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Newsweek
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
The Rock Brought To Tears By Heartfelt Gift
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has always deeply loved and respected his late father, the wrestling legend Rocky Johnson. "The Great One" recently showed these strong feelings after getting a very thoughtful birthday gift that moved him to tears. The Rock shared this emotional moment on his Instagram page for all his followers to see. He posted a video of himself reacting to the present that clearly meant so much to him. The gift was an actual ticket stub from a wrestling show he went to as an 11-year-old boy. At that particular show, he had the special experience of watching his own father, Rocky Johnson, perform in the ring. This specific ticket was from a WWF event that took place on March 17, 1984, in Springfield, Massachusetts. It marked a cherished childhood memory of a young Rock seeing his dad wrestle. Known also by his powerful nickname "The Final Boss," The Rock stated this was one of the most meaningful gifts he had ever received in his life. Holding the old paper ticket again brought back very powerful emotions and a deep wish for just one more moment with his father. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic He explained that this longing to simply say hello or goodbye one more time was what made him cry. The Rock then remembered his childhood, which was often spent on the road with his dad due to his wrestling career. He recalled that Rocky Johnson was frequently tired and sore from the tough schedule and physical nature of wrestling, and because of this, he rarely smiled. However, his father often found a sense of peace and enjoyment when he was inside the squared circle, as The Rock pointed out with a slight smile visible on his dad's face in footage from that 1984 match. The Rock also admitted that he knows he is a hard person to shop for when it comes to gifts. This made the kind and thoughtful surprise from his family members even more special and precious to him. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation He made sure to thank his brother Brad and his sisters Maya and Mere for giving him such an emotional and powerful gift. The ticket brought back a very strong and touching memory from his youth. In his Instagram post, The Rock wrote directly to his fans and family, "Opening a birthday gift – one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received. A ticket 🎟️ to a wrestling show I attended when I was 11yrs old to watch my dad wrestle. Who would've thought years later I'd hold this ticket, and wishing I had one more shot to say hello (or goodbye) to my old man." He went on to share more of his feelings in the post, "As a kid, we were always on the road and I don't remember my dad smiling much, as he was always mentally tired and his body banged up and in pain from the nightly grind – but he did find moments of PEACE when he was wrestling in that squared circle. Even in this video, you see my dad attempting a SLIGHT SMILE 🙂 I know I'm not easy to buy gifts for, so VERY thoughtful gifts like this mean the world to me from my loved ones. Mahalo brother Brad. And my sistas Maya & Mere too." Rocky Johnson passed away in 2020. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Tatler Asia
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Filipino stars shine bright at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood
MIFF in Hollywood celebrated the best of Filipino cinema, honouring achievements and global impact In a night of glitz and glamour at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, Filipino stars shone brighter than ever during the highly anticipated Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) last March 7. Originally planned to take place from January 20 to February 2, the event—already in its second edition—was rescheduled due to the devastating wildfires in some parts of Los Angeles. Nevertheless, the night was a success as the Philippine film industry was celebrated in Hollywood. The MIFF's mission is to elevate Philippine cinema on the global stage, and the event was a testament to the growing impact and enduring beauty of Filipino storytelling. As the actors gathered to honour their recent films, several awards were given to cement their great talents—Audience Favorite Awards, Lifetime Achievement, Visionary, Trailblazer and Special Awards. Filipino-American first responders in the Southern California wildfires were also saluted for their sacrifices and service to others. Sixteen films were screened for the MIFF, including entries from the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, world premieres and select additional films. More from Tatler: 10 fashionable '90s TV shows to inspire your wardrobe Photo 1 of 5 First Lady Louise 'Liza' Araneta-Marcos at the MIFF Photo 2 of 5 Janet and Ruben Nepales at the MIFF Photo 3 of 5 Sofronio Vasquez III at the MIFF Photo 4 of 5 Paul Martineau, Mikaela Lagman, Alex Pineda, Charmaine Lagman, and Puey Quiñones at the MIFF Photo 5 of 5 Mark Dacascos at the MIFF
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
How Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Drugs Are Eating Away at Body Positivity
