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Students Break Silence After Republican’s Post Shamed Them

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Students Break Silence After Republican’s Post Shamed Them

Two University of Texas at Austin students have spoken out after a Republican candidate singled out a crowd at a college football game and drew racist online attacks over their skin tone.

Hundreds of UT Austin students became targets of ridicule online after Bo French, the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, shared a photo of the group on his X account on Sunday.

The image captured students celebrating as UT Austin’s football team secured a fourth-quarter victory over the top-ranked Ohio State University.

But the celebratory moment was quickly engulfed in racist commentary after French claimed that Texas “institutions have been overrun by illegal aliens and foreign nationals.”

“Like body-cams exposed criminals, social media is exposing how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners. It’s everywhere and far worse than any of us could imagine,” he wrote.

Two students visible in the photograph, 21-year-olds Dhairya Gupta and Rahul Kodali, are American citizens, they told The Dallas Morning News.

Gupta appears in the picture smiling and making the “Hook ’em” hand sign associated with the university. Beside him was Kodali, his friend since their freshman year, who looked stunned.

“It was just us having some enjoyment,” Gupta, a computer science major, told The Morning News. “And now it’s just people being blatantly racist toward us.”

Rahul Kodali (pictured) and his friend, Dhairya Gupta, both 21 and American citizens, were pictured at a UT Austin game cheering for their team. 'Whether or not we are immigrants, that doesn’t change anything,' Kodali said

Rahul Kodali (pictured) and his friend, Dhairya Gupta, are both 21-year-old American citizens who were photographed cheering at a UT Austin game. “Whether or not we are immigrants, that doesn’t change anything,” Kodali said.

Bo French, who is running for public office, criticized the UT Austin student section on Sunday, saying US institutions have been 'overrun by illegal aliens and foreign nationals'

Bo French, a candidate for public office, criticized the UT Austin student section on Sunday, claiming that US institutions have been “overrun by illegal aliens and foreign nationals.”

‘Whether or not we are immigrants, that doesn’t change anything,’ Kodali, who also majors in computer science, told the outlet. ‘I’ve been an American my entire life.’ 

Kodali was born in Syracuse, New York, before his family moved to Dallas when he was young. He graduated from a Texas high school and receives in-state tuition at UT Austin. 

Gupta gained his US citizenship in childhood after his family immigrated from India when he was five. 

‘I’m going to the games because I like the team,’ Kodali said. ‘I’m not doing it for this old noble cause.’ 

‘We have a different color in our skin, we might speak different languages, but at the end of the day, all of us are still going to the same university,’ Gupta told the outlet.  ‘We’re still standing behind the same team.’ 

UT Austin has a very diverse student body of 44,000, with 30 percent being white, 28 percent being Hispanic and 26 percent being Asian, US News & World Report said. 

The school is home to less than 6,000 foreign students, according to the school’s website, which is 4.3 percent of the student body. 

The school requires that 90 percent of each incoming class be made up of Texas residents. Ten percent are international or out-of-state residents. 

Two students in the photo French (pictured) shared hit back, saying they're American citizens and that people are being 'blatantly racist toward us' since the post

Two students in the photo French (pictured) shared hit back, saying they’re American citizens and that people are being ‘blatantly racist toward us’ since the post

And any student who graduates in the top five percent of their high school class is automatically admitted into the school, in accordance with the state law. The law requires anyone in the top 10 percent be auto-admitted, but UT Austin has been authorized to lower the threshold to the top five percent. 

UT Austin President Jim Davis wrote on X: ‘Our students are exceptional. All of them are Longhorns.’  

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Kevin P Eltife, Chairman of the UT System Board of Regents also reiterated this, writing on X: ‘When I stood on the sidelines at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday night and looked up at the seats filled with incredible fans, I saw Longhorns. 

‘It’s the same remarkable view I have at graduation ceremonies and anytime I’m on campus. I’m proud to celebrate all our Longhorn students today and every day. Thank you for making us proud.’

Since French made the post, several Republicans throughout the Lone Star State immediately urged him to delete the post, including Senator John Cornyn, who called on others to denounce it. 

He argued in his own post that French’s rhetoric threatened the future of the GOP.

‘This is the Republican nominee for statewide office. Are other Republican elected officials going to condemn the intolerance or racism, or look the other way while it becomes normalized,’ wrote Cornyn, whose 23-year run in the Senate is coming to an end after he suffered a primary loss to Attorney General Ken Paxton.

‘This is how great political parties self-destruct,’ he continued, calling it ‘sad.’

UT Austin is required to have 90 percent of incoming classes being Texas residents, with 10 percent being out-of-state and international students

UT Austin is required to have 90 percent of incoming classes being Texas residents, with 10 percent being out-of-state and international students

Jared Patterson, a state representative from Austin, also declared that the post is ‘racist.’

‘It is wrong. And I condemn it without reservation,’ Patterson said. 

‘There is absolutely nothing Christian or conservative about looking at a crowd of young Texans at a college football game, seeing the color of their skin and declaring that they are a “problem,”‘ he wrote, arguing: ‘These are 20-year-old kids cheering for their university – not political props and not targets for racial attacks.’

Patterson then went on to note that the Texas Railroad Commission only regulates the state’s oil and gas industry and does not set federal immigration policy.

‘Texans deserve Railroad Commissioners focused on the responsibilities of that office – not using a statewide campaign as a platform for racial division.

‘This does not represent my Christian faith. It does not represent my conservative principles. And it does not represent the Republican Party I believe in,’ he continued.

‘We should be willing to call racism wrong no matter who says it, what party they belong to or how politically inconvenient it may be,’ Patterson concluded. ‘This is wrong and I want no part of it.’

Many others called on French to delete the post.

However, the wannabe politician doubled down on Monday on The Mark Davis Show, saying Americans should be considered before international students at schools. 

UT Austin President Jim Davis wrote on X: 'Our students are exceptional. All of them are Longhorns'

UT Austin President Jim Davis wrote on X: ‘Our students are exceptional. All of them are Longhorns’

‘The problem, as I see it, is that there are, and I think a lot of people would agree with this, that too many of our institutions are prioritizing people who are not Americans,’ he said. 

‘It’s not racist to point out that we should be favoring Texans over foreigners.’ 

The Daily Mail has reached out to the University of Texas at Austin, Gupta, Kodali, and French for comment. 

Cheerleader Addilyn Smith, 11, Medicated Before Mom Killed Her

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Cheerleader Addilyn Smith, 11, Medicated Before Mom Killed Her

New details have surfaced in the death of 11-year-old Addilyn Smith, who authorities say was killed by her mother, Tawnia McGeehan.

Smith, a cheerleader, was allegedly “very medicated” before her death in a Las Vegas hotel room, according to a Clark County coroner’s investigative report obtained by Oxygen.

