The 74th Miss Universe pageant, set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand on November 21, has been rocked by controversy just days before the event. Two prominent judges have resigned, with one accusing organizers of rigging the selection process. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch, a member of the eight-judge panel, announced his resignation on Instagram, alleging that an ‘impromptu jury’ had pre-selected finalists without the involvement of the official judges. Hours later, French football manager Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing ‘unforeseen personal reasons.’ Harfouch claimed that the unofficial jury included individuals with potential conflicts of interest due to personal relationships with contestants. The Miss Universe Organisation denied the allegations, stating that no external group was authorized to evaluate delegates. They suggested Harfouch may have confused the process with the Beyond the Crown programme, a separate social impact initiative. The controversy follows an earlier incident where contestants walked out of a pre-pageant event after the Thailand director berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, for not promoting the event on social media. The Miss Universe Organisation has since sent a delegation to oversee the competition.
分类： entertainment
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Sharjah International Book Fair concludes with 1.4 million visitors from 206 countries
The 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) concluded on November 18, 2025, marking a historic milestone with 1.4 million visitors from 206 countries. Held under the theme ‘Between You and a Book,’ the 12-day event solidified Sharjah’s reputation as a global epicenter for cultural exchange and literary innovation. This year’s fair featured an unprecedented level of international diversity, with 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries, making it one of the most globally inclusive editions to date. The fair also reinforced Sharjah’s dominance as the world’s largest marketplace for publishing rights, a title it has held for five consecutive years. The Sharjah Publishers Conference, a highlight of the event, saw 1,599 publishers from 116 countries engage in 3,321 rights meetings, underscoring the fair’s role as a hub for commercial and creative collaboration. Attendee demographics revealed broad appeal, with the largest age group being 35-44 (29%), followed by 25-34 (28%). Over 125,890 school students participated in educational and cultural activities, while 87,674 visitors utilized marine transport from Al Qasba and the Sharjah Aquarium. Satisfaction rates were exceptionally high, with 96.3% of visitors, 90.91% of exhibitors, and 97.14% of Publishers Conference participants expressing positive feedback. The event also highlighted Sharjah’s commitment to cultural enrichment, with a Dh4.5 million grant allocated to replenish public and government library collections. Additionally, a dedicated initiative led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi waived participation fees for Sudanese publishers, ensuring their continued presence in the global publishing landscape despite economic challenges.
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Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown becomes Yas Island’s brand ambassador
Millie Bobby Brown, the acclaimed star of Netflix’s global phenomenon ‘Stranger Things,’ has been appointed as the newest brand ambassador for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This announcement coincides with the launch of ‘Stranger Things: The Experience,’ an immersive and interactive attraction based on the hit series, marking its debut in the Middle East. The experience, which runs from November 14, 2025, to February 15, 2026, allows fans to step into the world of Hawkins, Indiana, and relive key moments from the show. Brown joins a prestigious roster of Hollywood celebrities who have represented Yas Island, including Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, and Kevin Hart. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, emphasized the strategic timing of Brown’s appointment, noting the enduring popularity of ‘Stranger Things.’ The show’s fourth season ranked third globally on Netflix, amassing 140 million views within its first 91 days. With the fifth and final season set to premiere in three parts starting November 26, 2025, the collaboration aims to enhance Yas Island’s reputation as a premier entertainment destination. Home to attractions like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, Yas Island continues to solidify its position as a global hub for tourism and leisure. Findlay highlighted the initiative’s potential to elevate visitor experiences and attract international tourists, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a cultural and entertainment hotspot.
