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Vinicius Jr.’s Hat Trick Powers Real Madrid’s Stunning 5-2 Comeback Over Dortmund

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Vinicius Junior scored a spectacular hat trick as Real Madrid staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in Champions League action Tuesday, transforming halftime boos into jubilant cheers at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The reigning European champions found themselves in unfamiliar territory, trailing 2-0 at the break after Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 30th minute and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens added a second four minutes later. Bynoe-Gittens’ strike made him the youngest Englishman to score against Real Madrid in Champions League history.

“We know that when we are at home playing in front of our fans, anything can happen,” Vinicius Junior said afterward. “When we got to the locker room, we were all very quiet, we just listened to the coach and we said only one thing, that if we scored the first goal, we would rally and win, and we did it again.”

Madrid’s transformation began on the hour mark when Antonio Rudiger headed home Kylian Mbappe’s cross. Vinicius Junior equalized two minutes later, tapping into an empty net after a VAR review confirmed the goal was legitimate despite initial offside concerns.

Lucas Vazquez gave Madrid the lead with a precise finish from a tight angle before Vinicius Junior sealed the victory with two more goals, including a spectacular solo effort and a powerful strike into the top corner to complete his hat trick.

The victory, coming after Madrid’s 14-match unbeaten run in the competition was ended in their previous Champions League outing, moves the Spanish giants into ninth place with six points from three matches. Dortmund, despite the defeat, remains in fifth position.

The Brazilian forward’s masterclass performance further strengthens his position as favorite for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, scheduled to be awarded later this month.

Before the comeback, Madrid had squandered several opportunities to get back into the match, with Jude Bellingham heading straight at Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel from close range, while both Rodrygo and Bellingham struck the woodwork during a frantic first-half finale.

TV Personality Bianca Gascoigne Accuses Former Harrods Owner Al Fayed of Sexual Assault

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Television personality Bianca Gascoigne has come forward with allegations that former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed sexually assaulted her when she worked at the luxury department store as a teenager, adding to mounting accusations against the late businessman.

Gascoigne, 37, the adopted daughter of former England footballer Paul Gascoigne, told Sky News she was 16 when Al Fayed allegedly groomed and sexually assaulted her during her employment at Harrods. Her accusations come as the store confirms more than 250 women have entered its process to settle compensation claims for historical sexual misconduct allegations against Al Fayed.

In a detailed account, Gascoigne described how Al Fayed initially presented himself as “charming” and “personable,” bringing gifts to her family and positioning himself as a father figure by criticizing her own father’s behavior. “He used to tell me how much of a bad father my dad was, because he used to come into the store drunk,” she said. “He used to tell me that he was an embarrassment, that I should look to him as a father figure.”

Gascoigne, who began as a shop floor worker before being promoted to fashion buyer, alleged Al Fayed would grope her and force her to kiss her during weekly meetings. She detailed one particularly disturbing incident at the Harrods Park Lane apartment, where she says Al Fayed appeared unexpectedly and sexually assaulted her.

“He came in, and then he sat me down on the sofa and was obviously very forceful with the touching and the kissing,” Gascoigne said. “He got his privates out and got my hand and was trying to manoeuvre it on his parts, and when that didn’t work, he was trying to force my head on his lap.”

The TV personality said she remained silent for years, fearing “embarrassment and shame” and potential job loss after Al Fayed allegedly threatened her employment if she spoke out. She said even her parents were unaware of the alleged abuse.

Gascoigne’s decision to come forward was prompted by other victims sharing their stories through a recent BBC documentary and podcast, “Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods.” The investigation featured testimony from more than 20 former female employees and alleged that Harrods helped cover up abuse allegations during Al Fayed’s ownership.

The Justice for Harrods Survivors group, representing Al Fayed’s accusers, praised Gascoigne’s courage in coming forward. Harrods’ current owners have expressed being “utterly appalled” by the allegations, offering a sincere apology to victims they acknowledge were failed by the institution.

Al Fayed, who died last year at 94, owned Harrods, the Ritz Paris hotel, and Fulham FC during the period of many alleged attacks. Many accusers say they felt unable to report incidents until recently.

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Charged in Sex Trafficking Operation

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Federal prosecutors charged former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries and his partner Tuesday with operating an international sex trafficking operation that allegedly used the executive’s wealth and corporate influence to exploit vulnerable men.

