Celebrity News – Us Weekly |
- Jussie Smollett Alleged Attack: Everything We Know
- Jill Duggar Compares Josh's Trial to a 'Funeral': He's Not 'Above the Law'
- Josh Duggar Guilty in Child Porn Trial: Jim Bob, More Family Reactions
- Jussie Smollett Found Guilty of Disorderly Conduct in Trial
- Adam McKay Details 'Really Scary' Moment With Will Ferrell on 'Anchorman 2'
- Tristan Thompson's Paternity Lawsuit Sealed After Judge Grants Gag Order
- Brooklyn Beckham Shows Off His Love for Nicola Peltz With New Tattoo
- RHOBH's Dorit Kemsley and Husband PK’s Relationship Timeline
- Reese Witherspoon’s Pup Major Is a Fully Grown ‘Cuddle Puddle’
- Anna Duggar Leaves Court After Husband Josh Duggar’s Guilty Conviction: Photo
- Josh Duggar Smiles in Mugshot After Child Pornography Conviction: Photo
- Josh Duggar’s Lawsuits, Scandals and Controversies Over the Years
- Jill Duggar's 'Distancing' From Her Family Explained: Timeline of the Drama
- So Festive! Ant Anstead and More Stars Show Off Their 2021 Holiday Decor
- Britney Spears Granted Power to Sign Documents After Conservatorship Ends
- 20 Years! Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher Celebrate Wedding Anniversary
- ‘Boosted!’ America Ferrara Advocates for Additional COVID-19 Shots
- Celebrities Who Got Engaged in 2021
- Off the Market! Survivor’s Natalie Anderson Engaged 1 Year After Miscarriage
- Alex Rodriguez Sells Miami Home He Bought Before J.Lo Split: See Inside
| Jussie Smollett Alleged Attack: Everything We Know Posted: 09 Dec 2021 04:36 PM PST In two years since Jussie Smollett told Chicago police that he was the victim of a homophobic and racist attack, there has been one shocking development after another. Investigators searched for the perpetrators of what was initially described as a "possible hate crime" before ultimately accusing the actor of staging his own assault. The Empire star reported that he was attacked in the early hours of January 29, 2019. Days later, he spoke out for the first time since the incident, stating that he was "working with authorities and [has] been 100 percent factual and consistent on every level." He also returned to work, performing a concert in West Hollywood before returning to the set of his Fox musical drama. Smollett appeared on Good Morning America in February 2019, for his first interview about the alleged attack. He became emotional at one point, saying that he was "forever changed" and felt "pissed off" by both the incident itself and the skepticism swirling on social media. A major development in the case came that same month, when police arrested two possible suspects, but they were released soon after without charges. Multiple reports later surfaced accusing the actor of staging the attack with the help of Abimbola “Bola” Osundairo and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, which he repeatedly and vehemently denied. However, in February 2019, he was charged with felony disorderly conduct for making a false police report. The next morning, he was arrested. He was subsequently charged with 16 felony counts. In another shocking reversal, Smollett's attorneys announced in March 2019, that Cook County prosecutors dropped all charges against him and “his record has been wiped clean." “After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr. Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the City of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case,” the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a statement at the time. However, nearly a year later, in February 2020, a special prosecutor Dan Webb indicted Smollett again, renewing the divisive case. The indictment against Smollett stated that he “knew at the time” that there was no crime when he reported to the police that he had been assaulted. In December 2021, Smollett took the stand where he explained that the attack was “no hoax.” “My character was a superstar, a pop star, a beloved GQ whatever,” he told the jury, according to the Tribune. “It was very important that I looked like Black Cary Grant, not beat down.” Smollett was found guilty of five felony counts of disorderly conduct in December 2021. Scroll down for a comprehensive timeline to stay up-to-date on everything we know about the story so far:  Smollett, who is openly gay, told the Chicago Police Department that he had been attacked on January 29, 2019, at 2 a.m. He said he was approached by two men who yelled racist and homophobic slurs and “This is MAGA country,” beat him, poured an unknown chemical substance on him and wrapped a rope around his neck. He transported himself to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and was released later that day in good condition. Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images  The first sign of progress in the case came on January 30, 2019, when police released grainy surveillance footage that department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told Us Weekly showed two “potential persons of interest wanted for questioning.” Meanwhile, the FBI began investigating a threatening letter that was sent to Smollett at the Empire offices in Chicago days before the reported attack. G.N.Miller/NYPost / MEGA  Guglielmi told Us on January 31, 2019, that Smollett and his manager told police they were “talking on their cellphones” right before the attack, but the pair refused to turn over their phone records. That said, the spokesman said that investigators had “no reason to doubt the statements given” at the time. Greg Doherty/Getty Images  The actor’s family released a statement to Us later on January 31, 2019, that read in part, “Jussie was the victim of a violent and unprovoked attack. We want to be clear, this was a racial and homophobic hate crime. Jussie has told the police everything from the very beginning. His story has never changed, and we are hopeful they will find these men and bring them to justice.” Robin Marchant/Getty Images  Smollett broke his silence on February 1, 2019, telling fans in a statement to Essence that he was doing “OK” and thanking them for their support. “Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served,” he said. “As my family stated, these types of cowardly attacks are happening to my sisters, brothers and non-gender conforming siblings daily. I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident. We will talk soon and I will address all details of this horrific incident, but I need a moment to process. Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love. It’s all I know. And that can’t be kicked out of me.” Leon Bennett/Getty Images  The singer performed at the famed Troubadour nightclub in West Hollywood on February 2, 2019. He told the crowd, “I had to be here tonight, y’all. I can’t let [them] win. I will always stand for love.” The next week, a source confirmed to Us that he returned to the set of Empire. Gary Gershoff/WireImage  Smollett detailed his side of the story while sitting down with Robin Roberts on the February 14, 2019, episode of Good Morning America. He explained why he did not hand over his cellphone to police (“I have private pictures and videos and numbers”) and said the attack “felt like minutes but was probably, like, 30 seconds.” He added, “I just want young people, young members of the LGBTQ community — young, black children — to know how strong that they are.” Stephen Green/ABC via Getty Images  A report by ABC 7 Chicago released later on February 14, 2019, claimed that the attack was staged because Smollett’s character, Jamal Lyon, was allegedly being written off Empire. Guglielmi later clarified on Twitter that the report was “unconfirmed by case detectives,” calling it “uninformed and inaccurate.” Empire producers also disputed the “patently ridiculous” rumors surrounding the fate of Smollett’s character, telling Us in a statement that they “continue to stand behind” the star. In a February 20 statement, Fox added that Smollet continued “to be a consummate professional on set.” Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images  Authorities arrested two brothers, Abimbola “Abel” Osundairo and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, on February 15, 2019, in connection with the reported attack. They had been picked up by police at O’Hare International Airport two days earlier. Hours after their arrests, the Osundairos, both of whom have had minor roles on Empire, were released without being charged and were no longer considered suspects. Santiago Felipe/Getty Images  After Smollett was accused of staging the attack, the news anchor spoke out about her interview with the actor. “When I sat down with Jussie, it was Tuesday night [February 12] in Chicago, at the time to ... publicly give his first account of what he said happened,” she said on Good Morning America on February 18, 2019. “At that time, on Tuesday, police officers were saying that his account was consistent, it was credible, and that he was being cooperative. This was all before the interview aired on Thursday, and then we found out about the brothers.” Roy Rochlin/Getty Images; Rachel Luna/Getty Images  Smollett was officially classified as a suspect in the investigation on February 20, 2019. Later that day, he was charged with felony disorderly conduct for making a false police report. In response, Smollett's legal team told Us they “intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense.” FOX via Getty Images  Smollett was arrested in Chicago in the early hours of February 21, 2019. Police claimed during a press conference that the actor staged the incident because he was dissatisfied with his salary. In the wake of the news, Fox said in a statement to Us: “We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.” The Marshall star was released on $100,000 bond after a court hearing later in the day. His legal team said in a statement to Us: “Today we witnessed an organized law enforcement spectacle that has no place in the American legal system. The presumption of innocence, a bedrock in the search for justice, was trampled upon at the expense of Mr. Smollett and notably, on the eve of a Mayoral election. Mr. Smollett is a young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence and feels betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process and proceed directly to sentencing.” Chicago Police Department  Two hours after being released from jail, Smollett was spotted back on the set of Empire. E! News reported that the Mighty Ducks star was “originally intended to film throughout this week on the Fox series, but his role was dramatically reduced” in light of recent events. Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)  Empire producers Lee Daniels, Danny Strong, Brett Mahoney, Brian Grazer, Sanaa Hamri, Francie Calfo and Dennis Hammer released a statement on February 22, 2019, revealing that the actor will not appear in the end of Empire season 5. “The events of the past few weeks have been incredibly emotional for all of us. Jussie has been an important member of our Empire family for the past five years and we care about him deeply,” the team behind the show said. “While these allegations are very disturbing, we are placing our trust in the legal system as the process plays out. We are also aware of the effects of this process on the cast and crew members who work on our show and to avoid further disruption on set, we have decided to remove the role of ‘Jamal’ from the final two episodes of the season.” FOX via Getty Images  The Osundairos issued an apology on February 28, 2019, for allegedly helping Smollett stage the incident. “My clients have tremendous regret over their involvement in this situation, and they understand how it has impacted people across the nation, particularly minority communities and especially those who have been victims of hate crimes themselves,” the brothers’ attorney, Gloria Schmidt, said in a statement to CBS Chicago. CBS  The Illinois native enjoyed a low-key night with brother Jocqui, sister Jurnee, a female friend and two bodyguards on February 28, 2019, marking the first time he has been spotted in public since his arrest. The group had dinner at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood in Chicago in a private area toward the back of the restaurant. On the way there, Smollett tried to keep a low-profile by covering his head with the hood of his jacket. Jerod Harris/Getty Images for The Trevor Project  Us confirmed on March 7, 2019, that Smollett was indicted on 16 felony counts by a grand jury for filing a false police report. The charges were related to two separate interviews he had with authorities on January 29. Dominik Bindl/Getty Images  On March 12, 2019, Smollett arrived for a court hearing at the Chicago Leighton Criminal Courthouse. Although not required to attend, his rep Anne Kavanaugh told NBC News, “He will do everything he needs to do. He will go the extra mile to cooperate with the process.” The hearing determined that cameras would be allowed for the trial. DEREK HENKLE/AFP/Getty Images  Smollett’s attorneys, Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes, announced on March 26, 2019, that “all criminal charges against Jussie Smollett were dropped and his record has been wiped clean.” Their statement noted, “Jussie is relieved to have this situation behind him and is very much looking forward to getting back to focusing on his family, friends and career.” E. JASON WAMBSGANS/AFP/Getty Images  A source revealed to Us on March 27, 2019, that the FBI was investigating Smollett’s plea bargain. “There is an active federal investigation” into how the actor “received an unusually favorable plea deal,” the insider said. “Basically, there is a probe to decide whether or not foul play was involved in his bargain with prosecutors.” Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images  Us reported on April 4, 2019, that Smollett had “no plans” to repay the city of Chicago the more than $130,000 allegedly spent on the investigation into his attack. As a result, the city’s department of law announced its plan to file a civil complaint against the actor to “pursue the full measure of damages.” His legal team called the proceedings “factually and legally flawed” as well as “unconstitutional” in a letter obtained by Us. His attorney added: “Mr. Smollett will not be intimidated into paying the demanded sum.” Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images  The City of Chicago filed a suit against Smollett on April 11, 2019, seeking monetary relief for a sum to be determined at trial. According to documents obtained by Us, the city also requested that Smollett be fined a $1,000 civil penalty for each alleged false statement the city claims he made. Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images  After Variety reported that Empire writers were “prepping” for Smollett to return to the musical drama for its sixth and final season, co-creator Daniels responded with a tweet rebuking the outlet’s story on June 4, 2019. “This is not factual. Jussie will NOT be returning to Empire,” he wrote. Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage  Cook County Judge Michael Toomin ordered a special prosecutor to reinvestigate the probe on June 21, 2019, suggesting state’s attorney Kim Foxx mishandled the case. Former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb was later appointed to the role. Matt Marton/AP/Shutterstock  Taraji P. Henson’s Empire character, Cookie Lyon, briefly explained her onscreen son’s absence during the season 6 premiere on September 24, 2019, telling Gabourey Sidibe’s Becky Williams, “That boy ran off to London.” Chuck Hodes/FOX  Special prosecutor Webb indicted Smollett on six new felony counts of disorderly conduct on February 11, 2020, claiming the actor knew “that he was not the victim of a crime.” Mandatory Credit: Photo by TANNEN MAURY/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock  Smollett pleaded not guilty to the restored charges on February 24, 2020. His lawyer Glandian informed Judge James B. Linn that she asked the Illinois Supreme Court to halt the case, telling reporters that her client is “obviously frustrated to be dragged through this process again.” TANNEN MAURY/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock  During his December 2021 trial, Smollett testified that he met Abimbola at a club while he was filming season 4 of Empire. He revealed that the duo reportedly went to a bathhouse where they did drugs which led to "some touching." Abimbola, for his part, denied that he was intimate with Smollett during his own testimony that same month. He alleged that the Mighty Ducks actor requested that he help "fake beat him up," which he allegedly agreed to because he felt like he owed Smollett for getting him a role on Empire. Smollett also noted that Olabinjo "creeped" him out when they met, saying, "Every time we were around him he didn't speak to me. Every time we needed to leave, he made it seem like we needed to sneak off." He added: "He wasn't feeling me, it's fine," he said. "Who is he to me? It's fine." MEGA  A jury found Smollett guilty of five out of six felony counts of disorderly conduct at the conclusion of his December 2021 trial. TANNEN MAURY/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock |
| Jill Duggar Compares Josh's Trial to a 'Funeral': He's Not 'Above the Law' Posted: 09 Dec 2021 04:26 PM PST Breaking her silence. Jill Duggar addressed the conviction of her brother Josh Duggar after he was found guilty in his child pornography trial. “Today was difficult for our family,” the 30-year-old Growing Up Duggar coauthor wrote in a statement on her and husband Derick Dillard‘s blog on Thursday, December 9. “Our hearts go out to the victims of child abuse or any kind of exploitation. We are thankful for the hard work of law enforcement, including investigators, forensic analysts, prosecutors and all others involved who save kids and hold accountable those responsible for their abuse.” The former Counting On star continued: “Nobody is above the law. It applies equally to everybody, no matter your wealth, status, associations, gender, race, or any other factor. Today, the people of the Western District of Arkansas made that clear in their verdict. As a Christian, we believe we are all equal at the foot of the cross, and, likewise, we are all equal under the law.” Jill and her husband, 32, went on to invoke a verse from Luke’s chapter of the Bible, in which disciples were warned, “Whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.” The pair, who tied the knot in 2014, added: “We have been lied to so much that we wanted to hear the evidence for ourselves in court. After seeing all the evidence as it was presented, we believe that the jury reached a just verdict today, consistent with the truth beyond a reasonable doubt.” The Arkansas native and the recent law school grad attended parts of the trial before Josh, 33, was officially convicted on Thursday. The jury found him guilty of two charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material following his April arrest. Once sentenced, he faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each count. News broke of the political activist’s arrest shortly after his wife, Anna Duggar, announced her seventh pregnancy in early April. The couple share children Mackynzie, 11, Michael, 10, Marcus, 8, Meredith, 6, Mason, 4, Maryella, 2, and welcomed daughter Madyson in October. Throughout the trial, Anna, 33, stood firmly by her husband’s side. While Jill has distanced herself from her 18 siblings and her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, in recent years, she shared words of support for her sister-in-law on Thursday. “Josh’s actions have rippled far beyond the epicenter of the offense itself. Children have scars, but his family is also suffering the fallout of his actions,” her blog post concluded. “Our hearts are sensitive to the pains Josh’s wife, Anna, and their seven children have already endured and will continue to process in the future. This trial has felt more like a funeral than anything else. Josh’s family has a long road ahead. We stand with them, we are praying for them and we will seek to support them however we can during this dark time.” Hours after the verdict made headlines, Jim Bob, 56, and Michelle, 55, opened up about the “very grievous” situation their family has been in amid the controversy. “Today, God’s grace, through the love and prayers of so many, have sustained us. Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through [child sexual abuse material],” the former TLC stars noted in a statement to Us Weekly, adding that they intend to “do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support.” This isn’t the first time the Duggar family has been embroiled in a highly publicized scandal. Their reality series 19 Kids and Counting was canceled by TLC in 2015 after Josh was accused of molesting five underage girls years prior. One of his victims was Jill, who left reality TV behind after her family was given their spinoff, Counting On. TLC officially cut ties with the Duggars this summer. If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more. |
| Josh Duggar Guilty in Child Porn Trial: Jim Bob, More Family Reactions Posted: 09 Dec 2021 04:25 PM PST After Josh Duggar was found guilty on two counts of receiving and possessing child pornography, Jim Bob Duggar, Derick Dillard and more family members reacted to the news. “This entire ordeal has been very grievous," Jim Bob, 56, and his wife, Michelle Duggar, told Us Weekly in a statement on Thursday, December 9. "Today, God's grace, through the love and prayers of so many, have sustained us. Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through [child sexual abuse material]." The couple, who are the parents of Josh and his 18 siblings, noted that they are now focused on showing their daughter-in-law Ann Duggar, providing her and Josh's children with "love and support." They added, "As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children," pointing out that they continue to "place our trust in God" following their son's scandal. Earlier on Thursday, Dillard, who is married to Jill Duggar, explained his reasoning for attending the trial, telling People after the verdict, "We just wanted to, among other things, see the facts for ourselves. America is the best country to get justice." One week after his trial started, the former reality star, 33, was convicted on Thursday according to court documents obtained by Us. Josh is set to be sentenced at a later date, but he faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each charge. His parents previously issued a statement to Us after their son’s April arrest without bail. "We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious,” their statement read. “It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family." That same month, his sister Jinger Duggar reflected on how Josh’s previous scandals helped them strengthen their family over the years. "Our family was way closer because of that, and in spite of that, I guess you'd say," the Hope We Hold author, 27, told Us in April. "I will never forget how I felt in that moment. And I think even everything that happens in our lives — because we're in the public eye — it makes it more challenging because then it's not just dealing with these things inwardly, but you have to give an answer to the world. That makes it a much tougher thing to walk through." The political activist previously made headlines in 2015 when his molestation scandal came to light. Josh was accused of molesting five girls between 2002 and 2003 when he was 14 and 15 years old, including some of his sisters. Amid the Arkansas native’s recent legal issues, TLC confirmed that the Duggar family would no longer be featured on their network. “TLC will not be producing additional seasons of Counting On," the network said in a statement to Us in June, referring to the series that first debuted in 2015. "TLC feels it is important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation privately.” Six months after Josh was arrested and released on bond, his wife, 33, welcomed their daughter Madyson in October. The duo also share Mackynzie, 11, Michael, 10, Marcus, 8, Meredith, 6, Mason, 4, and Maryella, 24 months. Scroll down to see which Duggar family members have spoken out after Josh's hearing:  Jill shared a statement on behalf of herself and husband Derick via their Dillard Family blog on Thursday. “Today was difficult for our family. Our hearts go out to the victims of child abuse or any kind of exploitation,” the post began. “We are thankful for the hard work of law enforcement, including investigators, forensic analysts, prosecutors and all others involved who save kids and hold accountable those responsible for their abuse.” The former reality star pointed out that “nobody is above the law,” explaining that the Arkansas court “made that clear with their verdict” that. “As a Christian, we believe we are all equal at the foot of the cross, and, likewise, we are all equal under the law,” the statement continued, before quoting a Bible passage from the book of Luke. Ultimately, Jill and her spouse noted, “We have been lied to so much that we wanted to hear the evidence for ourselves in court. After seeing all the evidence as it was presented, we believe that the jury reached a just verdict today, consistent with the truth beyond a reasonable doubt.” They concluded: “Josh’s actions have rippled far beyond the epicenter of the offense itself. Children have scars, but his family is also suffering the fallout of his actions. Our hearts are sensitive to the pains Josh’s wife, Anna, and their seven children have already endured and will continue to process in the future. This trial has felt more like a funeral than anything else. Josh’s family has a long road ahead. We stand with them, we are praying for them, and we will seek to support them however we can during this dark time.” Courtesy of Jill Duggar/Instagram  “May the juror’s and Judge Brooks seek healing / counseling from all that was exposed to them,” Josh’s cousin wrote via Twitter on Thursday. “May the children grow up with real Godly men as father figures who will guide and protect them. May the people who were once in disbelief have their eyes opened for the first time.” YouTube  "This entire ordeal has been very grievous. Today, God’s grace, through the love and prayers of so many, have sustained us. Our hearts and prayers are with anyone who has ever been harmed through [child sexual abuse material],” the duo’s full statement read. “In the days ahead, we will do all we can to surround our daughter-in-law Anna and their children with love and support. As parents, we will never stop praying for Joshua, and loving him, as we do all of our children. In each of life’s circumstances, we place our trust in God. He is our source of strength and refuge. Thank you for your prayers.” Patsy Lynch/Shutterstock  "We just wanted to, among other things, see the facts for ourselves," he told the outlet. "America is the best country to get justice." The Sun/News Licensing/MEGA |
