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Thief returns stolen truck with note of apology – and gifts!

In the bustling world of Auckland cafés, where flat whites and smashed avocados reign supreme, one café owner recently found himself entangled in a plot that could rival a sitcom script. Varun Chada, the proud owner of Kati Street, had his beloved 4WD truck snatched right out from under his nose, leaving him in a state of disbelief that could only be rivalled by a magician's audience. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, and Chada minding his own business when, suddenly, his trusty truck disappeared faster than a piece of cake at a weight loss support group meeting. The audacity! The cheek! Someone had the gall to pull off a vehicular heist right outside his beloved eatery. But it gets better. Four days later, as if the universe had decided to play a cosmic prank on poor Varun, the stolen truck made a triumphant return. Parked in the exact same spot, as if it had never embarked on a wild joyride. It was like the vehicular version of Houdini's vanishing act, only with less smoke and mirrors and more caffeinated confusion. To add a sprinkle of absurdity to the mix, the returned truck came with a heartfelt, handwritten letter of apology. Now, we applaud any criminal with the decency to apologise, but it seems this particular ne'er-do-well could use a grammar lesson or two. The apology note featured the word "sorry", albeit with a creative twist on spelling that would make any English teacher cringe. “I couldn’t believe it,” Chada <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/watch-cafe-owners-stolen-truck-returned-with-sorry-note/VTWKKMRGR5AOTNIQGJNKBP6H7E/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told The NZ Herald</a>. "The first time I thought I was losing my mind because I’d just walked inside, and the second time I rocked up, and it was parked there." As it turns out, the thief, in an attempt to excuse their vehicular misdeed, claimed to be a bit 'drunk' and in desperate need of a ride home. Because, you know, grand theft auto is a completely acceptable solution to a night out with one too many beers. "It was exactly where I’d parked it," Chada explained, "and I walked up to the window and there was a note inside it saying ‘hey mate sorry but I borrowed your car, was a bit drunk’ and none of us could believe it." But here's the twist that turns this tale into a comedy goldmine – the thief not only returned the truck unscathed but also left some new toys in the back for Chada's young son! It's like they momentarily transformed from a rogue car bandit to the world's most peculiar Santa Claus. Despite the surreal nature of the ordeal, Chada seems to be taking it all in stride. “I’m not condoning what they did is fine, but I mean, they gave it back and they said sorry, so, I don’t know, I’m just stoked to get it back, put it that way.” The saga has become the talk of the town, with Chada's Facebook and community pages buzzing with activity. Social media, the modern-day town square, has played a pivotal role in the unfolding drama, with hundreds of likes, shares and comments turning the café owner into an unintentional social media influencer. As for the truck, it's currently parked at Chada's house, awaiting the forensic scrutiny of the police. The investigation continues, but in the meantime, Aucklanders are left scratching their heads, wondering if their next caffeine fix might come with a side of unexpected vehicular shenanigans. Images: Facebook

Legal

Qantas chief executive issues second apology

Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson has issued a second apology, as the airline continues to try and fix its reputation and win back customers' trust amid recent controversy over its <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/jubilant-scenes-as-high-court-hands-down-judgment-against-qantas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unlawful mass firing</a>. In a video message released on Friday, Hudson, who replaced chief executive Alan Joyce earlier this month, said she understood customer’s frustration and apologised for the airline’s recent track record. “I know that we have let you down in many ways and for that, I am sorry,” she said. “We haven't delivered the way we should have. And we’ve often been hard to deal with.” This apology comes just weeks after the new chief executive apologised to their staff and said that the new management will be more focused on their customers. Hudson has also promised to rectify the airline's problems. “We understand we need to earn back your trust not with what we say, but with what we do and how we behave,” she said. She added that customers can expect more frequent flyer seats, improved resources for call centres, and a review of customer policies, assuring customers that their frontline teams will be granted more flexibility “to better help you when things don't go to plan”. “This has been a humbling period,” she said. Images: Qantas/ news.com.au

Travel Trouble

No apologies: Ben Roberts-Smith breaks silence

Former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has returned to Australia for the first time since losing his defamation case against Nine newspapers. Roberts-Smith touched down in Perth on June 14 and said he was shattered by the outcome of his defamation case against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. This is the first time he has spoken out publicly since the landmark ruling. "It was a terrible result and obviously the incorrect result. We will look at it and consider whether or not we need to file an appeal," Roberts-Smith said after landing in Perth. "There is not much more I can say about it ... we just have to work through it and I'll take the advice as it comes.” He was spotted checking into business class with his girlfriend in Queenstown, New Zealand prior to touching down in Perth. Roberts-Smith rules out apologising to families of the victims impacted by his actions in Afghanistan. "We haven't done anything wrong, so we won't be making any apologies," he said. As he was collecting his luggage at Perth airport, he was approached by a man who voiced his support for the former soldier. Roberts-Smith's return comes on the same day as reports that an Australian Federal Police investigation into his alleged war crimes had collapsed. The decision by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions not to prosecute Roberts-Smith based on evidence collected by the AFP has led to a new joint task force being assembled to investigate alleged executions. The task force is comprised of detectives from the specialist war crimes agency, the Office of the Special Investigator and a new team of federal police investigators not related to the abandoned AFP probe. Roberts-Smith did not appear in the Federal Court when a judge found allegations he murdered or was complicit in the killing of four unarmed Afghans while deployed overseas were "substantially true” in a bombshell defamation ruling. The former soldier insists there was never any foul play. Image credit: A Current Affair

