Irish singer-songwriter CMAT has spoken out about body shaming commentary, saying the treatment causes her ‘deep sadness’ and is becoming worse as her fame grows

Irish singer-songwriter CMAT has spoken out about her “deep sadness” following vile remarks about her body during a performance at BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend last week.

The artist, dubbed the Dunboyne Diana, famously penned her viral hit single “Take a Sexy Picture of Me” after enduring cruel jibes about her appearance at the same festival in 2024. The harassment escalated to such an extent that the BBC had to disable comments on the footage across social media platforms.

Two years on, similar abuse has resurfaced on clips of CMAT’s recent performance circulating online. Dublin-born Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson has expressed that it’s “so boring” having to repeatedly address the appalling treatment she receives regarding her physique, reports Dublin Live.

She emphasised that she isn’t deliberately choosing her appearance, and that she’s compelled to “sit and take it” as her fame grows. Ahead of her sold-out headline gig at Dublin’s St Anne’s Park on Saturday, CMAT took the opportunity to release a statement addressing the commentary, following a piece by Front Row Feels.

She said: “hi everybody. this isnt going to be a nice post so i decided to cushion the blow by leading with a picture where i look literally amazing. i have had insta/tiktok/ twitter deleted from my phone for some time now for the preservation of my mental health, but the discourse this week appears to be so large that it has still gotten back to me. as such i felt compelled to wade in and speak for myself !!!

“it’s been very hard to try and describe how difficult the last few days since the bbcr1 big weekend have been, but i came across an essay on substack by a blog called Front Row Feels which really has summed up a lot of what is causing my deep sadness, so i decided to add it into my post (swipe right to read, im also gonna link in stories) it is literally so boring for me, a gorgeous genius, to keep having to yap on about how horribly i am treated because of my body.

“i would love to stop but i cannot because it keeps happening, at an accelerating and worsening pace as i become more famous. there is no relief from this- nobody can protect me or save me from this, and all that is demanded of me is more and more work as every environment i am placed in becomes more hostile.”

She went on to say: “i also want to point out, to some very well-meaning people, that i am not being defiant. i am not choosing to look like this or weigh this much as some kind of punk rock act of liberty.

“i simply have a body, one that i would of course like to change in order to fit in and avoid all of this abuse, but i have had extreme difficulty in doing so. i dont get a say in whether or not i want to be brave, i simply have to sit here and take it.

“with all that being said, i am at the same time very very happy and grateful every day to have the job that i have. the feeling of seeing all your dreams come true after so many years of constant grinding towards them….. chefs kiss. but the success is increasingly becoming tarnished by the fact that i would be allowed to enjoy it so much more if i was thin. with deep sadness- cmat.

“PS its time to start throwing pints in mens’ faces again !!!! bring it back for summer 26.”

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Truckfest North East will be held at Wolsingham Showground, near Bishop Auckland, on Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, 2026.

The show attracts thousands of visitors each year, showcasing everything from vintage lorries and custom builds to American super trucks.

Organisers are promising a high-energy programme for both industry professionals and families, with hundreds of vehicles on display and a full arena schedule.

The main arena will feature a packed lineup of entertainment, headlined by the return of monster truck Swamp Thing, which will stage stunt displays throughout the weekend.

Stunt riders from Broke FMX will also bring freestyle motocross action to the showground.

The popular truck competition will be back, testing strength and teamwork as participants attempt to haul heavy trucks across the arena, while TV personalities from Gladiators are set to appear on both days.

The event will feature vintage lorries and American super trucks (Image: Supplied)

Away from the arena, Truckfest North East will offer live music, family attractions and fairground rides, along with stalls and a wide range of food and drink vendors.

The event remains a key meeting point for the transport industry, with manufacturers and suppliers using the show to showcase the latest developments in truck design and sustainability.

Truckfest event director Bob Limming said: “Truckfest has been bringing the trucking community together since 1983, and we’re proud to return to Wolsingham for another incredible year in 2026.

“It’s a weekend where passion for vehicles meets family entertainment on a huge scale. Whether you’re here for the trucks, the stunts or a great day out, there’s something for everyone.”

Truckfest North East takes place at Wolsingham Showground, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, DL13 3JF, and will be open from 9am to 5pm on both days.

Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure entry and avoid queues.

