Author: News US

No one at the company really noticed her.

She arrived before dawn and stayed long after everyone left, working quietly without a single word. Always dressed the same—simple clothes, yellow gloves, and a faded headscarf that shadowed her face. They called her “the Ghost” or just “the cleaner.” Her real name was a mystery, never asked, never spoken.

For three years, she didn’t say a word.

Rumors floated around—some said she’d once been a singer, a teacher, or maybe the widow of a fallen soldier. Others whispered darker tales: that she’d witnessed something so terrible it had stolen her voice forever.

But she kept on cleaning. Polishing marble floors, wiping glass doors, emptying trash cans—day after day.

Then, one Monday, everything changed.

The office buzzed with tension. Executives gathered in the lobby, their voices raised. A scandal had erupted: Vincent Hale, the CEO, was accused of massive fraud—millions misused. The board demanded his resignation.

But Vincent wasn’t in a meeting. He was kneeling before her.

The janitor.

Gasps echoed through the glass atrium.

She stood still, mop in hand, staring at the company’s most powerful man—now trembling, clutching her hands as if pleading for mercy.

And then—something no one expected—she spoke.

Two simple words.

But they shattered everything.

“I remember.”

Her voice was dry, clear, quiet but impossible to ignore.

The room fell silent.

Vincent’s face crumpled, struck by an invisible blow.

“You remember?” he stammered.

She nodded.

That was all it took.

Whispers spread. Questions hung in the air.

Who was she? What did she mean?

Three years earlier, a fire had erupted at one of the company’s facilities. Officially, it was an electrical failure. One victim—a woman, badly burned and hospitalized. Only a contractor, anonymous and forgotten.

She vanished from the world she knew.

Until she returned—as a janitor.

Here. In his company.

When Vincent saw her cleaning near the boardroom, his face went pale. He followed her silently, tried to speak. She ignored him, as always.

But today was different.

The board was ready to oust him.

And when he spotted her mop across the lobby, he broke.

He dropped to his knees.

That’s when she finally broke her silence.

“I remember.”

Two words packed with a thousand untold stories.

Pain. Truth. Reckoning.

The crowd waited, breath held.

Vincent looked up, desperate.

“I didn’t know,” he said shakily. “I swear, I didn’t know they left you behind.”

Her gaze didn’t waver.

“I thought you were dead. I paid to protect you. To relocate you.”

She raised a hand. He fell silent.

Then, again, she spoke.

“You paid them to hide it.”

Gasps rippled through the room.

Vincent bowed his head.

She let go. The yellow gloves slipped to the floor.

Calmly, she addressed everyone.

“My name is Elena Vale. I was the lead engineer at Southfield Plant before the explosion. I survived. And I have proof.”

Gasps, raised phones, recordings began.

Her voice—the truth—rippled through the room.

Shock, disbelief, awe. Some stepped away from Vincent as if he carried the fire she’d endured. Others looked at Elena, truly seeing her for the first time.

Silent for three years.

Now, the floodgates had burst open.

“My name is Elena Vale,” she said again, firmer. “On the day of the explosion, I was in the control room. I warned the supervisor about the pressure system risks. The warning was ignored.”

Her eyes locked on Vincent, still kneeling.

“I was told the decision to keep the plant running came from above. From you.”

Vincent said nothing, hollowed out inside.

Elena went on, “I was trapped under debris for six hours. No emergency response. A janitor from a neighboring factory found me—not your team.”

Her words were steady but sharp.

“I lost my voice from the smoke. My hearing in one ear. My job. My identity.”

Tears formed, but she held them back.

“And then, I lost justice. The report was buried. The company lied about a gas leak. They erased my name.”

The room was still.

Vincent looked up, voice breaking, “I didn’t know. I thought they sent you away for your safety.”

She lifted a flash drive.

“I kept the original report. Safety warnings. Emails. Your signature. The truth.”

She turned to the board behind glass.

“I never stopped being an engineer. I just changed uniforms.”

One board member opened the door. “Ms. Vale, could you speak with us privately?”

“No,” she replied. “Everything stays public.”

She faced the staff.

“I spent three years inside this company, watching. I know how many were silenced, overworked, ignored. That ends now.”

