skynewsus--2020-07-23--US ambassador to the UK denies making racist and sexist remarks

The US ambassador to the UK has denied reports he made `` insensitive '' remarks about race and gender to staff .
CNN reported US officials had investigated Woody Johnson after he made `` generalisations about black men '' and `` cringeworthy '' comments about the appearances of women .
The report also alleged Mr Johnson sought to advance the US president 's business interests by lobbying politicians for the Open Championship golf tournament to be played at Donald Trump 's Turnberry course in Scotland .
But in a post on social media , Mr Johnson said the accusations were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethical rules and requirements of my office at all times , '' he wrote on Twitter .
`` These false claims of insensitive remarks about race and gender are totally inconsistent with my longstanding record and values . ''
A US State Department spokesperson told CNN Mr Johnson is `` a valued member of the team '' who has carried out his work in the UK `` honourably and professionally '' .
`` We stand by ambassador Johnson and look forward to him continuing to ensure our special relationship with the UK is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Johnson , who is part-owner of NFL team the New York Jets , has been Washington 's ambassador in London since November 2017 .
This week he hosted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's visit to the capital .
Asked about the allegation at a White House news conference on Wednesday , Mr Trump replied : `` No I never spoke to Woody Johnson about that , about Turnberry .
`` Turnberry is a highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the best in world , and I read a story about it today , and I never spoke to Woody Johnson about doing that .
No . ''

The US ambassador to the UK has denied reports he made "insensitive" remarks about race and gender to staff.
CNN reported US officials had investigated Woody Johnson after he made "generalisations about black men" and "cringeworthy" comments about the appearances of women.
The report also alleged Mr Johnson sought to advance the US president's business interests by lobbying politicians for the Open Championship golf tournament to be played at Donald Trump's Turnberry course in Scotland.
But in a post on social media, Mr Johnson said the accusations were false.
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"I have followed the ethical rules and requirements of my office at all times," he wrote on Twitter.
"These false claims of insensitive remarks about race and gender are totally inconsistent with my longstanding record and values."
A US State Department spokesperson told CNN Mr Johnson is "a valued member of the team" who has carried out his work in the UK "honourably and professionally".
"We stand by ambassador Johnson and look forward to him continuing to ensure our special relationship with the UK is strong," they added.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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Mr Johnson, who is part-owner of NFL team the New York Jets, has been Washington's ambassador in London since November 2017.
This week he hosted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to the capital.
Image: Mr Johnson (R) elbow bumps US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his visit to London this week
Asked about the allegation at a White House news conference on Wednesday, Mr Trump replied: "No I never spoke to Woody Johnson about that, about Turnberry.
"Turnberry is a highly respected course as you know, one of the best in world, and I read a story about it today, and I never spoke to Woody Johnson about doing that. No."


skynewsus--2020-07-23--Demi Lovato reveals she is engaged

Demi Lovato reveals she is engaged

Singer Demi Lovato has announced she is engaged to actor Max Ehrich .
Lovato shared the news on Instagram as she posted pictures from the proposal on Malibu Beach , as well as a close-up of her diamond ring .
Rumours that the pair were dating began swirling in March when they were seen exchanging flirty messages online , before they publicly announced they were together .
In a post to her 88.5 million Instagram followers , Lovato wrote : `` When I was a little girl , my birth dad always called me his 'little partner ' - something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southern cowboy like accent .
`` To me it made perfect sense .
And today that word makes perfect sense again but today I 'm officially going to be someone else 's partner .
`` @ maxehrich - I knew I loved you the moment I met you .
`` It was something I ca n't describe to anyone who has n't experienced it firsthand but luckily you did too .
`` I 've never felt so unconditionally loved by someone in my life ( other than my parents ) flaws and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything other than myself .
And you make me want to be the best version of myself .
`` I 'm honored ( sic ) to accept your hand in marriage .
I love you more than a caption could express but I 'm ecstatic to start a family and life with you .
I love you forever my baby .
My partner .
Here 's to our future !
!
!
! ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ehrich also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` You are every love song , every film , every lyric , every poem , everything I could ever dream of and then some in a partner in life .
`` Words can not express how infinitely in love with you I am forever and always and then some .
`` I can not spend another second of my time here on Earth without the miracle of having you as my wife .
Here 's to forever baby . ''
Lovato , 27 , is a pop singer whose hits include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Disney star who appeared in the film Camp Rock .
She has spoken openly in the past about fighting addiction and was taken ill at her Los Angeles home in July 2018 after a suspected drug overdose .
Ehrich , 29 , is a US actor and starred in the long-running soap The Young And The Restless .

Singer Demi Lovato has announced she is engaged to actor Max Ehrich.
Lovato shared the news on Instagram as she posted pictures from the proposal on Malibu Beach, as well as a close-up of her diamond ring.
Rumours that the pair were dating began swirling in March when they were seen exchanging flirty messages online, before they publicly announced they were together.
In a post to her 88.5 million Instagram followers, Lovato wrote: "When I was a little girl, my birth dad always called me his 'little partner' - something that might've sounded strange without his southern cowboy like accent.
"To me it made perfect sense. And today that word makes perfect sense again but today I'm officially going to be someone else's partner.
"@maxehrich - I knew I loved you the moment I met you.
"It was something I can't describe to anyone who hasn't experienced it firsthand but luckily you did too.
"I've never felt so unconditionally loved by someone in my life (other than my parents) flaws and all. You never pressure me to be anything other than myself. And you make me want to be the best version of myself.
"I'm honored (sic) to accept your hand in marriage. I love you more than a caption could express but I'm ecstatic to start a family and life with you. I love you forever my baby. My partner. Here's to our future!!!!"
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Ehrich also posted the pictures on Instagram, writing: "You are every love song, every film, every lyric, every poem, everything I could ever dream of and then some in a partner in life.
"Words cannot express how infinitely in love with you I am forever and always and then some.
"I cannot spend another second of my time here on Earth without the miracle of having you as my wife. Here's to forever baby."
Lovato, 27, is a pop singer whose hits include Skyscraper and Sorry Not Sorry and a former Disney star who appeared in the film Camp Rock.
She has spoken openly in the past about fighting addiction and was taken ill at her Los Angeles home in July 2018 after a suspected drug overdose.
Ehrich, 29, is a US actor and starred in the long-running soap The Young And The Restless.


skynewsus--2020-07-23--'I'm heartbroken this is who I love': Amber Heard texts to mum detailed in court

Amber Heard told her mother she was `` heartbroken that this is who I love '' in texts sent during her relationship with Johnny Depp , the High Court has heard during her final day of evidence .
Heard also made more claims about what she alleges was a `` three-day hostage situation '' in Australia in March 2015 , saying she found blood , broken glass and paint , as well as `` mashed potato and gravy smeared '' on a door - and raw meat on the floor - of the house Depp was staying in while filming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It comes on day 13 of the biggest English libel trial of the 21st century , with Depp suing NGN , the publishers of The Sun .
Heard 's sister , Whitney Henriquez , is due to give evidence in the afternoon once the actress has finished in the witness box .
Earlier this morning , Sasha Wass QC , representing NGN , gave details of text messages from Heard to her mother , Paige , during her relationship with Depp .
`` It 's terrible , mum .
I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read , while another said : `` He 's nuts , mum .
Violent and crazy .
I 'm heartbroken that this is who I love . ''
Heard 's mother suggested that she tell her father , Ms Wass told the court , to which the actress replied : `` I ca n't tell dad . ''
In court , Heard explained the texts , saying : `` I felt safe to tell my mother , but I did n't know how my dad would react .
I had never been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know if he would react violently ... to Johnny . ''
She added : `` I did n't want to make it worse . ''
In another text , Heard said Depp was `` not being violent with me '' but just `` raging in general '' .
She told the court she was not being truthful in this text .
In another message , Ms Wass said Heard described Depp as a `` madman '' and said : `` I feel like I 'm on a very fast train that 's about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to jump off and leave my love behind .
`` So I stay on the train , even though I know it 's about to explode . ''
Heard then told the court : `` I was so in love with Johnny at that time .
We had had a wonderful year together where he was sober and clean and that is how I got to know him .
`` And Johnny , when he was like that , ( is ) generous , loving , he is a remarkable man when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved him and I did n't want to lose that ... the other side of him was a monster , but I always held out hope that he would get clean and sober . ''
Proceedings then moved on to the much-discussed incident in Australia , when Heard alleges Depp was taking MDMA and drinking heavily .
In court on Wednesday , Heard gave her account of part of the argument , accusing the actor of throwing bottles `` like grenades '' .
Today , Ms Wass asked her about the damage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - which included broken windows , graffiti on mirrors and blood and paint on the walls and floors .
Asked how much of it she was responsible for , Heard said she only broke one bottle .
Giving her account of the damage , the actress told the court : `` When I first opened the door that last morning , there was what appears to be mashed potatoes and gravy or something rubbed all over the door ...
I remember there was a bird , which scared me to death ...
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken window . ''
Heard continued : `` I started seeing all this blood on the carpet ... which I thought was ( from ) my feet , but there was drops of it .
There was blood everywhere .
`` There was paint , what I thought was paint because it was a brownish colour , on the walls and then it started to become clear to me that they were letters or messages , words .
It was heavy at first and then it kind of faded into a , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make out words , English words , but it did n't make sense .
Then it appeared to be a different kind of writing next to it , but these are on the walls leading down this kind of covered stairwell . ''
Heard told the court there was `` blood , tonnes of , like , painting , blood on the walls '' , that holes had been `` burned '' through cushions and lampshades and a couch was `` flipped over '' .
She continued : `` I found raw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what it was , on the floor ... not just on the floor , I continued to find it ... that day , hidden in various places .
`` He had taken my nightgown and ripped it into shreds .
He wrapped pieces of food [ in it ] . ''
The actress said there was a `` significant pooling of blood on the floor , on the steps leading to the stairs .
I could see my own bloody footprints [ from the night before ] but I could also see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Heard said that downstairs , Depp was playing `` death metal , blasting really loud '' and she could see `` tonnes of broken glass '' , and a ping pong table was `` broken and on the ground '' .
Depp is suing NGN and The Sun 's executive editor Dan Wootton over an article published in April 2018 , with the headline : `` Gone Potty : How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy ' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film ? ''
Heard is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defending the article as true .

