Did the 2025 Met Gala make history?
The first Monday in May has come and gone, which means it's time to debrief this year's Met Gala.
The annual fundraising event, and fashion's biggest night, isn't just about who's wearing what. It's when fashion truly becomes art.
And perhaps more than ever this year, it's political. After all, this year's theme is a celebration of Black fashion and style, inspired by professor Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
The morning after the Met Gala, Commotion host Elamin Abdelmahmoud talks with J Wortham and Tyler Foggatt about how (well) the theme was interpreted, who understood the assignment, and who missed the mark.
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CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Sean (Diddy) Combs held Cassie's friend over 17th-floor balcony railing, trial hears
Social Sharing WARNING: This story contains allegations of assault and sexual violence and may affect those who have experienced it or know someone affected by it. A 33-year-old woman says hip-hop mogul Sean (Diddy) Combs held her over a 17th-floor apartment balcony and that she sometimes screamed in her sleep after the ordeal. Bryana Bongolan, a friend of Sean (Diddy) Combs's ex-girlfriend and accuser, R&B singer Cassie, said the 2016 assault at Cassie's Los Angeles apartment caused a bruise on the back of her leg, along with back and neck pain. It also left her emotionally scarred, she told the jury. "I have night terrors and paranoia, and I would scream in my sleep sometimes," said Bongolan, a creative and marketing director who runs her own art agency. Her testimony came in the fourth week of evidence presented by prosecutors as they seek to prove that Combs oversaw a racketeering organization composed of his employees and associates as he physically and sexually abused women for two decades. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and other charges that, if convicted, could send him to prison for 15 years to life. Bongolan is the latest woman to testify that Combs acted violently toward her and Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura. Rapper Kid Cudi testifies against Sean (Diddy) Combs 13 days ago Duration 1:54 'I was scared to fall' Bongolan, recalling the attack, said Combs barged into Cassie's apartment, lifted her up and put her on the railing. She said she feared that she would plummet to her death as she pushed back against Combs. "I was scared to fall," she said. Combs was yelling at her throughout the ordeal, Bongolan said, estimating he held her over the railing for 10 to 15 seconds. She testified that Combs then threw her onto balcony furniture. Adrenalin helped her power through the ordeal, Bongolan said, recalling getting up immediately after being thrown down. Bongolan said Cassie, who was sleeping in the bedroom, then came out and asked Combs: "Did you just hang her over the balcony?" Told that Bongolan's ex-girlfriend was also in the apartment, Combs swiftly left, Bongolan said. Cassie, who already testified for four days about the abuse she incurred, previously told the court that she saw Combs bring one of her friends back over the railing of a balcony at her apartment in the early morning. She said she was asleep in her room when she awoke to the episode. "I saw him bring her back over the railing of the balcony and then throw her onto the patio furniture," Cassie testified. Bongolan said she has lasting effects from Combs assaulting her. "I have nightmares and I have a lot of paranoia, and I used to scream a lot in my sleep, but it's dissipated a little bit," she testified. Part of her paranoia, she said, includes opening doors carefully and peeking into rooms before going inside, and she added that she had a nightmare as recently as a few days ago. Bongolan said Combs gave her drugs on three or four occasions, including ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine and G, a substance she understood was the depressant GHB. She said she also did drugs about once a week with Cassie when Combs wasn't around. Testifying in response to a subpoena from prosecutors, Bongolan was granted immunity after she initially said she would refuse to answer questions and invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. She was at least the third witness given immunity to testify. WATCH | Renowned lawyer Gloria Allred breaks down what's happening in Diddy trial: CBC News Aarti Pole speaks with Gloria Allred about the Sean (Diddy) Combs trial 14 days ago Duration 7:43 Get the latest on the CBC News App, and CBC News Network for breaking news and analysis. Combs feared video of Cassie assault would 'ruin career' The court also heard this week that Combs paid a hotel security officer to hand over surveillance footage that showed him violently attacking Cassie in a hallway. Eddy Garcia, who had worked at an InterContinental hotel, testified on Tuesday that Combs contacted him shortly after the incident and asked for the footage. Combs said he would "take care" of Garcia if he gave him the video, Garcia said. Jurors had previously been shown a March 2016 surveillance video from the hallway of the