6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Rapper Slowthai NOT guilty of raping two fans on roof of house party after gig
RAPPER Slowthai has been found not guilty of raping two fans at a house party after he performed a gig.
The Grammy-nominated artist, who is married to singer Anne-Marie, stood trial charged with three counts of rape.
PATyron Frampton, known by the stage name Slowthai, arriving at Oxford Crown Court with wife Anne-Marie last month[/caption]
GettySlowthai at the NME Awards 2020 at O2 Academy Brixton[/caption]
Slowthai – real name Tyron Kaymone Frampton – was accused of isolating the fans after instigating a “no phones and no boys” rule.
Frampton, 29, and co-accused Alex Blake-Walker, 27, then allegedly raped the pair before high-fiving each other.
The pair have now been cleared of three counts of rape against two women.
Blake-Walker was also found not guilty of one count of sexual assault after ten hours of jury deliberation.
A trial at Oxford Crown Court heard Frampton had performed a gig at The Bullingdon music venue in Oxford on September 7, 2021
The alleged assaults were said to have then taken place later at a party after the gig.
The court heard the women joined the rapper and his friend on a tour bus before heading to the party.
Once there, Frampton took the two women away from their friends as his entourage turned up the music to block any sound from the roof, jurors heard.
The court was told both women were allegedly raped simultaneously as he and Blake-Walker discussed “swapping the girls”.
Jurors heard the alleged ordeal only came to an end when Frampton and Blake-Walker were interrupted.
Frampton, who was supported throughout the trial by wife Anne-Marie, jumped from the roof into a garden below.
He and Blake-Walker agreed that sexual activity had taken place with the two women but the pair insisted it was consensual.
They denied three joint charges of rape and one of sexual assault against two women.
Frampton arrived on the music scene in 2019 with album Nothing Great About Britain.
He was nominated for best dance recording at 2021’s Grammy Awards.
The rapper wed Anne-Marie in Las Vegas in July 2022 and the pair had their first child, a daughter, earlier this year.
PASlowthai outside Oxford Crown Court during the trial[/caption]
Frampton wed the former Voice judge Anne-Marie in 2022The pair share a child together
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Hundreds sick with bizarre new ‘dancing disease’ which leaves victims shaking uncontrollably
APDoctors walk inside the Ebola isolation section of Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, in Mubende, Uganda, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. In this remote Ugandan community facing its first Ebola outbreak, testing trouble has added to the challenges with symptoms of the Sudan strain of Ebola now circulating being similar to malaria, underscoring the pitfalls health workers […][/caption]
A MYSTERY illness leaving hundreds of patients shaking uncontrollably has struck Uganda, local media reports suggest.
The disease locals are referring to as Dinga Dinga, translating to “shaking like dancing”, has already affected around 300 people, mostly women and girls, according to health officials.
APDoctors in Uganda putting on protective equipment[/caption]
The puzzling illness, reported in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district, causes fever and intense body shaking, making it difficult for those affected to walk.
Dr Kiyita Christopher, the district health officer, told the media that no cases have been reported outside Bundibugyo, and samples have been sent to the health ministry for analysis.
He reassured the public that there have been no fatalities linked to the disease and that it is typically treatable with antibiotics.
“Patients usually recover within a week,” he said.
Some have turned to herbal remedies to ease symptoms, but Dr Christopher strongly discouraged this approach.
“There is no scientific evidence that herbal medicine can treat this disease,” he warned.
“I urge locals to seek treatment from health facilities within the district,” he added.
Christopher told Ugandan newspaper, Monitor, that the illness was first reported in early 2023 and remains under investigation by health laboratories.
One patient, Patience Katusiime, shared her harrowing experience with the illness, describing how her body shook uncontrollably despite feeling paralysed.
“I felt weak and got paralysed, with my body shaking uncontrollably whenever I tried to walk,” she said.
“It was very disturbing. I was taken to Bundibugyo Hospital for treatment, and thank God, I am now fine.”
It comes just months after an outbreak of a new mpox strain was reported in Uganda and other East African states.
Officials warned that an outbreak of the virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DCR) and neighbouring countries like Uganda posed a situation of “international concern,” marking the WHO’s highest level of alert.
The strain has recently reached other continents, with imported cases being detected in Europe and Asia.
Five people in the UK have also tested positive for the bug, with the majority coming from a single household in London.
A NEW health threat is emerging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where a mysterious illness called Disease X is killing people.
Experts use the term “Disease X” for any unknown pathogen with the potential to spark a global epidemic.
The mystery outbreak began in late October and has since sickened more than 400 people and killed 79.
People have fallen ill with a range of symptoms including fever, a cough, aches, and anaemia.
Most cases and deaths have been in children under 14.
So far, ten people have already tested positive for malaria. However, multiple diseases may be involved and testing is still ongoing
Last week, a team of doctors, epidemiologists, and other outbreak specialists were sent to Panzi, the rural part of the DRC where a mysterious illness has hit.
The area also suffers from high levels of malnutrition and low vaccination coverage, leaving children vulnerable to many diseases including pneumonia, measles, influenza, and others.
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Dream Team bosses backing the wrong horse in Brennan Johnson while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski thrive
ONLY Chelsea have scored more Premier League goals than Tottenham this season.
In fact, the Blues and league-leaders Liverpool are the only teams that boast a better goal difference than Spurs’ +17 right now.
And yet Ange Postecoglou’s side are only tenth in table, level on points with Brentford and Newcastle in 11th and 12th respectively, such is their frustrating nature.
