Latest news with #MyGirl
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- General
- Toronto Star
I was terrified of the outdoors. Here's what changed my mind
For my parents, the perfect backyard looks like the Windows 95 wallpaper: grass so uniformly green and freshly cut it might as well be carpet. There are no trees that bear fruit and attract animals (and their poop). There are zero bushes for animals to shelter in (and poop). No flowers for bees to hover around because they don't want my sister and me to end up like Macaulay Culkin at the end of 'My Girl.' They are literally the people who would love to pave paradise and put up a parking lot. In their defense, we immigrated from a part of Hong Kong where the apartments they lived in didn't have an inch of green space, let alone a backyard with gardens and lawns to maintain throughout the year (the first thing they did when they moved in was dig up the tulips the previous owner had planted because the squirrels kept eating the bulbs). To them, nature was a nuisance, an impediment to industry and a well-off, cosmopolitan life. And so I grew up believing that. Going barefoot on the grass? What if I stepped on thistle or, worse, poop? Asking me to climb a tree would be like asking me to touch a rotting, slimy piece of wood crawling with centipedes and spiders that ate my flesh (it was the '80s, and for Mom and Dad, Stranger Danger extended to isopods).
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Smokey Robinson sues ex housekeepers for £370 million over sexual assault claims
In their counter-filing, the Robinsons allege that the women made false claims of sexual misconduct as part of a scheme to extort money from the couple. Motown icon Smokey Robinson has filed a £370 million defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who accused him of sexual assault. The singer has called their claims 'extortionate' and 'fabricated.' The civil suit, filed on Wednesday in a California court by the 85-year-old singer and his wife Frances Robinson, names four anonymous women identified only as Jane Doe 1 through 4. In their filing, the Robinsons allege that the women made false claims of sexual misconduct as part of a scheme to extort money from the couple. The countersuit follows a May 6 complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, in which the four women accused Robinson of pressuring them into sex over a period dating back to 2006. Their 27-page lawsuit, which remains sealed under pseudonyms, alleges that they refrained from speaking out earlier due to fears of losing their jobs, a backlash, embarrassment, and concerns over immigration status. In response, Robinson's legal team not only filed the defamation countersuit but also submitted a motion to dismiss the original claims. His attorneys argue that the plaintiffs should not be allowed to remain anonymous, citing a lack of legal grounds to withhold their identities. 'The Robinsons did not abuse, harm, or take advantage of plaintiffs; they treated plaintiffs with the utmost kindness and generosity,' the couple's lawsuit states. The couple further claim that the women were not merely staff members but were included in family trips and holiday celebrations, painting a picture of a long-standing and seemingly personal relationship. 'They fabricated their allegations and filed a legally and factually deficient complaint to harass and extort a beloved and respected public figure,' the lawsuit alleges. The women's original civil case seeks at least £38 million in damages for each count, of which they are women are of Hispanic descent, and the claims include multiple alleged incidents of sexual misconduct over nearly two decades. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has launched a criminal investigation into the allegations. The Tears of a Clown hitmaker, through his attorney, has denied all claims and said he welcomed the inquiry. 'Exposure to the truth is a powerful thing,' he said. Robinson's attorney said the criminal complaint and civil suit are financially motivated. 'They are after his money,' the lawyer said, reiterating that the singer has done nothing wrong. Robinson is one of the most celebrated artists in American music history. A founding member of Motown Records, he was responsible for some of the label's biggest early hits, including 'My Girl' for The Temptations and 'My Guy' for Mary Wells. As both a solo artist and songwriter, he has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and is credited with writing or co-writing more than 4,000 songs.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Smokey Robinson files $500m case against rape accusers
Motown legend Smokey Robinson has filed a $500m (£370m) defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who have accused the singer of sexual assault. The legal case filed by the star and his wife Frances on Wednesday in California accused the women of fabricating the sexual assault allegations as part of an "extortionate" lawsuit. The Robinsons say the alleged victims, who filed their case anonomously, went on family holidays with the couple and celebrated holidays together. The singer, who is now also under criminal investigation in Los Angeles over accusations of sexual assault, has denied all the allegations, and his lawyer said those behind the accusations were after his money. Mr Robinson's lawyers also filed a motion to dismiss the women's lawsuit, arguing they should not have been granted anonymity. "The Robinsons did not abuse, harm, or take advantage of plaintiffs; they treated plaintiffs with the utmost kindness and generosity," the lawsuit states. The women filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on 6 May under the pseudonyms Jane Doe 1, 2, 3 and 4. In the 27-page legal action, they alleged several incidents that they said dated back to 2006, and accused Mr Robinson of pressuring them into sex. All four women, who are of Hispanic descent, said they had not come forward until now because they feared losing their livelihoods, familial reprisal or embarrassment. Some were concerned the allegations could affect their immigration status. They are seeking at least $50m (£38m) in damages and a jury trial. