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A FITNESS influencer has confessed to lying about getting caught in an explosion.

Influencer Malibu Fit Maxx has admitted that he lied about the ordeal while serving in the army.

The fitness influencer, whose real name is Lee Markham, shared a video this week where he revealed that he lied about sustaining an injury from an improvised explosive device while on active duty.

Speaking in his candid video, the influencer said: “I wanted to talk to you directly about the claim that I made, taking an IED blast to the face.”

He then said how he was “deeply proud” to have served in the military between 2005 and 2010.

The internet star explained how he received negative comments online about his appearance, which in turn let to him making a false claim about his time serving in the army.

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“I’ve always got comments about my face and appearance.

“Some of them were harsh. And to be honest, I didn’t handle it well,” he began.

“I was new to being in the public eye and I didn’t know how to handle the criticism.”

He went on: “Instead of facing that right away, I made a bad decision and put ‘IED Survivor’ in my bio. That was not true and it was wrong.

“But truly I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

He added: “I have always tried to promote positivity and support for others, especially veterans.

“But I understand that my actions here contradict that. I take full responsibility for it,” he said later in the video.

Keen to regain the trust of his followers and fans, he added: “I know words alone will not fix this.

“Trust is earned. It’s not owed.

“All I can do is be honest with you guys going forward and let my actions speak over time.”

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Want to know more about the influencer who faked cancer? Read all about Brittany Miller and her sham career here.

We have all the inside gossip about Ladbaby mum’s incredible weight loss here.

And talking of weight loss, we know all about what is going on with B&M queen Becki Jones, which you can read up on here.

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His followers were divided in the comments section.

One person penned: “hanks for keeping it real bro. You’re one of the only accounts on here that brings true happiness to so many people.

“Don’t ever forget that and don’t ever stop going, bro.”

While another said: “This is a great example of taking accountability. You turned that from a disaster into a humble moment that other men can learn from. Respect!”

“Apologised like a man and didnt make excuses or keep lying – still a legend in my eyes,” added a third.

Meanwhile, someone else penned: “Bro only making this video because he got called out publicly. This is not accountability, this is damage control.”

And another slammed: “You ain’t sorry you’re only sorry because you got caught.”

BRIT Award viewers were left fuming after the show’s In Memoriam segment – blasting it as “a pathetic attempt”.

On Saturday night’s show, The Charlatans musician Tim Burgess was brought on stage to lead the In Memoriam tributes, leading on the loss of his close friend, Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, who died in November.

However, the artist struggled to say his speech, simply referring to “Mani” which some viewers thought to mean Manchester, or not recognising who he was referring to.

A videotape then played, showing the name of dozens of stars who have passed across the past year, flashing on screen briefly as a select number of artists were played in the background.

But fans were left less-than-pleased at how quickly the segment ran, before the show cut to an ad break.

Complaining to X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote: “What a pathetic memoriam to artists who had passed away last year.

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“Surely you could have made more time to show Mike Peters (a Welsh Brit) and also Rick Buckler of The Jam (another Brit) and a great drummer of his generation.”

“That tribute to all artists that have passed over this year was laughable,” wrote another.

“Wow! One of the worst ‘In Memoriam’ I have ever seen,” noted a third.

“What on earth was that all about #Brits2026 ?” complained a fourth. “I’m talking about those who lost their lives in the last year – that was disrespectful to many of those who passed.”

While a fifth wrote :”Putting the In Memorial names up quicker than anyone can read them. Poor show Brits, poor show #Brits2026″

“Whose idea was that In Memorial section? Blink and you’ve missed it – must get the adverts in….” wrote a sixth.

While on stage, Sturgess told the crowd at Manchester’s Co-Op Arena: “Hi everyone, I’m here tonight to pay tribute to my good friend. Mani changed music and inspired generations ahead of him. These songs he recorded will be his legacy.

“He was truly one of the phenomenal ones. I’d like you to think about Mani for a moment and we can cherish the thought that we got to experience our time and his time together.

“Let’s take a few moments to remember Mani.”

