Eric McCormack — a straight actor who rose to fame playing a gay character on NBC’s Will & Grace — has joined the debate over gay roles.

The 60-year-old Toronto native played gay lawyer Will Truman for 11 seasons, the first eight on the original series from 1998 to 2006 and another three seasons from 2017 to 2020.

Will & Grace was a landmark series for the LGBTQ community and became one of the first successful network sitcoms to feature gay cast members.

Now there’s been a lot of discussion about whether heterosexual actors should play gay roles, which McCormack addressed during a Good morning Great Britain interview.

“That’s a tough call for me because I didn’t become an actor so I could play an actor,” McCormack said on the show, weeks after appearing at an Oscar viewing party with his estranged wife Janet Holden.

The 60-year-old Toronto native played gay lawyer Will Truman for 11 seasons, the first eight on the original series from 1998 to 2006 and another three seasons from 2017 to 2020.

Now, there has been a lot of discussion about whether heterosexual actors should play gay roles, which McCormack addressed during a Good Morning Britain interview.

“There’s not a role I’ve ever played where I wasn’t playing something I’m not. It’s part of the performance. If gay actors weren’t allowed to play straight actors, Broadway would be over. So this is what we do,” he continued.

McCormack added: So this is what we do. I think I represent it well. I came out of theater and one of my best friends was gay.”

“So I think I took their spirit and their message into what was otherwise just a sitcom and represented it, I hope,” he continued.

The actor was also asked about the sitcom being cast today and if he would get the role, and he had this to say.

‘Well, I guess the answer would be that they would have to say in the casting room, “And you’re gay, right?” which I don’t think they can say,” he began.

“I would like to think generally that the best person for the role, the one who comes in and knocks it out of the park, is the one who gets the role,” he said.

The interview comes nearly four months after the actor’s wife of 26 years, Janet Holden, filed for divorce.

She cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split, although no date of separation was stated in the documents.

“There’s not a role I’ve ever played where I wasn’t playing something I’m not. It’s part of the performance. If gay actors weren’t allowed to play straight actors, Broadway would be over. So this is what we do,” he continued

‘Well, I guess the answer would be that they would have to say in the casting room, “And you’re gay, right?” which I don’t think they can say,” he began

Janet is seeking spousal support and reportedly wants to “end the court’s ability to award spousal support to Eric,” according to TMZ’s report.

The Canadian actor and Janet share one child together: 21-year-old son Finnigan Holden McCormack.

However, last week they attended the Elton John AIDS Foundation 2024 Oscars viewing party on Sunday evening.

Although there is no update on the divorce filing, the couple seemed to be in good spirits as they hung out together at the gala event.

Hungary’s strongman leader Viktor Orban revealed intimate details surrounding his controversial visit with Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, including how the ex-president plans to ‘end the war’ in Ukraine.

In an interview with Pravda.ru, Orban claimed that Trump had a specific plan to end the bloodshed that involves putting a stop to all US funding for the Ukrainian war effort. 

‘Donald Trump has a very clear vision that is hard to disagree with. He says the following: ‘First, he will not give a single penny for the Russo/Ukrainian war,’ Orban, a long time ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

‘That’s why the war will end. If the Americans don’t give money and weapons along with the Europeans, the war will end. And if the Americans don’t give money, then the Europeans won’t be able to fund this war alone,’ he went on. 

‘And then the war will end. Donald Trump may not be the president of the United States yet, but his party is stopping Democrats from spending money on the war. Trump says when he comes back, he won’t give a penny to Ukraine,’ Orban, who has been embraced by American conservatives despite his anti-democratic policies, continued.

‘That’s when the war will be over. And he says he doesn’t want to fund Europe’s security instead of Europeans. And the Europeans are afraid of the Russians,’ Orban warned. 

Former president Donald Trump met Orban, in the Oval Office in May 2019. At the time, Trump called Orban ‘a respected man’ but also said he was ‘a little bit controversial,’ comparing him to himself

Orbán has become an icon to some conservative populists for championing what he calls ‘illiberal democracy’

Orbán has become an icon to some conservative populists for championing what he calls ‘illiberal democracy,’ replete with restrictions on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. 

But he’s also cracked down on the press and judiciary in his country and rejiggered the country’s political system to keep his party in power while maintaining the closest relationship with Russia among all European Union countries.

In the U.S., Trump’s allies have embraced Orbán’s approach. 

On Thursday, as foreign dignitaries milled through Washington, D.C., ahead of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, Orbán skipped the White House and instead spoke at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank overseeing the 2025 Project, the effort to create a governing blueprint for Trump’s next term.

‘Supporting families, fighting illegal migration and standing up for the sovereignty of our nations. This is the common ground for cooperation between the conservative forces of Europe and the U.S.,’ Orbán wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after his Heritage appearance.   

He then flew to Florida, where met Trump late Friday afternoon at the former president’s beachfront compound, Mar-a-Lago. 

Orbán posted on his Instagram account footage of him and his staff meeting with Trump and the former president’s staff, then of the prime minister walking through the compound and handing Melania Trump a giant bouquet of flowers.

In the video, Trump praised Orbán to a laughing crowd. ‘He’s a non-controversial figure because he says, ‘This is the way it’s going to be,’ and that’s the end of it. Right?’ Trump said of the Hungarian prime minister. ‘He’s the boss.’ 

A statement from Trump’s campaign did not mention Ukraine, saying the pair discussed issues affecting both nations including their respective border security 

The meeting between Trump and Orbán comes as the former president has continued to embrace authoritarians of all ideological stripes.

Melania Trump was serenaded to the sounds of Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman on Friday night as she was handed a bouquet of flowers by Hungarian autocrat leader Viktor Orban

 The Trump campaign said late Friday that the two men discussed ‘a wide range of issues affecting Hungary and the United States, including the paramount importance of strong and secure borders to protect the sovereignty of each nation.’

Campaigning Friday in Pennsylvania, Biden said of Trump: ‘You know who he’s meeting with today down in Mar-a-Lago? Orbán of Hungary, who’s stated flatly that he doesn’t thinks democracy works, he’s looking for dictatorship.’

‘I see a future where we defend democracy, not diminish it,’ Biden added.

Orbán’s approach appeals to Trump’s brand of conservatives, who have abandoned their embrace of limited government and free markets for a system that sides with their own ideology, said Dalibor Rohac, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

‘They want to use the tools of government to reward their friends and punish their opponents, which is what Orbán has done,’ Rohac said.

The meeting also comes as Trump has continued to embrace authoritarians of all ideological stripes. He’s praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Orbán’s government has reciprocated, repeatedly praising the former president.

On Friday, Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, posted from Palm Beach, hailing Trump’s ‘strength’ and implying that the world would be more peaceful were he still president.

‘If Donald Trump had been elected President of the United States in 2020, the war in Ukraine, now in its third year, would not have broken out and the conflict in the Middle East would have been resolved much faster,’ he wrote.

 Orbán has served as Hungary’s prime minister since 2010. The next year, his party, Fidesz, used its two-thirds majority in the legislature to rewrite the nation’s constitution. 

