Latest news with #BillieEilish
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billie Eilish Offers A Rare Look At Her Vacation Style With A Red String Bikini in Barcelona
THE RUNDOWN Billie Eilish was filmed on the beach with friends in Barcelona, giving the world a rare look at her bikini style. Although she's known for her signature oversize looks, Eilish has a history of wearing string bikinis and shared a photo of herself in a pink set last year. Eilish is currently on the European leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour and will resume shows in July. Billie Eilish is currently on the European leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour and took a little vacation in Barcelona ahead of her U.K. shows this July. She spent a night on the beach with friends—and gave a rare look at her vacation style in the process. The singer was filmed in the Mediterranean Sea, wearing a red string bikini. See footage here on TMZ. This isn't the first time Eilish has been seen in this style of swimwear. Last July, she shared a photo of herself in a pink string two-piece: View this post on Instagram A post shared by BILLIE EILISH (@billieeilish) And in June 2023, she appeared in a print string bikini top in her friend Annabel Zimmer's Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AB (@annabelzimmer) This April, Eilish answered questions from celebrities for British Vogue. Nicki Minaj asked Eilish about how she views herself, prompting Eilish to reflect candidly on her appearance. 'This may be an odd question, but you seem to be a bit uncomfortable with how beautiful you are at times,' Minaj said. 'I could be wrong. Many women from all walks of life have felt that their work was overshadowed by their beauty or their physical attributes. Was there ever a time in your career, or before you made it, when you wished people couldn't see you and that they could only hear the music, and really get a chance to just listen to the written words?' 'Nicki, this question made me tear up a little,' Eilish admitted. 'Well…like you said at the beginning of that question, I've never really felt very beautiful or seen myself in that way, so I definitely never struggled with the idea that it would overshadow anything, since I didn't even really see it myself. I've had to really convince myself that I am beautiful. Being a woman is hard.' She also spoke about how she unwinds while answering a question from Ariana Grande. 'I realized recently that I think my favorite thing in the world is to hangout,' she said with a laugh. 'Like, I just love being around people that I love, people that make me laugh and make me feel whole. You know: kindred souls. That's the stuff that keeps me sane. Laughing really is my cure.' ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today Might Also Like Pyjamas You Can Wear All Day 10 Hand Soaps To Make Your Bathroom Feel Like A Fancy Hotel 8 Of The Best Natural Deodorants
Cosmopolitan
18 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
A choking ban and ID checks: all the ways porn is changing in 2025 — and what needs to come next
It's a transformative time for pornography. Long gone are the days where explicit sexual content could only be found in the adult section of video stores. Now, porn is freely available at the click of a button — and it's not just limited to dedicated adult sites. Unsuspecting users are exposed to porn on social media platforms like X and Reddit, which are rife with X-rated content (but not so harshly regulated as porn sites). This easy accessibility means that the public are increasingly exposed to it at a younger age. Recent research shows that the average age in the UK that people first see explicit material online is 13. Concerningly, much of this material seems to depict violence, with a 2023 report finding that 79% of 18 to 21-year-olds who'd seen porn online had encountered videos portraying degrading acts, physical aggression, or sexual coercion. The effects of this have been much discussed in pop culture. In 2021, Billie Eilish famously revealed that she started having nightmares after being exposed to 'abusive' pornography from the age of 11. Meanwhile, the Netflix series Adolescence explored the consequences of young people having access to violent content online without the proper critical thinking skills to challenge certain acts, ideas, and attitudes. Beyond porn, young people are also increasingly exposed to non-consensual intimate content via terrifying 'nudify' apps and deepfake technology, which make it possible for any unsuspecting person (usually a woman) to be virtually stripped naked or superimposed into explicit videos and photos. All of this has led to a growing backlash against sexual content online — and a call for legislators to crack down on it. We can already see this happening in other counties. In Sweden, for example, live cam shows and custom-made pornographic content were banned last month. In the US, in light of age verification laws being introduced in certain US states (which critics say is a violation of privacy and a data risk), Pornhub is blocked in 17 states. Then, in May, a new bill was introduced aiming to criminalise pornography at a federal level, meaning, if passed, it could be banned across the whole of the