Canadian rapper Drake is accused of using the online casino Stake. us to inflate music streams and conceal financial transactions. According to the lawsuit, he and others deployed a network of bots to manipulate charts.
Ghanaian law enforcement officers arrested self-proclaimed prophet Evans Eshun for deceiving the public about the end of the world on December 25, 2025. The arrest took place on December 31, 2025, after his prophecy failed to materialize, causing mass psychosis and social tension.
Attackers who inflicted bodily harm on folk ensemble artists to be tried in Lviv region.
Actor Idris Elba has been awarded a knighthood for his services to youth. He founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which provides grants to organizations in the UK, USA, and Africa.
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has decided to rename the P. I. Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine. From now on, the institution is called the National Music Academy of Ukraine.
Beyoncé has become a dollar billionaire, according to Forbes, thanks to earnings from her successful Cowboy Carter tour and her own company, Parkwood Entertainment. Her pre-tax income in 2025 is estimated at $148 million, making her one of the highest-paid musicians in the world.
An interactive installation "Heart in an Ice Block" has been installed on Sofia Square in Kyiv, which will be open until January 6, 2026. It symbolizes the importance of emotional support and human warmth during the war, allowing visitors to melt the ice with their touches.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori spent a day at California Adventure, riding attractions with two of his children, 10-year-old Saint and 7-year-old Chicago. Security was present, but no incidents were reported.
The series "Stranger Things" has accumulated 1. 2 billion views in its nine years of existence, surpassing all other Netflix series in total viewing time. The project also created 8,000 jobs and brought $1.4 billion to the American economy.
Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist of The Cure, has died at the age of 66. He was a member of the band since 1990, played over 400 concerts, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2025, many celebrities legalized their relationships, from quiet ceremonies to grand celebrations. Among them are Stella Banderas, Selena Gomez, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Chloë Grace Moretz, Mel B, Jeff Bezos, Kristen Stewart, Justin Theroux, Robert Pattinson, and Elijah Wood.
In 2025, a number of Hollywood couples broke up, including Cash Warren and Jessica Alba after 16 years of marriage, as well as Sydney Sweeney and Jonathan Davino, who called off their wedding. Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin also split after 8 years and an engagement.
Celine Dion posted a festive video on Instagram, where she appeared as the Grinch. The artist combined humor with a vocal performance of an excerpt from her song "All By Myself," demonstrating optimism despite her illness.
British monarch Charles greeted the world for Christmas; he did not mention specific countries in his speech, but he included the Ukrainian carol "Shchedryk" in the video sequence.
Mykola Leontovych's score of "Shchedryk" has been exhibited at New York's Carnegie Hall. This became possible after the facsimile was transferred to the Carnegie Hall archive.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Princess Charlotte performed a piano duet at a Christmas service, which was pre-recorded at Windsor Castle. Catherine played with her left hand and Charlotte with her right, performing a piece by Scottish composer Erland Cooper.
American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has donated $1 million to Feeding America, $1 million to the American Heart Association, and contributed to the MusiCares fund. These funds are aimed at combating hunger, preventing heart disease, and supporting musicians in need.
Representatives of the embassies of Great Britain, Germany, and France presented a joint creative greeting for the winter holidays, performing Mykola Leontovych's legendary composition in the Kyiv subway. The recording took place at the Zoloti Vorota station with the participation of Ukrainian musicians.
Famous singer and rapper Nicki Minaj accidentally called US Vice President J. D. Vance a "murderer" during a TV show, the star misspoke.
British singer Chris Rea, known for his hits, has died at the age of 74 in hospital after a short illness. His debut album was released in 1978, and his hit Driving Home For Christmas is still popular.
The head of one of Turkey's most titled football clubs, Sadettin Saran, was interrogated in a drug case. He is suspected of providing and facilitating drug use, and has been placed under "forced supervision."
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua secured his 29th career victory, knocking out Jake Paul in the sixth round. The fight was broadcast on Netflix, earning Joshua £210 million.
A Christmas tree was lit and a Nativity scene was opened in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The ceremony, led by Sister Raffaella Petrini, emphasized the symbolism of peace and fraternal unity.
A Moscow court recognized the feminist punk band Pussy Riot as an "extremist organization" on December 15, banning its activities in Russia. This decision threatens criminal prosecution for anyone associated with the collective.
Yuriy Kostyshyn, a 48-year-old photographer and serviceman known as "Kit Kharakternyk," died in battles for Ukraine's independence. He served in the 93rd and 44th brigades, participated in the defense of Kyiv, and had personal exhibitions of his front-line photographs.
In Lviv, a farewell ceremony was held for People's Artist of Ukraine Stepan Higa, attended by thousands of people. He was buried at Lychakiv Cemetery, as he had wished.
The German prosecutor's office has filed charges against far-right MP Matthias Moosdorf of the AfD. He was allegedly caught performing a banned Nazi salute in the Bundestag in June 2023.
The farewell ceremony for People's Artist of Ukraine Stepan Giga, who passed away on December 12, has begun in Lviv. The farewell will last until 11:00 PM at the Garrison Church, and the funeral will take place the following day at Lychakiv Cemetery.
Ukrainian boxer Bohdan Protsyshyn, a master of sports who competed professionally and participated in the show "You are a Champion", died a week before his 38th birthday. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
People's Artist of Ukraine Stepan Higa will be buried at Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv. The farewell will take place on December 14 at the Garrison Church, the funeral service on December 15.
