Entertainment
Stormzy Receives Nine-Month Driving Ban for Mobile Phone Use
Renowned British rapper Stormzy, born Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, has been banned from driving for nine months after admitting to using a mobile phone while driving his Rolls-Royce Wraith in west London. The incident occurred on Addison Road, West Kensington, in March 2023.
The 31-year-old artist pleaded guilty via a written letter submitted to Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court. District Judge Andrew Sweet criticized his actions as “dangerous and irresponsible,” noting Stormzy’s prior record of driving offences. He already had six points on his licence for previous speeding violations, which contributed to the severity of his penalty.
An off-duty police officer initially spotted Stormzy using his phone and knocked on the tinted passenger window of the Rolls-Royce, reportedly advising him, “Get rid of your tints and get off your phone.” Stormzy initially denied the offence but later changed his plea to guilty.
Stormzy’s driving history includes another incident involving illegally tinted windows on a Lamborghini Urus, stopped in Kingston upon Thames in October 2023. The vehicle’s front windows allowed only 4% light transmission, far below the legal requirement of 70%. Prosecutor Alice Holloway emphasized that such modifications posed a risk to vulnerable road users.
In that instance, police had previously warned Stormzy about the windows before stopping him again. His solicitor, Peter Csemiczky, stated that Stormzy accepted responsibility and had since removed the tints from his vehicle.
In addition to the driving ban, Stormzy was fined £2,010, and six additional penalty points were added to his licence.
Entertainment
Coroner Says Investigation Into Liam Payne’s Death Still Awaiting Evidence From Argentina
A coroner overseeing the inquest into the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne has said authorities in the UK are still waiting for additional evidence from Argentina as investigations there continue.
During a pre-inquest review hearing held at Beaconsfield Coroner’s Court on Thursday, senior coroner Crispin Butler said there had been no significant updates since a previous hearing in January 2025.
“We have had no further disclosure of evidence from Argentina via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office,” Butler told the court.
Payne, who was 31, died in October 2024 after falling from a balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.
A post-mortem examination found the singer died from multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhage” after falling from the hotel’s third-floor balcony.
The coroner said documentation already received from Argentina had undergone translation and confirmed that relevant material would be shared with Payne’s family, who were not present at the hearing.
Butler added that his understanding was that investigations by authorities in Argentina were still ongoing.
In February last year, an Argentine court dropped criminal negligence charges against three of the five people initially charged in connection with Payne’s death.
Payne rose to global fame as a member of One Direction before launching a successful solo career following the band’s hiatus. He released his debut solo album, LP1, in December 2019.
The inquest proceedings in the UK have now been adjourned until a further pre-inquest review scheduled for 1 December.
Entertainment
Pussycat Dolls Cancel US Tour Dates Amid Weak Ticket Sales
Pussycat Dolls have cancelled the North American leg of their reunion tour after disappointing ticket sales, while confirming that their European dates will proceed as planned.
Three members of the group—Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt—had earlier announced a comeback with a new single and a global tour. However, the trio said they made the “difficult and heartbreaking decision” to cancel nearly all scheduled shows in the United States and Canada after reassessing demand.
“After taking an honest look” at the North American tour, the group said they concluded it was not viable to proceed with the planned dates.
The only performance that will go ahead in the U.S. is their appearance at WeHo Pride in Los Angeles on 6 June, which they described as a meaningful opportunity to connect with fans.
“We could not think of a more meaningful place to celebrate with our fans,” the group said, highlighting the long-standing support they have received from the LGBTQ+ community.
The Dolls had originally planned 33 dates across North America throughout June, July and August. Fans who purchased tickets via platforms like Ticketmaster or AXS will receive automatic refunds, while those who bought through third-party sellers have been advised to contact their vendors directly.
In contrast, the European leg of the tour is performing strongly. The group confirmed that multiple shows across the UK and Ireland are already sold out, with the tour set to begin in Copenhagen in September.
UK stops include Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Dublin, Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester, before concluding at The O2 Arena on 13 October.
The group said they are now focused on delivering “unforgettable” performances for European audiences, promising a celebration of their music and legacy.
The cancellation follows similar moves by other major artists, including Post Malone and Meghan Trainor, who have also scaled back or postponed U.S. shows in recent months.
Industry observers suggest that high ticket prices and the decision to book large arenas instead of smaller venues may have contributed to the weak sales in North America.
Known for hits such as “Buttons,” “Don’t Cha,” and “I Don’t Need a Man,” the Pussycat Dolls enjoyed major success in Europe during their peak years—a trend that appears to be continuing as they prepare for their return to the stage.
Entertainment
Dolly Parton Cancels Las Vegas Residency as She Focuses on Recovery
Dolly Parton has cancelled her planned Las Vegas residency as she continues treatment for ongoing health issues, reassuring fans that she is steadily improving.
The 80-year-old country music icon shared the update in a statement on social media, explaining that she has been “responding really well to meds and treatments” while managing a long-term struggle with kidney stones.
Parton had previously postponed her six-show residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from December 2025 to September 2026 due to what she described at the time as “health challenges.” She has now confirmed that the shows will not go ahead as planned.
“I’ve still got some healing to do, but I am on my way!” she said in a video message announcing the cancellation.
Maintaining her trademark humour, Parton joked about the physical demands of performing, saying she could not risk being unsteady on stage.
“I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on 5-inch heels—and you know that I’m going to be wearing them,” she said. “Not to mention, all those heavy rhinestone outfits, the big hair, my big… uh, personality.”
She added that it will take time before she is fully “stage-performance ready,” and apologised to fans who had already purchased tickets.
“I am truly sorry that I’m going to miss all of you that had tickets to see me in Las Vegas. Well, you get on to Vegas, and you have a big time… and I’ll see you somewhere down the line,” she said.
Despite stepping back from live performances, Parton confirmed she remains active creatively. She is continuing to record music, produce videos, and work on a Broadway musical project, while also staying involved with Dollywood. Plans are also underway for a new museum and hotel in Nashville later this year.
A globally celebrated artist, Parton has won 10 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is widely known for classic hits including “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” and “Jolene.”
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