(NOTE CONTENT) Of all the explosive revelations made Wednesday when Johnny Depp testified in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard, one trended thanks to two cheeky hashtags: #MePoo and #AmberTurd.
Depp alleges that after one of his many fights instigated by Heard, this one after her 30th birthday party in 2016, she or one of her friends left a gross gift: Someone intentionally pooped in his bed.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star had left one of the homes he shared with his now-ex after the row, and she and her pals were bound for the Coachella. With her out of the picture, Depp testified, he planned to return to the home to gather items that were important to him, including mementos of his friendships with Marlon Brando and Hunter S. Thompson.
However, he was warned against returning, and the excremental evidence was shown to him in a cellphone photo taken by a security guard.
“My initial response to that was…I laughed,” Depp said in court. “It was so bizarre and so grotesque that I could only laugh. So I did not go down there that day.”
Of course, those photos were entered into evidence yesterday for all to see. In fact, Depp was cross-examined about them, with lawyers for Heard doubting the poop’s provenance, positing that his two dogs, Pistol and Boo, could have made the apparently large deposit.
“They’re teacup Yorkies,” Depp countered. “They weigh about four pounds each…It was not the dogs.”
Depp alleged in detail Wednesday that he suffered physical and psychological abuse at the hands of Heard, who herself has previously alleged Depp abused her during their tumultuous relationship.
(WASHINGTON) — President Joe Biden on Thursday was set to announce an additional $800 million package of military assistance to Ukraine as Russian forces launch a long-expected, large-scale campaign to seize the country’s east.
The aid package follows another of similar size, which Biden announced last week, but focuses more on artillery and ammunition, U.S. officials told ABC News.
With this latest package, the U.S. is on track to having announced about $3 billion in military aid since the start started in late February. In particular, this is the eighth tranche of U.S. assistance from the Pentagon’s existing stockpile, using what’s known as presidential drawdown authority to expedite delivery.
Russia offered another ultimatum Wednesday to allow Ukrainian fighters to leave a steel plant in Mariupol — but those fighters, for days, have refused to surrender. Finally seizing the strategic port city after weeks of besiegement and bombardment would help give Russian forces a land bridge between Crimea, which Russia has occupied since 2014, and the eastern provinces known as the Donbas, where Russian-led separatists have battled the Ukrainian government since 2014, too.
The Donbas is expected to be Russia’s focus now, but the U.S. remains concerned that Russian forces will target the paths in western Ukraine being used to ship Western military aid into the country, a defense official told ABC News.
While they have not done so yet, cutting off those supply routes will help the Kremlin isolate Ukrainian forces in the east, the official added.
The U.S. believes Russians will target the paths in western Ukraine being used to ship in Western military aid in order to isolate Ukrainian forces in the east, a defense official told ABC News.
“Right now, we know from our discussions with the Ukrainians that they are getting this material,” a defense official said Tuesday. “It’s getting into the hands of their fighters.”
The U.S. and other Western countries have now provided Ukraine with close to 70,000 anti-tank weapons, including several varieties of shoulder-fired missiles. The number of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles that the U.S. and other countries have sent to Ukraine is nearing 30,000.
Those missiles have been used by Ukrainian forces to great effect, but as the battle shifts from Ukraine’s major cities and suburbs to the more flat eastern provinces, Kyiv’s troops will need more artillery and ammunition instead.
Four flights carrying military aid from the $800 million drawdown package Biden announced last week arrived in Ukraine over the last 24 hours, some of them carrying U.S. howitzers and 155mm ammunition for them, a senior defense official said Wednesday, adding more equipment will arrive over the next 24 hours.
ABC News asked the official why the U.S. decided to send U.S. artillery to the Ukrainians.
“We’re mindful of the importance of artillery in the fight that they’re in right now and in the fighting in the days to come because of the terrain, and because of what we think they’re going to be up against with Russian forces,” the official responded.
Another reason was “the fact that it wouldn’t require an onerous amount of training for the Ukrainians to know how to use them” and the ability to ship them quickly, according to the official.
More than five million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the war, according to the United Nations.
After Biden called Russia’s actions in Ukraine “genocide” for the first time last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Wednesday that the same horrors witnessed in Bucha — “death, destruction, atrocities” — may take place in the eastern city of Mariupol “at some point,” even as Russian forces seem already poised to fully capture the strategic city.