News

"Trash show": The Project blasted over "hypocritical" apology

Former Project panellist Em Rusciano has taken aim at the show amid backlash over its airing of a controversial joke, accusing them of "throwing" a star "under the bus". Reuben Kaye, who identifies as queer, was speaking about the hate he receives for his sexuality and for dressing up in drag, specifically from the Christian community. “I love Jesus, I love any man who can get nailed for three days straight and come back for more,” Kaye said on the show, prompting a stunned reaction from host Waleed Aly and a chuckle from co-host Sarah Harris. Harris and other members of the panel had a laugh, but it appeared that Waleed Aly was a bit taken aback. Harris and Aly both <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/the-project-apologise-after-controversial-religious-joke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apologised to viewers</a>, but that didn’t stop the backlash, with some members of Australia’s Christian and Muslim communities planning to protest at Channel 10’s office over the joke. The Project’s social media posts have also been swamped by hashtags such as #CancelTheProject and #BoycottTheProject, and channel 9 star Omar Slaimankhel, the 2022 winner of The Block, alongside his friend Oz’ Abu Malik, has emerged as one of the highest-profile critics. Slaimankhel slammed the show on social media, particularly putting Harris on blast, accusing her of hypocrisy after laughing at the joke and then apologising afterwards. He shared a screenshot of Harris and Aly’s apology on Instagram, with the caption, “She was p*ssing herself laughing and now wants to apologise”, and a second screenshot of Kaye on the program with the words “Trash TV. Trash show”. Entertainment commentator Peter Ford, who is heard on radio nationwide, told <a href="http://news.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> he was of two minds” about whether the joke was actually that offensive, but said the backlash came at a critical time when The Project was already receiving a great deal of hate. “I’m of two minds to be honest – I don’t think the joke was incredibly offensive in my own personal view, but it seems that other people do think it was, and now it has become a big thing on social media, mainly on Twitter,” he said. “At the moment the show really has a target on its back – people really want to go for it and jump on anything they can to somehow try and bring the show down. “I suspect they’re spooked by all the sharks circling wanting to come after them and bring them down.” Mr Ford pointed out that while panellists were seen laughing at the joke on air at the time, it was a natural reaction given the pressurised environment of TV life. “It’s particularly a problem because they were seen to be laughing at the joke at the time, so you can’t then say the next night, ‘it was terrible, we’re so shocked’. But I understand that sometimes on air you hear a joke and think you have to laugh, otherwise you’re not doing your job, without having fully processed what was said,” he said. Mr Ford went on to say there were far greater problems the programme is facing than the latest backlash, which comes just months after the exodus of Lisa Wilkinson, Carrie Bickmore, Peter Heliar, and comedian Tommy Little. “Honestly, I don’t know how many people who were watching it on air at that time were shocked and offended … I think it’s unfortunate to have the hosts apologise on air, particularly if it’s not necessary to have done it – it seems there was no suggestion of advertisers pulling out, and no serious repercussions,” he added. “If they have these kneejerk reactions whenever people get angry on Twitter, it’s going to be taking up a lot of time every night, because people will always find something – people love to get angry. “I’m inclined to think if they’d not apologised, it may have worked in their favour to have something controversial, unplanned and potentially even offensive. Maybe that’s what people need to start thinking - maybe I’d better start watching The Project again.” “They create a rod for their own back when they start to do apologies, unless it’s really vital, or they are truly sincere.” Image credit: Instagram

Kamahl demands apology over racial tweet

Singer Kamahl has demanded that radio host Philip Adams issue him a public apology over the racial tweet he made in December where Adams dubbed Kamahl an “honorary white” over his relationship with the late cricketer Donald Bradman. Adams claims to have contacted Kamahl, who says he has been “humiliated” by the incident, but the Malaysian-born singer claims the apology never made it to him. “My understanding is that Mr Adams has written to Kamahl apologising for that,” ABC boss David Anderson said of the situation. “Privately written to him, apologising for that.” As reported by The Australian, Kamahl had plenty to say in response to Anderson. “I resent the fact that you have used the incident on public record as a defence of how you and your management have effectively dealt with this issue,” he wrote. “You stated on the public record that Adams had in fact reached out to me to apologise personally for his highly inappropriate comment. “Mr Anderson, let me clarify, the only action that Adams has taken to date in dealing with this issue is to block me on Twitter and double down on his initial slur in which he referred to me as an ‘honorary white’.” “Bradman refused to meet Mandela?” Adams posted in a now deleted tweet. “Why do you think Sir Donald Bradman refused to meet Mandela?” Kamahl responded. “Why do you think the greatest ever 'spotsman' welcomed me at his home from August 1988 every year, till he left us in 2001?” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Why do you think Sir Donald Bradman refused to meet Mandela ? Why do you think the greatest ever 'spotsman' welcomed me at his home from August 1988 every year, till he left us in 2001? He also left me letters he wrote every year. Why Phillip ?<a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialKamahl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialKamahl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PhillipAdams_1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PhillipAdams_1</a> — Kamahl AM (@OfficialKamahl) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialKamahl/status/1607369967628095489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote> “Clearly, Kamahl, he made you an Honorary White. Whereas one of the most towering political figures of the 20th century was deemed unworthy of Bradman's approval," Adams fired back. Kamahl went on to tell Adams that responded he “may be white, but oh your soul is black!” The term ‘honorary white’ is said to have originated during South Africa’s Apartheid regime in the 1960s to grant the rights and the privileges of white people to those who would otherwise be considered ‘non-white’ at the time. Many share Kamahl’s belief that Adams’ apology should be as public as his initial words. As reporter Peter Ford said on 6PR Breakfast, “you get the feeling that they told him to write this apology and send it to get him off our backs and it’d all go away, and I don’t think that’s good enough.” Kamahl and his followers have been vocal on Twitter about his desire for an appropriate apology, and the impact of Adams’ words, but only time will tell if Adams is to step up and offer one. Images: Twitter