The allegation was included in notes found on a desk at the Rio Hotel & Casino in February, where McGeehan and her daughter died in what investigators described as a murder-suicide.

According to Smith’s toxicology report, her blood contained four medications: the antipsychotic quetiapine, the antihistamine diphenhydramine, the anticonvulsant gabapentin and the benzodiazepine lorazepam.

McGeehan’s toxicology results also indicated the presence of sedatives and antidepressants, as well as a presumptive detection of cannabinoids.

The coroner’s report said investigators found prescription medication bottles in the room, along with an open package of THC cannabis gummies and over-the-counter sleep aids.

The Utah mother and daughter had traveled to Nevada for a competition involving Smith’s cheerleading team. After they failed to appear and did not respond at the hotel door, Smith’s father called 911 and requested a welfare check.

Smith’s cheerleading coach provided dispatchers with the same information and said McGeehan did not have full custody of Smith, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

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The coach later called again, warning that Smith could be in “imminent danger” and telling dispatchers, “Her mom has a bunch of medical issues.”

Police responded, but no one came to the door. Hotel security later entered the room and found McGeehan with a handgun across her chest and Smith unresponsive in bed.

According to the report, a handwritten note was taped to a chair near the door that read, “Call 911 before walking in. Two dead bodies and one is an 11-year-old.”  

“Based on the preliminary evidence at the scene,” police said, “detectives were able to determine the mother shot her daughter before shooting herself.”

The records obtained by Oxygen also revealed Smith’s manner of death was homicide. McGeehan’s had been previously ruled a suicide.  

McGeehan and her ex-husband had battled for custody of Smith, according to court records obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, although it’s unclear what their arrangement was at the time of the deaths.

Is Porridge Really the Healthiest Breakfast? What Nutrition Experts Say

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Is Porridge Really the Healthiest Breakfast? What Nutrition Experts Say

Porridge has long carried the title of breakfast of champions. But does it really deserve its reputation as the best way to begin the day?

Growing research suggests it might. Scientists say this humble cereal could deliver more health benefits than many people realise.

US researchers have found that eating a large bowl of oats each day may lower cholesterol by 10 per cent in as little as six weeks.

The findings offer encouragement to the millions of people living with high cholesterol, a harmful fatty build-up in the arteries and a major contributor to heart attacks in the UK. Around two-thirds of those affected do not know they are at risk.

Experts say even modest cholesterol reductions can help lower the likelihood of heart attacks, stroke and dementia.

The key is a naturally occurring soluble fibre in oats, which helps prevent the gut from absorbing as much cholesterol in the first place.

Still, porridge is not everybody’s idea of a satisfying breakfast. Its gloopy texture and mild flavour mean plenty of people would rather skip it altogether.

Can other breakfast staples provide similar cholesterol-lowering benefits without the gloop? Here, we ask leading nutritionist Rob Hobson to rank some of Britain’s most popular breakfasts… 

Porridge has been hailed for its wide range of benefits including slashing cholesterol

Porridge is widely praised for its range of health benefits, including its potential to lower cholesterol.

Porridge

Per 300g bowl made with whole milk and water: 216 calories, 6.9g sugar, 4.8g fat, 4.2g fibre, 10g protein 

It’s widely known to be the healthier alternative to sugary cereals – and for good reason.

One bowl contains a seventh of your daily fibre needs – vital for preventing bowel cancer – as well as two eggs’ worth of protein, which will boost muscle growth and prevent hunger pangs before lunch.

But the star of the show is beta-glucan, a soluble fibre found naturally in oats. 

‘Porridge is probably the best breakfast you can have if you’re specifically trying to lower cholesterol,’ Mr Hobson says.

‘Beta-glucan helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. A single bowl of porridge containing around half of the daily amount needed to lower so-called bad cholesterol.’ 

The recent US study, published in the journal Nutrients, found that porridge eaters had fewer of the small cholesterol particles thought to be particularly damaging to arteries. 

However, if it’s fibre you’re looking to boost, some cereals have surprisingly higher doses. And Mr Hobson says a bowl of porridge can quickly become calorific with toppings like banana, nuts and syrups – so keep it simple. 

Verdict: 5/5 

Beans on Toast 

Per two slices of buttered wholemeal toast and half a tin of baked beans: 340 calories, 10g sugar, 4g saturated fat, 11g fibre, 15g protein, 1.5g salt

Baked beans are a great source of both filling protein and fibre (more than porridge) – essential for muscle growth and gut health. 

‘I think beans on toast is really underrated as a cholesterol-friendly breakfast,’ Mr Hobson says. 

They are also packed full of B vitamins, which help release energy steadily throughout the day, and are a great source of iron which is crucial for brain function. 

‘The beans are rich in fibre, including soluble fibre, and research suggests eating pulses regularly can lead to modest reductions in LDL cholesterol.

‘If you put them on wholegrain toast, you’re getting even more fibre. 

‘They do contain some sugar and salt, but some of the sweetness comes naturally from the tomatoes.

‘I wouldn’t let that distract from the fact that they’re still a lot more nutritious than a lot of other breakfast options.’

Mr Hobson added that opting for low-sugar baked beans can cut the sugar count in half.

Verdict: 5/5

Weetabix is another great choice, and the perfect base for yoghurt, berries and seeds, nutritionist Rob Hobson says

Weetabix is another great choice, and the perfect base for yoghurt, berries and seeds, nutritionist Rob Hobson says 

Weetabix 

Per two biscuits served with semi-skimmed milk: 136 calories, 6.5g sugar, 3.8g fibre, 5.3g protein, 1.7g saturated fat,  0.2g salt 

It’s long been seen as one of the healthier choices in the cereal aisle, and nutritionists say its simple ingredient list is a major plus.

Despite porridge’s reputation as the fibre king of breakfast, Weetabix actually contains slightly more fibre gram-for-gram, helping aid digestion. 

And with just 1.7g of sugar before milk is added, Weetabix is also a good low-sugar option, compared to some other cereals available. 

However, the mistake most people make is assuming Weetabix works like porridge and other slow-release breakfasts, when in reality, the way it is processed means it is digested more quickly than many people expect. 

While it can be a great option for those who find it hard to hit fibre targets, it won’t necessarily help you feel fuller for longer, Mr Hobson says. 

‘Weetabix may not have the same specific cholesterol-lowering effect that we associate with the beta-glucan in oats, but it can definitely fit into a gut-friendly diet,’ Mr Hobson says. 

There’s also about half the protein as porridge, which further explains why it won’t leave you particularly satisfied. 

But the cereal is fortified with iron and B vitamins, including folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, which Mr Hobson says is a huge plus.  

