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Sam Groth Faces Backlash Over Alleged Misuse of Taxpayer Funds After Australian Open

Victorian Liberal Deputy Leader under scrutiny for chauffeured ride from Melbourne to Mornington and lavish travel expenses during Adelaide trip

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Sam Groth at a public fundraiser earlier this year, now under fire for allegedly using taxpayer-funded resources for personal convenience ( Source: The Border mail )

Victorian politics is once again in the spotlight as Deputy Liberal Leader Sam Groth faces mounting scrutiny over allegations of misusing taxpayer-funded resources for personal benefit. The controversy erupted following reports that the former tennis star used a chauffeured car, allocated to fellow MP Georgie Crozier, to transport himself and his wife home from the 2024 Australian Open.

The vehicle, reportedly meant for official duties, was allegedly used for a personal journey spanning nearly 100 kilometers from Melbourne’s CBD to Rye, raising questions about the blurred lines between public service and private comfort. Making matters worse, Groth is also accused of misleading Crozier about the car’s use, claiming he needed it for a work-related event.

In response, the Nepean MP released a public statement strongly denying any wrongdoing. “I attended the Australian Open in both an official and personal capacity,” he said. “Everything was and is above board. There is nothing to hide.”

Groth dismissed claims that he was intoxicated during the event, stating his presence included meetings with stakeholders and participation in a Coalition fundraiser. He also emphasized the sacrifices of political life, saying, “This job keeps me away from my wife and twin boys. When I get a chance for my family to join me, I pay for it myself.”

Despite calls from within the party for accountability, Liberal leader Brad Battin has stood by his deputy. “I’m confident that Sam has followed the rules,” Battin said. “He has been working very hard engaging with the community and fulfilling his duties as Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport, Events and Hospitality.”

But this is not the only trip putting Groth under the microscope.

A recent parliamentary allowance report revealed taxpayer-funded expenses totaling over $1,400 for a February trip to Adelaide — including accommodation and flights. The timing coincided with a LIV Golf event and Valentine’s Day, prompting critics to question whether the trip was more personal getaway than political duty. While Groth posted on Instagram about his wife at the airport lounge, he later defended the trip, citing meetings with stakeholders and discussions about a jet ski exclusion zone at Glenelg.

However, expenses filed for Uber rides from the South Australian Parliament to Glenelg — on a Sunday when Parliament was not in session — have only fueled public suspicion. Groth has so far declined to answer direct questions about that journey, stating only, “I’ve fully disclosed everything I do in this job and continue to do so.”

The saga has intensified internal fractures within the Victorian Liberals. Some MPs are outraged at Groth and Battin for undermining party integrity, while others point fingers at Crozier, suggesting she should never have lent the car in the first place.

The timing is also critical. With legal troubles looming over former leader John Pesutto, the party’s image is already fragile. Pesutto faces bankruptcy proceedings over a $2.3 million defamation cost owed to fellow Liberal Moira Deeming — a financial storm that could further splinter party unity.

For now, Sam Groth remains defiant, insisting all his actions were within the rules. But with a furious electorate, internal dissent, and a watchdog media, the road ahead may be far more treacherous than the chauffeured ride that sparked this political firestorm.

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Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share romantic kiss at Paris Fashion Week days after celebrating first wedding anniversary

Singer Lana Del Rey and her husband Jeremy Dufrene turned heads with a rare PDA moment at the Valentino show in Paris, marking their first year of marriage in style.

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Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share kiss at Paris Fashion Week after first wedding anniversary
Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share a loving kiss at the Valentino show during Paris Fashion Week, just days after celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Love — and fashion — were both in the air for Lana Del Rey and Jeremy Dufrene at Paris Fashion Week.

The Grammy-nominated singer, 40, and her husband, a Louisiana swamp boat tour guide, shared a tender kiss while attending the Valentino show on October 5, just days after celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Photographs from the event captured the couple looking effortlessly elegant and deeply in love. Del Rey leaned close to Dufrene’s side, smiling as they exchanged a kiss that sent fans swooning across social media.

Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share kiss at Paris Fashion Week after first wedding anniversary


Lana’s ethereal look steals the show

The “Young and Beautiful” singer embraced her signature old-Hollywood aesthetic, donning a floor-length lavender gown trimmed with fur along the off-the-shoulder neckline. She accessorized the ensemble with bronze and black hairpieces, a beaded floral handbag, and white kitten heels that added a delicate finishing touch.

Her soft waves, subtle eyeliner, and glossy brown lip completed the look — a classic Lana blend of glamour and nostalgia.

Meanwhile, Dufrene, 35, opted for casual sophistication in a blue matching jacket-and-trouser set, an off-white T-shirt, and brown shoes. A black hat and sunglasses gave his outfit a modern, relaxed vibe that perfectly complemented his wife’s vintage charm.

The pair were also photographed holding hands and walking arm-in-arm into the venue, embodying the understated romance that has defined their relationship since they tied the knot.

Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share kiss at Paris Fashion Week after first wedding anniversary


Celebrating one year of marriage

The couple’s Paris appearance comes just days after their first anniversary on September 24. To mark the occasion, Del Rey shared a heartfelt Instagram post filled with memories from their 2024 wedding day in Des Allemandes, Louisiana.

The carousel of photos showed the couple sharing a kiss on an airboat, laughing with guests Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley, and cutting their two-tiered wedding cake against a bayou backdrop.

ALSO READ : Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share adorable throwback photos as Taylor Swift drops love-filled album

One image showed Del Rey in a lace dress, clutching a bouquet of wildflowers, while Dufrene wore a classic white suit. Fans adored the rustic-meets-romantic atmosphere of the ceremony, which took place in the same bayou where Dufrene operates his swamp boat tours.

“The wedding ceremony and reception were both held in the same bayou where Jeremy works,” a source told PEOPLE at the time. “It was intimate, natural, and perfectly them.”

A month before their anniversary, Del Rey also shared a sentimental keepsake from the big day — a white lace doily embroidered with “L & J” in red stitching, topped with a gold flower pin studded with diamonds.

From quiet romance to Paris spotlight

Del Rey and Dufrene first sparked romance rumors in August 2024 after being spotted together at a London café. Within weeks, their relationship blossomed into a whirlwind love story that culminated in their surprise Louisiana wedding that fall.

Since then, the couple has kept much of their private life out of the public eye, preferring quiet moments over constant spotlight. Their appearance at Paris Fashion Week marks one of their first public outings as a married couple — and fans couldn’t get enough.

Lana Del Rey and husband Jeremy Dufrene share kiss at Paris Fashion Week after first wedding anniversary

“Lana looks happier than ever,” one fan commented under Valentino’s event post. “This is the soft girl era she always deserved.”

New album on the horizon

Amid her romantic bliss, Del Rey is also gearing up for her 10th studio album, titled Stove, which is set to release in January 2026. The project, initially called Lasso and later The Right Person Will Stay, is said to explore themes of love, belonging, and self-discovery — a fitting reflection of the artist’s current chapter.

Industry insiders say the album may include lyrical nods to her life in Louisiana and her relationship with Dufrene, further blending her deeply personal storytelling with the Southern Americana influences she’s recently embraced.

As Del Rey continues to balance her artistry and her marriage, fans are celebrating not just her evolving sound but also her newfound happiness.

“Lana Del Rey is proof that love, art, and authenticity never go out of style,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

With her hand in her husband’s and a new album on the way, Lana Del Rey seems to be stepping confidently into her next era — one where her music, marriage, and timeless grace all shine in harmony.

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Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share adorable throwback photos as Taylor Swift drops love-filled album

NFL star Travis Kelce was showered with birthday tributes from his mom and the Kansas City Chiefs, while fiancée Taylor Swift celebrated him in her own way — through songs on her new album The Life of a Showgirl.

