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Marvel star ties the knot in super secret ceremony

<p>Marvel movie star Chris Evans has tied the knot with his girlfriend Alba Baptista in an intimate ceremony at their home in the state of Massachusetts. </p> <p>According to <a href="https://pagesix.com/2023/09/10/chris-evans-marries-alba-baptista/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Page Six</em></a>, the Hollywood A-lister and Baptista, a Portuguese actress, got married on Saturday, with only a handful of their closest friends and family attending the nuptials. </p> <p>An insider told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/hook-ups-break-ups/chris-evans-marries-alba-baptista-in-intimate-athome-wedding/news-story/872c843aa221bc8173f0a82feb7c6477" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> that the nuptials were “locked down tight,” as guests signed NDAs and phones were forfeited for the "beautiful" ceremony. </p> <p>The guest list also included some of the actor’s Marvel co-stars, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner.</p> <p>The <em>Captain America</em> actor and Baptista first sparked rumours of a romance in November 2022, when a source told <em><a href="https://people.com/movies/chris-evans-dating-alba-baptista-source-exclusive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a></em> that the duo had been dating for “over a year.”</p> <p>“They are in love, and Chris has never been happier,” the insider said, already calling their relationship “serious” at the time.</p> <p>“His family and friends all adore her.”<iframe id="google_ads_iframe_/5129/ndm.nent/entertainment/celebritylife/hookupsbreakups_5" tabindex="0" title="3rd party ad content" role="region" name="google_ads_iframe_/5129/ndm.nent/entertainment/celebritylife/hookupsbreakups_5" width="4" height="4" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Advertisement" data-load-complete="true" data-google-container-id="6" data-integralas-id-69c76c0a-f5d2-9885-70ea-25cce3e0243a=""></iframe><iframe width="1" height="1" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <p>Just hours after the news broke, the couple was spotted holding hands during a stroll in Central Park.</p> <p>While little is known about the low-key couple’s relationship, Evans has proudly been flaunting his affection for Baptista online.</p> <p>The <em>Knives Out</em> star was spotted leaving a flirty comment on Baptista’s Instagram post around the same time that news broke of their relationship.</p> <p>Then, in February, the couple went Instagram-official as Evans began posting a series of PDA-filled pics to his Instagram Story in honour of Valentine’s Day.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Pete Evans "silenced" by Kyle and Jackie O

<p>Pete Evans has been silenced while defending his controversial opinions on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em>. </p> <p>The disgraced celebrity chef appeared on the KIISFM show on Thursday morning in an attempt to clear his name, after destroying his own career by spreading misinformation about the Covid pandemic. </p> <p>Throughout 2020 and 2021, Evans found himself in hot water after claiming that Covid-19 was a "f**king hoax", and was slapped with many fines after peddling fake, and often dangerous, treatments for the virus online. </p> <p>Calling into the show from his property in north-eastern New South Wales, the 50-year-old doubled down on his opposition to Covid vaccines, masks and social distancing.</p> <p>The former <em>My Kitchen Rules</em> judge also went on to cast doubt upon Covid rapid antigen tests and defended his claims about the "healing" abilities of the BioCharger lamps he was fined for promoting in 2020. </p> <p>However, much of his conversation with Kyle and Jackie O was beeped out by the station's censor.</p> <p>The censorship divided listeners, while some fans of the show called in to declare it was time to "un-cancel" him, because he is a "real man" who "stands up" for his beliefs. </p> <p>Another alleged that Evans had "gone and done the research" and "wasn't just talking s**t", and therefore shouldn't be barred from sharing his opinions publicly, even if they are viewed as scientifically incorrect.</p> <p>Others praised the work of the station's censor, saying the hosts and the station have a responsibility to stop dangerous misinformation being spread, especially when it could cause harm. </p> <p>One caller, who was a medical professional, pointed out that Evans, isn't qualified to give health advice, and that what he said on-air was "just the tip of the iceberg".</p> <p>"The issue is everyone with 100,000 followers, or whatever it may be, thinks all of a sudden they're a doctor or a personal trainer or wherever it may be and that they're qualified to give this health advice," she said.</p> <p>Another argued that Evans should remain cancelled because he has never apologised over his claims that were proven wrong by Australia's top medical authorities.</p> <p>Kyle Sandilands later explained why the censor had beeped out parts of Evans' interview, as well as some of what was said by the fans who called in to defend him. </p> <p>"I believe that this isn't the censor beeping out what she doesn't believe is right or wrong. This is the censor beeping out what legally we can and cannot put to air," Sandilands explained. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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"Forgotten pizza cook" Pete Evans' wild new look