It changed the retirement age for judges, forcing hundreds into early retirement, and vested responsibility for appointing new judges with a single political appointee who was widely accused of acting on behalf of Fidesz.

Fidesz later authored a new media law and set up a nine-member council to serve as the country’s media regulator. All nine members are Fidesz appointees, which media watchdogs say has facilitated a major decline in press freedom and plurality.

The country’s legislative lines have been redrawn to protect Fidesz members and no major news outlets remain that are critical of Orbán’s government, making it almost impossible for his party to lose elections, analysts say.

Orbán backed Trump’s reelection effort and has had frosty relations with the Biden administration, which pointedly did not invite Hungary to a summit on democracy it organized after the president took office. 

Hungarian officials have accused Biden’s ambassador to the country, former human rights lawyer David Pressman, of interfering in internal governmental affairs.

Earlier this week, Hungary objected to Biden’s choice of a former Dutch prime minister to serve as NATO’s new commander, potentially stalling the appointment.

The Hungarian leader also has enthusiastically boosted Trump’s latest presidential campaign, posting a message encouraging Trump to ‘keep fighting’ after he was hit with the first of what would be four criminal cases against him last year. 

Orbán appeared to be taken in by the Trump brand who posted a picture a of a bottle of Trump-branded water

Orbán was a featured speaker at the 2022 CPAC event, after which he met Trump at the former president’s New Jersey golf course

Fiery, right-wing populist president of Argentina, President Javier Milei spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference just outside Washington last month

Last week, Orbán declared that a win by the former president would be ‘the only serious chance’ for ending the war in Ukraine.

A video from the Heritage appearance posted by Orbán’s political director showed the prime minister speaking with Vivek Ramaswamy, a pharmaceutical entrepreneur who unsuccessfully ran for the Republican presidential nomination before dropping out and endorsing Trump. 

The Hungarian leader also met with Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser who remains a vocal ally of the ex-president and is active in global populist circles.

Orbán’s visit this week comes after he signed a new National Sovereignty Law that penalizes any foreign support of political actors in Hungary, part of the prime minister’s longstanding battle against the European Union and international nonprofits criticizing his erosion of Hungary’s democracy.

‘Orbán is setting up this huge barrier to anyone interfering in Hungarian elections, but Orbán’s interfering in all sorts of other countries’ elections,’ said Kim Scheppele, a Princeton sociologist and Hungary expert.

Orbán is one of a small group of conservative populists who have publicly aligned themselves with U.S. conservatives trying to oust Biden in November. 

Last month, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and Argentine President Javier Milei spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference just outside Washington. Orbán was a featured speaker at the 2022 event, after which he met Trump at the former president’s New Jersey golf course.

Several conservative populists have won European elections in recent years, including in Italy and Sweden. 

But leaders in those countries have remained staunch opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, not battled with the European Union government or taken steps that alarm democracy advocates as Orbán has.

Scheppele said the parallels between Trump and Orbán go beyond ideology. She noted that Orbán is not very religious but has become a hero to Christian conservatives for his hardline stances, much like Trump.

The two men face a similar electoral quandary as well, she added.

‘They’ve got the same problem,’ Scheppele said. ‘How do you leverage a really solid base, which is not an actual majority, at election time?’

Melania Trump was serenaded to the sounds of Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman on Friday night as she was seen alongside her husband Donald Trump for a formal dinner at Mar-a-Lago as the former president played host to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

The Hungarian leader appeared quite taken by the former first lady as he posted footage of her to Instagram with the caption ‘Pretty Woman’ while also presenting her with a huge bouquet of flowers, much to her surprise. 

It was a rare sighting of Melania who sported an all-white pant suite at the glitzy affair. She has barely been seen by her husband’s side during the 2024 election campaign at all.

Orbán posted to his Instagram account footage of him and his staff meeting with Trump and the former president’s staff, then of the prime minister walking through the compound, taking photos of everything from a framed Time Magazine shocasing Trump to a bottle of Trump-branded water. 

He could then be seen handing Melania Trump a giant bunch of flowers in what was a carefully orchestrated charm offensive. 

Later in the video, Trump praised Orbán to a laughing crowd. 

‘He´s a non-controversial figure because he says, “This is the way it’s going to be,” and that’s the end of it. Right?’ Trump said of the Hungarian prime minister. ‘He’s the boss.’

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán could be seen handing Melania Trump a giant bunch of flowers in what was a carefully orchestrated charm offensive

Trump, right, Orbán, center, and Melania would all be seen walking into the ballroom on Friday

Melania Trump was seen alongside her husband Donald on Friday night for a formal dinner at Mar-a-Lago at which the former president was hosting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán

Melania could be seen in an all-white pant suit as she dutifully followed her husband into the room

On Friday night, both Melania and Donald were given a rapturous reception as they walked into the grand ballroom at the beachfront compound.

The former president reached out to shake the hand of some of his supporters, while his wife walked closely behind him, flashing a smile at one point.

Trump, as the likely Republican presidential nominee has continued his embrace of autocratic leaders who are part of a global pushback against democratic traditions .

Orbán has become an icon to some conservative populists for championing what he calls ‘illiberal democracy,’ replete with restrictions on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.

He has also cracked down on the press and judiciary in his country and rejigged the country’s political system to keep his party in power while maintaining the closest relationship with Russia among all European Union countries. 

In the U.S., Trump´s allies have embraced Orbán´s approach. 

On Thursday, as foreign dignitaries milled through Washington, D.C., ahead of President Joe Biden´s State of the Union address, Orbán skipped the White House and instead spoke at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank overseeing the 2025 Project, the effort to create a governing blueprint for Trump’s next term . 

‘Supporting families, fighting illegal migration and standing up for the sovereignty of our nations. This is the common ground for cooperation between the conservative forces of Europe and the U.S.,’ Orbán wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after his Heritage appearance.

The couple entered to cheers and applause as they walking through the Mar-a-Lago ballroom

Those gathered took out their phones to snap a picture of the couple. Trump could be seen shaking hands with supporters

Trump’s supporters appeared happy to see the couple walking in together

At one point the former first lady almost appeared to be smiling as she observed the crowd

Former President Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban pose for photos at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida on Friday night

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during their meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida

Trump and Orbán are seen talking during their meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Friday

The meeting between Trump and Orbán comes as the former president has continued to embrace authoritarians of all ideological stripes.

Orbán then flew to Florida, where met Trump late on Friday afternoon a Mar-a-Lago. 

Orbán’s approach appeals to Trump’s brand of conservatives, who have abandoned their embrace of limited government and free markets for a system that sides with their own ideology, said Dalibor Rohac, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

‘They want to use the tools of government to reward their friends and punish their opponents, which is what Orbán has done,’ Rohac said.

The meeting also comes as Trump has continued to embrace authoritarians of all ideological stripes. 

In the past Trump has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. 

Orbán´s government has reciprocated, repeatedly praising the former president.

Trump praised Orbán to a laughing crowd. ‘He’s a non-controversial figure because he says, “This is the way it’s going to be,” and that’s the end of it. Right?’ Trump said of the Hungarian prime minister. ‘He’s the boss.’

