Latest news with #backlash
Wall Street Journal
13 hours ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Mamdani Clarifies ‘Globalize the Intifada' Stance in Meeting With Business Elites
Zohran Mamdani said he would discourage the use of the slogan 'globalize the intifada' in a roughly hourlong meeting with some of New York City's most powerful executives on Tuesday, seeking to defuse an issue that has prompted a backlash from the business community and beyond. Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, was grilled by a room of 100-plus executives at an event hosted by the Partnership for New York City, an influential business group. The audience included finance and real-estate executives, high-powered lawyers and a handful of billionaires.
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Vogue
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Sarah Pidgeon—Ryan Murphy's CBK—Has Actually Gone Blonde
It was the camera test that launched a thousand think pieces (not to mention TikToks, Instagram carousels, and a pair of stories on this very website): On June 13, Ryan Murphy's production company shared images from his upcoming American Love Story series, giving the world a first glimpse at Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. and Sarah Pidegon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. BrosNYC / BACKGRID The internet's reaction was mixed. While some on social media scrutinized the costuming, Bessette-Kennedy's colorist Brad Johns suggested to Vogue that Pidgeon, who is a natural brunette, had been turned a shade of blonde that felt 'too 2024.' In the wake of the backlash, Murphy went on the record with Variety, sharing that a style advisory board had been put in place to make sure the show got everything right (and that Pidgeon's blonde in those shots was, in fact, a wig). Then, last night, almost a month to the day since the test shots were released, Pidgeon appeared at the Los Angeles premiere of her new film, I Know What You Did Last Summer, with a surprise: a new dye job. No Daenerys Targaryen coloring here. In New York City on March the Los Angeles primere of I Know What You Did Last Summer on July colorist Kari Hill has confirmed to Vogue exclusively that this time, it's not a wig. 'Going from dark brown to blonde is always a journey,' Hill says, noting that she used Schwarzkopf Professional products to get the look. 'The transformation took approximately 18 hours in total, spread over two days to ensure the health and integrity of Sarah's hair throughout the process.' (When reached for a statement on the change, Ryan Murphy declined to comment.) Hill describes Pidgeon's new color as 'a soft, natural root that melts into multi-tonal blondes, with buttery, golden highlights and subtle lowlights woven throughout to create a beautifully blended, sunlit effect.' And buttery it is—an important hue in the world of Bessette-Kennedy and Johns, who made butter his signature shade.
Forbes
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Forbes
Here's The Timeline Of MAGA's Epstein Files Meltdown—As Trump Denies Bondi Mentioned His Name Appeared
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Attorney General Pam Bondi did not mention whether his name appeared in the so-called Epstein files, making the comment to reporters as he faces backlash from his base over the Justice Department's decision not to release more information about the disgraced financier. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on July 15. Getty Images Feb. 27 At a press event featuring MAGA influencers and podcasters, Bondi handed out binders full of what her office called 'declassified' Epstein records but also admitted most of them had been 'previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity'—and backlash quickly began growing as observers realized the files contained no new names or revelations. Feb. 28 Shortly after the 'Epstein Files: Phase 1' event, Bondi said the FBI failed to disclose 'thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein,' and asked FBI Director Kash Patel to deliver the remaining 'records, documents, audio and video recordings, and materials related to Jeffrey Epstein and his clients, regardless of how such information was obtained.' March 14 Pam Bondi gave an interview to Fox News, answering a question about a so-called Epstein client list by saying it was 'sitting on my desk right now'—Bondi and the White House have since claimed the attorney general was referring to the entire tranche of documents related to the Epstein prosecution. June 5 The feud between Trump and former ally Elon Musk heats up, as the billionaire Tesla chief and former leader of the Department of Government Efficiency accused the president of being implicated in the 'Epstein Files.' July 7 The Justice Department quietly releases a memo determining Epstein committed suicide in his jail cell in August 2019, as well as dashing any hopes that a 'client list' exists in the thousands of pages of documents. The memo also contains a link to about 11 hours of footage of Epstein in his cell released as proof of his suicide—which quickly faced more scrutiny after viewers realized about a minute of footage was missing. The memo sparked widespread backlash among Trump's base, as top conservative commentators