<p dir="ltr">Former Seven personality Pete Evans has made an unexpected appearance on social media, though many took a moment longer than usual to realise who it was they were looking at in the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former chef and <em>My Kitchen Rules</em> judge was a far cry from the polished persona audiences had come to expect from his days at the helm of the hit cooking competition, roaming through an outdoor kitchen in a ‘Food is Medicine’ t-shirt and unexpected mullet cut.</p> <p dir="ltr">The footage marked a new chapter in Evans’ public fall from grace, and as one account sharing the content wrote, it had “captured a quick raw video of the set up” for a cooking retreat with eight guests and “approx 25 recipes”.</p> <p dir="ltr">It did provide some insight into Evans’ new ‘career’ path, with the chef having turned his back on the entertainment industry in 2020, after 11 years as a household name hosting <em>My Kitchen Rules</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">His controversial opinions on health - and his mounting support in conspiracy theories as well as his non-scientifics views - had initially turned attention his way, but it was his take on the global COVID-19 pandemic that sealed his fate. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also in 2020, Evans received a $25,000 fine from the TGA for his part in peddling a $15,000 ‘Biocharger’ device with the incorrect claim that it could combat the coronavirus.</p> <p dir="ltr">Evans was quickly removed from social media - namely Facebook and Instagram - for spreading misinformation during the pandemic, and lost 15 different sponsors in just 38 hours after sharing a meme that contained a neo-Nazi symbol with his remaining followers. It was estimated that the latter act alone could cost Evans millions of dollars.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the time since, Evans has purchased a $1 million tourist ‘healing’ retreat close to Byron Bay, where he offers the likes of ‘fasting retreats’ - charging $2250 a head for a “5-day juice, water, and froth fast” with Evans.</p> <p dir="ltr">When news of the venture broke on social media, opinion poured in thick and fast, with most condemning the experience. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, it wasn’t enough to keep Evans from returning to the internet, with the 50-year-old launching his presence on the alternative platform, Telegram, where he shares the likes of detail on his retreats, his experience with bitcoin, anti-vaccination takes, and right-wing political opinion.</p> <p dir="ltr">As one user wrote in response - and on behalf of the majority - to the fresh footage of the disgraced chef, “I won’t have what he’s having”. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Obviously vaccines are bad. Not ‘licking toads’ though. That’s cool. Forgotten pizza cook Pete Evans continues to have a normal one. <a href="https://twitter.com/krunchymoses?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@krunchymoses</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/petesscience?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@petesscience</a> <a href="https://t.co/a5fDzGIups">pic.twitter.com/a5fDzGIups</a></p> <p>— Cam (@camliveshere) <a href="https://twitter.com/camliveshere/status/1664565941219508225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“This is a hard second-hand cringe,” one said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And here I was thinking that scone of his couldn't get any more offensive,” another said. “I was wrong.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“So funny, and sad at same time hope he is ok,” one wrote, “but I have had 4 vax, travelled [the] world twice in ]the last 12 months, kept a good job and have healthy friends and fam around me. Pete's approach hmmmm”.</p> <p dir="ltr">And as someone else pointed out., “he seems quite short of breath after placing a few small sticks under the pizza oven. Not a great advert for his lifestyle.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter, Facebook</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Home and Away star shares astonishing 10kg transformation

