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The Journal
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
US singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to ‘bottle attack' charge
R&B SINGER CHRIS Brown has pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm in an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub. The American musician, 36, is accused of attempting to unlawfully and maliciously cause grievous bodily harm with intent to Abraham Diaw at the Tape venue, a private members' club in Hanover Square, Mayfair, on 19 February 2023. Brown confirmed his name and date of birth before entering his plea, saying: 'Not guilty ma'am' during the plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court. His co-defendant, US national Omololu Akinlolu, who turned 39 today, denied the same charge. Both defendants are further charged with assaulting Diaw occasioning him actual bodily harm, with Brown also facing one count of having an offensive weapon – a bottle – in a public place. Omololu Akinlolu leaves Southwark Crown Court Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo They were not asked to enter pleas to those charges with a further court hearing set for 11 July. Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC, defending Brown, told the court it has been difficult to discuss matters with her client while he is working. Around 20 people sat in the public gallery behind the dock for today's hearing, many of them fans of the singer. Advertisement A date for a five to seven-day trial was set for 26 October 2026. Brown had arrived at around 9am to a large group of photographers outside court, and walked in silence to the building's entrance. Brown arrived to a large group of photographers outside court. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The singer, who was able to continue with his scheduled international tour after he was freed on conditional bail last month, performed in Cardiff on Thursday night. He had to pay a £5 million security fee to the court as part of the bail agreement, which is a financial guarantee to ensure a defendant returns to court and may be forfeited if they breach bail conditions. Manchester Magistrates' Court heard last month that Diaw was standing at the bar of the Tape nightclub when he was struck several times with a bottle, and then pursued to a separate area of the nightclub where he was punched and kicked repeatedly. Brown was arrested at Manchester's Lowry Hotel at 2am on 15 May by detectives from the Metropolitan Police. He is said to have flown into Manchester Airport on a private jet in preparation for the UK tour dates. Brown was released from HMP Forest Bank in Salford, Greater Manchester, on 21 May. Shortly after being released from prison, Brown posted an Instagram story referencing his upcoming tour. The Journal / YouTube
The Journal
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Journal
Court upholds Spanish government's order to block nearly 66,000 Airbnb listings
A COURT IN Madrid has upheld a decision by the Spanish government to block almost 66,000 Airbnb rental listings that it said violated local rules. Airbnb had appealed the decision by the country's government, which is taking action against short-term rental companies amid a housing affordability crisis. Spain's consumer rights ministry had 'urged' the US company's Irish-based subsidiary to remove 65,935 adverts which it said breached the advertising rules for this type of tourist accommodation. The breaches included failing to list licence numbers, listing the wrong licence number or not specifying who the apartment's owner was. In a statement to The Journal , a spokesperson for Airbnb said the decision by a Superior Court of Madrid 'is a procedural ruling and not a decision on the merits' of the ministry's order, adding that it will take 'longer to decide'. 'Airbnb is confident that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' actions go against Spanish applicable regulations,' the spokesperson said. They cited a Spanish Supreme Court decision in 2022, which found that the host of a property is responsible for listing information, not the company, and said they always inform hosts that they must comply with all regulations when listing on their platform. The spokesperson said Airbnb has advocated for an EU-wide approach to short-term rental regulations, which will help make rules more consistent across the bloc. They also said that Spain has nearly 4 million vacant homes that make up over 14% of the country's total housing stock, 'almost 30 times more than accommodations exclusively dedicated to tourism'. Advertisement 'The root cause of the affordable housing crisis in Spain is a lack of supply to meet demand. The solution is to build more homes – anything else is a distraction. Spain has seen several large protests that have drawn tens of thousands of people to demand more government action on housing. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Spain, the world's second most-visited country, hosted a record 94 million tourists in 2024, making the lucrative sector a driver of its buoyant economy. But a housing affordability problem in Spain that is particularly acute in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona has led to growing antagonism against short-term holiday rentals, of which Airbnb is perhaps the best-known and most visible actor. The Spanish government says the two are related: the rise of Airbnb and other short-term rental companies, and rising rents and housing costs. Regional governments in Spain are also tackling the issue. Last year, Barcelona announced a plan to close down all of the 10,000 apartments licensed in the city as short-term rentals by 2028 to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents. According to the latest figures published by the National Statistics Institute, 368,295 properties were dedicated to tourist accommodation in November 2024. Spain has seen several large protests that have drawn tens of thousands of people to demand more government action on housing. It was one of a number of European countries that saw demonstrations calling for a curb on mass tourism last weekend. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Spain, Italy and Portugal, with some carrying placards and others spraying tourists and hotels with water pistols. With reporting from Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The 42
a day ago
- Sport
- The 42
'Johnny is very different than what he was on the field'