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department then opened its investigation, which the 85-year-old singer said at the time he welcomed "because exposure to the truth is a powerful thing". Mr Robinson was Motown's first hitmaker, writing number one records like Mary Wells' My Guy and The Temptations' My Girl. He was both a talent scout for the record label and one of its most prominent recording artists in his own right, known for songs like Tracks of My Tears, Shop Around and Tears of a Clown. He has spots in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and claims to have credits on more than 4,000 songs.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Elliott Wright supports James Argent in speech after domestic violence charge
James Argent took to the stage to perform weeks after being arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend, Nicoline Arturrson, at Elliott Wright's restaurant in Marbella Mark Wright's cousin Elliott referred to the 'trials and tribulations' he went through with James 'Arg' Argent as the former TOWIE star took to the stage weeks after his domestic violence arrest. 'Never gonna make you cry… Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you,' crooned Argent as he shamelessly returned to the stage with a medley of gushing love songs after being arrested for domestic violence against his model girlfriend. The disgraced TOWIE star sang a slew of romantic hits, danced with hen parties and spoke about his Towie past as he took to the stage at Olivia's La Cala restaurant in Marbella, owned by Elliott, just days after girlfriend Nicoline Artursson's catalogue of injuries were revealed in full. Argent had been arrested by Spanish police on May 5 after former an incident at the home they were sharing when a row turned violent. After accepting a plea bargain Argent avoided a jail sentence, and on Thursday night returned to the same Spanish resort the incident took place in to entertain diners. Performing at the restaurant owned by Mark Wright's cousin Elliott, a newly-single Arg belted out a slew of gushing love songs from Madness' It Must be Love to the Temptations classic My Girl. 'This is party season, it's party time,' began the TV regular as he started his set. He later asked the crowd: 'I don't suppose any of you lot have seen a little show called The Only Way is Essex before?' When approached by the Mirror if he had any words for girlfriend Nicoline, Argent replied that he could not talk about the incident. However, his former ITV cast-mate Elliott did appear to allude to the recent controversy as he introduced Arg to the stage. "He's been there for me like a rock. And that's what friendship is. That's how I've been brought up. We stand strong together no matter what happens," said Elliott. 'We've been through so much, trials and tribulations. When this place got burned down he was there for me through and through' said Elliott, referring to the 2021 blaze that completely gutted his beachside haunt, that has become known for entertainment nights where reality stars mingle with regular punters on the dancefloor. Sharing his support, Elliott continued: 'And I just want to say that I love you. You're one of my best friends. Now get up here and let's have a proper party tonight,' he urged Argent, who was waiting in the wings, microphone in hand, before the pair shared an embrace. Earlier in the night, Elliott had been one of the first to welcome Argent as he nervously arrived at the restaurant looking sombre and dressed in head to toe black. After smiling and posing for photos on the terrace overlooking the sea front, Argent's mood appeared to lighten as he headed inside and positioned himself at the top table amongst Elliott's Wright friends and family including his wife Sadie. Kicking off his 30 minute set, he asked the crowd: 'Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Olivia's La Cala. Are you up for a party tonight or what?' Bringing the performance to a close as the evening drew on, Argent appeared emotional as he thanked the crowd: 'It means the world to me thank you for your support.'
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Arg says he's 'feeling good' at first Spanish gig after domestic violence arrest
James Argent was supported by a famous friend as he returned to the stage this evening, after being arrested for domestic violence when he shoved his girlfriend down a flight of stairs in Spain. The disgraced TOWIE star took to the mic at Olivia's La Cala restaurant on the Costa del Sol where he was seen entertaining holidaymakers after escaping jail. His recent legal woes didn't appear to be playing on his mind as he mingled with guests and revelled in taking selfies with doting fans. After arriving looking glum-faced and wearing head-to-toe black, Argent was soon working the room before his headline set, smiling, shaking hands and posing for photos. He was overheard telling punters he was feeling good and looking forward to getting on stage. Ahead of kicking off his 'Arg and friends' set, the 37-year-old made his way through a terrace of diners at the popular tourist resort. He was greeted with a handshake by the venue's owner, Elliott Wright - a fellow former TOWIE star and the cousin of Argent's TOWIE pal Mark Wright. Elliot introduced Argent to the crowd, telling those ready to watch the reality TV star sing: "We've been through so many trials and tribulations - when I got burnt down, he was there for me. He's been there for me and that's what friendship is - that's how I was brought up. "You stay strong together no matter what happens. I just want to say I love you - you're one of