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Brad Pitt Stages Dramatic ‘Faint’ During Las Vegas Grand Prix Film Shoot

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Brad Pitt Stages Dramatic ‘Faint’ During Las Vegas Grand Prix Film Shoot

Brad Pitt dramatically “collapsed” on the Las Vegas Grand Prix track Saturday, but the incident was purely theatrical – part of filming for his upcoming Formula One movie scheduled for release in June 2025.

The 60-year-old actor, dressed in full racing gear, performed the staged faint while shooting a scene as fictional driver Sonny Hayes, stumbling away from a simulated crash before falling onto a padded mat held by crew members. The scene played out hours before the actual Grand Prix qualifying sessions, where George Russell would later secure pole position.

Adding to the production’s authenticity, Pitt’s fictional racing team, APXGP, even issued a mock medical statement: “During Qualifying, Sonny sustained a significant impact requiring immediate medical evaluation… While Sonny is otherwise stable, he will not participate in tomorrow’s race as he focuses on recovery.”

The Apple-backed production, which reportedly commanded a $130-140 million acquisition price before talent costs, features Pitt as a retired driver mentoring a younger teammate played by Damson Idris. The film, directed by “Top Gun: Maverick” helmer Joseph Kosinski, involves collaboration with Formula One, all ten F1 teams, the FIA, and race promoters.

“We’re shooting at actual Grand Prix events to capture the authentic atmosphere of Formula One,” said Kosinski. “The support from the racing community has been incredible.”

The production, which also counts F1 champion Lewis Hamilton among its producers, has been filming at races worldwide, including October’s Mexican Grand Prix. The cast includes Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies, with filming scheduled to continue through December’s Abu Dhabi race.

A July trailer showcased Pitt’s character discussing team engineering details and featured high-speed racing footage set to Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” The film represents Hollywood’s most ambitious attempt to capture the world of Formula One since Ron Howard’s “Rush” in 2013.

Former ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Star Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Kanye West

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Former ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Star Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Kanye West

Former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant Jenn An has filed a federal lawsuit against Kanye West, alleging the rapper sexually assaulted her during a 2010 music video shoot that she described as resembling a “porn set.”

The lawsuit, filed in New York federal court, claims West selected An from a lineup saying “Give me the Asian girl,” before subjecting her to violence during filming of the unreleased video for “In For the Kill,” a collaboration with La Roux. After being dressed in revealing lingerie, An alleges West told her “That’s why I chose you.”

According to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone, West allegedly choked An until she lost consciousness and forced his fingers down her throat to “emulate forced oral sex” while screaming “This is art. This is f**king art. I am like Picasso.” The assault allegedly lasted more than a minute.

“On camera, defendant West began to choke plaintiff with one hand. He then wrapped his other hand around her neck and continued to strangle her with both hands,” the lawsuit states. An claims “high-profile figures” attempted to “bury” the incident afterward. The final edit of the music video apparently includes neither An nor West.

The suit, which also names Universal Music Group as a defendant, follows October allegations from West’s former assistant Lauren Pisciotta, who claimed in a separate lawsuit that West turned his office into a “sexual playground” and that his wife Bianca Censori acted as a “sex party coordinator.” West has denied those claims as “baseless.”

Representatives for West did not immediately respond to requests for comment. La Roux reportedly told a friend she witnessed “upsetting, unsettling” behavior on the set, according to the lawsuit.

An appeared on cycle 13 of “America’s Next Top Model.” Pisciotta, who served as West’s Chief of Staff at Yeezy from 2021 to 2022, first sued the rapper in June, including allegations of rape and drugging at a party hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Iran Protests ‘Violent’ Arrest of Students by Russian Police in Kazan

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Iran Protests ‘Violent’ Arrest of Students by Russian Police in Kazan

Iran filed a formal protest with Moscow Saturday over what it called the “violent” and “inhumane” arrest of two Iranian students at Kazan Federal University, an incident threatening to strain relations between the typically close allies.

The students were arrested Friday at the university’s visa extension center after allegedly being subjected to “inhumane and unprofessional beating” by police, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, citing a consular statement. The students were released later that evening following intervention from Iranian diplomatic officials.

“A protest note” has been submitted to the Russian Foreign Ministry condemning the “violent treatment of the Iranian students by the police,” IRNA reported. Iran, one of Russia’s closest international partners, has demanded explanations for the incident.

