Latest news with #NightOfWonder
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meghan Markle's Upcoming Appearance at L.A. Museum Gala Postponed amid Immigration Protests
Meghan Markle will no longer appear at the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County's Night of Wonder gala on Saturday, June 14, after the event was postponed amid immigration protests in the city The Duchess of Sussex was scheduled to be honored for her work championing women at the event, which will now be held at a later date "Los Angeles needs us to channel our energy toward supporting our neighbors and demonstrating the values that make our city and county strong," said Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of NHMLACMeghan Markle will no longer appear at a previously scheduled event in Los Angeles as clashes continue in the city between the National Guard and protesters. The Duchess of Sussex was set to be honored at the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County's Night of Wonder gala on Saturday, June 14, but the event has since been postponed. "As an institution 'of, for, and with Los Angeles,' our responsibility during challenging times is clear: to serve as a community resource focused on healing and unity, not celebration," Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of NHMLAC, said in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Tuesday, June 10. "Los Angeles needs us to channel our energy toward supporting our neighbors and demonstrating the values that make our city and county strong," her statement continued. The decision to postpone the gala was made by the Museum's Board of Trustees, leadership and event partners, who "unanimously agreed" that pausing the event was "the appropriate response to current community circumstances," the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County said in a release shared with PEOPLE. NHMLAC plans to host event on a later date, but will carry on regular daily operations and will continue to host educational programs. The gala planned to honor Meghan, 43, for her work championing women and underserved communities, and the As ever founder was set to deliver remarks at the event, PEOPLE previously reported. Other guests from cultural and philanthropic communities across L.A. were also expected to attend. 'Night of Wonder celebrates and supports the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County's commitment to science, nature, and community,' Bettison-Varga said in a Tuesday, June 3, statement. 'We are proud to honor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, a native Angeleno, whose work to advance community wellbeing and expand opportunity — especially for underserved communities — aligns with our equity-focused approach to developing science literacy for the next generation, including through our STEM and STEAM Pathways programs,' she continued. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Meghan and Prince Harry live in Montecito, Calif. with their children Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie, 6. Since moving back to the U.S. after stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan has attended multiple events across the L.A. area, including last year's Paley Honors and Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala. The postponement echoes an earlier decision Meghan made this year when she postponed the premiere of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan amid the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. At the time, she emphasized her deep ties to California and the importance of centering the needs of those affected in her home state. 'I'm thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,' Meghan said in a statement on Sunday, Jan. 12. In the wake of the fires, Meghan and Harry opened their Montecito home to friends and others who had been forced to evacuate, PEOPLE previously confirmed. Through their Archewell Foundation, the couple also began working to identify the most effective ways to support the broader community during the emergency. L.A. has attracted national attention the last few days after President Donald Trump called the National Guard into the city to address protests against ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The protests, which began on Friday, June 6, have caught reporters in the crossfire, including a U.S. correspondent from 9 News Australia who was hit with a rubber bullet by the Los Angeles Police Department. Lauren Tomasi told the camera that the situation in L.A. had "rapidly deteriorated," and said, 'The LAPD moving in on horseback, firing rubber bullets at protesters, moving them on through the heart of L.A." Read the original article on People