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Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share sweet tributes as Taylor Swift honors him in album
NFL star Travis Kelce celebrated his 36th birthday with heartwarming throwback tributes from his mom Donna Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs, while fiancée Taylor Swift honored him through songs on her album The Life of a Showgirl.

Travis Kelce just turned 36 — and his family, team, and fans made sure the milestone didn’t go unnoticed. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end received a flood of love on October 5, complete with childhood photos, nostalgic posts, and heartfelt messages from those closest to him.

His mom, Donna Kelce, led the celebration with a sweet Instagram Story featuring a throwback image of a baby Travis enjoying a playground swing, pushed by his older brother, Jason Kelce. Donna, 72, wrote over the post, “Happy Birthday, Travis!!! 🎉” — a fittingly sentimental nod to the NFL star’s journey from playful kid to football champion.

Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share sweet tributes as Taylor Swift honors him in album


Meanwhile, the Chiefs shared their own birthday tribute on Instagram — a photo slideshow titled “TK Through the Years.” The team’s post captured a lifetime of memories: from a young Travis in a Cleveland Browns jersey and sitting on Santa’s lap to his college football days at the University of Cincinnati and his triumphant Super Bowl moments in Kansas City red.

The caption read simply:

“36 years of @killatrav ❤️.”

Fans and teammates quickly flooded the comments with birthday wishes, calling Kelce “the heart of the Chiefs” and “everyone’s favorite tight end.”

Taylor Swift’s musical love letter

While Taylor Swift didn’t post a public message for her fiancé, she had already given him a far more lasting tribute — through her music.

Two days before Kelce’s birthday, on October 3, Swift released her highly anticipated 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, featuring several tracks that fans believe reference her relationship with the NFL superstar. Songs like “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Opalite,” “Honey,” and “Wi$h Li$t” are filled with romantic Easter eggs and playful nods that Swifties immediately linked to Kelce.

Their relationship has long fascinated fans since the early days of their romance. The couple began dating in 2023, shortly after Swift attended one of Kelce’s Chiefs games following his much-discussed attempt to give her a friendship bracelet during her Eras Tour.

Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share sweet tributes as Taylor Swift honors him in album


By August 2025, Kelce proposed — an intimate moment that Swift later described as “perfect” during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

“He really crushed it when it came to surprising me,” Swift said. “We filmed the podcast for about three or four hours, and meanwhile, behind his house, he was having the whole back garden turned into this beautiful space.”

Their engagement photos, shared in a joint Instagram post, showed a radiant Swift and an emotional Kelce down on one knee — a moment that instantly broke the internet.

Chiefs’ golden couple

As Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl continues to dominate charts and headlines, many of her lyrics celebrate the joy, strength, and humor she shares with Kelce. Fans have pointed out that her verses about “the man who makes the noise stop” and “gold rings and end zones” are direct references to the athlete.

Kelce, for his part, has been openly supportive of Swift’s artistry. He’s been spotted at her concerts, cheering from VIP boxes, and has called her “the most talented human I’ve ever met.”

Travis Kelce turns 36 Chiefs and mom Donna share sweet tributes as Taylor Swift honors him in album


Despite their global fame, the couple often share quiet moments away from the spotlight — attending low-key dinners in Kansas City, or cozying up during Swift’s breaks from touring.

Family and football first

For the Kelces, family remains at the center of every celebration. Travis’ brother Jason Kelce, who recently retired from the Philadelphia Eagles, has been vocal about how proud he is of his younger sibling’s success both on and off the field.

In past interviews, Jason joked that Travis has “the best of both worlds — touchdowns on Sundays and Taylor Swift on Mondays.”

As Travis enters his 36th year, the Chiefs star shows no signs of slowing down. Between his championship rings, engagement to one of the world’s biggest pop icons, and unwavering support from his family, the tight end’s story continues to be one for the books.