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Diddy denies sexual battery allegation after Los Angeles authorities open probe
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the imprisoned rap mogul, has vehemently denied a new sexual battery allegation currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The accusation, reportedly dating back to 2020, involves a male music producer who claims Combs assaulted him during a photoshoot at a Los Angeles warehouse. Combs, already serving a four-year prison sentence in New Jersey for prostitution-related charges, has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. His attorney, Jonathan Davis, stated to the BBC, ‘Mr. Combs categorically denies as false and defamatory all claims that he sexually abused anyone. He looks forward to vindicating himself in court, where such matters are decided—and not in the media—based on admissible, material evidence, not rank speculation and unsubstantiated allegations.’ The sheriff’s department confirmed that its special victim’s bureau is in the preliminary stages of investigating the case, but declined to release further details due to its sensitivity. According to US media, the producer alleges that Combs exposed himself and masturbated during the photoshoot, and when the producer refused to participate, Combs threw a dirty shirt at him. This latest allegation adds to a series of civil lawsuits filed against Combs by dozens of individuals, including underage accusers, who claim they were drugged and sexually assaulted. Some accusers allege that Combs used promises of career advancement or threats to silence them. Earlier this year, Combs was convicted in a New York trial on two counts of transportation for prostitution and sentenced to 50 months in prison. The high-profile case accused him of running a sex-trafficking operation, with testimonies from notable figures like rapper Kid Cudi and Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Although he was acquitted of the most severe charges, which could have resulted in a life sentence, Combs expressed remorse in a letter to the judge before his sentencing, stating, ‘I lost my way. My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core.’ Combs is currently serving his sentence in New Jersey.
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Why is ‘Varanasi’ director SS Rajamouli facing a police complaint?
Renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for blockbusters like ‘RRR’ and ‘Baahubali,’ has found himself embroiled in controversy following a police complaint lodged by the Vanara Sena organization. The complaint alleges that Rajamouli made remarks perceived as atheist during a promotional event for his upcoming film ‘Varanasi,’ held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on November 15. The organization claims that Rajamouli’s statement, ‘I don’t believe in God Hanuman,’ hurt Hindu sentiments. The event, attended by thousands of fans and the film’s lead cast, including Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, marked the release of the teaser and title reveal for ‘Varanasi.’ While the Saroornagar police station has received the complaint, no formal case has been registered yet, and investigations are ongoing. Rajamouli reportedly made the remarks while addressing technical glitches during the event. ‘Varanasi,’ set to release during Sankranti 2027, stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role, with Chopra Jonas portraying Mandakini and Sukumaran as Kumbha.
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Look: Zubeen Garg’s wife remembers late singer on his 53rd birthday
Garima Garg, the widow of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, commemorated what would have been his 53rd birthday with an emotional tribute on November 18. Taking to Instagram, she shared a heartfelt post featuring cherished moments from their life together since their marriage in 2002. Garima expressed her profound grief and the void left by his absence, reminiscing about the memories they created and the deep bond they shared. Zubeen Garg, a celebrated figure in the Indian music industry, was known for his contributions to Assamese culture and his work in Hindi and Bengali cinema. His untimely demise on September 19 has left a significant impact on his fans and the music community. In a fitting tribute, his last film, *Roi Roi Binale*, was released last month in Guwahati, receiving an overwhelming response from audiences. Director Rajesh Bhuyan described the film as a fulfillment of Zubeen’s dream and a gift to the people of Assam. Meanwhile, the Assam government has formed a Special Investigative Team (SIT) to probe his death, with seven individuals already in judicial custody. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that the SIT will submit a chargesheet by December 8, seeking justice for the late singer.
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Anurag Kashyap on why he left Bollywood and grew roots in south Indian cinema
Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has openly expressed his disillusionment with Bollywood, citing its focus on formulaic commercial films and lack of support for independent cinema as key reasons for his departure. In a candid interview with City Times, Kashyap revealed that he has found a new creative haven in South Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada industries, where he feels nurtured and appreciated. He highlighted the release of the Tamil film ‘Kaantha,’ produced by its lead actors, as an example of the artistic integrity he admires. Kashyap also praised Dulquer Salmaan’s production ‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra,’ which incorporates Yakshi lore, showcasing the depth and creativity he seeks in filmmaking. Kashyap’s recent film ‘Nishaanchi,’ available on Amazon Prime, deliberately features longer scenes, reflecting his commitment to storytelling that resonates emotionally with audiences. He emphasized that entertainment should engage and provoke, not just amuse. Kashyap also shared insights into his creative process, stating that writing is therapeutic and essential for his well-being. His film ‘Kennedy,’ which includes a poem by William Wordsworth and features the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, exemplifies his innovative approach to cinema. Kashyap’s commitment to independent cinema is unwavering, as he believes in the importance of preserving art and culture in a world increasingly dominated by corporate interests. He will be participating in Saanjh’s ‘Beyond the Lens Series’ and Mitti-the Indian Independent Film Festival in Dubai, furthering his mission to support and promote independent cinema.