On Friday, Hungary´s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, posted from Palm Beach, hailing Trump’s ‘strength’ and implying that the world would be more peaceful were he still president.

‘If Donald Trump had been elected President of the United States in 2020, the war in Ukraine, now in its third year, would not have broken out and the conflict in the Middle East would have been resolved much faster,’ he wrote.

Orbán has served as Hungary’s prime minister since 2010. 

The next year, his party, Fidesz, used its two-thirds majority in the legislature to rewrite the nation’s constitution. 

It changed the retirement age for judges, forcing hundreds into early retirement, and vested responsibility for appointing new judges with a single political appointee who was widely accused of acting on behalf of Fidesz.

Fidesz later authored a new media law and set up a nine-member council to serve as the country’s media regulator. 

All nine members are Fidesz appointees, which media watchdogs say has facilitated a major decline in press freedom and plurality.

The country’s legislative lines have been redrawn to protect Fidesz members and no major news outlets remain that are critical of Orbán’s government, making it almost impossible for his party to lose elections, analysts say.

Orbán backed Trump’s reelection effort and has had frosty relations with the Biden administration, which pointedly did not invite Hungary to a summit on democracy it organized after the president took office. 

Former president Donald Trump met Orban, in the Oval Office in May 2019. At the time, Trump called Orban ‘a respected man’ but also said he was ‘a little bit controversial,’ comparing him to himself

Hungarian officials have accused Biden’s ambassador to the country, former human rights lawyer David Pressman, of interfering in internal governmental affairs.

The Hungarian leader also has enthusiastically boosted Trump’s latest presidential campaign, posting a message encouraging Trump to ‘keep fighting’ after he was hit with the first of what would be four criminal cases against him last year. Last week, Orbán declared that a win by the former president would be ‘the only serious chance’ for ending the war in Ukraine.

The Hungarian leader also met with Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser who remains a vocal ally of the ex-president and is active in global populist circles.

Orbán’s visit this week comes after he signed a new National Sovereignty Law that penalizes any foreign support of political actors in Hungary, part of the prime minister’s longstanding battle against the European Union and international nonprofits criticizing his erosion of Hungary’s democracy.

Orbán is one of a small group of conservative populists who have publicly aligned themselves with U.S. conservatives trying to oust Biden in November. 

Last month, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and Argentine President Javier Milei spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference just outside Washington.

Orbán was a featured speaker at the 2022 event, after which he met Trump at the former president’s New Jersey golf course.

Several conservative populists have won European elections in recent years, including in Italy and Sweden. But leaders in those countries have remained staunch opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, not battled with the European Union government or taken steps that alarm democracy advocates as Orbán has.

Orbán is not very religious but has become a hero to Christian conservatives for his hardline stances, much like Trump.

• Celena Morrison, executive director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, was arrested along with her husband during a dramatic traffic stop
• The incident was caught on camera and the pair have since been released

By Isabelle Stanley for Dailymail.Com

Published: 10:05 AM EST, March 3, 2024 | Updated: 12:11 EST, March 3, 2024

A top Philadelphia city official and her husband were pulled over by state troopers during a traffic stop, with the officer desperately shouting, “I work for the mayor.”

Celena Morrison, executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs in Philadelphia, was arrested Saturday along with her husband Darius McLean. They have both since been released without charge.

The shocking incident was recorded by Morrison, who can be heard shouting “I work for the mayor” as the unidentified state trooper holds her husband.

McLean, seen along the highway as the officer handcuffs him, calls out to his distressed wife. He then shouts, “It’s because I’m black.”

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, for whom Morrison works, called the video “deeply concerning” in a statement about X.

The incident was captured on camera and shared on Facebook. Darius McLean, Celena Morrison’s husband, is arrested along the highway

Morrison is the executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania State Police said the trooper initiated a traffic stop on westbound I-76 around 9 a.m. for a vehicle with multiple violations.

They said state police initially stopped a gray Infinity sedan — believed to be driven by Morrison — for “multiple vehicle code violations.”

A green Dodge sedan then pulled up behind the trooper’s car, believed to be driven by Morrison’s husband, McLean.

The officer then approached the Dodge and police said the driver was “verbally combative” and “resisting arrest.”

Morrison began recording the incident and she can be heard shouting “I work for the mayor” as her husband scrambled to the ground.

As the officer stood with her husband on the side of the road, Morrison said, “That’s my husband… That’s my husband, please.”

The trooper tried to handcuff McLean and a scuffle broke out.

McLean can then be heard saying, “It’s because I’m black,” to which the trooper responds, “It’s not because you’re black.”

The trooper then approaches Morrison and she drops her phone.

He can be heard shouting at her: ‘turn around’ and ‘give me your hands or you’ll get a bag’.

The soldier could be seen standing over McLean as Morrison, who recorded the ordeal, shouted at police

Her husband, Darius McLean, is the COO of the William Way Community Center, according to his LinkedIn

Mayor Cherelle Parker labeled the incident on X as ‘very concerning’

The trooper then approached Morrison, who dropped her phone. She was also handcuffed and arrested

Morrison then tells her husband not to worry, before adding: “He just punched me.”

Later you hear her say, ‘What’s going on? Why are you so aggressive?’

The officer then picks up her phone and says, “This was a simple traffic stop because you didn’t have your lights on. You didn’t have your lights on and you’re tailgating.”

Both Morrison and McLean were taken into custody on resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, disorderly conduct and other related charges, but were released without charges on Saturday.

McLean is the COO of the William Way Community Center, according to his LinkedIn.

Mayor Cherelle Parker said on

Requests from organizers of the SThe Ydney Mardi Gras parade that police will not participate in the annual LGBTQI event after an officer was charged with murder has sparked an uproar.

Arepresenter for NSW Police confirmed on Monday evening that ‘The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras board has decided to withdraw the invitation to NSW Police to participate in this year’s event on March 2.

It would be the first year in two decades that uniformed officers have not participated in the parade, prompting comments online that the group as a whole was being punished for the alleged actions of one person.

The police lockout follows the arrest of Beaumont Lamarre-Condon, 28, a senior NSW Police officer charged with the murder of his ex-partner Channel 10 presenter Jesse Baird, 26, and his new friend Luke Davies, 29, in February. 19.

Among those who expressed disappointment at the police ban was former ABC Radio presenter and gay rights advocate Julie McCrossin AM, who said: “When someone was arrested multiple times during the early days of gay liberation in Sydney in the 1970s, cultural change and inclusivity what we were. fighting for.’

Another commenter agreed, saying, “I’m a lesbian but I feel so betrayed by my community. Why are we collectively punishing all officers for the alleged actions of one deranged gay man?”

“This anti-police sentiment has been brewing in the gay community for some time and has nothing to do with this crime,” she added.

One person said he felt “betrayed” by the gay community for “collectively” punishing all the officers

Jesse Baird (right) and his new partner Luke Davies (left) are missing while NSW police officer Beaumont Lamarre-Condon is charged with their murders

Ms McCrossin called on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras board to reverse their decision and allow uniformed police to participate.

