David Del Rio’s Wife Slams ‘Disturbing’ Leah Lewis Amid Assault Scandal

David Del Rio’s wife Katherine publicly took aim at Leah Lewis after her husband was fired from Matlock after being accused of sexual assault.

Taking to her Instagram Stories on Thursday, October 9, Katherine, 33, shared a close-up photo of Lewis, 28.

Across Lewis’ face, Katherine wrote, “This is the most disturbing human being I have ever met.”

Earlier in the day, Lewis had been following Katherine’s Instagram account. However, it now appears that Lewis is no longer following the account and her comments have disappeared, suggesting she may have been blocked by Katherine.

David Del Rio, Leah Lewis’ Quotes About Each Other Before ‘Matlock’ Scandal

The social media post comes after Us Weekly confirmed earlier on Thursday that David, 38, would no longer be part of the Matlock cast following an investigation into allegations of sexual assault.

Deadline, who broke the news, reported on Thursday that an incident involving David and Lewis allegedly occurred on September 26 and was reported to CBS on October 2.

Following the investigation, David was “fired and escorted off the lot the same day the alleged assault was reported,” per Deadline.

According to the outlet, Matlock has continued filming its second season despite David’s quick departure from the show. David’s character, first-year associate lawyer Billy Martinez, is reportedly set to be written off.

The legal drama is on hiatus from next week after wrapping up the first half of the season, with production set to resume after Thanksgiving in November.

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(Photo courtesy of Katherine Del Rio/Instagram)

Us has previously reached out to CBS and David for comment.

After David’s abrupt departure was reported, Lewis broke her silence via social media the same day.

Lewis shared a photo of herself hugging her mother via her Instagram Story.

“Mom is here, we’re moving forward in love and strength. I’m in good hands,” she wrote. “Thank you to everybody for any kind of support and care. Truly, we’re moving forward in strength.”

The actress added, “Key word, strength. Please, let that be the take away.”

Lewis plays first-year associate Sarah Franklin on Matlock, which stars Kathy Bates as the titular character. David portrayed another first-year associate, who was best friends with Sarah. The pair worked at Jacobson Moore alongside Madeline “Matty” Matlock.

Rachel Leviss Recalls ‘Sickening’ Dynamic With Ex-Fiance James Kennedy

David and Katherine, who is an actress and chef, first crossed paths in 2010 before later sparking up a relationship. Katherine attended a Broadway performance of In the Heights, where she was introduced to her husband — who starred in the musical — at the stage door following the show.

After later reuniting in Los Angeles, the pair fell in love and eventually got married in Mexico in April 2018.

The couple went on to start a family in July 2023, welcoming their first child, a daughter named Lilia.

“On June 20 – a day with record breaking high temperatures in Austin TX — our perfect Lilia was born after 27 hours of labor,” Katherine announced via Instagram at the time. “Life has been a blissful, sleepless blur since then, and our little summer solstice baby has completely blown our minds in every way. We had no idea what to expect or what this would feel like, but WOW does it surpass the hype. There will never be enough words for how deeply we love her. Honored and truly blessed to introduce you to Lilliam Kellie Wallace Del Rio III.”

David and Katherine added to their brood in March 2025, with the arrival of second daughter, Coco.

“Coco Del Rio arrived with a smile on January 20, right in the heart of a winter storm,” Katherine announced via social media. “Her big sister is completely obsessed with her, and we are indescribably elated and exhausted. Thank you, God for your miracles.”

Matlock returns for season 2 on CBS Monday, October 12, at 8:30 p.m. ET. Episode 2 will air on Thursday, October 16, at 9 p.m. ET.

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ASAP Rocky Gushes Over Daughter He Shares With Rihanna

A$AP Rocky is loving life as a girl dad.

Speaking to Complex in an interview published on Thursday, October 9, the rapper gushed over his newborn daughter, Rocki Irish Mayers, who he welcomed on September 13 with Rihanna.

“My daughter. That’s my favorite thing I created this year,” Rocky, 37, told the outlet. “Shout out to Rocki Irish, man.”

