Latest news with #Sanz
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz accused of grooming and sexual relationship fan 21 years younger: 'He played with my hopes'
Just months before he's set to kick off a new tour, Spanish singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz is facing disturbing allegations from Ivet Playà, a young Catalan woman who says she was groomed and emotionally manipulated by the star beginning when she was only 18. Alejandro Sanz accused of grooming by woman 21 years younger Playà, now in her late twenties, posted a testimony on TikTok and Instagram detailing her alleged experience with Sanz, whom she says transitioned from being her idol to someone who caused her profound emotional distress. In the 10-minute video, which has gone viral across Spanish-speaking social media, she recounts a relationship that began in 2015—when Sanz was 49—and says it turned intimate during her early twenties while she worked for him. From fan to employee: Ivet Playa shares her story "It all started in 2015. I was a fan of his, and he followed me on social media. "I was amazed that someone like him, so famous, would comment on my photos and send me private messages," she says in Spanish, as translated by Latin Times, her voice trembling. Playà says that within a year, she had attended ten of his concerts in just over a month, juggling part-time jobs just to fund her travels around Spain. She moved to Madrid at age 22 after being hired by Sanz, where she claims their relationship crossed professional boundaries and became sexual. "I was supposed to be living a dream… but it was a nightmare. I feel cheated, used, humiliated, and even dirty," she says, referencing intimate messages she believes may have been accessed without her consent. In the video, Playà claims Sanz used her dreams against her. "He knew exactly what I was from the beginning. I was a girl working as a salesgirl, chasing concerts. He played with my hopes." 'He's dangerous' The most chilling part of her account echoes something Sanz allegedly said about himself in an interview: 'He takes people out. He's dangerous.' 'He took me out,' she repeats in her testimony, accusing the singer of living in a "parallel reality" where he believes he's untouchable. Playà emphasises her motivation isn't to scandalise but to tell the truth: 'No paperwork was signed with me. I feel a moral responsibility to speak, because I can—and because I believe I'm one of the few who can.' Sanz's private life under scrutiny At the time these events allegedly began, Sanz was married to Raquel Perera, with whom he shares two children. Though their separation became official in 2019, they were still together in 2015. Later, Sanz dated Cuban artist Rachel Valdés, a relationship that ended in 2023. He is currently in a relationship with Spanish actress Candela Márquez. Throughout this period, he maintained a clean public image, which Playà claims was in sharp contrast to what was happening with her. Ivet thanks internet users for support Taking to her Instagram Story, she wrote, "Today has been a tough day, but I don't want to go to sleep without thanking you for the overwhelming love and support I've received." At the moment I stay with that: that although the bad is sometimes more noticeable, if there is something I have been learning in these past months, it is that sometimes it is necessary to stay alone with the good to move forward, without it sinking you." Who is Ivet Playà? Describing herself online as a digital creator, former gymnast, and ex-community manager, Ivet Playà shares content around mental health, wellness, and healing. Her Instagram profile, @ivetplaya, features introspective captions and a self-empowered tone, but this is the first time she's spoken publicly about her alleged relationship with Sanz. Her Instagram account includes several videos of Sanz; while some show her posing with him, others capture him performing on stage. The captions are notably affectionate, often reflecting the voice of someone caught between being a starstruck fan and a committed employee. As of now, Alejandro Sanz has not responded publicly to the allegations. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shakira and Alejandro Sanz Reunite — Again! — for Love Song ‘Bésame'
