Latest news with #Maria
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Dubai's dark underbelly as models lured to sick 'Porta-Potty' parties
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT. Dubai is known for its glitzy lifestyle that draws hundreds of social media influencers and reality TV stars - but inside, there's a dark secret that has sparked concern for the welfare of women travelling to the popular tourism hotspot Dubai is famed for its gleaming skyscrapers, glamorous shopping malls, and famous influencer lifestyle. But beneath the polished surface of luxury cars and beachside penthouses lies a disturbing and dangerous world - a growing trend of exploitative, degrading events known as "Porta-Potty" parties. These twisted gatherings - reportedly organised by wealthy men - lure young models and influencers with promises of tens of thousands of pounds, luxury gifts, and lavish hotel stays. But behind the glitz lies a horrifying truth, including acts of extreme sexual degradation, physical abuse, and potential legal peril for the women involved. An influencer sparked concern on TikTok after sharing extravagant gifts bought for her by a stranger she met at the gym on Wednesday. Jade, who goes by @outplayedbyjade online, is originally from France but travelled to Dubai as she documented her trip online. In her video, she explained how she had been leaving the gym when workers approached her with a gift from someone she had met on the treadmill. "I didn't think much of it," she explained in the video. A worker handed her a bouquet of flowers and chocolate from the man she had struck up a conversation with. Flattered, she texted the number he had left with the gift to thank him, after which she then received a call from a shop assistant at the luxury jewellery designer store Van Cleef & Arpels. "I'm a very curious girl, so I make my way over to the shop," she explained. "This assistant pulls out a beautiful bracelet and a matching necklace." All together, the gifts were worth around £3,000. And while Jade was over the moon with her gifts, fans were quick to warn the influencer that he was a "professional" and to "be careful" amid reports of men recruiting women for "Porta-Parties" in Dubai. One such victim is Maria Kovalchuk, a 20-year-old Ukrainian adult model, who was reportedly left for dead after attending one of these parties. Maria vanished after telling her mother she'd been invited to stay overnight with two men claiming to be modelling agents. She never made her flight to Thailand. Ten days later, on March 19, she was found dumped at the roadside in Dubai, suffering from a shattered spine, broken limbs, and severe internal injuries. Maria has undergone multiple surgeries, and her family, now at her bedside, are desperate for answers. It's thought she is still recovering from her injuries. Dubai Police confirmed that Maria is receiving medical care, but claimed she 'entered a restricted construction site alone and fell from a height'. A statement many find hard to accept, given the disturbing rumours swirling around her disappearance. Russian lawyer Katya Gordon, who has followed the case closely, bluntly alleged: "Model Maria Kovalchuk was found dying on the side of the road in the UAE after a party. The scandal with the Porta Potty parties has been raging for over a year." Gordon and others allege that Maria may have been forced to take part in a sex act involving human faeces - a central theme of these "Porta-Potty" events, where humiliation and abuse are part of the package. These parties reportedly involve women being paid vast sums of money to perform grotesque acts involving bodily fluids, degradation and pain. Viral videos have helped expose this shadowy world, but the abuse is largely hidden by Dubai's shiny reputation and strict censorship laws. And the women involved in these parties could even find themselves prosecuted. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, has warned that women involved in these parties - even against their will - could face charges of adultery or indecency, especially if married men are present. "Sex outside marriage has been legalised in Dubai, but organisers have exploited this. Women think they're attending a private party - instead, they're thrown into horrific, dangerous situations with real legal risk," Stirling said. With the rise of "Porta-Potty" stories, experts have warned of red flags to watch out for when travelling to Dubai: Beware of unverified agents offering large sums of money for vague modelling work. Never agree to travel alone to private parties or accept all-expenses-paid trips without vetting the hosts. Check in regularly with friends or family, and always share your location. Avoid entering private hotel rooms, villas, or yachts with strangers, especially late at night. Understand the legal risks: Dubai has strict laws, and foreign women can still be charged with public indecency, adultery or prostitution, even if coerced. Maria's mother told Ukrainian media: "She has no documents, no phone, nothing. She's had three operations. She can't speak. We were told she went to a party, but the promoter claims he never saw her. We're terrified of what really happened." If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
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USA Today
8 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Wimbledon: Volynets [97th] vs. Maria [45th] Prediction, Odds and Match Preview
