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International Business Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
Venice Protests Jeff Bezos' Wedding Amid Buzz Over Bizarre Mannequins
As Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez prepare for their extravagant wedding, Venice has unexpectedly become the backdrop for both celebration and controversy. Tourists are crowding around realistic mannequins of the couple placed across the city. One bizarre statue of Bezos, wrapped in fake dollar bills, has become a viral sensation. A towering sculpture of Bezos, over six feet tall and larger than life, now stands among the Venetian crowds. The statue, comically draped in counterfeit bills with his face printed on them, has sparked curiosity and laughter. Created by sculptors dressed as Amazon staff, the installation mixes art and satire, drawing attention from amused onlookers—and even curious pigeons, as TMZ noted. But these installations are more than quirky photo ops. Many of them, eerily lifelike, are seen as protest symbols. Critics argue the wedding, with its celebrity guest list, could intensify space issues in a city already overcrowded during peak tourist season. Luxury and excess appear central to the festivities, with reports suggesting Sanchez may wear over $30 million worth of jewelry. Meanwhile, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, and Leonardo DiCaprio are expected to attend, raising concerns among Venetians who say the city is being turned into a private playground for the wealthy. Local activists insist their issue is not with the marriage itself, but with what it represents. They say Venice is slowly being turned into a playground for billionaires, displacing locals and limiting access to public areas. They describe this trend as a form of exploitation and loss of civic space. Activist Alice Bazzoli, from the group "No Space for Bezos," told Sky News that the Amazon founder is treating the entire city like a private event hall. The group is a coalition of local campaigners, environmentalists, and housing advocates. They argue that high-profile events worsen issues like overcrowding, environmental harm, and public exclusion. Their efforts may already be influencing change, with reports that Bezos shifted his wedding venue following public outcry. The group, carrying inflatable crocodiles as symbols of protest, claims this as a small victory in their campaign to preserve Venice's identity.
New York Post
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia' star Rob McElhenney files to legally change his name
Wild card! Creator and star of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' Rob McElhenney has filed to change his legal name, according to reports. The showrunning Philly favorite will now be going by the name 'Rob Mac,' according to documents filed in Los Angeles, TMZ reported. 3 Rob McElhenney has filed to change his legal name to 'Rob Mac.' Action Images via Reuters The shortened first and last name brings him much closer to his aggressively dopey beer-slinging character in 'Always Sunny' — whose name is 'Mac' — and is a far cry from the formality of his former government name, 'Robert McElhenney III.' Despite the surprise to fans, Mac mentioned the intention to swap some syllables back in a May interview with Variety. 'As our business and our storytelling is expanding into other regions of the world and other languages in which my name is even harder to pronounce, I'm just going by Rob Mac,' the former real-life bartender told the outlet. However, his wife and 'Sunny' co-star Kaitlin Olson said the couple's kids were not in favor of the change and she also expressed some trepidation at the prospect. 3 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' debuted on FX in 2005. Maint 3 The 17th season premiere of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' will air on July 9. 'The kids are really not happy about it, because they have that last name. And so do I, legally!' she told Variety. Mac is a part-owner, along with Ryan Reynolds, of Welsh soccer club Wrexham FC. He launched private company 'More Better Industries' in 2024, and was part owner of Philadelphia bar 'Mac's Tavern,' which announced Monday it was closing after 15 years in business. The 17th season of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' premieres on July 9.
