Entertainment
MURIC Calls for Ban of Movie Featuring Nancy Isime in Niqab
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded a ban on an upcoming movie featuring popular actress Nancy Isime, in which actresses, including Isime, are seen wearing a purdah or niqab, and brandishing weapons. The group has condemned the movie as “satanic,” arguing that it depicts Muslim women as criminals and incites public prejudice against them.
In a statement released by MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Thursday, the organization expressed serious concerns about the film’s portrayal of Muslim women. The statement emphasized that the movie, recently unveiled by Nancy Isime, portrays women in purdah involved in criminal activities such as bank robberies. MURIC described the movie as an extreme form of Islamophobia, calling it provocative and insulting.
The statement reads, “An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry. The upcoming film, which was recently unveiled by Nancy Isime, shows women in purdah brandishing dangerous weapons and robbing banks. It is Islamophobia taken to the highest level. This film is satanic, repugnant, and provocative. It is aimed at portraying Muslim women as criminals with a violent proclivity. The film is capable of inciting the public against Muslim women. It may also expose Muslims in general to public ridicule and opprobrium.”
Professor Akintola further argued that the film could incite violence in Nigeria if immediate actions are not taken. He called on the National Film and Video Censors Board to investigate and ban the movie before its release.
“To Nigerian Muslims who have inundated our communication channels with video clips, voice notes, and other types of messages, we have this to say: please remain calm and peaceful. You have spoken loud and clear. We have received your messages and action is being taken right now. Our religion brought a message of hope and peace to the world. We will not allow anyone to paint our women, our mothers, our wives, our daughters and sisters in the colors of Shaytan. Be good ambassadors of Islam. Don’t take the law into your hands. Allow the authorities to take necessary action,” Akintola urged.
MURIC also plans to file a complaint with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, requesting action against the account responsible for sharing what they have labeled as “Islamophobic content.”
Reacting to the film, Latifat Adewunmi Jumah, who manages a Facebook page called Laj Fingers, expressed her dissatisfaction with the portrayal. She stated, “The niqab/hijab is not an armed robbery attire! The niqab/hijab is not an attire for concealing identity.”
She questioned Nancy Isime’s choice, suggesting, “If you needed to conceal your identity for a perfect robbery role, you could have used a nose mask or worn a mask. Why wear Islamic attire?”
Jumah added, “I find this offensive. Something needs to be done to stop these people. Niqab/Hijab is not a costume, neither is it a joke.”
Entertainment
Pamela Hayden Retires After 35 Years as Milhouse Voice on The Simpsons
Los Angeles, CA – Pamela Hayden, the voice behind the beloved The Simpsons character Milhouse Van Houten, has announced her retirement from the iconic animated series after 35 years.
Hayden, 70, has been part of the show since its debut in 1989 and has contributed to nearly 700 episodes. In a statement released on Wednesday, she said, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone. It’s been an honor and a joy to work on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show.”
Milhouse, the bespectacled best friend of Bart Simpson, is one of the series’ most popular recurring characters. Known for his timid personality and resilience, he has become a fan favorite over the decades. Producers confirmed that the role will be recast in the coming months.
Hayden also voiced several other characters on The Simpsons, including Rod and Todd Flanders, Jimbo Jones, Janey Powell, and Sarah Wiggum.
Reflecting on her career, Hayden noted the lasting impact of her work. “People are always saying what a nerd [Milhouse] is, but one thing I love about him is he’s always getting knocked down and keeps getting up. I love the little guy. It’s a wonderful analogy for life,” she said in a video marking her departure.
Tribute from the Creator
Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, paid tribute to Hayden’s contributions, saying, “Pamela gave us tons of laughs with Milhouse, the hapless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield. She made Milhouse hilarious and real, and we will miss her.”
Entertainment
The Sidemen Transition from YouTube to Netflix for Bigger Horizons
The Sidemen, a powerhouse group of British YouTube creators, have announced a major shift in their content strategy, moving their reality series Inside to Netflix after reaching what they describe as “the limit” of YouTube’s potential.
The group, which includes renowned personalities like KSI, revealed that the second season of Inside will premiere on Netflix next year. Additionally, Netflix will produce a U.S. version of the series, marking a significant expansion for the Sidemen brand.
Known for their humor, creativity, and camaraderie, the Sidemen have amassed over 146 million subscribers across their YouTube channels since launching in the early 2010s. Originally focused on gaming content, they have since diversified into comedy sketches, travel challenges, podcasts, and even a dating show.
The reality series Inside, which debuted on YouTube in June, became an instant hit, with the opening episode garnering 14 million views. The show follows 10 influencers confined to a house for a week, competing for a prize of up to £1 million.
Its success caught Netflix’s attention, leading to the commission of both a second UK season and a U.S. adaptation. Both versions will air exclusively on Netflix, marking a departure from the group’s traditional platform.
The Sidemen, now backed by a production team of over 100 members, view the move as an opportunity to expand their creative vision. “We’ve always tried to push boundaries, and this feels like the next big step,” said member Vik.
Entertainment
One Direction Members and Loved Ones Bid Farewell to Liam Payne
Family, friends, and One Direction stars gathered in Buckinghamshire to honor Liam Payne at an emotional funeral on Wednesday, over a month after the singer’s untimely passing at 31.
The private service took place at St. Mary’s Church in Amersham, north-west of London. Payne’s former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik joined mourners, including his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, ex-partner Cheryl, and their son Bear.
A white horse-drawn hearse adorned with floral tributes spelling “Son” and “Daddy” brought Payne’s coffin to the church. Other tributes included a 10-pin bowling-themed arrangement, reflecting one of his favorite pastimes.
Following the service, pallbearers carried the coffin from the church as Payne’s parents, Cheryl, and other close family members followed. Among the attendees were Cheryl’s Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, as well as Simon Cowell, who signed One Direction to his label.
The heartfelt ceremony also drew appearances from notable personalities, including James Corden, Marvin and Rochelle Humes, Scott Mills, and Adrian Chiles.
Despite Payne’s global fame, fans largely respected the privacy of the occasion, heeding reminders on social media that “memorials are for fans, funerals are for family.” Only a small number of locals and well-wishers gathered outside the church.
Payne, who resided in nearby Chalfont St. Giles, was remembered for his warmth and talent. His passing has deeply affected his family, bandmates, and fans worldwide, marking the loss of a beloved figure in music.
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