LOS ANGELES — Actress and director Olivia Wilde’s noticeably slimmer appearance at the San Francisco International Film Festival in late April 2026 triggered widespread online discussion and health concerns among fans and commentators.

A red-carpet interview video promoting her upcoming film “The Invite” went viral, with many viewers commenting on her angular facial features, sunken cheeks and thinner frame. The footage, originally captured by SFGate, drew millions of views across social media platforms.

Social media users speculated about possible use of weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, rapid dieting or other health-related causes. Some described her look as “skeletal,” “malnourished” or “unwell,” while others attributed the appearance to camera angles, lighting or styling choices.

Wilde, 42, addressed the comments in an Instagram Story posted in early May 2026. In a lighthearted video filmed by her brother, she reacted to a side-by-side comparison with the character Gollum from “The Lord of the Rings.” “Listen, that is a fisheye lens!” Wilde said while laughing. “And I admit, is that my best angle? Was that my best-ever look? No. No. It’s a startling image.” She added, “I’m not dead.”

The actress has not publicly confirmed any weight-loss regimen, medication use or health issues. No official statements from her representatives have addressed the speculation.

Wilde appeared at the 2026 Met Gala on May 4 in a black Thom Browne gown styled by Karla Welch. Photos from the event showed her in a form-fitting off-the-shoulder design with an exposed bustle detail on the back.

Public discussion intensified after podcaster Megyn Kelly commented on the festival video. Kelly described Wilde as looking “truly unwell” and expressed concern over her appearance, though she noted no confirmation of Ozempic or similar drug use.

Social media reactions included a mix of worry, criticism and defense. Some users praised her look, while others called for body positivity and cautioned against speculation. Celebrity injector accounts and wellness commentators also weighed in, discussing possible cosmetic procedures or rapid fat loss effects.

Wilde has maintained an active schedule promoting “The Invite” and attending industry events. She previously starred in and directed films including “Booksmart” and “Don’t Worry Darling.” Her career spans acting roles in “House,” “Tron: Legacy” and “The Lazarus Effect.”

The conversation reflects broader Hollywood trends around weight, appearance and public scrutiny. Similar speculation has surrounded other celebrities in recent years regarding GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.

Wilde has not shared details about her fitness routine, diet or any intentional weight changes. She has historically maintained a relatively private personal life while navigating high-profile relationships and professional demands.

Fans and commentators continue to share before-and-after comparisons from 2023 to 2026. Some posts highlight perceived changes in facial volume, including temples and cheeks, often linked in discussions to buccal fat removal trends or rapid weight loss.

The actress attended the Fashion Trust U.S. 2026 Awards in Los Angeles earlier in the year wearing a design by Ashlyn. She has continued red-carpet appearances without further direct commentary on the viral video.

Medical experts not involved in her care have not commented publicly. Rapid weight loss can sometimes result in facial volume loss, skin changes or other visible effects, though individual results vary widely.

Wilde’s team has not issued statements confirming or denying any medical conditions. The discussion remains driven by public observation and social media commentary.

The San Francisco International Film Festival appearance marked one of several promotional events for “The Invite.” The project has generated attention beyond Wilde’s personal appearance.

As of mid-May 2026, no new public appearances have reignited the same level of speculation. Wilde continues her work as both actress and director amid ongoing industry commitments.

The incident highlights the intense scrutiny faced by public figures regarding physical changes. Online platforms amplify both supportive and critical voices in real time.

Wilde has previously addressed body image and wellness topics indirectly through her projects and interviews, though she has not spoken specifically about recent changes. Her focus remains on professional endeavors in film.

Ashok Ahir is a former BBC journalist and director of comms at the Wales Office

The Welsh Rugby Union has appointed Ashok Ahir to the newly created role of director of corporate affairs.

The former director of communications for the Wales Office and deputy director of Communications with the UK Cabinet Office started his media career as a BBC News and BBC Cymru Wales journalist, before spending more than a decade leading the BBC’s politics team in Cardiff.

For the past four years he has been director of communications and engagement at the qualifications regulator, Qualifications Wales.

In his new role he will help shape the WRU’s public voice – supporting engagement with fans, partners, communities, media and wider public life.

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Chief executive of the WRU Abi Tierney, said: “Ashok brings extensive communications and media expertise and a strong understanding of the public and political landscape in Wales and across the UK. We are delighted to welcome him to the WRU at such an important time for the organisation.

“The cultural significance of rugby to the nation cannot be understated and Ashok’s remit will be to enhance and develop our strategic approach, by highlighting and emphasising this fundamental strength of, and central focus for, the WRU.”

Mr Ahir, who lives in Penarth said: “I am both excited and honoured to be joining the WRU in this role.

“Welsh rugby holds a unique place in the life of the nation, and I will work with colleagues across the organisation and the wider game to support the aims and ambitions of our One Wales strategy, helping to tell the story of the game in Wales with clarity, confidence and authenticity.”

Mr Ashir is also the current president of the National Library of Wales. For many years he chaired the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

India is facing one of its toughest external-sector challenges in years as rising oil prices, foreign investor exits, a weakening rupee, and slowing capital inflows put pressure on the country’s economy. Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran described the situation as a “live balance of payments stress test,” warning that India’s ability to manage imports, currency stability, and foreign exchange flows is now under real-time scrutiny.

