Una Marson became the BBC’s first black radio producer and presenter in the 1940s, she brought Caribbean voices and culture to a global audience, but her name is now little known. Sir Lenny Henry explains why he is reviving Marson’s story.

When I think of Una Marson, I think of a trailblazer – a pioneer who connected the Caribbean to the world through her radio programmes. But most people don’t even know who she was, let alone anything about her work at the BBC.

It would take many, many hours to uncover her story but my production company, Douglas Road Productions, makes a valiant attempt to tell it in a new documentary.

We mix rare archive of Una from the 1940s with reflections from historians and writers, and actress Seroca Davis skilfully brings this remarkable woman to life.

Born in 1905 in rural Jamaica, Una was the daughter of a Baptist preacher. She had a middle-class upbringing, learned to type and attended a boarding school. From an early age, she had drive, ambition and the smarts to go far. By 1926, she was assistant editor of a political magazine, the Jamaica Critic. Two years later, she had started her own magazine, The Cosmopolitan, aimed at a young, politically-aware Jamaican audience.

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In the years that followed, she wrote Tropic Reveries, a collection of poems challenging traditional notions of womanhood, and At What Price, a play about a mixed-raced relationship that would later be staged in London’s West End.

By the time she came to London in 1932 to find new opportunities for her writing, Una was a force to be reckoned with. But she found herself in the midst of the colour bar that blocked non-whites from entry into certain jobs and restricted their access to housing and social and cultural life.

In her poem, Little Brown Girl, Una spoke about her isolation in “a white, white city” at that time.

“You speak good English little brown girl, how is it you speak English as though it belonged to you?”, she wrote.

Not one to stand back and do nothing, Una got involved in political activism in the UK. She shared a house with Dr Harold Moody, the founder of civil-rights organisation The League of Coloured Peoples.

Though its name sounds like a Marvel movie franchise waiting to happen, the League had a serious objective – eliminating the colour bar. As its assistant secretary, Una organised receptions, meetings, trips and concerts. The fight against racism inspired her, made her tough and gave her a manifesto for a career.

Source – https://www.bbc.co.uk/

Una Marson – The story of the BBC’s first black producer
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R Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for using his fame to sexually abuse young fans – after coming face to face with some of his victims as they confronted him in court.

The disgraced singer was forced to listen as the survivors condemned his “despicable” actions and described him as “the pied piper of R&B” ahead of the judge announcing his lengthy jail term.

Kelly promised to mentor them and help them in the music industry but went on to subject them to degrading and systemic abuse.

He was found guilty of racketeering and trafficking following a high-profile trial in New York in September 2021, which came after years of accusations throughout his career.

At his sentencing by US District Judge Ann Donnelly on Wednesday, the court heard impact statements from seven women, presented anonymously as “Jane Does”, who said the singer had a “God-like complex” and used “fame and power” to entice his victims.

Warning: This article contains some graphic content and details of sexual abuse

Dressed in a black face mask and grey prison-issue uniform, having been in custody since 2019, the 55-year-old looked straight ahead as the emotional statements were read out. He did not address the court himself.

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“The pied piper of R&B, both in music and in technique and in approach,” a woman using the pseudonym Angela said as she addressed him in the courtroom. “Success and love… you presented these glittering gems as if they were gold.

“With every addition of a new victim you grew in wickedness, cockiness, diminishing any form of humanity or self-awareness, which soon became the breeding ground for your God-like complex.

“You were doing, saying and encouraging despicable things that no one should be doing. We reclaim our names from beneath the shadows of your afflicted trauma.”

Another woman told Kelly: “You are an abuser, you are shameless, you are disgusting.”

What happened during the trial?

Several accusers and witnesses – men as well as women – had testified against the singer during his trial, with the court hearing how he subjected his victims to perverse and sadistic abuse when they were underage.

Once one of the biggest music stars in the world, a three-time Grammy winner whose chart-topping hits include I Believe I Can Fly, Bump ‘N’ Grind and Ignition, the full horror of some of his crimes was finally laid bare.

Real name Robert Sylvester Kelly, he had denied all the charges, his lawyers calling his accusers “disgruntled groupies” and saying they were lying, arguing that any “relationships” were consenting.

However, the jury believed the survivors. Kelly was found guilty of all nine charges brought against him – one charge of racketeering and eight counts of violating a law which prohibits transporting people across state lines for prostitution.

Among multiple sordid allegations, jurors heard testimony about a fraudulent marriage scheme hatched to protect Kelly after he feared he had impregnated R&B artist Aaliyah in 1994 when she was just 15.

Source – https://news.sky.com/

R Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison 
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Vladimir Putin’s alleged love child has deleted her Instagram account after being heavily trolled in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Luiza Krivonogikh, whose Instagram boasted 84,000 followers, faced severe backlash online since her rumoured father gave the orders for Russian troops to attack last month.

