Latest news with #Moretti
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sacha Baron Cohen reveals A-list star he begged to help transform body for Marvel role... after Ozempic denial
revealed he leaned on an Oscar-winning pal to help him bulk up for his latest role. The 53-year-old comedian underwent a jaw-dropping transformation to play Marvel's newest supervillain, Mephisto — and he's showing off the results in the latest issue of Men's Fitness UK. Opening up about his intense fitness journey, Sacha — who split from wife Isla Fisher in 2023 after more than 20 years together — admitted he had just three weeks to 'get into superhero shape.' Desperate for help, he turned to longtime friend Matthew McConaughey to get the contact number of celebrity trainer Alfonso Moretti, known for whipping stars into shape on impossible deadlines. 'I called Matthew and asked for help,' Sacha told the outlet. Then, in classic Baron Cohen style, he quipped, 'After asking who I was and how I'd gotten his number, he finally gave me Alfonso's contact.' Sacha soon connected with Moretti over FaceTime — a call that ended with the actor stripping to his underwear so Moretti could assess his starting point. With only a few weeks to get in superhero shape, Moretti kept things simple but strict. Sacha was instructed to stay 'consistent' with a no-excuses plan that included '100 push ups a day.' His ripped physique wasn't the result of endless workouts or crash dieting. Instead, the regimen focused on short sessions and a diet high in fiber and protein, and low in sugar. '25-minute workouts that were sustainable,' Sacha explained. 'Even while filming, the workouts happened. In the past, I would've thought you needed hour-long sessions.' Sacha also confessed that when he started, 'I had the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish... but the short sessions made it so much easier to stay consistent — even with the demands of being on set.' Trainer Moretti proudly shared the Men's Fitness UK spread on Instagram, writing, 'Sacha trusted my process and followed the plan exactly. Not only did he earn better health and fitness with incredible aesthetics…but also… The COVER of Men's Fitness!!!' He added, 'From Borat to Buff full article coming this Friday! For now, enjoy the pictures. Tell me he doesn't look absolutely incredible!' The impressive feature lands just as Sacha seems to be walking back his eyebrow-raising claim that Ozempic had anything to do with his dramatic new look. After debuting his chiseled muscles in Men's Fitness UK, Sacha re-shared the photoshoot to social media, captioning the snaps, 'Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, some use personal trainers. I did all three.' He added, 'This is not AI. I really am egotistical enough to do this.' But his reps quickly clarified to MailOnline that the Borat star was 'only joking,' insisting his ripped body is 'all down to hard work.'
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘Ice cream or pizza?' – Dublin Airport announce new food spot for passengers after ‘Ryanair 5k walk'
DUBLIN Airport has announced another new food spot that is the "perfect stop" for passengers heading to Ryanair's gates. Irish 4 Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport has a new food outlet Credit: Dublin Airport 4 Cibo is by Marqette is now open beside the Ryanair gate Credit: Facebook 4 You can get a range of ice cream, hot drinks and even a pint Credit: Facebook And now, the airport has announced yet another one - and In a post on Taking to In the caption of the READ MORE IN DUBLIN AIRPORT "Cibo by Marqette has landed in T1, right beside the "A perfect stop off after the T1 5K walk." In the pictures, a large sign can be seen that reads: "Ciao! Cibo, Italian by Marqette." The Most read in News Travel Passengers will now be able to choose from a Beside the counter is a large selection of ready-made sandwiches, smoothies, pizza slices and snacks - perfect to pick up and bring on the plane. Dublin Airport announce arrival of two new food options ahead of busy summer season as passengers say it 'looks lovely' Passengers can pick up a vanilla ice cream tub for just €3.50, with a range of toppings and syrups available for 50c each. Or, you can get a range of hot drinks including espresso, americano, latte, teas and hot chocolate from €3.20. Or to enjoy some pre-flight pints by the gate to ensure you have no stress while rushing, you can pick up a pint of Moretti for €8.20. The airport's followers had their opinions on the announcement, taking to the comments section to share their views. One person commented: "They have