The "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer" star attended the launch of "The Devil Wears Prada" musical in London’s West End but said he was unable to watch the performance.
Elton John onstage during the Elton John: Never Too Late European debut as part of the London Film Festival at Southbank Centre - Royal Festival Hall on October 10, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)
By EasternEyeDec 02, 2024
ELTON JOHN, 77, revealed during a theatre event on Sunday that he has lost his sight.
The "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer" star attended the launch of "The Devil Wears Prada" musical in London’s West End but said he was unable to watch the performance.
"As some of you may know, I have had issues and now I have lost my sight. I haven't been able to see the performance, but I have enjoyed it," John said, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The singer explained that an eye infection had left him unable to see out of his right eye, while his left eye was also impaired.
"It's hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it, and it sounded good tonight," he added. This condition has made it difficult for John to read, watch anything, or potentially record new music in the future.
John was present on the red carpet for the musical, for which he composed the score. Speaking to the audience, he thanked his husband, David Furnish, for being his "rock."
Known for his iconic piano-led rock songs and ballads like "Candle in the Wind," John rose to fame in the 1970s and has remained a major figure in music. Following his farewell tour, which ran from 2018 to 2023, he has focused on his family life.
Irish rapper Mo Chara, a member of Belfast-based hip hop group Kneecap, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, after being charged under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000. The charge stems from an incident in November 2023, when Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, allegedly displayed a flag associated with Hezbollah during a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.
Hezbollah is a proscribed organisation under UK law. Under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act, it is an offence to wear, carry or display any article in such a way or in circumstances that may arouse reasonable suspicion of support for a banned group. The offence is punishable by up to six months in prison, a fine, or both.
The case is being heard by a district judge without a jury. As a strict liability offence, prosecutors do not need to prove intent — only that a “reasonable person” could interpret the action as supportive of a proscribed group.
Kneecap launches billboard campaign in London
Ahead of the court date, Kneecap launched a high-visibility protest campaign in London. The band erected large billboards denouncing the charge as a “witch-hunt” and accused the UK authorities of targeting them for their political views.
Kneecap has become internationally known for its outspoken positions on issues such as Irish identity, the Irish language, and most recently, the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The band has framed the prosecution as part of a wider effort to suppress political expression.
Protests outside court draw support from advocacy groups
Supporters of Kneecap and Mo Chara gathered outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the morning of 17 June, in a protest promoted by the band and organised by several UK- and Ireland-based advocacy groups.
The Stop the War Coalition, one of the organisers, stated: “The ‘carnival of distraction’ around Kneecap keeps on travelling while Israel pursues its starvation policy in Gaza and the UK government continues to sell it arms.”
This is not Kneecap’s first legal encounter in the UKAlamy
Another group, Irish in London for Palestine, said: “The UK government is calling Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh from Kneecap a terrorist for daring to speak truth to power, for standing with Palestine and refusing to be silenced. This isn’t just about one artist or one group — it’s about our right to protest, our right to speak, and our duty to stand against injustice.”
High-profile legal team mounts defence
Mo Chara is being represented by a prominent legal team with a track record in major human rights and protest-related cases. The defence includes Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, Brenda Campbell KC, Gareth Peirce (noted for representing Julian Assange and the Guildford Four), Rosalind Comyn (who has defended climate activists), and Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC, who represented South Africa in its genocide case against Israel.
Speaking before the hearing, Mackin said: “It is difficult to comprehend a case of greater international importance in recent years. It is a great privilege to be instructed alongside my colleagues to defend the important principle of freedom of expression, in the pending battle before the London court.”
Previous court win for Kneecap
This is not Kneecap’s first legal encounter in the UK. In November 2023, the band successfully challenged a decision by then-business secretary Kemi Badenoch to deny them a £14,250 funding grant. The UK government later conceded the refusal was unlawful and discriminatory on the basis of nationality and political opinion.