Tickets and further information are available via the official Truckfest website.

A San Antonio man has been arrested after allegedly posting online threats to kill Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, during a Turning Point USA event scheduled to take place in the city.

Jacob Wenske, 26, faces two felony counts of making a terroristic threat causing public fear, according to court documents obtained by KSAT Investigates.

Wenske is accused of posting social media messages referencing violence against Erika Kirk, the widow of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in September, in connection with the conservative nonprofit group’s Women’s Leadership Summit set for June 5 to 7 at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk.

In an April Facebook post by the San Antonio Express-News about the event, Wenske allegedly wrote, “I know exactly where to bomb,” according to court records. In a separate comment within the same thread, he also said, “I can’t wait to be the valet for her escort,” documents show, per the outlet.

Further investigation revealed that Wenske previously worked for a parking management company, where he provided valet services at hotels and special events.

Wenske’s alleged comments were viewed by authorities as indicators of targeted violence, per the documents, and such statements are commonly interpreted as threats of potential mass-casualty attacks. Investigators also said the remarks could suggest possible surveillance activity or an expressed interest in identifying access points and entry areas at the event venue.

Another alleged threat tied to Jacob Wenske surfaced in a January 2026 email in which he reportedly threatened Erika Kirk and other TPUSA speakers.

“Death to Erika Kirk and every single speaker there!!” Wenske allegedly wrote in the email. “America will live on without those scum on this earth. Every Christian nationalist shall perish in the bombing that will take place at every single Turning Point rally and event.”

Following the discovery of the email, event security officials reportedly stepped up precautions for the summit, increasing the number of uniformed officers and deploying additional security personnel to monitor the event.

Investigators said they were able to confirm that a Facebook profile used to post the threatening comments belonged to Wenske through multiple identifying data points, including subscriber records, a registered email address, a linked phone number and IP address information connected to him, the arrest affidavit states, KENS5 reports.

They also found a pattern of repeated hostile and threatening posts across several public threads involving people affiliated with or supportive of TPUSA, according to the documents. Investigators further allege that Wenske directly communicated with Turning Point USA and made explicit threats of death against Erika Kirk.

Wenske has been booked at the Bexar County jail with a bond reportedly set at a combined $120,000.

Erika Kirk became CEO of TPUSA following Charlie Kirk’s murder at a Turning Point event in Utah last September. She was also in attendance at the White House correspondents’ dinner in April when a gunman opened fire, marking the third assassination attempt on President Donald Trump.

The Independent has contacted TPUSA, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the San Antonio Police Department for comment.

The Coastguard were alerted to two girls in difficulty in the water at Portobello but have since ended their search.

The HM Coastguard has ended its ‘extensive search’ for two girls after ‘no one was found to be in distress’ at Portobello beach.

The Coastguard teams, along with RNLI lifeboats and Police Scotland, responded to a report of two girls in difficulty in the water off the coast of Edinburgh, reports Edinburgh Live. The search got underway at around 4.55pm on Thursday May 28.

Several paramedics were also spotted on the promenade as a result of the incident. However the HM Coastguard response was ended at around 8.55pm with two helicopters returning to their base.

A statement from the Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a report made at about 4.55pm on 28 May of two girls in difficulty in the water off Portobello beach.

“Two HM Coastguard helicopters were sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from South Queensferry, North Berwick and Fisherrow, and RNLI lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther. Police Scotland attended.

“After an extensive search, no one was found to be in distress and the HM Coastguard response was stood down at about 8.55pm, pending any new information.”

An RNLI spokesperson said: “Lifeboats from Queensferry and Anstruther RNLI lifeboat stations were tasked by HM Coastguard to an incident off Portobello beach around 5pm on Thursday 28 May.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson earlier said: “Around 5.45pm on Thursday, 28 May, 2026, officers received a report of concern for two people having entered the water at Portobello beach.

“Emergency services are in attendance. Officers are speaking to the reporter to get more information.”

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The woman was safely assisted down via emergency services at around 10.45pm this evening (May 28), following a major multi-agency response which began 11pm on Tuesday night (May 26).

Witnesses at the scene described paramedics immediately attending to the woman after she was brought down, with what appeared to be a drip attached to her arm.