Kazan police offered a different account, stating via Telegram that officers had “detained the instigators” of a physical altercation between students, without specifying nationalities. The regional Investigative Committee reported arresting two foreign nationals for allegedly “using violence against a representative of the authority.”

Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi has “repeatedly” followed up on the situation, according to Kazem Jalali, Tehran’s ambassador to Moscow, who posted updates on social media platform X. “Any sort of misbehavior with Iranian students” is unacceptable, Jalali wrote, demanding accountability from “the responsible Russian authorities.”

VOA

Israel Probes Hamas Claim of Female Hostage Death in Gaza Operations

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Israel Probes Hamas Claim of Female Hostage Death in Gaza Operations

Israel’s military launched an investigation Saturday into Hamas’s claim that a female hostage has been killed during Israeli operations in northern Gaza, as uncertainty surrounds the fate of dozens of remaining captives.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it cannot “verify or refute” the militant group’s announcement but confirmed its representatives are in contact with the unidentified woman’s family. “This evening the terrorist organization Hamas released a document in which a kidnapped woman is allegedly seen killed,” the military said in a statement.

Abu Ubeida, spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, said contact with the woman’s captors had been restored after weeks of silence, revealing her death. He added that a second female hostage held with her was injured and faces life-threatening conditions.

The development comes as Israeli authorities believe approximately 60 hostages remain alive in Gaza, with dozens more presumed dead. The hostages were among 251 people captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and triggered the current conflict.

Meanwhile, Israel continued military operations across Gaza Saturday. The territory’s Hamas-run health ministry reported approximately 120 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes over the past 48 hours, contributing to a total death toll of nearly 44,000 since the war began. More than 104,000 have been injured, according to the ministry.

Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, and numerous other nations, has previously used hostage negotiations to attempt to influence Israeli military operations and international opinion.

UK Government Signals Netanyahu Could Face Arrest Under ICC Warrant

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UK Government Signals Netanyahu Could Face Arrest Under ICC Warrant

The British government indicated Friday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would face arrest if he enters the United Kingdom, as officials acknowledged their legal obligations to enforce International Criminal Court warrants amid growing diplomatic tensions.

While Downing Street’s spokesman declined to comment directly on “hypotheticals,” he emphasized that the government “would fulfil its obligations under the act and indeed its legal obligations,” referring to the International Criminal Court Act 2001, which requires British authorities to execute ICC warrants.

The statement follows Thursday’s ICC issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The court simultaneously issued a warrant for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif regarding the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

“The government would always comply with its legal obligations as set out by domestic law and indeed international law,” the prime minister’s spokesman said, though he maintained the importance of continued dialogue with Israel, describing it as “a key partner across a range of areas.”

British Attorney General Lord Hermer had previously told the BBC he would provide “fearless legal advice” on any Netanyahu warrant, emphasizing that political considerations would not influence his conclusions. “It’s not for the attorney to dictate what a government chooses to do. The role of the attorney is to provide fearless legal advice as to what the law requires,” he said.

The warrants’ enforcement will vary among the ICC’s 124 member states, which exclude both Israel and the United States. President Joe Biden called the warrant against Netanyahu “outrageous,” while several European nations pledged to implement the court’s decision.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel criticized the ICC for drawing a “moral equivalence” between Israel’s actions in Gaza and the October 7 attacks, urging the government to “condemn and challenge” the decision. However, the Labour government has abandoned its predecessor’s plan to contest the ICC’s warrant-issuing authority.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking to the BBC, characterized the ICC’s decision as “the formalisation of an accusation, it is by no means a judgement,” while condemning restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Netanyahu has denounced the warrant as “antisemitic,” while Hamas welcomed the warrants against the Israeli leaders but made no comment regarding Deif’s warrant. Under UK law, arrest warrants must pass through Home Office verification before courts make final decisions on arrests and extraditions.

Trump Completes Cabinet With Agriculture Pick Brooke Rollins, Capping Controversial Selection Process

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Trump Completes Cabinet With Agriculture Pick Brooke Rollins, Capping Controversial Selection Process

President-elect Donald Trump completed his cabinet lineup Saturday by nominating Brooke Rollins, a longtime ally and head of the America First Policy Institute, as agriculture secretary, finalizing a selection process marked by controversy and unexpected withdrawals.

Brooke Rollins

“As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American Farmers, who are truly the backbone of our Country,” Trump announced in a statement, concluding a series of cabinet nominations that has reflected both his MAGA movement’s influence and willingness to embrace former critics.