News

Harry and Meghan reject Jeremy Clarkson’s apology

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have shot down Jeremy Clarkson’s apology following his scathing piece about them in The Sun at the close of 2022. The Top Gear star wrote the piece in the wake of the release of the couple’s Netflix documentary series, in which he explained how much he “hates” the Duchess of Sussex. The article, which was the most complained about and was removed from the website, saw Clarkson apologise for his words. It has now been revealed that the Sussexes have rejected Clarkson’s grovelling apology after it came out that Clarkson’s Farm and The Grand Tour series may be dropped by Amazon Prime. “On December 25, 2022, Mr Clarkson wrote solely to Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex,” read a response from the Sussexes’ representatives. “The contents of his correspondence were marked Private and Confidential. “While a new public apology has been issued today by Mr Clarkson, what remains to be addressed is his long standing pattern of writing articles that spread hate rhetoric, dangerous conspiracy theories, and misogyny. “Unless each of his other pieces were also written ‘in a hurry’, as he states, it is clear that this is not an isolated incident shared in haste, but rather a series of articles shared in hate.” Clarkson has now taken to Instagram to publicly apologise to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and to explain why he wrote such a piece. “I really am sorry. All the way from the balls of my feet to the follicles on my head. This is me putting my hands up. It’s a mea culpa with bells on,” his apology read. “Usually, I read what I’ve written to someone else before filing, but I was home alone on that fateful day, and in a hurry. So when I’d finished, I just pressed send. And then, when the column appeared the next day, the land mine exploded. “It was a slow rumble to start with and I ignored it. But then the rumble got louder. So I picked up a copy of The Sun to see what all the fuss was about. “We’ve all been there, I guess. In that precise moment when we suddenly realise we’ve completely messed up. “You’re sweaty and cold at the same time. And your head pounds. And you feel sick. “I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Had I really said that? It was horrible.” Clarkson then went on to attempt to justify his reasoning for the article in which he claims he was thinking of an episode of Game of Thrones while writing the piece. “I was very angry with myself because in all those controversial days on Top Gear, when I was accused of all sorts of things, it was very rarely sexism.” He mentioned a few instances during Top Gear in which women drove faster laps than men, or the fact that there was never a segment about women not being able to park. Clarkson insisted that he wasn’t sexist, but went on to say: “I’m just not sexist and I abhor violence against women. And yet I seemed to be advocating just that. I was mortified and so was everyone else. My phone went mad. Very close friends were furious. Even my own daughter took to Instagram to denounce me. “The Sun quickly apologised, and I tried to explain myself. But still, there were calls for me to be sacked and charged with a hate crime.” <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/Cnep9lSsnie/?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/Cnep9lSsnie/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jeremy Clarkson (@jeremyclarkson1)</a> </div> </blockquote> “More than <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/british-lawmakers-demand-jeremy-clarkson-apologise-to-meghan-markle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">60 MPs demanded action to be taken</a>. “ITV, who make Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and Amazon, who make the Farm Show and the Grand Tour, were incandescent. “I therefore wrote to everyone who works with me saying how sorry I was and then on Christmas morning, I emailed Harry and Meghan in California to apologise to them too. “I said I was baffled by what they had been saying on TV but that the language I’d used in my column was disgraceful and that I was profoundly sorry. “Over the last thirty years, I have written very nearly five thousand newspaper and magazine columns, so it was inevitable that one day, I’d do a Harry Kane and sky one of the damn things. Which is what happened with the piece about Meghan. “So can I move on now? Not sure. It’s hard to be interesting and vigilant at the same time. You never hear pearls of laughter coming from a health and safety seminar. But I promise you this, I will try. “Who knows? Very soon now I shall be a grandfather so in future, maybe I’ll just write about that.” Images: Netflix / Wikipedia

News

The Block’s Scott Cam issues public apology

Two contestants on The Block have received a rare apology, delivered by host Scott Cam on behalf of the show amid claims of “unfair” treatment. Sunday night’s episode of the show saw contestants Omar and Oz fuming as they were the only team unable to present their work-from-home space. After the show’s builder ran out of time to finish the roof on the team’s shed due to bad weather, the duo questioned why their shed was left until last - something which they say has happened repeatedly during the season. “We’re the only contestants on The Block that doesn’t have a roof on their shed at the moment,” Omar said. “It does feel like we haven’t had the right end of the deal on this Block at all. We’re still trying to produce rooms, and it’s finally come to a stage where we’re being told ‘You’re not going to get the room [finished]. “It’s not fair, that’s for sure.” While foremen Keith and Dan had apologised to the team and offered them the option to get help from their brothers - who were onsite for a family visit - to paint the space to make up for their lack of a roof, Omaz and Oz politely refused. The pair predicted that the first-of-its-kind Block offer would just lead to complaints from the other teams who didn’t receive the same allowance. As a result, the shed was left with tarps up and water damage by the time judging came around, ruining Omar and Oz’s chances of winning this week. Ahead of the judging, Cam addressed the pair’s complaints and apologised. :On a personal note, I want to apologise to Omar and Oz on behalf of The Block. What with the rain we’ve had over the last month, we were unable to finish your shed – and therefore, you were unable to finish your room. So for that, we say sorry,” he told them. The host said he had also instructed the judges to evaluate the room as if it was finished, before revealing that there had been some changes to the judging panel. Judges Neale Whittaker and Shaynna Blaze were absent from Sunday’s episode after they both contracted Covid. As the one remaining judge, Darren Palmer was joined by former Block winners Alisa and Lysandra. Despite setbacks beyond their control, Omar and Oz claimed third place for their shed, with Tom and Sarah-Jane earning their fifth win for theirs, which included a home office, wine tasting area and home entertainment room. The episode ended on a high note for all the contestants, who received the good news that they would be getting a new $90,000 budget to complete the landscaping on their sprawling blocks. Images: Nine

Real Estate

James Corden's grovelling apology after being accused of "abusive" restaurant behaviour

James Corden has made a grovelling apology after being blasted by a New York restauranteur for "abusive" behaviour towards his staff. Restaurant owner Keith McNally condemned Corden in a lengthy Instagram post in which he <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/james-corden-banned-from-restaurant-over-abusive-behaviour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared allegations</a> of the talk show host behaving unacceptably in his renowned restaurants, resulting in McNally banning Corden from attending his restaurants. After the post garnered global attention, the restauranteur shared another post in which he claimed Corden called him to apologise for his behaviour. The post reads, "James Corden just called me and apologised profusely. Having f***ed up myself more than most people, I strongly believe in second chances." "So if James Corden lets me host his Late Late Show for 9 months, I’ll immediately rescind his ban from Balthazar. No, of course not. But....anyone magnanimous enough to apologize to a deadbeat layabout like me (and my staff) doesn’t deserve to be banned from anywhere. Especially Balthazar." "So Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Corden, Jimmy Corden. All is Forgiven. xx" Despite hearing of his apology, many fans were suspicious of Corden's motives. One person commented, "Of course he apologised. He’s being dragged everywhere online. The only form of an acceptable apology is changed behaviour." Another said, "Funny how he was apologetic after every news outlet picked up this story." Others suggested that it wasn't McNally's place to forgive the behaviour when it was it staff who allegedly copped the brunt of it. One person said, "Why apologise to you and not the staff?" while another added, "He should attend Balthazar again and order just a beer and leave a $2000 tip and a written apology to your wonderful staff." Image credits: Getty Images

