Liam Payne’s death has exposed the hypocrisy of online trolls
Last night, the internet exploded with tributes after news broke about the former One Direction star’s untimely death. In the few weeks before, social media users had been driving a hate campaign against him. Celebrity deaths typically elicit a strong emotional reaction from fans in digital spaces. In the case of...
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Charli XCX’s ‘Guess’ remix ft Billie Eilish sparks controversy
Billie’s recent collaboration with Charli is hugely popular worldwide. Its sapphic lyrics have drawn backlash, however, and the popstar is facing accusations of predatory behaviour –highlighting the complexities of celebrity sexuality and public perception. Billie Eilish, the Grammy-award-winning artist who’s best known for her haunting melodies and introspective lyrics,...
What’s the meaning behind Banksy’s latest stunt?
The anonymous street artist has claimed credit for three consecutive animal-themed artworks in three days. One theory is circulating on social media that the ‘London Zoo’ collection (as its been dubbed) reflects the parlous state of the UK amid ongoing far-right riots nationwide. This week, a number of animal-themed artworks...
Why is The 1975 facing a lawsuit?
The British rock band has been sued for $2.4 million by Good Vibes Festival in Malaysia over frontman Matty Healy’s protest against the country’s harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws last July. The organiser of Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival has followed through with its threat to sue the 1975 and all its...
Diddy faces new sexual assault allegation by sixth accuser
Music mogul and personality Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has faced continual accusations of sexual assault over the last six months, including a recent leaked CCTV video. Now, a sixth accuser has come forward. TW: This article includes references and descriptions of sexual violence and assault. Reader discretion is advised. Rapper...
Yungblud launches music festival to shake up the ‘too expensive’ industry
Fighting for a new world that ‘represents love, unity, and equality for all,’ the acclaimed singer has announced Bludfest, which offers cheap, and even free, entry to people from all backgrounds. The aim is to set a precedent that music is for everybody, not just the few who can...
‘Women-only’ exhibit challenges gender discrimination charges
‘Ladies Lounge’ has taken a creative approach to deterring unwanted male visitors. Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) raised eyebrows when it launched an exhibition open only to women. Titled ‘Ladies Lounge’, the exhibit features works by American artist Kirsh Kaechele, and is designed as a commentary on misogynistic borders in the art world and beyond. However, the show was abruptly closed in April last year, when Sydney resident...
Opinion – FKA Twigs proves AI can empower artists
The singer has proposed an AI version of herself to balance her workload. The response has been mixed, but Twigs nods to an empowering future. FKA Twigs has been known to blur creativity with technology. Her ethereal music, films, and dance routines – alongside art and fashion ventures – have always pushed the boundaries and cemented her position within popular culture. Despite reaching global levels of fame, Twigs has never relinquished her...
Netflix’s undisclosed AI use sparks debate on media manipulation
Netflix has come under fire for including undisclosed AI imagery in a new true crime documentary. The backlash has sparked important conversations around media manipulation. Like it, fear it, or loathe it, AI is now a part of our everyday lives. From education to entertainment, artificial intelligence is only set to keep growing, shaping nearly every aspect of our interaction with the media. But these changes call for boundaries. Both AI’s...
Russ Cook completes mission to run the length of Africa
A story of almost insurmountable obstacles, Cook’s journey is an incredible reflection of the human spirit. But it’s already plagued by criticism not 24 hours past the finish line. If you run regularly, you’re part of just 20% of the population (17% for women). If you run a marathon, that statistic drops to 0.17%. But Russ Cook, known as the ‘Hardest Geezer’ to his 1 million Instagram followers, just completed...
