Day one of rapper ASAP Rocky’s assault trial served as a reminder of just how small Hollywood can be.
Thomas Zizzo Jr., a Los Angeles police officer and son of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne, took the stand on Friday, January 14, during day one of the Grammy award-winning rapper’s trial, TMZreported.
Rocky, 36, faces two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm related to a 2021 shooting incident in Hollywood. He is accused of firing two or three shots at Terell Ephron, a childhood friend. According to the Associated Press, Ephron claims the alleged shots “grazed his knuckles. The rapper has pleaded not guilty.
The rapper faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted.
Zizzo was one of the first LAPD officers to respond to the scene of the alleged 2021 incident, TMZ reports. While on the stand, the officer reportedly “testified about what he saw at the scene when he arrived.”
GENARO MOLINA – Pool/Getty Images
Zizzo has remained out of the public spotlight despite his mother’s reality television fame — he has never appeared on RHOBH and is not featured on his mom Jayne’s social media pages. As TMZ notes, his absence from her social media accounts deliberate — she says she does not post about her son “out of respect for his privacy as a police officer.”
Jayne shares her son with ex-husband Thomas Zizzo. The pair divorced shortly after their son was born in 1992. In 2022, Jayne spoke out about her close bond with her son and ex-husband following the legal and financial struggles she faced in the wake of her separation from Tom Girardi in November 2020.
“People don’t understand this, but we’re actually pretty tight,” Jayne said of her ex-husband, Thomas, and her son at the time. “They have been very supportive of me, and I’m very grateful.
She went on to say that the “silver lining” of her separation from Girardi was how it strengthened her relationship with her son.
“My son and I, we’ve really come together,” she explained. “He’ll be 30 in June. Jesus. I just remember walking around here in New York being pregnant with him, but he’ll be 30. And so asking him what he thinks about things, you know, you get this adult perspective, and it’s really nice.”
While Jayne’s son was present in court on Friday, Rocky’s partner, Rihanna, was notably absent on Thursday, January 23, during jury selection. According to the Associated Press, however, she was the topic of multiple questions.
“What if Rihanna comes here to court, is it going to be hard for you to look over there and see the defendant’s family and deliver a guilty verdict?” Deputy District Attorney John Lewin asked one prospective juror.
“Yes,” the woman reportedly answered.
Rocky and Rihanna have been together since 2019 and share two sons: RZA and Riot Rose.
WWE superstar Nia Jax admitted things aren’t always hunky dory with every member of the women’s locker room.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, the reigning WWE Queen of the Ring, 40, hesitated when asked if all the wrestlers on the roster got along backstage.
“Is this the politically right answer?” Jax asked Us with a smile. “Should I tell you the real tea?”
After a moment of hesitation, Jax hinted at some tense relationships with a handful of other wrestlers on the roster.
“There might be a couple that we’re like, ‘Yo, sit outside. We don’t really want you in here,’” Jax revealed. “I’m not gonna say any names. We’ll keep it quiet.”
WWE/Getty Images)
Despite a bad egg or two, Jax said things are usually quite pleasant amongst herself and her fellow superstars.
“For the most part in our women’s locker room, we all get along,” she explained. “We’re willing to help each other out … If one of us is like, ‘Hey, I’m about to do a promo, a match and a brawl, I need food,’ the girls are like, ‘Hey, whatever you need.’ We do really support each other.”
Due to the hectic schedule of life in WWE — where wrestlers are sometimes on the road 300 days of the year — Jax said members of the locker room become more than friends.
“There’s times where we are each other’s family,” she explained. “At the end of the time, I’m with them 90 percent of the time. We have to turn to each other and really have a bond.”
She added, “If I could ever expose some of the behind-the-scenes stuff, it would be the best reality show ever.”
Jax will go one-on-one with WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, January 25, which is a match that Jax promoted as a feast for all the senses.
“I’m not gonna be shy, we’re beautiful women,” Jax said of her and Ripley, 28. “We’re bold, beautiful women, and we are also athletes. So going out there and showing, ‘Yeah, the guys are doing an amazing job, but we’re doing just as good.’ We’re bringing a whole different kind of audience.”
She added, “Young women see us out there and they’re like, ‘Holy crap, I could do something like that.’ Every time we’ve been given this opportunity, we’ve been killing it.”
Watch Jax and Ripley battle when WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event airs live on NBC Saturday, January 25, at 8 p.m. ET.
Hannah Brown and her fiancé, Adam Woolard, are no longer living in the same house after re-examining their relationship goals.
“We, kind of, went on a journey together,” Brown, 30, said in a Thursday, January 23, Instagram Story video. “I’ve been a believer, but I think I was really questioning a lot about my faith and in God and my direction. Adam had been searching for a while but didn’t have that.”
Woolard, who proposed to the former Bachelorette in August 2023, ultimately decided to get baptized before they both decided to “get so involved in [their] church and really go all-in.”
“We really had to get honest with like, ‘OK, we say we want to go all in with our relationship, like be completely on fire for God, but what are areas that we’re kind of just like holding back?’” Brown said. “There were a few. I mean, finances were hard for me and our just relationship in general could be tough when it comes to believing and honoring what God has for marriage — and that being living together.”
She continued, “We have lived together [since] eight months into our relationship and we decided to just trust God and we are not living in this house together until we get married this summer. It was obviously a big decision and very different and new, but we both separately were having these thoughts in our prayer and just feeling the Lord to call us to do this.”
According to Brown, their relationship has been “really great” since the pair relocated to separate residences.
“I felt the most connected to Adam that I ever had because we are so intentional about the time that we have together,” she gushed. “[I’m] excited for what God has for our marriage. I really am.”
Brown and Woolard started dating in 2021, three years before getting engaged. Prior to their engagement, they moved from Los Angeles to Nashville. The duo purchased their first home together in October 2024.
“We’re officially homeowners! Having a house to make a home has been a life dream of mine,” Brown wrote via Instagram at the time. “I am so honored to be able to create spaces that will hold precious memories and to live the big and small life moments between the walls. This house is so sweet already, but to make this OUR family home will be the greatest privilege.”
Just before buying their dream property, Brown told Us Weeklythat wedding planning was “on the back burner for a while.”
“There’s been a lot going on,” she exclusively told Us in July 2024. “Right now [I’m] trying to work on wedding planning. I’m excited.”
Now that Brown and Woolard have presumably started preparing for their special day, they are also figuring out what their marriage will look like after walking down the aisle.
“A lot of you guys were asking about the little value session that Adam and I did. Our therapist kind of created this for us and also with her other clients,” Brown added on Thursday. “It’s something that can definitely be a pain point at sometimes. … One thing that [our therapist] Jordan said to us, ‘If you don’t declare your values, your values will still choose you.’ We’re all living a certain way and sometimes there are values we say we want to live, but don’t align with the ones we are living out. And so, I wanted to get really honest with that with ourselves.”
Brown and Woolard were then able to get “clarity on what it is that [they] care about” and figure out how to adapt their lives around those perspectives.
“It was really impactful for us and it’s still something that we’re learning more about,” she added. “I really am just, like, so proud of Adam and I because people that started dating almost four years ago are not the same people now.”