some nice looking sandwiches. Must come early next time." But not everyone was impressed, as another person said: "Over Others tagged their friends in the comments section to share the news. And it's not the only new eatery available in the airport, as numerous others have opened in recent months. NEW ADDITIONS In recent months, the airport has been upgrading their food options, opening a range of new eateries to enjoy before you Two of which include crispy A new coffee joint, Roasted Notes, also opened in the Terminal Two arrivals area. And a full Italian restaurant, called San Marco , is now open airside in Terminal One. Recently the airport opened the perfect dessert option, with passengers in a frenzy. SOS Cookies has seen a surge in popularity, with many taking to social media to share their opinions on the sweet treats. Now, the The cookie shop can be found in Terminal One. There are several different flavours on offer, catering to everyone's taste. 4 There are a range of options available Credit: Facebook
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Hard launching my mid-life crisis': Sacha Baron Cohen stuns fans with shredded new physique at 53 after finalising $250 million divorce from Aussie actress Isla Fisher
Sacha Baron Cohen has gone from Borat to gym rat, unveiling a head-turning new physique just weeks after finalising his divorce from Australian actress Isla Fisher. The 53-year-old comedian and actor surprised fans on Wednesday by revealing his dramatic physical transformation in the August issue of Men's Fitness UK, flaunting defined abs, bulging biceps and a completely smooth chest- worlds away from his famously hirsute alter-ego. Baron Cohen, who is preparing to play Marvel villain Mephisto in the upcoming Ironheart series, gave fans a cheeky glimpse at the cover via Instagram Stories, writing: "This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this," while posing shirtless and lifting 60kg weights with apparent ease. In another post featuring his muscular back during a pull-up, he quipped: "Some celebs use Ozempic, some use private chefs, others use personal trainers. I did all three." Leaning into his signature satire, the father-of-three added: "Hard launching my mid-life crisis," before introducing a new comedic persona: "Middle-aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes." In yet another slide, Baron Cohen shared a photo of himself channelling a serious blue steel gaze while sitting on a gym bench, thanking personal trainer Alfonso Moretti for "doing the unthinkable- putting up with me for 25 mins a day." Though his captions were filled with self-deprecating humour, it's evident that the newly single star has dedicated significant effort to achieve his new revenge body. In a preview of the cover story obtained by Deadline, the Borat star reportedly admitted that he began his fitness journey with "the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish." Determined to turn things around, Baron Cohen reached out to Matthew McConaughey, whom he dubbed a "buff peer", for help, and was soon connected with Moretti, a trainer known as 'The Angry Trainer' on Instagram. Moretti described the actor's body as resembling "a ruler, straight up and down" but said he quickly recognised "an athlete in hiding." Sharing his client's impressive results online, Moretti wrote: "Not only did he earn better health and fitness with incredible aesthetics… but also… the cover of Men's Fitness! Tell me he doesn't look absolutely incredible!" The physical reinvention comes shortly after Baron Cohen and Fisher announced they had finalised their split. The couple, who met in Sydney in 2000 and were together for more than two decades, confirmed their separation in April 2024, before finalising what was reportedly a $250 million divorce just last month. "Our divorce has now been finalised," the pair wrote in a joint message on social media in June. "We are proud of all we've achieved together and, continuing our great respect for each other, we remain friends and committed to co-parenting our wonderful children." Baron Cohen's gym-honed look has drawn praise from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Gal Gadot commented with a fire emoji, while Chelsea Handler joked, "Is this AI?" gaining over 700 likes at time of writing. Others were quick to link the transformation to his newly single status. "Someone just got divorced!" one fan commented, while a second said: "Divorce is the best type of protein." Another added: "I'm sorry, but thirst trap Borat was not on my 2025 bingo card", while a fourth chipped in: "And he's 53. Dude looks incredible."