Food & Wine

"I'm so sorry I had to do this": Thief leaves hand-written apology and desperate promise

One desperate thief had left behind quite a sad note after committing a crime in Auckland. In an interesting turn of events, a couple had woken up to find their car had been broken into and the battery was stolen overnight. The offender had left behind a hand-written note in the engine addressed to the victims, apologising to them. The note read: “I’m so sorry I had to do this. When I am in a fortunate position I will put $200 in your wipers.” One of the victims shared: “The thief actually left a nice note. Don’t feel half as angry as I should but still have no way to get to work.” The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald that while she should have been furious she wishes the offender had knocked on the door asking for help instead. “I personally felt a bit sorry that he was in such strife that he turned to crime. So I should have been angry - and probably would have been if he hadn’t left the note. “It’s tough out there for some and getting worse. I’d probably have just bloody given him the money if he’d knocked on the door.” Her husband also showed immense sympathy, despite having their privacy violated and being stolen from. “I couldn’t even feel angry about it in the end. It was more or less an apology. We’re all living hard lives at the moment with inflation and the cost of living going up, it’s sad that there is someone out there going around that desperate." While showing sympathy for the offender, the victims also described the note as “strange” given they were able to rip a battery out “in a hurry” but had enough time to “write and deposit a note”. Image: NZ Herald

Legal

Nine issues apology for false "upskirt" claims

Nine has issued an apology and hefty defamation payout to former federal MP Andrew Laming after accusing him of “upskirting a woman”. The media publication ran a series on the Queenslander in March 2021 where they accused him of harassing a woman in her workplace and taking photos from under her skirt. Before legal proceedings began, Mr Laming asked Nine to remove the stories from their platforms, issue a public apology and pay his legal fees. Nine went on to win a prestigious Walkley Award in the television/video news reporting category and refused Mr Laming’s requests. This led to the former federal MP to take Nine to court for defamation that had caused him “hurt and humiliation”. The details of the win are yet to be made public but it is estimated that Mr Laming’s court fees cost around the $1 million mark. Mr Laming issued a statement following the court win, revealing that Nine has finally acknowledged their mistake. “Nine’s apology to me has just been read on to the record in the Federal Court,” his statement read. “The broadcaster has finally acknowledged that allegations they broadcast last year were not true. “I was denied that due process and a fair hearing in the media, but it has come today. “Two weeks ago, Nine dropped all of its defences to my claim. Today it acknowledged seeing material convincing it to unreservedly withdraw the serious allegations it made; and to publicly apologise to me and my family. It is highly commendable that they, like many senior political and media figures previously, have agreed to right wrongs and apologise when presented with the facts. “As I stated over a year ago, the stream of bizarre allegations came from political critics. None of it was true. The hurt and humiliation was borne by my family, my friends and work colleagues. At the time, there was no media interest in any facts that might threaten that narrative. “I leave today with confidence in our defamation laws and our courts. Australians can remain proud of our free press that requires the media to report matters of public interest in a fair and balanced way. And when mistakes are made, as they were in my case, correct the record and apologise.” Image: Twitter

Legal

Photographer demands apology from Lisa Wilkinson

The photographer who snapped Lisa Wilkinson's solo dinner in Melbourne has hit back at The Project host, demanding an apology. Lisa took to Instagram earlier in the week to call out the photographer who left her feeling “totally violated” as he took photos of her eating dinner and enjoying a cocktail on her own over the weekend. She has also since addressed the photos on The Project when her co-hosts made light of the situation. Her original post came after the Daily Mail published the pictures in an “exclusive” article which chronicled her every move during the meal in great detail. “Lisa Wilkinson sips on a margarita as she dines alone at a restaurant in Melbourne following The Project’s recent panellist shake-up,” the article’s headline read. Furious at the story, Lisa slammed the article in a lengthy post while referring to a “creepy old guy” she had seen walking past “half a dozen times”. In response, the photographer published an <a href="https://www.michaelsmithnews.com/2022/03/open-letter-to-lisa-wilkinson-from-the-creepy-old-man-who-took-her-margarita-quaffing-photo.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">open letter</a> to Lisa on the independent Michael Smith News website, saying he took issue with the "creepy old guy" jab. “Let me introduce myself – I'm Steve – and I'm the ‘creepy old man’ who photographed you sipping margaritas during a quiet dinner alone the other day in Melbourne. Who would have thought ‘that’ would turn into ‘this’?” he began. “Let’s deal with the ‘creepy old man’ reference first. I’m actually 10 years younger than you are, so, Lisa, what does that make you? An ‘old old woman’? Of course not, and shame on anyone who refers to you as that because it’s degrading, sexist and downright offensive." Getting down to “brass tacks”, Steve then questioned the journalist’s claims she was “aware” of him taking photos of her. “You claim you were aware of a guy. ‘He was incredibly menacing. I saw him walk past half a dozen times, staring at me.’ “Really? Here’s the thing. I did not walk past you once. Hundreds of other people did though as you’d expect given where you were sitting – in the front window of a busy hotel on possibly Melbourne’s busiest street,” he added. “People know your face, Lisa. They’re going to look,” he said. He went on to call out Lisa's "hypocrisy" for calling out the photographer violating her privacy, given her career as a journalist has often included exposing private matters. “Today you work as a presenter on The Project delving into all matters’ private,” he added. “You claim to be an intensely private person, but have an Instagram account where you post about the dress you wore, the ‘shiny’ new hair do, how proud you are of your daughter. Private stuff." “It is just nonsense. It’s the same entertainment journalism that pays your $2 million a year salary.” He concluded the letter saying Lisa should apologise to him, before signing off as "Steve (aka the creepy old man". Lisa has yet to respond to the letter. Image credits: Getty Images <div id="indie-campaign-rHsIzpAmAj7xkA4llYlH-2" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px;" data-campaign-name="NCA ENTERTAINMENT newsletter" data-campaign-indie="newsletter-signup" data-jira="TSN-268" data-from="1640955600000" data-to="1677502800000"></div>

