GLASTONBURY: On Friday, Marina Abramović orchestrated a collective seven-minute silence at the UK’s largest music festival. To emphasize her message, the Serbian artist donned a white sculptural column dress that transformed into a peace sign when she outstretched her arms.

Renowned for her bold performance art, Abramović once allowed the public to interact with her during a six-hour sitting in her 1974 piece, "Rhythm 0," which culminated in a loaded gun being pointed at her head.

On the Glastonbury main stage, Abramović urged the festival’s 250,000 attendees to introspect. “People come to have a good time. They’re drinking, taking drugs, the weather is good,” she told Vogue before the event. “But I’m asking them to be silent and to reflect on the state of this planet, which is really hell right now.”

In addition to silencing the festival, Abramović’s outfit was a powerful statement. Her dress, designed by her friend and former Burberry creative director Riccardo Tisci, was inspired by the Japanese kimono. Standing tall, the fabric extended from her shoulders to create a peace sign, with her hands enveloped in the large white sleeves and more fabric forming an upside-down ‘V’ at hip level. Abramović noted that the dress will eventually be displayed in a museum.

While we’re used to seeing peace signs on crop tops and canvas tote bags, Abramović and Tisci’s real-life rendering is much closer to the symbol’s origin. The peace icon was designed by British artist Gerald Holtom and first appeared during a London peace march in 1958. It was later adopted by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). Holtom explained that the sign’s inspiration came from his own human form: “I drew myself: the representation of an individual in despair, with hands and palms outstretched, outwards and downwards in the manner of Goya’s peasant before the firing squad. I formalized the drawing into a line and put a circle round it.”

More than six decades later, Holtom’s peace sign has become one of the world’s most recognized symbols, especially in fashion. Over the years, it has adorned everything from Fendi Baguette bags to Dior knitwear. In 2014, Moschino transformed the design into luxurious pendants on heavy, golden chains. The following year at Chanel, it appeared in Sharpie-style scrawl on distressed messenger bags, punctuating the phrase “Make fashion, not war.”

Abramović’s outfit aligned with Glastonbury’s 2024 theme: Peace. Holtom’s sign was visible throughout the festival, crowning the roof of the newly erected Peace Stage and appearing in the sky during the event’s first-ever drone display earlier in the week.

Facing the crowd, Abramović embraced the symbol sewn into her dress. “See how we can feel positive energy in the entire universe,” she told onlookers. What began for Holtom as a mark of despair had transformed into an open embrace.

#MarinaAbramović #Glastonbury2024 #PeaceSign #PerformanceArt #RiccardoTisci #FashionAndArt #HoltomPeaceSign #CND #PeaceStage #FestivalFashion #ArtInFashion #PositiveEnergy #MakeFashionNotWar

New York City's fatal crash rate for motorcyclists is nearly double that of motorcyclists in the rest of New York State and significantly higher than the national rate. Although motorcycle collisions in NYC are less common than automobile accidents, they are far more likely to result in deadly injuries due to the limited physical protection for motorcyclists. Fortunately, many experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in NYC are available to help victims secure the compensation they deserve.

Best Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in New York City

• Pat James Crispi
• Shana De Caro
• Bruce J. Gitlin
• Judith Livingston
• Scott Occhiogrosso
• Jason L. Paris
• Eric Richman
• Harry Rothenberg
• Matthew Sakkas
• David Scher

Filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in New York

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it's essential to find a lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with other involved parties, insurance companies, and their lawyers. An attorney experienced with motorcycle accidents understands the necessary steps to secure the compensation you're entitled to, including medical bills, property damage, emotional distress, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

New York statute of limitations

A statute of limitations is the period within which you must file a lawsuit before your action is barred. In New York, you have three years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury case. For instance, if you were injured on January 1, 2023, you have until January 1, 2026, to file your lawsuit. If you attempt to file after January 1, 2026, your claim will be barred, and you will forfeit your chance to sue.

The three-year statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents applies to personal injury, property damage, and emotional distress claims.

This statute exists because, over time, it becomes increasingly difficult for all parties involved to remember details and collect evidence related to the accident.

New York laws for motorcyclists

Motorcycle License: You must have a motorcycle operator’s license or a motorcycle junior operator’s license.