There are some celebrities who give me a warm and fuzzy feeling, like Jennifer Garner. You can just tell she’s an angelic being! I try to emulate her aura every day, from her sweet disposition all the way down to her outfits. And let me tell you, the actress has stellar taste when it comes to winter fashion.
On numerous occasions, Garner has been spotted rocking a classic cable-knit sweater. There’s something so timeless about this chunky style — the design spans generations and genders, and anyone can and will look amazing while wearing it! Plus, a cable-knit sweater is one of those items that you’ll keep reaching for for decades. If you don’t own any, I recommend starting with the Lillusory Cable Knit Sweater on Amazon.
This affordable pick has all of the elements you want in a cable-knit: The design is clean and succinct, it comes in a variety of colors and offers plenty of versatility. Similar to one of Garner’s more recent looks, it’s also form-fitting enough that it will accentuate your figure, but loose enough that it makes for a wonderful layering piece, too.
Shoppers who have purchased it say they’ve found their new favorite sweater. “I was hesitant because I was afraid the fabric on this would be cheap but it’s deliciously soft and of excellent quality,” one reviewer wrote.“This is so soft and fits perfectly. I live in the Southwest so sweaters are usually too hot for me, but during cooler temps this is perfect. I got the cream so I can also wear this in the summer when we travel to the Northeast and the nights are cool. You can dress it down or up or layer a heavier turtle neck underneath if you need more warmth. It’s lightweight but warm and it looks very pretty. I’ll definitely be buying more.”
The Lillusory Cable Knit Sweater is definitely worth every penny, but if this specific option isn’t your vibe, don’t fret — we compiled plenty of alternatives below. Now you can find a cable knit sweater that speaks to you!
Justin Baldoni’s mother, Sharon Baldoni, reflected on the importance and perseverance of “justice and truth” on her son’s birthday in light of his ongoing legal drama with actress and It Ends With Us costar Blake Lively.
“Happy Birthday Justin ~ remembering a wonderful moment after the final ending of Jane The Virgin,” Sharon wrote via Instagram on Friday, January 24, sharing set photos from Justin’s tenure on The CW telenovela. “[It was] a moment where joy and love permeated the set, where friendships and family were born and kindness and integrity permeated the hearts of all the actors and crew, where sadness only entered because it was the final scene of a wonderful journey ~ and the beginning of the rest of our lives.”
According to Sharon, the 2019 series finale of Jane The Virginwas marked by a “happy, loving and generous memory with hearts exploding with possibilities.”
“Life has its moments and also its surprises — as you keep your integrity through it all justice and truth will shine today and into eternity,” Sharon concluded. “I love you more than you will ever know! Happy Birthday, my beautiful boy! May God continue to bless you in truth.”
Justin, who turned 41 on Friday, is currently in the middle of a contentious and very public legal battle against It Ends With Us costar Blake Lively. After the film was released in August 2024, Lively, 37, sued Justin for alleged sexual harassment, claiming the actor-director fostered a “hostile work environment.” She also claimed that Justin attempted to launch a concentrated PR campaign to ruin her reputation.
Justin vehemently denied the accusations before filing a $400 million suit of his own against Lively. In the court documents obtained by Us Weekly earlier this month, Justin’s legal team claimed that Lively was “determined to make [Justin] the real-life villain in her story” to mask her alleged “tone-deaf” promotion of the film. (The two actors played a couple in an abusive marriage in It Ends With Us, which Justin also directed.)
Lively rebuked the accusations via a spokesperson.
“This latest lawsuit from Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its associates is another chapter in the abuser playbook. This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim,” Lively’s lawyers told Us in a statement earlier this month. “This is what experts call DARVO. Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim Offender. Wayfarer has opted to use the resources of its billionaire co-founder to issue media statements, launch meritless lawsuits, and threaten litigation to overwhelm the public’s ability to understand that what they are doing is retaliation against sexual harassment allegations.”
Justin, meanwhile, is focusing on his family in light of the scandal.
“We’re grateful to be with the family, man,” he told photographers on January 17 in footage obtained by TMZ. “We have amazing friends and family and faith.”
Last Man Standing has ended, but the show’s stars including Tim Allen, Nancy Travis and Kaitlyn Dever have remained on our screens.
The sitcom started out on ABC and starred Allen as an executive at a sporting goods store chain in Denver, Colorado. Mike Baxter was a married father of three daughters and a grandfather to his eldest daughter’s son. Last Man Standing aired on the network from 2011 to 2017 before moving to Fox for three more seasons.
“The word that keeps me alive is ‘grateful.’ I love what I do. I get far more enjoyment out of entertaining people than anything monetary,” Allen exclusively told Us Weekly in 2020. “I love the live audience we have. I tell them every night, ‘This is old-school stuff, what television and broadcast started with.’ I don’t know the future, but this [show] is rare.”
“We did the same thing as we did with Home Improvement. It’s all about the relationships — we don’t get into topical stuff. But [now], I’ve just got girls, so you see how a man differs in his perspective when he has so many strong women around him,” he continued. “We never make fun [of each other]. It’s an affectionate family. I like the fact that we honor and make fun — at the same time — marriage, institution, kids, babies, people. But in the same way, we honor it. We’re not being snarky about it.”
Keep scrolling to see where the cast of Last Man Standing is now:
After playing Mike, Allen reprised his role of Santa Claus/Scott Calvin in Disney+'s The Santa Clauses. He returned to ABC with the 2025 sitcom Shifting Gears, which costars Kat Dennings and Seann William Scott. On the big screen, Allen has continued to voice Buzz Lightyear in various Toy Story projects.
Allen was married to Laura Deibel from 1984 to 2003. Before their split, they welcomed daughter Katherine in 1989. The actor found love again with Jane Hajduk and they got married in 2006 after several years of dating. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was born in 2009.
Travis has remained busy since bringing Vanessa to life. Her TV roles include Mr. Mercedes, The Ranch, The Kominsky Method, Ride and Grosse Pointe Garden Society. Us broke the news in January 2025 that Travis would be reuniting with her former sitcom husband on an upcoming episode of Shifting Gears.
The actress has also booked roles in Ordinary Angels and Sovereign. Travis shares two kids with husband Robert N. Fried, who she has been married to since 1994.
The role of the eldest Baxter daughter, Kristin, was originated by Krosney in season 1. It was announced in 2012 that Krosney was let go from the sitcom for unspecified creative reasons and has since appeared in Emily Owens, M.D. and Aquarius.
Fuller took over for Krosney from season 2 onward and after wrapping her time on Last Man Standing, she appeared on Orange Is the New Black and has an upcoming appearance on The Pitt. Fuller made her debut behind the camera as a director during a season 8 episode of Last Man Standing.
Fuller is married to Matthew Bryan Feld and they share one child.
The middle Baxter daughter, Mandy, was a fan-favorite character played by Ephraim until season 6. Ephraim opted not to return when Last Man Standing was revived by Fox but remained busy with opportunities on Brockmire, Halt and Catch Fire, Casual, Perry Mason, Angelyne and A League of Their Own.