An ambulance was waiting nearby before she was taken away for treatment.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service had remained at the scene throughout the incident, which prompted a large police cordon around Derby Way and significant disruption in the town centre.

Specialist police negotiators had spent days speaking with the woman, since around 11pm on Tuesday, May 26, after police received reports of a concern for welfare.

Earlier on Thursday evening, four specialist officers were seen speaking with the woman on the top level of the structure.

Witnesses also reported she had been given a police hi-vis jacket and additional bottom layers to wear during the prolonged incident.

Images from throughout the day showed large numbers of emergency service vehicles outside The Rock, including police cars, ambulances, fire engines and tactical aid units.

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

Fire crews had deployed specialist equipment during the response, including aerial ladder platforms from Bolton Central and Manchester Central fire stations, alongside a technical response unit from Leigh.

Earlier in the day, Superintendent Phil Spurgeon, from GMP’s Bury district, said officers were prioritising “the welfare of the woman and working towards a safe conclusion”.

He said: “Our officers have remained at the scene throughout the day and night with negotiators, GMFRS, NWAS and health professionals to work towards a safe conclusion.

“We are aware of concerns around the recent high temperatures and the length of time the woman has been up there; our priority is her welfare and bringing her to safety.

“We understand frustrations due to the disruption this incident has caused for nearby residents, workers and businesses, but our immediate priority is a safe conclusion.”

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

This incident marks the third welfare concern response at The Rock car park in just over a week.

Emergency services previously attended the location on May 18, when a woman was safely brought down after a 12-hour incident, and again on May 22, when crews spent more than 24 hours dealing with a further welfare concern.

The Bury Times has contacted Greater Manchester Police for further comment.

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT John Moore, 29, a repeat sex offender, is accused of attempting to kidnap a 14-year-old girl in Kentwood, Michigan, as she walked home from school

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping following two separate assault incidents, one of which involved a girl under the age of 16.

John Moore, 29, is accused of attempting to abduct a 14 year old girl in Kentwood, Michigan, on May 12. The incident took place at around 6pm, when Moore allegedly pulled up alongside the girl in his black SUV as she walked home from school. CCTV footage captures a man rapidly parking his vehicle close to the girl on the pavement, leaping out, and attempting to seize her.

“I got you,” Moore told the teen when he allegedly grabbed her, the girl recounted to police.

The pair then appeared to engage in a physical struggle, before the teenager managed to fight back and flee to safety, reports the Mirror US.

After the teen, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed as she is a minor, escaped the scene, Moore reportedly returned to his vehicle and drove away. Investigators confirmed the teenager managed to injure Moore during the struggle, though authorities declined to reveal the nature or extent of those injuries.

Following Moore’s arrest, investigators swiftly connected him to a further incident in the same area on the very same day. On May 13, a 66 year old woman reported to Kentwood Police Department that a man had attacked her between 5pm and 6:30pm on Poinsettia Avenue Southeast.

She told officers she was tending to her garden when a vehicle pulled up. The driver climbed out, spoke to her, before launching a physical assault upon her. CCTV footage and witness statements helped police rapidly identify Moore and place him under arrest.

Moore is currently being held at the Kent County Correctional Facility on $140,000 bail. He faces charges of assault and battery and unlawful imprisonment, as well as two probation violations.

Moore had been handed a probation sentence last summer after he was accused of filming upskirt videos of women and grabbing female shoppers from behind at a grocery store.

Surveillance footage captured Moore “crouching down behind” a woman in the store’s common area and covertly recording an upskirt video of her dress. The woman also discovered him in the bathroom, peering at her from the floor of the adjacent cubicle.

Roughly a year and a half later, he was caught telling women they had a spider on their backs. Once he moved in to supposedly help remove the creature, he would grab their behinds, according to local news outlets.

Despite the allegations, Laura Jouce, Moore’s public defender, described him as a “kind” and “gentle” person.

“He’s kind, and he’s gentle, and he’s patient, and I don’t think these crimes are reflective of the person that he is. I think that he’s had a reckoning while he’s been in jail regarding some potential substance abuse issues that he has to handle,” she told the court.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents, or who is aware of similar cases, is urged to contact KPD on (616) 656-6580.

The cast for the eighth season of Love Island USA has been revealed.

The hit dating show, which is hosted by Ariana Madix, returns to Peacock on June 2.

