Latest news with #TheBBC
The Age
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Age
Trump's fans forgive him everything. Why not the Epstein files?
Over the past squalid decade, many of us have let go of the hope that Donald Trump could do or say anything to shake the faith of his ardent base. They've been largely unfazed by boasts of sexual assault and porn star payoffs, an attempted coup and obscenely self-enriching crypto schemes. They cheered wildly at his promises to build a wall paid for by Mexico, then shrugged when it didn't happen. The BBC reported on a 39-year-old Iranian immigrant whose devotion to Trump endured even when she was put in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. 'I will support him until the day I die,' she said from lock-up. 'He's making America great again.' So it has been fascinating to watch a vocal part of Trump's movement revolt over his administration's handling of files from the case of Jeffrey Epstein, the sex-trafficking financier who died in jail in 2019 in what was ruled a suicide. Running for president, Trump promised to release the Epstein files, which some thought would contain evidence of murder. 'Yet another good reason to vote for Trump,' Republican Senator Mike Lee, from Utah, wrote on social media. 'Americans deserve to know why Epstein didn't kill himself.' Some of the influencers who now staff Trump's administration built their followings by spinning wild stories about the case, promising revelations that would lay their enemies low. Epstein's client list 'is going to rock the political world,' Dan Bongino, now deputy director of the FBI, said in September. Appearing on Fox News in February, Attorney General Pam Bondi was asked whether her department would release 'a list of Jeffrey Epstein's clients'. She responded, 'It's sitting on my desk right now to review.' Now she says there was no such client list. Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI released a memo saying that Epstein killed himself and no more information would be forthcoming: 'It is the determination of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. Trump has implored his followers to forget about Epstein, writing, in a petulant Truth Social post, that the files were 'written by Obama, Crooked Hillary' and various other deep-state foes. Let's 'not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about,' he wrote. But he was wrong: Lots of people care. Trump's followers responded to his attempt to wave Epstein away with uncharacteristic fury and disappointment. Bongino has reportedly threatened to resign over Bondi's handling of the case. Epstein was a major subject at Turning Point USA's Student Action Summit, a conservative conference that began on Friday. Speaking from the stage in Tampa, Florida, comedian Dave Smith accused Trump of actively covering up 'a giant child rapist ring.' The audience cheered and applauded. Having nurtured conspiracy theories for his entire political career, Trump suddenly seems in danger of being consumed by one. In many ways, it's delicious to watch, but there's also reason for anxiety, because for some in Trump's movement, this setback is simply proof that they're up against a conspiracy more powerful than they had ever imagined. 'What we just learned is that dealing with the Epstein Operation is above the President's pay grade,' posted Bret Weinstein, an evolutionary biologist and podcaster. An important question, now, is who they decide is pulling the strings. Epstein obsessives are right to be suspicious about the weird turns the case has taken. So much about it feels inexplicable, including the sweetheart plea deal Epstein got in 2008, and the fact that he was apparently able to kill himself despite being one of the most monitored inmates in the country. Even if it turns out that a review of the case doesn't implicate anyone who hasn't already been charged, it should be a scandal that Bondi misled the public about the existence of a client list. But the administration lies all the time — that alone doesn't explain why this issue has so tested the MAGA coalition. To understand why it's such a crisis, you need to understand the crucial role that Epstein plays in the mythologies buttressing MAGA. The case is of equal interest to QAnon types, who see in Epstein's crimes proof of their conviction that networks of elite paedophiles have hijacked America, and of right-wing critics of Israel, who are convinced that Epstein worked for Mossad, the country's spy service.
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty earns almost double co-host Charlie Stayt's pay
The BBC's annual report has confirmed the salaries of its biggest stars, with Naga Munchetty receiving a pay rise The BBC's annual salary report has revealed that Naga Munchetty earns almost double her co-host Charlie Stayt's pay. Charlie and Naga present BBC Breakfast from Thursday to Saturday morning, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent take the helm from Monday to Wednesday. Charlie, aged 63, has stayed within the £190,000 salary band, whereas Naga, aged 50, has enjoyed a £10,000 increase to her earnings, moving from £345,000 to £355,000. Naga, who has presented on the flagship news programme since 2014, has always been paid more than Charlie. Her pay packet accounts for 180 days of presenting on BBC Breakfast, as well as her Radio 5 Live programme and election coverage, reports the Express. Naga occupies the tenth position on the list of the BBC's top earners. Gary Lineker continues to hold the number one spot for the eighth consecutive year, despite having left the broadcaster earlier in the year. The 64-year-old remained in the £1,350,000 to £1,354,999 bracket for 2024-2025. Meanwhile, BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball, 54, continued as the BBC's second highest earner. She now falls into the £515,000 - £519,999 category, a significant decrease from the £950,000 she earned in 2023-2024. Gary Lineker's former Match of the Day co-star Alan Shearer holds the third position with £440,000, while radio presenter Greg James is hot on his heels with £425,000. They both received pay increases since last year's figures were published. Question Time and Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce and presenter Nick Robinson are both in fifth place with £410,000. They are followed by Northern Irish presenter Stephen Nolan, who brought in £405,000. Political reporter Laura Kuenssberg finished seventh on the list with £395,000, followed by Vernon Kay with £390,000, and Justin Webb with £365,000. Other big names such as Michael McIntyre and Claudia Winkleman were absent from the list as the BBC does not have to reveal the salaries of stars who are paid through production companies like BBC Studios, which is categorised as a commercial entity.