Amber Heard told her mother she was "heartbroken that this is who I love" in texts sent during her relationship with Johnny Depp, the High Court has heard during her final day of evidence.
Heard also made more claims about what she alleges was a "three-day hostage situation" in Australia in March 2015, saying she found blood, broken glass and paint, as well as "mashed potato and gravy smeared" on a door - and raw meat on the floor - of the house Depp was staying in while filming Pirates Of The Caribbean in the country.
It comes on day 13 of the biggest English libel trial of the 21st century, with Depp suing NGN, the publishers of The Sun.
Heard's sister, Whitney Henriquez, is due to give evidence in the afternoon once the actress has finished in the witness box.
Image: This picture of some of the alleged mess in a rented house in Australia has previously been show in court
Earlier this morning, Sasha Wass QC, representing NGN, gave details of text messages from Heard to her mother, Paige, during her relationship with Depp.
"It's terrible, mum. I don't know what to do," one read, while another said: "He's nuts, mum. Violent and crazy. I'm heartbroken that this is who I love."
Heard's mother suggested that she tell her father, Ms Wass told the court, to which the actress replied: "I can't tell dad."
In court, Heard explained the texts, saying: "I felt safe to tell my mother, but I didn't know how my dad would react. I had never been in this situation before and I didn't know if he would react violently... to Johnny."
She added: "I didn't want to make it worse."
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Image: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard pictured in 2014
In another text, Heard said Depp was "not being violent with me" but just "raging in general".
She told the court she was not being truthful in this text.
In another message, Ms Wass said Heard described Depp as a "madman" and said: "I feel like I'm on a very fast train that's about to explode, but I don't want to jump off and leave my love behind.
"So I stay on the train, even though I know it's about to explode."
Heard then told the court: "I was so in love with Johnny at that time. We had had a wonderful year together where he was sober and clean and that is how I got to know him.
"And Johnny, when he was like that, (is) generous, loving, he is a remarkable man when he is like that.
"I loved him and I didn't want to lose that... the other side of him was a monster, but I always held out hope that he would get clean and sober."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Whitney Henriquez, Heard's sister, is also giving evidence
Proceedings then moved on to the much-discussed incident in Australia, when Heard alleges Depp was taking MDMA and drinking heavily.
In court on Wednesday, Heard gave her account of part of the argument, accusing the actor of throwing bottles "like grenades".
Today, Ms Wass asked her about the damage to the house in which they were staying - which included broken windows, graffiti on mirrors and blood and paint on the walls and floors.
Asked how much of it she was responsible for, Heard said she only broke one bottle.
Giving her account of the damage, the actress told the court: "When I first opened the door that last morning, there was what appears to be mashed potatoes and gravy or something rubbed all over the door... I remember there was a bird, which scared me to death... I guess it had flown in through a broken window."
Image: Depp has admitted writing on a mirror in paint and blood at the house in Australia
Heard continued: "I started seeing all this blood on the carpet... which I thought was (from) my feet, but there was drops of it. There was blood everywhere.
"There was paint, what I thought was paint because it was a brownish colour, on the walls and then it started to become clear to me that they were letters or messages, words. It was heavy at first and then it kind of faded into a, like, milky-brown colour.
"I started to make out words, English words, but it didn't make sense. Then it appeared to be a different kind of writing next to it, but these are on the walls leading down this kind of covered stairwell."
Heard told the court there was "blood, tonnes of, like, painting, blood on the walls", that holes had been "burned" through cushions and lampshades and a couch was "flipped over".
She continued: "I found raw meat, at first I didn't know what it was, on the floor... not just on the floor, I continued to find it... that day, hidden in various places.
"He had taken my nightgown and ripped it into shreds. He wrapped pieces of food [in it]."
The actress said there was a "significant pooling of blood on the floor, on the steps leading to the stairs. I could see my own bloody footprints [from the night before] but I could also see what appeared to be dropped blood."
Heard said that downstairs, Depp was playing "death metal, blasting really loud" and she could see "tonnes of broken glass", and a ping pong table was "broken and on the ground".
Depp is suing NGN and The Sun's executive editor Dan Wootton over an article published in April 2018, with the headline: "Gone Potty: How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film?"
Heard is NGN's witness; the publisher is defending the article as true.
The trial continues.


skynewsus--2020-07-23--'Timing is not right': Trump calls off Republican convention in Florida over coronavirus

Donald Trump has called off the Republican convention in Florida after a flare-up of coronavirus cases , saying the timing is `` not right '' .
The event , which was due to be held in Jacksonville next month , is when Mr Trump will accept his party 's nomination as presidential candidate .
Convention events will still be going ahead in North Carolina , where a small subset of GOP delegates will gather for just four hours on 24 August .
`` The timing for this event is not right , '' the US president said in a White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just not right with what 's happened recently , the flare-up in Florida .
To have a big convention , it 's not the right time . ''
He added : `` I have to protect the American people . ''
Florida was planning to host four nights of programming and parties that Mr Trump had hoped would boost his chances of re-election .
The plans have been steadily scaled back as coronavirus cases have spiked in Florida over the last month .
In his latest press briefing , the US president said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to attract thousands of supporters and delegates to a virus hotspot .
Some would have had to quarantine when they returned to their home states from the convention .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The ceremonial parts of the convention were initially planned to go ahead in North Carolina , but were moved to Florida following a dispute with the former state 's leaders about holding indoor events with maskless supporters .
Mr Trump has said he will now deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - potentially online .
The Republican leader has been accused of reacting slowly to the coronavirus pandemic and downplaying its impact in the US , which has the highest COVID-19 death toll in the world .
In recent weeks - after a poor showing in opinion polls ahead of November 's presidential election - he has appeared to take a stronger stance against the virus .
He told Americans earlier this week that the pandemic `` will probably get worse before it gets better '' and urged people to wear masks when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 142,000 people have died with coronavirus in the US and deaths are still rising in 23 states , according to Reuters news agency .