As in previous years, the reality series will follow a group of singles as they enter a secluded villa hoping to couple up and compete in games and challenges.

The cast includes a number of notable contestants, including a Paralympic athlete and a British-born islander whose brother competed in a previous series.

Meet the 12 islanders below:

Aniya Harvey

Aniya Harvey from Tyrone, Georgia is the daughter of retired NBA player Donnell Harvey.

Beatriz Hatz

Beatriz Hatz is a Paralympic athlete from San Diego who was born without a fibula in her right leg. She had the limb amputated below the knee when she was ten months old. She won bronze in the Women’s Long Jump at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024.

Bryce Dettloff

Bryce Dettloff from Los Angeles is a handyman with a passion for Djing. “I just love music,” he says in an introductory video.

Gabriel Vasconcelos

Gabriel Vasconcelos is from Miami and says he will bring “Brazilian fire” to the Love Island villa. He speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.

KC Chandler

KC Chandler is a nursing assistant from Fresno, California. “Women love men in health care,” he says. “If you’re a man who’s got scrubs, with your muscles showing a little bit, they’re going for that every time.”

Kenzie Annis

Kenzie Annis from Kennesaw, Georgia graduated from nursing school days before entering the Love Island villa. She says she wants a “huge family” with five to ten children.

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Melanie Moreno

Melanie Moreno is a bikini store manager from Los Angeles, and jokes that a “damaged” bikini would sum up her dating life thus far.

Sean Reifel

Sean Reifel is a police officer from Eaton, Pennsylvania who says he’s looking for someone “thoughtful.”

Sincere Rhea

Sincere Rhea is a track-and-field athlete from Cape May, New Jersey who says he loves his unusual name and often signs off emails: “Sincerely Sincere.”

Trinity Tatum

Trinity Tatum is from Newport News, Virginia, which she describes as a “small town” and says she’s looking for a “fresh start.”

Vasana Montgomery

Vasana Montgomery from Beaverton, Oregon describes herself as “the full package.” She is a business owner who lives alone with her dog.

Zach Georgiou

Zach Georgiou is from Birmingham, England. His brother Charlie appeared on Love Island USA last year and had been dumped by day 11. “I’m here to see if I can do better,” he says.

Robert Pattinson has served up another fascinating career curveball with an upcoming film in which he plays a real-life paedophile hunter.

The British star, who already courted controversial conversation with Zendaya in The Drama earlier this year, and will next be seen as Antinous in Sir Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey before Dune: Part Three in December, has teamed up again with A24 for Primetime.

And his latest performance as glimpsed in the trailer has been called ‘unbelievable’ and ‘generational’ by many excited fans.

The Batman actor plays TV host Chris Hansen, known for fronting the US programme To Catch a Predator in which he confronted adult men who were lured to a sting house to have sex with minors.

‘Obviously conditional to the quality of the film once it comes out, but this is an easy contender for best trailer of the decade, I’m not even kidding,’ raved Leo on X, with another fan agreeing because it ‘doesn’t reveal too much, shows just enough so you’ll know if you’re interested or not, looks super unique, no big pop song, it’s perfect’.

‘Genuinely trailer of the year so far wowwwwwww,’ added JT.

Many were also fascinated with Pattinson’s vocal transformation to sound like Chicago native Hansen, calling it ‘incredible’ and ‘unreal’.

‘No freaking way that’s Pattinson’s voice. Simply unbelievable,’ shared @stareanddream in the comments under the trailer on YouTube, while he was also praised as ‘a vocal chameleon’ by another fan, comparing it to the way he sounded in Mickey 17.

Others referenced his voice acting in the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron as well, where he played the magical and mysterious titular heron and showed ‘he can really do anything with it’.

‘Pattinson is on a generational run, bro. His range is truly incredible, and he’s quickly becoming one of the greatest players of this generation,’ insisted Felicia, as Rasim predicted his range would be ‘studied for decades to come’ because it was ‘genuinely insane how talented this guy is’.

‘Robert Pattinson is like if Gary Oldman and Nicolas Cage had a baby. I feel like this may be his best shot at an Oscar in his career so far,’ suggested Victoria, one of several already talking in terms of awards season buzz.

Primetime, written and directed by Lance Oppenheim, also stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine.

