skynewsus--2020-01-16--TV host Wendy Williams sorry after mocking Joaquin Phoenix scar

US television host Wendy Williams has apologised to actor Joaquin Phoenix after saying she found him `` oddly attractive '' and appearing to mock his `` cleft lip '' .
The 55-year-old was discussing the Oscar-nominated Joker actor on 7 January after his Golden Globes win .
She described Phoenix 's scar to the audience on The Wendy Williams Show as a `` hairline fracture '' .
She said : `` He 's got one of those , what do you call it ?
Cleft lip , cleft palate . ''
`` I find it to be very attractive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her finger in her lip to imitate the birth defect .
A cleft palate occurs when parts of a baby 's face do not join together properly during development in the womb .
According to the NHS , it is the most common facial birth defect in the UK , affecting around one in every 700 babies .
Phoenix , 45 , has never spoken publicly about his scar but Williams ' has been heavily criticised for her comments .
Canadian American football player Adam Bighill , who was born with a cleft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also born with one , said the comments were `` hideous and offensive '' .
Williams has now apologised `` to the cleft community '' for her statements and said the programme is donating to two charities supporting those with the defect .
She also said she wanted to `` encourage our Wendy Watchers to learn more and help support the cleft community '' .

US television host Wendy Williams has apologised to actor Joaquin Phoenix after saying she found him "oddly attractive" and appearing to mock his "cleft lip".
The 55-year-old was discussing the Oscar-nominated Joker actor on 7 January after his Golden Globes win.
She described Phoenix's scar to the audience on The Wendy Williams Show as a "hairline fracture".
She said: "He's got one of those, what do you call it? Cleft lip, cleft palate."
"I find it to be very attractive," she added.
Williams then hooked her finger in her lip to imitate the birth defect.
A cleft palate occurs when parts of a baby's face do not join together properly during development in the womb.
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According to the NHS, it is the most common facial birth defect in the UK, affecting around one in every 700 babies.
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Phoenix, 45, has never spoken publicly about his scar but Williams' has been heavily criticised for her comments.
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Canadian American football player Adam Bighill, who was born with a cleft lip and whose son, Beau, was also born with one, said the comments were "hideous and offensive".
Williams has now apologised "to the cleft community" for her statements and said the programme is donating to two charities supporting those with the defect.
She also said she wanted to "encourage our Wendy Watchers to learn more and help support the cleft community".


skynewsus--2020-01-16--Trump impeachment trial opens as senators are sworn in

Trump impeachment : Trial opens as senators are sworn in after charges against president read out Trump impeachment : Trial opens as senators are sworn in after charges against president read out Prosecutors walked across the hall to the Senate to read the impeachment articles out Donald Trump 's impeachment trial has started with senators being sworn in as jurors and the charges against the president read out .
As senators took their oaths , a congressional watchdog found the White House broke the law by withholding security aid for Ukraine approved by Congress .
It is unclear whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will feature in the president 's trial in the Republican-led Senate as it is not known if new evidence will be considered .
As the impeachment trial officially started , seven House representatives who have been appointed as impeachment prosecutors walked across the Capitol for the second day after delivering the charges to the Senate on Wednesday .
`` Hear ye , hear ye , hear ye ! ''
called out the Senate 's sergeant-at-arms as he started the ceremonial protocol ahead of the charges being read out .
Lead prosecutor Adam Schiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then read out the formal charges against the president from the well of the Senate usually reserved for senators .
Chief justice John Roberts , who will preside over the trial , later took an oath to preside over the trial then swore in 99 out of 100 senators who will serve as jurors , as they promised to deliver `` impartial justice '' .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker One senator , Republican Jim Inhofe , was at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family member , according to his office , but will sign the oath later .
Thursday 's ceremony was the formal start of the impeachment trial , but the actual arguments will not start until next Tuesday .
Following the senators being sworn in , Mr Trump tweeted : `` I JUST GOT IMPEACHED FOR MAKING A PERFECT PHONE CALL ! ''
Mr Trump is accused of abusing his office by asking the Ukrainian president to investigate the son of his political rival Joe Biden and withholding $ 391m ( £299m ) in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to .
However , the president has dismissed the charges as a `` hoax '' .
He suggested Republican senators should vote to dismiss the impeachment articles without hearing any arguments , but they have indicated that is not something they will do .
The Senate is expected to acquit Mr Trump , as none of its 53 Republicans voiced support for removing him - a step that requires a two-thirds majority .
There is an ongoing debate over how and when witnesses will be called , with Mr Trump 's administration saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most in the House say they should .
During Bill Clinton 's impeachment trial no witnesses were called , however they had all given evidence before the trial , and as a House representative said on Wednesday : `` Did we really want to discuss sex in the Senate ? ''
Republicans control the Senate , the US 's second chamber , by 53-47 and it would take 51 votes to approve rules or call witnesses during the trial .
If four Republican senators joined the Democrats ' side , they could insist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial will be only the third in US presidential history , after Andrew Johnson and President Clinton , and it will be the second to be televised .

Donald Trump's impeachment trial has started with senators being sworn in as jurors and the charges against the president read out.
As senators took their oaths, a congressional watchdog found the White House broke the law by withholding security aid for Ukraine approved by Congress.
It is unclear whether the assessment from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office will feature in the president's trial in the Republican-led Senate as it is not known if new evidence will be considered.
Image: Nancy Pelosi signed the article of impeachment on Wednesday
As the impeachment trial officially started, seven House representatives who have been appointed as impeachment prosecutors walked across the Capitol for the second day after delivering the charges to the Senate on Wednesday.
"Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!" called out the Senate's sergeant-at-arms as he started the ceremonial protocol ahead of the charges being read out.
Lead prosecutor Adam Schiff, who also leads the intelligence committee, then read out the formal charges against the president from the well of the Senate usually reserved for senators.
Chief justice John Roberts, who will preside over the trial, later took an oath to preside over the trial then swore in 99 out of 100 senators who will serve as jurors, as they promised to deliver "impartial justice".
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
One senator, Republican Jim Inhofe, was at home in Oklahoma to be with an ill family member, according to his office, but will sign the oath later.
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Thursday's ceremony was the formal start of the impeachment trial, but the actual arguments will not start until next Tuesday.
Image: The two articles of impeachment against President Trump
Following the senators being sworn in, Mr Trump tweeted: "I JUST GOT IMPEACHED FOR MAKING A PERFECT PHONE CALL!"
Mr Trump is accused of abusing his office by asking the Ukrainian president to investigate the son of his political rival Joe Biden and withholding $391m (£299m) in security aid for Ukraine until he agreed to.
However, the president has dismissed the charges as a "hoax".
He suggested Republican senators should vote to dismiss the impeachment articles without hearing any arguments, but they have indicated that is not something they will do.
The Senate is expected to acquit Mr Trump, as none of its 53 Republicans voiced support for removing him - a step that requires a two-thirds majority.
Image: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she delayed the impeachment process to gather more evidence against Donald Trump
Image: Donald Trump has denied all allegations against him, calling it a 'hoax'
There is an ongoing debate over how and when witnesses will be called, with Mr Trump's administration saying they should not be called, while most in the House say they should.
During Bill Clinton's impeachment trial no witnesses were called, however they had all given evidence before the trial, and as a House representative said on Wednesday: "Did we really want to discuss sex in the Senate?"
Republicans control the Senate, the US's second chamber, by 53-47 and it would take 51 votes to approve rules or call witnesses during the trial.
If four Republican senators joined the Democrats' side, they could insist on new evidence.
Mr Trump's trial will be only the third in US presidential history, after Andrew Johnson and President Clinton, and it will be the second to be televised.


skynewsus--2020-01-17--Eminem drops surprise album - and upsets some with Manchester bombing lyric

Eminem has surprised fans with another unexpected album on which he raps about the Manchester bombing .
Music To Be Murdered By is the 20-track follow up to 2018 's Kamikaze , which was also released without warning .
On the track Unaccommodating the rapper references - in trademark fashion - the 2017 arena attack that killed 22 people .
It features the lyrics : `` But I 'm contemplating yelling 'Bombs away ' on the game like I 'm outside of an Ariana Grande concert waiting . ''
The album contains an anti-violence message but some have reacted angrily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lyric of his is just a pathetic attempt to get attention '' .
Fellow tweeter @ DatBoiChuy wrote : `` Man 's nearly 50 years old with 3 daughter and still rapping insensitive s*** like he 's some teenage internet Edge lord . ''
But others have defended him , with Stephanie Urbina Diaz writing that people `` clearly have n't seen or heard Darkness yet '' .
And @ justafanyaknow wrote : `` Eminem raised 2 million dollars for the Manchester victims .
Do n't act like he is a monster just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The US rapper also released a new video , with the lyrics and storyline for Darkness appearing to be inspired by the 2017 mass shooting at a music festival in Las Vegas , which left 58 people dead .
The video ends with audio and footage of news reports from other similar killings across America - and then shows text asking `` When will this end ?
When enough people care '' - followed by a message urging people to register to vote to help change gun laws .
A link @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also encourages fans to contact or visit several gun violence prevention organisations , including Sandy Hook Promise .
Adam Lanza , 20 , shot and killed 20 children aged six and seven , and six members of staff at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on 14 December 2012 after killing his mother .
He then turned the gun on himself .
Donald Trump has previously said he is speaking with Republicans and Democrats about possible legislation on guns .
The artwork for Eminem 's latest album has an image of him holding an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a nod to the only album Alfred Hitchcock ever released , of the same name .
According to his website , it is his 11th studio album , and features collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Juice WRLD , the 21-year-old rapper who died in December after reportedly suffering a seizure at an airport in Chicago .