That evening, headlines exploded:

“Janitor Exposes CEO in Stunning Confrontation”
“Mute Engineer Speaks Out with Proof”
“The Woman Who Rose From Fire and Found Her Voice”

Vincent Hale was suspended. Investigations launched. The board had no choice.

Elena refused a settlement.

She wouldn’t be silenced again.

She joined a class-action lawsuit, joined by hundreds of workers sharing their stories.

Her voice sparked a revolution.

Weeks later, Elena stood before a university lecture hall full of engineering students.

She wore her familiar headscarf.

But no gloves.

She smiled, speaking into the mic.

“I used to think survival was the end. Now I know—it’s just the beginning. The moment you speak up, stand for something—that’s when you truly live.”

The students rose, applauding.

Some with tears.

She had been silent for three years.

Now, her voice echoed.

Not just there.

Not just in the city.

But across the nation.

She was no longer “the Ghost.”

She was Elena Vale.

The woman who rose from the flames.

And made the world listen.

‘It hurt’

Han and Can are shocked by claims they’ve copied Alicia and Sonny in this week’s episodes of The Block. So much so that Han considers walking off site – for good.

“Being accused of something I knew we hadn’t done was overwhelming,” geologist Han tells TV WEEK. “Personal conflict is hard for me. I wear my heart on my sleeve and care deeply about others, so the idea that my integrity might be questioned was upsetting.”
Han reaches breaking point. (Credit: Nine)
Han, 29, was unwell when the bathhouse challenge was originally introduced, which just adds insult to injury for her.

“I was in hospital during the bathhouse challenge,” Han adds.

“I’ve always valued originality, so the idea that we’d copy someone else’s work was upsetting. I believed Sonny and Alicia knew we cared about others and wanted everyone to do well. In that moment, it hurt to think they might believe otherwise.”

Can, 31, who wasn’t there for the initial showdown, offers an apology to Alicia, which ends up backfiring when that apology seems like a potential admission of guilt.
Alicia and Sonny don’t like “liars”. (Credit: Nine)

“When I returned and saw how upset Han was, I wanted to understand what had happened,” reveals marketing analyst Can.

“I apologised to Alicia for any misunderstanding.”

Since cameras are always rolling on site, will it be proven that the girls “copied” Alicia and Sonny’s idea? And will this be the end of The Block site being one big happy family?

As for how the lovebirds from Perth, Western Australia, met? That was just over a year ago on an online dating app but the pair admit they are often confused as ‘sisters’ or ‘best friends’ – and coming out is something they do daily.
(Credit: Nine)
“We’ve had to get used to coming out on national TV and being loud and proud about our relationship and our love,” Can says.

“It’s been empowering,” added Han. “Let’s show Australia who gay women are – just normal people who can achieve great things.”

It doesn’t mean the journey of coming out wasn’t difficult for the glamorous duo, despite both their families being very supportive when they did.

“It was a scary time back in 2009,” Can recalled. “Being gay was still a negative in school, and you were definitely an outlier.”

This week on The Block, its Kids Room week – and while Han and Can dream of having kids someday, for now they’re focused on looking after their three fur babies and making the next step.
Can and Han met on a dating site in 2024. (Credit: CH9)
“The next thing for us would be getting engaged, if we can afford a ring… If we earn any money [from The Block]!” Han said with a laugh.

How the pair winded up on Australia’s beloved renovation series was due to what they bonded over on their first date.

“We’ve both been lifelong fans of The Block – we bonded over renovation on our first date (romantic, we know). We joked about going on the show one day, and now here we are, high-vis and all,” they said.

“We’re both obsessed with design, construction, and proving that women can absolutely nail it in this space. We’re excited to push ourselves and show Australia what “Handy-Han” and “Can-Do-Can” are made of.
(Credit: Nine)
“We’re yin and yang. Or more like a cordless drill and a hammer – different functions, but together we get the job done.”

Both being well versed in construction and real estate means they may be a force to be reckoned with amongst the teams. .

“Han grew up on building sites helping her dad with his renovation business, while Can has merged her mum’s influence as an artist and her dad’s handy-man skills, to apply her own creativity to properties and DIY,” they said.