Channel 9 forced to issue apology to QEII

Channel Nine has been forced to issue an apology to Queen Elizabeth after A Current Affair aired a segment insinuating Her Majesty was using ivermectin to treat Covid. Both the US Food and Drug Administration and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration strongly warn against taking the “dangerous” drug to treat the virus, but it has frequently been championed by anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists. On Monday night's episode of ACA, the program used stock footage of Stromectol, a brand of ivermectin, when interviewee Dr Mukesh Haikerwal was discussing approved medications that can be used for high-risk Covid patients. The segment centred around Queen Elizabeth, who tested positive for Covid on Sunday. Despite the footage being used in the segment, Dr Haikerwal, a Melbourne GP and former Australian Medical Association president, does not recommend ivermectin for use of treating Covid. The online segment has since been edited to remove the controversial drug, with Nine Network issuing an apology. “The shot was included as a result of human error,” the network said in a statement. “We were highlighting an approved infusion medication called Sotrovimab and the report accidentally cut to a shot of Stromectol – a product which contains ivermectin." “We did not intend to suggest Dr Mukesh Hawikerwal endorsed Stromectol. We’ve apologised to him this morning and he has accepted that apology. “We do not suggest the Queen is using ivermectin.” Before the segments edited, it was circulated widely online by ivermectin supporters in the anti-vaxx community. One clip still being circulated on Twitter, and has garnered more than 2 million views. Dr Hawikerwal used Twitter to share that the ivermectin images had been inadvertently used in the segment, adding he was grateful for people alerting him to the issue. “This video has been used a lot here in Brazil by anti-vaxxers who claimed that the Queen was using ivermectin to treat Covid-19,” one person wrote on Twitter to Dr Hawikerwal. “Thank you my friend for helping to clarify this misunderstanding that is being used to spread fake news here in Brazil. Ivermectin has become a political ideology here,” another wrote. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

“How dare you”: PM’s ‘apology’ to Stolen Generations slammed

Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe is among many Indigenous leaders who have <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10509713/Aboriginal-senator-Lidia-Thorpe-blasts-Scott-Morrison-Stolen-Generations-speech.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">criticised</a> Prime Minister Scott Morrison for asking for forgiveness on the anniversary of Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generations.Mr Morrison spoke about the anniversary in a speech to Parliament on Monday, marking 14 years since former Prime Minister Rudd made the historic apology.The Rudd government issued the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples in 2008, acknowledging the historic laws and policies that led to the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities.Mr Morrison said an apology involves “standing in the middle ground exposed, vulnerable and seeking forgiveness”.“And as I said when I spoke in support of the original motion here in this place on the other side of the Chamber 14 years ago, sorry can never be given without any expectation of forgiveness. But there can be hope,” Mr Morrison said.“Forgiveness is never earned or deserved. It’s an act of courage. And it is a gift that only those who have been wounded, damaged and destroyed can offer.“Forgiveness transcends all of that. It’s an act of grace. It’s an act of courage. And it is a gift that only those who have been wounded, damaged and destroyed can offer.“I also said 14 years ago, ‘sorry is not the hardest word to say, the hardest is I forgive you’.”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is outright disrespect to all those effected by Stolen Generations in this country. How dare you ask for forgiveness when you still perpetrate racist policies and systems that continue to steal our babies. That is not an apology. <a href="https://t.co/3VG6OcVGuN">pic.twitter.com/3VG6OcVGuN</a>— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@SenatorThorpe) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorThorpe/status/1493049463166083072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>Following Mr Morrison’s speech, Senator Thorpe shared her criticism of the Prime Minister on Twitter, saying he had shown “outright disrespect” to members of the Stolen Generations.“This is outright disrespect to all those affected by Stolen Generations in this country,” the Greens member wrote.“How dare you ask for forgiveness when you still perpetrate racist policies and systems that continue to steal our babies. That is not an apology.”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our official* response to what Scott Morrison said today: *polite <a href="https://t.co/DRsrdGvcV1">pic.twitter.com/DRsrdGvcV1</a>— First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria (@firstpeoplesvic) <a href="https://twitter.com/firstpeoplesvic/status/1493069336940285953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>The <a href="https://www.firstpeoplesvic.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria</a>, the organisation responsible for developing a treaty with the state government, also released a statement on Twitter, simply stating: “Get in the bin.”Marcus Stewart, a co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly, later shared a translation of the statement in Taungurung - the language spoken by the Taungurung people whose country encompasses much of central Victoria.“Some people have said our media release was rude,” he captioned the photo of the translated statement.“For the haters, is it more poetic in language?”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Some people have said our media release was rude. For the haters, is it more poetic in language? <a href="https://t.co/rDa4zz7b0p">pic.twitter.com/rDa4zz7b0p</a>— Marcus Stewart (@marcusbstewart) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcusbstewart/status/1493128028305903619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt also made a statement marking the anniversary in Parliament, where he said that although acknowledging “the wrongdoing can ease some suffering, it will never remove it”.Image: House of Representatives

