Vince McMahon was the CEO and Chairman of the Board at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) for decades before “voluntarily” stepping down.

McMahon confirmed in June 2022 that he was resigning from his post while the company investigated misconduct claims against him.

“I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the Special Committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation,” he said in a statement at the time. “I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.”

Several hours later, McMahon opened SmackDown Live with great fanfare. “It is a privilege as always to stand before you here tonight, the WWE universe,” he said during the June 17, 2022, broadcast. “I’m here simply to remind you of the four words we just saw in what we call our WWE signature. Those four words are: then, now, forever, and the most important word is together. Welcome to SmackDown!”

Hollywood's Sexual Misconduct Scandals

Amid McMahon’s exit from the WWE executive suite, federal law enforcement officials have continued investigating the allegations. The former pro athlete has not yet been charged with a crime.

Nearly two years later, McMahon faced a second misconduct scandal when a former WWE employee accused him of sexual assault, trafficking and abuse in a January 2024 lawsuit. He denied all claims before resigning from WWE’s parent company, TKO Group.

Keep reading for a breakdown of McMahon’s misconduct scandal:

What Was Vince McMahon Accused of?

Days before McMahon stepped down from his WWE position, the Wall Street Journal reported that he paid a $3 million settlement to a former employee after an alleged affair. He has not publicly addressed the allegations.

In January 2024, former WWE staffer Janel Grant accused McMahon of sexual assault, trafficking and abuse in a lawsuit.

How Did Vince McMahon React to the Scandal?

McMahon left his position as CEO and Chairman of the board in June 2022, pledging in a statement to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and “accept the findings and outcome.” He ultimately returned as a board member six months later in January 2023, agreeing to reimburse WWE for any expenses pertaining to the investigation. According to an SEC statement the following August, McMahon has since paid approximately $17.4 million to cover the costs.

Regarding the 2024 lawsuit, McMahon vehemently denied all claims.

“This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth. He will vigorously defend himself,” a spokesperson for McMahon told Us Weekly in a statement.

Who Replaced Vince McMahon as the CEO of WWE?

McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon, was appointed interim CEO and Chairwoman in her father’s absence.

“I love this company and am committed to working with the Independent Directors to strengthen our culture and our Company; it is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace,” Stephanie said in a statement at the time. “I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshaling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings.”

WWE's Stephanie McMahon Resigns From Co-CEO Position: See Her Family Guide

Is Vince McMahon Still Involved in WWE Operations?

Chief Creative Officer Triple H (real name Paul Levesque), who is married to Stephanie, revealed during an August 2023 press conference for WWE’s Summer Slam that Vince is not currently working with the WWE creative team.

“As far as contributions, I would just say this. The reason WWE is what it is … you could make an argument — a very valid one — that without Vince and his vision for this business, maybe it wouldn’t be here anymore,” Triple H said at the time. “There was some things at that time, back in the day, that were very popular … that just disappeared off the face of the planet. Vision of what he did changed the business, changed all of it for 50 years. Incredible run of success. No greater mind in the business.”

He continued: “In this point in time, if all of us didn’t look at moments in time for counsel from him on thoughts or ideas or if we had a question to go to him and ask, we’d be silly not to. It’s sitting next to somebody that knows more about this, or has forgotten more about this, than you’ll ever know, and to not utilize that in some aspect. But is he day-to-day? No. Is he in it all the time? No. If anybody has, he’s earned that right to be able to do that.”

Vince formally resigned from his position as executive chairman of the TKO Group, which is the parent company of WWE, in January 2024.

“Out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately,” he said in a statement shared with Us. “I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth. I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.”

Has Vince McMahon Cooperated With the Federal Investigation?

Several days before Triple H’s comments about the lack of Vince’s day-to-day involvement in the media brand, the SEC executed a search warrant and issued a subpoena to both Vince and the WWE. According to CNN, U.S. federal agents requested copies of certain documents. Vince has not addressed the warrant or subpoena.

How Did the Hush Money Payments Get Settled?

In January 2024, McMahon agreed to pay a $400,000 civil penalty while reimbursing WWE $1.3 million. McMahon was not forced to admit or deny the SEC’s findings.

McMahon released a statement via X shortly after the settlement was announced. 

“The case is closed,” McMahon wrote. “Today ends nearly three years of investigation by different governmental agencies. There has been a great deal of speculation about what exactly the government was investigating and what the outcome would be. As today’s resolution shows, much of that speculation was misguided and misleading.”

