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Rwanda – Divine Muheto, the winner of the last Miss Rwanda beauty pageant, has received a three-month suspended sentence and a fine of 190,000 Rwandan francs (around R2,000) for driving under the influence and without a licence. Last month, Muheto, 21, crashed her car into a pylon and a tree in Kigali. Although she was cleared of charges that she fled the scene, she was held in custody for 18 days before the court released her. Prosecutors, who had requested a two-year sentence, might still appeal. Miss Rwanda competitions were halted by the government in 2022 after misconduct claims against organisers.
New York – Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan’s artwork Comedian, a banana taped to a wall, is going up for sale at Sotheby’s in New York, where it’s expected to sell for between $1-million and $1.5-million. The buyer will receive a fresh banana, duct tape, a certificate, and instructions for putting it up. The artwork, one of three, first sold for $120,000 at Art Basel Miami in 2019 and sparked a debate over the meaning of art, especially after a performance artist ate the banana.
Australia – Rachael Gunn, an Australian breakdancer who caught the world’s eye at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has quit competitive breaking after facing heavy online criticism and jokes. Gunn, 37, became famous for her dance moves, including the “kangaroo hop” and “sprinkler,” but did not make it past the first round. The attention included rumours about how she qualified, which she described as “upsetting.” Gunn, who received praise from singer Adele and even met businessman Richard Branson, now dances only at home and has no plans to return to competitions in Australia.
Dallas – The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, which were stolen in 2005 and recovered by the FBI in 2018, are up for auction at Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Bidding is open until 7 December. Terry Jon Martin stole the slippers, believing they contained real jewels. The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where the shoes were taken, is raising money to buy them back, with lawmakers pledging $100,000. Other items from The Wizard of Oz, like the Wicked Witch’s hat and Dorothy’s screen door, are also on sale.
Pictured above: Divine Muheto.
Source: X