Eminem has surprised fans with another unexpected album on which he raps about the Manchester bombing.
Music To Be Murdered By is the 20-track follow up to 2018's Kamikaze, which was also released without warning.
On the track Unaccommodating the rapper references - in trademark fashion - the 2017 arena attack that killed 22 people.
It features the lyrics: "But I'm contemplating yelling 'Bombs away' on the game like I'm outside of an Ariana Grande concert waiting."
The album contains an anti-violence message but some have reacted angrily to the lyrics.
Twitter user @makeyoufeelCOLD wrote: "Eminem is a washed-up has-been.
"That Ariana lyric of his is just a pathetic attempt to get attention".
Fellow tweeter @DatBoiChuy wrote: "Man's nearly 50 years old with 3 daughter and still rapping insensitive s*** like he's some teenage internet Edge lord."
But others have defended him, with Stephanie Urbina Diaz writing that people "clearly haven't seen or heard Darkness yet".
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And @justafanyaknow wrote: "Eminem raised 2 million dollars for the Manchester victims. Don't act like he is a monster just because you don't like one bar."
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The US rapper also released a new video, with the lyrics and storyline for Darkness appearing to be inspired by the 2017 mass shooting at a music festival in Las Vegas, which left 58 people dead.
The video ends with audio and footage of news reports from other similar killings across America - and then shows text asking "When will this end? When enough people care" - followed by a message urging people to register to vote to help change gun laws.
A link to the video on Eminem's website also encourages fans to contact or visit several gun violence prevention organisations, including Sandy Hook Promise.
Adam Lanza, 20, shot and killed 20 children aged six and seven, and six members of staff at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on 14 December 2012 after killing his mother. He then turned the gun on himself.
Donald Trump has previously said he is speaking with Republicans and Democrats about possible legislation on guns.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The artwork for Eminem's latest album has an image of him holding an axe and gun to his head - in a nod to the only album Alfred Hitchcock ever released, of the same name.
According to his website, it is his 11th studio album, and features collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Juice WRLD, the 21-year-old rapper who died in December after reportedly suffering a seizure at an airport in Chicago.


skynewsus--2020-01-17--Weinstein demands rape trial is moved out of New York City

Harvey Weinstein 's lawyers demand his rape trial is moved out of New York City Harvey Weinstein 's lawyers demand his rape trial is moved out of New York City Harvey Weinstein 's lawyers have demanded his rape trial is moved out of New York City after claiming his case has turned into a `` media and entertainment circus '' .
The former movie mogul 's legal team say a `` carnival-like atmosphere '' has taken hold during eight days of jury selection in his case , making it impossible for Weinstein to get a fair trial in his hometown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court came hours after supermodel Gigi Hadid was cut from the list of potential jurors in Weinstein 's trial .
The 67-year-old is charged with raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting another woman in 2006 .
He has pleaded not guilty and has insisted any sexual activity was consensual .
If convicted , he could face life in prison .
In a written statement to the appellate court on Thursday , Weinstein 's lawyer Arthur Aidala said : `` The deluge of publicity adverse to Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulting in untoward pressure upon jurors to convict a man demonised and prejudged guilty . ''
Weinstein 's legal team acknowledged that coverage of his case extends beyond New York City , but his lawyer John Esposito described it as `` the media capital of the world '' .
Prosecutors oppose moving Weinstein 's trial , pointing to the remaining potential jurors who have all pledged they can be fair and impartial .
Moving to a smaller community with a smaller jury pool would only make it more difficult to find jurors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place near the court , prosecutor Valerie Figuerdo said : `` There 's no reason to think the jurors would be impacted by it because New Yorkers see protests all the time . ''
The matter will now go to a panel of judges with the aim of having a decision before opening statements in Weinstein 's trial , which could happen as early as next week .
Appellate Justice David Friedman declined a request from Weinstein 's lawyers to halt the trial until the panel 's ruling .
Last week , Weinstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jury selection halted for a `` cooling off '' period after Los Angeles prosecutors announced fresh charges against him on the first day of the New York City trial .
His legal team said the California charges , which allege Weinstein sexually assaulted one woman and raped another on back-to-back nights in February 2013 , ushered in `` a new wave of negative press '' .
Weinstein 's lawyers had also asked the judge , Justice James Burke , to step aside for threatening to jail Weinstein for texting in the courtroom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge says he expects a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates to be seated in time for opening statements in the trial next Wednesday .
He told prospective jurors that he expected the trial to finish in early March .
Since 2017 , more than 80 women , including several famous actresses , have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades .
Weinstein has denied the allegations , saying any sexual encounters he had were consensual .
The allegations helped fuel the # MeToo movement , in which women have gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in business , entertainment and politics .
But Justice Burke told potential jurors on Thursday : `` This trial is not a referendum on the # MeToo movement .
`` You must decide this case on the evidence . ''

Harvey Weinstein's lawyers have demanded his rape trial is moved out of New York City after claiming his case has turned into a "media and entertainment circus".
The former movie mogul's legal team say a "carnival-like atmosphere" has taken hold during eight days of jury selection in his case, making it impossible for Weinstein to get a fair trial in his hometown.
Their submission to Manhattan's appellate court came hours after supermodel Gigi Hadid was cut from the list of potential jurors in Weinstein's trial.
The 67-year-old is charged with raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting another woman in 2006.
He has pleaded not guilty and has insisted any sexual activity was consensual. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
In a written statement to the appellate court on Thursday, Weinstein's lawyer Arthur Aidala said: "The deluge of publicity adverse to Mr Weinstein has engulfed the potential jury pool resulting in untoward pressure upon jurors to convict a man demonised and prejudged guilty."
Weinstein's legal team acknowledged that coverage of his case extends beyond New York City, but his lawyer John Esposito described it as "the media capital of the world".
Prosecutors oppose moving Weinstein's trial, pointing to the remaining potential jurors who have all pledged they can be fair and impartial.
Moving to a smaller community with a smaller jury pool would only make it more difficult to find jurors, prosecutors added.
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Image: Weinstein left New York Criminal Court on Thursday using a walking frame
Referring to demonstrations taking place near the court, prosecutor Valerie Figuerdo said: "There's no reason to think the jurors would be impacted by it because New Yorkers see protests all the time."
The matter will now go to a panel of judges with the aim of having a decision before opening statements in Weinstein's trial, which could happen as early as next week.
Appellate Justice David Friedman declined a request from Weinstein's lawyers to halt the trial until the panel's ruling.
Last week, Weinstein's lawyers tried and failed to get jury selection halted for a "cooling off" period after Los Angeles prosecutors announced fresh charges against him on the first day of the New York City trial.
Image: Model Gigi Hadid was ruled out as a potential juror
His legal team said the California charges, which allege Weinstein sexually assaulted one woman and raped another on back-to-back nights in February 2013, ushered in "a new wave of negative press".
Weinstein's lawyers had also asked the judge, Justice James Burke, to step aside for threatening to jail Weinstein for texting in the courtroom, but the request was rejected.
The judge says he expects a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates to be seated in time for opening statements in the trial next Wednesday.
He told prospective jurors that he expected the trial to finish in early March.
Image: Weinstein's lawyers said he had been 'prejudged guilty'
Since 2017, more than 80 women, including several famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades.
Weinstein has denied the allegations, saying any sexual encounters he had were consensual.
The allegations helped fuel the #MeToo movement, in which women have gone public with misconduct allegations against powerful men in business, entertainment and politics.
But Justice Burke told potential jurors on Thursday: "This trial is not a referendum on the #MeToo movement.
"You must decide this case on the evidence."


