- So over the last two days
I've gotten a lot of messages of,
"Phil are you concerned that in seven days,
your show's gonna be a lot more boring once Trump's gone?"
And I'm like, I wish it was gonna be more boring.
This isn't bad guy loses at the end of the movie.
This is bad guy loses at the end of the movie,
and then after the credits,
like a hand jumps out of the water
and you're like, oh my God, they're setting up a sequel.
Like, I get that I'm in the news business,
but that's like asking someone,
"Are you concerned that you're not gonna have
a daily sense of dread?"
But, main point, welcome back to the Philip DeFranco Show.
It is January 13th, 2021.
And let's just jump into the news of the day,
so you can get back to yours.
And the first story today,
I just wanna go on the record that this?
This is not a style choice that I was excited about.
I've seen the memes on Twitter,
very funny, genuinely funny.
I want you to know you cannot dissuade me out of this
or bully me out of this,
'cause I hate myself right now.
I can't get a haircut right now,
and this is the least worst of the options.
Just trust me with this.
But with that settled, let's jump to actual news.
Starting with internet/celebrity news.
And first up here, you have Belle Delphine in the news.
Of course, massive internet personality, huge on OnlyFans.
So Belle Delphine, over the past 24 hours
has been in the news because she is facing massive backlash
for posting graphic, sexual photos
of her being tied up and role-playing
being kidnapped on Twitter.
So, before we dive into this further,
I'll say the photos and the content in this story
involve depictions and discussions of rape.
So, if seeing that would be harmful to you,
I would definitely skip ahead.
Story goes, the caption for this post says,
"My perfect first date,"
and then the pictures show her in the back of a car,
many saying she looks like she's dressed like a child.
She's tied up, her mouth is covered in one of the pictures,
a man who appears to be her kidnapper
is having sex with her.
And she immediately faced backlash online for many reasons,
some saying that she was fetishizing and glorifying rape.
Others saying that she glorified pedophelia.
And while you did have, yes,
people defending her,
saying that she was just posting content
involving a power play kink,
others said that it was still not okay
to post this kind of content
without some kind of trigger warning or gating,
especially because seeing that can be very harmful
for people who have had that trauma.
And while that conversation and debate continued online,
ultimately it led this morning
to Belle addressing the backlash in a tweet saying,
I'm not sorry, here's why.
And then this long post,
which I'm gonna have to paraphrase
because I think otherwise YouTube would suppress this video,
which still may happen,
she says that there's nothing wrong
with situations like this, as long as it's consensual.
Going on to say that because this is consensual
and no one's getting hurt,
it's the same as the argument that violence
in video games promotes violence.
Thinks she made it very clear in the caption of the photo
as well as any writing that this was consensual,
and all this other stuff.
And it's people putting it onto the photos.
Also going on to say that it was insane to her
that people found she was dressed like a child.
Instead, calling the outfit vintage,
noting other people dress like this all the time,
and adding, "if it's about how I genetically look,
I can't change that and I will not apologize for it either."
Also going on to Site Study
is claiming that between 31 to 61% of women
have some sort of power play fantasy.
I think on the note that just because someone
has the fantasy of something
doesn't mean they actually want that in real life.
Finally, when it comes to the people that were upset
she didn't have some sort of trigger warning.
She essentially said, this is kind of all my content,
do not follow me if you require warnings before posts.
Essentially the same idea that for a show like mine,
which this is not what I do 100% of the time,
it makes sense to have some sort of trigger warning
while if it's all I talked about it might make less sense.
I know with this story specifically,
I really would love to know your thoughts.
Where do you land?
Why? Let me know in those comments down below.
Then in other creator entertainment news,
though non-controversial still interesting.
We saw that Valkyrie has edged out Pokimane
as the top female streamer of 2020.
Because what is the point of having women in entertainment
if we can't pick them against one another?
He said as a joke, calmed down
I'm trying not to get canceled until mid 2021.
But no, according to a new report from Stream Hatchet,
she was watched for 23.6 million hours in 2020
with Pokimane trailing just behind in 23.3.
While we saw a number of creators
who moved from Twitch to YouTube growing in 2020,
Valkyrae was on a different level
with a growth rate of 7300% hours watch.
Also interestingly with this,
well the report noted that the gap
between male and female streamers is continuing to close,
it is still big,
because while she was the biggest female streamer of 2020,
overall she was actually 63rd.
Also before some people and you know some of these people
take that as some sort of attack.
I'm just saying that is a thing.
You're taking it as some sort of commentary
or think it is a call to action.
I would recommend maybe looking inward,
but also with this
and maybe it actually does touch
on that situation in general,
Valkyrae was in the news for other reasons
because she tweeted this morning
that she actually had to take her Twitter private
because she's reportedly been getting harassed by a stalker.