<p><em>Home and Away</em>’s Matt Evans has stunned fans and followers after sharing the results of his eight-week body transformation on social media.</p> <p>The 26-year-old actor - best known for his work as Theo Poulos on the hit soap - posted two side-by-side snaps, apparently taken just two months apart, of his body at two different stages in his fitness journey.</p> <p>The location was the same in both, with Evans standing in Bonds underwear in front of a door in both, with only the lighting - harsher in the ‘after’ pic - and Evans’ muscle mass and body weight changing.</p> <p>“8 WEEK CHALLENGE RESULTS,” he captioned the image, before thanking his trainer, Harris Barclay.</p> <p>“I did a massive bulk last year which then lasted through christmas and it was the first time I had ever weighed 90kgs in my life. I am now back at 80kgs where I like to sit.”</p> <p>Evans went on to explain that his trainer had helped him come up with both a diet and training plan, and then revealed the key element that they had dropped from his regime, with Evans telling followers that it “DID NOT involve cardio.</p> <p>“I just went for an occasional walk if I wanted to be more active. Harris made the diet easy to follow and all you have to do is eat the food and show up to the gym. The training program was catered to my needs with weight training. Harris also checks in fortnightly to keep you on track and is just a downright good bloke.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CprfXTBvYFQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CprfXTBvYFQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Matt Evans (@thisismattevans)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Evans’ friends, fans, and fellow Channel 7 personalities were primed to celebrate his progress in his comments section, with many declaring that his “hard work paid off”.</p> <p>“Well done mate,” wrote Seven’s Sam Mac, who had recently undergone his own intense body transformation, “now, can I just borrow a couple of those abs. Don’t be greedy.”</p> <p>“Bloody hell mate well done!” said <em>Home and Away’</em>s Kirsty Marillier.</p> <p>“Looked good before and looks good after!” one fan declared.</p> <p>“Well done!! Phenomenal results,” stylist Donny Galella praised.</p> <p>“You should be proud,” another said on TikTok, where Evans had posted his ‘8 week shred results’ in video format, “all the hard work pays off.”</p> <p> </p> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important; width: 620.262px; max-width: 100%;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7210308452218932481&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40thisismattevans%2Fvideo%2F7210308452218932481&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2FociBnEnnI8AcQoBEQBDQEKEfBeCvbRQQkxVEgD%3Fx-expires%3D1680595200%26x-signature%3DUDQ2Y1sY0ji5sKmGAxwXeCnw%252Bes%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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My Kitchen Rules makes its highly-anticipated return

<p dir="ltr"><em>My Kitchen Rules</em> is once again hitting the screens on Sunday August 7. </p> <p dir="ltr">The cooking show’s future was up in the air for a bit following terrible ratings as well as the controversy around former judge Pete Evans’ covid conspiracy theories and anti-vaxx stance.</p> <p dir="ltr">But alas, fans have been given an air date with Manu Feildel coming back to judge the food along with newcomer, television cook Nigella Lawson. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,” Nigella said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people’s homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!”</p> <p dir="ltr">The show will go back to its roots of everyday Aussies showing off their culinary skills and love for food as they compete for the winning prize of $250,000.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgk2z5ghkJC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgk2z5ghkJC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by MKR (@mykitchenrules)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Manu recently spoke on the I’ve Got News For You podcast about missing Pete by his side judging the food but said the pair remain “good friends”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Of course, Pete and I have known each other for a long time, we’re still good friends today, so yeah – missing that,” he told host Andrew Bucklow.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At the same token, you know, it was nice to work with someone new and someone different. The show has been on the shelf for a couple of years, so it was exciting to be working with someone else.”</p> <p>The new season of <em>My Kitchen Rules</em> airs on Sunday August 7 on Channel 7 at 7pm.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Former Channel 7 reporter’s fall from grace

<p dir="ltr">A former Channel 7 reporter’s fall from grace has seen him end up homeless, addicted to drugs, and killing his best friend while driving under the influence. </p> <p dir="ltr">Trent Evans appeared in the Victorian County court where he pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death following a car crash on February 27, 2021 that killed his friend Rex Willox.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 45-year-old’s guilty plea marked the end of what his lawyer Rahmin de Krester described as “descent into absolute chaos”.</p> <p dir="ltr">In just two years, Evans went from managing newsrooms at Seven and Ten before his life spiralled out of control due to the pressures of his job while working on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.</p> <p dir="ltr">Evans tried to take control of his life and quit the network job in 2017 to work at a local Melbourne newspaper. But things continued to spiral. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mr de Krester said his client’s life was in a downward spiral for five years. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He became more and more unstable with drug use. His life had descended into absolute chaos,” he told the court, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/trent-evans-exchannel-7-journalist-pleads-guilty-to-culpable-driving-charge-that-killed-friend-rex-willox/news-story/f76455b333b3a915c5fcbebd2c455091" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> reported. </p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that Evans and Mr Willox were drinking champagne at Mr Willox’s house before deciding to head off to Evans’ short-term motel in Parkville.</p> <p dir="ltr">Evans was unfit to drive but still got behind the wheel of Mr Willox’s black Mercedes sedan to begin the trip back to his temporary home. </p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were driving along Barkley Ave in Burnley when Evans attempted to turn right while doing 40km/h above the limit.</p> <p dir="ltr">He lost control of the vehicle which flipped and ploughed into a timber pole that saw Mr Willox die at the scene. </p> <p dir="ltr">Evans returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.13 and spent three nights in hospital before he was finally questioned by police.</p> <p dir="ltr">A search of Mr Willox’s home found three empty bottles of champagne. </p> <p dir="ltr">Investigations began and it was found that Evans was attempting the right hand turn at a shocking speed of 113km/h in a 60km/h zone.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Willox’s sister provided a victim impact statement following his death saying she was struggling to find the words for her loss.</p> <p dir="ltr">Evan’s lawyer said his client accept that he was “broken man” who will “carry the responsibility for Rex Willox’s death for the rest of his life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr de Krester said Evans “never recovered” and from 2018 was seeking help for homelessness but continued to succumb to drug use. </p> <p dir="ltr">Judge Gregory Lyon will sentence Evans on July 11.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