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Meghan Markle loses her chance to shine as LA Natural History Museum cancels glam gala as riots turn LA into a warzone
A woke gala set to honor Meghan Markle as a 'champion of underserved communities' has been scrapped because of the city's erupting ICE riots, can exclusively reveal. Guests had paid a minimum of $1,500 to see the Duchess of Sussex, 43, give a speech at this Saturday's Night of Wonder ball at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. But the star-studded event was dramatically scrapped today after street protests spiraled into violence, arson and a heavy National Guard presence. Chief Advancement Officer Paul Bessire emailed attendees to confirm that organizers had taken the 'difficult decision' to postpone the black-tie bash. 'Los Angeles is experiencing a challenging moment, and our responsibility is clear: to serve as a community resource focused on healing and unity, not celebration,' Bessire wrote. 'During challenging times, our role is to support our neighbors and demonstrate the values that make our city and County strong. 'Our Board of Trustees, and all event partners unanimously support this decision. We believe this is the right choice for our community and aligns with our shared commitment to serving all Angelenos. 'We will find a future moment to celebrate our work. Until then, we will channel our energy towards being welcoming spaces for learning and discovery for everyone who walks through our doors.' The cancellation is sure to come as a disappointment for Meghan who was due to be recognized for her 'work to advance community wellbeing and expand opportunity — especially for underserved communities'. The museum in Exposition Park had promised an enchanted garden setting with immersive exhibits, live music and a lavish banquet meal. The cream of LA's cultural elite including celebrities, artists and wealthy philanthropists were expected to attend. 'Imagine an enchanting night under a canopy of twinkling lights that reflects the breathtaking beauty of LA's coastal chaparral, oak forests and surrounding dramatic mountain ranges,' organizers said. 'As guests mingle amidst captivating installations showcasing the wonders of our local ecosystems, they will be inspired by thought-provoking presentations. 'With live music that echoes the rhythms of LA and interactive experiences connecting attendees to the natural world, the gala will ignite a sense of wonder and appreciation for the incredible local flora and fauna that surrounds us'. The whimsical, fairy tale setting could not be further at odds with the scenes of fiery destruction that have plagued neighborhoods including Compton and Paramount for the better part of a week. For four days and nights, stores were looted and cars torched as cops were bombarded with bricks, bottles and Molotov cocktails slung by masked, Mexican-flag wielding rioters. Nearly 150 people have been arrested and five officers hurt in the violence which began as protests over ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants. President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines to help quell the unrest despite the objections of liberal California Officials including Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass. previously revealed that one of the Night Of Wonder organizers is Rick Genow, a powerful Hollywood lawyer and longtime ally of the Duchess. The gala was to be held on Saturday from 6pm to 10pm in the museum's gardens Genow was a key part of the elite Hollywood team Meghan secretly retained throughout her time in the British Royal Family who began poring over a host of multi-million dollar offers as soon as the Sussexes decided to emigrate – their so-called Mexit. Meghan and Harry have been stepping up their public appearances in LA, attending Taylor Swift and Beyonce gigs and popping up at Lakers game. They were seated in a $15,000-per-night private box with Genow, who was co-chair of Night of Wonder along with his wife, Mary Fulginiti-Genow. Geologist Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, hailed Meghan as a philanthropist and LA success story in a gushing press release announcing the gala. 'We are proud to honor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, a native Angeleno, whose work to advance community wellbeing and expand opportunity — especially for underserved communities — aligns with our equity-focused approach to developing science literacy for the next generation,' she said. Ticket holders were offered refunds or places at the rescheduled gala though a new date is yet to be announced.