News

Grace Tame blasts Scott Morrison for "last minute" apology

Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame has slammed Scott Morrison’s apology to victims of alleged sexual assault and bullying in parliament as an “electioneering stunt”, calling on the federal government to do more to improve the culture within the building.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">How about some proactive, preventative measures and not just these performative, last-minute bandaid electioneering stunts?— Grace Tame (@TamePunk) <a href="https://twitter.com/TamePunk/status/1490857732563701760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>The Prime Minister, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce issued statements acknowledging victims of sexual harrassment and bullying in Parliament House.The statements were made in both the House of Representatives and the Senate on Tuesday, with Brittany Higgins and six other women present in the gallery.Both Mr Morrison and Mr Albanese directly addressed Ms Higgins, acknowledging her bravery in coming forward to share her story.The statements were the first recommendation of the independent Jenkins review into workplace culture within Parliament that was conducted last year.The review was sparked by Ms Higgins’ allegations that she was raped in a ministerial office.It found there was a “boys club” culture of “bullying, sexual harrassment and sexual assault”, and that one in three staff working within the parliamentary offices had experienced sexual harrassment.Just after midday, Mr Morrison rose and delivered his formal apology to victims in the House of Representatives.“I rise to recognise all of those who are why we are here today making this acknowledgement. I particularly want to acknowledge Ms Brittany Higgins, whose experience, and more importantly courage, is the reason we are all here today. And I want to thank her for that,” Mr Morrison <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/grace-tame-calls-for-more-action-after-scott-morrison-apology-to-women-of-parliament-hous/news-story/1a1f687e4df7cd8f1d1f9346f4cd52c2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/scomo-soz-clip_Trim.mp4" alt="" /><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/scomo-soz-clip_Trim.mp4" alt="" />He said members of parliament understood “the power of an apology” to “bring healing and bring change”, referencing former prime minister Kevin Rudd’s apology to Indigenous Australians.“I am proud that this is a chamber in which we have done this on so many occasions,” he said.“I am sorry. We are sorry. I am sorry to Ms Higgins for the terrible things that took place here. And the place that should have been a place for safety and contribution, turned out to be a nightmare.“But I am sorry for far more than that. For all of those who came before Ms Higgins and endured the same. But she had the courage to stand, and so here we are.”Ms Higgins left the chamber in tears and was briefly comforted by fellow former Liberal staffer Rachelle Miller, who returned to the gallery soon after.Though she didn’t return, Ms Higgins was mentioned by name in other acknowledgements by Mr Albanese, Greens MP Adam Bandt and Independent MP Zali Steggall.Ms Higgins’ close friend, Ms Tame, wasn’t present for the apologies but took to Twitter to call for more concrete action.“How about some proactive, preventative measures and not just these performative, last-minute bandaid electioneering stunts?” she wrote.Despite sparking the workplace review, Ms Higgins was not initially on the invite list for the formal apology.“Naturally, I would love to be there. It would be quite a full circle moment of closure to be honest,” she told news.com.au on Monday.Members of the public - including former staffers such as Ms Higgins - have been unable to attend Parliament due to Covid rules, but an invitation was later extended to Ms Higgins after <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/brittany-higgins-reveals-she-hasnt-been-invited-to-parliaments-apology-to-victims-of-alleged-sexual-assault/news-story/43bf9d2e0f9c0c8f8e7f34dbe0570963" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au reported</a> on the issue.Images: Parliament of Australia / Getty Images

News

"I'm so sorry": Adele issues teary apology

Pop legend Adele has made a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/im-really-sorry-adeles-shock-announcement-on-eve-of-vegas-residency/news-story/92152db4a75ff220d6ff3aae7d233d03" target="_blank">teary announcement</a> online that shocked fans, revealing she has postponed her highly-anticipated Las Vegas residency the day before it was due to open. The 33-year-old was due to debut her Weekends with Adele residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Friday, January 21, playing two shows every weekend until April. But, just 24 hours before her first show, Adele took to Instagram to make her announcement. She explained that she “wasn’t ready” for the residency, first announced in November 2021, due to Covid and other production delays. <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CY-AYtZAgp-/?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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CY-AYtZAgp-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Adele (@adele)</a> </div> </blockquote> “I’m so sorry, but my show ain’t ready. We’ve tried absolutely everything that we can to pull it together and have it ready in time for you, but we’ve been absolutely destroyed by delivery delays and Covid,” she began in the clip. “Half my crew, half my team are down with Covid - still are. It’s been impossible to finish the show. I can’t give you what I have right now, and I’m gutted,” she continued. “I’m sorry it’s so last-minute. We’ve been awake for over 30 hours now trying to figure it out and … we’ve run out of time. I’m so upset and I’m really embarrassed and I’m so sorry to everyone that’s travelled again. “I’m really, really sorry. We’re on it, we’re going to reschedule all of the dates, and I’m going to finish my show and get it to where it’s supposed to be. “It’s been impossible. We’ve been up against so much and it just ain’t ready.” <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW53ZoEgv-m/?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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW53ZoEgv-m/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Adele (@adele)</a> </div> </blockquote> The star’s announcement even seemed to take the venue by surprise, with Caesars Palace still listing the start date as January 21 on its website. Though Adele has simply said that “all dates will be rescheduled” in a caption accompanying her announcement, it’s unclear how many of the shows will be affected. Adele is expected to earn almost $1 million per show, with The Sun reporting that the singer will also enjoy some perks during her stay at the famed location. The casino will provide the Easy On Me singer with a “$56,000-a-night private suite accessible at any time during the residency, a butler, an executive assistant, chauffeur and security”, as well as free food and drinks for her and any guests staying at a Caesars resort. Image: @adele (Instagram)

Music

Sunrise presenter issues tearful apology to Adele

<div> <div class="reply-list-component"> <div class="reply-component"> <div class="reply-body-component"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply-body-wrapper"> <div class="reply-body-inner"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Image: Getty & Sunrise Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran gave an unreserved apology to Adele and her loyal fans after the “terrible” oversight that led him to interviewing the global singing megastar without having listened to her new album first. Doran addressed the controversy on Weekend Sunrise for the first time since reports emerged of the interview which he flew to London to conduct. The Channel 7 personality admitted to being in the wrong, having endured a “torrent of abuse and mockery”, but also set the record straight regarding how the error came about. “I want to address something that’s made headlines this week,” Doran said on Saturday. “This is a story that has sparked a torrent of abuse and mockery around the world. If I’m being honest with you, the bulk of this abuse I deserve and totally own. I flew to London to interview Adele – an unspeakable privilege that was meant to be one of the highlights of my career.” He went on to explain that he made the “terrible mistake of assuming” that Adele’s album 30 would not be supplied to him prior to the interview, as it was being conducted prior to the album's global release. “The day after we landed in London, an email came through from Sony which didn’t mention Adele but contained a link to her album,” he said. “The genuine, dead-set, hand-on-heart truth is that I missed it. By an absurdly long margin, the most important email I’ve ever missed in my life.” “At least half the interview was focused squarely on the new music,” he said. “I thought it was reductive to describe it as simply about divorce, that it was about empowerment, and would inspire people to summon the courage to steer their lives in a new direction. “We spoke of the paradox that is being the world’s most famous artist - but hating fame. “Throughout the 29 minutes, Adele was profound, she was funny, she was raw and then she was honest. Honest enough to describe her depression as ‘end-of-the-world stuff’. The Weekend Sunrise presenter admitted to insulting Adele by missing the link to listen to the new album. “But by missing the album link, however I might try to justify it, I’ve insulted Adele,” he said. “To Adele I say: I’d never have knowingly disrespected you by deliberately not listening to your work. “I’m so sorry. “I also apologise to Adele’s Australian fans - who through my error have been denied this interview and the insight into her character.” Doran pointed to the lyrics of the tenth track, Hold On: “Sometimes forgiveness is easiest in secret.” “I’m not expecting that forgiveness,” he said. “But I do owe you an apology.” </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Music

