LOS ANGELES: Supermodel Gigi Hadid has been forced to apologize following accusations of racism over an impression of Donald Trump‘s wife, Melania Trump, at the American Music Awards.
This year’s AMAs took place on Sunday night, with Hadid hosting the ceremony alongside Jay Pharoah.
During the show, Hadid impersonated the future First Lady, mocking her controversial plagiarised speech while putting on a fake Slovenian accent.
Hadid was accused online of racism and xenophobia following the joke, leading her to issue an apology via Twitter.
In a handwritten apology, Hadid wrote: “I was honored to host the AMAs last night and to work with some of the most respected writers in the business. I removed or changed anything in the script that I felt took the joke too far, and whether or not you choose to see it, what remained was done in good humor and with no bad intent.”
“I too have been at the center of a nationally televised comedy skit that poked fun at my actions, and was able to find the humor in it. I believe Melania understands show business and the way shows are written and run.”
“I apologize to anyone that I offended and only have the best wishes for our country,” she concluded.
Gigi sorry for ‘racist’ Melania Trump impression
Gigi sorry for ‘racist’ Melania Trump impression
Sydney man jailed for mailing reptiles in popcorn bags
- The eight-year term handed down on Friday was a record for wildlife smuggling, federal environment officials said
SYDNEY: A Sydney man who tried to post native lizards, dragons and other reptiles out of Australia in bags of popcorn and biscuit tins has been sentenced to eight years in jail, authorities said Tuesday.
The eight-year term handed down on Friday was a record for wildlife smuggling, federal environment officials said.
A district court in Sydney gave the man, 61-year-old Neil Simpson, a non-parole period of five years and four months.
Investigators recovered 101 Australian reptiles from seized parcels destined for Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Romania, the officials said in a statement.
The animals — including shingleback lizards, western blue-tongue lizards, bearded dragons and southern pygmy spiny-tailed skinks — were posted in 15 packages between 2018 and 2023.
“Lizards, skinks and dragons were secured in calico bags. These bags were concealed in bags of popcorn, biscuit tins and a women’s handbag and placed inside cardboard boxes,” the statement said.
The smuggler had attempted to get others to post the animals on his behalf but was identified by government investigators and the New South Wales police, it added.
Three other people were convicted for taking part in the crime.
The New South Wales government’s environment department said that “the illegal wildlife trade is not a victimless crime,” harming conservation and stripping the state “and Australia of its unique biodiversity.”