Ephraim has been married to husband Evan since 2021. They welcomed their daughter later that year.
McCook took Ephraim's place starting in season 7 and remained on the show until its finale. After that, McCook scored roles on Good Trouble and Not Dead Yet. She exchanged vows with Broadway actor John Krause in 2019.
The only Baxter daughter that was played by one actress was Eve. In addition to Last Man Standing, Dever made a name for herself in Unbelievable, Monsterland, The Premise, Dopesick and upcoming roles in Apple Cider Vinegar and The Last of Us. On the big screen, Dever might look familiar because of her work in Booksmart, Dear Evan Hansen, Ticket to Paradise, Rosaline, No One Will Save You and See You When I See You.
Sanders won Us over as Kyle on Last Man Standing. He hasn't appeared in any new TV projects but did book a role on the big screen in Faith Based.
Sanders got engaged to actress Elizabeth McLaughlin in December 2024.
Ryan was briefly played by Nick Jonas in one episode before Masterson took over from season 2. Jordan comes from the Masterson family, which includes sister Alanna Masterson and half brothers Danny Masterson and Christopher Masterson. His cousin is Angus T. Jones.
Jordan is a member of the Church of Scientology and was previously linked to Dakota Johnson. In his professional life, Jordan made guest appearances on Grounded for Life, George Lopez, Las Vegas, 7th Heaven, CSI: Miami, Without a Trace and How I Met Your Mother before Last Man Standing.
Kristen and Ryan's son, Boyd, was portrayed by multiple actors but Morrison made the biggest impression. Morrison hasn't appeared in any projects since he was replaced by Jet Jurgensmeyer on Last Man Standing.
Following his time playing Ed Alzate, Elizondo has been credited for B Positive, Green Eggs and Ham, Star Wars: The Bad Batch and Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie. Elizondo also appeared in Music and Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It.
He was married to Marie Rivera from 1956 to 1975 and Marie Mandry from 1963 to 1964. Elizondo exchanged vows with Carolee Campbell in 1969.
Adams made many appearances on Last Man Standing as Mike's neighbor Chuck Larabee. He has booked roles on Dark Winds, All Rise, Bob Hearts Abishola and Grey's Anatomy. On the big screen, Adams appeared in Elemental and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Adams has been married to Monica Farrell since 1994 and they share two kids.
Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in ‘Birdgerton.’Liam Daniel/Netflix
The fourth season of Bridgerton will include many fan-favorites — but not everyone is returning for more episodes of the show.
Bridgerton, which is based on the book series written by Julia Quinn, centers around members of the wealthy Bridgerton family as they search for love in 19th century London. Season 1 followed Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset’s (Regé-Jean Page) romance, who were the central couple in the first book, The Duke and I.
Season 2, meanwhile, took inspiration from The Viscount Who Loved Me, which followed Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) finding love with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). Despite Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) being the subject of the third novel — An Offer From a Gentleman — his love story with newcomer Sophie (Yerin Ha) was pushed to season 4.
Instead, the third season focused on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) as seen in Quinn’s book Romancing Mister Bridgerton. The shakeup has kept readers on their toes — as has former cast members stepping away from the show.
“They’re free to do as they like,” Page told Variety in July 2022 after being asked about a recasting for Simon. “Shonda and I had a wonderful conversation at the end of season 1. We were quite happy with how we stuck the landing on that one. We did so well on that redemptive arc that people forget that Simon was kind of horrific. He was the best example of a Regency f—kboy that any of us had come across.”
Page continued: “And so, because we came around full circle so well, because we stuck that landing, you’re left with this great feeling. You really do have to be brave about ending stories like that.”
While Bridgerton didn’t recast Simon, Page has stood by his decision not to return. Dynevor later confirmed her own exit from the series, which didn’t appear to be her choice.
Keep scrolling to see which Bridgerton characters are returning — and which aren’t — in season 4:
Benedict Bridgerton
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Thompson and Ha will be front and center during season 4. “It’s a fairy tale love story but it’s also got the Bridgerton element of trying to sort of tether it to some sort of reality as well and see how that pans out,” Thompson told Tudum in September 2024 before Ha added, “[Fans will see] this kind of emotional tug-of-war, or like this kind of push and pull between I guess what their heart desires, and I guess what society kind of desires for them.”
Bailey confirmed he will return as Anthony in season 4, sharing during a November 2024 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, “Gonna reunite with the family next week. I’ll always pop back and say hello.”
Kate Bridgerton
Liam Daniel/Netflix
“I know that I am returning, but that’s all I can say,” Ashley said in an interview with Glamour U.K. in October 2024. “I absolutely adore the show, and the more I can be a part of it, the better,” she added. “They’ve been really kind to work around my schedule.”
Eloise Bridgerton
Liam Daniel/Netflix
When season 3 came to an end, Eloise (Claudia Jessie) joined Francesca (Hannah Dodd) on her trip. Eloise is a frontrunner to be the next lead with To Sir Phillip, With Love, which is the fifth book in the franchise, reintroducing Phillip (Chris Fulton) as he built a connection with Eloise.
Colin Bridgerton
Liam Daniel/Netflix
In April 2024, Newton said he planned to remain on the show. “It’s changed my life so I know that I’ll be sticking around,” he told High Life Magazine at the time.
Penelope Bridgerton
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Coughlan received an invitation to return, telling The Wrap in May 2024, “They’ve told us we’re back for Season 4, which is super lovely … It’ll be exciting. [We’ll] pop back and have some fun for sure.”
Francesca Stirling
Liam Daniel/Netflix
“I can’t say if it’s in season 4 or not, but yes, there will be a time jump. I mean, we also really want to honor John and Francesca’s relationship, which although we are telling a queer story with Francesca, I don’t think that that negates her genuine connection with John. I know a lot of people have really fallen for that relationship, and we in the room really cared deeply about that relationship and about their connection,” showrunner Jess Brownell told The Hollywood Reporter in June 2024. “I think hopefully, it’s a lovely statement on the fact that relationships based in companionship, respect, friendship, trust and shared interests are just as valid as relationships that are super passionate. Both have value, and neither negates the other.”
She concluded: “So we’re absolutely not denying the connection that Fran and John have, and when we tell the Francesca and Michaela story, we would definitely want there to be a time jump to give Francesca some time to earnestly mourn what she had with John.”
Victor Alli was introduced as Francesca’s love interest — and future husband — in season 3. While the fictional couple ended up together, book fans know that John ultimately dies and Francesca finds love with his cousin Michael, who has been gender-swapped on the show. Alli and Masali Baduza, who plays Michaela, are both set to reprise their roles in season 4.
“I’m confident now that when Francesca has her Bridgerton season, it will be the most emotional and heart-wrenching story of the show, just like When He Was Wicked has always been the true tear-jerker of the Bridgerton book series,” Quinn wrote in a June 2024 statement. “Honestly, it may pack even more of a punch, since John is getting a lot more time on the screen than he ever did on the page, and I think it’s fair to say we’ve all fallen a little bit in love with him.”
Hyacinth Bridgerton
Liam Daniel/Netflix
The seventh book in the Bridgerton series follows Hyacinth’s love story. Florence Hunt, who has played the character since season 1, has been announced as a cast member for future installments.
