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Politics Jun 15, 2026

Robert De Niro Leads Rally Against Trump with Profane Chant

Robert De Niro led a crowd in a chant of 'shut the fuck up!' in response to remarks and policies of…
The Lead Robert De Niro has renewed his attack on Donald Trump at an event in New York on Sunday. Speaking at Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the first amendment, the actor led the crowd in a repeated cry of “shut the fuck up!” in response to assorted remarks and policies of the current president. De Niro's Protest “I’m pretty close to being a free speech absolutist,” said De Niro, “even speech I don’t like, and there’s plenty of that around. So when I hear something I don’t like, I use my own free speech to respond. “When I hear Trump say, as he did a few days ago, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation, not even a little bit,’ I say, ‘Shut the fuck up,’” he said. The Chant De Niro offered a further example of what he considered egregious leadership, saying: “On Wednesday, Trump said, ‘I love the inflation.’” He then asked the crowd to say “Shut the fuck up!” with him, which they duly did. De Niro continued: “Trump said he won the 2020 election. Ready? Shut the fuck up!” Patriotism and Abuse The actor, who frequently finds himself at loggerheads with Trump, also compared expressions of patriotism today to domestic abuse. “I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser,” he said. Criticism of Trump He added: “I can’t love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars, killing thousands of innocents and indirectly causing the deaths and suffering of millions more. “I can’t love a country that takes healthcare away from millions of people and uses that money to enrich their pals in the Trump-Epstein class. I can’t love a country that sends out masked militias to shoot citizens in the streets, torture our neighbours, and separate families. “I can’t love a country that’s led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant. And let me just say it: I can’t love the country that’s led by Donald Trump and his sycophant Congress.” Conclusion He concluded by saying: “I want to love my country again. I want my country back.”
#Robert De Niro #Donald Trump #Free Speech
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Film Jun 15, 2026

Dry Leaf review: A challenging three-hour Georgian road movie

The film 'Dry Leaf' by Georgian director Alexandre Koberidze is a three-hour road movie that follow…
The Enigmatic 'Dry Leaf' Georgian film-maker Alexandre Koberidze appeared to revive the spirit of the French New Wave with his previous film What Do We See When We Look at the Sky? – an unhurried, meandering and garrulous movie with its own cheeky sort of low-tech magic realism as it followed its nose around the city of Kutaisi. His new film is a mystifying three-hour road movie, shot (as was his debut film Let the Summer Never Come Again) on low-res video, like that of an obsolete cameraphone. The Search for Lisa A middle-aged man called Irakli (David Koberidze) receives a letter addressed to him and his wife, Nino (Irina Chelidze), from their twentysomething photographer daughter Lisa, announcing that she wishes to disappear from their lives. A police officer tells them that Lisa is an adult who can do what she likes. But an oddly emotionless Irakli sets out to track her down anyway, even though another more conventionally plausible movie would have found room for a conversation about the cost of a private detective. Lisa was photographing football fields when she vanished, so Irakli’s plan is just to drive around the country’s football fields, asking people nearby if they’ve seen her. A Challenging but Visually Striking Film With Irakli in the car is Lisa’s friend Levani who is … invisible. We hear him. We don’t see him. (The same goes for some of the people that Irakli talks to.) This invisibility creates a baffling extra level of oddity and contrivance to this film, which, for some, added and created nothing. As a formal experiment, Dry Leaf has its own conviction and self-possession and there is a deliberate, if opaque artistry here: one shot shows us a dry leaf under Irakli’s car-tyres, another gives us wet leaves in a waterfall. The soft-edged, pixelated look is, however, interesting and surprisingly watchable, bringing a kind of painterly effect. What's Next for 'Dry Leaf' Dry Leaf is set to screen at the ICA, London from 18 June, offering audiences a chance to experience this unique and challenging film for themselves.
#Alexandre Koberidze #Dry Leaf #Georgian cinema
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Sports Jun 15, 2026

FIFA Discrimination Monitor Demands VAR Official’s Removal Over White‑Supremacist Hand Sign