called for Bondi to resign or be fired, and right-wing commentator Laura Loomer claimed Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino are 'LIVID' with Bondi over the memo and her 'lack of transparency' regarding the 'Epstein Files.' July 8 Trump begins lashing out as reporters continue to press Bondi on the release, calling one reporter's question about the disgraced financier a 'desecration' while other tragedies, such as the deadly flooding in the Texas Hill Country, were ongoing. July 11 Multiple outlets reported Bongino, a former podcaster and MAGA influencer before his appointment to deputy FBI director, might resign over how the Epstein release was handled, with CNN reporting he clashed with Bondi. July 12 Patel wrote on X the 'conspiracy theories just aren't true, never have been' and vowed his commitment to remaining in the Trump administration, writing, 'It's an honor to serve the President of the United States @realDonaldTrump — and I'll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me.' July 12 Trump doubles down on the criticism of MAGA influencers and reporters questioning the lack of answers from the administration's Epstein probe, praising Bondi for doing a 'FANTASTIC JOB' and pushing the Justice Department to investigate controversies he has harped on for years: the Hunter Biden laptop, Democratic campaign fundraising site ActBlue, and questioning the results of the 2020 presidential election. July 13 Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump said he spoke with Bongino the same day, calling him a 'good guy' and defending him amidst the reports he might resign over the weekend: 'I've known him a long time, I've done his show many, many times,' Trump said, before insisting 'no, I think he's in good shape.' July 15 Trump replied 'no' to a reporter's question about whether Bondi mentioned to him whether his name appeared in the files, later praising Bondi for handling the situation 'very well' and claiming the records were 'made up' by his political opponents, including ex-FBI Director James Comey, former President Barack Obama and the Biden administration. Patel's post Saturday came amid multiple reports that Patel and Bongino had butted heads with Bondi over the DOJ's memo Monday saying the agency will not release further documents on Epstein, which also said an Epstein 'client list' does not exist and asserted the financier died by suicide in 2019. CNN reports Patel was involved in a meeting this week with Bongino and Bondi over the 'major clash' between the FBI and DOJ over how to handle the Epstein documents. It's unclear whether Patel's reference to 'conspiracy theories' in his post Saturday referred to the allegations of infighting between the DOJ and FBI, or to the conspiracy theories regarding Epstein, which Patel repeatedly pushed himself before joining the FBI. Patel's comments follow Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche claiming Friday Patel and Bongino had personally signed off on the Epstein memo, writing, 'The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memo's composition and release is patently false.' It's still unclear whether Bongino will resign from the FBI as he's reportedly considering, with sources telling CNN on Friday the deputy director had ultimately not made up his mind. It also remains to be seen what will happen with Bondi, as Trump's base revolts against the attorney general. Trump—who knew Epstein but has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection to him—has not expressed any desire to fire Bondi in recent days and has downplayed the 'Epstein Files,' saying it was 'unbelievable' that reporters asked about the issue during his Cabinet meeting Tuesday. 'I mean, I can't believe you're asking a question on Epstein at a time like this, where we're having some of the greatest success and also tragedy with what happened in Texas,' Trump told reporters. 'It just seems like a desecration.' Tangent Bondi appeared to try and curry favor with figures on the far-right Saturday, announcing the DOJ was dropping charges against a plastic surgeon accused of fraud in connection to COVID-19 vaccines. The attorney general singled out Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., for pushing for the doctor's freedom, with Bondi saying the dismissal 'would not have been possible' without Greene and praising her as 'a warrior for Dr. Moore and for ending the weaponization of government.' Greene has publicly criticized the DOJ's Epstein memo in recent days and continued to call for documents to be released, sharing allegations that the documents were being 'suppressed' on Thursday and writing, 'RELEASE THE EPSTEIN CLIENT LIST!!!!' The attorney general also fired several of the president's perceived enemies this week, including at least nine prosecutors and other employees who were involved with federal criminal cases against Trump. What Has Kash Patel Said About Epstein? Prior to joining the Trump administration, Patel repeatedly pushed for the Epstein files to be publicly released and criticized the government for withholding documents, claiming in a December 2023 podcast appearance that the Biden administration was withholding documents 'because of who's on that list.' 