| Jussie Smollett Found Guilty of Disorderly Conduct in Trial Posted: 09 Dec 2021 04:22 PM PST The verdict is in. Jussie Smollett was found guilty in a criminal trial after he was accused of faking an alleged attack against him in January 2019. The jury announced on Thursday, December 9, that the Empire alum, 39, was convicted of five out of six felony counts of disorderly conduct. The decision came after a weeklong trial in Chicago. He faces up to three years behind bars and a $25,000 fine. Smollett pleaded not guilty to all six counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly making false reports to police. He vehemently denied orchestrating or making up the attack. Brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, whom the actor knew from the set of Empire, testified during the trial that Smollett — who is Black and gay — ordered them to carry out a fake racist and homophobic attack against him to garner sympathetic media coverage. When asked on the stand whether he discussed creating a "hoax" with the brothers, Smollett responded, "No." He also claimed that he "never" gave them a check as payment for the supposed scam either. The Mighty Ducks star alleged in January 2019 that he was the victim of a hate crime in Chicago. "I am working with authorities and have been 100 percent factual and consistent on every level. Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served," he said in a statement the following month. "As my family stated, these types of cowardly attacks are happening to my sisters, brothers and non-gender conforming siblings daily. I am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident." He added at the time: "Most importantly, during times of trauma, grief and pain, there is still a responsibility to lead with love. It's all I know. And that can't be kicked out of me." Authorities soon shifted their focus to Smollett, believing that he staged the alleged attack. Us Weekly confirmed in February 2019 that he was charged with making a false police report. The following month, he was indicted by a grand jury on 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct, to which he pleaded not guilty. In a controversial move, Cook County, Illinois, prosecutors dropped all the criminal charges against him in March 2019. However, the Marshall star was indicted again in February 2020 on six counts for making false reports to police. His trial was subsequently delayed for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Adam McKay Details 'Really Scary' Moment With Will Ferrell on 'Anchorman 2' Posted: 09 Dec 2021 01:54 PM PST A collaboration for the ages. Will Ferrell and Adam McKay have produced tons of comedy classics together, but their partnership — and their friendship — came to a halt in 2019. The duo first connected while working at Saturday Night Live in the mid-1990s. Ferrell joined the show as a cast member in September 1995 for the series’ 21st season, while McKay came on board as a writer. The Big Short director originally auditioned for an onscreen role on the long-running NBC variety show, but he was offered a role as a writer instead. He became head writer at age 27 within one year of joining the crew. Ferrell, meanwhile, became one of SNL‘s biggest stars of all time, appearing in classic sketches where he played characters including Alex Trebek and Craig the Spartan cheerleader. After he left the show in 2002, he reunited with McKay, who’d left the previous year, to work on feature films. Their first project together was 2004’s Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, which became an instant hit with its quotable lines and hilarious cast. The movie was so beloved by fans that the duo decided to make a sequel nearly a decade later. “Wherever we were in the world, whatever we were promoting, the last round of the interview was always, ‘Can I ask you a few questions about Anchorman? Will there ever be a sequel?'” Ferrell told The Guardian in December 2013, explaining why the producing partners decided to make 2013’s Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. “So, eventually Adam and I were like, ‘Why not? We love this character.'” Over the next six years, however, their prolific partnership came to a halt. In April 2019, the pair decided to dissolve their company, Gary Sanchez Productions, after nearly 15 years, announcing that all projects in production at the time would be completed. Six months later, McKay struck out on his own with Hyperobject Industries, while Ferrell proceeded with Gloria Sanchez Productions, which was originally spun off from Gary Sanchez to produce female-focused work. In October 2021, the Blades of Glory star explained that one reason for the split was his former partner’s ambition to keep growing Gary Sanchez into a Hollywood empire. "Adam was like, 'I want to do this, and this, and this’; he wanted growth and a sphere of influence, and I was just like, 'I don't know, that sounds like a lot that I have to keep track of,'" Ferrell told The Hollywood Reporter at the time. "To me, the potential of seeing a billboard, and being like, 'Oh, we're producing that?' I don't know. … At the end of the day, we just have different amounts of bandwidth." Keep scrolling for a look back at McKay and Ferrell’s ups and downs over the years:  The comedy partners met while working at SNL in the '90s. After the show was almost canceled following season 20, McKay and Ferrell helped revitalize its appeal along with new cast members Darrell Hammond, Cheri Oteri and David Koechner and new writers Steve Higgins, Paula Pell and Colin Quinn. Carolyn Contino/BEI/Shutterstock  The pair's first collaboration after their SNL exit, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, raked in more than $90 million at the box office and became a fan favorite, landing on several lists of best comedies of all time. Dreamworks/Apatow Prod/Kobal/Shutterstock  McKay and Ferrell officially founded Gary Sanchez Productions, named after a fictional character, the "Paraguayan entrepreneur and financier" named Gary Sanchez. The company went on to produce films including Step Brothers, The Other Guys, The Campaign, Tammy, Daddy's Home and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock  McKay and Ferrell followed up the success of the first Anchorman with Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, featuring cameos from Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Liam Neeson, Kanye West, Drake, Jim Carrey and many more. Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock  Holmes & Watson, starring Will Ferrell as Sherlock Holmes and John C. Reilly as Dr. John Watson, premiered after years of being stuck in development, but it bombed at the box office. McKay, who helped edit the film, later told Vanity Fair that the "thing was just in rough shape" when he was brought in to work on it. COLUMBIA/Moviestore/Shutterstock  After expanding to produce TV shows, including Succession and Motherland: Fort Salem, the twosome decided to dissolve Gary Sanchez. “The two of us will always work together creatively and always be friends," they said in a joint statement at the time. "And we recognize we are lucky as hell to end this venture as such.” Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock  McKay cast Reilly in his still-untitled HBO limited series about the Los Angeles Lakers. The Vice director later pointed to this incident as the one that caused the end of his friendship with Ferrell months after they ended their business partnership. Matt Sayles/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  McKay launched his own production company, Hyperobject Industries, and entered into a five-year first-look deal to develop content with HBO and HBO Max. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  During an interview with Vanity Fair, McKay explained why he thought the Reilly casting in the Lakers series hurt his relationship with Ferrell. The Stranger Than Fiction star first found out about the news via Reilly, who called him to let him know that he'd gotten the part. “I f—ked up on how I handled that,” McKay explained. “It’s the old thing of keep your side of the street clean. I should have just done everything by the book.” The director claimed that he's since reached out to his former comedy partner, but Ferrell hasn't returned his messages. “[He] took it as a way deeper hurt than I ever imagined and I tried to reach out to him, and I reminded him of some slights that were thrown my way that were never apologized for," McKay said. “The whole time it was like I was saying it out loud, ‘Let’s not become an episode of Behind the Music. Don’t let it happen.’ And it happened.” Victoria Will/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (2)  Speaking about safety protocols on film sets, McKay revealed that Ferrell could have been injured while filming Anchorman 2 because of a problem with a rig. "It was a scene where Ron Burgundy was going to hang himself. It was a silly joke," he recalled to The Hollywood Reporter. "For a half a second, the rig didn't operate properly and there was actual tension on the rope, but then it gave way and Will was OK. Thank God no one was hurt. We were sick about it for two days. We said, 'All right, let's stop. Let's have a meeting.'"The Step Brothers director said that the incident is one reason he's so careful on set. "It was really scary," he added. YouTube |
| Tristan Thompson's Paternity Lawsuit Sealed After Judge Grants Gag Order Posted: 09 Dec 2021 01:40 PM PST Off-court drama. Tristan Thompson‘s personal life got a lot more complicated in 2021 when a woman named Maralee Nichols claimed he fathered her child. News broke in December 2021 that the personal trainer filed a paternity lawsuit against the NBA star earlier in the year. The baby was reportedly conceived in Houston, Texas, in March while Thompson was in town celebrating his 30th birthday. At the time, the Canadian athlete was still in a relationship with Khloé Kardashian, with whom he shares daughter True, born in April 2018. Thompson and the Keeping Up With the Kardashians alum began dating in September 2016, but the duo split up in February 2019 after the Sacramento Kings player kissed Jordyn Woods. After reconciling in August 2020, the pair called it quits a second time in June 2021. “They remain amicable toward each other and will continue to coparent,” a source told Us at the time, adding that "there was no drama" between the twosome before their breakup. "Things just didn't work out." After their split, the Good American founder and the former Cleveland Cavaliers team member remained amicable, but an insider told Us that Nichols’ lawsuit caused a huge setback in their relationship. "This is a very sad time for Khloé,” the source explained in December 2021. “She really loves Tristan and still held a candle for him. She thought he might have changed his ways.” Before their split, the twosome were considering having a second child together. (Thompson is also father to son Prince, born in December 2016, with ex-girlfriend Jordan Craig.) During season 20 of KUWTK, the Strong Looks Better Naked author revealed that she and her then-boyfriend were considering surrogacy. "[My doctor] said that I would be, like, a high-risk carrier for a pregnancy," Kardashian said in an episode that aired in March 2021. "I'm not gonna get into specifics on camera, but they said it's an 80 percent chance I'll miscarry. I almost miscarried with True at the beginning. But I didn't know that was a lingering thing. … She said she would feel terrible putting [an embryo] in without warning me that most likely I wouldn't be able to carry." Seven months later, the reality star said again that she still hadn’t ruled out having another baby. “I want her to have a sibling,” the former Revenge Body host tweeted in October 2021. “If it’s God’s plan.” Keep scrolling for everything to know about the paternity suit against Thompson:  In June 2021, Nichols filed a paternity suit in Texas against Thompson, claiming that the duo conceived a child three months earlier. According to court documents, Nichols attended two doctor's appointments in April and May, the first of which cost $518 and was paid for by Thompson. The athlete did not pay for the second appointment, which cost $572. Mark Duncan/AP/Shutterstock  Thompson responded to Nichols' claims in July 2021, acknowledging that the pair had sex in March of that year. The former Boston Celtics player also requested genetic testing for the baby in documents submitted in Texas, where Nichols was based. (She had temporarily been living in California at the time.) Photographer Group/MEGA  In another court filing in August 2021, Nichols' legal team presented text messages allegedly from Thompson. “You know how I feel," a screenshot of the message read. "My feelings haven’t changed at all. [I] won’t be involved at all. Btw if you think having this baby is gonna make you some money. It’s completely wrong. You are aware that I’m retiring after this season. So in terms of support it will be whatever is required monthly for someone who’s unemployed.” Later in the message, Thompson allegedly offered Nichols $75,000 instead of regular child support. “It’s texas so it will be only a couple hundred dollars," the message read. "So you better off taking this 75k I’m offering cause you won’t get nothing near that with having a kid with a father who’s unemplyed [sic] All you will have is a baby with a father who has zero involvement with the child and a few hundred dollars of child support a month.” Courtesy of Tristan Thompson/Instagram  Thompson filed an amended petition in November 2021, once again asking for a paternity test. One month earlier, he submitted to a deposition, but Nichols' team described his conduct as "improper," adding that he gave "evasive" responses to questions. "Tristan refused to answer basic questions relating to jurisdictional issues between California and Texas, and counsel for Tristan further instructed him not to answer related questions on dozens of occasions," the documents read. Brian To/Shutterstock  In December 2021, Us exclusively confirmed that Nichols gave birth on December 2. Nichols' rep later confirmed that she welcomed a baby boy. Neither Thompson nor Kardashian publicly acknowledged the news. Courtesy of Tristan Thompson/Instagram  After news of the paternity suit broke in December 2021, Kardashian shared a couple of cryptic messages via social media. “I just don’t have time for negative energy and even when I do, I still don’t,” one of the quotes read. “You are currently living at least one of the prayers you used to pray,” added another. She later shared a photo of pink roses sent to her by Scott Disick. “Khloé now knows that Tristan was unfaithful to her when they were back together," a source told Us at the time. “This is a very sad time for Khloé." Broadimage/Shutterstock  Days after news broke that Nichols was suing Thompson, Us confirmed that the athlete filed an emergency request for a gag order in the case that would prevent either party from speaking out about any further details. The NBA player also claimed that Nichols violated an oral confidentiality agreement a judge put in place earlier in the proceedings. Courtesy Tristan Thompson/Instagram  Shortly after requesting a gag order, Thompson seemingly got his wish. On December 9, Page Six reported that the lawsuit filings were no longer viewable online because the records are “currently CONFIDENTIAL or this case has been SEALED.” Who Is Maralee Nichols? Learn More Amid Tristan Thompson Baby Reports |
| Brooklyn Beckham Shows Off His Love for Nicola Peltz With New Tattoo Posted: 09 Dec 2021 01:37 PM PST Love at first sight! Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz are two of young Hollywood’s brightest stars, so it’s no surprise that their relationship has been full of sparks from the moment it started. The pair, who began dating in October 2019, got serious fast, making their relationship Instagram official in January 2020 and getting engaged less than a year into their romance. "Two weeks ago I asked my soulmate to marry me and she said yes,” the photographer wrote via Instagram in July 2020 after popping the question. “I am the luckiest man in the world. I promise to be the best husband and the best daddy one day The model’s famous parents, Victoria Beckham and David Beckham, are super supportive of their eldest son’s relationship and are huge fans of their future daughter-in-law. "[Nicola] is just wonderful," the former Spice Girls member said during a December 2020 appearance on the talk show Lorraine. "She's sweet, she's kind, she's such a lovely, warm, wonderful, wonderful woman. We couldn't have asked for Brooklyn to meet a more adorable, lovely lady. We are very happy. We love her. He's so happy." After news of the duo’s engagement broke in 2020, both of Brooklyn’s parents took to Instagram to wish the couple well. "The MOST exciting news!! We could not be happier that @brooklynbeckham and @nicolaannepeltz are getting married!” the fashion designer wrote via Instagram. “Wishing you so much love and a lifetime of happiness The soccer star joined in with his own post, writing, “Congratulations to these two beautiful people … As they begin this exciting journey together we are so so happy for you guys.” Though the twosome haven’t yet walked down the aisle, they have already made permanent commitments to each other in the form of tattoos. In April 2021, Peltz showed off a tattoo of her fiancé’s name written in cursive on her back. Brooklyn, for his part, has a tattoo of Peltz’s grandmother’s name as well as a pair of eyes that fans speculated were drawn to look like those of the Bates Motel alum. He also has a tattoo on his arm that reads, “My life, my love, my truth, my breath, my reason, my beauty, my precious." For a less painful tribute, the Last Airbender star had matching necklaces made with their wisdom teeth. “You’re my best friend,” she captioned the Instagram Story showing off the jewelry. Keep scrolling for the complete history of Beckham and Peltz’s relationship:  The pair were first linked after The Daily Mail reported that they were spotted at a Halloween party together. Courtesy of Nicola Peltz/Instagram  Shortly after the new year, Peltz made their relationship Instagram official with a mirror selfie. Courtesy of Brooklyn Beckham  Brooklyn celebrated his love's 25th birthday with an Instagram tribute. "Happy birthday babe xx," he wrote. "You have such an amazing heart xx." Courtesy of Brooklyn Beckham  The couple attended the Saint Laurent show at Paris Fashion Week in coordinating looks. Laurent Vu/SIPA/Shutterstock  "You’ve made me the luckiest girl in the world," Peltz wrote via Instagram in July after Brooklyn proposed the previous month. "I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life by your side. Your love is the most precious gift." A few weeks later, the photographer shared a series of photos from the day he popped the question. "Can’t imagine a life without you baby," he wrote via Instagram. "You make me feel so special and make me laugh all the time x I will always take care of you and will always have your back." Courtesy of Brooklyn Beckham/Instagram  "I love you more everyday," Peltz wrote via Instagram alongside a steamy bathroom selfie of herself with Brooklyn. Courtesy of Brooklyn Beckham  Brooklyn commemorated the pair's one-year anniversary with a selfie taken in the bathtub. "Happy 1 year anniversary baby," he wrote via Instagram. "I’m the luckiest person to have you by my side x I can not wait to grow old with you and start a family with you ❤️ love you so much." Courtesy of Victoria Beckham/Instagram  The model got a tattoo of the name "Gina" in tribute to Peltz's grandmother, who died in January 2020. "Best birthday gift," the Holidate actress wrote of the ink. Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  Brooklyn gushed over his fiancée in an Instagram post shared in honor of her 26th birthday. "Happy birthday baby x I can not tell you how much I love you," he wrote. "You make me a better man and the happiest man in the world x I am so lucky to be able to spend the rest of my life with you and create so many memories. I hope you have the most amazing day because you deserve it xx love you baby." Courtesy Nicola Peltz/Instagram  "Happy Valentine’s Day baby x you are my best friend and I’m so happy I get to spend this special day with you," Brooklyn wrote via Instagram for Valentine's Day. "I will forever be so grateful and the happiest man in the world to call you mine and will always make you smile because you have the most gorgeous smile." Courtesy of Brooklyn Beckham  The What I See author photographed Peltz for the cover of Vogue Germany. Courtesy of Brooklyn Beckham/Instagram  "This exact day 1 year ago I asked this gorgeous woman to marry me," Brooklyn wrote via Instagram. "She makes me a better person everyday and is my best friend. I can’t imagine my life without you because you continuously make me laugh and smile x happy 1 year baby." Courtesy of Nicola Ann Peltz/Instagram  Brooklyn commemorated the end of filming for Lola James, a movie codirected by Peltz. "I am so proud of you baby x 3 years in the making and tonight was the last night of filming this masterpiece," he wrote via Instagram. "I’m so in love with you and you are the most talented person I know." Courtesy of Brooklyn Beckham  The photographer shared a goofy selfie of the pair with the caption, "My absolute everything." Courtesy of Brooklyn Beckham  "We've been engaged for a year and if Covid wasn't a thing we'd have liked to have been married already," he told HELLO! magazine in November 2021 about the “difficult” wedding planning process. “I've only just started to travel again. I'm traveling a little bit now but hopefully it'll be next year." Richie Buxo/Shutterstock  Brooklyn debuted a new hand tattoo reading, "Our little bubble." The phrase is seemingly a reference to his life with Peltz in Beverly Hills. When asked by HELLO! magazine in November 2021 if he missed the U.K., he replied, "No, because I'm marrying my best friend. So, we kind of have our own little bubble together now and it's just really nice." Courtesy of Nicola Peltz/Instagram |
| RHOBH's Dorit Kemsley and Husband PK’s Relationship Timeline Posted: 09 Dec 2021 01:36 PM PST A Real Housewives-worthy love story! Not long after Dorit Kemsley (née Lemel) met real estate developer Paul "PK" Kemsley in 2011, romance quickly flourished — and their love story has been going strong ever since. “Well, we met and we didn't really have our first official date for a couple of months,” the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star recalled of their introduction during a September 2020 interview with Bravo's Daily Dish. “We had had a few things in common, so we went out as a group. And in that time it was a very clear — it was a lot of banter between him and I. And it was a very clear chemistry. But, I wouldn't say that there was ‘Oh, my God,’ from either side, really an inclination. He had separated from his wife and he had children. So, he had a whole life before. And so there really wasn't this thought at that moment. I was a girl about town with my own business in New York City." She noted at the time, "But [the chemistry] was very clear, very apparent. And then when we went on our first date in New York City, he took me to see Jersey Boys, which he had seen six times by then. … And I think when he saw that I was just like dancing around and enjoying it so much, I think for him he thought, ‘OK, this is definitely my kind of girl.’ And for me, I mean he's just the more lovable fool, he cracks me up." After a whirlwind courtship, the pair tied the knot in a romantic New York City ceremony in March 2015. The Connecticut native knew she "was supposed to spend the rest of [her] life” with the entrepreneur, as she explained in a March 2021 Instagram post. "We're still as in love today as we were the day we got married," Dorit added in her social media caption, while celebrating their wedding anniversary. "Life is always an adventure with you by my side @paul_kemsley_pk. And even though you may drive me crazy at times While the fashion designer has continued to gush about her spouse via social media and during episodes of the Bravo series, she admitted she was one-and-done when it comes to marital celebrations. "The one thing I will never do again is get married," Dorit exclusively told Us Weekly in April 2021. "I might wear the wedding gown, you know, somewhere in my own closet, but I'd like to stay married to PK for the rest of my life. … There's that school of thought that, you know, if it's not broken, don't fix it. Even though I'm a big believer that, you know, much like on Housewives, they say that there's the marriage curse on Housewives and there's divorce that happens when they join. I think if you have a strong marriage, then that's what stands the test of time." Before their nuptials, the pair — who joined the Bravo franchise in season 7 — welcomed son Jagger in 2014 and daughter Phoenix in 2016. (The England native also has two children from a previous relationship.) The duo has endured ups and downs throughout their relationship, including a 2018 legal battle with her former Beverly Beach colleague, Ryan Horne, after claims that she owned her former partner money. Dorit and PK eventually settled the case with Horne in October 2019. One year later, she exclusively told Us that their financial challenges brought them closer as a couple. In October 2021, Dorit's home was burglarized while she and their children were asleep. The businessman, who was out of town for work during the incident, immediately flew home to be with his brood. "I would like to thank you all for your kind words of support. Dorit and myself have been overwhelmed by the show of love," PK wrote via Instagram several days later. "We can't respond to every message (I can't even respond to all the texts and what's apps). So I wanted to tell you all that we are doing OK. I'm home and we are all together and will get through this. The babies are great they are totally unaware and life is going to return to normal hopefully very quickly." Several months later, the pair made headlines again after PK was arrested for suspicion of DUI. "He's very regretful. He fully understands the nature and the danger of drinking and driving," Dorit told a photographer while leaving the 2021 People's Choice Awards in December 2021. "He was barely over the limit, and he fully understands and reassures me that it will never happen again." Scroll below to relive the couple's relationship timeline:  While the pair were both living in New York, they randomly met at a local restaurant where they quickly hit it off. “We went out and have been inseparable from that first night,” the Bravo personality recalled to Wedding Style magazine in March 2015. Broadimage/Shutterstock  The couple welcomed their first child together, son Jagger. Courtesy of Dorit Kemsley/Instagram  The pair got married on March 7 at Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room in New York City. Since both PK and Dorit had a “penchant and fondness for the roaring 20’s,” that served as their nuptial theme, she explained via Instagram in 2021. In her post, she called the Great Gatsby-inspired event a “magical evening,” which was “filled with so much love” and was “a night I’ll never forget.” John Salangsang/Shutterstock  Less than one year after tying the knot, Dorit became the newest Housewife to appear on RHOBH, joining the show during its seventh season. “PK's cool. He likes it. He likes the thrill of it," Dorit told Bravo’s Daily Dish in January 2017 about joining the iconic franchise. "As far as the negative attention, he just says, 'Oh, who cares? We are who we are. The people that know us, know us. We don't really have anything to really worry about in that regard.'" Mediapunch/Shutterstock  Two years later after welcoming Jagger, the reality TV star gave birth to daughter Phoenix. Courtesy of Dorit Kemsley/Instagram  “I couldn’t do any of it without you. Happy Valentines Day my love. ❤️ I love you forever and always,” she captioned a selfie of the couple for the loved-up holiday. Courtesy of Dorit Kemsley/Instagram  “The universe gives each of our souls a twin which is a reflection of our own souls,” Dorit explained via an Instagram birthday tribute, calling PK her “twin soul” in the caption. “No matter how far apart these souls are separated, they will always find their way to one another. Happy birthday to ... my happy place, my foundation, my rock, my extraordinary husband and my best friend. I can’t wait to celebrate you today and always. ❤️🍾🎉😘🎂 I love you with my whole heart and soul- forever.” Mediapunch/Shutterstock  While gushing over the pair’s fifth wedding anniversary, Dorit referred to the British talent manager as her “endless love.” “5 years ago today we sealed our love under the chuppah in front of our closest friends and family, and even though we had already started our family, shared nearly 5 beautiful years together by then, and had our son Jagger, it remains one of the happiest days of my life,” she captioned an Instagram montage. “To be married to you is a blessing in the purest form. Sharing my life and my heart with you has been the most wonderful decision I ever made. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you with all my heart bubba.” Courtesy of Dorit Kemsley/Instagram  As a growing family, the RHOBH cast member has continued to share domestic moments with their little ones and gushing about her husband as a father. “Happy Father's Day to the man of my heart, the father of our children, the love of my life,” Dorit wrote via Instagram at the time. “Thank you for all the ways you go above and beyond every day for our family. I'm so grateful to be sharing life, love and parenthood with such an amazing man like you. We love you so, so much. 👨👩👧👦🤗❤️🎁😘🥂🙌🏼🥰” Courtesy of Dorit Kemsley/Instagram  In honor of PK’s 54th birthday, she posted a sweet tribute to her love: “My darling PK, you are my heart, my soul, my treasure, my today, my tomorrow, my forever, and my everything. When you wake up, I’ll be asleep, and it will be the first (and hopefully the last) birthday in 10 years that I’m not waking up by your side- but, we very much look forward to celebrating with you when we’re all together again. Happy birthday my love- I love you to the moon and back and around the stars.” Courtesy of Dorit Kemsley/Instagram  The swimsuit designer made headlines on October 27 after she was robbed at gunpoint in her California home. “As you all know by now, I have been through a terrifying ordeal, one that no parent or person should ever have to experience,” Dorit shared via Instagram several days later. “I’ve received so many messages of love and support and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s truly overwhelming. My kids are unaware of what happened, they slept through it and I thank God for keeping my kids and myself from being physically harmed.” She continued at the time: “My family now needs to start the healing process. I have thrown myself straight back into work as I want our family to return to normality as soon as possible.” Matt Baron/Shutterstock |