In the Round of 128 at Wimbledon on Monday, Tatjana Maria (ranked No. 45) meets Katie Volynets (No. 97). Maria is the favorite (-190) in this match against the underdog Volynets (+145). Tune in to see Wimbledon from June 23 - July 12 on ESPN. Tennis odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Friday at 10:38 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Katie Volynets vs. Tatjana Maria matchup info Watch the Tennis Channel and more sports on Fubo! Volynets vs. Maria Prediction Based on the implied probility from the moneyline, Volynets has a 65.5% to win. Volynets vs. Maria Betting Odds Volynets vs. Maria matchup performance & stats
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dylan Harper's mom goes viral at 2025 NBA Draft after Spurs selection
The post Dylan Harper's mom goes viral at 2025 NBA Draft after Spurs selection appeared first on ClutchPoints. New San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper had a night to remember at the 2025 NBA Draft, but it was his mom, Maria Harper, who unexpectedly became the star of the show. As the 19-year-old shooting guard made his way across the stage after being picked second overall by the San Antonio Spurs, the cameras zoomed in on his family—and social media exploded with excitement. Advertisement Fans took to platforms like X to express their admiration for Maria's grace and elegance during her son's big moment. The reactions were a wonderful blend of awe and appreciation, with many people declaring her the true star of the evening. Her appearance alongside Dylan and his brother, Ron Jr., during a live interview with ESPN's Monica McNutt only fueled the viral excitement. But beyond the fleeting fame, Maria Harper has been a cornerstone in Dylan's basketball journey. A former Division I player at the University of New Orleans, she shifted gears to coaching nearly thirty years ago. Maria wasn't just a coach; she was a constant source of support for Dylan, guiding him from first grade all the way through his senior year in high school. Advertisement Their strong connection was clear when she talked about his 'determination, hard work, and humility' during the ESPN interview. Dylan, who shone at Rutgers and followed in the footsteps of his father, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, has made it clear in past interviews that his mom was his first and most significant coach. Interestingly, Ron Harper Sr. remained seated in the crowd while Maria took the spotlight with Dylan during the broadcast. This choice highlighted the family dynamic, with Dylan crediting his mom for pushing him to excel and keeping him grounded. Maria supported Dylan's development as a student-athlete and as a person in her role as a former athlete, coach, and mentor. Advertisement Now that Dylan is beginning a new journey with the NBA, he will always remember his draft night—not only because he was drafted by the Spurs, but because this was a truly special moment demonstrating the power of a parent's support. Related: Why Spurs strike NBA Draft gold again with Carter Bryant Related: Victor Wembanyama calls Dylan Harper after Spurs' No. 2 pick
Irish Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
'The most beautiful boy.' Teen drowning victim laid to rest in emotional funeral
The devastated family of a young teenager who tragically died in a drowning nightmare were told at his funeral that he inspired smiles and joy 'every day at school' and that he was the 'most beautiful boy'. Kofi Jackson Owusu was just 15 years old when he died at a beach in Laytown, Co Meath, last Friday, June 20. The talented student and sportsman got into difficulty in the River Nanny while enjoying a day out with his friends. Broken-hearted mourners swelled the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Dundalk, Co Louth, for the emotional service on Friday. Before the funeral Mass, his heartbroken parents Tony and Maria, plus sisters Faith and Esther, said Kofi 'will be so missed'. They and their extended family, with friends and students from his school Coláiste Chú Chulainn, as well as teammates at Redeemer Celtic, led mourners such as Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Dáil TD Ruairí Ó Murchú. RCCG pastor Alex Alajiki said 'this is a very painful period for us all' and thanked mourners for their compassion because 'it is of great comfort for the family'. Kofi's sisters Esther and Faith delivered bible readings, while Coláiste Chú Chulainn principal Thomas Sharkey narrated an emotional presentation as Kofi's schoolmates delivered gifts to the altar. Mr Sharkey said: 'Kofi loved school and school loved Kofi, everyone one of us. 'In 2022, he graduated from Redeemer Boys' National School in Dundalk. Ms Doherty sent us his education passport and we are passing it to the altar. She wrote, 'Kofi is a central figure within our class'. 'He was going to Madrid in October to learn the language and teach them how to play football and for the sunny weather, so we have sunflowers for Kofi. 'Kofi always followed the sun. Where Kofi went, the smiles followed. He brought joy and smiles every day at school. 'He came to school every day because he had discipline and because [his mother] Maria made him. He was given an award by Minister of Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who is here today. 'We also present his No. 6 basketball jersey and his Football Association of Ireland medal.' Minister MacNeill told the family at the Mass: 'Kofi had a wonderful, far too short, very young life. 'It was my great pleasure and privilege to meet him. Many loved this very fabulous boy. 