Latest news with #OpenLetter
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Makate vs Vodacom: Court silence sparks outrage over delayed Please Call Me ruling
The fight for justice: #PleaseCallMe Movement's call to action Image: Siphelele Dludla / independent Newspapers The #PleaseCallMe Movement (PMC) has written an open letter urging national leaders to step in and resolve the ongoing legal dispute concerning the "Please Call Me" service, as it remains unresolved nearly six months after the Constitutional Court heard the case. The organisation has described the delays as 'unfair' and warned that they threaten the integrity of the country's justice system. The dispute began in 2000 when Nkosana Makate, then an employee at Vodacom, proposed a service allowing users to notify contacts they were calling without incurring charges. This simple innovation would generate billions of rand for the telecom giant. Makate's efforts to secure fair compensation have spanned over two decades and have resulted in multiple court victories. His legal journey has resulted in nine judgments in his favour, including three from South Africa's highest court, the Constitutional Court. In 2016, the Constitutional Court criticised Vodacom and its executives for unethical conduct, emphasising the importance of recognising Makate's contribution. Despite these rulings, a final resolution has remained elusive. In 2019, the Supreme Court of Appeal ordered Vodacom to pay Makate between 5% and 7.5% of the revenue generated by the service over the past 18 years. Vodacom appealed, and the case was escalated to the Constitutional Court, which has yet to rule. The court recently announced that its decision is 'reserved,' and no timeline for judgment was provided. The Open Letter: A Call for Justice and Accountability On Thursday, Modise Setoaba, Convener of the #PleaseCallMe Movement, issued an open letter expressing frustration and concern over the judicial delays. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The letter underscores how the protracted process damages public trust and undermines the social contract. 'This is unfair. The #PleaseCallMe case illustrates how financial influence can be used to hinder, direct, disregard, and undermine the country's laws. 'It is generally recognised that the issue has been extensively ventilated and Makate has consistently come out on top, with nine favourable decisions — yet the principle of res judicata does not seem to be invoked.' The letter also criticises the lack of leadership and the growing impatience among supporters. 'We are sitting on the sidelines watching as time goes by. While it seems difficult to reach the end, my worry is the social contract. How are we encouraged to obey the law when publicly observing it being abused like this for so long?' Makate's supporters further voiced their frustrations, emphasising that they have maintained peaceful protests. 'We have made it clear from the beginning that our enemy is Vodacom and its arrogant CEO. We worked hard and kept all demonstrations peaceful, raising our frustrations at their premises, the JSE and the Constitutional Court. No incidents of property damage were reported.' In a candid reflection, the letter asked whether violence would have changed anything. 'Maybe we should have been violent, damaged property, burned tires, blocked streets, looted shops—those are the languages the corporate bourgeoisie understands. 'But what would that have done for Makate? He is the litigant here. The focus should be on him and the progress he has made alone. We are not a rent-a-crowd.' 'While Makate is subdued in the legal process, we must ask: Where are the leaders of society—political or otherwise? Why is this man ignored? Are we afraid of losing deals or jobs? Who's next?' 'To put it into perspective, my child was not yet conceived when PCM was introduced; now she's a doctor. That's how long this matter has been dragging on.' Legal experts and civil society groups have voiced alarm at the delays. An article published last week by IOL highlighted the nation's growing frustration. Dunisani Mathiba, from the Office of the Chief Justice, explained that delays are often due to the complexity of cases and the deliberation process. 'There is no set timeframe within which judgments are typically issued. The judges will determine when the judgment is ready.' Legal analyst Francois Botes pointed to systemic issues hindering timely justice. 'The workload is overwhelming, and vacancies on the bench worsen things. Short-term measures like appointing acting judges help, but are insufficient. Long-term reforms are necessary to address these systemic challenges.' The #PleaseCallMe Movement's open letter concluded with a plea for decisive leadership. 'We call on the leaders of this country—political, judicial, and societal—to recognise the importance of this case, not just for Makate but for the integrity of our justice system. 'Justice delayed is justice denied. The longer we wait, the more trust we erode in our institutions. It is time to act and ensure fairness prevails,' read the letter. IOL Politics
News18
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Don't Have The Power To Sack': J.K. Rowling On Backlash Over Paapa Essiedu Casting