US. And now the UK is following suit. It was already planned that from July, websites hosting pornographic content will have to run ID checks on users, but yesterday [18th June] it was confirmed that pornography depicting acts of strangulation will be made illegal in the UK, as per a government announcement. The amendment will be made to the Crime and Policing Bill — though there isn't yet a date for its implementation. The government's decision was made following an Independent Porn Review which found that media sources, including pornography, have 'effectively established choking as a 'sexual norm', and a belief that choking a partner during sex is 'safe''. This is, obviously, worrying, and it's encouraging that the government is trying to tackle the rise of non-consensual choking, which mostly affects women and girls. It's a move that's been welcomed by safety campaigners and women's charities alike, and generally viewed as a step in the right direction. But will these measures really work? Amid the dire state of sex education in the UK, is this the right focus? And, as right wing conservatism grows, is a crackdown on sexual expression actually moving us forward? Data shows sexual strangulation has been on the rise in recent years, and it seems explicit online depictions of it have contributed to this, particularly among young people. A recent survey by the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS) found that it's most common among those aged 16 to 34, with 35% of respondents saying they've been choked during sex, while 17% said it had happened without their consent. 'I've experienced choking from casual sex partners before, and not always with my consent,' 35-year-old Bryony* tells Cosmopolitan UK. 'I was having sex once with a hook-up from Hinge and he suddenly grabbed my throat. I was so shocked by it that I froze — I would have struggled to talk with his tight grip anyway. He realised by my facial expression that I was taken aback and soon let go. It was a frightening experience.' Erotic asphyxiation is a genuine sexual kink/fetish, but seems to be increasingly misunderstood and mispracticed by those who seemingly don't know what they're doing. It has also sinisterly been used as a defence in many murder trials, including the harrowing case of Grace Milane, whose killer claimed she had died as a result of choking during consensual sex. Following this trial, the 'rough sex gone wrong' defence was banned in the UK — a key step in acknowledging that women cannot consent to their own harm or murder. As mentioned, women's groups have voiced their support for the criminalisation of choking porn, with Andrea Simon, the director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, saying in a press release: 'Women cannot consent to the long-term harm [strangulation] can cause, including impaired cognitive functioning and memory. Its widespread portrayal in porn is fuelling dangerous behaviours, particularly among young people.' The availability of this kind of violent porn, and porn more broadly, is why the government is introducing its age verification laws next month, as part of the Online Safety Bill, which will force any websites or platforms (presumably including social media sites) that allow pornography to introduce effective age checks. This may include users providing their driver's license or passport, credit card details, or even agreeing to facial age estimation technology. It's unclear how exactly this will work in practice, and whether sites like Pornhub will simply block access in the UK, as they have done in the US, in light of the potential privacy risks. In a statement, digital rights campaigners Open Rights Group warned: 'The roll-out of age verification is likely to create new cybersecurity risks. This could take the form of more scam porn sites that will trick users into handing over personal data to 'verify their age'.' Although the ban is well-intentioned, it's easy to announce something but much harder to implement it in practice. 'In one regard, yes, it's a good idea to [stop people seeing] anything that is clearly harmful to women. But simply banning it isn't going to solve the problem,' says Marcus Johnstone, a criminal defence solicitor at PCD Solicitors. For one, Johnstone continues, 'you can ban lawful porn sites depicting non-fatal strangulation, but then what happens? It goes underground'. There's also the issue of who the liability falls to. 'Are they criminalising the makers, watchers, possessors of the image, [or the platforms that host them]? None of that is very clear,' adds Sean Caulfield, a partner in the crime team at Hodge Jones & Allen. There's no denying that something needs to be done about rising misogyny and violence against women and girls, including non-consensual choking. But what young people really need is comprehensive sex education, including porn literacy. Banning choking porn doesn't seek to tackle the true crux of the problem. Instead, we should be ensuring that all content young people can access on the internet is safe, and that the porn they are being exposed to is appropriately regulated. 'It's clear we need far more effective legislation to ensure online safety,' says Susie McDonald, the CEO of Tender, a charity that educates on healthy relationships. 