Latest news with #Rodrigo
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Bluebird Cafe denies Olivia Rodrigo requested Taylor Swift photos be removed
The Bluebird Cafe has addressed speculation that Olivia Rodrigo's team asked the venue to remove images of Taylor Swift ahead of Rodrigo's performance there in 2023. In a video statement posted to X on June 18, Bluebird Cafe general manager and COO Erica Nichols denied the rumor, clarifying that the photos were taken down due to copyright issues during filming. 'Olivia's people did not ask us to remove an image of Taylor Swift,' Nichols said. 'We are required legally to remove copyrighted images for broadcast.' The clarification came after a resurfaced video showed a Bluebird employee claiming the cafe 'vowed to remove any visible signs of Taylor Swift' before Rodrigo performed. Nichols said the employee 'spoke carelessly and haphazardly,' and the photo was removed purely for legal reasons. Nichols emphasized that the venue continues to support both artists equally. 'Taylor is a super friend of the Bluebird… and we were honored to have Olivia here,' she said. The rumor fueled fan theories of a feud between Rodrigo and Swift, stemming from songwriting credit controversies on Rodrigo's tracks 'Deja Vu' and '1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back,' which interpolated Swift's music. Rodrigo has repeatedly denied any rift, telling Rolling Stone in 2023: 'I don't have beef with anyone.' The manager concluded by urging fans not to read into the false narrative, reiterating that the venue removed multiple images—not just Swift's—as standard filming procedure.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Olivia Rodrigo slams ICE raids: ‘LA wouldn't exist without immigrants'
LOS ANGELES: Taking her activism to the forefront, Filipino American pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo has boldly condemned the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles, joining a wave of protests calling out the 'violent deportations' sweeping immigrant communities. As streets filled with demonstrators, the Grammy-award winning singer used her platform to speak out against what she described as a deeply troubling reality. Rodrigo, who has spent her entire life in Los Angeles, didn't hold back in expressing how disturbed she was by the recent ICE raids carried out as part of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. In an Instagram Story, the singer emphasised that LA 'simply wouldn't exist without immigrants,' calling out the treatment of hardworking community members who, she said, were being shown little respect, empathy or due process. She affirmed her solidarity with both the diverse neighbourhoods of Los Angeles and immigrant communities across the country. 'Treating hardworking community members with such little respect, empathy and due process is awful. I stand with the beautiful, diverse community of Los Angeles and with immigrants all across America,' she wrote. The 'Drivers Licence' hitmaker amplified her message by sharing a link to the American Civil Liberties Union's 'Know Your Rights' page. The resource is aimed at equipping undocumented individuals with critical legal information in light of the intensifying enforcement tactics used by ICE. There are more than 300,000 undocumented Filipinos who live in the United States, according to data from the US Census Bureau and the Migration Policy Institute. However, immigrant rights advocates believe the actual number is much higher as many undocumented immigrants do not participate in government data collection, fearing deportation. Rodrigo's social media feed didn't just end with words. She shared a protest photo of a handmade sign featuring a crossed-out crown and the phrase 'in our USA' – a symbolic nod to the 'No Kings Day' demonstrations held Saturday in opposition to President Donald Trump's policies and as a counterpoint to the military parade in Washington, D.C. Her statement hits at a time when fear is thick in the air for many immigrant families. 'I stand for our right to freedom of speech and freedom to protest,' she added. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Down memory lane: Lankan Army chief recounts days at alma mater
NEW DELHI: It was an emotional homecoming for Lieutenant (Lt) General (Gen) BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo when he reviewed the passing out parade at the hallowed portals of the Indian Military Academy. Now, the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, he returned as the Reviewing Officer for the passing out parade (PoP), witnessing the commissioning of a new generation of officers, including foreign cadets from Sri Lanka. It was in December 1990 that General Rodrigo was commissioned as part of the 87th IMA Course and rose to command one of the most battle hardened armies in the sub-continent. While addressing the passing out course the Reviewing Officer said, 'I am deeply honoured and moved to the point of tears to stand before you as the first IMA alumnus to return as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and review this parade.' 'Looking at your faces, I see my younger self. This place doesn't just train officers; it forges bonds that last a lifetime. He thanked General Upendra Dwivedi and the Indian Army for the kind invitation. The Indian Army in a statement said that General Rodrigo reflected on how his journey, like that of the officer cadets present, had begun with a simple haircut in the barber chair of the Indian Military Academy. He reminded the officer cadets that today, they were not just wearing a rank but they were embracing a way of life. Quoting the IMA Credo, the General Officer highlighted the three unshakable responsibilities that every officer must uphold. First, to the Nation - second, to their soldiers and third, to the families of our brave hearts, the Army added. The General Officer reminded the officer cadets that they now belong to an unbroken chain of patriots and warriors, urging them to wear the uniform not just with pride, but with purpose. The Chief of Sri Lanka Army said the Academy has not only shaped soldiers but future guardians of the nation. As their real journey begins, he urges them to lead with wisdom, fight for what's right, and carry the hopes of a billion with pride. Gen Rodrigo was on four-day official visit to India, from June 11 to 14, reinforcing the longstanding and robust military ties between the two armies. While for Gen Rodrigo it was the last day of his visit to India, the IMA PoP on Saturday had another symbolic story with two Sri Lankan officer cadets, including RMNL Rathnayake, son of Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake, passing out as commissioned officers.