'You don't think that Bill Gates is lobbying Congress night and day to prevent the disclosure of that list?' Patel said, adding, 'Put on your big boy pants, and let us know who the pedophiles are.' The FBI director took a different tone in May, however, when Patel and Bongino—who also previously pushed conspiracy theories related to Epstein—rebutted the theory that Epstein was murdered in prison, saying in an interview they confirmed the financier died by suicide. 'Listen, they have a right to their opinion,' Patel told FOX Business host Maria Bartiromo about those who believe the conspiracy theory, 'but as someone who has worked as a public defender, as a prosecutor who's been in that prison system, who's been in the Metropolitan Detention Center, who's been in segregated housing, um, you know a suicide when you see one, and that's what that was.' The FBI director still suggested he wanted the government to release its files on the Epstein case, however, telling Fox News in May, 'We are diligently working on that' but 'it takes time to go through years of investigations.' Key Background Epstein allegedly abused more than 100 women between 2002 and 2018, assembling an alleged network of underage women who were allegedly abused by him and associates. He was indicted in federal court in 2019 for sex trafficking and died in prison later that year. The financier's crimes have continued to garner widespread attention, particularly due to his links to numerous well-known figures like Trump, Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew, and many following the case have hoped for documents like a 'client list' that would detail Epstein's connections—even as there's no indication such a list exists. (Like Trump, Clinton has not been accused of any wrongdoing.) The Trump administration initially promised to be transparent about the Epstein files in the government's possession, but has faced criticism over the rollout, with Bondi releasing information in February that was already largely public. The attorney general previously claimed more documents would be released, but did not give any timeline for doing so, and publicly blamed the FBI for allegedly withholding thousands of documents from her office. FBI officials reportedly were also directed to prioritize processing Epstein documents in March. Forbes Pam Bondi Under Fire From MAGA —Megyn Kelly, Laura Loomer And More—Over Epstein Probe By Sara Dorn Forbes Trump Calls Questions About Epstein Investigation A 'Desecration' Amid Pushback From Right-Wing Base By Sara Dorn Forbes Here's How FBI's Kash Patel And Dan Bongino Fueled Right-Wing Hopes For Bombshell Epstein Revelations By Sara Dorn
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Teresa Giudice's daughter Gia backtracks on dad Joe's pardon plea after backlash
Gia Giudice has broken her silence over the backlash she received after her plea to President Donald Trump to pardon her father Joe. The media personality, 24, shared a video on the Fourth of July to ask the current president to allow her dad back into the U.S. - after he was deported in 2019 to his home country of Italy following his fraud conviction. Gia's clip came amid Joe's own pleas in recent months and shortly after Trump pardoned both Todd and Julie Chrisley in May after the pair served prison time for tax evasion and bank fraud. However, the daughter of Teresa and Joe Giudice garnered criticism for the timing of her video - with some calling her out for posting it amid the ongoing ICE raids and others labeling it 'privilege at it's finest.' While making an appearance at the Next Gen event in NYC on Wednesday, Gia admitted that she 'felt so bad' for when she uploaded the reel and also offered an apology. 'I apologize for posting that on the Fourth of July,' the star told People. 'I got so much c**p for that. I felt so bad.' She explained that she filmed the plea the day before the holiday and said she 'didn't want to let my dad down because I told him that the video was done. 'And when I tell him things, he expects it - like, you know, an Italian household, it better be done the next day. It better be done right away.' The following day on the Fourth of July, she chose to post the clip not long after she woke up in the morning. Gia recalled the comment section quickly filling up and directly addressed some that called her 'privileged.' 'And I'm not privileged, I'm not entitled. The first thing on my mind that morning was just getting a point across and not disappointing my dad. That was really it.' The star then expressed that she felt like she couldn't take down the clip due to the criticism because it 'also just looked bad.' Gia continued, 'That's why you always have to be cautious when you post and what you post and the time of day. But I did feel really bad about that, but I'm also happy that the message is getting out there.' She reflected on being in the public eye - and its affect amid her mom Teresa and dad Joe's divorce and their prison sentences back in 2014. 