Where they're explaining he's made
hundreds of accounts for months.
Would love if Twitter had blocking options
where the user can't interact with an account
that is blocked another account
from the same device or something.
The final bit of greater news is actually around PewDiePie.
One of the biggest creators on the platform
has over 108 million subscribers here on YouTube.
And he is going to Facebook,
though if you're a fan, do not freak out.
He is still here on YouTube,
the videos will still premiere here first.
Then as Forbes notes Jellysmack
the company that organized this deal,
we'll select the right video for a Facebook audience
and optimize them for the Facebook platform.
And that in generally that means somewhat shorter.
People watch longer videos on YouTube.
The co-founder of Jellysmack explaining why he thinks
that this move will be successful on TechFirst
which is a podcast by Forbes writer, John Koetsier.
- There is only 19% overlap between YouTube
and Facebook watch in terms of...
- You said 19?
- 19, one, nine yeah, sorry. - Yes.
- So when you think about it,
you know a lot of people on Facebook
don't know QD vice content. - Yes.
- And that's what we're gonna do.
It's basically trying to add more people to his audiences.
- And I'm also noting that right now
creators can actually make more money
on Facebook than YouTube.
So overall it looks like it could be a huge deal
for PewDiePie, as well as Jellysmack
and for Facebook which has been investing
more and more money into gaming content.
It kind of just makes sense.
Then we talked about how this week,
we've been talking about social media companies
cracking down on Donald Trump,
but you may have noticed that YouTube
was not a big part of that conversation.
But yesterday we ended up seeing that change,
with YouTube saying that it removed
a new video on president Trump's channel
for violating the platform's policies
against inciting violence.
And with that YouTube issued him his first striking,
that Trump has now been banned from uploading new videos
for at least seven days,
though according to YouTube, that ban could be extended.
And on top of that, YouTube has also suspended comments
on all videos on Trump's channels
citing the risk of violence.
And then we should talk about the news
that a group of Uber and Lyft drivers
have filed a lawsuit with California Supreme court
asking for them to overturn the state's controversial
Prop. 22 ballot measures.
For those who don't remember,
Prop. 22 which was approved by 59%
of California state voters in the 2020 election,
exempts app-based transportation and delivery companies
from having to classify their drivers as employees.
But instead those drivers
are listed as independent contractors,
right there they're gig workers.
And notably Prop. 22 was supported by major industry players
like DoorDash, Uber, Lyft, and Instacart
which launched a massive $200 million lobbying
and advertising campaign.
Well, those companies did promise drivers
things like wage guarantees and health insurance stipend,
Prop. 22 also eliminated a number of protections
and benefits that drivers would have seen
under an employee's status,
including sick pay and workers' comp.
And because of that, you had opponents arguing
that the measure incentivizes companies
and laying off their employees
in favor of cheaper labor options.
And in fact, last week we saw that play out
when grocery stores like Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions
began laying off the delivery workers
in favor of switching to third party logistics providers.
So now with this lawsuit, we've seen the drivers behind it
arguing that Prop. 22 violates California's constitution
by stripping the state's legislature
of its ability to empower workers to organize.
Also arguing that it illegally excludes them
from the state's workers' comp program
with one driver saying, everyday rideshare drivers
like me struggle to make ends meet
because companies like Uber and Lyft
prioritize corporate profits over our wellbeing.
But also it is not a universal issue.
On the other side of this,
you had an Uber driver and Prop. 22 activist Jim Piatt
saying, voters across the political spectrum
spoke loud and clear passing Prop. 22 and in landslides.
Meritless lawsuits that seek
to undermine the clear democratic will of the people
do not stand up to scrutiny in the courts.
Now that said, we have seen California
ballot measures occasionally in the past getting repealed,
however that is also usually only occurred
with additional ballot measures.
And so if this lawsuit fails,
such an initiative would likely be the last option
for overturning Prop 22.
Then in news I'm literally just sharing
because hopefully it saves maybe even one dog.
The FDA has expanded a recall
of Sportsmix dry pet food products.
And that is because the agency has said,
that the product may contain
potentially fatal levels of aflatoxins,
which are toxins produced by a certain kind of mold
which can grow on corn and other grains uses ingredients
in the pet food.
And with this, unfortunately as of Monday
more than 70 pets have reportedly died
and more than 80 have gotten sick
after eating Sportsmix pet food,
though all cases have not been officially
confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning.
I will include more detailed information down below
but your pet might be experiencing this poisoning,
if their symptoms include sluggishness,
loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, or diarrhea.
And also, even if they're not showing these symptoms
you should take them to a vet because this toxicity
can actually cause long-term liver issues
without showing any symptoms.