Verdict: 4/5 

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Full English 

Per a breakfast consisting of two sausages, two rashers of bacon, one fried egg, two slices of buttered toast, 100g baked beans, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms: 700-850 calories, 3g sugar, 11g saturated fat, 12g fibre, 38g protein, 3.8g salt

Contrary to popular belief, there is such thing as a healthy full English breakfast – consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, beans and mushrooms.

But the key is enjoying it as an occasional treat, rather than a daily ritual. 

With more than three times the protein of a bowl of porridge, a full English is excellent for keeping hunger at bay, while providing key nutrients including iron, B vitamins and choline, which is important for brain health. 

However, unlike porridge, a traditional fry-up is comparatively low in cholesterol-lowering beta-glucan fibre and considerably higher in saturated fat, as well as calories.

A full English supplies around half of the daily fat limit, which could be harmful for heart health.

Too much can contribute to raised cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Processed meats have also been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer, thought to be responsible for around 5,400 bowel cancer cases in the UK each year. 

‘A traditional full English is probably the weakest option on this list, particularly if it’s heavy on sausages, bacon, butter and fried foods,’ Mr Hobson says. 

‘These can make the meal relatively high in saturated fat, which can send cholesterol levels skyrocketing. Bacon and sausages are also processed meats, which we generally want to limit.’ 

Currently, up to 90 per cent of bacon sold in the UK is thought to contain nitrites, a preservative that has been linked to bowel, breast and prostate cancers.  

‘You could make a much more heart-friendly version by keeping the beans, tomatoes and mushrooms, adding wholegrain toast, grilling rather than frying, and having poached eggs with just one portion of sausage or bacon rather than piling on several processed meats,’ says Mr Hobson.

Verdict: 2/5

Muesli 

Per 80g serving of muesli with semi-skimmed milk: 300 calories, 12g sugar, 1.5g saturated fat, 6g fibre, 10g protein, 0.1g salt 

Not all mueslis are created equal, experts say.

A typical bowl contains more fibre than porridge, along with a mix of nuts and seeds that provide heart-healthy, unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids.

With 10g of protein and around a quarter of an adult’s daily fibre needs, it is also likely to keep hunger at bay throughout the morning. 

‘Muesli can be a great choice, but there can be quite a lot of variation between products,’ Mr Hobson says.

The biggest benefit is that many mueslis combine several cholesterol-friendly ingredients in one bowl. 

Oats provide beta-glucan, while nuts and seeds contribute unsaturated fats that can help support heart health. 

‘A simple muesli based on oats and other wholegrains with nuts, seeds and dried fruit ticks a lot of boxes for cholesterol such as fibre, beta-glucan from the oats and unsaturated fats from the nuts and seeds,’ Mr Hobson says. 

However, unlike porridge, many mueslis contain significant amounts of dried fruit, which can drive up the sugar content. 

Recommended portions of some premium brands – such as Eat Natural’s gluten-free buckwheat version and Waitrose’s Essential no added sugar fruit and nut muesli – contain nearly 20g of sugar, despite health-conscious claims. 

That’s almost two-thirds of the NHS’s recommended maximum daily sugar intake for adults. 

‘I’d look for one without lots of added sugar or sweet ingredients like chocolate and with a decent proportion of oats, nuts and seeds,’ Mr Hobson says. 

Verdict: 3.5/5

Greek yogurt with fruit 

Per 170g full-fat Greek yogurt with 80g mixed berries: 160 calories, 8g sugar, 3g saturated fat, 4g fibre, 17g protein 

It has become the breakfast of choice among calorie counters and gym-goers alike, and nutritionists say plain Greek yogurt is one of the healthiest ways to start the day. 

It’s rich in calcium – an essential nutrient for growing and ageing bodies – and packed full of gut-healthy bacteria that has been linked to a reduced risk of bowel cancer. 

A typical bowl packs almost twice as much protein as porridge, helping keep hunger at bay throughout the morning and supporting muscle maintenance and growth. 

The caveat is that the type of yogurt we eat really matters, with the full-fat options often being the best choice.

‘I’d choose a plain yoghurt and add plenty of fruit for fibre,’ Mr Hobson says. 

‘If lowering cholesterol is the goal, you could make it work harder by adding toasted oats, or a healthy granola for heart-healthy beta-glucan, plus a handful of nuts or seeds for unsaturated fats and extra fibre.’

Research has shown that yogurt, including full-fat varieties – normally associated with raising bad cholesterol – appears to have a broadly neutral effect on blood cholesterol.

‘This is partly due to what’s known as the dairy matrix, which is the way fat sits alongside protein, calcium and other components in the structure of food. 

‘I’d be much more focused on choosing a plain yoghurt without lots of added sugar than avoiding full-fat yoghurt,’ Mr Hobson said. 

Verdict: 4/5 

Hayden Panettiere Exchanged Messages With Drug Dealer Before Her Death

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Hayden Panettiere Exchanged Messages With Drug Dealer Before Her Death

Investigators examining the death of Hayden Panettiere have reportedly uncovered a large number of messages exchanged between the actress and a man suspected of being her longtime drug supplier before she allegedly died after taking a fentanyl-contaminated pill.

Sources told TMZ that the former child actress had asked the alleged dealer to obtain “black market pills” in the period before her reported sudden death last month, aged 36.

People familiar with the investigation said the two exchanged multiple texts concerning drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration is now said to be reviewing those communications as part of its inquiry.

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about her battle with substance addiction, while sources claimed the messages between her and the suspected dealer stretched back several years.

Earlier reports stated that Panettiere carried a bag containing a mix of pills when she flew from Los Angeles to South Carolina for a vacation on the day she died.

Police investigating Hayden Panettiere's death have discovered a 'slew of messages' between the actress and her suspected long-time drug dealer before she died from a fentanyl-laced pill, reports say

Authorities investigating Hayden Panettiere’s reported death have allegedly found numerous messages between the actress and a suspected longtime drug dealer before she reportedly took a fentanyl-laced pill

Panettiere had reportedly taken a bag of pills from Los Angeles for a vacation with her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson (together) shortly before she died from fentanyl-laced pill, police say

Police reportedly believe Panettiere brought a bag of pills from Los Angeles before traveling with on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson, pictured together, shortly before her alleged death involving a fentanyl-contaminated pill

The actress traveled to Hickerson’s home state with her on-and-off boyfriend, real estate agent Brian Hickerson. Detectives reportedly believe she overdosed shortly after arriving after taking an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl.

Police said Hickerson administered Narcan, a drug designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, after finding Panettiere unresponsive at the apartment they had rented.

Investigators are now reportedly trying to identify the source of the fatal pill and determine whether it can be traced to the dealer alleged to have supplied it.

No arrests have been made in connection with Panettiere’s death, and the official toxicology report has not yet been released. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Hickerson reportedly met with investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) last week as they continued their probe into her death.

