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Ratcliffe, one of Britain's most successful businessmen, responded to the outcry with a statement saying it was important to raise the issue of immigration, but that he regretted his "choice of language" had caused concern.

The founder of chemicals giant INEOS, and owner of nearly a third of Manchester United, had told Sky News that high migration and people living on benefits were damaging the economy.

"You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonized - it's costing too much money," Ratcliffe said in the interview aired on Wednesday.

"The UK has been colonized by immigrants, really, hasn't it?" he added.

Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch celebrates scoring his team's second goal in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield on Nov. 1. The victory ended a four-game losing streak in Premier League games for the defending champions.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri (right) and Burnley's Florentino Luis battle for possession of the ball at Turf Moor. Arsenal won the Nov. 1 match, 2-0, to stay six points above Manchester City atop the Premier League table.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Erling Haaland of Manchester City competes for a header whilst under pressure from Sepp van den Berg and Kristoffer Ajer of Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium on Oct. 5, 2025. Man City won the match, 1-0.

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Starmer said the remarks were wrong and would play into the hands of those who wanted to divide the country. Finance minister Rachel Reeves said the comments were "unacceptable" and "disgusting".

On Thursday, INEOS issued a statement from Ratcliffe in response to "reporting of his comments".

"I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth," he said.

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He said he wanted to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs to ensure long-term prosperity is shared by everyone, and that it was "critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK".

Starmer's spokesperson said it was right for him to apologize. Asked if an apology about offence caused rather than the comments themselves were enough, the spokesperson said questions on the detail of the apology were for Ratcliffe.

Manchester United fans furious

His comments were condemned by politicians, campaigners and by fan groups at Manchester United, including its Muslim Supporters Club who said the term "colonized" was frequently used by far-right activists to frame migrants as invaders.

"Public discourse shapes public behaviour," the group said. "When influential figures adopt language that mirrors extremist talking points, it risks legitimizing prejudice and deepening division."

Others noted that the Manchester United first team was largely made up of international players and staff, and questioned whether Ratcliffe should be commenting on British politics when he had moved to the tax haven Monaco.

Manchester United said it prided itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.

"Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home," the club said in a statement.

Before Ratcliffe's response, The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said Ratcliffe's comments were inflammatory and should be withdrawn.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jim Ratcliffe, Man U co-owner, says UK is 'colonized by immigrants'

A Brigham Young University star football player was arrested in connection with an alleged assault that happened last year in Utah, the Washington County Attorney's Office announced.

Parker Trent Kingston, 21, was charged with first-degree felony rape, anews releasestated on Wednesday. He is being held without bail in Washington County, in southwest Utah, and is scheduled to make his first appearance in court on Friday.

The county attorney's office said a 20-year-old woman reported to police at St. George's Regional Hospital that she was sexually assaulted on Feb. 23, 2025, according to the news release.

Attorney information was not listed for Kingston, and his family did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"The Washington County Attorney's Office takes allegations of sexual assault seriously," the news release states. "We thank the medical professionals and law enforcement officers who assisted with this investigation for their partnership and professionalism."

The woman told a forensic interviewer with the county attorney's office that she had met up with Kingston, but set clear boundaries with him and told him that she did not want to have sex, court documents state.

The woman said they watched a movie together at her home and engaged "in some sexual activity, however that did not include intercourse," the documents state. The woman said she left the room to get ready for bed and when she returned, Kingston "initiated sexual activity again" despite her telling him to stop and attempting to push him off of her, it says. The court filing alleges that Kingston raped the woman.

Kingston said in an interview that it was consensual, the document states. Investigators said that based on communications from his cell phone after the incident, "it can be inferred that he went to her apartment with the intention of having sexual intercourse," the filing states.

Kingston is a star wide receiver for Brigham Young University, NBC affiliateKSLof Salt Lake City reported.

A university spokesperson told NBC News that it learned of the incident on Wednesday.

"The university takes any allegation very seriously, and will cooperate with law enforcement. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment," the spokesperson said.

The team reportedly discovered a PVNS growth on Jackson's left knee after the trade, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.

A PVNS growth is a benign, but aggressive, tumor. It isn't capable of spreading, but can cause more damage the longer it remains in the body.

