Entertainment
Jaden Smith abruptly walks off mid-interview after reporter mentions Ye
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Jaden-Smith-Academy-Museum-Gala-021426-99feaf4bbd1d42a78d87cb5b3854832d.jpg)
The “Karate Kid” star has a complicated history with the artist formerly known as Kanye West.
Continue Reading
‘Silence of the Lambs’
Buffalo Bill Actor Addresses Transphobia Controversy …
‘F***ing Wrong’ Portrayal
Published
“Silence of the Lambs” totally missed the mark when it came to handling gender identity onscreen … so says one of the movie’s biggest stars.
Ted Levine — the actor who played Buffalo Bill in the hit 1991 film — finally addressed the controversy surrounding his character in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
If you haven’t seen the movie, Buffalo Bill is a serial killer who flays women and wears their skin over his own … which, in more recent years, many have claimed makes the character an unflattering portrayal of transgender or gender nonconforming people.
Levine told the outlet he didn’t play the character as either … he always portrayed him as a screwed-up straight man — and, he had no qualms about the character while shooting the movie.
However, Levine says now, “[It’s] just over time and having gotten aware and worked with trans folks, and understanding a bit more about the culture and the reality of the meaning of gender. It’s unfortunate that the film vilified that, and it’s f***ing wrong.”
Producer Edward Saxon echoed Levine’s sentiments … telling THR the filmmakers didn’t think they’d upset the transgender community because they didn’t consider Buffalo Bill trans.
They felt he just was a sick individual with an “aberrant personality.” However, Saxon admits he feels the team wasn’t sensitive enough to sterotypes.
He goes on, “There’s regret, but it didn’t come from any place of malice. It actually came from a place of seeing this guy. We all had dear friends and family who were gay. We thought it would just be very clear that Buffalo Bill adapts different things from society, from a place of an incredibly sick pathology.”
BTW … Saxon also takes aim at President Donald Trump in the interview — telling the outlet he feels the prez likening immigrants to Hannibal Lecter is “as perverse as anything we were able to come up with in the film.”
Bottom line … people involved in the film weren’t trying to offend anyone — but, they certainly understand why they did.
Entertainment
Robin Williams 'had to be funny to survive,' says his “Good Will Hunting ”costar Stellan Skarsgård
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Robin-Williams-Stellan-Skarsgard-Good-Will-Hunting-021426-93ea81250a0d482aab5fbf905409c3d4.jpg)
Skarsgård also recalled Williams needing to deliver a joke as soon as it came to him: “He had to produce it and get it out of the body. He couldn’t live with it inside.”
Guess Who
This Comedic Actor Is!
Published
TMZ.com
This actor from across the pond has starred in — and even written — some of the biggest hit films of the 21st century … but, can you guess who he is without seeing his face?
It wasn’t mission impossible to get this star to talk to us back in 2015 outside celebrity hot spot Craig’s … and, he talked all about grooming for the modern man — including whether a dude would end up in some hot fuzz for getting a “Boy-zilian”
In fact, this British star says he’s cool with absolutely anything out there fellas wanna do!
Erika Kirk is marking the first Valentine’s Day without her late husband, right-wing conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
“What I would give for one more love letter… They had such a deep reverence about them,” Erika, 37, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, February 14, alongside a photo of a letter she received from her late husband prior to his untimely death.
“You’d intentionally set aside the noise of the world and hand me words that felt sacred filled with a depth of love both of us could never quite articulate,” she continued in the caption. “I read it all even slower now. And as I read your words, the weight on my heart reminds me of a reality that we were never promised gray hair and rocking chairs even though we assumed it was guaranteed. But my goodness, do I love telling the babies about the fullness of our covenant that left a mark on my soul. My favorite love story.”
Charlie was shot and killed in September 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31.
Charlie Kirk is being remembered on what would have been his 32nd birthday. A new video, shared by his widow, Erika Kirk, and his nonprofit Turning Point USA via Instagram on Tuesday, October 14, paid tribute to the memories the right-wing influencer left behind with his family, including clips from the couple’s wedding day, the […]
“It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in heaven,” a statement from Turning Point USA read at the time, confirming the political activist’s death.