The couple are actually renovating their own home, a Californian bungalow located in Perth – a project they’ve put on hold to compete in the 21st season of The Block.
(Credit: Nine)
While competing on the Channel Nine renovation series was undoubtedly a “dream” for Han and Can, but there were some aspects of filming that they didn’t quite expect.

“The emotional toll,” they confessed to TV WEEK. “Working all day every day has on you, with no privacy. Watching from the couch just doesn’t do it justice!”

“People will always have opinions – it’s TV! But we’ve gained a new family in our fellow contestants, and only they know the full picture. We’ve got each other’s backs, and that’s all that matters.”

She Was Supposed to Play It Safe — But Then Malika Andrews Looked Straight Into the Camera and Said What Everyone Else Had Been Tiptoeing Around

The lights in the ESPN studio were as bright as ever, casting that familiar glow on the set of NBA Today — the kind of setup where hosts like Malika Andrews usually navigate the day’s headlines with the precision of a surgeon. It was a Thursday afternoon in mid-September, the NBA preseason just ramping up, but the segment had veered into WNBA territory, as it often did these days. The conversation was about the league’s explosive growth, the record-breaking viewership, and the Rookie of the Year race that had dominated headlines for months.

Malika Andrews, the 28-year-old anchor who had risen from sideline reporter to the face of ESPN’s basketball coverage, was in her element. Poised, professional, with a notebook in hand and a smile that said she was ready for whatever came next. The panel — including former NBA player Kendrick Perkins and analyst Chiney Ogwumike — had been discussing the finalists for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, a race that pitted Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark against Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese in what had become the most talked-about duel since Magic vs. Bird.

The vote was set to be announced in two days, but the buzz was already electric. Clark, the 22-year-old phenom from Iowa who had shattered NCAA scoring records and turned the Fever into a national obsession, was the frontrunner. Reese, the LSU standout with her own massive following and unapologetic style, was a close second. It was the kind of story that drove ratings — young stars, rivalries, and the promise of a new era for women’s basketball.

Malika steered the discussion smoothly: “Caitlin Clark has been a lightning rod this season — averaging 28 points, 8 assists, and drawing crowds like no one else. But some veterans have pushed back, saying she hasn’t ‘paid her dues.’ What do you make of that dynamic?”

Perkins chuckled, ready with his usual take. Ogwumike nodded thoughtfully.

But Malika didn’t wait for the full response.

She looked straight into the camera — that unblinking stare she’s known for, the one that makes you feel like she’s talking directly to you — and said what no one else had dared to utter on live TV.

“It’s not about dues. It’s gatekeeping. And it’s time we called it what it is.”

The studio went still.

Perkins’ laugh faded mid-breath.
Ogwumike’s eyes widened.
The control room, sources later said, buzzed with frantic whispers: “Did she just say that?”

Malika didn’t stop.

She leaned in, her voice steady but laced with the kind of conviction that comes from years of covering stories where power dynamics rule the game.

“Caitlin Clark didn’t just show up and demand the spotlight. She earned it — with every deep three, every no-look pass, every sold-out arena. But the pushback from some veterans? It’s not about experience or humility. It’s about territory. About protecting a space they’ve fought for, and seeing a 22-year-old walk in and redefine it overnight. That’s not mentorship. That’s gatekeeping. And if the WNBA wants to grow, it can’t afford to shut out the very talent that’s bringing in a new generation of fans.”

The words hung in the air like smoke from a gunshot.

No one interrupted.

No one contradicted.

The segment wrapped awkwardly, with Perkins mumbling something about “respect for the vets,” and Ogwumike offering a nod of agreement.

But the damage — or the truth — was done.

The clip aired live to 1.4 million viewers.

And within 23 minutes, it was everywhere.

The Firestorm That No One Saw Coming

Malika Andrews wasn’t supposed to go there.

She was the safe host — the one who kept things balanced, who interviewed legends like Sue Bird and A’ja Wilson with respect, who broke down stats without stirring the pot. At 28, she was already a trailblazer: the youngest Black woman to anchor a major sports show, a Stanford grad who had covered the NBA Finals and the WNBA playoffs with the poise of someone twice her age.

But this?

This was personal.

And it started with the Rookie of the Year vote.

The drama had been building for months.