“One of the things that was very exciting when they actually first bought the series was that it was really clear to me that they put a lot of thought into it already,” Quinn told People in July 2024. “We had to go through everything and very specifically say, ‘These characters are included, these characters are not.’ In that process, it was really clear to me that they had a long plan and were really thinking about all the books.”
Daphne Basset
Liam Daniel/Netflix
During an interview with The Direct in January 2025, Dyenvor said she’s “still waiting on that call” to return to the show, adding, “They’ve not called me yet and I think they’re shooting season 4 right now.”
Simon Basset
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Netflix announced in April 2021 that Page would not be reprising his role as the Duke of Hastings despite plans for Daphne to appear in future seasons.
“It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end — give us a year,” he told Variety at the time. “[I thought] ‘That’s interesting,’ because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit, and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.”
Page has stood by his decision even though fans have publicly voiced their disappointment about not getting to see where Simon’s story goes from here.
Queen Charlotte
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Despite the real Queen Charlotte’s death in 1818, showrunner Jess Brownell confirmed the show would get creative to keep Golda Rosheuvel on the show.
“I worship Golda Rosheuvel and I think she’s so fantastic in her role. Shonda [Rhimes] and I, internally, have just decided that we’re in an alternate dimension,” Brownell told TVLine in June 2024 about why viewers don’t have to worry about Charlotte being killed off. “There’s potential that in this timeline, Queen Charlotte could live forever.”
When Penelope’s identity as Whistledown was a secret, iconic film actress Julie Andrews did the voiceover for the character. Season 3 shook things up by having Penelope take that over after revealing she was behind the Whistledown columns.
“Thematically and creatively, that would be the right thing to do. Penelope is owning her voice, so it really should be Nicola’s voice. But it’s Julie Andrews and I don’t know how you say no thank you anymore to Julie Andrews,” Brownell shared with EW in June 2024. “I couldn’t possibly, so to me that’s just the voice that Penelope uses in her head when she writes the thing. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that she’s owning her true self now.”
Brownell used the opportunity to hint at whether Whistledown will continue to play a role, adding, “It means that she’s now a public scandal writer, which is going to be a tricky balance. … She has everyone knowing who she is. After her arc this season, she’s going to be wrestling with accountability and with righteousness and trying to figure out what the right path is to use her pen responsibly.”
Albion Finch
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Lorn Macdonald, who has played Finch since season 2, took to Instagram in June 2024 to celebrate his time on the hit Netflix series. Fans, however, quickly questioned if the message doubled as a goodbye to the series.
“Albion Finch. What started off with cheese and a sneeze became a character I deeply care about. Huge thanks to everyone who made this a job I’ll never forget and to all the fans showing your love for this weird little dude,” Macdonald wrote at the time. “It means a lot. And to my Philippa. @harriet.cains . My partner in crime. It’s been real.”
Will Mondrich
Liam Daniel/Netflix
Photos from a season 4 table read released via Instagram in December 2024 confirmed the return of characters including Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), Portia Featherington (Polly Walker), Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe) and more.
One of my favorite wardrobe secrets is my butt-lifting leggings. They sound absolutely ridiculous . . . until you try them for yourself.
Unlike regular leggings that tend to fall down even after even the slightest movement, butt-lifting leggings feature smart details like a v-shaped waist band or butt-scrunch technology (yes, it’s a thing). These thoughtful features achieve the same results as doing hundreds of squats, except the only thing you have to do is slip them on.
To help your wardrobe essentials work smarter not harder, I rounded up 10 butt-lifting legging options perfect for any activity. From lifting weights to practicing yoga or lounging around the house, here are my favorite picks — all under $40 at Amazon!
1. Our favorite: I own multiple pairs of these Sunzel butt-lifting leggings, so it’s only right I share my recommendation. The invisible butt-scrunch technology (emphasis on invisible) gently lifts the bum for an instant confidence boost — $30 at Amazon!
2. Wonderful for Workouts: Need a new pair of leggings for exercising? Go for this high-waisted pair that doesn’t budge whether you’re running, lifting weights, practicing yoga or walking — $36 at Amazon!
3. A Pair with Pockets: We’ll never not be excited to discover clothing with pockets! These durable leggings are from one of our favorite activewear brands (aka The Gym People) and remind us time and time again that high quality pants can be affordable — $29 at Amazon!
4. For under $20: We did a double take when we discovered these butt-lifting leggings for under $20! The best part? They feature a thick yet comfortable nylon and spandex material, making them totally squat-proof — $15 at Amazon!
5. Fabulous Flare: These high-waisted flare leggings are about to be the most comfortable pants you own. Choose from multiple inseam lengths and several flattering colors — $29 at Amazon!
6. Cute and Colorful: Black leggings are oh so flattering, but they’re also kind of boring. Mix it up with this royal blue pair that’s perfect for this upcoming spring and summer — $31 at Amazon!
7. Waist-Snatching: Butt-lifting leggings do so much more than, well, lift your booty. They also tend to be high waisted, offering plenty of tummy control. This under $30 pair checks all of our boxes — $27 at Amazon!
8. Crossover Cutie: Some of the most comfortable leggings I own feature a v-cross waistband. It smooths the waist like magic — $26 at Amazon!
9. Seamless Stretch: Don’t forget to look for butt-lifting leggings with plenty of stretch! This pair is just the pick thanks to its high stretch waistband and materials — $19 at Amazon!
10. Great Value: Boasting nearly 5,000 Amazon fans, this four-pack of leggings is an incredible value. Especially if you wear them almost every day like me! — $27 at Amazon!
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as DJ Unk,” his former record label wrote in a Friday, January 24, Instagram statement. “On behalf of Big Oomp Records and the BOR Family, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless fans who were touched by his artistry and spirit.”
The statement continued, “DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label and the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever. Hit songs such as ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come. His energy, creativity, and commitment to the craft will never be forgotten.”
Big Oomp Records further asked followers to “keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
“We also want to thank everyone who has supported DJ Unk and the Oomp Camp over the years,” the social media note concluded. “Rest in peace, Unk. You will forever be missed. .”
A cause of death has not been publicly revealed. DJ Ink is survived by his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, and their children.
“Please respect me and my family,” Long-Platt wrote via Facebook on Friday. “I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”
DJ Unk rose to fame in 2000 when he signed with Big Oomp Records, later releasing his debut album Beat’n Down Yo Block! six years later. “Walk It Out” soon became a runaway hit, prompting a remix with André 3000 and Jim Jones.
One year after releasing his sophomore album, DJ Unk suffered a heart attack in 2009. He blamed the health scare on frequent touring, poor eating habits and drinking alcohol.
“It comes from not exercising, from not eating right. Basically man, I work hard every day,” he told XXL Magazine in 2010. Everything I do every day I try to make something happen in my household. I constantly be on the go, I constantly be on airplanes, in different weather and you know it just took a toll on me. It was stress.”
DJ Unk further told the outlet that he “calmed down” on both drinking and smoking after the cardiac incident.
