US YouTube sensation IShowSpeed is set to be granted a Ghanaian passport following his widely followed visit to the West African nation, marking a symbolic end to his ambitious, continent-spanning tour of Africa.

Ghana was the penultimate stop on the 21-year-old content creator’s live-streamed “Speed Does Africa” tour, which took him to 20 African countries and concluded on Tuesday. The tour has attracted global attention, with millions tuning in to watch his real-time experiences across the continent.

Following his visit, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that his office had approved a Ghanaian passport for the influencer, describing IShowSpeed as a “worthy ambassador”. In a post on social media, Ablakwa said the decision followed “confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana”.

During one of his live streams in Ghana, IShowSpeed — whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr — told his audience that his mother is from the West African country, a connection that has resonated strongly with fans and supporters across Ghana and the wider African diaspora.

“Keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud,” Ablakwa wrote, adding: “Ghana celebrates you.”

IShowSpeed is one of the world’s most influential online personalities, boasting more than 50 million subscribers on YouTube. His Africa tour has been widely praised for offering a vibrant, unfiltered look at everyday life across the continent, helping to challenge long-standing stereotypes and highlight Africa’s cultural diversity, creativity and energy.

Many viewers and commentators have credited the tour with boosting interest in African destinations, music, food and traditions, while also contributing significantly to the growth of IShowSpeed’s already massive global platform.

The announcement of the passport approval was met with largely positive reactions from Ghanaians, with many welcoming the move as a celebration of diasporan ties and global cultural exchange. Some, however, questioned whether granting passports to foreign celebrities risks “devaluing” Ghanaian citizenship, sparking a broader debate about nationality, heritage and modern forms of diplomacy.

Despite the mixed reactions, supporters argue that the gesture reflects Ghana’s long-standing openness to the African diaspora and its willingness to embrace influential figures who promote the country positively on the global stage.

Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has strongly denied allegations of sexual assault made by two former female employees, as Spain’s National Court reviews a legal complaint linked to events alleged to have occurred outside the country.

The 82-year-old artist responded to the accusations in a statement posted on Instagram, rejecting the claims and expressing sadness over the situation. “I deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are absolutely false and deeply sadden me,” Iglesias said, stressing that he has always treated those who worked with him with respect.

The allegations were first reported earlier this week and involve two women who were employed at Iglesias’s properties in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. One worked as a domestic employee, while the other was a physiotherapist. The women allege that they were subjected to sexual and other forms of abuse during their employment.

According to the complaint, the women worked at the singer’s Caribbean residences for about 10 months in 2021, which is the period during which the alleged incidents are said to have taken place. On 5 January, they filed a legal complaint with Spain’s National Court, which has jurisdiction over serious crimes allegedly committed beyond Spanish borders.

The complaint includes accusations of sexual assault and human trafficking. Advocacy organisations Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International, which are supporting the complainants, said the alleged acts could constitute crimes related to sexual freedom and human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour under Spanish law.

Testimony gathered by the organisations alleges that the women were subjected to sexual harassment, had their mobile phones monitored, faced restrictions on leaving the properties where they worked, and were required to work long hours without days off. Women’s Link Worldwide described the complainants as young Latin American women in vulnerable situations who were heavily dependent on their wages due to their economic and social circumstances.

Iglesias has not been charged with any offence, and no judicial conclusions have been reached. The case remains under preliminary review as the court examines the complaint and accompanying evidence.

A key development has emerged in the high-profile murder case involving Nick Reiner, the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, after his lead defence lawyer formally withdrew from representing him in court.

Alan Jackson, a prominent attorney known for handling major celebrity cases, removed himself from the case during a brief hearing at Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday. Although no detailed explanation was provided, Jackson later stated that his decision was driven by circumstances beyond the control of both himself and his client.

“Circumstances beyond my control, but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick’s control, have made it impossible for us to continue our representation,” Jackson told reporters outside the courthouse. He added that he was “legally and ethically prohibited” from explaining the specific reasons behind the withdrawal. Despite stepping aside, Jackson emphasised that he believed Reiner was innocent of the charges.

Nick Reiner, 32, is accused of the first-degree murders of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. He did not enter a plea during the court appearance, which was procedural in nature and lasted only a short time. Following Jackson’s withdrawal, the court confirmed that Reiner will now be represented by a public defender as the case moves forward.

The charges stem from the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found with stab wounds in the bedroom of their Brentwood home in Los Angeles on 14 December. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the prominence of the family and the seriousness of the allegations.

While the defence has maintained Reiner’s innocence, prosecutors struck a firm tone after the hearing. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the prosecution remained confident in its case. “We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murder of his parents,” Hochman told reporters.

Despite the starkly opposing positions of the defence and prosecution, legal experts note that a change in representation does not alter the presumption of innocence afforded to the accused. The appointment of a public defender ensures continuity in the legal process and allows the case to proceed without delay.