skynewsus--2020-01-16--White House broke law by freezing Ukraine aid - watchdog

The White House broke the law by withholding aid approved for Ukraine by US Congress , an independent watchdog has found .
The report by the Government Accountability Office ( GAO ) , a non-partisan federal agency , came as the impeachment trial of the US president formally opened in the Senate .
The freezing of the aid is at the centre of the case against Mr Trump .
The agency said that delaying Congress-approved aid for Ukraine for `` policy reasons '' , rather than technical budgetary needs , violates the law .
`` Faithful execution of the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law , '' it said .
`` The President is not vested with the power to ignore or amend any such duly enacted law . ''
Mr Trump has dismissed charges against him and has denied that he tried to influence officials .
Meanwhile , Ukraine has launched a criminal investigation to find out if former US ambassador Marie Yovanovitch came under illegal surveillance in her post last year .
The announcement from Ukraine 's Interior Ministry said its position was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of the US , but that evidence suggested a possible violation of Ukrainian or international law .
It referred to a cache of documents released by Democrat politicians earlier in the week that are said to show Whatsapp records from Lev Parness , an associate of Mr Trump 's lawyer Rudy Giuliani , discussing apparent physical and electronic monitoring of Ms Yovanovitch .
`` The published records contain the fact of possible violation of the legislation of Ukraine and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations , '' the ministry statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to protect `` the rights of a diplomat in the territory of another country '' .
Ms Yovanovitch , who is at the centre of the ongoing US impeachment inquiry , was abruptly recalled from her position in Kiev in spring last year .
She was later described by Mr Trump in his now infamous phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as `` bad news '' .
He also said : `` Well , she 's going to go through some things . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Spreaker Meanwhile on Thursday , the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said it had also requested help from the FBI to investigate what it believes was a cyber attack from Russian military hackers on energy company Burisma .
`` It is noted that the hacker attack is probably committed by the Russian special services , '' the statement said , adding : `` Persons involved in the commission of this criminal offence are identified . ''
The Ukrainian gas company has also been at the heart of the ongoing impeachment case after Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call last year to investigate Hunter Biden , the son of his political rival Joe , over his time on the board of Burisma .
Trump was impeached last month on charges of abusing his power for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rivals , as he was withholding the aid , and for obstructing Congress ' ensuing probe .
The president has dismissed the impeachment as a `` con job '' .

The White House broke the law by withholding aid approved for Ukraine by US Congress, an independent watchdog has found.
The report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a non-partisan federal agency, came as the impeachment trial of the US president formally opened in the Senate.
The freezing of the aid is at the centre of the case against Mr Trump.
The agency said that delaying Congress-approved aid for Ukraine for "policy reasons", rather than technical budgetary needs, violates the law.
"Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law," it said.
"The President is not vested with the power to ignore or amend any such duly enacted law."
Mr Trump has dismissed charges against him and has denied that he tried to influence officials.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched a criminal investigation to find out if former US ambassador Marie Yovanovitch came under illegal surveillance in her post last year.
The announcement from Ukraine's Interior Ministry said its position was "not to interfere in the domestic affairs" of the US, but that evidence suggested a possible violation of Ukrainian or international law.
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It referred to a cache of documents released by Democrat politicians earlier in the week that are said to show Whatsapp records from Lev Parness, an associate of Mr Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, discussing apparent physical and electronic monitoring of Ms Yovanovitch.
"The published records contain the fact of possible violation of the legislation of Ukraine and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," the ministry statement said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:00 Former US envoy testifies against Donald Trump
It added that such legislation was in place to protect "the rights of a diplomat in the territory of another country".
Ms Yovanovitch, who is at the centre of the ongoing US impeachment inquiry, was abruptly recalled from her position in Kiev in spring last year.
She was later described by Mr Trump in his now infamous phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as "bad news".
He also said: "Well, she's going to go through some things."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Meanwhile on Thursday, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said it had also requested help from the FBI to investigate what it believes was a cyber attack from Russian military hackers on energy company Burisma.
"It is noted that the hacker attack is probably committed by the Russian special services," the statement said, adding: "Persons involved in the commission of this criminal offence are identified."
The Ukrainian gas company has also been at the heart of the ongoing impeachment case after Mr Trump urged his counterpart in the phone call last year to investigate Hunter Biden, the son of his political rival Joe, over his time on the board of Burisma.
Trump was impeached last month on charges of abusing his power for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Democratic rivals, as he was withholding the aid, and for obstructing Congress' ensuing probe.
The president has dismissed the impeachment as a "con job".


skynewsus--2020-01-17--NFL star wanted by police for 'slapping man's bottom'

Odell Beckham Jr wanted by police over video of him 'slapping security officer 's bottom' Odell Beckham Jr wanted by police over video of him 'slapping security officer 's bottom' Cleveland Browns star Odell Beckham Jr is wanted by police over a video that appears to show him slapping a security officer on the bottom .
The clip was filmed on Monday in the changing room of the LSU Tigers college American football team , where Beckham played before being selected by NFL side the New York Giants .
Beckham , 27 , was at the Superdrome stadium in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its national championship game against the Clemson Tigers .
He went into the changing room afterwards to congratulate them on their 42-25 victory , and a 27-second video of the celebrations was posted on Twitter .
The footage shows a male officer searching near a bench and pointing to the floor , talking about a `` burn mark '' , before Beckham approaches from behind and appears to hit him on the backside .
Police have since issued a misdemeanour simple battery warrant for Beckham .
Cleveland Browns have said they are aware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the player and his representatives .
The officer who was struck was in the changing room after pictures showed LSU players smoking cigars , which is prohibited in the arena and saw them warned they could face arrest .
Beckham had already been involved in a post-match controversy before the slapping incident , with LSU having contacted tournament officials about him handing out cash to players on the field .
LSU athletics spokesman Michael Bonnette said the wide receiver was initially thought to have been offering `` novelty bills '' , until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been real money .
Beckham 's attendance at the Superdrome came after an eventful first season with the Browns , which saw him battle through most of the campaign with a hernia injury that may require surgery .
He has been fined by the NFL for wearing an expensive watch during a match , was asked to change his helmet visor because it did not conform to league rules , and allegedly told opposition players to `` come get me '' as the Browns fell away from play-off contention towards the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports and insists he plans to stay with the Browns for the 2020 season .

Cleveland Browns star Odell Beckham Jr is wanted by police over a video that appears to show him slapping a security officer on the bottom.
The clip was filmed on Monday in the changing room of the LSU Tigers college American football team, where Beckham played before being selected by NFL side the New York Giants.
Beckham, 27, was at the Superdrome stadium in New Orleans to support his old university in its national championship game against the Clemson Tigers.
Image: Beckham celebrated with LSU Tigers players after their championship win
He went into the changing room afterwards to congratulate them on their 42-25 victory, and a 27-second video of the celebrations was posted on Twitter.
The footage shows a male officer searching near a bench and pointing to the floor, talking about a "burn mark", before Beckham approaches from behind and appears to hit him on the backside.
Police have since issued a misdemeanour simple battery warrant for Beckham.
Cleveland Browns have said they are aware of the incident and are in touch with the player and his representatives.
The officer who was struck was in the changing room after pictures showed LSU players smoking cigars, which is prohibited in the arena and saw them warned they could face arrest.
Beckham had already been involved in a post-match controversy before the slapping incident, with LSU having contacted tournament officials about him handing out cash to players on the field.
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LSU athletics spokesman Michael Bonnette said the wide receiver was initially thought to have been offering "novelty bills", until further investigation showed that it may have been real money.
Image: The LSU Tigers won the championship game against Clemson Tigers
Beckham's attendance at the Superdrome came after an eventful first season with the Browns, which saw him battle through most of the campaign with a hernia injury that may require surgery.
He has been fined by the NFL for wearing an expensive watch during a match, was asked to change his helmet visor because it did not conform to league rules, and allegedly told opposition players to "come get me" as the Browns fell away from play-off contention towards the end of the season.
Beckham has dismissed those reports and insists he plans to stay with the Browns for the 2020 season.


skynewsus--2020-01-17--Man denies homeless Samaritan scam that raised $400k

McClure and Johnny Bobbitt Jr ( both pictured ) pleaded guilty last year A man accused of being the ringleader in a fundraising hoax which raised more than $ 400,000 ( £306,000 ) has pleaded not guilty .
US prosecutors say Mark D'Amico , 40 , made up a story about a homeless man giving his girlfriend his last $ 20 to rescue her from the side of a road in Philadelphia after she ran out of fuel .
The story went viral in late 2017 and made international headlines , with the couple giving newspaper and television interviews .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forward , was created to help Johnny Bobbitt get off the streets .
It set a goal of $ 10,000 ( £7,600 ) but raised 40 times more in less than three weeks .
However , it was all a hoax said to have plotted by the former couple and Bobbitt .
Authorities began investigating after Bobbitt sued the pair , accusing them of not giving him the money .
A federal criminal complaint alleges D'Amico and Katelyn McClure spent most of the cash by March 2018 , on a BMW car and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey .
McClure and Bobbitt pleaded guilty over the scam in March last year.. D'Amico appeared in court in Camden , New Jersey , on Thursday over 16 federal charges of conspiracy , wire fraud and money laundering .
His not guilty plea was submitted by his lawyer .
Last month however , he pleaded guilty in a state court to misapplication of entrusted property and will serve a five-year term under an agreement with prosecutors .

