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Braless TV news anchors spark heated debate

There are many ways to grab attention, but the Albanian TV station Zjarr takes it to a whole new level.

A few years ago, their decision to feature braless news anchors stirred up emotions — and to this day, people are still debating whether it was bold and innovative or simply crossing the line.

In an era where women have fought hard for equality in the workplace, respect for their dignity, and an end to being objectified in the media, an Albanian news program reignited the controversy with a stunningly bold choice.

Back in 2016, TV channel ZJARR garnered headlines by using a provocative format — featuring scantily clad anchors — to attract viewers and boost ratings.

The TV presenters wore open jackets with nothing underneath while delivering the latest news. It sparked a significant buzz in Albania, a small and conservative country in the Balkans, Europe.

According to the TV station’s owner, the approach was a success — and perhaps even a necessity, considering Albania’s history.

For 40 years, the country was held hostage by Enver Hoxha, a notorious communist dictator who ruled from 1944 until his death in 1985. His regime was defined by strict censorship, civil oppression, and an atmosphere of social mistrust.

”In Albania, where the news is manipulated by political powers, the audience needed a medium that would present the information like it is – naked,” Zjarr TV owner Ismet Drishti told AFP in 2016.

”A bit unconventional”

Drishti assured that their hosts’ nudity was a way to demonstrate transparency and impartiality on television.

”We don’t sell sex, we reproduce the news as it is. It’s both symbolic and good publicity,” said Drishti.

Since it was so successful, the owners wanted to expand the concept. For a while, Zjarr TV considered also broadcasting news bulletins in French and English with ”bare information,” following the same model.

The concept also turned the channel’s presenters into major stars. One was Enki Bracaj, 21, who hosted an international news program. Her eye-catching outfits, which often revealed her cleavage, apparently resonated with many viewers, leading to soaring ratings.

”Most agree that her presentation style is a bit unconventional, but we are actively working on that. Honestly, it doesn’t seem to be hurting her viewer ratings at all,” a spokesperson for the channel commented.

Consulted with her parents

Enki Bracaj landed her high-profile job after auditioning with her blouse open, proving she was far from a traditional journalist.

At the time, the young woman studied public relations at her local university. In 2016, she reflected on her decision to go braless during the on-screen testing, saying: ”I simply found a way to put myself ahead in this competitive industry.”

Enki shared her thoughts on standing out: ”It was clear that if I wanted to succeed, I needed to be brave and offer something different.” Enki also mentioned that she consulted with her parents before making her decision, and their support made everything easier.

Fired after Playboy offer

However, there were clear boundaries for what Zjarr TV would tolerate from its news anchors. Officially, Enki left the channel citing dissatisfaction with her salary, but her colleagues hinted at a different story.

The real reason was that when Enki Bracaj accepted a modeling job with Playboy, her employers at the TV station felt she had crossed the line. Nudity and even topless bathing remain taboo in conservative Albania, where about 60 percent of the population is Muslim, according to Daily Mail.

Finding a new star

When the popular Bracaj was fired, the channel needed to find a replacement. They chose the somewhat more experienced 24-year-old presenter, Greta Hoxhaj. Like Enki, she also began working in a state of near undress.

”I worked hard for five years in local television, where I remained unnoticed,” a cheerful and relaxed Hoxhaj told AFP. ”I regret nothing — within three months, I became a star.”

In her everyday life, she typically dressed like other women her age, but every morning at the channel, she transformed into a different persona, donning a revealing, preferably pink jacket to read the news. Her stripped-down look ”is only for television, for information,” she said.

Criticism

Zjarr TV isn’t the only place where female anchors have bared it all. In Venezuela, for instance, a presenter on a news website stripped naked to celebrate the success in the Copa America football championships.

Images from the Albanian channel spread like wildfire, and videos featuring the attractive news anchors went viral on social media. One clip of the unclothed presenters garnered nearly 700,000 views on YouTube and continues to attract attention.

While many internet users were eager to find out where they can watch the controversial program, others are raising their voices to demand greater accountability from the media in the fight for respect and equality.

”It’s pathetic to have accepted such a thing just to be on screen,” commented one online critic, while another called the move ”outrageous” and ”disgustingly sexist.”

Images of Greta Hoxhaj frequently pop up on Facebook, sparking ongoing debates. Sometimes, these discussions expand into a broader conversation about how television presenters dress in general.

”There are too many women on TV whose necklines are way too low on various shows. In the last episode of AGT, the two women wore dresses that were VERY questionable. Now, I don’t care what women wear in their everyday lives, but TV should have better standards,” commented one individual.

However, opinions remain divided.

”I see nothing wrong with this picture. It will make particularly men more attentive to the news,” wrote another person.

”Everyone is free to change the channel”

Interestingly, the response from feminist groups and journalist associations in Albania has been rather muted. Zjarr TV has incited little reaction from these organizations.

“There is a diversity of choice, and everyone is free to change the channel,” said Leonard Olli, a journalist and PR specialist in the capital, Tirana.

However, Aleksander Cipa, President of the Union of Albanian Journalists, took a more critical stance on the station’s tactic of using half-naked news anchors. “Nudity cannot resolve the crisis in the media, which will do anything to survive,” he stated.