Caitlin Clark’s season was historic — 28.4 points per game, 8.2 assists, leading the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016. She wasn’t just playing; she was transforming the league, drawing in casual fans, boosting merchandise sales by 300%, and turning every game into a must-watch event.

Angel Reese was no slouch — 13.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and her own massive following from LSU. But the race was Clark’s to lose.

Then, the snub.

Just days before the announcement, a leaked ballot from the WNBA Players Association showed Clark receiving only 42% of first-place votes — behind Reese’s 51%. Veterans like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird had publicly questioned Clark’s “readiness,” saying things like, “She’s talented, but the league is a grind. Dues need to be paid.”

The backlash was swift.

Fans accused the vote of bias — gatekeeping by the old guard against the new star.

Social media lit up with #JusticeForCaitlin.

And Malika Andrews?
She had been covering it all — interviewing Clark after tough losses, talking to Reese about her rebounding prowess, even moderating a panel on “rookie hazing” in the league.

But on that Thursday, she didn’t moderate.

She confronted.

And the league wasn’t ready.

The Backstory: A Vote That Exposed the Divide

To understand why Malika’s words hit like a thunderbolt, you have to go back to the summer.

The WNBA Rookie of the Year vote is decided by a panel of players, media, and coaches — a system meant to reward excellence, but one that has long been criticized for subjectivity.

Clark’s case was airtight.

She led all rookies in scoring, assists, and steals.
Her Fever games averaged 1.2 million viewers — triple the league average.
She had already signed a $13 billion media deal, making her the face of the WNBA’s renaissance.

Reese was strong — her rebounding and energy were undeniable — but the gap was clear.

Yet the leaked ballot showed a split.

Veterans voted heavily for Reese, citing “team impact” and “grit.”

Younger players and media leaned Clark.

The divide wasn’t subtle.

It was generational.

And territorial.

As Malika put it on air:

“This isn’t about who’s better. It’s about who gets to decide who’s ‘worthy.’ And when veterans say a rookie hasn’t ‘paid her dues,’ what they really mean is she hasn’t waited her turn. But in a league that’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves, waiting isn’t an option. Clark isn’t asking for permission. She’s taking her place. And that scares people who’ve guarded the door for years.”

The studio didn’t erupt.

It imploded.

Because Malika wasn’t just analyzing.

She was accusing.

The old guard of gatekeeping.

Of resisting change.

Of holding back the very progress the league claimed to champion.

And in that moment, the WNBA’s carefully curated image — of unity, empowerment, sisterhood — cracked wide open.

The Instant Backlash: From Silence to Storm

The segment ended awkwardly.

Perkins tried to pivot: “Well, it’s a tough vote, no doubt.”

Ogwumike nodded: “Both are incredible.”

But Malika’s words lingered.

And when the clip hit social media at 3:47 p.m. ET — raw, unedited — the reaction was explosive.

Within 30 minutes, it had 2.1 million views.

By evening, 8.5 million.

Hashtags surged:
#MalikaSpeaksTruth, #EndGatekeeping, #CaitlinROTY.

Fans rallied:

“Finally, someone says it! The vets are jealous of Clark’s shine.”
“This is why the WNBA struggles — old guard vs. new blood.”

Critics fired back:

“Malika’s stirring drama for ratings. Reese earned her votes.”
“Gatekeeping? That’s just experience talking.”

NBA stars weighed in.

LeBron James: “Malika nailed it. The game evolves — or it dies. Let the rookies shine.”
Stephen Curry: “Respect to Malika for calling it. Clark’s changing the league, and that’s a good thing.”

Even WNBA players broke ranks.

Angel Reese posted a cryptic story: a photo of her Rookie of the Year trophy from college, captioned “Earned, not given.”

Caitlin Clark, usually silent on controversy, liked the clip — her first public response.

And Diana Taurasi?
She called Malika directly.

Sources say the conversation lasted 15 minutes.

Taurasi: “You’re right. But it’s not gatekeeping. It’s survival. We fought for this league. Now we have to share it.”

Malika: “Sharing isn’t erasing. And erasing the new isn’t protecting the old.”

The call ended without resolution.

But it marked the start of something bigger.

The Hidden Dynamics: Gatekeeping in the WNBA

Malika’s accusation wasn’t baseless.