Authorities arrested Jeffries, 80, his partner Matthew Smith, 61, and their alleged recruiter James Jacobson, 71, on charges involving what prosecutors described as a “violent and exploitive” sexual enterprise. Following a court appearance, Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, while Jacobson was released on $500,000 bond. Smith was ordered detained.

Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, alleged Jeffries leveraged his position as A&F chief executive to “traffic men for his own sexual pleasure” and Smith’s gratification. The operation reportedly involved a sophisticated network of recruiters targeting men worldwide.

Prosecutors claim Jacobson conducted “tryouts” with potential victims, engaging them in paid sexual acts for Jeffries’ approval. Approved men were then allegedly flown to Jeffries’ New York residence where they were “pressured to consume alcohol, Viagra, and muscle relaxants.” The indictment cites 15 victims but suggests “dozens and dozens of men” were involved.

The investigation, initially sparked by BBC reporting, revealed allegations that Jeffries and Smith personally or through others “injected men with an erection inducing substance” when victims were unwilling or unable to participate. Prosecutors say Jeffries spent millions maintaining the operation’s secrecy through international travel, hotel stays, and paid staff.

Brad Edwards, a civil attorney representing alleged victims, called the arrests “a huge first step towards obtaining justice” following what he termed “unprecedented reporting of the BBC.” A civil lawsuit filed in New York also accuses Jeffries and Smith of sex trafficking, rape, and sexual assault, while claiming A&F funded the operation during Jeffries’ tenure as CEO.

The BBC’s investigation interviewed 12 men who described attending or organizing events between 2009 and 2015. Some alleged they were misled about the nature of the gatherings or enticed with promises of modeling opportunities with A&F. David Bradberry, then 23, told the BBC the operation “was like he was selling fame. And the price was compliance.”

Jeffries’ attorney said they would “respond in detail to the allegations after the Indictment is unsealed.” Jacobson previously denied through counsel any “coercive, deceptive or forceful behaviour.” A&F declined to comment on the arrests.

Jeffries left A&F in 2014 with a retirement package valued at approximately $25 million following declining sales and controversies over discrimination claims and lavish expenses. The company says its current leadership was unaware of the allegations until contacted by the BBC and “abhors sexual abuse.”

The defendants are scheduled to appear in court again Friday. If convicted, they face potential life sentences for the sex trafficking charges.

Air New Zealand Flight Diverts to Melbourne Over Disruptive Passenger

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An Air New Zealand flight from Perth to Auckland made an unscheduled landing in Melbourne Wednesday morning after a passenger became disruptive, marking the carrier’s second security incident in less than a week.

Police officers met the aircraft upon its arrival in Melbourne. The flight resumed its journey to Auckland following a 90-minute delay, according to an airline statement. Details about the nature of the disruption were not disclosed.

“Our crew managed the incident well, but incidents like this are distressing for our customers and our people and we have zero tolerance for this sort of behavior on our aircraft,” said David Morgan, an airline spokesperson.

The diversion follows a separate security incident last week when another Air New Zealand flight was held on the Sydney airport tarmac for two hours after arrival. Local media reported that incident involved a bomb threat, though Australian Federal Police later stated there was “no threat to the community.”

Israel Claims Strike Killed Hezbollah Leader-in-Waiting Amid Regional Tensions

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People watch a building collapse after being hit by an Israeli airstrike in Ghobeiri, Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

Israel announced Tuesday that an airstrike outside Beirut earlier this month killed Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah official widely expected to succeed the militant group’s leader, who was killed in an Israeli strike last month.

People watch a building collapse after being hit by an Israeli airstrike in Ghobeiri, Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

The claim comes amid intensifying regional tensions, with fresh Israeli airstrikes hitting Beirut suburbs Tuesday and Secretary of State Antony Blinken conducting his eleventh diplomatic visit to the region since the Israel-Hamas war began.

Hezbollah has not confirmed Safieddine’s death. Israeli officials say the strike that killed him also eliminated 25 other Hezbollah leaders, part of a campaign that has reportedly decimated the group’s leadership structure in recent months.

The announcement follows Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza last week. During his visit Tuesday, Blinken urged Israeli leaders to “capitalize” on Sinwar’s death as an opportunity to end the Gaza conflict and secure the release of hostages while emphasizing the need for increased humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Tuesday’s violence escalated when Israeli forces struck a Beirut suburb, destroying a building they claimed housed Hezbollah facilities. The strike occurred just 40 minutes after Israel issued evacuation warnings and near where a Hezbollah spokesperson had briefed journalists about a weekend drone attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s house.

