Asato joined X, then called Twitter, in 2009 – just two years after it launched.
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‘It was a pretty joyous place,’ she recalls, saying she saw Twitter as a way for people to talk about politics on the ground.
That didn’t last long. One of Asato’s first experiences with misogyny on the platform was in 2014, when she commented on the rape trial of footballer Ched Evans.
‘The abuse I got was awful,’ she says. ‘Misogynistic abuse on social media has been going on for a really, really long time.
‘It’s now turbocharged with this ability to lift any woman’s image, manipulate it through AI, and then use it to demean, degrade, humiliate and create death threats.’
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An image manipulated BY Grok of Elon Musk wearing a bikini (Picture: 2026 Getty Images)
Grok is X’s chatbot feature, and has proven controversial (Picture: David Talukdar/Shutterstock)
Phoney images of real people, mainly women wearing bikinis or in sexually provocative situations, flooded X in December and January.
Research published on Friday from Malwarebytes reveals that one in three daily AI users think it’s okay to create fake explicit images of people they know.
But women previously told Metro that the realistic AI-generated images, called deepfakes, amounted to digital sexual assault.
One estimate puts the number of sexualised images created of real people between December 29 and January 8 at three million, or 190 per minute, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
Asato’s mentions were flooded with such content after she called on Musk to take action.
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‘Somebody created this horrible AI video of me being chloroformed and my skirts being lifted as if for a sexual assault,’ she says.
Since I posted last I’ve had my image manipulated to portray me publicly in a bikini.
Where have I consented to this? The issue of consent is missing from this debate.
Sexualising someone’s image without consent is digital sexual abuse and needs to stop.
Given that she has campaigned against nudification apps, which create doctored explicit images, none of this is a surprise to her.
‘I became the victim of the very thing I was talking against,’ she says, alleging that X gave her no real ways to protect herself.
‘This isn’t just because of the nature of the content that’s created – albeit it is pretty traumatising – it’s to do with the fact that you, your personality, your image, has been taken without your consent, manipulated by somebody you don’t know into something that looks realistic but is not you. That’s where the violation happens.
‘Nobody would be allowed to come up to me in the street and strip my clothes off and put me in a bikini, so they shouldn’t be allowed to do that online either.’
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Investigating xAI
Media regulator Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office, the data watchdog, both launched investigations into xAI.
X removed illegal content depicting children and suspended accounts before restricting the image-generation tool to just paying subscribers.
However, Metro found that Grok could still make partially nude images by using certain words. It also doctored illicit images of men on its standalone app and website, Grok Imagine.
Things would have been different, Alsato argues, if Grok had launched with safeguards or followed policies outlined by regulators.
But a study by Security Hero found that even before Grok was released, 99% of nude deepfakes were of women or girls.
New claimants have come forward to join Asato’s legal action, many saying they have struggled to persuade X to remove the offending images.
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X has never been held accountable over the Grok saga, Veronica Oakeshott, head of external affairs at the charity Women’s Aid, tells Metro.
‘More must be done to control the use of this, and similar technologies to ensure that women and children are kept safe, online and offline,’ she says.
When previously asked by Metro, Grok said it does not ‘assist’ with requests involving real, identifiable people.
Grok has a standalone tab within the X app and website (Picture: Getty Images Europe)
Asato’s High Court claim is being brought under the Data Protection Act and for tortious misuse of private information.
Goshawk, director of business development at the domestic abuse and sexual violence charity, Solace, says it should mark a change in our approach to online safety.
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‘Removing the tools alone does not get to the heart of this issue, which is that our society values women’s privacy and dignity less,’ Goshawk says.
At the end of the day, Asato says she’s not asking for much – no woman is.
‘It’s making sure that women are free to be ourselves in online spaces without the fear,’ she adds, ‘of being turned into pornography if you say something a man doesn’t like.’
Graham Coggins, 47, of North Marine Road in Scarborough, pleaded guilty to causing public nuisance at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court after climbing to the rooftop of a property in Alma Square, Scarborough on Monday (June 8).
