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The co-founder and chief executive of the HQ Trivia app has been found dead in his lower Manhattan apartment yesterday morning, according to police.

Colin Kroll was found facedown on his bed after a woman rang 911 and asked for a police check-up in SoHo. Cocaine and heroin were discovered in his home.

Kroll also co-founded the formerly popular six-second video app Vine, which he sold to Twitter in 2012.

The app then closed down last year, and Kroll went on to work for Twitter before being fired for 'poor management' following allegations of inappropriate workplace behaviour towards women.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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When HQ Trivia debuted in August 2017, the app became a viral sensation after millions of people came together for a livestreaming-interactive game which inspired numerous imitations.

Anyone who participates has the hope of winning money from answering trivia questions on their phones.

Rus Yusupov founded HQ Trivia alongside Colin Kroll, and has yet to respond to his death.

The norm is that comedians host the game show on their phones, and the difficulty of the questions increases by the round.

The company raised $15 million in venture capital funding, but Mr Kroll's workplace history deterred many investors, yet Mr Kroll has always denied that he ever sexually harassed women at work.

In a statement to Axios, he said;

“It was a painful experience, but an eye-opening one that served as a catalyst for professional development and greater awareness in the office.”

He continued;

“I now realise that there are things I said and did that made some feel unappreciated or uncomfortable. I apologise to those people. Today, I’m committed to building HQ Trivia into a culture-defining product and supporting the dedicated team that makes it all possible.”

In an interview with The New York Times last year, the entrepreneur said the company preferred to be based in NYC instead of San Francisco.

The Detroit native said that;

"Our inspiration is more from media and TV than it is from technology.” Livestreaming gaming platforms such as Twitch inspired the creation of HQ Trivia.

Kroll had previously worked as an engineering manager for Yahoo from 2007 to 2009, and then as chief technology officer at Jetsetter from 2009 to 2013, so had a wealth of technological and software engineering knowledge.

The cause of Colin Kroll's death has yet to be revealed.

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Last night, Pete Davidson took to social media last night to publish an open letter to his haters and bullies. 

The comedian has kept his head down since splitting up with Thank u, next singer Ariana Grande but the SNL cast member has been hit with waves of abuse online. 

Ariana has today gone online to react to Pete's emotive statement. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Posting a screenshot of Pete's open letter, the Mean Girls fan added her own text: 

'I know u already know this but I feel I need to remind my fans to please be gentler with others,' she wrote.

'I really don’t endorse anything but forgiveness and positivity. I care deeply about Pete and his health. I’m asking you to please be gentler with others, even on the internet.'

Ariana reminded her followers that they 'truly don’t know what anybody is experiencing ever.'

She also said that she will always have a love for her former fiancee: 'I will always have irrevocable love for him and if you’ve gotten any other impression from my recent work, you might have missed the point.'

In his post, Pete detailed how low the bullying has brought him over the past 9 months. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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'I've been getting online bullied and in public by people for 9 months,' he wrote. 

'I've spoken about BPD and being suicidal publicly only in the hopes that it will help bring awareness and help kids like myself who don't want to be on this earth. I just want you guys to know. No matter how hard the internet or anyone tries to make me kill myself. I won't.'

 

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The TV industry was rocked yesterday following news that Matt Lauer had been dismissed by NBC amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

It emerged that the Today show host had been accused of sexual harassment by female colleagues, leading the network to dismiss him with immediate effect.

Informing staff of the decision, the network’s president for news, Andrew Lack, explained: "On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behaviour in the workplace by Matt Lauer."

"While it is the first complaint about his behaviour in the over 20 years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident."

The public heard that Lauer was remorseful following internal discussions, but had yet to speak publicly on the matter.

Today, however, the TV host issued a statement referring to both his behaviour and his dismissal.

"There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry," he began.

"As I am writing this I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC. Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed."

Acknowledging his family and friends who have been thrust into the limelight as a result of his conduct, the disgraced anchor expressed regret over the repercussions of his behaviour.

"I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly. Repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul searching and I’m committed to beginning that effort. It is now my full time job."

"The last two days have forced me to take a very hard look at my own troubling flaws. It’s been humbling. I am blessed to be surrounded by the people I love. I thank them for their patience and grace."

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Comedian Louis CK faced allegations of sexual misconduct this week from five separate women. 

Now, the comedian has come forward with a statement admitting that the claims made by the women are true. 

While the victim's experiences differ, most reported that the inappropriate sexual behaviour from CK involved being forced to watch the comedian masturbate. 

'These stories are true,' he admits in the statement. 

'At the time, I said to myself that what I did was O.K. because I never showed a woman my dick without asking first, which is also true.'

'But what I learned later in life, too late, is that when you have power over another person, asking them to look at your dick isn’t a question. It’s a predicament for them.'

'The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly,' he continues. 

