Latest news with #Irons
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
US teen to receive $1m after suing over bullying campaign
The teen endured a months-long campaign of verbal harassment and cruel rumours as well as a petition spreading around the school entitled 'End the Life of Eleri Irons' A California student who was subjected to a relentless, months-long bullying campaign that included death threats has won $1m after successful suing her former school. An appeals court has upheld a previous verdict ordering a Los Angeles County school district to make the enormous payout to Eleri Irons. Ms Irons, who is now 21, had been bullied by her peers and dismissed by teachers who claimed she was just experiencing trouble with young love. El Segundo Unified School District in Los Angeles County had appealed a 2022 court decision that found the district had been negligent in protecting Ms Irons from 'bullying, tormenting, and aggression.' Irons was a 13-year-old student at El Segundo Middle School when she was targeted by other teens between November 2017 and June 2018. A lawsuit filed in 2019 stated she had 'suffered PTSD, cut herself and sought refuge in the school nurse's office nearly every lunch break' as a result of the intense bullying. Eleri Irons (centre) pictured with attorney Christa Ramey (left) and co-counsel Siannah Collado News in 90 Seconds - June 18th Irons was called 'a liar, whore, cheater and boyfriend-stealer, after her friendship with two other classmates ended because of a love triangle. Her tormenters 'flipped her off and made fun of her in the hallways, and even slapped her in the face. They screamed at her in person and harassed her online'. The bullying spiralled after the two girls allegedly brought in a third teen which led to a months-long campaign of verbal harassment and cruel rumours as well as a petition spreading around the school entitled 'End the Life of Eleri Irons'. When teachers learned about the petition, school officials were made aware of the cruel attacks but failed to respond to the claims. Irons' parents even approached the school's principal, who, it is claimed, lied about calling police as soon as she learned of the death threat in June 2018. 'Despite being aware of the threats, school officials failed to take meaningful action, failed to notify her parents, and failed to follow their own anti-bullying policies,' lawyers said. Her attorneys from the ACTS Law said that instead of 'taking accountability and supporting this young woman's recovery, the district chose to spend taxpayer money fighting her in court for years. That's not leadership. That's cowardice'. 'This ruling confirms what the jury already knew,' attorney Christa Ramey said after the ruling, 'Eleri was failed at every level by the very people who were supposed to protect her.' Ramey denounced the school district's appeal as it prolonged the case, forcing the young woman to continue reliving 'one of the most traumatic periods of her life.' Irons' parents confronted the alleged bullying, but school officials dismissed the concerns 'as drama over a teen love triangle,' Ramey told the LA Times in 2022. A Los Angeles jury found that the school district failed to safeguard Irons from three bullies who were the leaders of the campaign. The three bullies were suspended for their bullying. The school district's appeal focused on several issues, claiming Irons failed to prove any of her injuries and that it wasn't responsible for how employees handled the issue. The school's lawyers also cited a state government code that removes public employees from all liability, according to Patch. The district was ordered to pay Irons $1million in damages, and on Monday, the California Court of Appeal upheld that decision after ESUSD appealed the decision. The payout includes $700,000 for past noneconomic damages and $300,000 for future noneconomic damages, according to the ruling. In 2018, Irons told Today she had forgiven the bullies. 'I always wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt because I (once) valued their friendship. They didn't get the intervention they needed either. The school failed me and them.' In 2022 Irons said she was actually 'thankful' in the wake of her ordeal, as she hopes it means students will not encounter the same obstacles she did when she was bullied. 'I am so thankful that I have been able to share my experience and to actually be taken seriously so that the next time a child asks for help, the school will address it the way they should have for me,' she said. Irons has since gone on to attend the University of San Diego, where she is currently a junior history major. In March, she presented research at the Phi Alpha Theta Southern California Regional Conference, hosted by California State University.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🎥 Paolo Di Canio talks about his favourite memory of West Ham fans 😍
Paolo Di Canio made a name for himself in the 1990s and early 2000s as one of the most flamboyant and controversial footballers around, but it was at West Ham where he found a home. The Italian Maverick joined the Irons in January 1999, with Harry Redknapp taking a punt on a player who had become persona non grata after pushing referee Paul Alcock while with Sheffield Wednesday. Advertisement The gamble paid off, with Di Canio becoming the darling of the East End, scoring 51 goals in 141 appearances, and perhaps none more important than his FA Cup winner against Manchester United in 2001. His goal at Old Trafford also led to his favourite moment and memory with his adoring fans. Di Canio left West Ham in 2003 after relegation, but judging by this upcoming series, the bond between club, player and fans is as strong as ever. 📸 Phil Cole