“He’s living his dream,” Donna Kelce said in a recent interview. “But what makes me happiest is that he’s still that same sweet kid from the swing set.”
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Reese Witherspoon delays engagement with Oliver Haarmann insiders say “she’s still healing from past heartbreaks”

Actress Reese Witherspoon is reportedly taking things slow with boyfriend Oliver Haarmann, choosing to focus on emotional healing and motherhood before walking down the aisle again.

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Reese Witherspoon delays engagement with Oliver Haarmann amid past divorces
Reese Witherspoon is reportedly in no rush to marry financier Oliver Haarmann, choosing to prioritize her healing and family after two previous divorces.

Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon isn’t rushing into another marriage — and according to insiders, it’s for good reason. The 49-year-old actress, producer, and entrepreneur is reportedly taking a cautious approach to her relationship with German financier Oliver Haarmann, as she continues to process the emotional impact of her two previous divorces.

A source close to the “Legally Blonde” star told RadarOnline.com that while Witherspoon and Haarmann share strong chemistry and a happy, steady bond, the actress “isn’t in any kind of hurry to get married again.”

Reese Witherspoon delays engagement with Oliver Haarmann amid past divorces

“Reese and Oliver still have to prove to each other that their physical chemistry — which is definitely there — can stand the test of time,” the insider revealed. “She’s happy, but after two divorces, she’s being very careful this time.”

Reese Witherspoon’s past divorces still weigh heavy

Witherspoon’s romantic history has long been under public scrutiny. She was first married to Ryan Phillippe, her Cruel Intentions co-star, in 1999. The couple shared two children — Ava and Deacon — before divorcing in 2007.

Years later, the Oscar-winning actress tied the knot with Jim Toth, a talent agent, in 2011. Their marriage lasted over a decade, and the pair share a son, Tennessee, born in 2012. However, in 2023, Witherspoon announced her split from Toth, calling it a “difficult but amicable” decision.

Now, after years of personal growth, the actress is choosing self-protection over haste.

Reese Witherspoon delays engagement with Oliver Haarmann amid past divorces

“She’s still healing emotionally,” the source added. “Reese doesn’t want to repeat past mistakes. She’s being very deliberate about what commitment looks like at this stage of her life.”

Balancing love, business, and motherhood

Friends say that Witherspoon’s focus right now isn’t just on romance — it’s on stability. Between running her media company Hello Sunshine and raising her three children, she’s learned to balance her personal life with her professional ambitions.

“Being a mom is way more important to her than whatever is going on in her love life,” the insider shared. “She’s made peace with where she is. Marriage isn’t her priority right now — happiness and family are.”

Witherspoon’s relationship with Haarmann — who was previously married to philanthropist Mala Gaonkar and shares two children with her — reportedly began in 2024. The couple was spotted showing light PDA earlier this year, signaling a comfortable and genuine connection.

They’ve since been photographed on romantic getaways and low-key outings, often appearing relaxed and affectionate. Despite their jet-setting lifestyle, both are said to value privacy and personal space.

Financial realities behind the romance

According to reports, Witherspoon and Haarmann’s combined net worth — estimated at hundreds of millions — adds another layer of complexity to their relationship.

Reese Witherspoon delays engagement with Oliver Haarmann amid past divorces

“With their respective fortunes, getting married would come with a whole host of very un-romantic business considerations,” the source told RadarOnline.com.

That pragmatic awareness, combined with her desire to protect herself emotionally, has led the actress to hit pause on any immediate engagement plans.

A new chapter — on her terms

Witherspoon’s friends say she’s embracing this slower, more grounded chapter of her life. After decades in the spotlight and two high-profile divorces, the Morning Show star seems determined to define love on her own terms.

“Reese has learned that she doesn’t need a ring to feel secure,” said another insider. “She’s happy, she’s thriving, and she’s finally at peace. If marriage happens again, it’ll be when she’s truly ready.”

For now, Reese Witherspoon appears content focusing on family, friendship, and fulfillment — proving that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones that unfold without a timeline.

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