Kobe Bryant dismay after removal from film jury

Kobe Bryant Former NBA star turned Oscar-winning filmmaker Kobe Bryant expressed disappointment on Wednesday after being removed from the jury of an animation film festival because of his 2003 rape case. Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers icon who won an Academy Award this year for his animated short film “Dear Basketball”, was dumped from the Animation Is Film Festival after an online petition protesting his involvement. “After discussions with the various stakeholders of Animation Is Film, the decision has been made to remove Kobe Bryant from the 2018 jury,” festival founder Eric Beckman said in a statement. “We are a young organization and it is important to keep our collective energies focused on the films, the participating filmmakers, and our festival attendees.” Bryant’s removal from the event came after a petition emerged last week calling on festival organisers and sponsors to drop the athlete. The petition argued that Bryant’s involvement “sets a precedent of lenience for sexual criminals and further undermines the visibility and respect that victims of harassment and assault deserve.” Bryant was charged with raping a 19-year-old hotel worker in Colorado in 2003 as he prepared for a knee operation. He denied the charges but admitted consensual sex with the woman. The case later collapsed when his accuser refused to testify. A separate civil suit was settled out of court. Bryant on Wednesday voiced dismay at his exclusion from this weekend’s film festival. “I was honored to have been originally invited by Animation is Film to serve on the 2018 Jury, and am disappointed to no longer serve in that capacity,” Bryant said. “This decision further motivates me and my commitment to building a studio that focuses on diversity and inclusion in storytelling for the animation industry.”

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IMF making progress on new Argentina crisis loan deal

Worldwide Monetary Fund authorities are "gaining vital ground" on another emergency credit bargain for disturbed Argentina, which keeps on observing its money decay, the reserve said Monday. The group in Buenos Aires proceeds with work to concur on another bundle of measures that would permit quick endorsement by the leading group of the loaning organization, the IMF said in an announcement. The IMF and Buenos Aires concurred in June on a three-year, $50 billion safeguard loaning program however Argentina has since requested a more quick payment. The IMF mission has held meetings with the economic team and central bank in Buenos Aires over the past week and “important progress is being made toward strengthening Argentina’s economic policy plan, supported by a Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF,” the statement said. “We are working hard to conclude these staff-level talks in short order and present a proposal to the IMF Executive Board.” Buenos Aires has received $15 billion so...

MASSOB, Obi mourn Ojukwu’s son, Sunny Odogwu

ENUGU—THE Movement For Actualization Of Sovereign State Of Biafra, MASSOB, has expressed grief over the demise of the first son of the late Biafra leader, Mr Debe Ojukwu. MASSOB’s National Director of Information, Samuel Edeson in a statement in Enugu yesterday, said that the Biafra struggle has suffered a set back with Ojukwu jnr’s exit. MASSOB-BIM members on parade Edeson said, “MASSOB under the leadership of Comrade Uchenna Madu commiserate with the family of late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu over the death of their son, Barrister Debe Ojukwu (Akpunwa Nnewi) who passed away on 2nd November 2018. “It is painful and regrettable that at this time the people of Biafra needed him most, he joined our ancestors. “MASSOB, Ndigbo and Biafrans in general have lost a great fighter, a warrior and motivator who believed in justice and equity. “Though MASSOB and Biafrans shall miss him, we must continue in the fo...

Nigeria name strong squad for AWC

Nigeria have named a strong squad for their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Ghana later this month. Reigning African footballer of the year Asisat Oshoala leads a cast of 14-overseas-based players in the Super Falcons squad. Rising star Rasheedat Ajibade is also included in a provisional squad of 23, as Nigeria aim for a ninth title. There is also the added incentive of the top three in Ghana qualifying for next year’s World Cup in France. Experienced defender Onome Ebi is set to play in her fifth tournament. Osinachi Ohale could also feature, eight years after competing for the Super Falcons in the 2010 event. The provisional squad travelled to Ivory Coast yesterday for a week long training camp where they are scheduled to play some friendly matches before the final 21 players are picked to represent Nigeria at the finals. Source:https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/nigeria-name-strong-squad-for-awc/

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