After a 33-hour manhunt, a 22-year-old suspect turned himself into authorities at the behest of his parents, was subsequently arrested and charged for allegedly murdering Charlie. He is currently being held without bail in a Utah jail. If convicted, the 22-year-old faces the death penalty.
Erika has since taken over as CEO of Turning Point USA, the right-wing conservative nonprofit cofounded by Charlie and Bill Montgomery in 2012. In the midst of pyrotechnic-heavy public remembrances, numerous public appearances, conservative in-fighting and a controversial hug with Vice President JD Vance, Erika has been outspoken about her personal experience with grief.
“…there is no linear blueprint for grief. One day you’re collapsed on the floor crying out the name Jesus in between labored breaths,” Erika, 36, wrote via Instagram in October 2025. “The next you’re playing with your children in the living rooms surrounded by family photos, and feeling a rush of something you can only attempt to define as divinely planted and bittersweet joy as a smile breaks through your face.”
Erika Kirk (née Frantzve) celebrated her 37th birthday with a throwback video of her late husband, Charlie Kirk. “I always loved celebrating you, and maybe because it was a reflection of how beautifully you always celebrated me,” Erika captioned an Instagram video on Thursday, November 20. “I romanticized growing old with you, the love of […]
She continued at the time, “They say time heals. But love doesn’t ask to be healed. Love asks to be remembered. It’s humbling to realize that this magnitude of suffering didn’t steal my love for my husband. It amplified it. It crystallized it.”
On Valentine’s Day 2026, Erika went on to urge her followers to “honor the Sabbath this weekend with your loved ones.”
“And if you’re married, take a minute to sit down and write to them a love letter. One that shows you see them, you love them, you honor them, and you want to continue to be better for them,” she added. “A letter like this might seem trivial, but you just never know the course life will take, if the Lord calls you home, even in your absence, as they reflect on your words, your love is still serving them.”
She concluded with a specific message to her late husband, “I love you Charlie baby, you will always be my Valentine.”
Whew, Roomies! Todd Tucker is calling cap on Kandi Burruss’ claims that he’s been living “rent-free” in her guest house. In previous court docs, the former ‘RHOA’ star aired out her estranged husband, accusing him of basically squatting in her home and not putting up a dime for the property’s upkeep. Now, Todd is clapping back in his own filings and setting the record straight about his living situation. On top of that, he’s also seeking temporary custody of their two children, Ace and Blaze.
RELATED: Whew! Kandi Burruss Claims Todd Tucker Lives “Rent-Free” In Her Guest House Amid Divorce & Hasn’t Pitched In For Their Kids
Todd Tucker Addresses Kandi Burruss’ “Rent-Free” Allegations In New Court Filing
According to TMZ, Todd Tucker responded to Kandi Burruss’ claims that he’s been living in her Atlanta guest house and dodging maintenance fees. In a new filing, Tucker admits he stayed in her guest house but says Kandi “unilaterally removed” him from the main house. He says her family allegedly moved his stuff without asking him or getting the court involved. Todd adds that he didn’t leave voluntarily but kept quiet to help “preserve peace and stability.”
The father of three also addressed Kandi’s claims that she’s been the sole provider for their kids. He says he’s actually been taking care of Ace and Blaze while Kandi has been busy working in New York. Additionally, Todd mentioned in his filing that before their split in November 2025, they both contributed to a shared bank account for expenses. Once they agreed to part ways, he said Kandi allegedly told him she would stop using the account and handle all of the bills herself. With that, Todd argued that Kandi’s claims about him being financially unstable are false.
“[Kandi] now attempts to reframe and weaponize this self-created financial arrangement as evidence of financial instability or neglect, while the timing and sequence of events demonstrate otherwise,” Todd reportedly notes in his filing.