“I just don’t go ham like I did before; everything was so fast,” he added at the time. “Instead of praying once like before, I go twice a day.”
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Wahlberg, 55, and McCarthy, 52, who met in 2012 and married in 2014, recalled attending the Emmys shortly after their wedding, where they decided to sneak away for a few minutes. As they were making out in the hallway, Wahlberg could hear one of the most distinctive voices in Hollywood.
“We hear this voice say, ‘Get a room,’” Wahlberg told Us. “I was like, ‘That sounded like the voice of God.’ It was Morgan Freeman. He walked by and winked at us and we were like, ‘Is there a bathroom around?’”
Since saying “I do”, peeling off by themselves during public events is a common occurrence. McCarthy added that the duo still “like to sneak off at parties.”
“If someone has a Christmas party, we’re going to find the basement bathroom, take advantage of the moment,” she teased.
Jenny McCarthy, Donnie Wahlberg.Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
When there’s not a spare room available, the lovebirds like to think out of the box, and sometimes their spontaneity takes them on a quick drive, out of public view.
“And I think there was that one time where I was like, ‘We never did it in a car,’” she added. “And they were like, ‘Well, let’s do it.’ So we drove down the street just to do it.”
Whether it’s in front of the “voice of God” or in the privacy of their own car, Wahlberg says they try to “keep it spicy” a decade into their marriage.
“It’s like, treat yourselves in the good ways you did when you first started to fall for each other,” he explained. “That’s really it. That’s how you keep it alive, don’t take it for granted that it’s been 10 years now. We don’t have to do that stuff anymore. No, do it. Do all the things that showed how much you cared in the beginning. Keep doing it as best you can.”
That doesn’t mean, however, that Wahlberg and McCarthy seek out public places — or that they intended for Freeman to catch them kissing.
“We don’t want people to watch us,” McCarthy said. “We try to make sure it’s private, but it makes it more fun than the typical, your bedroom.”
For those interested in watching Wahlberg and McCarthy do something aside from packing on the PDA, the pair will cohost ID true-crime special Very Scary Lovers on February 2 at 10 p.m. ET, right after the finale of Wahlberg’s Very Scary People.
For more on Wahlberg and McCarthy, pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.
Christina Haack has legally changed her last name back to her roots amid her ongoing divorce from Joshua Hall.
“Officially a Haack ,” the Flip Off star, 41, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Friday, January 24, sharing the official name-change paperwork from the Social Security Administration.
She added, “Identifying as only married twice. Time to update the Wikipedia.”
Haack is currently navigating a divorce from third husband Hall, 44. After they got married in April 2022, she changed her surname to his moniker.
Haack was previously married to Flip or Flop costar Tarek El Moussa from 2006 to 2016 and British TV presenter Ant Anstead from 2018 to 2020. (Haack and El Moussa, 43, share children Taylor and Brayden, while she coparents son Hudson with Anstead, 45.)
Courtesy of Christina Haack/Instagram
After two years of marriage to Hall, Haack filed for divorce in July 2024. The proceedings are still ongoing.
“[We’re] not even close,” Haack said on SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live earlier this month. “We’re going to be going to trial, I hear. It’s going to be fun. Can’t wait.”
According to the HGTV star, Hall allegedly “doesn’t want to do mediation” to settle the proceedings.
“[The court hasn’t] ordered me yet but he’s been asking me [for money],” Haack claimed to radio host Jeff Lewis. “I’ve already had to give a little something, but then he bought a Bentley. I gave him money to live and he bought a Bentley, but he also doesn’t have a job.”
Hall has not publicly responded to Haack’s accusations.
“Hall is not available for comment, as he’s continuing to live his life in the present and celebrating his beautiful new girlfriend’s birthday,” his spokesperson told Us, referring to Nashville-based model Stephanie Gabrys. “With that said, it’s sad Christina must resort to low blows about her ex Josh to promote her new show. She should focus on her new boyfriend and stop talking about Josh. As the great Mariah Carey once sang, ‘Why you so obsessed with me?’ We wish Christina the best.”
Haack recently started seeingbusinessman Christopher LaRocca. She also remains open to the possibility of finding The One.
“I’ll always love love,” Haack told Us in her cover story earlier this month. “I probably will [get married again] eventually. But, not anytime soon.”
Haack further told Us that she would need to “be engaged for a minimum of, like, five years” before walking down the aisle for a fourth time.
As Super Bowl LIX approaches, Guy Fieri, J.J. Watt and Carla Hall are sharing their advice on how to throw the most epic get-together for the Big Game.
“People like the fall, holidays and summer,” Fieri, 57, exclusively reveals in the latest issue of Us Weekly. “[But] football season is my favorite season of the year.”
While Fieri sees Super Bowl Sunday as a sports enthusiast’s biggest holiday, Hall, 60, believes that the game is a pop culture moment for all to enjoy.
“It’s not just about the [football],” the Top Chef alum tells Us. “We wanna see the commercials. It’s what food are you gonna be eating? It’s coming together with your friends.”
So what does it take to host the ultimate Super Bowl party? Keep scrolling to see Fieri, Watt and Hall’s expert tips:
Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
Turn Your Party Into an Event
To accommodate a large gathering, Fieri recommends having a couple of TVs playing the game so your guests can feel comfortable.
“We have one outside, one here in the kitchen, one in the living room,” the restaurateur, who recently launched Flavortown Cookware, tells Us.
To make the party more exciting and lively, Hall suggests making things interesting by incorporating some games into the viewing experience.
“Have a football pool, but it would also be fun to do a bingo game where you ask questions about the teams that keep people engaged in the game,” she says. “Like, which quarterback is gonna make the first touchdown? It keeps people chatting and there’s no lull.”
Prepare Snacks in Advance
“Don’t carry the whole burden yourself,” Fieri advises. “People want to put on this big spread, and they spend all their time in the kitchen yelling, ‘What just happened?’ Do foods that you can set up and get ’em done. Chicken wings — hot chicken wings, not so hot, they’re fine. Let people put the sauces on ’em. People want to warm them up, throw them in an air fryer.”
Give Them Options
When it’s up to the Mayor of Flavortown, he prefers for his guests to have plenty of choices for what to put on their game day plate.
“Not everybody likes the same thing,” Fieri says. “Roast a piece of prime rib or top round and slice it thin. You could go French dips, you could go hot Italian beef, you could go barbecue sandwiches, you could go an Asian banh mi.”
Three Zone Strategy
While not everyone will be as tapped into the games as others, Watt has a foolproof method to ensure everyone has a blast during the gathering.
“You have to have a three zone strategy,” the former defensive end tells Us. “You have the kitchen where the food and conversation happen. You have a socializing TV room where the game is on, but people are in and out. And you have a football-dedicated zone: this is where the guys — or gals! — that really want to lock in on the game go. Don’t mess with them!”
For more on Fieri, Watt and Hall pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now.
King Charles IIIMillie Pilkington/Buckingham Palace
King Charles III is celebrating his Scottish roots in a new photo released by Buckingham Palace on Saturday, January 24.
The monarch, 76, can be seen wearing a kilt made from the King Charles III tartan in the picture, which was taken in the library at Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s holiday home in Scotland.