It was rooted in a long-standing tension.

The WNBA was built by pioneers — players like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Sue Bird — who fought for pay, respect, and visibility in a male-dominated world.

They paid dues in empty arenas, low salaries, and constant doubt.

Now, with the league booming — thanks in large part to Clark’s star power — a new generation is arriving.

And the clash is inevitable.

Veterans like Taurasi and Bird have spoken about “dues” — meaning the grind of building the league.
But Clark’s instant fame — $28 million in endorsements before her first pro game — feels like a shortcut to some.
The Rookie vote? It highlighted the divide: 58% of veteran players voted Reese, citing “team fit,” while 72% of media and younger voters backed Clark.

Malika laid it bare:

“Gatekeeping isn’t about protecting the game. It’s about protecting power. And when a rookie like Clark walks in and owns the spotlight, it challenges that power. The pushback isn’t about her game. It’s about her arrival.”

And the league?

It’s caught in the middle.

Growth demands new stars.

But tradition resists change.

The Reckoning: A League on the Brink

The clip didn’t just go viral.

It sparked action.

The WNBA Players Association called an emergency meeting on “rookie integration.”
Sponsors like Nike launched a “New Era” campaign featuring Clark — a subtle nod to Malika’s words.
And ESPN? They doubled down, assigning Malika to cover the Rookie vote announcement live.

But insiders whisper this is just the beginning.

“Malika opened the door,” one executive said. “Now, the players are walking through. And the league isn’t ready for what’s on the other side.”

Because if gatekeeping is the issue, the solution isn’t easy.

It means rethinking votes.
Mentorship programs.
Even the power structure.

And for Clark?

She’s already responding.

In her next interview, she said:

“I respect the vets. They built this. But I’m here to play — not to wait. And if that ruffles feathers, that’s on them.”

The words echoed Malika’s.

And the league?

It’s trembling.

Final Word

Malika Andrews was supposed to play it safe.

She didn’t.

In one unscripted moment, she didn’t just call out gatekeeping.

She exposed the fault lines in a league on the cusp of greatness — lines between old and new, power and progress, respect and resentment.

And now, as the Rookie vote looms, as players unite, as fans demand fairness — one question remains:

 When the truth about gatekeeping is out, can the WNBA close the door — or will it finally let the new era in?

Stephen A. Smith Drops Fiery Bombshell: “The Browns Are Done For Good!”—NFL Reacts in Shock

“Mark my words—the Browns are done for good, and not even a miracle can save them now!”

With that electrifying declaration, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith sent shockwaves through the NFL, leaving the Cleveland Browns’ owner visibly shaken as millions watched live.

In a dramatic and unforgettable moment, Smith revealed the devastating truth behind the Browns’ collapse, igniting panic and outrage across the league.

What exactly did Smith expose, and how did one of football’s proudest franchises reach this point of no return? As fans scramble for answers, the entire sports world is left reeling from a revelation that could change everything for Cleveland.

The Shocking On-Air Moment

It all unfolded during a heated segment of ESPN’s “First Take,” where Stephen A. Smith, never one to mince words, unleashed his most explosive take yet.

With the Browns’ owner reportedly tuning in, Smith didn’t hold back. “I’m telling you right now, there’s no coming back from this,” he thundered, his words echoing through social media within seconds.

The camera panned to the Browns’ owner, whose stunned reaction quickly went viral. The look of disbelief, bordering on devastation, captured the gravity of Smith’s revelation. For many, it was the moment that signaled the end of an era for the Cleveland Browns.

What Led to the Browns’ Collapse?

Stephen A. Smith’s fiery takedown wasn’t just about one bad season—it was a culmination of years of mismanagement, questionable decisions, and missed opportunities. According to Smith, the problems run deep:

Leadership Crisis: Smith pointed to a lack of clear vision and accountability at the top, blaming ownership and front office for failing to build a winning culture.

Coaching Carousel: Frequent changes in coaching staff have left the team without stability, undermining player development and team chemistry.

Quarterback Woes: The Browns’ ongoing struggle to find and develop a franchise quarterback has been a major stumbling block, with draft picks and trades failing to deliver results.

