Trump signs $142bn arms deal with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince
President Donald Trump is speaking at an investment forum in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, as part of a landmark visit to three Gulf states this week, which has been clouded by backlash over a potential luxury jet gift from Qatar.
Earlier, Trump praised the country’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, before they signed a strategic economic partnership agreement, including a defense deal worth nearly $142 billion.
Pictures also showed Tesla CEO and former DOGE leader Elon Musk shaking hands with officials and VIPs as they prepared to have lunch with Saudi leaders, before Trump’s speech.
Later, the president will attend a state dinner before travelling to Qatar on Wednesday. Trump will end his trip to the Middle East in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, and hopes to secure $1 trillion in deals from the visits.
The visit comes amid furore news that the Qatari royal family was planning to gift the U.S. a $400 million Boeing jet for the president to use as a replacement for Air Force One, drawing criticism from across the political spectrum.
Gerard Depardieu is proof France learned nothing from Gisèle Pelicot
Gisèle Pelicot ought to have changed everything. After a trial that saw 50 men, including her husband, convicted of raping the 72-year-old while she was unconscious, it would be impossible for things to remain the same. Sex crimes would have to be taken more seriously by the French courts.
In waiving her anonymity, Madame Pelicot had forced the country to look into its darkest corners and confront horribly outdated attitudes to misogyny and sexual violence. It could no longer be ignored.
That was in December. Today, 76-year-old Gérard Depardieu was given a lowly 18-month suspended sentence for sexually assaulting two women on a Paris movie set, in 2021. The actor wasn’t even in court for the verdict, and has apparently been in Portugal working on a new film.
A fall from grace? Sacré bleu. Am I the only one who thinks this is meagre progress as far as the French MeToo movement is concerned?
That Depardieu has been found guilty is certainly a vindication of the brave women who came forward to accuse him, including the 20-plus who never made it to trial thanks to a lack of evidence or the statute of limitations. (An allegation of rape by actress Charlotte Arnould is still making its way through the legal system.)
One of his victims, who cannot be named, has said that she is “very moved” by the judge’s decision, which was “a real victory and a great step forward”. I’m glad, so glad, she feels that way. But I also can’t help but feel disappointed that women are supposed to be grateful for such limited justice.
This is a man who attacked a 54-year-old set dresser and a 34-year-old assistant director, trapping them between his thighs, grabbing their buttocks, crotches and chests and using obscene language. In one case, he had to be pulled off by others. One told the court she had been left “petrified”.
Where is the sentence that would send a message to others who feel they can harm women with impunity? Are we supposed to feel grateful that Depardieu – who is estimated to be worth around $250m – was fined £24,414 and will be placed on the sex offenders register? How meaningless that feels in the face of a man who thanked the prosecution and defence teams for showing him how the court system works and joked: “These lessons may be an inspiration for me one day, if I get to play a lawyer.” Presumably he already has enough “inspiration” should he ever get to play a sex offender.
Anyone who imagined the Pelicot case had shot down the tropes that still exist around sexual assault in France ought to think again. Depardieu’s lawyer employed every sexist stereotype under the sun, calling his victims “liars” and “hysterical”, as well as saying they were working for the cause of “rabid feminism”.
Reporting of the trial was little better, with headlines glorifying the “French movie legend”. Film director Fanny Ardant defended Depardieu using extraordinary language, saying that “genius … carries with it an element of the extravagant, the untamed, the dangerous”. (Last time I checked, climbing Everest was the definition of dangerous, not working on a film set.) Brigitte Bardot criticised how “talented people who touch the buttocks of a girl are consigned to the deepest dungeon” – or, you know, are free to continue their careers, while their victims have to live with the great personal cost of having come forward in the first place.
Even President Macron had to backtrack after implying on a chat show that Depardieu was the victim of a “manhunt” and had “made France proud”. Yes, a man who, during his trial, claimed that he didn’t even know what sexual assault was. So proud.
