Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Los Angeles – American rapper, record producer and record executive, Sean “Diddy” Combs, has issued a public apology after a 2016 CCTV video surfaced showing him assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, American singer and actress. In a video on Instagram, Diddy said he regretted his “inexcusable” actions and shared that he has sought professional help, including therapy and rehabilitation, and prayed for forgiveness. Cassie’s legal team has criticised his apology as self-centred, pointing out his initial denials and claims that his accusers were merely seeking financial compensation. The incident from 5 March 2016, captured on video and broadcast by CNN, shows Diddy violently pushing and kicking Cassie in the now-shuttered InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has indicated that the assault may be too old to prosecute.
Iran – The death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and seven others, comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly after Iran’s recent military actions against Israel. Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will succeed him. The spokesperson for Iran’s Guardian Council, Hadi Tahan Nazif said that despite the tragedy, the country’s constitution provides a clear process to handle such situations and that the nation’s operations will continue without disruption. A new president will be elected in 50 days and in the meantime the vice president assumes the role of acting president.
Israel – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released a video showing two Israeli sisters, eight-year-old Ela Elyakim and 15-year-old Dafna Elyakim, being coerced into filming a video by Hamas. The footage, found by IDF troops during operations in Gaza, was meant to be used for psychological warfare, according to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. The girls were abducted from their home in Nahal Oz during a Hamas attack, which also resulted in their father’s death. They were held hostage for 51 days and were forced to repeatedly record the video, changing outfits and reading from a script, before their release in a hostage exchange. The IDF has pledged to continue efforts to retrieve all hostages.
Nigeria – Tiwa Savage, renowned for her achievements in Afrobeats music, has always had a passion for acting. In a recent interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo in Lagos, the 44-year-old Nigerian artist discussed making her acting dreams a reality. Her debut film, “Water & Garri,” premiered on Prime Video on 10 May. Savage also serves as an executive producer, directed by Meji Alabi, a frequent collaborator on her music videos. The film originated from Savage’s desire to create a visual representation for her 2021 EP of the same name. The film is set in a fictional town on the Cape Coast of Ghana and follows Aisha, a fashion designer played by Savage.
Taiwan – Upon taking office for a record third term, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te urged Beijing to stop threatening the democratic island. The 64-year-old former doctor was initiated with new Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, a former top envoy to the U.S. They are from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which supports Taiwan’s independence and is disliked by China. China claims ownership of Taiwan although it has never governed it, and has mentioned using force for unification. During his speech, Lai spoke of peace, stressing the island’s right to self-governance. He noted that Taiwan’s 23 million people would determine their own future, and that their decision affects the global community.
Pictured above: Diddy
Image source: Instagram.
