‘Euphoria’ Star Hunter Schafer, 26, Reveals Her New Passport Lists Her as Male – Details
Hunter Schafer, a transgender woman and star of HBO’s hit series “Euphoria,” revealed that her newly issued U.S. passport incorrectly identifies her as male, even though she marked female on her application.
Hunter Schafer, the 26-year-old star of HBO’s “Euphoria,” was stunned to discover that her new U.S. passport incorrectly lists her as male despite her selecting female on her application.
Hunter Schafer at the 22nd “Diner De La Mode” to Benefit Sidaction as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 30, 2025, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
“I was shocked,” Schafer said in a recent TikTok video, holding up her passport to display the M marker. She explained that after her bag was stolen in Barcelona, she received an emergency passport listing her as female.
However, when she applied for a new standard passport upon returning to the U.S., it was issued with the male designation. Schafer attributed the issue to policies implemented under President Donald Trump.
A screenshot of Hunter Schafer taken from a TikTok video dated February 22, 2025. | Source: TikTok/Hunter Schafer
On his first day in office, Trump enacted an executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”
“As a result of this, which I wrote down because I wanna get it right, ‘The Bureau of Consular Affairs has frozen passport applications requesting a gender marker change or renewals or new applications within gender marker deferring from an applicant’s gender assigned at birth,” the actress stated.
A screenshot of Hunter Schafer taken from a TikTok video dated February 22, 2025. | Source: TikTok/Hunter Schafer
The order, enacted by the White House, mandates that all U.S. passports reflect the biological sex assigned at birth, eliminating the option for an X marker.
Under these new regulations, applicants requesting a gender marker different from their birth record may experience delays, and those affected could be required to provide additional documentation.
A screenshot of Hunter Schafer taken from a TikTok video dated February 22, 2025. | Source: TikTok/Hunter Schafer
While existing passports with X markers or gender designations different from birth remain valid for travel until their expiration, all newly issued passports must comply with the updated rule.
With international travel on her horizon, Schafer voiced concerns about potential difficulties at border crossings. “I just didn’t think it was actually going to happen,” she said, criticizing the policies that led to the error on her passport.
Hunter Schafer at the “Kinds of Kindness” red carpet during the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2024, in France. | Source: Getty Images
Schafer admitted that she initially dismissed the policy shift, believing it wouldn’t directly impact her. However, after seeing the changes firsthand, she acknowledged the broader implications for transgender individuals.
“I do believe it is a direct result of the administration our country is currently operating under,” she explained in her video. “I guess I’m just sort of scared of the way this stuff slowly gets implemented.”
Hunter Schafer at the “Kinds of Kindness” photocall during the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2024, in France. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the potential travel complications, the actress remains undeterred. “It doesn’t change anything about me or my transness,” she affirmed, emphasizing that legal classifications do not define personal identity.
She expressed confidence that transgender individuals will continue to exist and be seen, regardless of restrictive policies. “A letter and a passport can’t change that,” she stated.
Schafer has been open about her journey as a transgender woman. She came out as gay in middle school before later identifying as transgender in ninth grade. Growing up, she found solace in online communities, which helped her navigate her transition.
“The internet saved me — being able to go to YouTube and watch people’s transition timelines, and see myself on a screen,” she shared during an interview.
Reflecting on her public advocacy, Schafer noted the personal cost of being a visible transgender figure. While she once felt pressure to educate and advocate, she has since adopted a more self-preserving mindset.
“I’ve kind of lost interest in achieving some sort of utopia,” she admitted. “I am totally cool with people hating me for being trans or calling me a man. I am not interested in trying to convince them anymore.”
Instead, she prioritizes surrounding herself with supportive communities and embracing the resilience of transgender people. “We are never going to stop existing,” the star stated.
Outside of acting, Schafer has explored various creative avenues, including directing. She helmed the music video for Anohni and the Johnsons’ single “Why Am I Alive Now?” and has expressed a desire to shift her focus toward personal and artistic growth.
Hunter Schafer at the Nespresso x Brut. Party La Nuova Italia during the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Nespresso Beach on May 16, 2024, in France. | Source: Getty Images
“I think I could probably keep doing the acting thing for a while, which is really cool. But there are so many other things that I want to do with my life that I kind of put on hold and don’t want to let go of,” she said.
As for her love life, in 2019, Hunter Schafer disclosed that her sexual identity might be close to a lesbian but clarified the matter no further. Two years after the interview with Dazed, she has come out to set the record straight for good.
The need for clarification comes after a viral tweet identified her as a lesbian. The sender seemed to be sure that the actress was a lesbian, a claim that Schafer disagrees with.
“Hunter Schafer is a lesbian. Congratulations lesbians. You’ve taken from me the one thing that matters most,” read the tweet, as reported by Advocate.com.
Schafer instead replied, saying that as much as she wished the post was true, she was unfortunately not lesbian. She said she identified as bi or pansexual.
While her explanation did not clear up the air and left fans more confused than they had been, one thing everyone could agree on is that despite her sexuality, they all supported and celebrated her.
In December 2020, rumors began making rounds after the actress spent plenty of time with Massima Desire. Seeing them together sparked much speculation about Schafer’s dating life, but she did not deny nor confirm them.
Hunter Schafer photographed in France on May 16, 2024, during the 77th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes. | Source: Getty Images
Desire, originally from Iowa, came to New York City for college over a decade ago and never returned home. As a student, she often took up modeling gigs, and it was not until recently that she began modeling seriously and signed with Next Management.
She has, however, walked the runway with brands such as Marc Jacobs, Erdem, Eckhaus Latta, and Coach, and also featured in magazines such as Document, Dazed, and AnOther, among others.
Hunter Schafer at the Prada Pradasphere II exhibition opening ceremony on December 6, 2023, in Shanghai, China. | Source: Getty Images
In addition to being a model, Desire makes art inspired by the people and ecology around her, including tattoos and sculptural pieces.
While Schafer has not confirmed any involvement with Desire on a romantic level, what is undeniable is the close bond between her and costar Zendaya forged on set.
Hunter Schafer and Zendaya at HBO’s “Euphoria” Season 2 photocall on January 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
During an interview with V Magazine, Schafer disclosed that Zendaya was one of the closest artistic collaborators she formed a bond with, and the friendship goes beyond the screens.
Zendaya also opened up about their mutual friendship, saying she looks at Shafer as her little sister. The “Dune” actress shared that while acting was vital to them, their friendship was more important.
Police Officer Dead After UPMC Memorial Hospital Shooting in York, Pennsylvania– Details
A tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, left a police officer dead and five others injured after a gunman took medical staff hostage and opened fire. Continue reading for more details.
Chaos unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital when a gunman stormed the ICU, taking staff members hostage before engaging in a deadly shootout with police.
The violence resulted in the death of West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte, a six-year veteran of law enforcement, and left multiple individuals wounded. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, was also killed in the confrontation.
Authorities reported that Ortiz entered the hospital carrying a bag containing a handgun and zip ties before heading straight to the ICU.
UPMC took to Facebook to share confirmation of reports of a gunman being present and shots being fired. He held staff hostage and prevented officers from breaching the unit by threatening to kill one of the hostages.