Rollins, who would oversee the nation’s farm subsidies, nutrition programs, and food safety inspections if confirmed, brings agricultural roots to the position. Raised on a farm, she participated in Future Farmers of America and 4H before earning an agriculture development degree from Texas A&M University and later practicing law.

The nominee previously served in Trump’s first administration as director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council before co-founding the America First Policy Institute, a prominent right-wing think tank. Her role would be crucial in renegotiating the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade agreement, potentially implementing Trump’s promised tariffs.

bbc.com

The completion of Trump’s 15-member cabinet follows several controversial nominations and withdrawals. Former congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew his attorney general nomination amid sexual misconduct allegations, leading to former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s selection. Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faces scrutiny over newly revealed details of an alleged 2017 sexual assault, which he denies.

Robert Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead Health and Human Services has drawn particular attention, as the former environmental lawyer and vaccine skeptic switched from running against Trump as an independent to receiving the nomination after endorsing him. Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon’s selection as education secretary has sparked criticism over her lack of educational experience.

“Trump’s cabinet picks reflect both loyalty tests and his willingness to embrace controversial figures,” said political analyst Jane Smith of Georgetown University. “The question now is whether the Republican-controlled Senate will confirm all these nominees.”

All cabinet nominees require Senate confirmation, with hearings expected to begin when the new Congress convenes January 3. As agriculture secretary, Rollins would oversee a department crucial to Trump’s rural base and his promised America First trade policies.

Source: bbc.com

Hamas Claims Female Israeli Hostage Killed in Northern Gaza, Israel Unable to Verify

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Hamas Claims Female Israeli Hostage Killed in Northern Gaza, Israel Unable to Verify

Hamas’s military wing announced Saturday that a female Israeli hostage had been killed in northern Gaza during Israeli military operations, though Israeli authorities said they could not confirm the claim about one of the 97 captives still held in the territory.

Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’s Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said contact had been restored with the woman’s captors after weeks of silence, revealing her death in an area of active Israeli military operations. The statement did not identify the hostage or provide details about how or when she died, but warned that a second female captive’s life was also in danger.

“At this stage, we cannot confirm or refute it,” the Israeli military said in a statement, responding to footage Hamas released allegedly showing the deceased hostage. “Army representatives are in contact with her family and are keeping them updated with all available information.”

The announcement affects the count of ten female hostages, including five soldiers, previously believed alive in Gaza. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, a campaign group, emphasized it had no independent confirmation. “Nothing is known other than what Hamas is saying. Our only reliable source is the Israeli army,” the group told AFP.

Of 251 people taken captive during Hamas’s October 7 attack, 105 were freed during a November truce that saw Israel release 240 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli officials say 34 of the remaining 97 hostages are dead, as public pressure mounts on the government to secure another deal for the captives’ release.

The war, triggered by Hamas’s attack that killed 1,206 people in Israel, has resulted in 44,176 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures the United Nations considers reliable.

Tottenham Stuns Manchester City 4-0, Ends Champions’ Historic Home Streak

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Tottenham Stuns Manchester City 4-0, Ends Champions’ Historic Home Streak

Tottenham Hotspur delivered a crushing 4-0 victory over Manchester City Saturday, ending the champions’ remarkable 52-game unbeaten home run and inflicting an unprecedented fifth straight defeat on Pep Guardiola’s struggling side.

James Maddison celebrated his birthday with a masterful double, opening the scoring with a cushioned volley from Dejan Kulusevski’s cross before adding a delicate chip following a clever exchange with Son Heung-min. The goals highlighted City’s vulnerability, marking the fifth time in six home league games they’ve fallen behind.

Former City player Pedro Porro deepened the hosts’ misery after halftime, converting Dominic Solanke’s assist with clinical precision, before late substitutes Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson combined for a fourth goal in stoppage time to complete the rout.

“We’ve witnessed something extraordinary today,” Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said. “To come here and perform like this against the European champions shows our potential.”

City, clearly missing suspended Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, saw Erling Haaland denied multiple times by outstanding Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. The Norwegian striker hit the crossbar in a second-half assault that also saw Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish introduced as desperate measures.

The defeat marks City’s worst run under Guardiola and first home league loss since November 2022, leaving them trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by five points having played an extra game. A critical trip to Anfield looms next for the champions.

