Elon Musk has said he will start charging people to use the social media site formerly known as Twitter.
NBC News reports the billionaire businessman, who renamed the platform to X, revealed on a live stream that the company would introduce a "small monthly payment" to combat "vast armies of bots".
Musk has long complained about the presence of fake accounts on the platform, and tried to use his concerns to wriggle out of his deal to buy it last year.
He did not offer further details about the new fee, such as a price or whether it would include extra features.
Sky News has contacted X for comment, though its press office is largely unresponsive.
The move would kill off what has long been one of the site's most popular memes, where users caption shots of particularly striking posts with a near-incredulous "this website is free".
X already offers a premium subscription costing £9.60 a month, which gives users a verification tick, lets them write longer posts and edit existing ones, and prioritises their account in search results.
Musk spoke about the plans in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where the Tesla and SpaceX owner sought to address criticism over his running of the platform.
Since buying Twitter for $44bn (£38bn), the self-described "free speech absolutist" has been accused of allowing disinformation, racism, misogyny, and antisemitism to thrive.
Contrary to reports, the Athletics Integrity Unit has gone ahead and filed an appeal against the Disciplinary tribunal's decision to free Amusan of anti-doping rule violations.
The information is coming a day after Tobi Express claimed her third consecutive Diamond league trophy.
The AIU filed an appeal last Friday (15 September 2023) with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the Disciplinary Tribunal’s decision, dated 17 August 2023, that Tobi Amusan did not commit an anti-doping rule violation for Whereabouts Failures.
The AIU will make no further comment on the matter until the conclusion of the appeal.
Oluwatobiloba Ayomide "Tobi Express" Amusan has won the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon, US.
Amusan clinched the trophy on Sunday evening after she got to the finish line in 12.33 seconds in a very tight race to successfully claim her third consecutive Diamond League title.
The Diamond League is an annual series of elite track and field athletic competitions comprising fourteen of the best invitational athletics meetings. The series sits in the top tier of the World Athletics one-day meeting competitions.
Recall that Amusan raced to a 12.42 secs (an African Record at the time) at the Weltklasse Zürich in 2021 to clinch Gold.
She indeed defended her trophy with a 12.29secs finish in 2022.
Amusan, the World record-holder was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit for three whereabout failures.
A suspension that was only lifted hours to the World Championships in Budapest, "Express" had a poor showing, her worst in years.
However, she will not let a repeat performance as she oozed class in Eugene, a venue she set the World record fastest time of 12.12s last year.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold and silver medalists, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Kendra Harrison (previous World record-holder) finished second and third respectively.
The 30-day period of appeal opened to the Athletic Integrity Unit (AIU) to contest World Athletics’ lifting of the provisional ban on Tobi Amusan lapsed yesterday with no sign of the Nigerian going through another waiting period.
Amusan was suspended for three whereabouts failures. She won two of the three cases listed against her, however, the Disciplinary tribunal cleared her on August 17.
The 30-day period of appeal open to the Athletic Integrity Unit (AIU) to contest World Athletics’ lifting of the provisional ban on Tobi Amusan elapsed yesterday. This means the Nigerian, who holds the world record in 100 metres women hurdles, is free to continue on er career.
The suspension on Amusan was lifted two days to the Budapest 2023 World Championships by a three-man panel set up by World Athletics to review the AIU action. But the AIU expressed its disappointment with the verdict and vowed to review the reasoning in detail before deciding whether to exercise its right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the applicable deadline.
AIU Head, Brett Clothier, also indicated the Monaco-based body would appeal the decision. The deadline has now expired. AIU’s David Howman also told reporters at the last World Athletics Championships in Budapest: “We have some concern that it might set a precedent which will be difficult for future.”
With the expiration of the deadline yesterday, Amusan is now a free athlete. She is already in Oregon to battle for the top prize in the lucrative Diamond League final.
