American actor Dakota Johnson has launched a new podcast, aiming to help and inspire millions of women to speak up. 
 
About a year ago, the actor shared her phone number with the audience at the Global Citizen Festival. She posted the same number on Instagram, encouraging women to call and share their stories of abuse, assault, and trauma. 
 
Now, she has turned those stories into a podcast called 'The Left Ear'. The podcast allows survivors to share their stories in a mostly unedited form. The first episode of the podcast is available now and will air every Monday beginning on October 7. 
 
Johnson shared the news on Instagram, along with a lengthy message for her followers. 
 
"One year ago I asked women and girls around the world to call me and leave a voicemail telling their stories of sexual violence, harassment, and gender-based inequalities. I didn't want to speak on their behalf, I wanted to listen to them," she wrote explaining her new venture, which she also discussed and previewed at the Global Citizen Festival over the weekend.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3BZKxmA_aJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">One year ago I asked women and girls around the world to call me and leave a voicemail telling their stories of sexual violence, harassment, and gender based inequalities. I didn’t want to speak on their behalf, I wanted to listen to them. This is The Left Ear. A podcast where you will find the voicemails I listened to. To protect anonymity the voices have been slightly pitched, and any identifiers have been removed. Other than that, they have not been edited. These are real stories from real people around the world. Listening to these stories can feel very intense. So please take care of yourself if choose to listen. And I hope you do choose to listen, because listening is the most important thing you can do for someone. In this podcast, I want to create a space where the listener is listening just as honestly and bravely as the speakers who had the courage to call. Your left ear is the ear closest to your heart. And by listening with your heart, you can save someone even just a little bit. The first episode is available now, and more to follow every Monday starting October 7th. For more information and resources visit the link above. All my love, D</a>

<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 post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dakotajohnson/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Dakota Johnson</a> (@dakotajohnson) on <time datetime="2019-09-30T04:22:05+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 29, 2019 at 9:22pm PDT</time>
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Johnson shared that the podcast will include the voicemails women had left for her. 
 
"To protect anonymity the voices have been slightly pitched, and any identifiers have been removed. Other than that, they have not been edited. These are real stories from real people around the world," she noted. 
 
The star added, "Listening to these stories can feel very intense. So please take care of yourself if choose to listen. And I hope you do choose to listen because listening is the most important thing you can do for someone". 
 
As for the title of the podcast, the 'Fifty Shades of Grey'&nbsp;actor wrote the left is "the ear closest to your heart. And by listening with your heart, you can save someone even just a little bit."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BoroXBCjdKL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Women and girls in every corner of the world face extreme violence and sexual harassment on a daily basis. Over 800 women and adolescent girls die every day because they do not have access to reliable contraceptives and basic maternity services. I don’t want to speak for you. I want to listen to you. This is my phone number. Tell me your story in my voicemail, and I will listen. There is power in numbers. Together with @glblctzn I will compile your stories and get your voices heard. We must achieve a world where #sheisequal. Love, respect, and trust, Dakota</a>

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Nearly a year ago, the 'Peanut Butter Falcon'&nbsp;actor encouraged females facing violence and sexual harassment to share their stories with her. 
 
"I don't want to speak for you. I want to listen to you. This is my phone number. Tell me your story in my voicemail, and I will listen," she wrote in an Instagram post in October 2018. 
 
On the work front, Johnson will be next seen in the upcoming horror film 'Wounds', which is set to be released on October 18 on Hulu in the US.

American actor Dakota Johnson has launched a new podcast, aiming to help and inspire millions of women to speak up. About a year ago, the actor shared her phone number with the audience at the Global Citizen Festival.

American actor Dakota Johnson has launched a new podcast, aiming to help and inspire millions of women to speak up. About a year ago, the actor shared her phone number with the audience at the Global Citizen Festival. She posted the same number on Instagram, encouraging women to call and share their stories of abuse, assault, and trauma. Now, she has turned those stories into a podcast called 'The Left Ear'. The podcast allows survivors to share their stories in a mostly unedited form. The first episode of the podcast is available now and will air every Monday beginning on October 7. Johnson shared the news on Instagram, along with a lengthy message for her followers. "One year ago I asked women and girls around the world to call me and leave a voicemail telling their stories of sexual violence, harassment, and gender-based inequalities. I didn't want to speak on their behalf, I wanted to listen to them," she wrote explaining her new venture, which she also discussed and previewed at the Global Citizen Festival over the weekend. View this post on Instagram One year ago I asked women and girls around the world to call me and leave a voicemail telling their stories of sexual violence, harassment, and gender based inequalities. I didn’t want to speak on their behalf, I wanted to listen to them. This is The Left Ear. A podcast where you will find the voicemails I listened to. To protect anonymity the voices have been slightly pitched, and any identifiers have been removed. Other than that, they have not been edited. These are real stories from real people around the world. Listening to these stories can feel very intense. So please take care of yourself if choose to listen. And I hope you do choose to listen, because listening is the most important thing you can do for someone. In this podcast, I want to create a space where the listener is listening just as honestly and bravely as the speakers who had the courage to call. Your left ear is the ear closest to your heart. And by listening with your heart, you can save someone even just a little bit. The first episode is available now, and more to follow every Monday starting October 7th. For more information and resources visit the link above. All my love, D A post shared by Dakota Johnson (@dakotajohnson) on Sep 29, 2019 at 9:22pm PDT × Johnson shared that the podcast will include the voicemails women had left for her. "To protect anonymity the voices have been slightly pitched, and any identifiers have been removed. Other than that, they have not been edited. These are real stories from real people around the world," she noted. The star added, "Listening to these stories can feel very intense. So please take care of yourself if choose to listen. And I hope you do choose to listen because listening is the most important thing you can do for someone". As for the title of the podcast, the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' actor wrote the left is "the ear closest to your heart. And by listening with your heart, you can save someone even just a little bit." View this post on Instagram Women and girls in every corner of the world face extreme violence and sexual harassment on a daily basis. Over 800 women and adolescent girls die every day because they do not have access to reliable contraceptives and basic maternity services. I don’t want to speak for you. I want to listen to you. This is my phone number. Tell me your story in my voicemail, and I will listen. There is power in numbers. Together with @glblctzn I will compile your stories and get your voices heard. We must achieve a world where #sheisequal. Love, respect, and trust, Dakota A post shared by Dakota Johnson (@dakotajohnson) on Oct 8, 2018 at 11:12am PDT × Nearly a year ago, the 'Peanut Butter Falcon' actor encouraged females facing violence and sexual harassment to share their stories with her. "I don't want to speak for you. I want to listen to you. This is my phone number. Tell me your story in my voicemail, and I will listen," she wrote in an Instagram post in October 2018. On the work front, Johnson will be next seen in the upcoming horror film 'Wounds', which is set to be released on October 18 on Hulu in the US.

Dakota Johnson launches podcast to share stories of sexual assault survivors

The 'Fast and Furious' director Rob Cohen has been accused of sexual assault. According to a Saturday report in HuffPost, the accuser alleged that Cohen sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious. 
 
The alleged assault occurred in 2015 after the filmmaker invited the 28-year-old woman to a business meeting in Manhattan. 
 
The plan was for the two to discuss collaborating on a TV pilot, reported news agency. HuffPost wrote that the woman met with the director at a cigar lounge where she claimed that he ordered her a drink which she was not comfortable with. 
 
After they moved the meeting to a restaurant next to the director's hotel, she said he "encouraged her to drink some more". By the end of the night, the accuser said she began to feel uneasy. 
 
At some point, she said that ''she blacked out but remembered waking up naked in Cohen's hotel room with his face in her crotch and his fingers inside her" She said that she never consented to get physical with the director. 
 
The medical records obtained and reviewed by HuffPost showed she sought treatment as a victim of sexual assault, as cited by Deadline. 
 
Cohen denied any wrongdoing in a 13-page letter from his attorney Martin Singer to the publication. 
 
"The proposed Story is an outrageous defamatory hit piece, making extraordinarily offensive assertions that my client engaged in heinous sexual misconduct, criminal wrongdoing, and other inappropriate behaviour, which are vehemently disputed and denied by my client," Singer wrote. 
 
According to Singer, Cohen also denied that the woman was unconscious in the director's presence, and claims that she left immediately after the business meeting ended. 
 
This is not the first time that the filmmaker has landed in a problem pertaining to sexual harassment. Earlier this year, Cohen's daughter Valkyrie Weather accused him of a lengthy social media post of molesting her when she was a child. 
 
Weather additionally alleged in the post that Cohen had "raped at least one other woman in her sleep," adding, "I know this because he would occasionally tell the story as an anecdote".

The 'Fast and Furious' director Rob Cohen has been accused of sexual assault. According to a Saturday report in HuffPost, the accuser alleged that Cohen sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious.

The 'Fast and Furious' director Rob Cohen has been accused of sexual assault. According to a Saturday report in HuffPost, the accuser alleged that Cohen sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious. The alleged assault occurred in 2015 after the filmmaker invited the 28-year-old woman to a business meeting in Manhattan. The plan was for the two to discuss collaborating on a TV pilot, reported news agency. HuffPost wrote that the woman met with the director at a cigar lounge where she claimed that he ordered her a drink which she was not comfortable with. After they moved the meeting to a restaurant next to the director's hotel, she said he "encouraged her to drink some more". By the end of the night, the accuser said she began to feel uneasy. At some point, she said that ''she blacked out but remembered waking up naked in Cohen's hotel room with his face in her crotch and his fingers inside her" She said that she never consented to get physical with the director. The medical records obtained and reviewed by HuffPost showed she sought treatment as a victim of sexual assault, as cited by Deadline. Cohen denied any wrongdoing in a 13-page letter from his attorney Martin Singer to the publication. "The proposed Story is an outrageous defamatory hit piece, making extraordinarily offensive assertions that my client engaged in heinous sexual misconduct, criminal wrongdoing, and other inappropriate behaviour, which are vehemently disputed and denied by my client," Singer wrote. According to Singer, Cohen also denied that the woman was unconscious in the director's presence, and claims that she left immediately after the business meeting ended. This is not the first time that the filmmaker has landed in a problem pertaining to sexual harassment. Earlier this year, Cohen's daughter Valkyrie Weather accused him of a lengthy social media post of molesting her when she was a child. Weather additionally alleged in the post that Cohen had "raped at least one other woman in her sleep," adding, "I know this because he would occasionally tell the story as an anecdote".

'Fast and Furious' director Rob Cohen accused of sexual assault

Rapper Cardi B, who is known for her unfiltered opinions and candid nature, opened up about being sexually assaulted on the sets of a magazine photoshoot early on in her career. 
 
Not everyone has treated the star with the respect she deserves. While she may be one of the biggest rappers right now, the Grammy-winning artist reflected upon some of the struggles she faced in the industry in the initial phase.&nbsp; 
 
In the upcoming episode of WE TV`S `Untold Stories of Hip Hop`, the rapper recalled the time she was sexually assaulted.&nbsp; 
 
Recounting the horrific incident, the 26-year-old rapper said, "I will never forget how I went to shoot for this magazine and the photographer, he was trying to get close to me like, `Yeah, you want to get in this magazine?` Then he pulled his d-- out," Cardi told the host Angie Martinez in a clip from the episode. 
 
"I was so f--ing mad, and I was just like, `This is crazy`," she added. When the `I Like It` hitmaker told the magazine owner about the harassment, she said she received a nonchalant response.&nbsp; 
 
The rapper also revealed that she abruptly left the shoot."I was like, `You`re fucking bugging. You know what? I`m out`. You know what`s so crazy? I told the magazine owner and he just looked at me like, `So? And?`," Cardi said. 
 
The 26-year-old rapper compared her disturbing experience to the #MeToo movement, which went viral in October 2017 after a number of sexual abuse allegations were made against film producer Harvey Weinstein.&nbsp; 
 
The movement was started by activist Tarana Burke on MySpace in 2006. "When I see the Me Too movement, there are girls from the hood I know that went through the same type of treatment, like they make you feel like you got to do a certain type of thing for the most bulls-- s--. It happens, really, every day," she said. 
 
When asked by Martinez if she still faces similar experiences today, Cardi responded, "Oh, hell no. I`ll put you on blast on my Instagram ... I`ll f--ing violate." 
 
Cardi previously opened up about her experience, telling Cosmopolitan in a 2018 interview, "When I was trying to be a music video vixen, people were like, `You want to be on the cover of this magazine?` Then they pull their d--s out. I bet if one of these women stands up and talks about it, people are going to say, `So what? You`re a ho. It don`t matter.`"&nbsp;

Rapper Cardi B, who is known for her unfiltered opinions and candid nature, opened up about being sexually assaulted on the sets of a magazine photoshoot early on in her career.

Rapper Cardi B, who is known for her unfiltered opinions and candid nature, opened up about being sexually assaulted on the sets of a magazine photoshoot early on in her career. Not everyone has treated the star with the respect she deserves. While she may be one of the biggest rappers right now, the Grammy-winning artist reflected upon some of the struggles she faced in the industry in the initial phase. In the upcoming episode of WE TV`S `Untold Stories of Hip Hop`, the rapper recalled the time she was sexually assaulted. Recounting the horrific incident, the 26-year-old rapper said, "I will never forget how I went to shoot for this magazine and the photographer, he was trying to get close to me like, `Yeah, you want to get in this magazine?` Then he pulled his d-- out," Cardi told the host Angie Martinez in a clip from the episode. "I was so f--ing mad, and I was just like, `This is crazy`," she added. When the `I Like It` hitmaker told the magazine owner about the harassment, she said she received a nonchalant response. The rapper also revealed that she abruptly left the shoot."I was like, `You`re fucking bugging. You know what? I`m out`. You know what`s so crazy? I told the magazine owner and he just looked at me like, `So? And?`," Cardi said. The 26-year-old rapper compared her disturbing experience to the #MeToo movement, which went viral in October 2017 after a number of sexual abuse allegations were made against film producer Harvey Weinstein. The movement was started by activist Tarana Burke on MySpace in 2006. "When I see the Me Too movement, there are girls from the hood I know that went through the same type of treatment, like they make you feel like you got to do a certain type of thing for the most bulls-- s--. It happens, really, every day," she said. When asked by Martinez if she still faces similar experiences today, Cardi responded, "Oh, hell no. I`ll put you on blast on my Instagram ... I`ll f--ing violate." Cardi previously opened up about her experience, telling Cosmopolitan in a 2018 interview, "When I was trying to be a music video vixen, people were like, `You want to be on the cover of this magazine?` Then they pull their d--s out. I bet if one of these women stands up and talks about it, people are going to say, `So what? You`re a ho. It don`t matter.`"

Cardi B opens up about being sexually assaulted during magazine photo shoot

US actor Kevin Spacey, under<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kevin-spacey-sexual-assault-case-massachusetts-prosecutors-drop-charges-against-the-actor-236926"> investigation for sexual assault in the US and Britain</a>, has made a public appearance in Rome, his first in two years, La Repubblica daily reported Sunday.

