Celebrity News – Us Weekly |
- John David Duggar Crashed His Plane With 2 Passengers on Board
- Yum! Florence Pugh and More Celeb Foodies
- Clare Crawley Is Letting Her Relationship With Blake Monar Grow 'Organically'
- Tiger King’s Joe Exotic Resentenced to 21 Years in Prison
- GOAT Goals! Tom Brady to Retire From NFL After More Than 20 Years
- Gwyneth Paltrow 'Very Much' Loves Dakota Johnson, Talks Moving On After Split
- Erika Jayne Dismissed From Fraud and Embezzlement Lawsuit Against Tom Girardi
- Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi’s Divorce, Legal Woes: Everything We Know
- Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera's Relationship: All Their Ups and Downs
- Wyatt Russell and Wife Meredith Hagner’s Sweetest Relationship Moments: Pics
- Britney Spears Slams Sister Jamie Lynn Again: 'You Are Scum'
- Britney Spears' Ups and Downs With Sister Jamie Lynn Through the Years
- David Arquette: 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me!
- Janet Jackson Addresses Secret Baby Rumors in Documentary: 'I Could Never'
- Kody ‘Feels Betrayed’ After Christine Split — Will They Spiritually Divorce?
- Simu Liu Urges Fans to Get Vaccinated After Losing His Grandparents to COVID
| John David Duggar Crashed His Plane With 2 Passengers on Board Posted: 29 Jan 2022 04:19 PM PST UPDATE: January 29 — "An emergency landing or any kind of plane crash is a scary thing, but it's exactly what pilots are trained for. We are so thankful for God's protection, as we all walked away without injuries when this happened last October,” John and Abbie said in a statement via Celebuzz. “We so appreciate the love and care so many have expressed toward us!" Original story: A scary situation. John David Duggar was involved in a plane crash shortly before his older brother Josh Duggar‘s child pornography trial began last fall. The aviation enthusiast, 32, was piloting an aircraft with two other passengers on board on October 29, 2021, when he had to land it in a field in Waverly, Tennessee, after a double engine failure. According to an accident report obtained by In Touch, the Piper PA-30 suffered “substantial” damage but neither John David nor his passengers were injured. The Humphrey County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee only confirmed that a “family” was involved in the crash, leading to speculation that the two passengers were John David’s wife, Abbie, and their daughter, Grace, 12 months. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident. The former reality star works for MEDIC Corps, a nonprofit organization that uses small planes and helicopters to deliver relief staff and supplies to areas affected by natural disasters. The plane he was flying during the crash was registered to his company, which is based in his hometown of Springdale, Arkansas. Both the Counting On alum and his wife, 29, are avid fans of aviation. The pair, who both have their pilot’s licenses, took some of their November 2018 wedding photos on a runway next to an airplane. They also held their reception inside in airplane hangar. When Abbie was pregnant with Grace, the couple announced the news with a photo that showed them in the cockpit of an airplane holding a baby onesie that read, “Baby Passenger on Board.” To celebrate Abbie’s birthday last year, the family went to the SUN ‘n FUN air show in Lakeland, Florida, with John David’s twin sister, Jana Duggar. John David and Jana, also 32, are the third eldest children of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, who share 19 kids in total. Their son Josh, 33, was arrested in April 2021 and charged with receiving and possessing child pornography, prompting TLC to cancel the family’s reality series Counting On.  In December 2021, the political activist was convicted on two counts of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material just over one week after his trial began. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Earlier this month, Josh and his legal team filed a motion for acquittal, asking the judge to grant the former reality star a new trial. "The evidence elicited at trial does not support a conviction on either count — even in the light most favorable to the Government," read the motion filed on January 19. "The Government failed to adduce any evidence that Duggar 'knew that the visual depictions were of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct' — a necessary element for conviction of each count." The 19 Kids and Counting alum has been held in the Washington County Jail in Arkansas since the court declared its verdict last month. He has also been denied conjugal visits with his wife, Anna, with whom he shares seven children: Mackynzie, 12, Michael, 10, Marcus, 8, Meredith, 6, Mason, 4, Maryella, 2, and Madyson, 3 months. |
| Yum! Florence Pugh and More Celeb Foodies Posted: 29 Jan 2022 02:00 PM PST See which stars are handy around the kitchen!  The former boybander — who owns his own hotdog spot called Fat Ones in Orlando — has been known to document his meals, especially unusual ones. In September 2015, he posted photos of a “Modern Toilet” menu, where the food was served in toilet bowls and the food was made in the shape of poop. He also shared a photo of an imported bag of “BBQ Grilled Ribs” Doritos on September 6, 2015. But the Brooklyn-born singer shows love to New York too: on October 10, 2012, he shared a shot of a bitten-into slice of Sicilian pizza alongside Italian ice. He captioned it, “Heaven !!!” Courtesy of Joey Fatone/Instagram  The Master of None star has actively used his Instagram account to share food-centric photos. Ansari spent the summer of 2016 traveling abroad and while there, he was also on the hunt for delicious food — which he found, according to several photo collages that he posted containing shots of appetizers and meals. The actor can also cook up a fulfilling meal as well as eating one: he shared several photos documenting making pasta from scratch in February and April of 2016. Ansari documents these moments — and his love for food — in the series. John Parra/Getty Images for Columbia Pictures  The TV personality isn’t just Kim Kardashian’s BFF — he’s also a die-hard foodie. Cheban took his passion for food and transformed it into a drool-worthy Instagram account that has gained more than 2.6 million followers under the account name @foodgod — and he takes his position as a food influencer very seriously. In fact, he told Page Six in November 2017 that he was considering legally changing his name to his Instagram handle, telling the outlet, “Everyone calls me foodgod; scream it in the streets and run up to me in restaurants." His Instagram is well-known as a thorough guide on where to get the greatest food from all over the world — including his 24K buffalo wing collaboration with NYC’s Ainsworth, which he shared several shots of on May 10, 2018. David Becker/WireImage  The Black Panther actress was so enamored with New York City’s Takashi restaurant, she made a photo collage of the food she ordered alongside a shot of herself looking ecstatic — and overwhelmed! She captioned the shot, “When the food is so good that you a) break all your dietery [sic] restrictions and live a little b) can't hold a conversation at the same time c) take a shameless nap among empathizing patrons.” But that wasn’t her first time showing off a shot of her grub for the ‘gram. She’s also shared photos of Nigerian food, as well as shots of sweets like donuts, macaroons and an impressive breakfast spread that she referred to as done “the Moroccan way.” Courtesy of Lupita Nyong'o/Instagram  You don’t end up looking like The Rock without eating healthy — and the Rampage actor is known to show off nutritious-looking meals. On June 23, 2018, the former professional wrestler shared a photo of his pre-workout breakfast consisting of egg whites and flank steak, complete with a “bowl of cream of wheat mixed with pineapple and papaya.” However, Johnson also allows himself cheat days — just a few days prior, he shared a yummy-looking shot of chocolate chip banana pancakes, syrup, peanut butter and joked, “I’ll have my usual post cheat meal carb coma/sugar sweats by 2am tonight.” The fitness enthusiast loves pancakes so much that his birthday cake in May was designed to look like a stack of pancakes! Courtesy of Dwayne Johnson/Instagram  The Bride Wars star knows the importance of aesthetic pictures — especially when it comes to food! While pregnant with her third child, Hudson treated herself to a plate of colorful shellfish and linguine during a vacation in Greece on June 20, 2018. On February 20, she shared a picturesque photo of a colorful breakfast containing bananas, apple slices, strawberries and acai while in Melbourne that she called “the prettiest brekkie.” Hudson showed another impressive layout on January 28, 2018 of a “green breakfast” including lettuce, sliced avocado and green juice on January 28. Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Novak Djokovic Foundation  If there were any questions as to whether or not the Chef star is a vegetarian, his Instagram will surely provide an answer. Favreau routinely shares photos of meat-filled meals that he crafted himself, including a shot of charred meat that he made using a smoker on February 1, 2018, and homemade cubano sandwiches on January 19. For Christmas in 2017, the Iron Man actor shared a shot of a meal that would become braciole and a month before, he shared a shot of the ingredients he was making for “White Caste Stuffing” ahead of Thanksgiving. But it’s not all meat — he’s also shared shots of homemade sourdough bread. Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images  The Skinnygirl founder and natural foods chef never eats the same thing twice in a row, which keeps her motivated to eat healthy. "Today I had a scooped out toasted whole wheat bagel. Yesterday I had oatmeal and half of a muffin -- because I was on the road -- and today for lunch I had a shrimp salad," she says. "Yesterday I had gnocchi with my husband at lunch. It’s different every single day. That’s the key to being naturally thin -- not being so regimented." Desiree Navarro/Getty Images  Married since April 2011, the royal couple are happy to eat meals at home, with Kate doing all of the cooking and food shopping herself. Among the items on their typical menu: Homemade roast chicken and sausage links. Kate also jars her own stock of strawberry jam and plum preserves, according to Vanity Fair. Andrew Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images  Biel — who was anxious to follow her husband Justin Timberlake's lead and open her own restaurant — did so in 2017, with the kid-friendly Au Fudge in West Hollywood. Mike Windle/Getty Images for Au Fudge  During season 4 of Bravo's Real Housewives of New Jersey, Teresa Giudice's cousin introduced her dessert line, Dolci della Dea (Goddess Sweets), which she sold on QVC. She also has her own cocktail, the Red Velvet Cosmo, based on red velvet cake. Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images  "I love to eat. If you can't enjoy your life then what's the point?" she reasons to Cosmopolitan U.K. "You can't torture yourself. I love Rice Krispies Treats, ice cream and frozen yogurt. I never aspired to be a size zero." Michael Tran/FilmMagic  A busy mom of four -- Leni, Johan, Henry and Lou -- Klum says her kids aren't picky when it comes to mealtime. "They love spaghetti and meatballs, chicken soup, schnitzel and kale," the supermodel -- who made her kids' own baby food in the Magic Bullet during their younger years -- says. "They love everything! They eat healthy." Mike Coppola/Getty Images for God's Love We Deliver  Costars in 2011's Snow White and the Huntsman, Stewart and Charlize Theron bonded over their mutual love for the kitchen. "They're both really reserved, but they've had a few dinners together," a source tells Us of the pair. "They're serious cooks and like to compare notes." Jon Furniss/WireImage  A major foodie who released her first cookbook, My Father's Daughter, in April 2011, Paltrow doesn't mince words when opening up about her palate. "I'd rather smoke crack than eat cheese from a tin," she said in July 2011. (Six years earlier, Paltrow proclaimed: "I would rather die than let my kid eat Cup-a-Soup.") Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic  "To be around me, you must love food or I'm the most obnoxious person you've ever met," Ryan Reynolds' wife -- who has taken cooking lessons in Paris -- tells Marie Claire. "I'm in a big cooking phase. That's all I'll talk about." Jemal Countess/Getty Images for InStyle  "I love Doritos," the pop star admits. "And I keep Fruit Roll-UPs and Cap'n Crunch on my bus!" Dave M. Benett/Getty Images  "I've been a vegetarian for seven years...Now I'm 95 percent vegan," the country crooner tells Self. "My veganism is based on a concern about where my food is coming from. I'll never eat meat again, because I look and feel better without it, but if I could raise my own cows and chickens and produce my own eggs and cheese, it would be awesome!" Vince Flores/startraksphoto.com  The rapper and reality TV star opened his own takeout restaurant, Flavor Flav's House of Flavor -- featuring fried chicken and sweet potato tots -- in March 2012 in Las Vegas. The Sin City eatery is his second foray into the restaurant business: He opened Flav's Fried Chicken in Clinton, Iowa in 2011, but the restaurant shut its doors shortly after its opening. Ethan Miller/Getty Images  Staying in shape for his demanding Teen Wolf role can at times be daunting for Haynes. "The hardest part is not being able to eat carbs or junk food. I always break and get Wendy's, but I have to pay for it later because [my trainer] always finds out," the actor told VMAN magazine. Media Punch/INSTARimages.com  Opening up about her Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis in January 2012, the celebrity chef has vowed to still eat her beloved fried foods -- in moderation, of course. "Here's the thing: I have always encouraged moderation. On my show I share with you all these yummy fattening recipes, but I tell people, 'In moderation.'" Deen has said. "It's like I told Oprah [Winfrey] a few years ago: 'Honey, I'm your cook, not your doctor,' You are going to have to be responsible for yourself." Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images  "The problem with my packed lunches is everybody is very, very outspoken about what they want, so it becomes – I often say, 'I'm not a waitress!' " the Oscar-winning actress and mom of six once revealed on U.K. chat show GMTV. "We go through so much food." Sara De Boer/startraksphoto.com  Favoring foods like salad, fish and yogurt, Ripa has one go-to snack she'll never give up: Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. "I would love nothing more than to have pizza and french fries every day, but I try to limit those treats to once a week," she tells Good Housekeeping of how she maintains her hot bod. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Electrolux |
