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Victoria Beckham Opens Up About Her Relationship with Son Brooklyn Amid Estrangement Rumors

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Victoria Beckham recently addressed the ongoing rift with her eldest son, Brooklyn, emphasizing that she and her husband, David Beckham, have consistently aimed to “protect and love our children.”

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the former Spice Girl shared her thoughts about the situation.

Though the publication notes that she refrains from mentioning Brooklyn by name, the 51-year-old mother of four has, for the first time, openly discussed their strained relationship.

“I believe we’ve always tried to be the best parents we can be,” she stated. “We love our children deeply.”

She continued, “Having been in the public eye for over 30 years, we’ve always strived to shield our children with love. That’s really all I wish to express about the matter.”

Brooklyn, 27, cut ties with his family in a scathing social media statement in January, declaring he has no plans to reconcile with his famous parents and accusing them of ‘controlling him for most of his life’. 

Victoria Beckham has spoken out on the family's estrangement from eldest son Brooklyn Beckham

Victoria Beckham has spoken out on the family’s estrangement from eldest son Brooklyn Beckham 

The Spice Girl was asked about her relationship with Brooklyn in a new interview with the Wall Street Journal. Above, Brooklyn and Victoria in 2019

The Spice Girl was asked about her relationship with Brooklyn in a new interview with the Wall Street Journal. Above, Brooklyn and Victoria in 2019

Victoria was also asked about whether she feels ‘remorse’ about bringing her family, including her four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, and Harper, 14, as well as her parents, into the public spotlight. 

‘I wouldn’t say it comes with guilt, I’d say that there was a lot of adjusting from my mum and dad, when all of a sudden there were paparazzi outside their house,’ she replied. ‘We’ve really taken our families on this ride with us’.

David and Victoria haven’t spoken to Brooklyn since last May, when he and his wife Nicola Peltz snubbed the former footballer’s 50th birthday celebrations. 

Brooklyn and Nicola’s lawyers wrote to the Beckhams’ legal team demanding that they only converse through them. 

Shortly before Christmas, Brooklyn blocked his parents on Instagram, and in January, he posted a brutal, bombshell six-page letter on the social media platform.

He claimed David and Victoria controlled him for most of his life, tried to split him and Nicola up and left him embarrassed when his mother danced ‘inappropriately’ with him during his first dance at his wedding. 

Speaking about all four of her children earlier in the interview, Victoria added that ‘being a parent of young adult children and adult children, gosh, I mean, it’s very different from having little children’. 

‘I think that we’re trying to do the best we can,’ adding that the negative press in the past three months has not affected her fashion and beauty business. 

‘I think that ultimately people are buying my product because the product is really good. I don’t think they’re buying my eyeliner just because it’s me,’ she said. 

Whilst the magazine says 'she does not reply with his name,' the mother of four, 51, for the first time has spoken directly about their ongoing feud

Whilst the magazine says ‘she does not reply with his name,’ the mother of four, 51, for the first time has spoken directly about their ongoing feud

Brooklyn cut ties with his family in a scathing social media statement in January, declaring he has no plans to reconcile with his famous parents. Above, with his wife, Nicola Peltz

Brooklyn cut ties with his family in a scathing social media statement in January, declaring he has no plans to reconcile with his famous parents. Above, with his wife, Nicola Peltz 

Earlier this month, Brooklyn appeared to take a swipe at his estranged family in his gushing four-year anniversary card to his wife Nicola.  

The aspiring chef, 27, has made his feelings clear yet again with a defiant anniversary message to wife Nicola, where he said they ‘have been through so much together but are stronger than ever’. 

The 2022 Florida wedding was once again thrust into the spotlight earlier this year when Brooklyn insisted he wanted no further contact with his family in a bombshell statement.

He claimed his mother had cancelled making Nicola’s dress at the last minute, ‘hijacked’ the first dance, and ‘danced inappropriately’ on him. 

On his Instagram Story on Friday, Brooklyn shared a card he had sent to Nicola which read: ‘Happy 4 year anniversary baby I love you with all my heart. 

‘We have been though so much together but today we are stronger than ever and you are my best friend.

‘I can’t wait to grow old together with you. Love you so much x.’

'I think that we've always - we love our children so much,' Victoria said. 'We've always tried to be the best parents that we can be'

‘I think that we’ve always – we love our children so much,’ Victoria said. ‘We’ve always tried to be the best parents that we can be’

Victoria was also asked about whether she feels 'remorse' about bringing her family, including her four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, and Harper, 14, into the public spotlight

Victoria was also asked about whether she feels ‘remorse’ about bringing her family, including her four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, and Harper, 14, into the public spotlight

Brooklyn captioned his Instagram Story: ‘Happy anniversary @nicolaannepeltzbeckham x love you with all my heart. Can’t wait to stay young with you xx love you so much x.’ 