It was not clear, yesterday, if the Ogun State-born Amusan will seek legal action against AIU for the suspension, which destabilised her preparation for Budapest 2023, where she finished sixth in the 100m hurdles final.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Oq4xfBYJiI Bendel Insurance Coach, Monday Odigie had a fiery post-match interview after he saw his side play a 2-all draw at home in the Qualification Round 2 of the CAF Confederation Cup. Bendel Insurance were up against the 2022 Champions, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane.
The hosts had opened the scoring at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin through Imade Osarenkhoe in the 28th minute only for the visitors to pull back through Oussama Lamlioui in the 42nd minute.
Paul Obata thought he had given the home side the win through his 60th minute strike only for the visitors to again come from behind through Mohammed El Morabit 7 mins from the final whistle.
Back to back @PremierLeague wins here. We just love playing at Old Trafford. 🥰👏
Source: Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Brighton defeated United at Old Trafford today 3-1 following goals from old boy Danny Welbeck, Pascal GroB and Joao Pedro. United did get a consolation through Hannibal Mejbri scoring his first senior goal but it wasn't enough.
Last season in August, Brighton had their first ever victory against United at Old Trafford courtesy of 2 fine goals from Pascal GroB. Despite an own goal from MacAllister (now with Liverpool), they held on to give Ten Hag his first taste of Premier league defeat as United Manager.
Hunter Biden has just been indicted on gun charges. President Joe Biden’s son was indicted by special counsel David Weiss in connection with a gun he purchased in 2018. The charges include making false statements on a federal firearms form and possession of a firearm as a prohibited person.
Emails "threatening violence to children and staff" have been received by a number of schools in Leeds.
West Yorkshire Police has launched an investigation - with officers "providing reassurance and safety advice to affected schools".
In messages to parents, one primary headteacher said police had been treating the threat as "credible" - and children were being kept indoors for the whole day, with gates locked and windows and doors closed.
Earlier this week, a police investigation was launched after malicious emails were sent to a number of schools in the North West.
One parent told Sky News that she was "petrified" after she was told - and that it reminded her of incidents affecting schools in the US.
A school in Chester went into lockdown and prevented parents from picking up their children - but later said the "unpleasant email" it had received was "believed to be a malicious hoax".
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today met with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is on a working visit to the UAE.
During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed renewed his congratulations to Tinubu on assuming the presidency earlier this year, and wished him every success in leading Nigeria and its people to further progress and prosperity.
His Highness expressed his hope that the two leaders will work together to reinforce ties between the UAE and Nigeria for the benefit of both countries.
The UAE President and Nigerian President explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration in areas that serve both countries’ sustainable economic growth, including the economic, development, energy, and climate action fields.
The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international developments of interest.
The meeting discussed the upcoming COP28 climate conference set to take place in the UAE later this year, with both parties stressing the vital importance of encouraging and enabling international cooperation to tackle global issues, including climate change.
His Highness underscored the UAE’s ongoing commitment to fostering ties with countries that share the same aspirations for stability, sustainable growth, and development and prosperity for their people. He further emphasised the particular importance the UAE attaches to its relationship with Nigeria, within the framework of its strategic vision for relations with the African continent.
The President of Nigeria expressed his pleasure to be visiting the UAE and affirmed his country's keenness to further enhance bilateral cooperation to support sustainable development and progress in both countries.
The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; and Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The meeting was also attended by the delegation accompanying the Nigerian President, which included a number of ministers and high-ranking officials.
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba tested positive for testosterone, Italy’s anti-doping agency announced Monday.
The test was carried out after Juventus’ game at Udinese on Aug. 20. Pogba did not play in the Serie A match but was on Juve’s bench.
Nado Italia, the anti-doping agency, said that Pogba was suspended provisionally with immediate effect. Pending a trial and testing of a backup “B” sample, he risks a suspension of up to four years.
It’s another negative note for a player who has been bothered by injuries ever since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United a little more than a year ago. He was ruled out of France’s run to the World Cup final last year due to a knee injury.
There’s also been a police investigation ongoing in France into allegations that Pogba was targeted by extortionists — including by his older brother, Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing.
It’s also another blow to Juventus following a season marred by inquiries into false accounting and irregular reporting of salary payments. The legal cases resulted in the Turin club being removed by UEFA from European competition this season.