Jackson was in the midst of yet another strong season with the Memphis Grizzlies beforebeing traded to the Jazzprior to the deadline. Jackson is averaging 19.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He's even more valuable than those numbers, as Jackson is also considered a strong defender as a former Defensive Player of the Year winner.

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The Jazz's decision to trade for Jackson came as a surprise, considering the team's record. At 18-37, the Jazz are among the worst teams in the NBA. Utah had one major incentive for trying to get worse at the deadline, as itwould keep its 2026 first-round pickif the Jazz land in the top eight of the draft. The decision to trade for Jackson, who would help the team win more games, seemed at odds with Utah's strategy of trying to keep its 2026 pick. That's less of an issue now that Jackson will miss the rest of the season.

The convenient timing of Jackson's surgery could lead to some scrutiny from the NBA, whichfined the team $100,000last March for holding Lauri Markkanen out of a game. However, the fact that Jackson is reportedly dealing with a growth on his knee should clear the Jazz in this instance. That's not an issue Jackson should try to play through the rest of the way.

With Jackson down, the Jazz will now focus on how the team can improve ahead of next season. The Jackson trade potentially gives Utah plenty of size. Jackson, Markkanen and Walker Kessler — if he re-signs — would give the team a formidable trio in the frontcourt.

While that's a solid trio, expecting the Jazz to suddenly springboard back into contention could be a lot to ask. The Jazz have finished no higher than 12th in the Western Conference over the last three seasons. Following Jackson's injury, the team is once again in line to finish near the bottom in the West for the fourth straight year.

The Gist

• Curtis shared two new photos of the couple, including a PDA-packed black-and-white shot.

• Aniston and Curtis went Instagram official back in November when the actress celebrated Curtis's milestone 50th birthday.

Jennifer Anistonand her boyfriendJim Curtiswent Instagram official onhis50th birthday last November, so there was no question that Curtis would return the favor when Aniston rang in her 57th birthday on February 11.

And that he did in the form ofa sweet Instagram tributeshared on Wednesday, writing, "HBD MY ❤️" alongside two new photos of them. In one, the two laugh on a boat, and in another—a black-and-white shot—the two share a romantic kiss.

Curtis spoke about his relationship with Aniston recently onToday, telling host Craig Melvin on January 26 that they had been together for about a year and had been introduced by friends. "We found out that we had mutual friends, and we started to just chat," Curtis said.

"It took a long time," he added. "We chatted for a long time, and we became close."

Jim Curtis/Instagram

A source toldPeoplerecently that Aniston "feels really good about where things are with Jim," adding, "Jen's always been fine on her own and comfortable being single, but her relationship with Jim is just different. She's very happy and comfortable."

Adding that Curtis is "so sweet and supportive" of Aniston, the insider said, "He makes her everyday life better."

Curtis, a source told the outlet, is "very laid-back, but also focused and driven" and is someone who "does things in a very calm way."

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"He brings good energy, and this is something Jen loves," the insider said. "Jen can be very Type A and takes on a lot. He's very steady and grounded. He's not a stressed out, high-intensity guy, and that balance works well for her."

"There's no drama, no emotional games, or whiplash," the source continued. "In many ways, it's the most mature relationship she's ever been in."

Back in November, as Curtis celebrated his milestone 50th birthday, Aniston wrote in her own birthday tribute, "Happy birthday my love. Cherished❤️." Though Curtis pinpointed their relationship's beginnings as right around now one year ago, Aniston and Curtis first sparked rumors of a relationship over the summer, when they were spotted in Mallorca, Spain in July alongsideJason Bateman, his wife Amanda Anka, andAmy Schumer.

"She took her time getting to know him," a source toldPeople. "She already knew she liked so many things about him before it turned romantic. She was actually a bit hesitant, because she really appreciated him as a friend and wanted to keep him around. But life is short, and her friends encouraged her to date him."

"She feels so grateful to share her life with him," the insider said. "She's enjoying every moment. And at this stage, that's enough for her. She's happy with where things are. She isn't really making big plans for the future. She's not chasing anything. She's just incredibly happy, comfortable, and proud to be dating him. And they're truly adorable together."

Aniston herself called Curtis "extraordinary" in an interview withEllelast year, adding, "He's very special, very normal, and very kind, and wants to help people heal, move through their trauma and stagnation into clarity. It's a beautiful thing to commit your life to."

Read the original article onInStyle