Registration: Unlike most other motor vehicles, motorcycles are registered for one year instead of two, and all motorcycle registrations expire on April 30.

Inspection: Motorcycles must be inspected at least once every 12 months at a station licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to perform motorcycle safety inspections.

Insurance: Motorcycles are not covered by the New York Insurance Law (or “no-fault law”), meaning motorcyclists may face more challenges in obtaining compensation for their medical bills. However, unlike most drivers, motorcyclists do not need to demonstrate a “serious injury” to file a lawsuit.

Helmets and Passengers: All motorcyclists and their passengers must wear approved motorcycle helmets and eye protection, even if the motorcycle has a windshield. Passengers must sit facing forward with one leg on each side of the motorcycle and each foot on a foot peg, unless seated in a properly attached sidecar.

Headlights: The motorcycle’s headlight and rear light must be on at all times when operating on the road.

Lane requirements: Motorcyclists can use a full lane and ride side by side in a single lane but cannot ride beside another vehicle in the same lane.

Equipment: Motorcycles must have a headlight, taillight, license plate lamp, brakes, and a horn or similar warning device.

Identifying fault for a motorcycle crash in New York

Motorcycle accidents can happen for various reasons, such as distracted driving, traffic law violations, or hazardous road conditions like potholes or ice. Under New York law, government entities can be held liable for failing to fix potholes or post proper road signs, while manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts could be liable for injuries caused by those defects.

Motor vehicle drivers are most frequently at fault for motorcycle accidents because they often fail to see motorcycles. New York is one of 13 states that recognize the rule of “pure” comparative fault, which assigns fault percentages to parties involved in a motorcycle accident. In this system, an injured party can recover a percentage of monetary compensation regardless of the fault attributed to them.

For example, if a jury finds a motorcyclist 60% at fault and the injured car driver 40% at fault, the car driver can receive 60% of their total damages. The compensation is reduced based on the injured party's degree of fault.

How can an attorney help you?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, find an experienced attorney who can act quickly, as the statute of limitations on motorcycle accident claims in New York is three years from the accident date.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than people in enclosed vehicles. While motorcycle riders account for only 3% of crashes, they represent 14% of traffic-related deaths, according to the National Safety Council.

Motorcycle crashes can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and limb loss, leading to extensive medical treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and loss of work. Motorcycle accident attorneys do the investigative work needed to help you get the maximum compensation for your losses by gathering relevant documents and hiring expert witnesses.

How to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer in New York, NY

To find the best motorcycle accident lawyer for your case, consider the following:

Experience: At your consultation, ask the attorney about their experience with motorcycle accident cases and the verdicts or settlements they have won.

Communication: Ask about their preferred method of communication and how quickly they respond to calls, emails, or texts.

Fees: Most motorcycle accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win a settlement or judgment. Typically, they receive 33% of the compensation.

Past Cases: Inquire about the compensation received in other motorcycle accident cases the attorney has handled.

Methodology

Forbes Advisor used various factors to identify the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in NYC for 2024. The mathematical model considers and weighs information to calculate a specific rating, narrowing the field to top choices based on:

• Legal experience
• Special licenses & certifications
• Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
• Legal thought leadership
• Education & employment background
• Scholarly lectures & writings
• Awards & honors

Forbes Advisor collects public data from sources like state bar associations, court records, and published internet sources. This list should serve as a reference and starting point in your search for the right lawyer.

Rapport

One crucial factor that can't be quantified is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality plays a significant role when teaming up with an attorney, especially during potentially challenging legal situations.

HOUSTON: In the vast expanse of maritime industries, offshore work presents unique challenges and dangers. From oil rigs to shipping vessels, the maritime environment demands skilled labor amidst unpredictable conditions. Unfortunately, accidents are an inherent risk in such settings, leading to injuries, fatalities, and complex legal disputes. In such turbulent waters, the expertise of an offshore accident lawyer becomes invaluable. This article explores the pivotal role of these legal professionals in safeguarding the rights and interests of maritime workers.

Understanding Offshore Accidents

Offshore accidents encompass a wide range of incidents, including oil rig explosions, vessel collisions, slip and fall injuries, equipment malfunctions, and exposure to hazardous substances. The remoteness of offshore locations, coupled with the intricate web of maritime laws and regulations, amplifies the complexity of such cases. Moreover, jurisdictional issues often arise, requiring specialized knowledge of admiralty and maritime law.