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Samhita Mukhopadhyay wasn't expecting shame to come from a photo. The longtime feminist writer and former Teen Vogue editor had just moderated a panel at a media conference. She was dressed in a skirt and printed top she felt good in—until she saw a candid image someone had posted online. "It was devastating," she told Newsweek. Mukhopadhyay took Mounjaro, an antidiabetic medication also used for weight loss, and saw dramatic results—losing 15 percent of her body weight over 18 months. She was feeling physically better, sleeping more soundly and even considering a wardrobe overhaul. But the cost of the drug forced her to stop. Dieting doll - stock photo Dieting doll - stock photo Peter Dazeley/Getty "I knew better," she said. "As a feminist writer and committed proponent of body positivity, I'd spent years trying to love my body at any size. And yet, here I was, agonizing over a picture of myself." That contradiction, she said, was the real heartbreak—not just for her, but for the women who long-embraced the body positivity messaging themselves. "Taking something for weight loss made me feel like I was being vain, that I didn't have the willpower to lose weight, eat better or exercise," she said. "It felt like a violation of an unspoken norm." Profile shot of former Teen Vogue editor Samhita Mukhopadhyay Profile shot of former Teen Vogue editor Samhita Mukhopadhyay Samhita Mukhopadhyay Hollywood's Open Secret In recent years, Mounjaro and similar GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound have redefined how America thinks—and talks—about weight. What began as a diabetes treatment has become a billion-dollar industry fueled by off-label use, celebrity whispers and red-carpet transformations. As the 2025 Hollywood awards season kicked off with the Golden Globes in January, so too did another round of jokes, speculation and sponsorships linking the industry to the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss by A-list celebrities. Comedian Nikki Glaser, host of the Globes, dove right in at the start of her opening monologue: "Good evening, and welcome to the 82nd Golden Globes—Ozempic's biggest night," she began. Nikki Glaser speaks onstage at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Nikki Glaser speaks onstage at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Sonja Flemming/CBS/Getty What may be the most effective pharmaceutical marketing campaign in history didn't cost a dollar. Starting in mid-2022, celebrities and influencers began posting about their weight loss journeys using GLP-1 drugs, drawing millions of views on social media. The result was free publicity for Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant behind Ozempic and Wegovy. (Mounjaro and Zepbound are manufactured by Eli Lilly, an American competitor to Novo.) In September 2022, Variety reported that A-listers were quietly sharing their experiences in encrypted Signal chats. The drug's popularity became such a phenomenon that Town & Country called it the hottest topic of conversation in L.A. Outside Hollywood, telehealth startups and boutique clinics capitalized on the growing demand, offering prescriptions to those without diabetes or clinical obesity—provided they could afford it. By the time the 2025 awards season arrived, Hollywood's connection to GLP-1s was too loud to ignore. Coverage of the SAG Awards labeled it "the Ozempic carpet," with headlines marveling at the dramatic slimdowns of some stars. No one was safe from accusations. Despite being forced to defend her weight weeks before, it was speculated Ariana Grande had turned to GLP-1s, while Demi Moore was also linked to them, though she recently told People magazine her figure is the result of listening to her body and avoiding meat and eggs. "I think a big part of wellness is really inside out," she added. Injections for weight loss with Semaglutide. An obese woman gives a hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) injection into the abdomen with a pen syringe in the kitchen Injections for weight loss with Semaglutide. An obese woman gives a hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) injection into the abdomen with a pen syringe in the kitchen Iuliia Burmistrova/Getty Kelly Clarkson, meanwhile, admitted to taking medication to help with weight loss, but said: "Everybody thinks it's Ozempic. It's not. It's something else. But it's something that aids in helping break down the sugar. Obviously, my body doesn't do it right." Other stars like actress Kathy Bates proudly acknowledged taking "the shot." She joined a growing list of celebrities—including Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, Meghan Trainor and Kandi Burruss—who have spoken openly about turning to GLP-1 medications in their weight loss journeys after years of public scrutiny. Comedian Schumer said she's "loving being on Mounjaro," while singer Trainor credited her transformation after her second pregnancy to "huge lifestyle changes," and a "shoutout to Mounjaro." Musician Burruss, known as Kandi, admitted: "I saw so many people who were trying it and losing weight. So I was like, 'OK, I'm going to try this.'" US actress Kathy Bates poses with the Best Actress in a Drama Series Award for "Matlock" in the press room during