FIFA’s discrimination monitor has called for the removal of VAR analyst Shaun Evans after he displa…
FIFA’s discrimination monitor at the 2026 World Cup has urged the governing body to dismiss Australian VAR analyst Shaun Evans for making a hand sign that mirrors a recognized hate symbol during the pre‑game broadcast of the Germany‑Curacao opener. Discrimination Monitor Calls for VAR Official’s Removal During the live cut‑away, Evans formed an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. The gesture was captured from the World Cup broadcast centre in Dallas, though the match took place in Houston. The Fare network, a long‑time partner of FIFA and UEFA, labeled the sign “neo‑Nazi” and demanded Evans be barred from further World Cup duties. Historical Context of the “OK” Gesture as a Hate Symbol In 2019, the Anti‑Defamation League (ADL) officially designated the upside‑down “OK” sign as a hate symbol. The symbol originated on the far‑right forum 4chan as a hoax before being co‑opted by white‑supremacist groups. ADL director Oren Segal emphasized that context determines whether the sign is hateful, noting a “volume of use for hateful purposes.” Potential Repercussions for FIFA and World Cup Integrity FIFA has not yet responded to Al Jazeera’s request for comment. If Evans remains, critics argue it could undermine FIFA’s commitment to combating racism and discrimination. Fare observed that TV directors stopped introducing the VAR panel in subsequent matches, suggesting a reactive shift in broadcast practice. What This Could Mean for Future VAR Oversight Evans is one of 30 video review analysts selected for the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The incident may prompt FIFA to implement stricter vetting and real‑time monitoring of on‑air officials. National bodies such as the Professional Football Referees Association and Football Australia are being consulted, potentially leading to broader policy changes.
#FIFA #VAR #Shaun Evans
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Sports Jun 15, 2026

Fifa urged to remove World Cup official over 'white supremacy' gesture

Fifa's discrimination monitor has called for the removal of a video assistant referee (VAR) from th…
The Incident Involving Shaun Evans Fifa's discrimination monitor at the World Cup called for a video assistant referee (VAR) to be removed for appearing to make a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. When the official broadcast of Germany's opening game against Curaçao on Sunday cut pre-game to show the team of VAR officials, Shaun Evans from Australia made an “OK” symbol with his right hand in front of his right leg. The Gesture and Its Implications “Advice from our experts is that the gesture used clearly resembles an upside down ‘OK’ hand symbol used as a ‘white power’ symbol in global far-right circles,” the Fare network, a longtime partner of Fifa and Uefa, the European football governing body, to monitor racist and discriminatory chants, flags and symbols at international games, said in a statement. “Clearly this official should have no further role to play in this World Cup,” Fare said in a statement, describing the gesture as “neo-Nazi.” The Data Analysis Shaun Evans is among 30 VAR officials selected by Fifa to work at the World Cup being played in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The gesture was designated a hate symbol by the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in 2019. The Impact Analysis The incident has raised concerns about racism and discrimination in football, and Fifa was asked for comment. In Australia, the Professional Football Referees Association and the governing body Football Australia were contacted for comment. It was unclear if Evans, working at his first game at the World Cup, was making a political gesture or playing a children’s game prank. The Prediction “Why is a VAR supervisor using this symbol at a global football event at the very moment he knows the cameras are on him?” Fare said. “We note that in the two subsequent games it appears TV directors have stopped introducing the VAR panel to the TV audience.”
#Fifa #World Cup #Racism
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Sports Jun 15, 2026

