Elon Musk’s electric carmaker Tesla has warned it and other US exporters could be harmed by countries retaliating to Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.

Mr Musk is a close ally of the US president and is leading efforts to reduce the size of the federal government.

But in an unsigned letter addressed to the US trade representative, Tesla said while it “supports” fair trade it was concerned US exporters were “exposed to disproportionate impacts” if other countries retaliated to tariffs.

The letter was dated the same day that Trump hosted an event at the White House where he promised to buy a Tesla in a show of support for Mr Musk.

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Tesla’s share price has dropped 40% since the start of the year. Mr Musk is the carmaker’s chief executive and while some have argued his alignment with the Trump administration is hurting its brand, market analysts say the share fall is more about worries over Tesla meeting production targets and a drop in sales over the past year.

In the letter, Tesla said it was making changes to its supply chains to find as many local suppliers for its cars and batteries so it was less reliant on foreign markets.

“None the less,” it warned, “even with aggressive localisation of the supply chain, certain parts and components are difficult or impossible to source within the US.”

The US president has imposed an additional 20% tariff on all imports from China, prompting Beijing to respond with retaliatory levies including on cars. China is Tesla’s second biggest market after the US.

“For example, past trade actions by the United States have resulted in immediate reactions by the targeted countries, including increased tariffs on EVs imported into those countries,” the letter reads.

The EU and Canada have both threatened sweeping retaliations for tariffs on steel and aluminium imports into the US, which went into effect earlier this week.

Demonstrators have targeted Tesla showrooms in recent weeks in protest against Mr Musk’s cost-cutting role in Trump’s administration, where he is head of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).

Earlier this week, Trump hosted an event at the White House where he said people protesting against Tesla should be labelled domestic terrorists, while sitting in the driver’s seat of a brand new red Tesla that he said he planned to buy.

Trump said demonstrators were “harming a great American company”, and anyone using violence against the electric carmaker would “go through hell”.

The expected next leader of the federal Medicare agency recently reposted a social-media photo of himself standing next to his future boss, the secretary of Health and Human Services. Mehmet Oz, 64 years old, was shirtless in swim trunks, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cradled a small lizard. British provocateur Russell Brand lounged on Kennedy’s other side.

The celebrity physician known as Dr. Oz, who is scheduled to face a Senate hearing Friday on his bid to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, would bring a different look to a job usually filled by low-key policy wonks.

If confirmed by the Senate as expected, the former television host will take over one of the most politically and financially sensitive agencies in the federal government at a time when it is facing unprecedented challenges, including pressure from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to cut costs.

Oz would be able to deploy a likeable persona honed during his years before the camera, as well as a warm relationship with Kennedy, with whom he shares a focus on healthy eating and preventive care. He’s been a skilled surgeon and wealthy businessman. But he has also generated controversy over products highlighted on his show, and he has little background in the nuts-and-bolts of health policy or the federal government, including CMS, which oversees $1.5 trillion in annual spending and the coverage of millions.

Some “150 million Americans will know who he is, and previous administrators, probably no Americans knew who they were,” said Tom Scully, himself a former CMS administrator under President George W. Bush. That means Oz’s policy goals will get attention, Scully said, but he may be a more tempting target for opponents.

Oz has thrown himself into preparing for the role. He has sought out former federal health officials of both parties, as well as industry leaders across major healthcare sectors. People who have met with him say he asks many questions and has patiently sat through detailed tutorials about the bureaucracy he will likely lead.

He has given few concrete indications about his plans. Oz has been a strong supporter of private insurers’ role in Medicare under the program known as Medicare Advantage, at one point writing that uninsured Americans should be covered by such plans. Yet people who have met with him in recent months said he has expressed concern about the fiscal sustainability of federal health entitlements. He has suggested that Medicare Advantage insurers might be overpaid, based on a setup that rewards them for recording patients’ diagnoses, even if those conditions aren’t treated.