the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on... US actress Kathy Bates poses with the Best Actress in a Drama Series Award for "Matlock" in the press room during the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on February 7, 2025. More MICHAEL TRAN/AFP/Getty This explosion of exposure has translated directly to sales. In 2021, Ozempic didn't even break into the top 20 of the bestselling drugs worldwide. By 2024, it would rise to second place, with Novo Nordisk reporting a 25 percent jump in annual revenue to $40.6 billion. The company also announced it was expanding manufacturing capacity to meet soaring demand, including a $4.1 billion investment in a new U.S. facility and the $11 billion acquisition of three Catalent plants in New Jersey. The Price of Thinness The rise of Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy has reframed weight loss as a clinical intervention—but one still largely reserved for those with deep pockets, especially since users report the weight often comes right back on as soon as they stop taking the drugs. With prices often ranging between $1,000 and $1,400 per month and inconsistent insurance coverage, these medications are far from universally accessible. "Ethical concerns around GLP-1 drugs often center on access and affordability," said Dr. Robert Klitzman, a professor of psychiatry and bioethics at Columbia University. "The medications are expensive, and insurance coverage varies widely. As a result, they're often only accessible to people with higher incomes or strong health insurance." State Medicaid programs have already felt the pressure. Spending on GLP-1 drugs jumped from $577.3 million in 2019 to $3.9 billion in 2023, with projections indicating growth is nowhere close to plateauing. Some states have started considering whether to restrict access, citing escalating costs. Yet in a nation where 42 percent of adults live with obesity—a rate that has nearly doubled since the 1980s—the arrival of a drug that actually works was hard to ignore. In 2013, the American Medical Association officially classified obesity as a disease, recognizing the condition's complexity and its contribution to other chronic illnesses. Meghan Trainor attends the 2025 Billboard Women in Music at YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Inglewood, California. Meghan Trainor attends the 2025 Billboard Women in Music at YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025 in Inglewood, California. Amy Sussman/Getty GLP-1 medications seemed to offer exactly what had been missing for decades: a treatment that not only helped patients lose weight, but also improved other key health markers. Clinical trials show that users can shed 15 to 25 percent of their body weight, along with seeing better blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health. The promise of GLP-1s has even drawn high-level political attention. Elon Musk—the world's richest man and a constant presence in President Donald Trump's White House—has publicly called for expanded access on public health grounds. "Nothing would do more to improve the health, lifespan and quality of life for Americans than making GLP inhibitors super low cost to the public," he wrote on X. Musk has also acknowledged using Wegovy himself. Oprah Winfrey has spoken openly about turning to GLP-1 medications in her weight loss journey. Oprah Winfrey has spoken openly about turning to GLP-1 medications in her weight loss journey. Eric McCandless/Disney/Getty Klitzman, the Columbia bioethicist, cautioned that while the drugs are promising, broad adoption could financially destabilize health systems. "These drugs help over 50 percent of people lose up to 25 percent of their body weight," he said. "But they cost around $12,000 a year. If two-thirds of Americans needed them, it would bankrupt the health care system." Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, dismissed the drugs outright. "They're counting on selling it to Americans because we're so stupid and so addicted to drugs," he told Fox News in October, before the incoming administration shelved a $35 billion Biden-administration plan to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. (L-R) Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, appear during a Cabinet meeting at the... (L-R) Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, appear during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. More Andrew Harnik/Getty Health economists have also shared concerns about long-term affordability, even if these drugs prevent diabetes or heart disease. "The short-term cost is still huge," Dr. Cynthia Cox, vice president at KFF (formerly Kaiser Family Foundation) told Newsweek. "$1,000 a month per person is a massive outlay." Shame, Access and the New Inequality According to a KFF analysis, the list price of Ozempic in the United States is $936 per month, more than five times the cost in Japan, where it sells for $169—the second-highest price among the countries studied. Wegovy, which shares the same active ingredient as Ozempic, is roughly four times as expensive in the U.S. ($1,349) compared to Germany ($328). But even among those who can afford GLP-1 medications, few escape the double bind that now defines weight loss: the pressure to change and the scrutiny that follows when they do. Many public