The Inquisitr - News

December 20, 2021 Administrator

The Inquisitr - News

Inside The Luxurious Life Of Power Couple Salma Hayek And François-Henri Pinault

Posted: 20 Dec 2021 05:30 AM PST

Salma Hayek wears Gucci a lot – on the red carpet and elsewhere – and there's a perfectly good reason behind it. The 55-year-old star of Eternals is married to François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of luxury group Kering, which is the parent company of Gucci, among other iconic labels. That makes Hayek not only the unofficial brand ambassador of the Italian fashion house but its "first lady" as well!

Ahead, take a look at Pinault's eye-popping business profile and the couple's love story.

Impressive Business Pedigree

Pinault, 59, is a French magnate with a net worth of US$7 billion and quite the impressive business pedigree. He is the son of billionaire businessman François Pinault, who founded Kering (formerly called PPR) and the investment company Groupe Artémis. He graduated from the HEC School of Management in 1985 and started working at his father's company in 1987, where he climbed the corporate ladder until he became President and CEO of PPR in 2005.

Under his leadership, PPR became Kering and merged with the Gucci group, which included other luxe brands like YSL, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen.

Romance And Marriage

Hayek and Pinault started dating in 2006 and had their daughter Valentina on September 21, 2007. On Valentine's Day in 2009, the Mexican-American actress and the French fashion magnate got married in Paris, and their relationship remains strong to this day. In fact, the couple seems to have made it a habit to renew their vows – first in Venice just a few months after their Paris wedding, then in 2018 in Bora Bora, which was a surprise from Pinault. Hayek posted about in on Instagram saying, "…my husband surprised me with a vow renewal - it was not what I would have chosen to wear to my wedding but I was told I was going to the spa!"

Gucci Galore

Had she known about the vow renewal, Hayek would probably have preferred a glamorous Gucci gown. But then again, the Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard actress doesn't really need a special occasion to wear the brand. As the luxury group's "first lady," she has an endless array of Guccis (and Saint Laurents and Alexander McQueens, etc.) at her disposal anytime, even if it's just for a stroll down the street. In fact, Gucci has been the Latina beauty's signature for years, on the red carpet and otherwise!

Philanthropy And Sports

That's not to say the power couple can't be bothered with anything but luxury. They're also busy with philanthropic work via the Kering Foundation, which Pinault created and chairs, advocating for the elimination of violence against women. As part of his philanthropic initiatives, Pinault also donated US$113 million to restore the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was destroyed by fire in 2019.

Hayek's husband has business interests in sports as well, as his company Groupe Artémis owns the Stade Rennais Football Club.

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Chloë Grace Moretz Celebrates Xmas In Skintight Louis Vuitton

Posted: 20 Dec 2021 04:56 AM PST

Chloë Grace Moretz is ushering in the holiday season and making sure luxury French label Louis Vuitton gets a mention - it makes sense, with the Kick Ass actress this year fronting the brand's eyewear. Posting to Instagram amid a slew of headline-making LV looks this month, Chloë delighted her 19.3 million followers this weekend by sending out holiday energy ahead of Christmas, and she did it in a festive and skin-tight look.

Check out the photo, plus Moretz's best below.

Stuns For Holidays In Louis Vuitton

Scroll for the snap, one showing the blonde looking fierce and posing against a white backdrop with a festive red trim. The Mother/Android star, fresh from her latest release, killed it while in a tight and red, blue, black, and white top with a high collar - while there was no monogram, the LV logo did manifest via a small chest detailing.

CGM wore her long hair down, also sporting a glossy red lip, warming blush, and thick brows. More photos after the snap.

Fronting Louis Vuitton

Taking to her caption, the actress wrote: "Red for the holidays in NYC last week. #MotherAndroid." She threw in both a Christmas tree and Santa emoji, with the post gaining over 250,000 likes. Paris Hilton left a heart-eye emoji, with a like also coming in from Emily in Paris actress Lily Collins.

2021 marks Moretz upping her endorsement game. The SK-II ambassador is now part of the Louis Vuitton family, a brand this year also taping Squid Game star HoYeon Jung as global brand ambassador.

Rise Of LV

Moretz's Instagram now comes packed with LV looks. On November 20, she shouted out the brand's Creative Director, writing: "Last Night 💫 was so wonderful. Thank you @nicolasghesquiere and the entire LV family :)." While Vuitton comes with muscle and has, for decades, been adored by celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Paris Hilton, it's ramping up the celeb endorsements amid stiff competition from brands including Versace and Gucci.