'To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am truly very sorry for your loss. I thought he was the most beautiful boy. 'It is wonderful to see how this whole community turned up for you to show their love for you and your son. My heart is with you in these most difficult of days.' A video was shown to mourners of a speech made during Taoiseach's questions by deputy Ó Murchú, who said in the Dáil that Kofi's tragedy highlights 'the dangers of the water'. On Friday, deputy Ó Murchú told mourners: 'We would all prefer not to be here. Kofi has impacted a huge amount of lives. "None of us know how long we're going to be here, but I would wish for all of us that we would have a life that is as full and as true as Kofi's. 'My condolences are with you and I am very sorry. You should be very very proud of Kofi. He was really, truly a great young man and we all hope that we can live a life as true as his." A tribute to Kofi, from the Blackrock area of Dundalk, was paid by Redeemer Boys' National School in Dundalk. It stated: 'At just 15, Kofi touched more lives than many do in a lifetime. We have some wonderful memories of Kofi's time with us here in RBS. 'A pupil, a friend, a leader - Kofi was much more than just a student in our school; he was a shining example of kindness, integrity, dedication and positivity.' When Kofi got into difficulty in the water last Friday, the alarm was raised at around 6.15pm when he disappeared from sight. His body was recovered later that evening from the River Nanny. Kofi had recently played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16. An online fundraiser to cover the funeral costs reached its €11,000 target a day before the funeral with €12,953 raised by Friday afternoon. Kofi was buried at St Patrick's Cemetery in Dundalk. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
More people can enjoy Des Moines Arts Festival thanks to Quincy's Sensory Space
DES MOINES, Iowa — Just leaving the house is no small undertaking for Quincy Hostager and his mom, Maria. 'It's a lot,' she says. 'He has a G tube, he has a pacemaker, he wears pull ups, he needs help, and he's heavy.' And that's heavy for their family. 'For years when someone would ask me how I was doing, that was kind of a dangerous question because they would get the real answer. And sometimes I would just start crying.' Quincy has Dravet Syndrome, a severe, rare form of epilepsy that's left him unable to walk or talk. 'I think once I quit resisting it so much it got better,' Maria explains, 'like, okay, how could we have joy given this situation? How could we make the most of this?' They've done it by continuing to do the things the family loves, like biking and listening to live music. 'We try to be our own kind of rebels by living the best life we can possibly live. And we show that no disease is going to get the better of us as a family, too. And so that's our act of rebellion. By having joy every day.' Those joyful outings have often included their friend, Stephen. 'And one of the things as a festival producer that always struck me was, you know, the process of them bringing Quincy to an experience like that and seeing Quincy enjoy it so much and then their time being cut short because there's nothing there for Quincy and or for the caretakers of Quincy if he needs recovery time, or if they just need a space to change or to regroup.' Sensory-friendly game Sunday for Iowa Cubs matchup against Columbus Clippers Seeing that frustration weighed heavily on him, so he decided to do something about it. 'I thought – we need to change this. We need to fundamentally rethink how we approach our festivals and this industry and provide an opportunity for everybody.' And so the idea of 'Quincy's Sensory Space' was born. Jill Wells is carrying the load when it comes to designing the enormous space, working with translucent vinyl to build the ceiling and walls. 'I'm constantly thinking; what would work for another person? What wouldn't work? So you get a really interesting experience of how does the material impact other people and I think that's why I've always loved art as a language.' Each area will have different elements — from water and rice for sensory play, to darkness and soothing sounds for relaxation. There will be five in all, stretching nearly 100 feet. 'So you'll have all these choices on how you engage in the festival in a way that meets your needs on that sensory level and that processing, and then go about your day again.' It's the sort of thing Quincy's family has dreamed of and they're thrilled to be part of lightening the load for anyone who refuses to let their needs exclude them from leading a joyful life. 'Is it going to be perfect?' Maria shrugs, 'No. Is it going to be exactly what we need? We don't know. But making the effort and going out of the way to try to include people is what our society is about. And that's what makes the places the best to be is when you all know each other and care about each other.' You'll find 'Quincy's Sensory Space' in the 1400 block of Locust. It's been made possible thanks to the generosity of DLR Group. Metro News: More people can enjoy Des Moines Arts Festival thanks to Quincy's Sensory Space Multiple pedestrians injured in separate Des Moines crashes For first time ever, UFA sends teams to nationals, and it's not just one One injured in shooting on Des Moines' eastside Deaf baseball camp visiting Iowa Cubs for 'Deaf Culture Night' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