He continued, “In the end, there was never anything more to this than minor accounting errors with regard to some personal payments that I made several years ago while I was CEO of WWE. I’m thrilled that I can now put all this behind me.”

McMahon’s statement is a bit of a misnomer, however, as Grant’s civil suit will still move forward in the wake of the settlement.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Mel Gibson opened up about his life and career in a wide-ranging two-hour interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, including how he creates his film roles.

“Sure, I’ve planned a lot of murders in my life — we all have,” Gibson, 69, said on the Thursday, January 9, episode of the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, while discussing his upcoming project The Resurrection Of The Christ and how he develops story lines and characters. “In your head, you plan them and you think, ‘Well, that’s not a very good idea, but I think I can get away with it.’”

According to Gibson, committing an act of murder would be in “your animal brain.”

“I actually spent a long time in my animal brain, which is a very horrible place to be,” Gibson said. “[Where] you’re in ‘fight or flight’ all the time, you don’t even sleep. It’s really not a good place to be and if anybody looks at you the wrong way, you want to bite ‘em — and sometimes you say and do things that are socially unacceptable.”

Mel Gibson Says He and Robert Downey Jr. Need Each Other to Cope

The actor revealed that he even underwent a “brain scan” to understand his perspective.

“[The neurologist] looked at my brain and he was like, he opens the file … and he goes, ‘Are you OK?’” Gibson recalled. “He sat next to me, but very slowly and cautiously, and said, ‘No, you’re not. You’ve got the worst case of PTSD I have ever seen.’”

Gibson then “started to well up” over the doctor’s admission.

“He had a very miraculous and great remedy for it, which was to eat a bunch of fish oil, vitamin B complex and get into a hyperbaric chamber for 40 sessions — but make sure you do at least two or three a week,” he said. “It fixed my head, really. It got me out of that wacky place.”

After working with the doctor, Gibson found that he was less irritable — his brain trauma was the result of past injuries while playing rugby growing up — and eventually came to the realization that he didn’t want to follow through on any of his apparent murder plots.

David Henrie Admits He Was Afraid to Direct Mel Gibson for 'Monster Summer'

“When I kill somebody, you know, it’s terrible and it’s not socially acceptable,” Gibson said. “Plus, I don’t want to go to prison.”

Gibson is now focused on his acting career, asserting to Rogan, 57, that he wants to tell a story about “good and evil.”

“It’s the resurrection story, but it’s not linear because it’s hard to understand,” he explained. “It’s got be put in a framework where you answer a few other questions as well and you have to juxtapose the event itself against everything itself so that it makes some kind of sense in a bigger picture, which is a hard thing to do.”

David Muir’s tailored wildfire ensemble was apparently short-lived.

Muir, 51, headlined the Thursday, January 9, broadcast of World News Tonight from Los Angeles, where he reported on the ongoing wildfires devastating the city. He wore a flame-retardant yellow jacket over a black T-shirt, leaving the coat unzipped and appearing to omit the now-viral clothespin he previously used to cinch the fabric.

On the Wednesday, January 8, broadcast, Muir had clipped the clothespin to the back of his safety jacket that appeared to make the fabric fit snug.

“Prayers for Los Angeles. We’ll be back out there today,” he wrote via Instagram several hours before Thursday’s programming.

Fans Are Divided Over David Muir Tailoring His Coat For Wildfires Report

While Muir hadn’t addressed the use of the clothespin, fans went wild trying to decide whether he should have omitted it on camera.

“People are losing everything they own, no one cares how you look,” one social media user wrote via X, with another adding, “David Muir is more concerned with his appearance than he is about the fires.”

A third social media user, agreed, chiming in, “California is burning and he doesn’t want his jacket to look baggy on camera. Priorities people!”

Other fans were staunchly on Muir’s side and had his back.

“Y’all leave David Muir and his clothespin fire jacket alone,” an X user wrote. “A little waist snatchin’ ain’t hurt nobody.”

Another added, “Leave david muir ALONEEEEEEEE. He probably just clothes pinned it cuz the wind is insane there. Let him look snacky.”

Celebrities Share Personal Photos of Heartbreaking Los Angeles Wildfires

A string of wind-caused wildfires broke out in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 7, quickly causing mass devastation. Many residents have left the city limits under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders.