When he later emerged into the hallway with a hospital worker still at gunpoint, officers opened fire, killing Ortiz. Two additional law enforcement officers suffered gunshot wounds and are in stable condition. A doctor, a nurse, and a custodian were also shot, while a fourth hospital employee was injured during the chaos.
Officials believe the attack was specifically targeted at the ICU, as Ortiz had been in contact with the department in the previous week regarding a medical matter involving another individual.
Officer Duarte, who, according to reports, was 29 when he died, had served in law enforcement for six years. Before joining the West York Borough Police Department, he spent five years with the Denver Police Department, where he specialized in DUI and drug recognition enforcement.
Duarte was highly regarded in his field, earning the MADD Hero Award in 2021 for his work in impaired driving enforcement. The West York Borough Police Department honored his sacrifice, encouraging the community to lay flowers on the steps of the police department in his memory.
“Our community grieves the loss of a hero,” the department shared on Facebook. “We ask that the community come together in solidarity, respect, and prayer at this time as broken hearts mourn.”
Governor Josh Shapiro also paid tribute to Duarte, calling him “the best of us” and recognizing his life of service. “This morning in York County, we saw the best and worst of humanity,” Shapiro wrote on X. “Tragically, we lost one of those heroes today. Officer Duarte’s willingness to run toward danger helped save lives.”
The Fraternal Order of Police echoed these sentiments, stating, “Pennsylvania lost another hero today. Officer Duarte’s bravery and commitment to upholding the law are a testament to the selflessness shown daily by those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving.”
Patients and visitors at UPMC Memorial Hospital described the terrifying moments leading up to the shooting. Jayden Robertson and his grandmother were visiting a family member when an announcement came over the intercom about an intruder with a weapon.
Initially, they assumed it was a minor security issue, but the situation quickly escalated. Robertson recalled looking out the window and seeing police cars arriving, with officers rushing to grab shields and firearms. “That’s when we realized how serious this was,” he said.
Elsewhere in the hospital, Betsy Small was visiting her mother when she heard strange noises and saw people running.
A woman over the intercom announced a lockdown, sending a wave of panic through the floor. “You never think it’s going to be a shooting, not in a hospital,” Small said. She took cover near a window while medical staff scrambled through the hallways.
For more than an hour, Small watched as nurses moved frantically, some in tears. Her daughter texted her at 11:41 a.m., informing her that the shooter had been “taken out.”
“UPMC is grateful to all the law enforcement officers, and to our staff who courageously ensured their own safety and the safety of our patients and visitors. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone exposed to this terrible event,” the hospital shared in part on Facebook.
State Senator Dawn Keefer and State Representative Seth Grove addressed the tragedy in a joint statement, expressing their sorrow over the events at UPMC Memorial Hospital.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at UPMC this morning. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all those affected by this senseless act of violence,” they stated.
Despite the tragedy, authorities assured that no patients were harmed and the hospital is now secure. This harrowing event follows the fatal school shooting that occurred at Antioch High School on January 22, 2025.
Following the school shooting, the Metro Nashville Police Department shared the identity of the 16-year-old girl who was killed during the incident. The victim who was fatally wounded at the cafeteria of Antioch High School was identified as Josselin Corea Escalante.
Josselin Corea Escalante, from a post dated January 23, 2025 | Source: X/MaddieNolanTV
She was shot alongside two other students. One of the two is a male student who suffered a graze to the arm and he was treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Escalante’s dad, German Corea, is devasted by the loss of his daughter. “Every day I told her how much I loved her,” he said. Escalante was an older sister but still a daddy’s girl in his father’s eyes. Corea said his daughter played soccer and scored good grades. He noted that he never thought his loving and kind daughter would one day never make it home. “It’s not fair,” he mourned.
Maria Corea, Escalante’s aunt, is dumbfounded by her loss, noting that she was sent to school to get an education and a better future but her life has ended tragically. “Oh God. She was my girl. She was a very calm girl and well-behaved. She had good grades in school. She was a girl who loved her parents and all her family,” she shared.
Josselin Corea Escalante, from a post dated January 22, 2025 | Source: Facebook/NickBeresNC5
Escalante’s family has requested that the school enhance its security. They are not hopeful that things will change noting that every school shooting always has a similar story. Antioch High School hosted a vigil in honor of Escalante on the night of January 22.
The 17-year-old shooter was an active student at Antioch High School. He shot himself in the head and is deceased. Police have identified him as Solomon Henderson. The two school resource officers assigned to Antioch High School were located in a different part of the building when Henderson started shooting.
Upon hearing the shots, they swiftly rushed to the cafeteria, arriving just moments after Henderson had taken his own life. Authorities are now investigating concerning online writings and social media posts linked to Henderson.
They are also working with local, federal, and state agencies to determine the motive behind the gunfire in the school’s cafeteria. As investigations on the incident continue, so far the police have found no connection between the shooter and victims of the tragic incident. “It may be that they were struck by his random gunfire in the cafeteria,” the Metro Nashville Police Department said.
Chief John Drake of the Metro Nashville Police Department has also spoken out, “On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff. Our officers and counselors will work to be part of the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.”
Dr. Adrienne Battle, Metro Nashville Public Schools’ director has condoled with the students, parents, and the entire Antioch High School community. Battle announced that the school would be closed for the rest of the week so that students and staff could have time to grieve.
She wrote in a statement, “I want to thank the school staff who quickly and heroically followed emergency protocols, potentially preventing further harm, as well as the Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department for their swift and urgent response.”
Battle promised that she was committed to understanding how and why such a tragedy happened so as to prevent another occurrence in the future.
She added, “It’s important to remember that our schools have historically been safe places for learning, friendship, and growth. We cannot allow this tragedy to overshadow the positive experiences of our 80,000 students.”
Battle also noted that the students and staff will get all the help they need to process this tragedy, including but not limited to grief support. She urged students, staff, counselors, and the Nashville community to come together so they could navigate the days and weeks ahead as one.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741,
Kathie Lee Gifford Reveals How Donald Trump ‘Saved’ Her and Her Daughter’s Lives in the ’90s – Video
During an appearance on a podcast, the TV show host and singer-songwriter shared the chilling details of the incident, crediting Donald Trump, who immediately vowed to handle the matter himself, with saving their lives.
In early February 2025, Kathie Lee Gifford made a revealing appearance on the “Sage Steele Podcast,” where she opened up about pivotal moments in her life.
During the interview, she reflected on many things, including her decades-long career, the enduring grief of losing her husband, Frank Gifford, and her complex friendship with President Donald Trump.
Dressed casually in a knitted sweater and jeans, Kathie also shared a harrowing story from 31 years ago when she was preparing to host the Miss America Pageant.
She had her newborn daughter with her when the FBI contacted her husband, warning that a dangerous criminal was on the loose and targeting his wife.
The FBI urged Frank to continue as if nothing was wrong so the criminal wouldn’t realize they were onto him. Frank, however, refused to proceed without securing his wife’s safety.
Kathie Lee Gifford during her appearance on “The Sage Steele Show” posted on February 7, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Amid the chaos, he immediately turned to none other than Donald for help. The president, without hesitation, assured Frank that he would handle the situation personally.