Selena Gomez, Angelina Jolie, and Madonna have all fronted LV in the past. More below.

Brand Shouting Her Out

In summer 2021, Louis Vuitton posted its eyewear campaign to social media, name-dropping all of the stars featuring in it. The Paris-based designer wrote: "Boasting exceptional quality with contemporary lines, the collection includes a variety of frames to adorn any face. For the new campaign, Lous and the Yakuza, Chloé Grace-Moretz, and Somi show off this season's sunglasses."

Meanwhile, rival brand Gucci has Miley Cyrus signed up, with YSL now fronted by supermodel Hailey Bieber. Versace is now also represented by singer Dua Lipa.

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Melissa Gorga Impresses Husband Joe In Plunging Slit Robe

Posted: 20 Dec 2021 12:12 AM PST

Melissa Gorga is big-time impressing husband Joe Gorga while flaunting her killer body in a revealing-yet-cozy robe. The reality star and clothing designer quickly saw her 2004-married hubby topping comments in her latest Instagram share, one showing off her loungewear style and going a little bathrobe style for extra sass.

Melissa posted earlier today and for her 2.3 million followers, showcasing a golden tan and one heck of a toned figure. She also went inspirational with her caption - check it out below.

Showing Off Loungewear

Scroll for the snaps. They showed The Real Housewives of New Jersey star looking sensational as she lounged around in a white chair and opening with a folded leg pose. The mom of three sizzled while in a cozy and ribbed brown robe, one boasting a belted finish and a very comfy feel.

Looking happy and at peace, Gorga smiled, with a swipe right showing her closer up - this shot also offered a better cleavage view as the star highlighted her assets.

See The Photos Below

Taking to her caption and shouting out her glam squad, Melissa wrote: "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

While Melissa's Envy by Melissa clothing line left fire emoji, it was words from hubby Joe, who quickly swooped into the comments section, writing: "Wow wow" with a heart-eye emoji. "An entire slay," another fan wrote, with the post itself clocking over 12,000 likes in nine hours. More photos after the snaps.

Opening Up On Marital Problems

Earlier this year, and following Season 11 of RHONJ, Melissa opened up on her marriage. She told Us Weekly:

"I know [we've] been married for 16 years, but we are still learning each other. There's different turning points, I would say, in marriages." Melissa added: "Joe is not big on change and he likes things to stay the same. He likes to know that everything's going to be intact and probably, that's what makes him a great husband. But for me, I'm all about change right now."

Determined To Be Happy

Melissa and Joe share children Antonia, Gino, and Joey. Continuing, the Bravo face stated: "I don't want to die unhappy. I wanna feel fulfilled. Not just as a mom." The hard-hitting businesswoman even said: "I think I'm picking and choosing a little bit more now."

2021 sees Melissa's clothing line branching out as the star capitalizes on the pandemic's home workout trend. Her brand recently announced launching over 80 pieces of home fitness equipment. She joins fellow Bravo faces running businesses - from Lisa Rinna to Bethenny Frankel.

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Hailey Bieber Flaunts YSL Gains In Thigh-Skimming Minidress

Posted: 20 Dec 2021 12:08 AM PST

Hailey Bieber just isn't stopping with the YSL - and why would she. The supermodel and wife to pop singer Justin Bieber is now the main face of the French luxury clothing brand, and she made sure to shout out the designer in a recent London street appearance.

Photos ahead of the weekend showed the 25-year-old stunning in a chic black minidress as she hit up the British capital's Royal Opera House - while the dress wasn't Saint Laurent, the footwear was.

Hitting Up Royal Opera House

Scroll for the photos. Hailey was accompanied by "Peaches" singer hubby Justin on her night out. While the Canadian singer went casual in a check and very baggy suit, Hailey had pulled out all the stops. The new Victoria's Secret face stunned while showing off her supermodel pins as she wore a silky and thigh-grazing black minidress from popular designer Acne Studios - black tights matched the snazzy number.

Bieber also opted for pointed-toe high heels from YSL. See more photos after the street snap.

YSL And Plenty More

2021 brings way more than just the YSL gig for Hailey. The blonde also fronts denim giant Levi's and beauty brand Bare Minerals, plus luxury footwear designer Jimmy Choo. She's joined in the YSL department by model Kaia Gerber, who takes care of YSL Beauty - the brand's rival, Dior Beauty, meanwhile, has model Bella Hadid as its ambassador.

