David Mouriquand
Culture news
Eurovision members debate Israeli boycott – will there be a vote?
Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is being debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva starting today. Eurovision could vote on Israel’s involvement as more countries threaten boycott next year’s event in Austria.
Culture news
Doctor who sold Matthew Perry ketamine sentenced to prison
Dr. Salvador Plasencia was the first of five people to face justice over the actor's 2023 death in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home. Plasencia was ordered to serve 30 months in prison for supplying ketamine to the actor, who had well-documented struggles with addiction.
Culture news
Spotify Wrapped: What are the biggest artists and songs of 2025?
Spotify Wrapped has launched for 2025, showing music fans their most listened to artists, songs, albums and more. It also provides global trends for music listening and has revealed that Bad Bunny has broken Taylor Swift's two-year winning streak.
Culture news
Director Jafar Panahi sentenced to prison by Iran Revolutionary Court
Iran has sentenced acclaimed filmmaker and Cannes Palme d’Or winner Jafar Panahi to one year in prison and imposed a travel ban for allegedly engaging in “propaganda activities” against the state. The verdict, delivered in absentia, was confirmed by his lawyer Mostafa Nili.
Cinema
Lilly Wachowski on right-wing misinterpretations of ‘The Matrix’
What was originally a transgender allegory has been hijacked over the years by various extremist groups. Now, 'The Matrix' co-director Lilly Wachowski has addressed the “crazy, mutant” misinterpretations of the sci-fi classic. "Right-wing ideology appropriates absolutely everything," she says.
Art
Louvre to hike ticket prices for non-EU visitors by 45% next year
The Louvre museum said it will raise ticket prices for visitors from outside the European Union, requiring tourists from the UK, the US and China to pay €32. The 45% increase is expected to lift annual revenue by up to €20 million to fund structural upgrades after last month’s brazen daylight theft.
Culture news
Donald Trump calls female reporter ‘ugly’ after recent ‘piggy’ insult
In a Truth Social post, Donald Trump lashed out at New York Times journalist Katie Rogers after an article questioned whether he was showing signs of fatigue. He responded by calling the reporter “ugly” - only days after backlash regarding his “piggy” insult, aimed towards another female reporter.