As of Monday, all traces of the 18-year-old’s account — which had featured photos of her lavish lifestyle — had been removed.

It wasn’t immediately clear when her page was taken down.

The teen is the daughter of cleaner-turned-multimillionaire Svetlana Krivonogikh, 46, who has long been rumoured to have been Putin’s mistress in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Before the page was deleted, Luiza’s photos were hit with a deluge of hostile comments, including one that read: “Are U sitting in the bunker?? Like a rat?”

Others accused her of being “the daughter of that devil” and “war criminal.”

“She is guilty of passive complicity. It is the same as most of the Germans in the Nazi period,” one writer said.

Ukraine invasion: False claims the war is a hoax go viral

Some users commenting on Luiza’s photos urged her to tell Putin to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine.

“Call him — if he loves you … maybe you can convince him not to kill,” a commenter wrote.

Another said, “She could at least show that she does not agree with what her father is doing, somehow influence him.”

Luiza, who also goes by the surname Rozova, hadn’t shared any new photos since she abruptly stopped posting about five months ago.

At the time, it sparked concern from her followers who believed she might have been silenced by Putin after she boasted on Instagram about the $4.1 million Monte Carlo penthouse apartment she shares with her mom.

The penthouse she posted photos of and gushed about on Instagram was detailed in a trove of leaked “Pandora Papers” documents in October.

Putin and Svetlana have never commented on their alleged relationship or Luiza’s rumoured paternity. Luiza was outed by the Russian media as Putin’s alleged daughter in 2019.

Putin has two adult daughters, Maria, 36, and Katerina, 35, from his decades-long marriage to former flight attendant Lyudmila Shkrebneva.

Source – https://nypost.com/

Putin’s love child deletes Instagram after verbal abuse over Ukraine
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Adele – Australian TV reporter Matt Doran has made a lengthy, unreserved apology to Adele for failing to listen to her new album before an exclusive interview with the singer, calling the bungle a “terrible mistake”.

Doran made international headlines this week for his interview with the singer, which was canned after he conceded he had only heard one track from her latest work, 30. Sony is refusing to release the footage.

Live on Channel Seven program Weekend Sunrise on Saturday, Doran concluded the show by lamenting that he had “insulted” Adele and apologising to the singer, her fans and viewers of the station.

“This is a story that has sparked a torrent of abuse and mockery from around the world and, if I’m being honest with you, the bulk of this savaging I deserve and I totally own,” Doran said.

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Doran was flown to London for the exclusive interview with Adele in the lead-up to the release of her fourth album, which he described as an “unspeakable privilege””.

The interview was reportedly part of a A$1m package including broadcast rights to Adele’s One Night Only television special. It would have been Adele’s only Australian interview.

“I made the terrible mistake of assuming we weren’t to be given a preview copy of this album because our interview was airing before it was released and Adele’s album was the industry’s most prized secret,” Doran said.

“The day after we landed in London an email came through from Sony, it didn’t mention Adele but it did contain a link to her album.

“The genuine, deadset, hand on heart truth is that I missed it. By an absurdly long margin the most important email I’ve ever missed in my life.”

Doran said contrary to media reports, Adele didn’t walk out on the interview, which ran overtime and was at least 50% focused “squarely” on the new music.

“I thought it was reductive to describe [the new music] as simply being about divorce, that it was about empowerment and would inspire people to summon the courage to steer their lives in a new direction,” Doran said of the interview.

“We spoke about of the paradox that is being the world’s most famous artist but hating fame, we also discussed at length the concept of pure artistry, the majesty of Adele’s voice, what it must be like to hear that sound come out of one’s own mouth.

“How go Easy On Me was conceived in part by singing acapella in the shower, and how the album helped repair her relationship towards the end with her now late father,”

Source – https://www.theguardian.com/

Adele – Australian TV reporter Matt Doran gives lengthy on-air apology
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Adele has posted an image of boyfriend Rich Paul on Instagram for the first time. Adele posts picture of boyfriend Rich Paul to Instagram

The singer shared an image of herself with the sports agent posing together in a photo booth.

Adele, 33, looked stunning in a strapless black dress with white sleeves.

Rich is a sports agent to several high-profile basketball stars including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons and John Wall.

He is worth an estimated £33 million and has negotiated more than £73 million in active deals for his high-profile clients during his career.

The couple confirmed their romance last month after being spotted on a dinner date.

Adele finalised her divorce from ex-husband Simon Konecki earlier this year.

The Brit and Grammy-winner separated from the charity boss in April 2019.

The pair share custody of their eight-year-old son Angelo.

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Much of the divorce settlement, which was arranged through mediation, remains confidential and neither party will be paying spousal support.

Rich is a sports agent to several high-profile basketball stars including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons and John Wall.