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Germany’s Kessler twins, who became dance stars in the 50s and 60s, die at 89
BERLIN (AP) — Alice and Ellen Kessler, the celebrated twin dancers and singers who rose to fame in the 1950s and shared the stage with legends like Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, and Harry Belafonte, have died at the age of 89. German police confirmed their passing on Tuesday, describing it as a “joint suicide.” The twins resided in Grünwald, an affluent suburb of Munich, where they shared a home. Their deaths were initially reported by German newspaper Bild and news agency dpa on Monday, though no sources were cited at the time. Born in Germany, the Kessler twins began their artistic journey at a young age, joining the Leipzig Opera children’s ballet. In 1952, at the age of 16, their family fled to West Germany, where they performed in a revue theater in Düsseldorf. Their big break came in 1955 when they were discovered by the director of the Lido cabaret theater in Paris, launching their international career. Throughout the 1960s, the twins toured globally, relocated to Rome, and collaborated with entertainment icons. Notably, they declined an offer to appear alongside Elvis Presley in the 1964 film “Viva Las Vegas,” fearing they would be typecast in American musical films. Even in their later years, the twins remained active in the arts, performing in a musical at the age of 80. Alice once reflected on their enduring partnership, stating, “Together you’re stronger.” When asked about their success, she emphasized the importance of discipline, gratitude, humility, and togetherness, concluding, “Until death.”
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Eminem sues Australian beach brand ‘Swim Shady’
Renowned US rapper Eminem, legally known as Marshall B Mathers III, has initiated legal proceedings against Australian beachwear company Swim Shady, alleging that its name bears an uncanny resemblance to his iconic rap alias, Slim Shady. In September, Eminem’s legal team filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office, urging the cancellation of the trademark granted to Swim Shady. The company is required to respond to the petition by next week, as per US law. Eminem’s attorneys argue that the Sydney-based brand has created a ‘false association’ with the rapper, potentially diluting the distinctiveness of his trademark. Swim Shady, which registered its name in September 2023 and officially launched in 2024, specializes in portable beach umbrellas, swim bags, and other beach accessories. The company has defended its intellectual property, stating it will vigorously protect its brand. Eminem has also filed an opposition to the brand’s name in Australia, where he only secured a trademark for Slim Shady in January 2025. The rapper’s legal team emphasized that the name Slim Shady has become ‘distinctive and famous,’ exclusively linked to his illustrious rap career. Swim Shady, represented by Sydney-based intellectual property firm Meyer West IP, maintains that it was founded to produce stylish and effective sun protection products tailored to Australia’s harsh climate. The legal battle echoes a similar case last year involving US pop star Katy Perry and Australian designer Katie Perry, where an Australian court ruled in favor of the local designer. Eminem’s rise to fame in 2000 with his hit single ‘The Real Slim Shady’ solidified his status as a hip-hop icon, earning him a Grammy for best rap solo performance.
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Circus festival keeps pace with the times
The 20th China Wuqiao International Circus Festival, held in Wuqiao county, Hebei province, has once again proven itself as a cornerstone of global acrobatic culture. Jasmine Straga, an Australian acrobatics expert and long-time participant, shared her reflections on the festival’s evolution since her first involvement in 1998. From her initial roles as a contortionist and ring performer to her current position as a judge, Straga has witnessed the festival’s transformation into a world-class event. ‘It’s like watching a child grow up,’ she remarked, highlighting the festival’s journey from a local gathering to an international cultural exchange platform. Straga’s personal connection to Wuqiao deepened in 2007 when she attended the festival with her 4-year-old daughter, who was affectionately nicknamed ‘Wuqiao Baby’ by Bian Faji, president of the China Acrobats Association. Now 22, her daughter frequently visits China, symbolizing the enduring bond formed through the festival. The event has not only elevated Wuqiao’s status as the ‘hometown of Chinese acrobatics’ but also showcased China’s commitment to preserving and innovating this ancient art form. With the establishment of the new Oriental Acrobatics Center and the expanded Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School, Wuqiao has become a global destination for acrobatics enthusiasts. The festival’s success underscores the importance of cross-boundary integration and constant innovation in keeping acrobatics vibrant and relevant in the modern era.