“This is unfamiliar territory for us,” Guardiola admitted. “We need to find solutions quickly before the gap becomes too large.”

Tottenham’s victory, sparked by Kulusevski’s man-of-the-match performance, lifts them to sixth place as they bounced back emphatically from their surprise midweek loss to Ipswich Town. Their makeshift center-back pairing of Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies proved remarkably resilient against City’s usually potent attack.

Israeli Strike Levels Massive Beirut Building, Killing 15 Amid Escalating Campaign Against Hezbollah

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Israeli Strike Levels Massive Beirut Building, Killing 15 Amid Escalating Campaign Against Hezbollah

A massive Israeli air strike destroyed an eight-story residential building in central Beirut early Saturday, killing at least 15 people and wounding more than 60 others, as Israel intensifies its campaign against Hezbollah despite ongoing peace negotiations.

The pre-dawn attack at 4:00 a.m. local time devastated the densely populated Basta district without warning, reportedly using a bunker-buster bomb, a weapon previously deployed to target senior Hezbollah leadership. Lebanese officials expect the death toll to rise as emergency workers sift through rubble and conduct DNA tests on recovered body parts.

“It was a very horrible explosion. All the windows and glasses were over me, my wife and my children. My home now is a battlefield,” said Ali Nassar, 55, whose nearby apartment was severely damaged. “Even if one person is hiding here… Should you destroy buildings where people are sleeping inside? Is it necessary to kill all the people for one person?”

Israeli media reported the strike targeted Mohammed Haydar, a senior Hezbollah official, though Hezbollah MP Amin Sherri denied any leadership presence in the building. The Israel Defense Forces has not commented on the operation, which came amid additional strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut’s Dahieh district and eastern Baalbek, where 15 others, including four children, were killed.

The escalation coincides with promising developments in U.S.-led peace negotiations. American envoy Amos Hochstein’s recent shuttle diplomacy between Lebanon and Israel has produced a draft agreement proposing a 60-day ceasefire and phased withdrawal of forces. The plan would see Israeli troops leave southern Lebanon while Hezbollah removes its presence, allowing Lebanese military reinforcements in the area.

However, key disagreements remain over withdrawal timelines and international monitoring mechanisms. Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem confirmed the group received the U.S. proposal and outlined conditions including “complete cessation of hostilities and preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty,” while warning of readiness for prolonged conflict.

The violence has killed more than 3,500 Lebanese and displaced over one million since late September, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel says its campaign aims to enable the return of 60,000 northern Israeli residents displaced by Hezbollah attacks.

Any deal would likely center on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war by requiring Hezbollah’s withdrawal from areas between the Blue Line border and Litani River. Israel maintains this was never fully implemented, while Lebanon cites Israeli military flights as violations.

bbc.com

Inter Milan Claims Serie A Lead With 5-0 First-Half Rout of Verona

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Inter Milan Claims Serie A Lead With 5-0 First-Half Rout of Verona

Inter Milan stormed to the Serie A summit Saturday with a devastating first-half performance, crushing Hellas Verona 5-0 at the Stadio Bentegodi to move two points clear at the top of the table.

Simone Inzaghi’s defending champions scored all five goals in a remarkable opening 45 minutes, led by Marcus Thuram’s double and a resurgent Joaquin Correa, who marked his return to prominence with his first Serie A goal in over two years and two assists.

Correa, who had played just 38 minutes this season before replacing flu-stricken captain Lautaro Martinez, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with an elegant chip following an exchange with Thuram. The 30-year-old Argentine went on to hit the woodwork twice and set up Thuram for the first of his two goals, both scored within three minutes after the French forward rounded Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo.

Defenders Stefan de Vrij and Yann Bisseck completed the first-half onslaught with unexpected strikes, the latter also assisted by Correa, prompting angry home supporters to jeer their team with chants demanding more effort.

“Correa showed his quality today when given the opportunity,” Inzaghi said. “To score five goals in one half away from home shows the team’s attacking potential, even without our captain.”

Inter’s leadership could prove brief, as Atalanta can claim top spot on goal difference with a win over promoted Parma in Saturday’s late match. The title race remains tight with Juventus facing AC Milan at the San Siro later Saturday, while defending champions Napoli host Roma Sunday in Claudio Ranieri’s return to top-flight management.

The defeat leaves Verona in growing danger, having lost nine of 13 league matches this season. The club sits 14th, just three points above the relegation zone.

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