Before you listen…
I’m so glad to be back to our regularly scheduled programming. Or at least the initially planned scheduled programming. It’s been a very manic summer, with the on-going war, traveling, coming back to Dubai and figuring out how to make all this work, it’s taken me a minute to get into a rhythm, especially with The Voice Note.
But I’m making it work! You know what’s not working? Not right now anyway, is the video component of The Voice Note. I recorded last week’s episode on camera, but the process of editing and uploading was so time consuming that the episode was over a day late - unacceptable!
And so, until I have a better workflow (or better internet connection) the video element will have to wait a little.
By the way, if you’re new here, by regularly scheduled programming I mean what I initially planned for The Voice Note. A weekly podcast episode breaking down the biggest global cultural stories of the week.
And here they are… you can jump in and listen to the episode straight away or read some more of my thoughts on each story below.
Enjoy!
Perez Hilton Hospitalised After Disturbing TikTok Livestream
Very sad and disturbing news. It’s difficult to know what to say in situations like this aside from wishing him and his family well and hoping he gets the right support and help he needs.
Perez Hilton has always been a contentious public figure, who has indeed, through his online celebrity reporting in the early 2000s caused great pain and harm to people. But as I mention in this weeks episode, the media landscape, society, culture in general was a different place then.
And while Hilton has apologised for his past actions the public has remained to be very unforgiving towards him. As I detail in today’s episode, I really do wonder where the line is when it comes to forgivenss and redemption and whether public life and public opinions really aren’t for everyone.
Why Tomi Adeyemi Has Distanced Herself From the Children of Blood and Bone Film
This is one of those novels that I was so excited to see on the screen. Don’t get me wrong, I still am (it’s part of my ultimate guide of 45 Upcoming Book-to-Screen Adaptations for 2026 and Beyond that you must read!) but this story is confusing.
Aside from thinking about how much right, culturally and legally, an author has on the adaption of their story, and so much of the misinformation out there about how that relationship works, it’s unfortunate to see Tomi Adeyemi, a very talented writer, address the ongoing saga in a way that leaves her readers with more questions than answers.
Why John Galliano's Met Exhibition Is Already Dividing Opinion
Was anyone else shocked about this? Or just me?
John Galliano is only the third living designer to have a whole Met Exhibition dedicated to his work. And while no one can deny the incredible talent, artistry, and influence this man has had on fashion and art, I once again can’t help but think about these ideas of forgiveness and redemption through the lens of the public court of opinion.
When do we decide its time to forgive someone for how they acted, what they did, what they believed? How? and also who?
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Names Its First Director Ahead of Opening
This is so exciting. Valerie Hillings’ appointment as the inaugural director of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi which will be opening on December 11 is another sign for me that culture really is the way forward after what has been a challenging year for many.
I was in Abu Dhabi a week ago and the Frank Gehry designed museum already looks incredible from the outside, so one can only image how beautiful the structure, and the art, will be inside. I can’t wait to set foot in there and even more excited to bring you all along for the ride.
Why Barbie 2 Could Be in Jeopardy
Second time I was shocked this week. The question is very simple - do we need a Barbie 2? Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see Margot Robbie in pink again and Ryan Gosling dropping another incredible song (I’m Just Ken was the song of 2023) but is there any story left to tell?
From a plot perspective Greta Gerwig did end the first film in a way that something can happen to Barbie and Ken moving forward. But from a good (and I mean good) story perspective, themes, messaging is there anything left to say? I felt it was all very clear (and shaky, and distracting) in the first film.
Besides the point I suppose if the studio doesn’t want to pay what Gerwig, Robbie, and Gosling want.