| Clare Crawley Is Letting Her Relationship With Blake Monar Grow 'Organically' Posted: 29 Jan 2022 01:51 PM PST Heating up! After Clare Crawley and Blake Monar sparked dating rumors earlier this month, their connection has quickly grown into something special. "Their friendship has blossomed into something really special, and she’s letting it roll organically," a source exclusively tells Us Weekly of the 40-year-old hairstylist's bond with the 31-year-old former baseball player. "Things are progressing between Clare and Blake since reuniting earlier this year. Even though they live in different states, they talk daily." The insider adds that Monar, who first met the California native during season 16 of The Bachelorette, has already introduced her to his family and they "bonded quickly."  "It has been evident to everyone around them how much they bring out the best in each other," the source notes. "It is clear to friends that Clare is the happiest she’s ever been. … She’s attracted to him in so many ways, especially because he values the right things in life. And they have more in common than just having successful careers in the same industry." The Bachelor Winter Games alum first sparked dating speculation with the Arizona native after they were spotted together earlier this month. "Went for business, left with the most unexpected remarkable memories! Indy, you were truly beautiful and exactly what my soul needed," Crawley captioned a social media video from her trip to Indiana on January 9. In the clip, she was seen shopping and bowling with the StatumStyle founder. Monar, for his part, replied: "How's walking on black ice with a grown man hanging on your back @clarecrawley?" The twosome continued to fuel rumors after they were spotted hanging out earlier in January. "Worlds worse carpool karaoke [sic] duo @clarecrawley," he shared via Instagram Story on Thursday, January 27, alongside a clip of the duo belting We Three's "Half Hearted" in the car. Crawley served as the season 16 lead of The Bachelorette, which began airing in October 2020. While Monar was eliminated during the second week, she eventually got engaged to Dale Moss during a November 2020 episode. After leaving the show together, their relationship quickly fizzled by January 2021. She and the 33-year-old former football player eventually reconciled before calling it quits for good in September 2021. "I always feel like I do not want to have regrets and I don't even know — to be honest — if I would have done things differently because I was doing the best I could at the time with the information that I had," the former Bachelorette opened up about their split during an October 2021 appearance on the "Whine Down" podcast. "And if my biggest regret is trusting the process, trusting a man's words and who he showed me he was, I don't think that that's a regret. I trusted somebody, I believed somebody that they were who that they said they were [and] that they would hold up to the promises that they make when they get down on one knee." With reporting by Diana Cooper |
| Tiger King’s Joe Exotic Resentenced to 21 Years in Prison Posted: 29 Jan 2022 01:28 PM PST  Prison time. While Joe Exotic (real name Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage) hoped for an early prison release amid his cancer battle, a federal judge resentenced him to 21 years. "Please don’t make me die in prison waiting for a chance to be free," the Tiger King alum, 58, tearfully told the court on Friday, January 28, the Associated Press reports. Carole Baskin and her husband, Howard Baskin, also attended the hearing, in which the 60-year-old Dancing With the Stars alum claimed to be afraid of Maldonado-Passage if he was released. Carole noted that she allegedly received “vile, abusive and threatening communications” during his current prison stint.  Maldonado-Passage's lawyers attempted to argue for his early release amid his treatment for stage I prostate cancer. "Doctors called me in today to break the news that my prostate biopsy came back with an aggressive cancer," the former Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park owner announced his diagnosis via Twitter in November 2021. "Carole Will have her own party over this! Say a prayer everyone & be my voice." In the social media message, the former Oklahoma zookeeper penned a handwritten note, dated October 2021. "What I need is the world [to be for] my voice to be released," he wrote. "They have the proof that I did not do this and there is no reason for the U.S. attorney to drag this out so I can go home and get treatment on my own or enjoy what life I have left with my loved ones. Say a prayer please. Be my voice please." The Kansas native was previously convicted of 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of attempted murder-for-hire after allegedly hiring to hitman to kill the Big Cat Rescue founder. Maldonado-Passage was sentenced to 22 years in prison in January 2020, two months before the first season of Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness aired on Netflix. Amid Maldonado-Passage's legal battle, the streaming platform aired a second season of the popular docuseries in November 2021. The five episodes highlighted his prison sentence and alleged innocence. "If you give a damn, it's time to speak up," the Netflix personality said via a voiceover in the second season trailer, before footage showed fans as they cheered the "Free Joe Exotic" movement. He even alleged that he was "paying the price" while his Tiger King costars financially profited from his situation. |
| GOAT Goals! Tom Brady to Retire From NFL After More Than 20 Years Posted: 29 Jan 2022 12:41 PM PST  UPDATE: In a statement, Brady’s agent, Don Yee, did not confirm or deny the retirement news and simply noted that the athlete’s official statement on his future would be coming soon. “I understand the advance speculation about Tom's future,” the Saturday, January 29, statement via The Hollywood Reporter said. “Without getting into the accuracy or inaccuracy of what's being reported, Tom will be the only person to express his plans with complete accuracy. He knows the realities of the football business and planning calendar as well as anybody, so that should be soon." TB12 also deleted their tweet that seemed to confirm the retirement news. Original story: Hanging up his cleats! Tom Brady is retiring from the NFL after more than 20 years in the sport. The first official statement seemingly came from his company, TB12. “7 Super Bowl Rings. 5 Super Bowl MVPs. 3 League MVP Awards. 22 Incredible Seasons. Thank you for it all, @TomBrady,” the health and wellness brand tweeted on Saturday, January 29. A source confirmed to Us Weekly that the 44-year-old athlete is officially retiring. ESPN first reported the news. The California native was drafted in 2000 by the New England Patriots. He made his NFL debut in September 2001 against the New York Jets after quarterback Drew Bledsoe was knocked out during the game. Brady went on to lead the Massachusetts-based team at quarterback for 19 years before announcing his departure in March 2020. "I wanted to say thank you to all of the incredible fans and Patriots supporters. MA has been my home for twenty years," he wrote in a statement at the time. "It has truly been the happiest two decades I could have envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England." The former Super Bowl MVP concluded: "You opened your heart to me, and I opened my heart to you. And Pats Nation will always be a part of me. I don't know what my football future holds but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will always love you and what we have shared – a lifetime full of fun memories." Brady, who is known as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time), appeared in nine Super Bowls and won six titles as the leader of the Patriots. He proved his football skills once again in February 2021 when he took the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Super Bowl LV during his first season as the team’s quarterback. The Bucs beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31 to 9. Following his seventh Super Bowl win, Brady revealed that he had no plans of stepping back from the sport, despite his wife, Gisele Bündchen's remarks on the field amid the Lombardi trophy presentation. "All of a sudden, I saw my wife and I gave her a big hug," the father of three said during a March 2021 episode of The Late Late Show With James Corden. "And just as I did it, she said, 'What more do you have to prove?'" Brady, who shares son Benjamin and daughter Vivienne with the supermodel, simply gave her an even bigger embrace, while "trying to figure out a way to change the subject really quick," he joked. (The NFL champion also shares son Jack with ex Bridget Moynahan.) "I know I'm having a lot of fun playing," the professional football player told former Patriots player and Bucs Tight End Rob Gronkowski during a September 2021 episode of their "Tommy and Gronk" YouTube series when asked if he wanted to play until he was 50. "And again, at my age, I've agreed to play next year, as well, but beyond that, I’ll just take it year by year." After his second season with Tampa Bay, the former Michigan University athlete spoke out about the sport he loved, noting his future is always something fans are interested in talking about. “I understand that at this stage in my career, there is going to be interest in my future whenever a season ends, but this week, all that is on my mind is the gratitude I have for this team and the fans that have supported us all year long,” Brady wrote via Instagram on January 2022. “This year has been incredibly rewarding personally and professionally and I am appreciative of everyone who worked their ass off to help our team achieve so much. I always want to win, I think that’s pretty apparent by now, but that doesn’t mean I equate losing to failure, especially when you go out fighting the way we did." |
| Gwyneth Paltrow 'Very Much' Loves Dakota Johnson, Talks Moving On After Split Posted: 29 Jan 2022 11:57 AM PST  Moving on and feeling the love. Gwyneth Paltrow opened up about moving on after divorce and how she feels about ex-husband Chris Martin‘s girlfriend Dakota Johnson. The Oscar winner, 49, held a Q&A session via her Instagram Story on Friday, January 28, and she didn’t skip any of the tough questions. Paltrow chose to answer questions about her divorce and her feeling about the Fifty Shades of Grey star, 32, who has been dating the 44-year-old Coldplay singer for over four years. “Do you love Dakota Johnson?” one fan asked, to which Paltrow simply wrote back, “Very much.” Another asked about healing after the end of a marriage. “Do you feel like you can really move on, after a divorce?” the question read. “Oh, absolutely,” Paltrow assured her followers. “It’s a great opportunity to get ruthless with the truth of who you are, what you want and what you deserve.”  Paltrow and Martin married in December 2003. They welcomed daughter Apple, now 17, in May 2004 and son Moses, 15, followed in April 2006. The parents announced their "conscious uncoupling" in March 2014 after a decade of marriage. The musician and Goop founder finalized their divorce in 2016, and less than two years later, Us Weekly exclusively confirmed that Johnson and Martin were dating in December 2017. Paltrow also found a new love. The Iron Man star met producer Brad Falchuk on the set of Glee in 2014 and the two quietly started dating. In August 2014, a source told Us that "things started off professionally" but eventually turned romantic between the two. Falchuk and the Shakespeare In Love star said “I do” in September 2018. Johnson and Martin haven’t exchanged vows, but the two are still going strong. The pair bought a house in Malibu together in January 2021 and were “very excited” to move in, an insider dished to Us at the time. Later that year, Johnson said she and her partner were both homebodies. "We've been together for quite a while," the actress told Elle UK in December 2021. "And we go out sometimes but we both work so much that it's nice to be at home and be cozy and private. Most of the partying takes place inside my house." Johnson and Paltrow have established a friendship over the years. They were spotted happily crossing paths at a Gucci fashion show in November 2021, and the women shared a hug and posed for photos together. Previously, the Sliding Doors star explained that she understood other people’s shock at their relationship, but she believes Johnson only adds more love to their family. "I love her," Paltrow told Harper's Bazaar in January 2020 while speaking about Johnson. "I can see how it would seem weird because it's sort of unconventional. But I think, in this case, just having passed through it iteratively, I just adore her. I always start to think of the ampersand sign — what else can you bring in, instead of being resistant to or being made insecure by? There's so much juice in leaning in to something like that." |