The Print
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Commander of Sri Lanka Army calls on Gen Dwivedi
'India & Sri Lanka, Forging Stronger Bonds Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on #GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS at the Army House. They engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral #DefenceCooperation, strengthening military-to-military ties and reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and global peace,' it posted. The Indian Army shared the update, along with some photos of their meeting, in a post on X. New Delhi, Jun 14 (PTI) Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lt Gen BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, met Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi here and engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening military-to-military ties, officials said on Saturday. Lt Gen Rodrigo is on an official visit to India from June 11-14. It underscores the continued efforts of both nations to 'further strengthen and deepen' their longstanding defence partnership, the defence ministry said on June 11. On Saturday, the general officer graced the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, as the Reviewing Officer. This visit marked a return to his alma mater, where he was commissioned in December 1990, as part of the 87th Course of the IMA. In another post, the Indian Army said, 'Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, attended the Pipping Ceremony of newly Commissioned Officers held after the Passing Out Parade, #POP. He also pipped the two # GentlemanCadets of #SriLanka into Commissioned Officers.' Lt Gen Rodrigo, while congratulating the newly commissioned officers and their proud parents, exhorted them to uphold the highest traditions and ethos of their respective armies and strive to be 'exemplary leaders' in the future. In a separate post, the Indian Army said, 'Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of Sri Lanka Army pipped his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake, to be a Commissioned Officer in the Sri Lanka Army.' 'This pipping ceremony brings the total number of Sri Lankan Army Officers commissioned from #IMA to 296, highlighting India's long-standing bonds with the friendly foreign countries and the Indian Army's commitment to defence cooperation,' it added. PTI KND RHL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
India Gazette
6 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
With review of passing out parade at IMA Dehradun, Commander of Sri Lanka Army reconnects with alma mater
New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, concluded a meaningful four-day official visit to India from June 11 to 14, reinforcing the longstanding and robust military ties between the two Armies. According to an official release from the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General Rodrigo revisited the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he was commissioned in December 1990 as part of the 87th Course. Now the Commander of his nation's Army, he returned as the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade, witnessing the commissioning of a new generation of officers, including foreign cadets from Sri Lanka. The event was deeply symbolic, with two Sri Lankan officer cadets, including RMNL Rathnayake, son of Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake, passing out as commissioned officers. Their commissioning brings the total number of Sri Lankan Army officers commissioned from IMA to 296, highlighting India's continued role in shaping the leadership of friendly foreign forces. During his address to the cadets, the General officer expressed deep honour in reviewing the Passing Out Parade at IMA, calling it a profoundly emotional homecoming. Reflecting on his own journey, he reminded the cadets that commissioning into the armed forces is not just about earning a rank, but embracing a lifelong way of service, responsibility, and leadership. Emphasising that respect is earned through daily conduct, he invoked the IMA Credo - duty to Nation, Soldiers, and Families of bravehearts - and highlighted the enduring values of discipline, integrity, loyalty, and honour. The General Officer urged the cadets to wear the uniform with pride and purpose, recognising them as part of an unbroken chain of patriots. He lauded award winners and acknowledged foreign cadets as ambassadors of IMA's ethos, reinforcing that its values transcend borders. He also called upon the young officers to lead with wisdom, uphold justice, and contribute fearlessly to the legacy of IMA, invoking Field Marshal Manekshaw's enduring words: 'Be truthful, be honest, be fearless.' During his visit, Lieutenant General Rodrigo held detailed discussions with senior leadership of the Indian Army, including Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani and GOC-in-C, South Western Command, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, focusing on enhancing professional military cooperation, joint training, and regional security frameworks, the release stated. India and Sri Lanka conducted bilateral exercise 'Mitra Shakti', the flagship Army-level counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training initiative between the two nations. The 10th edition of the exercise was held in Sri Lanka in August 2024, and it continues to serve as a cornerstone for operational synergy and trust-building between the Armies. As per the release, at any given time, approximately 700 Sri Lankan Army personnel are undergoing training at various Indian Army establishments, making Sri Lanka Army the largest foreign participant in Indian military training programmes. These include prestigious institutions such as the Defence Services Staff College, Infantry School, Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Army Air Defence College, School of Artillery, Armoured Corps Centre and School, Mechanised Infantry Centre and School; and the Indian Military Academy itself. This training collaboration not only builds professional competence but also deepens interpersonal and institutional bonds between the two Armies. Lieutenant General Rodrigo's visit continues a tradition of regular Army-to-Army engagements between the two nations. Former Indian Army Chiefs have visited Sri Lanka for key bilateral events, including past editions of Exercise Mitra Shakti and high-level defence dialogues. Likewise, successive Sri Lankan Army Commanders have made official visits to India, cementing defence diplomacy through structured cooperation and shared training ethos. (ANI)