Many celebrities have also been impacted by the wildfires, including Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, Spencer Pratt and Milo Ventimiglia, who all lost their residences to the blaze.

Khloé Kardashian, Sophia Bush and Henry Winkler have been supporting those in need following the Pacific Palisades wildfires — and have a no-nonsense attitude for the suspected arsonists adding fuel to the fire.

“You sick motherf—ers,” Kardashian, 40, wrote via Instagram Stories on Thursday, January 9. “What the f— is wrong with people?!?! Arson!!!! may you be fully prosecuted!!! What scum!!!”

A string of wildfires broke out in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 9, prompting widespread devastation across the city.  Over 10,000 structures were leveled and at least 10 people died, and most residents followed mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders.

Not only were locals battling wind-caused wildfires, but also a string of human-set fires. One suspect was arrested on Thursday for allegedly causing the Kenneth Fire, according to multiple outlets.

DWTS' Jenna and Val Evacuate L.A. Fires Before Son Rome's 2nd Birthday

According to NewsNation, the Los Angeles Police Department assistant chief, Dominic Choi, said there was not enough probable cause to arrest the individual for arson. Instead, the suspect was booked for a felony probation violation.

The L.A.’s district attorney Nathan Hochman, meanwhile, told the outlet that if the fire was determined to be the result of arson, the suspect could face homicide charges and a potential life in prison sentence.

“Justice will be swift. It will be firm, and the maximum punishment will be sought,” Hochman said on NewsNation’s Banfield.

Like Kardashian, Bush, 42, was also outraged by the alleged arson attempt during the “unimaginable” natural disaster.

“Thank you all for the check-ins, texts, the DMs. I know it’s really intense when you don’t hear from people. We’re all really trying our best,” the One Tree Hill alum said in a Thursday video posted to her Instagram Stories. “These last two days have been absolutely horrific for our city. My family’s been evacuated twice. We are all safe, so I feel very, very blessed.”

Bush continued, “So, many people have lost so much and it’s pretty unimaginable, unfathomable and inexplicable. The folks who have jumped on this horrific climate disaster with hurricane-force winds and set fire to some of our surrounding communities are monsters.”

Which Stars Have Been Affected by the Los Angeles Fires?

Bush echoed Kardashian’s sentiments and hoped the apparent arsonists would be “prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

“Everyone out there, be the second [group of people and help], not the first,” Bush added, citing examples of good samaritans aiding victims in the wake of the wildfire devastation.

Winkler, 79, similarly condemned the arsonists, sharing news coverage on his X page. “One has been caught so far !!!!” he wrote on Thursday.

All three celebs have been lending their support, as well. Bush has shared resources online and also cold-called six local fire departments. Kardashian, meanwhile, and her famous family have donated meals from Carousel Restaurant to local first responders.

Dancing With the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd, for her part, also called out the alleged arsonists. “These people are starting fires everywhere,” she said in a Friday, January 10, social media video. “Like, three people have been caught right down here in the Valley area. I mean, these people are sick in the head.”

Check the LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources on how to help those affected.

Mandy Moore clarified why she shared a GoFundMe campaign in support of her brother-in-law’s family following wildfire devastation.

“Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law Griff and Kit [Goldsmith] lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire,” Moore, 40, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, January 9. “With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever.”

She added, “Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild.”

Moore, who is married to Griff’s brother Taylor Goldsmith, then included a link to the fundraising page launched by friend Matthew Koma.

Celebrities Share Personal Photos of Heartbreaking Los Angeles Wildfires

“[For] people questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic,” Moore continued in her social media message. “Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and I’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them.”

The This Is Us alum further reminded social media critics that “no one is forcing you to do anything” before issuing another reminder.

“We just lost most of our life in a fire too,” she wrote. “Kindly F OFF.”

Moore and Taylor’s home — where they raise their three children — had also been destroyed in the Pacific Palisades wildfire earlier this week. After visiting the remains earlier on Thursday, Moore detailed in another Instagram post that they learned the “main part” of the residence was still standing but “not livable.” Taylor and Griff’s studio, where they record music for their band Dawes, was also destroyed along with their instruments and equipment.

“Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living,” Moore explained in her upload. “It’s all so much.”

Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith’s Relationship Timeline

Griff and Kit are also due to welcome their first baby any day, prompting Winnetka Bowling League frontman Koma, 37, to launch the GoFundMe page.