Hailey has also been opening up on her supermodel career, this as fellow model Kendall Jenner talks anxiety and Bella Hadid mentions past burnout.

You 'Have To Be Disciplined'

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar, Hailey revealed: "I started modelling and travelling around the world when I was 17. It's a business. You have to be disciplined, on time, and want to do it."

Referring to her huge Insta following, the star continued: "When it comes to social media, I've definitely gone through so much comparison. Comparing myself to other people, getting compared to other people, feeling like I need to have this type of body in order to feel good about myself."

Still Figuring Out

Hailey, who was still 24 at the time of the interview, admitted that despite a glittering career, she's still finding her feet.

"I'm still figuring out who I am as a woman," she added. "Who I am in my career. Who I am as a wife. There's so much going on, I had to give myself a break from looking at myself and other people, though. I had to start doing this thing where I don't go on Instagram Monday through Friday."

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Kate Beckinsale Stretches Leg Over A Trash Can

Posted: 20 Dec 2021 12:04 AM PST

Kate Beckinsale has been yanking up one of her flexible legs over a street garbage can to celebrate a special occasion. The 48-year-old actress, known for being a rubber band, is fresh from an Instagram update shouting out pal Chase Aston's birthday - the makeup artist today got a massive gallery dedicated to him as Kate went "happy birthday" on her social.

Posting for her 5.1 million followers, the Pearl Harbor star shared her bikini body, her sense of humor, and more. Check it out below.

Birthday Vibes And Bikini Action

Scroll for the photos, ones making a bang and quickly gaining a celebrity like from Bravo star Lisa Rinna. Kate opened with an amusing shot of herself in a high-cut black bikini and floppy hat as she and Chase posed outdoors, with Kate towering over her friend as he lay on his side.

Next up came a reminder of what Chase does - Kate was seen in a white robe and during a glam session as her makeup artist dolled her up. See the stretch below.

See Her Flexible Stretch

The super-healthy star, regularly snapped hitting the gym in L.A., also included a hilarious photo of herself shot from behind while yanking up her right leg and clinging onto a massive green trash can. Here, Kate was blonde and hiding her face, but not her flexibility.

"Happy birthday,Dollylocks,my most favourite excellent SB,PB and M. Whether it's going all the way to Africa or sitting in my mum's kitchen you are eternally the funniest,best,most loyal, bloody good egg ever," the caption opened. Swipe for the gallery below, scroll for more.

Celebrity Likes

Beckinsale added: "💕Happy birthday @chase_aston , dollies for life." Three fire emoji quickly came in from socialite Paris Hilton, this alongside 58-year-old Lisa Rinna's like. Kate posted directly after sharing a shot of a massive and lit-up Christmas tree - the star ushered in the holiday season this weekend, writing:

"It's a very 2021 Christmas in all respects esp when your beau is wishing on everything holy that you will turn into @tchalamet 📷:2 super nice girls ." And yes, there was a kiss.

Pete Davidson Dating Kim K?

Kate made headlines for a brief and May 2019-ended relationship with SNL star Pete Davidson, 28. The comedian, also known for being engaged to singer Ariana Grande and dating stars including model Kaia Gerber, is currently assumed to be dating mogul Kim Kardashian - November saw the two holding hands in public.

Pete hasn't confirmed a relationship and nor has Kim. Kate, meanwhile, was regularly shaded for the large age gap when she dated Pete, also known for her clap-backs over it.

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Lourdes Leon Reveals Why She Doesn't Want To Be A Social Media Influencer

Posted: 19 Dec 2021 11:58 PM PST

Even though Lourdes Leon has always preferred a private life, she is famous on social media for many reasons. She is known for her peculiar fashion sense and sexy persona. She has carved an identity for herself in the modelling industry.

The 25-year-old model is admired by many for her feminist views. Yet, she has also been a target of criticism for refusing to shave her armpit hair.

And last but not least, she is popular for being the daughter of American pop icon, Madonna.

In a recent interview, Lourdes — who goes by the moniker Lola on Instagram — opened up about her complicated relationship with social media and revealed why she does not want to be an influencer.

Continue reading to find out.

Social Media, Lies, And Nonsense

Even though social media has become a great tool for many celebrities out there to build a loyal fanbase and make money at the same time, that's certainly not Lola's cup of tea.

