Wednesday, 4 June 2014

Taliban video shows Bowe Bergdahl's release





  • The narration on the video says the transfer took place in Khost province

  • The video shows the minutes before Bergdahl is swooped away by a Black Hawk chopper

  • Taliban members shake hands with men from the Black Hawk

  • The Pentagon says it has no reason to doubt the video's authenticity




Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Dressed in all white with a striped shawl across his shoulder, the gaunt-looking American looks up at the Black Hawk chopper circling overhead.


Armed Taliban men stand around him, one with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher ready.


When the chopper lands, the American is led there by two men, one carrying a white flag. He is given a patdown, loaded on to the helicopter and whisked away.


A new video released by the Taliban showed the final moments of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's five years in captivity, just before he was handed over to the United States.


The narration on the video says the transfer took place in Khost province, in eastern Afghanistan.





Video released of Bergdahl's transfer








This undated image provided by the U.S. Army shows Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who has been held by insurgents in Afghanistan since 2009. The White House announced Bergdahl's release on Saturday, May 31. This undated image provided by the U.S. Army shows Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who has been held by insurgents in Afghanistan since 2009. The White House announced Bergdahl's release on Saturday, May 31.



An Iranian court threw out a 2011 death sentence for Amir Hekmati, a former U.S. Marine charged with spying. But he was secretly retried in Iran and convicted of "practical collaboration with the U.S. government," his sister told CNN on Friday, April 11. He has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, she said. Hekmati was detained in August 2011 during a visit to see his grandmother. His family and the Obama administration deny accusations he was spying for the CIA. An Iranian court threw out a 2011 death sentence for Amir Hekmati, a former U.S. Marine charged with spying. But he was secretly retried in Iran and convicted of "practical collaboration with the U.S. government," his sister told CNN on Friday, April 11. He has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, she said. Hekmati was detained in August 2011 during a visit to see his grandmother. His family and the Obama administration deny accusations he was spying for the CIA.



A North Korean court sentenced Kenneth Bae, a U.S. citizen, to 15 years of hard labor for committing "hostile acts" against the state. Those alleged acts were not detailed by the country's state-run news agency when it announced the sentence in May. Bae, here in a photo from a Facebook page titled Remember Ken Bae, was arrested in November 2012. "This was somebody who was a tour operator, who has been there in the past and has a visa to go to the North," a senior U.S. official told CNN.A North Korean court sentenced Kenneth Bae, a U.S. citizen, to 15 years of hard labor for committing "hostile acts" against the state. Those alleged acts were not detailed by the country's state-run news agency when it announced the sentence in May. Bae, here in a photo from a Facebook page titled Remember Ken Bae, was arrested in November 2012. "This was somebody who was a tour operator, who has been there in the past and has a visa to go to the North," a senior U.S. official told CNN.



Retired FBI agent Robert Levinson has been missing since 2007. His family says he was working as a private investigator in Iran when he disappeared, and multiple reports suggest Levinson may have been working for the CIA. His family told CNN in January that they have long known that Levinson worked for the CIA, and they said it's time for the government to lay out the facts about Levinson's case. U.S. officials have consistently denied publicly that Levinson was working for the government, but they have repeatedly insisted that finding him and bringing him home is a "top" priority.Retired FBI agent Robert Levinson has been missing since 2007. His family says he was working as a private investigator in Iran when he disappeared, and multiple reports suggest Levinson may have been working for the CIA. His family told CNN in January that they have long known that Levinson worked for the CIA, and they said it's time for the government to lay out the facts about Levinson's case. U.S. officials have consistently denied publicly that Levinson was working for the government, but they have repeatedly insisted that finding him and bringing him home is a "top" priority.



Warren Weinstein, a contractor held by al Qaeda militants, is a U.S. citizen who has been held hostage in Pakistan since August 2011.Warren Weinstein, a contractor held by al Qaeda militants, is a U.S. citizen who has been held hostage in Pakistan since August 2011.