A man accused of being the ringleader in a fundraising hoax which raised more than $400,000 (£306,000) has pleaded not guilty.
US prosecutors say Mark D'Amico, 40, made up a story about a homeless man giving his girlfriend his last $20 to rescue her from the side of a road in Philadelphia after she ran out of fuel.
Image: Mark D'Amico (right) is accused of conspiring with McClure and Bobbitt
The story went viral in late 2017 and made international headlines, with the couple giving newspaper and television interviews.
A GoFundMe page, entitled Paying It Forward, was created to help Johnny Bobbitt get off the streets.
It set a goal of $10,000 (£7,600) but raised 40 times more in less than three weeks.
However, it was all a hoax said to have plotted by the former couple and Bobbitt.
Authorities began investigating after Bobbitt sued the pair, accusing them of not giving him the money.
Image: Johnny Bobbitt after the story went viral. Pic: Twitter/Katelyn McClure
A federal criminal complaint alleges D'Amico and Katelyn McClure spent most of the cash by March 2018, on a BMW car and trips to casinos in Las Vegas and New Jersey.
McClure and Bobbitt pleaded guilty over the scam in March last year..
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D'Amico appeared in court in Camden, New Jersey, on Thursday over 16 federal charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.
His not guilty plea was submitted by his lawyer.
Last month however, he pleaded guilty in a state court to misapplication of entrusted property and will serve a five-year term under an agreement with prosecutors.
GoFundMe refunded all donations.


skynewsus--2020-01-17--Apple may be forced by EU to replace iPhone charger with Android equivalent

Apple may be forced by EU to replace iPhone charger with Android equivalent Apple may be forced by EU to replace iPhone charger with Android equivalent Apple worries that the plans could render millions of devices obsolete The European Parliament is calling for common chargers to be introduced that would fit all mobile phones and tablets .
Although technology companies have previously been encouraged to work together on developing a universal charger , officials say `` voluntary agreements between different industry players have not yielded the desired results '' .
Such a proposal could be especially challenging for Apple , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iPhones and iPads which use a so-called Lightning connector .
According to EU officials , the changes would make customers ' lives easier and help the environment , with estimates suggesting that old chargers generate more than 51,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year .
Members of the European Parliament are planning to vote on the measure at a future session .
The EU has been calling for chargers to be standardised for several years .
Last January , Apple argued that such a law would stifle innovation , harm the environment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The tech giant warned : `` More than one billion Apple devices have shipped using a Lightning connector in addition to an entire ecosystem of accessory and device manufacturers who use Lightning to serve our collective customers .
`` We want to ensure that any new legislation will not result in the shipment of any unnecessary cables or external adaptors with every device , or render obsolete the devices and accessories used by many millions of Europeans and hundreds of millions of Apple customers worldwide . ''
Sky News has contacted Apple for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest announcement .

The European Parliament is calling for common chargers to be introduced that would fit all mobile phones and tablets.
Although technology companies have previously been encouraged to work together on developing a universal charger, officials say "voluntary agreements between different industry players have not yielded the desired results".
Such a proposal could be especially challenging for Apple, which has shipped more than a billion iPhones and iPads which use a so-called Lightning connector.
Image: Phone chargers come in many shapes and sizes - much to Europe's annoyance
According to EU officials, the changes would make customers' lives easier and help the environment, with estimates suggesting that old chargers generate more than 51,000 tonnes of electronic waste each year.
Members of the European Parliament are planning to vote on the measure at a future session.
The EU has been calling for chargers to be standardised for several years.
Last January, Apple argued that such a law would stifle innovation, harm the environment and cause unnecessary disruption for its users.
Image: Apple doesn't seem to be a fan of the European Parliament's proposals
The tech giant warned: "More than one billion Apple devices have shipped using a Lightning connector in addition to an entire ecosystem of accessory and device manufacturers who use Lightning to serve our collective customers.
"We want to ensure that any new legislation will not result in the shipment of any unnecessary cables or external adaptors with every device, or render obsolete the devices and accessories used by many millions of Europeans and hundreds of millions of Apple customers worldwide."
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Sky News has contacted Apple for its response to the European Parliament's latest announcement.


skynewsus--2020-01-17--Man gets 12-year sentence for keeping phone after being arrested

Man gets 12-year sentence for keeping phone after being arrested Man gets 12-year sentence for keeping phone after being arrested Judges have been accused of racial injustice for handing an African-American man a 12-year sentence after he asked a jail officer to charge his mobile phone .
Willie Nash , 39 , had been booked in to the Newton County prison in Mississippi on a misdemeanour charge when the offence took place .
He was found to have brought the phone in when he asked an employee for `` some juice '' .
The jailer took the request to mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handed over his handset to be charged .
The jailer gave the device to a deputy sheriff , who later unlocked it using a pass code provided by Nash and found he had sent text messages to his wife .
Justice Leslie King , the only African-American on the nine-member Mississippi supreme court , said Nash could have avoided punishment entirely because it was not clear whether he had even been searched - or told not to bring his phone into the jail .
Nash did not seek to overturn his conviction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handed down in August 2018 was grossly disproportionate and violated a constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment .
Mississippi justices unanimously rejected his argument last week , despite state law dictating that sentences for being found with a phone or weapon in jail can be as low as three years .
Mississippi has one of the highest incarceration rates in the US and Justice James Maxwell wrote : `` Though harsh , Nash 's sentence falls within the statutory range . ''
While the decision was unanimous , Justice King admitted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our criminal justice system on multiple levels '' .
Nash had previous burglary convictions but was told those had no impact on the sentence he received .
Following the verdict , Justice King wrote : `` Nash served his time for his previous convictions and stayed out of trouble with the law for many years .
He has a wife and three children who rely on him .
`` His crime was victimless , and the facts of the case lend themselves to an interpretation that his crime was accidental and likely caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Nash did not do anything nefarious with his phone , and he certainly did not hide his phone from law enforcement . ''
Nash was told by the trial judge that he could be released after serving 25 % of his sentence , but the decision has sparked outrage among sentencing reform activists .
Leonard Pitts , an African-American columnist for the Miami Herald newspaper , published the phone number of Mississippi governor Tate Reeves and urged readers to tell him to `` let my people go '' .
Mr Pitts told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinks there 's not a connection between sentences like this and the recent violence in our prisons has n't been paying attention . ''
Many are in favour of tough sentences for phones being brought into prisons in the US , with jail officers having encountered problems with some inmates taking photos and videos .
During recent violence at the Mississippi State Penitentiary that left five inmates dead and several others injured , prisoners used cellphones to capture images of smoke filling a corridor and cells and inmates sleeping on the floor .