Todd Reportedly Seeks Temporary Custody Of His & Kandi’s Kids
Todd didn’t stop there — he also called out Kandi for constantly throwing what he sees as negative shade at him. He says her comments are just a way to “shift the focus” from her extended “physical absence from their kids” and her “reliance on a third-party caregiver.” Because of that, Todd is reportedly seeking primary legal and physical custody temporarily until they lock in a permanent parenting plan. At first, Kandi wanted joint custody when she filed for divorce, but later switched to sole custody after Todd tried to claim it for himself.
The Internet Thinks Todd Was Taking Shots At Kandi With THIS Post
Even though Todd laid out his claims in new court docs, the internet thinks he already threw some shots at Kandi. Recently, he posted videos on his Instagram Story cruising around listening to Rick Ross’ ‘Stay Schemin’. Some folks on social media thought he was trolling, while others swore he might’ve been plotting something. That had ‘RHOA’ fans remembering when Kandi’s Aunt Bertha said, “it could’ve been scheme that Todd set up.” Peep the videos Todd shared below.
RELATED: Oop! Social Media Thinks Todd Tucker Clapped Back At Kandi Burruss’ “Rent-Free” Claims With ‘Stay Schemin’ Song (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Taylor Sheridan‘s grip on the streaming habits of Paramount+ subscribers is hugely impressive. On all streaming sites, there is a constant battle between the top titles for first place. On Paramount+, that battle is often fought between several projects all under Sheridan’s name, as the master producer oversees his streaming kingdom ahead of his exit. However, whilst Landman and Tulsa King continue to prove popular, another of his shows is showing signs of fatigue following recent devastating news.
Although Paramount+ has officially renewed the series following a bloody Season 4 finale, it was also confirmed that Mayor of Kingstown Season 5 will be the show’s last. Jeremy Renner is set to return as Mike McLusky for one last time in the fifth season, alongside Edie Falco‘s Nina Hobbs, with the final installment being reduced from the usual ten-episode order to just eight. Following the announcement of Sheridan’s departure from Paramount, Mayor of Kingstown is the first of his shows to announce an end date, with more sure to follow suit.
This confirmed ending and no sign of a release date for the fifth season have combined to leave Mayor of Kingstown struggling to keep up with its sibling series on the streaming charts. At the time of writing, the series ranks just tenth in the Paramount+ top ten in the U.S., with it expected to drop entirely from the charts in the coming days. Of course, when the fifth season debuts, this will change, and it will likely rocket back to the top as fans spend one last season with MCU alum Renner‘s Mike McLusky.
How Did Jeremy Renner React to the ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ News?
Many were quick to express their sadness on social media following the news that Mayor of Kingstown would be coming to an end. Among these posts was one from the series’ star Renner, who addressed the news with grace and optimism. “Season 5. Rebirth. Renewed, here we go. Back to work this year, we’re excited, and I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to everyone, and I love you,” Renner said, following with a note of gratitude, saying:
“I find myself in deep gratitude this gorgeous morning. After a rebirth, today, announcing a renewal of Mayor of Kingstown Season 5… what a blessing… and it’s all because of the amazing, dedicated fans. Thank you.”
Mayor of Kingstown is streaming on Paramount+ now.
- Release Date
-
November 14, 2021
- Network
-
Paramount+
- Showrunner
-
Dave Erickson
- Directors
-
Stephen Kay, Guy Ferland, Christoph Schrewe, Clark Johnson, Paul Cameron, Tasha Smith, Taylor Sheridan
- Writers
-
James Arcega Tinsley
On the heels of his Super Bowl 60 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Diggs officially entered a plea in the case that could have him facing serious jail time if convicted.
Article continues below advertisement
Stefon Diggs Pleads Not Guilty On Assault Charges In Chef Incident
On Friday, February 13, Stefon Diggs appeared in Dedham District Court in Massachusetts for his arraignment on assault charges about an incident involving his former live-chef, according to TMZ.
Accompanied by his legal team, including attorney Mitchell Schuster, Diggs entered a not guilty plea to the December 2025 charges.
“We’re confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated,” Schuster told the media waiting outside the court.