“We can only anticipate that when this tide also at some point recedes from Mariupol, we’re going to see far worse — if that’s possible to imagine,” Blinken said. “So the conditions there, the situation there as a result of this Russian aggression are truly horrific.”
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Three months after her arrival, the name of Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra‘s daughter has been revealed.
In January, the couple welcomed their first child via surrogate, but didn’t reveal its name or sex. Now, following TMZ’s initial report Wednesday, People magazine has confirmed that her name is Malti Marie Chopra Jonas. TMZ also reported that according to the birth certificate, Malti arrived January 15 at a San Diego hospital.
Malti is a common female Indian name.
Nick and Priyanka have been married for three years. In January, a source told People that the couple were “truly eager to be parents,” adding, “They are beyond excited. Nick and Priyanka have wanted a baby for some time.” Another source dished, “Now is their time, and they could not be more ready to raise a child.”
(WASHINGTON) — The Biden administration on Thursday announced it is moving to fast-track Ukrainian refugees coming to the United States.
Beginning April 25, the administration says U.S.-based individuals and entities can apply to the Department of Homeland Security to sponsor Ukrainian citizens — in an operation dubbed “Uniting for Ukraine.”
Any U.S. citizen or entity can apply sponsor Ukrainians and will be required to declare their financial support and pass a background check. Administration officials said there is no limit on how many Ukrainians a person or entity can sponsor.
“We are anticipating obviously a large majority of individuals who applied for this process go through this process role in my family units,” a senior administration official told reporters on a conference call Thursday.
Any Ukrainian who has been a resident of the country since Feb. 11 and has up to date vaccinations will be eligible for the program. They will be subject to a background check and biometric screening and other security checks.
Once in the U.S, Ukrainians will have up to two years to be considered for parole, but officials said they anticipate the length of time in the U.S. to be short term.
“What many of us have heard out in the region in Eastern Europe is a lot of Ukrainians don’t even want to go further east, from the border countries in Eastern Europe, because it’s a situation where women and children are separated from their husbands, fathers brothers, and so they’re quite keen staying near Ukraine to return as soon as possible,” one official said.
Administration officials told reporters on Thursday they hope it will be a “streamlined process” through an online portal where sponsors and Ukrainian nationals can both upload documents after being approved.
They said they anticipate the process to be “fairly quick,” but didn’t offer an exact timeframe.
Ukrainians who don’t have a visa to enter the U.S. will be encouraged to apply for this program as they say it’s the safest way to enter the U.S., officials said.
Administration officials said this was part of President Joe Biden’s promise to take in 100,000 Ukrainians into the United States.
“We are proud to deliver on President Biden’s commitment to welcome 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russian aggression to the United States. The Ukrainian people continue to suffer immense tragedy and loss as a result of Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on their country,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. “DHS will continue to provide relief to the Ukrainian people, while supporting our European allies who have shouldered so much as the result of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.”
As of late, some Ukrainians seeking asylum in the U.S. have been going to the U.S.-Mexico border. The administration says after April 25, Ukrainians who present themselves at a border port of entry will be denied entry into the U.S. and referred to the “Uniting for Ukraine” program.
Ukrainians “may be refused entry under our existing laws as I think everybody knows, we are continuing to enforce the public health authority under Title 42 at the land border to the 23rd that will be the case for all nationalities,” one senior administration official said.
Title 42, the Trump-era policy which expelled migrants on the basis of the pandemic is set to be phased out by the administration on May 23.
That official added that applying for the program may be a little bit more difficult if the applicant isn’t up to date on vaccines because it could be a “little bit harder” to get vaccinated in Mexico.
For those who don’t have sponsors, friends or family in the United States, the administration is working with NGO’s and nonprofit organizations to help connect people to them.
“One of the reasons we are having sponsors that are entity based…is precisely to deal with those situations,” one administration official said.
In addition to this program, which they say is new, the State Department will expand resettlement operations in Europe for Ukrainian citizens.
Administration officials said the State Department is helping 18,000 Ukrainians in Eastern Europe resettle, including those considered especially vulnerable, citing LGBTQ refugees as an example.