Were we naive following the Pelicot trial? After all, six of her rapists walked free having already served the duration of their sentence or received a suspension, and the French legal definition of rape – predicted to change in the wake of her ordeal – still doesn’t include any mention of consent. Excuses are still being made for talented men because, naturellement, rapists look like “monsters” and not Hollywood stars.
Deep cultural change can’t happen overnight – and needs to happen in Britain, too, where just 2.6 per cent of rape cases result in a charge or summons. But that Depardieu has been handed such a flippant sentence – which he will, of course, be appealing – says so much about power structures and what kind of change really matters.
Or as Madame Pelicot put it: “It’s time that the macho, patriarchal society that trivialises rape changes.” Anything else really would be dangerous.
Zelensky says Putin ‘scared’ to meet him face-to-face in high stakes Turkey talks
Volodymyr Zelensky will only attend talks on Ukraine if Russia’s Vladimir Putin is also there, the Ukrainian president’s top aide has warned, challenging the Kremlin to show it is genuine about seeking peace.
“President Zelensky will not meet with any other Russian representative in Istanbul, except Putin,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters.
The fresh ultimatum comes after US president Donald Trump suggested he could join Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin in Turkey this week if the two leaders meet for peace talks there.
“I’ve got so many meetings, but I was thinking about actually flying over there. There’s a possibility of it, I guess, if I think things can happen, but we’ve got to get it done,” Mr Trump said in the White House on Monday. Mr Trump’s current schedule has him visiting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar this week.
But Moscow has not said whether the Russian leader will travel to Turkey. “The Russian side continues to prepare for the negotiations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about Mr Zelensky’s demand. “We are not going to comment any more yet.”
Bradley Wiggins details cocaine addiction battle: ‘I was walking a tightrope’
Bradley Wiggins revealed that his son feared he may find him dead after the British cycling legend turned into a “functioning cocaine addict” following his retirement.
Wiggins, who won the 2012 Tour de France alongside five Olympic gold medals, retired in 2016 but fell into debt and addiction, eventually being declared bankrupt last year despite having built an estimated fortune of £13m.
And the 45-year-old, whose autobiography, The Chain, will be published later this year, opened up on his family’s fears that he could lose his life to his addiction, adding that he is “lucky to be here”.
“There were times my son thought I was going to be found dead in the morning,” Wiggins told The Observer.
“I was a functioning addict. People wouldn’t realise. I was high most of the time for many years.
“I was doing s***loads of cocaine. I had a really bad problem. My kids were going to put me in rehab. I was walking a tightrope,” he added.
Wiggins also revealed that he was helped by fellow former cyclist Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of his own Tour de France titles after a doping scandal that he confessed to. The American has also helped former rival Jan Ullrich with his own addiction and mental health problems.
“[Lance] worried about me for a long time,” Wiggins said.
“They’d try and get hold of me, but couldn’t find where I was. They wouldn’t hear from me for days on end.
“I can talk about these things candidly now. There was an element of me living a lie, in not talking about it,” added the Briton, explaining that “my proclivity to addiction was easing the pain that I lived with.”
He explained that his addictive behaviour “was amplifying” his own “self-hatred”.
“It was a form of self-harm and self-sabotage. It was not the person I wanted to be. I realised I was hurting a lot of people around me,” he said.
In previous interviews, Wiggins has revealed personal struggles, including abuse at the hands of a cycling coach when he was a junior. In the years following his retirement, he was also the subject of a scandal in what became known as the “jiffy bag” incident, in which Team Sky and British Cycling were investigated after a package containing an unknown substance was delivered to Wiggins at the 2011 Criterium de Dauphine.
And Wiggins told The Observer that he has finally found some peace after the incident and subsequent investigation, having been “in the eye of the storm”.
“I felt some of those questions needed to be answered and put to bed from the people that could answer those questions, like ‘What was in the package?’”
“I would love to know one way or another what actually happened,” he added.
Wiggins also revealed that he was able to quit his addiction around a year ago, without the need for external help. His son Ben, 20, currently rides for UCI team Hagens Berman Jayco and became a junior world champion in the Madison event in 2023.