It comes just days after Brooklyn appeared to take another ‘swipe’ at his estranged family as he showed off his brand new tattoo tribute to Nicola. 

In a new post, promoting the new baby-sized bottle of his hot sauce, Cloud 23, Brooklyn posed with his left hand resting on his wife’s chest.

The new inking was clearly visible and read: ‘Our little bubble.’

Brooklyn previously used those words to describe his home with Nicola in the US after relocating from the UK to be with her. 

He was asked if the move was a difficult one. 

He said: ‘No, because I’m marrying my best friend, so we kind of have our own little bubble together now and it’s just really nice.’ 

'I wouldn¿t say it comes with guilt, I¿d say that there was a lot of adjusting from my mum and dad,' she replied

‘I wouldn’t say it comes with guilt, I’d say that there was a lot of adjusting from my mum and dad,’ she replied

In her interview with the WSJ, Victoria gushed about her pride for her youngest son, Cruz, and his success with his band. 

Cruz and his group, The Breakers, recently wrapped up their debut tour with three nights at the Courtyard Theatre in London, and for their first gig at the venue, the frontman’s parents, Victoria and David, were both in the audience along with his older brother Romeo. 

It was an emotional evening, as gig-goers reported that Cruz was ‘overcome’ whilst performing a song rumoured to be about Brooklyn. 

Cruz’s London set included his band’s track Loneliest Boy, which features the lyrics: ‘Loneliest boy, mama don’t talk too much, it’s breaking her heart.’   

A concert-goer told The Daily Mirror: ‘At one point during the song, he seemed overcome with emotion as his bandmate put his arm around his shoulder and affectionately ruffled his hair.’ 

Fans have been left convinced the scathing lyrics are about Brooklyn’s widening estrangement from his family. 

Loneliest Boy’s lyrics also say: ‘It shows in the small things that you don’t do, I guess in the end that it’s you, yourself, and you. Tell me how do you live, when you’ve got nobody to lose?’

'I think that we're trying to do the best we can', adding that the negative press in the past three months has not affected her fashion and beauty business

‘I think that we’re trying to do the best we can’, adding that the negative press in the past three months has not affected her fashion and beauty business

The song goes on: ‘Loneliest boy, place all your bets on him, To find something bad in somebody good, he always does, Loneliest boy, I hope that you’re listening, Don’t push all your friends away, when we’re tryna show you love.’

Elsewhere, the chorus reads: ‘So tell me you’re scared, and that you need someone to hold. Cause you’re in the room but really, does it even show?

‘But, why can’t they see that you’re a million miles away, they’ll never know, when you look so close.’ 

Brooklyn dealt another blow to his devastated parents as he failed to mention Victoria on Mother’s Day, though he praised his mother-in-law on social media.

Taking to Instagram, Brooklyn shared a photo of himself alongside Claudia Heffner Peltz and Nicola, with the accompanying caption: ‘Happy birthday to the best mother-in-law. Love u so much and hope u had the most amazing day.’

With Claudia’s birthday falling on March 12 – three days earlier – it seemed a particularly calculated move. 

Brooklyn Beckham’s statement in full

I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private. Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed.

I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life. For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family. The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into.

Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they’ll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out.

My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn’t stopped. My mum cancelled making Nicola’s dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress. 

Weeks before our big day, my parents repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe me into signing away the rights to my name, which would have affected me, my wife, and our future children.

They were adamant on me signing before my wedding date because then the terms of the deal would be initiated. My holdout affected the payday, and they have never treated me the same since. 

During the wedding planning, my mum went so far as to call me “evil” because Nicola and I chose to include my Nanny Sandra, and Nicola’s Naunni at our table, because they both didn’t have their husbands. Both of our parents had their own tables equally adjacent to ours.

The night before our wedding, members of my family told me that Nicola was “not blood” and “not family.” Since the moment I started standing up for myself with my family, I’ve received endless attacks from my parents, both privately and publicly, that were sent to the press on their orders.

Even my brothers were sent to attack me on social media, before they ultimately blocked me out of nowhere this last Summer. 

My mum hijacked my first dance with my wife, which had been planned weeks in advance to a romantic love song. In front of our 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage, where in the schedule was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife but instead my mum was waiting to dance with me instead. 

She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone. I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life. We wanted to renew our vows so we could create new memories of our wedding day that bring us joy and happiness, not anxiety and embarrassment.

My wife has been consistently disrespected by my family, no matter how hard we’ve tried to come together as one. My mum has repeatedly invited women from my past into our lives in ways that were clearly intended to make us both uncomfortable.

Despite this, we still travelled to London for my dad’s birthday and were rejected for a week as we waited in our hotel room trying to plan quality time with him. He refused all of our attempts, unless it was at his big birthday party with a hundred guests and cameras at every corner.

When he finally agreed to see me, it was under the condition that Nicola wasn’t invited. It was a slap in the face. Later, when my family travelled to LA, they refused to see me at all.