While the In Memoriam segment may have been lacking, the awards show was filled with tributes to artists loved and lost.

FANS of Benny Blanco have been left feeling queasy after noticing a “disgusting” detail from his new podcast.

On Tuesday, the musician – who is married to Selena Gomez -launched his new multimedia podcast, Friends Keep Secrets; but fans were more taken by the host’s hygiene than the show itself.

Just minutes into the first episode, which features Benny and his co-hosts Lil Dicky and Kristin Batalucco, the record producer kicked back on a couch with no socks on.

And fans quickly noticed that he the soles of his feet appeared dirty, quickly taking to social media.

“EW! benny, get off the couch and go take ,a shower. you’re not a toddler,” wrote one fan to X.

Another horrified user said: “The fact that his feet are ACTUALLY that filthy makes me sick to my stomach like selena girl what’s going on”.

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“Yikes! That’s definitely a “don’t look down” moment.

Sounds like Benny Blanco didn’t expect his feet to make a cameo on the podcast. The joys of live recordings sometimes the unexpected gets all the attention!,” said a third.

“Benny blanco go wash your damn feet,” simply echoed another.

With Benny’s feet garnering more attention that the podcast itself, others shared messages directly for his wife Selena.

“How is Selena dealing with this?” one social media user said.

One even went as far to say: “Selena needs to divorce him and find someone better”.

Benny and his co-hosts are set to welcome a string of A-listers on the new podcast series, with the producer teasing that Selena will also come onto the show.

The couple have been together since June 2023 and married back in September.

At the time, we reported how they hosted their guests at the luxury El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara, and held their ceremony at a residence nearby.

Before things turned romantic, the couple actually knew one another for over a decade – meeting back in 2008 when Selena was beginning her career.

The pop star previously had a very public romance with Justin Bieber, before dating The WKEND for around a year.

TOURETTES campaigner John Davidson said he was mortified after sparking a race row by shouting out the N-word at the Baftas. 

John later voluntarily left the ceremony amid shock at his swearing as Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage presenting an award. 

But the slur by John — whose life inspired the double gong-winning film I Swear — wasn’t cut from the BBC’s two-hour ceremony coverage at London’s Royal Festival Hall. 

Yesterday, bosses apologised and removed the episode from iPlayer. 

Last night John insisted he was “mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning”. 

And Bafta confirmed he left the room before the awards ended. 

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In statement the organisation said: “Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people. 

“Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted.

“We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism. 

“John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen and we would like to thank him for his consideration of others on what should have been a night of celebration for him.” 

I Swear saw ­Robert Aramayo, 33, pick up Best Actor. It also won Best Casting. 

Scottish-born John, 54, is a campaigner for Tourette sufferers and aged 16 was the subject of a BBC documentary, John’s Not Mad, about living with the condition, which leads some to shout swear words. 

The Sun understands that Sunday night’s audience was not told a ­person with Tourette Syndrome was present.

Previously, at the Bafta TV awards, people have been warned in similar situations. 

A source said: “Neither host Alan Cumming nor any of the Bafta team warned people — the apology and comments came after the outbursts.” 

Cumming had said: “Tourette Syndrome is a disability. We apologise if you’re offended tonight.” 

Hannah Beachler, the production designer on movie Sinners, said: “What made the ­situation worse was the throwaway apology of, ‘if you were offended’. Of course we were.” 

It was reported BBC production staff did not hear the N-word — which meant it was left in the coverage.

However, a source added: “It was as loud and as clear as day.” 

The corporation said: “Some may have heard strong and offensive language.

“This arose from involuntary ­verbal tics associated with ­Tourette’s and, as explained during the ­ceremony, it was not intentional. 

“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast.” 

JAMIE Foxx has claimed an audience member with Tourettes who shouted a slur at the Baftas “meant it” despite a charity saying it was “not intentional”.

John Davidson, who suffers from Tourette syndrome, let out involuntary shouts including a racial slur due to his condition during the ceremony.

The incident happened at the 79th annual British Academy Film Awards, which took place at the Royal Festival Hall last night.