People watch a building collapse after being hit by an Israeli airstrike in Ghobeiri, Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif claimed responsibility for Saturday’s drone strike on Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea, though Israeli officials said neither the prime minister nor his wife were present during the attack.

The militant group also launched a barrage of rockets into central Israel Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens near populated areas and the international airport, though no injuries or damage were reported.

Netanyahu’s office characterized his meeting with Blinken, which lasted over two hours, as “friendly and productive.” The diplomatic discussions occurred against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions, with Israel conducting strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon while facing rocket attacks on its territory.

Judge Orders Giuliani to Surrender NYC Apartment, Luxury Items to Georgia Election Workers

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A federal judge ordered Rudy Giuliani Tuesday to surrender his Manhattan apartment and numerous luxury possessions to two Georgia election workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him for spreading false claims about their role in the 2020 presidential election.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan directed Giuliani to relinquish within seven days his apartment, valued at more than $5 million, along with 26 luxury watches and various collectibles, including a 1980 Mercedes-Benz formerly owned by actress Lauren Bacall.

The ruling benefits Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, who successfully sued Giuliani over false ballot fraud accusations that they said led to death threats. The judgment stems from Giuliani’s role in promoting Donald Trump’s claims about the 2020 election being stolen.

The court order includes Giuliani’s claim to approximately $2 million he says Trump’s 2020 campaign owes him for legal services. Also ordered surrendered are signed memorabilia from Yankees legends Joe DiMaggio and Reggie Jackson, a signed Yankee Stadium picture, a diamond ring, and costume jewelry.

Judge Liman rejected Giuliani’s request to keep a watch inherited from his grandfather, noting he failed to prove it was worth less than $1,000 to qualify for exemption. “No man should be permitted to live at the same time in luxury and in debt,” Liman wrote, citing New York statute.

However, the judge temporarily excluded Giuliani’s Florida condominium and three New York Yankees World Series rings from the asset transfer, as these items are subject to other legal proceedings. The Florida property, worth over $3 million, faces a separate hearing on October 28, with Giuliani claiming it as his primary residence.

The World Series rings’ ownership is contested by Giuliani’s son Andrew, who claims his father gifted him four championship rings from 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000 in 2018, when the elder Giuliani served as New York City mayor.

“We are proud that our clients will finally begin to receive some of the compensation to which they are entitled for Giuliani’s actions,” said Aaron Nathan, attorney for Freeman and Moss. “This outcome should send a powerful message that there is a price to pay for those who choose to intentionally spread disinformation.”

Giuliani’s lawyers, Kenneth Caruso and David Labkowski, indicated plans to appeal, stating, “When the judgment is reversed in the Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., these Plaintiffs will be required to return all this property to Mr. Giuliani.”

The former New York mayor has not paid any portion of the judgment to date. His attempt to halt collection through bankruptcy was dismissed in July after a judge cited his “uncooperative conduct” and failure to disclose income sources.

The judge authorized Freeman and Moss to proceed with liquidating the transferred assets “quickly,” rejecting Giuliani’s request to delay sales until his appeal concludes.

Russian Crew Feared Dead After Plane Downed in Sudan Conflict Zone

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Russia’s embassy in Sudan is investigating reports that a cargo plane carrying Russian crew members was shot down in the war-torn Darfur region, amid conflicting claims about the aircraft’s mission and the circumstances of its downing.

The Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76 was reportedly carrying equipment and medicine to the army-held city of el-Fasher when it crashed, according to Sudanese military sources. The Sudan Tribune news website reports all crew members, including three Sudanese nationals and two Russians, were killed in the incident, though this remains unverified.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been battling Sudan’s army since April 2023, claimed Monday it had downed a Russian-made aircraft, though it initially identified it as an Egyptian-operated Antonov accused of bombing civilians. Egypt has repeatedly denied providing military support to Sudan’s army during the 18-month conflict.

Video footage circulating from the alleged crash site shows RSF soldiers displaying what appear to be Russian passports and identification cards near plane wreckage. The paramilitary group claims to have recovered the aircraft’s black box and mission-related documents.

The crash site is reportedly located in the Malha area near the Chad border, en route to el-Fasher – the last army-controlled city in western Darfur, which has been under RSF siege since April. Some reports suggest a technical malfunction may have caused the crash, while others indicate the plane might have been mistakenly targeted.

Adding to the complexity, documents seen in the footage reportedly link the aircraft to an airline previously connected to the United Arab Emirates, which faces allegations of arming the RSF. The UN has cited credible evidence of UAE involvement, though the country denies these claims.