| Reese Witherspoon’s Pup Major Is a Fully Grown ‘Cuddle Puddle’ Posted: 09 Dec 2021 01:19 PM PST Puppy love! Reese Witherspoon is the ultimate dog lover and she wants everyone to know it. Whether she's posing with dogs on set — like she frequently did as Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde franchise with her BFF Bruiser Woods — or is cuddling up her own pets (she has a few), Witherspoon is a true animal friend. Throughout the years, the Big Little Lies star and producer has taken her love of canines to the next level by consistently sharing photos of her family of dogs via social media. The Sweet Home Alabama actress has a long history of naming her animals after celebrities, like her current Labrador, Hank, named after country singer Hank Williams. The Draper James founder once had an English bulldog named Frank Sinatra after the "Come Fly With Me" crooner and a French bulldog named Coco Chanel for the legendary designer. Witherspoon takes her Instagram followers along with her through her daily duties as a pet owner, shows of her dogs' adorable faces and frequently posts photos of them in costumes. Currently, her newsfeed is overflowing with photos of four puppies, Hank, American bulldog Lou, French bulldog Minnie Pearl and black Labrador Major. In November 2020, Minnie Pearl joined the Witherspoon family as its latest addition. She was introduced to her Instagram followers less than a month after the Walk the Line actress revealed that the family's other French bulldog Pepper had passed away. Lou, for his part, joined the squad in June 2019 two months after Witherspoon's longtime pup, a German Shepherd named Nash, died. Major was introduced to fans in January 2021. The New Orleans native is also mother to three children, Ava and Deacon, whom she shares with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, and Tennessee, whom she shares with husband Jim Toth. Scroll below to see all of The Morning Show star's adorable pupdates over the years.  Witherspoon said her new puppy, Major, is her son Tennessee’s “best bud” in a sweet Instagram photo in January 2021. She also pointed out her son’s T-shirt, which featured a photo of the family’s other pup, Minnie Pearl. Courtesy Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  The actress introduced fans to the family’s newest addition, a black Labrador named Major, in January 2021. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  The Oscar winner shared a photo on Instagram showing her puppy, Minnie, hitching a ride in her hoodie. "My little hood baby dog #minniepearl," Witherspoon captioned the pic and later shared a video with KBFR's "Hood Baby" playing. "Starting a new trend??" she asked. "Adorable!!" Catherine Zeta-Jones commented, while January Jones wrote, "Omg I want a puppy so bad. How many dogs are too many exactly?" "The limit does not exist," a fan replied. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  The Draper James founder introduced her fans to the family’s newest member, Minnie Pearl, in November 2020, weeks after announcing the death of their dog Pepper. “Welcome to the family little one ❤️,” Witherspoon caption the snap of the squad’s new bulldog, who is named after country legend and comedian Minnie Pearl (real name Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon). Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  Witherspoon announced in October 2020 that Pepper had passed away after battling cancer for months. “My goodness, she was such a loyal and devoted family member. I am so heartbroken, but I am also deeply grateful for all the love and comfort she brought our family,” she wrote at the time. “Now she’s in dog heaven where all great pets go. Chasing tennis balls, running through open fields of wild flowers and being the Queen that she is. That’s what I believe. 🎾🌸 👑 We will always love you, sweet Pepper.” Courtesy Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  In August 2020, the Little Fires Everywhere star shared a golden hour selfie with her bulldog Lou, who gave the camera a menacing look. "This is his excited face....❤️," Witherspoon teased via Instagram. Courtesy Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Same, Pepper. Same. #mood 🤪 ,” she captioned a picture of her dog chilling on a striped towel. Courtesy Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  Witherspoon shared a photo showing her and her pup munching on donuts together, writing, “Everyday is better with donuts and dogs. 🍩 💕 🐶 .” Courtesy Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Lou understands me.☕️💘,” Witherspoon wrote via Instagram on a snap of herself chilling with Lou the bulldog, reading the paper and sipping coffee on a sunny morning in April 2020. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  Lou joined the Morning Show star on her work chats and video calls while working at home in April 2020. Courtesy Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “I think he's already sick of my cooking,” Witherspoon joked via Instagram in March 2020, on a photo of Lou giving attitude in the kitchen. Courtesy Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “At least we have dogs!❤️🐶,” the mother of three wrote alongside a photo of her bulldog cozying up to her youngest son, Tennessee, in March. Courtesy Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Is this how you cure a sinus infection? 🍵🤒 #sickday,” the actress captioned a snap of her son and two of their dogs snuggling up with her while lounging on the couch in February 2020. Courtesy Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  The actress shared an adorable photo of her son Tennessee taking a nap with their pups Lou and Hank, via her Instagram Stories on February 19, 2020. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  In February 2020, the Wild actress shared a new “pupdate” via Instagram writing, “Can you guess which one ate the remote control this morning? (culprits from left to right: Hank, Pepper and Lou) 🐾” Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  Witherspoon’s kids had a perfect Saturday morning thanks to their three pups in January 2020. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  Pepper showed off all her Frenchie-approved products before Christmas in December 2019 and he was an instant Instagram hit. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “I keep telling them, trick-or-treating doesn't start until next week guys!” the Southern belle wrote via Instagram in October 2019 on the photo of her three dogs, Lou, Pepper and Hank. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “I mean, come on... have you ever seen a more handsome superhero?” the Walk the Line actress captioned this Halloween photo of Lou in October 2019. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Pupdate: Lou ate the left corner of a pool float,” Witherspoon shared via Instagram in August 2019. “I guess it was delicious...” Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  In July 2019, the actress shares another pupdate via social media writing, “Today, Lou ate my favorite sneaker 👟... but just the left one.” Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Pepper thinks there's bacon in my purse...🥓” the Big Little Lies star joked via Instagram in July 2019. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  In June 2019, Witherspoon introduced her followers to the newest member of her family … Lou the bulldog! Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Friends don’t let friends drink alone. Right, Pepper?? 🍷 #WineWednesday #sheprefersred #frenchielove ❤️” the A Wrinkle in Time actress wrote via Instagram in March 2019. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  In February 2019, Witherspoon gave a shout-out to Pepper, Nash and Hank via social media. “So glad I get to come home to these faces every single day! 🐶❤️ #LoveYourPetDay,” she wrote. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Who doesn't like biscuits?” the Whiskey in a Tea Cup author captioned the February 2019 photo. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Just patiently waiting for Santa...#pepper #lovemybulldog ❤️🌲🌟” Witherspoon wrote alongside a photo of Pepper sitting by the Christmas tree in December 2018. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “French flags, French bulldogs , French wine all day! Vive la France 🇫🇷! #WorldCup,” the mother of three captioned her festive snap in July 2018. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Heard it’s #NationalPetDay today… but let’s be honest, every day is National Pet Day! Love my squad,” the Sweet Home Alabama actress wrote in April 2018 alongside a photo of Nash, who passed away the following April. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  Pepper channeled her inner Elle Woods during an April pool day in 2018. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Gotta ❤️ a festive dog sweater! #LoveMyLab,” Witherspoon wrote via Instagram in December 2017. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  The Draper James founder got help decorating for the holidays thanks to Pepper and Hank in November 2017. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Coffee, with a little Pepper. 😉☕️,” The Morning Show star captioned a Sunday Funday snap in November 2017. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Have you ever seen a cuter #BeanieBaby? ❤️ #LoveMyLab,” Witherspoon wrote on a Halloween snap of herself and Hank dressed up in 2017. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “I don’t know about y’all, but I prefer a little Pepper in my #FrenchieFries! #PepperPortraits #PepperPoses #HappyHalloween,” the Hello Sunshine founder wrote alongside photos of Pepper in costume on Halloween in 2017. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Hank enjoying the last days of summer ☀️🐶💙#lovemylab,” Witherspoon wrote on a photo of her lab in August 2017. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Celebrating our loyal dog Pepper on #nationalpetday! (Enjoying cuddle time with her best friend Tennessee 😄.),” Witherspoon wrote via Instagram in April 2017. “She lets us chase her, squish her funny face, and take her picture at least one million times a day. We love you, 🌶! #FrenchieLove #PepperPortraits.” Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “I think somebody's trying to tell me they want to go on #SpringBreak with us … 🐶☀️ #PackingWithPepper #PepperPortraits,” the Cruel Intentions actress wrote on a photo of Pepper in her suitcase in March 2017. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “We get mistaken for sisters all the time ... 🐶👩🏼 #ProudMom,” Witherspoon captioned a sweet set photo from Home Again in November 2016. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  Pepper got into the holiday spirit the day after Thanksgiving in November 2016 — matching her bow to the gifts around her. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  Pepper joined her mom in rooting on team USA during the Summer 2016 Olympics wearing a cute bandana to show off her team spirit. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  In April 2016, the producer added Pepper the Frenchie to her pup-filled home. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  “Why my dogs ❤️Sundays... BACON! #nash #hankthedog #doglife,” Witherspoon wrote via Instagram on the August 2015 snap. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram  Hank spent Memorial Day Weekend in May 2015 lounging on a pool float at his home in California. Courtesy of Reese Witherspoon/Instagram |
| Anna Duggar Leaves Court After Husband Josh Duggar’s Guilty Conviction: Photo Posted: 09 Dec 2021 12:56 PM PST Moments after Josh Duggar was found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography, his wife, Anna Duggar, solemnly left the Fayetteville, Arkansas, courthouse. The 19 Kids and Counting alum, 33, was surrounded by her 33-year-old husband's family, including his parents, Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar, as she exited the building on Thursday, December 9, following Josh's conviction. The former reality star was found guilty on two charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material, one week after his trial began. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each count. Sentencing will occur at a later date. The political activist was previously arrested without bail on the child pornography charges in April. "According to court documents, Joshua James Duggar, 33, allegedly used the internet to download child sexual abuse material," the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Arkansas stated in a press release following his arrest. "Duggar allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019." At the time, his attorney entered a not guilty plea and he was released on bond one month later. However, in May, a judge ruled that "close friends" of the Duggar family, Lacount and Maria Reber, would provide Josh with a place to stay. He was still allowed to have unlimited contact with his children, as long as Anna was present. The couple share seven kids Mackynzie, 11, Michael, 10, Marcus, 8, Meredith, 6, Mason, 4, Maryella, 24 months and their latest addition, 3-month-old Madyson Lily. Anna has stood by her husband amid multiple public scandals over the years. In May 2015, reports surfaced that Josh had molested five underage girls when he was a teenage in 2002, including his sisters Jill Duggar and Jessa Duggar. As a result of the accusations, Josh issued an apology and resigned from his position at the Family Research Council.  In August 2015, Josh admitted that he had cheated on his wife after hackers released data online from the Ashley Madison dating site, where he was connected via two paid subscriptions. “I have been the biggest hypocrite ever," he wrote in a statement published on the Duggar family’s official website. "While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the internet and this became a secret addiction, and I became unfaithful to my wife." Amid his latest scandal, Anna announced that she and Josh had welcomed baby No. 7. "Meet little Madyson Lily Duggar! Days after the baby announcement, the pair were spotted holding hands as they left an Arkansas courthouse on November 18, following a pretrial evidentiary hearing requested by the judge. Anna was also seen placing her hand on her husband's back as they exited. |
| Josh Duggar Smiles in Mugshot After Child Pornography Conviction: Photo Posted: 09 Dec 2021 12:53 PM PST The jury rests. Josh Duggar smiled in his mugshot after he was officially convicted in his months-long child pornography trial. The 33-year-old former reality star wore a white button-down shirt and grinned in the photo taken after the verdict was reached on Thursday, December 9, in Arkansas. Duggar’s trial began in late November following his April arrest. After one week of hearings, which included testimony from his father, Jim Bob Duggar, the political activist was found guilty of two charges of receiving and possessing child pornography, with his sentencing set for a later date. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each count.  The Arkansas native was taken into police custody in his home state earlier this year, shortly after his wife, Anna Duggar, announced she was expecting their seventh child. At the time, Josh’s lawyer pleaded not guilty on his behalf before he was ordered to stay with a third party, meaning he was unable to return to the family home he shares with Anna, 33, and children Mackynzie, 12, Michael, 10, Marcus, 8, Meredith, 6, Mason, 4, and Maryella, 2. (Daughter Madyson was born in October.) Several of Josh’s 18 siblings publicly addressed the eldest Duggar’s arrest as the controversy made headlines, as did Jim Bob, 56, and his wife, Michelle Duggar. Two months later, TLC cut ties with the family and canceled their series Counting On. “TLC feels it is important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation privately,” the network noted in a statement in June after previously asserting that Josh had not been part of the TLC family since 19 Kids and Counting ended in the wake of his molestation scandal. In May 2015, Josh was accused of sexually abusing five underage girls when he was a teenager between 2002 and 2003. His sisters Jill Duggar and Jessa Duggar later revealed they were some of the victims. Earlier this year, Jinger Duggar reflected on her family’s turbulent time in her book, The Hope We Hold.  “My brain hadn’t quite caught up to the reality of what had happened in a few short hours,” the 27-year-old wrote in the memoir, which she coauthored with her husband Jeremy Vuolo. “Earlier that day, Dad had gathered my siblings and me to tell us that the worst trial in our family history, a trial we had long since dealt with and made our peace with, was now public knowledge.” Though they had already been in the spotlight for several years at the time, Jinger remembered that it felt different to see “intimate details” about her family members “splashed across a magazine page and all over the internet for anyone and everyone to read,” and struggled to think about what would happen next. “I felt shell-shocked, as if a bomb had exploded. I moved in a daze, living in a nightmare that I wished with all my heart wasn’t real,” she continued. “One of my siblings had made some sinful choices, but it had all been years ago. It had been awful, but we had dealt with it as a family. … Now that it was out in public, the old wound was open again, raw, painful.” Navigating the scandal was a challenge for Jinger’s siblings and parents, but one that she felt brought them “way closer,” she exclusively told Us Weekly in April. “I will never forget how I felt in that moment,” she recalled. “And I think even everything that happens in our lives — because we’re in the public eye — it makes it more challenging because then it’s not just dealing with these things inwardly, but you have to give an answer to the world. That makes it a much tougher thing to walk through.” If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more. |
| Josh Duggar’s Lawsuits, Scandals and Controversies Over the Years Posted: 09 Dec 2021 12:18 PM PST It's been a rocky road for Josh Duggar since his family entered the spotlight on 19 Kids and Counting (formerly 17 Kids and Counting and 18 Kids and Counting). TLC viewers started keeping up with Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar and their large family in 2008. The eldest Duggar sibling, Josh, married Anna Duggar (née Keller) that September, with their courtship and wedding airing on the series. As the show continued to gain popularity, Josh came under fire in 2015 after a police report revealed he molested five girls when he was 14 and 15 years old. Josh addressed the controversy in a statement via Facebook at the time. "Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends," he wrote. "We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.” The legal paperwork revealed that Jim Bob reported the situation to Arkansas State Police, telling officers that Josh “did manual labor and had counseling" through a Christian program. Former Arkansas state trooper Joseph Truman Hutchens subsequently gave Josh a "very stern talk," but “there was nothing else to do," Jim Bob revealed in the court docs. It was later revealed that four out of five of Josh's victims were his siblings, including Jill Duggar and Jessa Duggar. Several months later, Josh admitted to cheating on Anna after website Ashley Madison was involved in a data leak in August 2015. "It was one of the hardest times of our lives," Jinger recalled to Us Weekly in April 2021 about Josh’s scandals. "I will never forget how I felt in that moment. And I think even everything that happens in our lives — because we're in the public eye — it makes it more challenging because then it's not just dealing with these things inwardly, but you have to give an answer to the world. That makes it a much tougher thing to walk through." Josh and Anna are the parents of six kids: Mackynzie (born October 2009), Michael (June 2011), Marcus (June 2013), Meredith (July 2015), Mason (September 2017) and Maryella (November 2019). In April 2021, Anna announced the pair are expecting baby No. 7, a baby girl. Days later, Josh was arrested and was not given the option to post bail until a May 5 hearing. During an April 30 hearing, his lawyer, Justin Gelfand, waived the right to have the charges read out loud, but the United States Department of Justice confirmed via a press release that he was arrested for possessing child porn. Scroll through for a timeline of the scandals:  One month after the scandal broke, Jessa and Jill confirmed they were among their brother's molestation victims. During an interview with Megyn Kelly in June 2015, Jim Bob recalled Josh confessing his actions and noted “safeguards” were subsequently put in place. Jill went on to explain the precautions taken: “Locks on the doors. … You know, everybody’s in bed. Girls in the girls' room. Boys in the boys' room — as a mother now I look back, and I think, you know, my parents did such an amazing job for me. Even when we went through the DHS investigation, they complimented my parents on what an amazing job they did through that process." YouTube  As the fallout from the child molestation allegations continued, Josh admitted he cheated on Anna after his Ashley Madison account was revealed in August 2015. "I have been the biggest hypocrite ever. While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the internet and this became a secret addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife," he said in a statement at the time. "I am so ashamed of the double life that I have been living and am grieved for the hurt, pain and disgrace my sin has caused my wife and family, and most of all Jesus and all those who profess faith in Him. … I humbly ask for your forgiveness. Please pray for my precious wife Anna and our family during this time." Jim Bob and Michelle released a statement of their own: "When we learned of this late last night our hearts were broken. As we continue to place our trust in God we ask for your prayers for Josh, Anna, our grandchildren, and our entire family." Josh subsequently sought treatment and the couple gave a relationship update in March 2016. “Since the residential treatment program ended, we have been working with a professional marriage and family counselor to take important steps toward healing,” they wrote in a statement at the time. “As the future unfolds, we are taking one day at a time and we are grateful for your continued prayers for both of us and our sweet children.” Courtesy of Anna Duggar/Instagram  Josh made headlines in late 2015 after a porn star named Danica Dillon alleged that he paid to have sex with her and subsequently “assaulted her to the point of causing her physical and emotional injuries.” Josh responded to the lawsuit in a legal filing of his own, denying that he slept with Dillon and claiming he never met her. She dismissed the lawsuit in January 2016. Danny Johnston/AP/Shutterstock  Josh and his company, ALB Investments, were sued by a man named Carl Echols for allegedly purchasing a five-acre property illegally. While Josh was later dropped as a Defendant on the case, ALB Investments was ordered to pay $5,000 in lawyer’s fees and costs in October 2020, according to The Sun. Courtesy Josh Duggar/Twitter  Josh was booked in April 2021 and placed on a federal hold at the Washington County jail in Arkansas, Us confirmed. He subsequently pleaded not guilty to receipt and possession of child pornography charges. "I will also advise you that any proposed third-party custodian, it would need to be in a residence, where there are no minors in the home," the judge said at the April 30 hearing. "So, you all would need to be looking for somebody that will ensure compliance with conditions of release and can ensure to the court that there are no minors in the home, or that would be visiting unsupervised." The U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Arkansas subsequently detailed the charges in a press release: "According to court documents, Joshua James Duggar, 33, allegedly used the internet to download child sexual abuse material. Duggar allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019." Washington County Police Dept.  Josh was released on bond in May 2021, but not allowed to return home, following a lengthy hearing. His release conditions included limitations on visitation with his six children, stating he cannot be near them without his wife present. The TV personality cannot be around any other children, including his nieces and nephews at this time. He must wear a GPS tracker when he leaves his temporary residence at pastor LaCount Reber's home. His travel will be limited to church, work, legal and medical appointments. Courtesy of Anna Duggar/Instagram  Following a week-long trial, Josh was found guilty of two counts of receiving and possessing child pornography. He was not officially sentenced at the time but faced up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each count. MEGA |