My family values public promotion and endorsements above all else. Brand Beckham comes first. Family “love” is decided by how much you post on social media, or how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo opp, even if it’s at the expense of our professional obligations.

We’ve gone out of our way for years to show up and support at every fashion show, every party, and every press activity to show ‘our perfect family.’ But the one time my wife asked for my mum’s support to save displaced dogs during the LA fires, my mum refused.

The narrative that my wife controls me is completely backwards. I have been controlled by my parents for most of my life. I grew up with overwhelming anxiety. For the first time in my life, since stepping away from my family, that anxiety has disappeared.

I wake up every morning grateful for the life I chose, and have found peace and relief. My wife and I do not want a life shaped by image, press, or manipulation. All we want peace, privacy and happiness for us and our future family.

Doomsday Test Screenings Generate Buzz with Striking Audience Reactions

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The premiere of “Avengers: Doomsday” is drawing near, and early reports from a test screening suggest this film could mark a significant comeback for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Curious about the early chatter? Be sure to watch Looper’s video above for an in-depth look at the initial reactions.

Attendees of the exclusive preview shared that Marvel representatives were thrilled with the feedback. Remarkably, the movie received ratings comparable to “Avengers: Infinity War,” a promising sign for fans hoping for a revival of the MCU’s magic.

According to some viewers, “Doomsday” might be Anthony and Joe Russo’s finest Marvel film to date. Such acclaim is noteworthy, considering the duo also directed “Avengers: Infinity War” and the blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame,” which ranks as the second-highest grossing movie of all time and holds a top spot on Rotten Tomatoes within the MCU.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is indeed hungry for a substantial win. Although “Deadpool & Wolverine” performed well, films like “Thunderbolts” and “Captain America: Brave New World” have not met expectations, becoming some of the lowest earners at the box office for Marvel. The sheer volume of content seems to have overwhelmed casual fans, leading to waning interest. The addition of numerous interconnected Disney+ series has arguably stretched the brand thin, complicating the overarching storyline.

While “Avengers: Doomsday” will still require some familiarity with Marvel’s TV shows, there’s a noticeable shift towards fewer releases. Phase 6 of the MCU will feature less than a dozen projects in total. This includes four films—alongside “Doomsday,” there’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” and “Avengers: Secret Wars”—and six TV series. But can this focus on quality over quantity reignite the MCU’s spark? Don’t forget to check out the video above to see why “Avengers: Doomsday” might be the turning point for Marvel.

Some attendees have reportedly said that “Doomsday” is Anthony and Joe Russo’s best Marvel movie yet. That’s very high praise considering the brothers directed both “Avengers: Infinity War” and the box office smash “Avengers: Endgame,” which is not only second-highest grossing film of all time but also the second-highest rated MCU movie on Rotten Tomatoes 

Can Avengers: Doomsday put the MCU back on top?

Make no mistake — the Marvel Cinematic Universe is in desperate need of a big win. While “Deadpool & Wolverine” was a hit, the likes of “Thunderbolts*” and “Captain America: Brave New World” underperformed, with both among the lowest-grossing MCU films at the box office so far. Part of the issue is that there’s simply too much content for casual viewers to consume, which has seemingly led to diminishing interest in MCU projects. The release of a whole bunch of Disney+ shows which interconnect with the movie universe has arguably diluted the brand and made following the overarching plot difficult.

Yes, “Avengers: Doomsday” will still expect you to have some knowledge of Marvel’s TV shows, but there’s been a notable scaling back in terms of overall output. Phase 6 of the MCU will be made up of less than a dozen projects in total. There will only be four feature films (on top of “Doomsday,” there’s the already-released “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” as well as the upcoming “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “Avengers: Secret Wars”), and six TV shows. But will quality triumph over reduced quantity? Remember to watch the video above to find out why “Avengers: Doomsday” might just snap the MCU back into action.



Shocking Verdict: Husband of Lynette Hooker Released After Overboard Incident

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The husband of Lynette Hooker, who has mysteriously vanished, has made a heartfelt public declaration, pledging to continue his relentless search for her. As the circumstances of her disappearance become increasingly enigmatic, he is determined to keep the case in the public eye by sharing new insights and his unwavering resolve to uncover the truth. Legal expert Nancy Grace delves into the latest twists in the case, evaluating the evidence and speculating on potential future developments in this active investigation.

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Revitalize Your Walking Endurance Post-60 with These 5 Effective Chair Exercises, Outpacing Traditional Treadmill Workouts

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For individuals over 60 looking to enhance walking endurance, the decline is often less about age itself and more about the reduced efficiency of muscle coordination. While many opt for treadmills due to their repetitive nature, they might not always be the best solution for regaining the strength and coordination essential for prolonged walks. As a trainer with years of experience guiding clients through this stage, I’ve observed that the most rapid improvements stem from specific exercises aimed at fortifying the legs and reinforcing controlled, repeatable movement patterns.