The daily posted a video on its website showing Spacey, dressed in a suit and tie, reciting a poem outdoors before "a handful of spectators".&nbsp;

The actor made his appearance near a Hellenistic bronze statue "Boxer at Rest", also known as the "Terme Boxer", at the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, La Repubblica said. The statue shows a sitting nude boxer.

"It's his first public appearance in two years," it said.

The work Spacey recited, in English, is by Gabriele Tinti, a contemporary Italian poet, in which he gives the statue a voice.

The Rome trip comes after prosecutors last month dropped sexual assault proceedings against Spacey following the collapse of the case over his alleged victim's refusal to testify.

William Little had accused the 60-year-old filmstar of groping him in a bar on the upscale resort island of Nantucket in July 2016.

Spacey has always insisted on his innocence of the charges.

It is the latest chapter in Hollywood's reckoning over sexual assault and harassment, which has already seen television icon Bill Cosby jailed, with movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's trial set to begin in September.&nbsp;

Spacey is a two-time Oscar-winner -- recognised for his supporting role in "The Usual Suspects" in 1996 and his lead role in "American Beauty" in 2000 -- and considered one of the finest actors of his generation.

He was dropped from the cast of Netflix's "House of Cards" and from a leading role in director Ridley Scott's "All the Money in the World," with Christopher Plummer brought in as a last-second replacement.

In addition to the Nantucket case, two other investigations are underway in Los Angeles and London, where Spacey served as artistic director of the prestigious Old Vic theatre from 2004 to 2015. 
&nbsp;

US actor Kevin Spacey, under investigation for sexual assault in the US and Britain, has made a public appearance in Rome, his first in two years, La Repubblica daily reported Sunday.

US actor Kevin Spacey, under investigation for sexual assault in the US and Britain, has made a public appearance in Rome, his first in two years, La Repubblica daily reported Sunday. The daily posted a video on its website showing Spacey, dressed in a suit and tie, reciting a poem outdoors before "a handful of spectators". The actor made his appearance near a Hellenistic bronze statue "Boxer at Rest", also known as the "Terme Boxer", at the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, La Repubblica said. The statue shows a sitting nude boxer. "It's his first public appearance in two years," it said. The work Spacey recited, in English, is by Gabriele Tinti, a contemporary Italian poet, in which he gives the statue a voice. The Rome trip comes after prosecutors last month dropped sexual assault proceedings against Spacey following the collapse of the case over his alleged victim's refusal to testify. William Little had accused the 60-year-old filmstar of groping him in a bar on the upscale resort island of Nantucket in July 2016. Spacey has always insisted on his innocence of the charges. It is the latest chapter in Hollywood's reckoning over sexual assault and harassment, which has already seen television icon Bill Cosby jailed, with movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's trial set to begin in September. Spacey is a two-time Oscar-winner -- recognised for his supporting role in "The Usual Suspects" in 1996 and his lead role in "American Beauty" in 2000 -- and considered one of the finest actors of his generation. He was dropped from the cast of Netflix's "House of Cards" and from a leading role in director Ridley Scott's "All the Money in the World," with Christopher Plummer brought in as a last-second replacement. In addition to the Nantucket case, two other investigations are underway in Los Angeles and London, where Spacey served as artistic director of the prestigious Old Vic theatre from 2004 to 2015.

Kevin Spacey makes first public appearance in two years in Rome

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to fund and set up exclusive courts in every district where 100 or more cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are pending.

The special courts for the trial of cases of sexual offences against children should start functioning with 60 days, a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta ordered. These courts will not hear any other cases except those under the POCSO Act, it said.

The fund will not only take care of the appointment of presiding officers but also court staff, support staff, besides the infrastructure for vulnerable court complexes, the court noted. It asked the Centre to file a progress report in four weeks.&nbsp;

The bench also directed the chief secretaries of all states to ensure the effective functioning of the forensic science laboratories (FSL).&nbsp;

The order came after amicus curiae and senior advocate V Giri submitted his report on the directions of the court. Giri said there is a lack of proper judicial infrastructure for the trial of POCSO cases.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked its registry to collate district-wise data from the registrars of all the high courts on the total number of child rape cases and how long these have been pending.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to fund and set up exclusive courts in every district where 100 or more cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are pending.

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to fund and set up exclusive courts in every district where 100 or more cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are pending. The special courts for the trial of cases of sexual offences against children should start functioning with 60 days, a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta ordered. These courts will not hear any other cases except those under the POCSO Act, it said. The fund will not only take care of the appointment of presiding officers but also court staff, support staff, besides the infrastructure for vulnerable court complexes, the court noted. It asked the Centre to file a progress report in four weeks. The bench also directed the chief secretaries of all states to ensure the effective functioning of the forensic science laboratories (FSL). The order came after amicus curiae and senior advocate V Giri submitted his report on the directions of the court. Giri said there is a lack of proper judicial infrastructure for the trial of POCSO cases. Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked its registry to collate district-wise data from the registrars of all the high courts on the total number of child rape cases and how long these have been pending.

Supreme Court directs Centre to fund, set up special POCSO courts

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to self-styled godman <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smaller-parties-in-delhis-election-ring-not-for-victory-but-to-make-their-points-215325&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjc2ZPT2rbjAhXG7nMBHWW3DMUQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2x5r3Va14f1b5bdG9i8WfM">Asaram Bapu</a> in connection with the Surat sexual assault case.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said that the trial in the case needs to be concluded before the bail is granted to the accused.

The top court also asked the trial court in Gujarat to complete the trial in the case.

In 2013, two Surat-based sisters had approached police alleging that they were raped by Asaram and his son Narayan Sai.

One of the victims accused 47-year-old Sai of raping her multiple times between 2002 and 2005, while she was staying at his ashram.&nbsp;

He was arrested in December 2013 from Pipli in Haryana.

Asaram is serving a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asarams-son-narayan-sai-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-rape-case-214781&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH_sb82rbjAhXA7XMBHTH8CNIQFjABegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ao8C4zxm44s75hiEj5eE_">life sentence</a> for raping a minor girl in Manai village in Rajasthan in 2013.

The controversial godman was found guilty under some sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

He is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central jail.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in connection with the Surat sexual assault case. A two-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said that the trial in the case needs to be concluded before the bail is granted to the accused.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in connection with the Surat sexual assault case. A two-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana said that the trial in the case needs to be concluded before the bail is granted to the accused. The top court also asked the trial court in Gujarat to complete the trial in the case. In 2013, two Surat-based sisters had approached police alleging that they were raped by Asaram and his son Narayan Sai. One of the victims accused 47-year-old Sai of raping her multiple times between 2002 and 2005, while she was staying at his ashram. He was arrested in December 2013 from Pipli in Haryana. Asaram is serving a life sentence for raping a minor girl in Manai village in Rajasthan in 2013. The controversial godman was found guilty under some sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central jail.

Supreme Court refuses to grant bail to Asaram Bapu in sexual assault case

A religious school's headteacher has been arrested for allegedly raping two girls and sexually molesting another six children under his care, Bangladeshi officials said Sunday.

Abul Khair Belali, 33, is the second principal of a madrassa -- a religious school -- to be arrested this week for allegedly raping students.

Belali, also an iman at a nearby mosque, was arrested Friday at the Kendua girls' madrassa after an 11-year-old student told her parents she had been raped by him, police chief Mohammad Rasheduzzaman said.

The school is also used as a dormitory by around 15 girls from the surrounding villages.

"On Saturday, he admitted that he raped at least two girl children aged eight and 11 and sexually molested another six girl children," Rasheduzzman told AFP.

The incident sparked protests in Kendua, roughly 120 kilometres north of Dhaka, with hundreds of people marching through the main street demanding punishment for the headteacher.

It comes after police last week arrested another madrassa head over alleged child rape in Fatulla, and two high school teachers in the central industrial town of Narayanganj for allegedly raping 20 students.

Rights groups raised concerns about the spike in the number of rape and sexual assaults in the Muslim-majority South Asian nation.

The Manusher Jonno Foundation, a local rights group, published a report in April saying 433 children were raped last year. Most were aged between seven and 12, it said.

The arrests have also raised questions on the safety of students in Bangladesh's thousands of residential madrassas, where mostly poor pupils live under the care of their teachers.

"We have noticed an alarming rise in sexual abuses of children, including the rapes of male children, in madrassas in recent years," Abdus Shahid, head of the Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum, a children rights group, told AFP. &nbsp;

He said "a culture of impunity" is partly to blame for the rise in sexual violence in the country, as only a few cases end in convictions.

The latest arrests come months after Bangladesh was shaken by the murder of 19-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi, burned to death on the alleged orders of the madrassa headteacher after she refused to withdraw a sexual assault charge against him.

A religious school's headteacher has been arrested for allegedly raping two girls and sexually molesting another six children under his care, Bangladeshi officials said Sunday.

A religious school's headteacher has been arrested for allegedly raping two girls and sexually molesting another six children under his care, Bangladeshi officials said Sunday. Abul Khair Belali, 33, is the second principal of a madrassa -- a religious school -- to be arrested this week for allegedly raping students. Belali, also an iman at a nearby mosque, was arrested Friday at the Kendua girls' madrassa after an 11-year-old student told her parents she had been raped by him, police chief Mohammad Rasheduzzaman said. The school is also used as a dormitory by around 15 girls from the surrounding villages. "On Saturday, he admitted that he raped at least two girl children aged eight and 11 and sexually molested another six girl children," Rasheduzzman told AFP. The incident sparked protests in Kendua, roughly 120 kilometres north of Dhaka, with hundreds of people marching through the main street demanding punishment for the headteacher. It comes after police last week arrested another madrassa head over alleged child rape in Fatulla, and two high school teachers in the central industrial town of Narayanganj for allegedly raping 20 students. Rights groups raised concerns about the spike in the number of rape and sexual assaults in the Muslim-majority South Asian nation. The Manusher Jonno Foundation, a local rights group, published a report in April saying 433 children were raped last year. Most were aged between seven and 12, it said. The arrests have also raised questions on the safety of students in Bangladesh's thousands of residential madrassas, where mostly poor pupils live under the care of their teachers. "We have noticed an alarming rise in sexual abuses of children, including the rapes of male children, in madrassas in recent years," Abdus Shahid, head of the Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum, a children rights group, told AFP. He said "a culture of impunity" is partly to blame for the rise in sexual violence in the country, as only a few cases end in convictions. The latest arrests come months after Bangladesh was shaken by the murder of 19-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi, burned to death on the alleged orders of the madrassa headteacher after she refused to withdraw a sexual assault charge against him.

Second Bangladesh religious headteacher arrested over child rapes

A former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-university-president-resigns-as-abuse-scandal-widens-139852">University of Southern California gynaecologist</a> accused by hundreds of patients of molestation and other misconduct over the past three decades pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of sexually assaulting 16 students who were under his care.

George Tyndall, 72, was also ordered to remain in custody in lieu of nearly $2.1 million bonds, but Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Theresa Sullivan said she would review a defence request to slash his bail at another hearing set for Wednesday.

Defence lawyer Andrew Flier, citing his client's age and "serious health concerns," including diabetes and a heart condition, denied in court that Tyndall was a flight risk or threat to the public. His medical license has been suspended.

Tyndall was charged last week with 29 felony counts of sexual penetration and sexual battery by fraud in a scandal that has already resulted in a $215 million civil settlement in federal court.

The 16 patients he is criminally charged with assaulting were students who ranged in age from 17 to 29 and were allegedly violated by Tyndall at the downtown Los Angeles university's campus health centre between 2009 and 2016.

Flier entered a not guilty plea on Tyndall's behalf during a 20-minute court hearing. If convicted on all charges, Tyndall faces a prison term of up to 53 years.

Allegations against Tyndall and USC's handling of the matter - he was not reported to the state medical board for eight months generated a furore on campus that led the university's then-president, C.L. Max Nikias, to resign last year.

Not Suicidal

The grey-haired doctor entered the courtroom with his hands shackled to his waist and stood silently behind a glass partition during the proceedings, wearing a padded blue garment commonly called a "suicide suit."

Flier told reporters afterwards that his client was "not suicidal whatsoever" but was required by jail officials to wear the outfit "for his own protection."

Upon his arrest last Wednesday, Tyndall complained of chest pains and was briefly hospitalized, police said. The flier said his client was returned to custody on Friday after examinations and a battery of tests medically cleared him.

The .38-caliber handgun Tyndall was carrying when arrested was meant for self-defence, his attorney said, adding that Tyndall "has had a lot of threats."

Authorities say more than 350 women reported being subjected to molestation, lewd comments and another sexually inappropriate behaviour by Tyndall during medical exams by him at USC, long one of America's most prestigious private universities.

Many accusers said they recalled sensing something unprofessional or "creepy" about Tyndall at the time, only to fully comprehend in retrospect - after reading media accounts of other complaints - that they had been victimized.

Tyndall insists he is innocent and that he conducted his exams "by the book," always with a "chaperone" in the room and always wearing gloves, Flier told reporters.