“We are deeply sorry that Sydney Mardi Gras has withdrawn the invitation to the NSW Police to march with us. They have been marching for 20 years and have attended many other Mardi Gras events,” she said.

“Some of these police officers are gay and lesbian liaison officers, others are marching to demonstrate leadership and promote cultural change from within.”

She said it’great to see how mainstream organizations and government agencies have joined the Mardi Gras Parade over the years.

“This includes members of the armed forces and faith groups.

“The NSW Police marching with us is a good news story in a world where homosexuality is still a criminal offense with heavy penalties in many countries.

“Let’s hope this decision can be changed.”

Her words led to a flood of comments agreeing with her position.

“This is a horrific decision that hinders inclusion and affects the safety of the queer community,” one person said.

“While I understand the reasons behind this, I feel this is the wrong decision. The actions of one member of this organization should not take away from the good that so many others are doing,” said another.

Lamarre-Condon is behind bars and will be questioned again on Tuesday. The senior officer previously marched in uniform during Mardi Gras in 2020 (pictured)

Sky News presenter Laura Jayes said the decision seemed ‘nonsensical’.

While conservative social commentator Prue MacSween urged caution not to let anger over the alleged crime lead to division between the gay community and police.

“It is understandable that the gay and lesbian community is angry and grieving, but they should not blame the police for one person’s alleged act,” she said.

“This is not a murderous act by the police. It could have been a deranged individual who happened to have a job in those ranks, who did have access to a gun (but) this appears to be a crime of domestic violence, as tragic as that is.”

Another commenter agreed: “The organizers also need to be careful with their messaging. “I am sure they do not want to inadvertently cause the community to become hostile towards the police, who will be there to protect those attending the parade.”

However, many commentators pointed out that police are still welcome to attend the parade as individuals, but not as a group representing NSW Police.

“They are not blaming the police for one person’s alleged act, they are managing security at a large event and trying to avoid confrontation,” one person said.

“Police officers can of course still march, the only thing that is asked is that they not march in uniform.”

Jesse Baird was also a referee for the AFL and had worked more than 60 matches at the highest level

The Mardi Gras board said in a statement shared with the media: ‘In recent days, many have expressed concerns… about whether it can still be a space to protest, celebrate and advocate for equality, and to to honor and mourn those we have lost, given the participation of NSW Police in this year’s event.”

“Our community needs space to mourn the loss of Jesse and Luke, who before this tragedy would have been here celebrating with us at the festival.”

A Change.org petition has also appeared online calling on the board to resign over the ban.

NSW Police said in a statement: ‘While we are disappointed with this outcome, we will continue to work closely with the LGBTIQA+ community and remain committed to working with organizers to provide a safe environment for all participants. ‘

EThe advocacy group LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation said conversations about police participation in Mardi Gras should be kept separate from the issue of the alleged killings.

“This is, as claimed by NSW Police, a domestic and family violence crime and we must all recognize that this problem occurs at a disproportionately high rate in LGBTQ+ communities,” the report said.

“There needs to be greater attention and focus on the awareness, recognition and responses to domestic and family violence by our community, first responders, service providers and government.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said excluding officers from Saturday’s parade would damage the organisation’s relationship with the gay and lesbian community.

“We have been participating in Mardi Gras for 20 years and have not missed a year… it would be a real travesty if this organization were to be excluded (this year),” she told reporters earlier on Monday.

A man places flowers at Jesse Baird’s Paddington home in Sydney on Saturday

Premier Chris Minns also backed the police march, saying not doing so would be a step backwards.

“There are many LGBTQI members of the NSW Police Force who over the years, particularly senior officers who have served for decades, have challenged bias within the workforce,” he said.

“I think NSW Police taking part in the Mardi Gras parade is an important part of bringing the communities together.”

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The police officer who cops want to speak to following the grisly disappearance of his TV star ex and flight attendant partner was once a high-flying celebrity blogger who mixed with the likes of Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian and Selena Gomez.

Constable Beau Lamarre was seen last week following Kourtney Kardashian behind the wheel of a grey Tesla near Rose Bay, in Sydney’s east – and even managed to grab a snap with her and Travis Barker.

Mr Lamarre is now at the centre of an unfolding tragedy after his ex-boyfriend and former Channel Ten presenter Jesse Baird, 26, disappeared, along with Mr Baird’s Qantas flight attendant partner Luke Davies, 29.

The couple’s bloodstained clothes were found dumped in a skip on Wednesday and Mr Baird’s blood-splattered home 30km away in the upmarket Sydney suburb of Paddington has been declared a crime scene.

Police are looking to speak to any of the couple’s former partners and have not been able to track down Mr Lamarre, whose phone was switched off on Thursday night. 

Mr Lamarre’s former boyfriend Jesse Baird is pictured with his current partner Luke Davies at Pink’s concert in Sydney two weeks ago

Constable Beau Lamarre is pictured in his New South Wales police uniform 

NSW Police Constable Beau Lamarre is pictured with Taylor Swift. He has now vanished, as has his ex-boyfriend and that man’s partner

It’s understood that Mr Lamarre, who deleted his Instagram account in recent days and is on sick leave, may be able to assist police with their inquiries. 

Relatives of Mr Baird say he and Mr Lamarre had a ‘bitter’ break up and one of missing couple told family that they thought they were being stalked in recent weeks.

It’s all a far cry from the police officer’s old life interviewing Hollywood elites on the Golden Globes red carpet, meeting Lady Gaga and flying first class.

The first of Mr Lamarre’s many brushes with fame came when he met Lady Gaga at a 2014 concert, and came out as gay that night through a note he threw on stage to her.

She read out the letter, revealing his sexuality, to her 15,000-strong audience and he was taken backstage by Lady Gaga after the show.

‘She came out for me,’ Mr Lamarre later said in a radio interview.

After enjoying his moment in the sun, the celeb chaser went onto take selfies with famous faces such as Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Russell Crowe. 

But his ability to make headlines did not leave him when he joined the police, following in the footsteps of his mother was a senior officer. 

Just a year into the job, a video emerged of Mr Lamarre tasering a man during a dramatic arrest in Darlinghurst went viral. 

He was later cleared by an internal investigation of any wrongdoing.

Mr Lamarre is pictured with Kim Kardashian. He was seen last week following her sister Kourtney in Sydney 

Beau Lamarre (right) was once a celebrity blogger who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Selena Gomez (left)

Mr Lamarre (left) is pictured with New Zealand pop singer Lorde (right)

He met Lady Gaga (pictured) at a 2014 concert, and came out as gay that night through a note he threw on stage to her

Jesse Baird and Luke Davies are pictured. Police hold grave fears for their safety

Mr Baird and Mr Davies went missing from the TV producer’s $3million Federation terrace home in Paddington.

Mr Davies, 29, was with Mr Baird, 26, on Monday but the pair then vanished and Mr Davies’ family have been unable to contact him.

CCTV footage of the couple’s last known whereabout shows them entering Mr Baird’s home late on Monday night.

The men were captured wandering outside before heading towards the back of the terrace. A white van is then seen driving nearby. Neither of the pair have been seen since, however Mr Baird’s phone appeared to be active on WhatsApp on Tuesday evening.