The role of an Offshore Accident Lawyer

Legal Representation: Offshore accident lawyers serve as advocates for individuals injured in maritime incidents. They navigate the intricate legal landscape, providing clients with informed guidance and representation throughout the claims process. Whether negotiating settlements or litigating in court, these lawyers leverage their expertise to ensure fair compensation for their client’s injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Investigative Expertise: Effective resolution of offshore accident claims hinges on thorough investigation and documentation of the incident. Offshore accident lawyers collaborate with maritime experts, investigators, and relevant authorities to gather evidence, reconstruct the event, and identify liable parties. From analyzing maintenance records to scrutinizing safety protocols, these professionals leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice for their clients.

Navigating Maritime Law: Maritime law, a specialized branch of legal doctrine, governs activities at sea and on navigable waters. Offshore accident lawyers possess comprehensive knowledge of maritime statutes, regulations, and precedents, enabling them to interpret and apply the law to each unique case. Whether addressing liability issues, jurisdictional complexities, or the applicability of international conventions, these attorneys adeptly navigate the nuances of maritime law to protect their client’s rights.

Advocating for Safety: Beyond individual cases, offshore accident lawyers play a crucial role in advocating for improved safety standards within the maritime industry. By holding negligent parties accountable and seeking compensation for victims, these legal professionals incentivize companies to prioritize safety protocols, training programs, and equipment maintenance. Through their advocacy efforts, offshore accident lawyers contribute to fostering a culture of safety and accountability at sea.

Case Study: The Deepwater Horizon Disaster The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in 2010 stands as one of the most catastrophic offshore accidents in recent history. In the aftermath of the disaster, offshore accident lawyers represented thousands of workers and impacted communities in seeking compensation from BP and other responsible parties. Through extensive litigation and negotiation, these attorneys secured significant settlements for their clients, while also shedding light on systemic safety failures within the oil industry.

Conclusion

Offshore accidents pose significant challenges for maritime workers and their families, necessitating skilled legal representation to navigate the complexities of maritime law and seek just compensation. Offshore accident lawyers play a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and safety of maritime workers, leveraging their expertise to hold negligent parties accountable and promote industry-wide improvements in safety standards. As guardians of justice on the high seas, these legal professionals provide invaluable support to those affected by offshore accidents, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected.

#MaritimeLaw #OffshoreAccidents #LegalRepresentation #MaritimeSafety #OffshoreInjuries #AdmiraltyLaw #MaritimeWorkers #DeepwaterHorizon #LegalExperts #SafetyAdvocacy #MaritimeIndustry #HoustonLawyers

HOUSTON: In the maritime industry, legal matters can quickly become complex and challenging to navigate. Having a knowledgeable legal advisor is crucial, whether it’s an accident at sea, contractual disputes, or regulatory compliance issues. Houston, as a hub for maritime commerce, makes proficient maritime attorneys indispensable. This article explores the significance of Houston maritime attorneys and their essential role in safeguarding clients’ interests in this dynamic sector.

Understanding Maritime Law

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, covers a broad range of legal issues related to activities on navigable waters. These include ocean commerce, shipping, navigation, marine insurance, salvage, and more. Given the complexity and international nature of maritime operations, this area of law requires specialized expertise and a deep understanding of both domestic and international regulations.

The Role Of A Houston Maritime Attorney

Houston maritime attorneys play a vital role in protecting the interests of their clients within the maritime industry. Their responsibilities include:

1. Legal Representation:

   Houston maritime attorneys represent individuals, maritime businesses, insurers, and other entities involved in maritime activities. They advocate for their clients’ rights in legal proceedings, including arbitration, mediation, and litigation.

2. Contractual Matters:

   Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts is a significant aspect of maritime law. Attorneys ensure that contracts related to vessel charters, cargo shipments, maritime construction, and other transactions comply with applicable laws and protect their clients’ interests.