Donald Trump has called off the Republican convention in Florida after a flare-up of coronavirus cases, saying the timing is "not right".
The event, which was due to be held in Jacksonville next month, is when Mr Trump will accept his party's nomination as presidential candidate.
Convention events will still be going ahead in North Carolina, where a small subset of GOP delegates will gather for just four hours on 24 August.
Image: The president said he 'felt it was wrong' to host the event
"The timing for this event is not right," the US president said in a White House press briefing. "It's just not right with what's happened recently, the flare-up in Florida. To have a big convention, it's not the right time."
He added: "I have to protect the American people."
Florida was planning to host four nights of programming and parties that Mr Trump had hoped would boost his chances of re-election.
The plans have been steadily scaled back as coronavirus cases have spiked in Florida over the last month.
In his latest press briefing, the US president said he "just felt it was wrong" to attract thousands of supporters and delegates to a virus hotspot.
Some would have had to quarantine when they returned to their home states from the convention.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The ceremonial parts of the convention were initially planned to go ahead in North Carolina, but were moved to Florida following a dispute with the former state's leaders about holding indoor events with maskless supporters.
Mr Trump has said he will now deliver his acceptance speech in an alternate form - potentially online.
The Republican leader has been accused of reacting slowly to the coronavirus pandemic and downplaying its impact in the US, which has the highest COVID-19 death toll in the world.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:09 The science behind face masks
In recent weeks - after a poor showing in opinion polls ahead of November's presidential election - he has appeared to take a stronger stance against the virus.
He told Americans earlier this week that the pandemic "will probably get worse before it gets better" and urged people to wear masks when they cannot socially distance.
More than 142,000 people have died with coronavirus in the US and deaths are still rising in 23 states, according to Reuters news agency.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Harry and Meghan file lawsuit to protect son's 'right to privacy' in their home

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles after drones were allegedly used to photograph their 14-month-old son Archie in the back garden of their home .
The couple is alleging their privacy was breached by unnamed photographers , a way of allowing them to use subpoenas to pursue anyone trying to sell the photos until they can be identified .
In the complaint , which was filed on Thursday , the couple said they were not seeking special treatment and expected to be followed by the media when in public , but that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privacy of their home .
The lawsuit said Harry and Meghan had moved from the UK to Canada at the beginning of the year and enjoyed six weeks undisturbed before their location was published by the Daily Mail .
They had moved to a gated community in the greater Los Angeles area shortly afterwards , but once again had their location published by the same newspaper .
The resulting paparazzi interest included drones being flown as low as 20ft above the house as often as three times a day .
Helicopters also hovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as late as 7pm , disturbing neighbours and waking baby Archie .
Some photographers even cut holes in the security fence around the home , the complaint alleges .
The family tried to ignore these but a recent incident was described as having `` crossed a red line for any parent '' .
Harry and Meghan said someone had been selling photos of Archie , falsely claiming to have taken them during a recent public outing in Malibu , despite Archie never having been in public or in Malibu since the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allege that the photos were instead taken of activities in the back yard of their home , without their knowledge .
The court documents said : `` The unscrupulous people shopping these photographs have not innocently mislabelled the photographs as having been taken in a public place .
`` They have done so intentionally , because they know that unsolicited photographs of a young child in the privacy of his own home are very much unlawful . ''
The couple had `` done everything in their power to stay out of the limelight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exception of their work , which they admitted was newsworthy .
`` But the photos at issue are not news , '' it continued .
`` They are not in the public interest .
They are harassment .
`` The sole point to taking and/or selling such invasive photos is to profit from a child .
Such sales , in turn , stoke the paparazzi market and lead to ever more harassment .
`` The fact that the images at issue remain in the possession of an unknown adult , having already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not thousands of potential buyers , is disgusting and wrong . ''
LA County Superior Court has confirmed to Sky News that the lawsuit has been filed and given a case number .
A statement from the couple 's lawyers added : `` Every individual and family member in California is guaranteed by law the right to privacy in their home .
No drones , helicopters or telephoto lenses can take away that right .
`` The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are filing this lawsuit to protect their young son 's right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by photographers , and to uncover and stop those who seek to profit from these illegal actions . ''

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles after drones were allegedly used to photograph their 14-month-old son Archie in the back garden of their home.
The couple is alleging their privacy was breached by unnamed photographers, a way of allowing them to use subpoenas to pursue anyone trying to sell the photos until they can be identified.
In the complaint, which was filed on Thursday, the couple said they were not seeking special treatment and expected to be followed by the media when in public, but that they drew the line at photographers invading the privacy of their home.
Image: Meghan pictured reading to Archie on his first birthday. Pic: Sussex Royal
The lawsuit said Harry and Meghan had moved from the UK to Canada at the beginning of the year and enjoyed six weeks undisturbed before their location was published by the Daily Mail.
They had moved to a gated community in the greater Los Angeles area shortly afterwards, but once again had their location published by the same newspaper.
The resulting paparazzi interest included drones being flown as low as 20ft above the house as often as three times a day.
Helicopters also hovered over the home as early as 5.30am and as late as 7pm, disturbing neighbours and waking baby Archie.
Some photographers even cut holes in the security fence around the home, the complaint alleges.
The family tried to ignore these but a recent incident was described as having "crossed a red line for any parent".
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Image: The couple stepped back from royal life earlier this year
Harry and Meghan said someone had been selling photos of Archie, falsely claiming to have taken them during a recent public outing in Malibu, despite Archie never having been in public or in Malibu since the family arrived in the US.
The couple allege that the photos were instead taken of activities in the back yard of their home, without their knowledge.
The court documents said: "The unscrupulous people shopping these photographs have not innocently mislabelled the photographs as having been taken in a public place.
"They have done so intentionally, because they know that unsolicited photographs of a young child in the privacy of his own home are very much unlawful."
Image: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Archie, shortly after he was born in May last year
The couple had "done everything in their power to stay out of the limelight", the complaint said, with the exception of their work, which they admitted was newsworthy.
"But the photos at issue are not news," it continued. "They are not in the public interest. They are harassment.
"The sole point to taking and/or selling such invasive photos is to profit from a child. Such sales, in turn, stoke the paparazzi market and lead to ever more harassment.
"The fact that the images at issue remain in the possession of an unknown adult, having already been shown and shared to hundreds if not thousands of potential buyers, is disgusting and wrong."
LA County Superior Court has confirmed to Sky News that the lawsuit has been filed and given a case number.
A statement from the couple's lawyers added: "Every individual and family member in California is guaranteed by law the right to privacy in their home. No drones, helicopters or telephoto lenses can take away that right.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are filing this lawsuit to protect their young son's right to privacy in their home without intrusion by photographers, and to uncover and stop those who seek to profit from these illegal actions."


skynewsus--2020-07-23--Fishing trip 'massacre' suspects 'ordered 10 double cheeseburgers after killings'

The suspects in the brutal murder of three friends on a fishing trip went to McDonald 's and ordered 10 double cheeseburgers immediately after the killings , says the local sheriff .
He described last Friday 's incident in a rural area of Florida as a `` massacre '' and one of the worst murder scenes he had witnessed in decades of policing .
Three people have now been charged , with the sheriff saying the victims had been followed to a remote lake and allegedly shot multiple times by a man described as `` pure evil '' .
Tony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-degree murder - has 230 prior felony charges and is only 26-years-old , said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd .
`` He 's a thug , he 's a criminal .
He 's pure evil in the flesh .
He 's wild and out of control , '' he told reporters .
His brother , William `` Robert '' Wiggins , 21 , and girlfriend Mary Whittemore have been charged with being an accessory to the killings .
They were all found on Monday , living `` off grid '' in trailers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or electricity .
The sheriff said the group had encountered one of the victims at a shop in Frostproof , a city about 58 miles east of Tampa , as he prepared to join his friends for night fishing .
He said alleged killer TJ Wiggins was behind Damion Tillman in the queue , with CCTV showing them chatting .
`` From body language it was n't violent or animated - it was just a normal conservation , '' said Sheriff Judd .
Mr Tillman headed to the lake to meet his friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Wiggins following him out the store just before 10pm .
He 's said to have ordered his brother to drive to the remote spot after hearing Mr Springfield was part of the fishing trip .
Once there , Sheriff Judd said Wiggins pulled out a gun and punched the 30-year-old as he sat in his vehicle , after accusing him of `` selling the engine out of my truck '' .
Investigators say it is unclear whether there was an actual truck deal between the two men .
`` He starts shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truck ... it 's estimated nine to 10 times , '' said Sheriff Judd .
`` Then he turns on Damion and begins to shoot Damion - who 's got his door open - several times . ''
The victims were discovered a short time later by Mr Rollins 's father after his son made a frantic call for help before he died .
He drove to the fishing spot about 10 minutes away and found his son still breathing .
However , he had forgotten his mobile phone and went to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time paramedics arrived at the lake , Mr Rollins had died .
After disposing of the gun , the sheriff told reporters on Wednesday that the group `` immediately '' went to McDonald 's , where they ordered `` 10 double cheeseburgers and two McChickens '' .
The sheriff said : `` They go through the drive-through , it 's very quiet , TJ simply says 'we were n't there ' .
And that 's all the conservation they will admit to . ''
Sheriff Judd , who has worked at the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aftermath of the killings was `` a horrific scene '' .
`` I 've been to a lot of murder scenes and this ranked among the worst I 've been to , '' he said .
The suspects are due in court for the first time on Thursday .