A manhunt was launched after a pile of the couple’s bloodied clothes was found in a large skip bin in the centre of Cronulla in Sydney’s south at around 11am on Wednesday.

Police then raced to Mr Baird’s home in Paddington, where they found a ‘large amount of blood’ and bloodstained furniture.

‘Following inquiries, detectives are looking at a line of inquiry that a third person may be able to assist with the investigation,’ a police statement read on Thursday night.

‘Police are currently trying to locate him. Detectives will continue to look at all past relationships and associations.’

Beau Lamarre (left) is pictured with English pop star Harry Styles (right)

Lamarre started his own blog and interviewed a bevy of A-listers at the 2016 Golden Globes in LA. Pictured with Russell Crowe 

Mr Lamarre (right) is pictured with pop singer Dua Lipa (left)

 Lamarre began documenting his lavish lifestyle. He was seen travelling either in first-class or on private jets donning luxury labels and carrying Louis Vuitton leather luggage

Neighbours near Mr Baird’s rented Paddington home heard an argument early on Monday morning but that wasn’t reported to police until they began canvassing the scene two days later.

Police say they’re not excluding any lines of inquiry, but they now hold grave fears for both men.

Mr Davies’ home in Waterloo in Sydney’s inner-south was also found to be empty.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that the pair were partying in the Beresford club in Surry Hills on Sunday.

The club, which is just a ten-minute walk from Mr Baird’s flat and is known for its friendly LGBT scene, was hosting ‘two amazing shows by Sydney’s top drag divas, Minnie Cooper, Mynx Moscato and April Mae June’.

The event, which also involved international DJs, kickstarted Sydney’s ‘Mardi Gras party marathon’, the high point of Sydney’s LGBTQ calendar.

Just 48 hours later, both men would be the subject of a major police manhunt after their ‘suspicious disappearance’.

Police have launched an intense investigation in the neighbourhood around the home on Brown St, Paddington, (pictured) with neighbours questioned for any possible clues

NSW police, detectives and forensic investigators are seen at a home in Paddington, Sydney, Thursday, February 22, 2024

Police officers are seen outside former Channel 10 star Jesse Baird’s home in Sydney

Luke Davies, 29, who disappeared from Sydney’s eastern suburbs is pictured

Detective Superintendent Jodi Radmore, Commander of Eastern Suburbs PAC, begged either of the men to make contact.

When asked if a third person could have been involved in the men’s disappearances, she said that the ‘primary line of inquiry’ was finding the missing men.

‘There has been some sort of incident which has more than likely happened at the Paddington address and that has given us grave concerns for one, possibly both,’ she said.

‘It’s very early stages in the investigation. We are still processing the Paddington address. All lines of enquiry are open.’

Credit cards, wallets, a mobile phone and a $8,000 watch were found among the bloodied clothes in the skip in Cronulla.

Three cars belonging to the men have also been seized. Their bank accounts haven’t been touched since the weekend.

But Mr Baird’s bloodstained home has sparked serious concern for their fate, she said, admitting there was sufficient blood to believe at least one had suffered a ‘significant injury’.

It was revealed on Thursday night that the AFL has been caught up in the men’s disappearance.

Mr Baird is also an AFL goal umpire who had been appointed to officiate a practice match between the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants game on Thursday.

The AFL confirmed that it contacted his family on Thursday after Mr Baird failed to show up to officiate the match.

Mr Davies last updated his social media five days ago with a series of photographs on Instagram of himself in the mountains around Vancouver in Canada.

Mr Davies grew up in Brisbane and recently moved to Sydney for work, according to friends.

Constable Lamarre was filmed tasering Kris Bradshaw in Paddington, Sydney (pictured) 

Qantas flight attendant Maddison Bradley – Mr Davies’ best friend – said he was ‘dearly adored’.

‘I hope we find him. He is such a sweet soul!’ she told Daily Mail Australia.

On February 18, Mr Baird posted pictures of him and Mr Davies together at Pink’s concert in Sydney two weeks ago.

After three years with Studio 10, Mr Baird left his producer/presenter role with the show in January when it was axed by the network late last year.

He had previously worked as a producer/presenter with Ten’s Totally Wild! show for four years as well as a seven-month stint hosting Gamify! for the network in 2019.

On Thursday, Totally Wild’s Ranger Stacey Thompson said she was stunned.

‘I’m shocked actually,’ she told Daily Mail Australia. ‘I worked with Jesse for a few years and we sat across from one another in the TW office.

‘He was a lovely work friend, always professional and keen to learn. I prefer not to comment further at this time, until more details come to light.’

Mr Baird’s life of mixing with stars through his TV career was very familiar to Mr Lamarre’s previous life of interviewing celebrities and documenting his lavish lifestyle.

He was seen travelling either in first-class or on private jets donning luxury labels and carrying Louis Vuitton leather luggage.

After entering the property, officers immediately established a crime scene

Qantas flight attendant Maddison Bradley (pictured with best friend Luke Davies) said he was ‘dearly adored’

In 2016 he made an unexpected appearance at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles.

He was pictured chatting to A-listers including Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in pre-show interviews on the red carpet.

Mr Lamarre has also been photographed with many other stars from the worlds of film, television and music. 

Now the people most desperate to find him, and Mr Baird and Mr Davies, are his fellow officers in the New South Wales police force. 

The manhunt was launched a pile of the couple’s bloodied clothes were found 30km away in a large skip bin behind Club Cronulla, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire around 11am on Wednesday

Pregnant Rhian Sugden looked ethereal in a sparkling dress with her husband Oliver Mellor at the Gaydio Pride Awards 2024 Hilton hotel in Manchester on Friday.

The glamor model, 37, cradled her blossoming baby bump in the silver sleeveless dress.

The Celebrity Big Brother star added even more glamor to her look with a set of gold jewelery including bracelets and rings.

She carried a chic shoulder bag as she posed on the purple carpet, her golden locks styled in flawless waves.

Rhian looked radiant and jovial as she smiled ahead of the ceremony, which recognizes and celebrates the efforts made to improve LGBTQ+ life in Britain.

The glamor model, 37, dazzled in the spotlight as she cradled her blossoming baby bump in the silver sleeveless dress

Former Coronation Street star Oliver, 43, looked smart in an all-black look as he beamed against his wife.

The couple – who first had a romantic relationship in 2013 and later tied the knot in 2018 – are now expecting their first child together.

Rhian was joined on the glitzy purple carpet by a bevy of celeb guests including Strictly favorite Layton Williams, Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, Paul Burrell, Dr Ranj Singh and MAFS star Ella Morgan.

The chic ceremony was hosted by Gaydio's breakfast show hosts Paris & Dave, and featured stunning performances from BRIT Award nominee Jazzy, Caity Baser, Talia Mar, Tia Kofi and Ginger Johnson.

Fourteen awards were presented during the star-studded evening, including Outstanding Entertainment Contribution to actor and Strictly star Layton Williams.

Brit Award winner Becky Hill was proudly named Music Artist of the Year at the event, being praised for her mission to normalize queerness through her music.

The singer said: 'Many thanks to Gaydio for this wonderful Music Artist of the Year award and for all the support over the years.