Judges have been accused of racial injustice for handing an African-American man a 12-year sentence after he asked a jail officer to charge his mobile phone.
Willie Nash, 39, had been booked in to the Newton County prison in Mississippi on a misdemeanour charge when the offence took place.
He was found to have brought the phone in when he asked an employee for "some juice".
Image: Activists are campaigning for sentencing reform
The jailer took the request to mean Nash wanted a drink, until he handed over his handset to be charged.
The jailer gave the device to a deputy sheriff, who later unlocked it using a pass code provided by Nash and found he had sent text messages to his wife.
Justice Leslie King, the only African-American on the nine-member Mississippi supreme court, said Nash could have avoided punishment entirely because it was not clear whether he had even been searched - or told not to bring his phone into the jail.
Nash did not seek to overturn his conviction, but argued on appeal that the sentence handed down in August 2018 was grossly disproportionate and violated a constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
Mississippi justices unanimously rejected his argument last week, despite state law dictating that sentences for being found with a phone or weapon in jail can be as low as three years.
Mississippi has one of the highest incarceration rates in the US and Justice James Maxwell wrote: "Though harsh, Nash's sentence falls within the statutory range."
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Image: Activists are campaigning for sentencing reform
While the decision was unanimous, Justice King admitted that the sentence demonstrated a "failure of our criminal justice system on multiple levels".
Nash had previous burglary convictions but was told those had no impact on the sentence he received.
Following the verdict, Justice King wrote: "Nash served his time for his previous convictions and stayed out of trouble with the law for many years. He has a wife and three children who rely on him.
"His crime was victimless, and the facts of the case lend themselves to an interpretation that his crime was accidental and likely caused by a failure in booking procedures.
"Nash did not do anything nefarious with his phone, and he certainly did not hide his phone from law enforcement."
Nash was told by the trial judge that he could be released after serving 25% of his sentence, but the decision has sparked outrage among sentencing reform activists.
Image: Republican Governor Tate Reeves has been urged to intervene
Leonard Pitts, an African-American columnist for the Miami Herald newspaper, published the phone number of Mississippi governor Tate Reeves and urged readers to tell him to "let my people go".
Mr Pitts told the Associated Press: "Anybody who thinks there's not a connection between sentences like this and the recent violence in our prisons hasn't been paying attention."
Many are in favour of tough sentences for phones being brought into prisons in the US, with jail officers having encountered problems with some inmates taking photos and videos.
During recent violence at the Mississippi State Penitentiary that left five inmates dead and several others injured, prisoners used cellphones to capture images of smoke filling a corridor and cells and inmates sleeping on the floor.


skynewsus--2020-01-17--Woman pleads guilty to killing husband by lacing his water with eye drops

Woman pleads guilty to killing husband by lacing his water with eye drops Woman pleads guilty to killing husband by lacing his water with eye drops Lana Clayton said she only wanted to make her husband 'uncomfortable ' .
Pic : NBC News A woman has pleaded guilty to fatally poisoning her husband by putting eye drops in his water for days .
Lana Clayton admitted giving her husband , Steven , drinks that were laced with Visine for three days in July 2018 but told detectives she never thought it would kill him .
The 53-year-old , from South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusive , adding : `` I just did it to make him uncomfortable . ''
Clayton has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and tampering with a food or drug .
She had initially been charged with murder but accepted a plea deal .
In court , Clayton 's lawyers said she was a good person who had worked as a nurse for soldiers but added that she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after being abused in the past .
Records show the couple lived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1m ( £760,000 ) and had a further $ 1m in other assets .
Prosecutors claimed Clayton had known that the Visine would kill her husband and alleged she had destroyed his will in order to inherit his money .
Addressing Clayton in court , Judge Paul Burch said : `` How can you maintain you did this to teach him a lesson , when it is obvious from the facts that you let him suffer for three days ?
You ignored him . ''

A woman has pleaded guilty to fatally poisoning her husband by putting eye drops in his water for days.
Lana Clayton admitted giving her husband, Steven, drinks that were laced with Visine for three days in July 2018 but told detectives she never thought it would kill him.
The 53-year-old, from South Carolina, said her partner had been abusive, adding: "I just did it to make him uncomfortable."
Clayton has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and tampering with a food or drug.
She had initially been charged with murder but accepted a plea deal.
In court, Clayton's lawyers said she was a good person who had worked as a nurse for soldiers but added that she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after being abused in the past.
Records show the couple lived in a property worth more than $1m (£760,000) and had a further $1m in other assets.
Prosecutors claimed Clayton had known that the Visine would kill her husband and alleged she had destroyed his will in order to inherit his money.
Addressing Clayton in court, Judge Paul Burch said: "How can you maintain you did this to teach him a lesson, when it is obvious from the facts that you let him suffer for three days? You ignored him."


skynewsus--2020-01-16--Man spared from death penalty - hours before planned execution

A prisoner 's life was spared just hours before his scheduled execution - with his sentence changed to life without parole .
Jimmy Fletcher Meders was meant to receive the lethal injection at 7pm on Thursday , but the Georgia state board of pardons granted him clemency at about 1pm .
He is the sixth Georgia death row inmate to have a sentence commuted by the board since 2002 .
The last to have one commuted was Tommy Lee Waldrip on 9 July 2014 .
The 58-year-old was convicted of murder and sentenced to death for the killing of Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was killed in October 1987 .
Meders had chosen his last meal and was set to eat 10 chicken strips , two bacon cheeseburgers , fries , soda , and a pint of vanilla ice cream .
His attorney Mike Admirand said : `` The board 's critically important role in showing mercy in these rare circumstances can not be overstated .
`` By taking this action , this parole board has made real the intent of the jury to sentence Jimmy to life without parole , and not death . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a criminal record before the killing and his 30 years on death row with only one minor infraction , as well as the fact the jury had wanted to sentence him to life without parole when they made their decision .
On the night of the killing , 13 October 1987 , Meders had been drinking with three men - Randy Harris , Bill Arnold and Greg Creel .
Meders , Arnold and Creel then ended up at the convenience store at 2.30am - and while they were there , Mr Anderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head , and $ 30 was taken from the till .
Meders said at trial that all three men went inside , Arnold shot Mr Anderson and told Meders to take the money .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But both Arnold and Creel blamed Meders for shooting him and taking the money .
Harris , who was not at the store , told the court Meders told him he `` blowed a man 's head off over $ 38 '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the robbery and the killing .
He was sentenced to death in 1989 .
Four years later , there was a change in the law which allowed a sentence of life without parole for capital cases .
This clemency application argued the jurors had wanted that option .
Jurors had sent a note to the judge 20 minutes into deliberations which read : `` If the Jury recommends that the accused be sentence to life imprisonment , can the Jury recommend that the sentence be carried out without Parole ? ''
Meders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still alive and remembered the deliberations for the case for their client .
In similar cases in Georgia now , juries rarely seek the death penalty .

A prisoner's life was spared just hours before his scheduled execution - with his sentence changed to life without parole.
Jimmy Fletcher Meders was meant to receive the lethal injection at 7pm on Thursday, but the Georgia state board of pardons granted him clemency at about 1pm.
He is the sixth Georgia death row inmate to have a sentence commuted by the board since 2002. The last to have one commuted was Tommy Lee Waldrip on 9 July 2014.
The 58-year-old was convicted of murder and sentenced to death for the killing of Don Anderson, a convenience store worker, who was killed in October 1987.
Meders had chosen his last meal and was set to eat 10 chicken strips, two bacon cheeseburgers, fries, soda, and a pint of vanilla ice cream.
His attorney Mike Admirand said: "The board's critically important role in showing mercy in these rare circumstances cannot be overstated.
"By taking this action, this parole board has made real the intent of the jury to sentence Jimmy to life without parole, and not death."
The board looked at Meders' lack of a criminal record before the killing and his 30 years on death row with only one minor infraction, as well as the fact the jury had wanted to sentence him to life without parole when they made their decision.
On the night of the killing, 13 October 1987, Meders had been drinking with three men - Randy Harris, Bill Arnold and Greg Creel.
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Meders, Arnold and Creel then ended up at the convenience store at 2.30am - and while they were there, Mr Anderson was fatally shot in the chest and head, and $30 was taken from the till.
Meders said at trial that all three men went inside, Arnold shot Mr Anderson and told Meders to take the money.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But both Arnold and Creel blamed Meders for shooting him and taking the money.
Harris, who was not at the store, told the court Meders told him he "blowed a man's head off over $38".
Meders was the only one charged in the robbery and the killing. He was sentenced to death in 1989.
Four years later, there was a change in the law which allowed a sentence of life without parole for capital cases.
This clemency application argued the jurors had wanted that option.
Jurors had sent a note to the judge 20 minutes into deliberations which read: "If the Jury recommends that the accused be sentence to life imprisonment, can the Jury recommend that the sentence be carried out without Parole?"
Meders' lawyers also found six jurors who are still alive and remembered the deliberations for the case for their client.
In similar cases in Georgia now, juries rarely seek the death penalty.


skynewsus--2020-01-17--Trump's legal team: OJ's lawyer and man who got Clinton impeached

