LOS ANGELES: Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from rapper Kanye West after almost seven years of marriage, her publicist told AFP Friday.
The mega-celebrity couple’s divorce proceedings come just weeks after US media reported the pair were living separately and going through counseling dealing with “regular relationship issues.”
Celebrity gossip site TMZ — which broke the news Friday — said the separation was “as amicable as a divorce can be.”
Kardashian, 40, is asking for joint custody of the couple’s four children, it added, with her lawyer Laura Wasser reportedly handing in the divorce papers Friday.
Kardashian’s publicist confirmed the divorce filing but did not provide further details.
The pair, who began dating in 2012 and married in a lavish ceremony in Italy two years later, rapidly became one of the world’s most instantly recognizable couples.
But their union has been dogged for months by reports in the gossip press that their marriage was on the rocks as West has battled with mental health issues and launched an improbable and controversial foray into US politics.
West, 43, has opened up about his struggles with bipolar disorder.
In July last year the mercurial entertainment mogul launched a bid for the US presidency with a rambling speech during which he revealed he had wanted to abort his daughter, and broke down in tears.
He also posted a series of tweets, later deleted, that accused his wife and mother-in-law of trying to lock him up, and suggested he was seeking a divorce.
Kardashian called on the media and public to show “compassion and empathy” following her husband’s erratic behavior.
“Those that understand mental illness or even compulsive behavior know that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor,” Kardashian said in her lengthy Instagram post in July.
The couple have four children: seven-year-old daughter North, son Saint, five, daughter Chicago, three, and 21-month-old son Psalm.
Aside from family visits, West has been living at his sprawling ranch in Wyoming in recent months, while Kardashian and the children stayed in California.
It would be the first divorce for West and the third for Kardashian, who came to fame with the US reality TV series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” which followed the lives of her family members in Los Angeles.
Chicago-raised rapper and record producer West has won 21 Grammys. He burst onto the rap scene on his production chops, before delivering a string of critically acclaimed studio albums, selling over 20 million copies.
He has made a very public turn to Christian evangelism in recent years, finally releasing his long-awaited gospel album.
The pair began dating in 2012 while Kardashian was going through divorce proceedings with second husband Kris Humphries.
First child North was born in June 2013, and the couple married the following year at a 16th-century fortress in Florence, Italy after a pre-wedding celebration held at Versailles palace in France.
Kim Kardashian files for divorce from Kanye West
https://arab.news/rmaha
Kim Kardashian files for divorce from Kanye West
- Kardashian is asking for joint custody of the couple’s four children
Saudi artist brings ‘special charm’ of Japanese art to life
- Maryam Al-Suwaidan paints Japanese-style whimsical characters that evoke feelings of nostalgia
- Love for Japanese art began in childhood when she copied drawings from the covers of videos and comic books
RIYADH: A Saudi artist whose fascination with Japanese animation began in childhood is breaking new ground in the Kingdom’s burgeoning art scene.
Maryam Al-Suwaidan paints Japanese-style whimsical characters that evoke feelings of nostalgia.
Her love for Japanese art began in childhood when she copied drawings from the covers of videos and comic books featuring her favorite characters.
“These works had a special charm for me and opened the doors of imagination, which motivated me to continue drawing,” she said.
Al-Suwaidan’s method is derived from chibi art, a style of Japanese cartoon and anime illustration characterized by small, cute and exaggerated characters with oversized heads.
In high school, as Al-Suwaidan’s fondness for the art form grew, she decided to learn Japanese.
“I didn’t realize that most of these works came from Japan until almost high school. This pushed me to watch more of their works, and the Japanese language was completely new to me but comfortable to listen to and easy to learn,” she said.
“By learning the language, I can now access books by artists that are not translated, and discover their new tools and how to execute artistic works more deeply.”
Al-Suwaidan said: “I started learning art at a chalk drawing workshop with the artist Shoa’a Al-Dosary. I focus on illustration — depicting objects and characters with detailed backgrounds, and sometimes adding a hint of surrealism. My inspiration comes from animated films and visual stories that stimulate my creativity.”