'But equally critical is the need for all children and young people to access high quality relationships education so they can understand the key tenets of healthy relationships like consent and respect — and recognise the early warning signs of abuse. 'Right now, too many simply don't have access to this vital education,' she continues. 'RSHE needs to play a key role in keeping our young people safe, online and in the real world. We have a responsibility to protect all children as early as possible.' Implementing parameters of safety around online porn, especially for impressionable young people, is key — but so is ensuring they have a full understanding of things like consent, to be able to make appropriate decisions in their own personal lives. 'Adults need to be trusted to make adult choices, but that only works if they're equipped with context and critical thinking skills,' agrees Madelaine Thomas, senior policy advisor at the Digital Intimacy Coalition. 'Porn is entertainment, not education. It is fiction and should be enjoyed as such, not as an instructional guide. Porn shouldn't be used to educate unless it explicitly labels itself as such. The key is in educating that porn is fiction and filling the gap in education to teach so that they don't look to fiction as fact.' For some, strangulation kinks are genuine, and there will be people in consenting sexual relationships who choose to engage in such acts. There is already a law banning porn depicting graphic strangulation, and incoming age verification laws that should, in theory, prevent under 18s from viewing pornography of any kind. Depictions of strangulation shouldn't be freely accessible online, but the problem goes far beyond the porn young people are watching. We urgently need comprehensive sex education, media and porn literacy, and to encourage open, judgment-free conversations about sex, relationships, and consent. There also needs to be more funding for services that work to prevent violence against women and girls, a justice system that actually achieves justice for victims of sexual violence, and education that seeks to address the rise in misogyny among young people — and the real world effects that it has.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Benson Boone, a loud performer who's light on content
US singer songwriter Benson Boone sure has energy - after all, this is the man who, during a sensational Grammy performance of his mega hit "Beautiful Things," tore his clothes off and did a flip on stage. If this US newcomer isn't the future, then who is? And here is his new album "American Heart." Genre, number of songs, length: American pop – the 10 songs last 30:23 minutes. How it sounds: "American Heart" is an album so polished, it is like a mirror. Boone and his producers understand the craft of modern pop down to the last detail: catchy melodies, danceable beats, pointed, high-gloss productions with stadium ambitions. It's all wrapped up with a bow on it - a touch of glam, reminiscent in parts of the early Killers, but without their rough edges. "American Heart" is the sound of a pop America that likes itself. Each track gets straight to the point, never lasting much longer than three minutes, so as not to overtax the TikTok generation's attention span. What the artist is about: A kind-hearted review would say life and feelings, especially in relation to love and dating – swooning for the moment in complete freedom. But the truth is that Boone is 22 years old and definitely doesn't sound a day older. In 10 songs, we learn nothing about him, nothing about his life story, his values or why he makes music. While Chappell Roan puts queer identity at the centre of her work, Billie Eilish explores inner darkness and Taylor Swift is the chronicler of her own life struggles, Boone's "American Heart" is pretty empty. Perhaps this is the result of a deeply divided American society where any and all expression runs the risk of being politicized. Or perhaps it is the choice of a young artist who wants to do all he can to please anyone and everyone - even at the cost of his identity. In this respect, Boone and the content of his "American Heart" perhaps sum up the state of his homeland right now. What the artist says: Boone worked on his new album in the shadow of his global hit "Beautiful Things," which the whole world has probably heard by now. He told Rolling Stone magazine, "I think I'm getting to the point where I just want people to know that there's more than just that song." Recommended tracks: Those looking for the new "Beautiful Things" may not find a clear answer on this album. But the most important feel-good song is probably "Mystical Magical," which has a 70s disco vibe and a hit-worthy flow. Then there's "Momma Song," a coming-of-age anthem that Boone sings as a tribute to his mother. Who will enjoy this album: "American Heart" is a fine album for anyone looking for danceable, well-produced pop, as long as they are not bothered by the lack of depth. Boone's art lies in his presence as a performer and his infectious energy, not in the complexity of his lyrics. If you have the chance to see him live, do so! If Boone's shows on his summer tour are half as exciting as his now legendary performance at the Grammys, it will have been worth it.