The couple, who also share RZA, 3, and Riot, 2, announced the new arrival on September 24 via an Instagram post.

Rihanna Makes 1st Public Appearance Since Giving Birth to 3rd Baby

“Rocki Irish Mayers Sept 13 2025 🎀” Rihanna, 37, wrote alongside a photo of herself cradling her baby.

While Rocky and Rihanna never publicly revealed they were expecting a girl this time around, “Purple Swag” singer spoke about hoping for a daughter after previously welcoming two sons.

“I hope it’s a girl. I really do. We’re praying for a girl,” Rocky told Elle in a profile published in September. “Our first time, we wanted to know the sex of the baby. The second time, we didn’t want to know. Third time, we don’t want to know until, you know.”

He added, “I feel like it’s going to be a girl. This pregnancy is so different from the other two. You can tell from the experience. I hope it’s a baby girl, man. I need that.”

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Rihanna and ASAP Rocky. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

 

Meanwhile, Rihanna has previously praised Rocky for his parenting skills in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar in February.

The “Umbrella” singer told the outlet that the “greatest thing” about her partner “is seeing him be a dad.”

She joked her only frustration with Rocky when he is performing dad duties is how much the couple’s sons adore him.

“I’m annoyed because my sons sometimes just live for him more than they live for me,” she said. “And I’m like, ‘Did you know who cooked you? Do you know who pushed you out?’ And they love him, but when I see it, oh, it’s the best.”

ASAP Rocky Says He and Rihanna Do a ‘Real Great Job’ With ‘Making Children’

Rihanna has also spoken candidly about how being a parent has transformed her life.

“It’s everything. You really don’t remember life before, that’s the craziest thing ever,” she told British Vogue in 2023. “You literally try to remember it — and there are photos of my life before — but the feeling, the desires, the things that you enjoy, everything, you just don’t identify with it because you don’t even allow yourself mentally to get that far, because … it doesn’t matter.”

For his part, Rocky has been outspoken with praise for Rihanna and complimented her for the positive effect she’s had on his life.

“[The relationship] is going great,” the “Purple Swag” singer said. “I don’t think there’s a more perfect person because when the schedules are hectic, she’s very understanding of that. And when the schedule’s freed up, that’s when you get to spend [the] most time together. It’s all understanding and compatibility.”

Rocky echoed the sentiment in an interview with GQ in 2021 when he referred to the star as “The One.”

“So much better when you got The One,” he gushed to the outlet. “She amounts to probably, like, a million of the other ones. … I think when you know, you know. She’s The One.”

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DPP awaits Mutharika’s reaction to MBC boss Kasakula’s apology

…..DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba says the party has acknowledged MBC Director General George Kasakula’s apology but will defer comment until President Arthur Peter Mutharika personally responds.

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has officially acknowledged the apology made by the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General, George Kasakula, to President Arthur Peter Mutharika.

According to DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, the party has taken note of Kasakula’s remarks but will hold off on making a substantive statement until Mutharika himself responds.

Namalomba emphasized that the apology was directed personally to President Mutharika, and therefore, it is only appropriate to allow him to determine how to respond.

He stated that the DPP respects Mutharika’s position as the party’s leader and that his reaction will guide the party’s overall stance on the matter.

Kasakula’s apology follows years of tension between MBC and the DPP, particularly during the early years of the Tonse Alliance administration, when the state broadcaster was accused of bias and negative coverage against the opposition.

Observers say Kasakula’s gesture may signal an attempt to mend relations and promote a more balanced and professional approach to public broadcasting in Malawi.

However, some within the DPP have remained cautious, saying they will only judge the sincerity of the apology based on future actions and whether MBC adopts fair reporting practices going forward.

The development has sparked public discussion on social media, with Malawians expressing mixed reactions—some welcoming the apology as a sign of maturity, while others view it as a strategic move amid shifting political dynamics.

Meanwhile, all eyes are now on President Arthur Peter Mutharika, whose response is expected to set the tone for how the DPP will engage with MBC and the media fraternity in general going forward.