3. Personal Injury Claims:

   Injuries sustained by seamen, longshore workers, or passengers aboard vessels fall under maritime law. Houston maritime attorneys help clients pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages through personal injury claims, including those governed by the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

4. Environmental Compliance:

   With increasing environmental regulations governing maritime activities, attorneys advise clients on compliance with laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act. They assist in resolving environmental disputes and represent clients facing enforcement actions or liability claims related to pollution incidents.

5. Vessel Documentation and Registration:

   Houston maritime attorneys handle the documentation and registration of vessels, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and other regulatory bodies. They assist clients with vessel mortgages, liens, and ownership transfers.

6. Maritime Insurance Claims:

   From hull and machinery insurance to protection and indemnity (P&I) coverage, maritime insurance is essential for mitigating risks associated with maritime operations. Attorneys help clients navigate the intricacies of insurance policies and advocate for their interests in insurance claims disputes.

Conclusion

In the maritime commerce realm, access to seasoned legal counsel is crucial for mitigating risks, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with the complex laws and regulations governing the industry. Houston maritime attorneys bring invaluable expertise and experience, serving as trusted advisors and advocates for their clients’ interests. Whether protecting the rights of injured seamen, facilitating commercial transactions, or addressing environmental concerns, these legal professionals play a pivotal role in navigating the legal waters of the maritime sector with diligence and proficiency.

#MaritimeLaw #HoustonAttorneys #LegalExperts #MaritimeIndustry #AdmiraltyLaw #LegalRepresentation #MaritimeCompliance #VesselDocumentation #MaritimeInsurance #EnvironmentalLaw #PersonalInjuryClaims

Peach PRC is one of a handful of Australian acts that burst through the Taylor Swift bubble to top the ARIA Album Charts in 2023.

The viral pop star owes her meteoric success to TikTok, where she has over 2 million followers.

The 26-year-old Adelaide native born Sharlee Curnow was discovered on the hugely popular platform and signed to Island Records, a subsidiary of major label Universal Music Group (UMG).

However, Peach PRC is currently relying on a loophole to promote her next single.

"Y'all got like 2 weeks to learn the lyrics before UMG catches on and mutes this," she wrote in a TikTok video featuring an unreleased song.

She's "leaked" the single in two subsequent videos, lip-syncing to the track while cleaning her kitchen.

What is the Universal Tiktok ban?

Artists promoting their music on TikTok is nothing new, but these specific conditions are.

UMG and TikTok – two of the world's biggest music entities – are currently in a licensing stalemate, and musicians have been caught in the crossfire.

In case you missed it: UMG has begun pulling its music from TikTok after announcing late January that it would not renew its global licensing deal with the hugely popular social media platform, accusing TikTok of "bully" tactics and intimidation in a savage open letter.

TikTok, which has become the go-to app for music exposure, blasted back, accusing UMG of "putting their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters."

Music from UMG's biggest stars – including Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, and Bilie Eilish – has been pulled from TikTok, resulting in millions of uploaded videos falling silent.

Hilltop Hoods, Middle Kids, Matt Corby, Mallrat, and The Avalanches are among the notable Australian acts under the UMG umbrella that have seen their music muted.

The move has also silenced award-winning First Nations artists Baker Boy, Barkaa, Kobie Dee, and Jada Weazal.

How are content creators adapting to the ban?

Faced with the world's biggest music label and publisher hitting the mute button, users have been employing royalty-free music to ironic effect.

One particular track, titled 'Fluffing a Duck' has become a viral choice, soundtracking everything from Taylor Swift fan edits to popular content creators.

Although the major disruption to the algorithm has blown up into a trending in-joke, for those musicians that depend on TikTok to promote and share their music, it's no laughing matter.

Australian acts fall silent

While the Lady Gagas and Ariana Grandes of the world have yet to publicly address the impact, several homegrown artists are not taking UMG's decision lying down.

Peach PRC was among the first to point out the hypocrisy and damaging ripple effects to the platform in a video synced to a popular clip of SpongeBob SquarePants: "Who do they think they are? I've given the best years of my life to this place, and they think they can just fire me like that? Like trash? I don't think so!"

Best known for his weepy, multi-platinum break-up hit 'Be Alright', singer-songwriter Dean Lewis seemed none too happy that UMG's TikTok exodus aligned with the release of his newest single 'Memories'.

"This is a very weird thing to post but I just found out that all my music … literally every song I've ever done is being taken down," Lewis told his 3.3 million followers.

