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Billionaire Elon Musk had accused MacKenzie Scott of being one of the "super rich-ex-wives" who would contribute to "reasons that Western Civilization died" following which Scott doubled her donations to philanthropic causes. Now, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who recently admitted to using Ozempic-like weight loss drugs, has taken a fresh dig at her over her charitable donations. Musk shared an X post by John LeFevre on Monday that criticizes Scott's donations to nonprofits that focus on liberal issues like immigration rights, LGBTQ+ rights, racial equity, and social justice causes. WNBA star tells Elon Musk to 'go back to Africa' after Donald Trump failure Musk warned he's 'making enemies and will get hurt' if he doesn't quit politics LeFevre sounds alarm over the same post, saying: "She's just getting started." Musk agrees with LeFevre's criticism as he reshared the post with a single-word comment: "Concerning." Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos has donated over $19 billion to more than 2,450 non-profit organizations through her organization Yield Giving since 2019. Courtesy of Amazon's rising share values, Scott's net worth is above $30 billion and she shows no signs of slowing down on donations. Musk, a close ally to President-elect Donald Trump , is the world's richest man and has made more than $270 million to help Trump win. This is not the first time he has attacked Scott for supporting progressive issues. In a now-deleted X post from March, Musk wrote: "'Super rich ex-wives who hate their former spouse' should be listed among 'Reasons that Western Civilization died.'" Two weeks after his post, Scott announced she was doubling the size of her donations to $640 million across 361 nonprofits. DON'T MISS: Russia attacks Ukrainian energy system with drone missiles on Christmas Day [NEW] More than 30 feared to be dead in Azerbaijan plane crash en route to Russia [CHILLING] Drone warning issued as mystery sightings surge - new tech used to fight back [EXCLUSIVE] Concerning https://t.co/C11Lnm8XeH — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 23, 2024 On Dec. 18, Scott announced that Yield Giving had given "about $2,004,400,000 in gifts to the 199 organizations." "Roughly 75% of them are non-profits that support the economic security and opportunity of people who are struggling by improving access to affordable housing, jobs that provide stability for themselves and their families, child development and post-secondary education, healthcare, and financial counseling, business coaching, and low-interest rate loans focused on increasing economic potential and building wealth. The others support well-being through other means, such as work on human rights and natural resources conservation," she wrote. Scott also explained the gift-making process where instead of withdrawing funds from a bank account or stock portfolio that "increases the wealth and influence of leaders who already have it," she withdraws them from "a portfolio of investments in mission-aligned ventures, with leaders from the populations they are serving, or from generally undercapitalized groups like women and people of color." "In this way, the money can help address these issues twice, first by advancing economic mobility and unlocking the innovation and social benefit that comes from incorporating diverse needs and perspectives in the world being constructed around us, and next in the hands of experienced non-profit teams creating value through their transformative models of care and change," Scott explained.Mozambique's highest court confirmed Monday the ruling party's victory in a disputed October vote after allegations of rigging triggered weeks of deadly street clashes. Fears are high that more violence could break out in the southern African nation after the opposition threatened to call an uprising following the decision. The Constitutional Court said the ruling Frelimo party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo secured 65 percent of the vote, revising down provisional results from the electoral commission which said he got nearly 71 percent. Chapo's main challenger, exiled opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, received an upward revision to 24.2 percent of the vote. The final results extend Frelimo's half-century grip on power and lines up Chapo to take over from President Filipe Nyusi whose second term ends on January 15. Mondlane has said that the election was rigged in favour of Frelimo and that a separate count shows he won enough votes to take office, which he intends to do. Several international observer missions have also said there were irregularities. Chapo struck a conciliatory tone in his first speech after being declared winner, promising to reach out to Mondlane, who has been in a self-imposed exile. "For our development we will continue to talk to everyone," said Chapo, a former provincial governor with no experience in national government. Mondlane has been in exile since the assassination of his lawyer on October 19, a killing he blames on security forces, and it was unclear if he intended