GettyIt’s hard to get a read on Spurs this season[/caption]
Spurs are arguably the most curious team in the land at present, capable of outplaying any opponent on their day but also liable to inexplicable slip-ups.
Their inconsistent nature causes headaches for Dream Team managers but the strength of their attack means there are plenty of points on offer most Gameweeks.
Certainly that was the case on Sunday when the North Londoners waltzed to a 5-0 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s.
Spurs could have inflicted more damage on Saints but opted to conserve energy in a goalless second half.
James Maddison (£4.5m) and Son Heung-min (£5.2m) were the biggest beneficiaries as they banked 19 points each – both were directly involved in three of the five goals.
The former has amassed 56 points in seven outings since the start of Gameweek 12 while the latter has gone one point better in the same time frame, despite not looking his best.
RexMaddison enjoyed himself against Southampton on Sunday night[/caption]
Dejan Kulusevski (£3.6m) also took advantage of Southampton’s porous defence to score in his third consecutive game.
The Sweden international now has five goals to go alongside his tally of eight assists in 2024/25 – he averages a goal involvement every 114.6 minutes in all competitions.
However, one Spurs player was particularly notable for his lack of returns at the weekend, Brennan Johnson (£3.8m).
The Wales international was named on the bench and mustered just one point after he replaced Son at half-time.
The former Nottingham Forest man has registered just ten points from his last four outings at a time when several of his team-mates have cashed in.
APJohnson has been starved of points in the last two Gameweeks[/caption]
This disparity is noteworthy because Johnson is the most popular Spurs asset in Dream Team.
Not only that, an ownership of 27% makes him the sixth-most selected player in the whole game at the time of writing!
On current evidence, it appears gaffers are backing the wrong the horse.
On paper, there’s not much between Postecoglou’s main attacking threats.
Johnson, Maddison and Son have all registered 14 goal involvements apiece with Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke (£4.2m) on 13 each.
The former is the club’s top scorer this season with ten goals to his name in all competitions but it’s Maddison who leads the way in terms of points, the metric that matters most.
MOST DREAM TEAM POINTS AMONG TOTTENHAM PLAYERS THIS SEASON:
155pts – James Maddison
141pts – Brennan Johnson
136pts – Son Heung-min
132pts – Dominic Solanke
123pts – Dejan Kulusevski
RexSon has notched his fair share of points despite not always looking at his best[/caption]
Furthermore, Johnson owners may be concerned about his minutes lately.
Prior to his benching at St Mary’s, he was hooked after 53 minutes against Chelsea and played just an hour at Ibrox in the Europa League.
Previously, Maddison’s playing time nosedived but the 28-year-old has seemingly clawed his way back up the pecking order with some encouraging performances while Kulusevski is arguably Spurs’ Player of the Season at this stage.
Postecoglou’s troops are due to take on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night so gaffers will be afforded another glimpse before having to decide upon their strategy for Gameweek 16.
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AlamyBuffy the Vampire Slayer made its debut in 1997.[/caption]
GettySarah Michelle Gellar played the role of Buffy Summers.[/caption]
The iconic 90s show earned cult status among fantasy fans.Rex Features
It earned cult status among fantasy fans but a lot has happened since it first aired 25 years ago.
Sarah had always said she would never return to the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, leaving at its natural conclusion, but she now appears to be having a change of heart.
Her views were prompted by watching the recent Sex and the City and Dexter series reboots and seeing how they have grown from the original.
Sarah has said she would be open to taking on the role of Buffy Summers again in a reboot.
Speaking on The Drew Barrymore Show, Sarah was asked whether she’d consider a return to her old character.
She said: “It’s funny. I always used to say no, because it’s in its bubble, and it’s so perfect.”
“But watching Sex and the City [sequel series, And Just Like That] and seeing Dexter, and realising there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.’”
She added: “It could be anything. It’s a universe. And it makes you realise that in this world, we need those heroes, I think, more so than ever.”
Buffy the Vampire Slayer ran between 1997 and 2003 and was based on Joss Whedon’s 1992 movie with the same name.
It followed Buffy Summers as she relocated to Sunnydale High School, where she had to battle various supernatural forces.
Playing Buffy Summers helped turn Sarah into a Hollywood leading lady.
She went on to bag roles in Cruel Intentions, Scooby Doo, The Grudge and Scream 2.
She also made various TV cameos including in The Simpsons, American Dad, Sex And The City, Star Wars Rebels and The Big Bang Theory.
Fans were devastated when the iconic series came to an end in 2003 after seven installments.
But last year, the iconic 90s show returned for a spin-off audio series with a twist,Slayers: A Buffyverse Story, which focuses on James Marsters’ character Spike.
The show is available as a nine part audio only series on Audible.
The Mega AgencyFans were devastated when the iconic series came to an end in 2003 after seven installments.[/caption]
BBCPlaying Buffy Summers helped turn Sarah Michelle Gellar into a Hollywood leading lady.[/caption]
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on How celebs are using their FEET to rake in extra £100k – and Kim Kardashian even keeps up the gig with a broken foot
SOMEWHERE in Britain right now, a woman is deciding whether to sell pictures of her feet to earn some extra cash amid the cost of living crisis.
It might sound bonkers, but the niche side hustle has been gaining traction in recent years, with some women claiming they’re taking home an extra £100,000 a year thanks to it.