U.S. tourist and Korean War veteran Merrill Newman arrives at the Beijing airport Saturday, December 7, after being released by North Korea. Newman was detained October 26 by North Korean authorities just minutes before he was to depart the country after visiting through an organized tour. His son Jeff Newman says the Palo Alto, California, man had all the proper paperwork and set up his trip through a North Korean-approved travel agency. U.S. tourist and Korean War veteran Merrill Newman arrives at the Beijing airport Saturday, December 7, after being released by North Korea. Newman was detained October 26 by North Korean authorities just minutes before he was to depart the country after visiting through an organized tour. His son Jeff Newman says the Palo Alto, California, man had all the proper paperwork and set up his trip through a North Korean-approved travel agency.



Mexican authorities arrested Yanira Maldonado, a U.S. citizen, right, on May 22, for alleged drug possession. She and her husband, Gary, were traveling from Mexico back to the United States when their bus was stopped and searched. She was released on Friday, May 31, and is back in the United States.Mexican authorities arrested Yanira Maldonado, a U.S. citizen, right, on May 22, for alleged drug possession. She and her husband, Gary, were traveling from Mexico back to the United States when their bus was stopped and searched. She was released on Friday, May 31, and is back in the United States.



Saeed Abedini, a 33-year-old U.S. citizen of Iranian birth, was sentenced to eight years in prison in January 2013, accused of attempting to undermine the Iranian government and endangering national security by establishing home churches.Saeed Abedini, a 33-year-old U.S. citizen of Iranian birth, was sentenced to eight years in prison in January 2013, accused of attempting to undermine the Iranian government and endangering national security by establishing home churches.



North Korea has arrested Americans before, only to release them after a visit by a prominent dignitary. Journalists Laura Ling, center, and Euna Lee, to her right, spent 140 days in captivity after being charged with illegal entry to conduct a smear campaign. They were freed in 2009 after a trip by former President Bill Clinton.North Korea has arrested Americans before, only to release them after a visit by a prominent dignitary. Journalists Laura Ling, center, and Euna Lee, to her right, spent 140 days in captivity after being charged with illegal entry to conduct a smear campaign. They were freed in 2009 after a trip by former President Bill Clinton.



Former President Jimmy Carter negotiated the release of Aijalon Gomes, who was detained in 2010 after crossing into North Korea illegally from China. Analysts say high-level visits give Pyongyang a propaganda boost and a way to save face when it releases a prisoner.Former President Jimmy Carter negotiated the release of Aijalon Gomes, who was detained in 2010 after crossing into North Korea illegally from China. Analysts say high-level visits give Pyongyang a propaganda boost and a way to save face when it releases a prisoner.



Eddie Yong Su Jun was released by North Korea a month after he was detained in April 2011. His alleged crime was not provided to the media. The American delegation that secured his freedom included Robert King, the U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights issues.Eddie Yong Su Jun was released by North Korea a month after he was detained in April 2011. His alleged crime was not provided to the media. The American delegation that secured his freedom included Robert King, the U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights issues.



Robert Park was released by North Korea in 2010 without any apparent U.S. intervention. The Christian missionary crossed into North Korea from China, carrying a letter asking Kim Jong Il to free political prisoners and resign. North Korea's state-run news agency said Park was released after an "admission and sincere repentance of his wrongdoings." Here, Park holds a photo of Kim and a malnourished child during a protest in Seoul.Robert Park was released by North Korea in 2010 without any apparent U.S. intervention. The Christian missionary crossed into North Korea from China, carrying a letter asking Kim Jong Il to free political prisoners and resign. North Korea's state-run news agency said Park was released after an "admission and sincere repentance of his wrongdoings." Here, Park holds a photo of Kim and a malnourished child during a protest in Seoul.



Josh Fattal, center, Sarah Shourd, left, and Shane Bauer were detained by Iran while hiking near the Iraq-Iran border in July 2009. Iran charged them with illegal entry and espionage. Shourd was released on bail for medical reasons in September 2010; she never returned to face her charges. Bauer and Fattal were convicted in August 2011, but the next month they were released on bail and had their sentences commuted.Josh Fattal, center, Sarah Shourd, left, and Shane Bauer were detained by Iran while hiking near the Iraq-Iran border in July 2009. Iran charged them with illegal entry and espionage. Shourd was released on bail for medical reasons in September 2010; she never returned to face her charges. Bauer and Fattal were convicted in August 2011, but the next month they were released on bail and had their sentences commuted.