Courier-Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
‘Midlife crisis': Newly divorced Sacha Baron Cohen is suddenly ripped at 53
Don't miss out on the headlines from Magazines. Followed categories will be added to My News. Sacha Baron Cohen showed off his eye-popping physique in a cover shoot for Men's Fitness UK. In a sneak peek of the August issue shared on Instagram today, the actor — who plays the MCU's newest supervillain Mephisto — displayed his oiled-up abs while pumping iron. Other photos showed the ultra-ripped Borat star doing pull-ups and posing in the gym after bulking up for his recently debuted role on Marvel's Disney+ series Ironheart. In the caption, the magazine teased its interview with the 'king of comedy' about the jaw-dropping physical transformation. Very nice! The new-look Sacha. MORE: 'Finalised': Who got what in Isla, Sacha split Cohen, 53, shared the post on his Instagram Stories, joking, 'This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this.' He also quipped that he was 'hard launching [his] midlife crisis' before hilariously debuting his 'new character: Middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes.' The Borat star reportedly divulged in the cover story that he previously wasn't in prime physical condition. Cohen described himself prior to the transformation as 'having the core strength of an arthritic jellyfish,' according to a preview obtained by Deadline. We've seen a lot of Cohen's body over the years. With his ex-wife, Aussie actress Isla Fisher, before they split. Picture: Jon Kopaloff/Getty In order to get into shape, the comedy icon reached out to Matthew McConaughey for a recommendation on a solid trainer. 'He looked like a ruler, straight up and down,' Alfonso 'The Angry Trainer' Moretti recalled to the outlet of making Cohen strip down to his underwear during their first Zoom meeting. Still, the trainer could see 'an athlete in hiding.' Moretti help Cohen transform his body with a low-sugar, high-fibre diet and an intense training regimen that included 100 daily push-ups. Cohen – seen here in an ad as Borat circa 2020 – embarked on a regimen that involved 100 daily push-ups. Picture: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP On his Instagram Stories, the Bruno actor thanked Moretti for 'doing the unthinkable — putting up with [him] for 25 mins a day.' The father of three's dramatic fitness reveal comes weeks after he finalised his divorce from Isla Fisher in June following nearly 14 years of marriage. 'We are proud of all we've achieved together and, continuing our great respect for each other, we remain friends and committed to co-parenting our wonderful children,' the former couple said in a joint statement last month. 'We ask for the media to continue to respect our children's privacy.' This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission. Originally published as 'Midlife crisis': Newly divorced Sacha Baron Cohen is suddenly ripped at 53
Time Business News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Fabrizio Moretti - Art Dealer Faces Global Art Fraud Probe
The allure of fine art has captivated the world's wealthiest individuals for centuries. Today, celebrities, financiers, and tech billionaires compete for the chance to own pieces by legendary painters and cutting-edge contemporary artists. For these elite buyers, art represents far more than a creative expression, it's a financial hedge, a vehicle for prestige, and often, an appreciating asset immune to inflation and currency fluctuations. Collectors are willing to pay astronomical sums for works that may never see the light of a museum wall, often tucked away in climate-controlled vaults or freeports. The combination of high value and low visibility has created a market ripe for misuse. Behind the glamour and sophistication of gallery openings and auction houses lies a shadowy undercurrent of fraud, forgery, and financial crime. Nowhere are these concerns more evident than in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Italian dealer Fabrizio Moretti , a once-celebrated gallerist with locations in Monaco, Florence, and London. Moretti is facing growing scrutiny across Europe, both from law enforcement and civil litigants, who allege he systematically sold forged artworks and manipulated provenance records. Investigators believe his network of galleries, including the Monte Carlo location operated by Blue Art Limited, may have been used to facilitate the movement of millions in illicit funds through high-end art transactions. An explosive turning point in Moretti's case came after a mysterious fire in 2024 destroyed a storage facility in the United Kingdom. The blaze was said to have obliterated paintings worth more than $40 million. However, forensic investigators later uncovered that at