Instagram/ kimkardashianKim Kardashian is not shy about getting her bare feet out on Instagram or in public[/caption]
ErotemeTikTok star-turned-musician Addison Rae has made her feet her USP[/caption]
Celebs are also cashing in on the demand for niche feet content, with Lily Allen revealing in July this year that she had set up an OnlyFans account solely to flog pictures of her feet.
The demand is driven by an increased awareness of foot fetishes, the most common form of sexual fetishism towards an otherwise unsexual body part.
Women can pocket roughly £400 a week (or £1,733 a month) flogging pictures to men who have a fancy for feet, according to the 2023 Foot Fetish Market Research and Alternative Income Reports.
And while platforms like OnlyFans and Feet Finder create a direct seller-to-buyer pipeline, some celebs are being sneakier.
Kim Kardashian, Addison Rae and Bella Thorne are all using their feet to subtly promote their brands.
Feet Finder, a platform dedicated to connecting feet-loving people to those willing to share pictures of their trotters, declared last year that “feet modelling is taking over the advertisement industry”.
In short, feet can be used to promote just about anything.
“When toe-sucking and foot-licking first became a common treat or dare on shows like Love Island, with male contestants openly boasting about ‘having a thing’ about feet, foot fetishism moved on,” body language expert Judi James tells Fabulous.
“It was no longer sad guys sniffing the merch in shoe shops, and instead became a new thirst trap for A-list celebrities wanting to sell luxury items or brands without resorting to more obvious sexual displays.
“Foot displays pander to what is the most common sexual fetish, but bare feet are also emotionally elitist and show off a sense of superiority.
“Celebs might have lip fillers, boob jobs and bum implants in a bid to create the ‘perfect’ body but feet tend to be an au natural beauty gift.
“Bunion-less, corn-less and with no hint of cracked or dry skin in view, they imply the life of luxury, pampering and privilege that we all crave.
“Attach any product to this attention-stimulator and you have the perfect marketing method.”
The experts at Feet Finder say that the “foot pictures market” is expected to reach over $1 billion globally by 2027.
With billions on their mind, it makes sense why celebrities are sneakily slipping their trotters into campaigns totally unrelated to feet.
KIM KARDASHIAN
InstagramKim promoted her new beauty line, SKKN, with a feet-first picture – and it’s good for sales, says one body language expert[/caption]
The 44-year-old rocked a single heel and a boot cast while healing from a broken footinstagram
Kim Kardashian, 44, is not shy about going bare foot on Instagram, even amid rumours that she has six toes on one foot.
The mum-of-four actually promoted her beauty line, SKKN, with a feet-first picture.
“Of course, celebrity goddess Kim would possess an absolutely perfect pair of feet that imply her soles have never had contact with the ground,” comments Judi.
“As she leans back here with a look of relaxed, challenging superiority she uses an elongated leg pose to drive the eye down to the bare foot and back up again.
It’s the deliberate contrast between all those ballgown swathes of white satin and then the bare feet below that create the attention-grabbing, money-spinning shock here
Judi Jamesbody language expert
“Her legs are placed in an awkward arch but they are only vectors for the perfect-looking naked feet.
“It’s the deliberate contrast between all those ballgown swathes of white satin and then the bare feet below that create the attention-grabbing, money-spinning shock here.”
We’re used to Kim using her larger-than-life behind and hourglass figure to flog us shapewear and swimwear from her biggest brand, SKIMS.
But she knows that there’s more money to be made with less covertly sexual parts of her body.
GettyKim attended the grand opening of her new flagship SKIMS store on a knee scooter with her left foot on full display[/caption]
“Take a woman known for her cleavage, micro-waist and curvaceous bum but throw a pair of perfect, nude feet into the mix and you open up a whole new world of powerful subliminal selling,” Judi adds.
Kim Kardashian is so dedicated to the cause that, even after breaking her foot shortly before Christmas, she’s still dressing it up in PVC heels showing it off.
The reality icon attended the grand opening of her new flagship SKIMS store in New York City on Thursday on a black knee scooter with her left foot on full display.
Pics from inside the event with pals also show her using the device to balance.
Lily Allen
GettyThe Smile star, who shot to fame in 2006, claimed that she makes more money selling feet snaps than her music streams[/caption]
OnlyFansLily said that it was actually her nail technician who told the singer she could rake in a good chunk of cash selling pics of her toes on the adults-only site[/caption]
The mum-of-two charges fans £8 to access her catalogue of her US size 6 feet snaps and videos on the adult picture sharing site
Lily, mum to daughters Ethel and Marnie, made headlines after she shared an Instagram story of her toes resting beside the Trevi fountain with a link labelled “La dolce feeta”, which took her 2million followers direct to her OnlyFans account – with the username Lily Allen FTSE500.
The 39-year-old revealed that it was actually her nail technician who told the noughties musician that her toes were nice and cute enough to make a good chunk of cash online.
Although the singer was met with a huge backlash by fans, Lily’s feet seem to have become a major hit on the site, with her toes boasting an impressive five-star rating on WikiFeet.
Hitting back at the haters, the Smile singer said: “Imagine being and artist and having nearly 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify but earning more money from having 1000 people subscribe to pictures of your feet.”
She added: “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.”
BELLA THORNE
GettyBella Thorne is one of the globe’s top OnlyFans earners[/caption]
Bella Thorne, one of the globe’s top OnlyFans earners, is also no stranger to using her feet to promote products.
Amazingly, feet are a staple in product pictures for her jewelry brand.
