffers facial injuries after wild Belmore Palestine protest
Metro
21 hours ago
- Metro
Body found in search for missing woman and man charged with her murder
Reanne, 34, was last seen in Coventry in May and concerns were raised by her family after she failed to make contact with them on her birthday on June 17 (Picture: Family Handout/PA) A body has been found in the search for missing Reanne Coulson. Reanne, 34, was last seen in Coventry in May and concerns were raised by her family after she failed to make contact with them on her birthday on June 17. Officers searching for Ms Coulson found a body in Binley Woods on Friday afternoon. Formal identification will need to take place, but the family of Ms Coulson have been informed. Mohammed Durnion, 42, was arrested as part of the investigation into her disappearance, police said. He has now been charged with murder. He will appear at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. A second man has also been charged with assisting an offender, police said. Adam Moore, 38, from Coventry, will appear before the same court on Saturday. Detective Superintendent Jim Munro said: 'We've been focused on doing all we can to find Reanne and our thoughts remain with her family at this deeply distressing time. 'While formal identification still needs to take place, we do believe it is Reanne. 'We've charged a man with murder, and another for assisting an offender, but our inquiries to establish exactly what happened and why are ongoing. 'We'll continue to update and support Reanne's family.' Ms Coulson's older brother Ashley would like to thank the public for everything they have done to help find her, police said. He has asked that the family are left alone to grieve. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Manhunt launched for gunman after 18-year-old shot dead in north London Arrow MORE: Ecuador's most wanted Narco found cowering under kitchen counter Arrow MORE: Woman in her 40s stabbed to death just yards away from London Stadium
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Primary school deputy who bit and scratched pupil still allowed to teach kids
Claire Herbert worked at Red Rose Primary School at the time (Picture: Google Maps) A primary school deputy head who bit, scratched and slapped a child has been allowed to continue working with children. Claire Herbert was deputy head teacher and deputy safeguarding lead at Red Rose Primary School in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, when she attacked the child in June 2022. The incident did not happen at the school and there appeared to have been alcohol involved, her tribunal heard. Herbert got into an argument with a girl which became physical. When visited by police three days later, the girl said the teacher bit her hand and head, scratched her with false nails, slapped her, and called her fat. Pictures taken at the time showed bruising, scratches and various red marks on various parts of the girl's body. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. Herbert was also injured in the fight. Responding to the incident via email last October, Herbert said: 'I have read and considered the attached paperwork and I will admit to all allegations listed although it is a blur.' She accepted a conditional police caution in December 2022 for common assault against the child. A Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) tribunal found Herbert was guilty of 'unacceptable professional behaviour' which could bring the profession into disrepute. But it stopped short of permanently banning her from teaching, because she 'otherwise appeared to have an unblemished record' and showed 'genuine and significant regret, remorse and insight' over what happened. The tribunal said: 'The panel was mindful that this was an isolated incident which it considered, taking into account the mitigating circumstances and wider context, sat at the less serious end of the possible spectrum of severity. 'The panel took account of the mitigating factors that were present and the contribution Miss Herbert had made, and could continue to make, to the education sector.' Decision maker Marc Cavey, acting on behalf of the Education Secretary, said: 'In my judgment, the extent of the insight and remorse demonstrated by Miss Herbert, when considered alongside the isolated nature of the misconduct found and the mitigating circumstances that were present, means that there is only a very limited risk of the repetition of this behaviour. 'I have therefore given this element considerable weight in reaching my decision.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Eastleigh bus crash: Students screamed 'we're going to die' before double decker crashed into river Arrow MORE: 'I was 17 when I had my first day of school' Arrow MORE: More than 150 students fall ill from extreme heat at US graduations
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sanchez Marry Today: What We Know About Venice Extravaganza
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former journalist Lauren Sánchez will exchange vows on a small Venetian island Friday, the centerpiece of what is expected to be a star-studded, and controversial, multi-day ceremony hosted in Venice, Italy, with protests by angered locals having already interfered with some of the billionaire's party plans. Lauren Sanchez and US founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, leave the Aman Hotel in Venice on June 25, ... More 2026. Photo by STEFANO RELLANDINI/AFP via Getty Images Bezos and Sánchez will tie the knot on San Giorgio Island on Friday, multiple outlets reported, a small locale off the coast of Venice's St. Mark's Square which contains a centuries-old church known for its bell tower. Though the couple will hold their wedding in Italy, city officials told CNN they have not received an official marriage request from the couple, indicating their celebrations are ceremonial and that they may already have married in the United States. Friday's wedding celebration will feature a performance by Matteo Bocelli, the son of opera singer Andrea Bocelli, Reuters reported. The wedding began its 'multi-day celebration' Thursday and is expected to last until Saturday, costing the billionaire tech mogul and his soon-to-be wife tens of millions of dollars, according to multiple outlets. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, who has spoken out against protesters demonstrating against the wedding, told Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera the wedding 'will have economic repercussions worth millions of euros for our city.' Protests by locals, who are upset with overtourism and Bezos' links to President Donald Trump, have threatened to disrupt the wedding, and sources told Reuters the threat of protests prompted Bezos to move a wedding party from a central nightlife area to the more secluded Arsenale, which is surrounded by water and impossible to reach by land when bridges are raised. Forbes has reached out to Bezos for comment. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts : We're launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day's headlines. Text 'Alerts' to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . How Many Wedding Celebrations Are Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sánchez Planning? Festivities kicked off Thursday night, after many of Bezos and Sánchez's celebrity guests arrived, with a party at the Madonna dell'Orto, a 14th-century cathedral, CNN reported. Guests appear to be adhering to strict social media rules, CNN reported, as some of the most social media-savvy guests, like the Kardashians, have not posted any pictures from inside the venue. After Friday's wedding ceremony, celebrations are expected to conclude with a wedding reception Saturday at the Arsenale, a shipyard and armory that is now the site of an annual Venetian cultural festival. The Saturday reception was initially set to take place at the Scuola Grande Della Misericordia, a 14th-century building, but the event was moved because of concerns over protests, the Wall Street Journal reported, though protests are still planned for the new location. Reuters reported Lady Gaga and Elton John may perform at Saturday's party, though The Hollywood Reporter said this week Gaga was not asked to perform. Bezos and Sánchez first appeared in Venice on Wednesday, where they had dinner at the home of billionaire Barry Diller and his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, the New York Times reported. Some locals in Venice, which has dealt with overtourism that has strained the city's infrastructure and services for years, have staged protests under the name 'No Space for Bezos' over concerns the wedding's scale will worsen some of the issues created by excessive tourist crowds, with more demonstrations planned to disrupt this week's festivities. Protesters are planning a march on Saturday, according to posts by the 'No Space for Bezos' group on Instagram, which will start at the Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia train station, located roughly 1.5 miles away from the Arsenale venue. The group has already held multiple demonstrations. On Monday, the Greenpeace environmental activist organization joined 'No Space for Bezos' in Venice's St. Mark's Square, unveiling a banner with Bezos' face that read: 'IF YOU CAN RENT VENICE FOR YOUR WEDDING YOU CAN PAY MORE TAX.' Police quickly took the banner away, the Associated Press reported. They previously hoisted a banner that says 'Bezos' with an 'X' through it on the San Giorgio Maggiore church's bell tower. Federica Toninelli, a Venetian activist with 'No Space for Bezos,' told Reuters the wedding is also a 'symbol of the exploitation of the city by outsiders.' Protesters have threatened to block access to canals and city streets in an effort to block wedding attendees from reaching party venues in the city, according to Variety. Oliviero Cassarà, a lead organizer and activist, said in a statement 'No Space for Bezos' has zero issue with Americans or people getting married in Venice, instead criticizing Bezos for his links to Trump and blasting the president's controversial trade policies. 'Bezos supported Trump economically and politically and is consequently co-responsible for this drift against us Italian and European citizens,' Cassarà said. Brugnaro has spoken out against the protesters and tried to reassure them the city is capable of handling the event, citing its hosting of the Venice Film Festival and G7 Summit. Brugnaro said he was 'ashamed of those who behave like this,' Variety reported. How Many People Are Attending The Wedding And Who Is On The Guest List? Venice officials have said the guest list for Bezos and Sánchez's wedding is limited to 200 people. On Tuesday afternoon, Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner, who were rumored to attend, were photographed arriving in Venice. Other celebrities so far spotted in Venice for the festivities include Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady, Gayle King, Orlando Bloom, Leonardo DiCaprio and Sydney Sweeney. Investor Michael Kives has also been seen in Venice in addition to Dolce & Gabbana founder and billionaire Domenico Dolce and Queen Rania of Jordan, wife of the country's King Abdullah II. Bezos invited President Donald Trump to the wedding, the Journal reported, though Trump will not make the trip due to scheduling conflicts. How Much Will The Wedding Cost? Multiple reports have said the wedding will predictably cost millions of dollars. Reuters reported an estimated total cost of $46.5 million to $55.6 million. The Journal reported a luxury wedding with 200 guests such as Bezos' costs about $4 million, citing Jamie Simon, director of events at luxury planning firm Banana Split, which organized the multiday wedding between Sofia Richie Grainge and Atlantic Records CEO Elliot Grainge in 2023. Who Is Organizing The Bezos-Sánchez Wedding? The Journal reported Lanza & Baucina, a London-based group that planned George and Amal Clooney's 2014 wedding in Venice, has been hired by Bezos and Sánchez. A representative for the group told the Journal its principles and the instructions of Bezos call for the 'minimizing of any disruption to the city, the respect for its residents and institutions and the overwhelming employment of locals in the crafting of the events.' The 2014 wedding had a generally positive perception, with locals lauding Clooney for his consideration and respect for Venice. Cassará even compared Bezos to Clooney in his statement, saying Bezos 'is not George Clooney with his romantic aura.' We estimate Bezos' net worth at $234.9 billion as of Friday, making him the fourth-wealthiest person in the world behind Mark Zuckerberg ($252.1 billion), Larry Ellison ($256.1 billion) and Elon Musk ($410.1 billion). Key Background Bezos and Sánchez met almost 10 years ago and began making public appearances together around 2019, when the two began dating. They became engaged in 2023 aboard the Koru superyacht, with Bezos offering Sánchez a 30-carat cushion cut pink diamond set in platinum, according to Vanity Fair. Venice Residents Protest Entry Fee For Tourists Amid Concerns City Will Turn Into A 'Theme Park' (Forbes)