Haleh Esfandiari, an Iranian-American scholar, was also detained at Evin Prison, spending months in solitary confinement before Iran released her on bail in August 2007. Esfandiari was visiting her ailing mother in Tehran when she was arrested and charged with harming Iran's national security. Haleh Esfandiari, an Iranian-American scholar, was also detained at Evin Prison, spending months in solitary confinement before Iran released her on bail in August 2007. Esfandiari was visiting her ailing mother in Tehran when she was arrested and charged with harming Iran's national security.



Alan Gross, at right with Rabbi Arthur Schneier, has been in Cuban custody since December 2009, when he was jailed while working as a subcontractor. Cuban authorities say Gross tried to set up illegal Internet connections on the island. Gross says he was just trying to help connect the Jewish community to the Internet. Former President Jimmy Carter and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson have both traveled to Cuba on Gross' behalf, but they were unable to secure his release.Alan Gross, at right with Rabbi Arthur Schneier, has been in Cuban custody since December 2009, when he was jailed while working as a subcontractor. Cuban authorities say Gross tried to set up illegal Internet connections on the island. Gross says he was just trying to help connect the Jewish community to the Internet. Former President Jimmy Carter and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson have both traveled to Cuba on Gross' behalf, but they were unable to secure his release.



Sixteen Americans were among the dozens arrested in December 2011 when Egypt raided the offices of 10 nongovernmental organizations that it said received illegal foreign financing and were operating without a public license. Many of the employees posted bail and left the country after a travel ban was lifted a few months later. Robert Becker, right, chose to stay and stand trial.Sixteen Americans were among the dozens arrested in December 2011 when Egypt raided the offices of 10 nongovernmental organizations that it said received illegal foreign financing and were operating without a public license. Many of the employees posted bail and left the country after a travel ban was lifted a few months later. Robert Becker, right, chose to stay and stand trial.



Freelance reporter James Foley went missing in November 2012 after his car was stopped by gunmen in Syria. He is likely being held by the Syrian government, according to the GlobalPost, an online international news outlet to which he contributed, and Foley's brother. Freelance reporter James Foley went missing in November 2012 after his car was stopped by gunmen in Syria. He is likely being held by the Syrian government, according to the GlobalPost, an online international news outlet to which he contributed, and Foley's brother.



Filmmaker Timothy Tracy was arrested in Venezuela in April on allegations of funding opponents of newly elected President Nicolas Maduro, successor to the late Hugo Chavez. Tracy went to Venezuela to make a documentary about the political division gripping the country. He was released in June.Filmmaker Timothy Tracy was arrested in Venezuela in April on allegations of funding opponents of newly elected President Nicolas Maduro, successor to the late Hugo Chavez. Tracy went to Venezuela to make a documentary about the political division gripping the country. He was released in June.




Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad

Americans detained abroad






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Photos: Americans detained abroadPhotos: Americans detained abroad










These are photos, obtained by WikiLeaks that match the names of the detainees released by the Department of Defense. The Department of Defense would neither confirm nor deny their accuracy. Khair Ulla Said Wali Khairkhwa was an early member of the Taliban in 1994 and was interior minister during the Taliban's rule. He was arrested in Pakistan and was transferred to Guantanamo in May 2002. During questioning, Khairkhwa denied all knowledge of extremist activities.These are photos, obtained by WikiLeaks that match the names of the detainees released by the Department of Defense. The Department of Defense would neither confirm nor deny their accuracy. Khair Ulla Said Wali Khairkhwa was an early member of the Taliban in 1994 and was interior minister during the Taliban's rule. He was arrested in Pakistan and was transferred to Guantanamo in May 2002. During questioning, Khairkhwa denied all knowledge of extremist activities.