A private video of mine from a while ago has been inappropriately shared without my consent, violating my privacy and trust.
I want to emphasize that this video done with my ex I was to marry as at that time was never intended for public consumption, and its unauthorized distribution is a breach of my personal boundaries.
However this criminal breach of privacy will definitely be treated with legal action.
It really hits me funny because I have always maintained a strict approach to my sexuality, even going as far as being celibate for a few years, refusing to date often and choosing to be alone most times.
However, I am determined to not let this unfortunate incident break my spirit.
I appreciate the support and understanding of those who have reached out to me during this challenging time. Please know that your kindness and goodwill means the world to me.
This is my first and only statement concerning this incident please 🙏. Thank you for your continuous support ❤️
Last week the Brazilian was dropped from the Selecao squad. However, Cavallin has spoken up against United allowing Antony to play despite the accusations.
She is asking the United Board to give him the Mason Greenwood treatment.
Gabriela Cavallin on Manchester United's official statement:
“Why did it take United three months? It's just not OK. I prefer not to believe such a huge club, with such serious and professional people, would cover up a situation like this.
Antony must be taken off the pitch. It's disappointing that he's still allowed to play while an investigation is underway.
I'm absolutely devastated by this whole process. How can life go on as normal for him? They can't know what they know now and do nothing. He has to be suspended.
I will not give up. People need to be held accountable. It doesn’t matter what profession or how famous someone might be. If they took action against his teammate, I don’t see why Antony should be treated differently.”
Two other women accuse Antony of violent behaviour The 2nd woman, Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker, has also said in an interview with Brazilian media outlet Record TV that Antony behaved aggressively towards her in October 2022.
“He tried to have sex with me and I didn't want to. He pushed me against the wall and I hit my head.”[/i]
The 3rd woman, Law student Rayssa de Freitas claims to have required hospital treatment following an incident in May 2022 during which she was attacked by Antony and Mallu Ohana – the ex-wife of Brazilian player Dudu – after attending a Sao Paulo nightclub.
United drops Antony from squad until further notice
Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony.
Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday. However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.
As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.
Antony confirms he will stay back in Brazil to co-operate with the Police
I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me.
This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.
I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.
A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing hundreds of people and damaging buildings from the historic city of Marrakech to villages in the Atlas Mountains.
Men, women and children stayed out in the streets, fearing aftershocks.
Morocco’s Interior Ministry said early Saturday that at least 296 people had died in the provinces near the quake. Additionally, 153 injured people were sent to hospitals for treatment. The ministry wrote that most damage occurred outside of cities and towns.
The head of the town of Talat N’Yaaqoub, Abderrahim Ait Daoud, told Moroccan news site 2M that several homes in towns in the Al Haouz region had partly or totally collapsed, and electricity and roads were cut off in some places.
He said authorities are working to clear roads in the province to allow passage for ambulances and aid to populations affected, but said large distances between mountain villages mean it will take time to learn the extent of the damage.
Moroccans posted videos showing buildings reduced to rubble and dust, and parts of the famous red walls that surround the old city in Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, damaged. Tourists and others posted videos of people screaming and evacuating restaurants in the city as throbbing club music played.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT), with shaking that lasted several seconds. The U.S. agency reported a magnitude-4.9 aftershock hit 19 minutes later.
The family of a Nigerian lady, Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye, a passenger who died aboard Egypt Air flight MS 876, on Monday, while on a connecting flight into Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom, has slammed the airline and the Egyptian authorities for the disrespectful manner Toyosi was treated after her untimely death.
The family, however, called on the federal government of Nigeria to investigate the circumstances leading to her death while in custody of Egypt Air.
The late Nigerian, whose UK visa indicated that she has a student work permit, was to connect London Heathrow via Cairo, on Tuesday, September 5th, aboard Egypt Air flight MS 777, after passing the night in the country upon arrival, on Monday, September 4. However, she did not arrive her destination after the airline deposited her corpse in a morgue in Cairo.