And the main point of that story is,
I think statistically, I at least saved one dog,
which means I'm a hero, worship me, thank you.
But from that, let's pay some bills
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Then in international news, let's talk about India
where we saw the Supreme court
there putting three controversial farming laws on hold
after months of massive nationwide protests
by over 100,000 farmers.
But also despite what looks like a victory
many farmers are still protesting across the nation
in slowing down the cities like new Delhi,
claiming that this decision is made trick
to ease the pressure off the government.
As far as the laws, in question
it would allow Indian farmers to sell their crops
to any buyer at any price.
And they could already sell crops to nearly any buyer.
There were regulations in place
to guarantee minimum prices on many crops.
Those minimum prices were a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it allowed farmers enough consistency
to competently schedule their planting cycles.
But on the other hand, if the market was saturated
with a given crop, they could lose out on potential sales
by not being able to lower their price.
And so despite any potential drawbacks
farmers have overwhelmingly supported price guarantees
and I've actually been demanding for years
that they just be increased.
So the most appearing with the new loans
would allow large corporations
to exploit agricultural workers
and drive down prices so low
that small time farmers could not compete.
Court has asked the government and farmers
to return to the negotiating table
mediated by a Supreme court committee
but neither particularly wants too.
Also this is gonna be a thing that's important to watch
because it actually has massive consequences.
It is possible that what happens here
what decisions are made, what is the end result?
It could have electoral ramifications
because agriculture is the primary livelihood
for 58% of Indians.
Essentially, we're talking about an issue
that affects the largest voting block in the nation.
Then other international news specifically
if you're outside of the United States
and you're gonna come here,
yesterday we saw the CDC announcing that starting January 26
anyone flying into the United States
will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 tests.
Initially that the rules were not only apply to foreigners
but US citizens as well
and were put into place to prevent the spread
of any restraints of the coronavirus.
Though regarding that health experts,
have also noted that at least one of the strains from the UK
is likely already in the state.
And as far as why the two week delay
in implementing this policy,
is because the coronavirus has taken a two week break,
not true, reportedly this is to allow airlines
and passengers the time to get their systems in place
and required tests for travel.
Should also mention today
there is massive news coming out of Italy
where a trial has started
with reportedly more than 320 defendants
who were part of or associated with
the 'ndrangheta crime syndicate.
In fact, in addition to the 300 defendants going to trial,
90 others have elected for a fast-track trial
somewhere else in Calabria,
the home territory of the syndicate.
You know, this is a massive affair,
technically it is not the largest mob
related trial ever in Italy
that actually happened back in the eighties.
But reportedly this trial is so high profile
and potentially dangerous,
the government built a bunker for the event.
As far as the charges against the defendants
that includes extortion, drugs and arms trafficking
money laundering and mafia association,
which is a term used in Italy's penal code
for members of organized crime.
But the investigator is also hoping
that in addition to convictions
the trial will show how entrenched
organized crime is in the territory.
There is this belief that they're heavily involved
with local politicians and businessmen.
But ultimately this trial is seen as a major blow
for the group, especially because in the past
they were particularly known as a tight-knit group.
As a small core family
that's made up the syndicates leadership.
However investigators and prosecutors
have managed to turn some members of those families
and have used them as informant.
While if successful it is being said,
this could be a massive blow to organized crime in Italy.
There's also a potential impact around the world
in places like Europe, Australia, and the Americas.
And then we should definitely talk about
and it's kind of more of a congratulations.
Congratulations to Donald Trump
for becoming the first president to be impeached twice.
Well the house voting today,
232 to 197 to impeach president Trump
for incitement of insurrection.
Though this time around with this impeachment
there was a difference,
because it was not split purely on party lines.
In fact, 10 Republicans voted to impeach Trump.
With one of the most notable votes
for impeachment coming from Liz Cheney.
I mean, she's on GOP leadership,
she's the number three house Republican,
which we knew was coming,
last night she said, "there's never been a greater betrayal
by a president of the United States
of his office and his oath to the constitution."
But main thing with this is now
all eyes turned to the Senate.
But understand as of right now
no Republican senators have publicly said,
that they support removing Trump.
One of the closest things we have to that,
is yesterday the New York times reported
that sources close to Mitch McConnell said,
the Senate leader quotes, has told associates
that he believes president Trump
committed impeachable offenses
and that he is pleased that Democrats
are moving to impeach him,
believing that it will make it easier
to purge him from the party.
Sources also reportedly telling Axios,
that there's a better than 50-50 chance
that McConnell would vote to convict Trump.
But do that point, we did see McConnell responding
to these reports today saying,
while the press has been full of speculation,
I have not made it final decision on how I will vote
and I intend to listen to the legal arguments
when they are presented to the Senate.
