Latest news with #InternationalWomensDay
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Brooke Shields calls out ‘too precious' Meghan Markle after awkward SXSW panel gig
Brooke Shields didn't hold back when sharing comments about Meghan Markle's awkward appearance at a 2024 SXSW panel. The actress, along with the Duchess of Sussex, participated in an International Women's Day conversation called 'Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen' and moderated by journalist Katie Couric at the iconic film festival last March. 'Katie asks the first question to Meghan and she talks about how at a young age, she was already advocating for women,' Shields told India Hicks on the latest episode of her An Unexpected Journey podcast, via the Independent. 'She starts telling a story about how when she was 11 — and she keeps saying, 'Well, when I was 11, I saw this commercial and they were talking about how washing dishes was for women' And she said, 'I didn't think only women wash dishes. It wasn't fair, so I wrote to the company.'' 'She kept saying she was 11!' Shields exclaimed. 'She wrote to the company, they changed the text, they changed the commercial. It was just too precious, and I was like, 'They're not going to want to sit here for 45 minutes and listen to anybody be precious or serious.'' Shields, 60, recalled intervening at one point in an effort to switch up the mood. 'I go, 'Excuse me, I'm so sorry, I've got to interrupt you there for one minute.' I was trying not to be rude, but I wanted to be funny because it was so serious,' Shields remembered. 'I just want to give everybody here a context as to how we're different. When I was 11, I was playing a prostitute,' she joked, referencing her 1978 historical drama, 'Pretty Baby.' 'The place went insane,' Shields shared, claiming the crowd became 'more relaxed' after her comments. The story Markle shared during the panel was nothing new, as she has previously spoken about how she took matters into her own hands after seeing the controversial Ivory dishwashing soap campaign. During the 2019 International Women's Day panel at SXSW, Markle said the ad — which originally featured the slogan 'Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans' — had inspired a formative feminist experience for her. 'Truth be told, at 11 I don't think I even knew what sexism meant. I just knew that something struck me internally that was telling me it was wrong, and I knew that it was wrong,' she said at the time, per People. 'And using that as my moral compass and moving through from the age of 11, at that age I was able to change this commercial. It really set up the trajectory for me to say, 'If there was a wrong, if there is a lack of justice, and there is an inequality, then someone needs to do something. And why not me?'' Ultimately, Procter & Gamble (the company who owns Ivory) changed the slogan to 'People all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans.'
Fox News
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Brooke Shields calls out Meghan Markle's gender equality story as 'too precious'
Brooke Shields once dubbed Meghan Markle as "too precious." During a recent appearance on India Hicks's podcast, the 60-year-old actress recalled the moment she interrupted the Duchess of Sussex during a panel at the South by Southwest Festival last year after the former royal seemed to have lost the audience's attention with an anecdote from her childhood. To mark International Women's Day, Katie Couric asked the panel a question related to gender equality – and Markle answered right away. "Katie asks the first question to Meghan and she talks about how at a young age, she was already advocating for women," Shields said, per Sky News. Markle, who shared the exact same story with Vanity Fair in 2017, referenced the time she wrote a letter to a company that promoted women washing dishes. "She starts telling a story about how when she was 11 – and she keeps saying, 'Well, when I was 11, I saw this commercial and they were talking about how washing dishes was for women. And she said, 'I didn't think only women wash dishes. It wasn't fair. So I wrote to the company.'" "It was just too precious, and I was like, they're not going to want to sit here for 45 minutes and listen to anybody be precious or serious." Shields recalled interrupting Markle during the panel. "I go, 'Excuse me, I'm so sorry, I've got to interrupt you there for one minute.' I was trying not to be rude, but I wanted to be funny because it was so serious. 'I just want to give everybody here a context as to how we're different. When I was 11, I was playing a prostitute.'" Shields, who earned a laugh from the audience, was referring to her role in the 1978 film, "Pretty Baby." "The place went insane. And then luckily, it was more relaxed after that," Shields said. During the same panel, Shields reflected on being sexualized as a child star in Hollywood. The actress rose to fame at the age of 11 when she played a child prostitute in "Pretty Baby," which featured Shields in multiple nude scenes. As a 10-year-old, Shields posed naked for the Playboy publication Sugar'n'Spice. "I was at the center of it," Shields said. "And I was promoting it and I was doing it." She continued, "And I was lucky because I was surrounded by a very strong mom. I never did move to Hollywood. I always went to regular school." "So I had this sort of community around me that was protecting me, buoying me. And so I did not become the type of statistic that Hollywood created," Shields added. "Hollywood is predicated on eating its young." Fox News Digital's Ashley Hume contributed to this post.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brooke Shields brands Meghan 'too precious and serious' as she recalls interrupting her in front of thousands of people