He is worth an estimated £33 million and has negotiated more than £73 million in active deals for his high-profile clients during his career.

The couple confirmed their romance last month after being spotted on a dinner date.

Source – https://www.standard.co.uk/

Adele posts picture of boyfriend Rich Paul to Instagram
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Kanye West should deliver his new collection, Donda, yesterday (Friday 23 July).

The rapper held a monstrous listening party at the Mercedes-Benz arena in Atlanta, which was gone to by around 42,000 fans who paid between $20-$100 per ticket.

In common Kanye design, he allegedly turned up at 9.50pm EST, after the booked dispatch season of 8pm.

West clearly said nothing during the 48 minutes he spent meandering the arena floor. Fans were rather played the new material uproariously over arena speakers, USA Today reports,

Donda is named after West’s mom, Donda West, who passed on in 2007 matured 58. She is apparently heard on the collection presenting a tune.

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Kanye West recently said he would drop Donda in July last year, however the collection won’t ever come to pass. West has gained notoriety for missing the delivery dates for his tasks, something fans are now kidding about with Donda.

By Friday evening EDT, the collection had still not arose, inciting both disappointment and entertainment from fans.

West’s delayed record feels more like a collection of skits than a studio album, and fans will no doubt be wondering whether all the hype and stress that preceded its unveiling was worth it

Going off what we heard at the listening party, I’m a little worried that West’s album might have the same issue as Jesus is King, in that it plays more like a collection of skits than a cohesive studio album. And as per that record, will all of the stress and hype that’s preceded it make the release somewhat deflating to fans?

Source – https://www.independent.co.uk/

Kanye West – Donda release: New album reportedly delayed
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UK entertainment Members of the film and TV industry have signed an open letter calling for change following allegations made against Noel Clarke.

The letter, which has been signed by more than 800 members of the UK industry, has been written in response to allegations of sexual assault, harassment and bullying made against the star.

In light of the claims, the letter highlighted a broader culture of sexism and sexual harassment against women in film and TV, and has called for industry-wide action to be taken.

“After reading the Noel Clarke allegations, many of us within the TV and film industry started sharing our own stories of sexual harassment and sexual abuse. His case is not a one-off and, shockingly, is not an extreme example,” started the letter, which was led by Meriel Beale, freelance producer and unscripted anti-bullying and harassment officer at industry union Bectu.

After being launched on social media, the letter has been signed by the likes of Sarah-Jane Crawford, Dermot O’Leary and Joe Lycett.

The letter highlighted how the allegations against Clarke have sparked a conversation amongst women in the industry about their experiences of abuse and harassment: “From talking over us, to comments in the workplace on our appearance, to men discussing openly what they’d like to do to us, to relentless private messages, to groping, to intimidation and to sexual assault. These are the stories women have been sharing over the last few days.”

It also outlined steps that should be taken to ensure a safer, fairer working environment for women. This included hiring more women in senior positions in film and TV and asking men to call out unacceptable behaviour.

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Clarke has categorically denied the accusations made by all 20 women but issued an apology in a statement obtained by the BBC a day after The Guardian‘s article was published.

“Recent reports however have made it clear to me that some of my actions have affected people in ways I did not intend or realise,” he said, before adding: “To those individuals, I am deeply sorry. I will be seeking professional help to educate myself and change for the better.”

The actor, whose past credits include Doctor Who and Kidulthood, received a BAFTA for his Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema in April, despite the voting body being informed about the existence of several allegations against Clarke beforehand, as The Guardian reported. His award and BAFTA membership have been suspended until further notice.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chair of BAFTA defends the decision to award Noel Clarke.

Source – https://www.nme.com/

UK entertainment industry sign letter after Noel Clarke allegations
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Jose Mourinho has been appointed Roma manager from the start of the 2021-22 season. The 58-year-old will replace fellow Portuguese Paulo Fonseca, who Roma announced earlier on Tuesday would leave at the end of the current season.

Mourinho was sacked as Tottenham Hotspur boss on 19 April and had said he would “wait to be back in football” following his dismissal.

He has signed a three-year deal with Roma, who are seventh in Serie A.

“Thank you to the Friedkin family for choosing me to lead this great club and to be part of their vision,” said Mourinho, who has also managed Inter Milan, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid outside his homeland.

“After meetings with the ownership and Tiago Pinto, I immediately understood the full extent of their ambitions. It is the same ambition and drive that has always motivated me and together we want to build a winning project.

“The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season.”

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Mourinho was dismissed after 17 months in charge of Spurs following a poor second half of the season in which they slipped from top of the table to outside the European places.

This season Mourinho suffered 10 league defeats in a single campaign for the first time in his managerial career.

“When Jose became available, we immediately jumped at the chance to speak with one of the greatest managers of all time,” said Pinto, Roma’s general manager.

