World News
Cristiano Ronaldo faces $1bn lawsuit over Binance ads
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Football star Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit with class-action lawsuit seeking at least $1 billion in damages for his role in promoting cryptocurrency-related “non-fungible tokens,” or NFTs, issued by the beleaguered cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
The lawsuit filed in federal court in the Southern District of Florida Monday alleges that Ronaldo’s promotion of Binance was “deceptive and unlawful.” Binance’s partnership with high-profile figures like Ronaldo, the plaintiffs claim, led them into costly and unsafe investments.
“Evidence now reveals that Binance’s fraud was only able to reach such heights through the offer and sale of unregistered securities, with the willing help and assistance of some of the wealthiest, powerful and recognized organizations and celebrities across the globe — just like Defendant Ronaldo,” the suit reads.
Representatives for Ronaldo declined to comment Thursday. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, did not immediately return requests for statement from The Associated Press.
Ronaldo launched his inaugural NFT “CR7” collection with Binance in November of last year, ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The NFTs — which had starting prices ranging from the equivalent of about $77 to $10,000 — featured seven animated statues depicting Ronaldo from iconic moments in his life, from bicycle-kick goals to his childhood in Portugal.
Monday’s suit says that the promotional efforts of Ronaldo’s Binance partnership were “incredibly successful” — alleging a 500% increase in online searches using the keyword “Binance” after the soccer star’s NFTs was announced. The collection’s premium-level NFTs sold out within the first week, the suit claims.
The suit also alleges that Ronaldo should’ve disclosed how much Binance has paid him for the partnership. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission previously noted that federal law requires celebrities to publicly disclose how much they’re getting paid to promote securities, including crypto assets.
NFTs are ordinary digital images with an attached version number that have been added to a cryptocurrency blockchain, a process designed to make them “unique” collectibles. NFTs enjoyed a brief boom, but have since largely collapsed in value as the crypto industry has been marred by scandals and market meltdowns.
Over the summer, Binance was accused of operating as an unregistered securities exchange and violating a slew of U.S. securities laws in a lawsuit from regulators. The crypto exchange agreed last week to pay a roughly $4 billion settlement and its founder Changpeng Zhao stepped down as CEO and pleaded guilty to a felony related to his failure to prevent money laundering on the platform.
This week’s lawsuit against Ronaldo isn’t the first time that a celebrity has faced litigation over crypto promotions. Last year, for example, a host of Hollywood and sports stars — including Larry David and Tom Brady — were named as defendants in a class-action suit against FTX, which was the second-largest crypto exchange before it collapsed in November 2022. The suit argued that the celebrities’ status made them culpable for promoting FTX’s failed business model.
Ronaldo is one of the most recognizable and wealthiest athletes in the world. He leads his home country Portugal’s national team and has played for the Spanish team Real Madrid, the Italian club Juventus and Manchester United in England. He now plays for the Saudi Arabian professional team Al Nassr.
Ronaldo has continued to promote Binance on his official website and social media platforms. Most recently, on X Ronaldo reposted a Binance video and wrote that he was “Cooking something up” with the crypto exchange on Tuesday.
Source: NBC News
World News
Travis Scott arrested on disorderly intoxication, trespassing charges in Miami
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Rapper Travis Scott was arrested and booked into Miami-Dade County Jail early Thursday morning on charges of trespassing property after being given a warning and disorderly intoxication, county jail records show. (more…)
World News
Swizz Beatz & Timbaland Cement New Distribution Partnership Between Verzuz & X
![Swizz Beatz & Timbaland Cement New Distribution Partnership Between Verzuz & X](https://ameyawdebrah.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/unnamed-7.jpg)
Making a monumental power move, VERZUZ—the online award-winning, multi-media platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland—has cemented an exclusive partnership with Xfor distribution. Swizz and Timbaland personally broke the news at an activation in Cannes, France today.
Earlier this year, Swizz and Timbaland reacquired VERZUZ from previous partner Triller, now owning 100% of the platform, while retaining their equity (along with the artists who participated in VERZUZ) in Triller. Upon resuming complete control, they sought out the perfect channel for independent distribution.
The partnership journey with X has now begun!
Together, the companies orchestrated a mutually beneficial alliance where Swizz and Timbaland maintain their full ownership and creative control, while X receives exclusive distribution rights. As a result, VERZUZ will now broadcast to an audience of over 550 million active users, exponentially expanding its viewership and international reach like never before. Since the inception of VERZUZ, the conversations around each VERZUZ naturally evolved on X from fans and enthusiasts alike. Viewers will now be able to watch for FREE exclusively on X, bringing the visual series, and viral conversation, all to one platform! Stay tuned for the announcement of the next VERZUZ matchup coming soon.
About this chapter, Swizz stated, “We are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz. Not only are we excited to have Verzuz on X, we’re excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world. I would like to thank Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith and the entire X team for believing in the Verzuz vision. We can’t wait to get to work.”
Timbaland added, “We are thrilled to partner with X, the most innovative platform globally. Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world which we can now do bigger than ever.”
As they have since the first VERZUZ, the founders uplift the culture and community into the spotlight in the center of the world’s stage. However, they preserve the same grit, honor, authenticity, and integrity that makes hip-hop, rap, R&B, soul and ALL genres of music so special. They have the opportunity to magnify its resonance, thanks to Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, and the entire X team championing their unfiltered voices.