“[…] Donald said — this is why I will love this man for my whole life — he said, ‘Frank don’t you worry about it. I’ve got your girls. I’ve got your girls and don’t you worry,” Kathie recalled, holding back tears.
Kathie Lee Gifford during her appearance on “The Sage Steele Show” posted on February 7, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
According to the singer-songwriter, Frank then called the FBI back, informing them that he had Donald’s word that he would take care of the situation.
Knowing nothing about what was going on, Kathie then received a call from Donald himself the next day, who told her he was sending his private helicopter to ensure she and her daughter returned home safely, as well as security guards for her protection.
Kathie Lee Gifford during her appearance on “The Sage Steele Show” posted on February 7, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
She was then greeted by an extensive security detail. “There were four of his security guys there,” she recalled, still piecing together the extent of his intervention.
For days, she had round-the-clock protection, with armed guards stationed outside her hotel room. It wasn’t until the day of the pageant that she fully grasped the gravity of the situation.
Kathie Lee Gifford during her appearance on “The Sage Steele Show” posted on February 7, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Picking up a newspaper, she was stunned to see a headline about a death threat against her. “I read it and thought, ‘Oh, I’m kind of interested in that story,'” she recounted. Only then did she realize the extent of the danger and the measures that had been taken to protect her.
Despite the chilling revelation, Kathie refused to be intimidated. When asked if she wanted to back out of hosting, she responded firmly, “Hell no! Nobody’s going to make me afraid.”
The show went on as planned, with Donald’s security detail remaining by her side. After the pageant, Kathie was discreetly taken home via a different route to avoid any lingering threats. Unbeknownst to her, an FBI agent had also been stationed at her home in Connecticut, protecting her three-year-old son, Cody.
Donald Trump with Kathy Lee and Frank Gifford at Will Rogers Follies’ party on August 3, 1992, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Days later, while at the movies with her son, an FBI agent approached her with the news that the suspect had been captured. His capture brought relief, but the terrifying ordeal remained a vivid memory.
Donald and Melania Trump with Kathie Lee Gifford at the opening night of the musical “Under The Bridge” at The Zipper Theatre January 6, 2005, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
“That’s my friend. Donald saved my life, saved my daughter’s life and if I called him today [he] would save it again. […] People don’t know that about him,” Kathie said.
Her story sheds light on a lesser-known side of Donald, offering a glimpse into their friendship and the gratitude she still holds for him to this day.
Kathie Lee Gifford and Donald Trump at Regis Philbin’s final show of “Live! with Regis & Kelly” on November 18, 2011, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Her recent appearance on the “Sage Steele Podcast” isn’t the only time Kathie Lee Gifford has made headlines lately. Just weeks earlier, she joined “Today” for Hoda Kotb’s farewell episode, where her look sparked a wave of reactions.
Kathie surprised Hoda on January 10, her final day on the “Today with Jenna & Friends” show. While her appearance added elegance to the occasion, a video shared online sparked mixed reactions from netizens.
A netizen’s comment about Kathie Lee Gifford’s “Today with Jenna & Friends” appearance on January 10, 2025 | Source: YouTube.com/jennaandfriends
In the video, Jenna Bush Hager told Hoda that a close friend had sent her a special message. A screen then appeared, showing Kathie speaking from Tennessee. The 71-year-old TV personality reflected on their shared memories and the joy of their bond.
“I always loved hugging you and just drench in that beautiful sunshine of a smile you have,” she said warmly. Apologizing for her absence, she joked, “I’m sorry to miss your big day. But you know I’m very busy. Very busy, very important. Not!” She ended the message, “I love you, sweetheart! So excited for you.”
As the video ended, Jenna surprised Hoda further by revealing that Kathie’s recorded message from Tennessee was a “lie,” catching her off guard and adding to the emotional moment.
Kathie Lee Gifford hugs Hoda Kotb on “Today with Jenna & Friends” on January 10, 2025 | Source: YouTube.com/jennaandfriends
Kathie then entered the studio dressed in a black lace dress, exuding timeless sophistication. Her long, wavy blonde hair and subtle makeup enhanced her radiant appearance.
A netizen’s comment about Kathie Lee Gifford’s “Today with Jenna & Friends” appearance | Source: Facebook.com/pagesix
Pink and purple balloons adorned the studio, creating a festive atmosphere. Kathie stood confidently amid the decorations and later joined Hoda and Jenna for an emotional conversation.
Kathie Lee Gifford sits down with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on “Today with Jenna & Friends” on January 10, 2025 | Source: YouTube.com/jennaandfriends
Kathie’s appearance drew mixed reactions online. Some praised her timeless beauty, while others speculated about cosmetic enhancements.
“I didn’t even recognize her she’s done way too much with her face,” one commenter noted. Someone else exclaimed, “Botox!” while another speculated, “Loads of Plastic surgery there Kathy. Gotta own your real age one day [sic].”
Kathie Lee Gifford appears on “Today with Jenna & Friends” on January 10, 2025 | Source: YouTube.com/jennaandfriends
Some netizens jokingly questioned cosmetic changes among public figures, while others compared Kathie’s appearance to that of pop star Mariah Carey.
Mariah Carey in New York City on December 17, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Amidst the critiques, others shared positive sentiments. “She looks so good!!!” wrote one admirer, followed by another declaring, “Kathie Lee looks better than ever. BRAVO! [sic]” Another gushed, “Kathie Lee is so pretty.”
Kathie Lee Gifford appears on “Today with Jenna & Friends” on January 10, 2025 | Source: YouTube.com/jennaandfriends
One viewer praised Kathie’s unique presence and unwavering support for colleagues during pivotal moments, referencing her appearances for Hoda and the late TV presenter Regis Philbin.
A netizen’s comment about Kathie Lee Gifford’s “Today with Jenna & Friends” appearance, posted on January 10, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com/pagesix/
Despite the divided reactions online, Kathie seemed fully present as she celebrated Hoda’s final day on the show. In a separate interview with Dr. Mehmet Oz on “The Dr. Oz Show,” Kathie offered a glimpse into the personal and professional reasons behind her transformation.
She explained that her weight loss stemmed from preparing for a movie role she had written for herself and Craig Ferguson.
“The character is named Annabelle, and she’s newly widowed. And she is a runner…she deals with her pain by — She’s always been a runner but she deals with it by…running. I started getting in training for that long before I started shooting the movie,” she said.
Grief also played a significant role following the death of her husband in 2015. “I’d lost weight right after my own husband had passed away because that’s why they call it a diet — they die, and you don’t want to eat…I don’t even remember eating after Frank passed,” she shared, adding that she has never been a big eater.
In a 2017 interview with Prevention, she reflected on aging with gratitude.
“All day long, life is about choice. Am I going to bemoan the fact that I’m 64 years old or say, ‘Thank you, Lord, I made it to 64’? I’m healthy, I’m employed, my kids are awesome, life is good. I’m grateful. I think the most important reason to love your age is to be grateful for everything,” Kathieshared.