It comes after North Yorkshire Police were called to the area shortly after 6.15pm after reports of a man “shimmying” across rooftops in the street, climbing onto a property’s chimney and shouting.
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The court heard how Coggins was allegedly on the roof following a dispute over the ownership of a dog.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “As a negotiator was prepared to attend Scarborough, officers from Scarborough’s Retail Crime Unit engaged with the man from a platform provided by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, who also attended to help to get the man to safety.”
The incident caused Westborough, between York Place and Northway, along with Alma Parade, to close as a police cordon was place along the area.
Coggins eventually climbed down from the rooftop of his own accord and was arrested by officers at the scene.
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He was handed a Community Order, which comes with a six-month alcohol treatment order and rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days.
Coggins was also fined £80 and ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £114.
The first festival of its kind in the Tees Valley and Stockton, the Deaf Empowering Festival, will take place on Saturday, August 8 at Egglescliffe School from 10am.
Organised by the Deaf Empowering Network (DEN), the event promises a full day of workshops, live shows, games, food, and artisan stalls.
Craig Jones, chief executive of DEN, said: “As CEO, I am incredibly proud to see the Deaf Empowering Festival come to life – the first deaf-led festival of its kind in Stocktonand the Tees Valley.
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“This is a landmark moment for our region and a true celebration of Deaf culture, empowerment and community.
“It brings Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of hearing people, children of Deaf adults, alongside parents of Deaf children, right to the heart of where they belong: visible, valued and celebrated.
“This is more than a festival; it is a powerful movement, breaking barriers, raising awareness and driving real inclusion across our communities.”
DEN is a deaf-led organisation with a mission to enable better life choices for Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of hearing people.
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The festival aims to strengthen community ties, improve access to information, and foster a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
A host of deaf celebrities and guests will join the day, including TV star and celebrity cook Yvonne Cobb, comedian Gavin Lilley, and England/GB Deaf Footballer and Captain, Jamie Clarke.
Visitors can also enjoy an interactive session with Julie, founder of BSL Animal Care, on animal health and first aid, BSL song performances, and BSL taster sessions.
Family-friendly activities include a bouncy castle, basketball shoot-out and penalty shoot-out, and more.
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Emergency services such as Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police will be present, with police offering a drone demonstration.
Health charity SignHealth will also be offering information.
The festival is sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland.
Entry is just £1, payable by cash on the day, and includes a raffle ticket.
Cavan v Dublin Live stream and TV information, throw-in time, betting odds and all you need to know ahead of today’s All-Ireland Football Championship clash
Everything you need to know about the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Round 2B clash between Cavan and Dublin on Sunday, June 14
Cavan take on Dublin this weekend in Round 2B of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
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Cavan enter this fixture on the back of a gut-wrenching extra-time loss to Westmeath in Round 1, fully aware that any further slip-ups could spell the end of their campaign.
Dublin, meanwhile, find themselves under considerable pressure following their stunning defeat to Louth. The Dubs have endured a torrid run by their own high standards, having also fallen short in the Leinster Championship, and anything other than a win on Sunday would bring their season to an early close.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fixture:.
The annual Witches Coven gathering will return to York’s Patrick Pool on Saturday, June 20, at 6pm.
Hosted by the Hocus Pocus Hotel, the free event promises an evening of mystical entertainment, storytelling and family-friendly fun in the centre of York.
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Camelia Andrei, owner of the Hocus Pocus Hotel, said: “The Coven is all about bringing together a community of like-minded people who share a love of magic.
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“Every year, we welcome visitors from across the UK, and it’s wonderful to see new friendships form and familiar faces return.
“As we celebrate four years of Hocus Pocus Hotel, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”
Attendees at the last Witches Coven (Image: Provided)
Guests can enjoy blessings, complimentary drinks from The Potions Cauldron, chamber visits and the popular Coven Couture Contest.
