KATSEYE Sophia's tour hiatus, Daisy Chain Fields Festival raises $20M, Kylie's 'self-made' billionaire status

KATSEYE’s Sophia sits out the UK and European leg of their tour

KATSEYE will begin its European tour without Sophia Laforteza, who is taking additional time away from the group to focus on her well-being.

Laforteza’s absence was confirmed by the group’s label ahead of the “Wild World” tour’s European and U.K. leg, which begins Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 17. The announcement follows the singer’s temporary hiatus, first revealed earlier in August.

In a statement shared on social media, the label said Laforteza remains focused on her health and assured fans that she is receiving support during her time away.

“Sophia will not be participating in THE WILDWORLD TOUR in Europe and the UK scheduled from September 1 through September 17,” the company said.

The label also emphasized that supporting its artists remains a priority, asking fans to respect Laforteza’s privacy while continuing to show their support for her and the group.

“We sincerely ask for EYEKONS’ warm understanding, as our highest priority will always be the health and long-term well-being of our artists,” the statement read.

KATSEYE’s European run is set to continue with the remaining members, while the label said it will provide further information about Laforteza’s status when available. For now, fans are being encouraged to send their “love, warmth, and support” to both Sophia and KATSEYE.

Melinda French Gates donates $10 million to beneficiaries of Daisy Chain Fields Festival

Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields has turned its debut into a $20 million fundraising milestone after receiving a major contribution from philanthropist Melinda French Gates.

The inaugural festival initially generated $10 million for organizations supporting women and girls, but French Gates pledged another $10 million through her philanthropic organization, Pivotal, effectively doubling the amount raised.

The surprise announcement came during Rodrigo’s headlining performance at Great Park in Irvine, California, on Aug. 29. French Gates joined the 23-year-old singer onstage as Rodrigo praised her commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls.

“Melinda is one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met,” Rodrigo told the audience, describing the philanthropist as “generous and brave” before revealing that she would match the festival’s fundraising total.

French Gates later celebrated the initiative online, writing, “I was so inspired by @oliviarodrigo’s vision,” while highlighting the festival’s support for organizations serving women and girls.

The original $10 million is being distributed among groups including Baby2Baby, Planned Parenthood, the National Women’s Law Center, Center for Reproductive Rights and Black Mamas Matter Alliance.

Rodrigo personally assembled the festival’s women-led lineup, which featured Chappell Roan, Doechii, Mitski, Garbage, The Breeders and Bikini Kill, with Stevie Nicks and Sarah McLachlan appearing as special guests.

Right-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos gets apprehended by ICE

Milo Yiannopoulos, the British political commentator and former Breitbart editor, has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities and is facing deportation, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Yiannopoulos, 41, was arrested Aug. 27 after arriving at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. DHS said he had received a final removal order from an immigration judge on July 22 after failing to appear at an immigration hearing.

Authorities said Yiannopoulos entered the United States in 2019 and subsequently remained beyond the period permitted under his immigration status. He is reportedly being held in Louisiana while awaiting removal.

The controversial commentator rose to prominence through provocative commentary on subjects including feminism, transgender rights and immigration. He was once a prominent figure associated with the U.S. alt-right, although he has rejected the label.

His political career has included supporting Donald Trump during the 2016 election and later working with Kanye West during the rapper’s 2020 presidential campaign. He has also worked with former Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Yiannopoulos became a major conservative controversy in 2017 after remarks concerning sexual relationships involving minors led to his removal from the Conservative Political Action Conference and his resignation from Breitbart.

Far-right commentator Laura Loomer claimed credit for his detention, saying his flight to Britain had already departed. DHS has not publicly confirmed that he has been deported.

Kylie Jenner addresses backlash over “self-made billionaire” status

Kylie Jenner is once again addressing the debate over whether she deserves to be called “self-made,” acknowledging that her upbringing gave her a significant advantage while standing by the way she built her fortune.

In a new interview with Who What Wear, the reality star and entrepreneur reflected on the label that has followed her since Forbes named her the world’s youngest self-made billionaire in 2019.

“None of the money I've ever made is inherited, so it's technically true,” Jenner said. “But people just feel like the privilege I've had was a major stepping stone.”

The controversy has largely centered on Jenner’s famous family. As the daughter of Kris and Caitlyn Jenner, she grew up with considerable access to wealth, connections and publicity before launching Kylie Cosmetics.

Jenner has previously defended the Forbes designation, arguing that her earnings came from a company she established rather than an inheritance.

“There’s really no other word to use other than self-made because that is the truth,” she said in a 2019 interview. “That is the category that I fall under.”

Forbes later disputed Jenner’s billionaire status, reporting in 2020 that financial information provided by her team had been misleading and lowering its estimate of her wealth.

Today, Forbes lists Jenner among America’s wealthiest self-made women, with an estimated fortune of $670 million.

ICYMI:

• Angel Reese has made WNBA history, setting the record for the most double-doubles in a single season with 29. The Chicago Sky star surpassed Alyssa Thomas to claim the league’s single-season record, adding another major milestone to her young professional career.

• Miley Cyrus appears to be ushering in a new era, with the singer updating her official website ahead of her next musical chapter. The site has also dropped “Cyrus” from its name, fueling speculation among fans about what may be coming next as anticipation builds for her upcoming era.

— Bea Bertuldo

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