American Military News
10 hours ago
- American Military News
Pic: Joe Rogan threatened, challenged by influencer
A social media influencer was arrested on Tuesday after reportedly threatening podcaster Joe Rogan and challenging him to a 'fight.' According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Brian Johnson, known as the social media influencer 'Liver King,' was arrested on Tuesday evening by law enforcement officials and charged with making a terroristic threat after appearing to threaten Rogan and challenging him to a 'fight' in multiple videos on social media. TMZ reported that Rogan told police officials that he viewed the videos as threats to his safety. In a Monday video on Instagram, Johnson said, 'Joe Rogan, I'm calling you out. My name's Liver King. Man to man, I'm picking a fight with you. I have zero training in jiu-jitsu. You're a black belt, you should dismantle me. But I'm picking a fight with you. Your rules.' According to NBC News, Johnson also challenged Rogan to a 'man to man' fight in another video, saying, 'You never come across something like this, willing to die, hoping that you'll choke me out because that's a dream come true.' TMZ reported that police records indicate that Rogan issued a statement to law enforcement officials following the public threats and challenges. Rogan reportedly told police that he had never been in contact with Johnson and did not know why he would 'be targeting him.' The outlet noted that Rogan also accused the social media influencer of being 'significantly unstable' and having 'a significant drug issue.' READ MORE: Video: Joe Rogan reveals 2 fmr. presidents called Spotify amid Covid controversy: Report According to the documents obtained by TMZ, Rogan told police officers that Johnson 'appears to be significantly unstable and seems like he needs help' after watching the videos on social media. According to TMZ, Johnson reportedly traveled from Willis, Texas, to Austin, Texas, which is where Rogan lives. The outlet noted that law enforcement officials arrested Johnson at a hotel on Tuesday night. A video shared on Instagram appears to show the social media influencer in police custody on Tuesday. According to Fox News, Johnson was released from a Texas jail after his arrest on Tuesday night. The outlet noted that the social media influencer immediately returned to publishing videos on social media on Wednesday. According to TMZ, Johnson became known as 'Liver King' after building a major social media following as a fitness influencer. Fox News reported that Johnson is known for his animalistic diet. A picture of Johnson was shared on X, formerly Twitter. They arrested Liver King over wanting to kill Joe Rogan — Kaguya's Top Gal (@hayasaka_aryan) June 25, 2025
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Italian destination weddings are having a moment
Venice remains a picturesque location for weddings, with more than 600 weddings each year. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO – Ms Emanuela Giangreco, a wedding planner, tells clients her home city of Venice is 'delicate', a description that fits uneasily into accounts of how the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez is expected to unfold there this weekend . In March, Ms Sanchez's brother Paul Sanchez told tabloid TMZ that the wedding, with about 200 guests expected to attend, would rival the pageantry of Princess Diana's nuptials at St Paul's Cathedral in London. (The London firm Lanza and Baucina, known for its discretion, is planning the event.) Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Newsweek
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Rick Hurst Tributes Pour in Following 'Dukes of Hazzard' Actor's Death
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tributes have poured in for Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on the hit series The Dukes of Hazzard, after he died at the age of 79. Hurst's ex-wife, Candace Kaniecki, confirmed his death in Los Angeles on June 26 to TMZ, calling it "unexpected." The cause of death is not yet known—Newsweek has contacted the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) via email for comment. Why It Matters Hurst played an integral role in a television series that remains a cultural touchstone for fans of 1970s and 1980s American television. His character, Deputy Cletus Hogg, was a comedic and endearing fixture of The Dukes of Hazzard, remembered for his hapless attempts to catch Bo and Luke Duke and for the show's signature car chases and stunts. His unexpected passing also highlights the end of an era for a show that, despite its controversies, continues to draw nostalgic viewership around the world. What To Know Born in 1946, in Houston, Texas, Hurst's acting career gained momentum with roles in sitcoms and dramas throughout the 1970s. He joined The Dukes of Hazzard in 1979 during a time of transition in the cast, fitting in seamlessly and becoming a beloved figure both on-screen and at fan events across the country. Hurst is survived by two sons, including Ryan Hurst, known for his role on Sons of Anarchy. The actor was married twice, most recently to Katherine Shelley Weir, until their divorce in 1991. He had been scheduled to appear at Cooter's Place, a museum dedicated to The Dukes of Hazzard, on July 3. What People Are Saying Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, paid tribute to Hurst in a heartfelt Facebook post shared by Cooter's Place: "I have known Rick for over 45 years and there wasn't a minute of that time that he didn't leave me smiling or laughing," he added: "He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague." The official Dukes of Hazzard fanpage wrote: "With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Rick Hurst, the beloved actor who brought warmth, humor, and unforgettable charm to the role of Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. "Rick passed away today, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond Hazzard County." "To fans, he was more than a character—he was family. His gentle smile, impeccable comedic timing, and kind-hearted spirit made every scene brighter. Off-screen, Rick was known for his generosity, humility, and love for connecting with fans at events across the country. Whether it was a reunion special or a meet-and-greet at Cooter's, he never stopped sharing his joy with the people who adored him." Duke of Hazzards collector Larry Franks wrote on X: "Very sad news. Our great friend Rick Hurst has passed away. Please pray for his family. We will miss you Cletus!" Very sad news. Our great friend Rick Hurst has passed away. Please pray for his family. We will miss you Cletus! — Larry Franks (@larryafranks) June 27, 2025 Actor and singer John Schneider posted on Facebook: "I just this moment heard about the passing of dear Rick Hurst, a.k.a. Cletus Hogg. You were remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy my friend. "Heaven is a safer and more organized place with you in it. We'll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again!" What Happens Next It is not yet known what Hurst's cause of death was—Newsweek will update this story when that information is revealed.
