BAFTAs are being held in London tonight (March 13), and host Rebel Wilson began the night by giving the middle finger to Russian President Vladimir Putin.Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24 and the entertainment community has been sharing their support for the country and its people.To open tonight’s BAFTAs, the organisation’s chairman Krishnendu Majumdar read out a speech which said (via the Hollywood Reporter): “Together with our colleagues at the Ukrainian Film Academy, we stand in solidarity and hope for a return to peace.“We’re hugely grateful to the journalists covering Ukraine, many of whom are BAFTA members. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine as well as those affected by other conflicts around the world.”After Wilson discussed how Emilia Jones’ musical performance on the show would be aided by a pair of sign language interpreters, she then said: “And in all sign languages, this is the gesture for Putin,” before raising her middle finger, which was blurred out by the BBC.Leading the nominees for the 2022 BAFTAs is Denis Villeneuve’s Dune with a huge 11 nominations, while Licorice Pizza and No Time To Die are also up for multiple gongs.Dame Shirley Bassey opened the BAFTA Film Awards 2022 ceremony with a performance of iconic James Bond song ‘Diamonds Are Forever’.Before the ceremony, Rebel Wilson made a playful jibe at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.The Australian actor, known for roles in Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect, appeared on ITV’s This Morning in an interview with Alison Hammond.During the interview, Hammond asked Wilson how she was feeling ahead of the BAFTAs.
Man City and Ukraine defender Aleks Zinchenko sends Vladimir Putin message in now-deleted post
24.02.2022 - 14:53 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
An angry message about Vladimir Putin appeared on the Instagram account of Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko after Russian forces invaded Ukraine.
Zinchenko, who plays for the Ukraine national team and has captained them on three occasions among his 48 caps, has made his feelings known this week as Russia positioned their military around his country ahead of an invasion overnight.
Yesterday, Zinchenko posted a defiant message in support of Ukraine saying 'no one will ever be able to appropriate' its borders.
He said: "The whole civilized world is worried about the situation in my country. I can't stay away and try to convey my opinion. In the photo - my country. The country where I was born and raised. A country whose colors I defend in the international sports arena. A country that we try to glorify and develop. A country whose borders must remain inviolable.
"My country belongs to Ukrainians and no one will ever be able to appropriate it. We will not give up! Glory to Ukraine."
Overnight, Putin ordered Russian forces to begin a 'military operation' in Ukraine, with explosions heard in Kyiv and other major cities, prompting thousands to try to flee the country.
Now, a post has appeared on Zinchenko's Instagram with a picture of Putin saying: "I hope you die the most painful suffering death, creature," as spotted and translated by Twitter account Zorya Londonsk.
The post on Zinchenko's account was quickly deleted, but the defender has shared another image from a separate user who said: "If you are Russian and do not speak up now, then you will be an enemy for us forever."
Zorya Londonsk added that Zinchenko confirmed to them that the post regarding Putin was deleted by Instagram and not by himself.
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