It was snapped in the fall of last year, according to a press release issued by the palace to Us Weekly. The image was later shared on the palace’s Instagram account.
“Wishing those celebrating a very happy #BurnsNight tonight,” the caption read.
The photo, taken by Millie Pilkington, was released on Burns Night, an annual celebration in honor of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. (Burns is known for the song “Auld Lang Syne,” which is often performed on New Year’s Eve around the world.)
It’s not the first time Charles has rocked a kilt. He wore the traditional Scottish garment on multiple royal engagements in Scotland throughout the years.
The royal family has a strong connection to Scotland. Every summer, senior royals travel to Edinburgh, the country’s capital city, for Royal Week, also known as Holyrood Week. While there, they usually stay at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the family’s official residence in Edinburgh.
The late Queen Elizabeth II spent her final days at Balmoral Castle, where she died at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022. Her coffin was later transported to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and placed in the throne room before being taken to London for Elizabeth II’s funeral on September 19.
The King quoted Burns when speaking about his mother’s death at the Scottish Parliament in September 2022.
“My mother felt, as I do, the greatest admiration for the Scottish people, for their magnificent achievements and their indomitable spirit,” Charles said at the time.
“And it was the greatest comfort for her to know, in turn, the true affection in which she was held. The knowledge of that deep and abiding bond must be to us a solace as we mourn the end of a life of incomparable service,” he added.
The King continued: “If I might paraphrase the words of the great Robert Burns, my dear mother was: ‘The friend of man, the friend of truth; The friend of age, and guide of youth: Few hearts like hers, with virtue warm’d, Few heads with knowledge so inform’d.’”
Morris Chestnut is playing the newest iteration of John Watson in CBS’ Watson, and says fans can expect to see more than a few low-key references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle‘s Sherlock Holmes book series.
“I couldn’t catch them all because once we’re in production, there were so many of the ones that were very pertinent to the story line,” Chestnut, 56, exclusively told Us Weekly ahead of the show’s premiere on Sunday, January 26. “I was able to ask a lot of questions. And after I was reading some of Sherlock Holmes after we wrapped, I was like, ‘Oh.’ Some things came to me that I didn’t realize at the time.”
“[In the show], Watson gave up the life that he had and ended up losing his wife to go solve mysteries and crimes with Holmes. Now that Holmes is gone, he allowed Watson a second lease on life by providing this clinic,” he teased. “But throughout the first season, that’s one of the things that Watson is dealing with. He’s dealing with who he is without Holmes at this stage of his life with everything that he’s lost.”
Chestnut continued: “He is just trying to rebuild a relationship with his wife, trying to rebuild the clinic and his medical practice. So throughout the first season, Watson questions [who he is without Holmes] quite a bit.”
Based on Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, Watson takes place six months after James Moriarty kills the legendary detective. Watson must come to terms with the loss of his best friend and partner by resuming his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare disorders.
Colin Bentley/CBS
“I did not consult any other [past] Watson [performances]. I did of course read some of the books and I looked at some of the other projects out there. For me, I felt that this character was different because the other Watsons are primarily not the focus,” Chestnut explained to Us of his performance in the upcoming series. “The story is always told from Sherlock’s perspective. So this story is being told from Watson’s perspective in a very specific way. We’re part of the mythology, but the clinic and being a detective is not part of the mythology.”
CBS offered Watson the “freedom” to “really explore” a different take on the Sherlock Holmes franchise. Chestnut, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, says he had a “very collaborative” experience with creator Craig Sweeny after his work on Elementary.
“Craig and I communicated quite a bit for the character,” the actor recalled before referencing Sweeny’s past contemporary series based on Sherlock Holmes. “Craig is so well read in the mythology that there’s nothing that you can say about it that he doesn’t know. I feel we’re very ambitious [in] taking on this phenomenon in the way that we do. And having someone like Craig as an overall resource was tremendous.”
Colin Bentley/CBS
Watson is the second CBS series to take inspiration from the Holmes stories. Elementary, which aired from 2012 to 2019, starred Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson. Liu’s iteration was a former surgeon hired by Sherlock’s (Jonny Lee Miller) father to help him in his rehabilitation as a recovering drug addict and former consultant to Scotland Yard.
In addition to Chestnut as Watson, Eve Harlow plays a highly skilled neurologist named Ingridwith a questionable past, while Peter Mark Kendall plays twin brothers — Stephens and Adam — who are infectious disease and functional medicine specialists. The show also features Inga Schlingmann in the role of Sasha, a specialist in rheumatology and immunology. Ritchie Coster rounds out the cast as Shinwell,a former criminal acquaintance of Holmes and Watson, while Rochelle Aytes plays Watson’s ex-wife, Mary.
“We’re not just doctors — we are detectives. We’re doc detectives. I’ve done medical dramas before but this wasn’t just medical. I’ve done detective dramas before but it wasn’t just detectives. The combination of both of them made it really interesting to me,” Chestnut noted. “It is a very ambitious undertaking that we’ve done. But the core and the foundation is still pretty much the same. And having a one hour procedural, I was just really excited to be a part of it.”
Watson premieres on CBS after the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 26, at 10 p.m. ET. It will begin airing in its regular time slot on Sunday, February 16, and new episodes stream the next day on Paramount+.
Emily Baldoni and Justin BaldoniEric Charbonneau/Getty Images
Justin Baldonicelebrated his 41st birthday with his family by his side amid ongoing legal drama.
“Happy birthday, my love,” the actor’s wife, Emily Baldoni, wrote via Instagram on Friday, January 24. “Celebrating the man, husband and father that you are. I’d choose you again and again.”
Emily, 40, also uploaded a photo of the couple, who have been married since 2013, kissing in front of a body of water. In the snap, their daughter Maiya, 9, hugged their waists while their son Maxwell, 7, was perched on Justin’s shoulders.
Justin turned 41 on Friday, which his other relatives celebrated with their own social media tributes.
“Happy Birthday Justin ~ remembering a wonderful moment after the final ending of Jane The Virgin — a moment where joy and love permeated the set, where friendships and family were born and kindness and integrity permeated the hearts of all the actors and crew, where sadness only entered because it was the final scene of a wonderful journey, and the beginning of the rest of our lives,” Justin’s mom, Sharon Baldoni, wrote in her own Instagram tribute. “A happy loving and generous memory with hearts exploding with possibilities. Life has its moments and, also, its surprises — as you keep your integrity through it all. Justice and truth will shine today and into eternity.”
She added, “I love you more than you will ever know! Happy Birthday my beautiful boy! May God continue to bless you in truth.”
Courtesy of Emily Baldoni/Instagram
Justin is currently embroiled in a legal battle surrounding his experience on 2024’s It Ends With Us. His costar Blake Livelyfiled a lawsuit last month, accusing Justin of sexual harassment and attempting to ruin her reputation. Justin and Lively, 37, starred as a couple in an abusive relationship in the Colleen Hoover film adaptation, which Justin also directed.
Justin vehemently denied Lively’s accusations before filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her team. In the court documents, obtained by Us Weekly earlier this month, Baldoni’s legal team claimed that Lively was “determined to make Baldoni the real-life villain in her story” to mask her alleged “tone-deaf” promotion of the film.