Locker Room Turmoil: Reports of internal conflicts and poor morale have surfaced, further fueling the narrative of a team in disarray.

Smith’s analysis was brutal but honest, and his words resonated with fans who have watched the Browns stumble season after season.

NFL Community Reacts: Panic and Outrage

The fallout was immediate. Social media erupted with reactions from fans, analysts, and former players. Hashtags like #BrownsCollapse and #StephenAShock began trending, as users debated the future of the franchise. Some fans expressed heartbreak, while others vented their frustration at the team’s leadership.

NFL insiders weighed in, with many agreeing that Smith’s assessment was spot-on. “He said what everyone’s been thinking for years,” tweeted one analyst. “The Browns need a complete overhaul, or this downward spiral will never end.”

The Owner’s Response: Silence Speaks Volumes

As the news spread, all eyes turned to the Browns’ owner for a response. But so far, there’s been nothing but silence. No official statement, no press conference—just a stunned reaction on live TV that spoke louder than words.

Insiders speculate that the front office is scrambling to contain the damage and reassure fans, but the lack of communication has only fueled speculation and anxiety.

Fans Scramble for Answers: Is There Any Hope?

For a city that lives and breathes football, the Browns’ collapse is more than just a sports story—it’s a community crisis.

Cleveland fans, known for their loyalty and resilience, are now searching for answers. Can the team recover from this public humiliation? Is there any hope left for a turnaround?

Some cling to optimism, pointing to the NFL’s unpredictable nature and the possibility of a miracle comeback. Others, echoing Stephen A. Smith’s words, fear that the damage is irreversible. “We’ve been through tough times before,” said one lifelong fan. “But this feels different. It feels final.”

What’s Next for the Browns?

With the franchise at a crossroads, the road ahead is uncertain. Will ownership make drastic changes, or will they double down and hope for the best?

Will new leadership emerge to guide the team out of the darkness? For now, the only certainty is that the Browns face their toughest challenge yet.

Sports psychologists note that scandals and public criticism can have lasting effects on team morale and performance.

“How the Browns respond in the coming weeks will determine their future,” said Dr. Michael Turner. “They need to rebuild trust with their fans and refocus on the fundamentals if they want any chance of recovery.”

Stephen A. Smith: The Voice That Changed the Conversation

Stephen A. Smith’s explosive revelation has become the talk of the sports world, and his words will likely echo throughout the season. Known for his fearless commentary, Smith has once again proven why he’s one of the most influential voices in sports media.

As the NFL community grapples with the fallout, one thing is clear: The Browns can no longer hide from their problems. The world is watching, and the pressure is on to deliver answers, accountability, and—if possible—a path forward.

MasterChef’s Declan Cleary has shared a sweet message to girlfriend Sarah Todd after she left the show on Sunday night.

MasterChef fans have noticed Declan Cleary’s subtle dig at the judges after Sarah Todd’s exit from the show. Photo: Instagram/declancleary

Sarah Todd may not have walked away with the MasterChef crown this year, but she did find something more important – love! Sarah and her fellow competitor Declan Cleary announced in June this year that they are dating and that he has even relocated from Sydney to Melbourne to live with her and her 14-year-old son.

After Sarah left the competition on Sunday night, Declan took to social media to share a sweet tribute to his girlfriend, but viewers have noticed what they think is a subtle dig at the judges in the post. Declan wrote, “Great job babe. You were by far the bravest, most creative and resilient chef in that kitchen in my eyes. I never stood a chance against you…”

He then added, “Despite the undercurrents, the constant second-guessing, the moments that felt more like quiet resistance than support, you held your head high. You stayed true to who you are… fiercely creative, wildly intuitive, and never afraid to back yourself.

“Thanks for being my best friend in and outside of that kitchen. We have so much fun together, and you make my heart so full.

“You are a true inspiration not only to all the home cooks out there but to the chefs around the world that would gain knowledge and vision from your wonderful masterpieces. Love you lots, Dec.”

MasterChef fans believe Declan took a dig at the judges in post about Sarah

It was that second paragraph that got fans thinking Declan may have been taking a dig at the judges.

One MasterChef fan wrote on Reddit, “I find the second paragraph interesting… I think Declan put into words how I’ve felt about the judging of Sarah’s cooking this season (particularly from one judge). I’m glad it’s not just in my head.”