The suspects in the brutal murder of three friends on a fishing trip went to McDonald's and ordered 10 double cheeseburgers immediately after the killings, says the local sheriff.
He described last Friday's incident in a rural area of Florida as a "massacre" and one of the worst murder scenes he had witnessed in decades of policing.
Three people have now been charged, with the sheriff saying the victims had been followed to a remote lake and allegedly shot multiple times by a man described as "pure evil".
Image: Tony Wiggins has been charged with first-degree murder. Pic: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Tony "TJ" Wiggins - charged with first-degree murder - has 230 prior felony charges and is only 26-years-old, said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
"He's a thug, he's a criminal. He's pure evil in the flesh. He's wild and out of control," he told reporters.
His brother, William "Robert" Wiggins, 21, and girlfriend Mary Whittemore have been charged with being an accessory to the killings.
They were all found on Monday, living "off grid" in trailers in the woods, with no running water or electricity.
The sheriff said the group had encountered one of the victims at a shop in Frostproof, a city about 58 miles east of Tampa, as he prepared to join his friends for night fishing.
He said alleged killer TJ Wiggins was behind Damion Tillman in the queue, with CCTV showing them chatting.
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Image: Sheriff Grady Judd called it one of the worst murder scenes he'd witnessed in 48 years
"From body language it wasn't violent or animated - it was just a normal conservation," said Sheriff Judd.
Mr Tillman headed to the lake to meet his friends - Keven Springfield and Brandon Rollins - with Wiggins following him out the store just before 10pm.
He's said to have ordered his brother to drive to the remote spot after hearing Mr Springfield was part of the fishing trip.
Once there, Sheriff Judd said Wiggins pulled out a gun and punched the 30-year-old as he sat in his vehicle, after accusing him of "selling the engine out of my truck".
Investigators say it is unclear whether there was an actual truck deal between the two men.
"He starts shooting Keven and Brandon inside of the white truck... it's estimated nine to 10 times," said Sheriff Judd.
"Then he turns on Damion and begins to shoot Damion - who's got his door open - several times."
The victims were discovered a short time later by Mr Rollins's father after his son made a frantic call for help before he died.
He drove to the fishing spot about 10 minutes away and found his son still breathing.
However, he had forgotten his mobile phone and went to a nearby shop for help. By the time paramedics arrived at the lake, Mr Rollins had died.
After disposing of the gun, the sheriff told reporters on Wednesday that the group "immediately" went to McDonald's, where they ordered "10 double cheeseburgers and two McChickens".
The sheriff said: "They go through the drive-through, it's very quiet, TJ simply says 'we weren't there'. And that's all the conservation they will admit to."
Image: The lake is down a dirt road in the middle of rural Florida
Sheriff Judd, who has worked at the department for 48 years, said the bloody aftermath of the killings was "a horrific scene".
"I've been to a lot of murder scenes and this ranked among the worst I've been to," he said.
The suspects are due in court for the first time on Thursday.


skynewsus--2020-07-23--Mike Tyson returns to boxing with LA fight against Roy Jones Jr

Mike Tyson is making a shock comeback to boxing with an eight-round exhibition fight against Roy Jones in Los Angeles .
Tyson , 54 , and Jones , 51 , are legends of American boxing and are expected to wear headgear and use larger gloves for the match on 12 September .
Jones Jr posted on social media : `` I am happy that this fight between me and Mike Tyson will happen !
I was always ready and will be ready this time as well . ''
The California State Athletic Commission confirmed the match and told Sky Sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referee will have the authority to stop the fight if it strays outside the boundaries of a competitive boxing exhibition . ''
`` Mr Tyson and Mr Jones Jr will have to submit all CSAC medical tests for fighters over 40 as well as CSAC 's emergency regulations that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 . ''
Iconic former heavyweight champion Tyson has been posting ferocious clips of himself in training over the past few months fuelling speculation of a first fight since 2005 .
Jones Jr , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 and 2018 in what was his 75th pro fight .
Jones Jr told sports.ru : `` I had no intention of going back and fighting again but , for the sake of Mike Tyson , I agree to make an exception .
`` For me , this is an opportunity that I can not refuse .
Of all those who wanted to go into the ring with him , he chose me .
And since he did that , how can I say no ? ''
It had initially been considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evander Holyfield , now 57 , in an exhibition .
Holyfield told Sky Sports News earlier this year : `` I would n't ask nobody to do anything they do n't want to do .
But it 's for charity .
If we can work something out that works for everybody then it 's a win-win-win . ''
Tyson previously said : `` I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff . ''
But he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legendary victories over the likes of James Toney and Bernard Hopkins in the 1990s .
Jones Jr is now training Chris Eubank Jr and , this week , told Sky Sports about why a fight with his new boxer 's famous father never came to fruition in their heydays .
`` It was never an opportunity , '' Jones Jr said about Eubank Sr. `` Nobody was making noise about me against the guys from England .
I was n't in a hurry to take my title to England because I was robbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold medal fight , one of boxing 's most controversial decisions ] .
`` I was not a guy who took risks going overseas .
I admired Chris Sr because he could box and he was different .
`` It would have been an interesting fight if it ever happened .
But he had Steve Collins and Nigel Benn .
I had James Toney and Bernard Hopkins .
`` Neither one of us were duckers .
We both had titles and did n't have to unify unless the fans demanded it .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Mike Tyson is making a shock comeback to boxing with an eight-round exhibition fight against Roy Jones in Los Angeles.
Tyson, 54, and Jones, 51, are legends of American boxing and are expected to wear headgear and use larger gloves for the match on 12 September.
Jones Jr posted on social media: "I am happy that this fight between me and Mike Tyson will happen! I was always ready and will be ready this time as well."
The California State Athletic Commission confirmed the match and told Sky Sports: "In this match, the referee will have the authority to stop the fight if it strays outside the boundaries of a competitive boxing exhibition."
"Mr Tyson and Mr Jones Jr will have to submit all CSAC medical tests for fighters over 40 as well as CSAC's emergency regulations that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19."
Iconic former heavyweight champion Tyson has been posting ferocious clips of himself in training over the past few months fuelling speculation of a first fight since 2005.
Image: Mike Tyson beat Frank Bruno in 1989
Jones Jr, a four-weight world champion, won fights in 2017 and 2018 in what was his 75th pro fight.
Jones Jr told sports.ru: "I had no intention of going back and fighting again but, for the sake of Mike Tyson, I agree to make an exception.
"For me, this is an opportunity that I cannot refuse. Of all those who wanted to go into the ring with him, he chose me. And since he did that, how can I say no?"
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It had initially been considered that Tyson would fight his great rival Evander Holyfield, now 57, in an exhibition.
Holyfield told Sky Sports News earlier this year: "I wouldn't ask nobody to do anything they don't want to do. But it's for charity. If we can work something out that works for everybody then it's a win-win-win."
Tyson previously said: "I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff."
Image: June 1997: Blood pours from the ears of Holyfield after being bitten by Tyson
But he will instead face Jones Jr, who enjoyed legendary victories over the likes of James Toney and Bernard Hopkins in the 1990s.
Jones Jr is now training Chris Eubank Jr and, this week, told Sky Sports about why a fight with his new boxer's famous father never came to fruition in their heydays.
"It was never an opportunity," Jones Jr said about Eubank Sr. "Nobody was making noise about me against the guys from England. I wasn't in a hurry to take my title to England because I was robbed in Seoul [in the 1988 Olympic gold medal fight, one of boxing's most controversial decisions].
"I was not a guy who took risks going overseas. I admired Chris Sr because he could box and he was different.
"It would have been an interesting fight if it ever happened. But he had Steve Collins and Nigel Benn. I had James Toney and Bernard Hopkins.
"Neither one of us were duckers. We both had titles and didn't have to unify unless the fans demanded it. At the time, it wasn't demanded."


skynewsus--2020-07-23--'I saw Johnny punch her really hard in the head', Amber Heard's sister claims

