Culture news Arrest of comedy writer over transgender posts sparks outcry in UK The Irish comedy writer and creator of celebrated shows like The IT Crowd and Father Ted was arrested this week at Heathrow Airport over a series of anti-trans posts. The arrest has sparked fury and free speech outcry in the UK, with Elon Musk describing Britain as a "police state". 03/09/2025
Art Why is this vulva-reminiscent banana the hit of 2025’s Enter Art Fair? A new banana-centric artwork by Danish artist Thyra Hilden has been exhibited and sold at Copenhagen’s Enter Art Fair. Here's why it has been one of the standouts of this year's edition. 02/09/2025
Culture news Margaret Atwood comments on 'The Handmaid's Tale' Alberta book ban Margaret Atwood is taking aim at Alberta’s new rules on school libraries and has even posted a new short story which satirizes the censorship at play. 02/09/2025
Culture news Will Smith responds to backlash for AI concert video with AI cat clip You've gotta be kitten me... Will Smith has responded to the backlash for his AI-generated video of audience members with a new clip, which pokes fun at his detractors. However, the new clip - while humorous - fails to take into consideration the existential threat AI poses to the music industry. 02/09/2025
Cinema Original Harry Potter director on reboot series: ‘What’s the point?’ "It’s all going to be the same.” Chris Columbus has shared his views on the controversial Harry Potter TV series adaptation, questioning the need to replicate the original films. The new show will hit small screens in 2027. 29/08/2025
Culture news Donald Trump vs Taylor Swift: A Bad Blood timeline Everyone’s talking about pop culture’s most famous couple getting engaged. Even Donald Trump, who wished described Taylor Swift as a “terrific person” and labelled three-time Super Bowl-winning star Travis Kelce “a great player.” Considering Trump's seemingly never-ending Swift bashing, what gives? 27/08/2025
Lifestyle How Gavin Newsom has started a viral merch battle against Donald Trump Governor of California Gavin Newsom is playing Donald Trump at his own game, with the increased use of memes and digs that define the president's online style. Now, he's mimicked Trump's merchandise scheme - and gone so far as to redefine 'MAGA'. Here's everything you need to know. 26/08/2025
Culture news Snoop Dogg backlash over LGBTQ+ representation comments in Disney film The rapper said he went to see the 2022 animated film 'Lightyear' with his grandchildren, which resulted in them asking him several questions about same-sex couples. He's apparently "scared to go to the movies" now... 26/08/2025
Culture news Kneecap cancel US tour due to ‘close proximity of next court hearing’ The Irish rap trio, who performed in Paris on Sunday night despite pro-Israel supporters attempting to disrupt their performance, confirmed the cancellation of their upcoming US tour - but that they have a surprise in store... 26/08/2025
Cinema Woody Allen responds to backlash over Russian film festival appearance Allen reportedly praised Russian cinema during his virtual appearance at this year's Moscow International Film Week, and said he would like to make a movie in Russia if he had an opportunity. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned his participation. Now, the filmmaker has issued a response. 26/08/2025
Culture news Will Smith accused of using AI for ‘embarrassing’ tour video Many are convinced that Will Smith and his team have doctored a video promoting the rapper-actor's ongoing tour so that the crowds appear larger. It’s not a great look, especially with the existential threat AI poses for musicians... 25/08/2025
Cinema 'A disgrace': Woody Allen faces backlash for Russian fest attendance The American filmmaker took part in a Q&A session via a video link, with pro-Putin Russian director Fyodor Bondarchuk moderating the conversation. Allen’s presence has sparked outrage, with Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling it "a disgrace and an insult." 25/08/2025
Culture news What's behind the mass music festival boycott in UK over the weekend? Several bands pulled out from the Victorious music festival over the weekend, in some cases just hours before their scheduled performances. They were standing in solidarity with the Irish folk group The Mary Wallopers, who had their set cut short for displaying a Palestinian flag. 25/08/2025
Culture news Watch Kneecap play Paris gig despite pro-Israeli protestors The Irish rap trio took to Paris' Rock en Seine stage following weeks of tension and had the last word when faced with pro-Israel supporters. 25/08/2025
Lifestyle Trump merchandise: Why have the 2028 hats gone viral? Donald Trump continues to put his personal touch on the White House, with a miniature MAGA merch store set up in the West Wing. And one of the items seen in the gift shop got the internet worried this week... 23/08/2025
Cinema Is Kevin Spacey heading to Venice Film Festival for comeback bid? After showing up at an event during the Cannes Film Festival, Kevin Spacey will debut a trailer in Venice for a sci-fi thriller he directed. This is part of his continued efforts to stage a comeback, following sexual misconduct allegations and legal issues which have derailed his Hollywood career. 22/08/2025
Culture news Kneecap head to Rock en Seine festival amid increased scrutiny The French Minister of the Interior has reiterated his zero-tolerance stance towards any disorder. The owner of France’s most popular music festival said to those who oppose the presence of Kneecap on stage: “To claim that supporting the Palestinian cause is a threat to public order is deplorable." 22/08/2025
Culture news Duolingo apologises after app calls JK Rowling ‘mean’ in German lesson Language learning app apologised for a German lesson in which the question “Do you like books with Harry Potter as a character?” had the correct answer: "Yes, but in my opinion the author is mean.” 21/08/2025
Culture news Chris Pratt criticised for calling Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 'wonderful' The Hollywood actor described the controversial US Secretary of Health, who happens to be the cousin of his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, as "funny" and "wonderful." 21/08/2025
Culture news New 'South Park' episode targets Trump's federal D.C. police takeover South Park’s Season 27 continues to be one of the most talked-about in recent memory, with its new episode - which aired last night - pulling no punches when it comes to satirising Trump, tech CEOs kowtowing to the US president, and the controversial federal takeover of Washinton D.C.’s police. 21/08/2025