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Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Actor Luke Evans on reaching 'dark place' and growing up gay as part of Jehovah's Witness community
Actor Luke Evans on reaching 'dark place' and growing up gay as part of Jehovah's Witness community 'Even at your darkest moments, there's still hope. You can still be okay' Welsh actor and singer Luke Evans opened up about his tough childhood in the BBC's Alison Hammond's Big Weekend (Image: BBC ) Hollywood actor Luke Evans has spoken about reaching a "dark place" during his teenage years when he was experiencing difficulties growing up as gay and being a member of the Jehovah's Witness community. In the third episode of the brand new BBC series, Alison Hammond's Big Weekend, the beloved presenter, Alison Hammond, got to spend some time with Luke, who has starred in a number of big Hollywood blockbusters such as The Hobbit franchise, The Girl on the Train, and the 2017 film adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. While on the programme, the Welsh actor and singer opened up about his tough childhood. He candidly spoke about his experience of bullying and conflict between his homosexuality and religion, to the extent where he reached a "dark place" and contemplated suicide. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . With each episode, Alison spends a weekend with various stars, including Little Mix's Perrie Edwards and comedian Jimmy Carr. This week, the Great British Bake Off presenter was spending the weekend with Luke Evans in his hometown of Aberbargoed. Throughout the episode, the actor had spoken candidly about his upbringing, including when he had gone through a very difficult time. While travelling in the car, Alison wanted to delve deeper into Luke's upbringing, and the two spoke about the actor being brought up as a Jehovah's Witness. Jehovah's Witnesses reject homosexuality. The actor explained that he understood he would be expelled from the community if he came out, which would also have implications on his family. Alison Hammond met up with Luke's parents, Yvonne and David, at their home in Aberbargoed (Image: BBC ) "I knew I was different, I didn't know I was gay," he explained. "I just knew I was different from the ages of 7, 8, 9, you know, very young." He continued: "I also didn't have anyone outside the religion to be able to confide in or ask what was wrong. "I've been baptised in the religion and that meant if I chose to be openly gay, I would be cut-off from everyone and everything I knew." Luke admitted that the experience was "very complicated" and "very confusing". He said: "I felt very, very isolated." Luke Evans was raised as an only child but wished he had siblings (Image: BBC ) Alison then asked if he had reached a "dark place", to which Luke replied with: "Oh god, yeah. My teenage years, when it was clear in my mind who I was, and I was just… I had no-one to talk to. "It was a very difficult position, place to be. Yeah, I contemplated suicide for sure." He continued: "It was not a nice place to be, especially at that young age. But something stopped me." "What do you think stopped you?" Alison asked. "Well," he began. "I think because I thought, what am I missing out on if I do this? "What life have I got that I haven't discovered yet that I have to live? And I think it was, like, needing to know what my life would be like once all of this was over." Where to get mental health help and support Below are some of the helplines and websites that can help you: Samaritans operates a free 24-hour phone service every day of the year. Just call 116 123 to speak to someone if you need help. Alternatively, if you prefer to write down how you're feeling or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans: jo@ PAPYRUS offers trained advisers to provide support to young people experiencing thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned for a young person. Call HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Text: 07860 039 967 or Email: pat@ Mind is a mental health charity that provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Among its useful support and information pages, mind shares 'ways to help yourself cope in a crisis' here In another part of the episode, the actor also spoke of the bullying he faced as a child. While making their way to his hometown, Luke explained that he was an only child but that he always wanted a sibling. He said: "I did want to have a sibling because I was bullied really badly, so I always see my friends who had big brothers and big sisters in school, and they'd always look out for them, and I didn't have anyone like that.' Luke then described the bullying as "horrible". He added: 'But I knew it would be over at some point because I was going to leave school. "I had absolutely no intention of staying on. "So yeah, I left home at 16." Luke spoke candidly about his childhood, specifically the bullying he faced and the difficulties of growing up as gay and being a member of the Jehovah's Witness community (Image: BBC ) When asked if he hadn't been bullied, would he have been a different person, he replied: "I probably would have been a different child. "I would have done A-Levels and possibly have had better grades, but by the time I was like 14, 15, I was just like get me out, get me out". He continued: "All I wanted to do was get a job." As they made their way through Aberbargoed, the actor agreed that it was a "nice" feeling returning to his beloved hometown in Caerphilly borough. "I'm not somebody to hang on to the negative things that have happened to me in life," he said. "Good memories make you feel way better than bad ones." A bit later, the two met up with Luke's parents, Yvonne and David, who offered Alison some Welsh cakes. When asked what he was like as a young boy, his mum Yvonne explained he was a "full house". She continued: "The minute he was born, and came home from the hospital, it was like 'oh!'