to return. In address on social media after the court announced the result, the 50-year-old said that he would continue his fight for the "electoral truth". "The Mozambican people demand that we remain firm, that we don't stop our struggle and that we remain united and strong," said Mondlane, who appeals to disenchanted younger voters in a country of 33 million people marked by poverty despite its abundant resources. Before the announcement, he vowed to bring the country to a "new popular uprising at a level never seen before", should the council endorse Frelimo as winner. Maputo was tense ahead of the announcement, with main roads deserted and the metal curtains of stores lowered. Protesters set fire to tyres early in the evening but dispersed after a heavy rainfall. Mozambique has been rocked by unrest since the election commission said that the October 9 vote was won by Chapo. At least 130 people have been killed in two months of violence, most of them opposition demonstrators shot by security forces, according to local NGOs. Cities, mines, borders and ports have been affected by protest action and operations at the main border with South Africa halted, causing its neighbour major losses in exports. The US government on Thursday raised its warning level against travel to Mozambique before the council's announcement. Pope Francis called Sunday for dialogue and goodwill to "prevail over mistrust and discord" in Mozambique. The protests have been the "most dangerous" ever seen in Mozambique, said analyst Borges Nhamirre, continuing despite deaths and arrests, and intensifying with police stations and Frelimo offices torched. "I'm convinced that if Monday the Constitutional Council declares the election as free and fair, which I am 100 percent convinced it will, then the blood is going to flow," Maputo-based political and security risk analyst Johann Smith told AFP. "The whole game changes on Monday," said Smith. "It will be a lot more intense and bloody." Mondlane had awakened resentment against Frelimo, he said, similar to discontent that this year led to the party that governed Botswana since independence being voted out and threatening to do the same in Namibia. "It's almost like the Southern African Spring," Smith said, in a reference to the Arab anti-government protests in North Africa in the early 2010s. bur-ho/br/phz
"It Ends With Us" star Blake Lively filed a legal complaint on Dec. 20 against her costar and the film's director, Justin Baldoni, capping off months of a public feud between the actors. Fans first noticed inklings of a rift between the film's two stars in early August when Lively and Baldoni began promoting "It Ends With Us" separately ahead of the film's release. Speculation about a potential feud reached a fever pitch by mid-August, when backlash began against Lively for the way she was marketing and talking about the film. Lively's complaint, filed with the California Civil Rights Department months after the film's premiere, accused Baldoni of sexual harassment while filming and then retaliating and participating in a PR campaign to ruin her reputation before the film was released. “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,” Lively said in a Dec. 21 statement to TODAY.com. Jamey Heath, the lead producer on “It Ends With Us,” and the CEO of the film’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, were also named in the complaint, which is a precursor to a lawsuit. Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and all its representatives, called Lively's complaint “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious” in a Dec. 21 statement to TODAY.com. Here's a full timeline of the behind-the-scenes drama of "It Ends With Us," the film adaptation of the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover. Jan. 26, 2023: Colleen Hoover announces Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been cast Hoover, the author of bestselling books like "Verity" and "Reminders of Him," revealed that Lively had been cast as Lily Bloom and Baldoni had been cast as Ryle Kincaid in a TikTok on Jan. 26, 2023. (Hoover's account has since gone private.) “Our Lily is going to be played by Blake Lively,” Hoover said. “Blake Lively, y’all. She’s my dream Lily. And then when I first met Justin Baldoni, who is directing the film for ‘It Ends With Us,’ I immediately wanted him to be Ryle. I just thought that he had what it takes to play that character, and the good news is he’s gonna be Ryle.” Baldoni was also tapped to direct the film, and Lively was credited as a producer. Hoover's novel follows Lily as she opens a floral shop in Boston. She meets Ryle, a neurosurgeon, and has a chance encounter in which she reconnects with her high school sweetheart, Atlas Corrigan, while she's falling for Ryle. Lily has to confront the cycle of violence that began with her father and continued with her husband, facing domestic violence and other abuse. The book's themes garnered controversy from readers before it was announced it would be adapted into a film. May 5, 2023: 'It Ends With Us' filming begins The movie began filming on May 5, 2023, and photos from the set immediately sparked