Amber Heard 's sister has claimed she witnessed Johnny Depp punching the actress and says she `` felt sick '' when she learned they were getting married .
Whitney Henriquez said in a witness statement that she `` begged '' her older sister not to go through with the wedding , telling her that Depp `` putting a ring on her finger was not going to stop him hitting her '' .
She gave evidence on day 13 of the biggest English libel trial of the 21st century , with Depp , 57 , suing NGN , the publishers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard at the High Court in London .
Ms Henriquez appeared in person in the witness box on Thursday afternoon following Heard 's last few hours of giving evidence earlier in the morning - during which the actress gave more details about an argument in Australia in 2015 and the court was told about texts she sent to her mother about Depp .
• Heard , 34 , has given evidence for the final time , with the court hearing of texts she sent to her mother , one saying : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' • She made more claims about what she alleges was a `` three-day hostage situation '' in Australia in March 2015 , saying she found blood , broken glass and paint , as well as `` mashed potato and gravy smeared '' on a door - and raw meat on the floor • Ms Henriquez claimed she saw Depp hitting her sister in March 2015 and denied lying to support Heard 's story - she is the only person who says she witnessed the actor being violent • Even before this alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick '' when she learned in 2013 that they were getting married as her sister had made allegations of violence As Ms Henriquez gave evidence in the afternoon , the court was told details of her witness statement .
In it , she said that when she first met Depp he seemed `` very sweet '' and that they eventually became close , `` like brother and sister '' .
However , she also said his relationship with Heard was `` tumultuous from the start '' .
Ms Henriquez alleged the actor could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her in the same sentence , with equal amounts of passion .
I remember him often saying ' f****** ugly c*** , you fat whore ... but god I f****** love you ' - and things like this '' .
She claimed that `` early on '' she `` began to notice signs of physical abuse , like bruises or cuts or burns on [ Heard 's ] arm '' .
Ms Henriquez said when Heard announced their engagement in September 2013 , `` I felt sick about it '' .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , begged her not to go through with it and said that she should end it because it was n't going to get better .
Ms Henriquez told the court she witnessed Depp being violent once , in March 2015 - an alleged incident which happened on and near to the staircase of the actor 's penthouse in LA .
`` Johnny reached out to shove me out of the way to lunge at Amber - reaching out to try hit Amber - and instead struck me , hitting me in the arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Amber suddenly lurched forward and hit him and said , 'Do n't hit my sister ' .
I did n't see exactly how Amber hit him but it did n't seem especially hard ; it was just enough for him to lose momentum .
`` She was just trying to protect me and I think it probably stopped me from being pushed down the stairs .
There was a struggle with me stuck in the middle of it , and he really went for Amber .
`` Somehow I was pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't between them , but I was standing right there next to them when Johnny grabbed her by the hair with one hand and I saw him punch her really hard in the head with his other hand multiple times . ''
The court also heard about an alleged episode in March 2013 - the so-called `` Disco Bloodbath '' incident , due to a subsequent reference to a book in a text exchange - when Heard says Depp tried to burn a painting by her ex-wife Tasya van Ree when she refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall .
There has been some confusion as to the date this occurred , with Heard changing her initial statement earlier this month to amend the date she first gave , 8 March 2013 , to later that same month on 22 March .
Ms Henriquez said she had also been mistaken in her statement , and had mixed up the painting that was damaged , originally saying the signature had been scratched over to read `` Tasya van Pee '' .
She said she later realised this was a separate incident the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ms Henriquez showing her with Depp , Heard and The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards .
Depp 's lawyer , Eleanor Laws QC , said the photo was taken on 23 March 2013 and showed no injury to Heard 's face .
Ms Henriquez disagreed and said when she looks at the photo she sees `` make-up and a split lip '' .
There was also discussion over a trip to Coachella Festival , which occurred shortly after Heard 's 30th birthday in 2016 , when another alleged incident between Depp and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case the court was told by Depp 's security guard Starling Jenkins that he had seen Heard `` being sick in a car park '' at the event .
Ms Henriquez said the person he saw being sick was her , and it was because she was pregnant at the time .
As Heard gave evidence in the morning session , Sasha Wass QC , representing NGN , gave details of text messages from the actress to her mother , Paige , sent during her relationship with Depp .
`` It 's terrible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what to do , '' one read , while in another she described him as a `` madman '' , and another said : `` He 's nuts , mum .
Violent and crazy .
I 'm heartbroken that this is who I love . ''
In another text , Heard said Depp was `` not being violent with me '' but just `` raging in general '' .
She told the court she was not being truthful in this text .
Heard then told the court : `` I was so in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We had had a wonderful year together where he was sober and clean and that is how I got to know him .
`` And Johnny , when he was like that , ( is ) generous , loving , he is a remarkable man when he is like that .
`` I loved him and I did n't want to lose that ... the other side of him was a monster , but I always held out hope that he would get clean and sober . ''
Proceedings then moved on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heard alleges Depp was taking MDMA and drinking heavily .
In court the previous day , Heard gave her account of part of the argument , accusing the actor of throwing bottles `` like grenades '' .
On Thursday , Ms Wass asked her about the damage to the house in which they were staying - which included broken windows , graffiti on mirrors and blood and paint on the walls and floors .
Asked how much of it she was responsible for , Heard said she only broke one bottle .
Giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actress told the court : `` When I first opened the door that last morning , there was what appears to be mashed potatoes and gravy or something rubbed all over the door ...
I remember there was a bird , which scared me to death ...
I guess it had flown in through a broken window . ''
Heard continued : `` I started seeing all this blood on the carpet ... which I thought was ( from ) my feet , but there was drops of it .
There was blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I thought was paint because it was a brownish colour , on the walls and then it started to become clear to me that they were letters or messages , words .
It was heavy at first and then it kind of faded into a , like , milky-brown colour . ''
She continued : `` I found raw meat , at first I did n't know what it was , on the floor ... not just on the floor , I continued to find it ... that day , hidden in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my nightgown and ripped it into shreds .
He wrapped pieces of food [ in it ] . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Heard said that downstairs , Depp was playing `` death metal , blasting really loud '' and she could see `` tonnes of broken glass '' , and a ping pong table was `` broken and on the ground '' .
Depp is suing NGN and The Sun 's executive editor Dan Wootton over an article published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Gone Potty : How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy ' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film ? ''
Heard is NGN 's witness ; the publisher is defending the article as true .

Amber Heard's sister has claimed she witnessed Johnny Depp punching the actress and says she "felt sick" when she learned they were getting married.
Whitney Henriquez said in a witness statement that she "begged" her older sister not to go through with the wedding, telling her that Depp "putting a ring on her finger was not going to stop him hitting her".
She gave evidence on day 13 of the biggest English libel trial of the 21st century, with Depp, 57, suing NGN, the publishers of The Sun, in a case being heard at the High Court in London.
Image: Amber Heard (right) and her sister Whitney Henriquez pictured in May 2016, shortly before the actress and Johnny Depp split up
Ms Henriquez appeared in person in the witness box on Thursday afternoon following Heard's last few hours of giving evidence earlier in the morning - during which the actress gave more details about an argument in Australia in 2015 and the court was told about texts she sent to her mother about Depp.
Key moments from day 13 in court
Heard, 34, has given evidence for the final time, with the court hearing of texts she sent to her mother , one saying: "I'm heartbroken this is who I love"
, one saying: "I'm heartbroken this is who I love" She made more claims about what she alleges was a "three-day hostage situation" in Australia in March 2015, saying she found blood, broken glass and paint, as well as "mashed potato and gravy smeared" on a door - and raw meat on the floor
Ms Henriquez claimed she saw Depp hitting her sister in March 2015 and denied lying to support Heard's story - she is the only person who says she witnessed the actor being violent
Even before this alleged incident, she said she "felt sick" when she learned in 2013 that they were getting married as her sister had made allegations of violence
As Ms Henriquez gave evidence in the afternoon, the court was told details of her witness statement.
In it, she said that when she first met Depp he seemed "very sweet" and that they eventually became close, "like brother and sister". However, she also said his relationship with Heard was "tumultuous from the start".
Ms Henriquez alleged the actor could "insult her and say he loved her in the same sentence, with equal amounts of passion. I remember him often saying 'f****** ugly c***, you fat whore... but god I f****** love you' - and things like this".
Image: Heard gave evidence for the final time
Image: Ms Henriquez denied lying to support her sister's allegations in court
She claimed that "early on" she "began to notice signs of physical abuse, like bruises or cuts or burns on [Heard's] arm".
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Ms Henriquez said when Heard announced their engagement in September 2013, "I felt sick about it".
"I told her it was a bad idea, begged her not to go through with it and said that she should end it because it wasn't going to get better.
Ms Henriquez told the court she witnessed Depp being violent once, in March 2015 - an alleged incident which happened on and near to the staircase of the actor's penthouse in LA.
Image: Depp arrived at court just before the lunch break, and was given flowers by a fan
"Johnny reached out to shove me out of the way to lunge at Amber - reaching out to try hit Amber - and instead struck me, hitting me in the arm," she said in her statement.
"Amber suddenly lurched forward and hit him and said, 'Don't hit my sister'. I didn't see exactly how Amber hit him but it didn't seem especially hard; it was just enough for him to lose momentum.
"She was just trying to protect me and I think it probably stopped me from being pushed down the stairs. There was a struggle with me stuck in the middle of it, and he really went for Amber.
"Somehow I was pushed out of the way so I wasn't between them, but I was standing right there next to them when Johnny grabbed her by the hair with one hand and I saw him punch her really hard in the head with his other hand multiple times."
Image: Depp and Heard pictured when they were together in 2014
The court also heard about an alleged episode in March 2013 - the so-called "Disco Bloodbath" incident, due to a subsequent reference to a book in a text exchange - when Heard says Depp tried to burn a painting by her ex-wife Tasya van Ree when she refused to take it down from their bedroom wall.
There has been some confusion as to the date this occurred, with Heard changing her initial statement earlier this month to amend the date she first gave, 8 March 2013, to later that same month on 22 March.
Ms Henriquez said she had also been mistaken in her statement, and had mixed up the painting that was damaged, originally saying the signature had been scratched over to read "Tasya van Pee". She said she later realised this was a separate incident the year before.
Image: (L-R) Depp, Heard, Keith Richards and Ms Henriquez in March 2013
A photo was shown to Ms Henriquez showing her with Depp, Heard and The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. Depp's lawyer, Eleanor Laws QC, said the photo was taken on 23 March 2013 and showed no injury to Heard's face.
Ms Henriquez disagreed and said when she looks at the photo she sees "make-up and a split lip".
There was also discussion over a trip to Coachella Festival, which occurred shortly after Heard's 30th birthday in 2016, when another alleged incident between Depp and Heard took place.
Earlier in the case the court was told by Depp's security guard Starling Jenkins that he had seen Heard "being sick in a car park" at the event. Ms Henriquez said the person he saw being sick was her, and it was because she was pregnant at the time.
Image: Heard with her sister and friends at Coachella in 2016
As Heard gave evidence in the morning session, Sasha Wass QC, representing NGN, gave details of text messages from the actress to her mother, Paige, sent during her relationship with Depp.
"It's terrible, mum. I don't know what to do," one read, while in another she described him as a "madman", and another said: "He's nuts, mum. Violent and crazy. I'm heartbroken that this is who I love."
In another text, Heard said Depp was "not being violent with me" but just "raging in general". She told the court she was not being truthful in this text.
Heard then told the court: "I was so in love with Johnny at that time. We had had a wonderful year together where he was sober and clean and that is how I got to know him.
"And Johnny, when he was like that, (is) generous, loving, he is a remarkable man when he is like that.
"I loved him and I didn't want to lose that... the other side of him was a monster, but I always held out hope that he would get clean and sober."
Image: This picture of the mess in the rented house in Australia has been shown in court
Image: Depp has admitted writing on a mirror in paint and blood at the house
Proceedings then moved on to the much-discussed incident in Australia, when Heard alleges Depp was taking MDMA and drinking heavily.
In court the previous day, Heard gave her account of part of the argument, accusing the actor of throwing bottles "like grenades".
On Thursday, Ms Wass asked her about the damage to the house in which they were staying - which included broken windows, graffiti on mirrors and blood and paint on the walls and floors.
Asked how much of it she was responsible for, Heard said she only broke one bottle.
Giving her account of the damage, the actress told the court: "When I first opened the door that last morning, there was what appears to be mashed potatoes and gravy or something rubbed all over the door... I remember there was a bird, which scared me to death... I guess it had flown in through a broken window."
Image: The court has seen pictures of both Heard and Depp with what they both claim are injuries suffered in other alleged incidents of violence
Image: Depp's head of security says he took this picture in December 2015
Heard continued: "I started seeing all this blood on the carpet... which I thought was (from) my feet, but there was drops of it. There was blood everywhere.
"There was paint, what I thought was paint because it was a brownish colour, on the walls and then it started to become clear to me that they were letters or messages, words. It was heavy at first and then it kind of faded into a, like, milky-brown colour."
She continued: "I found raw meat, at first I didn't know what it was, on the floor... not just on the floor, I continued to find it... that day, hidden in various places.
"He had taken my nightgown and ripped it into shreds. He wrapped pieces of food [in it]."
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Heard said that downstairs, Depp was playing "death metal, blasting really loud" and she could see "tonnes of broken glass", and a ping pong table was "broken and on the ground".
Depp is suing NGN and The Sun's executive editor Dan Wootton over an article published in April 2018, with the headline: "Gone Potty: How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film?"
Heard is NGN's witness; the publisher is defending the article as true.
The trial continues.