"As soon as someone makes an inappropriate comment, that does not connote" criminal behaviour, the attorney said. "The character assassination is overwhelming in this case."

The flier said he was seeking to lower Tyndall's bail to $500,000, a bond sum he said the doctor could afford.

A federal court earlier this month granted preliminary approval to a $215 million settlement in a class-action civil suit filed on behalf of Tyndall's former patients. Tyndall's lawyers said he agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation costs.

The USC case follows a similar scandal that roiled USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics team doctor who also was on that university's staff, was sentenced to up to 300 years in prison in two trials last year after more than 350 women testified about abuse at his hands.

A former University of Southern California gynaecologist accused by hundreds of patients of molestation and other misconduct over the past three decades pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of sexually assaulting 16 students who were under his care.

A former University of Southern California gynaecologist accused by hundreds of patients of molestation and other misconduct over the past three decades pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of sexually assaulting 16 students who were under his care. George Tyndall, 72, was also ordered to remain in custody in lieu of nearly $2.1 million bonds, but Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Theresa Sullivan said she would review a defence request to slash his bail at another hearing set for Wednesday. Defence lawyer Andrew Flier, citing his client's age and "serious health concerns," including diabetes and a heart condition, denied in court that Tyndall was a flight risk or threat to the public. His medical license has been suspended. Tyndall was charged last week with 29 felony counts of sexual penetration and sexual battery by fraud in a scandal that has already resulted in a $215 million civil settlement in federal court. The 16 patients he is criminally charged with assaulting were students who ranged in age from 17 to 29 and were allegedly violated by Tyndall at the downtown Los Angeles university's campus health centre between 2009 and 2016. Flier entered a not guilty plea on Tyndall's behalf during a 20-minute court hearing. If convicted on all charges, Tyndall faces a prison term of up to 53 years. Allegations against Tyndall and USC's handling of the matter - he was not reported to the state medical board for eight months generated a furore on campus that led the university's then-president, C.L. Max Nikias, to resign last year. Not Suicidal The grey-haired doctor entered the courtroom with his hands shackled to his waist and stood silently behind a glass partition during the proceedings, wearing a padded blue garment commonly called a "suicide suit." Flier told reporters afterwards that his client was "not suicidal whatsoever" but was required by jail officials to wear the outfit "for his own protection." Upon his arrest last Wednesday, Tyndall complained of chest pains and was briefly hospitalized, police said. The flier said his client was returned to custody on Friday after examinations and a battery of tests medically cleared him. The .38-caliber handgun Tyndall was carrying when arrested was meant for self-defence, his attorney said, adding that Tyndall "has had a lot of threats." Authorities say more than 350 women reported being subjected to molestation, lewd comments and another sexually inappropriate behaviour by Tyndall during medical exams by him at USC, long one of America's most prestigious private universities. Many accusers said they recalled sensing something unprofessional or "creepy" about Tyndall at the time, only to fully comprehend in retrospect - after reading media accounts of other complaints - that they had been victimized. Tyndall insists he is innocent and that he conducted his exams "by the book," always with a "chaperone" in the room and always wearing gloves, Flier told reporters. "As soon as someone makes an inappropriate comment, that does not connote" criminal behaviour, the attorney said. "The character assassination is overwhelming in this case." The flier said he was seeking to lower Tyndall's bail to $500,000, a bond sum he said the doctor could afford. A federal court earlier this month granted preliminary approval to a $215 million settlement in a class-action civil suit filed on behalf of Tyndall's former patients. Tyndall's lawyers said he agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation costs. The USC case follows a similar scandal that roiled USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics team doctor who also was on that university's staff, was sentenced to up to 300 years in prison in two trials last year after more than 350 women testified about abuse at his hands.

Former University of Southern California gynecologist pleads not guilty to sexual assault

On learning that their 4-year-old daughter was missing, the parents frantically searched in the vicinity of their Thirumullaivoyal residence, near Avadi in Chennai. The mother had left the little girl home-alone for a while as she had to leave her 7-year old son at a nearby tuition class on Thursday evening.&nbsp;

On returning home and not finding their daughter, a complaint was filed in the nearby Thirumullaivoyal Police Station.

Later, a rice sack that was stuffed in a bucket of water was found in their bathroom. The girl was murdered and the body was stuffed into a sack bearing the name of a rice company. Based on the preliminary investigation, the police suspect that she was sexually assaulted before being murdered. The crime had taken place when her father was away at work and her mother and sibling were at the tuition class.&nbsp;

Senior police officials visited the house and examined the crime scene. Forensic experts collected samples from the girl's body and from the house.&nbsp;

On questioning the residents in the area, they claimed to have seen a neighbour, who is also related to the family, to have been near the house when the girl was left alone. The person in question is a 60-year old who is an ex-serviceman.&nbsp;

The police have detained him for questioning. The girl's body is said to have borne blood stains and has been sent for post-mortem at the Government General Hospital; the results are awaited. 
&nbsp;

On learning that their 4-year-old daughter was missing, the parents frantically searched in the vicinity of their Thirumullaivoyal residence, near Avadi in Chennai.

On learning that their 4-year-old daughter was missing, the parents frantically searched in the vicinity of their Thirumullaivoyal residence, near Avadi in Chennai. The mother had left the little girl home-alone for a while as she had to leave her 7-year old son at a nearby tuition class on Thursday evening. On returning home and not finding their daughter, a complaint was filed in the nearby Thirumullaivoyal Police Station. Later, a rice sack that was stuffed in a bucket of water was found in their bathroom. The girl was murdered and the body was stuffed into a sack bearing the name of a rice company. Based on the preliminary investigation, the police suspect that she was sexually assaulted before being murdered. The crime had taken place when her father was away at work and her mother and sibling were at the tuition class. Senior police officials visited the house and examined the crime scene. Forensic experts collected samples from the girl's body and from the house. On questioning the residents in the area, they claimed to have seen a neighbour, who is also related to the family, to have been near the house when the girl was left alone. The person in question is a 60-year old who is an ex-serviceman. The police have detained him for questioning. The girl's body is said to have borne blood stains and has been sent for post-mortem at the Government General Hospital; the results are awaited.

4-year-old girl killed in Chennai, body dumped in bucket; police suspect sexual assault

Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood movie mogul, has hired two lawyers from a Chicago-based firm to join the legal team representing him in his September<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/judi-dench-defends-harvey-weinstein-kevin-spacey-work-you-cant-deny-talent-230524"> trial on rape and sexual assault charges</a>, his representatives said on Thursday.

Weinstein's spokeswoman, Juda Engelmayer, confirmed to Reuters that he had retained Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis ahead of the scheduled criminal trial. Rotunno and Cheronis could not immediately be reached for comment by Reuters on Thursday evening.

Weinstein, 67, is charged in New York with forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in July 2006 and raping another woman in March 2013. He faces five charges, including rape, and a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the five criminal charges.

The defendants are among some 70 women, mostly young actresses and women in the film industry, who have accused Weinstein of sexual assaults dating back decades. He has denied the allegations.

The accusations touched off the #MeToo movement, in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in entertainment, politics and other fields of sexual misconduct.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Rotunno, a former Chicago prosecutor who specializes in the defence of men accused of sex crimes, said in an interview that she rejected the #MeToo movement.

"I’m not a woman who has ever subscribed to it,” Rotunno told the paper. “I believe women are responsible for the choices that they make."

Weinstein has seen a string of high-profile lawyers come and go from the case since his indictment last year.

Attorney Jose Baez asked a Manhattan justice to excuse him from the case earlier this month, the New York Post reported, saying that Weinstein had "engaged in behaviour that makes this representation unreasonably difficult to carry out effectively."

Weinstein hired Baez and Harvard University law professor Ronald Sullivan after his former attorney Ben Brafman left the case in January. Sullivan left the case last month after his defence of Weinstein sparked an outcry at Harvard and led to his dismissal from a dean role at the university. 
&nbsp;

Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood movie mogul, has hired two lawyers from a Chicago-based firm to join the legal team representing him in his September trial on rape and sexual assault charges, his representatives said on Thursday.

Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood movie mogul, has hired two lawyers from a Chicago-based firm to join the legal team representing him in his September trial on rape and sexual assault charges, his representatives said on Thursday. Weinstein's spokeswoman, Juda Engelmayer, confirmed to Reuters that he had retained Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis ahead of the scheduled criminal trial. Rotunno and Cheronis could not immediately be reached for comment by Reuters on Thursday evening. Weinstein, 67, is charged in New York with forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in July 2006 and raping another woman in March 2013. He faces five charges, including rape, and a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the five criminal charges. The defendants are among some 70 women, mostly young actresses and women in the film industry, who have accused Weinstein of sexual assaults dating back decades. He has denied the allegations. The accusations touched off the #MeToo movement, in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in entertainment, politics and other fields of sexual misconduct. The Wall Street Journal reported that Rotunno, a former Chicago prosecutor who specializes in the defence of men accused of sex crimes, said in an interview that she rejected the #MeToo movement. "I’m not a woman who has ever subscribed to it,” Rotunno told the paper. “I believe women are responsible for the choices that they make." Weinstein has seen a string of high-profile lawyers come and go from the case since his indictment last year. Attorney Jose Baez asked a Manhattan justice to excuse him from the case earlier this month, the New York Post reported, saying that Weinstein had "engaged in behaviour that makes this representation unreasonably difficult to carry out effectively." Weinstein hired Baez and Harvard University law professor Ronald Sullivan after his former attorney Ben Brafman left the case in January. Sullivan left the case last month after his defence of Weinstein sparked an outcry at Harvard and led to his dismissal from a dean role at the university.

Harvey Weinstein hires two new attorneys ahead of sex assault trial

A man allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl in the Basti Mohana area here on Sunday and abandoned her in a field after the sexual assault.

The man, who has since been identified as Ismail, is absconding.

The police have launched efforts to nab the alleged rapist, after an FIR was registered by the girl`s family at the Saddar Sadiqabad police station, according to Geo News.

The minor has been taken to the Shaikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital for medical tests.

She was reportedly attending a wedding with her family when the crime took place.

A man allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl in the Basti Mohana area here on Sunday and abandoned her in a field after the sexual assault. The man, who has since been identified as Ismail, is absconding.

A man allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl in the Basti Mohana area here on Sunday and abandoned her in a field after the sexual assault. The man, who has since been identified as Ismail, is absconding. The police have launched efforts to nab the alleged rapist, after an FIR was registered by the girl`s family at the Saddar Sadiqabad police station, according to Geo News. The minor has been taken to the Shaikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital for medical tests. She was reportedly attending a wedding with her family when the crime took place.

Pakistan: Man rapes 12-year-old girl, abandons her in a field

A lady named Jean Carroll said that Trump assaulted her in a dressing room. Other side US President has rejected the allegations. Trump calls these sexual assault charges a 'Fake news'.

Donald Trump Caught Up In 1990s Sexual Assault Allegation

More skeletons coming out Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr's closet, it seems. The actor now has been accused of sexual assault by a blogger Claudia Oshry.&nbsp;

Oshry claimed that the actor touched her inappropriately when she was 16.Last week, the actor was charged with a misdemeanor count of forcibly touching a woman at a bar in Manhattan."All I have to say is #MeToo. I feel so weird about it because at the end of the day I don`t know if I`ve ever considered myself a victim of sexual assault because I`m not, I would never compare myself to them. But yes when I was in high school -- I was f---- 16 years old -- Cuba Gooding Jr. put his finger up my butt and I felt wild," People quoted Oshry as saying in `The Morning Toast` podcast last week.

However, Gooding`s attorney Mark Heller denied the allegation saying, "Mr. Gooding told me such an event never happened. He doesn`t know this individual."

Last week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actor-cuba-gooding-jr-to-turn-himself-in-after-groping-allegation-226688">Gooding Jr had to appear in front of the court </a>as a woman had alleged that Gooding touched her breasts at the bar this week.&nbsp;

Oshry became famous with her social media account `Girl With No Job`.Gooding shot to fame with the film `Boyz N the Hood` and won an Oscar for best-supporting actor in `Jerry Maguire`.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

More skeletons coming out Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr's closet, it seems. The actor now has been accused of sexual assault by a blogger Claudia Oshry. Oshry claimed that the actor touched her inappropriately when she was 16.

More skeletons coming out Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr's closet, it seems. The actor now has been accused of sexual assault by a blogger Claudia Oshry. Oshry claimed that the actor touched her inappropriately when she was 16.Last week, the actor was charged with a misdemeanor count of forcibly touching a woman at a bar in Manhattan."All I have to say is #MeToo. I feel so weird about it because at the end of the day I don`t know if I`ve ever considered myself a victim of sexual assault because I`m not, I would never compare myself to them. But yes when I was in high school -- I was f---- 16 years old -- Cuba Gooding Jr. put his finger up my butt and I felt wild," People quoted Oshry as saying in `The Morning Toast` podcast last week. However, Gooding`s attorney Mark Heller denied the allegation saying, "Mr. Gooding told me such an event never happened. He doesn`t know this individual." Last week Gooding Jr had to appear in front of the court as a woman had alleged that Gooding touched her breasts at the bar this week. Oshry became famous with her social media account `Girl With No Job`.Gooding shot to fame with the film `Boyz N the Hood` and won an Oscar for best-supporting actor in `Jerry Maguire`.

Another woman accuses Cuba Gooding Jr of 'sexual assault'

Brazil soccer player Neymar has denied accusations of rape contained in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-accused-of-raping-woman-in-paris-reports-223525">Sao Paulo police</a> report seen by Reuters, saying he had been the victim of an extortion attempt by a lawyer claiming to represent the woman he is alleged to have assaulted.

The accusation was the latest blow for the Brazilian, who last month was stripped of the captaincy of the national team and has seen his international reputation suffer amid incidents of indiscipline.

The woman alleged that Neymar had drunkenly assaulted her this month at an upmarket hotel in the French capital, where he plays for the Paris St Germain club.