Mullah Mohammad Fazl commanded the main force fighting the U.S.-backed Northern Alliance in 2001, and served as chief of army staff under the Taliban regime. Fazl was detained after surrendering to Abdul Rashid Dostam, the leader of Afghanistan's Uzbek community, in November 2001. He was transferred into U.S. custody in December 2001 and was one of the first arrivals at Guantanamo, where he was assessed as having high intelligence value.Mullah Mohammad Fazl commanded the main force fighting the U.S.-backed Northern Alliance in 2001, and served as chief of army staff under the Taliban regime. Fazl was detained after surrendering to Abdul Rashid Dostam, the leader of Afghanistan's Uzbek community, in November 2001. He was transferred into U.S. custody in December 2001 and was one of the first arrivals at Guantanamo, where he was assessed as having high intelligence value.



Mullah Norullah Noori served as governor of Balkh province in the Taliban regime and played some role in coordinating the fight against the Northern Alliance. Like Fazl, Noori was detained after surrendering to Dostam, the Uzbek leader, in 2001.Mullah Norullah Noori served as governor of Balkh province in the Taliban regime and played some role in coordinating the fight against the Northern Alliance. Like Fazl, Noori was detained after surrendering to Dostam, the Uzbek leader, in 2001.



Abdul Haq Wasiq was the deputy chief of the Taliban regime's intelligence service. Wasiq claimed, according to an administrative review, that he was arrested while trying to help the United States locate senior Taliban figures. He denied any links to militant groups.Abdul Haq Wasiq was the deputy chief of the Taliban regime's intelligence service. Wasiq claimed, according to an administrative review, that he was arrested while trying to help the United States locate senior Taliban figures. He denied any links to militant groups.



Mohammad Nabi Omari was a minor Taliban official in Khost Province and was the Taliban's chief of communications and helped al Qaeda members escape from Afghanistan to Pakistan. He also said that he had worked with a U.S. operative named Mark to try to track down Taliban leader Mullah Omar.Mohammad Nabi Omari was a minor Taliban official in Khost Province and was the Taliban's chief of communications and helped al Qaeda members escape from Afghanistan to Pakistan. He also said that he had worked with a U.S. operative named Mark to try to track down Taliban leader Mullah Omar.




Guantanamo detainees swapped for Bergdahl

Guantanamo detainees swapped for Bergdahl

Guantanamo detainees swapped for Bergdahl

Guantanamo detainees swapped for Bergdahl

Guantanamo detainees swapped for Bergdahl



Guantanamo detainees swappedGuantanamo detainees swapped






Carney defends Bergdahl prisoner swap

"We had a number of tribal elders with us ... in order to build trust between us and the other side," a voice in the video says.


"We told them that we had warned all our Mujahideen fighters in Khost province and especially in Batai area not to attack them."


The 17-minute video also showed an unusual sight: Taliban members shaking hands with men from the Black Hawk chopper.


The Pentagon said early Wednesday it has no reason to doubt the video's authenticity.


"But we are reviewing it," Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said.


"Regardless, we know the transfer was peaceful and successful, and our focus remains on getting Sgt. Bergdahl the care he needs."


Surrounded by Mujahideen


At one point in the video, Taliban members start chanting, "Long live Mujahideen of Afghanistan, long live Mullah Omar, the leader of Taliban."


Mujahideen refer to those who carry out jihad.


The narrator's voice said armed fighters were stationed throughout the transfer area.


"We waited in the area for around 10 minutes before the helicopters arrived, and there were 18 Mujahideen fighters with me in the area," the narrator said.


Indeed, the video showed armed men perched high and low on nearby hillsides.


"Our arrangement was that once the helicopters are on the ground, three people from the other side would get off the helicopter and three from our side, including the captive, would move toward the helicopter to hand him over."


The video has few words in English, other than this message superimposed over Bergdahl:


"Don'come back to afghanistan"


Controversial swap


Bergdahl was handed over to the United States in exchange for the release of five prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.


READ: The Gitmo detainees swapped for Bergdahl: Who are they?


Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized the deal, including the fact that the Obama administration failed to notify Congress 30 days in advance, as required by law.


The Obama administration justified the operation, citing Bergdahl's health and safety, which appeared in jeopardy.


"The United States has always had a pretty sacred rule -- and that is, we don't leave our men or women in uniform behind," President Barack Obama said Tuesday.


Clinton wanted a tougher deal with Taliban for Bergdahl, officials say


Bergdahl will remain at that U.S. Army medical center in Germany until he completes treatment, a U.S. defense official there told CNN. After that, Bergdahl will return to the United States and go to a San Antonio military base, the official said.