'I have been remorseful of my actions. And I’ve tried to learn from them. And run from them.'

'Now I’m aware of the extent of the impact of my actions. I learned yesterday the extent to which I left these women who admired me feeling badly about themselves and cautious around other men who would never have put them in that position.'

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Siobhan Whelan, who was denied a medical abortion despite learning her unborn son had holoprosencephaly, a congenital brain malformation, has been awarded €30,000 by the State.

According to The Independent, the Wexford woman, who was informed her child would likely die in utero or soon after birth, was forced to travel to the UK following the diagnosis in 2010.

Following a termination in Liverpool, Ms Whelan brought her complaint to the UN Human Rights Committee, who concluded that she had had her human rights violated, and was treated in a 'cruel, inhuman and degrading' manner.

With assistance from the Centre for Reproductive Rights in New York, it was deemed appropriate to provide Ms Whelan with compensation and psychological treatment.

Ms Whelan has released a statement in light of the settlement, saying: "The human rights committee’s decision this year on my complaint, in which it recognised the human rights violations I faced, was immensely important for me.

"I am very glad the Government has now taken steps to acknowledge the committee’s decision by providing reparations to me and I am grateful for this recognition.

Turning her attention to other women who may face similar circumstances, Ms Whelan said: "For me, the most important aspect of the Government’s obligation is to ensure law reform so that other women no longer have to suffer in this way."

"This is why I took my complaint to the human rights committee and I hope it will not be long before our laws are changed so that women like me can be given the best possible care at home."

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Following a spate of sexual assaults at Swedish music festival, Bravalla, earlier this year,  Swedish radio presenter and comedian Emma Knyckare called for the establishment of a female-only rock festival.

Sharing her idea on Twitter in July, she wrote: "What do you think about putting together a really cool festival where only non-men are welcome, that we'll run until ALL men have learned how to behave themselves?"

After receiving support from social media users, the DJ insisted that plans would be put in place, writing: "Sweden's first man-free rock festival will see the light next summer."

And now it's official.

Following a crowdfunding campaign, which raised tens of thousands of euro, it has been confirmed that Statement festival will go ahead next year.

Explaining the mission on the Kickstarter page, those behind its creation wrote: "At music festivals, everyone should feel safe. This sounds obvious, right? Still, year after year the music festivals around the world has shown us the opposite."

"Statement Festival wants to change this and in the summer of 2018, we will arrange the world’s most awesome music festival – without cis- men."

The new festival will allow entry to cis women, trans women and those who identify as non-binary.

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Following the death of Linkin Park's, Chester Bennington, the band have paid an emotional tribute to the lead singer in their first official statement since the tragedy.

Chester was found dead at his home in Los Angeles last Thursday. It has since been confirmed by the Los Angeles County coroner that the 41-year-old died by suicide.

In a letter simply titled 'Dear Chester', posted on Linkin Park's official website, the group said “Our hearts are broken,” adding that “the shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened”.

The statement continued: “You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realised. In the past few days, we’ve seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you.”

The band released their latest album, One More Light, in May this year and were due to embark on a North American tour later this week.

The future of the band is not yet known, however, in the letter, the group noted that Chester's absence “leaves a void that can never be filled—a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing.”

It continued, "We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place.”

“You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve.”

“Our love for making and performing music is inextinguishable. While we don’t know what path our future may take, we know that each of our lives was made better by you. Thank you for that gift. We love you, and miss you so much.”

Chester is survived by his wife Talinda, their son Tyler and twin daughters Lilly and Lils as well as three children from his previous relationships.

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A judge, who faced considerable criticism for the lenient sentence he handed down in a recent rape case, has publicly defended his ruling.

Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky, who sentenced Brock Turned to just six months behind bars for rape last year, was vilified in the aftermath of the high-profile case.

Persky, who is facing a recall effort over the sentencing, has released a statement, and while he made no direct reference to the case which involved the Stanford student, Persky acknowledged the public's concern.

"As a prosecutor, I fought vigorously for victims. As a judge, my role is to consider both sides," he explained in his statement.

"California law requires every judge to consider rehabilitation and probation for first-time offenders," he continued. "It’s not always popular, but it’s the law, and I took an oath to follow it without regard to public opinion or my opinions as a former prosecutor.”

Turner, who will spend his life on the sex offenders' register, served just a quarter of a year at Santa Clara County jail for the crimes he committed against a young woman on Palo Alto university’s campus in January 2015 despite facing an initial 14 years at sentencing.

In a widely circulated letter written by Turner's victim at the time of the sentencing, she called for stronger sentences in an effort to deter against crimes of this nature.

"The seriousness of rape has to be communicated clearly, we should not create a culture that suggests we learn that rape is wrong through trial and error," she wrote.

"The consequences of sexual assault needs to be severe enough that people feel enough fear to exercise good judgment even if they are drunk, severe enough to be preventative."