Mehmet Oz has been tapped to take over one of the most politically and financially sensitive agencies in the federal government.© Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The expected next leader of the federal Medicare agency recently reposted a social-media photo of himself standing next to his future boss, the secretary of Health and Human Services. Mehmet Oz, 64 years old, was shirtless in swim trunks, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cradled a small lizard. British provocateur Russell Brand lounged on Kennedy’s other side.

The celebrity physician known as Dr. Oz, who is scheduled to face a Senate hearing Friday on his bid to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, would bring a different look to a job usually filled by low-key policy wonks.

If confirmed by the Senate as expected, the former television host will take over one of the most politically and financially sensitive agencies in the federal government at a time when it is facing unprecedented challenges, including pressure from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to cut costs.

Oz would be able to deploy a likeable persona honed during his years before the camera, as well as a warm relationship with Kennedy, with whom he shares a focus on healthy eating and preventive care. He’s been a skilled surgeon and wealthy businessman. But he has also generated controversy over products highlighted on his show, and he has little background in the nuts-and-bolts of health policy or the federal government, including CMS, which oversees $1.5 trillion in annual spending and the coverage of millions.

Some “150 million Americans will know who he is, and previous administrators, probably no Americans knew who they were,” said Tom Scully, himself a former CMS administrator under President George W. Bush. That means Oz’s policy goals will get attention, Scully said, but he may be a more tempting target for opponents.

Oz has thrown himself into preparing for the role. He has sought out former federal health officials of both parties, as well as industry leaders across major healthcare sectors. People who have met with him say he asks many questions and has patiently sat through detailed tutorials about the bureaucracy he will likely lead.

He has given few concrete indications about his plans. Oz has been a strong supporter of private insurers’ role in Medicare under the program known as Medicare Advantage, at one point writing that uninsured Americans should be covered by such plans. Yet people who have met with him in recent months said he has expressed concern about the fiscal sustainability of federal health entitlements. He has suggested that Medicare Advantage insurers might be overpaid, based on a setup that rewards them for recording patients’ diagnoses, even if those conditions aren’t treated.

President Donald Trump recently expanded exemptions on tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico. The temporary relief has sparked cautious optimism among businesses, but trade tensions have continued to create uncertainty. The trade tensions have rattled markets, with the S&P 500 index recently dropping. Economists warned that tariffs could raise consumer prices in the U.S. and harm the economies of all three nations.

Trump stated, “I’m not even looking at the market, because long term, the United States will be very strong with what’s happening.”

Trump threatened to escalate tariffs on European Union (EU) goods following the implementation of 25% duties on U.S. steel and aluminum imports. The EU recently announced $28 billion in tariffs targeting U.S. goods.

Canada has also implemented $20.6 billion in tariffs on U.S. products, while Mexico has suspended its planned tariffs. Other countries like the U.K., China, India, Brazil, and South Korea are preparing for potential countermeasures.

Trump stated that if the EU enacts counter tariffs on U.S. products, the U.S. will impose additional penalties in retaliation. Canada’s Finance Minister announced that Canada would respond with 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other goods worth $20 billion.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum thanked Trump for the exemptions, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hinted at the likelihood of a prolonged trade war.

Trudeau stated, “Our goal remains to get these tariffs, all tariffs removed.”

The exemptions apply to goods under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), including televisions, air conditioners, avocados, and beef. Tariffs on potash, a key fertilizer ingredient, were also reduced from 25% to 10%.

50% of imports from Mexico and 62% from Canada may still face tariffs, according to a White House official.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the tariff pause, claiming it “means nothing.” Ford said, “Honestly, it really bothers me. We have to do this, but I don’t want to do this.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has dismissed Canadian retaliation as counterproductive. Bessent said, “If you want to be a numbskull like Justin Trudeau and say, ‘Oh we’re going to do this,’ then tariffs are probably going to go up.”

January imports surged due to tariff fears, driving the U.S. trade deficit up 34% to over $130 billion, according to the Commerce Department.

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

Gene Hackman’s dogs showcased a final act of love after their owners were found dead at their home.

The actor, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, died a week apart, after their bodies were found in their Santa Fe property on 26 February.

Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on 11 February, while Hackman passed away on 18 February from ‘hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor’.

Their dog, Zinna, also died as the couple’s two living dogs Bear and Nikita were running and barking when the Santa Fe Fire Department arrived at the scene days later.

Fire Chief Brian Moya told USA Today that Bear and Nikita sadly took them to the bodies of their deceased owners.

“They realised (the dog) was trying to say, ‘Hey, come over here! Come over here!’” Moya explained.

The first responders then followed one of the dogs to a mudroom where Hackman’s body was found.

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead, along with one of their dogs, in their Santa Fe property on 26 February (Facebook)

Once the backdoor was open, the dogs then went in and out of the home after Arakawa was located in the bathroom, near the front door.

Dr Heather Jarrell, a chief medical examiner for New Mexico, previously said at a press conference in Santa Fe that ‘Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He was in a very poor state of health’.

It’s thought that the actor would have been at home for seven days without knowing his wife had died.

“He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his in his death,” she added.

“Mr Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on 17 February, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on 18 February, which was the last record of heart activity.

The pair had been married since 1991 (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

“Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr Hackman probably died around 18 February.

“Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away first with 11 February being the last time that she was known to be alive.

“Lastly, clinically, hantavirus infection is characterised by flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, muscle aches, cough, and sometimes vomiting that can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or heart failure and lung failure.”

Santa Fe County Adan Mendoza said Arakawa picked up Zinna from the veterinary hospital on 9 February.

CCTV footage showed the classical pianist in her car at around 4.54pm on 11 February.

AJ and his team aren’t giving up hope of the mammoth melee coming to fruition but are willing to move on should Fury remain retired.

And WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has revealed the Watford warrior is in contention to fight Agit Kabayel for the interim heavyweight title.

He told Sky Sports: “We will [support an undisputed heavyweight title fight] and we will assess what is happening, what is the best scenario.

“[Kabayel] has the WBC interim championship that [he] can defend.

“There’s other big fights like Joshua, Wilder or even Fury. So many other possible great fights.

“[Joshua,] he’s highly ranked in the WBC, he’s a legendary champion and we will support him, of course.”

Fury, according to his cousin Andy Lee, is content with his life after boxing, which he can no longer be “f****d with”.

But Joshua is still holding out hope of sharing the ring with his long-time rival later this year.

During a recent interview with iFL TV, he said of the domestic dust-up: “I feel like it’s the best fight [for me].

“People might say [Joseph] Parker, people might say – I don’t know.

“But I think Fury, commercially, is a great fight and it’s a great man’s fight as well. So I think it makes sense.

“You could say it’s been years in the making.

“But listen, the heavyweight division has been thriving.

“And why I say it’s probably still a great fight is as I said Parker is, for me, a great story of someone that never gives up.

“And the thing is, there is going to be one winner and one loser.

“And there’s going to be bloodshed. And it ain’t gonna be mine.”

Bodycam footage shows the moment a police officer was recruited to deliver a pizza while he was responding to reports of an 8ft (2.4m) alligator in a Florida neighbourhood.

A frightened delivery driver asked for help when the reptile crawled dangerously close to her drop-off address.

According to police, Florida Fish and Wildlife trappers managed to relocate the animal out of the neighbourhood.

When audiences discuss the best sitcoms of all time, chances are that “Friends” is quickly mentioned, followed by someone loudly exclaiming: “We were on a break!” The series debuted on NBC in the fall of 1994 and quickly became a phenomenon that captivated the entire nation. It turned its leading cast members into superstars, with all of them still relevant to this day. As one of the most popular shows in the world, one would imagine that “Friends” would take “The Simpsons” route, i.e. staying on television for as long as possible. Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end.

As bittersweet as it was to say goodbye to “Friends,” audiences showed up to support their favorite characters, making the 2004 finale one of the world’s most watched hours of television. Per The New York Times, over 50 million viewers in the United States showed up to say farewell to Ross, Rachel, Monica, and the rest of the gang. Decades later, as the series continues to find a new audience, primarily through streaming, many often why “Friends” was canceled. The truth is, after 10 years of the same shtick, it was time for everyone to move on. 