While some hail Bergdahl as a hero, some fellow soldiers said he was a deserter.


At least six soldiers were killed searching for Bergdahl, according to soldiers involved in the operations to find him.


As the chorus of criticism from some in Bergdahl's platoon grows louder, residents in his hometown of Hailey, Idaho, say their support of the soldier hasn't been shaken.


"We're leaving the politics to everybody else. We're just glad to welcome Bowe back to us," family friend Stefanie O'Neill said. "We're going to let things play out when Bowe is able to tell his story."


READ: Was Bergdahl swap legal? Depends on who you ask


READ: Clinton wanted a tougher deal with Taliban for Bergdahl, officials say


READ: Bowe Bergdahl: A deserter or a hero?


CNN's Masoud Popalzai reported from Kabul; Holly Yan reported and wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Phil O'Sullivan, Christine Theodorou, Jim Acosta, Jake Tapper, Elise Labott and Mariano Castillo contributed to this report.



Jonah Hill apologizes for homophobic slur






Jonah Hill is taking full responsibility for <a href='http://ift.tt/1klgPSr' target='_blank'>yelling a homophobic slur</a> at a paparazzo the weekend of May 30. The actor was caught on camera telling the photographer, "suck my d*** you f*****," and later explained that he's frustrated by his own words. "From the day I was born and publicly I've been a gay rights activist. ... I played into exactly what he wanted and lost my cool. And in that moment, I said a disgusting word that does not at all reflect how I feel about any group of people." Hill isn't the only star who's been caught making a controversial comment. Jonah Hill is taking full responsibility for yelling a homophobic slur at a paparazzo the weekend of May 30. The actor was caught on camera telling the photographer, "suck my d*** you f*****," and later explained that he's frustrated by his own words. "From the day I was born and publicly I've been a gay rights activist. ... I played into exactly what he wanted and lost my cool. And in that moment, I said a disgusting word that does not at all reflect how I feel about any group of people." Hill isn't the only star who's been caught making a controversial comment.

Iggy Azalea has no patience for online hate. On her Twitter account June 2, <a href='http://ift.tt/SsNIjZ' target='_blank'>the Australian rapper lashed out</a> at unspecified "Internet kids" for "cracking jokes about artists." "Most of you have done NOTHING. NOTHING! With your lives," Azalea said. Iggy Azalea has no patience for online hate. On her Twitter account June 2, the Australian rapper lashed out at unspecified "Internet kids" for "cracking jokes about artists." "Most of you have done NOTHING. NOTHING! With your lives," Azalea said.

James Franco criticized The New York Times' theater critic, Ben Brantley, over a lukewarm review of the "Of Mice and Men" Broadway revival in which Franco stars. "Brantley is such a little b****," the actor said in an April Instagram takedown that he later removed -- but <a href='http://ift.tt/1hZ4WdB' target='_blank'>not before it was screengrabbed for posterity</a>. James Franco criticized The New York Times' theater critic, Ben Brantley, over a lukewarm review of the "Of Mice and Men" Broadway revival in which Franco stars. "Brantley is such a little b****," the actor said in an April Instagram takedown that he later removed -- but not before it was screengrabbed for posterity.

Gwyneth Paltrow has once again run afoul of some people with her comments. The actress <a href='http://ift.tt/1hbHPU8' target='_blank'>was quoted in an interview</a> as comparing the "dehumanizing" experience of dealing with negative comments on the Internet to war. Gwyneth Paltrow has once again run afoul of some people with her comments. The actress was quoted in an interview as comparing the "dehumanizing" experience of dealing with negative comments on the Internet to war.

We personally love it when Reese Witherspoon <a href='http://ift.tt/U1q6Eu'>speaks her mind</a>. In an elevator ride with Cara Delevingne, Kate Upton and Zooey Deschanel reportedly after the Met Gala,<a href='http://ift.tt/1iAIXvg' target='_blank'> the Southern actress was taped </a>saying, "The most important thing in a name for a girl is that a man can whisper it in his pillow."We personally love it when Reese Witherspoon speaks her mind. In an elevator ride with Cara Delevingne, Kate Upton and Zooey Deschanel reportedly after the Met Gala, the Southern actress was taped saying, "The most important thing in a name for a girl is that a man can whisper it in his pillow."