Toyosi’s family having being surprised at the attitude of the airline for not informing them of the death of their loved one for days after her demise only for them to receive information from the Egyptian Consular office, in Cairo, informing them of the passing away of their daughter whom they presumed had arrived the United Kingdom.
The 43-year-old Nigerian’s travel itinerary seen by our correspondent showed that she travelled aboard a Boeing 737-800 on the first leg of the journey to Cairo while a Boeing 777-300 was to convey her and others to London from the Egyptian capital city.
A relative of Toyosi, based in Leeds, UK, Mrs Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, who spoke via WhatsApp call in Lagos, expressed shock at the inability of the airline to contact the family of a passenger who duly chose to patronise the airline and joyfully decided to travel with them to her destination with the belief that she will receive the best treatment.
“We called Egypt Air customer care and all other contact phone details on their website but no response all through Wednesday and when the phone was picked they quickly cut it. It was only once that a man picked the call that we put through to Egypt Air Regional Office in London and he said the London office is not aware of what happened and they don’t have information to share with us.
“So, we were left with no choice but to report to the UK Police Department, on Wednesday, and they later confirmed to us that our sister was not in the UK they advised us to contact Cairo or Lagos airports. We contacted the agent who sold the ticket to her and the agent sent us proof that she did not board the plane going to Heathrow from Cairo,” she stated.
According to her, the family was yet to come to terms with the news of the death of their daughter saying, “thank you for contacting us. We are shocked and greatly displeased with the attitude of Egypt Air. The Nigerian government must not allow a citizen of our country be treated this way by any nation and be allowed to go like that. We demand justice and investigation from the Nigeria authorities.”
But a statement from Egypt Air on the incident stated that the deceased reported sick when she arrived at the transit area while the airport quarantine department was called to check her.
After the check, she was recommended to be hospitalized before she later passed away.
The statement by the airline said, “The Airport authorities cleared and stamped her into the country and transferred to hospital.
“Nigerian embassy in Cairo was contacted (Mr Tarek from public relations department) and was informed about the case.”
The airline, however, said the procedure to evacuate the body back home would be provided by the Nigerian embassy in Cairo.
A young Nigerian lady (name withheld) has died aboard Egypt Air flight en route to London, United Kingdom.
The lady was said to have left Nigeria for London onboard Egypt Air MS 876 flight to Cairo on Monday through the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, but died on board.
A family source who confirmed the incident however said the corpse was dropped in Cairo, the Egypt Capital by the airline.
“The family said the Airline didn’t inform them, but rather they got a message from the consular office in Cairo informing them of her death on board the flight. Please they need to know what exactly happened and how to get her corpse back to Nigeria,” a source close to the family said.
Our correspondent learnt that the lady was going to London on a student visa and boarded Egypt Air on connecting flight to London.
She was to connect to London via Egypt Air MS777 the following day.
A disgraced Turkish crypto founder who fled to Albania and his two brothers have been sentenced to 11,196 years in jail each, the Anadolu state news agency reported Friday.
Prosecutors had asked for Thodex boss Faruk Fatih Ozer, 29, to be sentenced to 40,562 years in prison for money laundering, fraud and establishing a criminal organisation.
"If I were to establish a criminal organisation, I would not have acted so amateurishly," Anadolu quoted Ozer as telling the court.
His two brothers, Serap and Guven, received the same sentence, which was issued late Thursday after a brief trial, Turkish media reports said.
Turkey is known for issuing massive prison sentences, which became more common after it abolished the death penalty in 2004 to help its efforts to join the European Union.
Ozer was initially reported to have fled Turkey in April 2021 with $2 billion in investor assets, although that figure has since been disputed.
Prosecutors said Ozer had transferred 250 million liras in user assets (worth about $30 million at the time) to three secret accounts when he fled Turkey in April 2021, with much of the money ending up in a Malta bank.
The indictment said the Ozer brothers had caused 356 million liras of damage to clients in all.
The case grabbed local headlines because it coincided with a Turkish crypto boom that has since largely subsided due to heavier government regulation.
Turks began turning to various crypto currencies as a defence against a deep slide in the value of the lira that began more than two years ago.