Never short on bouquets

And in this case, the star of the show, Hoxhaj herself, appeared only mildly fazed by the criticism. In an interview, Hoxhaj states that she hardly pays attention to the endless comments and compliments directed her way.

“What matters to me is that I’m doing well, both in my work and in my newfound fame. I live a beautiful life filled with love,” she shared.

In her neighborhood, everyone adores her, showering her with compliments and closely following her career. Many even offer advice for each episode of her TV show. “I receive countless messages in my inbox, and many viewers call in during the ‘Zbardhi’ show to compliment me. There’s nothing more wonderful than that! Plus, I’m never short on bouquets of flowers — not even twice a week!”

Are you a fan of Greta’s unique style, or do you think there should be more boundaries in how anchors present the news?

We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments on Facebook!

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Elon Musk’s brutal four-word response to Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift had a rough Super Bowl in New Orleans.

Not only did her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, leave the game empty-handed — but the pop icon herself was also met with boos when she appeared on the big screens.

Taylor Swift’s reaction

With a fan base in the tens of millions and a reputation free from scandal, Taylor Swift has been one of the world’s most famous women in recent years. Yet, even she isn’t immune to being met with a chorus of boos.

During last night’s Super Bowl LIX, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, the superstar songstress seemed to be minding her own business when she became a target for the crowd. Swift – at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans to support boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Chiefs – looked to mouth “What is going on?” to friend and fellow artist Ice Spice.

Taylor Swift was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, and a few years ago, she was spotted wearing a Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt while strolling through New York City. However, she naturally shifted allegiance to the Kansas City Chiefs when she started dating superstar Travis Kelce.

The pro-Eagles crowd in New Orleans didn’t seem to have forgotten Swift’s past support for the Eagles before switching to the Chiefs. When the superstar singer appeared on the big screen, fans greeted her with loud boos.

Trump couldn’t resist

One person who couldn’t resist commenting on Taylor Swift’s chilly reception was Donald Trump, who was also at the game as the first sitting president in history to attend. Taking to his Truth Social platform, he couldn’t resist commenting on the situation, suggesting that his loyal MAGA supporters were less than kind.

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“The only one who had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got BOOED out of the stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving!” Trump wrote.

In contrast, Trump was met with an overwhelming reception, as fans appeared thrilled to see the U.S. President attend a Super Bowl for the first time.

The popular yet controversial account End Wokeness highlighted the stark contrast between the reactions to Taylor Swift and Donald Trump at the Super Bowl.

In a tweet, they wrote: ”Taylor Swift got mercilessly booed. Trump got a hero’s welcome. Total culture shift.”

Elon’s brutal four-word response

The comment sparked a response from one of Donald Trump’s closest allies, billionaire Elon Musk, who also joined in on mocking Taylor Swift. Elon Musk couldn’t resist chiming in, replying with a simple yet impactful: ”Vibe shift is real.”

This wasn’t the first time Tesla founder Elon Musk has taken aim at the pop icon. When Taylor Swift finally made a political endorsement, supporting Kamala Harris, Musk shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Fine Taylor…you win… I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life,” in what appeared to be a jab at Swift, who had signed off her endorsement with “childless cat lady.

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Fans reveal why Taylor Swift was booed at the Super Bowl

She commands a fan base numbering in the tens of millions, has been one of the most famous women on the planet over the past two years, and has a reputation unblemished by scandal or defamation. Yet even Taylor Swift can find herself the subject of an en masse booing, apparently.

During last night’s Super Bowl LIX, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, the superstar songstress seemed to be minding her own business when she became a target for the crowd. Swift – at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans to support boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Chiefs – looked to mouth “What is going on?” to friend and fellow artist Ice Spice.

The unexpected booing began when the camera panned to Swift in her box, subsequently beaming her image on the big screen before the 75,000 strong crowd.

Needless to say, Swift was as taken aback as anyone, and the negative reaction has posed the question: just why did it happen in the first place?

Well, as is always the case these days, it wasn’t long before the incident was being debated on social media. Moreover, no sooner had the video of Swift being booed hit the internet, than did fans on X attempt to decipher exactly what was going on.

“Eagles fans are booing her. She’s originally from Philly area but obviously rooting for Travis and chiefs,” one person wrote.

Another added: “The booos are from eagles fans aka the opposite team she supports this is normal.”

It’s the Eagles fans,” a third said.

There were naturally still those who were bemused by the turn of events, with many people taking to X to share their reactions.

Why did she get booed?” one person asked. “I thought she was the sweetheart of America?

Booing taylor swift as if she’s playing on the field against ‘your’ team, even though she’s just sitting there looking pretty, is loser behavior,” said another.

“What I don’t understand is why people booed at Taylor Swift? Like she was doing literally nothing and she’s just there to show support to Travis Kelce and see the game, it’s not like they’re going to make a Gabriella-Troy scene in High School Musical 3,” a third wrote.

One person who wasn’t on the receiving end of any ire was Donald Trump, who reportedly became the first sitting president in US history to attend a Super Bowl.