." She then added: "But you were full of fun because the house was always full of friends. "And the front room was sort of separate, and the laughter that used to come out of that room. It was wonderful, wasn't it?" Luke then showed Alison where his old room used to be, which was now the spare bedroom. As the two sat on the bed and looked out through the window to the valley, Luke discussed his childhood even further. "Were you quite an awkward kid?" Alison asked him. "Yes, I don't think I was very comfortable in my own skin," he replied. "I was a skinny little kid too". He continued: "I think because I was bullied, you can start thinking you are the problem. "And I think I definitely went through that. You know, I wasn't very confident as a kid "The confidence came as a teenager. As soon as I left school, actually. But school was not a pleasant place". The actor also agreed that he faced a challenging time due to not being able to talk about the fact that he was gay. "I didn't speak to anyone until I was 14 and I went to a psychologist because I wanted to ask them what was… - because I had no-one to talk to. "And she offered me a 14-week course at £200 a session, at like 14. And I went, 'no, no, no, I need help today'. And she said, 'well, I can't help you'." Following the candid conversation with Luke, in which he spoke about contemplating suicide, Alison said: "It was definitely an emotional moment." She continued: "Even at your darkest moments, there's still hope. You can still be okay. "I mean, thank God that he held on, because he has brought so many people so much joy purely by just being himself." Article continues below You can watch Alison Hammond's Big Weekend at 8.20pm on Friday evenings on BBC One or all episodes are now available on BBC iPlayer.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Calls for peace, both abroad and closer to home as well how we should judge society
Let there not be silence The name of Israel's latest offensive in Gaza is codenamed Gideon's Chariots. For some historical context, Gideon was a biblical figure who led the Jews in their battle against the Midianites, who were connected to the Amalekites. To make things clearer, Palestinians are identified as contemporary Amalekites, which means that according to the twisted logic of Israel, the killing of Palestinian women, men and children is somehow justified. Just as Jehovah sanctioned the killing of all Amalekites by the ancient Jews, it appears that Israel feels obliged to do the same. Whether or not the name of the military assault is simply an attempt at dark humour, it doesn't really matter. At the time of writing, Gideon's Chariots has begun, albeit with tanks instead of chariots. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed over the past 48 hours and all functioning hospitals in Northern Gaza are out of service. The details of the latest offensive lack the power to evoke anymore shock or surprise. The military wishes to carve up Gaza into military zones. Over 300 000 Palestinians have been forced to evacuate their homes. For over 75 days, not a single ounce of aid has entered Gaza. Mainstream media is not showing people the bloody and heartbreaking images streaming out of Gaza and thus many people are left in the dark. For many Palestinians, hope has never been fainter. Bisan Owda, the award-winning journalist from Gaza appealed to the people of the world to lobby their governments and the public to put pressure on Israel and its allies to end the war. We need to keep up with the protests, the boycotts and the pressure on our government. The Israeli embassy must be shut down and we must not allow any person entrance into our country if they hold an Israeli passport. For over 18 months the calls have been getting louder and louder. Soon, there will be silence; it will be too late. | Z Khan Durban They should be removed from society The mass shooting of 8 people in Umlazi has jolted the entire country. The latest incidents have left the nation in horror-struck convulsion. These ghastly deeds have shocked the collective conscience of society. This senseless massacre was committed in an extremely brutal, grotesque, diabolical, revolting and dastardly manner. The gravity of these heinous crimes depicts hair-raising, beastly and unparalleled behaviour. These animals must be removed from society. They depict extreme mental perversion not worthy of human condonation. Our courts and the criminal justice system needs to instill faith in society by adopting a zero-tolerance policy. Inaction will have a grave impact on our social order. We have only to feel the volume of empathy and communal suffering that these heinous crimes have kindled. Civilians are inconsequentially in the way of these atrocities. Fear and paranoia have engulfed our inner being. The community must declare criminals who murder, Hostis humani generis (Latin for 'enemy of mankind'). | FAROUK ARAIE Benoni We need to bridge this great divide As a concerned citizen of South Africa, I'm writing to urge, in fact I pray for, peace and reconciliation between India and Pakistan. The ongoing tensions between the two nations have led to immense human suffering, economic losses, and geopolitical instability. So unnecessary. It's essential to acknowledge the shared cultural heritage, historical ties, and geographic proximity that bind our nations. Dialogue, empathy, and cooperation can pave the way for a peaceful resolution of disputes. I appeal to leaders on both sides to prioritise diplomacy, people-to-people contact, and mutual understanding. By working