Latest news with #ErasTour
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Teen charged in targeting Taylor Swift's Vienna concert as boyfriend Travis Kelce boosts her security mindset
A terror plot targeting Taylor Swift's Vienna shows in August 2024 was foiled (Getty Images) As Taylor Swift continues to dazzle fans around the globe on her record-breaking Eras Tour, shocking details have emerged about a foiled terror plot targeting her sold-out Vienna shows in August 2024. The suspected mastermind, a juvenile Syrian national identified only as Mohammad A., has now been formally charged in a Berlin court—reigniting debates across Europe about terrorism, youth radicalization, and concert safety. Meanwhile, Swift's partner, NFL star Travis Kelce , has reportedly stepped up his involvement in her security planning as a precautionary measure. Foiled Vienna attack shows growing risks for global music superstars According to German prosecutors, the teenage suspect faces charges of supporting a foreign terrorist group and helping plan the thwarted attack. Authorities say Mohammad A. embraced ISIS ideology as early as April 2024, translating bomb-making instructions from Arabic into German and establishing encrypted communications between Austrian operatives and the Islamic State. The Vienna dates—August 8-10, 2024—were swiftly canceled by Swift's team after intelligence operations uncovered the threat. The plot's discovery prompted tighter security across Swift's tour, especially in major European cities. Though she resumed shows in London, local law enforcement presence was visibly increased. For millions of Swifties, the event was a jarring reminder of how even pop culture can become a target in global conflicts. Travis Kelce stands by Taylor Swift amid rising concerns over safety While Taylor Swift has not made a direct public statement about the foiled plot, her boyfriend Travis Kelce has reportedly taken a more proactive role behind the scenes. A source close to the Chiefs tight end told Marca, 'Taylor Swift steps into a new world with Travis Kelce and doesn't seem to want to leave.' The quote suggests the bond between the two is stronger than ever, even as the challenges surrounding her fame become more complex. Swift and Kelce have been seen navigating their high-profile relationship with increasing confidence, but sources say this latest incident prompted deep discussions about personal safety, tour protocols, and long-term planning. Kelce, known for his commanding presence on the football field, is said to be encouraging Swift to remain vigilant while still connecting with fans in a meaningful way. With the trial now headed to a juvenile court in Berlin, legal experts note that the case could set a precedent. While Germany places a strong emphasis on rehabilitating young offenders, terrorism charges carry serious weight—even for minors. Authorities must also decide whether Mohammad A., who is currently not in custody, poses an ongoing threat. Also Read: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's NFL flex pose sparks political controversy over Donald Trump comparison Meanwhile, Swift's global tour continues, now under a more watchful eye. The Vienna scare serves as a stark reminder that fame, even when wrapped in glitter and music, doesn't shield one from the world's darker realities. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rhode Island targets Taylor Swift with new tax bill — days after human remains found near her mansion where she hopes to raise family with Travis Kelce
Rhode Island 'Taylor Swift Tax' (Getty Images) Just as Taylor Swift was preparing to turn her $17 million Watch Hill mansion into a dream family home with Travis Kelce , Rhode Island lawmakers are considering introducing a new tax bill that could cost the global superstar a hefty annual sum. The proposal, unofficially dubbed the 'Taylor Swift Tax,' comes amid swirling headlines — including the grim discovery of human remains near her seaside property. ' Taylor Swift tax ' gains traction in Rhode Island: Here's what it means for high-end homeowners On May 14, 2024, remains were found along the shoreline in Watch Hill, not far from Swift's sprawling estate known as 'Holiday House.' On June 13, South Kingstown Police confirmed the remains were identified as 31-year-old Eric Wein of Massachusetts. While unrelated to Swift directly, the unsettling event cast a somber mood over a location the singer has often called her 'sanctuary.' Adding to the tension, a new bill introduced in Rhode Island's budget aims to impose a 'non-owner-occupied property tax' on luxury homes valued above $1 million that sit empty for more than half the year. Despite not being named directly, Swift has become the poster face of the bill, thanks to her high-profile presence in the state. The proposed law would charge homeowners $2.50 for every $500 of assessed value beyond the first million dollars, potentially costing Swift an additional $136,000 annually. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo Swift's Rhode Island mansion — the most expensive private residence in the state — was purchased in 2013 for $17.75 million. The colonial-style estate has become legendary for its star-studded Independence Day parties and was immortalized in her hit track 'The Last Great American Dynasty.' Today, the property is undergoing a $1.7 million renovation that includes a new bedroom suite, updated kitchen, and added guest space — all part of her plans to build a future with Kelce. Spanning over five acres with a 700-foot stretch of private beach, a pool house, and grand patios, the estate remains one of Swift's favorite escapes. She was last seen there in August 2024, unwinding with Kelce and friends after wrapping up the European leg of her Eras Tour. Yet, the so-called Taylor Swift Tax has sparked controversy. The Rhode Island Association of Realtors has voiced strong opposition, arguing the measure could hurt an already strained housing market. Critics worry that, while aimed at the wealthiest homeowners, the bill could ripple through the broader real estate ecosystem, making it harder for everyday buyers and sellers. If the legislation is signed by Governor Dan McKee, even the Ocean State's biggest pop star might face a financial 'cruel summer' — just not the one she wrote about. Also Read: Is Travis Kelce ready for Hollywood? Veteran actor Christopher McDonald thinks so after Chiefs star's 'Happy Gilmore 2' cameo Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Irish Examiner
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Dua Lipa review: Pop superstar delights Aviva, Dublin with moving tribute to Sinéad O'Connor
We are firmly in the era of strong women dominating pop as female alpha Dua Lipa further proved on Friday night in Dublin. Almost a year to the day since Taylor Swift brought her juggernaut billion-dollar Eras Tour to Ireland, Lipa brought her own flavour of girl pop back to the same venue, with breakout artist Alessi Rose and Disney Channel star-turned-singer Dove Cameron warming up the crowd before the main event began at 8.40pm. The latest stop on the Radical Optimism tour, and her last European date, saw the English and Albanian singer thrill a predominantly young audience, belting out hit after hit to devoted fans. Filling the stands and standing together were groups of girlfriends, mothers and daughters, sisters and sisterhoods — with a few sprinkling of boys and men throughout too for good measure. Gig was like a homecoming The streets around the Aviva felt like a homecoming, a continuation of last year's epic experience of girlhood on the same weekend for gig-goers. Pubs overflowed with pals toasting their drinks, friends shared takeaways pizzas, and sequins sparkled in the sun as fans found their way to their seats. If you think you don't know a Dua Lipa song, you're wrong. Opening with Training Season, upping the ante with One Kiss and Physical, and bring it back to the Barbie movie with Dance The Night before wrapping up on Houdini, the global superstar's catalogue of hits is as impressive as her showmanship. She arrived through a mist of smoke wearing a sparkly bodysuit with matching heeled boots and threw herself into each piece of slick choreography, never missing a beat. 'This is unreal. Dublin, you ready to go to the moon?' she asked to deafening cheers. She posed for selfies with fans at the barricade, asking their names, celebrating birthdays, and sharing hugs. One tearful fan told her he saw her Future Nostalgia tour in Dublin and it inspired him to become a dancer. Local flavour on each tour date The usual setlist features a surprise song section. Traditionally Lipa uses this slot to pay tribute to each city she plays in ( 360 by — and with — Charli XCX was her nod to London, for example, while fans in Liverpool enjoyed covers of Hey Jude by The Beatles and Valerie by The Zutons). The question on everybody's lips en route to the show was all about this section, if there would be a surprise guest, and who it could be. Having brought Charli XCX and Jamiroquai out on stage for her Wembley gigs, rumours were swirling ahead of her Dublin appearance. Dermot Kennedy? Niall Horan? Jedward? As it happened, it was better than we expected. She performed a tribute to iconic Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, who she described as an Irish legend. A touching rendition of the late star's anthem Nothing Compares 2 U was a poignant moment in the night as torchlights illuminated the night, a perfect touch for her Dublin date. 'Every night on this tour I sing a different song by a local artist,' she told the crowd. Tonight I am honoured to perform a song by a late Irish legend, Sinéad O'Connor. If you know the words, please sing along. And sing they did, in memory of a local legend lost too soon. • Lana Del Ray plays the Aviva Stadium on Monday night, continuing a trend of strong female headliners that other venues could learn from. Pop is popping off and we want more opportunities to dance the night away.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"She is now repaying the favor": Taylor Swift's recent gesture shows her love for Travis Kelce runs deep