skynewsus--2020-07-23--Judge allows release of more than 80 documents in Ghislaine Maxwell case

A judge has authorised the release of documents in the case of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell as she awaits trial on sex trafficking charges .
District Judge Loretta Preska in New York has directed the release of large portions of more than 80 documents from a 2015 civil lawsuit against Maxwell .
The ruling came after another judge rejected Maxwell 's effort to block prosecutors , FBI agents and lawyers for some accusers from making out-of-court statements about her criminal case .
The 58-year-old is in a Brooklyn federal jail ahead of her trial in July 2021 .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 July and is facing charges that she procured three teenage girls , including a 14-year-old , for the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse in the 1990s .
She is also accused of committing perjury by denying knowledge of Epstein 's abuse in depositions .
The documents Ms Preska has said can be unsealed were part of accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre 's defamation lawsuit against Maxwell , which was settled confidentially in 2017 .
Mrs Roberts Giuffre has accused Epstein of sexually abusing her when she was underage and Maxwell of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers have said she `` vigorously denies the charges , intends to fight them , and is entitled to the presumption of innocence '' .
Mrs Roberts Giuffre also made headlines after accusing Prince Andrew of having underage sex with her .
The Duke of York has denied the claims .
The documents Ms Preska has said can be released include flight logs from Epstein 's private jets , deposition testimony in 2016 in which Maxwell 's lawyers said she was asked about her sex life , and police reports from Palm Beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
Some information , including names of other Epstein accusers who have not publicly revealed their identities and other `` non-parties '' , will remain redacted .
Ms Preska has given Maxwell one week to file an emergency appeal , but said both sides should proceed as though the documents will be made public , perhaps within a week .
Maxwell 's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
US District Judge Alison J Nathan had earlier denied a request by Maxwell 's defence lawyer to block prosecutors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Nathan , who oversees the criminal case , said a gag order was not needed to protect Maxwell 's right to a fair trial but that she `` will not hesitate '' to act if needed .
Maxwell 's lawyer Jeffrey Pagliuca said this week that comments made publicly by a prosecutor , an FBI official and lawyers for accusers were prejudicial toward the British socialite .
Mr Pagliuca referred to an FBI official 's statement on 2 July that Maxwell was a villain who had `` slithered away to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Nathan rejected Maxwell 's bail request last week after prosecutors argued she was a high risk to flee because evidence against her was strong and she had access to millions of dollars .
Maxwell also has connections worldwide along with citizenship in the United States , the United Kingdom and France .
President Donald Trump twice wished her well at a news conference in Washington where he acknowledged that he had met Maxwell `` numerous times '' when they both lived in Palm Beach , Florida .
Epstein , 66 , killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges .
The billionaire had a wide circle of friends including Prince Andrew , Mr Trump and former US president Bill Clinton .
Prince Andrew , who denies any wrongdoing , has since been urged to provide information to the investigation by a US attorney .
Last month , Prince Andrew 's legal team released a statement denying allegations from law enforcement agencies in America that he was unwilling to talk to them regarding Epstein , saying he had offered to talk to them on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk to the prince as a witness , not as a suspect .

A judge has authorised the release of documents in the case of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell as she awaits trial on sex trafficking charges.
District Judge Loretta Preska in New York has directed the release of large portions of more than 80 documents from a 2015 civil lawsuit against Maxwell.
The ruling came after another judge rejected Maxwell's effort to block prosecutors, FBI agents and lawyers for some accusers from making out-of-court statements about her criminal case.
The 58-year-old is in a Brooklyn federal jail ahead of her trial in July 2021.
She was arrested on her New Hampshire estate of 2 July and is facing charges that she procured three teenage girls, including a 14-year-old, for the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse in the 1990s.
She is also accused of committing perjury by denying knowledge of Epstein's abuse in depositions.
The documents Ms Preska has said can be unsealed were part of accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre's defamation lawsuit against Maxwell, which was settled confidentially in 2017.
Mrs Roberts Giuffre has accused Epstein of sexually abusing her when she was underage and Maxwell of aiding in the abuse.
Maxwell's lawyers have said she "vigorously denies the charges, intends to fight them, and is entitled to the presumption of innocence".
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Mrs Roberts Giuffre also made headlines after accusing Prince Andrew of having underage sex with her.
The Duke of York has denied the claims.
Image: Virginia Roberts Giuffre, centre, is seen with Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell
The documents Ms Preska has said can be released include flight logs from Epstein's private jets, deposition testimony in 2016 in which Maxwell's lawyers said she was asked about her sex life, and police reports from Palm Beach, Florida, where Epstein had a home.
Some information, including names of other Epstein accusers who have not publicly revealed their identities and other "non-parties", will remain redacted.
Ms Preska has given Maxwell one week to file an emergency appeal, but said both sides should proceed as though the documents will be made public, perhaps within a week.
Maxwell's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
US District Judge Alison J Nathan had earlier denied a request by Maxwell's defence lawyer to block prosecutors and lawyers from publicly discussing her criminal case.
Ms Nathan, who oversees the criminal case, said a gag order was not needed to protect Maxwell's right to a fair trial but that she "will not hesitate" to act if needed.
Maxwell's lawyer Jeffrey Pagliuca said this week that comments made publicly by a prosecutor, an FBI official and lawyers for accusers were prejudicial toward the British socialite.
Image: Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell on a pheasant shoot with Prince Andrew, Sandringham, Norfolk. Pic: Albanpix/Shutterstock
Mr Pagliuca referred to an FBI official's statement on 2 July that Maxwell was a villain who had "slithered away to a gorgeous property in New Hampshire".
Ms Nathan rejected Maxwell's bail request last week after prosecutors argued she was a high risk to flee because evidence against her was strong and she had access to millions of dollars.
Maxwell also has connections worldwide along with citizenship in the United States, the United Kingdom and France.
President Donald Trump twice wished her well at a news conference in Washington where he acknowledged that he had met Maxwell "numerous times" when they both lived in Palm Beach, Florida.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Donald Trump wishes Maxwell 'well'
Epstein, 66, killed himself in a Manhattan federal jail last August as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges.
The billionaire had a wide circle of friends including Prince Andrew, Mr Trump and former US president Bill Clinton.
Prince Andrew, who denies any wrongdoing, has since been urged to provide information to the investigation by a US attorney.
Last month, Prince Andrew's legal team released a statement denying allegations from law enforcement agencies in America that he was unwilling to talk to them regarding Epstein, saying he had offered to talk to them on three separate occasions.
They want to talk to the prince as a witness, not as a suspect.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Poker player Susie Q found 'badly burned' in park

