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EXCLUSIVE Gloria Allred wants all of Trump's cabinet picks to be asked uncomfortable sex question at confirmation hearings READ MORE: Hegseth's strip club escapades and sexual harassment revealed By SHAWN COHEN FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 15:44, 28 December 2024 | Updated: 15:45, 28 December 2024 e-mail 35 View comments President-elect Donald Trump 's Cabinet nominees should all be required to answer an uncomfortable sex question that could help uncover more allegations of abuse, a leading sexual harassment attorney has argued. Trump 's Cabinet-building process has already been mired in controversy after allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged against several of his picks, including Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and the now-dumped Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz . But speaking exclusively with DailyMail.com, Gloria Allred, who has represented numerous women in these sorts of cases, including several against Trump, suggests there are more alleged victims out there maintaining their silence only because they're bound by confidentiality agreements. As a result, Allred said, all Cabinet prospects, who must be confirmed by the Senate , should be forced to answer the same loaded question during confirmation hearings. 'I think all nominees should be asked, "Have you entered into any confidential settlement with a person who accused you of sexually inappropriate behavior?" 'And if so, "will you agree to release the person with whom you settled from the non-disclosure clause from which he or she agreed?"' she told DailyMail.com. Allred, a civil rights attorney and women's rights advocate who's been dubbed 'every predator's worst nightmare', wouldn't say whether she's representing any alleged victims herself, offering a snickering 'no comment' when asked. But she took heart in news reports last week that Hegseth, under pressure, had lifted his accuser's non-disclosure agreement. President-elect Trump's Cabinet-building process has already been mired in controversy after allegations of sexual misconduct have emerged against several of his picks, including the now-dumped Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz, left, and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, right Speaking to DailyMail.com, Gloria Allred, who has represented numerous women in sexual misconduct cases, has argued that all Trump Cabinet nominees should therefore be forced to answer the same loaded question during confirmation hearings Allred hopes other nominees follow his lead. 'I think the question should be asked and the answer should be public, even if the name of the accuser isn't made public,' she said. The Trump transition got off to a rocky start last month when he started announcing his picks for his new cabinet, and a disturbing pattern emerged. Gaetz, a former top MAGA Congressional ally the president-elect appointed to serve as US Attorney General, had faced allegations of sex trafficking, which became the subject of a three-year DoJ probe. On Monday it was revealed a House Ethics Committee investigation had found Gaetz paid over $90,000 for sex with multiple women, including a 17-year-old girl. Hegseth, an ex-Fox News host and former National Guard officer nominated for Secretary of Defense, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017 at a conference in Monterey, California. He admitted he paid the woman for her silence because he did not want to lose his job. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., selected to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, was accused of sexually assaulting a former family babysitter in the late 1990s. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., selected to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has a controversial track record of his own. Pictured: RFK Jr. and former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in October Kimberly Guilfoyle's alleged sexual misconduct resurfaced in the wake of her nomination to become the United States Ambassador to Greece Elon Musk, who has been appointed to co-lead the proposed DOGE, is being sued by eight former SpaceX engineers claiming they were fired after raising their concerns about alleged sexual harassment and discrimination of women Elon Musk, appointed to co-lead the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), allegedly paid $250,000 to one of his company's corporate flight attendants who accused him of exposing himself and propositioning her for sex during a flight in 2016. He is being sued by eight former SpaceX engineers claiming they were fired after raising their concerns about alleged sexual harassment and discrimination of women. Education Secretary nomination Linda McMahon is accused of ignoring alleged abuse of underage 'ring boys' during her time with World Wrestling Entertainment Trump's pick for secretary of education, Linda McMahon, is accused in a lawsuit of ignoring abuse of underage 'ring boys' when she was co-founder and President of World Wrestling Entertainment. And Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump's son Don Jr.'s ex-fiancée, who is nominated to become the U.S. Ambassador to Greece , now faces fresh scrutiny over claims she was let go by Fox in 2018 over alleged sexual harassment of her female assistant. The raft of allegations against Trump nominees were seen as obstacles but not necessarily disqualifiers for confirmation, especially given Trump's own history, and the reality that American voters elected him to a second term even after dozens of women accused him of mistreatment, and a jury found him liable for sexually assaulting columnist E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room in 1996. 