'You just always try to do the right thing, but you're always going to be, I guess, judged from your parents' actions or things that they've done in the past.' The clip she posted on the Fourth of July holiday was captioned with, 'let's bring Joe Giudice; my father home together♥️ #bringjoehome.' Gia also tagged Trump as well as the White House and her father. The reel showed the TV personality writing a letter to President Trump and then going to a post office to send it. Over 10 years earlier, Teresa and Joe Giudice were both sentenced to prison after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud as well as three types of bankruptcy fraud. The RHONJ star served 11 months behind bars and Joe was deported back to his home country of Italy and currently resides in the Bahamas. During the course of the clip, Gia could be heard saying: 'Hi guys, my name is Gia Giudice. I'm the daughter of Joe Giudice and today I'm using my voice for something deeply personal. 'My dad was deported over four years ago. Since then, our family has lived in an emotional limbo. No matter how strong we try to be, the absence of a father, of a parent, it's something that never stops hurting.' She added, 'Growing up, my dad was present at every cheer competition, every dance recital, holiday. He was our provider, our protector, and he still is, just now from thousands of miles away. 'Watching the Chrisley family receive a second chance inspired me. It showed me that people can be forgiven, that families can be restored and that sometimes the justice system has room for grace.' In May, Todd and Julie Chrisley were notably released from prison just one day after Trump pardoned the pair. Back in 2022, the pair were found guilty of defrauding banks out of $30 million. Julie was sentenced to seven years in prison - which she had been serving in the state of Kentucky. Her husband Todd was sentenced to 12 years and had been serving his own sentence in Florida. Gia said, 'That gave me hope. Hope that maybe my dad could come home too. A pardon would mean more than just legal forgiveness. 'It would mean healing for my sisters, for my mom, for my family, and for me. We've missed birthdays, graduations, even the small moments that matter the most.' She further expressed, 'This isn't just about one man. It's about a family who deserves to be whole again. I'm using my platform to speak not just as a public figure, but as a daughter who deeply misses her dad. 'We are not asking for sympathy, we're asking for a second chance. So, let's bring Joe home together. President Donald J. Trump, I really hope you receive these character letters about my dad Joe Giudice.' Not long after she uploaded the post, the comment section was filled with both criticism and positive messages. One penned, 'He didn't pay his taxes. He broke the law and then was living here illegally. The Nerve of privilege.' Another wrote, 'Are you currently aware of whats going on with immigration at the moment in this country? Smh.' 'This is rather tone deaf considering your father committed a white collar crime and got deported but people are getting deported and sent God Knows Where without even having criminal records,' a fan shared. 'Your fans want you to use your influence to help the less fortunate and I don't blame anyone for not having sympathy for your father who is dealing with consequences based off of choices he MADE,' they added. Gia also garnered support from others, such as her mom Teresa who shared red heart emojis and Savannah Chrisley who typed, 'I'm so proud of you.' One commented, 'Get out of her comments with the negativity it's her Father for goodness sake.' 'This is the love of a daughter fighting for her dad and no matter anyone's opinion she has the right to forgive his mistakes and try to being him home,' another penned. Joe has also been sharing his own pleas on social media and last month in June, also shared a direct post which he tagged President Trump in. 'I know I made mistakes - but I did my time. And my family has done the time with me ever since. It's been almost ten years since I've been able to stand next to my girls in the U.S.' He added, 'All I want is the chance to come back home, hug my daughters, and be there for the little things dads are supposed to be there for. 'Mr. President, if you see this, I hope you hear me. I'm just asking for a second chance to be the father I promised to be. @realdonaldtrump. Thanks to everyone who's supporting me - you give me hope every day.' Joe shares four children with ex-wife Teresa: Gia, 24, Gabriella, 20, Milania, 19, and Audriana, 15. Earlier this week on Saturday, he shared another post about wanting a second chance after 'already missing too much.' He wrote, 'I know I made mistakes - but I did my time. And my family has done the time with me ever since. It's been almost ten years since I've been able to stand next to my girls in the U.S.' He shared, 'Every father deserves to stand beside his daughters. I've already missed too much. Things like birthdays, graduations, even just simple dinners like this. 'Moments like these aren't guaranteed, and I'm fighting every day to be there for more of them. Thank you for sharing our story and keeping hope alive. One post, one share, one prayer at a time - we're getting closer.' In the snap accompanied with his message, Joe could be seen flashing a cheerful smile while surrounded by his four daughters. RHONJY alum Siggy Flicker - who was appointed by Trump to be on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council - has since commented that she is doing her best to help. 'I'm trying. Joe should be back home with his beautiful daughters!!!!!!'