She added with her signature humor, “If you grieve what you’ve lost in life at the expense of being grateful for what you have, you might as well take a dirt nap.”
Chief Paul Neudigate during a press conference on the death of the Virginia Beach police officers | Source: YouTube/13 News Now
Two Virginia Beach Police Officers Fatally Shot After a Late-Night Traffic Stop – Details
A traffic stop in Virginia Beach ended in tragedy late Friday night, leading to the deaths of two police officers. As officials investigate the circumstances, tributes are pouring in for the fallen officers.
On February 21, 2025, at 11:27 p.m., officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese attempted to stop a blue Hyundai Sonata for an expired license plate. The driver initially refused to pull over before stopping at the dead end of Silven Court.
When officers approached, the driver became argumentative and repeatedly refused commands to exit the vehicle. After several requests, he eventually stepped out, but almost immediately, a struggle broke out.
During the altercation, the driver pulled a handgun from his pocket and opened fire, striking both officers. While they lay defenseless on the ground, he fired again, fatally wounding them before fleeing.
Backup officers responded within minutes and launched a search for the driver. He was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a shed behind an apartment complex near the scene. Authorities confirmed he was a convicted felon. Authorities confirmed him to be 42-year-old John McCoy III, a convicted felon.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressed the public in an emotional press conference, providing details on the tragic loss of Officers Girvin and Reese.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressing the public during a press conference. | Source: YouTube/13News Now
He revealed that Officer Reese, 30, was pronounced dead shortly after midnight at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow officers. Officer Girvin, 25, succumbed to his injuries at Virginia Beach General Hospital around 4:30 a.m., also surrounded by loved ones and members of his police family.
Speaking on the department’s grief, he stated, “We’re all hurting. We’ve got families that have lost a loved one in the prime of their life, and they are completely devastated.” Neighbors described hearing gunshots and witnessing a heavy police presence.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressing the public during a press conference. | Source: YouTube/13News Now
Marcus Burton, who lives near the scene, said he initially heard several gunshots but didn’t realize the gravity of the situation until he saw police swarming the neighborhood. “I looked out my window and saw a guy walking through the alleyway. Next thing you know, the whole neighborhood’s full of cops,” he said.
A Virginia Beach forensic truck | Source: Getty Images
Another resident, Micka Carden, expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in what she described as a quiet community. “My son was a police officer in the Army. My husband and I both served in the military. We respect law enforcement, and it’s just terrible that this happened. It’s awful,” she said.
Community members and law enforcement agencies have since offered their condolences, mourning the loss of the two officers who paid the ultimate price in service to their city.
Virginia Beach Fire Department shared in part on Facebook, “Our hearts are filled with profound sadness and sorrow this morning upon learning of the tragic loss of two of our brothers in blue. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our prayers to the grieving families […].”
Someone close to Girvin also took to Facebook and wrote in part, “I cannot think of the words to describe how I’m feeling. I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m heartbroken, I’m a whirlwind of emotion. Cameron Girvin you where not just a coworker or a partner you where one of my best friends, you where a brother to me [sic].”
This saddening incident follows the heartbreaking news of another police officer having his life cut short following a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania.
Chaos unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital when a gunman stormed the ICU, taking staff members hostage before engaging in a deadly shootout with police.
The violence resulted in the death of West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte, a six-year veteran of law enforcement, and left multiple individuals wounded. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, was also killed in the confrontation.
Authorities reported that Ortiz entered the hospital carrying a bag containing a handgun and zip ties before heading straight to the ICU.
UPMC took to Facebook to share confirmation of reports of a gunman being present and shots being fired. He held staff hostage and prevented officers from breaching the unit by threatening to kill one of the hostages.
When he later emerged into the hallway with a hospital worker still at gunpoint, officers opened fire, killing Ortiz. Two additional law enforcement officers suffered gunshot wounds and are in stable condition. A doctor, a nurse, and a custodian were also shot, while a fourth hospital employee was injured during the chaos.
Officials believe the attack was specifically targeted at the ICU, as Ortiz had been in contact with the department in the previous week regarding a medical matter involving another individual.
Officer Duarte, who, according to reports, was 29 when he died, had served in law enforcement for six years. Before joining the West York Borough Police Department, he spent five years with the Denver Police Department, where he specialized in DUI and drug recognition enforcement.
Duarte was highly regarded in his field, earning the MADD Hero Award in 2021 for his work in impaired driving enforcement. The West York Borough Police Department honored his sacrifice, encouraging the community to lay flowers on the steps of the police department in his memory.
“Our community grieves the loss of a hero,” the department shared on Facebook. “We ask that the community come together in solidarity, respect, and prayer at this time as broken hearts mourn.”
Governor Josh Shapiro also paid tribute to Duarte, calling him “the best of us” and recognizing his life of service. “This morning in York County, we saw the best and worst of humanity,” Shapiro wrote on X. “Tragically, we lost one of those heroes today. Officer Duarte’s willingness to run toward danger helped save lives.”
The Fraternal Order of Police echoed these sentiments, stating, “Pennsylvania lost another hero today. Officer Duarte’s bravery and commitment to upholding the law are a testament to the selflessness shown daily by those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving.”
Patients and visitors at UPMC Memorial Hospital described the terrifying moments leading up to the shooting. Jayden Robertson and his grandmother were visiting a family member when an announcement came over the intercom about an intruder with a weapon.
Initially, they assumed it was a minor security issue, but the situation quickly escalated. Robertson recalled looking out the window and seeing police cars arriving, with officers rushing to grab shields and firearms. “That’s when we realized how serious this was,” he said.
Elsewhere in the hospital, Betsy Small was visiting her mother when she heard strange noises and saw people running.
A woman over the intercom announced a lockdown, sending a wave of panic through the floor. “You never think it’s going to be a shooting, not in a hospital,” Small said. She took cover near a window while medical staff scrambled through the hallways.
For more than an hour, Small watched as nurses moved frantically, some in tears. Her daughter texted her at 11:41 a.m., informing her that the shooter had been “taken out.”
“UPMC is grateful to all the law enforcement officers, and to our staff who courageously ensured their own safety and the safety of our patients and visitors. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone exposed to this terrible event,” the hospital shared in part on Facebook.
State Senator Dawn Keefer and State Representative Seth Grove addressed the tragedy in a joint statement, expressing their sorrow over the events at UPMC Memorial Hospital.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at UPMC this morning. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all those affected by this senseless act of violence,” they stated.
Despite the tragedy, authorities assured that no patients were harmed and the hospital is now secure. This harrowing event follows the fatal school shooting that occurred at Antioch High School on January 22, 2025.
‘No sniffing’ Jacqueline Jossa responds to THAT EastEnders live episode knickers scene
Jacqueline Jossa has been forced to speak out about THAT scene (Picture: BBC/Metro)
EastEnders legend Jacqueline Jossa has addressed a totally bizarre moment from last night’s live episode, that seemed to show Lauren Branning sniffing cousin Sonia Fowler’s (Natalie Cassidy) knickers.
The heartbreaking instalment was capped off with a spell-binding performance from James Bye and Lacey Turner, as his character Martin Fowler succumbed to injuries sustained in the Queen Vic explosion.