"So, my music's getting taken down in five hours but I have a new song coming out in nine hours. So, my song's not coming out on TikTok."

Young Franco, a Sydney-based producer signed to UMG imprint Of Leisure, playfully addressed his music's removal by encouraging fans to use an a capella version of his 2017 track 'About This Thing'

Developing artists stand to lose the most

In UMG's open letter, the conglomerate argued they were fighting for artists and songwriters everywhere, negotiating for fairer royalty payments from TikTok and ethical concerns over the flood of A.I. content and harassment. But some musicians aren't buying it.

Tones And I slammed UMG in a video post underscoring the hypocrisy of the situation.

"Can we just talk for a second about the fact that Universal are pulling all their artists' music from TikTok, like they're not the original 'ripper-offers' of artists anyway," said the 'Dance Monkey' hit-maker (who is signed with Sony Music in Austraila).

"They're just trying to claim now that they're the beaten, broke-down, poor artist that doesn't get paid enough when they're the ones that take the most, let's be honest."

This breed of public backlash is rare – there's an unspoken sentiment among the local music industry that ruffling the feathers of either UMG or TikTok is a bad career move. Especially for emerging artists beholden to the former, whose catalogue spans millions of songs.

"If they wanted to make a statement, they should've just pulled the biggest artist from TikTok with their consent but to take up-and-coming artists that need this platform off the biggest music marketing platform in the world to me is a shame and makes their job and lives and careers even tougher."

She concluded: "Maybe I haven't looked at it enough but does anyone else have answers to this situation? At the end of the day the artists are the only ones suffering. Again."

TikTok has changed how the industry works

The app has become a fundamental metric for measuring artist success and, in turn, how record labels operate.

The entire industry has a close eye on TikTok's rapidly changing trends, popular sounds, and dances for insights into how younger fans are discovering and consuming music. There's no denying the platform's ability to launch careers and offer huge signal boosts to songs in the zeitgeist.

A recent case in point: Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder On The Dancefloor, which was used in the film Saltburn and enjoyed a cultural resurgence on TikTok.

The renewed interest brought the 2001 single back into the pointy end of the Australian, American and British charts. (Interestingly, in January, the British singer signed with UMG – her old label – to record new music).

These success stories have fuelled increased demands on musicians to self-promote on the platform. High profile artists like Charli XCX, Halsey and FKA twigs spoke out about pressure from labels to market themselves and their music on TikTok – a practise some hated (although UMG artist Florence + The Machine came around to the idea.)

Unlike those established names, developing artists looking for their big break don't have the privilege of ignoring TikTok.

it's so funny (depressing) to me that UMG and tiktok can't reach an agreement after like five years of major labels finding all their new artists on the platform and forcing their entire rosters into becoming TT creators ... like let's do some forward thinking maybe

— eilish gilligan (@eilishgilligan) February 2, 2024

"What do the small fish of the ponds [do]?" South Australian artist George Alice raised in a recent series of TikTok videos.

Alice won triple j's Unearthed High competition in 2019, the same year TikTok launched Down Under, and signed with Universal label Loma Vista Recordings.

"But what do we do now when the other artists do have access to TikTok, the largest social media app that we have, and Universal artists don't?" she asks.

"Where do we promote our stuff? Is there a loophole yet? Will there be a loophole? Will our music be returning? There's many, many questions…"

She's right, but TikTok users are a creative bunch and some artists have found a way to continue sharing their music.

Ways around the UMG ban

Sydney singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Andy Hopkins makes music as Hauskey.

Signed to Universal label Neon Records, he's found TikTok success with musical parodies as much as his original music, including a smartphone-fuelled send-up of Rusted Root's 1996 song Send Me On My Way that's racked up over 15 million views. But the sound has since been muted.

After alerting his followers to the UMG removal, Hauskey shared a follow-up video promoting his upcoming single with the caption: "Test to see if TikTok will mute slowed-down versions of my music too. Are you hearing this?"

We could.

This led to another (since-deleted) video featuring the slowed down teaser and a revealing protest: "Don't mute my art."

Another musician who has found a loophole is Lupa J, a classically trained violinist turned maker of "ugly techno & shiny power ballads" according to their profile.