Since coming out as queer, I have tried to put queerness at the center of everything I do; touring with some incredible drag acts, while putting the trans and drag community at the forefront of my live shows.

The Celebrity Big Brother star added even more glamor to her look with a set of gold jewelry, including an array of bracelets and rings

She carried a chic shoulder bag as she posed on the purple carpet, with her golden locks styled in flawless waves

The couple – who first had a romantic relationship in 2013 and later tied the knot in 2018 – are now expecting their first child together

Becky ended by saying, “Support like this really means the world – thank you so much for Artist of the Year!”

UK Black Pride co-founder Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah (Lady Phyll) won the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Hastings won Grassroots Pride of the Year and Bristol Pride was named Pride Organization of the Year.

Emily Waldron from Liverpool, founder of @Emz_Crafts_, was named LGBTQ+ Young Business Person of the Year.

The trans teen advocate donates all profits to Pride events in the region or to Truk United matches where she plays football.

Award-winning activist, campaigner and Drag Queen Lucky Roy Singh won LGBTQ+ Influencer of the Year, while Alice-Louise Wallace won Volunteer of the Year for her work with Crawley LGBT+.

Venue or Event of the Year went to Manchester lesbian bar Vanilla, and Charity of the Year was awarded to Opening Doors, the UK's largest charity for LGBTQ+ people over 50.

The LGBTQ+ Enterprise Award was given to Pop'n'Olly, Britain's leading LGBT+ educational resource, and LGBT+ Network NHS Blood and Transplant won Pride Network of the Year.

Meanwhile, The Transmanian Devils took home the LGBTQ+ Club or Sports Team of the Year for their work in promoting inclusivity in sport for LGBTQ+ athletes in Manchester and beyond.

The Hilton LGBTQ+ Champion award went to Richard Finn, General Manager of Hilton Cambridge City Centre.

The star-studded evening saw 14 awards presented, including Outstanding Entertainment Contribution to actor and Strictly star Layton Williams

This Morning star Dr. Ranj Singh is pictured on the purple carpet along with another guest

Becky Hill – who was not present at the awards ceremony – thanked the organization and said: 'Since coming out as queer, I've tried to put queerness at the heart of everything I do' (pictured at Peacock Theater last week)

Speaking about the awards ceremony, Gaydio director Ian Wallace said: “Last night was the Gaydio Pride Awards 2024 with Hilton, an evening dedicated to recognizing and showcasing the incredible achievements of the LGBTQ+ community across the country.

“We loved celebrating all the amazing nominees and winners who have made a huge impact on LGBTQ+ lives this year and beyond! We can't wait to do it all again next year.'

Gaydio is the UK's LGBTQ+ station, home to Gaydio Breakfast with Paris and Dave and strives to be the place for the UK's LGBTQ+ community.

From Madonna’s Like a Prayer video featuring stigmata and a kiss with a saint to Lady Gaga as Mary Magdalene going clubbing with Jesus in her son Judas, Catholic iconography has long been deeply embedded in popular culture. 

But Gen Z are taking it one step further with so-called Catholic core sweeping Tiktok, and rather than just borrowing the aesthetic, 18 to 25-year-olds are fully embracing religion.  

From showing off their rosary beads to 20-something priests asking their followers to rate ‘their fit’ on vestments, many are sharing their love of God online.

The beliefs, it seems, as are important as the aesthetic, with people sharing clips of pretty churches, Catholic statues and even church ‘OOTD’ (outfits of the day), including lace mantillas. 

Many sharing their faith online weren’t raised Catholics but are converts to the religion. 

From sharing rosary beads to 20-something priests asking their followers to rate ‘their fit’ on vestments, many are sharing their love of God online. Pictured is Father Sam French, from Australia, who shares very Gen Z-friendly posts

Mel from London, who goes by I Cut My Own Bangs, shares snaps of her ‘Catholic looks’ online. She is pictured heading to mass at Westminster Cathedral

Maya, 22, who grew up as a ‘feminist with purple hair’ in Czechia, which she describes as an ‘atheist country’, has built up a following online going by the ‘veiled convert’.

She wears a lace mantilla because she believes ‘covering her hair gives all her glory to god’, having built up more than 40,000 followers sharing Bible passages and pictures of religious candles, paintings of Saints and rosary beads in her home.

Maya says that she converted after suffering with her mental health during the pandemic and meeting a ‘scientist’ who was also a convert. 

Elsewhere, Gen Z It girl Sabrina Carpenter – rumoured girlfriend of actor Barry Keoghan – recently filmed her video for hit single Feather in a Catholic church, which caused a furore. 

Maya, 22, who grew up as a ‘feminist with purple hair’ in Czechia, which she describes as an ‘atheist country’, has built up a following online going by the ‘veiled convert’. Pictured before and after converting 

Gen Z It girl Sabrina Carpenter recently filmed her video for hit single Feather in a Catholic church, which seemingly causes a furore. She is pictured at the altar of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Brooklyn

Gigantiello was ordered to conduct a ‘Mass of Reparation’ at the Williamsburg church and watch on as his furious bishop sprinkled the altar with holy water to ‘repair the harm’

Monsignor Jamie J Gigantiello issued a grovelling apology and was sacked as church administrator after the former Disney star turned sex siren cavorted in the apse of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn.

His furious bishop Robert Brennan was ‘appalled’ at the video for Feather which has now attracted 11 million views online, sprinkling the altar with holy water as he forced Gigantiello to conduct a ‘Mass of Reparation’.

The video shows Carpenter, 24, arrive provocatively dressed at the church in a pink hearse for the ‘funeral’ of former boyfriends in front of an altar decorated with their pastel coffins, one of which includes the inscription ‘RIP B****’.

‘I offer my sincere apologies for this shameful representation which I whole-heartedly denounce,’ Gigantiello told his parishioners in a letter posted on Facebook.

Another Gen Z woman, who goes by youraveragecatholic, from the US, has racked up 13,000 followers on TikTok

Other users, including Anna from the US, have shared clips of their ‘aesthetic’ 

Jessica Madrigal from Mexico, shares snaps of the ‘Mexican Catholic look’ as well as her church fits 

Maggie Craig Ministries, from Southern California, shared videos from Catholic Camp, showing how she parties with nuns including water gun fights, she’s racked up 4.5milliion likes on TikTok

Delphine Chui, now 34, has  seen more and more Gen Zers going to her church St Bede’s in Clapham

St Bede’s church in Clapham has a congregation with the average age of 22 

‘I agreed to the filming after a general search of the artists involved did not reveal anything questionable.’

The priest, who has served at the Victorian church for 29 years said he granted permission for the video in a bid to ‘further strengthen the bonds between the young creative artists who make up a large part of this community’.

The church originally claimed Carpenter’s team ‘failed to accurately represent the video content’.

But that did not wash with his Bronx-born bishop who concluded that he was told enough to know the video would feature ‘inappropriate behaviour unsuitable for a church sanctuary’.

Elsewhere, Aussie TikTok star John is Catholic, 20, has racked up more than 100,000 TikTok followers for sharing videos about religion.