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Anurag Kashyap returns with crime drama Nishaanchi
Anurag Kashyap is heading back to the big screen with Nishaanchi, a gritty drama that explores love, betrayal, crime, and redemption through the story of two brothers on divergent life paths. The film, which has been in the making since 2016, is set to release in theatres on 19 September 2025.
Nishaanchi is backed by Amazon MGM Studios and produced by Ajay Rai and Ranjan Singh under Jar Pictures, in association with Flip Films. The cast features Monika Panwar, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kumud Mishra, Vedika Pinto, and marks the acting debut of Aaishvary Thackeray. The project, Kashyap says, finally found its footing when Amazon MGM came on board as a passionate partner.
Kashyap first penned Nishaanchi in 2016, but it remained on the back burner until the right studio partnership came along. The director explained that he waited to make the film "the way it should be" and was seeking collaborators who trusted his vision fully. That support, he said, came in the form of Amazon MGM Studios, who “believed in the film and stood by us like a wall.”
Anurag Kashyap returns with crime drama NishaanchiInstagram Screengrab/ amazonmgmstudiosin
He describes Nishaanchi as an emotional rollercoaster steeped in raw human themes like lust, crime, power, betrayal, punishment, and the hope for redemption. It’s not just a crime thriller; it’s a film that pulls you into the consequences of choices made and paths taken. Calling it a throwback to his early years as a filmmaker, Kashyap said the entire process: working with a fresh cast, a dedicated crew, and a committed studio, felt like a full-circle moment.
Amazon MGM places big bet on theatrical storytelling
Nikhil Madhok, head of India originals at Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, called Nishaanchi one of the key titles in their theatrical slate. He highlighted the film’s "intricately woven story" filled with layered characters and unpredictable twists. He also praised the film’s music, calling it a standout aspect of Kashyap’s creative storytelling.
With Nishaanchi, Kashyap returns to the space that made him a global name, with films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly, and Psycho Raman that earned acclaim at international festivals like Cannes. This new film hopes to strike the same chord, both in India and beyond.
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Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper turn heads on double date with Gigi Hadid and Ines de Ramon in Manhattan
Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper stepped out with their girlfriends, Ines de Ramon and Gigi Hadid, for a double date in New York City, adding a splash of glamour to the city’s nightlife. The two Hollywood stars, both known for keeping their private lives fairly low-key, were photographed leaving Cote Korean Steakhouse in Manhattan on the evening of 13 June.
Their partners, both dressed chicly yet effortlessly, walked hand in hand with their famous beaus, making this a rare public outing.
From bromance to double date: Brad and Bradley make it a night to remember
Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper have shared a close friendship over the years, with Brad even crediting Cooper for helping him get sober. During an awards speech in 2020, Pitt openly thanked The Hangover star, saying, “I got sober because of this guy, and every day has been happier since.”
Brad, dressed in a shiny blue button-down shirt and black velvet trousers, was seen holding hands with Ines de Ramon, who wore a soft beige off-the-shoulder dress and nude heels. Meanwhile, Cooper kept things relaxed in a black T-shirt and jeans, with Gigi Hadid beside him in a casual white tee, silver trousers, and a denim jacket. The couples strolled out of the restaurant smiling, seemingly unfazed by the flashing cameras.
Pitt and de Ramon were first linked in 2022 after his long separation from Angelina Jolie. They kept their romance under wraps until making their red-carpet debut together at the British Grand Prix in July 2024. Pitt later shut down online speculation that their appearance was timed for film promotion. “No, dude, it’s not that calculated,” he said.
Gigi and Cooper go public while Brad moves forward post-divorce
Gigi Hadid made her relationship with Cooper social-media official in April on her birthday. She shared a photo of the couple kissing, calling herself “lucky to be 30” and expressing gratitude for love, motherhood, and life’s ups and downs. The supermodel co-parents daughter Khai with ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik, while Cooper shares an eight-year-old daughter, Lea, with Irina Shayk.
Brad, having recently finalised his lengthy divorce from Angelina Jolie, appears to be moving into a calmer phase of life. His next big-screen appearance will be in F1, set to release on 27 June, co-starring Javier Bardem and Damson Idris.