my best friends - so get up here and make it a proper party. As the crowd broke out into cheers, Argent hugged Elliot before beginning his set. The performance comes days after it was revealed he had left his beauty queen girlfriend Nicoline Artursson 'bloodied and bruised' after pushing her down concrete stairs at a house they were sharing when a row turned violent. Disturbing court documents released this week revealed how Artursson, a former Miss Sweden, suffered a catalogue of injuries to her neck, arms, hand and leg that took a week to heal. Prosecutors wanted Argent jailed for nine months for the more serious crime of wounding before he escaped prison after striking a plea deal and admitting to a lesser crime of "mistreatment." After making the bargain, Argent, 37, who was a regular on ITV's The Only Way is Essex between 2010 to 2018, was slapped with a six-month suspended jail sentence and a two year restraining order banning him from contacting his 32-year-old girlfriend. It is understood he will also complete a ten-week domestic violence rehabilitation course in Spain, which includes listening to the stories of abuse survivors. However, the reality star showed no sign of his recent troubles as he performed with a smile on his face in front of a packed house at Malaga restaurant Olivia's. Argent was seen smiling and greeting patrons around hour before he sang his first song. The TV personality was in the mood for love songs, belting out tracks like It Must Be Love by Madness, My Girl by The Temptations and Never Going to Give You Up back Rick Astley. Prior to taking to the stage, Argent took to his Instagram Stories to promote his upcoming gig. Posing alongside a male friend before flying out, he captioned the shot to his 834,000 followers: "Lucky to have @albiedavies by my side the next 2 days [heart emoji]. @olivias_la_cala tonight." The venue, where Argent regularly sings, is close to the beachfront property in Mijas, near Málaga where he and Nicoline had been staying when a row broke out at 12.40am on May 5. The TV regular is said to have become violent after Nicoline posted a cryptic Instagram post alluding to his relationship with ex-partner Lydia Bright, who starred alongside him on TOWIE. Argent has remained close friends with Bright after their five year on-off romance played out on the ITV reality series. Prior to the attack, Nicoline posted: 'Had an interesting conversation with a friend. Is it OK if your boyfriend or girlfriend is talking and hanging out with their ex and the exes family daily and liking their Instagram posts etc? 'No kids involved with the ex. And then it shows up on your explore page that your partner showed that interest with them but they blame you for seeing it and now the ex is supposedly their 'best friend' I know what my family and friends think and certainly what I think." Nicoline is said to have been deeply in love with Argent and wanting to start a family before the incident happened. The fashion model has now split with the telly regular after being left terrified by his outburst. Court documents told how 'with the intention of harming' Argent grabbed hold of Nicoline 'tightly by her arm and pushed her causing her to fall down the stairs.' Offering a detailed description of the injuries Nicoline suffered, a prosecutor said: 'The injured woman suffered several bruises to her neck, a bruise to her right forearm, several abrasions to her right arm, and abrasions to her right hand and on her right leg.' Nicoline received medical assistance on the night but injuries to her skin and soft tissue took seven days to heal. Breaking his silence after his arrest, Argent - who was suspended by TOWIE in October 2014 after failing a drug test said, "I am devastated by what's happened." Arg added that the outburst was not down to a relapse, insisting: "I am still three years and four months clean and sober." The Mirror revealed how Nicola was left sobbing in the street and had to be consoled by a passerby who had been dining at a nearby restaurant. They told reporters: "I saw him throwing all his clothes off the balcony. There was a lot of screaming in the house, and then he ran out with a large bag. "Nicoline was crying a lot and very nervous and agitated on the street, trying to call the police, but they didn't speak English, so I went to help her translate. She said nothing like this had ever happened before." The passerby said they had no idea the couple were famous, adding, "I just saw a girl crying on the street trying to call the police, and I went out to help and translate. Then she stayed with the police, and I went home. She kept thanking me for being with her and helping her." Argent and Nicoline met 10 months ago during a chance encounter at a Spanish supermarket. Just weeks before the domestic violence incident, Arg gushed over his partner while attending former castmate Jess Wright's Have A Heart Gala charity ball on 24 April. He said: 'My girlfriend is back at our beach house in Marbella, but I'm representing us both tonight," he said. "Everything is good with us. It's going really good. I'm happy." Recalling his first encounter with Nicoline, Argent gushed: "All of a sudden, I see this woman coming towards me. I was like, 'Wow, she's beautiful,'" he said. "She was just in her gym clothes, wearing no make-up. She'd just fed a stray cat. "We both smiled and kind of giggled at each other. And Nicoline carried on walking. But then I thought, 'What have I got to lose?' So I turned around and said, 'Hey.'" In a joint interview, the former couple also spoke about the possibility of having children together in the future. "We'd both love to have a family one day," revealed Argent. "We've both lived a life, had experiences with previous partners, but now it's a really good time to be sure of who you're with." Nicoline added, "That's one thing I love about James. He's very family-oriented. Our families are so similar."