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Pete Evans responds to being replaced by Nigella Lawson

<p>Pete Evans has responded to the news that he is set to be replaced on <em>My Kitchen Rules</em>.</p> <p>The controversial celebrity chef, who has come under fire in recent years for his stance on the Covid-19 pandemic and vaccine mandates, will be replaced on the upcoming season of the cooking show by Nigella Lawson.</p> <p>As the news of his replacement was made public, the former TV judge took to his Telegram account to wish the show and his friend Manu Feildel luck for the new season.</p> <p>“I wish Channel 7, the crew and my dear mate Manu all the very best on their upcoming series,” he posted on the platform.</p> <p>“I will always cherish the many years we spent together, creating so many wonderful memories.”</p> <p>Pete was dropped by Channel 7 in 2020 after ratings for the popular show tanked.</p> <p>Around the time of his departure, the former TV personality was involved in a string of controversies including claiming coronavirus could be eradicated by a $14,990 “BioCharger” device he plugged on Facebook.</p> <p>On Sunday, British cooking queen Nigella Lawson announced she would be joining the show for the new season, and that she "can't wait" for the new experience.</p> <p>“Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,” the 62-year-old said.</p> <p>“So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people’s homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!"</p> <p>“I’m so looking forward to working with Manu too. Although he’s a chef and I’m a home cook, the fact is we both just want to eat good food. I feel I’ve got a lot to learn from him, but just know we’ll have a lot of fun in the process. I can’t wait!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Pete Evans speaks out on Shane Warne’s death

<p>Controversial chef Pete Evans has spoken out on the sudden death of cricket legend Shane Warne to further push his unpopular health views. </p> <p>Footage of the 49-year-old former TV host has began circulating online, sharing his opinion on Warney's death of a suspected heart attack in a Thailand hotel room.</p> <p>“Shane Warne was an amazing cricket player for sure … (it’s) sad,” Evans said, allegedly during a public Zoom call. “Who knows what the reasons behind this are and I can’t comment on it."</p> <p>“However, so many doctors I’ve interviewed have been screaming for the last year-and-a-half, saying the vaccines are going to cause death like we’ve never seen across the planet."</p> <p>“And they’re all predicting we’re not going to see the outcomes of this — or the real side effects — for the next three to five years. We’re witnessing it happening with athletes on field and there’s a reason behind that.”</p> <p>Several anti-vax conspiracy theorists have also flooded the Facebook comments of several media outlets reporting on the news of the cricketer's death. </p> <p>The same rhetoric was also prevalent on Twitter after the death of Rod Marsh on Friday, who suffered a heart attack a week before he died. </p> <p>“Both dead within one day of each other and Shane’s last tweet was about Rod Marsh’s death. Vaccine injury or coincidence?” one person tweeted.</p> <p>“You really have to wonder if the vaccines killed Rod Marsh and Shane Warne, and if you dismiss it more fool you,” wrote another.</p> <p>Most online users were quick to condemn the “shameful” opportunism of these fringe anti-vax communities. </p> <p>“PSA. People had heart attacks before the vaccine and they will have them after the vaccine! Shane Warne died of a suspected heart attack,” one person posted.</p> <p>“It’s not even confirmed yet, but anti-vaxxers are already signing his death certificate. It’s shameful and disgusting.”</p> <p>Shane Warne's official cause of death has yet to be revealed, as his family are fighting for his body to be sent home to Australia. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Dear Evan Hansen is an inspiring and entertaining film