Persky's statement has been filed with the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.

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Following the tragic passing of a 15-year-old girl, who died while holidaying with her parents in Crete, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson has released a statement paying tribute to the late teen.

Dr Jackson, who is both the Archbishop of Dublin and patron of Temple Carrig Secondary School in Greystones, acknowledged the sorrow felt by the community in the wake of Laura Dempsey's tragic passing earlier this week.

"It was with deep sadness that I heard of the death of Laura Dempsey at the weekend. To her family, we extend our sincere sympathies and pray that they know God's strength in their heartache and devastating loss."

"Laura was a third year student in Temple Carraig School. Greystones, of which I am patron, and had just completed her Junior Certificate exams."

"We hold Laura's friends and the whole school community in our thoughts and hearts as they struggle to come to terms with their loss."

"We also pray for the principal, teachers, chaplain and staff of the school as they support students in their grief."

Laura's body was discovered by her parents in the pool of the hotel in which they were staying in the popular holiday resort.

The teen was removed to a local hospital and the Department of Foreign Affairs is currently providing consular assistance to the family.

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The death of Chris Cornell shook the music industry last month, and now his widow has stepped forward to explain "something went terribly wrong."

Chris was found dead at MGM Grand Detroit after his band’s performance at Fox Theatre on May 18, with his death ruled as a suicide by hanging.

Musicians and artists from all over the world paid tribute to the Soundgarden and Audioslave singer, as well as his loyal fans.

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However, his wife, Vicky Karayiannis Cornell, has released a statement after the performer's toxicology reports were released.

Speaking to People, she said: "Many of us who know Chris well, noticed that he wasn’t himself during his final hours and that something was very off.

"We have learned from this report that several substances were found in his system. After so many years of sobriety, this moment of terrible judgement seems to have completely impaired and altered his state of mind.

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"Something clearly went terribly wrong and my children and I are heartbroken and are devastated that this moment can never be taken back," she explained.

"We very much appreciate all of the love we have received during this extremely difficult time and are dedicated to helping others in preventing this type of tragedy."

If you feel like you, or someone you love needs to talk, the Samaritans helpline  is (01) 116123, or you can visit its website here.

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Media outlets went into overdrive last week when reports surfaced that Last Tango in Paris director, Bernardo Bertolucci, had confirmed that elements of a scene which played out in the infamous 1972 movie hadn't been consented to by the film's lead actress Maria Schneider.

Referring to a scene which depicted the rape of Maria' character, Bernardo revealed that he and actor Marlon Brando had conspired to conceal their intent to use butter as a sexual lubricant from the young actress.

Explaining that a 19-year-old Maria was unaware of their plans to improvise during the scene, Bernardo said in footage filmed in 2013: "I had been, in a way, horrible to Maria because I didn’t tell her what was going on."

Speaking before her death in 2011, Maria said the scene had a considerable impact on her, explaining: "I felt humiliated and, to be honest, I felt a little raped, both by Marlon and by Bertolucci. After the scene, Marlon didn’t console me or apologize."

And with press and public outraged by the director's admission in recent years, Bernardo felt compelled to speak out against the backlash.

Issuing a statement yesterday, he said: "I would like, for the last time, to clear up a ridiculous misunderstanding that continues to generate press reports about Last Tango in Paris around the world."

"Several years ago at the Cinemathèque Francaise someone asked me for details on the famous butter scene. I specified, but perhaps I was not clear, that I decided with Marlon Brando not to inform Maria that we would have used butter," he continued.

"We wanted her spontaneous reaction to that improper use of the butter. That is where the misunderstanding lies. Somebody thought, and thinks, that Maria had not been informed about the violence on her. That is false."

Insisting that Maria was aware of everything else set to play out in the harrowing scene, he added: "Maria knew everything because she had read the script, where it was all described. The only novelty was the idea of the butter."

"And that, as I learned many years later, offended Maria. Not the violence that she is subjected to in the scene, which was written in the screenplay."

Maria's life was tainted by drug addiction and overdoses following her role in the movie.

 

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It’s been just over a week since Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from her partner of 12 years, Brad Pitt.

And while Brad has already addressed their shock breakup by admitting that he is “very saddened” by the situation, last night he issued a statement to explain why he will not be attending the screening of a documentary he narrated called Voyage of Time.

The Fight Club star told E! that while he is proud to have been involved with the production, he does not want to distract attention away from the film by making an appearance.

The 52-year-old said: “Terrence [Malick]'s Voyage of Time is an incredibly beautiful and unique experiential IMAX film for children and families chronicling the birth of time.”

“I'm very grateful to be part of such a fascinating and educational project, but I'm currently focused on my family situation and don't want to distract attention away from this extraordinary film, which I encourage everyone to see.”

By highlighting his desire to focus on his family, this announcement echoes a previous statement by the actor in which he said “what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids”.

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