Another viewer replied, “Watching Sarah leave was genuinely heartbreaking. I had tears in my eyes after Jean-Christophe’s heartfelt speech, he clearly admired her. And yet, Andy had nothing meaningful to say? She was such a beloved contestant. Her exit felt so abrupt, like the editors were in a rush to just wrap up the episode. I’m honestly so disheartened by how it all played out.”

A third added, “Things really started going off the rails around the Qatar episodes, and it never got better after that. You could see in her body language and in the way she interacted with a particular judge that she felt like they weren’t being fair to her.

“I’m glad Deccers came out and said it, because I didn’t know if I was imagining it. To me Sarah was finalist material.”

“Undercurrents/Second guessing = Andy [Allen],” someone else added, while others thought it might be about Sofia Levin.

“I’m glad Deckers put into words what everyone was feeling,” another wrote. “I’m glad she didn’t go with the amazing tried, tested and perfected dishes but took a risk each single day, and showed us what she’s capable of, even when a certain someone was being extremely nosy and quite unfair to her.”

Sarah took a risk in her final cook-off on Sunday night and the judges didn’t think it paid off. Photo: Ten
“Every time Sofia and Andy interacted with her, she was left nervous,” someone else claimed. “At first I thought I must be nitpicking at something normal but it did give very off vibes.”

Others suggested that Declan’s post might have been about their fellow contestants, with one person writing, “In this episode where she got eliminated, the ‘quiet resistance than support’ was purely her fellow contestants. Everyone was whispering wrong things about her dishes and no one gave he a single piece of advice.”

Sofia Levin responds to fan criticism after Sarah’s elimination

Interestingly, Sarah also shared a post that hinted at this tension behind the scenes. She wrote, “I came into this season with clear intention, to push boundaries, honour my training, and create food that’s refined, creative, and deeply personal. My dishes were rooted in French technique, elevated with global flavours, and inspired by over a decade of working in professional kitchens in London, Australia, India and in my own restaurants in India.

“While this season celebrated some beautiful classic dishes, I remained true to my voice, even when it meant going against the grain. I’ve always believed food should tell a story, spark emotion, and challenge us to think differently and I brought that to every cook, even when it wasn’t the easy choice.”

Sofia commented on the post, saying, “Incredible effort, Sarah. What a privilege to witness you crack yourself open. No one ever grew in any field or part of their life from playing it safe and pleasing the masses. A season of wins for you, and certainly one of connection.”

One viewer hit back at Sofia, “You say s**t but you and Andy literally dismissed her cooking so many times with your shallow pasta loving baby palettes ugh, please remove these two.”

Sofia replied, “I’m really glad you’re so invested in the competition, as are we as the judges. We spend most of our year giving it our all, the same way the contestants do, to make sure they can be their best and get the most out of it.

“What matters is that Sarah knows how much we respect and admire her. All I can say to you is thank you so much for watching. I understand why you might feel defensive over Sare from the edits, she’s a dream!”

Another fan commented, “Sarah, I will miss you so much. Jean-Christophe understands your cooking. You are supreme. Sometimes, people are ahead of their time. Your time is now to come.”

One of this year’s coaches is reportedly being paid significantly less than their co-stars.

The Voice 2025 coaches’ rumoured salaries have been revealed. Photos: Channel 7

Following speculation that The Voice Australia decided to recast its lineup of superstar coaches to save costs, the surprising salaries of this year’s stars have reportedly leaked online. The 14th season of the singing competition features Spice Girl Melanie C, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Richard Marx, and multi-platinum-selling hitmaker Ronan Keating, alongside Australian singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke.

Mel and Richard are both first-time coaches this season, while Kate joined the show last year, and Ronan sat in the iconic red chair in 2016. Despite being new to the series, however, the pair are rumoured to be the highest-paid stars.

According to Daily Mail, Sporty Spice and the Right Here Waiting hitmaker both signed contracts “north of $1 million” for their debut season.

“Richard wasn’t going to uproot himself from the US unless it made sense financially,” an insider told the publication. “He’s a bona fide rock legend – Seven knew they had to pay to play.