“Bare feet and nudity go together and this ritual will trigger thoughts of nakedness in a guy’s mind, as though the woman’s just made the first move in a slow striptease,” Judi explains.
As a result, getting her trotters out has the power to drive men to buy products from Throne Dynasty for their girlfriends.
Commenting on the above picture of Bella promoting EARRINGS with her feet front-and-centre of the shot, Judi says: “Her legs stretch free from the robe and at the end of the dramatically placed legs are her featured bare feet.
“One foot is en point to elongate the leg and draw attention to the toes in a powerful flirt signal. Draw attention to or bare the breasts, bum or pelvis, then you risk the ad looking obvious and tasteless.
“However, bare the feet can stimulate shock or awe, and thus attract instant attention without looking obvious or inelegant.
“Foot-baring like this allows a brand to hold onto its integrity and sense of class.”
ADDISON RAE
RexAddison Rae has been showing off her bare feet in her music videos[/caption]
How is she promoting her musical career? With feet in her music video, of course.
A quick scroll on the 24-year-old’s Instagram profile throws up countless nearly-nude and feet first pictures.
“Bare feet are an outstanding USP,” Judi says about the music video to Addison’s latest tune, Diet Pepsi.
YouTubeAddison Rae is happy to get her trotters on full display in her music videos[/caption]
“Addison’s toes look almost as long and elegant as fingers, and she often embellishes them with toe rings to show how conscious she is that they are one of her physical strengths.
“For anyone with a foot-feshist, this might be the Holy Grail of suck-able tootsies, with long, straight toes rather than the chubbier, curled kind.
“It’s a sexual signal that will also sell by its associations with free-thinking and free-wheeling behaviours which would be perfect for selling her brand and her music.”
MILEY CYRUS
GettyMiley Cyrus is the face of Gucci’s Flora perfume range[/caption]
Instagram/@guccibeautyCampaign videos for the collection include multiple close up shots of her feet[/caption]
While Miley Cyrus isn’t one to get her trotters out on her personal social media profiles, many of her campaigns show close-up shots of her feet.
Mainly, her promo videos since becoming the face of Gucci’s Flora perfume range.
“Why zoom in on feet when you’re promoting a perfume unless you want to display the sense of freedom and luxury brand sensuality in one small take?” Judi says.
“Even when the feet are not visible, the way we see Miley’s bare legs running through the countryside suggests she is going barefoot after kicking off those shoes.
“It’s natural, evocative and subtly sensual, which are probably all qualities that would also apply to the perfume.
“This is subtle, sensual-stimulating selling that works, especially when the customer spends most of their day in functional lace-ups and bedroom slippers.
“It’s a foot fantasy that subliminally provokes the desire to buy and by association buy into the idealistic lifestyle.”
Kerry Katona
GettyThe mum-of-five, 44, joined OnlyFans a few years ago – and claimed she’s since made eye-watering sums[/caption]
The Whole Again star said she doesn’t care if people judge her for being on the websiteOnlyFans
The former Atomic Kitten singer, who’s been in the entertainment business for over two decades, joined the adults-only subscription site to overcome her financial struggles a few years ago – and has since raked in eye-watering sums.
The mum-of-five boasted: “Yeah, I’ve made more than that. I can’t put a figure on it. I’m a billionaire!!
“I will give myself credit. I am a grafter, I came from a foster home, went to eight schools, got clothes off car boot sales, was a lap-dancer, got in a girl band, became face of Iceland, became a millionaire, went bankrupt, lost it all, became a millionaire again and went bankrupt again, then became a millionaire again. Who does it?”
The Whole Again star doesn’t care if people judge her for being on the website as she is now able to ‘‘invest in herself’’ thanks to the fortune she’s since made.
Kerry told publication: ‘‘People are quick to say, ‘she’s desperate if I get out a bit of nipple, but I’ve made my first million since bankruptcy and I’m so, so proud.’’
The 44-year-old, who often also gets messages from people wanting to improve their sex lives, revealed that there are ”loads of requests for foot selfies from people with foot fetishes”.
‘’Some are men and women texting me their sex issues and I’m like a therapist for them – their fantasy.
‘;Others aren’t crude at all. They’ll see me on TV and say, ‘you’re smashing it, kid! What have you been up to today?”’
Blac Chyna
The inked model, who has two kids, claimed she made an astronomical £790,000 on OnlyFansGettyinstagramBlac has also been promoting her feet content on Instagram, with one close-up clip showing her inked feet squashing juicy grapes[/caption]
Former model Blac Chyna, real name Angela Renee White, rose to fame as a stunt double for Nicki Minaj in 2010 – but the 36-year-old is now famous in her own right.
The TV personality, who dated the rapper Tyga before an on-off relationship with Rob Kardashian, claimed she made an astronomical $1m (£790,000) on OnlyFans during a legal battle with the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star.
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Major pub chain with 1,550 sites confirms price of a pint to be hiked by 10p following Budget tax hit
A major pub chain with more than 1,550 sites has announced plans to hike prices at the bar following the chancellor’s budget tax hit.
Marston’s has increased the price of draught beer across its pub estate, with drinkers facing paying about 10p more a pint at the pumps.
AlamyMarston’s has announced that it will put up prices to offset cost increases[/caption]
The Sun understands that price increases will only impact a limited number of products, including draught beer.
It comes as the pub group looks to offset cost increases served up in October’s budget.
A Marston’s spokesperson said: “This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly but, as has been widely reported, the cost of doing business is increasing across the sector.