And as for if other Republicans would follow suit
a top Republican close to McConnell
also told Axios the Senate institutional loyalists
are fermenting a counter-revolution to Trump
and reportedly McConnell's advisors have also said,
that he is privately speculated
that a dozen Republican senators and possibly more,
could ultimately vote to convict.
Notably there as far as how many Republicans
would need to vote to convict,
right now it's most likely 17 Republicans.
And as far as potential timeline here
the Senate is currently in recess
and not set to reconvene until the 19th,
the day before the inauguration.
In fact, just this morning
we saw McConnell team saying,
that he rejects minority leader Chuck Schumer,
call to join him in invoking their joint emergency powers,
to ask the members back before then.
But ultimately for now, we'll have to wait and see,
and I mean, as far as my opinion here
I think if you had a private secret vote,
a 1000% percent Trump will get convicted.
But many of these politicians who are putting their job
and party over country, they're scared.
Though what's kind of interesting
is the people that would actually benefit the most
of Trump being impeached and then convicted
are his loyalists.
The people that stood by and enabled, supported, defended
Trump's attacks on democracy.
Because then you get into a 2024,
where Trump wouldn't be able to run most likely.
Who's gonna be there to scoop up all those supporters,
maybe time will tell.
Also, we've talked about how in response
to the attack last Wednesday
security measures have been ramped up
in the house of representatives.
This morning you might've seen them
circulating on social media,
photos of national guard members sleeping in the Capitol.
Which notably marks the first time
that it's been used as a barracks since the civil war.
We also saw metal detectors
having been installed outside the chamber
and members are now required to walk through them.
while that may seem like a simple security measure,
that's something that you'd see happen at a high school
that maybe something bad happened to us.
Security measure meant to protect the nation's
top leaders has been condemned by several Republicans.
Last night several GOP representatives protested loudly
as they were asked to go through the detectors
reportedly yelling at Capitol police, Democratic members
and reporters who were present.
According to reports newly elected representative,
Lauren Boebert who in no way is a new member of Congress,
who seemed to be actively tweeting Nancy Pelosi's location
during an insurrection.
I mean, if that was true, that would be crazy.
That person, maybe you should be arrested.
She reportedly set off a metal detector with her bag
and then refused to let Capitol police inspect it.
And that is notable because in addition
to all the other stuff, Boebert is the same representative
who caused a major controversy
immediately after she was sworn in,
when she publicly announced to the world
that she would carry her gun around in the Capitol complex.
You know it's gonna be interesting
to see what happens with Boebert,
because like I said,
she's only been in Congress for what, less than two weeks
but she's already facing calls to resign.
This in part because like I said,
she tweeted out their location,
so several lawmakers including her Republican colleagues
have said that she endangered their lives.
Others noting, they were specifically asked
and told not to tweet out anything about their location.
Others also arguing that she was calling
for armed revolution when she tweeted today is 1776.
Instead we've seen Boebert reject the calls to resign
in a statement where she blamed Democrats
and Hollywood celebrities,
who she said incited the mob violence in the past.
You know many questions about the security concerns
of the nation's leaders have been raised in days
since the insurrection.
You know an hour long Instagram live
that attracted more than 100,000 viewers,
we saw Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,
describing some of her experience on January 6th.
One of the most notable remarks that she made,
was that she was concerned that her Republican colleagues
would lead the riders to her locations.
Saying that lawmakers were told
to go to a protected extraction point
but that she didn't feel safe doing so.
- Because they were queuing on
and white supremacist sympathizers
and frankly white supremacist members of Congress.
In that extraction point who I know
and who I had felt would disclose my location
and allow me to,
would create opportunities to allow me
to be hurt, kidnapped, et cetera.
- Very notably during that live stream, AOC also said.
- I had a pretty traumatizing event happened to me.
And I do not know if I can even disclose
the full details of that event due to security concerns.
But I can tell you that I had a very close encounter
where I thought I was going to die.
- Obviously a very scary situation,
especially when you have to try to imagine what it is,
it's like for a number of these representatives.
Not only do you have to kind of worry about the outside
but the enemy seems within now as well potentially.
But for now we have to wait see what else we learn,
watch for continued fallout of the arrests
and other responses.
And of course, whether it be around this
or anything else today,
I would love to know your thoughts
in those comments down below.
That is where I'm going to end today's show.
Quick note for the about 25,000 of you
that signed up to the secret, not so secret thing
make sure you check your spam folder and your email today.
Just want to make sure that everything's getting through.
As of right now, I'm aiming to send you one thing a day,
so just be on the lookout.
Everyone else do not worry
I will open it up in the near future,
but with that said, thanks for watching,
thanks for maybe hitting us with a like, or sharing,
it helps spread some common sense.
And this has been news that matters for people that care.
I'll see you tomorrow.