| Jill Duggar's 'Distancing' From Her Family Explained: Timeline of the Drama Posted: 09 Dec 2021 12:17 PM PST No family is perfect — even famous ones. Since 19 Kids and Counting skyrocketed Jill Duggar into the spotlight, she’s experienced plenty of ups and downs with her parents and siblings. Fans first met the Duggars in 2008 when their TLC reality series, originally titled 17 Kids and Counting, premiered. The show highlighted the devout Baptist family’s day-to-day lives, from homeschooling to courtships. However, the network suspended the series in May 2015 after it was revealed that Jill’s brother Josh Duggar had molested multiple girls as a teenager. One month later, Jill and her sister Jessa came forward as two of Josh’s victims. The siblings shared their story during an in-depth interview with Megyn Kelly. “This is something that we chose to do. Nobody asked us to do this,” Jill asserted at the time, adding that she had “forgiven” her brother for his past behavior. Jill also praised her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, for how they handled the situation behind closed doors. “Being a mother now, I look back and I realize my parents did such an amazing job for me,” she said in the sit-down. “As a mom, I hope I can set up the same safeguards with my family that they did.” The Arkansas native welcomed two sons — Israel, born in 2015, and Samuel, born in 2017 — with her husband, Derick Dillard. Although 19 Kids and Counting was officially canceled by TLC in July 2015, Jill, Derick and other members of the Duggar brood returned for a spinoff titled Counting On later that year. After six seasons, the couple exited the series in 2017. “We found out we didn’t have as much control over our lives as it related to the show and stuff, as we needed,” Jill explained in a YouTube Q&A three years later, noting that she and Derick “don’t regret” the choice they made to leave. “We had to make a decision at that time to kind of put the show aside … to pursue our own goals and everything.” Though the pair believed they did what was best for them and their kids, not everyone was pleased with the decision. “There’s been some distancing there,” Jill said of her family’s strained relationship. “We’re not on the best terms with some of my family. We’ve had some disagreements, but we’re working toward healing definitely and restoration, but we’re having to kind of just take some time and heal.” Four months later, Jill told Us Weekly exclusively that there was still “drama” between her and some relatives, adding that she and Derick were “learning to develop boundaries” in therapy. “We were ready to leave and felt strongly about leaving. … There are definitely some issues there,” she told Us in February 2021. “We definitely feel like we’re in a healthy place now for our family and have control over our lives. … Certain people are more supportive than others. I think it ebbs and flows with a family of that size. Every family has drama and so when you’ve got that many more people giving opinions or whatever, it can get crazy.” As fans continue to speculate about Jill’s tension with the other TLC stars, Jinger Duggar and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo, told Us she hoped to see some improvement there soon. “They’re working through some things,” the pastor said in April 2021 of his sister-in-law and Dillard. “We’re giving them their time to do that … but we’ve got a great relationship [with them].” Scroll down to learn more about Jill’s ups and downs with her family:  In her book Growing Up Duggar, cowritten by Jana, Jessa and Jinger, Jill opened up about feeling pressure within her family's strict guidelines. "We can't conform ourselves to other people's molds. But we try sometimes, don't we?" she wrote. "It's inevitable that human beings, particularly teenagers and especially teenage girls, go through times when they may try to remake themselves into something, or someone, they're not." Courtesy of Jill Duggar  Jill and her sister Jessa sat down for a revealing interview with Megyn Kelly, coming forward as two of their brother Josh's molestation victims. "We've already forgiven Josh. We've moved on," Jill said at the time, claiming "most of the stuff out there" about the situation was "lies." FOX  Though the network pulled the plug on 19 Kids and Counting following Josh's cheating scandal and rehab stint, several of the Duggar sisters returned for the spinoff, titled Counting On. The earlier episodes focused specifically on Jill and Jessa as they expanded their own families. Tlc/Kobal/Shutterstock  After season 6 of Counting On came to an end, Jill and her family announced they would not be returning for future episodes. Soon after, Dillard came under fire for his controversial tweets about transgender TLC star Jazz Jennings. "The network has no plans to feature him in the future," TLC noted in a statement amid the backlash. Courtesy of Jill Duggar/Instagram  Jill's husband seemingly threw shade at his father-in-law in a lengthy Twitter thread, hinting that Jim Bob had "negotiated" family members' TLC contracts "without telling anyone." When one fan asked why the patriarch "get[s] all the money" from the show, Dillard replied, "I don't know. You would have to ask him that." Courtesy Jill Duggar/Instagram  In a clear deviation from Duggar family beliefs, Jill and her husband told their social media followers that they'd been using "non-hormonal birth control methods." The reveal came shortly after she drank an alcoholic beverage during a September 2020 date night, another small rebellion against her relatives' rules. Courtesy of Jill Dillard/Instagram  The couple went into detail about their decision to leave the TLC franchise in a YouTube vlog, revealing, "We found out we didn't have as much control over our lives as it related to the show and stuff, as we needed." Jill explained that the pair chose "to kind of put the show aside" and instead focus on pursuing other passions. "It was a really difficult decision. ... We're not on the best terms with some of my family. We’ve had some disagreements," she added. "But we're working toward healing definitely and restoration, but we're having to kind of just take some time and heal." YouTube  "Up until around the time we left the show, we hadn't been paid for anything," Jill claimed in a YouTube video describing her and Dillard's exit from Counting On. "Of course, there were perks that came along with filming. ... We hadn't been paid until we were really pressing about it and ended up getting an attorney involved and stuff." At the time, Dillard noted that the lawyer helped them "to recover at least something" of the lost funds, but it was only "a little more than minimum wage at most." YouTube  One month after she detailed the ongoing family "drama" to Us exclusively, Jill revealed in a YouTube video that she and Dillard hadn't visited her childhood home — a.k.a. the "big house" — in "probably a couple years." The law school grad added, "There’s a lot of triggers [at the house]." Courtesy Jill Duggar/Instagram  In a series of fiery tweets, Dillard claimed the "rebranding" of 19 Kids and Counting into Counting On wasn't convincing. "Same business structure as 19K&C (I.e., one person makes the decisions for all and one person got paid)," he wrote after Josh's April 2021 arrest continued to make headlines. "But it would be 'rebranded' to make people think it was different. We pushed back often, and we were threatened often. ... Finally, we called their bluff and quit." Courtesy of Jill Duggar/Instagram  When TLC officially cut ties with the Duggar family following Josh's April 2021 arrest, Jill and her husband reacted in a post on their website titled "Better Late Than Never." The couple wrote at the time, "Our statement about the cancellation of Counting On is a little late because we just learned the news with the rest of the world last Tuesday + this season of life is quite busy for us. We first heard of the cancellation when both a friend & a cousin each texted us after seeing TLC's statement online. We do not know how long the cancellation had been planned." While reflecting on the many "great experiences" they had as part of the show, the duo concluded, "Our family's departure from 19 Kids & Counting and Counting On has allowed us to make our own decisions, including the ability to have a choice in what we share. For now, we will move forward on our own terms, and we look forward to whatever opportunities the future holds." Courtesy of Jill Duggar/Instagram  Before Josh was convicted of two counts of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material, Dillard tweeted, "Praying for justice this morning." As for why the couple attended part of the hearing, he told People, "We just wanted to, among other things, see the facts for ourselves. America is the best country to get justice." Courtesy of Jill Duggar/Instagram |
| So Festive! Ant Anstead and More Stars Show Off Their 2021 Holiday Decor Posted: 09 Dec 2021 12:08 PM PST Making spirits bright! Candace Cameron Bure, Joanna Gaines, Bindi Irwin and more celebrities couldn’t wait to get into the holiday mood — they started decorating as soon as Halloween ended. "It's the most wonderful time of the year!!! It's happening, people!!!" the Full House alum, 45, wrote via Instagram on November 10, sharing a video of herself putting up her fake tree at home. "The tree is up Gaines, for her part, decorated a special tree with 3-year-old son Crew in early November to mark the start of the season. She also shared a few highlights of Christmas past via her Magnolia blog to get fans just as excited for holiday festivities. "Our family's tradition of gifting ornaments each year began with [my husband] Chip [Gaines]'s mom, Gayle. The first year that Chip and I were married, I wanted to decorate our Christmas tree based on a specific color story — and decided it would be an all-blue theme," Joanna, 43, wrote in a recent blog. "That same year on Thanksgiving, Gayle gifted us a bright red Radko ornament. Truthfully, I hesitated putting it on the tree because I knew it would throw off my color theme. It makes me laugh now, but at the time I thought, 'Where am I going to put this?'" The Magnolia Network cofounder noted that she ultimately decided to put her mother-in-law's gift on the tree, which led to their family's tradition of giving each other ornaments as pre-Christmas gifts. "What I learned to love was this: Though that ornament stuck out in stark contrast to my blue tree, that bright red ornament told a story," she added. "Not only was it a heartfelt gift from Chip's mom, but the ornament signified our first Christmas together, and that made it worthy of the spotlight." This year, Joanna opted to add a few specialty ornaments to her Magnolia collection that help tell the stories of her own family — including a Sriracha sauce bottle for 15-year-old daughter Ella, who "puts it on everything," according to her mom. Along with Ella and Crew, Joanna shares children Drake, 16, Duke, 13 and Emmie, 11, with Chip, 46. Scroll down to see which celebrities have decorated for the holidays:  The Fixer Upper: Welcome Home star celebrated the beginning of the holidays by decorating a small tree with her youngest child, Crew, on November 5. “It was 54 degrees today so...🎄#CrewsTree,” she captioned the Instagram photos. Courtesy of Joanna Gaines/Instagram  The Mean Girls actress supported the pediatric cancer charity Oscar’s Kids on November 5 by posting an Instagram snap in her pajamas as part of the foundation’s Oscar’s Kids PJ Party. Chabert showed off her Christmas tree in the background. Courtesy of Lacey Chabert/Instagram  The Australia native announced the arrival of her holiday sweatshirts and tees via Instagram on November 8. “Clearly Robert didn’t get the memo … 🐨🎄❤️,” Bindi wrote. She shared snap of her family dressed in the festive outfits — except for brother Robert Irwin, who wore his zoo uniform. Courtesy of Bindi Irwin/Instagram  The A Shoe Addict’s Christmas star shared a video via Instagram on November 10 of her tree-decorating skills. Cameron Bure put up her Balsam Hill tree, lights, and star topper in an hour. Courtesy of Candace Cameron Bure/Instagram  Roper documented her family’s holiday decorating day via her Instagram Story on November 10. Courtesy of Jade Roper/Instagram  The Bachelorette alum dressed up as Santa on November 13 while showing off her holiday kitchen decor. Fedotowsky placed wreaths on all of the chairs in the kitchen and hung garland from the windows. A few days later, she revealed a decorated Christmas tree in the living room and a giant red bow draped over the fireplace. Courtesy of Ali Fedotowsky/Instagram  The 7th Heaven alum posed in matching pajamas with her two oldest children, Kenzie and Hutton, while showing off their stockings and tree via Instagram on November 14. Courtesy of Beverley Mitchell/Instagram  The Hallmark Channel star debuted his fully decorated tree on November 15. He shared a video via Instagram as he placed a boot shot glass ornament at the very top while his dog watched from her bed. Courtesy of Tyler Hynes/Instagram  The Sisters First coauthor shared a photo via her Instagram Story of her three children, daughters Mila and Poppy and son Hal, dressed in holiday pajamas while decorating the tree on November 16. “Too soon?” she captioned the snap, which showed the tree full of ornaments. Courtesy of Jenna Bush Hager/Instagram  The model showed off his and fiancée Peltz’ “baby” tree via his Instagram Story on November 18. Courtesy of Brooklyn Beckham/Instagram  The Bachelor in Paradise alum showed off her tree decorating process via her Instagram Story on November 20. Courtesy of Amanda Stanton/Instagram  The Bachelorette season 15 alum sneakily debuted her gold-embellished tree while promoting her book, God Bless This Mess, on November 23. Courtesy of Hannah Brown/Instagram  The "Stronger" singer showed off her “red” Christmas tree days before Thanksgiving. “Hot cocoa please 😋 ☕️ !!!!!!” she captioned the November 23 Instagram clip featuring Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe.” Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  The One Tree Hill alum showed off her decorations, including festive stockings, while watching The Holiday on November 24. Courtesy of Jana Kramer/Instagram  The Kylie Cosmetics founder shared a brief look at her holiday decorations via Instagram Story on November 26. She displayed her well-lit Christmas tree in the snap alongside a three-tier, wooden Christmas story pyramid. Courtesy of Kylie Jenner/Instagram  After the Little People, Big World stars documented their tree purchasing process via Tori’s Instagram Story on November 26, the wedding photographer called its completed look “a beauty.” Courtesy of Tori Roloff/Instagram  The “Unforgettable” crooner and his wife took eldest daughters Willa Gray and Ada James to search for the perfect Christmas tree. “Favorite time of the year,” the Georgia native captioned a November 27 Instagram post. Courtesy of Thomas Rhett/Instagram  The former No Doubt songstress shared her family’s well-lit Christmas tree via Instagram Story on November 27. Courtesy of Gwen Stefani/Instagram  The Camp Rock star’s tree was topped with a stuffed Elmo toy per a November 27 Instagram Story snap. Courtesy of Joe Jonas/Instagram  “It’s absolute madness here right now because we’re decorating the tree,” the “I Got the Boy” songstress explained via Instagram Story on November 28. In addition to revealing her tree ornaments, Kramer also showed off her festive home decorations, including pillows and other decor. Courtesy of Jana Kramer/Instagram (2)  The Duck Dynasty alum posed with daughter Honey in a November 29 snap outside of her wreath-adorned entryway. Courtesy of Sadie Robinson/Instagram  The 50 First Dates star shared a snap in front of her Christmas tree on November 30. Courtesy of Drew Barrymore/Instagram  “Behold the lady. She’s colorful this year! 🎄,” the Live With Kelly and Ryan cohost wrote via Instagram on November 30, debuting her tree. Courtesy of Kelly Ripa/Instagram  The How I Met Your Mother alum shared a sweet photo of son Gideon hidden under their gold and silver decorated tree via Instagram on November 30. Courtesy of Neil Patrick Harris/Instagram  “Me when it hits December 1st 🎄,” the Fabletics founder captioned a December 1 pic in front of her lit tree while wearing a headband with reindeer antlers. Courtesy of Kate Hudson/Instagram  The model had her giant tree decked out — and her stockings hung by the fireplace — on December 1. Courtesy of Kendall Jenner/Instagram  The This Is Us actress debuted her fresh tree via her Instagram Story on December 1. Courtesy of Mandy Moore/Instagram  The Sister Wives star revealed the elaborate décor throughout her B&B on December 1. There was a pinecone-filled tree in one room, snowmen on the stairs and garland on the banister. “I've always thought I was pretty good at the whole Christmas decorating thing, but when you have an interior stylist friend who comes to help, well let's just say, you can learn a thing or two,” she wrote via Instagram. “Loving how the house turned out and just want to sit in the living room soaking it all in!” Courtesy of Meri Brown/Instagram  “Thank you mommy @krisjenner,” the Poosh founder captioned an Instagram Story clip on December 3 of an elaborate gingerbread house that her mother, Kris Jenner, sent. The house featured a “Merry Christmas” label and name tags for the former Dash owner, fiancé Travis Barker, her kids (Mason, Penelope and Reign), the musician’s children (Landon, Alabama and Atiana) on its roof, alongside enough cookie people to reflect the number of people in their household. Courtesy of Kourtney Kardashian/Instagram  The rocker chose a Christmas tree with his kids, Alabama, Landon and Atianna on December 3. Courtesy of Travis Barker/Instagram  The Grace and Frankie actress showed off her grand staircase décor on December 5. “Tis the damn season ❤️,” she captioned the Instagram snap. Courtesy of Brooklyn Decker/Instagram  The Sixteen Candles actress gave fans a glimpse at her tree and her dog’s festive attire on December 6. Courtesy of Molly Ringwald/Instagram  The comedian and her husband, Chris Fischer, posed beside their Christmas tree in a December 9 Instagram snap. Courtesy Amy Schumer/Instagram |
| Britney Spears Granted Power to Sign Documents After Conservatorship Ends Posted: 09 Dec 2021 11:19 AM PST For the longest time, it seemed as though Britney Spears' dark days were finally behind her. After suffering a much-publicized breakdown in 2007 and 2008, the Princess of Pop came out on top, taking home one award after another and landing a four-year Las Vegas residency that grossed nearly $138 million. In February 2019, Spears was set to return to the Las Vegas Strip for Piece of Me's follow-up, Domination. However, she announced a month before the scheduled kickoff date that she would be taking an indefinite work hiatus to care for her ailing father, Jamie Spears, who underwent a life-threatening surgery after his colon spontaneously ruptured the previous fall. Britney subsequently went dark on social media, only posting in mid-January 2019 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her debut album, …Baby One More Time. She did not return until April 2019, when she posted on Instagram that she was taking "a little 'me time.'" Within minutes, news broke that Britney had quietly checked into a California mental health facility in late March for a 30-day stay. A source told Us Weekly exclusively that the Grammy winner decided to seek help after the stress of her dad's hospitalization and the complex process of changing the medications she had been taking for an undisclosed mental illness. The news rocked the Britney Army, which began speculating about the pop star's well-being and picking up the #FreeBritney movement launched by the cohosts of a podcast dedicated to Britney's Instagram. Her sister, Jamie Lynn Spears, was quick to shut down unfounded rumors surrounding the "Toxic" singer, writing via Instagram, "I have been here long before anyone else, and I'll be here long after. I love my sister with everything I have. So, anyone or anything that speaks to the contrary can GTFOH with all the comments about what you don't understand. Do not come for me or the ones I love anymore." Britney herself spoke out later that day, assuring fans in a video message that "all is well." The Crossroads actress has been unable to make major personal or financial decisions in her life without the approval of her father since a court-approved conservatorship was put in place in February 2008 after her meltdown and divorce from Kevin Federline, with whom she shares sons Preston and Jayden. As a result, co-conservators Jamie and attorney Andrew Wallett had long been credited with saving Britney's life. Wallett abruptly resigned in March 2019, leaving Jamie as the sole conservator until he temporarily stepped down that September following an alleged altercation with Preston. (Jamie was later cleared of wrongdoing.) Licensed fiduciary Jodi Montgomery later assumed Jamie's position, though he still had partial control of Britney's estate. Britney spoke out against her conservatorship for the first time in June 2021. "The main reason why I'm here is because I want to end the conservatorship without being evaluated," she said during a court hearing, adding: “I just want my life back. It’s been 13 years, and it’s enough.” Two months after Britney laid it all on the table during her court hearing, Jamie filed documents agreeing to step down as the conservator of his daughter’s estate, asserting “he does not believe that a public battle with his daughter over his continuing service as her conservator would be in her best interests.” Jamie was suspended as conservator of the estate in September 2021 before requesting two months later that the conservatorship end "immediately." He was replaced temporarily by John Zabel until the end of December 2021. A judge ruled in November 2021 to officially end the conservatorship after 13 years. Scroll down to stay up-to-date on the conservatorship. This is an ongoing article that was originally published in May 2019 and last updated on Wednesday, November 17. With reporting by Marjorie Hernandez  The Louisiana native announced on January 4, 2019, that she would be putting Domination on hold “to put my full focus and energy on my family at this time.” A source later told Us, “Family is — and always has been — the most important thing to her. After all, her family was there for her when she needed them the most a decade ago.” Kevin Mazur/BCU18/Getty Images for BCU  After Us confirmed that Britney was seeking treatment, a source explained, “Britney was distraught when her dad first got sick. … She couldn’t emotionally handle the thought of potentially losing him. It was her breaking point.” Her sons stayed with their dad, Federline, while she was away. In a statement, the DJ commended his ex-wife for “taking the reasonable steps to deal with her situation in a responsible way.” INSTARimages.com  The entertainer was spotted for the first time in three months when she stepped out at the Montage hotel in Beverly Hills on April 21, 2019, to celebrate Easter with her boyfriend of two-plus years, Sam Asghari. Two days later, the personal trainer told TMZ that Britney was “doing amazing” and would “be back soon.” J. Merritt/Getty Images for GLAAD  Britney took to Instagram on April 23, 2019, to slam the “rumors, death threats to my family and my team, and just so many things crazy things being said” while she was in treatment. “Everything that’s happening is just making it harder for me,” she wrote. Courtesy Britney Spears/Instagram  The former Mouseketeer checked out of the wellness center on April 25, 2019. Asghari picked her up and drove her back to her mansion in Thousand Oaks, California. “She feels rejuvenated,” a source told Us. startraksphoto.com  Britney and Asghari spent a long weekend with her sons, Preston and Jayden, after returning home. “Britney’s visit with the boys went extremely well,” a source told Us. “She thrives around them.” Courtesy Britney Spears/Instagram  The former X Factor judge’s mother, Lynne Spears, filed court documents on May 6, 2019, to request to be updated on the details of Britney’s conservatorship. (She and Jamie divorced in 2002.) “Legally Jamie, as the conservator, has more of a say in Britney’s life than Lynne, as the mother,” a source explained to Us. “This filing is not Lynne’s attempt to take control of the conservatorship from Jamie; she simply wants to know what’s going on and feels she should have that right just as much as Jamie does.” Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic; Heidi Gutman/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images  In separate court documents, Lynne requested to have her attorney, Gladstone N. Jones III, participate in a conservatorship hearing scheduled for May 10, 2019. The motion was quickly granted. Derek Steele/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic  On May 8, 2019, Britney was granted a restraining order against Sam Lutfi, who once claimed to be her manager and had been accused of drugging her in 2008, which he denied. The singer’s attorneys said in court documents that she wanted protection for herself, her parents and her sons against the “severe mental trauma” that Lutfi allegedly caused by sending threatening messages about #FreeBritney to her family. Lutfi claimed he had not contacted Britney since 2009, and his attorney alleged that the restraining order being granted violated his client’s “constitutional rights.” Kevin Mazur/BCU18/Getty Images for BCU; J. Merritt/Getty Images for GLAAD; Courtesy Britney Spears; Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic; MEGA  Britney appeared in court on May 10, 2019, for a hearing about her conservatorship. She arrived with Lynne and stayed in the judge’s chambers until members of the public and media cleared out of the courtroom. Her attorney requested to make the hearing private because personal finances and Britney’s minor children would be discussed. After Britney, Lynne and Jamie spoke, the judge ordered a 730 expert evaluation, which is “a very comprehensive report prepared by a team of Britney’s doctors and possibly a court-appointed medical professional,” according to a source. The insider explained that Britney is “exploring formally petitioning the court to end the conservatorship,” with the evaluation being “the first step in the process.” Kevin Mazur/Getty Images  The “Slumber Party” songstress’ longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, made headlines on May 15, 2019, when he said she may never perform again. “It’s clear to me she should not be going back to do this Vegas residency [Domination]. Not in the near future and possibly never again,” he told TMZ, adding that he is “only here for her when she wants to work.” Later that day, Rudolph attempted to clarify his comments, telling Billboard that Britney may never tour again but another Vegas residency is still an option. The entertainer seemingly hit back at Rudolph’s claims the next day by posting a video on Instagram of herself dancing to Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson’s “Scream.” Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images  Jamie filed a request to extend the California-based conservatorship to Florida, Louisiana and Hawaii on May 21, 2019. Britney regularly travels to Hawaii, and the Spears family has properties in Louisiana and Florida. Courtesy Britney Spears/Instagram  The “Work Bitch” singer’s temporary restraining order against Lutfi was extended through June 13, 2019, during a May 28, 2019, court hearing. The judge disagreed with Lutfi’s dispute of the order after he claimed in documents obtained by Us that it “would violate the first amendment, because it prohibits speech that has not been deemed defamatory, is vague as to what speech is banned and is overbroad because it restricts speech about Ms. Spears rather than speech to Ms. Spears.” Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic  After Jamie and Lutfi’s testimonies on June 13, 2019, a Los Angeles judge granted Britney a five-year restraining order against Lutfi. During the court hearing, Jamie admitted that his and the singer’s “relationship has always been strained.” A source later told Us that “Britney absolutely still wants the conservatorship to end,” although her father has given her “full access to her social media accounts,” among other “additional privileges that weren’t [previously] in place.” VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images; Nicholas Hunt/FilmMagic  Us obtained court documents on September 6, 2019, detailing Jamie's request to “temporarily relinquish the powers of conservatorship” due to “personal health reasons.” Montgomery subsequently assumed the position after being approved by an L.A. judge. Shutterstock (2)  A source confirmed to Us on September 3, 2019, that Britney and Federline altered their custody agreement from 50-50 to 30-70, respectively, after Jamie allegedly “shook” Preston during an argument the month prior. K-Fed filed a police report and obtained a restraining order against his former father-in-law after the incident. Ventura County District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced on September 17 that criminal charges would not be filed against Jamie. Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  Jayden made headlines on March 3, 2020, when he went live on Instagram and told fans that his famous mom might stop making music. “I remember one time I asked her, I said, ‘Mom, what happened to your music?’ and she was like, ‘I don’t know, honey. I think I might just quit it,’” he recalled. “I’m like, ‘What? What are you saying? Like, do you know how much bank you make off of that stuff?’” A source later confirmed to Us, “Britney is in no rush to start recording music again. The thought barely crosses her mind. This is the longest break between album cycles in her career — it’s coming up on four years since Glory was released — and she’s perfectly content with it.” Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  Us exclusively reported that Britney flew to her hometown of Kentwood, Louisiana, in early April 2020 to spend time with Jamie, Lynne, Jamie Lynn and her nieces amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They also celebrated the Zoey 101 alum’s birthday while Britney was in town. After she returned to California later that month, Federline asked his ex-wife to quarantine for two weeks before seeing their sons. Debby Wong/Shutterstock; Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  Britney’s former photographer Andrew Gallery, who worked on her 2008 MTV documentary, Britney: For the Record, went viral on TikTok on July 10, 2020, after reading a third-person letter that she allegedly once wrote about her conservatorship. In the letter, she was quoted as saying that she has “no rights … as long as people are getting paid.” Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  The Through the Storm author filed court documents on July 13, 2020, to demand “special notice” of “all matters” involving the SJB Revocable Trust, which her eldest daughter established in 2004 to protect her multimillion-dollar fortune. Matt Baron/Shutterstock; Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com  Britney’s brother, Bryan Spears, spoke out in a rare interview on July 23, 2020, as the #FreeBritney campaign started to gain traction again on social media. “She’s always wanted to get out of [the conservatorship],” he said on the “As Not Seen on TV” podcast. “It’s very frustrating to have. Whether someone’s coming in peace to help or coming in with an attitude, having someone constantly tell you to do something has got to be frustrating.” Shutterstock  Jamie shut down speculation about Britney's conservatorship when he fired back at #FreeBritney "conspiracy theorists" on August 1, 2020. "The world don’t have a clue. It’s up to the court of California to decide what’s best for my daughter. It’s no one else’s business," he told Page Six. “I love my daughter. I love all my kids. But this is our business. It’s private." Jamie also denied rumors that he's stolen from his eldest daughter's estate, saying, “I have to report every nickel and dime spent to the court every year. How the hell would I steal something?” Shutterstock (2)  Britney requested to have Jamie removed as “the conservator of her person” and as the “sole conservator of her estate” on August 17, 2020, stating in court documents that she is “strongly opposed” to him returning and that she wants Montgomery to permanently take over. In the filing, her attorney also broke down Britney’s case into three phases: “triage” (2008), her “performing years” and present day, stating that she has no “desire … to perform at this time.” A source later exclusively told Us, “Britney does want the conservatorship of her as a person to end, but she was concerned that Jamie could attempt to have the temporary conservator removed. There has been significant improvement in Britney’s overall medical treatment plan, which has been attributed to no longer having her father in charge of her personal life.” Matt Baron/Shutterstock; Shutterstock  The Britney and Kevin: Chaotic alum’s first ex-husband, to whom she was married for a mere 55 hours in January 2004, returned to the spotlight on August 18, 2020, when he attended a #FreeBritney protest in Los Angeles. “I’ve been quiet for 10 years, and I feel [like] what a good time to come forward now with the movement making noise and the conservatorship hearings going on,” Alexander exclusively told Us before claiming that he and Britney “stay in contact pretty regularly” and had texted the night before. Doug Peters/PA Images/Startraks; Picture Perfect/Shutterstock  Jamie filed a petition on August 19, 2020, requesting that Wallet return as co-conservator of the estate following the attorney’s exit 17 months prior. Additionally, Wallet signed an affidavit saying he consents to working with Britney’s father again. However, the lawyer withdrew the petition on October 2, 2020. Courtesy of Wallet Law  Us obtained court documents on August 25, 2020, that showed Jamie Lynn being named as trustee of Britney’s SJB Revocable Trust in the event of the pop star's death. The move would have put the Zoey 101 alum in charge of distributing Britney’s fortune to Preston and Jayden by following out the trust’s rules. However, after a court hearing on November 2, 2020, Us confirmed that Jamie Lynn withdrew her petition to become a trustee. Shutterstock (2)  Britney showed support for the social media campaign in a court filing on September 2, 2020, saying she is “vehemently opposed” to Jamie’s motion to keep her conservatorship case closed to the public and “hidden away in the closet as a family secret.” Her lawyer also slammed Jamie for calling #FreeBritney a “joke,” saying in the documents, “[Britney] is trying to regain some measure of personal autonomy [and] welcomes and appreciates the informed support of her many fans.” Days later, Jamie accused his daughter’s attorney of grandstanding. He also argued that her medical and financial issues are “inextricably entwined” and that unsealing the details of one could expose the other. Courtesy Britney Spears/Instagram  Britney objected to the reappointment of Wallet as co-conservator of her estate in court documents filed on September 11, 2020, saying the attorney is “uniquely unsuitable to fill that role” and “had little or no direct contact” with her over the years. Her lawyer, Ingham, argued that bringing Wallet back onto the case would be “a very poor value that Britney cannot afford” given she has not performed in years. The paperwork then laid out the exorbitant amounts of money that Britney has paid her team. On top of his $426,000 annual salary, Wallet received a $100,000 “golden parachute” after his “voluntary resignation” in March 2019. Then, in December 2019, Jamie “modified the compensation” of Britney’s business manager Lou Taylor’s firm, Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, to “a minimum annual fee of $500,000,” which was “more than double the amount” that Tri Star previously received. “[Jamie] has taken the position that Britney’s decision not to perform will require him to undertake drastic changes to her budget. Apparently, this frugality does not extend to the fees [Jamie] pays from the conservatorship to the financial professionals with whom he surrounds himself,” Ingham said in the documents. “Apart from the fact that Mr. Wallet has been extremely expensive in the past, based on what occurred over the 11 years he served as her co-conservator there is no reason to believe that Mr. Wallet will be able to work with Britney to explain and implement any difficult budgetary choices that must be made.” In response three days later, Jamie claimed that Britney’s filing was full of “untrue” and “misleading” statements and denied that Tri Star is compensated more now than the firm had been in the past. He requested a court hearing to further discuss the matter. Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  Britney's court-appointed attorney, Ingham, filed documents on September 18, 2020, to ask the judge to approve the law firm Loeb & Loeb LLP to help him with the case. Ingham made the move to seek additional lawyers with expertise in conservatorship litigation to help him prepare for upcoming hearings. The judge in the case ruled in Britney's favor on October 14, 2020, and allowed the firm to be brought on to help the pop star regain control of her estate. “The mere presence of Loeb & Loeb has already provoked a massive change,” Ingham said during an hourlong court hearing, referencing Jamie dropping his petition to bring back Wallet. Jamie's attorney Geraldine Wyle, however, argued that there was no need to bring in additional attorneys who would only take away more money from Britney's estate. Courtesy Britney Spears/Instagram  According to court documents obtained by Us on September 29, 2020, Ingham requested for Bessemer Trust Company, a private wealth management firm, to take over Britney’s estate. A judge is set to sign off on an official decision in November. Jamie responded on October 5, 2020, and indicated that he is willing to work with Britney and her attorney on finding the “most efficient and effective” plan to manage her estate. Stewart Cook/Shutterstock  During a court hearing on October 7, 2020, Montgomery’s attorney, Lauriann Wright, acknowledged that “Britney’s right to privacy does not belong to” the fiduciary. Jamie’s lawyer Wyle agreed, saying that Britney’s desire to unseal certain court documents related to her conservatorship is up to her and her attorney, Ingham, who noted that the singer “is not legally capable to execute a declaration” in the case. The judge ordered both parties to discuss the issue and gave them due dates to file various briefs ahead of a hearing on November 10, 2020. In his response on October 23, 2020, Jamie denied Ingham’s claim that Britney “lacks the capacity” to speak for herself, arguing that she has the “right to be heard” even as a conservatee. Jamie’s legal team also rebutted Ingham’s assertion that he is Britney’s “exclusive voice” as her court-appointed attorney. Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  Britney assured her fan base on November 2, 2020, that she is hanging in there amid her conservatorship battle. “I know that there have been a lot of comments and a lot of people saying a lot of different things about me, but I just want to let you guys know that I am fine,” she said in an Instagram video. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.” Courtesy Britney Spears/Instagram  Britney’s attorney filed court documents on November 3, 2020, requesting that Jamie be removed as co-conservator of the singer’s estate once and for all. The filing addressed a letter that Jamie had filed in October, in which he agreed to have Bessemer Trust as a co-conservator after Britney asked for the trust to be the sole conservator of her estate moving forward. Britney’s lawyer claimed that Jamie hired a new business manager without consulting his daughter after Taylor of Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group “suddenly” resigned from the role. "The October 28 letter is a blatant attempt by James to retain full functional control of her assets, books and records in the face of Britney's objections, Tri Star's resignation and the appointment of Bessemer Trust,” the document read. “His simple litigation strategy is to introduce a new gatekeeper who admittedly has a major working relationship with his legal team.” The paperwork continued: “It is now obvious that any effort to create a viable working relationship between and among Britney, Bessemeer Trust and James would be doomed to failure even without the added stress of litigating Britney's objections to the Account.” Jamie made a case for why he should remain co-conservator of the estate in court documents obtained by TMZ on November 8, 2020. He argued that he succeeded in managing her business affairs and assets for years and even saved her from debt at one point. Jamie also took credit for making sure that Britney had a business manager, Taylor, whom he claimed resigned over death threats from fans. Matt Baron/Shutterstock; Nick Ut/AP/Shutterstock  A court hearing was held on November 10, 2020, to determine whether Jamie would remain the co-conservator of Britney’s estate. However, the judge ultimately decided not to suspend Jamie, saying the matter can be further discussed “down the road.” She did, however, approve Bessemer Trust to oversee the estate with Jamie. During the hearing, Ingham alleged that Britney informed him “she is afraid of her father” and that she “will not perform as long as her father is in charge of her career.” Jamie’s lawyer denied the claim. Lynne’s attorney, meanwhile, said the matriarch supports Britney and wants her ex-husband “to be a part of [Britney’s] life,” although “it has broken her heart to watch” the family’s court drama unfold. Ahead of the hearing, Britney filed an objection to her dad’s financial report, claiming Jamie approved a $308,975 payment to Tri Star without her knowledge. “Objector [Britney] believes that the retroactive fees paid to Tri Star ... are excessive and should be disallowed in their entirety as a credit on the accounting,” Ingham said in court documents obtained by Us. Jim Smeal/Shutterstock; Shutterstock  Jamie told CNN on December 15, 2020, that he had not spoken to his daughter since that August — and believed it was the fault of Britney's lawyers. "I love my daughter and I miss her very much," he said. "When a family member needs special care and protection, families need to step up, as I have done for the last 12-plus years, to safeguard, protect and continue to love Britney unconditionally. I have and will continue to provide unwavering love and fierce protection against those with self-serving interests and those who seek to harm her or my family." At the time, Ingham declined to comment on Jamie's interview. Shutterstock; Matt Baron/Shutterstock  Jamie’s attorney, Vivian Thoreen, argued in a January 27, 2021, court filing that Britney’s lawyer, Ingham, could not ask the judge to remove Jamie as co-conservator of the estate because a previous court order stated that changes could only be made if Jamie himself agreed to step down. In a response filed on February 2, 2021, Ingham pointed out that Jamie could have objected to the co-conservatorship with the “highly sophisticated” Bessemer Trust but failed to do so. Jen Lowery/MEGA; Astro/LSN/MEGA  Britney’s social media manager, Cassie Petrey, took to Instagram on February 2, 2021, to shut down rumors that the entertainer had been sending hidden messages in the captions of her posts. “People continue to believe conspiracy theories over what Britney says over and over again,” the Crowd Surf cofounder wrote. “Britney is not ‘asking for help’ or leaving secret messages in her social media. She is literally just living her life and trying to have fun on instagram.” Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  On February 5, 2021, FX and Hulu released the “Framing Britney Spears” episode of their series, The New York Times Presents, which looked back on Britney’s life and career and included interviews with her former assistant Felicia Culotta, record executive Kim Kaiman and lawyers involved in the conservatorship. After the documentary premiered, the hashtag #FreeBritney trended on Twitter again as fans and celebrities called for the general public to apologize to the star for the way she was treated in the mid-aughts. FX Networks  During a hearing on February 11, 2021, the judge ordered that Jamie would share equal power with Bessemer Trust as co-conservators of the estate. The judge left it open for Britney’s lawyers to file another petition in the future should she still want to have Jamie removed. “It is no secret that my client does not want her father as co-conservator, but we recognize that removal is a separate issue,” Ingham said in court before requesting that Jamie and the trust company “work together” to come up with an investment plan and a proposed budget for Britney. After the hearing, Jamie’s attorney, Thoreen, said in a statement to Us, “The probate court’s rulings today show the court’s confidence in our client Jamie Spears and Bessemer Trust to manage the conservatorship of Ms. Spears’ estate together. My client looks forward to working with Bessemer to continue an investment strategy in the best interests of his daughter. The probate court is highly experienced in these matters and takes them very seriously.” Thoreen continued, “From the beginning, the court has closely monitored Britney’s situation, including annual accountings and in-depth reviews and recommendations from a highly experienced and dedicated court investigator. Britney’s conservatorship of the estate was comanaged by a private professional fiduciary and her father until early 2019. At that time, Britney requested in court papers that her father be the sole conservator of her estate. Her conservatorship of the person is not managed by her father but by a licensed personal care professional and is similarly subject to the scrutiny of interviews, audits and detailed reports to the judge by the court investigator. My client Jamie Spears has diligently and professionally carried out his duties as one of Britney’s conservators, and his love for his daughter and dedication to protecting her is clearly apparent to the court.” Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  During a Good Morning America appearance on February 25, 2021, Thoreen insisted that Britney “never asked [Jamie] to step aside” from the conservatorship despite the pop star’s attorney filing multiple court documents stating the opposite. Thoreen also applauded her client for creating “a safe environment” for Britney and for bringing “her finances back from disaster.” She added, “Britney knows that her daddy loves her and that he will be there for her whenever and if she needs him, just as he always has been — conservatorship or not.” Thoreen did not, however, have an answer when Amy Robach asked why Britney has not put an end to the speculation surrounding her conservatorship, responding, “You’ll have to ask Britney.” ABC  During a virtual court appearance on March 17, 2021, Ingham said he was preparing to file a motion to appoint Montgomery as the permanent conservator of Britney’s personal affairs — including the star’s medical care, safety and other needs — at the next hearing, which was scheduled for April 27, 2021. The attorney also said he had prepared a revised order for the judge to sign concerning the appointment of Bessemer Trust as the co-conservator of Britney’s estate alongside Jamie. Ingham submitted the paperwork regarding Montgomery succeeding Jamie on March 23, 2021. In it, he noted that Britney “expressly reserves the right to petition for termination of this conservatorship” and that “nothing in the within petition shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of that right.” Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock  According to documents filed on March 26, Jamie’s attorneys are asking the court to approve a $16,000 per month salary for himself as the co-conservator and an extra $2,000 to maintain an office. Britney’s father also wants the singer’s estate to pay more than $3 million in legal fees. Broadimage/Shutterstock; Shutterstock  Court documents filed on April 19, 2021, outlined an objection from Britney's mom, Lynne, who argued that the $890,000 in fees requested by Jamie's team of attorneys are "procedurally and substantively improper" given that the Holland & Knight firm's services were not "performed in good faith for the benefit" of Britney. Lynne's filing asked the court to review the fees and that the $224,000 used for press communication be "immediately repaid" to the pop star's estate. Shutterstock (3)  Jamie fired back at his ex-wife's claims in an April 26, 2021, court filing, asserting that Lynne has "no knowledge" of what's best for Britney. "Lynne Spears is the one who exploited her daughter's pain and trauma for personal profit by publishing a book about the Conservatee," Jamie's response stated, defending himself as "a loving, caring father who has nothing to hide, has been loyal and fiercely loving toward his daughter, sought to protect her, and manage her finances so that she can live her life the way she wants." Shutterstock (3)  In April 2021, Britney's attorney revealed that the pop star would like to address her conservatorship in court. Two months later, Us exclusively confirmed that the singer would be appearing via Zoom at the June 2021 hearing. Mediapunch/Shutterstock  When asked by fans when she would be "ready" to take the stage again after putting her Las Vegas residency on pause in January 2019, Britney admitted she had "no idea" when she would perform next. "I'm having fun right now," she explained in a June 2021 Instagram video. "I'm in a transition in my life and I'm enjoying myself, so that's it." Top Photo Corporation/Shutterstock  The musician “articulated she feels the conservatorship has become an oppressive and controlling tool against her,” according to sealed court documents from 2016, released by The New York Times on June 22, 2021. In the docs, which were written by a court investigator, Spears reportedly thought the system had “too much control” over her life and finances. "She is 'sick of being taken advantage of' and she said she is the one working and earning her money but everyone around her is on her payroll," the investigator added at the time. The Times’ report also revealed that Spears allegedly stated her father was “obsessed” with controlling everything about her. Matt Baron/Shutterstock  Britney spoke out about the conservatorship for the first time during a June 23, 2021, court hearing, which she called in for rather than appearing in person. She claimed that she felt “enslaved” by her father, adding: “I’m so angry I can’t sleep, and I am depressed. I want to be heard. … I want changes and I want changes going forward. I deserve changes.” She continued: “I just want my life back. It’s been 13 years and it’s enough. It’s enough and it makes no sense at all. … I’m done. I want to sue my family, to be totally honest with you.” Britney further alleged that she has been prevented from having more children. “I have an IUD in my body right now that won’t let me have a baby and my conservators won’t let me go to the doctor to take it out,” she claimed. “I want to be able to get married and have a baby. I was told with the conservatorship I was not able to get married and have a baby.” Mediapunch/Shutterstock  The “Toxic” singer’s father claimed in court documents obtained by Us on June 29, 2021, that Jodi Montgomery, who is the conservator of Britney’s person, is the one to blame for his daughter’s alleged poor treatment over the past few years. In the documents, which were submitted but have yet to be filed, Jamie claimed Montgomery “has been fully in charge” of Britney’s “day-to-day personal care and medical treatment” for two years, adding that he is “greatly saddened” by his daughter’s alleged mistreatment and wants an “investigation into those claims.” Jamie also pointed the finger at the Grammy winner’s attorney, claiming both Samuel Ingham and Montgomery are the only ones “permitted” to speak with Britney about her “current medical treatment, diagnosis or therapy.” In addition to asking for an evidentiary hearing, Jamie requested a judge postpone the decision as to whether Montgomery’s stint as temporary conservator of Britney’s person should be extended until after a hearing can be conducted. Shutterstock; LinkedIn; Shutterstock  Montgomery, who has been a part of Britney’s conservatorship team since 2019, denied Jamie’s claims in a statement to Us on June 30, 2021. “I can state unequivocally that Jodi Montgomery has been a tireless advocate for Britney and for her well-being,” Montgomery’s lawyer Lauriann Wright told Us at the time on behalf of her client. “While she does not control Britney’s financial assets, she is responsible for her personal care, and if Britney wants any issue brought up to the court, Ms. Montgomery is and has always been ready, willing, and able to do so.” The attorney explained that the California native’s “primary goal” has always been to “assist and encourage Britney in her path to no longer needing a conservatorship of the person.” She added: “It is [Montgomery’s] sincere personal wish that Britney continues to make meaningful progress in her well-being so that her conservatorship of the person can be terminated.” In the case of who is to blame for Britney’s ongoing restrictions under her current conservatorship terms, Wright claimed that her client does not have the final say on most things, Jamie does. “Practically speaking, since everything costs money, no expenditures can happen without going through Mr. Spears and Mr. Spears approving them,” Montgomery’s attorney said. “Jamie Spears, as conservator of the estate, has a duty to make decisions in the best interests of the estate, and sometimes that has meant requested expenditures have been denied or limited. Since being appointed in September 2019, Ms. Montgomery has tirelessly acted in Britney’s best interests with the approval of her doctors and the oversight of the court.” LinkedIn/Shutterstock  According to court documents obtained by Us on June 30, 2021, judge Brenda Pennysigned an order to have Bessemer Trust serve as a co-conservator of the singer’s estate alongside Jamie. The decision was made months ago during a November 2020 hearing, but according to probate and trust attorney Mina Sirkin, the order was most likely not signed until recently to allow parties to file any objection. One day after news of the co-conservatorship deal made headlines, Bessemer Trust filed an emergency application asking the court to approve their resignation from Britney’s case. The attorneys for Bessemer said their decision to resign was connected to the singer’s June 23 statement and her desire to terminate the conservatorship. "Petitioner has heard the Conservatee and respects her wishes,” the court filing read. The musician’s next hearing is set for July 14, 2021. Broadimage/Shutterstock; MEGA  Less than one month after Britney took the stand, Ingham, her court-appointed lawyer for the past 13 years, resigned from his role in July 2021. According to court documents obtained by Us on July 6, Ingham and the Loeb & Loeb LLP, which was brought in to help the attorney in October 2020, will step back once the judge assigns new counsel to Spears. Shutterstock; Inset: Courtesy of Samuel Ingham III/Linkedin  Us confirmed on July 2, 2021, that Judge Penny signed an order and approved in part Bessemer Trust’s emergency application to be removed as co-conservator on Britney’s case. The judge will fully weigh in on the trust’s desire to end its role as co-conservator of the singer’s estate — a duty it currently shares with Britney’s father, Jamie — at the July 14, 2021, hearing. If the judge grants Bessemer Trust’s request to be removed from the Grammy winner’s conservatorship, her father will once again be the sole conservator of her estate, which is what she’s been fighting against since August 2020. Shutterstock; Jason Szenes/EPA/Shutterstock  When Spears began her residency in Las Vegas with her "Britney: Piece of Me" show in 2013, the contract required that she remain under the conservatorship, according to a New Yorker expose published on July 3, 2021. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock  Montgomery noted on July 6, 2021, that she has “no plans” to be removed as Britney’s conservator, just days after Bessemer Trust’s emergency application to be removed as co-conservator was granted. "Ms. Montgomery has no plans to step down as Ms. Spears’ Temporary Conservator of the Person. She remains committed to steadfastly supporting Ms. Spears in every way she can within the scope of her duties as a conservator of the person,” Montgomery’s lawyer, Lauriann Wright, told Us in a statement. “Ms. Spears as recently as yesterday has asked Ms. Montgomery to continue to serve. Ms. Montgomery will continue to serve as a conservator for as long as Ms. Spears and the Court desire her to do so.” Rob Latour/Shutterstock; Courtesy LinkedIn  Shortly after Ingham's resignation was filed, Britney's mom petitioned the court to allow the pop star to select her own replacement attorney. "Now, and for the past many years, [Britney] is able to scare for her person and in fact has, inside of the parameters of this conservatorship, earned literally hundreds of millions of dollars as an international celebrity," court documents obtained by Us on July 7, 2021, stated. "Her capacity is certainly different today than it was in 2008, and [Britney] should no longer be held to the 2008 standard, whereby she was found to 'not have the capacity to retain counsel.'" Shutterstock (2)  The ACLU filed a petition on July 12, 2021, asking the court to grant them "confidential communication" with the pop star to offer "supported decision making services" after her attorney's resignation. The civil rights organization also applied to file a brief as an impartial advisor to help Britney select her own lawyer, per a source. Attorneys with the ACLU asked if they could present their petition during the July 14, 2021, hearing and asked the court to authorize an order within 10 days so their attorneys could meet with Britney. A status report would be filed after the meeting. "This petition offers the Court and Ms. Spears a mechanism to make that system of informed, supported choice a reality," docs obtained by Us read. "Petitioner here request confidential communication with Ms. Spears to make sure she is aware of the concept of supported decision-making, and to learn whether she wishes to use supported decision-making to select a successor lawyer. If she so wishes, and if she wishes to consider Petitioner as supporters, Petitioners seek the Court's leave to provide this support to Ms. Spears. As a nonprofit organization with no vested interest in the outcome of this case, Petitioners offer their services confidentially and without cost." Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock  After Britney's father petitioned for a "court-ordered investigation," Montgomery fired back in a filing of her own. "This Court should not take the bait," a July 12, 2021, filing read. "Mr. Spears' thinly veiled attempt to clear his name is absolutely procedurally defective, and must fail. Barring that, the Petition should be continued until Ms. Spears has counsel who can fully represent her interests." Montgomery asserted that she "is in full support" of Britney's claims being verified and is "preparing a comprehensive care plan" with the singer's medical team to "offer [her] a path to ending her Conservatorship of the Person, as she so unequivocally desire." Shutterstock; LinkedIn; Shutterstock  At a July 2021 hearing, Britney was granted the right to choose her own lawyer for the first time since her conservatorship began in 2008. The judge approved her chosen attorney, Mathew Rosengart, a former federal prosecutor. “I’m here to get rid of my dad and charge him with conservatorship abuse,” the pop star said during the hearing, adding that she is “extremely scared” of her father. “This conservatorship has allowed my dad to ruin my life.” Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock  After Rosengart filed documents in July 2021 requesting Jason Rubin replace the musician’s father as the conservator of her estate, her health team supported the motion with a filing of their own. Montgomery argued in court documents at the time that she and the rest of the singer’s medical staff are on board with Jamie being replaced. "[Jamie] should not continue to act as the Conservatee's Conservator of the Estate, because his doing so is not in the best interest of the Conservatee," the filing read. "Because the paramount concern for this Conservatorship is doing what is in the best interest of the Conservatee, Petitioner hereby joins Conservatee in the Removal Petition." The docs continued: "Ms. Montgomery respectfully notes that Ms. Spears's medical team agrees that it is not in the best interest of the Conservatee for Mr. Spears to be and remain Conservator of the Estate. Ms. Montgomery believes in good faith that Ms. Spears's best interests are served by granting the Removal Petition and removing Mr. Spears and replacing him as Conservator of the Estate with Mr. Rubin as requested in the Appointment Petition." Courtesy Britney Spears/Instagram  Britney’s attorney filed an emergency motion on August 4, 2021, to move up a September 29, 2021, hearing. According to court documents obtained by Us, the "Lucky" singer requested that the hearing to suspend Jamie as conservator occur after August 23, 2021, but no later than September 5, 2021. As an alternative, Britney also asked the judge to immediately suspend Jamie and appoint Jason Rubin as conservator of her estate. Brian J Ritchie/Hot Sauce/Shutterstock; Shutterstock  In August 2021, Us confirmed that the judge denied the emergency motion to move up a September hearing or, as an alternative option, to immediately remove Jamie as conservator of her estate. The next hearing is still set for September 29. MEGA; Shutterstock  Jamie filed court docs to begin the process of leaving Britney's conservatorship team in August 2021, noting at the time, "Regardless of his formal title, Mr. Spears will always be Ms. Spears' father, he will always love her unconditionally, and he will always look out for her best interests." The Grammy winner's attorney later told Us, "This is a major victory for Britney Spears and another step toward justice. ... We look forward to continuing our vigorous investigation into the conduct of Mr. Spears, and others, over the past 13 years, while he reaped millions of dollars from his daughter's estate, and I look forward to taking Mr. Spears' sworn deposition in the near future." Shutterstock (2)  After Jamie expressed plans to step down after resolving issues such as "the pending Twelfth Account and a final account," Britney's attorney hit back at the request. In a supplemental petition on August 30, Rosengart explained that the singer's father would not be getting any more money. According to the legal docs, Jamie was requesting payments for "continu[ing] to do my best to keep current regarding the music, advertising and entertainment business," as well as legal work involving "public, media, and social media attention." Rosengart added that Jamie and his legal team were "now on notice" after the request. "The status quo is no longer tolerable, and Britney Spears will not be extorted," Rosengart wrote in the docs. "Mr. Spears’s blatant attempt to barter suspension and removal in exchange for approximately $2 million in payments, on top of the millions already reaped from Ms. Spears’s estate by Mr. Spears and his associates, is a non-starter." Shutterstock  Days after announcing her engagement, Britney urged the judge to immediately end Jamie’s involvement in her conservatorship so that she could move forward with creating a prenuptial agreement with Asghari. On September 23, 2021, the singer's fiduciary accountant, Jason Rubin, exited and she requested that John Zabel, the CEO of Media Finance, take over as temporary conservator of her estate. Shutterstock (2)  In September 2021, Jamie filed paperwork to terminate his role as conservator of his daughter's estate on the basis that he didn't think it was "longer required." According to court documents obtained by Us, Jamie's petition mentioned that since the start of the conservatorship in 2008, things have changed and now "grounds for establishment of a conservatorship may no longer exist." The legal docs also argued that Jamie didn't think a psychological evaluation would be necessary in order for him to step down and for the conservatorship to end. In a statement to Us, Britney's attorney called the new petition a "massive legal victory." "Having exposed his misconduct and improper plan to hold his daughter hostage by trying to extract a multimillion-dollar settlement, Mr. Spears has now effectively surrendered," Rosengart noted. The attorney added that even though Jamie has decided to step down from his role as guardian of her estate, he still can't "avoid accountability and justice" as their "investigation into financial mismanagement and other issues" will keep moving forward. Shutterstock (2)  While she never spoke out against the conservatorship publicly until 2021, Netflix unearthed a voicemail in the teaser trailer for Britney vs. Spears in September 2021 that indicated she has been fighting to end the legal guardianship for over a decade. In the clip, the singer called a lawyer in January 2009 about “the process of eliminating the conservatorship.” Jim Ruymen/UPI/Shutterstock  The musician commented on The New York Times Presents “Controlling Britney Spears” documentary, which claims Britney’s security team (and her father) monitored her phone calls, in September 2021 via Instagram. “It's really crazy guys ... I watched a little bit of the last documentary and I hate to inform you but a lot of what you heard is not true!!!” she wrote. The same day, Britney’s lawyer slammed her father, Jamie, for his alleged part in the bugging scandal. “The Times reported that Mr. Spears engaged in horrifying and unconscionable invasions of his adult daughter’s privacy,” Rosengart said in court documents filed in September 2021. “Specifically, the Times reported that he and others 'ran an intense surveillance apparatus that monitored [Ms. Spears’s] communications' and also evidently captured attorney-client communications with her prior lawyer, which communications are a sacrosanct part of the legal system. Even more shockingly, the Times reported that Mr. Spears and his cohorts 'secretly captured audio recordings from her bedroom,' including private communications with her children. Mr. Spears has crossed unfathomable lines.” The filing called for Jamie’s immediate suspension from his role as conservator of her estate when Britney’s hearing takes place on September 29. "To be clear, his suspension will not impede the ultimate termination of the entire conservatorship, as Mr. Spears will be required during the transition to work with his temporary successor,” her attorney wrote. “The only thing Mr. Spears will ‘lose’ is something he should not have ever had — the ability to further harm his daughter." MEGA; Shutterstock  Jamie was suspended as conservator of Britney’s estate during a September 29, 2021, hearing. The judge appointed John Zabel as the singer’s temporary conservator until December 31, 2021. Montgomery's role as the conservator of Britney's person will continue through the end of December. Both legal teams will return to court on November 12 to determine whether the conservatorship will be terminated completely. Shutterstock  In November 2021, Jamie filed a report calling for the "immediate" termination of Britney's conservatorship. "Jamie unconditionally loves and supports his daughter," he wrote in court documents obtained by Us. "Full stop. As he has done for her entire life, Jamie will do everything he can to protect and care for her. For the last 13 years, that included serving as her Conservator. Now, it means ending her Conservatorship. So it is said in no uncertain terms, Jamie believes that the Conservatorship should end, immediately." He also reiterated the need for the conservatorship when it was implemented in 2008, but noted again that he thinks it should be ended as soon as possible. "The fact is that 13 years ago, a conservatorship was necessary to protect Britney in every sense of the word," he wrote. "Her life was in shambles and she was in physical, emotional, mental and financial distress. Through the Conservatorship, Britney has been able to return to a path towards stability in all of these phases of her life. The mission has been successful and it is now time for Britney to re-take control of her life. Not tomorrow or next week, now." Nick Ut/AP/Shutterstock; Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock  The pop star’s mom filed a petition in November 2021 requesting that Britney’s estate pays for her attorney’s legal fees amid the ongoing conservatorship case, according to Page Six. Michael Simon/Startraks; Rob Latour/Shutterstock  A judge ended the conservatorship during a November 2021 court hearing, causing cheers to erupt from the crowd gathered outside the building. “The record is clear, the time is clear,” Rosengart said. “The time has come today to end the conservatorship.” Montgomery’s attorney, meanwhile, assured, “Ms. Montgomery will be there for her. There is no reason that this termination cannot happen. The termination of [the conservatorship of] the person can happen today.” Britney, for her part, celebrated the news via Instagram. “Good God I love my fans so much it’s crazy!!! I think I’m gonna cry the rest of the day!!!!” she captioned a video of well-wishers outside the courthouse. “Best day ever … praise the Lord … can I get an Amen???? #FreedBritney.” Asghari also showed support for his fiancée, posting an Instagram photo of the word “freedom” against a pink backdrop. “History was made today,” he wrote. “Britney is Free!” Matt Baron/Shutterstock  The singer was "still processing" the big changes in her life after celebrating her legal victory, a source exclusively told Us in November 2021. "There are still a ton of unresolved questions she wants answered in a formal setting," the insider said, adding that Britney was determined to "her money back, or at least as much of it can possibly be retrieved" from those who "profited" from her conservatorship. "Britney goes from being excited and thrilled to angry and a little overwhelmed by the enormity of it all." Matt Baron/Shutterstock  Several weeks after her conservatorship was officially dismissed, Britney celebrated being able to enjoy her freedom. "That beautiful … nice … and warm f--king fuzzy feeling when you've been waiting patiently for 13 years to be able to live your life however you choose and it's finally here !!!! Lighting my candles sure is a joy folks 🕯🕯🕯 !!!" she wrote via Instagram in November 2021. "And you might be surprised cause my prayers are pretty damn powerful ESPECIALLY when you're on the right medication just a month ago !!!! Damn I can actually pray 🙏🏼 ✨ it feels so good to just BE HERE !!!! I'M HERE … thanks to no doctor or conservatorship people … good God my friends … it's good to BE HERE and be PRESENT !!!!" Omar Vega/Invision/AP/Shutterstock |
| 20 Years! Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher Celebrate Wedding Anniversary Posted: 09 Dec 2021 11:17 AM PST Almost 20 years and counting! Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron‘s chance meeting at a 2002 event in Australia led to a lifetime of happiness for the pair. Looking back at their first encounter at the “very pretentious party" years later, the comedian admitted that he knew immediately that the actress was The One for him. "I knew instantly. I don't know if she did. It's taken her about 20 years to know," Cohen told The New York Times in October 2020. Two years after sparking romance rumors, the couple got engaged, but Fisher admitted that she preferred to keep her relationship with Cohen as under the radar as possible. “I’m not really comfortable talking about my private life and Sacha and I are probably very similar in that we hide our feelings behind humor,” the Confessions of a Shopaholic actress shared with the Daily Mail in August 2008. As they prepared for their nuptials, Fisher ended up making the decision to convert to Judaism in honor of her then-fiancé. "I will definitely have a Jewish wedding just to be with Sacha. I would do anything — move into any religion — to be united in marriage with him," she explained to the Evening Standard ahead of their 2011 ceremony. For Fisher, the crucial part was all about having their loved ones at the event. "It [was] very important to me to have a beautiful ritual celebrated with my family and friends. And when you are in the public eye, to keep that private and to make it happen without it being really visible is really difficult," she admitted to Allure in January 2009. Prior to getting married though, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Olivia, in 2007. After getting married in March 2011, the twosome welcomed their second daughter, Elula, several months later. The Now You See Me star and the Borat actor continued to focus on making sure their growing family had the privacy they wanted. "Motherhood is my favorite topic but I never talk about it publicly. As much as I love what I am doing, and I am so fortunate to have the opportunities that I have had, my responsibility is to my family," Fisher told Us Weekly in March 2011 about adjusting to life as a parent. As Fisher and Cohen’s marriage blossomed with the addition of their two daughters, the Scooby-Doo star admitted that it took work to stay together year after year. "Choosing to be together every day is incredibly romantic. I love marriage. I think it's a wonderful institution and it's the most important decision you make," she told Australia's Sunday Telegraph in October 2012. "Life is filled with highs and lows, and you have a best friend to share it with you. It's amazing. It's like winning the lottery, having a good partner." Even though the duo had their individual hectic work schedules, Fisher explained that they would always choose family before anything else. “Family is 100 percent my top priority. So I’m much more comfortable doing supporting roles right now. And often,” the Arrested Development alum detailed to The Telegraph in July 2013. Two years later, Cohen and Fisher welcomed their son, Montgomery, into the family. Scroll down to relive Cohen and Fisher’s relatable romance:  The duo met at a party in Sydney, Australia. James D Morgan/Shutterstock  Cohen and Fisher got engaged in 2004. Peter Brooker/Shutterstock  The pair welcomed their first daughter, Olivia. Kevork Djansezian/AP/Shutterstock  The pair welcomed their second daughter, Elula. London Entertainment/Shutterstock  The duo tied the knot in a private ceremony in Paris. Tal Cohen/EPA/Shutterstock  Us broke the news that the Australian actress was expecting in October 2014. They welcomed their first son, Montgomery, in April 2015. Broadimage/Shutterstock  The pair worked on their first movie together, The Brothers Grimsby, in 2016. "He’s such a perfectionist. He’ll do everything and anything to get the best joke possible into the movie, so it was definitely inspirational. He’s so funny on set and it was a lot of fun," Fisher gushed about Cohen at the time. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  In a rare interview, Fisher acknowledged that her decision to keep her life private has only added to the intrigue. "It feels like now it’s an interesting news point that I don’t want to talk about it. Yet when I started out, it was interesting that people wanted to talk about their private life. No one could believe it," Fisher told Today in October 2017. "Everyone was like 'Oh, my God. Can you believe she is talking about her private life, whoever it was.' Nowadays, we are used to everyone sharing everything that I’ve become an interesting news story for keeping a secret." Although many think Fisher prefers her privacy, she clarified that she does get many visitors due to her faith. "But I do have an open-door policy and people come over all of the time. I do big Shabbat dinners. Everybody gets access to my family time once a week," she noted. Blair Raughley/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  "Married to one of the GQ Men of the year, unfortunately not John Legend," Fisher joked via Instagram in September 2018. Broadimage/Shutterstock  While sharing an Instagram selfie of the couple, the actress captioned the post, "Happy Valentines Day to my husband. Sorry I had to crop you out of this snap but honestly this is such a great photo of me." Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  "So proud of the Hubs @sachabaroncohen getting a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a limited series," the author wrote alongside a video of her husband working out via Instagram. "He worked so hard transforming for his role in The Spy - not just getting rid of his dad-bod (see video) but learning three dialects, including Syrian and living in Casablanca, mainly in character for 4 months while shooting. This honor is shared with Eli Cohen‘s family, thank you for letting him bring the story to screen and to the HFPA 🌟." Courtesy of Isla Fisher/Instagram  Fisher celebrated her husband by gushing about him in a sweet Instagram post, writing, "Happy Birthday boo 🎂. You have had an amazing year as an activist, actor, father and husband. Thank you for trying as hard as you can to make the world a better place 💕❤️" Broadimage/Shutterstock  After making the move to Australia as a family, the Tag star reflected on feeling "so safe" again. “I’m the happiest when I’m home," Fisher told Stellar magazine. "I miss it when I’m not here. I don’t feel any pressure when I’m in Australia. I don’t have to say or do or be anything. I mean, I don’t even have to wear shoes. John Photography/Shutterstock  The Definitely, Maybe star revealed that Cohen's advice changed the trajectory of her career. "Sacha was the reason I got into comedy. I was actually auditioning for a lot of dramatic roles and having no success at all," she told The Examiner. "I was losing confidence in my abilities when he recommended that I do comedy. He felt I was really funny, so when someone as funny as him recommends that, I listened and actually auditioned for Wedding Crashers, which ended up being my big break." Shutterstock  "So proud of hubby for tying the record of the most Golden Globe nominations in a single year - best supporting actor, best comedy actor, best comedy.. What a great birthday present. Thanks to the Hollywood Foreign Press," Fisher congratulated Cohen via Instagram in February 2021. Courtesy of Isla Fisher/Instagram  After Cohen's film, Borat: Subsequent Movie Film, received two Golden Globe awards, the comedian thanked his wife during the virtual show. “Thank you to my incredibly patient wife Isla, who has put up with all my madness," he mentioned at the time. Courtesy of Isla Fisher/Instagram  "These two solid bronze Golden Globes make my hubby the first actor to win twice for playing the same character 💕," Fisher shared via Instagram in March 2021. Shutterstock  Ahead of an awards night out, the Nocturnal Animals actress posted a cute selfie with her husband via Instagram. Courtesy of Isla Fisher/Instagram  “Happy Anniversary ❤️ 20 YEARS,” the Borat Subsequent Moviefilm star wrote in a sweet Instagram tribute to his wife. “‘If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever,’ Winnie the Pooh. Happy Anniversary my love. I’m writing this rather than getting you a card. Our duration is largely due to our location - after all Hollywood is the bastion of lengthy marriages.” Courtesy of Sacha Baron Cohen/Instagram |