“At Marston’s, we pride ourselves on offering great value and experiences for our guests every day of the week, and our teams are working hard to minimise the impact of external pressures on our customers and pub partners.”
The increase comes despite the group having reported a 65% boost to underlying pre-tax profits in the year to September 2024.
At the time CEO Justin Platt said Marston’s had seen strong like-for-like sales growth and a significant improvement in margins.
However, just weeks later punters have seen prices at the pumps increase as Marston’s looked to offset the price increases set out in the budget.
Many retailers have warned consumers to expect price increases following the announcement, which will dramatically increase employment costs from April 2025.
Those anticipating increased prices include Greggs, Toby Carvery owner Mitchells & Butlers and Wetherspoon as well as retailers Currys, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda.
The rise at the tills follows increases to National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage.
Employers currently pay NICs for most workers earning more than £9,100 a year.
The sum they pay is the equivalent of 13.8% of the employee’s earnings above that threshold.
For an employee earning £30,000, for example, the employer would pay NICs of £2,884.20.
But in the Budget, the government announced it would increase the tax rate to 15% and reduce the threshold at which firms must pay to £5,000.
It’s estimated that the move will raise £25billion – the equivalent of around £800 per employee for each firm.
At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour next year, and the minimum wage for people aged 18-20 will rise to £10 an hour, an increase of £1.40.
The cost increases all mean drinkers are unlikely to see the reduction in the price of a pint promised in October.
In her maiden budget Reeves cut draught duty by 1.7%, which she said would mean “a penny off a pint in the pub”, but this saving appears to have been wiped out dramatically by the increase in staffing costs.
Chief executive officer of Fuller’s, Simon Emeny, toldThe Sunthe price of beers at its hotels andboozerswould likely rise by 10p following the budget.
And, Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has also said the group would try to stay competitive on costs for customers, but warned customers to expect some increases.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
So far, retailers including Greggs, Toby Carvery owner Mitchells and Butler and Wetherspoon have all warned of price rises.
Here, we have listed all the retailers warning of price rises following Labour’s Budget tax raid.
Greggs
Roisin Currie, chief executive at Greggs, said the measures rolled out in the Autumn Statement would put pressure on prices, though is likely to be only “pennies”.
On average, Greggs customers spend £4 at its stores, and this is forecast to rise marginally.
It comes despite Currie promising there were “no plans” for further price increases this year after bumping the price of its sausage roll in July,
Over the summer, Greggs confirmed the price of its much-loved pastry snack and its vegan alternative had risen by 5p to £1.25.
She said the move was necessary at the time after experiencing a rise in costs from having to pay a higher national living wage for its 32,000-strong workforce.
Mitchells & Butlers (M&B)
All Bar One owner Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) told The Sun the price of pints could rise by between 10p and 15p.
The group, which also owns brands including Toby Carvery, said higher wage expenses are “by far the most significant increase” in its cost base following moves announced in the Autumn Budget.
Chief executive Phil Urban said M&B is facing around £23million a year in extra costs from the rise in national insurance contributions alone, with the increase in the minimum wage also sending its wage bill surging.
In total, its costs will rise by around 5%, or £100million, in 2024-25.
Mr Urban said the group’s prices would likely increase as part of efforts to mitigate the extra expenses.
The retailer has more than 12,000 employees so the Budget changes will send its wage bill soaring by around £23million.
It said only around £9million of the extra costs were already included in its plans for 2025-26 and mitigated.
As a result it may need to “pass through” the higher cost of wages to customers across its garages.
The group said it would be difficult to reduce the impact of a one year cost increase of this size.
But Graham Stapleton, chief executive of Halfords, said that the retailer will “work hard to mitigate these costs”.
He added: “The cost implications from the recent UK Budget are particularly acute for a specialist retailer that provides expert advice and assistance to customers, face to face.”
The boss of the postal service said hiking fees — just a month after the latest rise — was a possibility as it faces an enormous burden of extra costs.
Martin Seidenberg, chief exec of International Distribution Services, said: “We are looking at all measures including pricing, parcel cost efficiencies, investment plans, auto- mation and our parcel network.
“I cannot rule out [increasing stamp prices] but we will look at not just consumer letters but also business mail and parcels.”
The cost of a first class stamps went up by 30p to £1.65 last month, while second class stayed at 85p.
The pub chairman said it would aim to stay competitive on customer costs but that all hospitality businesses faced the same pressures.
The chain’s tax bill is expected to rise by two-thirds next year after the Chancellor announced a hike in the national insurance for employers.
Martin said: “Cost inflation, which had surged to high levels in 2022, gradually diminished over the subsequent two years.
“However, it has now significantly increased again following the budget.
“All hospitality businesses, we believe, plan to increase prices, as a result.
“Wetherspoon will, as always, make every attempt to stay as competitive as possible.”
Wetherspoons anticipates that tax and business costs will increase by approximately £60million over the next year, including an estimated 67% rise in national insurance contributions.
Mr Roberts said: “It will lead to inflation and it’s pretty clear it’s going to come pretty fast.
“Given the low margins of the industry, there isn’t the capacity to absorb this level of unexpected cost inflation.”
AO World
The boss of online electricals retailer AO World has warned about price rises to offset more than £8 million in extra wage costs.
AO World estimates its wage bill will go up by around £4million due to the increase in NICs and about another £4million with next April’s minimum wage rise.
Founder and chief executive John Roberts said the group is likely to have to raise prices and make savings to mitigate the impact.