They're back! After multiple hit collaborations, including 'La Tortura' and 'Te Lo Agradezco, Pero No,' longtime friends Alejandro Sanz and Shakira have reunited again for 'Bésame,' a new collaboration featured on Sanz's new EP, ¿Y Ahora Qué? 'I'll tell you the truth, if life is beautiful, you and it are so similar/ In the end I don't dare let fate decide/ If there's any risk of seeing myself without you, I don't want to bet,' sings Sanz in Spanish on the love song, before Shakira chimes in with shining vocals. More from Rolling Stone Remy Bond Channels the 'Diamond Sadness' of the Seventies in 'Moviestar' Video St. Vincent Taps Mon Laferte for Spanglish Duet of 'Violent Times' Connie Francis Reacts to Going Viral on Tiktok for 1961 B-Side 'Pretty Little Baby' The new track comes just a few days after the stars linked up on stage in Charlotte for a performance of 'La Tortura' during Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour. 'That was probably one of the very few songs that played in Spanish in America on American radio,' Shakira told Rolling Stone about that moment. 'So, it's like celebrating after 20 years the road that we've traveled, and how many obstacles as artists we have overcome.' 'Bésame' marks the third time they've worked together on a song. Twenty years ago, Sanz joined Shakira for Fijación Oral, Vol. 1's biggest hit. The pair then reconnected on his LP El Tren de Los Momentos in 2006 for 'Te Lo Agradezco, Pero No.' Sanz has been teasing the new collaboration on social media, sharing clips of their performances and snippets of the new song's lyrics. 'A thousand years may pass, along with a thousand more, but what happens to us on stage will remain one of a kind!' Shakira wrote on Instagram after they performed together. Sanz commented, 'Our chemistry is kept for the stage, but my love for you travels with me everywhere.' Sanz's new EP features tracks with Grupo Frontera on 'Hoy No Me Siento Bien' and Manuel Turizo on '¿Cómo Sería?' The new project follows 2021's self-titled album, Sanz. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Outshone By China, Can Europe Make A Solar Comeback Before It's Too Late?
Javier Sanz Rodriguez, Thematic Leader at European Commission backed InnoEnergy Once a global pioneer in solar technology, Europe now finds itself in a race against time to reclaim a foothold in an industry it helped to create. While China's dominance of solar manufacturing is undisputed, a growing chorus of investors, innovators, and policymakers believes Europe can still rebound—if it acts decisively. 'It's not just about competitiveness anymore—it's about sovereignty,' says Javier Sanz Rodriguez, Thematic Leader for Renewable Energies at InnoEnergy, a cleantech investor backed by the European Commission. InnoEnergy has helped build four industrial unicorns and is currently mobilising €160 billion in cleantech investment by 2030. It is the launchpad behind ventures such as H2 Green Steel and Northvolt, and is now betting big on reviving sovereignty of Europe's solar ecosystem. Europe's fall from solar manufacturing grace wasn't due to a lack of innovation. 'Europe was leading because market demand and technology leadership coincided,' Sanz explains. 'But when demand outpaced domestic supply, China became the easy solution.' From Berlin, Felix Krause, Managing Partner at Vireo Ventures, offers a complementary view: 'Indeed, Europe was once a leader in solar manufacturing,' he says. 'However, continuous reliance on cheap fossil fuels from countries like Russia, a lack of cohesive industrial strategy, and fragmented policies hindered Europe's ability to maintain its competitive edge.' In contrast, China charted a deliberate industrial course, pouring more than $50 billion into scaling its solar PV capacity—ten times more than all EU countries combined. It vertically integrated its supply chains, slashed costs through massive economies of scale, and captured the market. 'This allowed China to rapidly scale production and drive down costs, effectively outpacing European manufacturers,' Krause adds. TOPSHOT - A view shows photovoltaic solar pannels at the power plant in La Colle des Mees, Alpes de ... More Haute Provence, southeastern France, on April 17, 2019. - The 112,000 solar panels cover an area of 200 hectares with a total capacity of 100MW. (Photo by GERARD JULIEN / AFP) (Photo credit should read GERARD JULIEN/AFP via Getty Images) The urgency to act, both Sanz and Krause agree, stems from more than just market logic. It's about resilience and autonomy in an era of geopolitical volatility. 'In the current political climate, Europe must urgently strengthen its energy resilience,' says Krause. 'Historically, we relied heavily on oil and gas imports, but these sources have proven to be unreliable and geopolitically risky. Now, the focus must shift to establishing independent energy production as the basis for democracy, independence and freedom.' Sanz echoes the sentiment. 