A statement issued by Neymar's management on his website (www.neymaroficial.com) said the 27-year-old forward completely repudiated the allegations.

"Although he was surprised by the news, the facts were already known to the player and his staff, considering that a few days ago he was the victim of attempted extortion, practised by a lawyer from Sao Paulo who said he represented the interests of the alleged victim," read the statement.

"The player's lawyers were immediately notified and have since taken all appropriate steps.

"We completely repudiate the unjust accusations and, above all, the exposure in the press of an extremely negative situation.

"All evidence of attempted extortion and non-rape will be submitted to the police authorities in a timely manner."

According to the police report, the unnamed woman told investigators in Sao Paulo that she met Neymar on Instagram and he suggested they meet in Paris.

Neymar's assistant sent her plane tickets and on May 15 she checked in to the Hotel Sofitel Paris Arc Du Triomphe, according to her account.

The Sofitel hotel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The woman told police that Neymar arrived at the hotel that night "apparently drunk," and that they talked and "caressed".

"However, at some point, Neymar became aggressive, and through violence, practised sexual intercourse against the will of the victim," the police report says.

The woman told police she returned home to Brazil two days later without telling French police about the alleged rape because she was "emotionally shaken and afraid to register the facts in another country," according to the report.

Neymar's father, Neymar Sr., earlier told local TV in Brazil the accusations were a trap and that his son would publish social media conversations with his accuser, if necessary.

The player is in Brazil, training with the national soccer team ahead of this month's Copa America. Late last month, the country's football federation replaced him as captain for the tournament with his club mate Dani Alves.

Earlier in May, Neymar was banned for three matches by the French football authorities for hitting a fan after PSG's French Cup final loss to Rennes and was also reportedly involved in a dressing room fracas with teammates.

Paris St Germain did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Brazil's football federation (CBF) declined to comment.

 
&nbsp;

Brazil soccer player Neymar has denied accusations of rape contained in a Sao Paulo police report seen by Reuters, saying he had been the victim of an extortion attempt by a lawyer claiming to represent the woman he is alleged to have assaulted.

Brazil soccer player Neymar has denied accusations of rape contained in a Sao Paulo police report seen by Reuters, saying he had been the victim of an extortion attempt by a lawyer claiming to represent the woman he is alleged to have assaulted. The accusation was the latest blow for the Brazilian, who last month was stripped of the captaincy of the national team and has seen his international reputation suffer amid incidents of indiscipline. The woman alleged that Neymar had drunkenly assaulted her this month at an upmarket hotel in the French capital, where he plays for the Paris St Germain club. A statement issued by Neymar's management on his website (www.neymaroficial.com) said the 27-year-old forward completely repudiated the allegations. "Although he was surprised by the news, the facts were already known to the player and his staff, considering that a few days ago he was the victim of attempted extortion, practised by a lawyer from Sao Paulo who said he represented the interests of the alleged victim," read the statement. "The player's lawyers were immediately notified and have since taken all appropriate steps. "We completely repudiate the unjust accusations and, above all, the exposure in the press of an extremely negative situation. "All evidence of attempted extortion and non-rape will be submitted to the police authorities in a timely manner." According to the police report, the unnamed woman told investigators in Sao Paulo that she met Neymar on Instagram and he suggested they meet in Paris. Neymar's assistant sent her plane tickets and on May 15 she checked in to the Hotel Sofitel Paris Arc Du Triomphe, according to her account. The Sofitel hotel did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The woman told police that Neymar arrived at the hotel that night "apparently drunk," and that they talked and "caressed". "However, at some point, Neymar became aggressive, and through violence, practised sexual intercourse against the will of the victim," the police report says. The woman told police she returned home to Brazil two days later without telling French police about the alleged rape because she was "emotionally shaken and afraid to register the facts in another country," according to the report. Neymar's father, Neymar Sr., earlier told local TV in Brazil the accusations were a trap and that his son would publish social media conversations with his accuser, if necessary. The player is in Brazil, training with the national soccer team ahead of this month's Copa America. Late last month, the country's football federation replaced him as captain for the tournament with his club mate Dani Alves. Earlier in May, Neymar was banned for three matches by the French football authorities for hitting a fan after PSG's French Cup final loss to Rennes and was also reportedly involved in a dressing room fracas with teammates. Paris St Germain did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Brazil's football federation (CBF) declined to comment.

Brazil football star Neymar denies alleged rape in Paris

Star striker Neymar has been accused of raping a woman at a hotel in Paris, Brazilian media reports said Saturday, charges that the player's father slammed as attempted blackmail.

According to a complaint filed with Sao Paolo police and reported by the UOL and GloboEsporte websites, the Paris Saint-Germain star is accused of "using violence to have sex with the victim without her consent."

Sao Paulo's security secretariat would not provide a copy of the complaint to AFP, confirming only that one had been filed but saying its contents were classified.

The unidentified woman, who lives in Brazil, allegedly met Neymar through Instagram, and after exchanging messages, the footballer invited her to visit him in Paris in mid-May.&nbsp;

According to the complaint, Neymar arrived at the hotel "apparently intoxicated," and the two chatted and exchanged "caresses."&nbsp;

But then "he became aggressive and used violence to have sex with the victim without her consent," the document said.

Neymar's father, who is also his agent, categorically denied the accusations in an interview with Brazilian broadcaster Bandeirantes.

"This is not true, he has never committed any crime," said Neymar Santos, arguing that his son was a victim of blackmail. "We have all the evidence and we already gave everything to the lawyers."

According to Neymar Santos, his son and the woman went on a date, but Neymar did not want to see her again. Since then, the woman has tried to extort money from the player and his family, he said.

"My son can be accused of many things, but I know what kind of man he is ... it's clear that this was a trap," he said, adding that the family was prepared to release WhatsApp messages that would exonerate Neymar.

According to the media reports, the accuser was in Paris from May 15 to 17, but waited until last Friday to file the complaint in Brazil because she was "emotionally shaken."

Neymar, 27, is currently in Brazil preparing for the Copa America, which takes place in the country from June 14 to July 7. 
&nbsp;

Star striker Neymar has been accused of raping a woman at a hotel in Paris, Brazilian media reports said Saturday, charges that the player's father slammed as attempted blackmail.

Star striker Neymar has been accused of raping a woman at a hotel in Paris, Brazilian media reports said Saturday, charges that the player's father slammed as attempted blackmail. According to a complaint filed with Sao Paolo police and reported by the UOL and GloboEsporte websites, the Paris Saint-Germain star is accused of "using violence to have sex with the victim without her consent." Sao Paulo's security secretariat would not provide a copy of the complaint to AFP, confirming only that one had been filed but saying its contents were classified. The unidentified woman, who lives in Brazil, allegedly met Neymar through Instagram, and after exchanging messages, the footballer invited her to visit him in Paris in mid-May. According to the complaint, Neymar arrived at the hotel "apparently intoxicated," and the two chatted and exchanged "caresses." But then "he became aggressive and used violence to have sex with the victim without her consent," the document said. Neymar's father, who is also his agent, categorically denied the accusations in an interview with Brazilian broadcaster Bandeirantes. "This is not true, he has never committed any crime," said Neymar Santos, arguing that his son was a victim of blackmail. "We have all the evidence and we already gave everything to the lawyers." According to Neymar Santos, his son and the woman went on a date, but Neymar did not want to see her again. Since then, the woman has tried to extort money from the player and his family, he said. "My son can be accused of many things, but I know what kind of man he is ... it's clear that this was a trap," he said, adding that the family was prepared to release WhatsApp messages that would exonerate Neymar. According to the media reports, the accuser was in Paris from May 15 to 17, but waited until last Friday to file the complaint in Brazil because she was "emotionally shaken." Neymar, 27, is currently in Brazil preparing for the Copa America, which takes place in the country from June 14 to July 7.

Neymar accused of raping woman in Paris: Reports

Demonstrations were held across the Bangladesh capital Saturday for the tenth consecutive day after a teenager who accused a head teacher of sexually harassing her was burned to death.

The killing of 19-year-old <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-girl-burned-to-death-on-teachers-order-police-211787&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj51NO2y97hAhWMQ48KHVg4A64QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rDZUTHOcpqJFo-ACcYCFy">Nusrat Jahan Rafi </a>has sparked outrage across the South Asian nation and put police action in the case under the spotlight.

Protesters in Dhaka chanted slogans demanding the death sentence for the killers of the girl, who police say was lured to the rooftop of the Islamic seminary she attended in Feni, south of the capital.

Police said the attackers then ordered her to withdraw a police complaint against the head of the school. When she refused, she was doused in kerosene and set on fire.

Rafi died in hospital on April 10 after suffering 80 per cent burns.

Eighteen people, including the head teacher, have been arrested.

Her death has set off demonstrations in several cities across the Muslim-majority country of 165 million.

Many believe the murder has exposed a "culture of impunity" surrounding sex crimes against women and children, while those who complain often feel a backlash.

"Rapes and sexual assaults have risen alarmingly in the country," protester M. Rahman Apu told AFP. "Nusrat Rafi's murder proves that the even the bravest of girls do not get justice.

"Instead she was murdered for daring to lodge a complaint against the perpetrator. Had police and the administration worked properly, she could have been protected," Apu said.

Party chief held&nbsp;

Garment union leader Kamrun Nahar, who had also joined the protests, said Rafi's murder has awakened the nation's conscience.

"We won't stop protests until the killers of Nusrat, and other perpetrators, are brought to book," Nahar said.

"We don't want any more of these grisly murders."

The 18 arrested include the seminary headmaster. One of those accused of the attack told a closed court earlier this week that the principal ordered the killing.

The local head of the ruling Awami League party has been detained for allegedly helping the killers.

Rafi went to police in late March to report the case. A leaked video shows the local police station chief registering her complaint but dismissing it as "not a big deal".

Police said at least five of those under arrest, including three of Rafi's classmates, tied her with a scarf before setting her on fire. They had planned to pass off the death as a suicide.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed that all those involved will face action and police say they are investigating why more was not done to protect Rafi.

The Manusher Jonno Foundation, a non-government group, says there have been at least 39 cases of children under 18 being raped since April 2.

Another eight have been subjected to sexual harassment, the groups say.

"Our system has failed," said Ship Hafiza, executive director of Bangladesh rights group Ain O Salish Kendra.

"Often we see that when there are rapes or sexual abuse of women or children, all the powerful people become a group to protect the perpetrators," she said.

Demonstrations were held across the Bangladesh capital Saturday for the tenth consecutive day after a teenager who accused a head teacher of sexually harassing her was burned to death.

Demonstrations were held across the Bangladesh capital Saturday for the tenth consecutive day after a teenager who accused a head teacher of sexually harassing her was burned to death. The killing of 19-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi has sparked outrage across the South Asian nation and put police action in the case under the spotlight. Protesters in Dhaka chanted slogans demanding the death sentence for the killers of the girl, who police say was lured to the rooftop of the Islamic seminary she attended in Feni, south of the capital. Police said the attackers then ordered her to withdraw a police complaint against the head of the school. When she refused, she was doused in kerosene and set on fire. Rafi died in hospital on April 10 after suffering 80 per cent burns. Eighteen people, including the head teacher, have been arrested. Her death has set off demonstrations in several cities across the Muslim-majority country of 165 million. Many believe the murder has exposed a "culture of impunity" surrounding sex crimes against women and children, while those who complain often feel a backlash. "Rapes and sexual assaults have risen alarmingly in the country," protester M. Rahman Apu told AFP. "Nusrat Rafi's murder proves that the even the bravest of girls do not get justice. "Instead she was murdered for daring to lodge a complaint against the perpetrator. Had police and the administration worked properly, she could have been protected," Apu said. Party chief held Garment union leader Kamrun Nahar, who had also joined the protests, said Rafi's murder has awakened the nation's conscience. "We won't stop protests until the killers of Nusrat, and other perpetrators, are brought to book," Nahar said. "We don't want any more of these grisly murders." The 18 arrested include the seminary headmaster. One of those accused of the attack told a closed court earlier this week that the principal ordered the killing. The local head of the ruling Awami League party has been detained for allegedly helping the killers. Rafi went to police in late March to report the case. A leaked video shows the local police station chief registering her complaint but dismissing it as "not a big deal". Police said at least five of those under arrest, including three of Rafi's classmates, tied her with a scarf before setting her on fire. They had planned to pass off the death as a suicide. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed that all those involved will face action and police say they are investigating why more was not done to protect Rafi. The Manusher Jonno Foundation, a non-government group, says there have been at least 39 cases of children under 18 being raped since April 2. Another eight have been subjected to sexual harassment, the groups say. "Our system has failed," said Ship Hafiza, executive director of Bangladesh rights group Ain O Salish Kendra. "Often we see that when there are rapes or sexual abuse of women or children, all the powerful people become a group to protect the perpetrators," she said.

Bangladeshis protest after sexually assaulted girl burned to death

A couple who split after a five-year hostage ordeal in Afghanistan faced each other in a Canadian court Wednesday at the husband's trial for sexually assaulting his wife.

US citizen Caitlan Coleman, 33, recounted her "rollercoaster" relationship with Canadian Joshua Boyle that ended after their 2017 release.

Boyle, 35, was arrested just two months after he and Coleman returned to Canada and was charged with sexual assault, misleading police and making death threats.

Boyle and Coleman, who married in 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they have called a backpacking trip in 2012 and were transferred to the custody of the Taliban-allied Haqqani network.

The couple were initially separated, and moved around to more than 22 locations in total, but were mainly held together and had three children in captivity -- and another after their release.

Coleman testified via video link from another room in the Ottawa courthouse while Boyle sat quietly, his parents at his side.

She recounted how she had met the defendant when she was 16 in a Star Wars-themed chat room, and became "smitten, rather crushed on him" as he recovered from a break-up with a mutual friend.

She provided a shoulder to cry on when he appeared depressed and the friendship eventually developed into a "powerful rollercoaster" romance.

"He was my first kiss," she said.