together, we can address common challenges like poverty, climate change, and terrorism. Let's strive for a brighter future where Indians and Pakistanis can live in peace, prosperity, and harmony. | SABER AHMED JAZBHAY Durban Teach children to care for animals IT IS SO sad to read about animals being cruelly treated. As Gandhi said 'you judge a country and its people on how it treats its animals'. We can't hold our head up in South Africa. We read on a monthly basis about dreadful cruelties to man's best friend and of course other animals such as cart horses etc. A recent newspaper article about Jack, a black cross breed who has known nothing but suffering his whole life, is a case in point. He has lived his life on a chain tethered to misery at a Grassy Park, Cape Town, home. I never understand the point of having a dog chained all day. It can't act as a watch dog as it can't get loose. But the sad thing is over the years this poor dog has been on a tight chain biting into his neck with a festering wound (how painful), had anaemia, was underweight and infested with parasites. Why did no one ever blow the whistle to the authorities? Visitors must have come to the home, neighbours must have seen what was going on? Communities need to be more involved when they see cruelty. They can ring authorities without giving their name if they are worried about retribution. We need to have more classes at schools that teach children how to look after their animals. I've always said in this world we live in today we just need to have one commandment we all abide by: 'Do unto others as you would have done unto you'. Life would be so much better. | Barbie Sandler Constantia DAILY NEWS
India Today
14-05-2025
- India Today
Kerala police probe threats to Jehovah's Witnesses ahead of Kalamassery blast trial
The Kerala Police have launched a probe after the Public Relations Officer of Jehovah's Witnesses reported receiving a threatening international to the complaint filed at Kalamassery police station, the unidentified caller warned that members of the group who testify against the accused in the Kalamassery serial blast case would be killed. The caller also allegedly threatened to plant bombs at all conclaves and prayer halls where the PRO holds religious said the threat call was received from a Malaysian number at 9.57 pm on May 12. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway. The threat comes ahead of the trial in the October 2023 serial blasts at a Jehovah's Witnesses gathering in Kalamassery, which left eight dead and several others after the blasts, a man named Dominic Martin, allegedly an estranged member of the group, surrendered to the police in Thrissur district and claimed responsibility for the attack. He was later ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES?Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is known for its distinctive beliefs and practices, which differ from mainstream Christianity. Central to its faith is the belief in Jehovah as the name of God, and that the end of the world is group rejects the popular Christian belief in the Trinity, which is the doctrine that God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit are all aspects of one God. To them, Jehovah is the only true God, the creator of all things, and the 'Universal Sovereign'. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that all worship should be directed towards him. IN THIS STORY#Kerala
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Catholic Bishops Defy New US State Law to Report Child Abuse
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Catholic bishops in Washington state are rejecting a new law that requires clergy to report child sexual abuse revealed during the sacrament of confession — setting up a constitutional clash between church doctrine and state law. The law requires clergy of all faiths and traditions throughout Washington to come forward about child abuse, including priests who are told about abuse during confession. However, a priest who reveals anything told to him during confession will be excommunicated from the Church, even when it comes to a crime being committed within their congregation. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is seen adorned with an American flag in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2025, as a new law in Washington state generates controversy. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is seen adorned with an American flag in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2025, as a new law in Washington state generates controversy. Aaron Schwartz/Sipa via AP Images) Why It Matters The law raises significant First Amendment questions and could reshape how religious confidentiality is handled across the U.S. While clergy are mandated reporters in most states, the majority still protect confessions as privileged communication. Washington is set to become one of the few states to explicitly deny such an exemption. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a civil rights investigation into the law, with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stating that it "demands that Catholic Priests violate their deeply held faith." What To Know The new statute — signed by Governor Bob Ferguson and set to take effect July 27 — mandates clergy report suspected child abuse within 48 hours, aligning them with existing reporting laws for police officers, nurses and teachers. The law's sponsor, State senator Noel Frame, wrote the law in part due to practices within the Jehovah's Witness church that were preventing information on child abuse from coming out. Jehovah's Witnesses have an internal review process which is entirely secretive. When taken to court for this, following an investigation into their church, the Jehovah's Witnesses likened their approach to secrecy to Catholic confession. Speaking to the New York Times, former Jehovah's Witness Marino Hardin said: "Leaving an exception in for the confessional when it comes to mandatory reporting would allow any religious group that had a mandate for secrecy to say, 'We don't have to report anything.'" State senator Frame also spoke to her experience as a survivor, saying: "This is about making sure we, the state, have the information we need to go make sure that kid is OK," she told lawmakers. Bishops Thomas Daly of Spokane and Paul Etienne of Seattle have publicly stated that they will not comply with the law in cases where abuse is revealed during the sacrament of confession. "Shepherds, bishops and priests, are committed to keeping the seal of confession – even to the point of going to jail," Daly said in a statement. Archbishop Etienne echoed that stance, warning that priests who break the seal of confession face automatic excommunication. "All Catholics must know and be assured that their confessions remain sacred, secure, confidential, and protected by the law of the Church," he wrote. The Spokesman-Review reported that although prior to this law clergy in Washington State were not mandatory reporters, according to Etienne, current internal church policies already designate priests as mandatory reporters for information given outside of confession. This lawsuit over the reporting law comes after the DOJ launched its task force to "Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias." This task force is set up to prosecute cases on behalf of Christians who feel they have been targeted by the government for their faith. This lawsuit also comes amid the election of the first American pope. Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, weighed in on American politics prior to his appointment. However, it is unclear whether he will get involved in this case. The Vatican did speak out against a similar bill which was proposed in California in 2019, saying that the secrecy of confession was an "intrinsic requirement" of the sacrament. That bill was withdrawn before it became law. State senator Frame has said the Washington law is not anti-Catholic because it applies to all clergy in the state, including imams, rabbis, and other spiritual leaders. Pope Leo XIV, left, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican shortly after his election to become the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on... Pope Leo XIV, left, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican shortly after his election to become the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. More Domenico Stinellis/AP Photo What People Are Saying Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said in a statement on Wednesday: "We look forward to protecting Washington kids from sexual abuse in the face of this 'investigation' from the Trump Administration." The Reverend Bryan Pham, an assistant professor at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington, told The New York Times: "The law has good intentions, but it's really misguided." Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle said: "This law is a clear intrusion into the practice of our Catholic faith. The state is now intruding into the practice of religion, and if they're allowed to get away with that, where do we draw the line?" What Happens Next Unless blocked, the law takes effect July 27. Catholic leaders say they will defy the law, as their choice is either jail time for ignoring the law or excommunication for following it. The DOJ's ongoing review could determine whether the measure stands or is deemed unconstitutional.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Russian Jehovah's Witness jailed for managing extremist 'cells'
By Mark Trevelyan (Reuters) - A Jehovah's Witness in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk was sentenced to six years in prison on Thursday for organising the activities of an extremist group, the local interior ministry said. Maxim Khamatshin, 28, is one of 850 Jehovah's Witnesses to be prosecuted in Russia in the eight years since it was banned. During that time, according to the faith group, 588 members were added to a federal register of extremists and terrorists and 460 had spent time in prison. Khamatshin told the court before being sentenced: "It is a great honour for me to be a Jehovah's Witness. And no persecution can make me renounce my beliefs... No ban on legal entities can prevent a person from being a believer." The interior ministry said the FSB security service, counter-extremism investigators and a special unit of the national guard had been involved in the investigation into Khamatshin. They seized computer hard drives, gadgets and handwritten notebooks with religious content, it said. "The investigation proved that in the period from 2017 to 2022, the convicted person organized and managed the activities of a banned religious organization and territorial 'cells' included in its structure," the ministry said. Religious life in Russia is dominated by the Russian Orthodox Church, which is championed by and loyal to President Vladimir Putin. Some Orthodox scholars view Jehovah's Witnesses, known for door-to-door preaching and refusing military service, as a "totalitarian sect." Russia's Supreme Court designated the Jehovah's Witnesses as "extremist" in 2017, liquidating and banning their nearly 400 chapters across the country. The longest sentences against members of the organisation - more than eight years - were handed out last year. Last month, a 67-year-old Jehovah's Witness, Valeriy Baylo died less than a year into a 2.5-year sentence. The organisation said he had been denied medical treatment for almost a year.