Article continues below advertisement
Diggs Is Facing Felony And Assault Charges Over The Incident
His arraignment, initially set for January 23, was pushed back to accommodate the Super Bowl and was ultimately moved to February 13.
Per TMZ, the victim said via the incident report that she initially contacted authorities on December 16, 2025, noting that the alleged assault occurred just days prior on December 2.
In a detailed account, the victim explained that she was inside her bedroom in Diggs’ home with the door unlocked when the NFL star came inside to discuss the ongoing text messages sent between them due to a dispute over payment she said she had not received.
Article continues below advertisement
She continued, noting that Diggs became increasingly angry during the conversation before he allegedly slapped her in the face.
As she attempted to push Diggs away after being slapped, he allegedly “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.” The victim also said that Diggs then positioned himself behind her with his arm wrapped around her neck, which made it difficult to breathe.
At this point in the altercation, the victim said she thought she would black out, but when she tried to pull away, Diggs tightened his grip.
Towards the end of the incident, the victim alleged that Diggs threw her on the bed and said, “Thought so,” before exiting the bedroom.
Article continues below advertisement
Cardi B Previously Defended Him Against The Allegations Before Their Rumored Split
Cardi B and Stefon Diggs have likely broken up, after a tense Super Bowl weekend that ended with both of them unfollowing each other on Instagram.
However, weeks before, the Grammy winner defended the father of her infant son against the claims that he assaulted his former chef, and she also shut down claims that she told the victim to keep quiet about it.
Per Billboard, Cardi took to social media and posted an alleged text exchange between herself and the victim to prove that she was not involved, but she quickly deleted it.
Article continues below advertisement
“Not once has that woman said anything to me about being touched.. NOT ONCE!! Mind you, we were talking every single day until she left that house, and she JUST wrote me this,” she explained, after the woman also alleged that Cardi knew about what happened, but did not help her.
“But I’m gonna let the courts handle this sh-t and when it gets handled I want all yall talking sh-t on your f-cking knees with apologies just as loud as the way yall been harrassing over a lie.. and I put that on my two-month-old son in the name of the lord!! That’s how confident I am,” Cardi added.
Diggs Found Himself In Additional Legal Trouble Days Before The Super Bowl
On February 5, Stefon Diggs was mentioned in a lawsuit from a man who has alleged that the football star blamed him for a stolen Ferrari that was supposed to be transported from Miami to New York and then to its final destination in Houston, according to TMZ.
The luxury vehicle was stolen when it arrived in Houston, and an investigation “confirmed it was stolen by third parties in a sophisticated theft,” per the outlet.
The man alleges via the lawsuit that Diggs told those close to him that he was responsible for stealing the car despite never being arrested or charged regarding the theft.
He is suing Diggs for “shortage of patronage for his concierge and consulting business,” which he said he has suffered due to Diggs’ allegations.
Article continues below advertisement
Mounting Legal Issues Have Been Persistent For The Football Star
Diggs fired back and filed a libel lawsuit against Griffith, denying the allegations and stating they were fabricated in an attempt to air out personal grievances.
In early 2025, the Patriots star was sued by a former girlfriend, who alleged he physically assaulted her in a 2024 altercation, claims that he also denied.
Roomies… looks like Moneybagg Yo isn’t playing this Valentine’s Day. The rapper went all out for Ari Fletcher, gifting her a six-figure gift, and Ari made sure the timeline got every single angle. And you already know, Roomies… folks are in their feelings over this major Valentine’s Day flex.
RELATED: No Hard Feelings? Gabrielle “Gigi” Alayah Reposts Message About Having No Regrets After Kai Cenat Addresses Their Split
Ari Fletcher Shows Off Her Valentine’s Day Rolls Royce Flex
In a series of photos and videos posted to Ari’s social media, she’s seen standing in front of the luxury ride with a massive red bow on top and a sticker that says “SOLD.” She’s also holding a sign that reads, “SPECIAL DELIVERY EXCLUSIVELY FOR… Ms. Ari Fletcher,” serving all the bougie vibes. According to reports, the all-white Rolls Royce truck reportedly cost around to $500K, making this Valentine’s Day flex extra extravagant.