Coleman recalled how she told people Boyle was a wonderful boyfriend, when in reality they would fight over her social drinking, the way she dressed and her friends.

Boyle would claim she was "holding him back," the court heard, and would often belittle her and call her a "slut."

The judge was told Boyle had married someone else -- the sister of former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr -- during a break in the relationship.

But that ended in a 2010 divorce and Coleman married Boyle the following year during a trip to South America.

'Didn't have a choice'&nbsp;

She said he became increasingly controlling, referring to her as "helpmeet," and pressed her to travel with him to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

After their frequent fights, she would break down and cry, "babbling incoherently," often storming out, and soon she began to "self-harm."

Coleman said she finally relented and travelled with him to Central Asia with the "firm understanding" that they would not go to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

But after landing in nearby Kyrgyzstan, Boyle sprung on her his real plan to go to Afghanistan, telling Coleman that she "didn't have a choice."

"I was really scared. I thought this was a very bad idea," she said, noting that she was at least four months pregnant. They were kidnapped one week after crossing into Afghanistan.

During five years of captivity, Coleman said Boyle became physically abusive, biting, choking, punching, slapping and spanking her, as well as casually threatening to kill her in front of their children.

"I had to call him sir," she said.

Coleman said the day they gained their freedom, which she said was "exciting" and involved a "dramatic" car chase, her husband's assaults and verbal abuse stopped and she said she became hopeful.

"He started treating me better," she said.

But after a short stay with his parents in Smith Falls, Ontario, they moved into a downtown Ottawa apartment and within weeks the abuse started up again, she said.

"He started becoming verbally abusive, putting me down, then it deteriorated into physical abuse again," Colemen testified.

The court heard Boyle's 911 call on the day Coleman walked out of the couple's Ottawa apartment at the end of December. He claimed she was mentally unstable, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, and might harm herself.

But the call triggered a police investigation that led to him being charged.

Coleman's testimony is due to resume Friday, in what is expected to be an eight-week trial.

The court has banned the identification of a second alleged victim of Boyle.

A couple who split after a five-year hostage ordeal in Afghanistan faced each other in a Canadian court Wednesday at the husband's trial for sexually assaulting his wife.

A couple who split after a five-year hostage ordeal in Afghanistan faced each other in a Canadian court Wednesday at the husband's trial for sexually assaulting his wife. US citizen Caitlan Coleman, 33, recounted her "rollercoaster" relationship with Canadian Joshua Boyle that ended after their 2017 release. Boyle, 35, was arrested just two months after he and Coleman returned to Canada and was charged with sexual assault, misleading police and making death threats. Boyle and Coleman, who married in 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they have called a backpacking trip in 2012 and were transferred to the custody of the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. The couple were initially separated, and moved around to more than 22 locations in total, but were mainly held together and had three children in captivity -- and another after their release. Coleman testified via video link from another room in the Ottawa courthouse while Boyle sat quietly, his parents at his side. She recounted how she had met the defendant when she was 16 in a Star Wars-themed chat room, and became "smitten, rather crushed on him" as he recovered from a break-up with a mutual friend. She provided a shoulder to cry on when he appeared depressed and the friendship eventually developed into a "powerful rollercoaster" romance. "He was my first kiss," she said. Coleman recalled how she told people Boyle was a wonderful boyfriend, when in reality they would fight over her social drinking, the way she dressed and her friends. Boyle would claim she was "holding him back," the court heard, and would often belittle her and call her a "slut." The judge was told Boyle had married someone else -- the sister of former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr -- during a break in the relationship. But that ended in a 2010 divorce and Coleman married Boyle the following year during a trip to South America. 'Didn't have a choice' She said he became increasingly controlling, referring to her as "helpmeet," and pressed her to travel with him to Afghanistan. After their frequent fights, she would break down and cry, "babbling incoherently," often storming out, and soon she began to "self-harm." Coleman said she finally relented and travelled with him to Central Asia with the "firm understanding" that they would not go to Afghanistan. But after landing in nearby Kyrgyzstan, Boyle sprung on her his real plan to go to Afghanistan, telling Coleman that she "didn't have a choice." "I was really scared. I thought this was a very bad idea," she said, noting that she was at least four months pregnant. They were kidnapped one week after crossing into Afghanistan. During five years of captivity, Coleman said Boyle became physically abusive, biting, choking, punching, slapping and spanking her, as well as casually threatening to kill her in front of their children. "I had to call him sir," she said. Coleman said the day they gained their freedom, which she said was "exciting" and involved a "dramatic" car chase, her husband's assaults and verbal abuse stopped and she said she became hopeful. "He started treating me better," she said. But after a short stay with his parents in Smith Falls, Ontario, they moved into a downtown Ottawa apartment and within weeks the abuse started up again, she said. "He started becoming verbally abusive, putting me down, then it deteriorated into physical abuse again," Colemen testified. The court heard Boyle's 911 call on the day Coleman walked out of the couple's Ottawa apartment at the end of December. He claimed she was mentally unstable, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, and might harm herself. But the call triggered a police investigation that led to him being charged. Coleman's testimony is due to resume Friday, in what is expected to be an eight-week trial. The court has banned the identification of a second alleged victim of Boyle.

Afghan hostage abused wife after their release, Canadian court told

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1-billion-from-pentagon-for-trumps-wall-us-congress-committee-says-move-not-permitted-205901">$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted</a>

A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.

Less than one day after acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan authorized moving the funds from existing Defense Department projects to border construction, the House Armed Services Committee said this move was not permitted.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">Boeing 737 MAX makes </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">emergency</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906"> landing in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">: FAA</a>

A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Southwest Airlines made an emergency landing Tuesday after experiencing an engine problem as it was being ferried from Florida to California, the US Federal Aviation Agency said.

"The aircraft returned and landed safely in Orlando," the FAA said in a statement, adding that no passengers were on board the aircraft, which was being transferred to Victorville, California for storage.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/737-max-pivotal-day-today-for-boeing-as-it-meets-with-pilots-airlines-205915">737 MAX: Pivotal day today for Boeing as it meets with pilots, airlines</a>

Wednesday will be a pivotal day for aircraft maker Boeing Co and federal aviation safety regulators as they try to rebuild trust following two deadly crashes of Boeing 737 MAX airliners.

Boeing has scheduled a briefing on Wednesday for about 200 pilots and airline representatives in Renton, Washington, home of its 737 assembly complex. The company is expected to outline changes to software that controls a system designed to automatically prevent a mid-flight stall.

Also on Wednesday in Washington, DC, a US Senate panel plans to question the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Department's inspector general and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board about how thoroughly the 737 MAX's automated flight control system was tested, and what will be done to assure that any fixes work.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-released-from-jail-after-he-gets-bail-205903">Nawaz Sharif released from jail after he gets bail</a>

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was released from a jail here in the early hours of Wednesday after the Supreme Court granted him bail for six weeks on medical grounds.

On Tuesday, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa accepted Sharif's appeal and allowed him to get medical treatment from any health facility of his choice within the country.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mma-star-conor-mcgregor-under-investigation-for-sexual-assault-nyt-205909">MMA star Conor McGregor under investigation for sexual assault: NYT</a>

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday.

The report, in which the Times cited four unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to retire from his career inside the octagon.

$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.

$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border. Less than one day after acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan authorized moving the funds from existing Defense Department projects to border construction, the House Armed Services Committee said this move was not permitted. Boeing 737 MAX makes emergency landing in US: FAA A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Southwest Airlines made an emergency landing Tuesday after experiencing an engine problem as it was being ferried from Florida to California, the US Federal Aviation Agency said. "The aircraft returned and landed safely in Orlando," the FAA said in a statement, adding that no passengers were on board the aircraft, which was being transferred to Victorville, California for storage. 737 MAX: Pivotal day today for Boeing as it meets with pilots, airlines Wednesday will be a pivotal day for aircraft maker Boeing Co and federal aviation safety regulators as they try to rebuild trust following two deadly crashes of Boeing 737 MAX airliners. Boeing has scheduled a briefing on Wednesday for about 200 pilots and airline representatives in Renton, Washington, home of its 737 assembly complex. The company is expected to outline changes to software that controls a system designed to automatically prevent a mid-flight stall. Also on Wednesday in Washington, DC, a US Senate panel plans to question the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Department's inspector general and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board about how thoroughly the 737 MAX's automated flight control system was tested, and what will be done to assure that any fixes work. Nawaz Sharif released from jail after he gets bail Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was released from a jail here in the early hours of Wednesday after the Supreme Court granted him bail for six weeks on medical grounds. On Tuesday, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa accepted Sharif's appeal and allowed him to get medical treatment from any health facility of his choice within the country. MMA star Conor McGregor under investigation for sexual assault: NYT Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday. The report, in which the Times cited four unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to retire from his career inside the octagon.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday.

The report, in which the Times cited four unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts-conor-mcgregor-announces-shock-retirement-205727">had decided to retire</a> from his career inside the octagon.

"Hey guys quick announcement, I've decided to retire from the sport formally known as 'Mixed Martial Art' today," McGregor wrote. "I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition."

The New York Times noted that McGregor has not been charged with a crime and the fact that an investigation is continuing "does not imply that McGregor is guilty of a crime."

But the newspaper said he had been questioned by law enforcement authorities in January after a woman accused him of sexual assault in December.

A spokesman for Ireland's police service would not confirm to the newspaper that McGregor was a suspect in the alleged assault.

The woman making the accusation said it occurred at the Beacon Hotel, where McGregor has been an occasional guest, according to the Times.

McGregor and the UFC have not commented on the allegations. Karen J. Kessler, a publicist for McGregor based in New Jersey, issued a statement that said the Times report and McGregor's retirement were not related.

"This story has been circulating for some time and it is unclear why it is being reported now," the statement said in part. "The assumption that the Conor retirement announcement today is related to this rumor is absolutely false."

The Dubliner, one of the most bankable stars in UFC, had previously vowed to retire in 2016 in a move that was widely seen as a negotiating gambit.

The 30-year-old has not fought since being well beaten by rival Khabib Nurmagomedov in October of last year.

McGregor was later handed a six-month suspension for his role in a post-fight melee after the Nurmagomedov bout, a ban that would have left him eligible to fight again in early April.

He was arrested in Miami earlier this month after allegedly smashing a phone outside a Florida nightclub.

He was later charged with criminal mischief and strong-armed robbery after police said he had slapped the phone out of a fan's hand and then stomped on it.

McGregor was also arrested last year in New York after police said he attacked a charter bus carrying several rival martial arts fighters. Video footage of the altercation showed McGregor throwing a steel dolly through a window of the bus.

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday. The report, in which the Times cited four unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to retire from his career inside the octagon.

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday. The report, in which the Times cited four unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to retire from his career inside the octagon. "Hey guys quick announcement, I've decided to retire from the sport formally known as 'Mixed Martial Art' today," McGregor wrote. "I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition." The New York Times noted that McGregor has not been charged with a crime and the fact that an investigation is continuing "does not imply that McGregor is guilty of a crime." But the newspaper said he had been questioned by law enforcement authorities in January after a woman accused him of sexual assault in December. A spokesman for Ireland's police service would not confirm to the newspaper that McGregor was a suspect in the alleged assault. The woman making the accusation said it occurred at the Beacon Hotel, where McGregor has been an occasional guest, according to the Times. McGregor and the UFC have not commented on the allegations. Karen J. Kessler, a publicist for McGregor based in New Jersey, issued a statement that said the Times report and McGregor's retirement were not related. "This story has been circulating for some time and it is unclear why it is being reported now," the statement said in part. "The assumption that the Conor retirement announcement today is related to this rumor is absolutely false." The Dubliner, one of the most bankable stars in UFC, had previously vowed to retire in 2016 in a move that was widely seen as a negotiating gambit. The 30-year-old has not fought since being well beaten by rival Khabib Nurmagomedov in October of last year. McGregor was later handed a six-month suspension for his role in a post-fight melee after the Nurmagomedov bout, a ban that would have left him eligible to fight again in early April. He was arrested in Miami earlier this month after allegedly smashing a phone outside a Florida nightclub. He was later charged with criminal mischief and strong-armed robbery after police said he had slapped the phone out of a fan's hand and then stomped on it. McGregor was also arrested last year in New York after police said he attacked a charter bus carrying several rival martial arts fighters. Video footage of the altercation showed McGregor throwing a steel dolly through a window of the bus.

MMA star Conor McGregor under investigation for sexual assault: NYT

WION Dispatch: 'I was raped by a superior officer': Senator Martha McSally on serving in military

In what might come as a major shocker to all those rooting for singer R Kelly to get criminally implicated in a sexual assault case filed by a woman in New York, the charges have been dropped.&nbsp;

R Kelly who was charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a Long Island hotel room, according to a report in the US-based TMZ, the criminal complaint in Dallas was recently closed for jurisdiction issues.&nbsp;

A civil case against the singer, however, continues.&nbsp;

Both criminal and civil charges were pressed by a woman named Faith Rodgers who sued the singer last May, claiming that he initiated "unwanted sexual contact" and had "abusive sex" with her in a Long Island hotel room after flying her to his concert in New York. She also reportedly filed a criminal report with Suffolk County PD in June.

As reported by TMZ, according to an August 2018 supplemental police report, Rodgers told cops that although they engaged in oral sex and sexual intercourse, it was "without any verbal or physical resistance."

Based on the absence of any video or photo evidence of the incident from the hotel, cops found the allegations to be "unprosecutable due to a lack of criminality."

According to the report, Kelly has been off the hook for months. In fact, the case was never referred to the Suffolk County DA's office for prosecution, so it had been closed last year.

The issue grew after Rodgers even secretly recorded Kelly so as to get him to confess to sexually abusing her when she was 19. It was then aired in the form of a six-hour <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/singer-r-kelly-under-criminal-investigation-following-documentary-featuring-alleged-sexual-assault-victims-189229">documentary series titled ‘Surviving R. Kelly’</a> that revisited accusations of criminal misconduct including having sex with several minors.