He reportedly gave police a bag of Panettiere’s medications when she was found dead, which sources told TMZ could ‘reveal other pills laced with the deadly drug’ fentanyl.

Neighbors of the mother-of-one also told the outlet that they had seen three suspicious people coming and going from Panettiere’s apartment for years before her death. 

The people would reportedly arrive individually, often with a small bag, and they would see Panettiere quickly open the door, take the bag, and then the person would leave.

The neighbors allegedly suspected that the three people – two women and a man – were drug dealers. 

On the week that Panettiere died, the neighbors said they saw the man arrive at her Los Angeles home.

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Neighbors of Panettiere alleged that they had seen three suspicious people coming and going from her Los Angeles apartment (above) for years before her death

Neighbors of Panettiere alleged that they had seen three suspicious people coming and going from her Los Angeles apartment (above) for years before her death

The actress had been open about her difficulties dealing with fame, especially as a child star, in the months before her death

The actress had been open about her difficulties dealing with fame, especially as a child star, in the months before her death

The actress’s death came after a long struggle with alcohol and opiates, which saw her spend eight months in rehab in 2020 after contracting jaundice. She wrote in her memoir that a doctor told her she would be ‘dead within five years’ if she didn’t stop drinking.

Hickerson was at the scene along with his brother Zachary when she was pronounced dead, according to a police report.

Panettiere and Hickerson had a turbulent on-off relationship for years, including Hickerson facing multiple domestic violence charges. 

In 2021, he served 13 days in custody for allegedly injuring her, and she had described enduring several bouts of physical abuse in her 2026 tell-all memoir, ‘This Is Me: A Reckoning.’

Following Panettiere’s death, Hickerson’s brother Zachary was arrested for disorderly conduct over a bar fight after he and his brother were reportedly heckled over her overdose. He was released on bond on Sunday. 

Details of Panettiere’s death inside the South Carolina apartment are still unfolding, with detectives previously confirming to the Daily Mail that they responded to an apartment block in Greenville after they received a 911 call from an ‘acquaintance’ of Panettiere, describing her as ‘unresponsive’.

Panettiere died aged 36 in South Carolina last month

Panettiere died aged 36 in South Carolina last month

In the dispatch audio of the call made at 1.51pm, a female dispatcher described Panettiere as suffering a ‘cardiac arrest.’ A few moments later, a male dispatcher could be heard saying that she had suffered a suspected overdose.

Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said that the actress’s autopsy had been completed and that no signs of trauma were found on the star’s body.

The former child star was known for her role as cheerleader Claire Bennet on the hit NBC series Heroes and Juliette Barnes in Nashville.

Her appearance in the musical drama saw her receive two nominations for best supporting actress at the 2013 and 2014 Golden Globes.

Panettiere also appeared in the Scream franchise as Kirby Reed, and lent her voice to the video games Until Dawn and Kingdom Hearts.

Her brother Jansen died in February 2023 from ‘an enlarged heart’ at the age of 28.

Panettiere said that she felt like she ‘lost half of her soul’ following his death, and revealed that the stress of his loss resulted in her body ‘ballooning out,’ which left her in a ‘really bad’ and ‘destructive’ place.

Who Is Charles Latibeaudiere? Age, Wife, Bio and Net Worth

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Charles Latibeaudiere is a Jamaican-American television producer and entertainment executive best known for his long-running work behind the scenes at TMZ. While he is not as visible as the celebrities covered by the program, his role has made him a familiar name to viewers interested in entertainment news.

Searches for Charles Latibeaudiere’s Wikipedia biography, age, wife, nationality and net worth increased as audiences looked for more information about the media professional. As of 2026, he remains associated with the TMZ brand, although many personal details about his life have never been publicly documented in the same depth as his professional career.

Who Is Charles Latibeaudiere?

Charles Latibeaudiere is a television producer, editor and entertainment-news executive. He became widely recognized through his work with TMZ, the celebrity-news outlet founded by Harvey Levin and Jim Paratore.

Latibeaudiere has held senior production responsibilities connected to TMZ on TV and related TMZ programming. His work has included overseeing editorial content, helping shape news segments and contributing to the fast-paced production process that defines celebrity television.

Unlike an on-camera reporter, Latibeaudiere has generally operated in a management and production capacity. That behind-the-scenes position explains why he is well known within the television industry but has comparatively limited biographical information available online.

Charles Latibeaudiere’s Age and Birth Details

Charles Latibeaudiere was born on July 12, 1969, according to widely circulated biographical information. That would make him 57 years old in 2026.

Some online profiles have repeated his birth date without providing a primary source, so the detail should be treated as commonly reported rather than independently verified through an official biography. Nevertheless, July 12, 1969, is the date most frequently associated with his public profile.

His early life has remained relatively private. Available accounts identify him as being of Jamaican heritage, but detailed information about his parents, childhood and education is not broadly published.

What Is Charles Latibeaudiere’s Nationality?

Charles Latibeaudiere is commonly described as Jamaican-American. He was born in Jamaica and later built his professional career in the United States.

His background is often discussed because it reflects the international path taken by many media professionals who establish careers in American television. Latibeaudiere’s Jamaican roots and American career are both part of the public identity associated with him.

It is important to distinguish nationality from ethnicity. Public biographies generally identify his nationality or background as Jamaican-American, while more specific details about his family ancestry have not been extensively confirmed in reputable public records.

What Does Charles Latibeaudiere Do at TMZ?

Latibeaudiere has been closely linked to the production and editorial operation of TMZ for many years. His responsibilities have involved coordinating television content, supervising production decisions and helping determine how entertainment stories are presented to viewers.

TMZ became influential by combining celebrity reporting with breaking-news coverage, often publishing details before traditional entertainment outlets. The organization’s television programs rely on a large production team, and Latibeaudiere has been one of the executives associated with that operation.

His professional role has included work on TMZ on TV, the syndicated entertainment-news program that helped expand the TMZ brand beyond its website. He has also been connected with other TMZ television projects and specials.

His Career Before TMZ

Before becoming a prominent figure within TMZ’s production structure, Latibeaudiere worked in television production and news-related roles. Public accounts have linked him to the television industry in Los Angeles, where entertainment programming and syndicated news production are major parts of the media economy.

Details about every stage of his early career are not consistently reported. However, his long-term position at TMZ indicates experience in editorial management, television operations and deadline-driven production.

Who Is Charles Latibeaudiere’s Wife?

Charles Latibeaudiere is married to Barbara Sherwood, according to widely published celebrity and entertainment biographies. The couple has generally kept their relationship away from the spotlight.

Reports commonly state that Latibeaudiere and Sherwood married in 2004. Unlike many television personalities, he has not made his private life a major part of his public brand, and verified information about their relationship is limited.