figures who have struggled with weight and identity now feel pressure from both sides. Influencers who once championed "fat acceptance" are now subject to backlash from the very communities they helped build. Plus-sized model Ella Halikas, who took Ozempic to manage polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, admitted: "I was worried about disappointing my followers." Ella Halikas attends the Forever 21 Holiday Collection Launch Event Featuring Saweetie at The West Hollywood EDITION on December 5, 2024 in West Hollywood, California. Ella Halikas attends the Forever 21 Holiday Collection Launch Event Featuring Saweetie at The West Hollywood EDITION on December 5, 2024 in West Hollywood, Forever 21 Rosey Blair, another plus-size content creator, wrote that she was accused of being "ableist and fatphobic" for publicly celebrating the mobility she gained from taking Mounjaro. Dr. Chika Anekwe, an obesity medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, explained to Newsweek that stigma is often rooted in cultural ideas about willpower. "People don't usually call insulin or cholesterol-lowering drugs 'cheating,'" she said. "But weight loss medications still face scrutiny because obesity is not accepted as a legitimate medical condition. That has to change." Klitzman said the issue isn't just about cost or personal choices. "It's also driven by poor access to healthy food, lack of exercise, income inequality and nonstop junk food marketing," he said. He added that while GLP-1 drugs work by curbing appetite, they don't address deeper problems. "You can't solve obesity just by handing out prescriptions," he said. "If policymakers start seeing these drugs as a silver bullet, there's a real danger they'll pull back on funding for prevention—like nutrition programs, access to healthy foods or education around physical activity." Not Just Aesthetics Still, the cultural conversation continues to orbit around aesthetics. "These drugs don't exist in a neutral landscape," said journalist Virginia Sole-Smith on the Burnt Toast podcast, which focuses on diet culture. "They exist in a culture where thinness still equals goodness." For people who once found refuge in body positivity's message of self-acceptance, that reemergence of a single ideal feels regressive. The body positivity movement had its own strange journey from fringe topic to mainstream acceptance to corporatized sloganeering. Rooted in 1960s fat activism, it began as a demand for dignity and systemic change: access to medical care, protection from discrimination, representation in media. Over time, driven by advertising campaigns like Dove's "Real Beauty," Photoshop-free ads and soft-lit models with stretch marks, its message softened into palatable slogans—encouraging self-love while often ignoring deeper inequalities. Diverse Group of People Running a Marathon in a City During the Day. Smiling Plus Size Female Runner Crossing the Finish Line, Celebrating and Demonstrating her Willpower Diverse Group of People Running a Marathon in a City During the Day. Smiling Plus Size Female Runner Crossing the Finish Line, Celebrating and Demonstrating her Willpower gorodenkoff/Getty "This rebranding of body politics allowed corporations to position themselves as champions of inclusion without making meaningful changes," writer Amanda Mull argued in her 2018 Vox essay "Body Positivity Is a Scam." That kind of defiance underscores a broader tension. As GLP-1 drugs become more visible—and increasingly associated with thin, wealthy celebrities—many outside that privileged circle are left grappling with a difficult question: not just should I take it, but can I take it without feeling judged? Editor Mukhopadhyay is uniquely positioned in the debate—both as a journalist and someone who took the drug. "I had a lot of anxiety about talking about it and telling people I was taking them," she said. "There was judgment from the body positivity side and judgment from people who still think using drugs for weight loss is vain." A woman standing in front of a ring light and gesturing in her home kitchen, fruit and veg sliced on the couther top, while filming a video about healthy eating. A woman standing in front of a ring light and gesturing in her home kitchen, fruit and veg sliced on the couther top, while filming a video about healthy eating. Willie B. Thomas/Getty And yet, influencers aren't just people—they're public figures with brands, sponsors and audience expectations. "There's this idea that you can't be too thin or too fat," she said. "Where do you find the balance?" Klitzman emphasized that individual choices and so-called miracle drugs alone won't solve the obesity epidemic. "We need a comprehensive, systemic approach," he said. "That means everyone—doctors, patients, policymakers, insurers, food companies... the environment that fosters obesity needs to change. Otherwise, we're just treating symptoms." And perhaps, as Mukhopadhyay said, the internet is not the place to resolve it. "Social media can be triggering," she said. "And it might not be the best place to seek validation for how you feel about your body." She believes the better question is what followers owe themselves. "If someone's decision to change triggers yourself why. Influencers are not responsible for your emotional well-being."