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George Kasakula’s apology: A hollow act from a confusionist MBC Director General

In a stunning display of political theatrics, George Kasakula, Director General of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), has issued an apology to President Peter Mutharika and First Lady Gertrude Mutharika.

This apology comes after Kasakula’s disgraceful outburst of insults and vulgar language against the First Couple during the recent campaign period.

However, this apology is nothing more than a feeble attempt to mask the deep-rooted confusion and blatant bias that has plagued Kasakula’s tenure at MBC.

Kasakula’s behavior has been a source of national embarrassment.

As the head of the country’s premier broadcasting institution, his role demands impartiality, professionalism, and above all, respect for the office of the presidency.

Instead, Kasakula chose to descend into a cesspool of derogatory language, spewing venomous attacks against Mutharika and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

His actions not only undermined the credibility of MBC but also exposed the dangerous level of partisanship that is poisoning Malawi’s media landscape.

It is no secret that Kasakula aligned himself with unscrupulous figures like Humphreys Mvula, a self-styled political commentator whose analyses often border on the absurd and conspiratorial.

Together, they orchestrated a propaganda campaign targeting Mutharika, painting him as a villain in a narrative that reeked of desperation and misinformation.

This alliance revealed Kasakula’s true colors—not as a neutral public servant, but as a confusionist intent on destabilizing the government through media manipulation.

Kasakula’s apology rings hollow when viewed against the backdrop of his consistent pattern of misconduct. It is not enough to offer a perfunctory “sorry” after a campaign season filled with reckless slander and open hostility toward the elected leadership.

His words of remorse fail to erase the damage he inflicted on the institution he leads and the broader political discourse in Malawi.

Instead, they highlight a lack of genuine accountability and an attempt to evade the consequences of his unprofessional conduct.

The public and media watchdogs have rightly condemned Kasakula’s descent into partisan mudslinging.

His actions represent a breach of trust, not just with the presidency but with every Malawian who looks to MBC for balanced and fair news coverage.

The use of state media as a platform for targeted political attacks undermined democratic principles and erodes public confidence in government institutions.

How can a director general who indulges in such inflammatory rhetoric be expected to uphold the values of journalistic integrity?

It is also important to consider the long-term implications of Kasakula’s confusionist tactics.

By sowing discord and promoting divisive narratives, he contributed to a polarized political environment where constructive dialogue becomes impossible.

Kasakula’s apology fails to address the root of the problem: his own inability to separate personal political biases from his professional duties.

Instead of using his platform to inform and educate the public, he chose to degrade it into a vehicle for partisan propaganda.

This is not just a personal failing; it is a betrayal of the public trust and an affront to the democratic process.

In light of these considerations, it is imperative that the authorities take decisive action to restore the integrity of MBC.

Kasakula’s apology should not be the end of this matter but the beginning of a thorough investigation into his conduct.

Holding him accountable is essential to re-establishing confidence in the state broadcaster and sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation must recommit itself to its mandate of impartial and accurate reporting.

Leadership must be held to the highest standards, and those who abuse their positions for political gain must face consequences.

Only then can MBC reclaim its role as a trusted source of information and a pillar of Malawian democracy.

George Kasakula’s apology is a superficial gesture from a director general who has demonstrated a profound confusion of roles and responsibilities.

His reckless attacks on President Mutharika and the DPP, his association with dubious political commentators, and his use of state media as a propaganda tool painted a picture of a man more interested in partisanship than professionalism.

The nation deserves better. It demands accountability.

And it must reject the confusionist tactics that threaten to undermine the very fabric of Malawian democratic governance.

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DRC President Tshisekedi urges Kagame to halt support for M23 rebels

…..Public appeal raises diplomatic pressure over ongoing violence in eastern Congo….

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi has publicly urged Rwandan President Paul Kagame to end Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group.

Speaking at the European Union’s Global Gateway Forum in Belgium, Tshisekedi departed from his prepared remarks to address the issue directly.

He called on Kagame to “give the order to the M23 troops your country supports,” highlighting the urgent need to stop the violence.

Tshisekedi warned that the ongoing conflict “has already killed enough people,” stressing the human cost of the prolonged unrest.