The Balance of Payments (BoP) is essentially a record of all financial transactions between India and the rest of the world. It tracks how much money flows into the country through exports, foreign investments, remittances, and loans, versus how much flows out through imports, overseas investments, debt repayments, and travel spending. A healthy BoP helps maintain currency stability and strong foreign exchange reserves, while a deficit can weaken the rupee and trigger inflationary pressure.

India’s heavy dependence on imported energy makes the situation especially serious. The country imports nearly 90% of its crude oil and around half of its gas requirements. As global crude prices rise due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, India’s import bill has surged sharply. Since oil purchases are made in dollars, increased demand for foreign currency weakens the rupee and makes imports even costlier.

Economists say the stress test has intensified because several economic pressures are hitting simultaneously. India depends heavily on the Middle East not only for oil and gas, but also for fertilizer inputs, remittances from Indian workers abroad, and export markets. Any instability in the region therefore directly impacts India’s economy.

According to a report by JPMorgan, India’s capital inflows have slowed dramatically. Net capital inflows averaged 2.6% of GDP between 2015 and 2019, but fell to 1.4% in 2024 and nearly vanished in 2025 due to declining foreign direct investment and continued selling by foreign portfolio investors.
At the same time, India’s current account deficit is expected to widen significantly. Economists estimate it could rise to 2.5% of GDP in FY27 compared to 0.9% the previous year. The overall BoP deficit may widen to between $65 billion and $70 billion, marking the third straight year of deficits. HSBC noted that India now faces the twin challenge of reducing its current account deficit while attracting sustainable capital inflows.

The pressure is already visible in trade data. India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to $28.38 billion in April as crude oil imports hit a six-month high. Foreign investors have also pulled out more than $20 billion from Indian equities since tensions linked to Iran escalated, adding further strain to the rupee, which has weakened by over 5% since the conflict intensified.

The last time India experienced consecutive BoP deficits on this scale was after the global oil shocks of the 1970s. Economists often compare the risks to earlier crises such as the 1991 balance of payments crisis, when India’s foreign exchange reserves had fallen dangerously low.

Nageswaran believes the current challenge is not temporary but structural. He has identified four major global shifts reshaping the world economy: geopolitical fragmentation, technology bifurcation, energy transition policies, and rising geopolitical risks. According to him, India must prepare for a prolonged period of uncertainty affecting trade, capital flows, and energy security.

Despite the pressure, the CEA said India still has strong foundations, including fiscal consolidation, infrastructure investment, and reforms carried out over recent years. However, he stressed that managing the current account, financing deficits, and preventing further rupee depreciation will remain India’s biggest macroeconomic priorities in FY27.

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama posted 41 points, 24 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 49 minutes during Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals on May 18, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record at least 40 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game.

The 22-year-old Spurs center joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to achieve 40-plus points and 20-plus rebounds in a conference finals debut. He also became the fourth player in NBA history — alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — to post at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a single playoff game.

Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game during the 2025-26 regular season while shooting 51.2 percent from the field. He earned Defensive Player of the Year honors as the youngest recipient in league history and led the NBA in blocks for the third straight season.

Through the 2026 playoffs, Wembanyama has posted multiple double-doubles and continued elite production. In earlier rounds he recorded 39 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a Western Conference Semifinals game, shooting better than 70 percent from the field in that contest.

Shaquille O’Neal has publicly praised Wembanyama’s game. O’Neal called him “the first perfect big man” after a Spurs playoff win, citing his ability to score, defend, shoot and play as a team player.

Wembanyama has surpassed O’Neal for the most games with eight or more blocks by a player under age 23. He has also set early-career benchmarks in defensive production and combined statistical output.

The 7-foot-4 Frenchman, drafted first overall in 2023, has started in multiple All-Star Games and earned Rookie of the Year in 2023-24. His playing style combines perimeter shooting, rim protection and ball-handling skills rarely seen at his size.

San Antonio advanced to the 2026 Western Conference Finals with Wembanyama anchoring the lineup. The Spurs improved dramatically on defense with him on the court, ranking among the league’s top units.

Wembanyama’s statistical milestones include joining O’Neal, Olajuwon and Abdul-Jabbar in rare playoff performances. His Game 1 conference finals showing echoed dominant outings by historical big men while occurring at a younger age.

Through 181 career games entering the 2026 playoffs, Wembanyama averaged 23.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists. His career field-goal percentage stands at 48.4 percent.

The Spurs organization built around Wembanyama with complementary talent, including rookie Dylan Harper. The team returned to deep postseason play for the first time since 2017.

Wembanyama represented France at the 2024 Olympics, winning silver. His international experience contributed to his development ahead of his third NBA season.

At 235 pounds, Wembanyama has continued adding strength while preserving mobility and length. This physical profile differs from traditional centers like O’Neal, who played near 300 pounds in his prime.

League records show Wembanyama’s pace of production in blocks, scoring efficiency and rebounding. He has achieved multiple high-output games combining points, rebounds and blocks.

O’Neal and other analysts have drawn direct comparisons. Discussions focus on Wembanyama’s versatility versus the interior dominance of past greats such as O’Neal, Olajuwon, Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and others.

Wembanyama’s contract runs through at least the 2026-27 season. His presence has increased attention and ticket demand for Spurs games.

Historical centers built legacies over long careers with multiple championships and individual awards. Wembanyama’s early body of work has generated widespread debate about his potential trajectory.

The Spurs face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama’s performance in Game 1 helped secure a series lead.

As the 2026 NBA playoffs continue, Wembanyama’s role remains central to San Antonio’s run. His on-court impact and statistical profile sustain ongoing conversations about his place among the league’s elite centers.

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