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Teddi Mellencamp cried upon seeing surgery scars for first time
Teddi Mellencamp has recalled how she cried upon seeing her surgery scars for first time. Earlier this year, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star announced she had been hospitalised as a result of numerous tumours in her brain and lungs and would be undergoing surgery and radiation treatments. Last week, Teddi revealed her tumours had "significantly shrunk" amid immunotherapy, and taking to her Instagram Stories on Monday, she emphasised how thankful she is for her "fighter body". "Seeing my scars on my back and head make me cry but also remind me of all the things we can overcome," she captioned a photo of the back of her shaved head. "Very grateful to this fighter body of mine." And in a separate post, Teddi recalled the initial shock of finding out that she had multiple stage 4 tumours "the size of plums" after experiencing "unbearable" headaches just 76 days ago. "Since that day, I have had multiple surgeries, had rage from the steroids, felt very sick, laughed a ton, ridden horses, loved on my kids and felt great. When I first looked at this picture, at the scars on my head and my arm, I cried," the 43-year-old shared. "Then, I felt a warmness rush through my body and felt so much peace. Peace from the incredible support system I have in my family and friends. Peace from the outpouring of love from y'all on here. Peace in knowing my story could help somebody save their life." To conclude the emotional message, Teddi called on fans to reach out to medical professionals if they have any concerns about their health. "Sending love to anyone struggling and reminding you if something isn't feeling right to go get checked. Advocate for yourself. We have got this," she added. Teddi debuted her new look on the red carpet at the An Unforgettable Evening Gala, a fundraiser for the Women's Cancer Research Fund, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Monday. The TV personality, the daughter of musician John Mellencamp, shares three children with estranged husband Edwin Arroyave. Previously, Teddi underwent surgery to remove stage 2 melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in 2022.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Amanda Kloots makes red carpet debut with sports star beau... 5 years after husband's agonizing Covid death
Amanda Kloots debuted her new romance with her sports star beau nearly five years after her husband Nick Cordero 's death. The television personality, 43, made her new relationship red carpet official as she attended An Unforgettable Evening with retired tennis player Justin Gimelstob, 48. The pair appeared to be attached at the hip at the star-studded event in support of breast cancer research at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. And at one point, the former Broadway dancer and Radio City Rockette put on a very public display of affection as she leaned over for a smooch from her newfound love. Previously, Kloots was married to Cordero, a Broadway star, for three years until his tragic death from COVID-19 in July 2020. For the glamorous gala with her hunky beau, she slipped into a baby blue, satin dress featuring a chic, high neckline and capped sleeves. Gimelstob, who retired from professional tennis in 2007, coordinated his look to match as he also sported a pale blue button-down shirt paired with his navy suit and muted purple tie. Kloots paired her elegant gown with silver, peep-toe heels and a white, rectangular clutch. She left her long, blonde hair down with soft waves from a fresh blowout and highlighted her natural beauty with a glowy, fresh makeup look. At the event, Kloots spoke about her new romance and admitted that its still 'very new.' 'It's been absolutely lovely,' she said in an interview with People, before noting that they are still 'courting.' 'I hope to never leave that stage,' Gimelstob added. 'I was admiring her, well before she gave me a shot.' Then, the pair revealed that they met at a Formula 1 race in Las Vegas but did not go on their first date until a year and a half later after mutual friends set them up. 'It kind of happened very naturally, which is great,' Kloots told the outlet. The couple gushed about each other with Kloots calling him a 'wonderful man' and adding that she adores 'how he takes care of me.' They also spoke about how they bonded over being single parents. Gimelstob is a father to 11-year-old son Brandon while Kloots welcomed her son Elvis, now five, with her late husband in 2019. Last year, Kloots said her late husband encouraged her to find love again through readings with mediums. Chatting with the outlet, she said that Cordero 'definitely' gave her 'his blessing' for her to start dating four years after his passing at age 41 due to COVID-19 complications. Last year, Kloots said her late husband encouraged her to find love again through readings with mediums. Cordero passed away at age 41 in July 2020 due to COVID-19 complications; pictured March 2017 in New York City 'He always says it's coming,' she said. 'That's one of the running themes from readings that I've had, that it's coming. I know you're lonely. It's coming. I don't know. We'll see.' At the time, she revealed she had been dating 'for almost three years.' As she embarks on a new romance, she revealed earlier this year that she is still keeping the love she shared with her late husband close to her. In February, she said she created 'something beautiful' with his ashes and made a diamond ring, which she'll wear 'every day.'