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
'I made Karren Brady so furious for what I did at West Ham - I didn't repeat it'
Ravel Morrison spent three years at West Ham - but his time at the club wasn't without incident, with the midfielder once on the receiving end of a furious dressing down from club vice-chair Karren Brady Ex-West Ham star Ravel Morrison has discussed the huge telling-off he received from Hammers ' vice-chairman Karren Brady. Morrison joined the Irons in 2012 for a three-year stint which was mostly spent out on loan. Under Sam Allardyce, the midfielder showcased glimpses of his raw talent that had led many to label him as one of the country's most naturally gifted footballers. Now 32, Morrison's career has been a mix of brilliant individual moments and off-pitch mayhem. Talking on the Undr The Cosh podcast, the former Derby County player recounted how he found himself in hot water with Brady for driving to training without a full UK licence. "So, obviously, I drove to training on a provisional license, and Karren Brady went mad. She went mad. I didn't do that again," Morrison said. "Someone must have told her. Like, I had to apologise, pick up the keys, get someone to pick me up from the car." When quizzed if he'd bought said car before getting a proper licence, Morrison said: "A provisional license. I didn't live that far from the training ground, so I thought I could just [drive to training] quick... but I didn't get away with it with Karren." Morrison revealed the reason he hadn't taken his test is that he struggles to navigate the theory section, claiming he wasn't "the brightest". However, he said he does have a Jamaican and Mexican licence - but not an English one. The one-time Manchester United prodigy often found himself in the limelight just as much for his extraordinary goals as well as controversial incidents off the field. Yet speaking to The Athletic in June, Morrison argued that the root cause of his issues was often simple errors such as oversleeping and missing training, challenging the more damaging rumours tied to his reputation. "I just couldn't wake up sometimes," he said. "They were easy mistakes to make - stupid mistakes, yeah - but it's not like I was out drinking in town every weekend and having fights. It was only once in a blue moon when I would be late. "What I've found is that if you get a reputation early on, it can stick with you through life. Or it does with me, anyway." Morrison has struggled to settle in a career that has taken him to 15 different clubs since 2010. As well as spells in the UK with the likes of Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City, Morrison has been all over the world. He has played in Italy with Lazio, Mexico with Atlas, and also had stints with Swedish club Ostersund, Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag and MLS side DC United. However, he does have regrets. "If I could go back in time I would change 90% of my life," Morrison said on Rio Ferdinand's Vibe with Five podcast in 2021. "But you have to look forward, you can't think about the past too much." Morrison departed the Hammers in 2015 after making 24 appearances and scoring five goals, but has fondly recalled his stint in east London as an "enjoyable" one. "If I had the opportunity I'd have stayed with West Ham all the way through," he said in February 2021. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
5 talking points as Man Utd hit new low and suffer big blow in West Ham loss
MANCHESTER UNITED 0-2 WEST HAM: Ruben Amorim's side suffered their 17th defeat of the season as goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen saw the Irons leapfrog their opponents West Ham ensured Manchester United's Premier League woes continued as the Red Devils matched their longest run without a win in the competition. They have failed to earn three points in their last seven matches for the first time since 1992. The Irons' 2-0 victory saw them end a 16-game winless run at Old Trafford and secure a record of winning four of their last five meetings against the 13-time Premier League champions. United showed some positive play in the early stages but it was the visitors who were able to find a way through. Brilliant build-up play saw Aaron Wan-Bissaka play in Mohammed Kudus, who smartly sent Amad to the floor before firing the ball across the box. Tomas Soucek was on hand to nudge the ball between Harry Amass' legs and into the net from close range. United showed all of the quality their league position suggests in the second period as Manuel Ugarte quickly fell to the floor under pressure in his own half to spark another attack for the Irons. Wan-Bissaka was involved again to provide a perfect ball across the six-yard box for Jarrod Bowen to double his side's lead. The hosts dominated the closing stages of the match but failure to be clinical and an impressive Alphonse Areola ensured they did not find the