Ari’s look? An all-black matching fit that hugged every curve, a curly half-up, half-down hairstyle, flawless makeup, black sandals, and what appears to be a black Birkin bag — clearly out here living her best Valentine’s Day life. She also included the caption, “Thank you daddy ❤️,” and yes, Roomies… we know that wasn’t from her dad.
The Comment Section Is Clearly In Their Feelings
Fans ran straight to Ari’s Instagram comment section and laid their thoughts all the way down. Many were hyping her up, saying big mama is finally getting the love she deserves, while a few kept it simple with heart emojis. And you already know… some Roomies were hitting her with the “Ari, not today” energy, hinting at their own V-Day vibes, while a few tried to be slick and drop a casual “you’re welcome,” clearly pretending they were the ones who bought the truck.
One Instagram user @realstarrgyal said, “Them : 0 Ari: 100“
This Instagram user @badgyalshanshan added, “Come on 😍😍😍 you deserve it all honey 🍯”
And, Instagram user @trelittt shared, “You did say you wanted a new one 😍😍😍”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @badgirljanelle wrote, “He love him some YOUUUUU 😍😍😍 👏👏👏👏 We love to see it ❤️”
While Instagram user @bitchimfattrell said, “You’re welcome boo 🔥😘”
Finally, Instagram user @nejaweja commented, “Ari please not rn😭💔”
Just So You Know… Ari & Bagg Are Still Good
In case you were wondering, Ari Fletcher and Moneybagg Yo seem to still be going strong. The internet went wild after Ari posted a video showing her cruising with Bagg, all smiles as he drove. At one point, Moneybagg rapped along to the song playing, and Ari jumped in on the verse too, clearly having a blast together. Decked out in matching all-black fits and icy jewelry, the duo looked like a couple living their best life on a mini date night. The clips dropped right in the middle of the Lil Baby rumors, but Ari and Bagg are clearly unfazed, showing off their chemistry and proving they’re locked in, unbothered, and thriving together.
RELATED: Still Goin’ Strong?! Ari Fletcher Gives Peek Into Nightcap Vibes With Moneybagg Yo Following Rumors About Her & Lil Baby (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Eagle-eyed social media sleuths couldn’t help but notice Underwood’s unfollowing Rinna on Instagram after filming on the reunion wrapped.
In a video shared online, Lisa Rinna teased an intense showdown with Colton Underwood, then referenced their biggest feud from earlier in the season.
Article continues below advertisement
Colton Underwood Appears To Have Unfollowed Lisa Rinna After ‘The Traitors’ Reunion
An X user flagged Underwood’s decision to unfollow Rinna just one day after the season 4 cast wrapped the “Traitors” reunion. “Omg mother Rinna clearly chewed his a** [at] the reunion!!! YAAAAS!!” the user captioned a screenshot of Underwood’s Instagram following list, proving Rinna’s account is no longer listed.
Rinna and Underwood bumped heads earlier in the season after Underwood correctly identified Rinna as one of the show’s titular characters. Rinna shared on camera that she found Underwood’s gameplay annoying because he kept telling others there was another side of Rinna that hadn’t been shown.
Article continues below advertisement
Lisa Rinna And Colton Underwood’s Feud Started Before The Reunion
While Rinna and Underwood’s feud on the show concluded after Rinna was eliminated, it continued off-camera and on social media, according to The Blast.
Weeks ago, another social media account captured a comment Rinna left on someone’s post: “Let’s talk about you being a stalker…” The comment was referring to Underwood’s ex-girlfriend’s claims that the former “Bachelor” star tracked her car and sent her harassing text messages.
Article continues below advertisement
Lisa Rinna Cleared The Air With Colton Underwood… But Things Have Clearly Changed
Rinna’s remark about Underwood’s past went viral, prompting the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star to clarify her stance on the father of one.