Adam Levine learned the hard way that you have to watch it before you speak. "The Voice" judge found himself facing <a href='http://ift.tt/U1q6UZ'>some serious backlash</a> after his disappointment over voting on the show resulted in his uttering "I hate this country." He released a statement trying to clarify what he meant, saying that he was frustrated.Adam Levine learned the hard way that you have to watch it before you speak. "The Voice" judge found himself facing some serious backlash after his disappointment over voting on the show resulted in his uttering "I hate this country." He released a statement trying to clarify what he meant, saying that he was frustrated.

In January 2013, director Quentin Tarantino was doing press for his film "Django Unchained" when Britain's Channel 4 reporter Krishnan Guru-Murthy asked him whether he thinks movie violence can lead to actual violence. Tarantino shot back,<a href='http://ift.tt/1ldaSaR' target='_blank'> "You can't make me dance to your tune. I'm not a monkey" and "I'm shutting your butt down!"</a>In January 2013, director Quentin Tarantino was doing press for his film "Django Unchained" when Britain's Channel 4 reporter Krishnan Guru-Murthy asked him whether he thinks movie violence can lead to actual violence. Tarantino shot back, "You can't make me dance to your tune. I'm not a monkey" and "I'm shutting your butt down!"

Charles Barkley, seen here at the 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas, got caught on a hot mic while covering a basketball game for TNT saying that <a href='http://ift.tt/1iAIWaF' target='_blank'>his Weight Watchers endorsement deal was a "scam." </a>The company saw the humor in it and <a href='http://ift.tt/1iAIWaG' target='_blank'>released a statement</a> saying "We love Charles for the same reason everyone loves Charles, he's unfiltered."Charles Barkley, seen here at the 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas, got caught on a hot mic while covering a basketball game for TNT saying that his Weight Watchers endorsement deal was a "scam." The company saw the humor in it and released a statement saying "We love Charles for the same reason everyone loves Charles, he's unfiltered."

Politicians have to deal with this type of thing all of the time and President Barack Obama is no exception. After Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift at the MTV Awards in 2009, <a href='http://ift.tt/18HuzeA' target='_blank'>the commander-in-chief called the rapper a "jackass" while waiting for an interview to start. </a>West was reportedly not amused.Politicians have to deal with this type of thing all of the time and President Barack Obama is no exception. After Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift at the MTV Awards in 2009, the commander-in-chief called the rapper a "jackass" while waiting for an interview to start. West was reportedly not amused.

Madonna was on her best behavior at 'W.E.' press conference during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. But at the Venice Film Festival that same year she <a href='http://ift.tt/U1q7bt' target='_blank'>was caught saying "I absolutely loathe hydrangeas</a>" after a fan gave her the flowers.Madonna was on her best behavior at 'W.E.' press conference during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. But at the Venice Film Festival that same year she was caught saying "I absolutely loathe hydrangeas" after a fan gave her the flowers.

Vice President Joe Biden dropped the F-bomb during the signing of the health care reform bill in 2010 and a microphone was there to record it. <a href='http://ift.tt/1iAIWr5' target='_blank'>He later apologized.</a>Vice President Joe Biden dropped the F-bomb during the signing of the health care reform bill in 2010 and a microphone was there to record it. He later apologized.

"Seinfeld" star Michael Richards found himself in a whirl of bad publicity in 2006 after he screamed racial epithets at audience members during his comedy show at The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. He later apologized. "Seinfeld" star Michael Richards found himself in a whirl of bad publicity in 2006 after he screamed racial epithets at audience members during his comedy show at The Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. He later apologized.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson was waiting to act as a pundit on a news show in 2008 when he was heard saying he'd like to cut off a particular portion of President Obama's body. <a href='http://ift.tt/U1q5An' target='_blank'>He later told CNN</a> he didn't realize his microphone was on.The Rev. Jesse Jackson was waiting to act as a pundit on a news show in 2008 when he was heard saying he'd like to cut off a particular portion of President Obama's body. He later told CNN he didn't realize his microphone was on.