'From Trump's point of view, it's about power and threatening members of the Congress, especially Republican members, that they need to vote for his nominees,' Allred told DailyMail.com. Ari Fleischer, who served as press secretary to President George W. Bush, saw it differently, saying the public as with lawmakers shouldn't rush to judgement. On Hegseth, he said: 'I don't think it's fair (to judge him) until you hear all the evidence. There's still been no hearing, and no named accuser.' Trump praised Hegseth last week and said the Senate not confirming him would be a 'tragedy' President-elect Donald Trump announced Hegseth, 44, as his nominee for Defense Secretary on November 14 Read More BREAKING NEWS Sordid sex and drugs bombshells revealed in Matt Gaetz probe Fleischer cited former Minnesota senator Al Franken as an example of someone who was unfairly railroaded out of office in 2017 when a snapshot surfaced of him pretending to grope a sleeping woman. 'I publicly defended Franken back then,' Fleischer said. 'What he did was wrong, but whether he should be removed from the Senate or not should have been up to the people of Minnesota, not Washington. 'At the height of the #MeToo movement, everything that was said by anybody, especially if it was said anonymously, had to be believed or you were a pariah,' Fleischer continued. 'And famously we saw many accusations, especially against political figures including Brett Kavanaugh, not be borne out,' he said referring to the Supreme Court justice. 'Given that history, combined with an environment today in which people want fundamental change in Washington, and want change agents installed, things are different,' he said. Lis Smith, a Democratic strategist who has served on 20 political campaigns, acknowledged that Democratic leaders have also faced their own share of scandals, including Bill Clinton's infamous coverup of his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky that led to his impeachment. But she said that the sheer volume of allegations against Trump nominees has set a new precedent. 'We've come a long way from the days when presidential nominees would be disqualified because they paid their household help off the books to now when you have multiple potential cabinet members accused of sexual assault and other transgressions,' Smith said. 'It just goes to show that in a post Trump world, these things seem to matter less,' she continued. 'And in a post Trump world, the things that Republicans always said they cared about – family values, personal rectitude – really don't matter. 'They're willing to throw all those things out the window for one person, Donald Trump.' She's anxious to see how the senate ends up handling the various accusations. 'They shouldn't all be treated the same,' Smith said. 'A credible allegation of sexual assault should be treated very differently from an allegation that Kimberly Guilfoyle shared an inappropriate photo in the workplace.' Bill Dailey, a fellow at the Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at University of Notre Dame, told DailyMail.com that he took heart in the fact four Republican senators came out against Gaetz, tanking his nomination. He said he's hopeful senators will do the same for other nominees if 'they don't pass muster'. 'I read the Hegseth police report, and I could see how a senator can read that and still vote for him if, after meetings and further investigation, they felt that he's in a better place now,' Dailey said. 'At least it certainly looks like they are making him make a case and making him sweat, and it looked like the president was even ready to drop him. 'There are a lot of checks and balances in the system and some of them appear to be working,' he added. Donald Trump Share or comment on this article: Gloria Allred wants all of Trump's cabinet picks to be asked uncomfortable sex question at confirmation hearings e-mail Add commentFrom Jelly Roll to TWICE, top acts hit 'Amazon Music Live' to spotlight their upcoming projects

ST. LOUIS — Health insurance giant Centene Corp. announced this week that its upcoming investor day will now be held virtually following the recent killing of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive. Clayton-based Centene is still scheduled to meet with investors as previously scheduled on Dec. 12. But instead of gathering in New York City, the event will be webcast at 8:30 a.m. EST. Last year, the conference was held at the New York Stock Exchange in Manhattan. On Wednesday, Brian Thompson, CEO of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies UnitedHealthcare, was shot in Manhattan on his way to the company’s own annual investor event. As of Friday, the shooter remained unidentified. "Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers," Centene CEO Sarah London said Thursday in a statement. "He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time." Centene provides managed healthcare products and services, some of which are through Medicaid and Medicare. According to the company , Centene has about 28.6 million members. Centene did not immediately respond to questions about its investor day event.Urgent hunt for California brothers who vanished while duck hunting over a week ago By SONYA GUGLIARA FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 21:27, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 21:38, 23 December 2024 e-mail 16 View comments California search teams have been tirelessly looking for two teenage brothers that went missing while duck hunting. Andruw and Wesley Cornett, 19 and 17, were last seen near the Thermalito Afterbay in Butte County on the morning of December 14 - the same day strong winds and heavy rain left 5,000 people across Butte County with no power, Action News Now reported. April Clark, the teens' mother, described the moments leading up to their disappearances. Clark wrote in a GoFundMe post that Wesley went into the water on a kayak to catch a duck, but trouble arose when the boat overturned. Andruw called 911 and said there was 'no time to wait, he was going to save his brother,' she explained. Neither one of them have been seen since then. 