There have also been occasional online references to the couple having children, but details about their family life are not consistently confirmed by primary sources. For that reason, claims about their children, home life or private routine should be approached carefully.

What Is Charles Latibeaudiere’s Net Worth?

Charles Latibeaudiere’s net worth is often estimated online at approximately $1 million to $5 million. These figures are estimates, not confirmed financial disclosures.

His income has likely come from years of work in television production, editorial leadership and entertainment media. Senior producers and executives working on successful syndicated programs can earn substantial salaries, particularly when they remain with a major brand for an extended period.

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However, there is no widely available public record confirming his salary, investments, property holdings or total assets. Online net-worth websites frequently use broad assumptions and may repeat one another without presenting documentation.

A careful summary is therefore:

  • Estimated net worth: commonly reported between $1 million and $5 million
  • Primary income source: television production and entertainment media
  • Financial status: not officially disclosed
  • Reliability of online estimates: limited and unverified

Why Is Charles Latibeaudiere Famous?

Charles Latibeaudiere is famous because of his association with TMZ, one of the most recognizable entertainment-news brands in the United States. The outlet became known for breaking stories involving celebrities, musicians, athletes and public figures.

Although viewers may recognize TMZ hosts and reporters more easily, producers such as Latibeaudiere play a central role in turning breaking reports into television segments. His work has helped shape the tone, pacing and presentation of entertainment news over the years.

His profile also grew because of occasional appearances connected to TMZ programming. Those appearances gave viewers a face to associate with a role that is usually performed away from the cameras.

Is Charles Latibeaudiere Still Working in 2026?

As of 2026, Charles Latibeaudiere continues to be publicly associated with TMZ and television production. There is no broadly reported announcement confirming a major retirement, permanent departure or career change.

Because media companies frequently adjust staff titles and production structures, his exact day-to-day responsibilities may change over time. Still, available public information continues to identify him as a longtime TMZ producer and executive.

There is also no credible indication that he has disappeared from public life because of a serious personal crisis. Much of the speculation surrounding him appears to come from the limited amount of information he shares about his private life.

Charles Latibeaudiere’s Career and Public Image

Latibeaudiere has built a public image around professionalism and discretion. He works in an industry that depends heavily on publicity, yet he has largely avoided turning his marriage, family or personal interests into entertainment news.

That privacy has contributed to online curiosity. People searching for a Charles Latibeaudiere Wikipedia page often find short biographies, social media references and aggregated profiles rather than a single comprehensive, officially maintained biography.

His career is also notable for its longevity. Entertainment television is known for frequent staff changes, but Latibeaudiere has remained connected to TMZ for a significant period, suggesting a strong level of experience and trust within the production environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How old is Charles Latibeaudiere?
    Charles Latibeaudiere is widely reported to have been born on July 12, 1969, which would make him 57 years old in 2026.
  2. What is Charles Latibeaudiere known for?
    He is best known as a television producer and executive associated with TMZ and its entertainment-news programs.
  3. What is Charles Latibeaudiere’s nationality?
    He is commonly described as Jamaican-American. Public biographies identify Jamaica as his birthplace or country of origin.
  4. Who is Charles Latibeaudiere’s wife?
    His wife is widely identified as Barbara Sherwood. The couple reportedly married in 2004 and keeps its personal life private.
  5. Does Charles Latibeaudiere have children?
    Some online biographies mention children, but detailed family information has not been consistently confirmed through authoritative public sources.
  6. What is Charles Latibeaudiere’s net worth?
    Online estimates generally place his net worth between $1 million and $5 million, although no official financial statement confirms the figure.
  7. Does Charles Latibeaudiere have a Wikipedia page?
    Information about him appears across online biographies and entertainment profiles, but the availability and completeness of an official Wikipedia entry may change over time.
  8. Is Charles Latibeaudiere still working at TMZ in 2026?
    He remains publicly associated with TMZ and television production as of 2026. No widely reported retirement or permanent departure has been confirmed.

Charles Latibeaudiere’s biography is defined by a long career in entertainment television, his Jamaican-American background and his association with TMZ. He is widely reported to be 57 in 2026, married to Barbara Sherwood and worth an estimated $1 million to $5 million, although his exact finances and family details remain private. His continued connection to TMZ has made him an enduring behind-the-scenes figure in celebrity news.

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Max Muncy Injury Update: What Happened to Dodgers Slugger?

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Max Muncy’s absence from the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup has repeatedly prompted the same question from baseball fans: what happened to the veteran slugger, and is he healthy enough to return to his usual role? The Dodgers third baseman has dealt with significant injuries in recent seasons, including a left oblique strain that interrupted his 2025 campaign.

Muncy has not disappeared from baseball, and there is no indication that his career is over. However, his recent injury history, age and reduced availability have fueled questions about his long-term future, his production and his net worth. Here is what is known about Max Muncy, his injury update, contract situation and career.

Who Is Max Muncy?

Max Muncy is an American professional baseball player best known as a powerful left-handed hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Born on August 25, 1990, in Waco, Texas, Muncy attended Baylor University before beginning his professional career.

The Oakland Athletics gave Muncy his first major-league opportunity in 2015. After limited success in Oakland, he was released and later rebuilt his career in the Dodgers organization. That turnaround became one of baseball’s most notable late-blooming success stories.

Muncy joined the Dodgers in 2018 and quickly became a key part of the lineup. His combination of patience, home-run power and defensive versatility made him valuable at first base, third base and designated hitter.

  • Full name: Maxwell Steven Muncy
  • Born: August 25, 1990
  • Birthplace: Waco, Texas
  • Position: Infielder and designated hitter
  • Bats: Left
  • MLB debut: 2015
  • Best known for: His tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers

What Happened to Max Muncy?

Muncy’s most significant recent setback was a left oblique injury suffered during the 2025 season. Oblique strains can be particularly difficult for hitters because the muscles are heavily involved in rotational movements, including swinging a bat, throwing and making defensive plays.

The Dodgers placed Muncy on the injured list after the issue affected his ability to swing effectively. The injury forced him to pause baseball activity and follow a gradual rehabilitation program rather than immediately attempting to play through the pain.

This was not the first time Muncy had experienced an oblique problem. He also dealt with an oblique strain during the 2024 season, making the later injury especially concerning for fans and the Dodgers. Repeated soft-tissue injuries can require additional caution because returning too quickly may increase the risk of a setback.

Muncy’s absence created a major hole in the Dodgers’ lineup. Although Los Angeles has considerable depth, few players provide the same combination of left-handed power, plate discipline and postseason experience.

What Is Max Muncy’s Injury Update?

The latest meaningful injury context is that Muncy’s 2025 oblique problem required an extended recovery, but it was not publicly characterized as a career-ending injury. The Dodgers’ approach centered on rest, rehabilitation, baseball activities and a gradual return to competition.