Wristbands are also available in the Hocus Pocus shop which offer attendees exclusive discounts, experiences, and gifts.
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York’s storyteller Mad Alice will also return to lead an atmospheric evening tour through the city’s historic streets.
Attendees at the last Witches Coven (Image: Provided)
Vincent Roberts, owner of the Hocus Pocus Hotel, said: “When we opened Hocus Pocus four years ago, we never imagined quite how many people would connect with what we were building.
“The Coven has become a chance to bring that community together in person and celebrate everything the hotel stands for.”
For more information visit https://hocuspocusyork.com/events/
Tyrone v Mayo Live stream and TV information, throw-in time, betting odds and all you need to know ahead of today’s All-Ireland Football Championship clash
Tyrone face Mayo at O’Neill’s Healy Park, Omagh on Sunday in All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Round 2A – here’s how to watch and everything you need to know
Tyrone take on Mayo this weekend in Round 2A of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
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Tyrone enter the fixture hoping to capitalise on their opening-round win and make the most of playing at home in Omagh.
Mayo, on the other hand, come into the match in high spirits following their victory over Monaghan in Round 1. Andy Moran’s side have been impressive throughout the championship and will welcome the opportunity to face one of the competition’s traditional powerhouses.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture:.
Five young people have been arrested after “spontaneous disorder” in Derry on Saturday night.
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Police responded to reports of a crowd of youths gathered in the Bishop Street and Nailors Row area of the city after 6:30pm on June 13.
Stones were reported to be thrown and items such as golf clubs were seized. Officers are treating it as a “sectarian motivated” incident.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “At approximately 6.30pm, reports were received that youths, with their hoods up, engaged in a short period of spontaneous disorder involving throwing stones into the area of the Fountain Estate. “Attending officers made five arrests, for offences including riotous behaviour. Items, including a golf club, were also seized from the area. No injuries were reported – and we’re treating this incident as sectarian-motivated. “Enquiries remain ongoing at this time. Anyone who has information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1326 13/06/26. “A report can be made online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org “.
ITV is streaming a crime series that fans of Vera and Death in Paradise will love
A “cosy” crime series ideal for fans of programmes such as Death in Paradise and Vera is available to stream free, and viewers will be hooked.
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Rosemary & Thyme, starring Felicity Kendal and Pam Ferris, proved enormously popular with murder mystery enthusiasts when it debuted over 20 years ago, and with episodes now accessible on ITVX, it awaits discovery by new audiences.
The programme centres on two passionate gardeners – former police officer Laura Thyme (Pam) and Rosemary Boxer (Felicity), who holds a doctorate in plant pathology and previously worked as a horticulture lecturer.
Their initial encounter occurs while investigating diseased trees, leading them to unravel something far more sinister. After forming a friendship while solving the case together, the duo subsequently collaborate on numerous mysteries linked to their horticultural work.
The programme launched in 2003, with a second series arriving a year later. A third series of the crime drama commenced in 2005 but it was subsequently axed, though the remaining episodes were broadcast in 2006 and 2007, reports the Express.
The programme has captivated audiences, with one viewer posting on IMDb.com that it was “the best series ever”. “I wish there were 100 more episodes in the series”, they went on.
Another described it as “just plain fun” while a different viewer said they were “devastated” by its cancellation, pleading: “Please make some more episodes.”
“If you enjoy good murder mysteries with a dash of clever fun, then this is a must for you to check out,” remarked another fan.
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Another impressed viewer commented: “This show is addicting. It’s got everything you could possibly want: good scripts, drama, adventure, comedy, top notch guest stars, eccentric characters, beautiful locations, and great acting.”
“Of course I have grown up on Inspector Morse, Touch of Frost and Midsummer Murders, but Rosemary and Thyme so deserves to be up there with them,” remarked somebody else.
“I was highly entertained by this programme… I thought the fact that they were gardeners was a unique hook that gave them reasonable access to the nooks and crannies of the parks and residences they were investigating, as well as a somewhat plausible excuse for stumbling over so many bodies,” observed another viewer.