In an interview with PAPER magazine, the model revealed that she doesn't want to be identified as a social media influencer as it's full of lies and nonsense.

"As long as I'm not known for anything horrible, I'm good … As long as I'm not known for being an influencer, I'm good. Anything else is fine."

She went on to say that she doesn't want to be an influencer because social media has turned into a "horrible thing and you're being fed lies and nonsense every day because it's all an algorithm."

The model maintained that she is against the notion because social media shows people what they want to see. And as a result, they become "more and more of a consumer."

Use It In A Funny Way

Even though Lourdes has been quite blunt about the downsides of social media, she said that she loves it "as a tool," adding that had it not turned into a horrible thing, it could have been something amazing.

Speaking to PAPER, the model said that social media could be beneficial if it is used for fun.

"But I think it could be used in such a funny way, which is how I use it."

The model went on to say that people take social media very seriously", especially when they come across online trolls.

"It's literally their life because it is a lot of people's lives," she said.

A Complicated Relationship

Explaining the reason behind her reservations about being a social media influencer, Lourdes said that the entire phenomenon is a joke to her.

The 25-year-old model added that unlike many celebrities out there, she shares a complicated relationship with social media because it makes her feel bad about herself.

"I have a complicated relationship with [social media] because a lot of times it makes me feel shi*ty about myself. If this algorithm has made it so I'm only seeing people that look a certain way or live a certain lifestyle, and then I'm going to compare myself to those people. That's not healthy for anyone," she told the PAPER.

She also expressed her concerns about the kind of effects social media has on children and added that since many people on different platforms are fake, it will harm kids' psyche.

Smashing The Patriarchy

Lourdes, who is known for her strong views on feminism and women's empowerment, told the publication that while social media has projected her in a hypersexualized way, she does not believe showing skin should be synonymous with being promiscuous or sexually unrestrained.

"Everybody has their f*cked up male views, even though they're not even male," she said.

"This ties back into the way I feel about social media. It seems to me that if you're coming onto social media, you need to follow a certain set of rules to make people like you, is what I realized.

She continued: " You have to follow these rules and be cute, be polite and be nice. Not do too much of this, not do too much of that. You can't talk sht to anyone because people will be so mad at you, even though they're talking sht to you in the first place, but you can't clap back. God forbid you clap back."

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Gemma Chan Uses Her Fame To Fight Anti-Asian Racism

Posted: 19 Dec 2021 09:03 PM PST

Gemma Chan is using her celebrity to fight anti-Asian hate. The 39-year-old British actress, who played Sersi in Eternals and Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel, isn't just a superhero on the silver screen but a champion in real life as well, as she takes up a cause that's very close to her heart.

Chan was born in London to Chinese parents, who she says have experienced racism in the form of verbal abuse. Now, she's teamed up with L'Oreal Paris for their Women of Worth campaign to spotlight the work of activist Michelle Tran against anti-Asian racism.

Soar Over Hate

Tran is a medical student in New York City and a cofounder of Soar Over Hate, an organization that aims to protect Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) from the surge of anti-Asian racism and violence. For her advocacy, she's being honored by L'Oreal Paris along with nine other women who have also taken up social causes and are doing philanthropic work in their communities. Tran says, "As a L'Oreal Paris Woman of Worth, I hope to demonstrate that love is more powerful than hate, and that healing can prevail even in the darkest of circumstances."

Empowering The Asian Community

The Crazy Rich Asians star said "it was amazing to speak to" Tran and she was impressed with her work, which hopes "to empower the next generation of AAPI leaders with a college scholarship fund and free therapy designed to promote healing from racial trauma." In an interview with Glamour, Chan also noted that Soar Over Hate was "founded in response to the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes that we saw earlier this year and provides grassroots support to the community, personal safety devices, and culturally specific counseling and support."

Asian Representation In The Industry

The Brit knows firsthand what it's like to be a minority in the industry, which is why Crazy Rich Asians was such an amazing experience for her and the Asian community in general. She said that "feeling represented, seeing people who looked like family members onscreen…was very emotional," and recalled how her parents cried when she took them to the film premiere. That is also why she is such a fan of other Asian actors like Lucy Liu and Sandra Oh.

Fangirling

Chan confided that she's been following Liu's career since her Ally McBeal days and that she had a close encounter with the Charlie's Angels star once at Comic Con in New York. "I just completely fangirled, went bright red and just blurted out that I loved her. And she looked at me like I was crazy." The Marvel star said she also admires Sandra Oh "for the stance that she takes and how vocal she is in terms of supporting the community."

