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Next year's Angoulême Comics Festival cancelled amid calls for boycott

The cancellation of the upcoming festival was expected after a monthslong crisis over its governance. Authors and publishers pulled out of the event last month.

Culture news

Spotify Wrapped: What are the biggest artists and songs of 2025?

Spotify Wrapped has launched for 2025, showing music fans their most listened to artists, songs, albums and more. It also provides global trends for music listening and has revealed that Bad Bunny has broken Taylor Swift's two-year winning streak.

Culture news

Infant Jesus stolen from controversial nativity scene in Brussels

The new nativity design by artist Victoria-Maria Geyer sparked debate on social media over its characters' faceless depictions.

Culture news

Sabrina Carpenter and Franklin the Turtle vs Trump administration

Sabrina Carpenter and the publisher of the beloved children’s character Franklin the Turtle are disavowing the Trump administration’s use of their music and imagery to support its agenda.

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Culture news

Controversy in Lyon over Stranger Things light show

This year, Lyon's Festival of Lights welcomes Neflix to its list of sponsors. The presence of the American streamer has sparked criticism.

Culture news

Why are Italian musicians protesting Venice Opera's new conductor?

Beatrice Venezi was appointed as music director of La Fenice opera house in September. Musicians and staff are demanding her revocation over her lack of experience and ties to the far-right.

Culture news

Donald Trump calls female reporter ‘ugly’ after recent ‘piggy’ insult

In a Truth Social post, Donald Trump lashed out at New York Times journalist Katie Rogers after an article questioned whether he was showing signs of fatigue. He responded by calling the reporter “ugly” - only days after backlash regarding his “piggy” insult, aimed towards another female reporter.

Culture news

‘The IT Crowd’ creator cleared of harassing transgender activist

The IT Crowd and Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has been cleared of harassment against a trans activist but guilty of criminal damage to their phone.

Culture news

What are Eurovision's new rules after Israel 'interference’ claims?

Eurovision is changing its voting system, following allegations of "interference" by Israel's government this year. Key changes include a cap on audience voting, the return of professional juries to the semi-finals, clearer rules around promotion of artists, and enhanced security safeguards.

Culture news

New Zealand book award disqualifies two authors for AI artwork

The New Zealand Book Awards Trust introduced a new rule this year stating that any book submitted for the Ockham awards must not contain AI material of any kind.

Culture news

Why is a UK school seeking to ban 'KPop Demon Hunters' songs?

A school in England is seeking to protect “Christian ethos” by banning songs from the hit Netflix animated movie ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, explaining to parents that demons are associated with "spiritual forces opposed to God and goodness."

Culture news

Massive backlash as Disney CEO says company to embrace generative AI

Recent comments made by Disney CEO Bob Iger have resulted in calls to boycott the streaming service.

Culture news

Kanye ‘Ye’ West threatened with immediate arrest in Brazil

“No one who promotes Nazism will play or sing any words on public equipment belonging to the City Hall,” said São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes.

Culture news

Breaking Rust: Can you tell the difference between real and AI music?

An AI-generated music persona has topped the US Billboard charts for the first time, at the same time as a “first-of-its-kind" study from French streaming service Deezer reveals that 97 per cent of people “can’t tell the difference” between real music and AI-generated music.

Italy

Italy's Fico under fire for mooring boat at military club near Naples

The former Italian Chamber speaker is under scrutiny for mooring his motor yacht at an air force academy club usually off-limits to civilians, a controversy which could dent his chances in the upcoming regional elections.

Cinema

First trailer for Michael Jackson biopic sparks mixed reactions

The new trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic is racking up views online and has sparked mixed reactions. While Jaafar Jackson is being praised for looking like his uncle, many are fearful the film will whitewash some of the more controversial aspects of the "King of Pop"'s life.

Culture news

US actress faces backlash for calling Zohran Mamdani a 'jihadist'

The Will & Grace actress has taken issue with Mamdani’s support for Palestine and has gone on a “social media crash-out” regarding the new mayor of New York City.

Art

'Saint or Sinner'? British artist crucifies Donald Trump in Basel

Hero or villain? Martyr or criminal? “Saint or Sinner”?

Culture news

Coca-Cola's AI-generated Christmas ad sparks backlash (again)

The soda brand’s nostalgic hits are a thing of the past as Coca-Cola makes AI slop a new festive tradition.

Culture news

Political attire: Is wearing a Joy Division t-shirt antisemitic?

When Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stepped off a plane wearing a Joy Division t-shirt, he triggered a political storm. A minor one, but one that has us asking: Is wearing a Joy Division shirt controversial or antisemitic?