Police in the US are investigating the `` mysterious '' death of a professional poker player whose burnt body was found in a park .
Susie Zhao , 33 , was last seen by her mother on 12 July and her body was found in a car park at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Oakland County , Michigan the following morning .
White Lake Township Police said it is investigating the `` mysterious death '' , while the FBI is also reportedly assisting officers .
Police confirmed the body has been identified as Ms Zhao , adding that `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The poker player , known as Susie Q on the circuit , had lived and competed in Los Angeles and Las Vegas but had recently moved back home to her parent 's house in Oakland County , local TV station WXYZ Detroit reported .
`` She really was a excellent player , '' Bart Hanson , a friend and poker rival told WXYZ .
`` One of the best in LA at the level we played at the Commerce Casino and it 's the biggest poker room in the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends described Ms Zhao as a `` free spirit in the truest sense '' .
`` She played by her own rules , followed her dreams , '' they said .
`` Everybody loved her .
We do n't ever remember her falling out with anybody . ''
Poker News reports that Ms Zhao took home tens of thousands of dollars from poker games , including $ 73,805 ( £58,000 ) from a high stakes game in 2012 .
Results from a postmortem examination have not been released yet .
Police want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 11 and 13 July .

Police in the US are investigating the "mysterious" death of a professional poker player whose burnt body was found in a park.
Susie Zhao, 33, was last seen by her mother on 12 July and her body was found in a car park at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Oakland County, Michigan the following morning.
White Lake Township Police said it is investigating the "mysterious death", while the FBI is also reportedly assisting officers.
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Police confirmed the body has been identified as Ms Zhao, adding that "the female subject" was "badly burned".
The poker player, known as Susie Q on the circuit, had lived and competed in Los Angeles and Las Vegas but had recently moved back home to her parent's house in Oakland County, local TV station WXYZ Detroit reported.
"She really was a excellent player," Bart Hanson, a friend and poker rival told WXYZ.
"One of the best in LA at the level we played at the Commerce Casino and it's the biggest poker room in the world."
During a police news conference, friends described Ms Zhao as a "free spirit in the truest sense".
"She played by her own rules, followed her dreams," they said.
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"Everybody loved her. We don't ever remember her falling out with anybody."
Poker News reports that Ms Zhao took home tens of thousands of dollars from poker games, including $73,805 (£58,000) from a high stakes game in 2012.
Results from a postmortem examination have not been released yet.
Police want to speak to anyone who saw Ms Zhao between 11 and 13 July.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls out 'verbal abuse' by Republican in powerful speech

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , the youngest woman to be elected to the US House of Representatives , has delivered a powerful speech in response to a congressman who allegedly verbally abused her .
The Democratic congresswoman claims that Republican Ted Yoho called her a `` f****** b**** '' and said she was `` out of [ her ] freaking mind '' on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington DC .
Mr Yoho issued a public apology the following day but denied using the alleged language , saying it was a `` policy discussion '' .
In a passionate 10-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Ocasio-Cortez , who is known as AOC , rejected Mr Yoho 's apology and called out a culture of accepting `` violence and violent language against women [ and ] an entire structure of power that supports that '' .
She said : `` I have waited tables in restaurants .
I have ridden the subway .
I have walked the streets in New York City .
And this kind of language is not new .
`` I have tossed men out of bars that have used language like Mr Yoho 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of harassment riding the subway in New York City .
This is not new . ''
Ms Ocasio-Cortez , who represents New York 's 14th district , added : `` Having a daughter does not make a man decent .
`` Having a wife does not make a decent man .
Treating people with dignity and respect makes a decent man . ''
Ms Ocasio-Cortez said men abuse women with a `` sense of impunity '' every day , including when `` individuals who hold the highest office in this land admit ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump was embroiled in a public row with Ms Ocasio-Cortez last year when her told her and three other Democratic women of colour - known as the `` squad '' - to `` go back '' to the country they are from .
Ms Ocasio-Cortez was born in New York .
During the session in the House on Thursday , a number of other women supported Ms Ocasio-Cortez by saying they too had come across similar treatment from men .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Lee said : `` I personally have experienced a lifetime of insults , racism and sexism and believe me , this did not stop after being elected to public office . ''

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman to be elected to the US House of Representatives, has delivered a powerful speech in response to a congressman who allegedly verbally abused her.
The Democratic congresswoman claims that Republican Ted Yoho called her a "f****** b****" and said she was "out of [her] freaking mind" on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington DC.
Mr Yoho issued a public apology the following day but denied using the alleged language, saying it was a "policy discussion".
Image: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called out a Republican colleague for alleged verbal abuse
In a passionate 10-minute speech in the House on Thursday, Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who is known as AOC, rejected Mr Yoho's apology and called out a culture of accepting "violence and violent language against women [and] an entire structure of power that supports that".
She said: "I have waited tables in restaurants. I have ridden the subway. I have walked the streets in New York City. And this kind of language is not new.
"I have tossed men out of bars that have used language like Mr Yoho's, and I have encountered this type of harassment riding the subway in New York City. This is not new."
Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who represents New York's 14th district, added: "Having a daughter does not make a man decent.
"Having a wife does not make a decent man. Treating people with dignity and respect makes a decent man."
Ms Ocasio-Cortez said men abuse women with a "sense of impunity" every day, including when "individuals who hold the highest office in this land admit... to hurting women".
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Image: Ted Yoho issued a public apology but denied using the alleged language
US President Donald Trump was embroiled in a public row with Ms Ocasio-Cortez last year when her told her and three other Democratic women of colour - known as the "squad" - to "go back" to the country they are from. Ms Ocasio-Cortez was born in New York.
During the session in the House on Thursday, a number of other women supported Ms Ocasio-Cortez by saying they too had come across similar treatment from men.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Democratic congresswoman Barbara Lee said: "I personally have experienced a lifetime of insults, racism and sexism and believe me, this did not stop after being elected to public office."


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Eight inmates die with suspected coronavirus on California's death row

At least eight prisoners on California 's death row have died with suspected coronavirus .
Child killer John Beames , 67 , is the latest to die at San Quentin State Prison , north of San Francisco .
He was sentenced to death in Tulare County in 1995 for the murder and torture of a 15-month-old .
Beames , who died of what appeared to be complications related to COVID-19 on Tuesday , is one of 15 inmates to have died with suspected coronavirus at the prison , according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation .
The facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in the state .
So far there have been 2,125 confirmed COVID-19 infections at the prison which has a population of 3,497 .
On Friday it reported 870 active cases .
Around 153 of these prisoners tested positive for the virus in the last two weeks .
Another 43 inmates have been released while still infected , according to the facility 's COVID-19 tracker .
On Monday , child rapist Troy Ashmus , 58 , died with suspected COVID-19 complications amid the outbreak sweeping through the prison .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmates in the state prison system More than 800 employees also have active cases of COVID-19 , according to corrections officials .