| Erika Jayne Dismissed From Fraud and Embezzlement Lawsuit Against Tom Girardi Posted: 29 Jan 2022 09:57 AM PST  Dismissed. Amid Tom Girardi's ongoing fraud and embezzlement legal woes, complaints against estranged wife Erika Jayne have been dismissed in Illinois, Us Weekly can confirm. "Pursuant to stipulation, plaintiff’s claims against defendants EJ Global LLC and Erika Girardi are dismissed without prejudice and without costs," according to the Saturday, January 29, court docs filed in the Northern District of Illinois, which Us obtained. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 50, was previously named in a fraud and embezzlement lawsuit alongside the former attorney, 82. The estranged couple — Erika filed for divorce in November 2020 after 21 years of marriage — were accused of embezzling $2 million in settlement funds from the families of Lion Air Flight 610 crash victims, which was filed in December 2020. In the suit, Girardi was also allegedly accused of mishandling his several of his clients' money. The trustee had named the "Roller Coaster" songstress in the legal battle after claiming that she had prior knowledge that Girardi's firm had covered her expenses for nearly 12 years. (The Bravo personality continually asserted that she did not know about her estranged spouse's wrongdoings.) Earlier this week, the Pretty Mess author made headlines after it was revealed that she may be forced to surrender a pair of earrings — worth $750,000 — that Girardi purchased in 2007 to replace another set, possibly using funds that did not belong to him. "The evidence filed in court by the trustee shows a clear money trail to the purchase of these earrings," Ronald Richards — the former attorney for the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy case — exclusively told Us in a statement on Wednesday, January 26. "Erika should return them immediately. They were purchased with estate funds. She will not be able to hide behind her attorney in her response. She will have to provide testimony under oath and be subject to a deposition if she persists." The Dancing With the Stars alum, for her part, denied the accusations. "I am disturbed by everyone jumping to conclusions about Erika, who is innocent, and trying to blame her for the actions of others," Erika's attorney, Evan C. Borges, said in a statement on Wednesday. "If the law matters, the trustee's motion is completely out of bounds. Even based on the incomplete hearsay evidence filed with the motion, the trustee has no claim based on Erika innocently receiving a gift of earrings 15 years ago from her now estranged and then-extraordinarily wealthy husband." Per the court docs from earlier this week, she had "agreed to hold and not transfer or sell the earrings" ahead of the trustee's investigation and February 15 hearing. With reporting by Diana Cooper |
| Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi’s Divorce, Legal Woes: Everything We Know Posted: 29 Jan 2022 09:55 AM PST Pat the … divorce papers. After Erika Jayne went to court to end her marriage to Tom Girardi, Bravo fans were shocked to learn that what seemed like one of the strongest couples in Real Housewives history was not so picture-perfect after all. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star announced in November 2020 that she and the powerhouse attorney had called it quits after 21 years of marriage. A source later told Us Weekly exclusively, "Erika and Tom had an unconventional marriage, spending a lot of time apart." Erika, who shares adult son Tommy with ex-husband Thomas Zizzo, met Tom in the late 1990s while waitressing at one of his favorite West Hollywood hot spots, Chasen's. One year later, she decided to give him her phone number, and he subsequently reached out to her through his secretary. "I told her, 'Tell Mr. Girardi if he wants to take me out on a date, he needs to call me himself and ask me and give me enough time to prepare,'" the Bravo personality recalled in her 2018 memoir, Pretty Mess. "You know how men are, especially if they are successful. They expect you to drop everything right away. That's not how I work, I don't care who you are." Six months into their relationship, Erika and the lawyer got engaged. They married in January 1999. "For the first 10 years of our marriage, I was by Tom's side," the "XXPEN$IVE" singer said in a February 2017 episode of RHOBH. "I was even the first lady of a couple legal organizations. Imagine that!" Listen to Ramona Singer tell Us Weekly editors what it was like filming season 13 of ROHNY during COVID-19. Due to Tom's high-power job, he has only made a few appearances on the reality series since Erika joined the cast in 2015. It is likely that their divorce will play out during season 11, which began filming in early October 2020. "People are always like, 'Oh, you guys don't see each other a lot.' But when we do see each other, it's 100 percent, full-on attention," the former Chicago star said in the February 2017 episode. "This is what people don't understand. It's not a detriment to the relationship. It's actually helpful. It's better than someone being in your face all the time and you're not even present." Scroll down for everything we know so far about the Girardis' divorce. This is an ongoing article that was originally published in November 2020 and last updated on Saturday, January 29.  The Atlanta native confirmed in a statement to Us in November 2020 that she “decided to end” her marriage to Tom “after much consideration.” She added, “This is not a step taken lightly or easily. I have great love and respect for Tom and for our years and the lives we built together. It is my absolute wish to proceed through this process with respect and with the privacy that both Tom and I deserve. I request others give us that privacy as well.” Gregory Pace/Shutterstock; Matt Baron/Shutterstock  A source exclusively told Us in November 2020 that it was not uncommon for the now-estranged couple to go “several months” without seeing each other. “They would travel separately. Tom gave Erika a very lavish lifestyle, and she enjoyed it,” the insider said. “Erika has gained independence and confidence from being on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The exposure it has given for her singing career has given Erika a much larger fan base.” Bravo  Erika told Andy Cohen in June 2017 that she and Tom never signed a prenuptial agreement. “I’m married to a very powerful lawyer. A prenup wouldn’t stand in his way anyway,” she said at the time. “So it doesn’t matter whether you had one or you didn’t, it’s gonna be all Tom’s way, I assure you.” Bravo  Erika and Tom were hit with a lawsuit in December 2020 that accused them of embezzling settlement funds intended to help the families of Lion Air Flight 610 victims. In federal court documents obtained by Us, the class action firm Edelson PC claimed that the estranged couple’s divorce is “a sham attempt to fraudulently protect Tom and Erika’s money” and that they “are on the verge of financial collapse and locked in a downward spiral of mounting debts and dwindling funds.” Erika and Tom did not immediately comment on the allegations. Damian Dovarganes/AP/Shutterstock; Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com  According to the Los Angeles Times, Erika was called to testify in the fraud case in May 2020 and September 2020 — before she filed for divorce that November. She was out of town on both occasions and her hearing was rescheduled for January 2021, but she's yet to testify. Jen Lowery/MEGA  Erika requested spousal support from Tom in November 2020, according to court documents obtained by Us, in which she citied “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split. She also asked Tom to pay her attorney’s fees and demanded that the court block her estranged husband from seeking spousal support from her. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock; Damian Dovarganes/AP/Shutterstock  In November 25, 2020, court documents obtained by Us, Tom requested to terminate the court’s ability to award spousal support to Erika. He also asked her to pay his legal fees. Shutterstock (2)  Tom told the court in September 2020 that he has “maybe a couple thousand” dollars in a personal bank account, adding that his stock portfolio of millions was “all gone.” He said: “At one point I had about $80 million or $50 million in cash. That’s all gone. I don’t have any money.” He added that he hasn’t “taken a penny in salary out of the firm for more than two years.” Shutterstock; Bravo  In December 2020, a judge in Chicago seized Tom's assets after allegations that the estranged couple withheld $2 million in client funds following the 2018 Lion Air Flight 610 crash. Tom did not attend the contempt hearing at the time, but instead called into the proceedings. Bravo  According to court documents obtained by Us, Tom was secretly hospitalized for a “serious illness” in 2020. An attorney at his firm brought up the illness during a December court date, telling the judge that Tom was “unavailable in recent weeks due to a serious illness that caused him to be hospitalized for which he sought treatment.” The paperwork stated Tom “couched everything” related to the fraud case in July 2020 because he was forced to be away from his firm amid his hospitalization. He also cited his illness as the cause of the “mistake” of not getting some of the families paid in full. The Los Angeles Times also reported that one of Tom’s attorneys believed he should be subject to a mental examination. "I'm unsure that he understands either the nature or the gravity of the current situation," the lawyer told the judge, noting the team is concerned about his mental competency. In January 2021, his brother Robert Girardi claimed Tom was suffering from short-term memory loss and requested he become his conservator as Tom is “not capable of making rational decisions” when it comes to his finances. Edelson suggested that there is more to the story with Tom’s sickness. “I’m not a doctor, I don’t know. But what I can tell you is that it seemed very convenient,” Edelson told Kate Casey in June 2021. “When we put out the facts that we found through our investigation of the types of things he was trying to do, during the time he had Alzheimer’s, where he was really scheming, he was scheming to protect himself from the fraud. He was scheming to try to keep as many possessions as possible, he was scheming to try to sell cases that he had in the pipeline to other firms.” Matt Baron/Shutterstock  The bank is also suing Tom and his Girardi Keese firm, alleging he didn’t make monthly payments for rent, taxes, fees and more on their office. According to the paperwork obtained by Us, the group owes Wells Fargo $882,000. Wells Fargo is also seeking interest at 10 percent per annum from the date of default and wants to seize Girardi Keese’s Los Angeles and San Bernardino, California, properties. Shutterstock (2)  Sources told Us in December that Erika believes Tom cheated on her during their 21-year marriage. “Erika is really going through it. She’s very strong, but this has been very hard for her emotionally,” an insider told Us. A second source claimed that rumors that Erika and Tom “had an agreement in terms of being with other people” weren’t true. Tom has yet to comment on the infidelity accusations. Matt Baron/Shutterstock; YouTube  A source told Us that Erika never thought Tom “could be capable of doing what he has been accused of in court.” “Erika was completely unaware of the very serious allegations that were being made against Tom in court,” the source told Us, referring to the fraud accusations. “Tom always handled all of the finances and that was how they handled things. Erika feels betrayed by Tom because she completely trusted him. She is just reeling from all of this, but make no mistake. Erika is a tough cookie and she isn’t stupid. She will get through this.” According to a second source, Erika is still in "disbelief" about the alleged cheating and legal drama: “The legal issues are unfolding one after another and she’s learning as everyone’s filing. As the whole world is finding out about it, she’s finding out about it. She’s reading about it in the press before she even sees it [from her lawyers].” While she has seemingly maintained her innocence in all RHOBH footage, Jay Edelson, the lawyer who filed the class action lawsuit against the pair, claimed she was aware of the scheme. “We believe we’re going to be able to prove that Erika was incredibly involved in not just the law firm, but also, he was loaning money to her company 10s of millions of dollars to her company,” Edelson said on the “Reality Life with Kate Casey” podcast in June 2021. “And we think that money came from client funds. And we’re going to look into all of that. And that’s all going to be, you know, part of proof that we showed to a jury — that she was knee-deep in this fraud, and she can say, ‘Oh, she didn’t know anything about it.’ And I think that’s going be hard for to convince a jury of.” Shutterstock  "This is Justice Tricia A. Bigelow. She was f--king my husband Tom Girardi and he was paying her Saks bill and paying for her plastic surgery," Erika captioned an Instagram post on December 18, sharing screenshots of texts. Shutterstock  The judge’s lawyer released a statement to the L.A. Times, saying, Erika’s “actions in maliciously doxxing the Justice were nothing short of criminal.” The attorney added: “We are considering our options to protect Justice Bigelow from further harassment.” Bravo  According to court documents obtained by Us in January 2021, Erika moved out of her $15 million mansion with Tom and into a three-bedroom house in Los Angeles. The new home is estimated to be worth $2,408,937 or $9,500 a month in rent, per Zillow. Sara De Boer/startraksphoto.com  Tom appeared virtually in court on June 9, 2021, and told the judge he “disagree[d]” with the conservatorship. “I think that we should put together the reasons why the conservatorship should be dissolved, and then we’ll address it, address the court,” he said. “Right now, I have nothing to say to the court.” The judge subsequently ruled that Robert should still be named Tom’s conservator. Sara De Boer/startraksphoto.com; Damian Dovarganes/AP/Shutterstock  Us confirmed on June 15, 2021, that Erika’s bankruptcy attorney filed a petition to withdraw his representation of the RHOBH star. Peter Mastan made the move one day after The Housewife and the Hustler started streaming. Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock  Hulu’s The Housewife and the Hustler, which started streaming on June 14, 2021, aired the “never-before-aired deposition tape of Girardi” and featured RHOBH alum Dana Wilkey, Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Danielle Staub and L.A. legal professionals Chris Darden, Brian Kabateck and Neil Wertlieb. In the doc, several of Tom’s alleged victims told their stories, including Joe Ruigomez, who said the former attorney “basically robbed” him from his settlement money after he was severely burned and scarred in 2010’s San Bruno gas pipeline explosion. The Ruigomez family and Josie Hernandez, who hasn’t received a $135,000 settlement owed to her by Girardi Keese, played voicemails from Tom promising to get their money to them as soon as he could. ABC News  Erika briefly addressed the divorce for the first time on the June 16, 2021, episode of RHOBH. "There's so many layers to this divorce. It's so f—king complicated. It's very difficult to explain,” she told the cameras. During a promo for the July 14, 2021, episode Erika spoke about the class action lawsuit for the first time. “What’s being said is just, I mean, it’s insane,” she said. “That lawsuit that says my divorce is a sham so I could hide assets — people want to believe that. … I could have never predicted this f—king s—t.” Shutterstock (2)  She went even more into detail about the separation during the June 23, 2021, episode, telling the cast, "I let go of my Lamborghini. I let go of my 16,000 square foot home. I let go of my marriage. I let go of everything. I literally made a decision that I had to." She also told the cameras that she "left because he pushed me further and further out" and she knew the "marriage was headed down a really sh--ty path." Shutterstock (2)  Erika told the women during the June 23, 2021, episode that she "didn't leave a note" and just disappeared, leaving him to get served. “I drove him to work, I told him I loved him and he said, ‘Thanks, hun.’ Like I was an employee," she explained of the last time she'd seen Tom. "I went home and started putting everything in the moving van. I drove off, went to my new place, spent the night there and he was served the next morning.” Kcr/Shutterstock  Erika's legal team requested that the judge in her case reconsider appointing Ronald Richards as the bankruptcy trustee lawyer after he made comments about her on social media. Court documents from June 2021 claimed that the attorney "has made false and inflammatory social media posts and public statements" about the RHOBH star. Her lawyers also questioned whether Richards' posts "violate the ethical rules to which he is bound." Richards, for his part, said in a statement to Us that he was "hopeful that Erika’s new attorneys will cooperate with our investigation and we can move forward in a positive direction and complete our work." He added: "The court made no restrictions or gag orders in this case. If those rules change, our speech will change. The case is interesting for the public and I have enjoyed communicating with people all over the world about numerous legal issues. I look forward to working positively with her new attorney." As Richards and Erika continued to fight via social media, she told him he was “finally” on the right track after “a year of looking in the wrong direction” in October 2021 when he posted, “What does [every] attorney who worked at Girardi Keese as either an Associate, quasi Partner, or Manager have in common? Answer: Not one of them has taken responsibility for the clients they were obligated to protect and serve or gifted back any of their bonuses or salaries.” Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA  After Erika's original lawyers filed a petition to be removed from her case — then filed a second motion to stay on the case — the RHOBH star hired a new attorney to represent her. Us confirmed that she filed paperwork in July 2021 notifying the judge that her new lawyer is Evan C. Borges. Mastan, meanwhile, is no longer on the case. Media Punch/INSTARimages.com  According to court documents obtained by Us, Erika may have to repay settlement funds intended for Tom’s former clients. A judge ruled on July 6, 2021, that Joe Ruigomez, Jaime Ruigomez and Kathy Ruigomez can move forward with a collections lawsuit against Erika to obtain the $11 million they are owed from Tom. “The Ruigomez Family, the Girardi Trustee and the GK Trustee shall cooperate with each other with their collection efforts against Erika,” the paperwork read. Broadimage/Shutterstock  Tom’s brother, Robert Girardi, became the effective person of the former attorney’s person and estate in July 2021. Court documents listed the reason for the conservatorship as Tom’s dementia diagnosis, classifying the condition as a “major neurocognitive disorder." Shutterstock (2)  After the former couple listed their massive mansion in Pasadena for a sale price of $13 million in May 2021, they’ve since dropped the price on the historic estate to $9.9 million in July 2021 amid their ongoing divorce and court proceedings. Us confirmed in October 2021 that Tom and Erika’s La Quinta property sold for $1.25 million. The profits will be used “to pay any unpaid property taxes, valid liens, homeowner’s association fees, real estate brokers’ commissions (5 percent) and related sale costs directly from escrow on the Property,” per court docs. Shawn Bishop  In August 2021, the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy case for Girardi Keese sued Erika for $25 million. According to court documents obtained by Us, the trustee accused the reality star of knowing that the firm paid her expenses for at least 12 years. The trustee requested that the court order here to pay back the $25 million she allegedly spent plus interest. The suit also argued that she should be personally held responsible for the funds even though the money allegedly went to her company, EJ Global LLC. “She attempts to create a distinction between handling her money directly versus paying all of her bills directly,” the documents read. “The distinction, like her prior motion for reconsideration, is meritless. Any payments made for her benefit are her responsibility.” Matt Baron/Shutterstock  In September 2021, investigator Richards told Us that if Erika "voluntarily" paid back the $25 million within 10 days, the lawsuit would not proceed. “If she was interested in helping the victims, she would simply pay back some of the expenses that were improperly advanced by the law firm and improperly deducted by Erika on her LLC and personal returns," Richards said in a statement. "This would add 10 percent to her voluntarily compliance payment. It is not about the fees, it is about the victims.” The following month, Erika’s lawyer denied Richards' claims that his client is “liable” for the $25 million. “I can’t say enough that based on the evidence and law, Erika does not have liability for any of the claims against her,” he said in a statement. “All the claims against Erika amount to efforts to blame her for the actions of others, including Girardi Keese and Tom Girardi.” Jaxon/MEGA  According to Richards, Erika’s case has a status conference on November 16, 2021. While she won’t appear personally, her attorney is expected to. Broadimage/Shutterstock  Lawyer Jay Edelson claimed in October 2021 that season 11 provided “a lot of evidence” for the case against Erika and Tom. Richards said in a statement to Us at the time: “All public statements Erika makes are admissible in court. Some will hold weight if she tries to change them later or does something different than what she answers [at the RHOBH reunion].” Bravo has also been subpoenaed to hand over unaired footage of Erika. Nicole Weingart/Bravo  Us confirmed on October 20, 2021, that Erika’s lawyer filed a new document in the bankruptcy case one day prior. “Ms. Girardi is an entertainer, never served as a lawyer at GK, and had no role in the management of the firm,” the docs read, claiming Erika “was a complete stranger to and has no knowledge of whatever transpired at GK related to the Lion Air litigation filed in November 2018, or the settlement funds that apparently were received by GK after the District Court in Illinois approved certain settlements in that litigation in the first half of 2020.” The documents also state that Erika’s “only assets are her personal possessions and income she receives from her work as an entertainer, including from the Real Housewives television program,” after she left Tom on November 3, 2020. “Ms. Girardi has no access or visibility into the bank accounts of GK, including client trust accounts, into which Edelson alleges the settlement funds in the Lion Air case were paid. If anyone has access to these accounts, it is the GK Trustee,” the paperwork read. “The GK Trustee has never contended that Ms. Girardi directly or indirectly received any of the Lion Air settlement funds; and the Trustee is the party in the best position to make that contention if it has any merit.” Gregory Pace/Shutterstock  In a November 2021 court filing, Erika's lawyer asserted that his client "never had and does not have any of the fee agreements between [the Girardi Keese firm] and the Lion Air clients." He went on to claim that Edelson's case "is based on an unethical, unenforceable and illegal fee sharing agreement between Edelson and Girardi Keese, which will require that the Illinois litigation be dismissed" if copies of the documents can't be provided to the court. MediaPunch/Shutterstock  When asked in November 2021 whether she would ever tie the knot again, the Bravo star was quick to respond. “No, I will not. Never,” she told TMZ, adding that she would “probably not” date another lawyer. “But then again,” she noted. “I may need free legal [advice]. Who knows?” Mediapunch/Shutterstock  In December 2021, Tom filed paperwork to remove his lawyer Michael L. Abrams from the divorce case. He will now represent himself through his brother Robert, who was named his permanent conservator in July 2021. Shutterstock; Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA  Us confirmed in January 2022 that complaints against the reality TV personality had been dismissed in Girardi’s fraud lawsuit. Broadimage/Shutterstock |
| Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera's Relationship: All Their Ups and Downs Posted: 29 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST Friends forever? Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera have had their fair share of tension over the years, but the “Beautiful” singer is hoping to bury the hatchet and move forward. After meeting as teenage cast members of the All New Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s, Spears and Aguilera released their first singles in 1998 and 1999, respectively. As two of the biggest names in the early-aughts pop scene, the pair were constantly pitted against one another — especially after Aguilera released “Dirrty” in 2002. “It’s hard to hear yourself being called names,” Aguilera told Cosmopolitan in September 2018. “I remember being hurt by these commercials on MTV, pitting Britney as the good girl and me as the bad girl. It’s like, if I’m going to be demure and innocent, that's okay. But if I’m going to just be myself, I’m trouble.” All of those comparisons created tension between the “Genie in a Bottle” singer and Spears, and both took shots at their rival in the press. “When someone has been rude to you so many times, it’s like, ‘You know what, Christina, I’m really not about the fake anymore,'” Spears told Blender in 2004 about her relationship with the “Fighter” singer. Aguilera, meanwhile, described the Crossroads star as a “lost little girl” in her own interview with the outlet that year. In the years that followed, however, the pop stars seemingly buried the hatchet. In January 2022, Aguilera revealed that she “couldn’t be happier” that Spears’ 13-year conservatorship had ended, after a lengthy and highly-publicized legal battle. “I would love to [speak to Britney], I would always be open to that,” the Burlesque star said during an appearance on The Enrique Santos Show. “It's a subject that I definitely want to be careful of because I never want to speak out of turn about somebody that I have so much respect and admiration for. But, I'm so happy [for her].” Spears has not publicly responded to the “What A Girl Wants” singer’s offer, but she has previously accused the singer of not supporting her. “I love and adore everyone who supported me … But refusing to speak when you know the truth, is equivalent to a lie!!!!!” the “Stronger” musician wrote on her Instagram Story in November 2021. Keep scrolling to read more about Spears and Aguilera’s ups and downs over the years.  Spears and Aguilera were both cast on the kid's variety show in 1993, alongside other future A-listers like Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell. "It was a really good time," the fragrance mogul told Entertainment Tonight in July 2018. "It was a great time. It was probably one of the most special times in my life, The Mickey Mouse Club." Three months later, Aguilera echoed those sentiments, telling ET that "[there] was just such a talented and special magic in the air" on set. Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock  Both singers were rocketed into pop stardom in the late 1990s, with the release of their debut singles, and many couldn't resist pitting the two young, blonde singers against one another. "When I was coming up, it was very obvious, you know? Me and Britney were definitely [considered rivals]," Aguilera recalled during a 2018 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Suzanne Plunkett/AP/Shutterstock  For Aguilera, though, the real start of their rivalry began in 2003, when she and Spears performed alongside Madonna at the MTV VMAs. While singing "Like A Virgin," the MDNA singer kissed Spears and the cameras cut over to her ex Justin Timberlake for his reaction. (The couple called it quits in 2002 after three years of dating.) As a result, Aguilera's smooch with Madonna was mostly ignored, leaving the Life of the Party actor feeling slighted. "It was weird. And you know why they cut away for it? Because they cut away to get Justin [Timberlake]‘s reaction," Aguilera recalled during a 2018 Radio Andy interview, adding that it was a "cheap shot" by the producers. "I definitely saw the newspaper the next day. It was like, 'Oh, well, I guess I got left out of that one.'" Julie Jacobson/AP/Shutterstock  The pair took their feud public later in 2003, when Aguilera told Blender the "Everytime" singer was "distant" during their VMAs rehearsals. "Every time I tried to start a conversation with her – well, let's just say she seemed nervous the whole time," the "Come on Over" songstress said at the time. "She seems to me like a lost little girl, someone who desperate needs guidance." In response, Spears told Blender that same year that she couldn't "believe [Aguilera] said that about me," and alleged that "Hurt" singer attempted to kiss her at a club. "I say, 'It's good to see you,' and she goes, 'Well, you're not being real with me.' I was like, 'Well, Christina, what's your definition of real? Going up to girls and kissing them after you haven't seen them for two years?'" Tensions between the two escalated even further in 2004, when Aguilera told Us Weekly, "I know Britney. She's not trailer trash, but she sure acts that way." Shutterstock (2)  Despite their frequent back-and-forth in the press, Spears shared her desire to rekindle her friendship with the "Ain't No Other Man" singer. "Britney would love to be close with Christina again," a 2005 blog post on Spears' official site read. "In fact, Britney recently wrote Christina a letter telling her how happy and beautiful Christina looks lately." Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA  Three years later, Aguilera took a step back from the arguing as well, and she apologized for her previous comments about Spears. "When we both started releasing records, it was a funny time for me," the "Candyman" singer told the Daily Mail in November 2008. "It must have seemed as if we were competing with each other, but, in reality, Britney is someone that I used to hold hands with. We were silly little girls together on the Mickey Mouse Club. What a journey it has been for both of us!" Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock  As Spears prepared to make her debut as a judge on The X-Factor, many expected her rivalry with Aguilera — who was a judge on The Voice — to start back up again. However, the "Lady Marmalade" performer wished her former costar nothing but the best. “[We were in the] Mickey Mouse Club. We were very close, and our paths have always crossed and, interestingly, they will continue to cross,” Aguilera told reporters during a 2012 press conference. “I welcome her to this family of fun and entertainment and finding new talent as well." Aguilera also shut down any comparisons between her and Spears, telling reporters that she had "no patience" for any rivalry rumors. "I’m not down with [pitting women against women] at this point of my life ... It’s a fun thing to be a part of and I think she’ll have fun with it," she said. Ray Mickshaw / FOX  "Back in the day, when people were comparing me to other artists ... I would have loved to be able to squash [any beef] before having an interview," Aguilera said on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in September 2018, while reflecting on the feud-ending benefits of social media. "If we had social media back then, we would have probably done a song or something together and squashed it." And that duet could still happen: "It's probably not too late," the New York native said, adding that she would be "down" to perform with Spears. London Entertainment/Shutterstock  Following an emotional court hearing in which Spears alleged that she felt "enslaved" by her "abusive" conservatorship, Aguilera shared a statement of support for the "Me Against the Music" singer on Twitter. "These past few days I’ve been thinking about Britney and everything she is going through," she wrote in June 2021. "It is unacceptable that any woman, or human, wanting to be in control of their own destiny might not be allowed to live life as they wish. To be silenced, ignored, bullied or denied support by those ‘close’ to you is the most depleting, devastating and demeaning thing imaginable. The harmful mental and emotional damage this can take on a human spirit is nothing to be taken lightly." While the "Reflection" musician noted that she was "not behind the closed doors of this very layered & personal yet public conversation," Spears' emotional testimony made her realize that "this person I once knew has been living without compassion or decency from those in control." She concluded: “To a woman who has worked under conditions and pressure unimaginable to most, I promise you she deserves all of the freedom possible to live her happiest life. My heart goes out to Britney. She deserves all the TRUE love and support in the world." Shutterstock (2)  Spears, however, wasn't too happy with Aguilera's statement, arguing that the "Can't Hold Us Down" singer didn't speak up in her defense when she needed it. "13 years being in a corrupt abusive system yet why is it such a hard topic for people to talk about???” the former Glee guest star wrote on her Instagram Story in November 2021, alongside a clip of Aguilera telling a reporter that she "can't" speak about the conservatorship drama. “I’m the one who went through it!!!! All the supporters who spoke up and supported me, thank you … Yes, I do matter!!!!!" Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock; Eric Jamison/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  After Spears' conservatorship officially came to an end, Aguilera said that she was "happy" her former friend was free. "You know, if anybody gets that and understands what that means at that time coming up, it definitely would be her and I," the former reality TV judge said during an appearance on The Enrique Santos Show in January 2022. Aguilera added that she "will always be here" for the "Circus" musician, and that she hopes to reconnect with her one day. "I love being able to connect like that with other women … it’s very important, now more than ever, now that we do have the ability to connect, that that happens and that we always feel unified." Shutterstock (2) |
| Wyatt Russell and Wife Meredith Hagner’s Sweetest Relationship Moments: Pics Posted: 29 Jan 2022 07:00 AM PST A match made in movie heaven! Wyatt Russell and Meredith Hagner's relationship closely resembles a Hollywood fairytale — complete with a workplace romance and dreamy wedding in Colorado. The actors met while working on 2016's Folk Hero & Funny Guy. While they didn't play love interests in the film, sparks flew off screen. Hagner gushed over her then-boyfriend in March of that year. "My boyfriend looking like a sexy 80s cancer-stick sucking dream on poster for the new [Richard] Linklater movie makes me go Over the years, the North Carolina native has given fans glimpses into her romance with Wyatt — who is the only son of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell — despite him not having a social media presence. Hagner announced in December 2018 that she and Wyatt got engaged over Christmas after buying a home together in Sherman Oaks, California, in April of that year. "The love of my dang life proposed to me. He is the best guy in the world," she wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of the two embracing in a log cabin after she said yes. "It was an epic surprise surrounded by our closest family and I would give the proposal 5 stars on yelp!!!!!" The duo tied the knot less than one year later, at the Lodge 49 alum's parents' home near Aspen, Colorado, in September 2019. Wyatt's older sister, Kate Hudson, announced in November 2020 that the former hockey player and his wife were expecting their first child. (Hawn shares both daughter Kate and son Oliver Hudson with ex-husband Bill Hudson. The Death Becomes Her actress welcomed her third child, Wyatt, with partner Kurt in June 1986. The Tombstone actor also shares son Boston Russell with ex-wife Season Hubley.) "Celebrating our next family member today," the How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days star wrote via Instagram at the time, posting photos from Hagner's baby shower. "First for my bro Wy and @merediththeweasel. We are over the moon and can't wait!!!!" The Horse Girl actress confirmed her pregnancy that same month. "Cat (baby) is out of the bag! But still very much in the bag (placenta). What a wild gift to carry this sweet life," Hagner wrote via social media. "My soulmate/ husband and I are overjoyed. Thanks to my California nearest and dearests for this magical, heavily covid tested day The lovebirds kept their pregnancy journey somewhat under wraps — but confirmed in March 2021 that they welcomed son Buddy a few weeks after posing for Vogue as a couple. Scroll down to relive Wyatt and Hagner's sweetest relationship moments:  The pair starred together in Folk Hero & Funny Guy, which premiered at Tribeca Film Fest in April 2016. In the movie, Wyatt played Jason, while Hagner portrayed Bryn, the love interest of his best friend, Paul (Alex Karpovsky). Two months prior, Hagner began calling Wyatt her boyfriend on Instagram. YouTube  “Last week was the best week,” Hagner wrote via Instagram after spending time with her man in Aspen, Colorado. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  The lovebirds dressed up as Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson for Halloween. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  The pair enjoyed a day of wine tasting at Fess Parker Winery in Los Olivos, California. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  “LOVE US, DAMMIT!!!! ❤️❤️,” Hagner captioned an Instagram photo of the duo trying to feed donkeys off the coast of Majorca, Spain. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  “THIS IS VACATION US NICE TO MEET YA. SORTOF LIKE REGULAR US BUT MORE CHILL,” the We’ll Never Have Paris actress wrote via social media while in Greece. “We could be in the Glendale Americana given the backdrop but I AM SHARING ANYWAY.” Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  While celebrating Christmas with his family in Colorado, Wyatt proposed to his longtime love. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  The duo shared a glimpse of their camping trip to Trinity County, California, with fans via social media. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  “Still can’t believe my luck in finding you. Happy Birthday to my Instagram-loathing dream person,” Hagner wrote alongside a photo of her and the birthday boy in Montana. “Sharpest mind and the biggest heart.💕photo from yesterday, the best day.” Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  The As the World Turns alum shared a snap of her husband and her sister, Kerry, cuddled on the couch. “My heart,” she captioned it. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  Hagner and Wyatt unplugged from the world and lived for five weeks out of their van while taking nature. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  The Dummy alum announced that she was expecting her first child with the Overlord actor after celebrating the little one at a baby shower with her sisters-in-law, Kate and Erinn Bartlett, and mother-in-law, Hawn. Courtesy of Kate Hudson/Instagram  The Palm Springs actress documented her pregnancy’s second trimester, revealing via social media that a lot of that time was spent on the road with Wyatt in their van. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  Hagner shared a snap of her and the 22 Jump Street actor on the road. Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram  The soon-to-be parents were all smiles as they posed for Vogue ahead of their son’s arrival. Tierney Gearon  “Right after these photos we HAD A BABY, BABY," Hagner shared via Instagram, confirming her son’s birth. “Two weeks after these photos were taken, we welcomed the heavenly Buddy Prine Russell into the world! It’s been nothing short of magic.” Courtesy of Meredith Hagner/Instagram |