Trump impeachment : OJ Simpson 's lawyer and man who got Clinton impeached on president 's legal team Trump impeachment : OJ Simpson 's lawyer and man who got Clinton impeached on president 's legal team Donald Trump has brought in a high-profile legal team to launch the defence during his impeachment trial - including the lawyer who got OJ Simpson acquitted and the man who got Bill Clinton impeached .
One of the top lawyers is Ken Starr , whose investigative report on President Clinton 's sexual affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky served as the basis for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent lawyer and Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz , who was part of the `` Dream Team '' of lawyers who got former NFL star OJ Simpson acquitted of murdering his wife and her friend .
Both were on Jeffrey Epstein 's legal team in 2008 when the businessman pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution of an underage girl .
Mr Dershowitz also advised film producer Harvey Weinstein 's team in the 2018 sexual abuse case against him , and was accused by a teenage victim of being one of the men Epstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president will be led by White House counsel Pat Cipollone and Mr Trump 's private lawyer Jay Sekulow , his legal team and a source familiar with the group said .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Trump adviser and former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi and former independent counsel Robert Ray , who was part of the Whitewater investigation into the Clintons , will also be on the team , the source said .
The trial in the US Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators were sworn in as jurors by Chief Justice John Roberts , who will preside over the trial .
Beginning arguments in the case will not start until Tuesday .
Mr Trump is accused of abusing his office by asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political rival Joe Biden , and his son Hunter , and withholding $ 391m ( £299m ) in security aid for Ukraine until he agreed to .
The president has dismissed the charges as a `` hoax '' and the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for removing him , although they swore to deliver `` impartial justice '' as they became jurors .
As the details of Mr Trump 's legal team were revealed , the president tweeted the Democrats were shutting out their own senator , Bernie Sanders , from the presidential election campaign by making him sit in the `` Impeachment Hoax Trial '' - like all senators .
Mr Dershowitz confirmed his role on Mr Trump 's team in a series of tweets on Friday , saying he would `` present oral arguments at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguments against impeachment and removal '' .
Speaking about himself in the third person , he said he is `` nonpartisan '' when it comes to the Constitution and opposed President Clinton 's impeachment , then voted for Hillary Clinton .
However , the lawyer has been a frequent defender of Mr Trump in media interviews .
A Fox News host announced on air Mr Starr would be leaving the network to work on Mr Trump 's legal team .
Notably absent from the team is Mr Trump 's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand as his letters to the Ukraine president asking for a meeting will form part of the Democrats ' argument .
Mr Giuliani 's associate Lev Parnas , who worked on orders from Mr Giuliani , claimed on Wednesday he witnessed the president ordering the US ambassador to Ukraine to be fired .
During the House impeachment hearings , which came ahead of the president 's impeachment on 18 December , witnesses testified that Mr Trump wanted the ambassador , Marie Yovanovitch , out of the way as she was an obstacle to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Donald Trump has brought in a high-profile legal team to launch the defence during his impeachment trial - including the lawyer who got OJ Simpson acquitted and the man who got Bill Clinton impeached.
One of the top lawyers is Ken Starr, whose investigative report on President Clinton's sexual affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky served as the basis for his impeachment in 1999.
Another is prominent lawyer and Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz, who was part of the "Dream Team" of lawyers who got former NFL star OJ Simpson acquitted of murdering his wife and her friend.
Image: Ken Starr, whose investigative report into Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky got him impeached, is on Mr Trump's legal team
Both were on Jeffrey Epstein's legal team in 2008 when the businessman pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution of an underage girl.
Mr Dershowitz also advised film producer Harvey Weinstein's team in the 2018 sexual abuse case against him, and was accused by a teenage victim of being one of the men Epstein trafficked her to.
The team defending the president will be led by White House counsel Pat Cipollone and Mr Trump's private lawyer Jay Sekulow, his legal team and a source familiar with the group said.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Trump adviser and former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi and former independent counsel Robert Ray, who was part of the Whitewater investigation into the Clintons, will also be on the team, the source said.
The trial in the US Senate officially started on Thursday when all 100 senators were sworn in as jurors by Chief Justice John Roberts, who will preside over the trial.
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Beginning arguments in the case will not start until Tuesday.
Image: Alan Dershowitz was on the 'Dream Team' of lawyers who got OJ Simpson acquitted of murdering his wife and her friend
Mr Trump is accused of abusing his office by asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political rival Joe Biden, and his son Hunter, and withholding $391m (£299m) in security aid for Ukraine until he agreed to.
The president has dismissed the charges as a "hoax" and the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit Mr Trump as none of them have voiced support for removing him, although they swore to deliver "impartial justice" as they became jurors.
As the details of Mr Trump's legal team were revealed, the president tweeted the Democrats were shutting out their own senator, Bernie Sanders, from the presidential election campaign by making him sit in the "Impeachment Hoax Trial" - like all senators.
Image: The two articles of impeachment of President Donald Trump
Image: Nancy Pelosi signed the articles of impeachment against the president on Thursday
Mr Dershowitz confirmed his role on Mr Trump's team in a series of tweets on Friday, saying he would "present oral arguments at the Senate trial to address the constitutional arguments against impeachment and removal".
Speaking about himself in the third person, he said he is "nonpartisan" when it comes to the Constitution and opposed President Clinton's impeachment, then voted for Hillary Clinton.
Image: Mr Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani is not on his impeachment team as he will be a focus of the trial
However, the lawyer has been a frequent defender of Mr Trump in media interviews.
A Fox News host announced on air Mr Starr would be leaving the network to work on Mr Trump's legal team.
Notably absent from the team is Mr Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who could be called to the stand as his letters to the Ukraine president asking for a meeting will form part of the Democrats' argument.
Mr Giuliani's associate Lev Parnas, who worked on orders from Mr Giuliani, claimed on Wednesday he witnessed the president ordering the US ambassador to Ukraine to be fired.
During the House impeachment hearings, which came ahead of the president's impeachment on 18 December, witnesses testified that Mr Trump wanted the ambassador, Marie Yovanovitch, out of the way as she was an obstacle to securing a Ukrainian investigation into the Bidens.


skynewsus--2020-01-17--Will new evidence change the Senate impeachment trial?

The impeachment trial is upon us , and the 2020 race is heating up – all while Donald Trump goes @ @ @ @ @ week Amanda Walker , Cordelia Lynch and Emily Purser Brown catch up on the surprising @ @ @ @ @ , as new evidence comes out ahead of the Senate trial beginning in earnest .
@ @ @ @ @ which of the Democrat candidates is cutting through , as the 'woman ' question comes @ @ @ @ @ chew over the impact of President Trump 's action in the Middle East .
: @ @ @ @ @ on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker

The impeachment trial is upon us, and the 2020 race is heating up – all while Donald Trump goes head-to-head with Iran.
This week Amanda Walker, Cordelia Lynch and Emily Purser Brown catch up on the surprising twist in the impeachment story, as new evidence comes out ahead of the Senate trial beginning in earnest. We also check in on which of the Democrat candidates is cutting through, as the 'woman' question comes to the fore, and chew over the impact of President Trump's action in the Middle East.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker


skynewsus--2020-01-18--'My hero from afar': Dwayne Johnson pays tribute to father Rocky

Dwayne Johnson pays tribute to father Rocky calling him his 'hero' Dwayne Johnson pays tribute to father Rocky calling him his 'hero' Dwayne Johnson thanked his father Rocky for his 'tough love ' and teaching him 'invaluable lessons' Dwayne 'The Rock ' Johnson has paid tribute to his father Rocky , thanking him for `` tough love '' and breaking barriers .
The death of the 75-year-old former wrestler was announced earlier this week .
In memory of his father , Johnson wrote on social media : `` I love you .
You broke color barriers , became a ring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this world .
`` I was the boy sitting in the seats , watching and adoring you , my hero from afar .
`` The boy you raised to always be proud of our cultures and proud of who and what I am .
`` The boy you raised with the toughest of love .
The intense work .
The hard hand .
`` The adoring boy who wanted to know only your best qualities .
`` Who then grew to become a man realizing you had other deeply complicated sides that needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Son to father .
Man to man .
That 's when my adoration turned to respect .
And my empathy turned to gratitude .
`` Grateful that you gave me life .
Grateful you gave me life 's invaluable lessons . ''
He posted a short video showing his dad in the heyday of his WWE career , and himself as teenager watching in the crowd .
Rocky Johnson , who was born in Nova Scotia , Canada , was a trailblazer in the ring and was the first African-American WWE tag team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1964 in South Ontario , talking on the moniker `` Soul Man '' .
He went on to train his son , who took the nickname 'The Rock ' from his father .
Johnson retired in 1991 , with Dwayne continuing his wrestling legacy before becoming a major Hollywood star .
In his message , Johnson expressed regret at not having been able to say goodbye : `` Dad , I wish I had one more shot to tell you , I love you , before you crossed over to the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from me so fast without warning .
Gone in an instant and no coming back .
`` I 'm in pain .
But we both know it 's just pain and it 'll pass .
`` Now I 'll carry your mana and work ethic with me , as it 's time to move on because I have my family to feed and work to accomplish . ''
Johnson , who inducted his father into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008 , went on to honour his father 's life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest your trailblazing soul , Soulman .
Pain free , regret free , satisfied and at ease .
`` You lived a very full , very hard , barrier breaking life and left it all in the ring .
`` I love you dad and I 'll always be your proud and grateful son .
Go rest high .
# ripsoulman # rockyjohnson '' .