| ‘Boosted!’ America Ferrara Advocates for Additional COVID-19 Shots Posted: 09 Dec 2021 11:16 AM PST Experts are hopeful that the coronavirus vaccine will help to curb the spread of COVID-19, which has killed more than 2 million people worldwide since its 2019 emergence in China. Steve Martin, Martha Stewart and both President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were among the first high-profile names to get the shots. The Father of the Bride actor made jokes about the process after getting vaccinated in January 2021. "Good news/Bad news," Martin tweeted on January 17. "Good news: I just got vaccinated! Bad news: I got it because I'm 75. Ha!" The comedian noted that it was "smooth as silk" when getting the shot in New York City. He later made light of possible side effects, tweeting, "Right now, I'm having no fide resects." Stewart, for her part, shared a video of herself preparing to get her shot at Mount Sinai Downtown in New York, via Instagram on January 11. "I am so proud of and grateful to the doctors, nurses and medical staff who are wading through the red tape and confusion of the distribution of these very important vaccines," she wrote at the time. "I am excited to have received my dosage and look forward to the booster." The lifestyle guru clapped back at haters who claimed she cut in front of others, writing, "To allay your concerns that I jumped the line, know that I am in the approved age group for this batch of vaccines and I waited in line with others." Stewart, who is 79, added: "Here's to the advancement of science and a heartfelt thanks to those working on the vaccines. We are all hoping for an end to this pandemic." Biden and Harris had the press in attendance when they received their shots, which they both got before taking office on January 20. “I’m doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared, when it’s available, to take the vaccine,” Biden told reporters in December 2020. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’m looking forward to the second shot.” Ian McKellen and Joan Collins were among the first celebrities to document their vaccine journey in the U.K. Collins received her dose on the same day as Queen Elizabeth II, writing on Instagram that she was "honored" to get the shot. Scroll down to see which stars have spoken about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.  “Kaboom! Moderna booster,” the Better Call Saul actor tweeted in November 2021 alongside a photo of him getting an additional third shot. “F Covid!” Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  "Got my booster vaccine AND my flu shot!!! Stay healthy and trust SCIENCE my friends!" Hyland captioned a video of herself via Instagram Stories in September 2021 after getting a third dose of the COVID-19 shot. Courtesy of Sarah Hyland/Instagram  "For anyone concerned,” the model wrote in September 2021 via Instagram Stories alongside a photo of herself getting vaccinated after she was noticeably missing from the Met Gala days earlier. The charity gala required all guests to be vaccinated. Matt Baron/Shutterstock  "BE COOL. GET VAX'D," the Beatles star wrote via Twitter in August 2021, sharing a photo of himself getting the shot. Shutterstock  The Voice coach snapped a sideways, masked selfie in August 2021 to empower her fans to get vaccinated. She captioned it, “Vaxxed n masked. 🖤 This is your gentle reminder to please get your vaccines if you are eligible. This thing is not yet over !” The Sam & Cat alum aimed to share “some info because I care,” and continued her post, “I’d like to help anybody who is hesitant or curious with making their decision. This delta variant is very new and since data is changing all the time, I’ll source some links for you to stay up to speed yourself but so far... we do know that it spreads much more easily compared to previous variants. … And yes although you can still get it while vaccinated, the vaccine helps to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death ! all great things to be protected against in my book. Please and reassure yourself why getting vaxxed is the move. save a life or two. who knows.” Courtesy Ariana Grande/Instagram  The “Juice” singer shared an impassioned PSA to her fans, urging them to “GIMMIE 6FT” until the COVID-19 pandemic is over. "I don't care who you are,” the musician explained on Instagram Live in July 2021. “You could be the nicest person. You could be vaccinated. You could be quadruple vaccinated. If you see me, please give me 6 feet. This s—t is coming back. And people being real sloppy with personal space. It's not you! It's me. I'm not trying to catch nothing. I don't even want to catch feelings, bitch. You think I'm trying to catch COVID?" Courtesy Lizzo/Instagram  The This Is Us star shared via Instagram Story in July 2021 that she “got the vaccine the first chance she could” in March. Moore posted a screenshot of her DMs, where a follower accused her of “promoting” a vaccine that she didn’t take herself. The actress continued, “If it were widely available while I was pregnant, I would have gotten it then.” After another follower criticized her for pushing an agenda about the vaccine on her page, she clapped back on her Story, writing, “Pushing a narrative? About a virus that has killed over 4 million people worldwide in the last year and the life-saving vaccines we have to combat it?” She added, “I will continue using my platform to speak out about it because it’s about protecting the most vulnerable among us.” Courtesy Mandy Moore/Instagram  The teenage activist shared that she received her first dose of the vaccine via Instagram in July 2021. “Today I got my first COVID-19 vaccination dose,” she captioned a masked selfie. “I am extremely grateful and privileged to be able to live in a part of the world where I can already get vaccinated. The vaccine distribution around the world is extremely unequal. … No one is safe until everyone is safe. But when you get offered a vaccine, don’t hesitate. It saves lives." Courtesy Greta Thunberg/Instagram  The Shameless alum shared the first photo of her baby girl, born in May 2021, to promote the COVID-19 vaccines. Rossum kissed her daughter in an Instagram photo in July 2021, alongside the caption, "When I was pregnant I got vaccinated. Not only did we have a healthy, beautiful baby girl but we also just learned our daughter now has antibodies. In short, stop being an irresponsible idiot and get the vaccine.” Courtesy of Emmy Rossum/Instagram  The former One Direction band member shared a snap of himself getting a vaccine dose via his Instagram Story in July 2021. The “Nice to Meet Ya” singer captioned his post, “Thank you to the team and to the lovely nurse Clare for making it an easy, pain free experience. Go get yours.” Horan also tagged England’s National Health Service in his Story. Courtesy of Niall Horan/Instagram  The Handmaid’s Tale star shared a selfie via her Instagram after her second shot in July 2021. The Canadian actress wrote alongside the pic, “Double Vax Life. Thank you in advance to all of the airports that will have to deal with myself, my kids, @aidanshipley and @barb_godfrey. Good luck to you.” Courtesy of Amanda Brugel/Instagram  The Independence Day actor recreated one of his most famous scenes in a new Budweiser commercial to promote free beer and COVID-19 vaccines in June 2021. In the advertisement, Pullman gave a new speech for the 4th of July to help promote more Americans to get vaccinated. This ad is part of a new campaign that offers a free beverage to any vaccinated American (over the age of 21) at MyCooler.com/beer. Budweiser/YouTube  The 14-year-old star of Disney's Luca shared a video of himself getting a vaccine shot via Instagram while Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration” played in May 2021. Jacob Tremblay/Instagram  Following her husband, Kate posted a photo of herself receiving her first vaccine shot as well. "Yesterday I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at London’s Science Museum," the Duchess of Cambridge tweeted in May 2021. "I’m hugely grateful to everyone who is playing a part in the rollout - thank you for everything you are doing." Courtesy of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge/Instagram  The “Prisoner” singer revealed on her Instagram story that she got her dose of the vaccine in May 2021. She shared a photo on, rolling up a sleeve of her Led Zeppelin T-shirt to show off her bandaged bicep. “Led Zeppelin is cool,” she wrote. “Getting vaxxed is cooler.” Courtesy of Miley Cyrus/Instagram  The “My Best Friend’s Wedding” star shared a selfie in May 2021 to announce her vaccination status. “Fully….VACCINATED!!! Grateful beyond measure,” she wrote via Instagram. “If you are not vaccinated and have the GOOD FORTUNE to get vaccinated- go,go,go! #weareinthistogether #.” Courtesy of Julia Roberts/Instagram  The royal posted a photo of himself getting the shot following a previous struggle with the virus. "On Tuesday I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine," William tweeted on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge account in May 2021. "To all those working on the vaccine rollout - thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do." Courtesy Kensington Royal/Instagram  "Two weeks ago yesterday I got my second vaccine!!!" the Arrested Development alum wrote via Instagram in May 2021, along with a photo of her standing in a parking lot after her shot. "My vaccinatress at @cvspharmacy gave me this Proud Lion sticker because she said i was very brave. I’m terrified of needles and shots. I’m happy because I know I’m protecting myself, my friends & family, and the strangers I come in contact with every day. I’m sad because we lost, and are still losing, so many people to COVID-19." Courtesy of Judy Greer/Instagram  "Happy girl!" the To All the Boys I've Loved Before star wrote in May 2021, captioning an Instagram Story video of her newly vaccinated arm. She also included a sticker that read, "Let's get vaccinated." Courtesy of Lana Condor/Instagram  “Can’t start a healthy relationship without being healthy.❤️,” the season 17 Bachelorette wrote via Instagram in April 2021 alongside a video of her getting the shot. “Got my vaccine today! #covidvacccine.” Courtesy of Katie Thurston/Instagram  "I got that Pfizer," the Younger star captioned a photo via Instagram Story of herself flashing a peace sign after getting the vaccine in April 2021. Courtesy of Hilary Duff/Instagram  "Vaxx’d wax’d and ready to pay my tax," the Office alum captioned a fun photo via Twitter in April 2021. Courtesy Mindy Kaling/Twitter  The football player revealed that his choice to get the vaccine was all about his newborn daughter. "To me, it was more of a personal decision with having a baby girl and knowing I was going to be around people," Mahomes told reporters in April 2021 as the Kansas City Chiefs began their offseason program. He added, "I wanted to make sure I did whatever I could to help keep her healthy." The athlete welcomed his daughter, Sterling, with his fiancée, Brittany Matthews, in February 2021. David J Phillip/AP/Shutterstock  The “Toxic” singer posted an Instagram video with boyfriend Sam Asghari in April 2021 after they both got their first shot. “Got the COVID vaccine 😳💉 …. Great success 😂 …. High-five 🖐🏻 !!!!!! @samasghari,” she captioned the clip. The Grammy winner then spoke about the vaccine, saying, “It was nothing. I felt nothing. I feel fine and I hope I continue to stay fine.” Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  Vaccine side effect: G6,” the singer captioned an April 2021 Instagram post, detailing her journey to getting the vaccine. In true Mariah Carey fashion, the singer let out a high note as the needle went in. “Here we are, hoping for the best, encouraging you guys to do it when you can,” she said in the video. Courtesy of Mariah Carey/Instagram  In April 2021, the actress proudly showed off her Band-Aid-covered arm, revealing that she got the vaccine via Instagram. "So glad to have finally got my jab. Thanks to all the hardworking scientists and healthcare workers," she wrote. "I cannot tell you how good it feels to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In this together!!" Courtesy of Naomi Watts/Instagram  Chastain shared some wise words on Instagram in March 2021. "My vaccine time has finally come! This is so much more than just a shot in the arm," she captioned a selfie, displaying a Band-Aid on her arm. "It’s our way to fight back against COVID, protect ourselves and keep those around us safe and healthy. I believe in science! If we listen to the experts, life as we knew it is just around the corner." Courtesy of Jessica Chastain/Instagram  Jett confirmed that she got the first round of the vaccine with a photo of her getting injected in March 2021. Courtesy of Joan Jett/Instagram  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants star posted a photo of herself gazing lovingly at the nurse administering her shot in March 2021. “Find you someone who looks at you like I look at the heroic nurse vaccinating me. 💕” she wrote via Instagram. Courtesy of Blake Lively/Instagram  “Finally got 5G,” the Deadpool star joked in the caption of a mid-poke photo in March 2021. “💪🏼Super powers activated💪🏼,” artist Danny Galieote commented. Courtesy of Ryan Reynolds/Instagram  Heard posed with a sign after her shot in March 2021. “Did someone say ‘vaccine queen’?! 💉💉💉” she wrote. Courtesy of Amber Heard/Instagram  “It’s better than OK to get vaccinated because states are rapidly expanding eligibility,” the Mamma Mia star wrote via Instagram, showing off her Band-Aid with husband Thomas Sadoski in March 2021. “Schedule, get your name on a list (we did in Georgia), or contact your local Covid Angels as soon as you can. We’re gonna get to the end of this together!” Courtesy of Amanda Seyfried/Instagram  The comedian documented her trip to a New York vaccination site in March 2021, filming her drive alongside husband Chris Fischer. “This is my going to be the vaccine energy,” she said via an Instagram video while fist-pumping in the vehicle. The Trainwreck actress wore a sparkly minidress with a hole in the arm when getting her shot. “I want to thank all the brave people in the medical field. But more than them I want to give a shout-out to me,” she captioned her social media video. “I’m awesome I love the people of New York. Even the annoying ones. It’s nice to see all of them. I feel excited and hopeful. I hope you do too.” The comedian posted on her Story in July 2021, urging her followers to get vaccinated if they have not already. She wrote in the post, “Hi hello. If you follow me and you’re not getting vaxxed, I wanna gently throw this out there: Just consider the possibility that you could be making a mistake.” She continued, “U might feel like UR not. That’s fair. But it’s generally a good thing when you’re feeling really stubborn or scared to ask yourself ‘What if I’m wrong right now???’” Courtesy of Amy Schumer/Instagram  The Basic Instinct actress revealed that she got the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in March 2021. Stone snapped a pic at the vaccine site to share via Instagram. In it, she appeared to be smiling beneath a patterned black-and-white mask while the needle was being poked into her left arm. "Got my first vaccine," Stone captioned the image. Courtesy of Sharon Stone/Instagram  “In the words of @DollyParton... ‘don’t be such a chicken squat, get out there and get your shot!’ (**when it’s your turn**) 🩹💉,” the Pushing Daises alum wrote via Instagram in March 2021. “Feeling hopeful & grateful.” Courtesy Kristin Chenoweth/Instagram  After donating $1 million in April 2020 to COVID-19 research at Vanderbilt University, the country music icon posted a photo of herself receiving the vaccine. “Dolly gets a dose of her own medicine,” she captioned the Instagram pic in March 2021, tagging Vanderbilt Health. Parton told CNN in February 2021 why she initially wanted to wait to be vaccinated. “I'm going to get it, though,” she said at the time. “I didn't want to jump line. I didn't donate the money so I could be protected. I did it for everybody.” Courtesy Dolly Parton/Instagram  “I’m feeling OK, I worked out yesterday,” Fonda said during a February 2021 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show after getting her second vaccine dose. “I’m lucky I didn’t have any reaction to it.” The Grace and Frankie star added: “It certainly doesn’t hurt. I encourage everybody to get it who can get it, as soon as possible. But I still wear masks and I’m still doing social distancing. Things don’t go back to normal just because you have the vaccine. You can still spread it or pick it up.” Warner Bros.  After announcing in February 2021 that she was able to get a COVID-19 vaccine, the Talk cohost reacted to criticism regarding how she was eligible to do so. (Kloots lives in California, where only individuals who are 65 and older or employed as essential workers were eligible at the time it was administered to her.) “The post that I posted did get some shame. It got a lot of positivity, but [it] also got a lot of shame,” the fitness instructor — whose husband, Nick Cordero, died in July 2020 from the virus — said on the CBS daytime show. “And I’m not gonna even focus on that shame 'cause I don’t spend time in my life focusing on negativity, but this post got a lot of shame. The shame got press. That press turned into conversation. That conversation turned into awareness. And then that awareness created a positivity. That is how I roll and that is how I live my life.” She continued, “I received so many DMs from people saying, ‘I did not know that you could go wait to see if people didn’t show up for appointments to get this vaccine. I did not know that they throw out vaccines at the end of the day if people don’t show up for their appointment. I did not know that you could get on a waiting list and get possibly called if somebody didn’t show up for an appointment. I didn’t know that this vaccine has a shelf life, that it would be thrown in the trash if it isn’t used.’” Randee St. Nicholas/CBS  The Queer Eye star, who is HIV positive, rejoiced in February 2021 as he revealed that he was able to get a COVID-19 vaccination with his preexisting health condition. “In NY, where I’m working the vaccine program expanded to include people w pre-existing conditions, being HIV+ is one of the conditions that allows folks to be vaccinated,” he captioned an Instagram pic of the vaccine being administered to him. “So, if you’re HIV+ please check your states guidelines to see if you're eligible and get vaccinated against COVID-19! There was a list of other conditions that allows for vaccination so wherever you are check the lists and see if you can get in line.” He added, “Some places like Cali will give leftover doses but just see what’s happening in your area. Had I not been looking online everyday I wouldn’t have seen, so def get involved with your search. This was my first shot and other than minor soreness in my arm had no side effects and will get my second shot in a few weeks.” Courtesy of Jonathan Van Ness/Instagram  The When Harry Met Sally star detailed his experience receiving his first dose of the Moderna vaccine during an interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in January 2021. "I got the injection and a free scarf," he joked of his trip to Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles. "I was glad to get this first step toward hugging my kids and my grandchildren again. And I do have a pre-existing, underlying condition — which is terror. So, that was good that I got that [vaccine]." Shutterstock  In January 2021, the actor posted a photo of himself receiving the vaccine. "I’m a lucky man. Lucky to work alongside the @LAFD & our great frontline @CoreResponse staff, our partners at Carbon Health, USC, & Curative Lab,” he tweeted. “We test & vaccinate thousands per day. We need your support to get more people lucky. Text CORE to 707070 to donate.” Courtesy of Sean Penn/Twitter  The movie mogul revealed that he received both doses of the vaccine during an interview with Gayle King on CBS This Morning in January 2021. He also went into detail about his BET docu-special, COVID-19 Vaccine And The Black Community: A Tyler Perry Special. "If you look at our history in this country, the Tuskegee experiment, Henrietta Lacks, it raises flags for us as African American people. So I understand why there's a healthy skepticism about the vaccine,” he said. "I didn't really feel like I could trust it. … But once I got all of the information, found out the researchers, I was very, very happy.” CBS  In January 2021, the former California governor took to Instagram to share his experience after getting vaccinated. “All right, I just got my vaccine, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone,” he said in a video, which he concluded by saying his iconic Terminator line, “Come with me if you want to live.” Courtesy Arnold Schwarzenegger/Instagram  “Good news: I just got vaccinated! Bad news: I got it because I’m 75. Ha!” the Cheaper by the Dozen actor wrote via Twitter in January 2021. “Thank you all and thank you science.” Shutterstock  “Well, I bundled up and Peggy Jean and I rolled out of Hurricane Mills so I could get this vaccine,” the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” singer wrote via Instagram in January 2021. “I’m sure glad to get it and am sure ready to put Covid in the rear-view mirror! And I enjoyed the mom daughter time, too! #winning #sickofcovid #stayhealthy #besafe #getyours.” Courtesy Loretta Lynn/Instagram (2)  “Get your shot! Take care of yourself and others. #slowthespreadofcovid19,” the country crooner wrote via Facebook in January 2021, alongside a series of photos of him getting the shot in his car. Shutterstock  “I was vaccinated today in a designated vaccine pod near the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai Downtown,” Stewart wrote via Instagram in January 2021. “The doctors told me 10,000 applications were received by Mount Sinai right after the state released this batch of vaccines. Here’s to the advancement of science and a heartfelt thanks to those working on the vaccines.” Courtesy of Martha Stewart/Instagram  “Delighted to get @astrazeneca @ouhospitals #vaccine yesterday morning at the @nhsenglandldn Bloomsbury surgery,” the Dynasty alum wrote via Instagram in January 2021. “Thank you Mr. @rajgill2585 and @dr_ammarahughes for a painless and seamless procedure! Same day as our Queen! #honoured.” PPE/SIPA/Shutterstock  The former U.S. senator got her first dose of the vaccine on TV in December 2020. "That was easy. I barely felt it,” Harris said after the shot, according to The Washington Post. "I want to encourage everyone to get the vaccine. It is relatively painless, it happens really quickly, it is safe.” Shutterstock  Biden thanked scientists and frontline and clinical workers when getting his first shot in December 2020. "Just amazing,” he told reporters at the time. “We owe you big. We really do." The former vice president received his second dose in January 2021, which cameras also documented. Shutterstock  “I feel very lucky to have had the vaccine,” the Lord of the Rings actor tweeted in December 2020. “I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.” Courtesy Ian McKellen/Instagram |
| Celebrities Who Got Engaged in 2021 Posted: 09 Dec 2021 11:10 AM PST They said yes! Caroline Stanbury, Nilsa Prowant and more celebs took major steps in their relationships in 2021. The Ladies of London alum confirmed via social media days after the new year that boyfriend Sergio Carrallo popped the question during a trip to Nepal. The engagement came less than six months after the pair made their relationship Instagram official. Stanbury was previously married to Cem Habib, from whom she split in December 2019. The exes share daughter Yasmine and twin sons Aaron and Zac. Weeks after confirming her engagement, Stanbury defended her relationship after receiving negative comments about the more than 10-year age gap between her and her fiancé. “Why is this so shocking?” she told Bravo Insider, noting that the reaction isn’t as severe when men date younger partners. Prowant, for her part, checked two big milestones off of her list within a few weeks. At the beginning of the holiday season, the MTV reality star revealed that she was expecting her first child, a baby boy, with then-boyfriend Gus Gazda. Soon after breaking the happy news, Gazda proposed. “On cloud nine The Florida native thanked her “kind, caring, strong” fiancé for always standing by her side — even through tough moments. “Gus, you’ve picked up the broken pieces of my heart and put them back together one by one. You never cease to amaze me. I can always count on you!” she wrote. “I know with you by my side I can get through anything. I would say yes over and over and over again. Every single time. Now…Let’s plan a wedding Scroll down to see which stars got engaged in 2021.  The Challenge: Double Agents contestant announced her engagement on December 8 while on a trip to Las Vegas. The couple, who have been dating for more than two years, celebrated the moment several months after Anderson revealed she suffered a miscarriage. The MTV personality previously spoke about her loss in January, telling Us exclusively that it was a “make or break” moment for her and Perez. Courtesy of Natalie Anderson/Instagram  The White Lotus actress' engagement to the producer made headlines on December 2, several months after going public with their romance in May. Matt Baron/Shutterstock (2)  "YES !!! ,," the Bachelor alum captioned her December 2 engagement announcement, less than one year after going Instagram official with Fogel. Courtesy of Amanda Stanton/Instagram  “1153 days... here's to thousands more. She said 'yes' ❤️,” the fitness trainer captioned a November 28 Instagram selfie of the pair. Courtesy of Jillian Michaels/Instagram  “My love. My life. My family. My future,” the Freaky Friday actress gushed via Instagram on November 28, sharing snaps of the happy couple looking at her diamond ring. Courtesy of Lindsay Lohan/Instagram  The Siesta Key star announced the news via Instagram on Wednesday, November 24, posting multiple photos from his proposal and a lengthy message. "I promised you that I’d be with you & only you till the day I ask you to marry me. Well today is that day where I asked you to be my forever n ever. Words can’t describe this feeling or emotions I’m feeling right now but I can’t stop smiling. The thing is I knew since the night I met you when I kept telling you this is destiny, I didn’t have a doubt in my mind that it wasn’t," he wrote. "We’ve been through so much together which has made it feel like a lifetime already but guess what that’s exactly what we get to do. I truly love every single thing about you & never could imagine life without you. You make me a better person every single day bringing out the best version of myself. I thank you for that Kenna." She later posted via both Instagram and TikTok, revealing that the proposal took place during a vacation with her family and closest friends, at the same location her parents went on their honeymoon. Courtesy of Garrett Miller/Instagram  The Today correspondent got engaged to her ex-fiancé a second time in November. The pair, who split in May 2020, originally got engaged in May 2019 after two years together. In an essay for Today, Martin explained that Brooks' second proposal was much more low-key than the first one. "It was beautiful, but it was different," the journalist wrote. "We were on a small fishing boat in the Bahamas. It was just the two of us and, lucky for us, a couple on another nearby boat told us afterward that they took a picture of us while Erik was proposing." Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  The Home Improvement star announced his engagement via Instagram in November 2021. “You win some and you lose some,” he wrote alongside a photo of his fiancée showing off her ring. “I’m thankful for a win … finally!” Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock  “11.11.2021,” the Twilight star captioned Instagram photos of the rose- and candle-filled, romantic proposal on November 13. “And just like that, all of my wishes came true.” Courtesy of Taylor Lautner/Instagram  "From the moment I met Chris I knew he was the one. I am in a state of pure bliss and I can’t believe I get to spend my life with my best friend," the Siesta Key star wrote via Instagram on November 4. Courtesy of Chloe Trautman/Instagram  The Spencer star revealed on November 2 that Meyer proposed after two years of dating. "I think I very distinctly carved out what I wanted and she nailed it," Stewart said on The Howard Stern Show. "We're marrying, it's happening." Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock; Shutterstock  The actor opened up about his sexuality his memoir, You Can't Be Serious, and revealed he has been with his partner, Josh, for 11 years. "Obviously I am engaged to a man and our families will be there for the wedding," the Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle star told People in October 2021. "The big disagreement now is whether it's a huge wedding or a tiny wedding. I want the big ass Indian wedding. Josh, hates attention, [has said], 'Or we could just do quick 20-minute thing with our families and that's it.' So we have to meet halfway in the middle." Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post/MEGA  The Glee alum and the guitarist got engaged in October 2021 after nearly three years of dating, her rep confirmed to Us Weekly. “I’ve been the runaway bride,” the Voice mentor told Vogue in an interview published on October 29. “Now that I’ve found him, I won’t let him go. I will race to greet him at the altar.” Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  The former Bachelor host celebrated the beginning of his "next chapter" with Zima on October 25 after proposing in Napa Valley, California. The pair began dating in 2018. Courtest Chris Harrison/Instagram  The couple, who began dating in July 2020, got engaged on October 19 while on vacation in Greece. Courtesy Teresa Giudice/Instagram  The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum announced she is engaged to her boyfriend of nearly a year in October. "I have no clue how @itsjaylanbanks pulled this big surprise off but I have not stopped balling my eyes out,” she wrote via Instagram. The news comes two months after the pair announced they are expecting their first child together. Courtesy of Jaylan Banks/Instagram  The drummer proposed to the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star on October 16 after less than a year of dating but more than a decade of friendship. Barker popped the question with an elaborate flower and candle display on the beach at the Rosewood Miramar, getting down on one knee at sunset. Ciao Pix/Shutterstock  The Southern Charm star announced her engagement to her boyfriend — whose last name she has not shared — on October 14 after seven months of dating. “I am so excited and I feel like I’ve been trying to hold this in for quite some time and it has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do,” she exclusively told Us. Courtesy of Madison LeCroy/Instagram  Bryant and Weber both shared photos via Instagram on October 9, Bryant’s 28th birthday, to announce their engagement and show off her sparkling diamond ring. “For anyone who knows me personally you know how badly I have always wanted to meet my person. To be with the one God intended me to have a life with,” she captioned the happy snap. “I can’t express the happiness I feel in my heart right now. You are such a great man and I am so excited to marry you @iamchasebryant 💍” Courtesy Chase Bryant/Instagram  The former Bachelor proposed to his wife two years after their wedding, explaining in an October 3 YouTube video: "The ring I gave her on The Bachelor was obviously paid for. We never really felt like it was something I chose for her, so I got her another ring." Photo by Matias Che Ezcurra/@matiasezcurraphotography  One year after announcing her split from Ant Anstead, Flip or Flop star Christina Haack revealed she's engaged to realtor Joshua Hall. She showed off photos via Instagram in September 2021 with her engagement ring clearly visible. "❤️♾🔒🗝 💍," she captioned the snaps Courtesy Christina Haack/Instagram  Jordana Brewster and Mason Morfit "JB soon to be JBM," the Fast and the Furious star wrote via Instagram on September 14, posing next to the tech company CEO. The pair were first linked in July 2020. Courtesy of Jordana Brewster/Instagram  The actress debuted her engagement ring at the Met Gala on September 13. Shutterstock; Inset: MEGA  The Almost Famous actress announced the relationship milestone via Instagram on September 13, writing, "Let's go! 👰♀️💒🤵🏻♂️." Courtesy Kate Hudson/Instagram  “I can’t f–king believe it,” the singer captioned an Instagram video of her and Asghari on September 12, showing off her new ring. “The couple made their long-standing relationship official today and are deeply touched by the support, dedication and love expressed to them," his manager told Us Weekly. Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram  The Dancing With the Stars winner and real estate developer got engaged in September after two years of dating. “I think the right person makes you want to get married again,” Burke told Us in 2019 after several months of dating Rigsby. “I would have said ‘hell no’ a year ago. ‘Hard no!'” Michael Simon/Shutterstock  The Carrie Diaries alum shared the news on September 7. "I want to be with you everywhere!" she captioned a series of happy photos via Instagram. "And now I get to. We got engaged!!! YAHHHHOOOOOO! He's my best friend, the greatest man I know & a real bad bitch. I feel pure joy beginning the rest of our lives together." Courtesy of AnnaSophia Robb/Instagram  The stars of Netflix's Bling Empire are engaged, they announced on August 31. "Dear God, Thank you for everything in my life! 🙏 ❤️," Lee captioned an Instagram photo of Chan popping the question. Chan's social media posts revealed that the proposal took place in Paris on August 30. Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock  The country crooner announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend via Instagram on August 23. “I’m not her boyfriend anymore ❤️,” he wrote alongside a photo from the proposal at the Lyric Oxford Theater in Mississippi. “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!!! 💍” Ryan captioned two snaps outside the venue after saying yes. Courtesy Caleigh Ryan/Instagram(2)  The Big Brother season 21 alum announced her engagement via social media on August 22 during a trip to Paris. Courtesy of Christie Murphy/Instagram  "She said, 'She’d have her people call my people,'" the Modern Family alum wrote via Instagram on August 22, captioning three photos of the couple who have been together since 2017. Courtesy of Eric Stonestreet/Instagram  "I want to share something with you guys. We're engaged," Mike Shouhed said during the season 9 Shahs of Sunset reunion special on August 22, sitting next to Paulina Ben-Cohen. "I want to share that with everybody today." Courtesy of Mike Shouhed/Instagram  "I hit the Jacq-pot. You are quite simply the greatest person I have ever known," Clementi wrote via Instagram on August 19. "From the mundane to the insane, life is so fun with you. I love you infinitely and cannot wait to marry the absolute sh*t out of you. #enGAYged." Toboni, who proposed, added in her own post, "I feel so incredibly lucky to have found such a goofy, smart, funny, kind soul in you. Thank you for making me laugh everyday. I can’t wait to do this forever. Love you." Courtesy of Instagram/Kassandra Clementi  The couple confirmed their engagement via Instagram on August 17. Fleming, who previously appeared on season 22 of The Bachelor, called the realtor's proposal "the best surprise." Albert Azouz  The Canadian athletes got engaged in August 2021 after the Tokyo Olympics. Simmerling, a cyclist, announced the news via Instagram, revealing she popped the question to the soccer player on a “camping trip we’ll never forget.” The four-time Olympian continued in her caption, “I asked my best friend to spend the rest of her life with me aaaand SHE SAID YAAASSSSS! My heart is so full. I love you with all that I am.” The bronze medalist was shocked. “Through my ugly crying I could barely hear what you said, but what I do know is that spending the rest of my life with you by my side is the greatest gift,” Labbé, a goalie, shared via Instagram. “My heart and soul are complete with you in my life. I feel safe, calm and hopeful that no matter what comes our way we will be ok. My best friend, my soulmate, my rock, my FIANCÉE.” Courtesy of Georgia Simmerling/Instagram  Us confirmed on August 12 that Meghan King's ex-husband popped the question one month prior, with an insider noting that the newly engaged couple are excited about their "new chapter." O'Connor also detailed the relationship milestone via Instagram, writing, "Jimmy asked me to marry him in the most intimate and personal way." Courtesy Kortnie O'Connor/Instagram; Courtesy Jim Edmonds/Instagram  The One Tree Hill alum announced the couple's engagement on August 10. "So it turns out that being your favorite person’s favorite person is the actual best feeling on planet Earth," she wrote via Instagram, alongside a photo of Hughes proposing to her in a boat. Courtesy of Sophia Bush/Instagram  When Paul Walker's daughter seemingly announced her engagement via Instagram on August 9 with a video showing her ring, Thornton-Allan commented, "Forever and always." Courtesy of Louis Thornton-Allan  The Awkward alum popped the question to the psychologist while on a trip to Paris. He shared their happy news via Instagram in August 2021. “The love of my life said oui,” he captioned an Instagram gallery of the big moment. They had a picnic on the lawn beneath the Eiffel Tower with champagne, pink balloons and multiple bouquets of flowers. Courtesy Beau Mirchoff/Instagram  The NASCAR star announced via Instagram on July 30 that he proposed to his longtime girlfriend after five years of dating. “Soooooo yeah … I have no idea why the hell I waited so long!! Here’s to forever babe, love you,” Wallace captioned a series of photos of the romantic waterfall engagement. Courtesy of Bubba Wallace/Instagram  The HGTV host announced on July 28 via Instagram that he popped the question to Merrell. In the snap, she is wearing a large teardrop-shaped diamond ring and her hand rests on top of his. Pennington added the caption, "It’s the 'yes' for me…" Courtesy Ty Pennington/Instagram  Us confirmed on July 21 that the Vanderpump Rules star and her Australian beau are engaged after Shay was spotted wearing a diamond ring in Los Angeles one day prior. Courtesy of Scheana Shay/Instagram  “I said YES to my soul mate,” the Below Deck: Mediterranean alum wrote via Instagram on July 14, while showing off her ring in Portofino, Italy. “The first time we met I called him my future husband before I even knew his name (behind his back- that would just be creepy) and now the most romantic proposal on a hilltop overlooking the bay of Portofino 🥰❤️ Just in time for my 30th Birthday today. Sooooo overwhelmed and in love.” Courtesy Brooke Laughton/Instagram  Amrit Kapai surprised his longtime boyfriend, Nicholas Kouchoukos, with a romantic proposal on the July 14, 2021, episode of Family Karma. He popped the question on a boat in the Miami Harbor surrounded by their friends. "So I don't tell you nearly enough that I love you. You're everything I need, and I've known for a while now that I can't do life without you. You're a good person, and you're gonna be such a good father," he said in the episode. "Remember when we first started dating, you told me you needed to protect your heart, and I said you don't have to worry about that because I'm gonna protect it. I made that promise to you. Well, I want to renew that promise for the rest of my life, to protect your heart.” Courtesy of Amrit Kapai/Instagram  The Sweet Magnolias actor and Maris Kenny both shared a series of Instagram Story photos to confirm the news on Saturday, July 10. In one slide, the couple snapped a selfie with Kenny's diamond ring on display. She captioned the pic, "Oh yea fiancé." The couple has been dating since September 2019. Courtesy of Maris Kenny/Instagram  “Very, VERY happy! 😆 @belpowley 🥂❤️,” the Dirt actor captioned a series of photos via Instagram on July 3, including one of Powley showing off her engagement ring. The Pride and Prejudice and Zombies star proposed in London during a romantic picnic in the park. Courtesy of Douglas Booth/Instagram  “I choose you always, thanks for choosing me best friend,” Henningsen, who starred alongside Selig in Broadway’s Mean Girls, wrote via Instagram on July 1. “(Not pictured: a 100-pound sea turtle who served as witness, and Kyle’s panic sweat when he dropped the ring in the sand moments before).”Selig shared more moments from the romantic beach proposal, captioning them, “I am lucky to have a best friend that has seen me through all the ups and downs, and I think I’d be stupid not to LOCK THAT DOWN. So, we’re doing this, officially. She said yes, btw, she’s not just keeping the ring.” Courtesy of Kyle Selig/Instagram  The model announced her June 25 engagement with a series of Instagram photos showing off the proposal and her gleaming new diamond. “My best friend, my soulmate, I’ll love you always 💗✨ 06/25/21 ✨💗,” Hill wrote. Courtesy of Taylor Hill/Instagram  “We knew we would love each other forever. Im just so excited to officially say YES!!! ❤️❤️ #final2forever,” Abbott wrote via Instagram on June 25 after her former Big Brother: All Stars competitor popped the question during a Florida vacay. “Im still in SHOCK bc I had no idea this was coming but I’m so glad it did. @memphisgarrett you are my home, my forever. 🙏.” Courtesy of Christmas Abbott/Instagram  The Jersey Shore: Family Vacation star confirmed on June 21 that he proposed to Matos, just seven months after going public with their relationship. “I love you 💕 Thank you for sticking by my side through thick and thin! Til death do us part! #SheSaidYes,” Ortiz-Magro wrote via Instagram, alongside a photo of his fiancée and her giant ring. The news came less than two months after the reality star was arrested for violence in Los Angeles in April. Courtesy of Saffire Matos/Instagram  The Orange is the New Black star was shocked when her love, who was playing a concert at a Panama City, Florida, bar, stopped the show to ask Manning for her hand in marriage on June 11. The women shared a kiss as they celebrated their engagement, according to video obtained by TMZ. Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA  The Bachelor season 22 contestant got engaged to Hudson, the father of her daughter, Presley, on June 9. “I said YES!😍💍,” Cooper captioned photos of the Turks and Caicos proposal via Instagram. “Easiest decision ever, and Presley agrees. Love my little family so much, and excited to marry my best friend! Karl is everything I ever wanted in a man and more.” Courtesy of Jenna Cooper/Instagram  "He said YES! 😍 WE’RE ENGAGED! I am so happy my best friend said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me!" Grande captioned the announcement via Instagram in June 2021. "Playing games and making me laugh forever! Speaking of games ... I proposed IN VIRTUAL REALITY! HE FREAKED OUT!" Courtesy Frankie Grande/Instagram  The musician confirmed he was engaged in June after Meryl Streep’s daughter was spotted rocking a diamond ring a month prior. Ronson, who has been linked to the actress since 2020, went on to gush about their first kiss. “There’s a plaque for that somewhere. There’s a first kiss, very corny Hallmark first kiss plaque,” he joked on his “The FADER Uncovered” podcast. “But no, it was forever, it will be etched. It’s still my record.” Shutterstock (2)  In a May 30 Instagram video, Stodden showed off their diamond ring sparkling in the sunlight as they revealed the tech entrepreneur popped the question. "I said yes......OH and the ring made me gag it’s so beautiful 🔥😍💎 #engaged #stopasianhate #diamondsareagirlsbestfriend," Stodden wrote in the caption. Snorlax / MEGA  "Well, friends, he put a ring on it!” the former talk show host captioned a May 24 Instagram selfie with the lawyer. “#engaged to my magnificent king. I am officially the happiest woman in the land. My dear Ross, I choose you today and every day!" Courtesy of Ricki Lake/Instagam  The Bringing Up Bates star popped the question on May 22 after a romantic journey that took him and his now-fiancée across three states. “I wanted it to be perfect for Esther!” he told Us Weekly exclusively. Photography by Isaiah Garrido  The 49ers linebacker proposed to the Bachelor season 24 alum on May 15. “05•15•21,” Hightower wrote alongside a picture from the proposal via Instagram. “It’s you & me.” Courtesy of Fred Warner/Instagram  The Vanderpump Rules star called himself “one lucky guy” after he revealed on May 16 that Leviss said yes to his proposal. The couple got engaged while throwing a party in Palm Springs since Coachella Music Festival was canceled. Courtesy of Raquel Leviss/Instagram  The former Bachelor contestant announced her engagement to the Finnish hockey player on May 16, alongside photos from the proposal three days prior. “I am ENGAGED to the man of my DREAMS! @oula7 thank you for choosing me,” she captioned the snaps. “Will I ever stop crying/smiling...probably not!😍.” Courtesy of Hayley Fergusson/Instagram  Less than two weeks after sharing PDA pics via Instagram, the actress announced her engagement to the musician. “Don’t mind if I do @AndrewWK,” Dennings wrote alongside photos of her new ring via social media. Courtesy Kat Dennings/Instagram (2)  The Bachelor Nation power couple got engaged on May 10, 2021 after Tartick proposed during a recording session for the former Bachelorette’s “Off the Vine” podcast. The couple had been dating for more than two years when the former banker decided to pop the question. "Jason's like, 'Kaitlyn, we're not doing a podcast.' And I'm like, 'You forgot to hit record, didn't you!'" Bristowe told Entertainment Tonight. "He was like, 'No, this is something else,' and he got up and I saw him bring out a ring box from the drawer." Courtesy of Jason Tartick/Instagram  Williams confirmed her relationship with Guobadia, the estranged husband of her Real Housewives of Atlanta costar Falynn Guobadia, on May 10. "Our relationship began a month ago — yes we are crazy in love," she wrote via Instagram. "I know it’s fast but we are living life each day to its fullest. I choose happiness every morning and every night." A few hours later, Simon announced that the pair had gotten engaged. "Getting married again was never a question in my mind, but when," he shared via Instagram. "Did not expect to be blessed with a mate so soon. The interesting thing about life is that it is an individual journey." Courtesy of Simon Guobadia/Instagram  Ashley Iaconetti’s sister, Lauren, who fans met on season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise, announced her engagement to the real estate agent on May 6. “From 13 years old to 30 … there’s always been an invisible string tying you to me ❤️💍,” Lauren wrote via Instagram. Courtesy of Lauren Iaconetti/Instagram  The Teen Mom OG couple got engaged on April 25 during their baby shower. "Speechless... We said Yessss," she wrote via Instagram, referencing her 3-year-old daughter, Ryder, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend Cory Wharton. "Today was perfect! I can not put it into words yet but this is a moment I will cherish forever 🤍 thank you @z.terrel I love youuuuuu!!" Courtesy Cheyenne Floyd/Instagram  “I said yes!” the television personality captioned a photo of her showing off her engagement ring via Instagram on April 20. Courtesy of Katie Price/Instagram  “A little while ago — this is so weird — I asked Jenna to marry me and she said yes. So, we are engaged,” Solomita revealed during a Twitch stream on April 15. The YouTube stars have been dating since 2013. Courtesy of Jenna Marbles/Instagram  Us broke the news that the Bringing Up Bates star got engaged in Key West, Florida, on April 7. “Taking this next step in our relationship is something we have prayed about and have looked forward to for a long time!” she exclusively told Us. “We are excited about what God is doing in our lives, and we can’t wait to see what He has in store for our future.” @dariankaiaphotography  The Midnight Sun alum and Italy native confirmed their engagement on March 21. Mascolo shared a snap of himself and Thorne standing side by side as she showed off her pear-shaped engagement ring. "She said YES!" he captioned the post. The singer also posted a clip from what appeared to be their engagement party. In the video, he gushed, "Thank you for being amazing, baby. I love you so much." The Florida native replied, "I love you so much. Let me give you a kiss." Mascolo then asked, "When are we getting married? Soon I hope, adding that they should have a "celebration in Italy and in America. Both." Courtesy of Benjamin Mascolo/Instagram  The NASCAR Hall of Fame driver announced his engagement to drag racer Leah Pruett on March 18. "So excited to spend the rest of my life with a truly amazing woman," he captioned a photo of the couple on social media. "She's motivated, hard-working, funny as hell, and as dedicated to her sport as anyone I've ever known. Love you babe." Courtesy Tony Stewart/Instagram  Us confirmed on March 16 that the Southern Charm alum and the Related Garments owner got engaged after dating for more than a year and a half. The couple shared photos from the mountain-top proposal via Instagram, which Jacobs captioned, “My fiancé!! (Kinda has a nice “ring” to it!) 💍.” Courtesy Ashley Jacobs/Instagram  "On 2.27 I said yes on the top of the Empire State Building," the Jersey Shore star captioned a photo of the couple via Instagram on March 9. Courtesy of Jenni 'J-Woww' Farley/Instagram  The 90 Day Fiancé couple announced their engagement via Instagram on March 7, showing off Zeta's diamond ring. The Other Way season 2 stars previously split after Clarkson cheated on Zeta, but in the March 7 episode of 90 Day Bares All, which is streaming on Discovery+, they told host Shaun Robinson that things were "going great." Zeta explained that the couple reconnected as they reminisced over things they'd done in the past. "We just can't stay away from each other. No matter how hard we try to move on and forget about each other, we can't," Clarkson said. The pair shared a video from their reunion in Medellin, with Clarkson proposing within 24 hours of arriving. "I pulled the trigger. She actually said yes," he said as they sat on a pier by the ocean, where he popped the question. "It was just us, and it was so awesome and we're so happy. And this is the guy that I'm marrying," Zeta said in the clip as she showed off the ring. TLC  The comedian announced his engagement to Jordana via Instagram on February 26. “Yay!!!!! Me and @elisajordana celebrating engagement and Kermit And Friends,” he wrote alongside a pic of him planting a kiss on his fiancé’s cheek. Courtesy Andy Dick/Instagram  The former talk show host announced her engagement on February 20. "Friends, I'm so so so excited to share some good news! I'm engaged!" she captioned an Instagram selfie with her fiancé. "This is Ross. He is my person. He is wonderful. I love him very much and I am so grateful I get to love and be loved so deeply by this stellar human. Our next chapter is sure to be a good one. #heartopen #lifeisbeautiful #ibelieveinlove #thisis52 #selflove #nofilter #justhappy." Lake, who went Instagram official with their romance in December 2020, was previously married to Rob Sussman from 1994 to 2004 — with whom she shares two sons — and Christian Evans from 2012 to 2015. Evans, who battled bipolar disorder, died by suicide in 2017. Courtesy Ricki Lake/Instagram  The businessman proposed to the Simple Life alum on February 13 after one year of dating, days before her 40th birthday. Shutterstock  The Love Blossoms costars got engaged on February 9. “We hiked 2000ft to the top of the mountain where @iamvictorwebster told me he loved me for the first time years ago! What happened next still has me in shock... He told me he wanted to spend forever with me, as he got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him!!” VanSanten wrote via Instagram. “I didnt say anything for awhile, not out of suspense although it would have been a good prank, but because my legs stopped working, I had to sit down and I couldn’t stop crying and kissing him.... I forgot to say anything at all... BUT OBVIOUSLY I SAID YES!!! I cant wait to spend FOR-EV-ER with my best friend!!!! I F--KING LOVE YOU @iamvictorwebster.” Courtesy of Shantel VanSanten/Instagram  The former Dancing With the Stars champion announced the major relationship milestone via Instagram on February 10. "P and I didn’t get to see each other for almost all of 2020 because of the pandemic. When there was finally a chance for me to go and see him in Finland, I jumped at it," Rippon wrote alongside a series of sweet pics with his fiancé. "I was there for a little over two months. ... He would drive me into the Finnish forest where I would attempt to try and 'help' him shovel snow so he could keep working on the cottage he's building. So, in between all that and binging the entire 4 seasons of The Crown, we bought ourselves some rings and said that magic word.. 'duh!' We got ~*engaged*~ 🥂❤️." Courtesy of Adam Rippon/Instagram  The Cleveland Cavaliers player and the Victoria’s Secret model got engaged while celebrating her 33rd birthday on January 30. “I couldn’t be happier to have been asked to be a Love. Heart bursting all day & night,” she gushed via Instagram the next day. Alexandra Martin/@allybmartin  The Big Brother stars announced their engagement on January 31 via social media. Rummans, 29, revealed that her beau surprised her by popping the question on the beach earlier that month. "YES to forever and ever and always. You and me babe, for the rest of time. 1.10.2021 'If it's meant to be, it'll be,'" she wrote in her Instagram caption. Courtesy of Angela Rummans/Instagram  Drew Barrymore’s ex-husband and the Vogue fashion director's engagement was announced on January 30. Kopelman’s sister, Jill Kargman, shared the news via Instagram. “Some joyful news in endless January! ECSTATIC for my fabulous *engaged* brother @willkopelman and his incredible bride-to-be!" she captioned a photo of the couple. "Sooo lucky to have you as my sis-in-law @alliemichler.” Courtesy of Jill Kargman/Instagram  The Killing alum got down on one knee to pop the question to Gale on a mountain top overlooking the ocean. Kinnaman joked via Instagram after and wrote, "She said no." The Victoria's Secret model shared two photos from the special moment, along with the caption, "Yours forever." Courtesy of Joel Kinnaman/Instagram  The first daughter announced her engagement to the business executive on January 19. “It has been an honor to celebrate many milestones, historic occasions and create memories with my family here at the White House, none more special than my engagement to my amazing fiancé Michael,” she shared via Instagram alongside a pic of the couple at the White House. “Feeling blessed and excited for the next chapter! .” Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour  "So I have been wanting to share this moment with you all!" the Bravo personality shared via Instagram on January 2 alongside footage of Carrallo's proposal in the Himalaya mountain range in Nepal. "5400 meters up on the holy lakes I said YES ! @sergiocarrallo 💍👰♀️💗." Courtesy of Caroline Stanbury/Instagram  One month after announcing that she's expecting her first child, the Floribama Shore star shared the details of Gaz 
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I love you baby xx."
We all love you both so much x.”
," she wrote via Instagram on November 16, revealing that their daughter had arrived almost one month earlier.
and the decorations are just getting started! Happy Thanksgiving 
and Merry Christmas 
! Don't try to stop me!"
,” Prowant gushed via Instagram on January 2, showing off the romantic moment that Gazda got down on one knee. “The love of my life asked me to spend forever with him tonight on my 27th birthday. Today has been more than I could have ever imagined. 
.”