InterContinental hotel in Los Angeles where Combs, wearing only a towel, threw Cassie to the ground, kicked her and dragged her away. Cassie said the incident occurred after Combs had given her a black eye during a "freak-off." Federal prosecutors in Manhattan say Combs, over two decades, coerced women, including Cassie, to take part in drug-fuelled sexual performances with male sex workers that he referred to as "freak-offs." "He was concerned that this video would get out and that it would ruin his career," said Garcia, who was granted immunity from prosecution to testify. Garcia said he relayed Combs's message about the video to his boss, who told him he would give Combs the video in exchange for $50,000. The next day, Garcia testified, he saw his boss enter the room that hosted servers for the surveillance cameras. He said his boss gave him a USB drive, which he gave to Combs, who later returned with a brown bag and a money counter. Garcia said Combs ran cash from the bag through the counter, which displayed $100,000, returned the money to the bag, and handed the bag to him. Combs's lawyers have acknowledged he was at times abusive in domestic relationships but argue that women who took part in "freak-offs" did so consensually. Prosecutors say bribery is among the racketeering acts that Combs or his employees undertook in order to facilitate "freak-offs" and prevent word of his abuse from getting out. WATCH | Cassie tells court Combs locked her into a life of physical abuse: R&B singer Cassie testifies Sean (Diddy) Combs threatened to release sex videos 21 days ago Duration 2:01 WARNING: This video may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it. | Cassie, the R&B singer whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, testified for a second day at her ex-boyfriend Sean (Diddy) Combs's sex trafficking trial on Wednesday, saying the music mogul locked her into a life of physical abuse by threatening to release degrading sexual videos of her.
Globe and Mail
3 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
A.H. ZACARIAS Unveils 'Midas,' A Thrilling Novel Exploring Humanity's Alien Contact And The Peril Of The Unknown
Acclaimed author A.H. Zacarias' novel, "MIDAS," Book I of a two-part series, is a thought-provoking and action-packed science fiction epic. Published by Bookside Press and Inks and Bindings, "MIDAS" plunges readers into a meticulously crafted world where ancient alchemy, modern science, basic needs, and human greed meet. A.H. Zacarias makes a return to the science fiction genre with ' MIDAS,' a novel that blends action, philosophical themes, and futuristic technology. The story follows Dr. Brooke Spencer, a young scientist who is thrusted into an incredible adventure with consequences far beyond Earth. "Midas" cleverly combines action sequences with deep philosophical inquiries into humanity through Brooke's mentor, Dr. Charles Samuelson's 'The Golden Manifesto," and his unparalleled achievement of transmuting iron into gold. As news of his discovery spreads, it captures the attention not only of global powers but also of beings from beyond Earth. At just 26, Dr. Brooke Spencer already feels out of place in her world. Her life shifts when she begins working alongside her mentor, Dr. Charles Samuelson. What begins as a moment of self-discovery and awe quickly devolves into a struggle to protect everyone and everything Brooke loves—including Earth. Brooke finds herself at the center of an existential dilemma once she discovers the Aliens' purpose: Should she protect Earth's gold, or is Earth truly her home? Dr. Brooke Spencer, the protagonist, becomes humanity's unlikely defender, navigating a multidimensional crisis that challenges her understanding of identity, loyalty, and what it means to belong. Her journey becomes as internal as it is external, taking her across space and deep into moral uncertainty. Intense Action & Suspense: A relentless pace keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Dr. Brooke Spencer faces extraordinary challenges. Profound Philosophical Depth: Explores themes of morality, destiny, and the ethical implications of advanced technology and interstellar encounters, with a mythological undertone. Reader feedback on Amazon highlights the novel's balance of suspense and introspection. One reviewer, Derollo, describes the story as 'an absolutely gripping sci-fi adventure' and commends Zacarias for 'impressive world-building' and a protagonist who feels 'authentic and witty.' Another reader, Robin, focused on the novel's thematic richness, writing, 'The exploration of humanity's place in the universe and the responsibilities that come with great power often had me wondering, 'What would I do in this situation?'' A third reviewer, Jeyran, noted the book's originality: 'MIDAS delivers a thrilling sci-fi adventure where ancient alchemy meets interstellar stakes. Dr. Brooke Spencer is a compelling heroine… A.H. Zacarias blends action and intellect in this thought-provoking page-turner.' What distinguishes 'MIDAS' from other science fiction works is its blend of speculative science and ancient mythology, infused with philosophical