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has paid tribute to his father Rocky, thanking him for "tough love" and breaking barriers.
The death of the 75-year-old former wrestler was announced earlier this week.
Image: WWE superstar Rocky Johnson died at the age of 75
In memory of his father, Johnson wrote on social media: "I love you. You broke color barriers, became a ring legend and trail blazed your way thru this world.
"I was the boy sitting in the seats, watching and adoring you, my hero from afar.
"The boy you raised to always be proud of our cultures and proud of who and what I am.
"The boy you raised with the toughest of love. The intense work. The hard hand.
"The adoring boy who wanted to know only your best qualities.
"Who then grew to become a man realizing you had other deeply complicated sides that needed to be held and understood.
"Son to father. Man to man. That's when my adoration turned to respect. And my empathy turned to gratitude.
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"Grateful that you gave me life. Grateful you gave me life's invaluable lessons."
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He posted a short video showing his dad in the heyday of his WWE career, and himself as teenager watching in the crowd.
Rocky Johnson, who was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, was a trailblazer in the ring and was the first African-American WWE tag team champion.
He began his wrestling career in 1964 in South Ontario, talking on the moniker "Soul Man".
He went on to train his son, who took the nickname 'The Rock' from his father.
Johnson retired in 1991, with Dwayne continuing his wrestling legacy before becoming a major Hollywood star.
In his message, Johnson expressed regret at not having been able to say goodbye: "Dad, I wish I had one more shot to tell you, I love you, before you crossed over to the other side.
"But you were ripped away from me so fast without warning. Gone in an instant and no coming back.
"I'm in pain. But we both know it's just pain and it'll pass.
"Now I'll carry your mana and work ethic with me, as it's time to move on because I have my family to feed and work to accomplish."
Instagram Instagram , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Johnson, who inducted his father into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008, went on to honour his father's life.
"Finally, I want you to rest your trailblazing soul, Soulman. Pain free, regret free, satisfied and at ease.
"You lived a very full, very hard, barrier breaking life and left it all in the ring.
"I love you dad and I'll always be your proud and grateful son. Go rest high. #ripsoulman #rockyjohnson".


skynewsus--2020-01-18--US Space Force mocked over new camouflage uniform

The US Space Force has been mocked after proudly unveiling its new uniforms – featuring full woodland camouflage .
It posted an image of the gear on Twitter saying : `` Space Force propels the @ DeptofDefence into a new era dedicated to protecting US and national interests and security in space . ''
However , the reaction to the new outfit has been less than complimentary - with most pointing out the design will not help troops blend in during space missions .
One person tweeted : `` How many trees are you expecting to find in space ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is black ...
I feel like this is an important distinction when designing a uniform . ''
One Twitter critic suggested the president could learn a few things from Star Wars , pointing out : `` The only explanation I have is that The # SpaceForce will be invading the forest moon of Endor .
`` I doubt the US has learned that an occupying military has little chance of conquering the Ewoks . ''
Following the vitriol directed at it , the United States Space Force posted a further statement , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force uniforms , saving costs of designing/producing a new one . ''
Donald Trump launched the force last month , claiming `` space is the world 's new war-fighting domain '' as he signed off the $ 1.4trn ( £1.08trn ) National Defence Authorisation Act .
It is part of a package that also provides money for a US-Mexico border wall .

The US Space Force has been mocked after proudly unveiling its new uniforms – featuring full woodland camouflage.
It posted an image of the gear on Twitter saying: "Space Force propels the @DeptofDefence into a new era dedicated to protecting US and national interests and security in space."
However, the reaction to the new outfit has been less than complimentary - with most pointing out the design will not help troops blend in during space missions.
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One person tweeted: "How many trees are you expecting to find in space?"
Another pointed out: "Space is black... I feel like this is an important distinction when designing a uniform."
One Twitter critic suggested the president could learn a few things from Star Wars, pointing out: "The only explanation I have is that The #SpaceForce will be invading the forest moon of Endor.
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"I doubt the US has learned that an occupying military has little chance of conquering the Ewoks."
Mark Hamill, AKA Luke Skywalker, took up the theme, reminding fans that the movies got there first.
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Following the vitriol directed at it, the United States Space Force posted a further statement, adding: "USSF is utilizing current Army/Air Force uniforms, saving costs of designing/producing a new one."
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Donald Trump launched the force last month, claiming "space is the world's new war-fighting domain" as he signed off the $1.4trn (£1.08trn) National Defence Authorisation Act.
It is part of a package that also provides money for a US-Mexico border wall.


skynewsus--2020-01-19--Trump's legal team calls impeachment 'brazen and unlawful'

Donald Trump is accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress Donald Trump 's legal team has filed its first formal response to impeachment charges against the president , calling them a `` dangerous attack on the right of the American people to freely choose their president '' .
In a six-page document filed before opening statements are made on Tuesday in the president 's Senate trial , Mr Trump 's lawyers said the two articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - were nothing more than a partisan attempt to remove him from office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denies each and every allegation in both articles of impeachment , '' they said .
`` This is a brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election and interfere with the 2020 election - now just months away , '' they added .
The response came as House Democrats , who are leading the impeachment case , also filed a document of 111 pages , previewing the arguments they will use .
They accused the president of betraying public trust with behaviour that was `` the worst nightmare '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to be removed from office to protect national security and preserve the country 's system of government .
`` The Senate should convict and remove President Trump to avoid serious and long-term damage to our democratic values and the nation 's security , '' they said .
`` The case against the president of the United States is simple , the facts are indisputable , and the evidence is overwhelming , '' they added .
Both documents are the first of several filings expected in the coming days as senators prepare to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Trump has been accused of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to launch an investigation into Hunter Biden , the son of the present 's political rival Joe Biden , over his time on the board of a Ukrainian oil company .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The Senate is still debating the ground rules of the trial , particularly the question of whether there will be new witnesses as fresh evidence emerges .
Despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump is not expected to be removed from office .
The Democrats control the House of Representatives , making it straightforward for proceedings to get this far , but the second chamber of the US government - the Senate - is controlled by the Republicans .
They have 53 seats there compared to 47 for the Democrats , and it would take 51 votes to approve rules or call witnesses during the trial .
If four Republican senators joined with Democrats , they could insist on new evidence .
Mr Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential history and the second to be televised .

Donald Trump's legal team has filed its first formal response to impeachment charges against the president, calling them a "dangerous attack on the right of the American people to freely choose their president".
In a six-page document filed before opening statements are made on Tuesday in the president's Senate trial, Mr Trump's lawyers said the two articles of impeachment - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - were nothing more than a partisan attempt to remove him from office.
"President Trump categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation in both articles of impeachment," they said.
"This is a brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election and interfere with the 2020 election - now just months away," they added.
The response came as House Democrats, who are leading the impeachment case, also filed a document of 111 pages, previewing the arguments they will use.
Image: Prosecutors walked across the hall to the Senate when the trial officially began on Thursday
They accused the president of betraying public trust with behaviour that was "the worst nightmare" of the founding fathers and called for him to be removed from office to protect national security and preserve the country's system of government.
"The Senate should convict and remove President Trump to avoid serious and long-term damage to our democratic values and the nation's security," they said.
"The case against the president of the United States is simple, the facts are indisputable, and the evidence is overwhelming," they added.
Both documents are the first of several filings expected in the coming days as senators prepare to take their seats for the rare trial.
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Mr Trump has been accused of abusing his power by pressuring Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to launch an investigation into Hunter Biden, the son of the present's political rival Joe Biden, over his time on the board of a Ukrainian oil company.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The Senate is still debating the ground rules of the trial, particularly the question of whether there will be new witnesses as fresh evidence emerges.
Despite the impeachment process reaching the trial stage, Mr Trump is not expected to be removed from office.
The Democrats control the House of Representatives, making it straightforward for proceedings to get this far, but the second chamber of the US government - the Senate - is controlled by the Republicans.
They have 53 seats there compared to 47 for the Democrats, and it would take 51 votes to approve rules or call witnesses during the trial.
If four Republican senators joined with Democrats, they could insist on new evidence.
Mr Trump's trial is only the third in US presidential history and the second to be televised.


skynewsus--2020-01-19--Conor McGregor beats Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds

Conor McGregor has marked his return to mixed martial arts with a definitive UFC victory , beating Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds .
The 31-year-old Irishman stopped his American opponent with a punch to the nose swiftly followed by left kick to the head .
Flooring Cerrone , McGregor then finished the fight on the floor , to the delight of the sell-out crowd in Las Vegas .
Speaking after the fight , McGregor said : `` I feel really good , and I came out of here unscathed .
I 'm in shape .
We 've got work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was . ''
The Irish former two-division champion had walked to the cage wearing the Irish flag .
Following his defeat , Cerrone said : `` I 'd never seen anything like that .
He busted my nose , it started bleeding , and he stepped back and head-kicked me .
Oh , man .
This happened this fast ? ''
Despite previous shows of unsportsmanlike conduct , McGregor spoke to Cerrone after the bout , and even hugged his opponent 's grandmother when she entered the octagon to hug her defeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win in three years , following a stint away from the UFC .
In November 2016 he stopped lightweight Eddie Alvarez to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold two championship belts simultaneously .
He went on to lose a 2017 boxing match to Floyd Mayweather in 2017 and a UFC bout to lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in late 2018 .
He has also been in trouble with the law , and was convicted of assault in Dublin following an altercation in a pub in April 2019 , for which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McGregor says he 's now back on form , and more fights will follow throughout 2020 .
He told the crowd : `` Any one of these mouthy fools can get it .
Every single one of them can get it .
It does not matter .
I 'm back and I 'm ready . ''
It 's likely he was referring to welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and veteran brawler Jorge Masvidal who both watched the fight from cageside , and could be up to fight McGregor next .
Future fights are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in live arena ticket sales .

Conor McGregor has marked his return to mixed martial arts with a definitive UFC victory, beating Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds.
The 31-year-old Irishman stopped his American opponent with a punch to the nose swiftly followed by left kick to the head.
Image: He knocked out Cerrone with a swift kick to the head
Flooring Cerrone, McGregor then finished the fight on the floor, to the delight of the sell-out crowd in Las Vegas.
Speaking after the fight, McGregor said: "I feel really good, and I came out of here unscathed. I'm in shape. We've got work to do to get back to where I was."
The Irish former two-division champion had walked to the cage wearing the Irish flag.
Following his defeat, Cerrone said: "I'd never seen anything like that. He busted my nose, it started bleeding, and he stepped back and head-kicked me. Oh, man. This happened this fast?"
Image: Donald Cerrone pictured before the bout
Despite previous shows of unsportsmanlike conduct, McGregor spoke to Cerrone after the bout, and even hugged his opponent's grandmother when she entered the octagon to hug her defeated grandson.
It's McGregor's first win in three years, following a stint away from the UFC.
In November 2016 he stopped lightweight Eddie Alvarez to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold two championship belts simultaneously.
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He went on to lose a 2017 boxing match to Floyd Mayweather in 2017 and a UFC bout to lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in late 2018.
Image: McGregor says he will fight throughout 2020
He has also been in trouble with the law, and was convicted of assault in Dublin following an altercation in a pub in April 2019, for which he paid a €1,000 (£861) fine.
McGregor says he's now back on form, and more fights will follow throughout 2020.
He told the crowd: "Any one of these mouthy fools can get it. Every single one of them can get it. It does not matter. I'm back and I'm ready."
It's likely he was referring to welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and veteran brawler Jorge Masvidal who both watched the fight from cageside, and could be up to fight McGregor next.
Future fights are expected to perform well on both pay-per-view and in live arena ticket sales.


skynewsus--2020-01-19--Harry Dunn death: PM to raise US driving with American officials

Harry Dunn death : Boris Johnson to raise issue of US driving with American officials Harry Dunn death : Boris Johnson to raise issue of US driving with American officials Boris Johnson says he will raise the issue of road safety surrounding RAF Croughton Boris Johnson says he will raise the issue of the driving standards of US personnel with American officials , in the wake of the death of Harry Dunn .
Speaking ahead of a conference in Berlin , the prime minister said : `` We 're certainly raising all those issues - about the driving habits of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're continuing to work for justice for Harry Dunn and for his family . ''
The teenager died in a head-on crash with a car on 27 August last year near to RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire .
The driver of the car , Anne Sacoolas , claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to the US , where she has been since Harry died .
Yesterday , police revealed that diplomatic cars were driven on the wrong side of the road in two separate incidents near the RAF base where the teenager was killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances of the US handing over Anne Sacoolas as `` very low '' .
Mrs Sacoolas , 42 , the wife of a US intelligence official , claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to the US , where she has been since Harry died .
She is believed to have been driving on the wrong side of the road .
Harry 's mother , Charlotte Charles , and his father Tim Dunn have sought assurances that safety measures are in place to make sure there are no similar incidents .
Police say they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at RAF Croughton to discuss driving standards on the roads around it .
Dunn family spokesman Radd Seiger told Sky News he welcomed the prime minister 's comments , but said the family are `` disappointed it 's taken this long to get to this level of interest in [ Harry 's death ] '' .
`` It 's not going to be resolved at leadership level , it 's going to be resolved here [ on the roads around RAF Croughton ] , '' he added .
`` What we want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with risk assessments involving road safety experts , the police , the people on the base and the residents and we all sit down and look at all issues .
`` It 's not about the driving habits of American personnel on the base , that 's just one small part of it , but there are lots of things that can be done to improve safety in the area and we need to sit down urgently . ''
Mr Seiger said it is down to `` luck rather than judgement '' that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry '' .
He said he has been informed of `` dozens and dozens '' of other incidents around the country of people `` suffering harm or worse '' at the hands of American drivers around these bases .
Mr Seiger said : `` It 's been a shock for me to learn about it , but it 's all been swept under the carpet .
Harry was not a one off . ''
He said while there is `` lots of good discussion [ around the case ] at a diplomatic level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope for any positive results coming from Mr Johnson 's involvement .
Mr Seiger said it is essential Mrs Sacoolas returns to the UK in order to resolve the situation .
The British government has submitted an extradition request for Mrs Sacoolas , who has been formally charged over Harry 's death with causing death by dangerous driving .
However , the US has called the request `` highly inappropriate '' .

Boris Johnson says he will raise the issue of the driving standards of US personnel with American officials, in the wake of the death of Harry Dunn.
Speaking ahead of a conference in Berlin, the prime minister said: "We're certainly raising all those issues - about the driving habits of US personnel at the base - and we're continuing to work for justice for Harry Dunn and for his family."
Image: Harry Dunn was just 19 when he died in the incident near RAF Croughton. Pic: Facebook
The teenager died in a head-on crash with a car on 27 August last year near to RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire.
The driver of the car, Anne Sacoolas, claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to the US, where she has been since Harry died.
Yesterday, police revealed that diplomatic cars were driven on the wrong side of the road in two separate incidents near the RAF base where the teenager was killed.
Mr Johnson has previously described the chances of the US handing over Anne Sacoolas as "very low".
Mrs Sacoolas, 42, the wife of a US intelligence official, claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to the US, where she has been since Harry died.
She is believed to have been driving on the wrong side of the road.
Harry's mother, Charlotte Charles, and his father Tim Dunn have sought assurances that safety measures are in place to make sure there are no similar incidents.
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Police say they have called for talks with the base commander at RAF Croughton to discuss driving standards on the roads around it.
Image: Anne Sacoolas returned to the US following the collision claiming diplomatic immunity
Image: Family spokesman Radd Seiger says an urgent safety review is needed
Dunn family spokesman Radd Seiger told Sky News he welcomed the prime minister's comments, but said the family are "disappointed it's taken this long to get to this level of interest in [Harry's death]".
"It's not going to be resolved at leadership level, it's going to be resolved here [on the roads around RAF Croughton]," he added.
"What we want to see is a complete safety review, with risk assessments involving road safety experts, the police, the people on the base and the residents and we all sit down and look at all issues.
"It's not about the driving habits of American personnel on the base, that's just one small part of it, but there are lots of things that can be done to improve safety in the area and we need to sit down urgently."
Mr Seiger said it is down to "luck rather than judgement" that "no blood has been shed since Harry".
Image: Family spokesman Radd Seiger says an urgent safety review is needed
He said he has been informed of "dozens and dozens" of other incidents around the country of people "suffering harm or worse" at the hands of American drivers around these bases.
Mr Seiger said: "It's been a shock for me to learn about it, but it's all been swept under the carpet. Harry was not a one off."
He said while there is "lots of good discussion [around the case] at a diplomatic level", he is not holding out hope for any positive results coming from Mr Johnson's involvement.
Mr Seiger said it is essential Mrs Sacoolas returns to the UK in order to resolve the situation.
The British government has submitted an extradition request for Mrs Sacoolas, who has been formally charged over Harry's death with causing death by dangerous driving.
However, the US has called the request "highly inappropriate".