Chair exercises emerge as an ideal foundation for this purpose. They offer a low-impact, supportive environment that boosts confidence and prioritizes muscle engagement without the concerns of balance or fatigue from extended standing. With the body supported, movements become more controlled, gradually leading to stronger and more efficient motion.

Consistency is another crucial element in this process. Engaging in short, daily sessions that target the legs and core tends to be more effective than sporadic, lengthy workouts. Regularly stimulating these muscle groups encourages them to better support walking strides, thereby improving endurance.

Chair exercises provide the perfect starting point. They reduce impact, improve confidence, and allow you to focus on muscle engagement without worrying about balance or fatigue from standing too long. When the body feels supported, you can move with better control, and that control leads to stronger, more efficient movement over time.

Another key factor involves consistency. Short, daily sessions that activate the legs and core outperform longer, occasional workouts. When those muscles receive regular stimulation, they begin to support your walking stride more effectively, which leads to better endurance.

The following exercises target the muscles used in walking: quads, hips, calves, and core. While also improving coordination and control. Sit tall, move steadily, and focus on smooth, consistent movement.

Seated March With Hold

This movement closely mimics the mechanics of walking while keeping the body supported. I use it often because it trains the hip flexors and upper legs to lift and control each step without relying on momentum. That control becomes essential for improving walking endurance.

Lifting one knee at a time forces the core and legs to work together. Holding briefly at the top increases time under tension and strengthens the muscles responsible for lifting the leg during each step. Over time, this translates directly into a smoother, more efficient walking pattern.

How to Do It

  • Sit tall with feet flat
  • Lift one knee toward your chest
  • Hold for 2–3 seconds
  • Lower slowly
  • Alternate legs continuously

Seated Leg Extensions With Tempo

This exercise strengthens the quadriceps, which play a major role in supporting each step you take. I include it frequently because stronger quads help reduce fatigue and improve stability during longer walks.

Extending the leg and lowering it slowly keeps the muscle under tension throughout the movement. That controlled effort builds endurance and strength at the same time. Over time, this helps the legs handle longer periods of walking without tiring as quickly.

How to Do It

  • Sit upright with feet flat
  • Extend one leg forward
  • Lower slowly over 3–4 seconds
  • Keep your core tight
  • Alternate legs.

Seated Heel Raises

The calves play a crucial role in pushing the body forward during walking. I’ve seen many clients struggle with endurance simply because their calves fatigue too quickly. That’s why this exercise remains a staple, it rebuilds that push-off strength.

Raising your heels while seated allows you to focus entirely on the contraction. Holding briefly at the top increases intensity, while lowering slowly keeps the muscles engaged. Over time, this improves walking efficiency and reduces fatigue.

How to Do It

  • Sit tall with feet flat
  • Lift your heels off the ground
  • Hold briefly at the top
  • Lower slowly
  • Repeat steadily.

Seated Knee Extensions With Hold and Flex

This variation increases intensity by adding a hold and muscle contraction at the top. I use it because it strengthens the legs while improving muscle control, both key factors in walking endurance.

Extending the leg and tightening the thigh at the top forces the muscle to stay fully engaged. That sustained contraction builds endurance and improves the muscle’s ability to handle repeated effort. Over time, this leads to stronger, more reliable movement.

How to Do It

  • Sit upright with feet flat
  • Extend one leg forward
  • Tighten the thigh at the top
  • Hold for 2–3 seconds
  • Lower slowly and alternate.

Seated Toe Taps

This final movement improves coordination and rhythm, both of which play a major role in walking efficiency. I often finish routines with this exercise because it ties together strength and timing.

Tapping your toes in an alternating pattern keeps the legs moving continuously. This builds endurance while reinforcing a steady pace. Over time, this helps improve walking rhythm and reduces fatigue during longer periods of movement.

How to Do It

  • Sit tall with heels on the ground
  • Lift one toe at a time
  • Alternate quickly but with control
  • Keep your core engaged
  • Continue steadily.

Starmer’s Security Vetting Controversy: Unveiling the Overruled Decision for US Ambassador Role

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Keir Starmer is currently navigating a new controversy involving Peter Mandelson, amid reports that the peer did not initially pass security vetting for his role as the US ambassador.

Mandelson, a key figure in New Labour’s development, reportedly faced a setback in January 2025 when he was initially denied developed vetting clearance, just weeks following the Prime Minister’s formal announcement of his appointment.

As reported by the Guardian, the Foreign Office intervened by invoking a seldom-used authority to override the security officials’ recommendation.

Despite Parliament’s demand for the government to disclose documents related to the vetting process, the information regarding Mandelson’s initial clearance denial had not been previously made public.

Starmer has previously stated that Mandelson underwent ‘security vetting, carried out independently by the security services, which is an intensive exercise that gave him clearance for the role.’