As a sign of UMG's extensive reach, Lupa J's music is tied to Ingrooves / Virgin Music Group, "a digital distribution company that is owned by Universal" they explain in a TikTok post regarding finding out the release of her new music had been affected.

"I released a cover of Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat on Friday, which was the day that everyone's music got taken down," they said in a video titled 'How to reupload your muted songs' (which has, also, since been deleted).

They continued: "Which was a nightmare considering that the whole reason I released it was because it did well on TikTok."

On the suggestion of somebody in the comments however, they discovered a workaround: "All you have to do is change the BPM of your song by a few notches and reupload it and it doesn't get detected by the copyright monsters."

The instructional video (and others like it) have since been removed, suggesting that somebody at UMG and/or TikTok has picked up on the loopholes. 

There's no end in sight for UMG and TikTok's stoush, and its far-reaching consequences are still very unclear. One thing is clear, however: emerging musicians aren't willing to let it impact their chance to reach a mass audience, and they'll continue to innovate to do so, with or without conflict resolution.

Courtesy: ABC News

Melbourne Demons player Joel Smith has been accused of trafficking cocaine.

Smith was provisionally suspended in October last year after a routine doping test returned a positive result for cocaine following Melbourne’s round 23 clash with Hawthorn.

In a bombshell statement on Tuesday night, the AFL confirmed further Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADVRs) had been lodged against Smith under the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code.

The national sporting watchdog, Sport Integrity Australia, notified Smith that three ADVRs for “Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking” of cocaine were “asserted against him”.

“Further, SIA has notified Smith that an ADRV for Possession of a Prohibited Substance (Cocaine) on 9 September 2022 is asserted against him,” the statement said.

These alleged rule violations come on top of the original one in October 2023 when he allegedly tested positive to cocaine.

Under the Anti-Doping Code, the trafficking violation is defined as “Selling, giving, transporting, sending, delivering or distributing a Prohibited Substance, by an Athlete … to any third party”.

“(But) shall not include actions involving Prohibited Substances which are not prohibited in Out-of-Competition Testing unless the circumstances as a whole demonstrate such Prohibited Substances are not intended for genuine and legal therapeutic purposes or are intended to enhance sport performance,” Article 1 of the code reads.

The AFL said Smith will “continue to be provisionally suspended” until all of the ADVRs are finalised.

This means Smith will be banned from partaking in Melbourne’s football program including its pre-season training.

“Under the Code, the new asserted ADRVs will be further investigated by SIA and these matters may ultimately be heard by an AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal in the coming months,” the AFL statement said.

“Due to the ongoing nature of the anti-doping process, the AFL and SIA are unable to make any further comment at this time.”

The Melbourne Football Club accepted the AFL’s provisional suspension back in October and said it would leave the matter to be resolved by the league and Sport Integrity Australia.

“As this matter is being investigated by Sport Integrity Australia, the Melbourne Football Club is unable to make any further comment at this time,” a statement read.

“The Club will continue to support Joel throughout the process and ensure our supporters are informed further when we are authorised to do so.”

Smith was potentially facing a two-year ban, but the additional ADVRs could see him face up to four years away from the game, according to the Herald Sun. 

Courtesy: Sky News

RIYADH: Saudi fighter Abdullah Al-Qahtani is getting used to winning over hostile mixed martial arts crowds.

The 24-year-old featherweight from Riyadh is one of two athletes from the Kingdom — alongside Mostafa Rashed Nada — that are part of the Professional Fighters League, the world’s second-biggest MMA brand after the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“When I fought in Madison Square Garden and other places, at the start of the fight the crowd was usually against me, they were cheering for my opponent,” Al-Qahtani said, referring to his win against the American David Zelner at PFL 18 in August.

His other win since joining the PFL came against Lamar Brown, also form the US, in June.

“But by the end of the fight they are with me because I give them the show that they want to see. I give them the violence they want, the excitement they want,” the fighter nicknamed “Reaper” added.

On Feb. 24, however, he will fight in front of a Saudi home crowd when he takes on Edukondala “Badger” Rao of India at PFL Champions versus Bellator Champions at Kingdom Arena.

He said: “This time, I’m in Saudi, among my family and fans. I’m proud to fight here and that the (local) fans will finally see me. So many people had been wanting me to fight in Saudi.