The incident occurs against the backdrop of what UN Special Envoy Tom Perriello estimates as 150,000 deaths since the conflict began. The UN reports over 10 million people – approximately one-fifth of Sudan’s population – have been displaced.

Fighting has recently intensified around Khartoum, where the RSF maintains primary control despite increased military airstrikes in the city’s center and southern areas. Recent diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between the warring parties have failed to make progress.

The Russian embassy in Khartoum says it is coordinating with Sudan’s military-led government to gather more information about the crash and confirm the fate of those aboard.

Kenya Deports Four Turkish Refugees Despite Rights Concerns

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Kenya announced Monday it has deported four Turkish refugees following an extradition request from Ankara, despite warnings from human rights organizations about potential persecution upon their return.

The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs defended the Friday deportation, citing strong diplomatic relations with Turkey and assurances from Turkish authorities that the deportees “will be treated with dignity in keeping with national and international law.”

Amnesty International had voiced opposition to the deportation on Saturday, warning that the individuals could face “serious human rights violations” in Turkey. The organization expressed “growing concerns about the safety of all refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya.”

The identities of the deported individuals and Turkey’s reasons for seeking their extradition were not disclosed in Kenya’s official statement. Kenya emphasized its ongoing commitment to protecting its refugee population, which includes approximately 780,000 people, predominantly from neighboring Somalia.

Spain Rescues Over 230 Migrants from Single Boat Near Canary Islands

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Spanish coastguards rescued 231 migrants from a single wooden vessel off the Canary Islands on Sunday, marking the largest such rescue operation near Gran Canaria this year, authorities reported.

The rescued group included fourteen women and three children, all discovered aboard a precarious wooden boat near Gran Canaria’s main port. Coastguard vessels towed the migrant boat to safety after spotting it in nearby waters.

The operation highlights the growing pressure on the Atlantic migration route to Spain’s Canary Islands. Government data shows 32,878 migrants attempted the hazardous journey from West Africa between January and October 15 this year, representing a 39.7% increase from the same period in 2023.

A child is carried by an emergency team member after being rescued from a boat in the port in La Restinga on the Canary Island of El Hierro, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. Emergency services on Spain’s Canary Islands say 175 migrants have arrived in a boat on the Canary Island of El Hierro on Sunday, after a seven-day sailing from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)

While the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands has experienced the fastest growth in irregular migration in recent years, officials note that overall numbers remain below those recorded on the Central Mediterranean route toward Italy.

Tunisia’s Saied Begins Second Term Amid Democratic Concerns

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President Kais Saied took the oath of office Monday for his second term as Tunisia’s leader, following a sweeping electoral victory amid concerns over democratic regression and a continued crackdown on opposition figures.

The 66-year-old former law professor, who secured 90.7% of the vote, used his inauguration speech to call for a “cultural revolution” in Tunisia, focusing on unemployment, terrorism, and corruption. Addressing parliament, Saied declared, “The aim is to build a country where everyone can live in dignity.”

The inauguration comes after a turbulent first term marked by significant changes to Tunisia’s post-Arab Spring political landscape. Saied suspended parliament, rewrote the constitution, and orchestrated the arrest of dozens of critics across politics, media, business, and civil society sectors.

Election officials announce Tunisian president and candidate for re-election Kais Saied as the winner of the presidential elections, in the capital Tunis, Tunisia, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Anis Mili)

In his address, Saied struck a combative tone against perceived enemies, promising to target “thieves and traitors on the payroll of foreigners.” He blamed “counterrevolutionary forces” for impeding economic progress during his first term.

“The task was not easy. The dangers were great,” Saied told lawmakers. “The arms of the old regime were like vipers circulating everywhere. We could hear them hissing, even if we couldn’t see them.”

The president has justified his actions as necessary measures against corruption and state enemies, appealing to Tunisians disillusioned with the country’s direction since the 2011 uprising that ousted longtime ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Despite Saied’s proclaimed commitment to protecting freedoms, his inauguration ceremony highlighted ongoing tensions with the press. Many journalists were barred from covering the event, prompting the National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists to issue a strong rebuke, condemning “the ongoing blackout policy and restrictions on journalistic work.”

The restrictions on media access underscore broader concerns about democratic backsliding in Tunisia, once hailed as the Arab Spring’s lone success story. Saied’s consolidation of power and crackdown on opposition have raised alarms among democracy advocates both domestically and internationally.

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