J.K. Rowling responded to the buzz over Paapa Essiedu's casting as Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling has responded to the online buzz surrounding actor Paapa Essiedu's casting as Severus Snape in HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter series. The British actor, recently in the spotlight for his vocal support of trans rights, has sparked discussions after signing a public letter that criticised a UK Supreme Court decision regarding the legal definition of gender. Following the announcement of Essiedu's role in the new adaptation of the wizard saga, attention turned to his involvement in a petition challenging the court's April 17 ruling in For Women Scotland v. The Scottish Ministers. The judgment reaffirmed that legal gender is determined by biological sex at birth, thereby potentially restricting trans individuals' access to single-sex spaces in workplaces, schools, and public institutions. I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did. I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine. — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 5, 2025 Amid growing social media speculation over whether Rowling, known for her controversial views on gender identity, would attempt to remove Essiedu from the project, the author took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify her position. Sharing an article about Essiedu's involvement in the letter, she wrote: 'I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did. I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine." Essiedu's stance, along with that of many other prominent figures in the film and TV industry, was expressed through an open letter condemning the ruling. The document, titled An Open Letter to Film and Television Industry Professionals and Cultural Bodies, was initiated by development producer Sid Strickland and script editor Jack Casey. It was signed by more than 1,500 industry professionals, including actors Emma Watson, Bella Ramsey, Nicola Coughlan, Emma D'Arcy, Aimee Lou Wood, and Joe Alwyn. The letter states: 'We, the undersigned film and television professionals, stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary, and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 17th. We wish to add our voices to the 2000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community published last week, and call upon members of our industry and cultural bodies to join us." Rowling's response has added another layer to the ongoing discourse around gender, representation, and the cultural legacy of Harry Potter as the franchise moves into a new chapter. First Published: May 08, 2025, 16:39 IST
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
What JK Rowling said about Paapa Essiedu's role as Snape in Harry Potter series
JK Rowling has revealed her stance on HBO casting Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter series. The British actor became a subject of discussion online after the news about his new role broke. More recently, he made headlines for signing an open letter condemning the UK Supreme Court's ruling that trans women are not legally women. In response to his pro-trans move, the 59-year-old took to X to reveal if she would fire him from the show based on her famed book series. JK Rowling reveals if she would fire Paapa Essiedu from the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series 'I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did. I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine,' Rowling wrote on X, as she shared an article about Essiedu being one of the 1,500 stars to sign the petition. Also Read: Victoria Beckham is living her 'worst nightmare' amid feud with son Brooklyn, Nicola Peltz Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film franchise, Bella Ramsey, Nicola Coughlan, Emma D'Arcy, Aimee Lou Wood, and Joe Alwyn were also among the hundreds of stars who signed the document titled, 'An Open Letter to Film and Television Industry Professionals and Cultural Bodies.' Also Read: Stylist for Simone Biles, Miranda Kerr manhandled' by police ahead of Met Gala 'We the undersigned film and television professionals stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary, and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 17th. We wish to add our voices to the 2000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community published last week, and call upon members of our industry and cultural bodies to join us,' the letter reads.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stars Of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" Franchise And More Celebrities Have Signed An Open Letter Supporting Trans Rights
Actors like The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, Babygirl's Harris Dickinson, Harry Potter franchise's Emma Waston, and Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan are among more than 1,300 industry professionals who have signed an open letter calling for action on trans rights following the UK Supreme Court's devastating ruling. Niko Tavernise /© A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection On April 17, the UK Supreme Court's judgment in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers defined gender identity as based on biological sex at birth. The ruling and the guidance from the Equalities & Human Rights Commission intend to limit trans people's access to the single-sex facilities of their choice in workplaces, public areas, sports, schools, and public associations. In a open letter started by development producer Sid Strickland and script editor Jack Casey, hundreds of UK industry professionals are standing in solidarity with the trans, non-binary, and intersex people who the Equality Act will impact. "We the undersigned film and television professionals stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 17," the letter states. "We wish to add our voices to the 2000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community published last week and call upon members of our industry and cultural bodies to join us." The letter explains that "The Supreme Court's ruling that, under the Equality Act, 'woman' is defined by biological sex, states that 'the concept of sex is binary, a person is either a woman or a man.' The names signed on the letter "believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK." The letter added, "Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history." In just 24 hours, the letter had accumulated around 400 signatures from actors, writers, directors, editors, and executives from companies like New Pictures, Sister Pictures, Motive Pictures, and World Production, just to name a few. As of Friday, May 2, that number has grown dramatically. Ludovic Robert / ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection, Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection Here are some of the names and faces of the actors and writers who signed the letter: Bella Ramsey Related: These 19 