'The Sheriff is saying this is now a search and recovery so I will have to also plan to lay my two boys to rest,' Clark declared. During the first search, the brothers' belongings and puppy were recovered from the scene, KRCR reported. Andruw and Wesley Cornett, 19 and 17, were last seen near the Thermalito Afterbay in Butte County on the morning of December 14 Wesley went into the water on a kayak to catch a duck and his brother reportedly went to go save him when the kayak flipped Search teams have been scouring the water for more than a week since they vanished The Butte County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) wrote on Saturday: 'Approximately 250 people from 21 different organizations have been searching for Wesley and Andruw Cornett since last Saturday, the day the two brothers went missing while duck hunting at the Thermalito Afterbay.' But the ongoing search efforts, conducted by deputies, detectives, the BCSO Aviation and Marine Unit, and BCSO Search and Rescue, have been challenging. In a video posted on Saturday, documenting these search efforts, Jeff Eggleson of Big Valley Divers said: 'The most difficult thing we're having to get through the weeds. 'We got the diver on the bottom, he's in about 15 feet of water and the weeds vary from about three feet to about 10 feet of weeds. 'So the hardest part is just making our way through those.' He added that those weeds are also hindering the effectiveness of Sound Navigation and Ranging (Sonar) technology that could help locate the teens. Eggleson highlighted another obstacle - the water's low visibility. 'Visibility is very low so it ranges from about six inches to about four, five, six feet.' Hundreds of people from 21 different organizations stepped up to help look for the brothers The brother's devastated mother said she 'will have to also plan to lay my two boys to rest' According to their Facebook page, they have sent boats into the water on several occasions. The community has been rallying behind the heartbroken mother. People were apparently calling the sheriff's office to ask if they could volunteer to find Andruw and Wesley. 'Please do NOT call our dispatch center asking about volunteering to help,' the sheriff's office wrote on December 17. 'We appreciate it, but at this time we are not requesting assistance from the public.' However, the circumstances have changed since then. According to a video posted on Facebook yesterday, the teens' parents are asking for volunteers to step up and continue the search, as law enforcement agencies are wrapping up their efforts. Member of nonprofit search team Angels Recovery Jared Foster said: 'Here we are, going into the holidays and we're still looking for their two sons. Jared Foster and the brother's parents urged volunteers to help keep search efforts going even though law enforcement agencies have to stop April Clark said the 'freak accident' that caused her sons to go missing has shocked her entire family 'Volunteer divers are gonna keep going, so if you are in this area or close by and you have a boat with Sonar, camera equipment, if you're a diver, we need more people on the water.' 'This is a freak accident that my family and I are trying to wrap our heads around,' Clark wrote. She added that a Toyota Amphitheater, where her two sons used to work, promised to match however much the GoFundMe page raises. So far, Clark has received nearly $23,000. California Share or comment on this article: Urgent hunt for California brothers who vanished while duck hunting over a week ago e-mail Add comment

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The FBI has been political from the start

LOS ANGELES — If artists want to launch an album with a bang, “ Amazon Music Live” could be the end zone to score big. Some of the biggest performers in music — including Jelly Roll, Megan Thee Stallion, Ed Sheeran , Kane Brown , Peso Pluma and Lil Baby — have graced the live stage during the weekly concert series in Los Angeles that airs after the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” game on Prime Video. Each show is a unique experience with artists debuting new music on bespoke sets created to bring their vision and style to life. This season’s highlights have included J Balvin ’s Latin vibe, Halsey ’s Halloween circus intro and Gunna’s big money talk. Big Sean was joined onstage by North Carolina A&T State University’s marching band, and Jhene Aiko , YG and E-40 made guest appearances. Now, it’s Snoop Dogg ‘s turn to take the mic for “AML’s” season finale this week, just ahead of his highly anticipated 20th album, “Missionary,” dropping next month. The performances are filmed live in front of more than a thousand audience members and streamed on Prime Video and Amazon’s streaming platform, Twitch. Jelly Roll, a Grammy-nominated country singer, was the “AML” season opener in October just days after the release of his 10th studio album, “Beautifully Broken.” His special guests included Keith Urban , Skylar Grey and Machine Gun Kelly . “We could have planned our whole rollout around this,” Jelly Roll said. “I’m always excited to try to share what I do in front of new audiences or hope a new audience sees it or maybe the people at home who couldn’t see the tour or people who bought the album and see what it’s all about.” Last week, TWICE expanded their brand beyond their usual K-pop fandom after the Cleveland Browns upset the Pittsburgh Steelers. The