For a hitter such as Muncy, a medical return does not automatically mean an immediate return to peak form. Players recovering from oblique injuries often need time to regain bat speed, timing and confidence. A player may also be limited defensively or receive designated-hitter opportunities while rebuilding strength.

As of 2026, fans should distinguish between three separate questions:

  • Is Muncy’s career over? There is no established evidence that it is.
  • Has he dealt with serious injuries? Yes, including recurring oblique-related concerns.
  • Can he still contribute? His power, experience and ability to work counts continue to make him a potentially productive major-league hitter when healthy.

Because MLB injury reports can change quickly, the most reliable updates come from official Dodgers announcements, manager briefings and lineup decisions. Reports about soreness or a rehabilitation setback should not automatically be interpreted as a permanent decline.

Why Are Oblique Injuries a Concern for Baseball Hitters?

The oblique muscles run along the side of the torso and help stabilize the body during rotation. A baseball swing places substantial stress on that area, especially when a hitter generates power by turning the hips and upper body together.

An oblique strain can affect more than a player’s ability to swing. It may also interfere with throwing, fielding and running. Even after the pain subsides, the player must regain full strength before safely returning to everyday baseball activity.

That is why teams often take a conservative approach. The goal is not simply to get a player back into the lineup but to prevent a second injury that could result in an even longer absence.

How Good Has Max Muncy Been for the Dodgers?

Muncy became one of the Dodgers’ most important offensive players after his breakout 2018 season. He quickly established himself as a dangerous power hitter and a reliable source of extra-base hits.

He has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to reach base, hit home runs and produce in high-pressure situations. Muncy has also been part of the Dodgers’ deep postseason runs, including the club’s 2020 World Series championship team.

His value has not been based solely on batting average. Muncy’s willingness to take walks and his ability to punish mistakes in the strike zone have made him a difficult matchup. At his best, he can change a game with one swing.

His defensive role has shifted over time, but his versatility has helped the Dodgers manage injuries and rest other players. The club has used him at third base, first base and designated hitter depending on its roster needs.

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What Is Max Muncy’s Net Worth?

Max Muncy’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. Celebrity and athlete wealth websites often publish estimates, but those figures are not audited financial statements and can vary considerably.

Most public estimates place Muncy’s net worth in the multimillion-dollar range, commonly around $25 million to $30 million. That estimate reflects his MLB salary, signing bonuses, postseason earnings, endorsements and other potential investments, while also accounting for taxes, agent fees and personal expenses.

His baseball earnings are the clearest part of the calculation. Muncy has played for more than a decade and signed substantial contracts with the Dodgers after establishing himself as a core player. His financial value also benefited from his longevity and success with one of baseball’s highest-profile organizations.

It is important to treat any exact net-worth figure as an estimate rather than a confirmed fact. Neither Muncy nor the Dodgers has released a complete accounting of his assets and liabilities.

What Is Max Muncy’s Contract Status?

Muncy’s Dodgers contract has included guaranteed salary and club-option details that extend his relationship with Los Angeles into the 2026 period. Contract structures can include options, buyouts and performance incentives, so the final value may differ from the headline amount reported when a deal is announced.

His contract status is significant because injuries can affect how teams evaluate veteran players. A healthy Muncy remains attractive because of his left-handed power and postseason experience. At the same time, recurring injuries may lead the Dodgers to manage his workload more carefully.

Rather than relying on one position, Los Angeles can preserve Muncy’s bat by using him at designated hitter or rotating him between infield positions. That approach could help reduce defensive stress while keeping his offense in the lineup.

Will Max Muncy Play for the Dodgers Again?

There is no clear indication that the Dodgers have permanently moved on from Muncy. His experience, clubhouse presence and proven power make him a valuable player when available.

The more realistic question is how often he can play and which position best suits his health. The Dodgers have enough roster depth to avoid rushing him back, particularly during the regular season. A controlled workload could become an important part of his future.

If Muncy is healthy, he can still offer middle-of-the-order power and a disciplined at-bat. If injuries continue to limit him, the Dodgers may use him more selectively rather than expecting him to play every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What injury did Max Muncy suffer?
    Muncy suffered a left oblique injury during the 2025 season. The condition affected his ability to swing and required a period on the injured list and rehabilitation.
  2. Is Max Muncy still playing baseball in 2026?
    There is no established information indicating that Muncy has retired. His contract and roster situation should be confirmed through the Dodgers’ latest official announcements.
  3. What happened to Max Muncy’s performance?
    Injuries, missed playing time and the physical demands of an everyday role have affected his consistency. When healthy, he remains capable of producing power and reaching base.
  4. Has Max Muncy had an oblique injury before?
    Yes. He dealt with an oblique strain during the 2024 season and later experienced another significant oblique issue in 2025.
  5. How much is Max Muncy worth?
    His exact net worth is private. Public estimates generally place it in the range of approximately $25 million to $30 million, although those figures are not officially verified.
  6. What position does Max Muncy play?
    Muncy has played third base, first base and designated hitter. The Dodgers have used him in different roles to maximize his offense and manage his defensive workload.
  7. Is Max Muncy’s career over?
    There is no confirmed evidence that his career is over. His future depends largely on his ability to remain healthy and regain regular availability.
  8. Why is Max Muncy important to the Dodgers?
    He provides left-handed power, plate discipline, positional flexibility and postseason experience. Those traits have made him an important part of the Dodgers’ lineup when healthy.

Max Muncy remains one of the Dodgers’ most recognizable power hitters, but his recent injury history has changed the conversation around his career. The 2025 left oblique strain required a serious recovery and followed an earlier oblique problem, making workload management especially important. As of 2026, there is no confirmed indication that Muncy is finished, and his established contract, experience and offensive ability keep him relevant to Los Angeles. His next chapter will depend on one central factor: whether he can stay healthy long enough to consistently show the slugging ability that made him a Dodgers star.

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Nazi-Looted Painting Found in Real Estate Listing Must Be Returned

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Nazi-Looted Painting Found in Real Estate Listing Must Be Returned

A masterpiece stolen amid the horrors of World War II is finally headed home, after an unlikely clue on a property-listing website helped unravel an 80-year mystery.

An Argentine federal judge has approved the return of “Portrait of a Lady,” an 18th-century work by Italian Baroque artist Giacomo Ceruti, also known as Il Pitocchetto, to the heirs of Dutch Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker.

The decision concludes an extraordinary, decades-long case involving Nazis who fled Europe, a suspected South American refuge and a real estate photo that exposed a long-hidden painting.

Before German forces invaded the Netherlands in 1940, Goudstikker had assembled one of Europe’s finest private art collections, comprising more than 1,100 works.

He died while escaping the country, after which Nazi officials systematically looted his gallery.