After going into cardiac arrest as a result of crush syndrome, Stacey Slater cradled his dead body amongst the rubble and screamed out, just moments after the pair declared their love for one another.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the pub,Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) had gone into early labour.
The scenes provided much comic relief, as her sister Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) navigated the tricky situation with zero help from Lauren.
Neither of them were prepared to take a look at what was happening, as poor Son’ wailed and declared that she couldn’t bring a baby into the world that was fathered by her wicked, murderous fiancé Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman).
To make matters worse, his corpse was literally on the other side of the room having been hilariously flattened by a falling bathtub earlier in the week.
Sonia gives emotional speech to baby Julia reflecting on 40 years of EastEnders
Lauren and Bianca were on hand to help Sonia (Picture: BBC)
Sonia eventually gave birth to her little girl, who she (ahem, the viewers) named Julia, and delivered an emotional monologue over the last few scenes.
Despite everything, viewers were more focussed on one part of the episode that seemed to show Lauren taking a whiff of Sonia’s undergarments.
As she pushed (or as Bianca so eloquently put it ‘Come on blow, blow like you’ve blown that trumpet!’), B’ whipped off her sister’s pants and threw them over her shoulder.
Lauren caught them, and after realising what they were, threw them to one side.
Over 435,000 people have found much hilarity in the situation on TikTok, where one fan posted the clip.
As a result, Jacqueline has now been forced to reveal all on what has been dubbed ‘KnickerGate scandal’ by fans.
Commenting on the video – and receiving a whopping 6,544 likes – Jac wrote: ‘Just to clarify, I didn’t sniff them. I was checking what they were and lifting them in shot. No sniffing.’
In the replies she added: ‘They usually hit me in the face so I think I just lifted them up to make sure it was in the shot. This is amazing.’
‘No sniffing’ says Jac (Picture: BBC)
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She also added a number of laughing face emojis.
One fan responded: ‘Wahahahaha I love that you commented to clarify. It does look like it tho no lie. Well done for tonight!!!’
Another added: ‘You did good. Well done, what a funny scene! I’d of cracked. Well done all.’
‘You did amazing, sniff or no sniff’ added a third.
‘Absolutely hilarious but FAB FAB acting from you all!!! Well done gal! Had me in tears laughin & crying tonight’ said a fourth.
Britain’s Got Talent forced to pause auditions after Simon Cowell was brutally heckled
Simon Cowell was the subject of ‘brutal heckles’ at recent Britain’s Got Talent auditions, forcing them to be paused, Amanda Holden has now revealed.
It had previously been claimed that the judge, 65, was on the receiving end of humorous jabs while filming at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
But Amanda, 54, has revealed the true extent of the verbal abuse he received, saying the production team had to stop filming at one point.
She told The Sun: ‘Because Simon’s in charge they took it all out on him — they called him an old fart, they flicked the Vs at him, and then all the way through two or three acts there are these women in the camera shot giving him the finger.
‘Then, at the end of the session, they’re like, “Simon, can we have a selfie?” and he’s like, “You’re joking, aren’t you?”‘
It had previously been said that boos and repeated insults were aimed at Simon, which included ‘You old fart’ when he criticised hopefuls.
Simon Cowell was the subject of brutal heckling from audience members (Picture: Anthony Harvey/REX/Shutterstock)
Thankfully though, Simon saw the funny side of it all.
‘Simon isn’t vain in that way and found the heckling absolutely hilarious — even when they were calling him an old fart,’ a source earlier told The Sun.
‘He loves having BGT in Blackpool precisely because the crowds are so raucous and enthusiastic.’
The crew working on the ITV production also took it for light-hearted fun, but were a little less amused by their task of editing the recording, which is filled with the insulting comments.
Thankfully, he was able to see the funny side (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Amanda Holden revealed Simon’s reaction to the heckling (Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
It has been described as an ‘editing nightmare’ by Daily Mail.
‘Simon even encourages them to misbehave, even if sometimes the misbehaviour can cause a headache for the production team,’ the source continued.
‘Thankfully they were compensated for any hassle by a rare chance to have a good laugh at the boss’s expense.’
Simon faced another incident during the auditions stage when he was part of a ‘dangerous’ stunt.
Simon Cowell almost gets his head caved in with a sledgehammer in nervy BGT stunt
The media mogul later admitted he feared ‘actually’ dying when a blindfolded man smashed watermelons around him with a mallet.
‘You know the feeling when you kind of think, somebody doesn’t want you on the show anymore? It was that,’ he said during a press launch for the show.
‘It was the closest genuinely where I’m thinking they actually want to kill me.
‘And I swear to God that’s how I felt. Because this guy got really nervous and he’d slipped and he was smashing these watermelons.’
Some of the auditions sparked fear (Picture: ITV/Britain’s Got Talent)
The judge became a part of one audition (Picture: ITV/Britain’s Got Talent)
Speaking to The Sun about that audition, Amanda admitted she was ‘genuinely worried’.
She said: ‘This guy was obviously practised and knew what he was doing. But there was no leeway for mistakes.
‘Simon was told to keep still, and wasn’t keeping still, and then there’s these melons being crushed all over the stage with this lump hammer.
‘And I’m thinking, “There’s no safeguard against this guy slipping on a bit of melon juice that you don’t expect to be there, because you don’t know which of the melons he was going to split.”‘
The judging panel is back (Picture: Dymond/Thames/REX/Shutterstock)
Britain’s Got Talent returned to screens on February 22, instead of the usual April slot and fans will be treated to an extra-long series.
The series already had the most disgusting act to date, as viewers were left convulsing by the antics of Auzzy Blood, plus an emotional golden buzzer moment courtesy of Vinnie Mckee.
The series is set to last for around four months as opposed to the usual two, it has been reported. The live semi-finals will air on Saturday nights, rather than all spread across one week which will lengthen the proceedings.
As well as Simon, Amanda, Bruno Tonioli, 69, and Alesha Dixon, 46, they will also be joined by guest judge, YouTuber KSI, 31, who has teased being a ‘villain’.
Of course, Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly will also be returning to present the series.
Netflix fans are binge watching ‘best of the best’ crime drama in a single sitting
Carey Mulligan stars in BBC thriller Collateral (Picture: BBC)
Fans of Netflix have been hard at work binge-watching a 2018 crime drama starring Carey Mulligan as a cop investigating a murder.
The Promising Young Woman plays Detective Inspector Kip Glaspie, who is drawn into an unlikely conspiracy when she investigates the seemingly random murder of a pizza delivery driver in London.
Peeling back the layers of a series of unlikely coincidences, Kip finds herself at the heart of a criminal plot which links to the special forces of the British military.
The show also stars Life on Mars actor John Simm alongside former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper, and Coupling star Ben Miles.
First airing on BBC Two in February 2018, the four-part miniseries appeared to fly under the radar for many – in spite of generally good reviews and a television award-nominated performance from co-star Billie.
However, since being added to Netflix, viewers have begun to see what they missed out on the first time around.
Carey plays police officer Kip Glaspie (Picture: BBC)
The show also stars Doctor Who companion Billie Piper (Picture: BBC)
Writing on Reddit, viewers shared their appreciation for Collateral, with many praising Carey’s performance as the police officer.