In one clip he uses cricket to explain the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism.

John’s priest is Father Sam French, 30, who shares very Gen Z friendly clips.

In one, he asks his followers to rate his fit, asks people to ‘hmu’ (hit him up) after mass, and says religious references in songs are ‘fire’.

He’s racked up nearly a million views on TikTok for the fun videos.

In one popular clip, he walks into a house with an elderly woman, with the Ghostbusters theme blaring, to perform an exorcism.

But inside he set the fire alarm off with too much incense and overs someone in holy water.

‘If you’d asked me 12 months ago about social media, I would have said it’s toxic and I would still say that today,’ Father French told Catholic Weekly.

One TikTok star shared a clip of her taking a picture of her Bible shared by the Array of Hope ministries online

Maya, 22, wears a lace mantilla as she believes ‘covering her hair gives all her glory to god’, having built up more than 40,000 followers sharing Bible passages and pictures of religious candles, paintings of Saints and rosary beads in her home

Many TikTokers have shared clips of their ‘Catholic’ items online, Maya’s rosary beads are pictured

‘I think there’s a lot of danger associated with social media, and it probably is a net negative for youth culture and for society.

‘But I cannot escape the fact that that’s where young people are. This is basically mission territory.’ he added.

 ‘I think what draws Gen Z to Catholicism is how radically different it is to our modern secular culture. Where the secular culture pushes us toward infidelity, Catholicism encourages monogamous, loving relationships. Where culture draws us toward over-indulgent consumerism, Catholicism inspires us to be temperate and find satisfaction in what truly matters — our relationship with Christ,’ she said.

She has also seen more people embrace traditional Latin mass, or TLM.    

‘I think there’s a big kind of trad aesthetic. I think Gen Z are drinking less these days, sleeping around much less — they’re much more conservative than millennials. A lot of my younger friends in their 20s are married with children,’ she added.

Father Sam French, 30, from Australia says social media is his ‘mission’ place to bring people to the church

The Priest shares clips of very Gen-Z heavy clips, including using internet slang to ask ‘what’s happening’ after Mass

Elsewhere, Aussie TikTok star John is Catholic, 20, has racked up more than 100,000 TikTok followers for sharing videos about religion

Chui says her church, which practices TLM, has a median age of 22.

And the youth appeal of Catholicism for the youth appears to be international.

Maggie Craig, from Southern California, shares videos from Catholic Camp, showing how she goes to summer camps where she parties with nuns including having water gun fights, her videos have racked up 4.5 million likes.

Ria Org, 19, also from the US, is another Catholic convert who shares clips wearing a lace mantilla.

In her TikTok clips, she explains how she use to be an atheists. She has racked up  40,000 followers.

Another American, who just goes by Your Average Catholic, has racked up 13,000 followers with her videos about the church. 

More than  910 million views have racked up on #darkcatholicismaesthetic on TikTok, while  #catholic has 9 billion views. 

Viki, from New York, also shares clips of her ‘Roman Catholic’ lifestyle

Andrew Scott found fame with his role as the ‘hot priest’ on smash hit Fleabag,

It’s leaked into TV too. Andrew Scott found fame with his role as the ‘hot priest’ on smash hit Fleabag, which has led to the emergence of many real life ‘hot priests’.

Pat Allerton, a vicar in Notting Hill, became popular on Instagram with his trendy take on religion during lockdown.

The handsome vicar took to the streets of the city to ‘take church to the people’, playing Amazing Grace on speakers in residential streets before inviting residents to pray. 

He told Tatler: ‘I’m here for everyone, religious or not. I simply want people to know that even in the darkest valley there is light, there is hope and there is a God that’s here to help.’

Elsewhere, Rev Christopher Lee, from west London, grew fame from ’60-second sermons’.

The married father of two daughters is adamant they follow him for the power of the gospels and not due to his appearance.

Yet barrels of female followers post comments such as ‘I love you’ and ‘you just keep blowing my mind’ as well as putting numerous love heart emojis under his pictures.

He told the Times: ‘It’s never a horrible thing to be told you’re good-looking, but I think most people follow me because of my content, because I speak to them on a deeper level.’

By Dan Woodland

Published: 09:45 EST, 14 February 2024 | Updated: 11:05 EST, 14 February 2024

Advertisement

The Duchess of Sussex has broken her silence to defend the new Sussex.com site following a spate of criticism. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘provocative’ decision to relaunch their Archewell website, the umbrella name for all their philanthropic and business endeavours, with ‘Sussex.com’ had sparked accusations they are trying to be ‘more Royal’. Royal insiders told MailOnline that the website, created by Canadian agency Article, made ‘no sense’ and created a ‘blurred line between the past and the present’ as the couple were told to drop their ‘Sussex’ title in 2020 after quitting as working royals.

Responding to the criticism Meghan said in a statement: ‘There is a reason I have worked with Ryan and the talented team at Article for a decade: their attention to detail, their creativity and care, and the thoughtful approach to design as well as to the user experience. They’re not just designers; they are collaborators who elevate your ideas into visual identities. They’re a very special company. Plus they’re Canadian, so I’m a fan.’ 

It comes as Meghan today announced a new podcast deal with female-founded U.S. podcast network Lemonada Media, which aims to ‘make life suck less’ with shows around [sexual intercourse], grief and LGBTQ issues. Prince Harry and Meghan unveiled their new website Sussex.com earlier this week, which modestly insists the pair are ‘shaping the future through business and philanthropy.’

The website is operated by ‘The Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ and is a ‘one-stop shop’ for all their activities. But there is no reference in their biographies about any of their links to the Royal Family – with Harry, who is fifth in line to the throne, described as a ‘humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate and environmental campaigner’. Sussex.com is minimalistic by design and features a large photograph of the couple on the home page.

It has links to the Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions, as well as the controversial sussexroyal.com website launched in 2020 to coincide with their decision to step back as working royals. It is thought the Duke and Duchess will use the site to share their personal and official updates, keeping people informed through the ‘News’ section. Their ‘About’ page reads: ‘The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex is shaping the future through business and philanthropy. This includes: The Archewell Foundation, Archewell Productions, patronages, ventures, and organizations which receive the support of the couple, individually and/or together.’ 

There is also a page dedicated to Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, detailing their backgrounds and achievements. Prince Harry’s biography references his 10-years served in the British Armed Forces and as a New York Times bestselling author of Spare, ‘a memoir of his life told with compassion, vulnerability and unflinching honesty’. Meghan’s biography refers to her advocacy work, her career in the entertainment industry as a lead role in the TV series ‘Suits’ and as a NY Times bestselling author of children’s book ‘The Bench’ and ‘Together: Our Community Kitchen’. Their biographies include the line: ‘They are committed to their mission: Show Up, Do Good. They hold the value that charitable work should not simply be ‘a handout, but rather a hand held’. 

The Archewell Foundation was set up by the Duke and Duchess to ‘build meaningful initiatives’ and ‘drive long-term change’. Archewell Productions was founded in 2020 and is ‘dedicated to illuminating thought-provoking and diverse narratives that underscore our common humanity and celebrate community.’ Many close to the royal household believe it is a flagrant breach of the supposedly cast-iron assurances Harry and Meghan gave the late Queen when they acrimoniously quit as working royals in 2020, and comes perilously close to using their royal status for commercial gain. Well-placed sources said the new online website would provide a ‘big challenge’ for Buckingham Palace’s Lord Chamberlain.