The docu-series drew flak for the singer when ‘All of Me’ singer John Legend was seen along with the survivors of the alleged assault in the video supporting their cause.&nbsp;

In what might come as a major shocker to all those rooting for singer R Kelly to get criminally implicated in a sexual assault case filed by a woman in New York, the charges have been dropped.

In what might come as a major shocker to all those rooting for singer R Kelly to get criminally implicated in a sexual assault case filed by a woman in New York, the charges have been dropped. R Kelly who was charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a Long Island hotel room, according to a report in the US-based TMZ, the criminal complaint in Dallas was recently closed for jurisdiction issues. A civil case against the singer, however, continues. Both criminal and civil charges were pressed by a woman named Faith Rodgers who sued the singer last May, claiming that he initiated "unwanted sexual contact" and had "abusive sex" with her in a Long Island hotel room after flying her to his concert in New York. She also reportedly filed a criminal report with Suffolk County PD in June. As reported by TMZ, according to an August 2018 supplemental police report, Rodgers told cops that although they engaged in oral sex and sexual intercourse, it was "without any verbal or physical resistance." Based on the absence of any video or photo evidence of the incident from the hotel, cops found the allegations to be "unprosecutable due to a lack of criminality." According to the report, Kelly has been off the hook for months. In fact, the case was never referred to the Suffolk County DA's office for prosecution, so it had been closed last year. The issue grew after Rodgers even secretly recorded Kelly so as to get him to confess to sexually abusing her when she was 19. It was then aired in the form of a six-hour documentary series titled ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ that revisited accusations of criminal misconduct including having sex with several minors. The docu-series drew flak for the singer when ‘All of Me’ singer John Legend was seen along with the survivors of the alleged assault in the video supporting their cause.

Criminal charges dropped against singer R Kelly in sexual assault case

Fresh allegations against 'Bohemian Rhapsody'director Bryan SInger has emerged which the filmmaker has categorically denied.&nbsp;Singer has been accused of engaging in sexual&nbsp;encounters with underage boys.&nbsp; 
 
According to a report by The Atlantic on Wednesday, four men allege that Singer had sexual encounters with them when they were teenagers in the late 1990s.&nbsp; 
 
One of the men, Victor Valdovinos, says he was a 13-year-old extra on the set of 'Apt Pupil' when the film's director, Singer, fondled his genitals. 
The three other complainants are referred in the story by pseudonyms.&nbsp; 
 
One, identified in the story as Andy, says that he had sex with Singer when he was 15. Another man, 'Eric', says he was 17 when he began having sex with the director, who would have been 31 at the time. The third man, named as Ben, alleges that he and Singer engaged in oral sex when he was 17 or 18. 
 
"He would stick his hands down your pants without consent. He was predatory in that he would ply people with alcohol and drugs and then have sex with them," the man told the publication. 
 
Singer's attorney, Andrew Brettler, denied the claims to the magazine and challenged various details of the accounts by the accusers. 
 
Earlier, Fox had terminated Singer's services as 'Bohemian Rhapsody' helmer under the "pay or play" provision of his contract. His repeated failures to show up on the set brought the production to a halt in December 2017 which is when Fox decided to fire him. The Queen biopic was later completed by Dexter Fletcher. 
 
The film received five Academy Award nods Tuesday, including best picture and best actor for Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury. Singer who was credited for his work in the film as the director did not get a nomination. He is next scheduled to direct 'Red Sonja' for Millennium Films. 
 
The authors of the article, Alex French and Maximillian Potter, spoke to 50 sources over the course of a year-long investigation.&nbsp; 
 
French and Potter are both affiliated with Esquire. The article was initially expected to appear in that magazine. 
 
The fresh allegations come three months after Singer pre-emptively denied a yet-to-be-published report in Esquire and accused the publication of rehashing "false accusations". 
 
The 53-year-old director, known for films such as 'The Usual Suspects', 'X-Men' and 'Superman Returns', posted a statement on Instagram and implied that the report will revisit past sexual abuse and misconduct allegations against him. 
 
"In today's climate where people's careers are being harmed by mere accusations, what Esquire is attempting to do is a reckless disregard for the truth, making assumptions that are fictional and irresponsible. 
 
"They will be attempting to tarnish a career I've spent 25 years to build," he added. 
 
Cesar Sanchez-Guzman sued Singer in December 2017, claiming that Singer raped him on a yacht in Seattle in 2003. Singer has denied the allegation, and the case is still pending.

In April 2014, Michael Egan dragged the filmmaker to court on alleging that he had raped him several times in Hawaii in 1999, when Egan was 17. The case was dropped several months later, after discrepancies emerged in Egan's account.&nbsp;

Fresh allegations against 'Bohemian Rhapsody'director Bryan SInger has emerged which the filmmaker has categorically denied. Singer has been accused of engaging in sexual encounters with underage boys.

Fresh allegations against 'Bohemian Rhapsody'director Bryan SInger has emerged which the filmmaker has categorically denied. Singer has been accused of engaging in sexual encounters with underage boys. According to a report by The Atlantic on Wednesday, four men allege that Singer had sexual encounters with them when they were teenagers in the late 1990s. One of the men, Victor Valdovinos, says he was a 13-year-old extra on the set of 'Apt Pupil' when the film's director, Singer, fondled his genitals. The three other complainants are referred in the story by pseudonyms. One, identified in the story as Andy, says that he had sex with Singer when he was 15. Another man, 'Eric', says he was 17 when he began having sex with the director, who would have been 31 at the time. The third man, named as Ben, alleges that he and Singer engaged in oral sex when he was 17 or 18. "He would stick his hands down your pants without consent. He was predatory in that he would ply people with alcohol and drugs and then have sex with them," the man told the publication. Singer's attorney, Andrew Brettler, denied the claims to the magazine and challenged various details of the accounts by the accusers. Earlier, Fox had terminated Singer's services as 'Bohemian Rhapsody' helmer under the "pay or play" provision of his contract. His repeated failures to show up on the set brought the production to a halt in December 2017 which is when Fox decided to fire him. The Queen biopic was later completed by Dexter Fletcher. The film received five Academy Award nods Tuesday, including best picture and best actor for Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury. Singer who was credited for his work in the film as the director did not get a nomination. He is next scheduled to direct 'Red Sonja' for Millennium Films. The authors of the article, Alex French and Maximillian Potter, spoke to 50 sources over the course of a year-long investigation. French and Potter are both affiliated with Esquire. The article was initially expected to appear in that magazine. The fresh allegations come three months after Singer pre-emptively denied a yet-to-be-published report in Esquire and accused the publication of rehashing "false accusations". The 53-year-old director, known for films such as 'The Usual Suspects', 'X-Men' and 'Superman Returns', posted a statement on Instagram and implied that the report will revisit past sexual abuse and misconduct allegations against him. "In today's climate where people's careers are being harmed by mere accusations, what Esquire is attempting to do is a reckless disregard for the truth, making assumptions that are fictional and irresponsible. "They will be attempting to tarnish a career I've spent 25 years to build," he added. Cesar Sanchez-Guzman sued Singer in December 2017, claiming that Singer raped him on a yacht in Seattle in 2003. Singer has denied the allegation, and the case is still pending. In April 2014, Michael Egan dragged the filmmaker to court on alleging that he had raped him several times in Hawaii in 1999, when Egan was 17. The case was dropped several months later, after discrepancies emerged in Egan's account.

'Bohemian Rhapsody' co-director faces new accusations of sexual harassment

A couple days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/metoo-javed-akhtar-defends-rajkumar-hirani-calls-him-one-of-the-most-decent-people-in-the-industry-190893">sexual assault allegations surfaced against filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani</a>, T-Series’ head honcho Bhushan Kumar has been accused of being a part of the casting couch.

A police complaint against Kumar has been filed in Oshiwara police station in which the girl alleges that the said incident happened at the time of the release of Sanjay Dutt starrer ‘Bhoomi’. According to the complaint, the girl met with the producer during the film’s screening and he offered a three-film-deal, provided she would sleep with him.&nbsp;

She recalled the horrific episode as one that went by smoothly until she was escorted to his office by a staff member where she was selected by a ‘friendly’ Bhushan Kumar. She then accuses Kumar of allegedly blackmailing her and saying he wouldn’t let her survive in the city if she opened up about the incident to anyone and being dropped off the movie for rejecting Bhushan’s offer.&nbsp;

She even narrated the tale of how some of the girls she knew, had a scar in their life since powerful people like Bhushan used them and never offered them a film.

Meanwhile, Kumar has denied all the allegations against him by issuing a statement.

A couple days after sexual assault allegations surfaced against filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, T-Series’ head honcho Bhushan Kumar has been accused of being a part of the casting couch.

A couple days after sexual assault allegations surfaced against filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, T-Series’ head honcho Bhushan Kumar has been accused of being a part of the casting couch. A police complaint against Kumar has been filed in Oshiwara police station in which the girl alleges that the said incident happened at the time of the release of Sanjay Dutt starrer ‘Bhoomi’. According to the complaint, the girl met with the producer during the film’s screening and he offered a three-film-deal, provided she would sleep with him. She recalled the horrific episode as one that went by smoothly until she was escorted to his office by a staff member where she was selected by a ‘friendly’ Bhushan Kumar. She then accuses Kumar of allegedly blackmailing her and saying he wouldn’t let her survive in the city if she opened up about the incident to anyone and being dropped off the movie for rejecting Bhushan’s offer. She even narrated the tale of how some of the girls she knew, had a scar in their life since powerful people like Bhushan used them and never offered them a film. Meanwhile, Kumar has denied all the allegations against him by issuing a statement.

#MeToo: Sexual harassment complaint filed against T-Series’ head honcho Bhushan Kumar

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-warns-malaysia-as-maritime-tensions-flare-190206&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiCz_S_kPLfAhUJfn0KHeIzBBQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Bt_FgmO8BcLf5PsGxadP2">Malaysia</a>'s government will alter an elementary-school textbook which suggested girls should dress modestly to prevent sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday, after it sparked widespread anger.

Social media exploded with outrage after images circulated of a section of the book, which is used by nine-year-olds, entitled "Saving one's modesty". 
It featured a series of pictures of a fictional girl called Amira, whose parents advise her to protect "the modesty of her sexual organs" by wearing the correct attire.

They also tell her to keep the door of her room closed when changing clothes, and to avoid spending time in quiet locations alone.

If she fails in her efforts to prevent an assault, Amira would bring shame to her family, be shunned by her friends and face emotional problems, the book said.

Activists said the book was teaching children from a young age that female victims of sex attacks only had themselves to blame.

"We are appalled," said Meera Samanther, vice president of rights group Women's Aid Organisation.

"The educational material sexualises nine-year-old girls, teaches them to be ashamed of their bodies, and shifts the blame from the perpetrator to the survivor of sexual assault."&nbsp;

Following the outcry, the education ministry said the controversial section of the book would be covered over using stickers.

It is not the first time authorities in Muslim-majority Malaysia have been accused of taking a poor approach to issues of gender or sexuality.

The health ministry was criticised in 2017 for offering cash prizes for the best videos explaining how to "prevent" homosexuality.&nbsp;

The competition was amended following an outcry.

Malaysia's government will alter an elementary-school textbook which suggested girls should dress modestly to prevent sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday, after it sparked widespread anger.

Malaysia's government will alter an elementary-school textbook which suggested girls should dress modestly to prevent sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday, after it sparked widespread anger. Social media exploded with outrage after images circulated of a section of the book, which is used by nine-year-olds, entitled "Saving one's modesty". It featured a series of pictures of a fictional girl called Amira, whose parents advise her to protect "the modesty of her sexual organs" by wearing the correct attire. They also tell her to keep the door of her room closed when changing clothes, and to avoid spending time in quiet locations alone. If she fails in her efforts to prevent an assault, Amira would bring shame to her family, be shunned by her friends and face emotional problems, the book said. Activists said the book was teaching children from a young age that female victims of sex attacks only had themselves to blame. "We are appalled," said Meera Samanther, vice president of rights group Women's Aid Organisation. "The educational material sexualises nine-year-old girls, teaches them to be ashamed of their bodies, and shifts the blame from the perpetrator to the survivor of sexual assault." Following the outcry, the education ministry said the controversial section of the book would be covered over using stickers. It is not the first time authorities in Muslim-majority Malaysia have been accused of taking a poor approach to issues of gender or sexuality. The health ministry was criticised in 2017 for offering cash prizes for the best videos explaining how to "prevent" homosexuality. The competition was amended following an outcry.

Anger at Malaysia's elementary-school textbook telling girls to 'protect sex organs'

One of the most shocking revelations in the #MeToo movement is Rajkumar Hirani's name. The director of blockbusters like 'Munna Bhai series', 'PK, and '3 Idiots' has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman over a period of 6 months while filming 'Sanju'. &nbsp;The woman has alleged that the assaults happened between March and September 2018.&nbsp;

The filmmaker though has rubbished the allegations and said in a statement, "I was completely shocked when these allegations were brought to my notice about two months back. I had suggested immediately that it is essential to take this matter to any committee or legal body. The complainant has chosen to go to the media instead. I want to very strongly state that this is a false malicious and mischievous story being spread with the sole intention of destroying my reputation."

While a committee has been set up to investigate the matter at Vidhu Vinod Chopra's production house, the allegations have had a direct affect on Hirani's work. According to media reports, work on 'Munna Bhai 3' has been put on hold till Hirani is given a clean chit.&nbsp;

A source told the tabloid, "In a meeting in late December, it was decided that Fox would pull the plug on 'Munna Bhai 3' if Hirani was found guilty. The studio stands in solidarity with the survivor. VVC Films too has taken the matter seriously, and dropped Hirani's name from the promotional material of 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga'."

"An ICC set up by VVC Films will investigate the matter. Munna Bhai 3, however, by default, is on hold till Hirani gets a clean chit," the source added.