Friedrich Kadgien, a Nazi financial operative, was among the officials involved. Like many Nazis after the war, he fled to South America and eventually settled in Mar del Plata, the Argentine resort city on the Atlantic coast.

Decades later, Kadgien’s daughter, Patricia Kadgien, was living there when a real estate agency advertised her home online. One interior image showed a green sofa in the living room and, hanging above it, a painting listed on international databases of missing art for 80 years.

A Dutch journalist investigating leads tied to the Goudstikker collection noticed the apparent match and later contacted attorney Yael Weitz of the New York law firm Freedman Normand Friedland. Weitz took the matter to Argentine authorities. Police then searched the Kadgien home, but found that both the artwork and the revealing property-listing image had already been removed.

Authorities nevertheless recovered important evidence, seizing mobile phones, unregistered firearms and a collection of documents dating to the 1940s that helped support the case.

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The Ceruti painting was among hundreds of works taken from Goudstikker’s collection. Goudstikker had helped fellow Jews flee mainland Europe after the Nazis seized control of the Netherlands. According to the Telegraph, Hermann Goering, the Luftwaffe commander and one of the Third Reich’s most powerful figures, acquired roughly 800 works from the collection.

Kadgien and her husband, Juan Carlos Cortegoso, were charged with concealment, but ultimately cut a deal, surrendering all claims to the painting and agreeing to donate roughly $3,200 to a Mar del Plata children’s hospital in exchange for having the criminal case against them suspended.

Attorney Juan Ignacio Pascual, who represents the Goudstikker heirs, called the outcome a watershed moment for a country with a complicated postwar history.

“As far as we know, this is the first time that the Argentine justice system has recovered and restituted a painting looted by the Nazis during the Second World War,” Pascual told the Art Newspaper.

The painting had long been misattributed to fellow Italian artist Giuseppe Ghislandi, but a court-ordered examination by Argentina’s National Academy of Fine Arts determined Ceruti was the true creator. The painting is valued at $288,000.

For Goudstikker’s family, the recovery is one small victory in a fight that has stretched across generations. More than 200 works from his collection were returned by the Dutch government back in 2006, but hundreds of other pieces remain scattered around the globe, their locations unknown.

Marei von Saher, Goudstikker’s daughter-in-law and sole heir, said the ruling carries weight far beyond the canvas itself.

“I am thrilled with the court’s decision to restitute this important artwork,” von Saher told the New York Times.

At 48, Father of Three and Full-Time Pastor Debuts in College Football

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At 48, Father of Three and Full-Time Pastor Debuts in College Football

Justin Buzzard, believed to be college football’s oldest player, has returned to the field guided by a personal motto: “risk or rust.”

The 48-year-old California pastor recently made his college football debut for the San Jose City College Jaguars.

Buzzard had not played football in 30 years. His earlier career ended after one year as a redshirt at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, when injuries, including a torn finger tendon, derailed his plans, according to The Athletic.

His path back to the sport began after he watched a video about a 60-year-old cancer survivor attempting to play football at a Division III school. Buzzard shared the clip with his sons, and one replied that his father should try it himself.

That encouragement led Buzzard to contact coaches at San Jose City College and ask whether they needed another defensive player. He tried out, earned a roster spot and enrolled in a full 12-credit course load, as required, he told The Athletic.

Since joining the Jaguars and appearing in his first game, Buzzard’s return to the gridiron has drawn attention from NBC News, Fox News, ESPN and The Athletic.

Three decades away from the field did little to diminish his love for football, and Buzzard continues to embrace his “risk or rust” philosophy.

“If you’re not risking, you’re rusting,” Buzzard told The Athletic.

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In addition to being the oldest active college football player, Buzzard is a husband and father of three. He said his wife was not surprised by his decision to return, though she initially hoped he would make the team without appearing in games. She has since come around and attended his first game.

Buzzard plays defensive end and wears No. 48, a nod to turning 48 on Sept. 14.

In an interview with ESPN after his first game, Buzzard explained why he decided to return to football: “Why? Well, because football is fun, and I missed it. I grew up playing football, and I hadn’t participated in 30 years. My oldest son suggested, ‘Dad, what if you went back and played college football?’ At first, it sounded ridiculous and crazy, but after about 30 seconds of thinking it over, I realized it would actually be a lot of fun.”

This season, he has appeared in three games. He deflected a pass in and made a tackle in his second game. 

Buzzard is hoping to play in all ten games and inspire men his age or older to get in shape.

Army Veteran Paratrooper Who Helped Rescue Fox News Reporter Dies at 50

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Army Veteran Paratrooper Who Helped Rescue Fox News Reporter Dies at 50

Benjamin Hall joins 10th annual Tunnel to Towers climb honoring 9/11 heroes

Fox News senior correspondent Benjamin Hall and combat surgeon Dr. Joe Aldrete reflect on taking part in the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s 10th annual tower climb at One World Trade Center. Hall, who was critically wounded in Ukraine, says the climb is an opportunity to raise funds for Gold Star families. Aldrete, who performed surgery that helped save Hall’s life, hails the correspondent’s determination and stresses the power of hope and community backing for military families.

Sean Michael Lee, an Army paratrooper who went on to help evacuate thousands of people from war zones after leaving the military — including Fox News’ Benjamin Hall — died Sunday following a battle with esophageal cancer.

A 20-year Army veteran, Lee completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army’s renowned 82nd Airborne Division, according to his obituary.

“He was, to his core, a paratrooper. Long after he took off the uniform, the values forged there remained the organizing principles of his life: duty, loyalty, competence under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to the person beside him,” his obituary states.

Sean Michael Lee

Sean Michael Lee wearing his military uniform. (Sarah Verardo/The Independence Fund)

After his military career, Lee continued devoting his life to helping others. In 2021, as Afghanistan’s government collapsed, he helped evacuate thousands of people amid the chaotic U.S. withdrawal while working with the nonprofit Save Our Allies.

The following year, Lee was in Poland, helping transport supplies to the front lines in Ukraine during Russia’s invasion. There, he became instrumental in the effort to evacuate Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall, who was badly wounded when Russian forces attacked his vehicle near Kyiv. Two members of Hall’s crew were killed in the attack.

“We got the call, we had just finished up a staff meeting with our folks back in the United States, and I can tell you that in about 90 minutes our guys were out the door and on the way,” Lee told the Daily Caller in a 2022 interview.

Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall speaks with host Harris Faulkner.

Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall appears on “The Faulkner Focus” with host Harris Faulkner in New York City on March 15, 2023, to discuss his book, “Saved: A War Reporter’s Mission to Make It Home.” (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Lee also supported wounded veterans through his work with The Independence Fund.