He described the moment as a turning point, stating, “History will be our judge,” underlining the significance of immediate action.

Kagame, who was in the audience during the remarks, did not immediately respond to the appeal.

The rare public appeal, delivered before global leaders and widely amplified on social media, represents a significant diplomatic move.

It raises international pressure on Rwanda regarding its alleged involvement in supporting the M23 rebel group.

The appeal also draws attention to the protracted conflict in eastern DRC, which has displaced millions of people and created severe humanitarian challenges.

Observers note that Tshisekedi’s intervention could signal a shift in regional diplomacy and accountability concerning armed groups operating in the Great Lakes region.

The statement underscores the urgency for collaborative efforts to restore peace and stability in areas affected by the M23 insurgency.

It also reflects Tshisekedi’s determination to address external support for armed groups that exacerbate insecurity within his country.

The international community is now watching closely to see whether Rwanda will respond to Tshisekedi’s public call and what concrete steps will follow to reduce violence in eastern DRC.

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Vanessa Hudgens Shows Off Bare Baby Bump with Husband Cole Tucker

Vanessa Hudgens is super proud to have a bun in the oven … because she was showing off her growing baby bump at brunch with her family. Check out these pics and vids we obtained of Vanessa at The Henry in Phoenix … she’s got her shirt above her…

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Gaza Ceasefire, Trump’s Middle East Peace Plan, Letitia James Indicted

A fragile ceasefire deal is being put to the test as Israeli troops begin pulling back in Gaza. President Trump prepares to travel to the Middle East as the U.S. sends 200 American troops to monitor the agreement between Israel and Hamas. And New York Attorney General Letitia James is indicted on federal bank fraud charges, a case brought on after the president publicly called for her prosecution.


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These Freedoms/My Take On It: Does Mutharika’s cabinet reflect that it is still a man’s world here?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40

Globally the month of October is known as breast cancer awareness month; men and women normally wear pink to show solidarity with medical research for a cure, or the memory of a loved one that either succumbed to or survived the incurable disease. Locally, October is the month Malawians commemorate Mothers’ Day. The year 2025 goes down in history when President Arthur Peter Mutharika is sworn in for the third time as President of Malawi, in October! 2025 is also a historic year when Malawi has a former high court judge elected as vice president. But sadly it is also a year when women and young voters are openly snubbed, sidelined in ministerial picks as the new President packs his cabinet and other leadership positions with men; mostly older men.

Truly a mix of political veterans, trusted friends, and technocrats (despite any stain or checkered past), women have again been left on the wayside, or perhaps relegated to the proverbial kitchen. While I can join many to celebrate Mutharika’s win, many people in reaction to the cabinet picks have said that the president’s appointments have been made as if he does not know, consider or have been briefed about the role women and young people played in his historic win in the 2025 elections.

Let us recall and reason with the naysayers of the above stand (that the women’s and youth’s roles were crucial in the historic Mutharika/Ansah electoral victory). Out of a total 7 million registered voters, 4 million were women. In tallying cast votes, there were 4.1 million Malawians that voted, with women out-numbering the male voters that cast their votes on September 16, 2025. Equally in large proportions, were scores of young voters. According to the United Nations Fund for Population Fund (UNFPA) young people make up the largest and fastest growing proportion of the general population in Malawi. Also turning out to cast their votes in The general elections, witnessed scores of the youth and the women turning up at election centers to cast their votes.

Analysts have waxed lyrical stating that the Mutharika cabinet appointments are of credible, competent, and loyal people to the President and DPP. All of them. Men only, and all, except one, are old vanguards, and elderly. Do you mean to tell the country and the world that there are no competent, credible, and even loyal women in the DPP? Are there no young men or young women to fill these ministerial positions? There are apparently not. Below are the 2025 ministers and other high offices in the country that President Mutharika has appointed:

1. Alas, a post that has laid waste for 21 years in the corners of the State House is the position of Second Vice President. The honors have landed on Right Honourable Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana, who takes over from where his father the late Chakufwa Chihana left off in 2004. The Late Second Vice President Chihana was appointed as the country’s hitherto first  and only Second Vice President of the Republic of Malawi. His son’s appointment to this seat “reflects a calculated effort to embrace regional inclusivity and build bridges with northern political blocs” analysts have said.

