American porn star Whitney Wright visits Afghanistan despite Taliban control
A US porn actor has traveled to Afghanistan in a trip unacknowledged by the Taliban, who have restricted the rights of women and girls and imposed strict morality laws since seizing power in 2021.
Whitney Wright, who caused uproar with a visit to Iran last year as authorities there cracked down on women, posted images of her trip to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan on her Instagram account.
They show a plane from national carrier Ariana on a runway, a tiled ceiling from the Western city of Herat, supermarket items and vehicles. Wright does not appear in the images.
She did not respond to messages from The Associated Press on Friday. Nobody from the Taliban was immediately available for comment.
The Taliban are keen to attract tourists and promote a different side of the country. Foreigners are visiting, encouraged by the drop in violence.
Earlier this month The Taliban took over the operations of Afghanistan 's only luxury hotel in Kabul, more than a decade after they launched a deadly attack there that killed nine people.
The Serena Hotel said it was closing its operations in the Afghan capital on Febuary 1, with the Hotel State Owned Corporation taking over. The corporation is overseen by the finance ministry.
The Taliban first targeted the Serena in 2008 and again in 2014. Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani acknowledged planning the 2008 attack, which killed eight, including U.S. citizen Thor David Hesla.
As a U.S. citizen born in Oklahoma City, Wright would need a visa to enter Afghanistan but there are no operational Afghan embassies or consulates in the U.S.
Whitney Wright in Iraq:
The Taliban have control of some 40 diplomatic missions around the world.
The State Department says U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, kidnapping and limited health facilities. It also says there is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Love Island's Kyle Ashman reveals he wants show return as Casa Amor hunk after being axed over machete attack arrest
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island star Kyle Ashman has revealed he wants to return to the show as a Casa Amor hunk after being axed over a machete attack arrest. The 23-year-old was released without charge earlier this year after being quizzed over a violent incident at a wake in Stafford that left two men with serious injuries. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Kyle Ashman said he wants to return to Love Island after being axed Credit: Instagram 6 He was sent home by ITV bosses following over his arrest Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Following his departure from the ITV show, Ashman insisted he was innocent, not a violent person and stressed he had fully cooperated with police. Now in a new video uploaded to Instagram, the aspiring reality star revealed he's still hopeful of having a future on the show. Speaking from inside a house, he said: "I'm not a bad guy, honestly. I'm a normal guy from a normal place. An opportunity arose to find love and I grabbed it with both hands, and it's been taken away from me. "I've seen the support pages and, who knows, maybe I'll get the chance to go on Casa Amor or as a bombshell, go back in and show you who I really am. Show you I'm not a bad guy. We'll see." The Sun has contacted ITV for comment. ITV chiefs' decision to send Ashman home from Majorca plunged the show into chaos ahead of Monday's launch. He has since spoken out about being axed saying: 'I fully co-operated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. 'I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.' Ashman was one of two quizzed but released with no further action. Sources said the channel was unaware of the incident and he was not flagged as part of contestant checks. The victim, 38, nearly lost his arm. He was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept in for around two weeks. Love Island star sensationally axed from show after revelation he was arrested over machete attack on dad just months ago Another mourner was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people run over by a car during the 15 minutes of terror at a social club in Stafford. Ashman, who lives in the town, was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray then bailed. Police confirmed that after the matter had been investigated the pair were released with no further action only last month. A source said: 'This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse. 'Ashman may have signed up to one of the biggest shows on TV with this hanging over his head.' It is not suggested that Ashman, whose job involves laying and repairing water pipes, was involved in the attack. Last night he insisted he was not a violent person. Confirming his show exit, an ITV spokesman said: 'For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.' The mass brawl broke out at The White Eagle Club on February 28. Sources said three balaclava-clad thugs armed with machetes and metal poles stormed the venue and attacked the dad over an alleged £3,000 debt. They attacked him with a blade and left him with a deep gash on his arm — with witnesses wrapping towels over it to stem the bleeding. 