debate amongst the book's most devoted fans. Lively dyed her hair red for the part, and readers quickly pointed our that Lily's outfits seen in the photos didn't match scenes from the book. Fans also noted that Lively, then 35, didn't match Lily's age of 23 in the book. Hoover addressed the ages of her characters during a panel with TODAY's Jenna Bush Hager in Texas in June 2023. “Back when I wrote ‘It Ends With Us,’ the new adult (genre) was very popular. You were writing college-age characters. That’s what I was contracted to do. I made Lily very young. I didn’t know that neurosurgeons went to school for 50 years. There’s not a 20-something neurosurgeon,” Hoover said. To correct her own mistake, Hoover said she met with the film's production team to tell them she wanted to use the film to make the characters more age appropriate. “As I started making this movie, I’m like, we need to age them out, because I messed up,” she said. “So that’s my fault.” Hoover also spoke about the outfits seen in photos from the set during the interview . “When I wrote the book, it wasn’t about the age of the characters. It wasn’t about what they were wearing. I don’t even think I described any clothing in the book,” Hoover said. “Yeah, you’ve seen a few outfits that Lily has worn, but she looks so phenomenal on screen,” she added. “And some of the outfits that she’s worn indoors that no one’s gotten pictures of yet are phenomenal.” Aug. 6, 2024: 'It Ends With Us' premieres in New York At the film's New York premiere, Lively posed on the red carpet with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and his "Deadpool & Wolverine" costar Hugh Jackman, as well as her “It Ends With Us” costars Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate. Baldoni took photos alone and with his wife, Emily Baldoni. Around that time, fans also started to speculate about possible tension between members of the cast when they noticed that Lively and Hoover did not follow Baldoni on Instagram, though they followed each other and other members of the cast. During the film's press cycle before the release of the film, Lively appeared with other members of the cast, but not Baldoni, while Baldoni did many of his interviews for the film solo. Aug. 8, 2024: Justin Baldoni appears on TODAY and comments on working with Blake Lively Two days after the New York premiere, Baldoni spoke about working with Lively on TODAY . "I don't know if you know how smart and creative she really is," he told TODAY's Sheinelle Jones. "I think she's best known as an actress, and of course, she's a fashion icon, but she is so much more than that. She is a dynamic creative — she had her hands in every part of this production and everything she touched she made better." After his show segment, Baldoni continued to speak about Lively in an interview with TODAY.com . “You can’t summarize Blake’s contribution in a sentence, because her energy and imprint is all over the movie and really, really made the film better, and from beginning to end," he said. "Ryan (Reynolds) was so generous ... he’s a creative genius, that guy. So, you know, his gift is levity, and her gift is levity.” He added that he would work with Lively and Reynolds again “if they’d have me.” Aug. 9, 2024: 'It Ends With Us' is released in theaters "It Ends With Us" premiered in theaters on Aug. 9, 2024, grossing $50 million domestically and $80 million globally during its opening weekend, according to Variety . By Aug. 20, it had crossed $100 million at the domestic box office, according to Variety. Aug. 10, 2024: Blake Lively begins to receive backlash Fans started to criticize Lively for her approach to promoting the film in mid-August, in which she often talked about her hair care line that she launched in tandem with the film's release, Blake Brown, or her drink line, Betty Buzz, which she created in 2021. In a promo clip for the film posted on social media , Lively says, “‘It Ends With Us’ is in theaters now, so grab your friends, wear your florals, and head out to see it,” leading social media users to question the levity of her remarks in contract with the film's themes. But it was on Aug. 10, when Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa uploaded an interview with Lively from 2016 titled, “The Blake Lively interview that made me want to quit my job," that criticism around the actor escalated. The clip begins Flaa telling Lively, who was pregnant at the time, “Congrats on your little bump.” Lively then replies back with the same, “Congrats on your little bump.” (Flaa was not pregnant.) When Flaa asked about the wardrobes in the film, Lively said, “Everyone wants to talk about the clothes, but I wonder if they would ask the men about the clothes?” Flaa replied that she would. The YouTube video, which has been viewed over 5 million times, led some commenters to call Lively "rude" and "passive aggressive." Lively did not comment on Flaa's video. Aug. 13, 2024: Lively posts on Instagram celebrating the movie's release On Aug. 13, 2024, Lively shared a video of an interview she did with the BBC to her Instagram story. “Thank you to everyone who came out to show that people WANT to see films about women, and