Producers of the Tony Awards don’t want a repeat of Will Smith‘s infamous Oscars slap, and they’ve issued a strong message for potential copycats: A letter sent by Tony Award Productions to potential ticket-buyers and obtained by Deadline includes the following warning in its FAQ section: “The Tony Awards has a strict no violence policy. In the event of an incident, the perpetrator will be removed from the event immediately.” Smith stormed the Oscar stage on March 27 and slapped presenter Chris Rock across the face, after the latter made a joke referencing the movie G.I. Jane and Jada Pinkett Smith‘s bald head. The King Richard star was subsequently slapped with a 10-year ban by the Academy…
Showtime has given an eight-episode order to the limited series Fellow Travelers, starring Doom Patrol‘s Matt Bomer, according to Variety. Based on Thomas Mallon‘s novel of the same name, the series is described as “an epic love story and political thriller, chronicling the volatile romance of two very different men who meet in the shadow of McCarthy-era Washington.” Bomer will reportedly play Hawkins Fuller, who “maintains a behind-the scenes career in politics” and “avoids emotional entanglements,” until he meets Tim Laughlin, “a young man brimming with idealism and religious faith”…
Jessica Alba will host and executive-produce the upcoming Roku original series Honest Renovations, the streamer announced on Wednesday. Alba and her co-host, The Cool Mom Co. Founder & Editor Lizzy Mathis, will help “deserving families complete the home renovations of their dreams and confront issues about parenting through candid conversations,” according to a statement from Roku. “Becoming a parent was exciting, scary and confusing all at once,” Alba said in a statement. “Parenthood is the most transformative life experience, and no matter how much you think you’re prepared; you never really are.” She added, “I can’t wait to share the stories of the special families and their incredible home renovations with viewers on The Roku Channel.” Honest Renovations will kick off production later in 2022…
The long-awaited episode of Fox’s The Masked Singer featuring former New York City Mayor and Donald Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani finally aired on Wednesday and, as expected, the reveal had judge Ken Jeong leaving the stage in disgust.
Giuliani’s unmasking as the Jack in the Box, following his performance of George Thorogood‘s “Bad to the Bone,” stunned all the judges, including Nicole Scherzinger, who asked if it was Robert Duvall.
“No, that’s not Robert Duvall,” Jeong replied.
Robin Thicke commented, “This is definitely something I never would have guessed.”
Host Nick Cannon also appeared shocked, saying, “Mr. Giuliani, with all of the controversy that’s surrounding you right now, I think it surprises us all that you’re here on The Masked Singer.”
“Me too!” replied Giuliani, explaining, “I guess the main reason is, I just had a granddaughter Grace, and I want her to know that you should try everything, even things that are completely unlike you and unlikely.”
“I’m done,” said Jeong, before walking off the set.
Guiliani’s appearance on the show first made headlines back in February when the episode was recorded.
(NEW YORK) — A person is in custody in connection with the death of Orsolya Gaal, the New York City mother found stabbed to death inside a duffel bag, police sources told ABC News.
Gaal was found in a duffel bag in Queens on Saturday morning. The 51-year-old was stabbed dozens of times, according to police sources.
(NEW YORK) — A Virginia high school wrestler is proving that any dream is achievable through hard work and dedication.
Adonis Lattimore, 17, was born without a right leg, a partial left leg and only one fully functioning arm. Despite doubts from his peers throughout his life, Lattimore won Virginia’s Class 6 106-pound wrestling championship, capping off his high school career in a major way.
“That feeling when it finally pays off is the best feeling in the world,” Lattimore told ABC News’ Good Morning America.
Lattimore’s wrestling career began in elementary school when his dad found a flyer advertising a local wrestling club in Virginia Beach and brought him to a practice. He was hooked and knew he wanted to continue in the sport.
“After that, I never stopped going. I guess what kept me there was the competitive atmosphere it brung and the friends I was meeting on the way,” he said.
At times, others would judge his outward appearance, but he didn’t let any negativity or doubts from peers weaken his drive.
During his freshman year at Landstown High School, Lattimore was a regional qualifier. But when the pandemic struck during his junior year, all of the regional meets were canceled.
Though he faced hardships at times, Lattimore remained focused on his technique and never once thought about giving up.