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Northampton student's bogeyman inspired by Billie Eilish song
A student who created a bust of a monster set to go on display said she was inspired by singer-songwriter Billie Eilish and an Oscar-winning make-up creation by Amy Spencer will be part of the Degree Show at the University of Northampton, which begins on at the Waterside Campus, the exhibition features work by the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology students in their final Spencer, who is from the town, said she used "hyper-realistic effects to bring the look together". The student said she began studying hair, make-up and prosthetics at the university after taking up bodypainting during the Covid-19 said she was "really pushing my boundaries of make-up and truly discovering my passion"."I reached a point where I couldn't teach myself anymore, which was when I discovered the new course at the University of Northampton – and it was the best decision I've ever made," she Spencer said of her work: "I was inspired to create a bogeyman-inspired monster by a lyric from Billie Eilish – 'When we fall asleep, where do we go?'."The line features in song Bury A Friend, from the US musician's debut album."Everyone has a different image in their mind of what the bogeyman looks like, so I created a replica from my own mind." Alongside her studies, Ms Spencer also works with Rutland Musical Theatre. She was the make-up and prosthetic lead for a stage production of Shrek the Musical earlier this said she was helped by a session put on by the university with three-time Oscar winner Ve Neill."When Ve came to campus and led a prosthetics workshop on foam latex, I followed these exact steps for the promo shoot and on-stage looks of Shrek the Musical – I was so pleased with how they turned out," she Degree Show at the University of Northampton runs until Tuesday next week. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Elle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Billie Eilish Offers a Rare Look at Her Vacation Style With a Red String Bikini in Barcelona
THE RUNDOWN Billie Eilish is currently on the European leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour and took a little vacation in Barcelona ahead of her U.K. shows this July. She spent a night on the beach with friends—and gave a rare look at her vacation style in the process. The singer was filmed in the Mediterranean Sea, wearing a red string bikini. See footage here on TMZ. This isn't the first time Eilish has been seen in this style of swimwear. Last July, she shared a photo of herself in a pink string two-piece: And in June 2023, she appeared in a print string bikini top in her friend Annabel Zimmer's Instagram. This April, Eilish answered questions from celebrities for British Vogue. Nicki Minaj asked Eilish about how she views herself, prompting Eilish to reflect candidly on her appearance. 'This may be an odd question, but you seem to be a bit uncomfortable with how beautiful you are at times,' Minaj said. 'I could be wrong. Many women from all walks of life have felt that their work was overshadowed by their beauty or their physical attributes. Was there ever a time in your career, or before you made it, when you wished people couldn't see you and that they could only hear the music, and really get a chance to just listen to the written words?' 'Nicki, this question made me tear up a little,' Eilish admitted. 'Well…like you said at the beginning of that question, I've never really felt very beautiful or seen myself in that way, so I definitely never struggled with the idea that it would overshadow anything, since I didn't even really see it myself. I've had to really convince myself that I am beautiful. Being a woman is hard.' She also spoke about how she unwinds while answering a question from Ariana Grande. 'I realized recently that I think my favorite thing in the world is to hangout,' she said with a laugh. 'Like, I just love being around people that I love, people that make me laugh and make me feel whole. You know: kindred souls. That's the stuff that keeps me sane. Laughing really is my cure.'