Sydney Morning Herald
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Trump's fans forgive him everything. Why not Epstein?
Over the past squalid decade, many of us have let go of the hope that Donald Trump could do or say anything to shake the faith of his ardent base. They've been largely unfazed by boasts of sexual assault and porn star payoffs, an attempted coup and obscenely self-enriching crypto schemes. They cheered wildly at his promises to build a wall paid for by Mexico, then shrugged when it didn't happen. The BBC reported on a 39-year-old Iranian immigrant whose devotion to Trump endured even when she was put in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. 'I will support him until the day I die,' she said from lock-up. 'He's making America great again.' So it has been fascinating to watch a vocal part of Trump's movement revolt over his administration's handling of files from the case of Jeffrey Epstein, the sex-trafficking financier who died in jail in 2019 in what was ruled a suicide. Running for president, Trump promised to release the Epstein files, which some thought would contain evidence of murder. 'Yet another good reason to vote for Trump,' Republican Senator Mike Lee, from Utah, wrote on social media. 'Americans deserve to know why Epstein didn't kill himself.' Some of the influencers who now staff Trump's administration built their followings by spinning wild stories about the case, promising revelations that would lay their enemies low. Epstein's client list 'is going to rock the political world,' Dan Bongino, now deputy director of the FBI, said in September. Appearing on Fox News in February, Attorney General Pam Bondi was asked whether her department would release 'a list of Jeffrey Epstein's clients.' She responded, 'It's sitting on my desk right now to review.' Now she says there was no such client list. Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI released a memo saying that Epstein killed himself and no more information would be forthcoming: 'It is the determination of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. Trump has implored his followers to forget about Epstein, writing, in a petulant Truth Social post, that the files were 'written by Obama, Crooked Hillary' and various other deep-state foes. Let's 'not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about,' he wrote. But he was wrong: Lots of people care. Trump's followers responded to his attempt to wave Epstein away with uncharacteristic fury and disappointment. Bongino has reportedly threatened to resign over Bondi's handling of the case. Epstein was a major subject at Turning Point USA's Student Action Summit, a conservative conference that began on Friday. Speaking from the stage in Tampa, Florida, comedian Dave Smith accused Trump of actively covering up 'a giant child rapist ring.' The audience cheered and applauded. Having nurtured conspiracy theories for his entire political career, Trump suddenly seems in danger of being consumed by one. In many ways, it's delicious to watch, but there's also reason for anxiety, because for some in Trump's movement, this setback is simply proof that they're up against a conspiracy more powerful than they had ever imagined. 'What we just learned is that dealing with the Epstein Operation is above the President's pay grade,' posted Bret Weinstein, an evolutionary biologist and podcaster. An important question, now, is who they decide is pulling the strings. Epstein obsessives are right to be suspicious about the weird turns the case has taken. So much about it feels inexplicable, including the sweetheart plea deal Epstein got in 2008, and the fact that he was apparently able to kill himself despite being one of the most monitored inmates in the country. Even if it turns out that a review of the case doesn't implicate anyone who hasn't already been charged, it should be a scandal that Bondi misled the public about the existence of a client list. But the administration lies all the time — that alone doesn't explain why this issue has so tested the MAGA coalition. To understand why it's such a crisis, you need to understand the crucial role that Epstein plays in the mythologies buttressing MAGA. The case is of equal interest to QAnon types, who see in Epstein's crimes proof of their conviction that networks of elite paedophiles have hijacked America, and of right-wing critics of Israel, who are convinced that Epstein worked for Mossad, the country's spy service.
The Age
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The Age
Trump's fans forgive him everything. Why not Epstein?