He confirmed “some of it will go into prices” but said it is too early to say by how much.
He stressed that the group would also look to use growth and efficiencies to counter the blow.
“This whole Budget is extremely inflationary for retailers,” he said.
“Is anyone naive enough to think that will not follow into pricing?
“From our point of view, it’s not about cost savings and taking headcount out; it’s about how we drive efficiencies and grow as a business.”
Currys
The boss ofCurrys said price rises will be “inevitable” as it prepares to face £32million in extra costs due to theAutumnBudget.
Alex Baldock, group chief executive of theelectronics chain, also warned that policies announced by the Chancellor in October will “depress investment and hiring” plans.
Currys said it predicts £21million in extra costs linked to National Insurance and the minimum wage, a further £9million in costs passed through from partner businesses and an extra £2million in business rates costs.
Mr Baldock said the group still expects to grow profits this financial year “despite new and unwelcome headwinds from UK government policy”.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Eamonn Holmes returns to social media after Paris trip with girlfriend Katie Alexander that sparked engagement rumours
EAMONN Holmes has made his return to social media after a secret romantic getaway with partner Katie Alexander which sparked rumours they were engaged.
InstagramEamonn Holmes has returned to social media to share a snap from his secret Paris trip with his girlfriend Katie Alexander[/caption]
Louis WoodKatie was spotted wearing a huge ring during their French mini-break[/caption]
Getty Images - GettyEamonn and Ruth Langsford shocked fans after they split in May[/caption]
Yet the timing of the trip and divorce terms sparked suggestions Eamonn had already moved on to the next stage with Katie, 43, after she was spotted with a huge sparkling ring during their trip to the city of love.
On Monday, Belfast-born Eamonn returned to Instagram with a picture showing him posing in front of a portrait of the Mona Lisa, which hangs in The Louvre in Paris.
The GB News anchor could be seen wearing a grey coat, matching jumper and white T-Shirt as he stood in front of the painting.
In the caption he joked: “My Screen sharing partner today!”
His followers were quick to comment on the snap with one writing: “Wishing you a fabulous Christmas and hoping 2025 gives you love and health in abundance x”
A second put: “Our Belfast boy,” as a third put: “Looking good hope your keeping well!”
Another wrote: “Happy Christmas Eamonn and family.”
Yet one cheeky fan made reference to his new relationship as they quipped: “Not another woman,” followed by a laughing Emoji icon.
NEXT STEPS
The Sun understands Ruth is keen to stay in the couple’s £3.5million Surrey mansion while Eamonn is ready to start fresh with his girlfriend Katie.
A source said: “The aim is for Eamonn and Ruth to resolve their divorce as quickly as possible in the New Year.
“Ruth is keen to stay in their marital home as it is where she is settled.
“Eamonn on the other hand wants to get out and make a fresh start.
Ruth and Eamonn's relationship timeline
Before the shock split announcement, Ruth and Eamonn seemed like one of the strongest couples on UK TV – even with their signature bickering style.
Here’s how their romance played out…
1997 – The couple first meet after being introduced by mutual friends, two years after Eamonn splits from his first wife, Gabrielle, with whom he has three children.
1997-2002 – To be respectful to Gabrielle, the couple kept their relationship out of the limelight. Ruth told Daily Mail: “I thought it spoke volumes about the sort of man he was, the sort of father he was and the integrity he had. It made me love him more, not less.”
2002 – Ruth and Eamonn welcome their son, Jack, to the family.
2005 – Eamonn finalises his divorce with Gabrielle.
2006 – The pair begin to host Friday episodes of This Morning together.
2010 – Eamonn proposes to Ruth while at the Cheltenham Races, after asking Ruth’s mother for her hand.
June 2010 – Eamonn and Ruth marry at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire.
2016 – Eamonn undergoes a double hip replacement in the first of many health battles.
June 2019 – On This Morning, Ruth and Eamonn say the secret to their happy marriage. Eamonn credits “compromise, consideration and lots of conjugal,” while Ruth said it was “laughter and an equal marriage”.
November 2020 – Ruth and Eamonn are replaced on their regular Friday slot by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary in a ‘show shake-up’.
December 2021 – After a year of being moved to the bank holiday presenting slot, both Eamonn and Ruth left This Morning.
January 2022 – Eamonn debuted on GB News, while Ruth stayed with ITV in her long-standing role on Loose Women.
September 2022 – Eamonn undergoes spinal surgery after years of back issues including a trapped sciatic nerve.
November 2022 – Eamonn falls down the stairs of his Surrey home with Ruth and breaks his shoulder, requiring a new operation.
September 2023 – Eamonn has a spine and neck stretching procedure as part of his year-long recovery.
May 2024 – Ruth and Eamonn announce they have split after 14 years of marriage and a 27-year relationship.
September 2024 – Eamonn was spotted on a luxury holiday in Barcelona with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander. Ruth calls in a ‘fierce’ divorce lawyer.
“They aren’t dragging their heels and want this settled and done as quickly as possible.”
A pal said: “Eamonn has been talking openly about his plans to marry Katie and has made it clear he wants to spend the rest of his life with her.
“They’re already living together and he knows it feels right. They have a very strong connection and get on very well. She has given him a real lust for life and she looks after him.”
Louis WoodThe pair headed away for some quality time together in the city of love[/caption]
Getty Images - GettyThe Sun has exclusively revealed how Eamonn and Ruth desire a ‘quickie divorce’[/caption]
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Final weeks for Americans to claim up to $5k from $1.375m data breach settlement – you need receipts to get cash
THIS is the last chance for Americans to cash in on the $1.375 million Automation Personnel Services (APS) settlement deal.