‘Another binge-worth British short murder mystery. Carey Mulligan at her best and all the crews!’ wrote user AmenahSmith in a thread on the social media site.
‘I really liked her performance. I would definitely watch multiple seasons with that character,’ said Blairisbuffy.
‘This was pretty good. Wife and I binged it and walked away happy,’ commented Evil_burrito.
‘I really enjoyed this one. Carey Mulligan is so good in this,’ agreed bigdirkmalone.
John Simm features as MP David Mars (Picture: BBC)
When it was first released, Metro.co.uk described Collateral as ‘a detective show like no other,’ with critic Adam Starkey calling it: ‘a bold detective drama which hopes to defy the genre at every turn.’
This is backed up by review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, where the miniseries currently sits with an average rating of 79% from critics.
Users are similarly positive, contributing toward a 66% Popcornmeter rating and reviews which highlight its strong performances and tight pacing.
‘This series is simply brilliant. In fact, with each episode, it gets better and better. Low-key but smart. The pace is breathtaking without being overwhelming. Honestly, this is the best of the best in my opinion,’ writes one user on the site.
Jeany Spark stars as Sandrine Shaw (Picture: BBC)
Star Carey was pregnant while filming the role – and praised writer David Hare and director SJ Clarkson for not making it all about the baby.
Speaking in a Q&A at the time, Carey revealed: ‘Being pregnant had to become part of the story, and what I loved about it was that there was no, “oh goodness me” [mimics back pain], or “Oh he/she/ just kicked’.
‘No pregnant acting was allowed, and no crying, which was a revelation. So she doesn’t cry. She’s a working woman, who’s working through her pregnancy.’
‘She’s a heroine who is on screen for four hours and does not cry once,’ added the show’s writer.
NASA updates chances of ‘city killer’ asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth
The chances of the asteroid hitting Earth have dropped to 0.28% (Picture: Getty Images)
The chances a ‘city killer’ asteroid will crash into Earth in seven years’ time have fallen, NASA has said.
Scientists have kept an eye on the ‘near-Earth asteroid’, named 2024 YR4, as it has an orbit that brings it to our region of the solar system.
There is currently a 0.28% chance that 2024 YR4 will strike Earth on December 22, 2032 – a drop from 1.5% yesterday – according to the space agency.
Meanwhile, the chances the asteroid will hit the Moon increased from 0.8% to 1%.
Armageddon-style plan could save Earth from large asteroids (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
NASA estimates that the asteroid is about 130-300 feet (40-90 metres) wide.
Experts have modelled what the possible impact of 2024 YR4 – equal to 15,000,000 tons of TNT – could look like.
‘Think of the destruction we wrought on each other during Hiroshima and Nagasaki,’ former International Space Station commander Chris Hadfield said.
‘This is 500 times more powerful, just because of the energy of it coming through the atmosphere, causing shockwaves, and because of the heating, exploding.’
A chilling video shows what might happen if an asteroid hits Earth in 2032, as scientists fear (Picture: MetaBallStudios / SWNS).
Experts have warned that the impact of the asteroid could be hundreds of times stronger than an atomic bomb (Picture: MetaBallStudios / SWNS)
NASA says that an airburst – or explosion of the asteroid after it enters Earth’s atmosphere – is likely.
The agency paints a less terrifying picture of what might occur if the asteroid strikes Earth.
It says the damage 2024 YR4 would cause depends on its composition and exact size.
‘If the asteroid entered the atmosphere over a populated region, an airburst … on the smaller side of the size range, about 130-200 feet (40-60 metres) could shatter windows or cause minor structural damage across a city,’ the agency says.
‘An asteroid about 300 feet (90 metres) in size, which is much less likely, could cause more severe damage, potentially collapsing residential structures across a city and shattering windows across larger regions.’
After an airburst, the asteroid is unlikely to cause a ‘significant tsunami’, the agency adds.
By April, the object will be so far away that it will become too faint to be detected by Earth-based telescopes.
More updates will not be possible until 2028, when 2024 YR4 approaches Earth again and becomes bright enough to be seen.
As more observations are collected, NASA says it is likely the chances of the asteroid striking earth will drop to zero.
2024 YR24 yesterday had a 1.5% chance of striking Earth in seven years (Credits: Getty Images/Science Photo Libra)
How can humans survive an asteroid strike?
Survival and Outdoors Expert Ky Furneaux has offered a step-by-step guide we can follow to keep us alive if an asteroid strikes.
The first thing to do ahead of a collision is to leave the coast and head inland.
The earth is 71% water, so it is far more likely any comet will hit a body of water and create tsunamis.
The next task would be to find a bunker – the sturdier the better.
An underground bunker would be best, as it will shield you from environmental hazards, such as dust and soot, after the comet strikes Earth.
This bunker will need to be stocked with essentials, as you wait out the asteroid’s after-effects.
The wait might last months or even years, meaning the bunker needs a heat source, radios, food, water, and medicines.
The key is canned food, dried goods, non-perishable foods, and bottled water.
Acid rain is one of the main reasons you’ll be locked inside, as massive fires release pyrotoxins into the air.
The groundbreaking real women who inspired TV series hailed ‘next Peaky Blinders’
A new BBC period drama follows ‘the birth of the modern nightlife industry’ (Picture: BBC/ Bad Wolf/ Ray Burmiston)
After spending years stepping up into the roles left vacant when men went to war, many women had no desire to become homemakers again after 1918.
Instead, many pushed back – fighting for their rights to continue to work. While some managed to keep hold of ‘respectable’ careers, others turned their attention to more salacious pursuits.
It is the women who owned, ran and worked in the illegal nightclubs of London’s Soho (and those that tried to stop them) that sparked the inspiration for the BBC’s upcoming period drama Dope Girls.
The six-part series, which has been described as a ‘spiritual successor to Peaky Blinders’ depicts in ‘visceral delicious detail the birth of the modern nightlife industry guided and gilded by hard fought female endeavour’.
Based on the 1992 non-fiction book Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground by Marek Kohn, the story centres on Kate Galloway (Julianne Nicholson), a single mother who establishes her own nightclub to provide for her daughter after a devastating family tragedy.
Although her story has many similarities with a real-life figure, the BBC has said the show is ‘inspired by a forgotten time in history, and all its events and characters are fictional’.
However, parallels can be drawn between the characters and women who lived through ‘the hedonistic uproar of post-World War One London’.
Julianne Nicholson as Kate Galloway
Inspired by Kate Meyrick
Dope Girls stars Julianne Nicholson as Kate Galloway (Picture: BBC/ Bad Wolf/ Sony Pictures Television/ Kevin Baker)
Living in a small English village at the start of the series, Kate goes from a seemingly charmed life in the country to being widowed, turfed out of her home and travelling to London with her teenage daughter to try and make ends meet.
She eventually decides to try her luck opening a nightclub, a decision that changes her life, not unlike the story of the real-life Kate Meyrick.
Born in Ireland, Meyrick suffered the loss of both of her parents at a young age, eventually marrying a doctor in Dublin before they moved to England and settled in Hampshire.