2. Veteran Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) member George Chaponda returns to his former portfolio as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is one of Mutharika’s staunchest allies, although riddled with past controversies.

3. Another veteran DPP member, Joseph Mwanamvekha who has been reinstated as Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, and Development; another sure sign of the confidence Mutharika has in the seasoned ally’s expertise to wade through the murky waters of Malawi’s current fragile economic environment.

4. Alfred Ruwan Gangata has been appointed for the post of Minister of State, injecting a sense of new dynamism into the cabinet, and potentially appealing to younger voters and emerging constituencies, analysts have said.

5. The post of Chief of the Malawi Defence Force has gone to Lieutenant-General George Alexander Jaffu Jr., former Military Attaché at the Malawi Mission to the United Nations in New York. Lieutenant-General Jaffu is the son of Malawi’s first Chief Secretary (known then known as “Secretary to the President and Cabinet”) George Austin Jaffu, under former Life President Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda.

6. Dr. Justin Sadack K. Saidi will serve as Mutharika’s Chief Secretary with the main role of strengthening “administrative coordination, reaffirming the president’s faith in experienced civil service leadership” according to analysts.

7. Stuart Naison Medison Ligomeka, is Deputy Chief Secretary.

8. Kiswell Dakamau appointed Director of State Residences to uphold efficiency and order in the management of state assets.

9. Moving to local law enforcement, Mutharika has appointed Richard Chakupaleza Chikoko Luhanga as Inspector General of Police, with two Deputies Stain Bamusi Chaima and Mlowoka Noel Kaira.

10. The appointment of Chaponda and Mwanamvekha has been said to be a missed opportunity for generational renewal and gender balance in power positions in the country. These are what, during Muluzi’s administration, were labelled as recycled politicians.

Moving to regional representation, a fair and inclusive attempt has been made with representation drawn from the Northern, Central, and Southern regions, with the South still maintaining a notable dominance in key portfolios. But it is on gender and youth representation that the cabinet is lacking in stature; so heavily filled with elderly men, the sole woman is the elected VP; the Mutharika cabinet is wanting as it lacks gender balance in key and top leadership positions. It lacks balance in young voices in key and top leadership positions.

Bwana President, please consider women in cabinet and other top positions. Bwana President, please consider young people in cabinet and other top positions. 

This is what democracy looks like!

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NBM plc supports Parliament orientation program with MK20 million

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has given MK20 million to the Parliament of Malawi to support the orientation program for newly elected legislative members.

The orientation program, set for October 13 to 17, is part of Parliament’s efforts to strengthen legislative capacity and improve governance in the country.

Speaking during the symbolic cheque handover ceremony in Blantyre on Tuesday, NBM plc Retail Banking Senior Manager , Eric Bob Munthali, said the Bank saw it necessary to support the initiative, noting that well-informed parliamentarians are essential for the promotion of democratic values and the formulation of sound economic policies.

He added that NBM plc’s contribution aligns with its commitment to national development and strengthening governance institutions.

“We believe that our support will have a positive impact on Malawi’s development as parliamentarians play a vital role in policymaking and lawmaking. Ensuring that they are properly oriented will lead to better decisions that benefit the nation,” said Munthali.

Deputy Clerk of Parliament responsible for Corporate Services, Chikondi Kachinjika, expressed gratitude for the generous donation by NBM plc, describing it as a timely intervention.

“We are extremely honoured by this gesture from the NBM plc. It reflects the continuation of a long-standing partnership between Parliament and the Bank. The donation is particularly crucial for us, as we had a budget deficit while planning a high-class event. This support is therefore very timely and greatly appreciated,” said Kachinjika .

Kachinjika said, the funds will be used to engage both local and international facilitators, including experienced academics, to enhance the capacity of Parliament.

He emphasized that the orientation program is key to equipping legislators with knowledge and skills necessary for effective representation, oversight, and lawmaking.

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