Brooke Shields has revealed she interrupted Meghan Markle live on stage in front of thousands of people - because, she says, the Duchess of Sussex was being 'too precious' in her speech about gender equality. The 60-year-old Hollywood actress shared the anecdote on the latest episode of India Hicks ' podcast, which was released over the weekend. Brooke was discussing the International Women's Day panel in Austin, Texas, from March 2024, where she had been joined by Meghan on stage. When the discussion began, and the former Suits star, 43, started answering Katie's opening question, Brooke said the tone quickly became overly serious. 'Katie asks the first question to Meghan and talks about how at a young age, she was already advocating for women, etcetera, etcetera,' Brooke explained. '[Meghan] starts telling a story about how when she was 11... And she keeps saying, well, when I was 11, I saw this commercial and they were talking about washing dishes and only soap for washing dishes was for women. 'And she said, 'I didn't think only women wash dishes. It wasn't fair. So I wrote to the company. And when I was 11, I wrote my first letter and when I was 11...' and she kept saying she was 11! She wrote to the company, they changed the text, they changed the commercial.' At that point, Brooke said, she couldn't resist breaking the tension in the room - and the earnestness of Meghan's response. 'I go, "Excuse me, I'm so sorry. I've got to interrupt you there for one minute," 'I was trying not to be rude, but I wanted to be funny because it was so serious. 'I just want to give everybody here a context as to how we're different,' Brooke told the audience. 'I said, 'Well, when I was 11, I was playing a prostitute.' 'The place went insane. And then luckily, it was more relaxed after that.' The comment was a reference to Brooke's breakout role as a child star in the controversial 1978 film Pretty Baby, in which she played a child sex worker - a role that sparked debate at the time and has remained the subject of intense scrutiny in the decades since. In Austin, the moment broke the ice, as the crowd broke out into laughter. 'I was like, oh, I hope she doesn't think I'm rude. I'm not being rude,' Brooke added. India - daughter of Lady Pamela Mountbatten, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, and the late interior designer David Hicks, agreed that lightening the serious mood Meghan created was the right thing to do. 'I think it's genius,' she said. Reflecting on the exchange, Brooke added: 'It was just too precious. And I was like, they're not going to want to sit here for 45 minutes and listen to anybody be precious or serious.' Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Katie Couric, Brooke Shields and Nancy Wang Yuen take part in the keynote 'Breaking Barrier, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen' Despite the crowd's response, Brooke acknowledged that the moment might not have gone down quite so well with Meghan herself. 'This was in front of [thousands of people]. I mean, it was crazy,' she said. 'And then afterwards, she was kind of like, oh, okay. And I was like, let's just have some fun with it.' Brooke added: 'I don't know if you'll have to cut this out.' Meghan had been telling an anecdote she's referred to on many occasions about fighting a 'sexist' Proctor & Gamble commercial when she was just 11 years old. Aged 11, Meghan wrote to Procter & Gamble to object to sexism in a dish soap advert which included the line: 'Mothers around America are fighting greasy pots and pans.' She asked them to change the advert to 'people all over America' and the company amended the language. She subsequently appeared in an interview on Nick News in 1993, saying she was 'furious' at the advert for P&G's Ivory Clear. Beaming with pride, Meghan had happily agreed to share the story with the crowd - having mentioned it at multiple events over the years. 'I was 11 years old, about 11 years old, and I had seen a commercial on TV for a dishwashing liquid, and the boys in my class at the time... you know it said, 'Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans,' and the boys said, 'Yeah that's where women belong, in the kitchen,' Meghan recalled. 'And at 11, I just found that infuriating, and [so] I ended up writing lots of letters, I put pen to paper, and they ended up changing the commercial to 'people all over America'. 'It's funny looking back at it now because it was before social media that had such a reach. 'I was just an 11-year-old with a pen and paper, but it just goes to show that if you know there's something wrong and you're using your voice to advocate in the direction of what is right, that can really land and resonate, and make a huge change for a lot of people. 'So, your voice is not small, it just needs to be heard.' It's one of Meghan's go-to tales, which she has previously credited with starting her life's 'trajectory' of speaking up against 'inequality'. The Duchess often uses the childhood tale in her speeches and interviews, despite some questions being raised about its validity. Indeed, when Meghan tried to reference the letter her 11-year-old self wrote to P&G in her 2017 Vanity Fair cover, it was reportedly cut after it failed to pass the magazine's fact-checking. 