The slur was shouted as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects.

The actors, both stars of vampire horror Sinners, appeared to pause momentarily after the insult was heard but then continued presenting.

But Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx has now blasted John Davidson for his “unacceptable” outburst at the BAFTAs.

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A fuming Foxx said on social media: “Out of all the words you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that. Nah he meant that s**t. Unacceptable.” 

The outburst, which was one of many unintentional interruptions, was explained as coming from John, who has Tourette syndrome.

John’s life story inspired the film I Swear which shares John’s journey from his diagnosis before much was known about the condition.

However, campaigners staunchly defended John after his outburst after criticism from Foxx.

Tourettes Action charity said: “We also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony.

“We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but, at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome, tics are involuntary.

“They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions or character.

“People with Tourettes can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse and feel great distress about afterwards.

“These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John – like many others with Tourettes – lives with every single day.”

The title is a nod to his uncontrollable swearing associated with the syndrome.

Earlier, the BBC apologised for the slur after some viewers were left shocked.

And the episode has now been pulled off BBC iPlayer after initial outrage.

The Beeb has confirmed the slur will be edited out of the version uploaded.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards.

“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional.

“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”

During the broadcast, the awards ceremony’s presenter Alan Cumming also issued an apology for the language viewers may hear.

He said: “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.

“Tourettes is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language.

“We apologise if you were offended.”

But the BBC sparked major backlash after the broadcaster edited out “Free Palestine” during one speech but declined to remove the racial slur at first.

The broadcaster removed the Palestine reference after an acceptance speech made by filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr paid tribute to those who are trying to “obtain a better life for their children”.

Davies Jr. closed his speech by saying: “To the economic migrant. The conflict migrant. Those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide. You matter.

“Your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance to those watching at home.  

“Archive your loved ones. Archive your stories yesterday, today, and forever. For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine.”

TOY STORY fans have been left horrified after noticing that Woody has a bald spot in the trailer for the fifth movie.

The first trailer for the high-anticipated fifth instalment was released yesterday and it looks like fans of the franchise are in for a treat.

But loyal Disney enthusiasts have been left saddened by one part of the teaser as signs of aging have creeped up on the toys they know and love.

At one point in the first-look, Woody takes off his cowboy hat and a bald patch can be seen on his head.

A flash of light shines on the spot and blinds the other toys as Trixie the dinosaur cheekily says: “Someone needs a brown marker.”

Lily the Tablet asks: “What are you? Some sort of old man toy?”

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Trixie responds: “She thinks you’re old because you’re bald, Woody!”

The moment didn’t go unnoticed as one viewer commented: “If he is getting old, what does that mean about me?”

Another person said on X: “There was absolutely no reason to give Woody a bald spot.”

Somebody else commented: “Sad to see Woody is going bald.”

Yet another penned: “Woody having a lil bald spot is making me sad.”

While a fifth added: “It’s okay Woody. We all understand and sympathise. I too have a bald spot back there that is slowly turning into a tropical hurricane.”

The synopsis of the film reads: “The toys are back and this time, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee), a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same?”

The fifth film was first announced back in 2023 along with sequels for Frozen and Zootopia.

Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger expressed: “I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises – Toy Story, Frozen and Zootopia.

“We’ll have more to share about these productions soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivalled brands and franchises.”

Several stars from the first films are back, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, John Ratzenberger as Hamm, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Blake Clark as Slinky Dog, Annie Potts as Bo Peep and Joan Cusack as Jessie.

Among the newcomers are Scarlett Spears as the new voice of Bonnie, Craig Robinson as GPS hippo toy Atlas, Shelby Rabara as excitable camera toy Snappy, Mykal-Michelle Harris as Blaze, Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants, and Matty Matheson as tech-fearing toy Dr Nutcase.

The first Pixar film released back in 1995, followed by Toy Story 2 in 1999 and Toy Story 3 in 2010.

The fourth instalment came out in 2010 and a spin-off of Buzz Lightyear’s character was released in 2022.

Toy Story 5 releases in cinemas on June 19