| Britney Spears Slams Sister Jamie Lynn Again: 'You Are Scum' Posted: 29 Jan 2022 06:58 AM PST  Adding fuel to the fire. Amid Britney Spears and sister Jamie Lynn Spears' latest social media drama, the Grammy winner has seemingly taken it up a notch. “National best seller ???? DUH In the clip, Adrienne Bailon discussed her thoughts on their sibling rivalry and the importance of familial loyalty. "If you want to clear your name, this is my thing, I'm a super family-oriented person," the Cheetah Girls star, 38, said. "I love my sister, my sister and I are like this [tight]. Loyalty in my family is so important and loyalty in my sisterhood is so important. If you wanted to clear your name, who is it important to clear your name to? Your sister or the masses of people?" The Louisiana native, for her part, agreed with the talk show hosts in her social media upload, adding, "My whole family including you is saying YOU DIDN'T KNOW …. Bulls—t !!! But what these women are saying here is pretty clear !!!! I'm just kinda shocked that more people like these real soul sisters aren't telling it like it is !!!" Britney continued: "Congrats best seller … I'm not surprised at all Jamie Lynn and her Zoey 101 costar made headlines earlier this month after Nikolas, 29, claimed what her former colleague wrote about their set feud in her Things I Should Have Said autobiography was inaccurate. "I was pretty surprised to see her lying up a storm in there," the Mad Men alum wrote via Instagram on January 13. "She never addressed anything that she mentioned in the book to me personally because she knows everything she is saying is a total lie and I would have called her out on that. One on one. It's sad to see someone not change after all these years. Nothing that she said in her book about me actually happened." The Wayside alum's memoir, which debuted on January 18, featured passages about her on-set tensions with Nikolas alongside her memories of drama with her big sister. Britney, for her part, has continually alleged that her sister's stories are fiction in a series of back-and-forth social media barbs. "Jamie Lynn … congrats babe! You've stooped to a whole new level of LOW," Britney tweeted on January 14, days after the Netflix actress alleged in her book that she was locked in a room with Britney, who was armed with a knife. "I've never been around you ever with a knife or would I ever even think to do such!!! The only knife I ever saw you with at home was cutting the biggest pieces of squash I ever saw in my life and it was way too big for me to cut." The "I Got the Boy" songwriter later wrote via social media that her new book, which recently became a national bestseller, was not all about the former Mouseketeer. "Last thing I want to be doing is this, but here we are … It's hard to see these posts, as I know the world also feels. I just wish her well," Jamie Lynn wrote via Instagram on January 14. "Brit, I am always here, you know behind the scenes I have always been here. It's become exhausting when conversations and texts we have in private don't match what you post on social media. I know you're going through a lot and I never want to diminish that, but I also can't diminish myself." While the All That alum has yet to respond to her big sister's recent claims, Britney closed out her social media post with a pointed message at Jamie Lynn. "I wish the almighty, Lord would could come down and show this whole world that you're lying and making money off of me !!!! You are scum, Jamie Lynn," she wrote on Friday. |
| Britney Spears' Ups and Downs With Sister Jamie Lynn Through the Years Posted: 29 Jan 2022 06:55 AM PST A dramatic relationship. Britney Spears and Jamie Lynn Spears have had a bumpy ride through the years — and haven’t always kept that drama under wraps. In June 2021, the pop star spoke out in court for the first time since being put under a conservatorship in 2008. During the explosive hearing, she explained why she should be able to choose her own attorney, adding that she wanted to take legal action against her family. “I just want my life back. It's been 13 years, and it's enough. It's been a long time since I've owned my money,” the “Lucky” singer said at the time. “I would honestly like to sue my family, to be totally honest with you. I also would like to be able to share my story with the world, and what they did to me, instead of it being a hush-hush secret to benefit all of them.” Following the case, the Sweet Magnolias star responded to fans via Instagram who claimed she wasn’t publicly supporting the #FreeBritney movement because she hadn’t posted on social media. "Maybe I didn't support her the way the public would like me to with a hashtag on a public platform, but I can assure you I've supported my sister long before there was a hashtag. And I'll support her long after. Note that,” the actress shared. “I'm so proud of her for using her voice. I'm so proud of her for requesting new counsel like I told her to do many years ago. If ending the conservatorship or flying to Mars or whatever else she wants to do [will make her happy] — I support that, 100 percent. Because I support my sister. I love my sister. Always have, always will. As long as she's happy. Let's keep praying. That's all.” In July, the Grammy winner was granted the right to choose her own legal representative, appointing former federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart in charge. At the time, she also accused her father, Jamie Spears, of “conservatorship abuse,” adding, "If this isn't abuse, I don't know what is. … I thought they were trying to kill me." Amid the hearings, Britney and her sister both shared their thoughts via social media. Scroll through the gallery below for a full timeline of the sisters’ drama:  Following a report that claimed that Jamie Lynn is the only member of the Spears family not on Britney's payroll, the Zoey 101 alum responded via her Instagram Story. "Facts….now leave my broke-ass alone,” she wrote on July 6. Shutterstock (2)  On July 16, Britney shared a quote via her Instagram that read, “Never forget who ignored you when you needed them and who helped you before you even had to ask.” In a lengthy caption, she explained what she is going through. "There’s nothing worse than when the people closest to you who never showed up for you post things in regard to your situation whatever it may be and speak righteously for support … there’s nothing worse than that," the Crossroads star wrote. "How dare the people you love the most say anything at all. ... If you’re reading this and you know who you are … and you actually have the nerve to say anything about my situation just to save face for yourself publicly !!! If you’re gonna post something …. Please stop with the righteous approach when you’re so far from righteous it’s not even funny." Mediapunch/Shutterstock  The "Toxic" singer shared a second quote the following day that read, “Take me as I am or kiss my ass, eat s–t and step on LEGOs.” After slamming those who make fun of her dancing videos, Britney called out both her father and sister. "I'm not gonna be performing on any stages anytime soon with my dad handling what I wear, say, do, or think I've done that for the past 13 years," she wrote. "I don't like that my sister showed up at an awards show and performed MY SONGS to remixes!!!!! My so-called support system hurt me deeply." Shutterstock (2)  Jamie Lynn returned to Instagram on July 18, sharing a selfie of herself in the mirror. "May the peace of the Lord be with you, and your spirit," her caption read at first. She later changed the caption to a peace sign emoji and a heart emoji. Courtesy of Jamie Lynn Spears/Instagram  Shortly after Jamie Lynn's post, Britney posted a new dance video. "May the Lord wrap your mean ass up in joy today," she wrote, seemingly mocking her sister's original caption. "New dance … if you don’t like it ... don’t watch it!!!!!" MEGA  Britney only follows 46 Instagram accounts. While Paris Hilton, Paul McCartney and Beyonce made the cut — Jamie Lynn was notably absent. However, the younger sister still follows the pop star. Shutterstock (2)  Jamie Lynn opened up about her relationship with her older sister during a January 2022 interview with Good Morning America — and Britney was quick to turn the tables. Though the Netflix star claimed that she attempted to provide resources for her older sister to put an end to her conservatorship, Britney argued via Twitter that Jamie Lynn was "never around me much 15 years ago at that time." As the family drama made headlines, Jamie Lynn defended herself in a lengthy social media statement. "I can't help that I was born a Spears too, and that some of my experiences involve my sister. I've worked hard since before I was even a teenager, and I've built my career in spite of just being someone's little sister," she wrote. "There are no sides, and I don't want drama. But I'm speaking my truth to heal my traumas, so I can close this chapter and move forward, and I wish my sister could do the same." She concluded: "No matter what comes, I will always love my big sister and be here for her. It's time to put an end to the unhealthy chaos that has controlled my life for so long." Shutterstock (2)  Jamie Lynn responded to Britney in her Instagram story after the "Bombastic Love" singer walked back a few comments but still maintained that Jamie Lynn was lying. “Britney — Just call me, I have attempted many times to speak to you directly and handle this privately like sisters should, but you still choose to do everything on a public platform,” the former Nickelodeon star shared via her Instagram Story in January 2022. Jamie Lynn continued, writing, “In the meantime, please stop continuing the narrative that I haven’t been there for you or that I’m making things up. I’m happy to share how many times I’ve reached out to you, supported you and tried to help you. This is embarrassing and has to stop. Love you.” Courtesy of Jamie Lynn Spears/Instagram  After Britney implied that her sister was "scum," the Grammy winner walked back some of her jabs. "I said some harsh things because you obviously hurt me by the things you are making up about me,” she wrote via Twitter in January 2022. “All I know is I love you unconditionally!!! So go ahead and say whatever you want … it’s so tacky for a family to fight publicly like this!!! You say you love me … yet your loyalty is still with the people that hurt me most!!!” the engaged singer added. Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock  Following the release of Jamie Lynn's memoir and her appearance on "Call Her Daddy" in January 2022, Britney's lawyer issued a strongly worded cease and desist to the actress, asserting that Britney will "no longer be bullied" by her family. "Although Britney has not read and does not intend to read your book, she and millions of her fans were shocked to see how you have exploited her for monetary gain. She will not tolerate it, nor should she," the letter read. Britney's attorney went on to threaten legal action, writing, "Michelle Obama famously said, 'when they go low, we go high,' and to Britney's great credit, that is exactly what Britney is going to do, for the time being. You recently reportedly stated that the book was 'not about her.' She takes you at your word and we, therefore, demand that you cease and desist from referencing Britney derogatorily during your promotional campaign. If you fail to do so or defame her, Britney will be forced to consider and take all appropriate legal action." Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock; Jim Smeal/Shutterstock  “Congrats best seller … I’m not surprised at all 👏🏼📚👎🏻 !!! The nerve of you to sell a book now and talk s—t but your f—king lying just like you lied about Alexa Nikolas !!!!” Britney wrote via Instagram in January 2022. “I wish you would take a lie detector test so all these masses of people see you’re lying through your teeth about me !!!! I wish the almighty, Lord would could come down and show this whole world that you’re lying and making money off of me !!!! You are scum, Jamie Lynn.” Shutterstock (2) |
| David Arquette: 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me! Posted: 29 Jan 2022 05:00 AM PST  Man of many talents! David Arquette made a name for himself in Hollywood with his first role when he portrayed Keith "Two-Bit" Mathews on The Outsiders in 1990. After more than three decades as an actor, Arquette, 50, has more than 140 credits to his name, including the Scream franchise, Never Been Kissed, Once Upon a Time in Venice and Ghosts of the Ozarks. The Virginia native reprised his role as Dewey Riley in 2022's Scream, 26 years after he appeared in the first installment of the thriller film alongside Courteney Cox. The Friends alum married Arquette in 1999, but the pair split 14 years later. The exes, who share 17-year-old daughter Coco, have remained close over the years. In fact, Arquette served as an executive producer on Cougar Town from 2009 to 2015. Cox, for her part, played the show's lead character, Jules Cobb, and directed 12 episodes of the comedy. The 12 Hour Shift producer, who married Christina McLarty Arquette in 2015, is the youngest of five children, all of whom became actors. His sister Patricia Arquette is an Oscar-winning actress, while their other siblings, Rosanna Arquette, Richmond Arquette and late sister Alexis Arquette have all made their mark on Hollywood in their own ways. Outside of his work in the entertainment industry, however, how much do David's fans know about him? The Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates alum exclusively opened up to Us Weekly about himself — including what charities are closest to his heart and what name he goes by as a graffiti artist. Read on to learn more about David: 1. My brother Richmond Arquette is an incredible actor and has the best Arquette acting credits. He was in many David Fincher films; in Seven, he delivered the box. ("What's in the box?!") 2. I'm a former world champion wrestler. 3. I'm often embarrassed about what I've worn in the past. 4. I helped start the nightclub Bootsy Bellows in L.A. with the h.wood Group. 5. My wife, Christina McLarty Arquette, and I invested in the nonfiction film studio XTR. 6. My wife is literally the woman behind the man! 7. I'm a Certified [Bob] Ross Instructor. 8. I have three children: Coco, 17, Charlie, 7, and Gus, 4. 9. My family and friends mean everything to me. 10. I'm a graffiti artist named "Someone." 11. My graffiti crew is called "Kids Gone Bad." 12. I'm also a producer. I was an executive producer on Cougar Town and Celebrity Name Game, among others. 13. I bought the rights to Bozo the Clown — a deal that took me 15 years to close! 14. I'm also a writer. 15. And I'm a director — I've directed episodes of Medium and CSI: Miami. 16. I had a clothing line called Propr with my dear friend Ben Harper. 17. I have four basset hounds (and two cats!). 18. I support many charities, like the Violence Intervention Program and their Alexis Project, which focuses on LGBTQ youth. 19. I also support Healthy Humor, an arts organization whose professional performers create moments of joy, wonder and laughter for hospitalized children. 20. My other favorite charity is Feeding America. I once hung out on top of a billboard at Madison Square Garden for Snickers in support of feedingamerica.org. 21. I won the Spirit of Elysium award from the Art of Elysium, which is another charity that brings the arts into hospitals throughout the country. 22. I often work in the kitchen of the Downtown Women's Center, which focuses on helping women facing homelessness in L.A. 23. I don't say this to toot my own horn — I think the most important aspect of celebrity is bringing attention to charities doing incredible work. 24. I worked with Marlon Brando on a film called Free Money. 25. My wrestling tag team partner was RJ City. He does a show called RJ Makes Coffee in His Underwear on YouTube every Sunday. Scream is now playing in theaters nationwide. |