Thomas Markle Jr pens apology letter to sister Meghan

Thomas Markle Jr opened up about his relationship with estranged half-sister Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Big Brother VIP on Monday night, with the support of fellow housemate and former Survivor favourite Luke Toki. On Monday night’s episode, Toki, who’s been developing a friendship with Markle, was called into the diary room and asked to read the infamous letter Markle wrote to Prince Harry. In the letter, Markle urged Harry to reconsider his marriage, and called the pair’s marriage “the biggest mistake in royal wedding history”. Toki was asked for his thoughts on the letter, and he was incredibly supportive of his newfound friend, saying, “He’s so upset, he’s seen his sister being given so many opportunities. Some people like to climb the corporate ladder and not look back. I understand - there are two sides to every tale. “But from everything I know - I like Tom, and I think he loves his sister. As brothers and sisters we give each other s**t and we fight and get back together. At the end of the day family is family. “Tom really wants to reconnect with his sister - he loves his sister,” Toki said while tearing up and adding, “I’m actually getting quite emotional over this - sorry.” Asked by Big Brother if this struck a chord with him, Toki replied, “A little bit… A little bit… I haven’t spoken to my sister for the last two or three years, I just started speaking to her again. "Family is family and deep down the love is always going to be there, it doesn’t matter what happens.” Toki was then asked to convince Markle to write an apology to Meghan, which Markle agreed to do. Asked what it was like growing up with Meghan, Markle said, “It was fun. There was a whole lot of love growing up. Her first nickname as a child was ‘flower' because her bedroom she had these decorative flowers over her crib, so when she woke up that’s the first thing she would see.” “She’s my sister and she’s my blood and I love the hell out of her.” After taking some time to write the letter, Markle read it aloud. He had written, ”Dear Meghan and Harry, the first thing I want to say to you two is that I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart for the awful, mean letter I wrote to you prior to your wedding. “I want both of you to know that it didn’t come from the real person I am, but came from the very dark, hurt part of my heart. I am not a mean person at all and I have more love inside me to give than anyone I know. “The letter was definitely written from my feeling hurt and confused from your response that I was ‘distant family’ and that you ‘didn’t know those people’. I was hurt and confused because of the amazing bond and relationship we shared growing up together, and all I could do was put up a defensive wall to protect my heart. “I know that the letter was immature and wrong and I truly regret it. When your relationship with Harry first became known to the public, I - along with all of our family - became public figures overnight - no more privacy. “Let me tell you, It was very, very stressful to deal with it all alone with no help at all. A real nightmare and constant pressure, and I if I could turn back the clock and do it all over knowing what I know now. I would never have tried to communicate any of my feeling to the media. I feel like a complete ass after what I’ve done and I am truly sorry for that. “Meg, if I could turn the clock back, I would tell you that I'm so, so proud of you and I'm truly happy for you and Harry and I love you. You’re my little sister, my family, and you always will be. Now you’ve found the love of your life and started a family of your own, I couldn’t be more proud. “The last several years of my life I have grown and learned more about myself, and I must say what I did to you with that letter is quite possibly the biggest mistake of my life. I hope you and Harry can find it in your hearts to accept my sincere apology because this is the real Tom Markle. I truly love you guys. I wish you, Harry and Meghan, and Archie and Lili the happiest most loving life possible. Sincerely, your big brother, Tom.” Following the exercise, Markle said it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and that he felt indebted to Big Brother, who confirmed he would be sending the letter to the couple. “I’ve grown exponentially since my stay here,” Markle added. Image: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

Family & Pets

Lisa Wilkinson’s blunt apology on The Project

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post-body-container"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in">COVID refuses to slow down in NSW, and now Victoria has made the decision to go into a snap seven day lockdown following eight cases in the state. On Thursday, Sydney also announced 286 new cases. During Thursday’s episode of The Project, Lisa Wilkinson took a moment to apologise to Victorians. She blamed the spread on mixed messaging from the government. “I must say, this afternoon when the news broke, that you guys are going into lockdown from 8 pm tonight, you know, there are a lot of us in Sydney who feel like we need to apologise to you guys because all this comes from what happened six weeks or so ago with that Bondi cluster that happened.” She went on to say: “And the problem was the messaging from the very beginning and, look, I don’t know - we have all become experts, but watching this unfold it feels like the problem sheets back to the original mixed messaging, where the lockdown was not hard enough and people wanted a hard lockdown. We wanted to know what the rules were, so we could follow them and get out of it quickly. “Victoria proves every time that the minute you get an outbreak there, you stamp on it and you get back to normal life again it is a pity it is happening for you guys for the sixth time now.” Premier Daniel Andrews said that ideally he would prefer to wait a few more days before calling a lockdown, however health officials are calling for quick reactions. “The alternative is we let this get away from us and our hospitals will be absolutely overwhelmed — not hundreds of patients but thousands,” he said. Victoria’s acting chief health officer Professor Ben Cowie said stay at home restrictions would be reintroduced. From 8 pm on Thursday, only five reasons to leave home will be allowed in Melbourne and Greater Victoria: • Obtaining the food and supplies you need • Exercising for up to two hours • For care or caregiving • Authorised work or education • To get vaccinated at the nearest possible location. Victorians also must wear face masks indoors and outdoors. Mr Andrews has revealed virus fragments have been found in wastewater throughout the state. “We have a sewage test that has detected Covid-19 in the northeast, Wangaratta sewage test has pinged, firstly positive, then it went negative, now it’s gone positive again,” he said. “We have some reason to believe there is Covid-19 in that community or has been in that community.”</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper"> <div class="post-actions-component"> <div class="upper-row"> <div class="right-box-container"></div> </div> </div> </div>

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What’s your apology language?