<p>When <em>Dear Evan Hansen</em> was released on Broadway over five years ago it became a generation defining Broadway phenomenon. Now we have the film version with Ben Platt reprising the main role and he does this with breathtaking results.</p> <p>Some critics have complained it's not realistic for Platt to play Evan Hansen in the film version because Platt’s now 27 years old and it’s difficult for him to play an anxious, isolated high schooler. But does it matter that he’s a bit older now?</p> <p>Well, from an audience's point of view, it doesn’t and when Platt starts to sing those amazing songs, we can see why he won an Emmy and a Grammy for the Broadway production. As well, we have the song-writing team from <em>La La Land</em> and <em>The Greatest Showman</em> writing the songs and everything works. </p> <p>Plus, the serious nature of this film – the fact it deals with teenage suicide and how hard it is for some people to simply get by – makes it an important film and one which could help a lot of people. This makes <em>Dear Evan Hansen</em> an important and inspiring film.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CjA50VxlxAw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>The storyline</strong></p> <p>The gist of the story is that Evan Hansen is a high school loner, awkward and inept with his only friend being the equally nerdy Jared (Nik Dodani).</p> <p>He shows up on the first day of school with a cast after breaking his arm, and he’s been instructed by his therapist to write “Dear Evan Hansen” letters to himself in order to work out his issues connecting with other people.</p> <p>Fellow student Connor Murphy (Colton Ryan) has a run-in with Evan and grabs one of said letters from a printer. A few days later, Connor’s mother Cynthia and stepfather Larry (Amy Addams, Danny Pino) show up at Evan’s school with the letter saying that Connor committed suicide, and they’ve determined that the letter “to Evan” was his suicide note.</p> <p>Instead of telling them the truth, Evan concocts an elaborate lie about being friends with Connor in order to sooth his parents’ misgivings about his death. In order to maintain that illusion, Evan continues to lie to them as well as to Connor’s sister, Zoe (Kaitlyn Dever from <em>Book Smart</em>), and his lie just snowballs.</p> <p>Pretty soon, the school’s social justice activist Alana (Amandla Stenberg) has up the Connor Project so that others who feel alone can feel seen and heard, and Evan has become hugely popular at school.</p> <p>But this doesn’t last forever and Hansen has to face up to his lie later on.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5d05305e536f427786bcdaecf7d7a755" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 359.29432013769366px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844257/evan-hansen-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5d05305e536f427786bcdaecf7d7a755" /></p> <p><strong>The singing really does work</strong></p> <p>Although a lot of the focus of the singing is on Platt and his quite beautiful voice, each of the other primary cast have some amazing singing moments, whether it’s Stenberg doing a song about feeling anonymous like Connor or the song, <em>Requiem</em>, which shows off the amazing singing prowess of Devo, Pino, and even Adams.</p> <p>Julianne Moore, who plays Evan’s hardworking single mother, even gets an absolutely epic number towards the end which will get the waterworks flowing if nothing beforehand has done that job.</p> <p><strong>The showstopper is <em>You Will be Found</em></strong></p> <p>The movie’s absolutely showstopper is the number <em>You Will be Found</em> and it’s another great example of how the songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul of <em>La La Land</em> fame translate so well to the screen. In fact, this song alone shows you why many people became obsessed with the Broadway version of <em>Dear Evan Hansen</em>.</p> <p>The film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Stephen Chbosky (<em>The Perks of Being A Wallflower</em>, <em>Wonder</em>).and he shows here he has a strong grasp on social media, cyber bullying, viral videos, and even cancel culture and how it destroys people, including families.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6a5aa0b50b9b4978b0a9de506110c641" /><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/93c5188b8e734808ba1159d8b2176137" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.6550348953141px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844259/evan-hansen-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/93c5188b8e734808ba1159d8b2176137" /></p> <p><strong><em>Dear Evan Hansen</em></strong><strong> will be in cinemas by December 9</strong></p> <p>The film brings out many emotions and one of the reasons is because as we watch it, we can relate to so much of what Hansen is going through. The characters and the story feel very real, which is as much a testament to Chbosky as a filmmaker, but also his cast and the people behind the original musical.</p> <p>There’s a good reason why <em>Dear Evan Hansen </em>was such a success on Broadway, and a great deal of that is retained by the movie.</p> <p><em>Dear Evan Hansen</em> will be showing in cinemas by December 9 and there’ve been no announcements as to whether it will stream.</p> <p><em>Images: UPI</em></p> <p><em> </em></p> <p><em> </em></p>