In 2024, Lee helped deliver life-saving supplies to survivors of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. He lived out of a tent in the Tar Heel state as he helped deliver aid to communities where support systems had collapsed, according to his obituary.

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Sean Michael Lee

Sean Michael Lee in front of a tent. (Sarah Verardo/The Independence Fund)

Most recently, Lee had been working under Secretary Doug Collins at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

He was part of the U.S. military’s 2003 invasion of Iraq. He was also part of the storied Bravo Company in the 2-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment. Half of the company received Purple Hearts for an Afghanistan deployment that was documented in Ben Kesling’s book “Bravo Company: An Afghanistan Deployment and its Aftermath.”

Lee’s two best friends — Sgt. Michael Verardo and Sgt. Allen Thomas — both of whom deployed with him to Afghanistan, passed away before him.

Lee’s cancer was the direct result of his exposure to the burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. He died at age 50.

Sean Michael Lee in Iraq.

Sean Michael Lee in Iraq. (U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Visual information Distribution Service (DVIDS))

“I can’t even begin to explain what the world has just lost,” former MMA fighter and Special Forces sniper Tim Kennedy wrote in a post on Instagram.

“This country has lost one of the finest men ever to serve it,” Kennedy’s message continued.

“Sean redefined the word service. He did not just volunteer to put on the uniform and join the 82nd Airborne. He dedicated his entire life to other people. He put his life on the line more times than anyone can count. Wherever people needed help, you found Sean. Whenever I needed help, I found Sean,” Kennedy wrote.

Sean Michael Lee

Sean Michael Lee of The Independence Fund pictured next to two men. (Sarah Verardo/The Independence Fund)

Lee’s life “cannot be measured simply in years, deployments, jobs, or missions. It is measured in people who made it home because he went toward danger,” his obituary, shared by Heritage Funeral & Cremation Services, says. “In wounded men carried to safety. In Afghan families given a chance to begin again. In communities that received help when they believed they had been forgotten. In veterans whose lives were better because he continued serving them after his own time in uniform ended. And in the children who simply knew him as Uncle Sean: the constant, fiercely protective man who showed up.”

News Media contacted Save Our Allies for comment.

Managers and Senior Staff Criticised for Failing to Act on Lucy Letby Concerns

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Managers and Senior Staff Criticised for Failing to Act on Lucy Letby Concerns

Senior managers and executives at the Countess of Chester Hospital have been criticised in the Thirlwall Inquiry report examining how former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby was able to continue killing babies.

The report found that staff were too ready to accept Letby’s assurances, while doctors’ concerns linking her to an unusual rise in baby deaths were brushed aside.

Medical director Ian Harvey failed to consider whether sufficient action had been taken to protect infants on the neonatal unit, the inquiry concluded.

Harvey told the inquiry that he “sincerely regretted” not involving police earlier as evidence mounted against Letby. However, he said consultants had not presented him with “anything [that] took it over the bar” to justify bringing in detectives.

“It was never raised, as something had been seen, something had been done,” he said. “It was raised as there is an increase in the number of deaths, but we don’t understand why.”

The retired orthopaedic surgeon, who earned £175,000 a year, maintained that he treated the concerns raised by consultants working alongside Letby seriously.

Lady Justice Thirlwall wrote: “He had a duty to consider whether steps should be taken to safeguard other babies on the unit. He failed to do so.”

Ian Harvey, former medical director at Countess of Chester Hospital, arrives to give evidence at the inquiry. The ex-surgeon said he 'sincerely regretted' not calling in police sooner

Ian Harvey, the former medical director at Countess of Chester Hospital, arrives to give evidence at the inquiry. The former surgeon said he “sincerely regretted” failing to call police sooner.

Alison Kelly, former director of nursing at the same hospital, arrives at the Thirlwall Inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall. She insisted shconcealing the spike in mortality from inspectors

Alison Kelly, the hospital’s former director of nursing, arrives at the Thirlwall Inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall. She denied responding too slowly to concerns about Letby.

His colleague, Alison Kelly, who was paid £130,000 a year as director of nursing, acknowledged to the inquiry that she had “missed an opportunity” to safeguard babies.

She denied concealing the spike in mortality from inspectors from the Care Quality Commission or being slow to respond to concerns about Letby.

However, she accepted she should have been ‘more attentive’ and ‘it (the spike) could have been looked at in a more timely way’.

She claimed other staff should have ‘picked up the phone’ because her workload was ‘very large’ which meant she often missed emails. But she denied being ‘too busy to do her job’.

Significantly, despite being the hospital’s safeguarding lead, she never flagged the consultants’ concerns to the local safeguarding board, or local safeguarding officer, or NHS England.

If they had been, she admitted, Cheshire Constabulary would have been notified and Letby likely suspended earlier.

The report rejected her denials to the inquiry that there was animosity between doctors and nurses.

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Letby had an ally in Tony Chambers, the Countess of Chester Hospital’s £160,000 chief executive.

Himself a former nurse, he told the inquiry he sided with Letby after doctors raised concerns she was killing babies because she won her employment grievance against the Trust.

Karen Rees, former head of care nursing and Letby's senior manager at the hospital, was also criticised over her judgement, previously praising the nurse as 'the creme de la creme'

Karen Rees, former head of care nursing and Letby’s senior manager at the hospital, was also criticised over her judgement, previously praising the nurse as ‘the creme de la creme’

Mr Chambers denied stalling the police investigation for ten months to protect the reputation of himself and the hospital.

Several of the medics described Mr Chambers as being dictatorial and aggressive.

The report found he ‘never once scrutinised his own thought processes’, and ‘lost objectivity and made poor decisions’.

Letby also found loyalty in Eirian Powell, the head of the neonatal unit.

But as babies began dying, and the weight of evidence against Letby began to build, Ms Powell said there was no proof the nurse was to blame.

She insisted no one saw Letby do anything – and even as late as May 2016 was ‘vociferous’ in her support for her to remain on the ward.

She admitted that ‘with hindsight’ the police should have been called and she failed in her responsibilities to protect babies on the unit from harm.

The report found Ms Powell’s judgment was likely ‘affected by her view that Letby was a very good nurse (she was later to describe her as the “creme de la creme”) and that she was always available for extra shifts’.

The report found it was ‘ridiculous’ that Karen Rees, director of nursing care, baselessly believed a neonatal consultant and Letby had previously been in a relationship, prompting his request for her to be removed from the ward.

The report said: ‘That Ms Rees was comfortable making such an extreme allegation against a paediatrician without any basis demonstrates that she had lost all judgement in the face of what she had been told.’

The report accepted that Ms Rees, Ms Kelly and Ms Powell initially believed that Letby was not responsible for the spike in baby deaths.

But it added: ‘Loyalty seems to have prevented them from considering the doctors’ concerns with an open mind or thinking about safeguarding.’
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