Celebs Started Acting As Kids, But Are Wayyyy More Popular Now — So I'm Positive You Won't Be Able To Identify Them From A Childhood Photo Harris Dickinson Aimee Lou Wood Emma Watson Emma D'Arcy Emma Corrin Related: People Are Sharing The Celebrities They Genuinely Feel Bad For, And It's Heartbreaking Suranne Jones Russell Tovey Ncuti Gatwa Heartstopper author Alice Oseman Nicola Coughlan Eddie Redmayne Paapa Essiedu Joe Alwyn Hayley Atwell Faye Marsay James Norton As the open letter states, film and television are indeed "powerful tools for empathy and education," so it's reassuring to see so many industry professionals come together to stand in solidarity with people whose livelihoods are constantly in jeopardy. Similarly, leading musicians have signed an open letter on behalf of the U.K. music industry to offer their solidarity to trans folk as well. The letter, organized by musician Tom Rasmussen, publicist Tom Mehrtens, Kinndred Management's Martha Kinn, and Olly Alexander reads, 'the UK music industry is a vibrant, diverse landscape that thrives on creativity and inclusivity' that has 'long celebrated a multitude of voices and identities, and the music industry here in the UK is one of our most trailblazing and culturally vital assets — one which trans, intersex and non-binary people are woven into in every aspect of the industry, past, present and future.' Charli XCX, Rina Sawayama, Jessie Ware, and Self Esteem are among the names who have signed this open letter. I'm crossing my fingers that this list of names on the open letters to the film and television industry and the UK music industry continue to grow. Read the official "Open Letter to Film and Television Industry Professionals and Cultural Bodies" here. Also in Celebrity: These 21 Celebrity Ex-Marriages Were So Brief And Bizarre, They Practically Evaporated From Hollywood History Also in Celebrity: 28 Celebs Who Never Seem To Get Canceled Despite Some Pretty Awful Behavior Also in Celebrity: 33 Years After Getting A Breast Reduction As A Teenager, Drew Barrymore Made A Rare Comment About The Plastic Surgery
The Herald Scotland
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
UK culture sector leaders ‘unwilling' to police which toilets people use
The ruling has been interpreted to mean that transgender women, who are biologically male but identify as women, can be excluded from women-only spaces like toilets and changing rooms. Campaigners take part in a rally organised by trans rights groups, trade unions, and community organisations at Parliament Square, central London, following the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman in equalities law (Andrew Matthews/PA) More than 1,000 people have signed an open letter to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which claims its interim update on the practical implications of the judgment 'overlooks the need to protect trans, non-binary and intersex people from discrimination'. Signatories include joint chief executives and general directors of the Welsh National Opera (WNO), Adele Thomas and Sarah Crabtree, the founder of the Vagina Museum, Florence Schechter, and the director of Queer Britain museum, Andrew Given. The letter says: 'The majority of cultural venues – who are already facing significant financial challenges and are often based in listed and old buildings – are unable to magic up new toilet facilities. As well as being profoundly unfair, this kind of segregation will have significant social, cultural and economic impact. 'In addition, your interim update is not practical or possible to apply.' It adds: 'We are unable and unwilling to police the gender of people using our toilets. 'Before any guidance or legislation is issued, we urge you to undertake full and appropriate consultation with the trans, intersex and non-binary communities about the potential impact of any legislation along similar lines to your update. 'We also urge you to undertake full and appropriate consultation with those running cultural venues and public buildings to understand the impact this would have on operations, our ability to keep people safe and our ability to ensure inclusive and welcoming spaces.' It comes after actors including Oscar-winning star Eddie Redmayne, The Brutalist actor Joe Alwyn and Babygirl star Harris Dickinson signed an open letter addressed to film and TV industry bodies, encouraging them to support the trans community. The letter said that the signatories wish to 'add our voices to the 2,000+ signatories of the Open Letter from UK Writers to the Trans Community', which was signed by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and Chewing Gum's Michaela Coel. Susan Smith and Marion Calder, co-directors of For Women Scotland, and campaigners celebrate outside the Supreme Court (Lucy North/PA) The EHRC has issued guidance aimed at clearing up questions about what the judgment will mean in practice. Transgender women 'should not be permitted to use the women's facilities' in workplaces or public-facing services like shops and hospitals, the EHRC said. The same applies to transgender men, who are biologically female, using men's toilets. The watchdog also insisted that transgender people 'should not be put in a position where there are no facilities for them to use'. The Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by some women's rights campaigners, but LGBT+ charity Stonewall described it as 'incredibly worrying for the trans community'. EHRC chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner told the political magazine The House: 'I can wholeheartedly reassure all who rely on us that every explanation of equality law from the EHRC will be accurate and authoritative. That is our job.' 'The unambiguous ruling of the Supreme Court has now clarified what the law is. 'Claims that trans people are not being listened to are simply incorrect.' The EHRC is currently reviewing its statutory code of practice for services. It will seek affected stakeholders' views on how the practical implications of the judgment can be reflected in the updated guidance in a consultation expected to launch later this month.