Movies

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Pete Evans quietly lists “health lab” one year after opening

<p><span>Pete Evans is offloading his health lab business in Byron Bay, 11 months after the grand opening.</span><br /><br /><span>He is looking for a “below replacement” price advertised at $295,000.</span><br /><br /><span>The Evolve Health Lab launched in September last year and offered a number of unorthodox services including a cryotherapy chamber, in which people expose their body to low temperatures.</span><br /><br /><span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/" target="_blank"><em>The Daily Telegraph</em> </a>also reports the health lab has red light therapy and a hyperbaric treatment chamber.</span><br /><br /><span>Raine and Horne is managing the sale and advertised the build as “a brand new stunning interior layout” that is suited to a buyer “who is currently in the health and beauty or other allied business to add to their offering.”</span><br /><br /><span>“The space can be further utilised to add in other services as there are 4-6 treatment room options in the 98m2 space,” the advertisement continues.</span><br /><br /><span>“The owners are involved in other business interests that are taking up most of their time so are reluctantly selling this business.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842769/pete-evans.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d3f5f04d911a486da6d159446f2cff6d" /><br /><br /><span>“This offering is a walk-in walk-out opportunity with training provided if required.”</span><br /><br /><span>Real estate agent Sophie Christou told <em>The Daily Telegraph</em> that the business went on sale a few weeks ago.</span><br /><br /><span>“We have had interest but I’m not at liberty to say any more,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>The controversial former celebrity chef who become a well known face on the TV show <em>My Kitchen Rules</em>, has been at the centre of major scandals in recent years.</span><br /><br /><span>Early this month he came under fire for his support of a controversial hippie commune project.</span><br /><br /><span>He recently promoted <em>Nightcap</em>, a proposed 3500-acre village development located in Byron Bay.</span><br /><br /><span>For $290,000, investors can buy a plot of land in the commune.</span><br /><br /><span>According to Evans’ website, they will “get back to the tribal wisdom of living in harmony with Mother Nature as well as the fundamental lore of Doing No Harm”.</span><br /><br /><span>Nine program, <em>A Current Affair</em> reported however that at least 20 mum-and-dad investors are still chasing more than $2 million they lost in a different scheme flogging the same land just a few years ago.</span><br /><br /><span>The former retreat was dubbed Bhula Bhula before it went bust.</span><br /><br /><span>Channel 7 has cut ties with Evans over his anti-vaccination views.</span><br /><br /><span>He was also removed from Facebook and Instagram for spreading misinformation, resulting in the destruction of his lucrative cookbook.</span></p>

Real Estate

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Young boy who saved his sister is "proud" of his scars

<p>The seven-year-old boy from Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the US, was hailed as a hero last year when he jumped in front of his younger sister to save her from being attacked by a German Shepherd.</p> <p>Called Bridger Walker, the boy says he’s “proud” of his scars and at the time, he explained his actions by saying: “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.”</p> <p>Bridger needed 90 stitches for the damage to his face  and he’s since undergone multiple procedures, some pro bono, on his face, which has reduced the scarring, the <em>New York Post</em> reports.</p> <p>His dad, Robert, told <em>People</em> magazine that Bridger is still as humble a year later: My wife and I asked him, ‘Do you want it to go away?’ And he said, ‘I don’t want it to go all the way away’,” the father of five said.</p> <p>“Bridger views his scar as something to be proud of, but he also doesn’t see it as being representative of his brave act. He just perceives it as, ‘I was a brother and that’s what brothers do’. It’s a reminder that his sister didn’t get hurt, and that she is okay.”</p> <p>Celebrities from around the world — including Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo and Brie Larson — as well as strangers, sent Bridger gifts and letters for his act of courage.</p> <p>“It was certainly unexpected when everything went viral,” Robert said. “It is not something we’d ever want to relive, but the light certainly outshone the darkness by exponential degrees.”</p> <p>“Chris Evans, his video was amazing and he sent the shield. Bridger couldn’t have been more delighted,” Robert said. “When he talked to Tom Holland, he was probably the most starstruck because that was a live call so that one certainly left an impression … His emotional recovery was really a worldwide effort and that was so special to us.”</p> <p>Bridger also attracted the attention of New York dermatologist, Dr Dhaval Bhanusali, who flew him out and treated him at his office for free.</p> <p>“He gave us so much hope,” said Robert, who said other doctors were pessimistic about how much they could help fix Bridger’s face. “That was kind of our first rainbow after all of this.”</p> <p>When the pandemic made cross-country trips to see Dr Bhanusali difficult, Bridger began seeing a doctor in Utah who also helped repair his scars.</p> <p>All of them have since helped reduce Bridger’s scarring and made him smile and feel optimistic again, his father said.</p> <p><em>Photo: nicolenoelwalker/Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Home and Away star's freedom of speech tirade