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly discussing the final episode of “Friends,” series creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane opened up about how they had been planning the finale for several years due to the contract negotiations of its lead stars, thinking the series would end with Season 7. But that never happened, and the goalposts were moved to Season 8, then 9, and finally, Season 10, which was decided to be the last. “Season 10, we said, ‘We can’t keep stopping and starting and rethinking everything,'” Crane discussed, confirming that it was a mutual decision between the show’s creators and cast to call it curtains.

Read More: https://www.looper.com/1340452/why-friends-series-cancelled-end/

For series creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, it was a challenge to not know if “Friends” was ending or not. A large part of the uncertainty surrounding the series was because of the cast’s salaries and their intentions to negotiate their contracts. Once “Friends” became a cultural juggernaut, its leads began to be courted by Hollywood and lucrative promotional deals. Courtney Cox, for instance, found herself co-headlining the “Scream” franchise Gale Weathers, while Lisa Kudrow was seen dominating several comedies during the show’s run. It became clear that the case was interested in moving on, but they were also interested in job security. According to Business Insider, the cast collectively negotiated for elevated per-episode rates, starting with Season 7. By the time Season 10 debuted, the lead roster was raking in $1 million per episode. 

Because it was unclear how the contract negotiations would go and if NBC would react to them positively, Kauffman and Crane were focused on knowing what the final batch of episodes would entail. Kauffman confirmed that, for several years, the duo was under the impression that “Friends” would wrap up. When the call came through that Season 10 would be the last, the two knew what beats the finale had to feature. While some plot details were up in the air, one thing was certain: Ross and Rachel were going to get their good ending. “The only thing we absolutely knew from very early on was that we had to get Ross and Rachel together,” Crane said. “We had dicked the audience around for 10 years with their ‘will they or won’t they,’ and we didn’t see any advantage in frustrating them.” 

Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman says it was time for everyone to grow up

When “Friends” started in the mid-’90s, its cast members were in their mid-20s and early 30s. As the show wrapped up, some actors were in their 40s, making it abundantly clear that it was time to move on. “For us, one of the things was: Everybody was growing up,” co-creator Marta Kauffman candidly told EW. “This is part of why the show had to end. This was no longer that time in your life when your friends are your family. You’re starting your own family.” And the series finale lived up to that premise, showing key characters in the process of starting their own families. 

Ultimately, “Friends” wasn’t canceled. Instead, it ended on its own terms. For a show as large and impactful as “Friends,” it makes sense why some were disappointed that it was coming to an end. But it’s important to remember the legacy the series left behind, especially after being on the air for only 10 years. While speaking with NBC News to discuss the finale, Rachel star Jennifer Anniston opened up about how the series became a key part of American culture. “It’s the end not just of a sitcom, but of something that’s been a big part of our pop culture,” Anniston said, remembering some of the most influential concepts of the series. “Remember when every girl had to have Rachel’s haircut, when every radio played the theme song? And now, nearly everyone delivers a punch-line just like Chandler Bing.” 

Nearly two decades after its finale, “Friends” continues to be one of the most popular shows of all time. When it came time for the long-awaited reunion on HBO MAX, nearly 29% of American households watched it on its first day, per Variety. 

The White House has withdrawn its candidate to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just hours before he was set to testify before a Senate committee.

President Donald Trump’s administration pulled the nomination of Dave Weldon because “it was clear he did not have the votes in the Senate” to be confirmed, an official told CBS News, BBC’s news partner.

The Senate has so far confirmed every Trump nominee, including his more controversial choices.

Weldon was set to speak before the Senate’s health committee at 10:00 EST (14:00 GMT) on Thursday.

Trump named the 71-year-old, a doctor and former Republican member of the House of Representatives, to lead the health agency in November.

It is the first time a CDC director must be confirmed by the Senate, because of a law passed by Congress in 2022.

The BBC has contacted the White House and Weldon for comment.

The former Republican representative told the New York Times he had mixed feelings about the news.