“We were blown away by Jose’s desire to win and his passion for the game: no matter how many trophies he has won, his primary focus is always on the next one. He possesses the knowledge, experience and leadership to compete at all levels.

“We know that in order to build a successful sporting project it takes time, patience and the right people in the right positions. We are supremely confident Jose will be the perfect coach for our project, for both our immediate and long-term future.”

Source – https://www.bbc.co.uk/

Jose Mourinho named Roma boss from start of next season
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Kate and William – The Duchess of Cambridge has chosen to wear blue dresses for a number of special occasions over the years. Who could forget the now iconic Issa dress she wore when her engagement was announced, which so perfectly complemented Diana’s sapphire ring? Or the Jenny Packham number she stepped out of the Lindo Wing wearing, whilst carrying little Prince George in her arms?

It seems only fitting then that she’s wearing this pretty blue floral maxi dress with an Asprey necklace in portraits released to celebrate William and Kate’s 10th wedding anniversary. It’s from Ghost, and we love the patchwork design and frill detailing, as well as the flattering wrap over front.

She debuted the ‘Avery’ dress back in 2019 when on tour in Pakistan, so of course it has now sold out, but click (right) for a closer look.

Then mark a big occasion of your own in a similar blue dress from our edit below. Boden and Ganni have got our favourites!

After a decade of marriage and three children, they look as happy as ever.

To mark their tenth anniversary tomorrow, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released two stunning new portraits taken this week at Kensington Palace. 

Surprisingly, the couple – who tend to play it safe when it comes to official pictures – have turned to celebrity snapper Chris Floyd, best known for his Britpop portraits of the 1990s. His subjects have included Oasis, Supergrass and The Verve, as well as Sir Paul McCartney, David Bowie and artist David Hockney.

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The photographs are glamorous and glossy, but nonetheless natural. Kate and William are pictured standing in the courtyard at their official London residence as well as sitting in the garden. In each, it is clear the couple have an easy, affectionate confidence with each other.

A youthful Kate, 39, is wearing a bohemian-style blue patterned Avery wrap dress by Ghost costing £195. William, 38, is smart casual in a blue jumper and shirt. The duchess’s hair is styled into waves instead of the more formal dark curls she favoured early in their marriage – William would be the first to admit, jokingly, he simply has noticeably less hair.

Kate and William are happy to be snapped holding hands – with Princess Diana’s famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring gleaming on Kate’s finger. 

Source – https://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Kate and William celebrate 10th wedding anniversary
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Emma Thompson called out Hollywood’s casting sexism, stating that once a woman passes the age of 50, she becomes “invisible.”

“You get past 50, and you’re invisible,” said Thompson a recent interview on the CultureBlast podcast. The Love Actually and Late Night star was asked what she thought about being offered to play the role of Mother Theresa when she was only in her 50’s.

Thompson explained how she is set to play a character who says something unique, which she finds interesting.

“But you know, it’s very interesting, this woman I’m about to play, one of the things that she said to this young man — he says, ‘You’re perfectly attractive, why can’t you find another chap?’ And she says, ‘Because the only people willing to sleep with me are people my age, and I want to sleep with someone younger than me,’” said Thompson.

“Now, I’ve never heard a woman say that on screen,” continued the actress, adding that if someone like George Clooney said that on screen, it would be “completely acceptable.”

“It’s completely acceptable for for George Clooney — who is delightful — to have someone who is 40 years younger than him or 30 years younger than him,” said Thompson. “If I have someone playing opposite me in a romantic way, they have to exhume someone, because I’m 61 now. It’s completely and utterly unbalanced.”

During her interview, Thompson also noted that in the face of a seemingly rise in feminism, heroines in the entertainment industry have been given male roles rather than being given the opportunities to play up the unique aspects of women that can also be heroic, such as childbirth.

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“So all the women screenwriters I talk to, I say, ‘Well, what’s the story?’ Because it’s not good enough simply to give the women the guns, and then make the women badass as well,” said Thompson. “Now women have to be badass — if they’re feminine in the way that they used to be, and they’re not badass, then they’re not welcome. Also, they’re not allowed to cry, apparently, anymore, because we’ve just got to be like the men.”

“And I remember thinking, ‘Well, that’s not what we meant,’” the actress continued. “What is the female heroine? Who is that? What does she do? Because she hasn’t got the wherewithal to do the Superman, to do the Godfather, that’s not the point. That’s not where our heroism lies. So how do we make it heroic?”

“Why are there no films about giving birth for crying out loud?” Thompson added. “Does anyone even know about that? No. No. It’s all hidden. All our heroism is hidden, because what we’ve done is we’ve just given women the same parts as men, and that’s not the point.”

Source – https://www.breitbart.com/

Emma Thompson Calls out Hollywood’s Sexism
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