Only a few weeks back Arshad Warsi, who played Circuit in the two films in the franchise, had confirmed that a sequel was being planned and it was in initial scripting stage.&nbsp;

In an article on HuffPost India,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bollywood-director-rajkumar-hirani-accused-of-sexual-assault-filmmaker-denies-190031"> the woman, who calls herself "an assistant", alleged that Hirani sexually abused </a>her more than once between March and September 2018.

She detailed her allegations in an email dated November 3, 2018, to Hirani's longtime collaborator and "Sanju" co-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

The woman said that on April 9, 2018, the director first passed a sexually suggestive remark to her and later sexually assaulted her at his home office.

"I remember forming these words on my lips - 'Sir, This is wrong. Because of this power structure. You being the absolute power and me being a mere assistant, a nobody - I will never be able to express myself to you'," she wrote of the April 9 incident in the email to Chopra, as quoted by the article.

The woman said that Hirani was a father figure for her.

"My mind, body and heart were grossly violated that night and for the next 6 months," the email read.

One of the most shocking revelations in the #MeToo movement is Rajkumar Hirani's name. The director of blockbusters like 'Munna Bhai series', 'PK, and '3 Idiots' has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman over a period of 6 months while filming 'Sanju'.

One of the most shocking revelations in the #MeToo movement is Rajkumar Hirani's name. The director of blockbusters like 'Munna Bhai series', 'PK, and '3 Idiots' has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman over a period of 6 months while filming 'Sanju'. The woman has alleged that the assaults happened between March and September 2018. The filmmaker though has rubbished the allegations and said in a statement, "I was completely shocked when these allegations were brought to my notice about two months back. I had suggested immediately that it is essential to take this matter to any committee or legal body. The complainant has chosen to go to the media instead. I want to very strongly state that this is a false malicious and mischievous story being spread with the sole intention of destroying my reputation." While a committee has been set up to investigate the matter at Vidhu Vinod Chopra's production house, the allegations have had a direct affect on Hirani's work. According to media reports, work on 'Munna Bhai 3' has been put on hold till Hirani is given a clean chit. A source told the tabloid, "In a meeting in late December, it was decided that Fox would pull the plug on 'Munna Bhai 3' if Hirani was found guilty. The studio stands in solidarity with the survivor. VVC Films too has taken the matter seriously, and dropped Hirani's name from the promotional material of 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga'." "An ICC set up by VVC Films will investigate the matter. Munna Bhai 3, however, by default, is on hold till Hirani gets a clean chit," the source added. Only a few weeks back Arshad Warsi, who played Circuit in the two films in the franchise, had confirmed that a sequel was being planned and it was in initial scripting stage. In an article on HuffPost India, the woman, who calls herself "an assistant", alleged that Hirani sexually abused her more than once between March and September 2018. She detailed her allegations in an email dated November 3, 2018, to Hirani's longtime collaborator and "Sanju" co-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The woman said that on April 9, 2018, the director first passed a sexually suggestive remark to her and later sexually assaulted her at his home office. "I remember forming these words on my lips - 'Sir, This is wrong. Because of this power structure. You being the absolute power and me being a mere assistant, a nobody - I will never be able to express myself to you'," she wrote of the April 9 incident in the email to Chopra, as quoted by the article. The woman said that Hirani was a father figure for her. "My mind, body and heart were grossly violated that night and for the next 6 months," the email read.

Rajkumar Hirani controversy: 'Munna Bhai 3' put on hold amid sexual assault charges?

Filmmaker <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rajkumar-hirani-film-director-of-bollywood-says-it-is-a-new-golden-age-of-films-171011">Rajkumar Hirani has been accused of sexual assault</a> by a woman who worked with him on his 2017 film "Sanju".

Hirani has categorically denied the allegations. His lawyer Anand Desai termed the allegations "false, mischievous, scandalous, motivated and defamatory".

In an article on HuffPost India, the woman, who calls herself "an assistant", alleged that Hirani sexually abused her more than once between March and September 2018.

She detailed her allegations in an email dated November 3, 2018, to Hirani's longtime collaborator and "Sanju" co-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

The woman said that on April 9, 2018, the director first passed a sexually suggestive remark to her and later sexually assaulted her at his home office.

"I remember forming these words on my lips - 'Sir, This is wrong. Because of this power structure. You being the absolute power and me being a mere assistant, a nobody - I will never be able to express myself to you'," she wrote of the April 9 incident in the email to Chopra, as quoted by the article.

The woman said that Hirani was a father figure for her.

"My mind, body and heart were grossly violated that night and for the next 6 months," the email read.

Chopra's wife, film critic Anupama, who is a director at Vinod Chopra Films Pvt Ltd, "Sanju" scriptwriter Abhijat Joshi and filmmaker Shelly Chopra, Vidhu Vinod's sister, were also marked on the email.

The complainant later said to HuffPost India that she was "intimidated by Hirani", who was her reporting person at the time.&nbsp;

She said she maintained a facade of normalcy regarding Hirani's behaviour as she needed to hold on to her job as her father was suffering from a terminal illness.

"I had no choice but to be polite to him. It was unbearable but the reason I endured it all, until I couldn't, was because I didn't want my job to be taken away from me, and work to be questioned. Ever."

"I was worried that if I left midway, it would be impossible to find another job in this industry if he were to speak badly about my work. Because if Hirani said I wasn't good, everybody would listen. My future would be in jeopardy," she said.

Anupama Chopra had confirmed that the woman had shared an account with her and that Vinod Chopra Films (VCF) has since set up a committee to address complaints of sexual harassment.

"I have offered my full support and recommended that she take the complaint to a legal body or a neutral party since we cannot be arbitrators or judges on this. "We also offered to set up an ICC at VCF (which we have set up since then) even though a VCF ICC could not have taken up the case since she was an RHF (Rajkumar Hirani Films) employee at the time. These are two separate companies," she said in an email dated December 5, 2018.

Anupama said the woman told her she needed time to think about how to take things forward.

She added, "I did not want in any way to pressurise her or steer her in any direction. As Vinod and I told her then, she has our full support and we are fully respectful of whatever decision she has taken."

The development comes close on the heels of Hirani's name been dropped from the new poster and trailer of "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga", directed by Shelly Chopra.

A still from the film's teaser, which released on 27 June, 2018, carried Hirani's name as co-producer. Vidhu Vinod Chopra has not yet commented.&nbsp;

Hirani's is the latest name to be called out in India's #MeToo storm, which has engulfed many a stalwart such as Nana Patekar, Alok Nath, Vikas Bahl, Sajid Khan and former Union minister MJ Akbar, among others.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has been accused of sexual assault by a woman who worked with him on his 2017 film "Sanju". Hirani has categorically denied the allegations.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has been accused of sexual assault by a woman who worked with him on his 2017 film "Sanju". Hirani has categorically denied the allegations. His lawyer Anand Desai termed the allegations "false, mischievous, scandalous, motivated and defamatory". In an article on HuffPost India, the woman, who calls herself "an assistant", alleged that Hirani sexually abused her more than once between March and September 2018. She detailed her allegations in an email dated November 3, 2018, to Hirani's longtime collaborator and "Sanju" co-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The woman said that on April 9, 2018, the director first passed a sexually suggestive remark to her and later sexually assaulted her at his home office. "I remember forming these words on my lips - 'Sir, This is wrong. Because of this power structure. You being the absolute power and me being a mere assistant, a nobody - I will never be able to express myself to you'," she wrote of the April 9 incident in the email to Chopra, as quoted by the article. The woman said that Hirani was a father figure for her. "My mind, body and heart were grossly violated that night and for the next 6 months," the email read. Chopra's wife, film critic Anupama, who is a director at Vinod Chopra Films Pvt Ltd, "Sanju" scriptwriter Abhijat Joshi and filmmaker Shelly Chopra, Vidhu Vinod's sister, were also marked on the email. The complainant later said to HuffPost India that she was "intimidated by Hirani", who was her reporting person at the time. She said she maintained a facade of normalcy regarding Hirani's behaviour as she needed to hold on to her job as her father was suffering from a terminal illness. "I had no choice but to be polite to him. It was unbearable but the reason I endured it all, until I couldn't, was because I didn't want my job to be taken away from me, and work to be questioned. Ever." "I was worried that if I left midway, it would be impossible to find another job in this industry if he were to speak badly about my work. Because if Hirani said I wasn't good, everybody would listen. My future would be in jeopardy," she said. Anupama Chopra had confirmed that the woman had shared an account with her and that Vinod Chopra Films (VCF) has since set up a committee to address complaints of sexual harassment. "I have offered my full support and recommended that she take the complaint to a legal body or a neutral party since we cannot be arbitrators or judges on this. "We also offered to set up an ICC at VCF (which we have set up since then) even though a VCF ICC could not have taken up the case since she was an RHF (Rajkumar Hirani Films) employee at the time. These are two separate companies," she said in an email dated December 5, 2018. Anupama said the woman told her she needed time to think about how to take things forward. She added, "I did not want in any way to pressurise her or steer her in any direction. As Vinod and I told her then, she has our full support and we are fully respectful of whatever decision she has taken." The development comes close on the heels of Hirani's name been dropped from the new poster and trailer of "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga", directed by Shelly Chopra. A still from the film's teaser, which released on 27 June, 2018, carried Hirani's name as co-producer. Vidhu Vinod Chopra has not yet commented. Hirani's is the latest name to be called out in India's #MeToo storm, which has engulfed many a stalwart such as Nana Patekar, Alok Nath, Vikas Bahl, Sajid Khan and former Union minister MJ Akbar, among others.

#MeToo: Rajkumar Hirani accused of sexual assault, film-maker denies allegation

Lady Gaga on Thursday reacted to the ongoing controversy around singer R Kelly.

Gaga, who had at one point during her career defended her 2013 collaboration with the American singer-songwriter, was being pressured into taking a stand against him.

This comes in the wake of a recent documentary series that chronicles allegations of abuse, predatory behaviour and paedophilia against the `I Admit` singer.

However, it is important to note that Kelly has vehemently denied all the allegations directed towards him. Gaga`s single 'Do What U Want,' which featured vocals by Kelly, spiked controversy when it was released back in 2013, which was about five years after the singer had stood trial in Chicago on child pornography charges in 2008. Kelly was acquitted of charges.

The `shallow` singer had addressed the controversy in a press conference in Japan in 2013.

&nbsp;"R. Kelly and I have sometimes very untrue things written about us, so in a way, this was a bond between us. That we were able to say, the public, they can have our bodies, but they cannot have our mind or our heart. It was a really natural collaboration," she had said.

Earlier this week, 'The Karen Hunter Show' featured Dream Hampton, 'Surviving R. Kelly' documentary series producer, on the show.&nbsp;

The producer, during the interview, stated that she wished Gaga could have featured in her documentary.

"I wanted to know how Lady Gaga could be on 'SNL' with him as someone who advocates for domestic abuse survivors and was, you know, had this ridiculous performance with him on 'SNL'," said Hampton.

Gaga, who has been a staunch supporter of #MeToo and Time's Up movements against sexual harassment, was being asked to speak up against Kelly by the social media users.&nbsp;

Amid all the flak pushed against her lately, Lady Gaga eventually broke her silence and took to Twitter to clear the air. Gaga tweeted:

" I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault. Victim of sexual assault myself, I made both the song and video at a dark time in my life, my intention was to create something extremely defiant and provocative because I was angry and still hadn't processed the trauma that had occurred in my own life.&nbsp;

I share this not to make excuses for myself, but to explain."

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I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault: <a href="https://t.co/67sz4WpV3i">pic.twitter.com/67sz4WpV3i</a>
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) <a href="https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/1083237788663697408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gaga has, in past, openly supported sexual assault victims. She even went on to share her own story as a rape survivor in 2014 been outspoken in the past in her support of sexual assault victims and went public as a rape survivor in 2014.

Lady Gaga on Thursday reacted to the ongoing controversy around singer R Kelly. Gaga, who had at one point during her career defended her 2013 collaboration with the American singer-songwriter, was being pressured into taking a stand against him.

Lady Gaga on Thursday reacted to the ongoing controversy around singer R Kelly. Gaga, who had at one point during her career defended her 2013 collaboration with the American singer-songwriter, was being pressured into taking a stand against him. This comes in the wake of a recent documentary series that chronicles allegations of abuse, predatory behaviour and paedophilia against the `I Admit` singer. However, it is important to note that Kelly has vehemently denied all the allegations directed towards him. Gaga`s single 'Do What U Want,' which featured vocals by Kelly, spiked controversy when it was released back in 2013, which was about five years after the singer had stood trial in Chicago on child pornography charges in 2008. Kelly was acquitted of charges. The `shallow` singer had addressed the controversy in a press conference in Japan in 2013. "R. Kelly and I have sometimes very untrue things written about us, so in a way, this was a bond between us. That we were able to say, the public, they can have our bodies, but they cannot have our mind or our heart. It was a really natural collaboration," she had said. Earlier this week, 'The Karen Hunter Show' featured Dream Hampton, 'Surviving R. Kelly' documentary series producer, on the show. The producer, during the interview, stated that she wished Gaga could have featured in her documentary. "I wanted to know how Lady Gaga could be on 'SNL' with him as someone who advocates for domestic abuse survivors and was, you know, had this ridiculous performance with him on 'SNL'," said Hampton. Gaga, who has been a staunch supporter of #MeToo and Time's Up movements against sexual harassment, was being asked to speak up against Kelly by the social media users. Amid all the flak pushed against her lately, Lady Gaga eventually broke her silence and took to Twitter to clear the air. Gaga tweeted: " I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault. Victim of sexual assault myself, I made both the song and video at a dark time in my life, my intention was to create something extremely defiant and provocative because I was angry and still hadn't processed the trauma that had occurred in my own life. I share this not to make excuses for myself, but to explain." I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault: pic.twitter.com/67sz4WpV3i — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 10, 2019 × Gaga has, in past, openly supported sexual assault victims. She even went on to share her own story as a rape survivor in 2014 been outspoken in the past in her support of sexual assault victims and went public as a rape survivor in 2014.