<p>Former Home And Away star Isabel Lucas is reportedly throwing her support behind controversial celebrity chef Pete Evans if a recent, rambling Instagram post is anything to go by.</p> <p>The 36-year-old, who played Tasha Andrews on the show from 2003-2006, took to the social media platform to share an inspirational quote about "truth" earlier this week, but it was her lengthy and bizarre caption that featured under the post that raised eyebrows.</p> <p>The post didn't specifically mention Evans, but many believed the tirade was Lucas' way of rallying behind the chef.</p> <p>Lucas kicked off her post with another famous quote by Evelyn Beatrice Hall: “I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”</p> <p>She then launched into a rant about “freedom of speech”.</p> <p>“I have been wanting to speak about freedom of speech and censorship here for a long time,” she wrote.</p> <p>“If you are feeling cautious to ask worthy questions because of what bullies, or those who lack insight or compassion might say, may you remember the words of Evelyn Beatrice Hall.</p> <p>“May you be inspired by the countless courageous ones who have expressed their truth in the face of adversity: Rosa May Parks, John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr, Eddie Mabo, Malcolm X, Joan of Arc, Nikola Tesla, Julian Assange, Socrates, Jesus, John Lennon, Hypatia, Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, Michael Leunig, Waris Dirie, thousands of women, called ‘witches’ … and countless others.”</p> <p>The post continued with Lucas claiming that “historically and culturally, many of these people we herald today as change-makers have been ridiculed, censored and violently opposed.”</p> <p>“Many received death threats, or had their lives taken before their legacy or questions could be accepted as self-evident,” she posted.</p> <p>“I’m hearing many conversations around the amount of censorship friends are experiencing Facebook, Instagram accounts are being removed, shadow banned and numerous YouTube videos deleted.</p> <p>“Do you agree in the need for cultivating open, informed and respectful conversations about the mainstream narratives?</p> <p>“How do we encourage our conscience-barometers and humanitarians to courageously express themselves?</p> <p>“May we continue to support those who practice freedom of speech and shed light on the uncomfortable truths that challenges us.”</p> <p>She concluded with yet another quote – this time by Albert Einstein – “blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth.”</p> <p>This isn't the first time Lucas has caused controversy, as late last year she revealed she had refused a COVID-19 test on the set of her film Bosch &amp; Rockit, instead claiming her immune system was strong from how she "lives and eats and thinks".</p> <p>“I gave my duty of care of what I could offer to respect everyone’s health and maintain my own health, and I shared that, and I opted out of doing the COVID test,” she said at the time.</p>

TV

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Pete Evans confirms political aspirations

<p>Controversial former<span> </span><em>My Kitchen Rules</em><span> </span>judge Pete Evans is running for the Senate, joining former One Nation senator Rod Culleton's new The Great Australian Party.</p> <p>He was announced as a candidate for the upcoming federal election on Friday.</p> <p>“Renowned Australian chef, restaurateur, author and television presenter, Pete Evans, has been approved to run as a NSW senate candidate for the Great Australian Party in the forthcoming federal election,” a statement from The Great Australian Party reads.</p> <p>Evans is known for his controversial anti-vaxxer views and support for conspiracy theories, but the party has confirmed he has an "unwavering commitment to advancing the freedoms of all Australians".</p> <p>“Pete Evans is fully supporting of the GAP ethos, supporting restoration of the Commonwealth and the preservation of democracy in Australia.</p> <p>“Pete Evans has consistently demonstrated courage in exposing matters of public information and interest, provoking much needed debate despite the personal cost to himself.</p> <p>“Pete Evans has maintained his principles and inspired others in the face of uncommon adversity.</p> <p>The run comes after an interesting 12 months for Evans, after he was removed from Facebook for posting misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic and fined $25,000 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) over claims he made that a lamp could cure coronavirus.</p>