Celebration villa breaks: find your perfect luxury getaway
If you’re planning a milestone birthday, a big anniversary, or a long-awaited reunion, a villa holiday is hard to beat. Imagine clinking glasses on a rooftop terrace at sunset or gathering loved ones around a candlelit garden table for a leisurely dinner under the night sky.
These special occasions deserve much more than booking out a busy hotel, and nothing beats having your own sun-drenched sanctuary where you have the space and privacy to celebrate in style. Whether you’re heading to Marrakech in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, to the rolling hills of Tuscany, or a tropical oasis further afield, Villas are the perfect home-away-from-home for celebrating something, or someone, special.
CV Villas’ luxurious ABOVE collection offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments – think breathtaking settings, total privacy, and the kind of comfort and space that makes everyone feel at home. All come with stunning interiors, sweeping views as far as the eye can see, and enviable locations in some of the world’s most sought-after spots. Each villa is hand-picked by dedicated CV Villa specialists, who are experts in helping people craft their dream getaway. Many come with their own infinity pools, breathtaking views and large alfresco dining areas, perfect for spending quality time together during life’s most important moments. Villas aren’t just places to stay, they’re a big part of the celebration itself.
From the moment you book your stay to your arrival back home, the CV Villas Concierge team is there to make everything as seamless and stress-free as possible. They are dedicated to looking after you and your party before and throughout your holiday so that you can focus on the things that really matter, like spending quality time together and celebrating without having to worry about the minor details. The team tailors each trip to exactly what you’re after, whether you’re looking to book a private boat day or need to organise a surprise celebration dinner, nothing is too much trouble. Many of the five-star villas even come with their own butlers and chefs so that you can be waited on hand and foot during your special getaway.
ABOVE villas are the epitome of luxury and come with designer interiors, infinity pools boasting panoramic ocean views, and terraces made for golden hour cocktails – properties with serious star quality. What’s more, they’re located all around the world, from the sun-soaked shores of Spain and Greece to the palm-fringed beaches of far-flung Sri Lanka and beyond.
Sampling delicious local food is a big part of a holiday, but catering for a large group can often mean juggling different requests and palates. Luckily for you, many of these luxury villas come with their very own in-villa chefs – perfect for when you’d rather toast the moment with a glass of fizz than spend time flapping around in the kitchen. Instead, let your chef whip up multi-course meals morning till night, using the freshest local produce, all based on your personal tastes and dietary requirements, before tucking into it alfresco under the undisturbed starry night sky.
The little luxuries make a big difference to a bucket-list trip: daily housekeeping to keep things spic and span, spa treatments for when you need a little R&R, wine tastings for the adults, yoga sessions with epic views, and even round-the-clock babysitting. All of this can be arranged to make your stay feel even more indulgent.
Maison Emilion, France
This rustic French villa is practically made for wine lovers, aptly located amidst the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux. This six-bedroom hilltop hangout boasts views of the working vineyards from every angle, including from the heated pool and surrounding sunbeds. Wander into the nearby village of Saint-Émilion, then enjoy the included wine-tasting experience before settling into the garden for dinner with nothing but the glow of flickering candlelight and the moonlit sky.
Oleander, Corfu
It doesn’t get much more luxurious than Oleander in Corfu, a five-bedroom villa overlooking Avlaki Bay and the picturesque town of Kassiopi. It’s located high above the Ionian Sea and is the ideal villa for memorable summer celebrations. Soak up the sunshine from the infinity pool while enjoying views of Albania’s craggy Ceraunian Mountains, or hang out on the wrap-around terraces and communal outside dining areas. During peak season at Oleander, chef service is also included, so you can enjoy meals with your loved ones without even having to leave the villa.
Spirit of Son Fuster, Mallorca
Spirit of Son Fuster in Mallorca is hard to beat for large groups and multigenerational stays. This five-star bolthole is set in a stunning natural landscape at the foot of the Alaro twin mountains, right near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana, and is as secluded as it gets. This gorgeous 14th-century manor house sleeps twenty people across ten bedrooms and even has its own on-site spa and hammam where everyone can enjoy treatments in the dedicated treatment rooms. There’s even a private cinema room for movie nights and a well-stocked wine cellar filled with local vintage wines.