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Zohran Mamdani's dad's startling words about suicide bombers as 'soldiers' who could end his political career
The father of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing backlash over a resurfaced book in which he referred to suicide bombers as a type of 'soldier.' Mahmood Mamdani - a 79-year-old professor of anthropology, political science, and African studies at Columbia University - has faced growing criticism, alongside his son, for his stance on Israel, particularly in the lead-up to the anticipated November election. On Thursday, however, Mahmood sparked a new wave of controversy on social media after an excerpt from his 2004 book, Bad Muslim: America, the Cold War, and the Roots of Terror, was shared on X. 'We need to recognize the suicide bomber, first and foremost, as a category of soldier,' the younger Mahmood wrote. 'Suicide bombing needs to be understood as a feature of modern political violence rather than stigmatized as a mark of barbarism,' he added. Since ultimately winning the Democratic primary, 33-year-old Zohran has faced mounting scrutiny, with some far-right MAGA lawmakers even calling for his citizenship to be revoked over claims linking him to 'Islamic terrorism.' Earlier this month, the self-described socialist was pressed by NBC's Kristen Welker over his refusal to condemn the phrase 'globalize the intifada' - a slogan many interpret as a call for violence against Israeli and Jewish people worldwide. His father has since been thrown into the voices of distaste, after billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman reposted an excerpt from Mahmood's book to X on July 10. 'The apple @ZohranKMomdani doesn't fall far from the tree,' he captioned it. One person online wrote in response: 'This is very scary,' while another added: 'Only an out-of-touch academic like this man could convince people that blowing yourself up with the express goal of killing as many innocents as possible, is not barbarism.' A third chimed in: 'This guy CANNOT win. And anyone who supports his candidacy is naïve.' The book - which argues that the labels 'good' Westernized and 'bad' premodern Muslims refer to political identities rather than cultural or religious ones - aims to provide insight into the years following 9/11 and address the pressing question of how it happened. In the excerpt, while defending his position on recognizing suicide bombers as 'soldiers,' Mahmood wrote: 'Clearly, the prime objective of the suicide bomber is not to terminate his or her own life but that of others defined as enemies.' 'Does not the suicide bomber join both aspects of our humanity, particularly as it has been fashioned by political modernity, in that we are willing to subordinate life - both our own and that of others - to objectives we consider higher than life?' he added. He then explains that labeling suicide bombing as mere 'barbarism' is dangerous, as it overlooks its nature as a form of political warfare rather than a random act of violence. 'The danger of a moral discussion by itself (how can any culture condone suicide) is that it quickly turns into a replay of Culture Talk, stereotyping individuals and preventing any deliberation about alternative strategies,' Mahmood wrote. The resurfacing of the 324-page book sparked renewed controversy over Mahmood's political and activist affiliations, revealing that the professor is involved with several groups condemning the unfolding genocide on Palestinian soil. Mahmood is listed on the advisory policy council for The Gaza Tribunal - an organization founded in London in 2024 with the stated goal of 'awakening civil society to its responsibility and opportunity to stop Israel's genocide in Gaza,' according to its website. Richard Falk, president of The Gaza Tribunal, outlined the group's support for the BDS movement, which critics describe as 'an international campaign to delegitimize the State of Israel as the expression of the Jewish people's right to national self-determination,' according to Influence Watch. The campaign, which stands for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, is part of the Tribunal's broader mission, with Falk stating in an online post that it aims to 'legitimize and encourage civil society solidarity initiatives around the world, such as BDS.' Zohran has also voiced support for the BDS movement, stating that it is 'consistent with the core of my politics, which is non-violence,' in response to questions about whether he believes Israel has a right to exist. Despite the online backlash, Falk has stated that Jewish voters in Manhattan 'should not worry' about Mahmood ties to The Gaza Tribunal or about Zohran's candidacy for mayor, according to Fox News Digital. 'Both father and son are respectful of international law, the UN, human rights of all peoples, and the pacific settlement of political disputes,' Falk told the outlet. The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health reported this week that more than 55,104 people in Gaza have been killed and nearly 127,400 have been wounded in the last 20 months - with women and children making up more than half of the casualties, according to the Associated Press. The World Health Organization also reported that many more are believed to be buried under rubble or in areas inaccessible to local medics, according to the outlet. On Wednesday, Israel announced that its forces had recovered the remains of two additional hostages in Gaza, while militants are still holding 53 captives - fewer than half of whom are believed to be alive.
