Here’s the latest celebrity gossip and entertainment news from the world of stage, screen and television.
PRINCE HARRY SUES TABLOID
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex is reportedly going ahead with legal action over the unauthorised publication of a private letter between Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and her father in the British tabloid newspaper ‘Mail on Sunday.’
The letter comes as the latest in what the royal couple have deemed a relentless pursuit of the Duchess since her marriage.
Prince Harry has likened the treatment of the Duchess by the press as akin to the bullying that allegedly led to his mother’s death.
The Royals’ statement in the wake of the lawsuit read, “There comes a point when the only thing to do is to stand up to this behaviour, because it destroys people and destroys lives.
“Put simply, it is bullying, which scares and silences people. We all know this isn’t acceptable, at any level. We won’t and can’t believe in a world where there is no accountability for this.”
A spokesperson for the Mail on Sunday said the paper would stand by the letter being published and as it was not edited in any way. They will be defending the case vigorously.
INSTAGRAM AND MENTAL HEALTH
Instagram is setting itself apart as the social media platform that is taking into account the potentially adverse effects of social media interaction on the mental health of subscribers, following the release of its two latest features.
The ‘Restrict’ button has hit the screens, allowing users to target unwanted comments so that only the person who has written the nasty words can see them.
The new tool is designed as a way out for younger users who are worried they might make a bullying situation worse by deleting or blocking a follower.
With over fifty per cent of users experiencing bullying it’s no wonder the designers are looking for a non-confrontational way out of the current unregulated situation.
And in news that may be more crippling to influencers than removing the ‘Likes’ tally, Instagram has now banned all weight loss ads.
The move aims to protect younger users from being sold the ‘skinny’ mantra and all the detox teas and skinny lollipops that come with it.
However, any ads for weight loss products will still be shown to those 18 and over and with many Instagram users lying about their age to sign up, and the already prolonged exposure, it’s a wonder if this latest attempt will make any real difference at all.