Masseria Giardini, Puglia
Masseria Giardini in Puglia is the height of luxury and the perfect home-away-from-home for families and large groups. It was built in 1750 and is surrounded by leafy olive groves and landscaped gardens curated by Chelsea Flower Show winners Urquhart & Hunt. Enjoy unparalleled views of the Canale Di Pirro Valley from this ten-bedroom farmhouse and spend days lazing around in the heated pool. This villa is an architectural masterpiece, with signature stone domed roofs and hand-carved stone baths in five of the ten bedrooms.
For more travel information and inspiration and to book your perfect villa getaway, visit CV Villas
Emmanuel Macron beats Donald Trump to UK state visit
King Charles is to host French President Emmanuel Macron on a state visit to the UK from July 8-10, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The French leader and his wife Brigitte Macron will stay at Windsor Castle and will be feted with a state banquet at the historic Berkshire royal residence.
Buckingham Palace said: “The President of the French Republic, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by Mrs Brigitte Macron, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Tuesday 8th July to Thursday 10th July 2025.
“The President and Mrs Macron will stay at Windsor Castle.”
While a date has not yet been announced for President Donald Trump’s second state visit, he is widely expected to travel to the UK in September after Sir Keir Starmer extended an invitation earlier this year on a trip to the White House.
The King and Queen paid a state visit to France in September 2023.
The last state visit to the UK from France was in March 2008 when President Nicolas Sarkozy also stayed at Windsor as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s guest.
President Trump’s upcoming state visit breaks from tradition as second-term US presidents are not usually offered a state visit. Instead they are invited for tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle.
He said of the honour: “They’re going to do a second, as you know, a second fest… that’s what it is: a fest, and it’s beautiful, and it’s the first time it’s ever happened to one person.
“And the reason is we have two separate terms, and it’s an honour… I’m a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William, we have really just a great respect for the family.
“And I think they’re setting a date for September.”
Just last week the UK struck an economic deal with the US leader to cut tariffs on car exports and reduced tariffs on steel and aluminium, while keeping a 10 per cent baseline tariff on most goods.
The King’s unprecedented invitation to the US leader proposed a meeting to discuss details of the state visit at either Dumfries House or Balmoral, both in Scotland, where Mr Trump’s mother was raised.
Mr Trump’s last state visit was in 2019 where he and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, met the late Queen.
A state visit usually begins with a ceremonial welcome from the monarch and other members of the Royal Family to the visiting Head of State, which takes place on Horse Guards Parade.
A state banquet takes place on the first night, usually at Buckingham Palace, with around 150 guests invited based on their cultural, diplomatic or economic connections to the country being hosted. Prior to dinner, the King makes a speech and proposes a toast to the visiting Head of State, who returns a toast to His Majesty.
As well as meeting the King and Queen, the visiting Head of State will meet the prime minister, as well as government ministers and leaders of the main political parties.
The two state visits are set to take place at Windsor Castle due to ongoing refurbishments at Buckingham Palace.
Ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura expected to testify on second day of witness statements
Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura is expected to take the stand early on Tuesday to testify against her former boyfriend Sean “Diddy” Combs as the music mogul’s sex-trafficking trial enters its second day.
Day one of the high-profile trial ended with prosecutors calling two witnesses to the stand, including Daniel Phillip, a male escort, providing a graphic description of the alleged “freak offs” involving Combs and Ventura. The trial is set to resume at 9:15 a.m., with Phillip expected to return to the stand.
The second witness, Los Angeles police officer Israel Florez, testified that Combs attempted to bribe him into staying quiet after he reviewed surveillance footage of the 55-year-old rapper assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. It followed searing opening statements where prosecutors described Combs’ alleged drug and sex-fueled parties, after jurors were sworn in for the eight-week-long trial in a Manhattan federal courtroom.
Combs is facing sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy charges. He was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged Combs and his associates threatened, abused, and coerced victims “to fulfill his sexual desires” between 2004 and 2024. Combs has denied any accusations of wrongdoing.