Is the US justice system ‘making an example’ of Tory Lanez?
Canadian rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting fellow music artist Megan thee Stallion back in 2020. His lawyer believes the justice system has unfairly charged him due to his celebrity status. It’s safe to say that our personal lives were pretty stagnant...
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Thinness obsession is shaping women’s socio-economic mobility
Debates around the economics of weight have gone on for decades. But with a return to uber-slim beauty standards and a rise in viral weight-loss medications, the idea that being thin can make you more successful has gained new traction. The ostensible ‘ideal’ of thinness has permeated Western society for...
What’s happening with Travis Scott and his pyramid show?
Travis Scott’s ‘Utopia’ album launch party in Egypt was cancelled, then it wasn’t. Now it is again. Given his recent concert controversies, should he even be attempting such a performance in a country that heavily censors artists and is anti-LGBTQ? After many unclear updates, it is now confirmed that Travis...
Opinion – Reality TV is a breeding-ground for exploitation
X Factor star Lucy Spraggan has spoken publicly about her experience on the reality show, describing it as an ‘abusive relationship.’ Reality TV has been divisive for about as long as it's been on air. Whether you love it or hate it, these shows continue to pull in ratings, luring hordes...
How Okutoyi and Jabeur are popularising African tennis
Hailing from Africa, tennis players Okutoyi and Jabeur have become an inspiration for young women, showcasing the power of dedication, talent, and resilience in pursuit of one's dreams. In sport, few narratives are as captivating and inspiring as the rise of young athletes breaking barriers and defying odds. Such individuals...
San Diego Comic-Con goes ahead without Hollywood star power
The pinnacle of geek fandom, the San Diego Comic-Con, has finally gotten back underway after a two-year Covid hiatus. Due to ongoing actor strikes, however, star power will not be a key draw at this convention. Seriously, no A-list actors at the San Diego Comic-Con! [flips table covered in POP!...
Is celebrity investment in grassroot change a good thing?
Stormzy and Beyonce are some of the latest public figures to use their wealth for social good. But are these endeavours just token gestures? In the past year, celebrities have been more open in sharing financial investments – specifically those aimed at supporting grassroots communities. Stars have been leveraging their wealth and status for the ostensible good of underprivileged people and organisations. Stormzy recently invested in his childhood football club, Croydon...
The nine-dash crayon line that got Barbie banned in Vietnam
The upcoming Barbie movie has generated worldwide excitement. Unfortunately, citizens in Vietnam won’t have the opportunity to enjoy it as its government has banned the film. Scheduled for release on July 21st, the highly anticipated Barbie movie, featuring a stellar cast, has faced a setback as the Vietnamese government has decided to ban its screening. The ban is attributed to a scene in the movie that depicts the South China...
Why ‘beige flags’ have entered the Internet’s dating vocabulary
It’s not a red flag and it’s not a green flag. What does the newly popular term ‘beige flag’ mean regarding our personal relationships and why is it causing an online debate? Red flags and green flags have been discussed in dating spheres, friendship groups, and even the workplace for the better part of a decade. We know red flags generally manifest as social faux pas and potentially unforgivable acts, such...
Opinion – Colleen Ballinger’s apology is a grim blur of comedy and consent
The former YouTube star Colleen Ballinger has faced allegations of grooming and abuse. Her bizarre response to these claims highlights the morbid meme-fication of almost everything. Colleen Ballinger isn’t a name many will recognise. Perhaps the character that made her famous, Miranda Sings, will stir memories for those in their early-to-mid-twenties. Ballinger rode the wave of huge success that YouTube made possible in the early 2010s. She was one of multiple...
