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Italy disinvites pro-Putin classical conductor from Caserta concert

The news of the cancellation of the performance by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, who is known to be very close to President Vladimir Putin, has been hailed as a victory by Kremlin critic Yulia Navalnaya and Ukrainian associations in Italy.

Culture news

Belgian music festival under pressure over Franco-Israeli billing

Belgium’s music festival Les Francofolies de Spa kicks off this week and is under pressure to cancel the performance of Franco-Israeli singer Amir. Three acts have already walked away from their festival slots - with one citing Amir’s presence in events “organised in support of the Israeli army.”

Culture news

Convicted fraudster Billy McFarland (under)sells Fyre Festival on eBay

“Entrepreneur” and Fyre Fest fraudster Billy McFarland has sold the brand IP on eBay for less than $250,000 - while still owing $26 million.

Culture news

The Oasis Effect: Which bands should reunite next?

Call it a comeback. If Oasis can heed their own advice and not look back in anger, then anything’s possible... Here are the musical acts we’d love to see reunited. And the odds we'll see them together again.

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Disneyland reveals controversial animatronic figure of Walt Disney

The pioneering animator and entrepreneur has been resurrected as an Audio-Animatronic for Disneyland California's 70th anniversary. The first images and sounds of the robot approximation have been revealed – and not everyone is happy.

Culture news

Hackers blamed for Epstein and antisemitic posts on Elmo's X account

Not even beloved children's characters are safe online, as Sesame Street's very own Elmo had its account hijacked by a hacker "who posted disgusting messages, including antisemitic and racist posts."

Culture news

Explaining the viral irony of The White House's 'Superman Trump' post

The new Superman movie is out and it is a fantastic blockbuster outing for the start of the new era of DC Studios. And The White House's official X account has joined in on the fun... Except social media users have pointed out a certain irony...

Culture news

Beloved and polemic French TV presenter Thierry Ardisson dies aged 76

Through an Elysée statement, French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the memory of Thierry Ardisson, calling him the man who “helped write the history of French television.”

Culture news

Kneecap controversy hits French music festival as funding withdrawn

The French town of Saint-Cloud withdraws its subsidy to Rock en Seine festival due to controversial rappers Kneecap maintained on this year’s line-up.

Culture news

UK vs Oasis: What's the story (morning glory) against the band's fans?

A new study shows that not everyone is happy with Oasis' return and their fans. Why do they have such a bad reputation and is the backlash warranted?

Culture news

Slovakian music festival featuring Kanye ‘Ye’ West cancelled

Following a petition calling for controversial rapper Kanye 'Ye' West to be dropped from the line-up of the upcoming edition of Rubicon in Bratislava, the festival has been cancelled entirely. Here's everything you need to know.

Culture news

Grimes delivers scathing and viral rant aimed at ex-partner Elon Musk

Grimes, who shares three children with Elon Musk, has returned to social media and lashed out at the platform owned by her ex-partner. The post has gone viral - amassing nearly a million views.

Culture news

Fake AI band scandal: The Velvet Sundown controversy explained

Explaining the controversy surrounding The Velvet Sundown - the rock band that lied about being generated by artificial intelligence. How has this empty 'provocation' highlighted Spotify’s alleged dubious practices – chiefly, avoiding paying royalties - and confirmed fears about generative AI?

Culture news

BBC director of music steps down after Bob Vylan Glastonbury scandal

The news of Lorna Clarke’s resignation as BBC's director of music comes after UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy condemned the "appalling and unacceptable scenes" that were broadcast during this year's Glastonbury festival.

Culture news

‘Great shame for Croatia’: Pro-Nazi salutes at Marko Perković concert

The Croatian right-wing musician at the centre of many a fascist controversy drew tens of thousands to a Zagreb concert this weekend, with pro-Nazi salutes that have been labelled as “a great shame for Croatia.”

Culture news

Fontaines D.C. bring pro-Palestine group on stage at Roskilde

This move by Irish rockers Fontaines D.C. comes as both Kneecap and Bob Vylan are under investigation by the police for their pro-Palestine comments at Glastonbury 2025. The BBC, official broadcasters for Glastonbury, has now said it will no longer live broadcast "high risk" performances.

Culture news

Celebrity reactions to split Diddy verdict: ‘I’m gonna vomit’

The hip-hop mogul was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy after a six-week trial. Reactions have been mixed. To say the least.

Culture news

Rachel Zegler serenades London from Palladium balcony in Evita

The new Evita has got everyone talking - Rachel Zegler’s balcony performance is turning heads, but not all theatregoers are thrilled.

Lifestyle

Donald Trump's new fragrance labelled ‘too embarrassing for words’

"For patriots who never back down": Donald Trump's new fragrance has been blasted online, especially considering the timing of his scented launch.

Culture news

Glastonbury ‘hate crime’? Backlash intensifies for Bob Vylan

Following the controversial set played at Glastonbury festival by British artists Bob Vylan, the BBC is facing pressure from the UK government. The punk-rap duo has had their US visa revoked, amid support from fellow artists.