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  • Hill says he was being followed by photographer making remarks about Hill's family

  • Actor says the disgusting word doesn't represent his feelings about gay people

  • A clip of the incident was posted on TMZ

  • Hill is a two-time Oscar nominee




(CNN) -- Actor Jonah Hill told radio host Howard Stern on Tuesday that he lost his cool with a paparazzo and is heartbroken that he used a "disgusting" homophobic slur.


Celebrity gossip site TMZ early Tuesday morning released a video of the incident in which Hill tells a man following him to "Suck my d---, you f-----."


The actor, who was nominated for Academy Awards for his roles in the 2011 film "Moneyball" and last year's "The Wolf of Wall Street," told Stern he never meant to insult gay people.


"I played into exactly what he wanted and lost my cool and in that moment I said a disgusting word that does not at all reflect how I feel about any group of people," he told Stern.


TMZ posted a one-minute clip shot by a photographer who at one point mocks Hill's shorts. Hill said the photographer had been following him all day and saying "hurtful things about my family."


"It would break my heart to think that anyone would think, especially with all the work that I have done and all the loved ones that I have, that I would be against anyone for their sexuality," Hill said.


Hill added that he has long been a gay rights advocate. Before the Winter Olympics in Russia, Hill took a public stance against Moscow's anti-gay laws. He tweeted: "Help us show Russia & the world that #LoveConquersHate" while wearing a T-shirt bearing the hashtag message in Russian.


His new film with Channing Tatum, "22 Jump Street," is scheduled to open on June 13.


CNN sent a request for comment to Hill's publicist but had not heard back late Tuesday.



Obama on European Tour ahead of D-Day anniversary


US President Barack Obama is carrying out a diplomatic tour of Europe which is designed to demonstrate US solidarity with European allies. Today (Wednesday) Obama is in Poland to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the country’s free elections – which led to the end of communist rule in Poland – and discuss the Russia-Ukraine situation.




The US leader will be meeting in Warsaw with Ukraine President-elect Petro Poroshenko. They are set to talk about Russia’s annexation of the region of Crimea and the ongoing separatist violence in Ukraine.


Obama recently proposed a $1 billion package in new military aid for NATO and European allies, particularly those located near Russia.


The deal will include money for troop rations, training programmes and exercises aimed at increasing US military presence in Europe.


After his Poland stop-off, Obama will head to Brussels for a G-7 meeting before going to France to take part in ceremonies to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.



US Destroyer headed to Spain port


Following the establishment of a new NATO defence plan a US warship has started its voyage to a Spanish port. USS Ross, a guided missile destroyer that is capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, is currently making its journey to Rota, Cadiz.




The ship left its naval station in Norfolk, Virginia, yesterday (Tuesday) and will be in Spain within a fortnight.


It is the second ship to relocate to Spain, after the Donald Cook left Norfolk in February. Two more ships – Porter and Carney, both currently based in Florida – will be sent in 2015.


Equipped with the sophisticated Aegis ballistic missile radar defence system, the destroyers can detect, intercept and shoot down missiles.


The ships are being relocated to Spain as part of the Obama administration’s plan to more easily provide missile defence in the Mediterranean Sea and increase US naval presence in Europe.



Smuggling hashish in nappies


National Police in Antequera have detained three people for hiding 57 pellets of hashish in a baby’s nappy and another 881 either in their car or residences. The three detained, one man and two women, were travelling with two minors in the vehicle when they were stopped by the police.




A total of 938 pellets, weighing approximately 10 kilos, were intercepted in the same operation; 88 were found between the baby’s nappies and the dirty nappies that were in the car, 192 pellets were found inside the bodies of two of those detained and another 658 were found when the suspect’s houses were searched.


Police first suspected the car when it failed to stop at a routine traffic stop on the Bobadilla to Antequera road. After being flagged down by the police it accelerated and tried to get away but was soon chased down and searched by the officers.


As soon as they stopped the car they found the first pellets in dirty nappies which were in the glove box and, as the search went on, they found more and more.


The driver, a man of 42, and the two women, 39 and 47, all stand accused of crimes against public health.