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: ‘Last September, Keir Starmer told Parliament three times that ”full due process” was followed over the appointment of Lord Mandelson. 

‘We now know the Prime Minister misled the House. The Prime Minister must take responsibility.’ 

Mandelson is said to have been initially denied clearance in January 2025 - weeks after the PM had officially announced his appointment

Mandelson is said to have been initially denied clearance in January 2025 – weeks after the PM had officially announced his appointment 

Keir Starmer is facing a fresh Mandelson storm today amid claims the peer failed security vetting before becoming US ambassador

Keir Starmer is facing a fresh Mandelson storm today amid claims the peer failed security vetting before becoming US ambassador

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Sir Keir 'misled the House' over Mandelson's vetting process

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Sir Keir ‘misled the House’ over Mandelson’s vetting process

A three-page 'due diligence' report supplied to Sir Keir on December 11, 2024 flagged the ties between Mandelson and Epstein

A three-page ‘due diligence’ report supplied to Sir Keir on December 11, 2024 flagged the ties between Mandelson and Epstein

The claims risk reviving the furore that already came close to exploding Sir Keir’s premiership in February.

Labour MPs have been up in arms that Mandelson was given the key job despite long-standing ties to Epstein.

The Guardian cited multiple sources for the claim, and it is not known whether the PM was aware his pick for ambassador had not been approved by the UKSV agency. 

It is also not clear who in the Foreign Office made the apparent decision to overrule UKSV, or whether Mandelson himself knew of the issue. 

Olly Robbins is believed to have been the permanent secretary at the time, while Deputy PM David Lammy was Foreign Secretary. 

In another potentially incendiary claim, the Guardian said senior Government officials have been considering whether to withhold documents about the refusal from Parliament. 

Labour MPs rebelled to insist on the publication of a huge range of material about the process, and the cross-party Intelligence and Security Committee is meant to be having the final say on what is too sensitive for publication. 

At an event in East Sussex on February 5, Sir Keir said: ‘There was a due diligence exercise that culminated in questions being asked because I wanted to know the answer to certain issues.

‘That’s why those questions were asked. The answer to those questions were not truthful.

‘There was then, I should add, security vetting carried out independently by the security services, which is an intensive exercise that gave him clearance for the role, and you have to go through that before you take up the post.

‘Clearly, both the due diligence and the security vetting need to be looked at again.

‘I’ve already strengthened the due process. I think we need to look at the security vetting because it now transpires that what was being said was not true. And had I known then, what I know now, I’d never have appointed him in the first place.’

On September 16 last year, Yvette Cooper – by then Foreign Secretary – and Sir Olly wrote to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in response to questions about the vetting.

‘Peter Mandelson’s security vetting was conducted to the usual standard set for developed vetting in line with established Cabinet Office policy,’ the letter said.

However, it did not mention that UKSV had initially refused clearance. 

It previously emerged that Sir Keir did not speak to Mandelson personally before appointing him as US ambassador.

The PM is said to have left his aides to ask questions about his ties to Epstein.

That was despite being presented with evidence that their friendship had continued after the financier was jailed.

National security adviser Jonathan Powell also expressed misgivings during the process.

However, Sir Keir went ahead, after apparently agreeing with chief of staff Morgan McSweeney on three questions that Mandelson needed to be asked.

Mr McSweeney resigned in February saying he took full responsibility for the appointment going ahead. 

Mandelson was arrested on February 23 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, having been accused of passing sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary under Gordon Brown.

He was subsequently bailed, but later handed his passport back and freed under investigation. He has denied any criminal wrongdoing or acting for personal gain.

A toxic timeline

1999 The year that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor said he first met Jeffrey Epstein, introduced by Ghislaine Maxwell. He visited Epstein’s private island in February.

2002 An article in New York Magazine said Lord Mandelson attended a party at Epstein’s Manhattan home alongside Donald Trump. First emails in the Epstein files between Mandelson and Epstein begin, when he wrote a memo encouraging Tony Blair to meet Epstein.

2003 Mandelson wrote a message to Epstein describing him as his ‘best pal’. Bank statements appear to show that from 2003 to 2004 Epstein paid £54,750 into accounts of which Mandelson was believed to be a beneficiary.

2006 As police in Florida suggest Epstein should be charged with four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, Lord Mandelson tells him: ‘I am here whenever you need.’

2008 Epstein is sentenced to 18 months in prison. Mandelson urges him in an email to ‘fight for early release’.

2009 Mandelson stays at Epstein’s Manhattan apartment while the paedophile is in jail, an internal report by JP Morgan bank suggests.

Epstein is released in July. Two months later, he sent Mandelson’s now husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva £10,000. On June 13 the files suggest Mandelson leaked Epstein a sensitive No10 document proposing £20billion of asset sales and revealed Labour’s tax policy plans.