World Cup 2026: Spain vs Cape Verde and Other Matches Predictions

The World Cup 2026 group stage continues with Spain facing Cape Verde, Belgium taking on Egypt, Sau…
The World Cup 2026 Group Stage Continues The World Cup group stage continues on Monday, with four more matches taking place across the United States. Spain begin their campaign against World Cup newcomers Cape Verde, Belgium face Egypt in what could be one of the day’s closest games, Saudi Arabia take on Uruguay in Miami, and Iran meet New Zealand in Los Angeles. Spain vs Cape Verde: Predictions and Schedule Spain take on Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, with kickoff scheduled for 12pm local time (16:00 GMT). Spain are the clear favourites to win, but Cape Verde have already made history by reaching the World Cup for the first time. Opta’s predictions strongly favour Spain, giving them an 87.2 percent chance of winning the Group H opener. Belgium vs Egypt: A Close Match Expected Belgium face Egypt at Seattle Stadium in Seattle at the same time, with the Group G rivals also getting under way at 12pm local time (19:00 GMT). This one could be much closer than many people expect, with Opta’s predictions suggesting there is very little separating the sides. Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay: Past Encounters Saudi Arabia and Uruguay have met only once before at a World Cup. Uruguay won that match 1-0 in 2018. The predictions favour Uruguay, with Opta giving them a 64.7 percent chance of winning. Iran vs New Zealand: First Competitive Meeting Iran and New Zealand have only played each other twice before, and this will be their first meeting in a competitive match. The predictions give Iran the edge, with Opta giving them a 53.8 percent chance of winning. Beyond the Football: Other World Cup Stories Away from the football, Uruguay’s disrupted travel plans, divisions within Los Angeles’s Iranian American community before Iran’s opener, and Haiti’s inspiring return to the World Cup are all drawing attention beyond the pitch.
#World Cup 2026 #Spain #Cape Verde
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Politics Jun 15, 2026

UK Court Upholds Terrorist Designation for Palestine Action

Britain's Court of Appeal has overturned a previous ruling, confirming that the government's design…
The Court's DecisionBritain's Court of Appeal has ruled that the government's proscription of the activist group Palestine Action as a "terrorist" organisation was lawful. The ruling on Monday came after the government lodged an appeal challenging a High Court ruling in February that banning the group under the Terrorism Act 2000 was unlawful and disproportionate.Legal BackgroundThe case stems from the government's decision to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, which allows for more stringent measures against the group including potential asset freezes and longer prison sentences for related activities. The original High Court ruling in February had found this designation to be disproportionate, but the Court of Appeal has now overturned that decision.Implications for ActivismThis ruling sets a significant precedent for how activist groups in the UK can be classified under terrorism laws. The decision demonstrates a higher threshold for challenging such designations in the appellate courts, potentially making it more difficult for activist organizations to challenge similar government decisions in the future.Future Legal ChallengesWith this decision, the legal landscape for activist groups advocating for Palestinian rights has become more restrictive. Palestine Action and similar organizations may need to reassess their tactics and public engagement strategies to avoid falling within the expanded parameters of what constitutes terrorist activity under UK law.
#UK Court #Palestine Action #Terrorism Act
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Entertainment Jun 15, 2026

Man Buys Diane Keaton's Nail Clippers for $960

A Spanish journalist and collector, Gustavo Egusquiza, has bought Diane Keaton's nail clippers for …
The Unlikely Buyer of Diane Keaton's Personal Item Gustavo Egusquiza, a travel journalist and consultant from Bilbao, Spain, has a fascination with collecting celebrity memorabilia. He recently purchased Diane Keaton's nail clippers for $960 at an online auction. Egusquiza says he was drawn to the nail clippers because they were a personal item that Keaton would have used daily. The Auction and Its Surprises The online auction at Bonhams in New York started with a $200 estimate but quickly surpassed that, reaching over $600. Egusquiza admits to having doubts as the price rose but decided to go through with the purchase. The nail clippers were sold in a curated box with hair pins and safety pins. A Collection of Celebrity Memorabilia Egusquiza's collection includes a range of unique items from celebrities. Alongside Keaton's nail clippers, he owns Whoopi Goldberg's white ceramic teapot, a statuette from Larry King's office, and a signed Chris Levine portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. He plans to display the nail clippers in his office. The Significance of Celebrity Memorabilia For Egusquiza, collecting these items is about having a personal connection to the celebrities he admires. He says, "It is objects like this that reveal the intimate parts of a person's real life." His friends and family support his hobby, and he is proud of his collection. A Look into the World of Celebrity Estate Auctions The sale of Diane Keaton's nail clippers highlights the growing trend of celebrity estate auctions. These auctions offer fans and collectors a chance to own personal items from their favorite stars, providing a unique glimpse into their lives.
#Diane Keaton #Gustavo Egusquiza #Whoopi Goldberg
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Entertainment Jun 15, 2026