Lady Gaga reacts to the R Kelly controversy: Stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault

US actor Kevin Spacey to be charged with sexual assault

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey has been charged in connection with an allegation that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/actor-kevin-spacey-declares-he-is-gay-23119">he sexually abused an 18-year-old boy</a> at a Nantucket, Massachusetts, bar more than two years ago, the local district attorney said on Monday.

Spacey is scheduled to be arraigned at Nantucket District Court on Jan. 7 on a single charge of indecent assault and battery on a person who is at least 14 years old, according to court documents and a statement issued by Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe.

An attorney for Spacey did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The actor, however, released a video on YouTube on Monday in which he adopts the persona of his character Frank Underwood in the popular Netflix TV series "House of Cards" and says, "I know what you want, you want me back ... You wouldn't rush to judgments without facts, would you?"

The 3-minute video (below) makes no specific reference to the Massachusetts allegation.

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The charge against Spacey, 59, whose full name is Kevin Spacey Fowler, was filed after a Dec. 20 hearing, O'Keefe said. The name on the complaint was Kevin S. Fowler.

The charge against Spacey follows an allegation in November 2017 by Boston television journalist Heather Unruh that her 18-year-old son was sexually assaulted by the actor at the Club Car restaurant and bar in Nantucket on July 7, 2016.

At a news conference in which she made the allegations, Unruh said her "star struck" son falsely told the actor he was old enough to drink when he met him at the bar. The legal age to drink alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts is 21.

'DRINK AFTER DRINK'

"Kevin Spacey bought him drink after drink after drink, and when my son was drunk, Spacey made his move and sexually assaulted him," Unruh said at the 2017 news conference.

The actor allegedly stuck his hands into her son's pants and grabbed his genitals, she said, adding it was "completely unexpected" and her son tried unsuccessfully to shift his body away from Spacey.

"He did not report the crime at the time, and that was largely because of embarrassment and fear," she said.

Unruh said her son filed a report with police in Nantucket, a resort island off the southern coast of Massachusetts, shortly before her news conference.

More than 30 men have said they were victims of unwanted sexual advances by Spacey, who became embroiled in controversy last year when actor Anthony Rapp accused him of trying to seduce him in 1986 when Rapp was 14. In October 2017, Spacey apologised for any inappropriate conduct with Rapp but has not commented since.

The fallout resulted in Spacey, who won a best actor Oscar in 2000 for “American Beauty,” being dropped from the final season of “House of Cards” and erased from the 2017 movie “All the Money in the World.”

Spacey is one of dozens of men in the entertainment industry and politics who have been accused of sexual misconduct, partly as a result of the #MeToo social media movement that began over a year ago.

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey has been charged in connection with an allegation that he sexually abused an 18-year-old boy at a Nantucket, Massachusetts, bar more than two years ago, the local district attorney said on Monday.

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey has been charged in connection with an allegation that he sexually abused an 18-year-old boy at a Nantucket, Massachusetts, bar more than two years ago, the local district attorney said on Monday. Spacey is scheduled to be arraigned at Nantucket District Court on Jan. 7 on a single charge of indecent assault and battery on a person who is at least 14 years old, according to court documents and a statement issued by Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe. An attorney for Spacey did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The actor, however, released a video on YouTube on Monday in which he adopts the persona of his character Frank Underwood in the popular Netflix TV series "House of Cards" and says, "I know what you want, you want me back ... You wouldn't rush to judgments without facts, would you?" The 3-minute video (below) makes no specific reference to the Massachusetts allegation. × The charge against Spacey, 59, whose full name is Kevin Spacey Fowler, was filed after a Dec. 20 hearing, O'Keefe said. The name on the complaint was Kevin S. Fowler. The charge against Spacey follows an allegation in November 2017 by Boston television journalist Heather Unruh that her 18-year-old son was sexually assaulted by the actor at the Club Car restaurant and bar in Nantucket on July 7, 2016. At a news conference in which she made the allegations, Unruh said her "star struck" son falsely told the actor he was old enough to drink when he met him at the bar. The legal age to drink alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts is 21. 'DRINK AFTER DRINK' "Kevin Spacey bought him drink after drink after drink, and when my son was drunk, Spacey made his move and sexually assaulted him," Unruh said at the 2017 news conference. The actor allegedly stuck his hands into her son's pants and grabbed his genitals, she said, adding it was "completely unexpected" and her son tried unsuccessfully to shift his body away from Spacey. "He did not report the crime at the time, and that was largely because of embarrassment and fear," she said. Unruh said her son filed a report with police in Nantucket, a resort island off the southern coast of Massachusetts, shortly before her news conference. More than 30 men have said they were victims of unwanted sexual advances by Spacey, who became embroiled in controversy last year when actor Anthony Rapp accused him of trying to seduce him in 1986 when Rapp was 14. In October 2017, Spacey apologised for any inappropriate conduct with Rapp but has not commented since. The fallout resulted in Spacey, who won a best actor Oscar in 2000 for “American Beauty,” being dropped from the final season of “House of Cards” and erased from the 2017 movie “All the Money in the World.” Spacey is one of dozens of men in the entertainment industry and politics who have been accused of sexual misconduct, partly as a result of the #MeToo social media movement that began over a year ago.

Kevin Spacey charged with sexually abusing 18-year-old boy

An Indian IT professional was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment on Thursday on charges of a "brazen sexual assault" against a fellow female passenger inside a commercial airplane early this year.

Prabhu Ramamoorthy, 35, who came to the US on a H-1B visa in 2015, will be deported after he serves his sentence, a federal court in Detroit said as it sentenced the Indian national to nine years of imprisonment.

Judge Terrence Berge hoped it would be grave enough to deter others from committing similar crimes. Federal prosecutors had sought 11 years of imprisonment for Ramamoorthy.

"Everyone has the right to be secure and safe when they travel on airplanes. We will not tolerate the behaviour of anyone, who takes advantage of victims who are in a vulnerable position. We appreciate the victim in this case for her courage to speak out," US Attorney Matthew Schneider said after the sentencing was announced.

Ramamoorthy was convicted in August after a five-day trial that was conducted before United States District Judge Terrence Berg. The jury deliberated approximately three-and-a-half hours before returning the guilty verdict.

According to the evidence presented at the trial, on January 3, Ramamoorthy had engaged in a sexual act with a female, while she was sleeping on a flight from Las Vegas to Detroit. Ramamoorthy was seated along with his wife, when he sexually assaulted his co-passenger.

During the trial, the government admitted evidence demonstrating that Ramamoorthy had digitally penetrated the woman sleeping next to him during the overnight flight. The sexual assault woke her up, she found her pants unbuttoned and unzipped, and sought help from the flight attendants.

The sentence was proof that the safety and security of all aircraft passengers was a priority for the FBI, said Timothy R Slater, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI.

In recent years, a number of Indian nationals have been arrested or charged with sexual assaults inside a plane. The FBI says airplane sexual assault is a serious offence that is on the rise. FBI statistics indicate that investigations of mid-air sexual assaults increased by 66 per cent from 2014 to 2017.

That was in part due to increasingly "cramped, confined spaces; alcohol and drugs; fewer flight attendants; and dark cabins on night flights" -- factors that "likely embolden offenders" -- the FBI said in a recent report.

The cramped style of airplane seating can exacerbate trauma for victims. According to mental health professionals, victims who are violated in confined spaces feel even more helpless, vulnerable and powerless. Victims may also feel intimidated by the person sitting next to them since the seating arrangement means that the perpetrator is effectively blocking the victim from getting up, according to the FBI.

According to court papers, Ramamoorthy is from Tamil Nadu, where he grew up. His parents are farmers. He came to the US in July, 2015 after his graduation to work as an IT professional.

During his trial, Ramamoorthy presented himself to the court as a confused man stranded in America without English language skills despite his sophisticated technological job, federal prosecutors alleged. "His lack of empathy and remorse should not go unnoticed by this court," they argued, seeking nearly 11 years of imprisonment for him.

An Indian IT professional was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment on Thursday on charges of a "brazen sexual assault" against a fellow female passenger inside a commercial airplane early this year.

An Indian IT professional was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment on Thursday on charges of a "brazen sexual assault" against a fellow female passenger inside a commercial airplane early this year. Prabhu Ramamoorthy, 35, who came to the US on a H-1B visa in 2015, will be deported after he serves his sentence, a federal court in Detroit said as it sentenced the Indian national to nine years of imprisonment. Judge Terrence Berge hoped it would be grave enough to deter others from committing similar crimes. Federal prosecutors had sought 11 years of imprisonment for Ramamoorthy. "Everyone has the right to be secure and safe when they travel on airplanes. We will not tolerate the behaviour of anyone, who takes advantage of victims who are in a vulnerable position. We appreciate the victim in this case for her courage to speak out," US Attorney Matthew Schneider said after the sentencing was announced. Ramamoorthy was convicted in August after a five-day trial that was conducted before United States District Judge Terrence Berg. The jury deliberated approximately three-and-a-half hours before returning the guilty verdict. According to the evidence presented at the trial, on January 3, Ramamoorthy had engaged in a sexual act with a female, while she was sleeping on a flight from Las Vegas to Detroit. Ramamoorthy was seated along with his wife, when he sexually assaulted his co-passenger. During the trial, the government admitted evidence demonstrating that Ramamoorthy had digitally penetrated the woman sleeping next to him during the overnight flight. The sexual assault woke her up, she found her pants unbuttoned and unzipped, and sought help from the flight attendants. The sentence was proof that the safety and security of all aircraft passengers was a priority for the FBI, said Timothy R Slater, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI. In recent years, a number of Indian nationals have been arrested or charged with sexual assaults inside a plane. The FBI says airplane sexual assault is a serious offence that is on the rise. FBI statistics indicate that investigations of mid-air sexual assaults increased by 66 per cent from 2014 to 2017. That was in part due to increasingly "cramped, confined spaces; alcohol and drugs; fewer flight attendants; and dark cabins on night flights" -- factors that "likely embolden offenders" -- the FBI said in a recent report. The cramped style of airplane seating can exacerbate trauma for victims. According to mental health professionals, victims who are violated in confined spaces feel even more helpless, vulnerable and powerless. Victims may also feel intimidated by the person sitting next to them since the seating arrangement means that the perpetrator is effectively blocking the victim from getting up, according to the FBI. According to court papers, Ramamoorthy is from Tamil Nadu, where he grew up. His parents are farmers. He came to the US in July, 2015 after his graduation to work as an IT professional. During his trial, Ramamoorthy presented himself to the court as a confused man stranded in America without English language skills despite his sophisticated technological job, federal prosecutors alleged. "His lack of empathy and remorse should not go unnoticed by this court," they argued, seeking nearly 11 years of imprisonment for him.

US-based Indian techie sentenced to nine years for sexual assault inside plane

French police have questioned film star Gerard Depardieu over allegations that he raped a young actress, which he strongly denies, a police source said Wednesday.&nbsp;

The source said the 69-year-old actor attended a police interview on Tuesday and is not being kept in custody. He was free to terminate the questioning at any time.

"Gerard Depardieu absolutely denies any attack, any rape," his lawyer Herve Temime told AFP after the actress filed a complaint against him in late August.

"I regret the public nature of this process which is doing major harm to Gerard Depardieu, whose innocence will certainly be proven," Temime said.

Depardieu is accused of raping and assaulting the actress at his mansion in the French capital's chic 6th district between August 7 and 13 this year.

The Parisien newspaper previously reported that the alleged victim is an actress and dancer in her twenties who had sought career advice from Depardieu.&nbsp;

The accusations are the latest in a string against prominent men worldwide in the wake of the rape and assault claims against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.

French director and producer Luc Besson, most famous for international hits such as "The Fifth Element", was questioned last month over allegations that he also raped a young actress.

On Wednesday five more women accused Besson of sexual assault and harassment, bringing to nine the number of women who have made complaints against him.

Depardieu, who has made more than 180 films, became the face of French cinema through films such as "Cyrano de Bergerac", for which he was nominated for an Oscar.

He has rarely strayed far from the headlines in France.

In 2013 he sparked a huge outcry by taking Russian nationality to protest a proposed tax hike on the rich in his homeland.

His alleged victim filed her complaint in Provence, southern France, and local prosecutors immediately opened an investigation.&nbsp;

The case was transferred to Paris prosecutors on Wednesday.

French police have questioned film star Gerard Depardieu over allegations that he raped a young actress, which he strongly denies, a police source said Wednesday.

French police have questioned film star Gerard Depardieu over allegations that he raped a young actress, which he strongly denies, a police source said Wednesday. The source said the 69-year-old actor attended a police interview on Tuesday and is not being kept in custody. He was free to terminate the questioning at any time. "Gerard Depardieu absolutely denies any attack, any rape," his lawyer Herve Temime told AFP after the actress filed a complaint against him in late August. "I regret the public nature of this process which is doing major harm to Gerard Depardieu, whose innocence will certainly be proven," Temime said. Depardieu is accused of raping and assaulting the actress at his mansion in the French capital's chic 6th district between August 7 and 13 this year. The Parisien newspaper previously reported that the alleged victim is an actress and dancer in her twenties who had sought career advice from Depardieu. The accusations are the latest in a string against prominent men worldwide in the wake of the rape and assault claims against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. French director and producer Luc Besson, most famous for international hits such as "The Fifth Element", was questioned last month over allegations that he also raped a young actress. On Wednesday five more women accused Besson of sexual assault and harassment, bringing to nine the number of women who have made complaints against him. Depardieu, who has made more than 180 films, became the face of French cinema through films such as "Cyrano de Bergerac", for which he was nominated for an Oscar. He has rarely strayed far from the headlines in France. In 2013 he sparked a huge outcry by taking Russian nationality to protest a proposed tax hike on the rich in his homeland. His alleged victim filed her complaint in Provence, southern France, and local prosecutors immediately opened an investigation. The case was transferred to Paris prosecutors on Wednesday.

French film star Gerard Depardieu questioned in rape probe

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