The biggest attraction of Japanese art for Al-Suwaidan is that despite the distance and language difference of the medium compared with local art, there are similarities in culture, values and ethics.
The Saudi artist is inspired by iconic anime films such as “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle” by Japanese director Miyazaki Hayao of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese production house known for its attention to detail and unique storytelling.
Japanese animations such as the works of Miyazaki Hayao, Nakura Yasuhiro and others have “brilliantly depicted” the worlds and noble ideas of their creators, Al-Suwaidan said.
“This motivated me to learn the Japanese language to read their books and become familiar with more of their works and techniques.”
Al-Suwaidan found inspiration from the works of Saudi and Japanese animators that she watched as a child.
“One of the works that is still etched in my memory is the film ‘Jazeerat Al Noor’ (Island of Light) by the Saudi director Osama Khalifa. It tells the story of ‘Hay Bin Yaqthan’ by Ibn Tufail and how he came to know the presence of the Creator through contemplation and reflection on nature around him. This feeling accompanies me every time I contemplate the world and creatures to draw,” she said.
Al-Suwaidan added: “I aim for my drawings to evoke emotions and resonate with viewers. I choose color palettes and designs based on the subject matter, focusing on highlighting the main element of the drawing.
“Saudi culture and traditions influence my work, particularly in how I portray nature and surroundings. Feedback on my art has been positive, reminding viewers of their childhood memories and dreams.”
Al-Suwaidan views art as an “integral part of society” that reflects identity and conveys messages: “Through art, an artist can express their lifestyle and perspectives, connecting with others in the community.”
Mytheresa partners with Saudi influencer Nojoud Al-Rumaihi for Ramadan campaign
DUBAI: German luxury e-tailer Mytheresa has collaborated with Saudi influencer and consultant Nojoud Al-Rumaihi for a Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr campaign shot in Saudi Arabia.
The curated edit features the influencer’s top picks from labels such as celebrity-loved, London-based label Roksanda, New York-based fashion house Markarian, British brand Self-Portrait and red carpet mainstay Taller Marmo.
The edit of more than 500 pieces also includes costume jewelry, fine jewelry, hair accessories, dresses, bags and shoes. For Al-Rumaihi, comfort was key when curating the Ramadan edit.
“I always look for silhouettes that are fitted yet comfortable on the body, and I feel like the label that helps deliver my needs is Saint Laurent. The pieces always compliment my body in the best way possible,” she told Arab News. While she had a tough time picking a favorite, she added that an embellished, caped gown hailing from London-based fashion label Safiyaa, founded by Daniela Karnuts, was one of her personal favorites.
The e-tailer has partnered with Al-Rumaihi for the third year on its Ramadan campaign — something the influencer says is key in understanding the coveted Saudi market.
“Having a Saudi creative perspective can help international brands and e-tailers gain valuable local cultural insights with an authentic perspective that can help them connect with the Saudi market more effectively,” she said, adding that including local voices in the decision making process can ensure international brands project a message that is culturally relevant.
The campaign images were shot in the Bab Al-Saad resort in Diriyah, as well as a farm in the same historic area that is located just outside Riyadh.
“Bab Al-Saad is a venue that portrays a luxury Arab-themed space. Meanwhile, the farm is located in Diriyah, where Saudi was first established. The farm carries a lot of history in its architecture and doors,” Al-Rumaihi said, referring to the historical status of Diriyah, which was an oasis settlement founded in the 15th century along the Wadi Hanifah.
Diriyah is also home to At-Turaif, an archaeological treasure trove of royal palaces, mosques, homes and defensive towers built in the 18th century in the capital of the First Saudi State.
‘New Codes of Luxury in Saudi Arabia’ talks women and their role in driving the future of luxury
Yara Shahidi, Arab gowns spotted on the NAACP Awards red carpet in Los Angeles
DUBAI: Part-Middle Eastern star Yara Shahidi made an appearance at the 55th annual NAACP Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday night as a handful of stars showed off ensembles by Arab designers.