inquiry. The narrative asks big questions without losing momentum, making it appealing to readers who appreciate both conceptual depth and narrative pace. A.H. Zacarias approaches storytelling with a unique blend of myth, science, and existential thought. In 'MIDAS,' Zacarias constructs a world where the boundaries between legend and future blur, and where a scientist's courage might be all that stands between Earth and destruction. The book is recommended for science fiction readers interested in stories that merge cosmic stakes with real-world questions. Whether drawn to interstellar conflict or philosophical reflection, 'MIDAS' offers an experience that lingers after the final page. About the AuthorA.H. Zacarias's works span comedy, thriller, classic, horror, and science fiction. He is passionate about entertaining his audience while exploring the intersection of technology, philosophy, and the human condition. Zacarias' imagination crafts narratives that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. "MIDAS" is his most recent work. For more information about "MIDAS,' CLICK: and for works by A.H. Zacarias, please visit About Inks and Bindings Inks and Bindings is a premier self-publishing company located at the heart of the Golden State. Aptly based where fashion, entertainment, and culture thrive, the team goes all out in bringing independent authors into the sweet California spotlight. Media Contact Company Name: Inks and Bindings LLC Contact Person: Sally Edwards Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
CBC
4 hours ago
- CBC
Billy Idol should be dead— thankfully he's still alive to tell you his story
From packed punk shows at CBGB to global arena tours, Billy Idol has lived the life he always dreamed of. But with so many years of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, he admits it was also a life that was at risk of ending at any moment. "You can't do it forever, it'll destroy you," Idol says in an interview with Q 's Tom Power. "Eventually you kind of saw the light, but then it wasn't so easy coming to that decision.… A lot of other people didn't." Billy Idol's ninth solo album Dream Into It is a chronological journey that explores his lifetime through music. The songs were written in tandem with making his documentary Billy Idol Should Be Dead, which will come out later this year. WATCH | Billy Idol's full interview with Tom Power: "I'm 69 years old, so you really can see the landscape of your life," Idol explains. "Doing the documentary made it easy to sort of bounce off your whole life.… Maybe it's even having grandchildren too. Maybe you want to explain yourself a little bit. Maybe even to yourself." With childhood influences ranging from Miles Davis to Camelot the Musical to The Kinks, Idol has always been fascinated by different kinds of music. As a fan of many genres, he was thrilled to be part of the emergence of punk rock in the 70s. "The whole sort of expansion of music.… the blues being expanded into rock and roll, and even jazz fusion. We grew up with it all," Idol explains. "We ended up saying, 'Let's dumb this down,' and bring it back to some sort of primitive level with punk rock.… We went beyond being fans and we became people who actually started to move the glass around, so to speak, like a seance." WATCH | Official music visualizer for 77 feat. Avril Lavigne: Half of the songs on Dream Into It focus on Billy Idol's youth. One of them is 77 feat. Avril Lavigne, which paints a picture of punk street life in 1977. "The youth of that time was super feeling it. Like, 'This is it, this is our thing'," Idol remembers. "We were the audience and we were waiting for our own scene.… What was in the air, it was palpable and it was just so exciting. "And everybody writing their songs, The Clash coming up with their songs, [Sex] Pistols coming up with their songs, us.… It was one of the best times of my life." With the success of Dancing with Myself and Eyes Without a Face in the 80s, the parties got bigger, and Idol started losing control. Dream Into It has some tunes that acknowledge the lows of his on-the-edge lifestyle — Too Much Fun touches on his drug addiction, and People I Love talks about how he didn't spend enough time with his family. But ultimately, Billy Idol has no regrets about how everything went for him. You were right to make all the daft decisions you made, which at the time looked to other people like you're out of your mind. - Billy Idol "You really start to realize all the crazy stuff you've done over the years," Idol says. "You were right to make all the daft decisions you made, which at the time looked to other people like you're out of your mind. But it came true. I had a bit of a dream, and I made it come true." Like the lyric of his song White Wedding, "it's a nice day to start again" for Billy Idol. At this stage in his life, one of his greatest joys is seeing the world through his grandchildren's eyes. "They're so excited to be alive, and everything's a first time experience for them," says Idol. "They love you for who you are now. They don't know your backstory. And that's refreshing as well when you've been alive a long time."