Just as there are love languages, there are also different “apology languages” that reflect how we express ourselves when we’re sorry. Understanding your apology language, and that of your partner’s, can be a positive influence on your relationship and help you both reconcile after conflict. What’s an apology language? Conflicts occur in every relationship to some degree, and reconciling with a loved one can be a tricky task. Simply put, your apology language describes the way you express your regret or try to make amends with others. The term was first coined by Gary Chapman in his book with co-author Jennifer Thomas, The Five Languages of Apology in 2008, who also penned The Five Love Languages. Our apology language of choice can often be traced to our upbringing. “As children, we all learned subtly different ways to make and receive apologies when there’s been a breach in the relationship,” said Gretta Duleba, a Seattle-based therapist. While some of us never learned how to apologise, others learned to emphasise remorse, reparations or empathy. “Knowing your personal style can help you educate your partner, cultivate more creative solutions, and change future behaviour in a way that allows the apology to aid in genuine repair,” said Louis Laves-Webb, an Austin-based therapist. According to Laves-Webb, there are several common styles of apology, including the following four. 1. Words of ownership: talking Unsurprisingly, this apology style relies on using words to acknowledge your past actions and how you’ll change your behaviour in the future. As Laves-Webb says, “Words matter.” 2. Words of ownership: writing If you get flustered during high-pressure conversations, conveying apologies in written form might be your style. Whether that involves writing a thoughtful email or leaving a nice note for the other person, this strategy can also be useful if you feel like tensions are still high. 3. Acts of service For some people, apologising through specific actions may be the best fit. But, if you think this is your apology language it’s important to be specific in the moves you make to show your regret. 4. Physical service Do you crave hugs or physical connection after a conflict to ask for forgiveness? Then your apology language is physical touch. “Physical closeness and physically bonding as a means of apologising can be reparative, soothing, and genuine,” Laves-Webb said. “When physical closeness is combined with true ownership and sincere apologetic sentiments, it can create a unique brand of apologising that not only acknowledges the hurt but simultaneously offers positive affirmation.” What to do if you and your partner’s languages differ Once you have determined what your apology language is, it’s important to figure out what category your partner and other important people in your life fall into, and it can be as simple as asking them! If you find your apology languages differ, doing your best to understand the other person’s language and ensuring they know yours is the best way to move forward. Laves-Webb also suggests ditching the rule of treating others the way you want to be treated. Instead, you should treat others the way they would like to be treated. “Learning your partner’s apology language and making a concerted effort to ‘speak’ in their language can bring about better communication, openness, and emotional understanding,” he said.

Relationships

Prince Charles and Camilla’s “love child” reveals APOLOGY from UK Police

A Queensland man who claims to be the secret love child of Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla has revealed he received a ground-breaking apology from UK authorities. Simon Dorante-Day says he received the formal letter in 2014, from the Metropolitan Police. He was sensationally blocked from entering the UK back in 2012, claiming he was preparing to fly to England to investigate his royal paternity claims when he and his wife were placed on a “no travel list”. The 55-year-old was blocked despite being a citizen in Britain and his wife not even owning a passport. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840989/simon-dorante-day-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ca37ea0ff5af4f429e8af7c34cfc85a2" /> Dorante-Day told 7NEWS.com.au that the move was made in an attempt to stop his investigation. “I first went public with my belief that Charles and Camilla are my parents in 2005,” he said. “I wrote a letter to the Paget Inquiry, set up (in 2004) to investigate Diana’s death, outlining all my evidence - which came about after more than a decade of solid research. “They took my claims seriously and I believe Prince Charles was interviewed as a result. “Since then, a lot of strange things have happened to me and my family - one of them, was that my wife Elvianna and I were blocked from the UK.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840985/simon-dorante-day-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d1b10492c59d4f9d94bc3f78eaaa90e1" /> The Australian-British man says it was done in a bid to silence his claims. “There’s a lot at stake if this comes out,” he said. “And how much is the UK government silencing the royal family or controlling what happens here? That’s my main question. “I don’t think the royal family can control this alone, and I think to a certain degree the government is still under the thumb of the royal family. What they can or can’t say – the lines of succession.” Dorante-Day released the letter, saying its important people read the apology he received. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840987/simon-dorante-day-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/80fd9df545ca486b973d1e7d695a4805" /> The formal letter from the Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards told him that he and his wife had been removed from the notification list “mentioned in your letter of complaint”. “There are a lot of people out there who think my claims are based just on photo similarities or the words of my grandmother,” Dorante-Day said. “But there is so much that has happened in the background, a lot of communication with authorities in the UK and legal battles that people don’t know. I’ve researched this for decades, and every road has lead me back to Charles and Camilla. “So I want people to read this letter and see that my claims were so serious, it even led to UK authorities banning me from the UK. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840988/simon-dorante-day.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cda5ee4e2f604a8287380cda2aea1f4f" /> “They were clearly in the wrong, which is why they had to retract it - and formally apologise to me.” Dorante-Day says that Detective Inspector David Smith, who was head of Royal Security at the time, described the ban to him as “without justification” and “extremely harassing”. Please allow me to apologise on behalf of the Metropolitan Police for any upset and concern this situation has caused your family and hopefully you are able to move on,” Smith’s formal letter said. Dorante-Day says he wants answers. “I want a result on this one way or another – that’s all I’m after,” he said. “I don’t want the money, the fame. I just want to know who my parents are. I don’t want my children to go through what I have to find out answers, and I will do what I have to to make it happen. “But I won’t stop. The truth will come out eventually.”

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