The ceremony honored the achievements of people of color in film, television, music, and literature and saw R&B icon Usher named entertainer of the year.
“Grown-ish” star Shahidi, whose father is Iranian, attended the ceremony in a look from Italian label Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer 2024 ready-to-wear collection. Meanwhile, Usher’s wife Jennifer Goicoechea walked the red carpet by the award winner’s side in a tailored, blazer-like gown from Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad’s Resort 2024 line.
Actress Queen Latifah stunned in a lilac look by Lebanon’s Georges Hobeika, from his Fall/Winter 2023 Couture collection, and model Madisin Rian showed off a dramatic burgundy jumpsuit by Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy, complete with an oversized cape and beaded detailing on the bodice.
For his part, Usher hit the stage and reeled off several of his recent big moments including his sold-out residency in Las Vegas, getting married, releasing his ninth studio album “Coming Home” and his Super Bowl halftime performance, which became the most-watched in the game's history.
Usher beat out Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey and Keke Palmer.
“I don't know how many people do that much stuff in one setting,” said the multi-Grammy winner, who was presented the award by Oprah Winfrey. After being surprised by Winfrey's presence, he thanked those who have supported him throughout the years.
“This is for you, you, my number ones,” the singer said as the audience repeated his words back to him. The final words of his speech were recited lyrics from his popular song “Superstar” from his 2024 album “Confessions,” which has sold more than 10 million units in the US.
Earlier in the ceremony, Usher was honored with the President's Award for the singer's public service achievements through his New Look Foundation. He thanked the women in his life, including his mother and wife Jenn Goicoechea, whom he married after his Super Bowl halftime performance last month.
“The say behind or beside or with every strong man is a stronger woman,” he said.
Queen Latifah hosted the awards ceremony aired live on BET.
“The Color Purple” was awarded best motion picture. The musical film featured star-studded cast including Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Domingo, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins and Bailey.
New Edition was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. The induction is bestowed on individuals who are viewed as pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence shaped their profession.
Review: No luck of the Irish for Lindsay Lohan’s new movie on Netflix
LONDON: We were told that Lindsay Lohan was decidedly “back” when she starred in “Falling for Christmas” at the end of 2022. That film was a run-of-the-mill festive movie which saw Lohan shrugging off her bad girl image for something a little more wholesome. Though the film was categorically average, it did seem that the Dubai-based actress was, at least a little bit, “back” after years out of the spotlight.
It’s a trend Lohan is seeking to continue with “Irish Wish,” a fantasy rom-com on Netflix which sees her star as Maddie, a book editor for handsome Irish author Paul Kennedy – who is also the subject of her unrequited love. When Paul (Alexander Vlahos) invites her to Ireland to celebrate his wedding, a heartbroken Maddie stumbles upon a magical stone chair (yes, really) presided over by a whimsical, mischievous Irish woman (yes, really) with the power to grant your heart’s desires. Maddie wishes she was the one marrying Paul and, lo and behold, she wakes up the next morning transformed into his bride-to-be. Which would be great if she hadn’t already had a contrived and clumsy meet-cute with handsome photographer James (Ed Speleers, slumming it here in sharp contrast to some of his excellent recent work). Having set up the requisite rom-com ingredients, director Janeen Damian then lets her leading lady at it — cue a series of bumbling set pieces, longing glances and awkward conversations which lead to a climactic showdown when Maddie must decide whether to stick with her new life or try to get back the one she wished away.
To be fair, there are few actors better than Lohan at pulling off this kind of by-the-numbers romantic fluff. But this is far from her best work and far from her best film — even by rom-com standards, “Irish Wish” is pretty dire. Every set piece feels dated and derivative, every exchange between the stars lacks any sense of natural conversation or connection.
Rom-coms often get a bit of a pass because they give audiences exactly what they expect. Sadly, in this case, what viewers should expect is some awkward faux-romance and precious little comedy.