Lively denied his claims through a spokesperson.
“This latest lawsuit from Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its associates is another chapter in the abuser playbook. This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim,” Lively’s lawyers told Us in a statement. “This is what experts call DARVO. Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim Offender. Wayfarer has opted to use the resources of its billionaire co-founder to issue media statements, launch meritless lawsuits, and threaten litigation to overwhelm the public’s ability to understand that what they are doing is retaliation against sexual harassment allegations.”
Justin, meanwhile, has since been prioritizing his family amid the legal battle.
“We’re grateful to be with the family, man,” he told photographers on January 17 in footage obtained by TMZ. “We have amazing friends and family and faith.”
Whether you celebrate the holiday with your significant other, best friends or yourself, Valentine’s Day is a sweet excuse for showing everyone some love. Now is the best time to gather Valentine’s Day gift ideas, and we’re big fans of gifting jewelry this time of year (even to yourself!).
I know I know — isn’t jewelry for Valentine’s Day a little stereotypical? It may sound cliche, but let’s be real — who wouldn’t want the gift of jewelry? You don’t have to gift diamonds just to show you care. There are plenty of affordable jewelry gifts from Kendra Scott, Baublebar and Pandora for under $100.
From pink heart rings to affordable tennis bracelets (yes, really), we rounded up thoughtful jewelry gifts that won’t break the bank. Scroll on for our top jewelry gift recommendations this Valentine’s Day.
Anyone who’s always wearing a bracelet stack will be ecstatic to receive this Kendra Scott Ari Heart Gold Bracelet. It features a dainty chain that showcases a pretty red heart in the center. Talk about the perfect gift for all of your gals!
Even though this heart ring serves as an excellent Valentine’s Day gift, it makes a stunning everyday accessory, too. The 18k gold-plated brass ring can be worn with a stack of rings or on its own.
Some heart necklaces are bulky and big, but that’s not the case with this perfectly sized pendant from Ana Luisa. Available in gold or silver, the necklace makes an adorable layering piece when paired with other dainty necklaces.
Looking for something sentimental to gift this Valentine’s Day? Go for Ben Amun’s 24k Gold Electroplate Locket. Featuring intricate details around the heart, the locket opens to reveal a photo of your choosing. How sweet!
A memorable Valentine’s Day gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Take this open heart pearl pendant necklace — it’s just $20 but looks so much more expensive. This jewelry gift is perfect for daughters, grandkids or girlfriends.
Looking to splurge a little? This sapphire jewelry gift set is just under $100 and comes with a heart pendant necklace and matching bracelet. Talk about a sweet deal!
Embodying the spirit of love, this Pandora Pink Chakra Heart Ring is anything but ordinary. It’s perfect for anyone who prefers thoughtful yet dainty jewelry, and it’s extra sentimental considering it’s coming from someone they love — aka you!
If you’re looking for a customizable jewlery gift, head to Baublebar. The brand offers fun pieces for any style and budget. Our pick? The Metallic Custom Woven Friendship Bracelet. It’s available in multiple colors and can be customized with a name, initials or sweet phrase.
Out of the 142 episodes he shot for Party of Five, Scott Wolf says one episode in particular stands out to him.
“‘The Intervention’ [season 3, episode 20] — where the family confronts Bailey about his drinking — is my favorite Party of Five episode,” Wolf, 56, reveals exclusively in his 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me feature in the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now. “It was the most demanding and gratifying. It was written perfectly and the culmination of Bailey’s experience up until that point.”
Party of Five, which aired on Fox from 1994 to 2000, follows five siblings navigating young adulthood together after the loss of their parents. Matthew Fox, Neve Campbell, Lacey Chabert and Jennifer Love Hewitt costarred along with Wolf. The siblings face various struggles throughout the series, including Wolf’s character Bailey’s struggle with alcoholism.
While the show dealt with some difficult subject matter, Wolf says his latest series, Doc, has been his most challenging project thus far: “Dr. Richard Miller is an incredibly complex character,” he told Us.
Doc — which airs on Fox on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET — follows the fictional Westside Hospital in Minneapolis, where the chief of internal medicine attempts to resume her medical career after a car accident, with the help of her colleagues, including Wolf as Miller.
Scott Wolf.Cindy Ord/Getty Images
For more fun facts from Wolf — including his first celebrity crush — keep scrolling:
1. My first car was a 1978 Volkswagen Dasher Wagon. My friends called it The Family Truckster from the Vacation movies. I had just gotten my license and was so eager to drive anything that I bought that piece of crap car and it was almost the end of me. I learned how to be a quasi-auto mechanic because it needed fixing all the time. It was a disaster, [but] I like to think it built character.
2. My favorite book I’ve ever read is One Hundred Years of Solitude. It really felt like you traveled through time with those characters.
3. Math was my best subject in school. I have a decent mind for math. I never loved it, but it came easier to me than most other subjects.
4. My favorite comfort meal is my wife’s chicken noodle soup. It’s homemade, delicious and arrives when you need it most.
5. “The Intervention” [season 3, episode 20] — where the family confronts Bailey about his drinking — is my favorite Party of Five episode. It was the most demanding and gratifying. It was written perfectly and the culmination of Bailey’s experience up until that point.
Cover Images
6. Doc is the most challenging project I’ve been a part of. Dr. Richard Miller is an incredibly complex character.
7. The trend I miss the most from the ’90s is boy bands.
8. My wedding ring is my most valuable possession — though I can’t find it. My wife knows I take it on and off for work. Anytime I’ve played a married character, I’ve worn it, and then invariably I’ll wear it on the set and someone’s like, “Go get Scott’s ring,” and it’s in someone’s pocket. So I can’t find it, but it’s 100 percent invaluable.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
9. I play drums and guitar.
10. I’m really good at those puzzle books where you have to find the hidden objects.
11. My most starstruck moment was when Paul Newman came to see a play I was in at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Thank God nobody told me he was there when we did the show, but in the dressing room after, someone tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Paul Newman would like to say hello,” and I don’t remember the next few seconds. He and his wife, Joanne Woodward, were there and they were the most lovely, gracious humans and said how much they enjoyed the play and my performance, and I couldn’t put real words together. He was that kind of genius human who just didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable or starstruck, even though everyone that ever said hello to him probably was.
13. My go-to takeout order is a McDonald’s Big Mac meal [with] large fries and a Coke.
14. I love every place I’ve gone to in Mexico. I love the food, the people and the beaches.
15. My first job was as a busboy at a pizza restaurant in my hometown. People would put their cigarettes out [on] the plates and I was picking those up. I lasted one night. Thankfully, other jobs have lasted longer.
16. I’m from New Jersey, and my reality-TV guilty pleasure show is The Real Housewives of New Jersey. It’s like going to a reunion.
Jocelyn Prescod/Bravo
17. I collect objects from places I’ve gone with my family. I love having a bowl of random shells, stones and things that you may not remember where they’re from, but they tell a story.