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Meghan Markle to attend glitzy LA gala on same day as Trooping the Colour where she will be honoured by Hollywood friends for 'expanding opportunity for underserved communities'
Meghan Markle is to be honoured at a glitzy LA party at the same time as a major royal event - but MailOnline can reveal the California gala has been organised by her own Hollywood power lawyer. The Duchess of Sussex will take centre stage at the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County's upcoming Night of Wonder event planned by a close friend and co-architect of Megxit. Meghan is expected to give a speech after being recognised for her 'work to advance community wellbeing and expand opportunity — especially for underserved communities'. It is on the same day as Trooping the Colour in the UK when the royals gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony to mark the King's official birthday. The Sussexes used to attend but last year were not even invited. And MailOnline can reveal that one of the event's organisers is Rick Genow, a friend and business partner of Meghan's who helped with the business side of the Sussexes' departure from royal life. Mr Genow was a key part of the elite Hollywood team Meghan secretly retained throughout her time in the British Royal Family who began poring over a host of multi-million dollar offers as soon as the Sussexes decided to emigrate. Meghan and Harry have been stepping up their public appearances in LA, including at recent Taylor Swift and Beyonce gigs and were recently pictured with Rick Genow watching the LA Lakers basketball team from a $15,000-a-night private box. It is not known yet if Prince Harry will also attend the black-tie Night of Wonder ball on Saturday, June 14. In a gushing press release ahead of next Saturday's Night of Wonder, American geologist Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, hailed Meghan as a philanthropist and LA success story. She said: 'We are proud to honour Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, a native Angeleno, whose work to advance community wellbeing and expand opportunity — especially for underserved communities — aligns with our equity-focused approach to developing science literacy for the next generation'. Rick Genow is listed as a co-chair of the upcoming Night of Wonder event along with his wife Mary Fulginiti-Genow. Describing the gala, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County has said: 'Imagine an enchanting night under a canopy of twinkling lights that reflects the breathtaking beauty of LA's coastal chaparral, oak forests and surrounding dramatic mountain ranges. 'As guests mingle amidst captivating installations showcasing the wonders of our local ecosystems, they will be inspired by thought-provoking presentations. 'With live music that echoes the rhythms of LA and interactive experiences connecting attendees to the natural world, the gala will ignite a sense of wonder and appreciation for the incredible local flora and fauna that surrounds us'. The Genows have asked guests to wear Cocktail attire and said patrons' support 'will expand our commitment to being 'of, for, and with LA'. In 2020 MailOnline revealed that in the days after the Sussexes announced they were quitting as frontline royals, Meghan's team led by Rick and her Beverly Hills business manager Andrew Meyer. They had already discreetly made a significant move involving the Duchess' company Frim Fram Inc - the firm behind her popular lifestyle blog The Tig. According to Delaware business records, on December 30, 2019, Frim Fram Inc was registered as a new corporation in the state. The following day, according to California business records, Frim Fram Inc California was 'Merged Out' and incorporated with the Delaware company. This is significant because Delaware is known as a haven for firms seeking extreme corporate secrecy. Frim Fram was the vehicle the Duchess used to run her website The Tig, named for her favorite wine, Tignanello, from Tuscany, Italy. It was a 'hub for the discerning palate - those with a hunger for food, travel, fashion, and beauty' and documented her lifestyle and views. Just before her engagement to Prince Harry in November, 2017 Meghan shut down The Tig and its associated social media accounts. At the time Rachel Meghan Markle was listed as the president of Frim Fram. Shortly afterwards lawyer Genow was listed as secretary and Meyer was the boss.
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Meghan to speak as guest of honour at LA museum's Night of Wonder
The Duchess of Sussex will speak as the guest of honour at a museum's Night of Wonder in the US, as part of her work championing community wellbeing. Meghan will be joined by other high-profile guests at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, as the space is transformed into an enchanted nocturnal garden on June 14. The event will feature live music and installations representing local ecosystems and the LA landscape, and guests will be treated to a farm-to-table dinner that uses ingredients from the museum's nature gardens. The duchess's mission to advance community wellbeing and uplift young women 'dovetails with the museums' approach to connecting community and science by fostering meaningful educational experiences that empower young minds', the Office of Prince Harry and Meghan said. Among the programmes shared on the website of their charity, the Archewell Foundation, is The Welcome Project, where Meghan focuses on addressing 'the social isolation recently resettled women experience around the world and building more inclusive and connected communities'. The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) hold one of the biggest and most valuable collections of natural and cultural history in the world, with more than 35 million objects. Their collections are used for ground-breaking scientific and historical research and in a range of community science programmes, including creating indoor-outdoor visitor experiences. NHMLAC's president and director Lori Bettison-Varga said: 'We are proud to honour Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, a native Angeleno, whose work to advance community wellbeing and expand opportunity, especially for underserved communities, aligns with our equity-focused approach to developing science literacy for the next generation, including through our Stem and Steam Pathways programmes.' Meghan and Harry, who celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary last month, live in the US with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after stepping away from the working monarchy.
