American influencer caught up in Vatican City crowds as new pope is appointed
Lifestyle
American influencer Morgan Riddle was caught up in chaotic crowds in the Vatican the moment the new pope was appointed.
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7NEWS
9 hours ago
- 7NEWS
‘Raise a ruckus': Fiery Jane Fonda ends Aussie tour with a bang
Hollywood legend Jane Fonda has wrapped up her tour of Australia with a powerful message — she'll return, but first, she's heading back to the U.S. to 'raise a ruckus.' The 87-year-old Oscar-winning actress and outspoken activist captivated audiences in Sydney and Melbourne as part of the Wanderlust True North Series. In conversation with veteran journalist Liz Hayes at ICC Sydney on Sunday night, Fonda reflected on her film career, activism, and personal journey — offering a glimpse of what's next. 'I'm coming back,' she said, revealing she's already received an invitation to trek through the outback. 'I met a fantastic woman — I can't remember where — she said she'd hiked 26 miles, so I'm gonna come back and do it, and spend time with some Aboriginal women.' But as her whirlwind visit drew to a close, Fonda admitted it hadn't been easy watching events unfold back home. 'I love Australia, but it is very hard being here and looking at what is happening in my country, my city, my state,' she said. 'I go home tomorrow, and I'll just go home and raise a ruckus — it's hard to do it when you're not there.' That promise to 'raise a ruckus' wasn't just rhetoric. 'There's an oil well in Santa Barbara, California — in 2015 it leaked and spilled oil everywhere — they're trying to start it up again, so I might chain myself to that,' Fonda said, adding that she had been meeting with Greenpeace during her trip Down Under. At a previous event in Melbourne — rumoured to have earned her a $300,000 speaking fee — she gave a blistering critique of American politics. Known for her lifelong activism, Fonda didn't hold back, targeting former President Donald Trump with an expletive-laden tirade that stunned the crowd of over 1,000 attendees. 'F**k those neoliberals and fascists and people who don't move to love,' she said. 'We have to move to love and empathy.' Her call to action was fiery and unapologetic, as she warned that many working-class Americans would soon experience 'buyer's remorse' over their political choices. 'In the United States, 78 million people voted for Trump — not all of them MAGA,' Fonda said, explaining that many blue-collar voters had been failed by the Democratic Party. 'But people are hurting — men and women — and they're going to realise it.' This unwavering political voice is nothing new for Fonda. She first stirred controversy as an activist in the 1970s for her support of the Black Panthers, the Women's Movement, and the plight of Native Americans. Fonda's opposition to the Vietnam War and the U.S. government's involvement in it sparked huge backlash. After a controversial trip to North Vietnam in 1972, her critics slammed her with the moniker 'Hanoi Jane,' and some U.S. politicians even called for her to be tried on charges of treason. Asked on Sunday about the hatred directed toward her during that period, Fonda said being part of a 'movement' helped her endure. 'I was not alone — I was part of a posse that had my back. I knew that what I was doing was right... you just go through it. 'And then they die or go to jail, and you're left,' laughed Fonda. 'I'll outlive all those f******,' she said to an applauding audience. Fonda has since been arrested multiple times throughout her 80s for civil disobedience during climate rallies. 'It feels so good to be arrested,' she joked. Fonda's legacy is as layered as it is iconic. The daughter of Oscar-winning actor Henry Fonda and sister to the late Peter Fonda, she's known for roles in classics like Barefoot in the Park, Barbarella, 9 to 5, On Golden Pond, and Monster-in-Law. Some of her most acclaimed work came in films with powerful social messages, such as They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, Klute, and Coming Home — the latter two earning her Academy Awards for Best Actress. She's also picked up seven Golden Globes, two BAFTAs, an Emmy for her work in the Netflix series Grace and Frankie, and nominations for both a Grammy and a Tony. Earlier this year, she was honoured with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, delivering a rousing speech urging empathy in politically divisive times. From Hollywood screens to protest lines, Jane Fonda remains a powerhouse of passion, purpose, and provocation — and if her time in Australia is any indication, she's not slowing down anytime soon. But what's the octogenarian most proud of? 'If your early childhood is traumatic, you put an armour around your heart,' explained Fonda, who has spoken at length about losing her mother to suicide at age 12, and her often emotionally distant relationship with her father. 'It's hard to get rid of that armour — it takes a lot of work. 'The armour is beginning to fall away and my heart is beginning to soften — that's what I'm proud of.'