18. One of the most meaningful moments in my career was winning the Golden Globe [for Best Television Series — Drama] with the Party of Five cast. I was so proud to be part of that special group of people and getting that honor was really meaningful.
19. My bucket list isn’t about outside things — it’s become about being more present.
20. To unwind, I have a glass of bourbon and find someone in the house to laugh with.
21. I really looked up to Johnny Carson growing up. He was quick-witted and funny, but also heartfelt. He seemed like the consummate entertainer.
22. My first celebrity crush was Marcia Brady [Maureen McCormick]. I met her and told her that, and she was lovely and kind.
23. I was lucky enough to work with Jeff Bridges on White Squall, and he was as cool, funny and generous as anybody I’ve ever worked with. I would work with him again every day.
24. My alternate profession would be a lawyer or politician. I love a good argument and I suppose I have a bit of a justice bent in me. Something about the law has always intrigued me.
25. The one movie I could watch for the rest of my life is The Matrix. It feels like an experience more than a movie. It’s like a sensory world. Everytime I see it anywhere, I watch it to the end.
To stay the No. 1 syndicated court show, the Hot Bench judges know that everyone has to keep it real.
“These are real cases filed across the country in real courthouses,” Judge Yodit Tewolde exclusively shared with Us Weekly while celebrating the 2,000th episode of Hot Bench. “It’s so unbelievable these cases that we get that I don’t blame [people] for thinking it’s scripted, but these are real people with these real issues.”
Whether it’s litigants asking the court to resolve their drama surrounding rent, car accidents or even a $5 latte, Tewolde along with Michael Corriero and Rachel Juarez are determined to rule fairly and justly.
“The uniqueness about the show is that it’s just not one judge rendering a verdict,” Corriero explained to Us. “You’re getting to hear why we come to a conclusion and whether we can have a consensus together. …It gives us an opportunity perhaps to educate and test our views with each other and entertain.
As Hot Bench continues to air weekdays — check your local listings online — Us asked the judges to answer some burning questions about the show:
What Are the ‘Hot Bench’ Judges Favorite Cases to Try
Robert Voets/CBS Media Ventures
Juarez loves when a car accident case approaches her docket. “I like piecing them together,” she said. “I like when the three of us get to put on our detective hats and say, ‘Well, wait a second! Why isn’t there any white paint if he hit you in the back?’ I feel like it’s a way to kind of be a mini detective — but within only 20 minutes.”
While Tewolde doesn’t love a case involving kids who are bullied, Corriero tries to use it as a learning opportunity.
“We can try to remedy the situation,” he explained to Us. “A kid’s bully? We try to deal with that and demonstrate that the person who did the bullying was wrong and why. I like when we have very young people who come in as witnesses for their parents or the elders because it gives us an opportunity to talk to them, to reach them and to show them what a real courtroom is about, what justice is about.”
Corriero never likes it when plaintiffs or defendants have “inconsistencies” within their case.
Juarez raises her eyebrows when people start overexplaining their actions. “If you just come out defensively, like, ‘I had dinner at 7 but the reason I had dinner…’” she said. “The minute you start overexplaining and defending, we’re kind of like [hmmm.]”
It’s also important to come prepared with your evidence. “They’re always losing the cell phone with the text message proof,” Tewolde joked. “That is notorious.”
What Do the Judges Wear Below Their Robes?
The cameras showcase the judges in their signature black robes, but some prefer to get a little more casual with their footwear.
“We’re always wearing sneakers because under the robe, why do you care?” Tewolde joked before showcasing her Nikes.
While Juarez sometimes shows up to work in tracksuits, Corriero always comes dressed. “Ever since high school, I had to wear a suit,” he said. “I don’t feel dressed unless I’m in a suit.”
How Many Cases Do the ‘Hot Bench’ Judges Cover Every Day?
According to Juarez, Hot Bench is able to tape two or three days a week. Each day of filming includes six or seven cases.
“We have a lot of time to prepare,” she assured Us. “We really get to dive into each case, dig into the evidence for each case and then by the time that we’re actually there hearing them, we’ve seen almost everything.”
How Long Does It Take for the Judges to Reach Their Verdict?
While some viewers may assume the Hot Bench judges already know their ruling within minutes of meeting the plaintiff and defendant, Tewolde said it’s not always the case.
“Sometimes it’s fairly obvious,” she told Us. “A lot are not and we just have to wait and see what the litigants testify to and the evidence.”
Juarez added, “We often will read it and think one thing and then the people will present so differently before us. Nothing this person says makes sense or this person is clearly not credible and it completely changes.”
According to a source, the Grammy winner made the Mahomes’ new baby girl, Golden, a blanket following her birth on January 12. (The couple, both 29, also share daughter Sterling, 3, and son Bronze, 2.)
“She makes a lot of things for the people she loves and cares about,” the source exclusively tells Us of Swift, 35. “She makes sentimental gifts that are more of value to her than expensive gifts.”
The source notes Swift loves to create one-of-a-kind keepsakes behind the scenes.
“She has always been someone who makes arts and crafts. She makes a lot of personal things herself,” the source continues, noting that Swift is “always thinking about her friends and values those gifts more than anything expensive.”
Courtesy of Brittany Mahomes/Instagram
The homemade presents from Swift “have more meaning,” the insider says, adding that even when it comes to buying a present the pop star will “hunt for something special, personal and meaningful for people.” The source says, “She’s not the type to have her assistant just buy something.”
Gigi Hadid previously revealed in September 2020 that “auntie” Swift made her and ex Zayn Malik’s 4-year-old daughter, Khai, a pink blanket after she was born.
Chiefs WAG Chariah Gordon told Glamour in November 2024 that Swift sent her and Mecole Hardman Jr.’s baby girl a gift as well — even while she was still on tour. “It’s so freaking cute and so thoughtful,” Chariah said at the time.
Swift initially became friends with Patrick and Brittany once she started dating Kansa City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in summer 2023. After the singer attended her first Chiefs game in September 2023, she soon became a fixture at Arrowhead Stadium, often cheering alongside Brittany from one of the suites.
“Brittany is thrilled to be building a genuine friendship with Taylor. They’ve hung out a couple of times and have grown fairly close in a short period of time,” a source exclusively told Us in October 2023. “Brittany thinks Taylor is so sweet, and down to earth, and they get along really great.”
The following month, Brittany joined Swift for a girls’ night out in New York City alongside the musician’s famous pals Selena Gomez, Sophie Turner and Hadid, 29.
The girls’ friendship continued to grow throughout 2024. In September of that year, the Mahomes were spotted hanging out with Swift and Kelce, 35, at the US Open in New York. (Patrick has played on the Chiefs with Kelce since 2017.)
Earlier this month, Swift showed her subtle support for Brittany and Patrick when they announced the arrival of their third baby.
“•Golden Raye Mahomes• 1/12/25,” the couple wrote via Instagram on January 13, sharing a black-and-white photo of their daughter’s feet as they held onto her.
Swift dropped a “like” on the social media post. Less than a week later both Brittany and Swift were spotted cheering on the Chiefs during the divisional playoff against the Houston Texans. The Chiefs won, advancing to the NFL Conference Championship game on Sunday, January 26.
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