2010 Files suggest Mandelson forwarded minutes of a meeting between chancellor Alistair Darling and US treasury secretary Larry Summers five minutes after he received them. On May 9, he appears to give Epstein notice of a €500billion euro bailout by the EU.

2013 The last known time that Mandelson visited Epstein at his New York mansion.

2016 Documents show Mandelson remained in contact with Epstein until at least 2016.

2019 Epstein, arrested on sex trafficking charges, is found dead in his cell. In November, Andrew gives his Newsnight interview.

2022 Maxwell is jailed for 20 years in February after being convicted for her role in helping to lure and groom underage girls for Epstein to abuse.

December 2024 Keir Starmer announces he is appointing Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. 

February 2025: Mandelson takes up his post as the UK’s envoy in Washington.

September 2025: Mandelson is sacked from the job as Sir Keir accuses him of not being up-front about his links to Epstein. 

2026 – Mandelson is arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has denied wrongdoing. It comes after he resigned from the House of Lords and was booted out of the Privy Council. 

New Study Reveals Vaping Poses Cancer Risk, But Less Than Smoking

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Researchers have found that vaping can contribute to the development of cancer, though it still poses less risk than smoking traditional cigarettes.

In the UK, over 5.5 million people currently use e-cigarettes, which have been widely regarded as a safer option compared to smoking. These devices have been promoted by health authorities as part of efforts to reduce smoking rates.

In a notable move in 2023, the Conservative government announced plans to distribute vapes to more than one million citizens as part of their anti-smoking initiatives.

However, emerging research indicates that these colorful and often sweetly flavored vapes may not be as harmless as initially believed. The potential health risks associated with vaping are becoming a growing concern.

But a growing body of research suggests vapes – in all their brightly coloured and sweetly flavoured varieties – may not be as risk-free as once thought. 

The latest review from researchers at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand found that vaping may raise the risk of a range of cancers, including of the nose and lung.

Analysing chemicals produced when vape liquid is heated, as well as their effect on the body, the team found that ‘vaping presents an unquantifiable cancer risk’.

As cancers can take 15 years or more to develop after exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, however, they added that it could take ‘many years’ to determine just how large that risk is.

Vaping is likely to cause cancer but not as much as cigarettes, researchers have claimed

Vaping is likely to cause cancer but not as much as cigarettes, researchers have claimed

While vapes do not contain tar, carbon monoxide or many of the other potentially hazardous chemicals found in cigarettes, studies have found low levels of toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer, as well as small metal particles, in the devices.

Studies have also shown that people who vape are more likely than non-vapers to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD – a chronic lung condition that which can trigger organ failure. 

Vaping is still safer than smoking cigarettes, and can be an effective tool for giving up smoking, concluded the authors of the recent paper, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal. 

However, they added, it’s ‘difficult to identify any benefit of vaping for its own sake’.

Ian Shaw, a professor in physical and chemical sciences at the University of Canterbury and the study’s lead author, said: ‘Vaping for its own sake adds to life’s cancer risks and is therefore unacceptable’.

He added: ‘It will take many years to collect clinical data to determine whether vaping causes cancer because it takes at least 15-years for cancers to develop after exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

‘In our paper, we used knowledge of the chemistry of the vaping process to determine the chemical composition of ‘vape smoke’ and then assessed the carcinogenic risk of each of the ‘vape smoke’ chemicals from published animal and other toxicity studies. 

‘From this, we predicted the cancer risk to vapers based on the published levels of these chemicals in ‘vape smoke’ and concluded that vaping presents a cancer risk.

‘However, it is likely that the vaping cancer risk is lower than the cigarette smoking cancer risk. 

‘Therefore, using vaping for smoking cessation is acceptable because this will lower the overall cancer risk, but vaping for its own sake adds to life’s cancer risks and is therefore unacceptable.’

Around 5.4 million Britons aged over 16 are believed to currently vape – more than the number who now smoke cigarettes. 

The NHS say vaping is ‘less harmful’ than smoking and is ‘also one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking’.

However, they add: ‘Vaping is not completely harmless and we don’t know yet what the long-term effects may be.’

The study compared levels of harmful chemicals inhaled from cigarette smoke and vapes.

It found cigarettes usually produce much higher amounts of acrolein – a toxic irritant linked to lung and heart damage – and acetaldehyde, a chemical associated with cancer risk, meaning smokers are exposed to larger doses of these substances. 

Formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing chemical, was found at similar levels between cigarettes and vaping, while propionaldehyde was also found at similar levels.

Overall, the findings suggest vaping may expose users to lower levels of some toxic chemicals than smoking, but it does not remove exposure completely.

Experts commenting on the findings said the research was important in highlighting that vaping is not risk-free.

Andrew Waa, co-director of ASPIRE Aotearoa tobacco control research centre at the University of Otago, said: ‘For people who smoke, vapes may help them to quit their nicotine addiction completely or at least switch to vapes. 