Ozer gained further celebrity status after being pictured meeting with ultranationalist pro-government figures.
He was arrested last year in Albania on an international arrest warrant from Interpol.
The Brazilian Football Confederation and Manchester United are facing calls to axe the £84m forward Antony after the player’s ex-girlfriend made serious allegations against him of physical assault, including that he threatened to kill her and attacked her with a glass.
The Brazilian website UOL reported the accusations – which Antony called “false” – on Monday, a fortnight after Mason Greenwood was forced to leave Manchester United despite rape charges against him being dropped and as Brazil’s Seleção prepared for World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru. Antony is one of seven forwards in Brazil’s squad.
UOL’s exposé contained a series of serious allegations from Gabriela Cavallin, a DJ and social media influencer with nearly half a million Instagram followers. Antony and Cavallin became a couple in 2021, before his 2022 move from Ajax to Manchester United.
Cavallin, who provided UOL with photographs and WhatsApp messages, alleged the São Paulo-born player had first attacked her on 1 June last year, when she was pregnant with their child and on holiday in Brazil. She claimed Antony, who is 23, became angry after spotting her in a nightclub he was also at, and “put her in the car, repeatedly assaulted her and threatened to throw her out of the car at high speed”.
Cavallin told UOL: “He said that if I wasn’t going to be with him, I wouldn’t be with anyone … I was shaking with fear.”
A second alleged attack allegedly took place in Manchester on 15 January this year – one day after United’s 2-1 victory against Manchester City. According to the report, it left Cavallin needing medical attention in her room at the four-star Hyatt Regancy hotel. “He punched me in the breast and my silicon [implant] flipped over,” she told the website, adding: “He said, ‘I didn’t mean to hurt you, it was an accident, it wasn’t a punch – I just held you against the wall.’” A photograph showed what Cavallin said was a head wound she had sustained in the attack.
According to UOL’s report, a third alleged attack took place on 8 May this year when Cavallin claims the player “tried to attack her face with a glass” during an argument. While trying to defend herself, Cavallin said she had suffered a deep wound to a finger on her right hand which left the bone exposed. As she scrambled to book a flight back to Brazil to get away from the player, Cavallin wrote a message to the travel agent – provided to UOL – that said: “I need to get out of here before he kills me.”
The accusations – which have been reported to police in São Paulo and Manchester – sparked outrage in Brazil and calls for the player to be removed from the national team while police conducted their investigations.
Paulo Vinícius Coelho, one of Brazil’s top sportswriters, said he believed Antony should be arrested as well as axed from the Brazil squad. “The justice system must do its part,” Coelho wrote on his blog.
Another sportswriter, Danilo Lavieri, said Brazil’s interim coach, Fernando Diniz, had no choice but to axe Antony. Diniz has admitted publicly that he did not include West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá in the squad because of a Football Association investigation into potential betting breaches. Not leaving Antony out would send a “dangerous message” that one case was less serious than the other, Lavieri wrote.
In a statement, Antony said: “I can say with tranquility … that I am innocent of the accusations that have been made. My relationship with Ms Gabriela was tumultuous, with insults [made] on both sides, but never did I commit any act of physical aggression.”
The Manchester United player claimed his accuser had repeatedly changed her story over the alleged attacks. “Therefore, I vehemently deny these accusations and [would like] to make it clear that I remain willing to clear up whatever is necessary to Brazilian authorities.”
Other WhatsApp messages provided to Brazilian news outlets by Antony’s former girlfriend painted the player in a toxic light. “You and me are done. I hope you die. Get bleeped,” he wrote in one message. In another WhatsApp message the footballer appeared to apologise for “kicking and attacking” Cavallin.
In a statement to the Telegraph, Greater Manchester Police said it was “aware of the allegations made and inquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this report. We will not be commenting any further at this time”.
Brazil dropped Manchester United winger Antony from its squad for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers after Brazilian media on Monday published details of alleged domestic abuse against his ex-girlfriend.
The Brazilian soccer confederation said Antony will not be part of the team for games against Bolivia and Peru “due to the facts that became public on Monday.”