For 15 years she helped run nursing homes for psychiatric patients with her husband whilst also raising eight children.
She opens a nightclub in Soho after becoming a widow and needing to support her daughter (Picture: BBC/ Bad Wolf/ Sony Pictures Television/ Kevin Baker)
But they eventually split in 1918 when Meyrick was 43.
Faced with having to provide for her family with a weekly allowance of less than £1 a week, she responded to an advertisement asking for help to run tea dances and eventually opened the club Dalton’s in Leicester Square alongside Harry Dalton.
The venue was described as a ‘rendezvous for members of the theatrical and variety professions and their friends’ however in 1920 it was struck off the register and the pair were fined for operating what a prosecutor described as a ‘dancing hell and a sink of iniquity’.
Kate Meyrick was called ‘Queen of the Night Clubs’ (Picture: Daily Mail/ Rex/ Shutterstock)
She ran several venues including the 43 Club in Soho (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)
Meyrick faced several prison sentences and fines throughout her career (Picture: Historica Graphica Collection/ Heritage Images/ Getty Images)
At the time the sale of alcohol in the country was subject to strict licensing rules but Meyrick’s approach to dodging the law was to open another venue each time one was shut down for breaching the law.
Her most famous was the 43 Club at 43 Gerrard Street in Soho, which remained open until 6am and offered meals to patrons, as well as illicit alcohol.
It attracted highflyers, including actors Rudolph Valentino and Tallulah Bankhead, jazz musician Harry Gold, and authors J. B. Priestley, Evelyn Waugh and Joseph Conrad.
After a raid by police in 1922 she reopened the venue as Procter’s Club the following year, as well as establishing Folies Bergères in Fitzrovia.
She earnt £30,000 in her first year of business (Picture: Daily Mail/ Rex/ Shutterstock)
Regularly facing raids and fines, the force of the law didn’t deter Meyrick, who was once quoted as saying: ‘Fines don’t worry me… I’m getting quite accustomed to them now. I suppose they’ll keep on fining me! Well, it can’t be helped – you can’t run night clubs unless you are prepared for this sort of thing.’
She eventually picked up the nickname of ‘Queen of the Night Clubs’ and it was said she earnt £30,000 in her first year running clubs, allowing her children to be educated at top private schools.
Three of her daughters even eventually married into the British nobility.
By the end of her 13-year career, Meyrick estimated she’d earnt around £500,000.
However, she’d also served five prison sentences and died from influenza aged 57 in 1933. It was said her health had ‘undoubtedly been weakened by her several periods of imprisonment’.
Despite her regular brushes with the law, Meyrick left an indelible legacy. She was the inspiration for the character Ma Mayfield in Evelyn Waugh’s novel, Brideshead Revisited and on the day of her funeral, West End theatres and clubs dimmed their lights as a mark of respect for the trailblazer.
Umi Myers as Billie Cassidy
Inspired by Billie Carleton
Umi Myers plays dancer Billie Cassidy in the series (Picture: Buzz Editorial)
In Dope Girls, Billie is a ‘dazzling bohemian dancer, whose life is irrevocably changed by Kate’s arrival’.
In real-life Billie Carleton was a musical comedy actress who started her stage career aged just 15.
She received her big break from when C.B. Cochran promoted her from the chorus to a role in his 1914 revue Watch Your Step.
However, when he was informed she’d been attending opium parties during the show’s run, Cochran fired Carleton.
Actress Billie Carleton’s death was investigated in 1918 (Picture: ANL/ Rex/ Shutterstock)
She then went on to appear in shows including Some More Samples, The Boy, Fair and Warmer and The Freedom, briefly becoming the youngest leading lady in the West End.
However, her life came to a tragic end aged just 22 in 1918. After attending the Victory Ball at the Royal Albert Hall, she was found dead in bed in her Savoy Hotel suite from an apparent cocaine overdose.
Her death was then the subject of a highly published trial, which saw Reginald de Veulle charged with manslaughter and conspiracy to supply a prohibited drug. He was eventually sentenced to eight months behind bars.
However, in the Dope Girls book, Kohn claimed Carleton died from legal depressants that were taken to deal with her cocaine hangover.
Michael Duke as Eddie Cobb
Inspired by Edgar Manning
Michael Duke stars as musician and performer Eddie Cobb (Picture: BBC/ Bad Wolf/ Sony Pictures Television/ Kevin Baker)
In the TV series, Eddie is a queer ‘bohemian, traveller, creative and artist’ who works in the Soho nightclubs as a band leader and performer alongside his close friend Billie.
In real life Edgar (Eddie) Manning was a Jamaican jazz musician and criminal who became known as the ‘dope-king’ of 1920s London.
In 1922 The Times reported that Scotland Yard called him an ‘important drug trafficker in the West-End’ while News of the World said he was a ‘drug vice chief’.
A handful of deaths through drugs were also linked to him and he was sentenced to prison several times for drug possession.
Eliza Scanlen as Violet Davies
Inspired by the first female MET officers
Eliza Scanlen’s character is one of the first female officers to be accepted into the Met (Picture: BBC/ Bad Wolf/ Sony Pictures Television/ Kevin Baker)
Although Violet is a fictional character, she was inspired by the women who made history as part of the Metropolitan police’s first female recruits.
Before 1829 the capital city didn’t have a professional police force and volunteers instead took on the responsibility of patrolling the streets.
But when the force was established, only men were allowed – and they had to be under-35, taller than five foot five and physically fit.
It was in 1915 that Britain’s first female police officer with the power of arrest (Edith Smith) was hired in Lincolnshire. Three years later women were permitted to join the Met, with the first seen on the streets of London in 1919.
However, they still faced an uphill battle and weren’t even allowed to make arrests until 1923. Married women were only allowed to sign up after 1946.
Speaking about her character, Eliza explained how she pursues a career in the force to ‘escape her disadvantage at home and start a new life and one of security’.
‘When she gets into the police force, she goes undercover as a sex worker to try and get women off the streets, and things start to go a bit pear shaped when she finds herself identifying with the unconventional family of women she has gotten to know. It becomes this moral conflict for her,’ she said.
Women were allowed to join the Met for the first time in 1919 (Picture: Keystone/ Hulton Archive/ Getty Images)
‘Whether to choose this unconventional family she has become close with or choose the status and power that comes with the police force.’
Speaking to the BBC, Dope Girls’ executive producer Jane Tranter said the show was a ‘revisionist look at what it was like to live in London in 1918’.
‘One of the main themes of Dope Girls is what it was like for women in 1918 London and how women can find their voice,’ she said.
‘In the first episode alone, we see our four main characters being metaphorically or literally silenced by the men and the culture around them and one of the things that happens over the 6 episodes of Dope Girls is we see the women’s fight to find their voices and be heard.’
It’s taken me years to understand why I didn’t flee (Picture: Gavin Hopkins/BBC Scotland/PA Wire)
Hearing the word ‘guilty’, feelings of relief and validation flooded through my body.
My 29 year nightmare, during which time I’d been beaten, raped and emotionally tortured, was over, and now my abuser was to be locked away for a very long time.