nine-member group made Amazon Music history. The concert livestream earned the most unique viewers of any production — including Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” concert in June, and the Ye and Drake “Free Larry Hoover” show in 2021. “We’re normally used to performing just for our fans who are purposely coming to see us — especially in the U.S. where we are used to doing that,” said singer Nayeon, who was accompanied by group members Momo, Tzuyu, Mina, Minatozaki Sana, Dahyun, Jihyo, Jeongyeon and Chaeyoung. TWICE has performed inside major stadiums like MetLife and SoFi Stadium. But “AML” helped introduce them to first-time listeners, while also promoting their upcoming 14th mini-album “Strategy,” releasing Dec. 6. “For ‘Amazon Music Live,’ it’s not just about our fans, but it’s rather related to football,” Nayeon said. “It’s a lot of football fans to see us. To be invited here to perform is such an honor. We need to keep our game card for people to know who TWICE is.” Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the concert series comes to life and those who play a key role. Tailgate Experience When Jelly Roll first entered the “AML” set, the singer thought it was just another rehearsal — until he found himself immersed in an unexpected interactive experience before stepping on the main stage. “I was overwhelmed. Got nervous,” said Jelly Roll, who was floored after he initially walked through the Tailgate Experience at the East End Studios in Glendale, California, where “AML” films season three. The experience offers a variety of attractions including flat-screen TVs above a massive circular bar, a spacious VIP section, photo booth, themed locker room, digital bonfire, featured vehicle, jersey patch station and a towering football toss game. All of this is set to the music of the week’s concert series performer blasted through loudspeakers. “I wanted a space that was intentional and inclusive to everybody,” said Jameka Pankey, the head of events and experiential for artists at Amazon Music. She and her team wanted to make a concerted effort to pay homage to performers and the fans who enjoy their work. “We thought about all aspects of football and tailgating from fellowship, food and even how we were naming the drinks,” Pankey said. “When we were giving away gifts to fans. ... We had to do jerseys. I wanted this to be a fan experience that was out of mind.” Mission accomplished. How are “Amazon Music Live” artists chosen? At Amazon Music, collaboration has fueled success with departments joining forces to lock in the hottest talent of the week. But predicting a year out? That’s a tough play when album releases are anyone’s guess. They use their label connections and instincts to keep them ahead of the game and ready to pivot and lockdown the artist with the next big release. “We try to really be as genre agnostic and diverse as possible,” said Kirdis Postelle, global head of content and artist marketing at Amazon Music. She works with Andrew Sexton, who handles booking for “AML.” “Our team, along with myself, are active in conversations about this program,” said Sexton, who is considered a label relations guru. Some of the selling points to attract artists have been to capitalize off the NFL’s huge viewership, promote their project and perform with top-notch production. “We’re very active,” he said. “We’re always in communications with artist’s teams and people are reaching out to us too. ... We’re in constant conversations with the industry.” After-game pressure Following a high-stakes “Thursday Night Football” matchup is plenty of pressure. But pulling off a live major concert after a big NFL showdown? That’s next-level intensity. “It’s the challenge which is fungible start time,” said Ed Walker, the head of video studios at Amazon Music. He played an integral role in the concert series moving from a shared studio lot in Hollywood to now filming at East End Studios — a complex with more than 96,000-square-feet of space, including two soundstages, a rooftop terrace, green rooms and three stories of office space. After the game wraps, there’s an hour preshow on Twitch and a top-of-show segment that takes audiences into the artist’s world. The hope is to create a “closer connection” before their performance, introducing more insight into the artist’s project. There are sweepstakes and competitions to maintain intrigue. “We immerse them into what they are about to see,” he said. “That is a moving target. You have a very large audience watching football, and then we have direct communications to the control room broadcasting that and they are giving us real time updates.” Walker admits it’s a tough balancing act, keeping the football audience engaged while also entertaining “AML” viewers before the show kicks off. “We got to meet in the middle, entertain them all, give them context and start the show,” he said. “While all that’s happening, we have to make sure the artist is on the stage and hits the cue on time.” While artists are rehearsing, Postelle wants to make sure they’re comfortable and don’t leave. That led to the idea of an artist experience with food, games, drinks and privacy. “We do that to make artists feel good about spending so much time here,” Postelle said. “The last thing you want is for somebody to be like ‘I’m going back to the hotel to take a shower’ and they fall asleep. Then we’ll have a big problem.” Scoring tickets to ‘Amazon Music Live’ Each week, select customers in the Los Angeles area are invited to purchase $15 tickets for that week’s performance during an exclusive superfan presale or general onsale. Live events company DICE tracks upcoming events and uses audience targeting based on fan interests to notify potential attendees.

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