| Janet Jackson Addresses Secret Baby Rumors in Documentary: 'I Could Never' Posted: 28 Jan 2022 07:01 PM PST Pulling back the curtain. Janet Jackson is known for being fiercely private, but her new documentary allowed her to address longstanding misconceptions about her family and career. The Grammy winner, 55, began filming the two-part Lifetime series in 2017 when she invited a production crew to document her State of the World tour. They stayed with her for a full five years. Part one of the documentary premiered on Friday, January 28, and included interviews with her mother, Katherine Jackson, her brothers Tito and Randy Jackson and her sister Rebbie Jackson, as well as collaborators Debbie Allen, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Missy Elliott and Paula Abdul. As the baby of the family, the “Black Cat” singer was a small child when her brothers rose to fame as the Jackson Five. She performed on stage for the first time in 1974 when she was just 7 years old, as part of her family’s Las Vegas show. “I don’t ever remember being asked,” the Indiana native recalled in Janet Jackson. “I just remember being put into it.” Over the years, other Jackson siblings have been vocal about how their father, Joe Jackson, pushed them into show business, and some of them have alleged that his methods included abuse. In 1991, La Toya Jackson claimed that Joe, who died in 2018 at age 89, sexually abused her and her sisters when they were children. (The Jackson family denied this allegation at the time.) Michael Jackson, for his part, once said that “just a look” from his father could scare him. “When he'd come to see me, I'd get sick," the late “Bad” singer, said in 1992. "I’d start to regurgitate." Joe later responded by telling the BBC: "He regurgitates all the way to the bank." Janet didn’t address the abuse accusations in part one of the film, but she emphasized Joe’s heavy focus on the children’s careers. “I remember stories about my mother allowing my brothers and sisters to play outside, and then they’d see my father’s car coming down the street and run into the house and pick up their instruments and start playing like they were rehearsing all along,” she said, adding that they’d yell, ‘Joseph’s coming, Joseph’s coming!'” The “All for You” songstress went on to say that her parents “disciplined” all of their kids, but she claimed that they always followed it up with love. “Discipline without love is tyranny. And tyrants they were not,” she explained. “They just loved us and wanted us to be the best that we could possibly be. Obviously, it worked.” Keep scrolling for revelations from Janet Jackson.  After the Jackson Five fired their father as their manager, Joe began to focus on Janet's solo career. "Growing up, I feel like I didn't really experience my father the way I wanted to," she explained. "The way I saw other kids experiencing their father." The Jackson family patriarch spearheaded the creation of Janet's first two albums and helped her land a role on Good Times, but the True You author didn't think any of that truly reflected her as an artist. Her father chose the cover photo for her 1984 album, Dream Street, against her wishes, and he pushed her to join the cast of Fame that same year. "I did it for my father," she said of her involvement with the show. Janet decided to fire her dad before recording 1986's Control, which made her a bona fide pop star. "It's hard to say no to my father, so in order to do the things I wanted to do, I guess he would have to be out of the picture," she said in the film. "I knew that I had to take control of my life. I wanted my own identity. I wanted to go on my own." BEI/Shutterstock  When she was a child, the "If" singer joined her family in Vegas while they were there for her brothers' show. Though she got to meet celebrities and watch her brothers perform, she longed for a slightly more mundane life. "None of us had a normal childhood," she explained. "My friends, they went to gymnastics class. They were part of the Girl Scouts or Brownies. And I wanted to do those things. But yet, we had to go to work." Janet's dad discovered how well she could sing after she taped herself at home and accidentally left the recording in the family's studio. Once her father heard the tape, he decided she should pursue a career in music. "I wanted to go to college and study business law," she recalled. "And he said, 'That's not gonna happen,' basically in a nutshell. What parent doesn't want you to go to college? But he said, 'No, you're gonna sing.' Not long after that, I had a meeting at A&M and signed my recording contract." John Barrett/Photolink/Mediapunch/Shutterstock  Janet began dating her first husband, James DeBarge, when she was 16. They eloped in 1984 when she was 18, with DeBarge's uncle marrying them in a secret ceremony in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On their wedding night, the Poetic Justice actress began to suspect that something was amiss when her then-husband, now 58, left her alone in their hotel room for three hours. Taking care of the Michigan native began to affect her work on Fame because she would show up late after searching for her spouse all night. "I eventually learned that he was into drugs," she recalled. "I remember times when I would find the pills and I would take them and try to flush them down the toilet, and we would be rolling around the floor fighting for them. That's not a life for anyone. I sit and I say, 'Were you stupid? Were you dumb?' But it wasn't that. I cared so much for him." Janet and DeBarge annulled their union in 1985 after one year of marriage. BEI/Shutterstock  As a child, Janet was closest to Michael and Randy, who called themselves the "three amigos." Early in Michael's solo career, he drove his youngest sister around in his car while playing his albums so she could tell him what she thought. That began to change, however, around the time that Thriller debuted in 1982. "For the first time in my life, that's when I felt it was different between the two of us," she recalled. "That a shift was happening. He would always come in my room and we would talk, and this particular time he came in my bedroom, neither one of us said a word to each other. And then he got up and left. That's a time where Mike and I started kind of going our separate ways, we weren't as close. And it may have been just because he was so massive, so huge." The "Together Again" singer occasionally tried to distance herself from her family, saying that she didn't even want her last name on her first two albums so that people wouldn't associate her with her brothers. At the same time, she looked to Michael for inspiration, attending his Bad tour in 1988 before launching her own inaugural solo tour in 1990. Rt/Mediapunch/Shutterstock  Janet got engaged to her second husband, René Elizondo Jr., in 1987. "I needed to just be free of being with somebody that did drugs and all of that," she said of the choreographer, now 59. "I needed it, I needed a lift. René was funny. We just always had fun together. And he was very, very charming." The dancer gradually became involved in Janet's career, directing some of her music videos and cowriting some of her songs. Asked in the documentary if she thought the marriage would be "it" for her, she replied, "I wanted it to be it. But I thought that every time." The duo divorced in 2000. Mediapunch/Shutterstock |
| Kody ‘Feels Betrayed’ After Christine Split — Will They Spiritually Divorce? Posted: 28 Jan 2022 05:26 PM PST  No love lost? Sister Wives‘ Kody Brown and estranged wife Christine Brown are at a standstill when it comes to their relationship post-split. “Kody wouldn’t go through with a ‘spiritual divorce’ from Christine," a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. "He left her on her own to make peace with the separation — it was her and God, not her and Kody." The Wyoming native, 53, and his third wife, Christine, didn't have a "formal ceremony at a church" to signify the end of their spiritual union, the insider adds, noting that Kody is no longer 100 percent in the "polygamy headspace" after the breakup. "He wouldn’t give Christine — or any of his other wives for that matter — the courtesy of going along with [a formal ceremony] since he feels betrayed," the source explains, adding that the patriarch has "become more angry and bitter" recently. Christine, 49, announced her split from Kody in November 2021, revealing that after more than 25 years together, they decided to part ways. The twosome spiritually wed in 1994 and later welcomed six kids: son Paedon, 23 and daughters Aspyn, 26, Mykelti, 25, Gwendlyn, 20, Ysabel, 18, and Truly, 11. "Kody and I have grown apart and I have made the difficult decision to leave," Christine wrote via Instagram at the time. "We will continue to be a strong presence in each other's lives as we parent our beautiful children and support our wonderful family." Kody was previously married to first wife Meri Brown from 1990 to 2014. He divorced her to legally wed Robyn Brown and adopt her three children — David, 21, Aurora, 18, and Breanna, 16 — from a previous marriage. Kody and Robyn, 43, also share two children of their own: Solomon, 10, and Ariella, 6. The father of 18 is now spiritually married to Meri, 51, with whom he shares daughter Mariah, 26. He and second wife Janelle Brown spiritually tied the knot in 1993 and went on to have six kids together. They coparent sons Logan, 27, Hunter, 24, Robert, 23, and Gabriel, 21, and daughters Maddie, 26, and Savannah, 17. In the wake of Kody and Christine's split, the patriarch has seemingly grown more distant from Meri — which fans watched play out on season 16 of Sister Wives — and Janelle, 52, as he spends more time at home with Robyn. His guiding compass has also shifted, with the source telling Us Kody "used to be very spiritual, but he has not been for a long time." The head of the Brown family still has "faith and his religion, but in terms of polygamy, he feels the women betrayed his higher patriarchy," the insider says, revealing that Kody's "spiritual bind" with his wives is "gone." Despite his recent ups and downs in some of his relationships, Kody "doesn’t believe in divorce and therefore will not participate in any spiritual divorce ceremonies," the source adds. Earlier this month, a second insider exclusively told Us that Kody is "considering starting fresh with new wives" after both Meri and Janelle previously spoke out about the possibility of leaving their plural marriages. "He's spending all his time with Robyn," a third source exclusively told Us in January of Kody's current relationship focus. "The others are in their own world, living their own lives." Sister Wives airs on TLC Sundays at 10 p.m. ET. With reporting by Diana Cooper |
| Simu Liu Urges Fans to Get Vaccinated After Losing His Grandparents to COVID Posted: 28 Jan 2022 04:56 PM PST Close to home. Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Orlando Bloom and Justin Trudeau are just a handful of the celebrities and public figures who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and soon after spread to the United States, with the first confirmed case making its way into the country in January 2020. Hollywood was not immune to the illness either. Many movie and TV sets shut down production in the wake of the global health crisis, and events — from concert tours to film festivals — were postponed or canceled as a result. In turn, stars began to feel the effects of coronavirus. Hanks and Wilson, who married in April 1988, were among the first famous faces to be diagnosed. "@ritawilson and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too," the Toy Story star explained via Instagram in March 2020. "To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive." Hanks noted that the pair were taking the necessary precautions. "Well, now. What to do next?" he wrote. "The Medical Officials have protocols that must be followed. We Hanks' will be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires. Not much more to it than one-day-at-a-time approach, no? We'll keep the world posted and updated. Take care of yourselves! Hanx!" Wilson, for her part, attempted to make light of the situation. "From here on out, the only Corona I want is from Mexico," she tweeted. "And you drink it." Hanks later shared a sweet selfie on Instagram to assure fans that he and the actress were recovering as best as possible. "@ritawilson and I want to thank everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us," he noted. "We have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else. There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness. We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball." Scroll to learn more about the stars who have been affected by coronavirus.  