Christopher Ciccone, the younger brother of pop icon Madonna, passed away, at the age of 63 after battling cancer. Christopher had a profound influence on Madonna’s career, working closely with her during her early days. He started as a backup dancer and later became her art director, most notably for her Blond Ambition World Tour (1990) and The Girlie Show (1993). He was also a production designer and interior designer, expanding his career beyond his association with his famous sister.
Born in 1960, Christopher and Madonna shared a complicated yet deep bond. Despite their professional and personal ups and downs, including public disagreements, their connection remained significant throughout their lives. Christopher was one of the key figures behind the scenes of Madonna’s ascent to superstardom, contributing to her visual style and performances. He was also known for his candid 2008 memoir, “Life with My Sister Madonna,” where he shared details of their complicated relationship and experiences growing up together.
Christopher’s death follows the passing of their stepmother, Joan Gustafson Ciccone, who also died from cancer in September 2024, and their eldest brother, Anthony Ciccone, who passed away in 2022. He is survived by his husband, Ray Thacker, and his siblings, including Madonna. His passing has left a deep void in the Ciccone family, especially given the close familial losses in recent years.
Despite their differences, Madonna paid tribute to her brother following his death, expressing that she believed he was “dancing somewhere,” a touching acknowledgment of their shared past in the arts. Christopher’s contributions to the creative world, particularly through his work with Madonna, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
TV Host Proudly Defends Māori Face Tattoo Against Online Trolls
Television presenter Oriini Kaipara, proudly wearing a traditional Māori face tattoo, responded gracefully to online trolls, reaffirming her cultural pride and identity.
Kaipara, a trailblazing 41-year-old newsreader for New Zealand’s Newshub, made history as the first person to deliver a primetime news bulletin while wearing the moko kauae, a significant cultural symbol worn by Māori women. The moko kauae, traditionally placed on the lips and chin, reflects a woman’s heritage, status, leadership, and familial connections within the Māori community, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
Despite the praise Kaipara has received, one viewer named David expressed his displeasure through an email to Newshub. According to the Daily Mail, David’s message criticized Kaipara’s appearance, calling her moko “offensive and aggressive looking” and dismissing her use of the Māori language as “incoherent.”
Rather than ignoring the remarks, Kaipara confronted them head-on. She shared the email exchange on her Instagram story, handling the situation with grace and dignity. In her response to David, Kaipara pointed out that his complaints were based on personal preferences about appearance and corrected his misspelling of the word “moko.” She made it clear that moko kauae represents no threat, and such expressions of cultural pride do not deserve intolerance or discrimination.
“We mean no harm or ill intent,” Kaipara wrote. “Neither do we deserve to be treated with such disregard.” She added a sharp rebuke, telling David to hold off on expressing his “cultural ignorance and bias” until a time more suited to such views—“ideally the 1800s.”
Despite this negative comment, Kaipara emphasized that most responses to her are positive, and trolls like David are the exception. In an interview with the New Zealand Herald following the incident, Kaipara spoke about the importance of having more Māori advocates in prominent positions. “The fact that my existence triggers some people is testament to why we need more Māori advocates in key roles across every sector,” she said.
Kaipara’s composed response serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural pride and resilience. Her actions inspire others to embrace their identities with confidence and stand up against prejudice.
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