net. Mirror Football takes a look at the talking points to arise from the match. United's saviours start Mason Mount, Amad, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo all came off the bench and sparked a change in United's second leg Europa League win over Athletic Bilbao. They were tasked with impressing from the start as Ruben Amorim's stars now all vie for a place to play in the European final. A curling cross-field ball from Mount to Amad hinted at what could be unleashed from the troop at their best, and the latter often proved to be full of pace and tempo to provide a threat. But one again, as with most United stars this season, there were difficult moments. Mainoo struggled in an advanced position that had seen Bruno Fernandes dropped deeper, and Luke Shaw's positioning was far from perfect in a back three. There will be tough decisions to make ahead of the Europa League final and Amad probably has the best chance to keep his place for now. Playing for their While some players will be performing with an eye on facing Spurs in Bilbao, otherwise will be hoping to prove to Amorim that they are worthy of a squad spot next year and others, perhaps their next club. Altay Bayindir started his second Premier League game in succession for the Red Devils and likely faces the prospect of playing to show his ability to a new team, should he want to find first time football. The Turkish ace earned his spot in net with Andre Onana being rested and despite the No.1's failures this season, Bayindir has failed to offer an argument he should take his spot. Sunday saw an unconvincing outing for the goalkeeper who was unable to provide an authorative presence and showed some questionable communication. Tested early in the second period by James Ward-Prowse, Bayindir stood up to the task but he may be required to do more to have teams knocking at the door and to turn slow down United's search for a new shotstopper. In the opposite net, Alphonse Areola proved to be a wall as United knocked on the door in the second half and pulled off an impressive 79th-minute save to deny Rasmus Hojlund. Does the Premier League matter? From a United perspective, given another defeat, you would hope not. Heading into the afternoon, the highest the club could finish was 12th and a positive result for the Hammers would see them leapfrog their hosts. "We can't save anything from the Premier League," Amorim said ahead of the game. "But we do have to acknowledge we are Manchester United - and we need to win games." It was not on the agenda at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Red Devils had big chances but perhaps offered their opponents better ones. The club are in a battle for 17th and avoiding that will likely take a backseat to any European aspirations. Wins will be wanted, but that does not feel in United's control in the division. Graham Potter's position Only Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton had earned fewer points than the Irons since Graham Potter's first match in charge of the club. They had been winless in eight games heading to Old Trafford where winning is not something the Londoners experience often. Potter managed to see United's central weakness and offered Mohammed Kudus plenty of freedom to cause the home side issues throughout the game. Given their position in the league, few teams offer better chance to pick up three points than United and Potter's side ultimately took advantage. Earning three points at the Theatre of Dreams will offer an important boost to West Ham's boss, and its reputation will offer some credibility even with United's deficiencies. It was critical for Potter to find that heading into next season. Another injury blow Leny Yoro looked downbeat as he was guided off the pitch with an injury. Never a good sign with a final to come in 10 days time. Ruben Amorim's team selections have been hampered by injury in recent months, and even for this game Ayden Heaven, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt and Toby Collyer were all watching on from the directors' box. Amorim immediately replaced Luke Shaw alongside Yoro, seeming to want to protect the player as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof came into play. There could certainly be a nervous week for United as they prepare for their lone chance at success this season. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Tahawul Tech
09-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Deepfake threats to corporations
Jim Richberg, Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field CISO at Fortinet and Fortinet Federal Board Member, unpacks how deepfake technology is no longer just a political tool, but is now being weaponised against businesses, with implications ranging from financial fraud and reputational damage to executive impersonation and insider sabotage. Although many people assume misinformation and disinformation only concern governments and politicians, they can also affect the profitability or even the financial viability of corporations. Many use the term 'misinformation' to describe both misinformation and disinformation, but they aren't the same. Both involve false information, but intent is the distinguishing factor. According to the American Psychological Association, misinformation is inaccurate information spread by people who