The Fifty Shades of Grey star lost his father to the virus in March 2021. He opened up about the “hardest” year of his life 10 months later, telling The Telegraph that his father was “a beacon of positivity — that is my overriding takeaway.” “It’s a strange thing to end the year with all this positivity — with so much praise for Belfast and a lot of good talk about The Tourist,” he explained in a January 2022 interview. “Because on many levels it’s been the worst year of my life, and the hardest.” Magnus Sundholm/Shutterstock  "Last week, The Duchess of Cambridge came into contact with someone who has subsequently tested positive for COVID-19,” a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said in a statement in July 2021, revealing that the royal would temporarily step back from her duties. “Her Royal Highness is not experiencing any symptoms, but is following all relevant government guidelines and is self-isolating at home." Kate was set to appear at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London for a service of thanksgiving in honor of the U.K.’s public health service, NHS, with her husband, Prince William, days after meeting with Wimbledon tennis officials and taking in match at the annual sporting event. Shutterstock  During an episode of her "Better Together" podcast, the entertainment reporter revealed that both her parents were battling COVID-19 in separate hospitals. At the same time, she learned that her mom's brain tumor was growing more severe. "I've kept focusing on what my desired outcome and not what my fear was, and that helped me a lot. I think as it has extended and I've become more and more tired, you know, fear creeps back in," Menounos said in December 2020, struggling to hold back tears. "It has been an incredible challenge." Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  The Ice Loves Coco alums were vocal about Austin’s father, Steve Austin, battling the novel coronavirus beginning in June. Coco’s two aunts also fought off the disease around the time her father had it. Months after Steve returned home from the ICU in August, Ice-T opened up about how severe his father-in-law’s battle had been. “My father-in-law ‘Coco’s dad’ was a serious ‘No Masker.’ COVID hit him,” Ice-T tweeted in November 2020 alongside a photo of Steve wearing an oxygen mask. “Pneumonia in both lungs … 40 days in ICU close to death … Now he’s on Oxygen indefinitely. Ohhh he’s a Believer now … #COVIDisNotAGame.” Birdie Thompson/SIPA/Shutterstock  The Superstore star’s stepfather, Sonny, died from the coronavirus in March 2020. “He was a kind, caring man,” Santos wrote via Instagram, revealing that his mother, Tita, also tested positive for the disease. “Please continue to pray and send healing energy to my mom.” Courtesy Nico Santos/Instagram; Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  The Hawaii Five-O alum announced in March 2020 that he tested positive for the coronavirus after flying home to Hawaii from New York City. After getting tested at a drive-thru clinic in Honolulu, the actor self-quarantined at home, away from his family, and is on the mend. “I was sick, I still am. Thankfully for me it wasn’t a matter of life or death,” he said in an Instagram video. “Hopefully I am on the other side of this.” Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  The “Consider Me Gone” singer announced in March 2020 that her mother, Jacqueline McEntire, died at 93 following a battle with cancer. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Reba alum confirmed two days later that the funeral service would be delayed. “After much thought and careful consideration among our family, we have decided to indefinitely postpone Mama’s funeral and burial at this time,” she tweeted on March 16. “We will continue to monitor the situation and let you know as soon as possible about future plans to celebrate her life.” Shutterstock  In March 2020, the Teen Mom star opened up about how the coronavirus has stopped her from being able to see her loved ones. “This is the sad truth of what’s going on in our country.... having to see my 88 year old great grandma and Novas great great grandma through her window,” she wrote via Instagram. “I understand it’s keeping them safe but I really wish to hug her one last time before she passes... 😭😩 @davidlowell.” AMIi/MEGA  The One Tree Hill alum revealed in March 2020 that she would be traveling to Canada with her family for a work commitment despite coronavirus concerns. She noted that they would be abroad for “almost a month,” but she later defended her decision after getting “hate.” In the days that followed, she opened about feeling anxious due to the spreading virus. “As we follow guidelines and quarantine here in Canada my anxiety is through the roof but as I layed in bed last night literally having an anxiety attack I woke up this morning choosing not to go straight to the news but instead do what I can,” she wrote via Instagram on March 15. “Which is stay in, wash hands and protect the babies and let them have fun by building forts and playing together as a family! Fear is going to hurt more of us….or so my therapist says. Love all of you. Stay safe and wash those hands!!!!” Kramer returned home on a private jet provided by Wayne Gretzky after production on her film was canceled. Shutterstock  The filmmaker, known for directing movies such as Just Mercy and The Glass Castle, revealed that he tested negative for the virus after being in contact with others who were exposed. “I decided to be tested for the Coronavirus. I was working in close proximity with some people who had potentially been exposed, and because [my wife Nikki Chapman] and I have a newborn at home, I wanted to be as safe as possible,” he wrote via Instagram in March 2020. “During my weekend of isolation away from my family, I had a lot of time to ponder this interesting moment in history that our second child was born into, a time full of opinions and division, where scientific truths are debated and brushed off as political spins,” he continued. “But in the midst of this storm, while staring up at a spot on my hotel ceiling that I swear looked exactly like a bunny, I could see something really quite beautiful happening. People all around the world are beginning to realize how connected we are, how vulnerable we are, how much we need each other to survive. I am happy to say that my test came back negative, but I will continue to be even more careful in the days ahead.” Shutterstock  The Brooklyn Nets player, 31, revealed in March 2020 that he was among four team members who had tested positive for coronavirus. "Everyone be careful. Take care of yourself and quarantine,” he said at the time. "We’re going to get through this." Drew Altizer Photography/Shutterstock  The Frozen 2 voice actress announced via her Instagram Stories in March 2020 that she tested positive for COVID-19 and had been quarantined for a week. She also detailed the timeline of her symptoms, which included body aches, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and a mild fever. “Now is the time to be smart and responsible. Let’s take care of one another!!” she wrote. MediaPunch/Shutterstock  The Game of Thrones alum announced via Instagram in March 2020 that he had tested positive for coronavirus. “Greetings from Norway. Sorry to say that I, today, have tested positive for COVID19, Corona virus,” he wrote. “My family and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes. We are in good health. I only have mild symptoms of a cold. There are people at higher risk for who this virus might be a devastating diagnosis, so I urge all of you to be extremely careful.” Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock  The Cats star took to Twitter in March 2020 to reveal that he had tested positive for COVID-19, but wasn't showing any symptoms at that point in time. "Look, we live in a divided world right now. We can all feel it, it’s been bulls–t. But now is the time for solidarity. Now is the time for thinking about each other," he said in his video statement alongside his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba. "There’s so many people whose lives have been affected — from those who have lost people that they love, to people that don’t have it and have lost their livelihoods. This is real ... Stay positive and don’t freak out." Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  The actress, who is known for appearing in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, revealed in March 2020 that she has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus. “Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus,” the Oblivion star wrote via Instagram. “I’ve actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!” Swan Gallet/WWD/Shutterstock  Today cohosts Roker and Melvin are taking time off after a staffer on the third hour of the NBC morning show tested positive for COVID-19. Savannah Guthrie told viewers during a March 2020 episode, “We learned late last night a colleague on the third hour of Today tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. So, out of an abundance of caution, Craig and Al are taking the morning off so we can trace their contacts [and] see what’s going on with them.” Melvin, 40, for his part, retweeted a clip from the show, adding, “Feeling great this am. Thinking about our friend and colleague. Thinking about everyone grappling with this right now. I’ll be fine. So will we.” Adam Nemser/startraksphoto.com  The former Bachelorette star revealed in March 2020 that she’s been tested for coronavirus. “I’ve had all the symptoms of the virus except for a fever,” she revealed in a series of Instagram Stories. “And I found a place, it’s Mend, it’s in Los Angeles, which is one of the only places that will do the test if you don’t have a fever. But it is still up to the doctor’s discretion of whether or not they think you actually need the test.” She added that she had an X-ray of her lungs a few days ago that revealed white spots, which could be a sign of infection. The TV personality was prescribed antibiotics and when she went back to the doctor on March 14, she wasn’t feeling better and was still was having trouble taking deep breaths without coughing and “it hurts.” “So they decided that I needed to take the test,” she continued, adding that she waited in line for three hours to get her test done. “Some of you seem to think that because I was the Bachelorette 10 years, I got some special treatment. I assure you I did not.” Fedotowsky said that she and her family, including husband Kevin Manno and kids Molly, 3, and Riley, 1, have been self-quarantining at home but because her mother, Beth Johnson, who is in the at-risk group of 65 and older, is coming to stay with them for three months, she wanted to take extra precautions. “It is my responsibility to be smart and get tested and the doctor felt the same way,” she said. The former reality TV star ended her messages by asking her followers to “please take this seriously. Do not go out. Don’t go out to restaurants and bars, self-quarantine if you can. Social distance. Just please, please, please take this seriously and, of course, wash your hands.” Courtesy Ali Fedotowsky/Instagram  The soccer player self-quarantined after learning that one of his teammates tested positive for the virus. “The world is going through a very difficult moment which demands the utmost care and attention from all of us,” he said in a statement shared via Twitter in March 2020. “I speak to you today not as a football player, but as a son, father, a human being concerned with the latest developments that is affecting the whole world. It is important we all follow the advice of WHO (World Health Organization) and the governing bodies on how we handle this current situation.” Ronaldo continued: “Protecting human life must come above any other interests. I would like to send my thoughts to everyone who has lost someone close to them, my solidarity to those who are fighting the virus, like my teammate Daniele Rugani, and my continued support to the amazing health professionals putting their own lives at risk to help save others.” YOAN VALAT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock  The actor revealed in March 2020 that he intended to quarantine himself after the set for his show Carnival Row was shut down in the Czech Republic. “It’s farewell from us as we’re going home to be quarantined,” Bloom said in an Instagram Story video. “But we’re coming home to the States. … At least I’m coming home to the States because we want to get in before the quarantine. Big love everybody. Stay safe out there. Self-quarantine. It seems really crazy, actually, this whole [coronavirus] thing. But do the right thing by you and your family and stay safe. In a few weeks, we’ll beat this bad boy.” imageSPACE/Shutterstock  The wife of Canada’s Prime Minister tested positive for coronavirus, as confirmed by his office in a statement in March 2020. Justin was “in good health with no symptoms” but was placed “in isolation for a planned period of 14 days” as a “precautionary measure.” Sophie, meanwhile, said she was “experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus” during quarantine at home but would “be back on my feet soon.” Neil Hall/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock  The former basketball player announced in March 2020 that he self-quarantined after being tested for coronavirus. “I haven’t been feeling great and they didn’t want me to take any chances,” he explained on NBA on TNT, adding: “I’m really hoping it was just a bug.” Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock  The actor’s sister Rev. Janet Broderick was placed in intensive care after testing positive for coronavirus. The church where she pastors confirmed in March 2020 that she contracted the illness after going to a conference in Kentucky. “I am through the worst of this and very very much on the mend,” Janet said in a statement on her church’s website. Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock  Hanks announced in March 2020 that he and Wilson tested positive for coronavirus. The couple were in Australia while the Oscar winner filmed the untitled Elvis Presley biopic. John Salangsang/Variety/Shutterstock |
#sxsw," the Search Party actress 
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