The top Royal official must decide whether to take the Sussexes to task or ‘let it slide’ in order to keep the already fragile family peace. Others described it as a betrayal of the agreement, ‘if not in letter, certainly in spirit’. But a source close to the couple brushed off the claims and defended the use of their royal titles for the website. They said: ‘Prince Harry and Meghan are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. That is a fact. It is their surname and family name.’

Experts have also pointed out that the website launch comes just a week after it was revealed King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer, and Kate Middleton continues her recuperation at home following abdominal surgery. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline: ‘The Sussexes have a curious sense of timing. The question is not whether it is their right to launch a new website Sussexes.com with their coat of arms and using their royal titles, but the extraordinary timing.’

‘Only a week ago Harry was visiting his father who, as we know, is fighting cancer. The Royal Family is therefore much in the news with the Princess of Wales recuperating from what appears to be a serious illness. As members of the Royal Family, having stepped down from royal duties, it would surely be more sensitive and more sensible to leave their rebrand until later in the year. The bizarre aspect of this is that although that is likely to be the way the world perceives it, they apparently cannot see that this is spectacularly ill-timed,’ Fitzwilliams added.

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The Duchess of Sussex has broken her silence to defend the new Sussex.com site after a wave of criticism.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'provocative' decision to relaunch their Archewell website, the umbrella name for all their philanthropic and business endeavors, with 'Sussex.com' had sparked accusations that they are trying to be 'more royal' .

Royal insiders told MailOnline that the website, created by Canadian agency Article, made 'no sense' and created a 'blurred line between past and present', as the couple were told. Unpleasant dropped their 'Sussex' title in 2020 after quitting as working royals.

In response to the criticism, Meghan said in a statement: 'There's a reason I've worked with Ryan and the talented team at Article for a decade: their attention to detail, their creativity and care, and the thoughtful approach to both design and design . the user experience.

'It's not just designers; they are collaborators who elevate your ideas into visual identities. It is a very special company. Plus, they're Canadian, so I'm a fan.”

It comes as Meghan today announced a new podcast deal with female-founded US podcast network Lemonada Media, which aims to 'make life suck less' with shows around sex, grief and LGBTQ issues.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in September 2023. The photo now appears on the home page of sussex.com

Their 'About' page reads: 'The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex is shaping the future through business and philanthropy'

Prince Harry and Meghan unveiled their new website Sussex.com earlier this week, which modestly emphasizes that the couple is “shaping the future through business and philanthropy.”

The website is managed by 'The Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex' and is a 'one-stop shop' for all their activities.

But there is no reference to their links to the royal family in their biographies – with Harry, who is fifth in line to the throne, described as a 'humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate and environmentalist'.

Sussex.com is minimalist in design and features a large photo of the couple on the homepage.

It contains links to the Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions, as well as the controversial website sussexroyal.com which was launched in 2020 to mark their decision to step back as working royals.

It is believed that the Duke and Duchess will use the site to share their personal and official updates and keep people informed via the 'News' section.

Their About page reads: “The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex is shaping the future through business and philanthropy.

'This includes: the Archewell Foundation, Archewell Productions, patronages, companies and organizations that receive the support of the couple, individually and/or together.'

The new homepage of Sussex.com features an image of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in September 2023

The Duchess of Sussex's coat of arms can be found on the recently launched website Sussex.com

This is an image released by Kensington Palace on May 25, 2018 showing the Duchess of Sussex's new coat of arms, which was released at the time of her wedding to Prince Harry

A 2018 Daily Mail image showing what each aspect of Meghan's coat of arms means

There is also a page dedicated to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, with details of their backgrounds and achievements.

Prince Harry's biography references his 10 years serving in the British Armed Forces and as the New York Times bestselling author of Spare, “a memoir of his life told with compassion, vulnerability and unflinching honesty.”

Meghan's biography references her advocacy work, her career in the entertainment industry as the lead role in the TV series “Suits” and as a NY Times bestselling author of children's books “The Bench” and “Together: Our Community Kitchen.”

Their bios include the following sentence: “They are committed to their mission: Show Up, Do Good. They believe that charity work should not simply be 'a handout, but rather a helping hand'.

The Archewell Foundation was established by the Duke and Duchess to 'build meaningful initiatives' and 'drive long-term change'.

Founded in 2020, Archewell Productions is “dedicated to illuminating thought-provoking and diverse stories that highlight our common humanity and celebrate community.”

Sources warned that using their Sussex title and royal coat of arms for apparent commercial purposes could provoke complaints from Buckingham Palace.

Experts pointed out that the launch of the website comes just a week after it was announced that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer, and that Kate Middleton continues her recovery at home after abdominal surgery.

The couple's new Sussex.com website has a link at the bottom (circled by MailOnline) under the 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex' logo, which takes users back to SussexRoyal.com

Prince Harry, who is fifth in line to the throne, is described on the website Sussex.com as a “humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate and environmentalist”

Meghan, whose Spotify podcast, acting career and lifestyle blog The Tig are all mentioned in her biography, has been hailed as a 'feminist and advocate for human rights and gender equality'

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline: 'The Sussexes have a remarkable sense of timing.

'The question is not whether it is their right to launch a new website Sussexes.com with their coat of arms and their royal titles, but the extraordinary timing.

'Just a week ago, Harry was visiting his father who, as we know, is battling cancer. The royal family is therefore in the news a lot now that the Princess of Wales is recovering from what appears to be a serious illness.

“As members of the Royal Family who have stepped down from their royal duties, it would certainly be more sensitive and sensible to leave their rebranding until later in the year.

“What's bizarre about this is that even though that's probably the way the world perceives it, they apparently can't see that this is spectacularly bad timing.”

Harry, who lives in California with his wife and their two children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – flew to Britain last Tuesday to meet his father after his diagnosis.

He made the visit without Meghan and their children less than 24 hours after Buckingham Palace made the announcement about Charles' health to the nation.

But there was no meeting with his brother, the Prince of Wales, after Harry spent about 45 minutes at Clarence House to see Charles.

Speaking about how the website says the couple are 'shaping the future through business and philanthropy', Mr Fitzwilliams added: 'We're waiting for some new ideas that don't involve monetising their royal connections for profit, as they so brazenly did on Oprah and in Harry's memoir Spare.

'It is worth bearing in mind that the Invictus Games, as well as Harry's WellChild and Sentebale charity activities, were all created by Harry before their marriage.

He also told how the website links back to the SussexRoyal.com domain – despite the couple being told to drop their 'Sussex Royal' label in 2020 after deciding to step down as working royals.

The Daily Mail reported at the time that Queen Elizabeth II and senior officials agreed that it was no longer tenable for the couple to keep the word “royal” in their branding.

Harry and Meghan first started using the Sussex Royal brand name in 2019 after splitting their household from that of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – known as Kensington Royal.