Entertainment
Team USA’s Jordan Chiles Gets Support from Simone Biles as Romania’s Protest Could Lead to Medal Strippage
Rising U.S. Team USA star Jordan Chiles could also be forced to quit the Olympic bronze medal he won on Aug. 5 following a surprising ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Saturday, Aug. 10.
The decision got here after a protest from Romania, one in every of nearly two dozen European teams competing, which challenged an appeal that originally secured Chiles a podium spot in the ladies’s individual freestyle competition. The podium might have been historic because it will have been the just one to feature only women of African descent. Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade won gold, and Simone Biles took silver on the conclusion of the competition.
Chiles’ freestyle was initially placed fifth with a rating of 13.666. However, her rating was increased to 13.766 when Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi, approached the judges a few jump that was initially rated as tougher.
Landi argued that the judges underestimated Chiles’s execution of the split vault — or tour jeté full, as it known as in gymnastics — and wrongly awarded her 5.800 points for difficulty as a substitute of 5.900. After review, the judges agreed with Landi’s assessment and raised Chiles’ rating. The adjustment moved her from fifth to third place, ousting Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu, much to the outrage of the Romanian team.
Barbosu and her team were understandably upset about being sidelined, and the Romanian Gymnastics Federation quickly expressed its displeasure with the CAS decision. They then pressed officials to reconsider the case, stating that Chiles’ appeal was allegedly filed 4 seconds too late within the one-minute window allowed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
At the time, Romanian gold medalist Nadia Comaneci tweeted: “I can’t believe this is how we treat athletes’ mental health and emotions… let’s protect them #anabarbosu.”
I am unable to imagine we’re fiddling with the mental health and emotions of athletes… let’s protect them #anabarbosu https://t.co/BX2hipxmM5
— Nadia Comaneci (@nadiacomaneci10) August 5, 2024
Another Romanian gymnast who competed with Chiles also accused the judges of favoring her. In an interview after the event, 17-year-old Sabrina Voinea, who scored 13.700, said, “Simone Biles is a good athlete, but the American in third place, Jordan Chiles, landed low and even came off the carpet.”
She added that she also tried to challenge her result, nevertheless it fell on deaf ears. “I wasn’t penalized. I appealed and the result remained the same. Chiles protested and changed her result. I had a much better exercise than she did.”
On August 7, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation submitted a proper request to CAS, citing concerns in regards to the investigation initiated by Chiles’ coaching staff.
“Aware of the negative impact on Ana Maria Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation aims to correct the mistakes made by the judges and restore the rights of our athletes,” the federation said in an announcement. According to to the Daily Mail.
The fallout from the election results has sparked widespread outrage in Romania, with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announcing on Tuesday, August 6, that he would boycott the closing ceremony in protest at what he called a “scandalous situation.”
Ciolacu also promised that Romania would honour Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea as Olympic medalists and award them appropriate prizes if the governing body fails to achieve this.
On August 10, CAS ruled that the judging panel had erred in allowing an investigation that increased Chiles’ rating.
With the choice to strip her medal looming, USA Gymnastics says it’s “devastated” by a possible ruling in Romania’s favor that would strip Chiles of her medal over a minor technicality.
A 23-year-old gymnast has fallen victim to relentless cyberbullying, prompting USA Gymnastics to issue an announcement condemning such attacks.
“Throughout the appeal process, Jordan was subject to ongoing, completely unfounded and incredibly hurtful attacks on social media,” USA Gymastics said in an announcement.
Adding: “No athlete should be subjected to such treatment. We condemn these attacks and those who engage in, support or incite them. We commend Jordan for her integrity both on and off the court and continue to support her.”
We all the time stand behind Jordan Chiles! https://t.co/IdLwXHPtGr
— UCLA Gymnastics (@uclagymnastics) August 10, 2024
The uncertainty of losing her medal took a toll on Chiles, who, within the face of the growing controversy, took a step back from social media to give attention to her mental health.
While the Romanian camp continues to give attention to its athletes, it has not addressed the wave of online harassment Chiles has faced because the protest.
Chiles’ older sister, Jazmin, also took to social media to express her disappointment over the entire situation and asked for prayers for Jordan and his family.
“Racism is real, it exists, it is alive and well” – Jazmin he wrote on her Instagram story. “Officially, 5 days later, they stripped her of one of her medals.”
Jazmin continued, “Not because she didn’t win, not because she was intoxicated, not because she overstepped her bounds. Not because she wasn’t good enough. But because the judges didn’t give her a hard time and forced her to do an investigation.”
She ended with a heartfelt message to her sister: “FOUR SECONDS. Her bronze was ripped off in 4 seconds, which would never have had to happen if the judges had done their job. I love you, sis. And I got you back no matter what.”
Chiles’ team captain, Simone Biles, also stepped in to show support for her teammate. After hearing the news, Biles posted a photograph of herself hugging Chiles with the message, “Sending you so much love. Jordan, keep your head up, Olympic champion! We love you!”
Biles also posted a quote from teammate Sunisa Lee calling for referees to be held accountable. The quote read: “All this talk about the athlete, but what about the referees?? Totally unacceptable. It’s horrible and I’m heartbroken for Jordan.”
The gymnast’s fans were also horrified.
“Shame on CAS and the hateful people who sent hateful messages. I am disgusted. I support you Jordan Chiles!” one he tweeted.
Other user X he wrote“I wake up from a nap to find Jordan Chiles stripped of her medal because the investigation was 4 seconds late? To say I’m disgusted is an understatement.”
“Jordan Chiles, we love you and you deserve this bronze,” one person wrote on Twitter. “This is so funny.”
Jordan Chiles we love you and also you deserve this bronze. This is so funny.
— HOOD VOGUE is sick of poverty (@keyon) August 10, 2024
“You’re taking away Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal for a mistake YOU MADE???!!!!” another person he tweeted.
Third comment he wrote“Adding a medal is one thing, but taking it away is cruel and just plain wrong.”
Chiles has already returned to the United States and is keeping a low profile. It stays to be seen what officials will do and whether the young gymnast might be required to return her bronze medal.
Chiles briefly addressed the controversy on social media. On Saturday afternoon, she posted several broken heart emojis on her Instagram Story and announced that she could be stepping away from social media for the sake of her mental health.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
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