“It is a shock, but, you know, in some ways, it’s relief,” Weldon said. “Government jobs demand a lot of you, and if God doesn’t want me in it, I’m fine with that.”

The CDC is in charge of vaccine recommendations as well as monitoring infectious disease outbreaks and preventing chronic diseases.

Weldon told the New York Times he had been excited to work with Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr – whose agency oversees the CDC – to enact his so-called “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.

Weldon said he and Kennedy had been friends for years.

The health secretary has faced criticism over his response to measles outbreaks across the country, which have sickened over 250 people.

Kennedy, who has been critical of measles vaccines and other childhood immunizations, has downplayed the seriousness of the outbreak, calling it “not unusual”, while also promoting treatments not supported by health experts.

Weldon also spread false claims about vaccines, including debunked theories about their ties to autism.

He served as a lawmaker for 14 years, leaving in 2009. For the past 13 years, he has worked as a clinical university professor of biomedical engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology, according to his LinkedIn.

In nominating Weldon last year, Trump claimed Americans had lost faith in the CDC, and that Weldon “understands American family values, and views health as one of utmost importance”.

The US has introduced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports from around the world.

In response, Canada and the EU have announced new tariffs on US goods worth billions of dollars, stoking fears of a global trade war.

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on alcohol from EU countries unless the bloc scraps its “nasty 50% tariff on whisky”.

Trump has already imposed 25% tariffs on other imports from Mexico and Canada – with some exemptions – and a 20% levy on Chinese goods.

What are tariffs and how do they work?

Tariffs are taxes charged on goods imported from other countries.

The companies that bring the foreign goods into the country pay the tax to the government.

Typically, tariffs are a percentage of a product’s value. A 20% tariff on Chinese goods means a product worth $10 (£7.76) has an additional $2 charge.

Firms may choose to pass on some or all of the cost of tariffs to customers.

The US has typically charged lower tariffs on goods than other countries.

Economists fear Trump’s new taxes – and the further tariffs on foreign imports that he has suggested may start on 2 April – could lead to a sharp increase in the prices consumers pay in the US and around the globe.

• BBC reporters answer your tariff questions

Why is Trump using tariffs?

Tariffs are a central part of Trump’s overall economic vision.

He says tariffs will boost US manufacturing and protect jobs, raising tax revenue and growing the domestic economy.

He also wants to restore America’s trade balance with its foreign partners – reducing the gap that exists between how much the US imports from and exports to individual countries.

But he has refused to rule out the prospect of a recession as a result of his trade policies, which sent US stocks sharply down in the days before the metal tariffs took effect.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later said the tariffs were “worth it” even if they did lead to an economic downturn.

Trump’s tariffs initially targeted goods from China, Mexico and Canada.

These accounted for more than 40% of imports into the US in 2024.

But Trump has accused the three countries of not doing enough to end the flow of migrants and illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the US.

All three countries have rejected the accusations.

How do the steel and aluminum tariffs work?

The 25% tariffs on all US imports of steel and aluminum began on 12 March.

The US buys more steel than any other country – with Canada, Brazil and Mexico its top three suppliers.

Canada is also the largest supplier of aluminum to the US, providing almost 60% of the amount imported.

When Trump first announced the tariff on steel and aluminium imports, he said there would be no exceptions.

On 11 March, he threatened to double the levy for Canadian metals because of that country’s decision to charge more to electricity customers in three northern US states, in response to other US tariffs.

Trump scrapped this plan just hours before it was due to take effect, after Canada agreed to suspend the extra energy charges.

Trump previously announced tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium in 2018, during his first term as president.

However, he later negotiated exceptions for many countries including Australia, Canada and Mexico.

Despite those previous exemptions, tariffs raised the average price of steel and aluminium in the US by 2.4% and 1.6% respectively, according to the US International Trade Commission.

Three American goods that could rise in price due to metal tariffs
How have other countries reacted to the steel tariffs?
In the hours after the levy took effect, Canada and the EU both announced retaliatory tariffs.