the multitudes we hold. It Ends With Us is a story of the female experience. All the highest highs, and lowest lows. And we are so proud of it. We have been in celebration of this film and of getting a message so important out there to the masses,” she wrote . A second story post linked out to resources for domestic violence. “1 in 4 women aged 18 and older in the US alone have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Intimate partner violence affects all genders, including more than 12 million people every year in the United States,” she said. Aug. 20, 2024: Brandon Sklenar speaks out on 'It Ends With Us' drama Sklenar, who plays Atlas in the film, weighed in on the drama in an Instagram post on Aug. 20, 2024. “I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online,” Sklenar wrote. “Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves. Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film is about. It is, in fact, the opposite of the point.” He wrote that whatever “may or may not have happened behind the scenes” during shooting of the movie, “should not detract from what our intentions were in making this film.” Read his full statement below. Dec. 9, 2024: 'It Ends With Us' released on Netflix "It Ends With Us" made its streaming debut on Netflix on Dec. 9 , 2024, quickly rising to one of the top films on the platform. Dec. 20, 2024: Blake Lively files sexual harassment complaint against Justin Baldoni Attorneys for Lively alleged that Baldoni repeatedly harassed her on set, and crossed boundaries during intimate scenes, according to the complaint filed on Dec. 20, 2024. The complaint stated that Baldoni allegedly improvised physical intimacy that had not been previously rehearsed or discussed, including improvising kisses during one scene. The complaint also alleged Baldoni and Heath pressured Lively to "simulate full nudity" during a scene in which her character is giving birth. At one point during filming, Lively called a meeting to address issues "that had nearly derailed production of the film," according to the complaint. Lively's husband Reynolds was in attendance, per the complaint. A full-time intimacy coordinator and other protections were then established to allow the film to finish shooting, the complaint stated. Once the film's press tour kicked off, Baldoni allegedly hired a crisis communications team to launch a "retaliatory social manipulation campaign" against Lively to destroy her reputation, according to the complaint. Freedman, the attorney representing Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and all its representatives, issued a statement to TODAY.com on Dec. 21. The statement reads in full: “It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions. These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media. Wayfarer Studios made the decision to proactively hire a crisis manager prior to the marketing campaign of the film, to work alongside their own representative with Jonesworks employed by Stephanie Jones, due to the multiple demands and threats made by Ms. Lively during production which included her threatening to not showing up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release, if her demands were not met. It was also discovered that Ms. Lively enlisted her own representative, Leslie Sloan with Vision PR, who also represents Mr. Reynolds, to plant negative and completely fabricated and false stories with media, even prior to any marketing had commenced for the film, which was another reason why Wayfarer Studios made the decision to hire a crisis professional to commence internal scenario planning in the case they needed to address. The representatives of Wayfarer Studios still did nothing proactive nor retaliated, and only responded to incoming media inquiries to ensure balanced and factual reporting and monitored social activity. What is pointedly missing from the cherry-picked correspondence is the evidence that there were no proactive measures taken with media or otherwise; just internal scenario planning and private correspondence to strategize which is standard operating procedure with public relations professionals.” Lively said in a statement, “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.” Dec. 21, 2024: Baldoni reportedly dropped by talent agency On Dec. 21, The New York Times published an investigative report about Baldoni's alleged PR campaign against Lively. After the article was published, talent agency William Morris Endeavor stopped representing Baldoni, Ari Emanuel, chief executive of the agency's parent company Endeavor, told the Times. TODAY.com reached out to WME for comment and has not immediately heard back. Hoover responded to the complaint on her Instagram story on Dec. 21, posting a photo of her and Lively in an embrace with a link to the Times article. “@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patience since the day we met,” she wrote. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”Stock Surges and Slumps. The Winners and Losers of 2024