The staffing agency has agreed to pay almost $1.4 million to settle a class action lawsuit over claims that a 2020 date breach led to employee and job applicant information being leaked.
GettyClaimants can cash in on up to $5,000 for out-of-pocket losses[/caption]
According to the lawsuit, APS failed to protect the data it held securely enough from cyberattacks.
The data breach allegedly allowed sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and bank account information, into the hands of cyberattackers.
Anyone whose personal information was potentially compromised in the November 2020 date breach, announced by APS in March 2021, is eligible to file a claim report.
The company has not admitted any wrongdoing, but has agreed to pay the $1.375 sum to settle out of court.
Under the terms of the settlement, claimants can receive up to $5,000 each as reimbursement for losses related to the data breach.
This could include bank fees, credit monitoring services and fraudulent charges.
Documentation of out-of-pocket losses, such as receipts, bills or bank statements, will be needed to back up claims.
Class members can also claim for up to four hours of lost time compensation at a rate of $20 per hour
All members are eligible to receive one year of free credit monitoring from Identity Theft Guard Solutions.
The deadline to file a claim form is December 24, 2024.
The final approval hearing for the settlement will be on February 6, 2025.
Claims are submitted under penalty of perjury, so must only be filed by people who qualify.
False claims also damage other eligible class members.
The class action lawsuit was initially filed by Tereas Madkin, who claimed APS had been negligent by failing to protect its employees and customers’ private information by allowing a data breach to occur.
It was filed in the Circuit Court for Jefferson County, Alabama on July 29, 2021.
APS is a staffing agency with more than 40 locations and 37,000 employees.
It collects and stores sensitive personal information from those trying to find employment through the company.
The lawsuit states: “During the screening and vetting process, APS collects from and maintains sensitive personal identifying information (PII) for each associate and/or applicant.
“The information collected and maintained includes […] social security number, driver’s license number, bank account information, date of birth, email address, cell phone number and home address.”
Madkin says her and others’ PII was accessed through an unencrypted system at APS and allegedly offered for sale on a popular hacker forum in November, 2020.
GettyClaimants will need receipts to prove losses in order to cash in[/caption]
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Amazon is selling a $13,688 ‘luxury’ tiny home with three bedrooms and can be used as a ‘vacation getaway’
AMAZON fans can get an entire tiny home with three bedrooms for the bargain price of $13,688.
The popular onlineretaileris currently offering the perfecttiny portable home with delivery straight to your door.
AmazonAmazon is selling a tiny home for just $13k[/caption]
AmazonIt comes with a pre-built bathroom[/caption]
AmazonThe house can easily be folded out[/caption]
Tiny homes have boomed in popularity across the world in recent years, mainly down to affordability and sustainability reasons, as well as the desire for a minimalist lifestyle.
They offer a path to homeownership for those unable to afford larger properties or who wish to avoid debt.
Millennials and Generation X are the primary adopters of these mini properties, with the majority of the tiny home dwellers being between 30 and 50.
A number of retailers now offer tiny homes – and online giant Amazon is no exception.
So, if you’re looking to slash the costs and have your very own tiny home, it’s worth checking out their Tiny House with Luxury Design.
The prefabricated home is built with a durable steel frame and has three bedrooms, a full-equipped bathroom and a kitchen.
It is 50 x 60 x 55 inches and can easily be folded out, meaning that it will be ready to move in to in just a few simple steps.
The home is perfect for use as a tiny home, an AirBnb of a vacation getaway.
It can also be customised to your needs, and home delivery is just $4.99.
Living in a tiny home is a great way to save cash for a house, whilst still having your independence.
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, more and more adults are struggling to get on the property ladder and are choosing to live in their family home for longer.
The 2021 census revealed that over half of people aged 23 and under still live with their parents.
The average price of a house in the UK was £285,000 as of March 2023, and this rises to a whopping £735,254, which is completely unaffordable for many.
Moreover, research from the Resolution Foundation found that the average first time buyer deposit tripled from 5 per cent of the property price in 1989 to 15 per cent in 2019.
Where to buy a tiny home
THE tiny home phenomenon found new heights as an alternative living solution for consumers concerned with ballooning homebuying costs and sustainability concerns.
*If you click on a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue.
You can buy ‘tiny homes’ online in a few places, including:
This means that buyers have to save for far longer and use up a larger percentage of their earnings to get on the property ladder.
Recent research by property site Zoopla found that 42 per cent of adults under 40 who do not already own homes have given up, due to the astronomical cost of buying a property.
This included 38 per cent of people earning over £60,000 (almost double the average salary for the UK).
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on A-listers in ‘bidding war’ for tapes of Diddy freak offs to stop them being leaked, claims Alec Baldwin’s bro Daniel
A-LISTERS are in a bidding war for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ freak off tapes to stop them from being leaked, Daniel Baldwin claims.
The actor brother to 30 Rock star Alec has made the sensational claim on the PBD podcast – saying he heard it from attorney and agent pals.
Getty - ContributorCelebrity Big Brother Daniel Baldwin[/caption]
AFPSean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been charged by cops[/caption]
Combs is awaiting trial on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking charges
Disgraced rapper Combs is currently languishing in jail as he awaits a criminal trial next year for racketeering and sex trafficking.