JOHNNY SEXTON AND Richard Wigglesworth had a few run-ins on the pitch over the years, but now they're fighting for the same cause. The former Ireland out-half and ex-England scrum-half are both part of Andy Farrell's coaching staff for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. Renowned as intelligent operators during their playing days, Sexton and Wigglesworth were on opposing coaching teams earlier this year when Ireland beat England in the Six Nations. Given the history, they're enjoying being on the same side now. 'It's a bit different,' said Wigglesworth after the Lions' captain's run in Dublin this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's sold-out clash with Argentina. 'I've really enjoyed him, so very different than what he was on the field. I'm maybe similar, but without the extreme that Johnny was on the field and off it. 'We've had a good few debates about some match-ups we had. So no, we've had some good fun talking about it. Really enjoying working with him. Obviously, great knowledge, a good eye for what's going on, and just wants to help, like we all do.' Advertisement Farrell has six assistant coaches in total, the most since Clive Woodward's bloated 2005 tour. Ireland's Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, Andrew Goodman, and Sexton have joined Farrell, along with Scotland's John Dalziel and England's Richard Wigglesworth. The Lions didn't publicly announce what each of Farrell's assistants will focus on but most of it is clear. Easterby will be in charge of defence, Fogarty is the scrum coach, and Dalziel will lead the rest of the forward play. Wigglesworth at the Aviva Stadium today. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Farrell has been in charge of Ireland's phase-play attack in recent years, with backs coach Goodman focusing heavily on the set-piece strike plays. Sexton works on Ireland's kicking game but also has input on the Irish attack, although he said this week that his Lions role revolves specifically around kicking. Wigglesworth is a senior assistant coach with England and guides their attack, while also being renowned as a kick strategy expert. So there appears to be an overlap of coaching specialities in attack and kicking. Wigglesworth wasn't willing to clarify exactly how the various responsibilities have been divided out, but said Farrell wants a collaborative approach. 'I wouldn't like to elaborate on it too much because I think it's Andy's to do when he gives it out,' said Wigglesworth. 'So, he wants us all to work together. We've got our little roles, but if Andy wants to expand on it more, then I'll let him do that.' He did say that Farrell wants a collaborative approach. 'Faz has said straight away that he wanted it to be as connected and cohesive as possible. So, everything's put on the table, really discussed and then try and come up with the best solution and the best help for the lads. 'Obviously, we've got our little individual responsibilities that you'll come up with and check in with each other, but I'm enjoying it immensely, how connected it is and how much we're trying to help each other and learn. So, it's definitely been a fun part so far.' Lions out-half Finn Russell with Wigglesworth. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Whatever the job roles, there is plenty of coaching acumen in this Lions staff. This is Farrell's third tour and he has massive experience from his time as an England assistant coach, Ireland assistant, and as a Grand Slam-winning Irish boss. Easterby has been Ireland forwards and defence coach at different stages over the past decade or so and is just coming off a season as the national team's head coach. Fogarty has been with Ireland for some major successes since joining in 2020, having worked with Leinster before that. Goodman also worked with the eastern province before joining Ireland last year, having come through the New Zealand coaching ranks. Related Reads Three Irish players start for Lions as Furlong returns on bench Argentina name team for Dublin meeting with Lions Dalziel is a former Scotland U20s and Scotland 7s boss who has been Gregor Townsend's forwards coach with the senior Scotland team since 2020. And Wigglesworth helped Leicester to a Premiership title alongside Steve Borthwick before joining him in the England set-up in 2023. All of those backgrounds and experiences are leading to some fascinating coaching chats. 'Definitely, from our perspective of learning from all the different coaches and the little things that you see differently, all incredibly interesting on the back of it,' said Wigglesworth. 'So I've been absolutely loving that part of it.' There's no doubt Wigglesworth and Dalziel will go back to England and Scotland camps after this tour with a much deeper knowledge of how Farrell and co. like to do things with Ireland. But Wigglesworth said he hasn't been looking for any trade secrets. 'They've been pretty successful, haven't they? So I've not been drilling them too much on what they do or don't do.'
The 42
a day ago
- Sport
- The 42
Trawlerman makes all the running to net Gold Cup at Ascot
TRAWLERMAN MADE EVERY yard of the running in the Gold Cup to go one better than last year for John and Thady Gosden in the Royal Ascot highlight. Trawlerman and William Buick on their way to victory. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Second to Kyprios 12 months ago, the Godolphin-owned seven-year-old took full advantage of the dual winner's retirement under an excellently-judged ride from William Buick. Illinois, who had stepped into Kyprios' shoes for Aidan O'Brien, was well placed if good enough, but inside the final furlong Trawlerman (85-40 favourite) began to pull away and ran out an impressive seven-length winner. Dubai Future was third for Saeed bin Suroor in the Godolphin colours. Advertisement More to follow . . .
The Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Protests outside London court ahead of Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh's appearance
A LARGE PROTEST is taking place outside Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning ahead of Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh's court appearance. The 27-year-old Belfast rapper is charged with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in Britain, during a gig in the O2 Forum, Kentish Town last November. He is due to appear in court in the next hour. Protests at Westminster Magistrates' Court as Kneecap's Mo Chara is due to appear in the next hour or so. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is charged under the UK's Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London gig. A lot of cameras here and a small police presence. — Rónán Duffy (@ronanduffy_) June 18, 2025 Supporters are holding placards saying 'Free Mo Chara' and 'Defend Kneecap' along with Palestinian and Kneecap flags. Cheers were heard after an ad van drove past displaying the slogan 'More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara'. Large billboards with the same message have also been erected in London. Advertisement The UK's Stop The War Coalition is among those organising the protest, calling on people to 'picket' the court building. Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo In the month since the charge was confirmed, Kneecap have stated consistently that Ó hAnnaidh would be strongly contesting it, recruiting a team of high-profile lawyers with experience of UK courts to administer the defence. The legal team includes Darragh Mackin, of Phoenix Law, who represented families of the Stardust fire and Brenda Campbell KC, who acted in the recent inquests in the Stardust case. Also part of the legal team are Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and previously the Guildford Four, and Rosalind Comyn, who has represented Extinction Rebellion protesters in court. Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC, who last year acted on behalf of South Africa in its genocide case against Israel, is also part of the legal team. Kneecap have come to international prominence for their outspokenness on Israel's ongoing bombing and siege of Gaza which has killed over 50,000 people and has brought the enclave to the brink of famine . With reporting from Rónán Duffy Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