‘However, simply because vapes are available, a proportion of those who ‘switch’ might have otherwise quit their addiction. In this case they may be exposed to more harm.’

George Laking, assicuate professor at Te Aka Mātauranga Matepukupu Centre for Cancer Research, University of Auckland, called the report was ‘refreshing’.

He added: ‘The main problem with vaping nicotine in my view is that it is addictive and this in turn is allowed to be profitable. I worry that physical hazards of vaping can be a distraction from the underlying cycle of addiction and profit. 

‘Any work that puts hazards of vaping into context will raise the level of the public conversation.

‘I became interested in vaping because of my work as an oncologist for lung cancer, that remains overwhelmingly caused by smoking cigarettes, that are still many times more dangerous than vaping.’

The new research comes just weeks after researchers in Sydney, Australia, found that vaping was linked to mouth and lung cancer.

After analysing the available literature into the potential harms of vaping that were published between 2017 and 2025, they concluded that vaping is not risk free.

The most concerning studies, they noted, are the ones that show that vaping can cause changes to a user’s DNA, increasing the risk of cell malfunction linked to cancer. 

They said vapes cause tissue damage to the respiratory tract, which has been linked to the development of lung cancer, and it also causes changes to the oral microbiome. This drives inflammation and increases the risk of oral cancer.

The risks, they found, are highest for those who smoke both traditional cigarettes and use vapes, approximately half of the smoking population; the toxic combination increases their risk of lung cancer four-fold.

Tragic End: Former Virginia Lt. Governor Involved in Heartbreaking Murder-Suicide in Annandale

In a tragic turn of events in Fairfax County, Virginia, authorities believe that a former Lieutenant Governor of the state, Justin Fairfax, shot and killed his wife, Cerina Fairfax, on Thursday morning. The grim discovery unfolded after one of their teenage children reportedly made a distress call to 911, according to police reports.

Brian Pontarelli Takes Legal Action Against Alleged Affair Partner

Rulla Pontarelli‘s spouse, Brian Pontarelli, initiated legal action against his purported lover, Beth Walker, on Monday, accusing her of breaching a contract.

RHORI Star Rulla Pontarelli's Husband Brian Sues Alleged Mistress for Breach of Contract After She Seemingly Shares and Deletes Video of Them

Credit: Noam Galai/Bravo

Beth, who works as a medical aesthetician, allegedly shared a collection of photos and videos that appeared to feature or allude to Brian, their alleged 2 1/2-year affair, and the show The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. In response, Brian submitted legal documents, asserting that Beth violated a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) she was reportedly required to sign.

The announcement was made by Mr. Housewives on Instagram on April 15, where he posted a snapshot of Brian’s court filing from April 13 at the Providence/Bristol County Superior Court.

Mr. Housewives also highlighted some of Beth’s earlier posts, noting that at least two have since been removed.

RHORI Brian Pontarelli Sues Alleged Mistress Beth Warren for Breach of Contract

Mr. Housewives also gave a nod to Beth’s past posts, at least two of which have been deleted.

In one now-deleted IG post shared in March, Beth hinted that she and Brian had been involved in a “2 ½ year relationship” as she featured a foot emoji that seemed to confirm she was talking about the foot surgeon.

In another post from March in which she was out for drinks, a bartender was heard asking, “What’s the drink, Brian?,” before a man gave his order.

“If the drink looks good…it’s getting posted,” Beth had written in the caption of the also-deleted video, again including the foot emoji.

In other IG posts, Beth seemed to refer to Brian as “a monster” and tagged Bravo in an apparent effort to get the network’s attention.

The Real Housewives of Rhode Island season one airs Sundays at 9/8c on Bravo.

Lauryn Hill and Her Children Shine in Latest Denim Tears Campaign

Lauryn Hill and her children are taking the spotlight in a new high-profile fashion campaign.

The iconic singer partners with several of her children for the Spring/Summer 2026 collection from Denim Tears, offering a rare glimpse into her family life as part of a significant brand launch.

The campaign showcases Hill alongside her children—Selah Marley, YG Marley, Sara Marley, John Nesta Marley, and Micah Hill.

Captured in striking black-and-white photography, the images present Hill and her family in a minimalist setting, allowing the denim apparel to be the focal point.

The eagerly anticipated collection will be available online starting April 17 at 11 a.m. ET. Additionally, early access will be granted in-store beginning April 16 at African Diaspora Goods in New York and at the brand’s Atlanta residency at Lenox Square.

Hill has six children in all. She shares five children with Rohan Marley — Zion, Joshua, John, Selah, and Sara . She welcomed her youngest son, Micah, in 2021.

Her experience as a young mother, particularly during the height of her career, became a defining part of her story and inspired her song “To Zion,”.

Photos: @liammacrae @justinsarinana

In a 1999 interview with The Guardian, she said, “That song is about the revelation that my son was to me. I had always made decisions for other people, making everybody else happy, and once I had him that was really the first decision that was unpopular for me…And it was the best decision that I could have ever made because I’m the happiest and healthiest that I have ever been.”