'If we don't act now, we risk losing not just our competitiveness, but our ability to meet climate goals on our own terms.' The good news? Europe still leads in early-stage innovation. Startups like NexWafe are rewriting the rules of solar wafer manufacturing with processes that are not just more efficient, but more sustainable. 'NexWafe introduces a new approach to silicon wafer production,' says Sanz. 'Their epitaxial process eliminates energy-intensive steps, cuts energy consumption by 40%, reduces silicon waste by 90%, and lowers CO₂ emissions by up to 70%.' It's a breakthrough that could significantly reduce costs and restore a competitive edge to European manufacturers. But innovation alone isn't enough. Europe must scale these technologies, fast. Circularity is another frontier where Europe can lead, especially with its unique mix of strong climate regulation, early-stage innovation, and largescale market demand. The EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, WEEE, Directive, for example, mandates responsible recycling of electronic waste, including solar panels. This is creating new opportunities to extract and reuse valuable raw materials, lessening Europe's reliance on external sources. One company, ROSI, is turning this mandate into industrial capacity. With facilities in France and expansion plans in Germany and Spain, ROSI is recovering high-purity materials like polysilicon from decommissioned panels and production waste. 'These materials can be reintegrated into the value chain,' Sanz explains. 'This is about more than sustainability—it's about supply chain resilience.' To scale up manufacturing and compete with Asia's giants, Europe needs to pool resources and expertise. Both Sanz and Krause agree that strategic joint ventures and cross-border collaborations are vital. 'Joint ventures enable rapid scale-up and transfer of industrial know-how,' Sanz says. 'They can rebuild capacity quickly, especially in critical upstream components like ingots and wafers.' Krause is blunt about what's missing: 'If Europe genuinely wants to rebuild its solar industry, it must focus on emerging technologies and new materials rather than attempting to compete directly with the massive economies of scale established in Asia.' But he sees promise—if the EU can get its act together. 'We need a coordinated European strategy that prioritises investment in research, scales these technologies to market, and fosters long-term industrial partnerships.' Felix Krause, Managing Partner at Vireo Ventures When asked what one policy could unlock real momentum, Krause is unequivocal: 'I would implement a clear mandate from the European Commission to transition to 100% renewable energies by 2040.' Such a commitment, he says, 'would send a strong signal to the market, unlock substantial capital, and attract a massive inflow of talent, companies, and businesses.' Sanz, meanwhile, believes smarter foreign investment rules could be transformative. 'Reshape the EU's FDI screening policy into a strategic industrial tool,' he says. 'Let it enable the right kind of industrial partnerships while preserving EU control. Full reshoring isn't realistic, but strategic reinvestment is essential.' He also supports rapid implementation of the Net Zero Industry Act, along with EU-wide procurement policies that favour 'EU-made' technologies. 'Italy and Austria are already offering tax incentives for European-made products. Now we need a continental strategy.' At InnoEnergy, investment isn't just about ROI—it's about systemic impact. 'We look for projects that reduce emissions and create quality jobs in Europe,' Sanz says. Beyond capital, the firm provides hands-on support—market access, governance, industrial expertise—to help projects reach scale. 'We're building companies like Verkor, GravitHy, Holosolis, and now SUNWAFE, which will produce ingots and wafers in Spain.' For Sanz, it's a journey rooted in pragmatism. 'Cross one bridge after another,' he says. 'That mindset helps me focus on solving what's in front of me, rather than getting distracted by what's down the road.' His proudest recent achievement? The launch of SUNWAFE. 'It's one of those moments that give you the sense of having a real impact.' With the right mix of ambition, coordination, and investment, both Sanz and Krause believe Europe can still turn the tide. 'This is not just about technology,' says Krause. 'It's about building the foundations of a future that's democratic, independent, and sustainable.' And with experts continuing to sound the alarm bells for climate change as a cascading crisis, the time to act is now.