'I don't think it is right for kids to grow up thinking that mom does everything,' Markle told Nick News in 1993. 'If you see something that you don't like or offended by on television or any other place, write letters and send them to the right people and you can really make a difference, not just for yourself but for lots of other people.' Young Meghan sent the letter to famed civil rights lawyer Gloria Allred, then-first lady Hillary Clinton, and Nick News anchor Linda Ellerbee. After Ellerbee received the letter, she and a camera crew from her show went to meet Markle. Meghan said she received letters of encouragement back from all three, including Clinton, and said it felt 'amazing' during her 2015 speech at the UN. But the account was allegedly stripped out of a Vanity Fair cover story in 2017 after 'fact checkers raised questions about its accuracy,' a biography claimed in 2022 - as no evidence could be found of Meghan receiving a response from Clinton. The anecdote was cut from the cover story 'after consulting P&G and advertising historians,' according to Tom Bower's book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors. In an extract from the book printed in The Times, he added: 'They could also find no evidence, as Meghan claimed, that she received a reply from [Hilary] Clinton. 'Unknown to Kashner, Thomas Markle knew Clinton and P&G had not replied to Meghan. The success of her 'campaign' was fictitious, invented by an adoring father. It's also unclear whether Meghan's letter alone persuaded P&G to change the advert. Nevertheless, it's a story Meghan loves to tell - and was the first subject of her Archetypes podcast with Spotify, spending four minutes on the recollection before turning to her guest, Serena Williams. Recalling the letter in 2018, she said: 'Truth be told, at 11 I don't think I even knew what sexism meant.' She continued: 'I just knew that something struck me internally that was telling me it was wrong. 'And using that as my moral compass and moving through from the age of 11, at that age I was able to change this commercial.' She added: 'It really set up the trajectory for me to say, if there was a wrong, if there is a lack of justice, and there is an inequality, then someone needs to do something. And why not me?' In 2015, she recalled the incident during a speech at the United Nations - again to mark International Women's Day. 'I remember feeling shocked and angry and also just feeling so hurt,' Markle said in the speech. 'It just wasn't right and something needed to be done.' She said at the time that her father, Thomas Markle, had inspired her to bring about change. 'He encouraged me to write letters, so I did — to the most powerful people I could think of,' Meghan shared. And, once again in 2019, she discussed the exchange during a panel discussion, alongside musician Annie Lennox and former Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard, hosted by King's College London for the annual celebration of women. Meghan, who was pregnant with son Archie at the time, dished: 'Truth be told, at 11 I don't think I even knew what sexism meant. I just knew that something struck me internally that was telling me it was wrong, and I knew that it was wrong. 'And using that as my moral compass and moving through from the age of 11, at that age I was able to change this commercial.' She added: 'It really set up the trajectory for me to say, if there was a wrong, if there is a lack of justice, and there is an inequality, then someone needs to do something. And why not me?' Despite the disagreement between P&G and a young Meghan, any rift seemed to be put to bed in 2021, when Meghan and Harry's Archewell Foundation joined forces with the US consumer goods giant. Over the weekend, Meghan shared an extra scene from her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, that 'didn't make it' into the final edit. In the video, filmed in a rented $8million mansion near her and Prince Harry 's Montecito home, Meghan was joined by wellness therapist Randi Karin as she explained how to properly cut a pineapple. Meghan said: 'A trick that people do with pineapple instead of just cutting it. To make the perfect little bite, you follow the wedge. 'Nature has given you all the cues on how to have a perfect taste of something.' She then cut around the pattern on the outside of the pineapple, and used the skin to pull out a chunk of the fruit before taking a bite. Karin then followed her lead, managing to perfect the hack, and said: 'Oh, how fun is that!' However, royal watchers were less convinced and thought Meghan was just stating the obvious - while others noted the 'trick' has been around for years and regularly circulates on social media platforms such as Facebook and Pinterest. She also revealed that season two of the show has finished filming and looks set to release this summer. Meghan took the opportunity to tease 'all the fun to come' with her brand As Ever - which sold out earlier this year, and has yet to restock. She said: 'Great weekend to rewatch or catch up on the show as we gear up for Season 2 this summer and all the fun to come with As Ever.' News of 'With Love, Meghan' being renewed for a second season came in March, shortly after the first eight episodes of series one released on Netflix. Despite the show being largely panned by media outlets on both sides of the Atlantic, the controversy that continues to surround Meghan is said to be the reason TV bosses were convinced to renew. The episodes feature Meghan inviting famous friends to a California estate where she shares cooking, gardening and hosting tips. However, the series was slammed by reviewers as 'gormless lifestyle filler' with a 'tangible desperation' following its release. Others said it shows the Duchess is 'attempting to cling to fame by any means possible', while another described how she was 'joylessly filling kids' party bags with seeds'. Guardian TV writer Stuart Heritage said the series was 'so pointless it might be the Sussexes' last TV show' and 'might also be the final thing she makes for Netflix'. The Telegraph gave the show just two stars. In a review, they said the series was an 'exercise in narcissism, filled with extravagant brunches, celebrity pals and business plugs'.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