In her January 2026 video, Rinna said that despite her comment, she and Underwood were in a “great” place and that she enjoyed working with him on the show. “He was a great and is a great nemesis for me on the show in the game,” Rinna explained.
She then attempted to clarify why she made the initial comment about Underwood being an alleged stalker.
“Now, as you know, if you ask me to be a Housewife I’ll bring it to you, right? That’s what I was doing, all in the name of the game. But just so you know, I am totally great with Colton. I have been texting with him. We talk. Everything is great,” she said.
Article continues below advertisement
But how great can things really be? In an ominous TikTok, Rinna told her followers that “everything was taken care of” at the reunion.
Article continues below advertisement
Rinna Shares More About What Went Down At ‘The Traitors’ Reunion
Rinna further noted that she remained uncertain whether viewers would see the entirety of their fiery exchange, but assured followers that what “needed to be done was done.” She finished, “‘Cause you know, if you want a Housewife, I’ll give you a Housewife … honey.”
Rinna’s statements have sent some “Traitors” fans into a frenzy, praising her for going head-to-head with Underwood in front of the world.
“He thought he was going to see that side of Lisa. Ask and you shall receive,” someone wrote. “Go Lisa! Can’t wait for the rest of the reunion.”
Underwood Faced Backlash Over His Role On The Show
Although Underwood advanced deep into the competition, his run on “The Traitors” has been marked by controversy throughout.
In addition to his spat with Rinna, Underwood also went back-and-forth with Michael Rapaport, who fans branded “homophobic” following a questionable comment he made to Underwood during an earlier episode of the series.
According to The Blast, things have only gotten worse for Underwood, who shared in a recent interview that some watchers crossed a “few lines” and sent him threatening messages.
“… somebody told me to stick a gun up my a** and pull the trigger and called me the F word in it,” he said. “That’s crossing the line.”
Underwood also spoke about his relationship with Rinna pre-reunion, admitting he had a lot of “love” for the “Days of Our Lives” alum.
Article continues below advertisement
“I love Lisa, and I think it was such an honor to go against her. I know she said this too, we were perfect nemeses for each other,” he said. “… we’re there to entertain, and we get it; we’re gonna play heightened versions of ourselves. She said it, “You want a Housewife, I’ll give you a Housewife.” So I’m like, “Thank you! Let’s do this.”
Entertainment
“Love Boat” actor was warned not to talk to guest star Gene Kelly — here's what happened when he did
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Gene-Kelly-1978-Ted-Lange-26th-Annual-NAACP-Theatre-Awards-2016-021026-5f0e9267d4984852a978d4aacd5687f9.jpg)
Ted Lange opens up about his surprising first encounter with Kelly when they filmed a 1984 episode of the beloved comedy series together.
Video32 seconds ago
This Could Be The End…
NewsBeat2 minutes ago
Summerville spares West Ham blushes with extra-time winner against Burton Albion
Business2 minutes ago
Pentagon threatens to cut off Anthropic in AI safeguards dispute, Axios reports
-
Politics6 days agoWhy Israel is blocking foreign journalists from entering
-
Business6 days agoLLP registrations cross 10,000 mark for first time in Jan
-
Sports3 days agoBig Tech enters cricket ecosystem as ICC partners Google ahead of T20 WC | T20 World Cup 2026
-
NewsBeat5 days agoMia Brookes misses out on Winter Olympics medal in snowboard big air
-
Business6 days agoCostco introduces fresh batch of new bakery and frozen foods: report
-
Tech4 days agoSpaceX’s mighty Starship rocket enters final testing for 12th flight
-
NewsBeat6 days agoWinter Olympics 2026: Team GB’s Mia Brookes through to snowboard big air final, and curling pair beat Italy
-
Sports6 days agoBenjamin Karl strips clothes celebrating snowboard gold medal at Olympics
-
Video2 days agoThe Final Warning: XRP Is Entering The Chaos Zone
-
Politics6 days agoThe Health Dangers Of Browning Your Food
-
Business7 days agoJulius Baer CEO calls for Swiss public register of rogue bankers to protect reputation
-
![Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads. The UK’s largest airport said the government’s travel restrictions had dealt a fresh blow to travel confidence and predicted it was likely to take several years for passenger numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels. This week ministers said passengers arriving in the UK would have to take a pre-departure Covid test, as well as a post-flight test, because of fears about the spread of the new variant. “[The] high level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of pre-departure testing shows the potential harm to the economy of travel restrictions,” the airport said in an update. Heathrow said the drop in traveller confidence owing to the new travel restrictions had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month. Eleven African countries have been added to the government’s red list, requiring travellers to quarantine before reuniting with families. “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas,” said John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow. “It would send a strong signal that restrictions on travel will be removed as soon as safely possible to give passengers the confidence to book for 2022, opening up thousands of new jobs for local people at Heathrow. Let’s reunite families for Christmas.” Heathrow said that if the government could safely signal that restrictions would be lifted soon, then employers at Heathrow would have the confidence to hire thousands of staff in anticipation of a boost in business next summer. The airport is expecting a slow start to 2022, finishing next year with about 45 million passengers – just over half of pre-pandemic levels. This week Tui, Europe’s largest package holiday operator, said it expected bookings for next summer to bounce back to 2019 levels. However, Heathrow said on Friday not to expect the aviation industry to recover for several years. “We do not expect that international travel will recover to 2019 levels until at least all travel restrictions (including testing) are removed from all the markets that we serve, at both ends of the route, and there is no risk of new restrictions, such as quarantine, being imposed,” the airport said.](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_1100012546-scaled-400x240.jpg)
![Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads. The UK’s largest airport said the government’s travel restrictions had dealt a fresh blow to travel confidence and predicted it was likely to take several years for passenger numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels. This week ministers said passengers arriving in the UK would have to take a pre-departure Covid test, as well as a post-flight test, because of fears about the spread of the new variant. “[The] high level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of pre-departure testing shows the potential harm to the economy of travel restrictions,” the airport said in an update. Heathrow said the drop in traveller confidence owing to the new travel restrictions had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month. Eleven African countries have been added to the government’s red list, requiring travellers to quarantine before reuniting with families. “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas,” said John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow. “It would send a strong signal that restrictions on travel will be removed as soon as safely possible to give passengers the confidence to book for 2022, opening up thousands of new jobs for local people at Heathrow. Let’s reunite families for Christmas.” Heathrow said that if the government could safely signal that restrictions would be lifted soon, then employers at Heathrow would have the confidence to hire thousands of staff in anticipation of a boost in business next summer. The airport is expecting a slow start to 2022, finishing next year with about 45 million passengers – just over half of pre-pandemic levels. This week Tui, Europe’s largest package holiday operator, said it expected bookings for next summer to bounce back to 2019 levels. However, Heathrow said on Friday not to expect the aviation industry to recover for several years. “We do not expect that international travel will recover to 2019 levels until at least all travel restrictions (including testing) are removed from all the markets that we serve, at both ends of the route, and there is no risk of new restrictions, such as quarantine, being imposed,” the airport said.](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_1100012546-scaled-80x80.jpg)
Business6 days agoWeight-loss jabs threaten Greggs’ growth, analysts warn
-
NewsBeat6 days agoResidents say city high street with ‘boarded up’ shops ‘could be better’
-
Crypto World3 days agoPippin (PIPPIN) Enters Crypto’s Top 100 Club After Soaring 30% in a Day: More Room for Growth?
-
Crypto World4 days agoBlockchain.com wins UK registration nearly four years after abandoning FCA process
-
Crypto World24 hours agoBhutan’s Bitcoin sales enter third straight week with $6.7M BTC offload
-
Crypto World5 days agoU.S. BTC ETFs register back-to-back inflows for first time in a month
-
Video3 days agoPrepare: We Are Entering Phase 3 Of The Investing Cycle
-
Sports5 days ago
Kirk Cousins Officially Enters the Vikings’ Offseason Puzzle
-
Crypto World5 days agoEthereum Enters Capitulation Zone as MVRV Turns Negative: Bottom Near?