Canada introduced a 25% tariff on an additional C$29.8bn ($20bn; £16bn) worth of US goods from 13 March.

This includes steel products worth C$12.6bn, sports equipment, computers and cast iron items.

Incoming Canadian PM Carney ready to talk trade with Trump if ‘there’s respect for sovereignty’
The EU tariffs will target US goods worth €26bn (£22bn), and will start on 1 April and be fully in place on 13 April.

They will cover items ranging “from boats to bourbon to motorbikes”, in addition to steel and aluminium goods such as pipes, window frames and tin foil.

European Commision President Ursula von der Leyen said she “deeply regrets this measure”. Tariffs are “bad for business and worse for consumers”, she added.

Writing on his social media site, Truth Social, Trump said that if the EU’s 50% tax on US whiskey was not removed “immediately”, the US would levy a 200% tariff on all wines, Champagnes and alcoholic products coming out of EU represented countries.

“This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the US,” he added.

EU braces for higher prices as US trade war ramps up
The UK exports hundreds of millions of pounds worth of steel to the US every year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told MPs that the UK will take “pragmatic approach” to the US tariffs, but confirmed it will “keep all options on the table”.

How will the latest Trump tariffs affect the UK?
China’s foreign ministry said the country would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its rights and interests, arguing that the tariffs breached World Trade Organization rules.

What is happening with the other tariffs against Canada and Mexico?
Trump has already introduced 25% tariffs on other goods from both US neighbours, Canada and Mexico.

These were originally due to start on 4 February but were delayed for a month to allow further negotiations. The 25% tariffs began on 4 March, with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports.

On 5 March, Trump announced a month-long tariff exemption for cars made in North America which comply with the continent’s existing free trade agreement, the US-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA).

That deal, which was negotiated by Trump during his first term in office, sets out rules for how much of a car must be made in each country to qualify for duty-free treatment.

The Canadian and Mexican tariffs had prompted fears of significant impacts on car manufacturing.

Component parts typically cross the US, Mexican and Canadian borders multiple times before a vehicle is completely assembled.

Graphic showing how many car industry supply chains cross North American borders. Powdered aluminium from Tennessee is turned into rods in Pennsylvania, before crossing the border so the rods can be shaped and polished in Canada, then taken to Mexico to be assembled into pistons, before crossing back into the US

A Connecticut man whose stepmother allegedly held him captive for 20 years escaped by setting fire to the small room he was held in, officials said.

Authorities responded to the fire and rescued the emaciated 32-year-old man from a 72 sq-foot (6.7 sq metre) room. The alleged captive weighed 68 pounds (30 kilograms) upon his escape and was treated for smoke inhalation.

The man confessed to setting the fire after enduring years of “prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment”, police in Waterbury, Connecticut, said.

His stepmother, who is accused of holding him captive and starving him, was charged with kidnapping and cruelty. She has denied the allegations.

When explaining his reasoning for setting the fire, the man told police: “I wanted my freedom.”

Prosecutors allege he was given a sandwich and two small water bottles a day for years. He was only let out of captivity for two hours a day to do chores while under the supervision of his stepmother.

Using hand sanitizer, paper and a lighter he set the fire knowing he could die, a prosecutor said in court on Wednesday.

His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was home at the time of the fire but did not speak to authorities when they arrived on the scene.

Ms Sullivan’s attorney said the accusations were false.

“He was not locked in a room,” the lawyer, Ioannis Kaloidis, told local media. “She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food; she provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations.”

The fire was set on 17 February, and local police arrested Ms Sullivan on Wednesday.

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo called the details of the case “both heartbreaking and unimaginable”.

Police said the victim told them that he was held captive in his family home in Waterbury from approximately age 11.

“He had been locked in the room for 20 years, and for 20 years he’d been trying to get out of that room,” the prosecutor said.

Authorities were unclear when his father died, but they said his conditions worsened as a result.

When he was found, authorities said he had a body mass index (BMI) of 11. The National Health Service says a healthy range is between 18.5 and 24.9.

Police said that during his captivity, the unnamed man had not received medical or dental care.