Euronews
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
World 'more gender equal than ever', but progress is reversible, warns UN Women regional chief
Despite progress for women's and girls' rights around the world, these gains are fragile. In 2024, one in four countries in the world reported a setback in women's rights, according to a new report by UN Women. ADVERTISEMENT The world is more gender-equal today than at any point in history, but progress is not guaranteed and could even be reversed without sustained action, Belén Sanz, regional director of UN Women Europe and Central Asia, told Euronews in an interview. 'Women have made a real shift in the world, but we are seeing that there is an alarming rollback, that discrimination is deepening, that legal protections are weakening, and that the funding and financing for gender equality is also shrinking,' Sanz said. According to a new UN Women report, Women's Rights in Review: 30 Years After Beijing, parity has been achieved in girls' education, maternal mortality has dropped by a third, and women's representation in parliaments has more than doubled in the past three decades. However, Sanz warned that today's hard-won progress 'can be shifted in a moment,' emphasizing the need for the European Union to remain 'extremely vigilant' against potential setbacks, as Europe is not immune to the global backlash against gender equality. The report highlights that in 2024, one in four countries in the world reported a backlash on women's rights. For instance, Georgia abolished its gender quota for women in parliament, raising concerns about regression, Sanz noted. 'We must anchor the policies the European Union has implemented and ensure strong monitoring and adequate resources, because without them, there is always a risk of rollback,' she added. At the EU level, around 50 million women still experience high levels of sexual and physical violence at home, at work, and in public. Between 2014 and 2024, the percentage of women aged 18-74 who have faced gender-based violence has barely changed (31.4% vs. 30.7%). Women across the EU also continue to face a stark gap in labour market participation, with only 44% of women employed compared to 69% of men. 'The gender gap in employment remains a major issue in the region, along with the fact that care responsibilities and unpaid work still fall disproportionately on women,' Sanz said. Globally, women are occupied 2.5 times more on unpaid care work than men. In Europe and Central Asia, that gap is even wider, with women occupied 3.4 times more on unpaid care and domestic work than men. 'Progress is possible, but it has been too slow, too uneven, and too fragile. The hard truth is that the world is failing women and girls,' Sanz argued. According to UN Women estimates, a girl born today would have to wait until age 40 to see women hold as many seats in parliament as men globally, 68 years for child marriage to be eradicated, and 137 years for extreme poverty to be eliminated. Recent global crises—including Covid-19, the climate emergency, and soaring food and fuel prices—have only intensified the urgency to act, Sanz warned, adding that 2025 will be 'a turning point' for women's rights. 'We are also seeing that certain narratives misrepresenting gender equality are directly targeting the progress we have made,' Sanz said when asked about the impact of the rise of the far-right and anti-feminist movements on gender equality in public and political discourse. 'We cannot afford another setback. Women and girls cannot wait—we must find a solution together,' she concluded. ADVERTISEMENT Investing in gender equality will have 'high returns' The recent suspension of US funding and foreign aid is affecting the work of the United Nations and UN Women, said its regional director for Europe and Central Asia. UN Women has been supported by US foreign assistance in Ukraine, Serbia, Tajikistan and Georgia, among others. "In Ukraine, for example, the suspension will reduce resources for women's peacebuilding efforts and safer spaces for survivors of war and violence," Sanz pointed out. In figures, the US aid cut will affect at least 4,500 women from Ukraine and will indirectly affect nearly 12,000 individuals across the country, led by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to UN Women. ADVERTISEMENT Over the past two or three years, more than half of UN Women's top 20 donors have shifted their development policies, weakening financial support for the UN agency. "Investing in initiatives that enable women and girls to grow, to develop in their communities and in their societies is a very good investment. It's not an expense, it's an investment with high returns for them and for their societies," Sanz said, calling on member states to continue to support the agency's work.
Arab News
11-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's real estate giant ROSHN using AI to enhance efficiency, improve services
RIYADH: State-owned property developer ROSHN said it is using artificial intelligence across its operations to enhance efficiency, improve the customer experience and support its sustainability efforts. Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the LEAP 2025 technology conference in Riyadh, Pablo Sanz, executive director of digital products, said: 'We are deploying multiple AI agents … so we can serve you better or we can solve your problems in a more convenient way.' The move was part of the company's broader strategy to simplify processes and improve accessibility, to assist customers with purchases, moving in and managing services, he said. Sanz said AI-powered tools were being used to create 3D models of buildings, automate the procurement process, streamline construction, reduce waste, improve efficiency and analyze data on real estate markets. ROSHN recently partnered with Google Cloud to enhance its AI capabilities. The collaboration is designed to improve data-driven decision making and ensure the company's developments align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for smart and sustainable cities. 'AI is changing how we do a lot of things,' Sanz said. 'The human touch is still important, but AI allows us to work faster and make processes more convenient in many areas, from customer interactions to supplier relationships.' ROSHN has plans to build fully integrated communities in nine cities across the country and is a key player in the Kingdom's goal to achieve 70 percent home ownership by 2030.
