The VIP concert where diplomacy sounded on piano at Mar-a-Lago

A pianist, beauty queens and an exclusive club come together in a night where music tried to be the universal language.

The strange (and luxurious) mix of music, politics and beauty pageants

Omar Harfouch, the Lebanese pianist, did not play anywhere. He did it at Mar-a-Lago, the exclusive club in Palm Beach. The official reason: to celebrate the first year of former President Donald Trump’s ‘global peace mission’. With that you have the tone of the event.

The night began with Katie Zacharia, spokesperson for the US government, giving the introductory speech. Then, Harfouch and the Béziers Mediterranean Orchestra took the stage in front of a very select audience.

“…showed that music can also be part of diplomacy,” says the statement about his performance.

A cast worthy of a satirical series

Who was among those more than 100 VIP guests? The list is a surreal collage of today’s world. There were billionaires, financial leaders and entertainment moguls. But also global influencers and… beauty queens.

RelatedA fraud scandal shakes Miss Universe hours before the final

Among the chairs were Sahar Biniaz (Miss Universe Persia), Michaela Tomanová (Miss Universe Czech Republic) and Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Universe Asia. They shared space with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, the socialite Caitlyn Jenner and the artist Romero Britto.

Britto, by the way, designed a special pin for the occasion: a heart on the American flag. A detail that perfectly summarizes the aesthetics of the event.

Gospel singer Jimi Levy also had his moment, singing a cappella and setting the rhythm by tapping his knee. He shared it all, as it could not be otherwise, in an Instagram story.

A reunion between past controversies

The juicy fact for those of us who follow these circuits: this concert reunited Harfouch and Britto after their controversial departure as judges of Miss Universe last November.

At that time, Harfouch left the contest stating that it was ‘fixed’ and not knowing the Mexican winner, Fátima Bosch. Now, months later, they met again between canapés and chords for peace.

The image that remains is powerful: a Lebanese pianist playing in Trump’s political sanctuary, surrounded by beauty queens and art collectors. It’s the kind of event that can only happen in our era, where genres—musical and social—blend unabashedly.

Real diplomacy or pure spectacle for elites? The music sounded the same to everyone in the room.

Cruz Martínez loses his mother; friends and celebrities offer their condolences

The musician Cruz Martínez receives support from celebrities after the loss of his mother. Melenie and Arturo Carmona send messages.

A loss that unites the extended family

The American musician Cruz Martínez, founder of Kumbia Kings, shared on Instagram the death of his mother, María de los Ángeles Martínez. The publication received dozens of messages of condolence, including those from Arturo Carmona and Melenie Carmona, with whom he maintains a close bond despite his separation from Alicia Villarreal.

“A warrior Doña Gela until the last moment! I am sure she left this world proud of the five incredible children she raised,” wrote Melenie, who grew up with Martínez from the age of two, when her mother married him.

Arturo Carmona also spoke: “My deepest condolences, dear Cruz. A big hug to the entire family.” The actor has always recognized the good relationship that Martínez maintains with his daughter, whom he considers part of his family.

Show of support in the artistic environment

Figures such as Chris Pérez (Selena’s widower), Ricardo Muñoz (Intocable), the driver Lalo Elizondo and Fernando Domínguez III (Los Super Reyes) also sent condolences. However, Alicia Villarreal did not speak; maintains a restraining order against Martínez and a complaint for family violence and alleged attempted femicide.

The relationship between the two ended amid legal controversy last year. Since then, Melenie has made it clear that, despite supporting her mother, she considers Cruz Martínez as family—having been her father figure for years—while Arturo Carmona respects that bond while remaining the biological father.

The news has moved those around the musician, who has received expressions of affection in the midst of family mourning.

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Gabriel Soto defends himself and will sue Ana Carla Sinclair

The actor responds to accusations from Ana Carla Sinclair and announces legal action.

The actor’s response

Gabriel Soto broke his silence in the face of accusations from Ana Carla Sinclair, who accused him of having been disloyal to her during their relationship. The actor, who is currently with the chef and therapist Colibrí Jiménez, denied the accusations and explained the reasons for their estrangement.

In an interview for the program “Hoy”, Soto revealed that the singer was still married when they began their relationship, so they did not make the relationship public. “She ran the risk that her son’s father would not give her the pension if it became public that she had a relationship,” he said.

He also detailed that he provided financial support to Sinclair, but the situation became unsustainable. “Every month it was more and more money… there came a time where it got out of hand, I also have two daughters,” he explained.

Legal actions

Soto announced that his legal team is analyzing a lawsuit for defamation and another for improper use of his image. “She is giving photos of me without authorization and that is a crime,” he declared.

In addition, he clarified that Colibrí Jiménez was not a friend of Sinclair or his psychotherapist, as had been spread. “Colibrí is a nutritionist, she treated me on nutrition issues. Sinclair asked me to go with her to regularize cycles,” she said.

The actor made it clear that he will not allow false information to be spread about his personal life and that he will resort to legal means to protect his image.

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Nijiro Murakami apologizes after assault complaint

Japanese actor apologizes after accusations of assault by his ex-partner.

Investigation in Tokyo

Actor Nijiro Murakami, known for Alice in Borderland, faces an investigation for alleged assault against his ex-partner. The events occurred in the Shibuya district, Tokyo, between March and May. The victim reported four incidents in which she was hit and pulled.

Murakami posted a statement on Instagram. He offered “sincere apologies for the great concern and inconvenience caused to everyone involved and his supporters.” He added that he will speak later about the case.

According to Japanese media, the actor partially acknowledged the facts during the investigation. He noted, “There’s no doubt I hurt her.” The investigation was turned over to the prosecutor’s office to determine if there are formal charges.

Pause in his career

His representation agency has not issued an official statement. Meanwhile, Murakami withdrew from the television project Strange: Junji Ito’s Strange Stories That Keep You Up at Night, which was scheduled to premiere on July 3. The actor achieved international recognition after participating in the Netflix series.

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