Hill continues to balance her career with motherhood. She recently returned to Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, for the 2nd Annual gMAC Harlem Renaissance Fashion Show, where her daughter Sara Marley took on a hosting role. The event raised funds for scholarships, college visits, and academic enrichment.

“This was a wonderful event,” Hill said after the show.

She then introduced her daughter, adding, “This is my daughter, Sara Marley, for those who don’t know. She was a wonderful, fabulous host. This was a wonderful event. We should have done this every year!”

Judge Unseals ATF Report in Assassination Case of Charlie Kirk Involving Tyler Robinson

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The Utah judge presiding over the case against Tyler Robinson, the alleged would-be assassin of Charlie Kirk, has released a ballistics report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. While the report couldn’t definitively link a bullet fragment to the suspected firearm, it did confirm a match with a spent casing, adding another layer to the investigation.

Prosecutors have presented evidence indicating that DNA matching Robinson’s was found on the gun, a towel, and three of the four bullets, further implicating him in the crime.

Although the findings of the report were previously discussed in court, the newly available document offers additional insights. It details the examination of a “deformed/damaged” bullet jacket fragment along with four pieces of lead, contributing further evidence to the ongoing case.

The tested material includes a “deformed/damaged” piece of the bullet jacket as well as four lead fragments.

Tyler Robinson wearing shirt and tie in court and Charlie Kirk wearing Freedom T-shirt at event

Tyler Robinson, left, is accused of fatally shooting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, right, at a public speaking event at Utah Valley University in September. (Bethany Baker/Reuters)

It was attached, in part, as an exhibit alongside a defense motion filed under seal on Jan. 9, asking the judge to block the government from further testing until a defense expert had a chance to examine and photograph the evidence.

Judge Tony Graf ruled that there was no basis to keep the filing classified, finding that it did not contain any “private or inflammatory information.”

An appendix to the ATF report explained that “inconclusive” findings mean that was “an examiner’s opinion that there is an insufficient quality and/or quantity of individual characteristics to identify or exclude.”

Two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation told Fox News last month that the reason the ATF was unable to match the bullet to the rifle is because when the bullet impacted Kirk’s body it hit bone and broke on impact. 

Experts said this is not uncommon.

Read the filing:

“It is not a win for the defense,” said retired FBI supervisory agent Jason Pack. “It is simply a gap the prosecution is now working to address by bringing in the FBI with more advanced technology.”

Ballistics are rarely the only piece of evidence in a homicide case, he added. And the inconclusive finding only applied to the fragment, not the casing or the rifle found near the scene.

“The defense here is doing exactly what good defense lawyers are supposed to do, protecting their client’s ability to challenge evidence before it gets further altered,” Pack told Fox News Digital. “That is not a sign the prosecution’s case is weak.”

The ATF also examined a .30-06 cartridge case that investigators wrote “was identified as having been fired in the Exhibit 1 rifle.” That’s the suspected murder weapon, Robinson’s Mauser.

“We are a long way from trial, and the public should pump the brakes before drawing big conclusions from a single pre-trial motion about a single bullet fragment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​,” Pack added.

Roof barrier of Loose Center at Utah Valley University where alleged assassin took fatal shot at Charlie Kirk

Area where Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin took the fatal shot from the roof of Losee Center at UVU. (Stepheny Price/Fox News Digital)

Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in September 2025. He allegedly climbed to a rooftop across the courtyard from where Kirk was speaking and fired a single shot from his grandfather’s Mauser rifle.

Gruesome video shows the bullet struck Kirk in the neck in front of a crowd of roughly 3,000 people. He died from the injury.

An aerial view of Utah Valley University campus showing marked locations of Tyler Robinson's suspected movements

An approximation of the suspected movements of Tyler Robinson, Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin, based on court documents, video from the scene and conversations with law enforcement. (Fox News Digital)

Prosecutors have said campus police found marks left behind on the gravel rooftop moments after the shooting “consistent with a sniper having lain [there] — impressions in the gravel potentially left by the elbows, knees and feet of a person in a prone shooting position.”

Police recovered the rifle wrapped in a blanket in a patch of woods near campus. And prosecutors have said that text messages between Robinson and his romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, allegedly discuss wanting to retrieve the rifle.

Kathryn Nester exiting Utah County District Court in Provo

Kathryn Nester exits Utah County District Court in Provo, Utah on Monday, September 29, 2025. Nester is representing Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. (Alec Thornock/Fox News Digital)

“Stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet,” Robinson allegedly wrote in the hours after the murder. “Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still.”

Twiggs is cooperating with investigators and has not been charged with a crime.

Robinson is due in court Friday for a hearing on his motion to exclude news cameras from future proceedings.

He could face the death penalty if convicted of the top charge against him, aggravated murder.

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