“I thank God this opportunity has come my way, and now I have to deliver to the people what they want to see. It’s a proud moment for me to fight here.”

Al-Qahtani noted that joining the PFL had been a major step up in terms of standards, both in and out of the cage.

“There is big difference in quality (to other organizations). With the PFL you get all the attention and care you need. They give you plenty of rest and preparation time before fights, to train or bring your weight down without any pressure.

“Also, fights take place in world-class venues, places that fighters dream about performing in. And of course, all the PFL matchmakers and fighters are of a very high standard. Everything about the fights is world class,” he added.

In November, the PFL bolstered its growing roster with the acquisition of Bellator, until then one of its rival brands.

Al-Qahtani said: “Of course we expect that the standards will rise with this (merger), there are more fighters, more champions. Having the Bellator fighters move to the PFL will only increase the level of competition.

“On a personal level, that could lead to more fights during the year. It’s exciting, and that means more training to reach the standard required.”

The Saudi Public Investment Fund-owned SRJ Sports Investments currently has a minority share in the PFL, and Al-Qahtani pointed out that the sport was at last taking off in the Kingdom.

“I expect more fighters to emerge from Saudi Arabia. Until a few years ago, it (MMA) was an ignored sport, not many people were engaged in it. But now, all eyes are on it, everyone is getting excited about it, everybody wants to be part of it. Having more events in Saudi Arabia will lead to stronger competitions.

“Many (potential fighters) could in the past hide behind the excuse that MMA did not get enough attention in Saudi Arabia, that it was not a sport you could aspire to. But now there are no excuses. The doors are opening for everyone,” he added.

Al-Qahtani is part of the KHK MMA Team — founded by Bahrain’s Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa — and trains at Riyadh Combat Club and Fight Club in the Saudi capital.

Ahead of a fight, his four- to six-week schedule consisted of at least two training sessions a day, a morning one and afternoon one separated by lunch and a brief rest period.

Al-Qahtani said he was in top fighting condition ahead of his bout on Saturday.

“The federation (Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation) has been very supportive and so have my coaches and other fighters in the clubs.

“Depending on the fight, I would usually have a training camp either at home or abroad. This time I stayed at home, and thankfully my preparations have gone as well as I could have expected, as you will see during the fight,” he added. 

Courtesy:- Arab News

DUBAI: British Moroccan model Nora Attal made an appearance at London Fashion Week, after hitting the runway in Paris and New York in recent weeks.

Attal walked in British luxury label Burberry’s Fall/Winter 2024 show.

The fashion house’s creative director Daniel Lee this week showed his third brief at London Fashion Week, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, with an ode to the brand’s outdoor heritage.

 

Set in a dark marquee in London’s Victoria Park where guests sat on big fluffy brown cushions, songs from late British singer Amy Winehouse set the mood for the night.

The 24-year-old model strutted down the star-studded catwalk in a cream-colored calf-length coat, accentuated with luxurious fur-like detailing on the knees, arms and neckline.

Attal hit the grass runway in an ensemble that was accented with black chunky-soled leather boots and a matching clutch.

Other models paraded leather and faux-fur coats in shades of muted green and brown, oversized stripy suit jackets and trousers with zipper detailing.

The show heavily featured outerwear and sporty silhouettes with bomber jackets and Burberry’s iconic trench coat that sat alongside flowy beaded and velvet dresses.

Burberry’s famous beige, black and red check was reimagined into a moody autumnal color palette and featured on the inside of floor-sweeping skirts with long slits down the side.

Accessories included checked umbrellas, large canvas, leather and faux-fur bags in cream, brown and green — often adorned with gold detailing — and paired with scarves worn over the head.

British models Naomi Campbell, Agyness Deyn and Lily Cole were among those sashaying on the catwalk.

The show was attended by Saudi film producer and CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation Mohammed Al-Turki, actress Olivia Coleman, model Jourdan Dunn and Irish actor Barry Keoghan among others.

This is not the first time Attal has modelled for Burberry. In September 2023, she wore low-waist tailored pants, a cropped printed blouse and a blazer with fur detailing around the sleeves from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection that was also showcased at London Fashion Week. 

Earlier this year, Attal walked the Chanel and Fendi shows during Paris Haute Couture Week.