Familiar Touch Review: Kathleen Chalfant Shines in Subtle Memory Loss Drama

The film 'Familiar Touch' is a tender and sensual drama that follows elderly Ruth as she adjusts to…
The Lead 'Familiar Touch' is a profoundly tender and sensual drama that follows elderly Ruth, played by American stage icon Kathleen Chalfant, as she adjusts to a major change in circumstances. The film hints at what's going on when Ruth treats everyday objects in unexpected ways. The Event Details The film tells the story of Ruth, who has significant short-term memory loss, although she can still recall the recipe for a complex dish like borscht. The story unfolds with an audacious economy, unveiling key details only when necessary. A middle-aged man named Steve arrives at her home, and when the staff at her new retirement community refer to him as her son, the reveal is shocking. The Performance Kathleen Chalfant gives an astonishingly nuanced, considered, and graceful performance as Ruth. Her portrayal requires no prosthetics, showy speeches, or weight fluctuations – just proper craft and actorly skill. The film also features a standout performance by Carolyn Michelle Smith as Vanessa, a Black carer Ruth interacts with. The Impact Analysis The film's director, Sarah Friedland, draws from her own experience with people with dementia, including her relatives and people she worked with in a care home. This background gives the film an intense focus on bodies and palpable sensation, connecting it to Friedland's work as a choreographer. The film's approach to Ruth's cognitive shift is affecting because it doesn't treat it like a great tragedy or a loss of self. The Prediction 'Familiar Touch' is set to make an impact in UK and Irish cinemas from 19 June. Despite its critical acclaim, the film's subtle and nuanced approach may make it a dark horse for awards recognition.
#Familiar Touch #Kathleen Chalfant #Sarah Friedland
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Politics Jun 15, 2026

Geneva Police Deploy Tear Gas as G7 Protest Turns Violent

Geneva police resorted to tear gas and a water cannon on Sunday after a largely peaceful march agai…
On Sunday, Geneva police fired tear gas and activated a water cannon as a largely peaceful march against the upcoming G7 summit devolved into violent clashes, marking the most serious unrest in the city since the 2003 G8 riots.Escalation of the Geneva Demonstration into ViolenceAbout 20,000 demonstrators gathered in the Swiss city to denounce the gathering of leaders from the world’s richest democracies. While most participants marched calmly under a blazing sun, waving Palestinian flags and climate banners, a subset of black‑clad protesters broke away, smashed barriers, attacked upscale apartment blocks, and set cars ablaze—including a Tesla emblazoned with “Eat the Rich.” Police reported that roughly 600 “Black Bloc” activists were involved in the violent actions.Numbers Behind the Unrest: Participants, Police, and ArrestsEstimated peaceful marchers: 20,000Identified Black Bloc participants: ~600Police tactics deployed: tear gas, water cannonKey property damage: burning of a Tesla vehicle, damage near the UN European headquartersImplications for G7 Security and Public PerceptionThe summit, opening Monday in the French spa town of Evian, arrives as the first major international meeting since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran and amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The violence in Geneva underscores heightened security challenges and may amplify public scrutiny of the G7’s focus on conflict resolution and Western military alliances. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Evian to host U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders, while thousands of Swiss and French security personnel have been deployed around the lake region.What May Follow the Geneva Clashes?Authorities are likely to tighten perimeter security around the Evian venue, increase police presence in Geneva, and potentially adjust the summit agenda to address civil‑society concerns about militarism and Western foreign policy. Continued unrest could pressure G7 leaders to prioritize diplomatic pathways for the Iran and Ukraine conflicts, while also prompting a reassessment of protest‑management strategies in host cities.
#Geneva #G7 #Protest
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