At least eight prisoners on California's death row have died with suspected coronavirus.
Child killer John Beames, 67, is the latest to die at San Quentin State Prison, north of San Francisco.
He was sentenced to death in Tulare County in 1995 for the murder and torture of a 15-month-old.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 California: The worst-hit US state?
Beames, who died of what appeared to be complications related to COVID-19 on Tuesday, is one of 15 inmates to have died with suspected coronavirus at the prison, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The facility is witnessing the largest prison outbreak of the virus in the state.
So far there have been 2,125 confirmed COVID-19 infections at the prison which has a population of 3,497.
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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On Friday it reported 870 active cases. Around 153 of these prisoners tested positive for the virus in the last two weeks.
Another 43 inmates have been released while still infected, according to the facility's COVID-19 tracker.
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Image: Child rapist Troy Ashmus died with suspected COVID-19. Pic: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
On Monday, child rapist Troy Ashmus, 58, died with suspected COVID-19 complications amid the outbreak sweeping through the prison.
There have been more than 7,300 confirmed COVID-19 cases among inmates in the state prison system
More than 800 employees also have active cases of COVID-19, according to corrections officials.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--'The house is so quiet' - Mum who lost two children to coronavirus within 11 days

The death toll is rising in Florida .
Coronavirus cases are surging here .
This week , a new grim record was reached - 173 coronavirus deaths in just one day .
Sometimes those figures are hard to compute .
Everyone wants to see and experience progress .
It feels at times , that there is a fatigue and frustration around confronting the true human cost in the Unites States .
This is a nation that prides itself on the bounce back , on optimism , rebuilding itself in the face of adversity .
But the reality is , things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation is n't under control .
Even Mr Trump accepts , it 's going to get worse .
And in Fort Lauderdale , there 's a painful reminder of how cruel this virus can be .
Monete Hicks has faced what every parent fears - outliving a child .
But it 's not just one child she 's lost , but two .
And just 11 days apart .
It 's the kind of grief and loss that 's impossible to measure or imagine .
Her 20-year-old son Byron was struggling to breathe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rushed to hospital .
Monete recalls the moment she realised he 'd take a terrible turn : `` I 'm there and I hear code blue ... less than five seconds they came out and said he had cardiac arrest . ''
In just a matter of hours he was dead .
Then days later , his sister , 22-year-old Mychaela , complained of headaches and a fever .
She battled for days , but passed away 11 days after her brother .
`` I never thought it would happen to me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see my babies go at such a young age ... they 're angels .
So it was hard . ''
And like so many bereaved family members , she was unable to touch them and say the things she wanted to in person .
`` I could n't be there to talk in their ear - to tell them to fight , fight , fight . ''
I asked her what the hardest moments are .
`` Going to sleep at night , '' she said , `` because the house is so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Byron and Mychaela are buried next to each other .
Two young people who brought such energy and verve to the lives of their family and friends , now victims of a pandemic this nation seems unable to shake .
The medical examiner 's office said the siblings had underlying medical issues , including obesity and asthma .
But their deaths also underscore two disturbing developments - a surge in COVID-19 in places that reopened quickly , and a rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive .
The situation is stark here and it 's far from resolved .
With four million cases across the country , America is still firmly in the throes of a crisis and many families , deep in grief .

The death toll is rising in Florida. Coronavirus cases are surging here.
This week, a new grim record was reached - 173 coronavirus deaths in just one day.
Sometimes those figures are hard to compute.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 California: The worst-hit US state?
Everyone wants to see and experience progress. It feels at times, that there is a fatigue and frustration around confronting the true human cost in the Unites States.
This is a nation that prides itself on the bounce back, on optimism, rebuilding itself in the face of adversity.
But the reality is, things just aren't good here. The situation isn't under control. Even Mr Trump accepts, it's going to get worse.
And in Fort Lauderdale, there's a painful reminder of how cruel this virus can be.
Monete Hicks has faced what every parent fears - outliving a child.
But it's not just one child she's lost, but two. And just 11 days apart.
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Image: Monete Hicks speaks of her heartbreak after losing two children to coronavirus in less than two weeks
It's the kind of grief and loss that's impossible to measure or imagine.
Her 20-year-old son Byron was struggling to breathe one morning in June. He was rushed to hospital.
Monete recalls the moment she realised he'd take a terrible turn: "I'm there and I hear code blue... less than five seconds they came out and said he had cardiac arrest."
In just a matter of hours he was dead.
Then days later, his sister, 22-year-old Mychaela, complained of headaches and a fever. She battled for days, but passed away 11 days after her brother.
Image: Byron Francis and his sister Mychaela (pictured below) died 11 days apart
"I never thought it would happen to me," Monete told me, "to see my babies go at such a young age... they're angels. So it was hard."
And like so many bereaved family members, she was unable to touch them and say the things she wanted to in person.
"I couldn't be there to talk in their ear - to tell them to fight, fight, fight."
I asked her what the hardest moments are. "Going to sleep at night," she said, "because the house is so quiet".
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Byron and Mychaela are buried next to each other.
Two young people who brought such energy and verve to the lives of their family and friends, now victims of a pandemic this nation seems unable to shake.
The medical examiner's office said the siblings had underlying medical issues, including obesity and asthma.
But their deaths also underscore two disturbing developments - a surge in COVID-19 in places that reopened quickly, and a rising number of young people who are testing positive.
The situation is stark here and it's far from resolved.
With four million cases across the country, America is still firmly in the throes of a crisis and many families, deep in grief.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--China orders US to shut consulate as tensions rise

China has ordered the US to close its consulate in the city of Chengdu as tensions continue to mount between the two countries .
The latest tit-for-tat escalation comes days after Washington told Beijing to cease its operations at the Chinese consulate in Houston after the US accused Chinese agents of trying to steal medical and other research in Texas .
The United States has an embassy in the Chinese capital Beijing and consulates in five other mainland cities - Shanghai , Guangzhou , Chengdu , Shenyang and Wuhan - while it also has a consulate in Hong Kong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ southwestern city of Chengdu was `` a legitimate and necessary response '' .
A foreign ministry statement said : `` The current situation in Chinese-US relations is not what China desires to see .
The United States is responsible for all this .
`` We once again urge the United States to immediately retract its wrong decision and create necessary conditions for bringing the bilateral relationship back on track . ''
On Tuesday , US President Donald Trump ordered the closure of China 's consulate in Houston within 72 hours .
Washington said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American intellectual property and Americans ' private information '' .
Beijing rejected the allegations of data theft as `` malicious slander '' and warned the move was `` breaking down the bridge of friendship '' between the two nations .
On Thursday , US authorities claimed China 's consulate in San Francisco was harbouring a Chinese researcher , Tang Juan , who is suspected of visa fraud and concealing her ties to the military .
It is alleged she lied about her background in the Communist Party 's military wing on a visa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , and again during an FBI interview last month .
The US and China have clashed repeatedly in recent months over issues including the coronavirus pandemic , trade and Hong Kong .
Earlier this week , the US charged two Chinese nationals with hacking `` hundreds and hundreds '' of people in the States and worldwide , including defence contractors and coronavirus researchers .
The pair were described as `` one of the most prolific groups of hackers '' the FBI has investigated .
China has repeatedly denied hacking the US and @ @ @ @

China has ordered the US to close its consulate in the city of Chengdu as tensions continue to mount between the two countries.
The latest tit-for-tat escalation comes days after Washington told Beijing to cease its operations at the Chinese consulate in Houston after the US accused Chinese agents of trying to steal medical and other research in Texas.
The United States has an embassy in the Chinese capital Beijing and consulates in five other mainland cities - Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Wuhan - while it also has a consulate in Hong Kong.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Pompeo likens China threat to 'Frankenstein'
Beijing said the action taken in the southwestern city of Chengdu was "a legitimate and necessary response".
A foreign ministry statement said: "The current situation in Chinese-US relations is not what China desires to see. The United States is responsible for all this.
"We once again urge the United States to immediately retract its wrong decision and create necessary conditions for bringing the bilateral relationship back on track."
Podcast Podcast , 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 Podcast 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 Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump ordered the closure of China's consulate in Houston within 72 hours.
Washington said the closure was necessary "to protect American intellectual property and Americans' private information".
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Beijing rejected the allegations of data theft as "malicious slander" and warned the move was "breaking down the bridge of friendship" between the two nations.
Image: China has told the US to shut its consulate in Chengdu
On Thursday, US authorities claimed China's consulate in San Francisco was harbouring a Chinese researcher, Tang Juan, who is suspected of visa fraud and concealing her ties to the military.
It is alleged she lied about her background in the Communist Party's military wing on a visa application to work at the University of California, and again during an FBI interview last month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Chinese consulate officials filmed allegedly burning files
The US and China have clashed repeatedly in recent months over issues including the coronavirus pandemic, trade and Hong Kong.
Earlier this week, the US charged two Chinese nationals with hacking "hundreds and hundreds" of people in the States and worldwide, including defence contractors and coronavirus researchers.
The pair were described as "one of the most prolific groups of hackers" the FBI has investigated.
China has repeatedly denied hacking the US and other rival powers.