“I actually had a losing steak before I got to high school … but I never thought about quitting. I just thought about getting better. I saw subtle improvements and eventually I got to the point where I could actually compete,” he said.
In March, the high school senior took to the mat for what would be his last regional match. Though he was filled with adrenaline, he remained focused for each of the three-minute wrestling periods.
Then came the moment he worked so hard for. His name was announced on the loudspeaker as the 2022 state champion.
“I cried a little bit,” Lattimore said about hearing the entire arena erupt in cheers after he knew that he had won. “I watched so many finals from the stands or just from videos and to actually be the one to win it was a pretty surreal feeling.”
In a now-viral moment, his father, Jerrold, could be seen running onto the mat to embrace his son with an enormous hug.
“Against all the doubt and odds, he did it,” Jerrold said. “I repeatedly said ‘I believe in you’ to Adonis when we were hugging each other once he won.”
Lattimore is now planning on heading to college to continue wrestling and pursue a degree in computer science. Through his journey, he hopes to inspire other young athletes to enjoy the ride and do whatever they’re passionate about.
“Put everything you have into doing [what you love],” he said.
(NEW YORK) — Over 20,000 car seats are being recalled due to loose pieces of foam that can present a choking hazard to kids.
The recall impacts certain CYBEX Sirona M Convertible Child Car Seats, which were manufactured between Nov. 3, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2018, and include model numbers 518000385, 518002153, 518000387, 518002145, 518002149, 518002151 and 519000211.
The recall, posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impacts about 20,526 car seats. The documents said children can pick pieces of foam from the child seat headrest pad, posing a choking hazard.
To fix the issue, Columbus Trading-Partners USA, Inc will mail a kit with instructions on how to seal the headrest foam, free of charge.
CYBEX did not immediately respond to request for comment.
(NEW YORK) — As summer approaches, travelers are preparing for trips in huge numbers after many people put off vacations for years during the COVID-19 pandemic — and that’s being reflected in the prices.
“This summer, Americans can expect to pay more for airfare than they have paid in the last 10 years,” Hayley Berg, an economist at Hopper, an online booking platform, told ABC News’ Good Morning America. “Right now, domestic round trip travel costs about $360, and that’s up 15% versus 2019, the last normal year of travel before the pandemic, and up significantly since the start of the year.”
But even though prices for travel are up amid the increased demand for travel, travelers can still get good deals, according to travel experts, who have a few key tips for locking in low airfare rates as summer travel heats up.
Berg recommends customers book summer flights by the first week of May. After that, “prices will just continue to rise,” Berg said.
“If you’re planning a trip right now, be aggressive, start planning early and take a look at your route that you’re flying and how busy it is,” added Willis Orlando, senior product operations specialist for Scott’s Cheap Flights.
Although you can wait for a sale or a day when fares have dropped on popular routes where there is a lot of competition, booking early is especially important if you are booking a trip in a region or route that does not have a lot of competition, Orlando told GMA.
“If your route is served by one or two airlines at most, you don’t have that competition, you can expect these high prices to persist,” Orlando said. “In that case, start monitoring it early, and as soon as you see a dip to a reasonable level, lock it in, because you’re not likely to see a drop much further than that.”
When shopping for airfare, flexibility in terms of dates and locations can mean better prices, whether that means leaving on a different day of the week or flying into a smaller, regional airport.
“Try booking your departing flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday, when prices are typically the lowest,” Berg said. “Or if you’re flexible on where you fly into or out of, check out more regional airports. Oftentimes, lower cost carriers will fly out of regional airports.”
Another good way to get a good deal is to track prices for preferred flights.
“Use a price monitoring tool, so you’re updated on where prices are and how they’re changing,” Berg said.
Another concern that experts point to are pilot shortages, which have led to some airlines trimming summer flight schedules as well as delays and cancellations across the industry.
To avoid that, experts say to book on off-peak days and to book flights for the morning. If you’re traveling for a wedding or other specific event, Berg recommends arriving a day or two early, in case there are delays or cancellations.
“The biggest thing you can do is be flexible and fly kind of off-peak, so if you’re flying out of try flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday or Saturday. It is a little less busy those days, which means that if there is a problem somewhere, it’s less likely to cascade into a kind of mass cancellation event,” Orlando said.