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“If you dig deep enough, wide enough and in enough places, you’re bound to come up with something…”
Former Love Island contestants Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have announced the name of their second child.
Boxer Fury, 27, revealed that their baby son, who was born earlier this month, is called Midas when he entered the ring ahead of his fight with Eddie Hall in Manchester on Saturday night (13 June).
Fury’s shorts had the word “Midas” emblazoned on them, and the former reality star later wore an England shirt with the name and the number two written on the back.
“This was for my new baby son, Midas,” Fury told the crowd after beating Hall in his comeback fight. “Welcome to the world!”
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The couple, who met on Love Island in 2019 and finished in second place, announced the birth of baby number two on 3 June, sharing a black and white photo on Instagram that showed the couple and their first child, three-year-old Bambi, greeting the newborn.
Fury wore a shirt with his son’s name emblazoned on the back (PA)
“… And then there were 4,” the caption read.
The name Midas is a reference to Greek and Roman mythology, in which King Midas wishes that everything he touches might turn to gold.
When he is given this gift, however, he soon learns that his dreams of unlimited wealth have a major downside, as everything from the food he eats to the people he loves turns into cold metal.
Influencer Hague, 27, previously hinted that their second child’s name was “definitely not as different as Bambi”, although she noted that she had only ever heard of one child with the same name.
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Hague was in attendance as Fury made his fighting comeback (PA)
“ I had this complex about people saying it wrong, and I’ve spelled it out, and then a few of my friends have said it completely wrong,” she explained in a YouTube video.
“It’s definitely not as different as Bambi, I wouldn’t say, but I have only ever heard one other child be called it and it’s not someone in the public eye,” she added. “It’s literally just someone I am connected to through a friend, someone they know, their child is called it.”
“But I just think it sounds so good with the surname Fury that is another reason why I love it so much,” she said.
Hague and Fury got engaged in 2023, but then split up the following year, before confirming that they had reconciled in 2025.
The 14-year-old was left looking deflated after arriving at Brooklyn’s Los Angeles home
The ongoing rift within the Beckham family has intensified this weekend, with representatives for Brooklyn Beckham publicly accusing his family of orchestrating a media stunt involving his 14-year-old sister, Harper.
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The confrontation unfolded shortly after David Beckham was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday. The Mirror reports that following the ceremony, Harper travelled unaccompanied to her eldest brother’s Los Angeles residence in what was initially reported as an “unannounced” attempt at reconciliation.
Still dressed in her formal gown from the event, the teenager was photographed hand-delivering a letter at the gates before leaving after finding no one home.
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However, a spokesperson for Brooklyn quickly dismissed the narrative of a spontaneous peace offering, pointing to the immediate presence of paparazzi at the private property.
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“That photographers were in place as the letter was hand-delivered says it all – this was choreographed for the cameras,” a representative for the 27-year-old said in a statement to Page Six.
Sources close to Brooklyn confirmed he was in New York City at the time of his family’s arrival in LA, subsequently posting evidence of a run on his social media accounts.
The latest clash highlights a severe breakdown in relations between the aspiring chef and his immediate family.
Earlier this year, Brooklyn publicly accused his parents of attempting to “ruin” his marriage to American actress Nicola Peltz. He has since blocked members of his family from contacting him, reportedly mandating that any future communications from his parents go through legal channels.
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While insiders note that Brooklyn has previously attempted to shield his teenage sister from the fallout, the logistics of her living with his estranged parents have severely strained their relationship.
The escalation comes amid a milestone weekend for the family, which Brooklyn entirely skipped. When questioned by reporters ahead of Friday’s Walk of Fame induction, Sir David declined to comment on the widening divide.
“To be honest, I’m sorry to stop you there, but that’s a private matter,” the former footballer told Variety. “That’s the one thing that I don’t want to talk about.”
Representatives for David and Victoria Beckham have been approached for comment.
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