DIY giant B&Q apologises for listing bathroom cabinet as easy to assemble ‘even if you are a girl'
DIY giant B&Q has apologised after advertising a bathroom cabinet as easy to assemble 'even if you are a girl'. The sexist product listing for their flatpack bamboo unit appeared on its website. 3 The 140cm x 33cm cabinet was shown storing towels, bathroom plants and toiletries. Its product information said: 'Tall storage cabinet is perfect for saving space, slim design to fit in almost any corner. 'Three shelves provide plenty of storage to keep essentials organised and neat, and the cabinet door provides added privacy. "Easy to assemble the cabinet even if you're a girl.' The item had no reviews or ratings before it was taken down after The Sun was alerted by concerned readers. A B&Q spokeswoman said: 'We apologise for any offence caused by this inappropriate description of a product offered by a third-party seller.' The embarrassing blunder comes after B&Q announced its Do The Lift Thing campaign to 'showcase tradeswomen breaking down barriers'. The initiative said the firm wanted to 'highlight the new movement of women in trades, while spotlighting the barriers preventing more girls and women entering the field'. It was launched in March to coincide with International Women's Day. Director Amelie Gallichan-Todd said at the time: 'With only two per cent of trade professionals being women, B&Q is committed to tackling this gender imbalance and has pledged £1million to fund trade apprentices across a variety of sectors, including carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating. I'm a female miner - men say I 'shouldn't be allowed' on site and ask if I'm the cleaner "By showcasing successful women in these roles, we hope to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in trades, challenging stereotypes and changing perceptions.' In the introduction to its gender pay gap report last year, B&Q said: 'We're proud of the progress we're making. 'This is supported by 44 per cent of our management roles being occupied by women.'
Zawya
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Kenya is shaping a gender equal future with the Women Leaders Network
The United Nation Office in Nairobi (UNON) hosted a Women Leaders Network event in celebration of International Women's Day on 18th March 2025, aligning with this year's theme: 'For All Women and Girls; Rights. Equality. Empowerment.' The event brought together network members, comprising women leaders from the United Nations agencies, for structured networking and knowledge-sharing sessions on navigating workplace challenges and managing career growth. The event featured a keynote address by Zainab Bangura, Director General of the UNON. She emphasized the importance of gender parity and strategic leadership within UNON, highlighting the progress made since the network's launch in 2020. Her remarks underscored the value of mentoring, professional development, and operational support for women in leadership roles. "Today, we proudly celebrate leadership that reflects the UN Secretary-General's trust in the ability of women to drive change, deliver impact, and advance the UN's mission at the highest levels.' Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director General of the UNON. Ms. Antonia N'Gabala Sodonon, UN Women Kenya Country Representative, emphasized UN Women's role as the secretariat of the Women Leaders Network and its dedication to supporting the network's operationalization and implementation of its Action Plan. Marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, she called for a renewed commitment to the Beijing Agenda and the acceleration of gender equality across all sectors. She also addressed the urgent issue of femicide in Kenya, outlining the Presidential Taskforce on Gender Based Violence and Femicide's role and action plan while urging UN staff to use their platforms to demand accountability. Additionally, she highlighted the growing global backlash against women's rights, calling on UN agencies to stand united against regressive forces and to continue championing the rights and empowerment of women and girls. The event's agenda also included panel discussions on key workplace challenges such as balancing assertiveness and approachability, managing the invisible workload associated with emotional labor, and recognizing the cost of unpaid mentorship. Moderated by Ms. Sandra Macharia, Director of the United Nations Information Service, the panel provided practical insights into navigating these challenges while supporting career growth and fostering a culture of collaboration. This event highlighted the essential role of women leaders in driving organizational success and provided a platform for developing strategies that foster a more inclusive and balanced work environment. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