When the camera panned to the POTUS – who only took his oath of office three weeks ago – cheers rang out around the stadium. “I thought it would be a good thing for the country to have the president at the game,” Trump had said in an interview.

In the game itself, the Eagles emerged triumphant over the Chiefs in a 40-22 victory, stopping the Chiefs from repeating the success they enjoyed last year.

Did you watch last night’s Super Bowl? What did you think to the crowd booing Taylor Swift? Let us know in the comments.

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Princess Diana’s bodyguard says 3 mistakes killed her

Three fatal security failures led to Princess Diana’s tragic death — at least, that’s what her former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, claims.

It’s hard to believe that nearly 30 years have passed since Princess Diana’s tragic death. The world lost an icon, a humanitarian, and two young boys lost their mother. It’s impossible not to wonder what she would be like today — how she would look, what role she would have taken on, and how she might have continued to shape the world.

First meeting with Diana

Ken Wharfe, her former bodyguard who spent six years working closely with her, remembers her fondly. Reflecting on Diana’s impact, he praised her ”wicked sense of humor” and said he felt ”incredibly privileged” to have been part of her life.

Wharfe recalled that from the very first time he met Princess Diana, she showed just how down-to-earth she truly was.

”As I walked into the room, I was introduced, and Diana said, ‘I don’t envy you, Ken, looking after my kids. They can be a bloody nuisance,’” Wharfe told The Sun.

Right on cue, young William, who had been attempting to play the piano, spun around and objected, “No, we’re not a bloody nuisance!” Just as he spoke, Harry tumbled off a table.

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”Diana immediately got up and said, ‘Come here, both of you!’ before chasing them out of the room. I hadn’t even said a word yet,” Wharfe recalled.

She returned moments later, shaking her head.

”You see what I mean, Ken?”, she said.

That moment, he explained, changed everything.

”Suddenly, instead of talking to a royal, you were speaking to a parent, a young mother, someone you could truly relate to.”

And that, he said, was Diana in a nutshell—full of fun, laughter, and, at times, deep sadness.

A dangerous driver behind the wheel

Having served as her personal protection officer from 1987 to 1993, Wharfe insists that the People’s Princess might still be alive today if key decisions had been made differently.

One of the most critical mistakes, according to Wharfe, was who was driving the car that fateful August night in 1997.

Diana was traveling with her boyfriend, Egyptian film producer Dodi Fayed, as well as Ritz security chief Henri Paul, who was behind the wheel, and Dodi’s bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones — the crash’s sole survivor.

Andrew Stenning/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

Sadly, Paul had been drinking before getting behind the wheel and was driving at dangerously high speeds when the car slammed into the 13th pillar of the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris. Wharfe is convinced that Diana could have survived if someone else had been driving.

”The one thing that would have saved Diana’s life that night would have been if they’d kicked out the chauffeur and for Rees-Jones to have driven,” he stated.

“But he couldn’t do that because he couldn’t speak to Dodi Fayed — he told him what to do. And that’s a shame, because had Rees-Jones taken that command, had he taken that decision to boot out Henri Paul, you and I would not be having this discussion.”

A fatal attempt to outsmart the paparazzi

Diana and Dodi’s original plan was to travel a short distance from the Ritz Hotel to an apartment near the Champs-Elysées. Another critical mistake that night was the lack of planning and coordination — or rather, the complete lack of coordination— with the local police regarding the car journey.

Wharfe believes the tragedy could have been prevented entirely if Dodi and Diana’s security team had worked with local police instead of shutting them out and viewing the press as “the enemy.”

In an effort to evade the press, they devised a plan using decoy cars. A Range Rover was positioned at the front entrance of the Ritz with Dodi’s usual driver behind the wheel, while Diana and Dodi secretly exited through the back in a black armored Mercedes.

Henri Paul — who was four times over the legal drinking limit in France — had been called in from home to drive them. The high-speed chase that followed ended in disaster, with the Mercedes crashing at over 60 mph.

The lack of a security team

Perhaps the most avoidable mistake, according to Wharfe, was Diana’s decision to dismiss her Scotland Yard security team. After separating from Prince Charles in 1992, she eventually let go of her royal protection.

Wharfe recalls urging Diana to reconsider just weeks before she cut ties with them. ”She said, ‘You’ve always been great with advice. If there’s one piece of advice you’d give me, what would it be?’”

His response was clear: “I urge you, I urge you, not to lose the Scotland Yard security because we have given you that freedom, we’ve broken rules to allow you to have the normality that you crave for, and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t continue.”

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Despite his warning, Diana dismissed her entire security team just four weeks later. Wharfe firmly believes that had Queen Elizabeth insisted she keep them, Diana would have agreed.

”You cannot force security on somebody, they have to say ‘yes, I’ll take it’. But the fact that it wasn’t offered, this was her way of saying I want a new life.”

Diana’s death sent shockwaves across the globe, dominating headlines for weeks. While her funeral became a historic moment of mourning, the haunting images of her wrecked car remain etched in the minds of many.

More than two decades later, the debate over what could have saved Diana continues. But for Ken Wharfe, the answers are clear — three crucial decisions sealed her fate that night. Do you agree with him?

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