The 74th Miss Universe pageant has been rocked by controversy as Omar Harfouch, a renowned concert pianist and composer, resigned from his role as a jury member, citing a lack of transparency in the judging process. Harfouch, who was invited to join the official panel in July, expressed his concerns following a ‘disrespectful conversation’ with Raul Rocha regarding the competition’s voting procedures. In a public statement, Harfouch announced he would also refrain from playing the music he composed for the event, stating he refused to be ‘a part of this charade.’ He further criticized the preliminary selection process, which he claimed was conducted without the presence of the eight official judges, including himself. Harfouch highlighted potential conflicts of interest, alleging that some individuals involved in the voting process had personal relationships with contestants. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) responded by asserting that all judging remains official, transparent, and fully governed by MUO protocols. The organization also clarified that the Beyond the Crown Program operates independently and does not influence the competition’s evaluation process. MUO has prohibited Harfouch from using or associating himself with any Miss Universe trademarks, logos, titles, or registered properties, warning of potential legal action. This year’s pageant, scheduled for November 21 in Thailand, has already faced multiple controversies, including the dismissal of host Nawat Itsaragrisil following a heated exchange with Mexican delegate Fatima Bosch. The incident, along with other walkouts and confrontations, has cast a shadow over the event, raising questions about the management of high-profile competitions under global scrutiny.
分类： entertainment
-
Ariana Grande opens up on possibility of ‘Wicked 3’
Ariana Grande has sparked speculation about the possibility of a third installment in the ‘Wicked’ film series during a recent panel discussion with her co-star Cynthia Erivo. The duo, who star in the upcoming ‘Wicked: For Good,’ shared their emotional journey and deep connection to the project. Grande humorously referenced Cher’s infamous ‘farewell tours,’ suggesting that the story of ‘Wicked’ might not be over just yet. ‘No one’s going anywhere,’ she quipped, hinting at the potential for future adaptations. While Universal Studios has not officially announced a third film, the rich source material from L. Frank Baum’s ‘Oz’ series leaves ample room for expansion. Grande expressed her relief and joy at finally bringing her character, Glinda, to life on the big screen, describing the experience as transformative. She also reflected on her renewed passion for acting and the profound bond she shares with Erivo, calling their collaboration ‘the greatest gift of my life.’ Fans of the franchise are left eagerly anticipating what the future holds for ‘Wicked.’
-
Parineeti Chopra, Raghav Chadha share first glimpse of their baby boy ‘Neer’
Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra and her husband, Indian lawmaker Raghav Chadha, have shared the first glimpse of their newborn son, Neer, in a heartfelt social media post. The couple posted intimate pictures featuring their baby boy’s tiny feet, capturing a tender moment of parental love. The caption accompanying the images read, ‘Our hearts found peace in an eternal drop of life. We named him Neer—pure, divine, limitless.’ The announcement has garnered widespread attention and warm wishes from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Actor Varun Dhawan expressed his joy in response to the post. The couple first announced the birth of their son in October 2025, describing their overwhelming happiness and the profound change he has brought to their lives. Earlier in August, they revealed their pregnancy with a creative Instagram post featuring a cake that read, ‘1+1=3,’ accompanied by the caption, ‘Our little universe … on its way. Blessed beyond measure.’ Parineeti and Raghav tied the knot in September 2023 at the luxurious Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family. The couple’s journey into parenthood has been celebrated with immense joy and positivity by their admirers.
-
A Fairytale for Christmas is coming to Dubai for the first time! New Covent Garden, Mall of the Emirates
Dubai is set to host the enchanting Irish-inspired festive concert, ‘A Fairytale for Christmas,’ for the first time. The event will take place at New Covent Garden, Mall of the Emirates, from December 19 to 21, 2025. Presented by MAC Global in collaboration with Prestige Chameleon International, the concert promises a delightful mix of Christmas classics and traditional Irish music. Audiences can look forward to beloved holiday tunes like ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ ‘Step into Christmas,’ and ‘Oh Holy Night,’ alongside Irish favorites such as ‘The Galway Girl,’ ‘The Irish Rover,’ and ‘Dirty Old Town.’
Creator and producer Ged Graham expressed his excitement about bringing the show to Dubai, stating, ‘The response to the production has been remarkable, and we’re pleased to bring it to Dubai as part of the world tour. The show combines festive music with Irish influences in a way that audiences have responded to warmly.’
The three-day event offers families and music enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience a festive performance that seamlessly blends Christmas melodies with Irish folk traditions. Tickets for the concert start at AED 195 and are available for purchase on platinumlist.net.
-
Watch: Moment a Gustav Klimt painting sells for record amount
In a historic moment for the art world, Gustav Klimt’s ‘Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer’ has shattered records, fetching an astounding $236.4 million (including fees) at auction. This monumental sale not only underscores the enduring allure of Klimt’s work but also cements the painting’s place as the second most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. The event has sparked widespread discussion among collectors, historians, and enthusiasts, highlighting the timeless value of masterpieces from the early 20th century. The sale reflects the growing appetite for high-caliber art in the global market, as well as the cultural and historical significance attributed to Klimt’s oeuvre. This record-breaking transaction is poised to influence future art auctions, setting a new benchmark for the valuation of iconic works.
-
Klimt painting second most expensive artwork sold at auction
A masterpiece by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, the Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer, was auctioned for a staggering $236.4 million in New York on Tuesday, securing its place as the second most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. The intense 20-minute bidding war involved six participants, though the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed by Sotheby’s, the auction house overseeing the sale. Painted between 1914 and 1916, the portrait has a tumultuous history, having been looted by the Nazis during World War II and nearly destroyed in a fire. It was rescued in 1948 and returned to Erich Lederer, the brother of the subject and a friend of Klimt’s contemporary, Egon Schiele. The painting remained in the Lederer family until its sale in 1983. The artwork depicts Elisabeth Lederer, an heiress and daughter of one of Klimt’s patrons, adorned in a white robe against a backdrop of a blue tapestry adorned with Asian motifs. The Nazis, who annexed Austria in 1938, plundered the Lederer art collection but spared the family portraits. In 1985, Leonard A. Lauder, heir to the Estée Lauder fortune, acquired the painting, displaying it in his Fifth Avenue residence. The sale far exceeded pre-auction estimates of $150 million, surpassing the previous record for a Klimt artwork, Lady with a Fan, which sold for $108.8 million in 2023. The event also featured other Klimt works from Lauder’s collection, including Flowering Meadow and Forest Slope at Unterach am Attersee, each fetching between $60 million and $80 million. The most expensive artwork ever auctioned remains Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, which sold for $450.3 million in 2017. In a curious twist, a fully functional gold toilet sculpture by Maurizio Cattelan was sold for $12.1 million just an hour after the Klimt sale, with the buyer identified as a prominent American brand.
-
Miss Universe judge quits scandal-ridden pageant
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.