Over the past squalid decade, many of us have let go of the hope that Donald Trump could do or say anything to shake the faith of his ardent base. They've been largely unfazed by boasts of sexual assault and porn star payoffs, an attempted coup and obscenely self-enriching crypto schemes. They cheered wildly at his promises to build a wall paid for by Mexico, then shrugged when it didn't happen. The BBC reported on a 39-year-old Iranian immigrant whose devotion to Trump endured even when she was put in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. 'I will support him until the day I die,' she said from lock-up. 'He's making America great again.' So it has been fascinating to watch a vocal part of Trump's movement revolt over his administration's handling of files from the case of Jeffrey Epstein, the sex-trafficking financier who died in jail in 2019 in what was ruled a suicide. Running for president, Trump promised to release the Epstein files, which some thought would contain evidence of murder. 'Yet another good reason to vote for Trump,' Republican Senator Mike Lee, from Utah, wrote on social media. 'Americans deserve to know why Epstein didn't kill himself.' Some of the influencers who now staff Trump's administration built their followings by spinning wild stories about the case, promising revelations that would lay their enemies low. Epstein's client list 'is going to rock the political world,' Dan Bongino, now deputy director of the FBI, said in September. Appearing on Fox News in February, Attorney General Pam Bondi was asked whether her department would release 'a list of Jeffrey Epstein's clients.' She responded, 'It's sitting on my desk right now to review.' Now she says there was no such client list. Last week, the Justice Department and the FBI released a memo saying that Epstein killed himself and no more information would be forthcoming: 'It is the determination of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. Trump has implored his followers to forget about Epstein, writing, in a petulant Truth Social post, that the files were 'written by Obama, Crooked Hillary' and various other deep-state foes. Let's 'not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about,' he wrote. But he was wrong: Lots of people care. Trump's followers responded to his attempt to wave Epstein away with uncharacteristic fury and disappointment. Bongino has reportedly threatened to resign over Bondi's handling of the case. Epstein was a major subject at Turning Point USA's Student Action Summit, a conservative conference that began on Friday. Speaking from the stage in Tampa, Florida, comedian Dave Smith accused Trump of actively covering up 'a giant child rapist ring.' The audience cheered and applauded. Having nurtured conspiracy theories for his entire political career, Trump suddenly seems in danger of being consumed by one. In many ways, it's delicious to watch, but there's also reason for anxiety, because for some in Trump's movement, this setback is simply proof that they're up against a conspiracy more powerful than they had ever imagined. 'What we just learned is that dealing with the Epstein Operation is above the President's pay grade,' posted Bret Weinstein, an evolutionary biologist and podcaster. An important question, now, is who they decide is pulling the strings. Epstein obsessives are right to be suspicious about the weird turns the case has taken. So much about it feels inexplicable, including the sweetheart plea deal Epstein got in 2008, and the fact that he was apparently able to kill himself despite being one of the most monitored inmates in the country. Even if it turns out that a review of the case doesn't implicate anyone who hasn't already been charged, it should be a scandal that Bondi misled the public about the existence of a client list. But the administration lies all the time — that alone doesn't explain why this issue has so tested the MAGA coalition. To understand why it's such a crisis, you need to understand the crucial role that Epstein plays in the mythologies buttressing MAGA. The case is of equal interest to QAnon types, who see in Epstein's crimes proof of their conviction that networks of elite paedophiles have hijacked America, and of right-wing critics of Israel, who are convinced that Epstein worked for Mossad, the country's spy service.
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First Post
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
BBC sacks a second 'MasterChef' host over claim he used racist language: 'Won't tolerate any kind of...'
The BBC said the allegation against Torode involved 'an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace,' and that the claim was upheld by an independent investigation led by a law firm read more The BBC said Tuesday that longtime 'MasterChef' host John Torode has been sacked for allegedly using racist language on set, a day after the broadcaster confirmed it was severing ties with another of the cooking show's presenters, Gregg Wallace, over separate allegations. The BBC said the allegation against Torode involved 'an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace,' and that the claim was upheld by an independent investigation led by a law firm. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We will not tolerate racist language of any kind,' the corporation said. 'John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Torode, 59, said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. The Australia-born presenter started hosting 'MasterChef' in 2005 along with Wallace, 60, who was sacked after a report found that dozens of allegations made against him by multiple women were substantiated. It said the majority of the claims related to 'inappropriate sexual language and humor.' The claims have cast a shadow over the BBC and 'MasterChef,' one of the broadcaster's most popular and long-running competition shows. The program has spawned numerous spinoffs and adaptations in other countries. The latest controversy has again raised questions about the BBC's handling of misconduct cases. Director-general Tim Davie said the broadcaster's leadership would not tolerate behavior that is 'not in line with our values' following the report on Wallace. He also said he believed 'MasterChef' can survive and prosper despite the controversies. 'I think a great program that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals,' he said Tuesday.