It was hard to fathom that I had married this man, unaware of who he really was and what he was capable of inflicting on me.
Kenneth Quinn, 49, and I met on a night out in Paisley, Renfrewshire and married in 1993.
Although people have subsequently told me they found him cold and a bit ‘odd’, he made me happy.
Looking back however, there were red flags – like critical comments he made about my clothes, and how persistent he’d been when we were dating, showering me with gifts and cards. But this was 30 years ago and awareness about behaviour like love bombing and coercive control didn’t exist then.
The first time he attacked me was in 1994 when I was pregnant with our first child.
The first time he attacked me was in 1994 when I was pregnant with our first child (Picture: Carolyn Quinn)
Out of nowhere he flew into a rage, violently punching and kicking me while I begged him not to hit my stomach. Afterwards, I was in a state of shock, I couldn’t believe what had just happened.
That was the only time he showed any remorse, crying at what he’d done.
A few months later, in the final weeks of my pregnancy, it happened again when he threw me down a flight of steps.
This Is Not Right
Throughout the year we will be bringing you stories that shine a light on the sheer scale of the epidemic.
With the help of our partners at Women’s Aid, This Is Not Right aims to engage and empower our readers on the issue of violence against women.
You can find more articles here, and if you want to share your story with us,
Like every survivor of domestic abuse, I’ve been asked – why did I stay? Why didn’t I leave him then, once he’d shown his true colours?
It’s taken me years to understand why I didn’t flee but back then I was a young newlywed, with a baby on the way, and I couldn’t bring myself to accept this marriage was a terrible mistake.
I also didn’t realise he’d already begun emotionally abusing me too. He’d convinced me I wouldn’t be able to cope as a single mum and with my parents living hundreds of miles away I believed I needed him.
I told myself he would change, and when we became a family things would be different.
Sadly, nothing changed. It only worsened.
My son Max* was born in 1995 and I would be beaten while he was a baby in my arms, Kenneth didn’t care when he was in one of his rages.
I told myself he would change, and when we became a family things would be different. (Picture: Getty Images)
One evening in 1997, I’d put Max to bed and was sitting in the living room before going to work a night shift in my job as a nurse, when Kenneth came in and raped me.
I tried to fight him off but he was too big and heavy, and all I could think of was my beautiful little boy, fast asleep in the next room.
Until 2021, my life and our marriage was defined by physical and sexual violence, rape and emotional abuse.
I realise how hard it is for people to comprehend how I could have stayed married to him for so long but later on, after I was diagnosed with complex PTSD, a psychiatrist told me I’d formed a ‘trauma bond’ with Kenneth and was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, more commonly seen in kidnap victims.
The injuries I sustained over the years were endless.
From bruises and cuts, which meant I always wore long sleeved tops and trousers even in summer to hide them, to broken ribs, wrist and fingers, and head injuries.
Friends urged me to flee, but I just couldn’t do it. (Picture Carolyn Quinn)
I did confide in a few very close friends over the years and they urged me to flee, terrified for my safety and horrified at what he was doing to me, but I just couldn’t do it.
If I had to seek medical treatment, I became expert at pretending I’d ‘tripped and fallen’ or ‘walked into a door’, and although I often saw disbelief on the faces of the nurses and doctors that treated me, I was too terrified and controlled to breathe a word to them about how I’d really come to harm.
Once, I went to my GP after my face had been slashed multiple times with a bank card. I refused to talk about what had happened but thankfully the doctor took images of my injuries, which would later be used as evidence against Kenneth.
In 2005, when Max was 10, I became pregnant again. It wasn’t planned, I hadn’t wanted to bring another child into the world with Kenneth, and after a vicious beating I suffered a miscarriage, losing a life threatening amount of blood.
Losing my baby and almost my life, I knew there was no rock bottom he wouldn’t drag me to.
What to do if you’re experiencing domestic abuse
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. And whether you are currently coping with or have made the decision to leave, you do have options.
If you are thinking about leaving, domestic abuse charity Refuge suggests starting a record of abusive incidents, which might include saving pictures or messages, or making notes of times, dates and details of incidents.
The next step is to make copies of important documents such as court orders, marriage certificates, National Insurance Numbers and your driving licence.
In the meantime, identify the safer areas of your home so that you know where to go if your abuser becomes aggravated. Ideally, this should be a room with a phone and a door or window to the outside.
If you feel ready to leave, start by making a plan for a safe, reliable route out. If you feel safe to do so, pack an emergency bag so that you leave in a hurry if needed.
You can access a local refuge, either with or without children, for as long as you need to stay. The address is confidential. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) is open 24-hours a day and has all the details of refuges in your area.
In an emergency situation, ring 999 and ask for the police. If you aren’t able to talk, try the Silent Solution: after dialling 999, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping your device, if possible. If prompted, press 55 to let the operator know it’s an emergency – you’ll be put through to the police.
Max grew up hearing and witnessing violence and watching his father mock and criticise me – everything from my looks and body, to how I kept the house were used against me.
There were times I wasn’t allowed to use the toilet without permission, or had to stay in my bedroom unless it was to prepare meals.
He controlled the heating in our home, what I put on social media and I was forbidden from making new friends when we moved to a new area.
While I was Kenneth’s main target, he harmed our son, too. I remember him throwing us both down the stairs on my birthday one year, then hitting Max before locking me outside naked.
Max learnt to remain silent, like me, about what went on behind the closed doors of our family home and it still causes me so much pain that was his childhood.
In 2021, I walked into a police station and told them what he’d done (Picture: Getty Images)
It wasn’t just at home Kenneth was violent and angry. He fell in and out of jobs, picked fights with strangers in the street and was accused of mistreating animals when he ran a dog grooming salon.
He had a terrible temper and a short fuse, he could explode at any moment.
In 2021, I walked into a police station in the Scottish Border where we were living at that time and that marked the beginning of the end of my nightmare.
I had lost a loved one in a terrible tragedy, and that loss had pierced through the control Kenneth had over me. I knew life was precious and short and I had to escape him, or else I would end up dead too – at his hands or my own, as by then I was suicidal.
He was arrested and charged with a variety of offences including rape and assault.
By then, Max had left home, and I spent over a year living in a women’s refuge because Kenneth was on bail and police considered me at ‘high risk’ from harm if I returned to the home we’d shared.
I am no longer that broken, frightened, controlled woman (Picture: Carolyn Quinn)
In January 2024, Kenneth was jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of ten charges at Glasgow High Court.
Watching him be led away, I felt like I could breathe again. He was gone from my life.
Just over a year on, I am no longer that broken, frightened, controlled woman.
I work in Occupational Health, I have great friends and I am so proud of Max, who now works and lives in London.
My body is scarred, a legacy of my abusive marriage, but when I look at them I am reminded that I survived and got justice for myself and my son.
I campaign and advocate for others experiencing DV and am working with survivors and politicians calling for the UK’s first Domestic Violence Register to be set up in Scotland. Like the one that currently exists for sex offenders, perpetrators would be put on it once convicted, to protect other people from them.
My nightmare is over but for so many other women, theirs carries on and I am dedicated to protecting them so, like me, they can experience a life of peace and safety.