The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- The Advertiser
It ain't over: The 'Lennaissance' is set to hit Down Under
American rock legend Lenny Kravitz is coming back to Australia in November as part of his worldwide Blue Electric Light Tour. The four-time Grammy Award-winning writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and singer was forced to cancel his 2020 Here to Love Tour of Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions in force at the time. The Blue Electric Light Tour 2025 continues what Billboard has called the "Lennaissance" - a renewed period of worldwide success for Kravitz, who released his critically-acclaimed 12th studio album Blue Electric Light last year. Regarded as one of the greatest rock musicians of our time, Kravitz has transcended genre, style, race and class during his three-decade-plus musical career. He has 12 albums and more than 40 million album sales to his name, and is known for songs such as American Woman, Fly Away, It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over, Believe, Black Velveteen, Stand By My Woman and I Belong To You. His 2023 song Road To Freedom won a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song (Motion Picture), a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Song, and the Guild of Music Supervisors Award nomination for Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film. Last year, Kravitz was honoured with a Music Icon Award star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the People's Choice Awards, the Best Rock Award at the 2024 Video Music Awards, and the CFDA's Fashion Icon Award. "We're thrilled to welcome Lenny Kravitz and his band back to Australia," TEG LIVE head of touring Tim McGregor said. "This dynamic live show is not to be missed. Lenny will perform all the hits, along with fan favourites from Blue Electric Light. "The energy, vocal power, and stage presence of Kravitz and his exhilarating band are truly outstanding." ARIA Hall of Fame inductees Jet will return to Australia to support Kravtix on his Blue Electric Light Tour. The band has been travelling the world to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their debut album Get Born, which has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. Lenny Kravitz's Blue Electric Light Tour will kick off in New Zealand on November 15, before the rocker makes his way across the water for his first Aussie show at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on November 18. Tickets will be available on pre-sale via the Artist & Telstra from 9am on Tuesday, June 17 to Thursday, June 19. General public tickets go on sale from 10am Friday, June 20 at American rock legend Lenny Kravitz is coming back to Australia in November as part of his worldwide Blue Electric Light Tour. The four-time Grammy Award-winning writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and singer was forced to cancel his 2020 Here to Love Tour of Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions in force at the time. The Blue Electric Light Tour 2025 continues what Billboard has called the "Lennaissance" - a renewed period of worldwide success for Kravitz, who released his critically-acclaimed 12th studio album Blue Electric Light last year. Regarded as one of the greatest rock musicians of our time, Kravitz has transcended genre, style, race and class during his three-decade-plus musical career. He has 12 albums and more than 40 million album sales to his name, and is known for songs such as American Woman, Fly Away, It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over, Believe, Black Velveteen, Stand By My Woman and I Belong To You. His 2023 song Road To Freedom won a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song (Motion Picture), a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Song, and the Guild of Music Supervisors Award nomination for Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film. Last year, Kravitz was honoured with a Music Icon Award star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the People's Choice Awards, the Best Rock Award at the 2024 Video Music Awards, and the CFDA's Fashion Icon Award. "We're thrilled to welcome Lenny Kravitz and his band back to Australia," TEG LIVE head of touring Tim McGregor said. "This dynamic live show is not to be missed. Lenny will perform all the hits, along with fan favourites from Blue Electric Light. "The energy, vocal power, and stage presence of Kravitz and his exhilarating band are truly outstanding." ARIA Hall of Fame inductees Jet will return to Australia to support Kravtix on his Blue Electric Light Tour. The band has been travelling the world to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their debut album Get Born, which has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. Lenny Kravitz's Blue Electric Light Tour will kick off in New Zealand on November 15, before the rocker makes his way across the water for his first Aussie show at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on November 18. Tickets will be available on pre-sale via the Artist & Telstra from 9am on Tuesday, June 17 to Thursday, June 19. General public tickets go on sale from 10am Friday, June 20 at American rock legend Lenny Kravitz is coming back to Australia in November as part of his worldwide Blue Electric Light Tour. The four-time Grammy Award-winning writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and singer was forced to cancel his 2020 Here to Love Tour of Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions in force at the time. The Blue Electric Light Tour 2025 continues what Billboard has called the "Lennaissance" - a renewed period of worldwide success for Kravitz, who released his critically-acclaimed 12th studio album Blue Electric Light last year. Regarded as one of the greatest rock musicians of our time, Kravitz has transcended genre, style, race and class during his three-decade-plus musical career. He has 12 albums and more than 40 million album sales to his name, and is known for songs such as American Woman, Fly Away, It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over, Believe, Black Velveteen, Stand By My Woman and I Belong To You. His 2023 song Road To Freedom won a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song (Motion Picture), a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Song, and the Guild of Music Supervisors Award nomination for Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film. Last year, Kravitz was honoured with a Music Icon Award star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the People's Choice Awards, the Best Rock Award at the 2024 Video Music Awards, and the CFDA's Fashion Icon Award. "We're thrilled to welcome Lenny Kravitz and his band back to Australia," TEG LIVE head of touring Tim McGregor said. "This dynamic live show is not to be missed. Lenny will perform all the hits, along with fan favourites from Blue Electric Light. "The energy, vocal power, and stage presence of Kravitz and his exhilarating band are truly outstanding." ARIA Hall of Fame inductees Jet will return to Australia to support Kravtix on his Blue Electric Light Tour. The band has been travelling the world to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their debut album Get Born, which has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. Lenny Kravitz's Blue Electric Light Tour will kick off in New Zealand on November 15, before the rocker makes his way across the water for his first Aussie show at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on November 18. Tickets will be available on pre-sale via the Artist & Telstra from 9am on Tuesday, June 17 to Thursday, June 19. General public tickets go on sale from 10am Friday, June 20 at
West Australian
15 hours ago
- West Australian
Bruce Willis dementia: Hollywood action star's daughter, Rumer, shares heartbreaking news on his health
Hollywood action legend Bruce Willis's daughter Rumer has shared a heartbreaking update about her dad as American's celebrated Father's Day. The Die Hard star has been battling a rare form of dementia for a number of years, with the latest messaging from his distraught family indicating he has finally lost the ability to speak. In a heartfelt Father's Day post via her Instagram account, Rumer Willis, spoke of her love for her father and some regrets she has now his health is in decline. 'Today is hard, I feel a deep ache in my chest to talk to you and tell you everything I'm doing and what's going on in my life,' she posted on Sunday. 'To hug you and ask you about life and your stories and struggles and successes. I wish I asked you more questions while you could still tell me about it all. 'But I know you wouldn't want me to be sad today so I'll try to just be grateful reminding myself how lucky I am that you're my dad and that you're still with me,' she said. 'I can still hold you and hug you and kiss your cheek and rub your head I can tell you stories.' The 70-year-old Pulp Fiction actor's family, including ex-wife Demi Moore, have documented his journey through various social media post at family gatherings as he tries to combat frontotemporal dementia (FTD). FTD is a specific type of dementia that primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and is different to Alzheimer's, as it impacts behavior, personality, language, and movement, rather than just memory. 'I will be grateful for every moment I have with you. I love you so much dad happy Father's Day,' Ms Willis said about her father. 'Sending love to all those who are in the boat with me or have lost their fathers, to the single mums who are the dads too.' Ms Moore, 62, along with her three daughter's to Mr Willis, Rumer 36, Scout, 33. and Tallulah, 31, have all been in constant contact with the much-loved actor, along with his wife of 16 years Emma Heming, 46, and their children Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10. In January this year, Ms Emma Heming Willis, claimed that after being born with a pronounced stutter her husband's speech affliciation was dismissed by health professionals as an early symptom of his dementia. Speaking to Town and Country magazine, she said: 'He had a severe stutter as a child. He went to college, and there was a theatre teacher who said, 'I've got something that's going to help you.' 'Bruce has always had a stutter, but he has been good at covering it up. 'So, when he began to experience difficulties with language, it seemed like it was just a part of his stutter. 'Never in a million years would I think it would be a form of dementia for someone so young.' In 2023 the family spoke of his complex issues with FTD including a loss of speech. 'FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years,' the statement said. 'Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. 'As Bruce's condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research. 'Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. 'We know in our hearts that – if he could today - he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.'