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A Look At Hailey And Justin Bieber's Sweet Love Story

Posted: 19 Dec 2021 08:38 PM PST

There's no doubt that Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber have an exemplary love story.

They share the kind of sweet relationship that only exists in books and movies. So, it is natural that their fans and followers look up to the two stars as their ultimate source of inspiration.

Ever since they have tied the nuptial knot in 2018, they have started representing everyone's relationship goals.

Justin and Hailey met when they were kids and allowed their relationship to grow — albeit some ups and downs — to finally tie the knot in their early 20s.

Scroll down to know how it all started between the two love birds.

Good Friends

Long before they got engaged and married to each other, Hailey and Justin were best friends. As reported by J-14, Hailey's dad, Steve Baldwin, introduced the two teenagers backstage at the Today Show in 2009. They immediately hit it off and became friends.

Since Justin had a busy music career, the two teenagers were not seen together again on camera until 2011, when Hailey went to attend Justin's Never Say Never movie premiere with her dad. The three even posed for a photo on the red carpet.

However, the relationship was largely platonic, as Hailey even endorsed Justin's newfound relationship with Selena Gomez, calling it a "teenage dream."

Getting Closer

According to Elle, while Justin and Hailey had known each other 2009, they started getting close to each other in 2014 after Justin confirmed that he had parted ways with Selena Gomez.

During this period, Justin was hanging out a lot with Kendall Jenner, who turned out to be Justin and Hailey's mutual friend.

In this way, the two future lovebirds became part of the same social circle and started getting close to each other. That's when the dating rumors started spreading.

The Denial

In December 2014, both Justin and Hailey denied being romantically linked to each other and made it clear that they were just friends.

Justin even took to his official Instagram account and posted a monochromatic picture of the two sitting in a car to dispel the dating rumors.

"People are crazy. I'm super single and this is my good friend u would know otherwise," he had written.

Akin to that, in an interview with E! News, Hailey stressed that the two were nothing but buddies.

"I've known him since I was so young—since I was like 13—and we've just been good friends over the years. We have just stayed close and there's nothing more to it than that."

Close Again

Even though both Hailey and Justin denied being in a relationship, fans noticed that they were spotted hanging out with each other quite often.

On January 1, 2015, Justin posted an Instagram video of him celebrating New Year's eve, and Hailey was right next to him.

By the end of 2015, the two went on a vacation together with Justin's family. The Yummy singer posted a cute video of the two on Instagram which proved that they were more than just friends.

Making It Official

At the very beginning of January 2016, Justin confirmed that he was dating Hailey after he posted a picture of the two exchanging a passionate kiss.

But despite making netizens go gaga over their newly disclosed relationship, they continued to maintain that they weren't an exclusive couple.

In an interview with GQ, Justin revealed that Hailey was still just a "friend who kisses."

Meanwhile, Hailey told E! News: "Relationships at this age are already complicated, but I don't really like to talk about it because it's between me and him."

The Pause And The Reunion

Later that year, the couple decided to take a break and Justin unfollowed Hailey on Instagram. He even started dating model, Sophia Richie.

According to PEOPLE, however, the relationship could not last long and the couple decided to call it quits after six weeks of dating.

Per Elle, Justin was once again in an on-again-off-again relationship with Selena Gomez but they ended things in March 2018.

Two months later, Hailey announced that after two years of no contact, she and Justin had finally become friends again. During this time, Hailey was romantically linked to singer Shawn Mendes, according to J-14.

While she maintained that they were "just friends," she took the drastic step in June 2018 and deleted all posts related to Mendes from her Instagram account.

The very next month, Hailey and Justin were back together and could be spotted while packing on the PDA in New York. The same month, the lovebirds made it super official and got engaged.

Per Elle, The couple reportedly tied the knot in September but didn't announce it officially until November when Justin posted a picture of the two on Instagram and wrote: "My wife is awesome."

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Bob's Burgers' Jay Johnston Blacklisted Over Participation In Capitol Riots

Posted: 19 Dec 2021 03:15 PM PST

Former President Donald Trump's refusal to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election culminated on January 6, when a large group of his supporters stormed the United States Capitol building and vandalized it.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been tracking down those who participated in the riots with the help of the public, releasing images and videos and seeking information.

