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Actress and comedian Ellie Kemper has apologised for taking part in a debutante ball as a teenager, saying the event had an “unquestionably racist, sexist and elitist past” and that “ignorance is no excuse”.

The star, who is best known for roles in Bridesmaids, The Office (US) and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, has shared a lengthy apology on Instagram after finding herself trending on Twitter over the issue.

Kemper was 19 when she appeared at the Veiled Prophet Ball in St Louis, Missouri, in 1999, and was reportedly crowned “Queen of Love and Beauty”.

The event was founded in 1878 by wealthy, white elites and barred black and Jewish people from taking part, according to The Atlantic magazine.

Kemper, now 41, said in her statement that she was unaware of the event’s history but did not want to make excuses.

“When I was 19 years old, I decided to participate in a debutante ball in my hometown,” she said. “The century-old organisation that hosted the debutante ball had an unquestionably racist, sexist and elitist past.

“I was not aware of this history at the time, but ignorance is no excuse. I was old enough to have educated myself before getting involved. I unequivocally deplore, denounce, and reject white supremacy.

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“At the same time, I acknowledge that because of my race and my privilege, I am the beneficiary of a system that has dispensed unequal justice and unequal rewards.”

Kemper went on to say that she believes “strongly in the values of kindness, integrity, and inclusiveness” and that she tries to live her life “in accordance with these values”.

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The actress said that when facing criticism online there can often be a “natural temptation” to tell yourself that “your detractors are getting it all wrong,” but that she knew she needed to apologise.

She continued: “If my experience is an indication that organisations and institutions with pasts that fall short of these beliefs should be held to account, then I have to see this experience in a positive light.

“I want to apologise to the people I’ve disappointed, and I promise that moving forward I will listen, continue to educate myself, and use my privilege in support of the better society I think we’re capable of becoming.”

Kemper had found herself at the centre of a Twitter debate after a photo at the gala appeared online. Many users had pointed out her “privileged” upbringing and that she has come from a family of “old money”.

Twitter user @WB_Baskerville, who sparked the debate with a tweet at the end of May, responded to Kemper’s statement.

“I have made the decision to accept Ellie’s apology,” they posted. “Everyone leave her alone now.”

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Gogglebox star George Gilbey has died aged 40

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Gogglebox star George Gilbey has died aged 40

Gogglebox star George Gilbey has died aged 40, a spokesperson for the show said.

The reality star appeared on the Channel 4 series alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who died aged 71 in 2021.

He also appeared on the 14th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, reaching the final.

George Gilbey. Pic: Shutterstock
Image:
George Gilbey. Pic: Shutterstock

Gilbey reportedly died following an accident at work on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the show said: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and stepdad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family has asked for privacy.”

Essex Police said they were called to an incident in Shoebury in Southend-on-Sea on Wednesday.

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A spokesperson for the force said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (27 March), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.

“We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

“A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

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Gilbey joined the award-winning programme in its second series in 2013 before he and his family were dropped in 2014 after he signed up for Celebrity Big Brother. The family later returned to the series.

The reality star from Essex appeared on the then-Channel 5 reality show alongside celebrities including The Hills star Stephanie Pratt and American actor Gary Busey, who won the series.

Gilbey’s representatives and the HSE have been approached for comment.

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Beyonce releases tracklist for upcoming country album

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Beyonce releases tracklist for upcoming country album

Beyonce has released her tracklist for her forthcoming country album Act II: Cowboy Carter. 

On the superstar‘s Instagram account, fans were given a sneak peek of her new songs which included the previously released Texas Hold ‘Em and 16 Carriages.

The tracklist also contained American Requiem, Blackbird, Protector, My Rose, Bodyguard, Daughter, Spaghetti, Alligator Tears, Smoke Hour II, Just For Fun, II Most Wanted, Levi’s Jeans, Flamenco, Ya Ya, Oh Louisiana, Desert Eagle, Riverdance, II Hands II Heaven, Tyrant, Sweet Honey Buckin’ and Amen.

One song appears to be called The Linda Martell Show, a reference to the groundbreaking country performer who became the first black woman to play at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

There is also mention of Dolly P – likely a reference to Dolly Parton – and a track titled Jolene, a reference to one of Parton’s best-known songs.

Parton revealed earlier this month that she thinks Beyonce has recorded a cover of her 1973 hit.

“Well, I think she has,” she said.

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“I think she’s recorded Jolene and I think it’s probably gonna be on her country album, which I’m very excited about.”

The tracklist also mentions Smoke Hour Willie Nelson, but it is not immediately clear if Nelson is involved with the project.

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Ed Gamble: Comedian swaps hot dog for cucumber on tour posters after falling foul of TfL’s ad rules on junk food

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Ed Gamble: Comedian swaps hot dog for cucumber on tour posters after falling foul of TfL's ad rules on junk food

A comedian has been forced to remove a picture of a hot dog from posters promoting his stand-up tour after falling foul of Transport for London’s (TfL) advertising policies.

Ed Gamble used an image of the popular barbecue staple in advertising posters for his upcoming Hot Diggity Dog tour.

But when the billboards were sent to TfL for display on the London Underground, the stand-up comic was told to alter the poster because it failed to comply with the organisation’s advertising policy on junk foods.

So the 38-year-old, who recently starred as the host of the Traitors: Uncloaked, improvised by offering to replace the hot dog with a cucumber.

“I actually don’t have a problem with the TfL regulations, they make sense to me,” he said.

“But the new posters promote something way more harmful – the idea that cucumbers pair well with ketchup and mustard.

“I’m not sad to have to remove the hot dog, it was only featured on the poster because I wanted to eat during the photoshoot.

“Hopefully it’s not too late to change the title of the show to Cu Diggity Cucumber?”

Pic: PA
Image:
Pic: PA

In a post on Instagram, he described the incident as a “career highlight” and added: “TfL told me I couldn’t have a hot dog on my poster to promote my @hackneyempire shows in June.

“I guess I’m dangerous? So I’ve replaced it with a cucumber. Eat your greens, Kids!”

A spokesperson for TfL said: “We welcome all advertising on our network that complies with our published guidance.

“Following a review of the advert, we advised that elements would need to be removed or obscured to ensure it complied with our policy.

“A revised advert is now running on the network and we are always happy to work with people to ensure adverts follow our policy.”

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The ban on junk food advertising across London’s public transport network came into force in 2019.

Regulations forbid posters for food and drink high in fat, salt and sugar on the Underground and Overground, as well as buses and bus shelters.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the rules would help tackle child obesity rates in the capital.

The organisation uses a model developed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to define foods high in fat, sugar and salt.

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