least seven of those artworks were sold to private buyers a full year after the fire, suggesting the disaster may have been staged to commit insurance fraud or hide the movement of inauthentic pieces. Two of the incinerated paintings were proven to be forgeries, while others remain under examination. Compounding Moretti's troubles is his past legal entanglement in the United States. In 2016, he filed a lawsuit in New York seeking $6 million from prominent art dealer David Zwirner over a Jeff Koons sculpture. Moretti claimed the work, which he had agreed to purchase for $2 million, had never been delivered. Zwirner countered that the sculpture had been completed and made available for collection, but that Moretti simply failed to follow through. A judge eventually dismissed the case, labeling Moretti's accusations as baseless. Zwirner's legal team framed the suit as an attempt to recoup money after the buyer experienced remorse. While the spotlight is currently on Moretti, he is far from the only figure to have exploited the opacity of the art market. In the early 2000s, Eduardo 'Eddie' Eskenazi, a flamboyant London-based dealer, was exposed for orchestrating an international ring that peddled counterfeit Renaissance and Baroque paintings to unsuspecting collectors. Authorities discovered that Eskenazi had manufactured false documentation, created fake auction histories, and placed these forgeries with seemingly legitimate dealers to build credibility. Over a span of a decade, he is believed to have profited tens of millions of dollars before eventually facing prosecution. Another striking case involves Jean-Pierre Roussel, a Parisian gallerist who specialized in early 20th-century avant-garde art. Roussel operated under a veneer of respectability, but in reality, he sourced imitations from obscure studios across Eastern Europe. These works, crafted in the style of major modernists like Modigliani and Chagall, were sold to galleries and collectors across France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Authorities finally caught up with Roussel when discrepancies in brushstroke analysis and pigment testing revealed the fraud. His downfall sent ripples through European art circles and exposed just how sophisticated forgery networks had become. One of the most infamous cases of art deception in American history remains the collapse of Knoedler , a revered gallery in New York City that had operated for more than 160 years. In 2011, the gallery abruptly closed its doors after it was revealed that over 40 paintings it had sold, claimed to be newly discovered works by Abstract Expressionist giants, were fabrications. The forgeries had been introduced by dealer Glafira Rosales, who had falsely claimed they came from a secretive collector. In truth, the paintings were created by Pei-Shen Qian , a Chinese artist living in Queens, New York, who was paid modest sums while Knoedler resold the works for millions. As the dust settled, lawsuits against Knoedler and its former associates continued for years, and some are still unresolved. In a twist that stunned investigators, several individuals familiar with Fabrizio Moretti's activities have alleged, under the condition of anonymity, that he too may have collaborated with Qian during that time. If true, it would mean that Moretti knowingly distributed forged works crafted by the same hand that brought down one of America's oldest and most respected galleries. Investigators are reportedly examining connections between Moretti's inventory and Qian's stylistic trademarks. What all these cases reveal is a disturbing pattern: a lack of oversight, few enforceable regulations, and an overwhelming reliance on trust and reputation. In an industry where billion-dollar deals can be struck on a handshake, and provenance documents can be manufactured with relative ease, the opportunities for deception are limitless. Experts within the field continue to warn of the dangers. Dr. Helena Roth, a former senior advisor on art fraud for the European Commission, notes that 'the current system invites abuse. Until we implement centralized registries, mandatory authentication protocols, and proper due diligence, the art market will remain a target for criminals.' Similarly, Marcus Lowell, a forensic archivist based in London, adds, 'Art fraud isn't about faking paint it's about faking trust. And too many players in the game are willing to believe what they want to believe.' As more layers of the Fabrizio Moretti case are peeled back, and as new scandals emerge across the globe, the fine art market faces a critical reckoning. Whether it will resist reform or finally embrace transparency remains an open question, but the stakes, both financial and cultural, could not be higher. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