The person the FBI has dubbed as suspect number 247 is allegedly Jay Johnston, an actor and comedian whose credits include Arrested Development, Anchorman and, most famously, the animated sitcom Bob's Burgers.

Jay Johnston Blacklisted

According to a new report from The Daily Beast, Johnston is no longer allowed to voice Jimmy Pesto Sr., his character on Bob's Burgers.

Two individuals familiar with the matter told the publication that Fox and top staff at Bob's Burgers have decided to "ban" Johnston over his alleged participation in the Capitol riots.

Johnston has been absent from Bob's Burgers 12th season. He last appeared in the season 11 episode The Bridge Over Troubled Rudy.

In total, Johnston voided Pesto in 43 episodes of the critically-acclaimed show.

Capitol Riots Participation

Neither Fox nor Bob's Burgers staff have confirmed that Johnston participated in the riots and is indeed suspect number 247, and he has not yet been arrested or charged with a crime.

However, some people who know Johnston have come forward with information confirming he stormed the Capitol.

"I'm no detective, but I do know Jay. He said he was there. And that's him in the picture. So…" actress Cassandra Church tweeted in March.

Comedy writer Tim Heidecker, meanwhile, said he "fully confirmed through reliable sources" that Johnston is the man in the FBI photos.

Read More Below

As BuzzFeed reported, comedian Kathy Griffin also said in a May tweet that 53-year-old Johnston is the man in the photos.

"I know him. We all do. Folks from LA comedy scene, that is. That's Jay Johnston. He's a well known comedic actor," Griffin wrote at the time.

"I haven't seen him in many years, but knew him back in the day. Since the late 90s. Mutuals say he's 'on the lamb' now. I can't believe I'm writing these words," she added.

Trump Supporter

Other people who know Johnston say he is an ardent Trump supporter with ties to certain prominent far-right figures.

Actor Spencer Crittenden, who worked alongside Johnston on the show Harmontown, wrote in a since-deleted tweet that the Bob's Burgers star is "a craven Trump supporter and was there at the time," referring to the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

According to The Daily Beast, Johnston is an associate of Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and even appeared on his now-defunct show back in 2015.

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North Korea Bans Laughter As It Mourns Kim Jong-il's Death

Posted: 19 Dec 2021 01:12 PM PST

The totalitarian government of North Korea has banned its citizens from laughing for 11 days as the country commemorates the 10-year anniversary of the death of Kim Jong-il.

Kim Jong il, who is current North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's father and predecessor, died on December 17, 2011 of a suspected heart attack while travelling by train to an area outside the country's capital city Pyongyang.

The North Korean cult of personality surrounding its ruling family has existed for decades and does not appear to be waning,

Laughter, Alcohol Banned

A resident of the northeastern city of Sinuiju told Radio Free Asia's Korean Service that during this mourning period North Koreans "must not drink alcohol, laugh, or engage in leisure activities," according to The New York Post.

"In the past many people who were caught drinking or being intoxicated during the mourning period were arrested and treated as ideological criminals. They were taken away and never seen again," the person added, noting that even grocery shopping is banned on December 17.

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Radio Free Asia's source added that crying is not allowed either.

"Even if your family member dies during the mourning period, you are not allowed to cry out loud and the body must be taken out after it's over. People cannot even celebrate their own birthdays if they fall within the mourning period," they said.

North Korean official Choe Ryong Hael, meanwhile, described Kim Jong-il as "the parent of our people" who built up the countries military and economy, as well as its nuclear arsenal.

Memorial Service

To commemorate his father's death, Kim Jong-un held a memorial service in Pyongyang and a ceremony outside the Kumusan Palace of the Sun. The despot appeared slimmer than ever and was photographed wearing his famous leather trench coat.

Citizens bowed before giant statues of Kim Jong-il and his father Kim Il-sun and fell silent when sirens started blaring -- and they blared for three minutes straight. Cars, trains and ships blew their horns while all flags in the country were lowered to half-staff.

Kim Jong-un

As CNN reported, North Korea watchers believe Kim Jong-un was forced into retreat by the coronavirus pandemic and will reemerge soon.

Kim's government plans on further developing its military capabilities in the coming years, according to Ankit Panda, Stanton Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"The diversification we're seeing in North Korea is puzzling considering the constrained resources in the country. What we see is really more than 10, around 15, potential nuclear delivery systems under development. It's really remarkable," Panda said.

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