Some of the alleged abuse in the Freak Off parties is said to have been recorded on video with tapes turned over to prosecutors.
Baldwin said in the podcast: “He [Combs] has videos of the parties… there’s a bidding war going on right now.
“They’re driving that price up because if you want your client and your famous actor to not be involved, a famous singer to not come out, here’s the price, and that they’re just selling to the individuals that are in those.
“This is what I heard. They’re selling those videos.”
Baldwin makes a comparison between Combs and secret tapes that Jeffrey Epstein filmed of people at his parties.
Sickening details emerged about Combs’ demands for the women attending his alleged “Freak Off” sex parties.
Women would be forced to perform sex acts for days on end and would be left needing IV drips, a bombshell indictment claimed.
ReutersSean ‘Diddy’ Combs sits during a bail hearing in September[/caption]
GettyJay-Z and Diddy hang out before the start of the 2004 NBA All-Star Game[/caption]
Combs has denied all allegations made against him.
Over the years, it claims that his “close friend Shawn Carter [Jay-Z]” has witnessed “many” of Combs alleged crimes.
Jay-Z has strongly denied the allegations – and described them as “blackmail”.
The lawsuit describes Jane Doe’s attempt to enter the VMAs in New York City without a ticket on September 7, 2000.
Approaching limo drivers outside of the event, one of them claimed to be Diddy’s employee, and extended an invitation to an after-party.
He claimed she “fit what Diddy was looking for”, according to the suit.
Jay-Z's full statement following rape allegations
“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a “lawyer” … What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle.
No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!
These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?
These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.
This lawyer, who I have done a bit of research on, seems to have a pattern of these type of theatrics!
I have no idea how you have come to be such a deplorable human Mr. [X], but I promise you I have seen your kind many times over. I’m more than prepared to deal with your type. You claim to be a marine?! Marines are known for their valor, you have neither honor nor dignity.
My only heartbreak is for my family. My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people. I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human spirit.
My heart and support goes out to true victims in the world, who have to watch how their life story is dressed in costume for profitability by this ambulance chaser in a cheap suit.
You have made a terrible error in judgement thinking that all “celebrities” are the same. I’m not from your world. I’m a young man who made it out of the project of Brooklyn. We don’t play these types of games. We have very strict codes and honor. We protect children, you seem to exploit people for personal gain. Only your network of conspiracy theorists, fake physics, will believe the idiotic claims you have levied against me that, if not for the seriousness surrounding harm to kids, would be laughable.
I look forward to showing you just how different I am.”
After being driven to the party’s location, she claims she was forced to sign what she now thinks may have been a non-disclosure agreement.
She claimed to have witnessed “widespread drug use” throughout the party, including “marijuana and cocaine”.
After a waitress handed her a “bitter”-tasting drink, Jane Doe alleged in the lawsuit that she felt “woozy and lightheaded, making her need to lie down” after consuming part of it.
She says she went on to lie down without locking the door after discovering an empty bedroom in the property with just a bed.
Jay-Z and an unidentified female celebrity known only as “Celebrity B” allegedly entered the room shortly after Diddy.
Diddy “aggressively approached Plaintiff with a crazed look in his eyes, grabbed her, and said, ‘You are ready to party!'” , according to the lawsuit.
After allegedly throwing her towards a wall, he is then accused of grabbing her and flunging her into the bed.
Jay-Z then removed her clothes, the lawsuit claims, before holding her down and raping her.
The suit goes on to allege that Jay-Z and Diddy would then take turns in assaulting Jane Doe.
Following the second rape, the teenager claimed to have pushed Diddy off, fled the room and then dressed before making her way to a nearby gas station on foot.
The female clerk allowed her to use the phone, which she called her dad on and asked him to come pick her up, according to the lawsuit.
She says she still has “deep depression” and “post-traumatic stress disorder and a seizure disorder caused by stress and trauma” after the alleged rapes, some 20 years later.
The suit claims that she “has had difficulty maintaining normal relationships and lives largely withdrawn from society” .
Combs’ lawyer has been approached for comment.
Diddy's downfall
By The U.S. Sun's Senior Reporter Forrest McFarland, who has been reporting on Diddy's legal battles for years
BEFORE Sean “Diddy” Combs’ arrest in September, it was highly speculated that the rap star would find himself in custody after he was repeatedly hit with disturbing accusations – and had two of his mansions raided by the feds.
His mounting legal troubles finally came to a head on September 17, when he was charged with three federal counts, including sex trafficking, for allegedly forcing victims to take part in drug-fueled sex parties he called “Freak Offs.”
The development also came after Combs was named 77 times in documents submitted by prosecutors in the Tupac murder case.
Aside from the Tupac probe, Combs was already facing a slew of lawsuits, including one he settled with his ex, Cassie Ventura, after she accused him of rape and abuse.
Two months earlier, in March 2024, two of Combs’ mansions were raided by federal investigators, who seized three AR-15s, drugs, and 1,000 bottles of lube which were part of his “Freak Off” supplies.
In addition to his federal criminal charges, Combs also faces a handful of lawsuits with allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and sex trafficking dating back to the early 1990s.
Music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed one suit in February 2024, claiming Combs forced him to hire sex workers and participate in sex acts while he worked on his latest album.
Combs has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the federal sex trafficking charges against him, but his battle is far from over.
He faces life in prison if he’s convicted on all counts.
GettyActors and brothers William Baldwin, Stephen Baldwin, Alec Baldwin and Daniel Baldwin[/caption]