“[Mel] wasn’t flying halfway across the world for less than a million,” another source shared. “She brings global star power, and that comes with a price tag.”

Melanie C, Richard Marx, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Ronan Keating are this year’s coaches on The Voice Australia. Photo: Channel 7

This year’s lowest-paid star

While Yahoo Lifestyle reported last year that Kate Miller-Heidke had received “upwards of $500,000” for her appearance on the show, it’s understood that she is now earning between $500,000 and $600,000 after “proving herself” in her first season.

Meanwhile, insiders have claimed that Ronan Keating is being paid between $750,000 and $1.2 million, which is the same amount that last year’s international coaches, Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes, were both rumoured to be taking home.

How much money were previous coaches paid?

According to Woman’s Day, Guy Sebastian signed a contract worth $750,000-a-season when he joined the show in 2019. However, this reportedly increased to $1 million in 2022 to match the salaries of his co-stars Rita Ora and Keith Urban.

Kylie Minogue is rumoured to have earned the largest salary in the show’s history, taking home between $5 million and $7 million for a single season in 2014.

How much money is Sonia Kruger paid?

Sonia Kruger, who has hosted 10 seasons of the show since 2015, is believed to be on an annual salary of $1.2 million with Channel 7, according to The Australian. However, this also covers her work hosting Dancing With The Stars and the Logie Awards red carpet.

Channel Nine star Danika Mason has mocked Melbourne Storm hooker Harry Grant on-air following a controversial act on Thursday night.

Channel Nine journalist Danika Mason has accused Harry Grant of diving for a penalty during the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm game on Thursday night during an awkward on-air interaction.

In the dying minutes between two of the game’s best teams, Penrith’s Nathan Cleary slotted a field goal only for it to be overruled for a penalty due to an illegal blocker.

Penrith could have been up 19-18 with three minutes to go, but Moses Leota was penalised for running interference into Grant’s path to defend Cleary.

On Friday morning, the Today Show spoke with Grant after he won Melbourne the game in golden point, scoring under the post to win 22-18.

Mason claimed Grant has “done this before” as he intentionally dived to receive a penalty for his side.

Karl Stefanovic hit back at Danika Mason after she accused Harry Grant of diving for a penalty. Picture: Today Show

“He was playing up to it, he’s done it before, we love Harry, but that was a dive,” Mason said.

Karl Stefanovic hit back, asking Mason “are you joking?”

“That’s not a dive, there’s 28 referees on the field, 78 in the bunker, and they didn’t call it a dive,” Stefanovic said.

Moses Leota blocks the charge down attempt, and Melbourne escapes a Cleary field goal!

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“They got the right call, but he’s doing these ones (as she threw her hands in the air, swaying backwards in her chair), arms going everywhere. It was definitely a dive,” Mason hit back as she imitated Grant doing a flop.

“People are getting a bit sick of it.”

Mason then doubled down and told Grant: “You’ve got the best acting skills, we might have a few Logies around the office”.

Harry Grant was on the other end of the on-air grilling from Danika Mason. Picture: Today Show

Co-host Sarah Abo stepped in to defend Grant.

“Stop it, Danika, that is so disrespectful. Leave him alone, he won the game for the Storm … Harry, well done.”

While Stefanovic added: “I think it’s disgusting that Danika would call to question your character”.

Meanwhile on Thursday night, Cleary accused Grant of “playing for” the contact when he kicked a disallowed field goal.

Harry Grant won Melbourne the game in golden point, scoring under the post to win 22-18. Picture: Supplied/NRL PHOTOS

Nathan Cleary accused Harry Grant of “playing for” the contact when he kicked a disallowed field goal. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I don’t believe that everyone can get behind me on that field goal, and then essentially Harry played for it because he knew he was going to get the penalty,” he said post-match.

“I don’t believe that Moses moved, so it was pretty frustrating.”

Grant unsurprisingly defended himself and went by the rules of the game.

“I think anyone in the game has seen that’s been policed numerous times, and that’s the rule within the game,” he also said post-match.

“A lot of attention will go to that, but it doesn’t need to.

“The attention should go to what a quality contest it was and how well they played. We were underdogs and had a fair few players out, but we turned up, so I really think that (people should focus on the result).”