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Grays Court Hotel won the accolade, along with the Grand York, which includes others across North Yorkshire.

Grays Court owner Helen Heraty says the prestigious accolade recognises the hotel’s commitment to exceptional hospitality, great food  and outstanding guest experiences. 

“Across the board, Yorkshire has fared exceptionally well and we are delighted to be one included with such prestigious company.

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“We are just so proud so to have been included in The Telegraph’s Top 250 list.  This recognition reflects the hard work, passion and dedication of our entire team.

Helen Heraty, owner of Grays Court Hotel, which has been listed in a UK top 250 of hotels by The Telegraph. (Image: NQ staff)

“As an independent business, we are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued support and for giving us the opportunity to share this special place. 

The Long Room at Grays Hotel (Image: @kluens)

“This building is such an integral part of York’s history and look forward to welcoming our returning and new guests to experience it with us.”

The Summerhouse at Grays Hotel (Image: Grays Hotel)

The Telegraph says Grays Court, whose building dates back to the 11th Century, has the best address in York, being so close to the Minster.

The newspaper wrote: “A hotel that vibrates with the past, yet feels timelessly elegant.”

The Grand York (Image: The Grand York)

Commenting on the furniture, it also said: “It feels elegant and luxurious yet relaxed- like a stately home but without the stuffiness.”

The Telegraph accolade adds to high ratings on the reviews websites.

Google awards 4.6 stars out of five, based on 515 Google reviews.

TripAdvisor awards 4.6 stars out of five, based on 811 reviews, ranking it 5th out of 53 York Hotels.

Booking.Com awards a ‘superb’ 9.3 out of ten, based on 167 reviews.

TripAdvisor’s most recent review awarded five sats and said the hotel was “ideal for visiting York, a real gem.”

The review also said: “Backing on to the Minster it’s an easy 5 min walk to the shambles and other sights. Dog friendly and rooms are very comfortable and spacious. Loved the double walk-in shower! First class restaurant, but NB closed on Monday & Tuesdays. “

“Spectacular garden accessed from the long gallery and Bar- perfect for recharging the batteries after a long journey or visiting sights. Very friendly and professional staff. Will definitely be back.”

York’s other entrant, the Grand York, the Telegraph recalls is a former Edwardian railway headquarters.

The Alice Hawthorn in Nun Monkton (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Amid other comments, the newspaper also said: “York’s only five star hotel is well-named; it offers tip top service, a choice of restaurants and an impressive new spa.”

The nearby Alice Hawthorn at Nun Monkton is also mentioned. The Telegraph said: “The restaurant serves faultless gastropub fare with an annexe of Scandi barn-style rooms that have a sustainable design.”

Other North Yorkshire venues listed include Grantley Hall, Ripon; Middleton Lodge, Richmond; Myse, Hovingham; Pignut and the Hare, Scawton; Rudding Park Hotel and Spa, Harrogate; Swinton park, Masham; The Abbey Inn, Byland, The Angel at Hetton, Skipton; The Black Swan at Oldstead, Oldstead; The Owl at Hawnby, Hawnby; and The Star Inn at Harome, Harome.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath says he expects protests against the side’s upcoming Israel fixtures to “heat up” after Thursday’s friendly win over Qatar was disrupted.

The Aviva Stadium game – which the Republic of Ireland won 1-0 thanks to Nathan Collins’ early header – was twice briefly interrupted in the first half when home fans threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch.

After the game, RTE reported that protesters were ejected from the ground, and McGrath expects more backlash before the Republic of Ireland face Israel in a neutral venue on 27 September and 4 October in Dublin in the Nations League.

Earlier this week, Republic of Ireland stalwart Seamus Coleman said the situation “should have been dealt with above us”.

“I obviously listened to Seamus’ interview and I think he was spot on,” McGrath told BBC Sport NI.

“It’s obviously a unique scenario. The people [protesters], we have to listen to them, they have the right to do what they do, as long as it’s done in a peaceful way, that’s all that matters.

“I’m sure it’s going to heat up over the next few months. Like I said, we don’t want to be put into a position. Hopefully the powers above us can work something out or use it for the greater good, I’m not sure what the process will be as it heats up.

“At the end of the day, we’re footballers and we don’t want to be caught in this, but sometimes we might have to.”