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Raveena Tandon boards Air India flight days after AI171 crash
Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon flew with Air India just days after the airline’s London-bound AI171 flight crashed in Ahmedabad, claiming 270 lives. Her flight experience, shared through heartfelt Instagram posts, offered a glimpse into the quiet grief and emotional strength of passengers and crew still processing the tragedy.
‘A solemn journey’: Raveena shares moving message from flight
On Monday, Tandon boarded an Air India flight and shared images of herself on board, along with a message that reflected the sombre atmosphere. “The crew’s welcoming smiles were tinged with sadness,” she wrote. “Silent passengers and crew bonding with unspoken condolences and subtle confidence. Condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. A wound that will never heal.”
Her words came days after the 12 June crash of AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which plunged into the B.J. Medical College hostel just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. The devastating accident killed 241 people on board and 29 others on the ground. Only one person, Vishwaskumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, survived with minor injuries. Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Tandon added, “New beginnings… to rise and fly again against all odds… a will to overcome and be strong again. Jai Hind.”
Support for crew grows as investigation continues
Tandon isn’t the only public figure to express support for Air India. Comedian Vir Das also took to social media days earlier, calling the airline’s crew “the best in the sky,” acknowledging the immense emotional toll on them. “I cannot imagine how hard it is for them to do their job right now, having lost their own,” he wrote on X.
Veteran actress Zeenat Aman, too, spoke about her emotional experience on an Air India flight following the crash. “I found myself overwhelmed with emotion as I buckled my seatbelt,” she shared, echoing the collective grief felt by many.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has recovered the flight’s black boxes and is investigating. Air India and the Tata Group have announced compensation packages of £95,000 (₹1 crore) for families of the deceased and £23,750 (₹25 lakh) as interim relief.
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Doctor charged in Matthew Perry death admits to illegally supplying ketamine
A California doctor accused of supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine in the final weeks of his life has agreed to plead guilty to drug distribution charges. Dr Salvador Plasencia, one of five people charged in connection with the Friends star’s fatal overdose, will formally enter his plea in the coming weeks, according to federal authorities.
Perry, who was 54 when he died in October 2023, had long battled addiction. Though he was legally using ketamine to treat depression, prosecutors say Plasencia and others illegally provided him with more doses than prescribed.
Matthew Perry pictured during a public appearance in 2023Getty Images
Texts show doctor mocked Perry and saw opportunity to profit
Court filings reveal that Plasencia supplied Perry with 20 vials of ketamine, lozenges, syringes, and even visited the actor’s home twice to inject the drug himself. He also trained Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to administer it when he wasn’t around.
Prosecutors uncovered a disturbing message Plasencia sent to fellow doctor Mark Chavez, who has also pleaded guilty, mocking Perry as a “moron” and asking how much they could get from him financially. The two met in Costa Mesa to exchange vials that were later sold to Perry for £3,600 (₹3,82,000).
Dr Salvador Plasencia is expected to plead guilty to illegally supplying ketamine to Matthew PerryGetty Images
The scheme extended beyond the doctors. Erik Fleming, a friend of Perry’s, admitted to acting as a middleman. Meanwhile, Iwamasa also entered a plea deal for his role in helping supply the drug.
Dealer accused of supplying fatal dose still awaits trial
One person hasn’t yet accepted a plea deal. Jasveen Sangha, accused of being a major ketamine dealer, allegedly gave Perry the dose that killed him. She remains in custody and has pleaded not guilty.
Plasencia’s plea deal includes no guaranteed sentence but carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. He had originally been set to stand trial alongside Sangha this August.
Court documents reveal Dr Salvador Plasencia mocked Matthew Perry in text messagesGetty Images
Matthew Perry’s tragic death shocked fans around the world. Known best for playing Chandler Bing, his struggles with addiction stretched back to his time on Friends. The Los Angeles medical examiner ruled his cause of death as ketamine toxicity, raising serious concerns about the underground market surrounding off-label treatments for mental health.