To bridge the digital divide and boost the country's global competitiveness, a think tank, on Saturday, Dec. 28, called on the private sector to play a more active role in driving the digital transformation of Philippine public schools. “The digital transformation of our public schools is no longer an option but an urgent necessity,” said Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres "Dindo" Manhit. Manhit highlighted the urgent need for improved broadband connectivity, updated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, and enhanced teacher skills. “Modernizing our ICT infrastructure, ensuring reliable broadband connectivity, and equipping our teachers with digital skills are foundational steps to elevate our students’ learning competencies,” Manhit added, seeking support for the Department of Education's (DepEd) Adopt-a-School Program. He explained that the Adopt-a-School Law provides an effective framework for private sector participation by offering tax incentives of up to 150 percent of the value of their contributions. “This is an opportunity for businesses to contribute not only to the welfare of their host communities but also to the development of a digitally enabled population—a strategic imperative for global competitiveness,” Manhit noted. Critical role of telcos In a separate statement, CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor, lawyer Tim Abejo, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the crucial role of telecommunications companies in driving the nation’s progress. “Telcos play a crucial role in the digital transformation of the country,” Abejo explained. He stressed that telcos provide the connectivity that drives progress, and that without robust digital infrastructure, the country’s ambitions for sustainable growth and development would falter. He noted that digital infrastructure is central to national progress and economic resilience. “Telcos provide connectivity, and connectivity drives progress,” Abejo said. “We must recognize that without robust digital infrastructure, our ambitions for the future cannot materialize,” he added. He also emphasized the importance of strictly enforcing the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to prevent delays in digital infrastructure projects. He pointed out that in “today’s connected and AI-driven world, digital infrastructure is the most important form of infrastructure.” Abejo said that anyone who hinders connectivity, especially at the ground level, is anti-progress. Local Government Units (LGUs), he said, should fall in line and stop creating permitting or local regulatory roadblocks. “Any aspect that hinders connectivity is a blight to progress,” he added. Collaboration Meanwhile, Manhit highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to align with government initiatives. These include DepEd’s Digital Education 2028, the Higher Education Digital Integration of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Digital Skills Training in Technical and Vocational Education by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Manhit explained that these programs represent a unified effort to prepare Filipinos for a digitally empowered and globally competitive workforce. Abejo also connected these efforts to the broader goals of national economic development, noting that all initiatives by President Marcos to attract foreign investments and boost sustainable growth will “remain a dream if we cannot make connectivity happen in our country.” “This must be done now!” he added. Manhit further emphasized the importance of readiness in achieving digital transformation. He called for unified action among the national and local governments, the private sector, and civil society to build an education system that not only nurtures students but also develops future leaders capable of harnessing technology for innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth.Kai Sotto had his breakout game for Gilas. It's far from being a fluke since our 7'3 wunderkind has been consistently beasting in the Japanese B League. Averaging 12.1 points and 9.2 rebounds with the Koshiyaga Alphas, Sotto seems to have a found a home in the Land of the Rising Sun. Kai's true home is still the Philippines, and playing for Gilas. Coach Tim Cone continues to exploit our advantage in the paint. In the game against New Zealand, Cone was able to adjust even with the loss of AJ Edu to injury and JuneMar Fajardo having a bad game. Justin Brownlee did not even need to dominate the game. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.
Voters in Ireland were more than usually busy in 2024, casting their ballot in five different polls – for two referenda in March, local and European ballots in June and a general election in November. The country’s political comings and goings were further punctuated by an emotional announcement in March from former premier Leo Varadkar that he was resigning as taoiseach and Fine Gael leader. He was succeeded the following month in both roles by Simon Harris. But the year had so much more to offer than just politics, and PA news agency photographers were on hand to capture some of the highlights.American Battery Stock Rises On $10 Million Direct Offering: Retail's UpbeatEstonia Holds Emergency Meeting After Undersea Power Cable Disruption