News

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Pete Evans urges Sydney “sheeple” not to get tested amid new cluster

<p>Pete Evans is back at it again, this time making his opinion about the current COVID outbreak in Sydney’s Northern Beaches very clear.</p> <p>He has urged people to not get tested at all, despite health officials scrambling to control the spread.</p> <p>Taking to Facebook, the disgraced celebrity chef and outspoken anti-vaxxer shared a photo of an article that read: “Sydney COVID outbreak grows with two new cases overnight.”</p> <p>In his caption, Evans wrote, “OUTBREAK … 2 cases,” along with the clown-face emojis.</p> <p>He added: “Can you see where this is heading again. Testing for the common cold? Do not get tested.”</p> <p>He followed up with multiple conspiracy-style posts about “sheeple” and it came right before cases exploded to a cluster of 17.</p> <p>In the comments, Evan’s loyal fan base agreed with his views.</p> <p>“So this is the scare tactic to try convince people to get the vaccine when it hits Australia,” one sceptic wrote.</p> <p>“How sad to see all these fearful sheep being played like puppets,” said another.</p> <p>In November, Evans announced he would be quitting Facebook and moving to US social media site Parler to free himself from “being censored”.</p> <p>But despite the claim, he has posted over ten times daily on Facebook throughout the month of December.</p> <p>NSW health authorities have identified 12 new COVID cases in Sydney’s Northern Beaches cluster, taking the toll to 17.</p> <p>Residents have been urged to stay home for the next three days.</p>

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Tom Gleeson's fiery monologue takes no prisoners

<p>Tom Gleeson mercilessly came for Pete Evans at the <em>AACTA Awards</em>, along with a few other Australian celebrities.</p> <p>The comedian did not hold back on the controversial chef during his opening monologue at the awards on Monday night.</p> <p>“I’m your host for this evening, I’ll be taking you through the night and I’ll be choosing my words very carefully because TV shows used to get cancelled, (but) now people get cancelled … like Pete Evans,” Gleeson began.</p> <p>“He was dropped from<em> I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here</em>. It’s a missed opportunity for Channel 10 though, the first challenge could have been ‘try this vaccination’ … or ‘stand under this 5G tower’ … or ‘be credible’.”</p> <p>The comedian also targeted the programs at <em>SAS Australia</em>, and <em>Plate of Origin.</em></p> <p>“SAS Australia was a huge success this year for Channel 7. Congratulations, they put celebrities through their paces.</p> <p>“It was so entertaining that they almost forgot about the war crimes,” Gleeson said.</p> <p>“This year Channel 7 also poached Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston. They left <em>MasterChef </em>to launch <em>Plate Of Origin</em>, which I suspect completed its only season,” he said about the low-rating show.</p> <p>“Plate of Origin was a TV competition where Gary Meighan and Matt Preston unknowingly competed to answer the question, ‘Was MasterChef’s ratings success due to the talent or the format?’ Spoiler alert, it was the format.”</p> <p>The Australian comedian also hilariously roasted former Studio 10 host Kerri-Anne Kennerly.</p> <p><em>“Studio 10 </em>on Channel 10 had a big clean out. Joe Hildebrand gone, Natarsha Belling gone. Kerri-Anne gone,” he said.  </p> <p>“After getting a Gold Logie, Kerri-Anne called me a wimp for not going to<em> Studio 10,</em> so I’d just like to say to Kerri-Anne, who is probably watching from home because she’s not invited, or on air …</p> <p>“I’d just like to let you know Kerri-Anne that I didn’t go on<em> Studio 10 </em>because I enjoy performing to an audience!”</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7823058/kerri-anne-kennerley.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1c5010d5012b4711a96811d661b190e2" /></p> <p>“There are more people in this room socially distanced than who watch <em>Studio 10.</em></p> <p>“Going to <em>Studio 10</em> is like yelling your opinions into an empty shoebox. It’s pointless behaviour.</p> <p>“If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it fall, you’re on <em>Studio 10.</em></p> <p>The AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel Ceremony will air on Foxtel Arts, December 6 at 7.30 pm AEDT.</p>

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