
Trump hits back against ‘bawdy' Epstein birthday message report
This denial is contradicted by evidence showing at least five sketches attributed to Trump have been sold at auction over the past decade.
These auctioned works include drawings of the Empire State Building, a "Money Tree," and various city skylines, created between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s.
The sketches have fetched considerable prices, with one minimalist New York City skyline piece selling for as much as $29,000 in 2017.
Trump himself previously acknowledged donating "autographed doodles" and said "art may not be my strong point" in his 2010 book, Trump Never Give Up.
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The Guardian
4 hours ago
- The Guardian
Artist Amy Sherald cancels Smithsonian show over censorship
Artist Amy Sherald has decided to withdraw her upcoming show at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery over fears of censorship. Sherald, who gained wider recognition after her portrait of Michelle Obama, was set to become the first contemporary Black artist to have an exhibition at the gallery. According to the New York Times, her show American Sublime has now been cancelled after she was told her painting of a transgender Statue of Liberty might be removed over fears of offending Donald Trump. 'I entered into this collaboration in good faith, believing that the institution shared a commitment to presenting work that reflects the full, complex truth of American life,' Sherald wrote in a letter. 'Unfortunately, it has become clear that the conditions no longer support the integrity of the work as conceived.'' In a statement obtained by the Times, she added: 'It's clear that institutional fear shaped by a broader climate of political hostility toward trans lives played a role.' Sherald claims that talks of removing the painting were followed by the proposal of a replacement, a video of people discussing both the painting and transgender issues at large. She said this decision would have 'opened up for debate the value of trans visibility' which she rejected. A statement from the Smithsonian claimed those at the institution were 'disappointed' by Sherald's decision. 'The Smithsonian strives to foster a greater and shared understanding,' it read. 'By presenting and contextualizing art, the Smithsonian aims to inspire, challenge and impact audiences in meaningful and thoughtful ways. Unfortunately, we could not come to an agreement with the artist. We remain appreciative and inspired by Ms Sherald, her artwork and commitment to portraiture.' The show has already travelled to San Francisco and New York and the Guardian spoke to Sherald in November 2024 about the painting in question. 'It ended up being the one that felt so right for this moment,' she said. 'Especially after the election of Donald Trump – it's a community that is so vulnerable.' The Smithsonian has been under fire in recent months. While it is not a government agency, it was created by Congress and is overseen by a board that includes the US chief justice, the vice-president and three members of each chamber of Congress. In March, Trump signed an executive order targeting the Smithsonian, claiming it had 'come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology' and the administration would restore it 'to its rightful place as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness'. In May, Trump tried to oust Kim Sajet, the director of its National Portrait Gallery, after claiming she was 'highly partisan and a strong supporter of DEI'. While he was initially unsuccessful, she later resigned. In 2016, Sherald and Kehinde Wiley became the first Black artists to receive presidential portrait commissions from the National Portrait Gallery. The following years have seen her sell works for up to $4.2m.


Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Telegraph
HR director caught on Coldplay ‘kiss cam' quits company
The HR director caught cuddling the chief executive of her company on a 'kiss cam' at a Coldplay concert has resigned. Kristin Cabot has stepped down from her position at Astronomer, a software company, after the footage of her in the arms of Andy Byron went viral on social media, according to TMZ. 'Kristin Cabot is no longer with Astronomer – she's resigned,' a source told the celebrity news website. Mr Byron, who is reportedly married, stepped down as the company's chief executive on Saturday, shortly after its directors announced it would hold an investigation into the incident. When footage of the pair was beamed around the arena on the 'kiss cam', Ms Cabot quickly covered her face and moved away, while Mr Byron ducked out of sight. The crowd could be heard laughing as Chris Martin, the Coldplay singer, said: 'Oh, look at these two ... Either they're having an affair or they're very shy.' Sports fans and even team mascots have re-enacted the moment on 'kiss cams' across the US. According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Byron led Astronomer, a New York-based company, for two years. On Friday, Astronomer announced its board of directors had launched an investigation into its own chief executive. 'Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,' it said in a statement. 'The board of directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.' A woman understood to be Mr Byron's wife has changed her last name on her Facebook account, according to reports. Ms Cabot joined in 2024 as chief people officer, with Mr Byron describing her as a 'proven leader' with a 'passion for fostering diverse, collaborative workplaces'. Reports suggest she was married but divorced in 2022. The incident took place just months after Astronomer raised $93m (£69.3m) from investors. The company is said to be valued at around $1bn.


Reuters
5 hours ago
- Reuters
FCC license approval clears way for $8 billion Paramount-Skydance merger
July 24 (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved the merger between Paramount Global (PARA.O), opens new tab and Skydance Media, clearing the way for an $8.4 billion sale of some of the most prominent names in entertainment, including the CBS broadcast television network, Paramount Pictures, and the Nickelodeon cable channel. The FCC agreed to transfer broadcast licenses for 28 owned-and-operated CBS television stations to the new owners after Paramount paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by U.S. President Donald Trump over a "60 Minutes" interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris that aired in October. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has said the agency's review of the proposed merger was not connected to the civil suit. The approval came after Skydance and its investment partner, RedBird Capital, assured the FCC of their commitment to unbiased journalism that represents diverse viewpoints. Skydance said it would appoint an ombudsman to evaluate complaints of editorial bias or other concerns about CBS in an effort to promote transparency and increased accountability. Paramount also eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to align with the Trump administration's view that such affirmative action policies are discriminatory.