6 Ashman described himself as a 'normal guy' Credit: Instagram/@kyleashmantr 6 Kyle has come out to say he is 'not a violent person' Credit: Instagram Pals say he has suffered tendon damage and is unable to drive due to his injuries. Witnesses said the mob made off in a white Vauxhall Astra waiting outside. Around 70 mourners, some elderly and some children, had gathered to pay their respects to local Stanley Reid. Our source continued: 'This seemed to be a targeted attack — they knew who they were looking for and where he was. "People wrapped a towel around the man's injury while waiting for emergency services. Children were taken into a room and locked in there to keep them away from the violence. 'People were screaming and crying in fear. They had gathered to pay final farewells to a man who was really well-respected within the local community. 6 The mass brawl broke out at The White Eagle Club in Stafford 6 Masked thugs stormed into the wake and attacked a dad-of-two with a blade 'They could have killed someone that night. They are nothing but scumbags. They ruined what was a lovely send-off for a good person.' Staffordshire Police said yesterday: 'We were called to a social club on Riverway, Stafford, at 7.40pm on Friday, February 28 following reports that someone had been glassed outside and a fight was taking place. Some of the men involved were wearing masks and were carrying weapons. 'Two men went to hospital after suffering injuries at the scene. Both have since been discharged. 'A man and a woman suffered minor injuries at the scene but did not want any medical treatment. 'Officers have reviewed CCTV footage and have been actively carrying out inquiries to find out more about what happened. 'A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray. Another man, also 22 and from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of affray. 'Both were questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our inquiries continue.' A force spokeswoman later confirmed that both suspects had been released with no further action last month. Ashman said last night: 'I fully co-operated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. 'I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.' A show source said: 'ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle's past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island's stringent DBS checks. Suspects released 'It's only right he can now return home to the UK to share his side of the story and therefore bosses took the decision that it was best for him not to enter the villa.' Contestants typically sign up months in advance of the show, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The launch episode of last year's summer series was watched by 3.3 million fans. ITV yesterday officially announced the new line-up and released images of contestants, with Ashman showing off his six-pack. Asked about the type of Love Islander he would like to couple up with, Ashman said: 'Someone who is fun, confident and just themselves.' Asked if host Maya Jama would 'hire or fire you based on your flirting skills alone', he replied: 'I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there.'
STV News
2 hours ago
- STV News
'I thought I was having a stroke after I got Botox - my face was drooping'
A woman who got Botox after seeing an advert for a 'bargain' procedure on social media thought she was having a stroke after her face began to droop. Florence Docherty, who got a mini facelift three months ago after seeing an advert on Instagram, began to feel numbness and tingling in her face weeks after the procedure. When she smiled, her face would droop to one side. During the procedure, a muscle on her face which should not have been injected with Botox was hit. Florence has since visited a medical aesthetics clinic in Barrhead, who confirmed the treatment she was promised was not possible. She told STV News: 'I was in the bathroom and I just happened to yawn in front of the mirror and the whole side of my face was drooping. 'The first thing I thought was 'I think this is the first symptoms of a stroke' – you know how they always say that your face droops. 'So I phoned the doctor and they asked me to take a picture and send it in and the doctor would phone me back and then I thought about it and I thought 'I wonder if it has anything to do with the Botox that I got.' She says when she got the procedure, it wasn't explained to her what Botox would be used but that she did not ask because it was a 'bargain'. Florence added: 'If something's too good to be true, it definitely is. I would never do it again. 'I did message the person and explain what had happened and she offered me half my money back and I said no I don't want my money back, I just don't want you to do it to somebody else.' Jacqueline Cooney, nurse prescriber and director of the Scottish Medical Aesthetics Safety Group said: 'We see weekly cases like this. 'When she came in to speak to me she was really embarrassed, felt quite ashamed of herself because what she described was that she didn't think the environment was clean. 'She didn't know where the toxin had come from that she had been injected with and they had clearly hit a muscle that wasn't supposed to be treated with the Botox. 'It was pulling the corner of her mouth down. 'Had she seen a prescriber, we would have told her that the whole treatment that she was promised was not possible. 'She would have never been treated with it in the first place.' From this week, non-surgical procedures such as Botox and filler injections will no longer be allowed to be prescribed without a face-to-face consultation with a medical professional. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) said that inconsistent regulation of non-surgical cosmetic practice can put people at risk. Research into the issue found that many people who had undergone non-cosmetic procedures had not fully considered how the medicine was obtained when the person administering it was not a healthcare professional. Some also did not realise that they were prescribed medicines and perceived the procedures to be 'overly accessible', taking place within unregulated environments without clarity on whether those injecting had sufficient training. The NMC said their updated position would 'protect the public and maintain trust and confidence in the professions'. Anne Trotter, NMC assistant director of education and standards, said: 'Following our research and engagement, we're confident that our updated position on the remote prescribing of non-surgical cosmetic medicines is in the best interests of public safety and protection. 'Nursing and midwifery prescribers provide competent and effective care to people every day. Face-to-face consultations will further improve their ability to assess people holistically and ensure non-surgical cosmetic medicines are prescribed as safely and appropriately. 'We'll continue to engage with our stakeholders, professionals, employers and the public as we bring this new requirement into effect.' The Scottish Government has announced it plans to regulate the sector within the next year with new safety rules, including procedures being delivered in suitable registered premises and supporting the enforcement of appropriate standards. The Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures Bill will be introduced within the next year. STV News is now on WhatsApp Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Press and Journal
3 hours ago
- Press and Journal
Earthquakes, mistaken identity and a 14-hour wait for a ride: Hitchhiker lifts lid on journey from Aberdeen to Hong Kong
Despite only being halfway through his journey, John Dougan has already been mistaken multiple times for a Russian-American defector, survived an earthquake and forced to wait 14 hours for his next ride. John left the Granite City two months ago to set out on his epic hitchhiking route that will span over 14,000km and up to 25 countries – his final destination, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. The 32-year-old recently found himself worn out and struggling with his mental health. John was seeking a more independent life, which led him to quit his corporate job and create his social channels. He wanted to share honest content with users, highlighting the highs and lows of his trip. His journey across the globe has thrown up various challenges beyond the regular hurdles of hitchhiking. John, originally from Glasgow, has been stopped multiple times at borders and mistaken American-Russian defector John Mark Dougan. Not only do the two share the same first and last names, but they both have the same birthday. John Mark Dougan is a former U.S. Marine who fled to Russia in 2016, accused of running websites that spread Russian propaganda. He said: 'At the borders, they are a little bit worried we are the same person, so it became a problem 'But because Turkey is such a big country I haven't had to deal with it in a few weeks, thankfully' said John. John Mark Dougan now follows the hitchhiker on Instagram and often likes and comments on his posts. John spoke about the troubles he faced with getting from place to place. He said: 'It can become quite a challenge, but it depends where you are. Cities are very difficult to get out of and its all about positioning. It becomes a bit of a skill that you pick up and you learn techniques.' He told The Press & Journal that cultural differences have played a huge part in his journey so far, explaining that some cultures are more open to hitchhiking than others. 'You see countries through a different lens, and you get to know the people and the culture of a country much better,' John added. However, it hasn't all been plain sailing for John. While at the German-Austrian border, he was left waiting 14 hours for a lift as nobody stopped. He continued: 'It was hard because it was still relatively early into the trip, and it was one of those moments where I thought, is this even going to be possible?' While in southeastern Turkey, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the area John was passing through. At least one person has died in the quake. John said: 'I've been in a couple of earthquakes before but when you wake up during the night and the whole building is shaking, its quite scary.' On top of waiting for a ride and navigating an earthquake, John has also had to balance his budget. Having travelled before, he's no stranger to the cost of seeing the world. Money was a topic that came up in most conversations on his journey towards Hong Kong. Many drivers have discussed inflation and how it has affected countries in Europe as well as Turkey and Albania. He said: 'Countries that were once inexpensive to travel and live in are now almost equivalent to European prices.' John is currently in southeastern Turkey and plans to go on to the Caucasus region, across the Caspian Sea and into Kazakhstan and China. To follow John's journey, visit his TikTok and Instagram, where he shares the highs and lows of his trip. He is also using the platforms to raise awareness and funds for mental health charities, another reason for his expedition. John is hoping to reach Aberdeen, Hong Kong by October but is now hoping to extend his travels into a bigger trip around the world – minus the hitchhiking.