Taylor Swift recently performed at TEU.(Image via Ed Zurga/AP Images) Travis Kelce walked in at the Tight Ends University in Nashville with the billionaire pop star, Taylor Swift , and left everyone shocked. After the drama that unfolded at the Super Bowl , Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were mostly maintaining a low profile and were not making any public appearances but things have changed in the last few weeks. Now, as per the Daily Mail, an insider has revealed the reason behind Taylor Swift taking the stage at the event. Taylor Swift performed at TEU as 'she wanted to return the favor' to Travis Kelce Taylor Swift shocked her fans as she took the stage at the Tight Ends University in her black mini dress and a guitar as she performed her popular song, Shake It Off. — Daily_Chiefs_ (@Daily_Chiefs_) Now, as per the Daily Mail, a source has revealed that, 'She thought it would be fun to perform, and it made sure eyeballs were firmly on the Tight End University that Travis holds very close to his heart…Travis was there at so many of her shows and even took part. She is now repaying the favor.' The source added, 'She didn't have any hidden agenda, it was all for fun, it wasn't to have people steer away from any controversies or anything with Blake.' While Taylor Swift took the stage and had everyone dancing to her popular track, Travis Kelce was spotted backstage as the proud boyfriend cheered her on. The pop sensation's performance at the Tight Ends University officially marks her first performance after she ended her legendary Eras Tour in December 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Core Holdings for Long-Term Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo Travis Kelce has proved to be a highly supportive boyfriend to Taylor Swift While Travis Kelce's relationship with Taylor Swift began while she had already started touring the world for the Eras Tour, the NFL star was spotted attending most of her concerts and even danced along with her parents. The high profile couple avoided cameras after the Super Bowl, but in the last few weeks, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted attending a family wedding, having date nights in Florida and in New York City. Currently, Travis Kelce is gearing up for the upcoming season while Taylor Swift is still dealing with her name getting involved in the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni legal drama even though the stars have not issued any statements in public yet. Also Read: "He is her ultimate hype man": Travis Kelce breaks social media silence for Taylor Swift and fans are panicking about it Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Mohamed A? Syrian teenager charged over plot to attack Taylor Swift's Vienna concert
A Syrian national living in Germany was charged with supporting a foreign terror group in connection with a foiled plot to attack pop sensation Taylor Swift's concert in Vienna in August 2024. A Syrian teenager has been charged over plot to attack Taylor Swift's Vienna concert.(Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP) Identified as Mohamed A, the German authorities have described him as a juvenile, while he has not been taken into custody. Accused of following Islamic State (IS) ideology, he allegedly helped another key suspect in preparation for the attack, BBC reported. In an official statement, Germany's federal public prosecutor informed that Mohamed A "adhered to the ideology" of Islamic State since April last year. He remained in contact with a young adult from Austria between "mid-July and August 2024" as there were plans for a bomb attack at a scheduled concert of Taylor Swift in Vienna. As per The New York Times, charges against the "Syrian teenager" were filed last week, but were only made public on Friday, June 27. So far, his exact age has not been made public by the authorities. Some of the charges include supporting a foreign terrorism organisation as well as helping prepare a "serious act of violence endangering the state.' The German investigators have accused him of keeping with privacy rules. He allegedly helped in translating bomb-building instructions from Arabic as well as providing text for an oath of allegiance to the key suspect for joining the terrorist organisation. Taylor Swift's concerts As part of her historic Eras Tour, the 35-year-old was expected to perform three concerts at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna between August 8 and 10 last year. When government officials got to know about a planned terrorist attack, the shows were later canceled. Later on, two people were taken into custody. These included a 19-year-old with alleged links to ISIS as well as a 17-year-old, who was also said to be inspired by the terrorist group and al-Qaeda. Thereafter, another person was arrested on August 9 last year, who was identified as an 18-year-old coming from the "social environment" of the main suspect, The Associated Press reported. According to BBC, the main suspect in the case is Beran A, who is believed to be part of an IS cell in eastern Austria. He is now 20 years old and was arrested after a tip-off by the CIA. FAQs 1. How many people were expected at Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna? As per reports, 65,000 fans of the singer bought tickets for the three shows on August 8–10. 2. What was Taylor Swift's reaction? In an Instagram post, she said the cancellation due to the threat filled her with a "new sense of fear." She added that she felt "a tremendous amount of guilt" as a large number of people made plans to take part in her shows. 3. What was the schedule for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour? It kickstarted in Arizona in March 2023, while the final show was held in Vancouver, British Columbia in December last year.