may believe it to be true. With disinformation, the perpetrator knows the information is false and is disseminating it for malicious purposes. Disinformation Using Deepfake Technology Today, the use of deepfake technology is one of the most powerful tools fuelling disinformation. Deepfakes are realistic false video, image, text or voice content. The rise in AI and machine learning embedded in commercially available tools such as generative adversarial networks (GANs) has levelled the playing field and increased the sophistication of deepfake content. GANs are a type of AI model in which two neural networks interact to create highly realistic videos or audio that mimic real individuals. One network (the content generator) creates fake media, while the other (the discriminator) evaluates it and provides feedback. This process continues until the generator produces media realistic enough that the discriminator cannot determine it's fake. Who Targets Companies Using Deepfakes? Numerous types of malicious actors are most likely to target companies using deepfake technology. For example, cybercriminals who have stolen samples of a victim's email along with their address book may use GenAI to generate tailored content that matches the language, tone and topics in the victim's previous interaction with each potential new target to aid in spear phishing—convincing them to take action such as clicking on a malicious attachment. Other cybercriminals use deepfakes to impersonate customers, business partners or company executives to initiate and authorize fraudulent transactions. According to Deloitte's Centre for Financial Services, GenAI-enabled fraud losses are growing at 32% year-over-year in the United States and could reach $40 billion by 2027. Some high-profile cases with multimillion-dollar losses have occurred when corporate financial staff fell victim to video impersonation of company executives. However, in the short term, voice deepfakes may pose an even greater threat because of the growing use of voice recognition software in customer identity and access management at financial institution call centres. According to a 2024 Ironscales report, 75% of surveyed organizations reported experiencing at least one deepfake-related incident within the previous 12 months. Nearly two-thirds expected the volume of these incidents to overtake ransomware within the following 12 to 18 months. Disgruntled current or former employees may also generate deepfakes to seek revenge or damage a company's reputation. By leveraging their inside knowledge, they can make the deepfakes appear especially credible. Another potential deepfake danger may be from business partners, competitors or unscrupulous market speculators looking to gain leverage in negotiations or to try to affect a company's stock price through bad publicity. Reputational Deepfake Attacks Malicious actors use deepfake tools for two primary reasons. The first is to facilitate fraud or compromise a network, and the second is to inflict harm on a company's reputation or brand. The viability and impact of deepfakes in reputational attacks can be a balancing act. Although it's easier to fabricate credible content about a well-known target with a significant public profile and lots of online executive voice and video content, an attacker can have difficulty successfully changing an existing public impression. Even though a malicious actor may have to work harder to gain the data to successfully target more obscure companies and executives, the ensuing attack can often more readily damage these targets. Repeated exposure to information enhances the likelihood of consumers believing it, regardless of whether it's true or even credible. Social media platforms provide an environment for misinformation and disinformation to spread rapidly and be reinforced through repetition. Companies that have a strong preexisting brand reputation can more easily counter this misinformation, but not all firms and brands are well-known. Mitigating Risks To prevent financial fraud-related deepfakes, organisations should use many of the same techniques and tools they use to counter other types of malicious cyber activity. Defending your organisation against the threat of deepfakes requires a multilayered approach that incorporates both technical and non-technical controls and new business processes. Although technology is one aspect of a layered defence, organisations should also consider setting up an organisational playbook. According to a Forrester report (via Branding in Asia), only 20% of surveyed companies said they had an incident response and communications plan that covered deepfake attacks. Cybersecurity and IT staff also should keep abreast of the art of the possible in deepfake attacks and work to educate the workforce and the executive team. The risks of deepfakes should be included in any reputation and brand monitoring efforts. Some specialised providers also offer dark web monitoring that can provide advanced indicators that your company or key personnel are being targeted for deepfake attacks. Deepfakes target the accuracy of the information we rely on as consumers, employees and investors. In cybersecurity, we often talk about the 'human firewall,' and deepfakes are a threat where people genuinely are your first line of defence. Image Credit: Fortinet