Linda Yaccarino stated, “X is so proud to partner with trailblazing creators, artists, and entrepreneurs Swizz Beatz & Timbaland. Our platform stands at the forefront of innovation, and Verzuz defines the essence of an innovative content experience. As we continue to work with the most exciting voices to bring premium content to X, there is no better fit than this series. Together we will redefine how consumers engage with their favorite entertainment, one Verzuz at a time.”
VERZUZ has partnered with Uncontained Media, led by Christian Sarabia, and Raymond Garcia. Together, they have produced multiple hit shows including Emmy Winner DRIVE WITH SWIZZ BEATZ and will serve as the production company and Executive Producers of VERZUZ.
The influence and impact of VERZUZ has proven to be undeniable. So far, it has produced over 40 episodes, generating 100 million-plus live views and over 70 billion impressions. It has naturally encompassed other verticals with VERZUZ SPORTS, and VERZUZ COMEDY, all which play well to some of the most highly engaged communities on X. Not to mention, the power of the #VERZUZEFFECT cannot be overstated. Every artist that has participated in a VERZUZ have seen dramatic increases in streaming, ticket sales, merchandise, and overall revenue from just one appearance.
Welcome to the biggest, boldest, and best era of VERZUZ. Welcome to the future of entertainment.
World News
“Lord Of The Rings” actor Ian McKellen hospitalized after falling off stage during London performance
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Sir Ian McKellen has been taken to hospital after falling off stage during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre in London. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
German officials decry racist attack on 8-year old Ghanaian girl and her father
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Police say a group of youths and teenagers injured an 8-year-old Ghanaian girl and her father in the town of Grevesmühlen in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
German officials have condemned an attack that resulted in the injury of a Ghanaian girl and her father.
Police said that an 8-year-old Ghanaian girl and her 10-year-old sister were attacked by a group of around 20 teenagers and young adults late on Friday.
The 8-year-old girl and her father sustained mild injuries and were hospitalized.
The attack occurred in the town of Grevesmühlen in the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Police said the attackers kicked the younger girl in the face, after which the girl’s parents intervened.
According to police reports, one of the suspected attackers continued to direct racist insults at the victims after officers arrived at the scene.
Police are investigating a breach of the peace, grievous bodily harm, incitement of hatred and verbal abuse.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on the platform X, formerly Twitter, that her thoughts and solidarity were with the children and their family.
“Calling children racist names and brutally attacking them is a sign of deep hatred and inconceivable inhumanity,” she said.
Grevesmühlen Mayor Lars Prahler told the German public radio station NDR 1 Radio MV that he was shocked at the incident.
“This racially motivated offense simply leaves me stunned. It shows bottomless hatred and uninhibited inhumanity and cannot be excused,” he said.
He added that the fact that some of the suspects are teenagers is no excuse for the behavior.
State Premier Manuela Schwesig condemned the attack in a post on X.
“The injured girl is 8 years old — as young as my daughter. We must not allow hatred and hate speech to poison our society and violence to threaten our children,” she declared.
Jana Michael, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Integration Commissioner, urged those in the group of youths to name the perpetrators.
“Every witness who remains silent is complicit and prevents the investigation of this disgusting violence against children,” she said.
World News
Social Trends: 101 Nations Unite for Ukraine Peace
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The Ukraine Peace Summit in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, convened with the participation of 101 countries and international organizations, focusing on achieving a just and sustainable peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Russia spent 10 years convincing the world to disarm Ukraine, followed by 10 years invading Ukraine while convincing the world not to help Ukraine.
And now with 20% of the country in ruins and under Russian control and half the russian military destroyed, Putin needs a break to… pic.twitter.com/nUOUiDNItu
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) June 16, 2024
Key issues discussed included nuclear and food security, the release of civilian and military prisoners, and the return of deported children. A draft declaration emphasized the recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the need for Russia to hand over control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to Ukraine, and the unacceptability of attacks on merchant vessels in the Black and Azov Seas.
Read Also: Freedom Fashion Ukraine heads to New York
President Ruto: Kenya’s position has been clear and unequivocal…Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is unlawful and unjust pic.twitter.com/oPQZVVI1FI
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 16, 2024
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for international agreement on a peace proposal to present to Russia, while President William Ruto of Kenya and other world leaders participated in discussions aimed at addressing the conflict.
A united world is a world of peace, a world that knows how to do the right thing. I thank everyone who worked for this day – every leader, all the teams and advisors of the leaders, all the countries. Our unity here proves that the very idea of international law remains alive and… pic.twitter.com/SXOR0KlPRN
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 16, 2024
World News
Social Trends: Global Leaders Unite in Eid al-Adha 2024 Celebration
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Eid al-Adha, a significant Muslim holiday, was celebrated globally on June 16, 2024. Public figures, politicians, and sports personalities took to social media to extend their greetings and wishes to the Muslim community.
Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim brothers and sisters ❤️🤲🏼 #EidAlAdha pic.twitter.com/ldxnQQtOLd
— Mesut Özil (@M10) June 16, 2024
The messages conveyed unity, joy, and blessings, with many expressing hope for peace, prosperity, and acceptance of sacrifices made during the festival.
Read Also: Cristiano Ronaldo faces $1bn lawsuit over Binance ads
Wishing a joyous Eid al-Adha to the @ChelseaFCMuslim and our supporters celebrating across the world. Eid Mubarak! 🌙 pic.twitter.com/4suR6fBJ8j
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 16, 2024
The greetings were shared across various platforms, reflecting a global celebration of the event.
Eid Al-Adha Mubarak to all our Muslim followers. May this year bring peace, prosperity & tranquility to you and your loved ones. 🤍🕋🕌 pic.twitter.com/WQyqqx5S3P
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 16, 2024
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