Antony’s ex-girlfriend reported him to police on May 20 over alleged domestic violence, accusations that he denied in June and again on Monday.
Brazilian media published alleged exchanges between the two, in which the player appears to threaten and intimidate the woman on several occasions.
Brazil’s soccer body said the case “needs to be investigated” and that the player’s removal was aimed at protecting him, the alleged victim and the national team.
Sao Paulo police confirmed to The Associated Press that an investigation is ongoing, but did not provide details.
The 23-year-old Antony posted a statement on Instagram earlier Monday, before he was removed from the team, saying “I vehemently deny the accusations.”
He said his relationship with the woman had been “tumultuous” but that he never physically attacked her.
“Every moment, in testimonies or in interviews, she brings a different version of the accusations,” Antony wrote.
Antony played for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar and has scored two goals in 16 games for the national team.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus was called up to the national team as a replacement for the two games.
Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho said he had been unfairly made a “scapegoat”.
This was after his manager Erik ten Hag claimed he had been left out of the squad to face Arsenal on Sunday because of poor training performance.
Sancho was a surprise omission for United’s dramatic 3-1 stoppage-time Premier League loss to Arsenal that dropped them to 11th in the table.
“On his performance on training we didn’t select him,” Ten Hag said, when asked about Sancho’s absence from the travelling squad.
“You have to reach the level every day at Manchester United. You can make choices in the front line, so in this game he wasn’t selected.”
The 23-year-old Sancho wasted little time in responding in a lengthy post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Please don't believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue, I have conducted myself in training very well this week. I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won't go into, I've been a Scapegoat for a long time which isn't fair!
All l want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to my team. I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and grateful to do so which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!
Council strongly condemns the military takeover of power in the Republic of #Gabon which ousted President Ali Bongo @PresidentABO on 30 August 2023;
Decides to immediately suspend the participation of #Gabon in all activities of the #AU, its organs and institutions until the restoration of constitutional order in the country, in line with #AU instruments @ 1172nd #AUPSC Mtg.
Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba is under house arrest and one of his sons has been arrested for "treason", military officers said Wednesday, hours after announcing they had overthrown the government.
Ousted President, Ali Ondimba Bongo was 'elected' President in 2009, just after the death of his father and predecessor, Omar Bongo, who was President from 1967 until his death.
The ousted Bongo, in 1977, released a funk album titled, "A Brand New Man," which was produced by Charles Bobbit.
Children in French state schools will no longer be allowed to wear the abaya, a long loose-fitting dress worn by some Muslim women.
The French education minister announced the ban on Sunday ahead of the school term starting at the start of September.
France has a strict ban on religious symbols in state schools and has banned pupils from wearing headscarves since 2004.
"When you walk into a classroom, you shouldn't be able to identify the pupils' religion just by looking at them," education minister Gabriel Attal told France's TF1 TV.
"I have decided that the abaya could no longer be worn in schools."
The abaya is usually defined as a loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, frequently worn by women in parts the Arabian Peninsula, most of the Middle East and sometimes in North Africa.
But the question of whether the abaya is a religious symbol is the subject of debate.
Late last year, former education minister Pap Ndiaye identified the abaya as a garment that can "take on a possible religious character" even if it is not an explicitly religious symbol.
The debate continued to escalate this year.
France's Council of Muslim Worship said the abaya is "mistaken" by some as a Muslim religious sign.
"Any item of clothing is not a religious sign in itself," the group said in a statement in June.
"You only have to travel through Muslim-majority countries to realise that the citizens of these countries, of all faiths, are indistinguishable based on the clothes they wear," it added.
In 2010, France banned full face veils in public, angering some in its five million-strong Muslim community.
The country is governed by strong rules on secularity that mean no displays of religion in public institutions.
In schools, the laws were originally aimed at removing any traditional Catholic influence from public education, but have been updated over time to include other religions.
Jewish kippah, "oversized" crosses and other religious symbols are also banned from state schools.
Phones / We Will Start Charging A Fee To Use X - Musk by HonNL: 12:35pm On Sep 19, 2023