“They’re expecting their first child in a few weeks and without a home or the most basic necessities, the days ahead feel unimaginable,” Koma, who is married to Hilary Duff, wrote via his Instagram. “Griff is one of my best friends in the world & a fellow musician who has spent 20+ years as a touring drummer in his band Dawes – all of his drums, studio gear … stuff he’s spent his whole life collecting to make a living was also lost in the fire.”

As of publication, the campaign has already raised over $158,000, from the likes of Koma, Taylor, Michelle Branch, Zachary Levi and more.

Check the LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources on how to help those affected.

Baylen Out Loud star Baylen Dupree has found her match in boyfriend Colin Dooley.

“He’s, like, my backbone,” Baylen, 22, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, January 9, ahead of the premiere of her eponymous TLC docuseries. “Everything that I do, just being around him helps. He understands me somewhat better than I understand myself a little bit, which is kind of the same way for him. I understand him better [than] he knows himself.”

Baylen is battling Tourette syndrome, which is the focus of her Baylen Out Loud series. On the show, she also chronicles her life with Colin. (They have been together since 2022.)

“He goes into Target with me. He comes with me into stores because I’m scared to be alone,” she joked. “My left- and right-hand man!”

Couples Who Survived the Reality TV Curse (So Far) 

Not only has Baylen and Colin’s relationship continued to go the distance, but she is also ready to take the next step.

“[Babies are] still on the brain. Well, not every day, but I want babies before 25,” Baylen said on Thursday, jokingly teasing that “season 2” would feature a potential pregnancy.

While Baylen is not expecting just yet, she is learning to establish her independence and continue managing her Tourette diagnosis.

“I would say that establishing my independence is definitely in each episode [of Baylen Out Loud],” Baylen told Us. “There’s a milestone or some type of achievement or some type of something that I’m learning or trying to grow from in each episode and just kind of trying to figure out life and just figure out myself and just figure out how I’m going to do certain things is definitely impactful.”

She continued, “Hopefully someone else can look at it and be like, ‘I can be independent too. I can do this,’ regardless of if they have Tourette or they’re neurodivergent or not, they can just look at it and be like, ‘You know what? I need to stop telling myself no because you’re the only person that’s telling yourself.’”

Winter TV Preview 2025: Inside Must-Watch New and Returning Shows

Baylen is also hopeful that Baylen Out Loud will inform more viewers about Tourette syndrome.

“I am hoping that people take away a lot and a lot of information from Tourette and a lot of information about tick disorders and everything like that,” she said. “In general, I just want to impact and inspire other people regardless of if it’s the next generation or past generations that may not have too much knowledge on Tourette. Just trying to inspire people to be themselves and just no matter what they’re going through, just keep going through it because in order to grow you have to be uncomfortable.”

Baylen Out Loud premieres on TLC Monday, January 13 at 9 p.m. ET.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Jesse James and his estranged wife, Bonnie Rotten, have petitioned the court to throw out their latest divorce filing, Us Weekly can confirm.

According to court records viewed by Us, James, 31, and Rotten, 55, filed a joint “Notice of Nonsuit” on Monday, January 6, to call off the proceedings. The divorce case is now listed as “closed.” In Touch was first to report the news.

James then chronicled their “BBQ Lunch” together via Instagram Story on Thursday, January 9, in which he tagged Rotten’s account while visiting Schmidt Family Barbeque in Texas.

James, who was previously married to Sandra Bullock, and Rotten got married in 2022 before she filed for divorce twice at the end of that year.

Breaking Down the Claims in Jesse James and Bonnie Rotten's Messy Divorce

“The past week has been a pretty terrible week on all accounts … I mistakenly posted my private business between my husband and I on social media,” Rotten (real name Alaina Antoinnette James) wrote via Instagram at the time. “Yes I filed for divorce … the next day I filed a nonsuit to stop the divorce. I love Jesse so much and was very hurt by what I saw when I went through his phone. In his defense and the reason I am back home is that he didn’t say anything inappropriate.”

After Rotten and James reconciled, they welcomed son Bishop in 2023. Another year later, Rotten filed for divorce in November 2024.

“The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities between Petitioner and Respondent that destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation,” the court docs obtained by Us read.

Rotten requested “exclusive use and control” of her 2022 Dodge Ram TRX and wanted to prohibit James from being able to track or monitor its location. She wished to retain ownership of her clothing, books, firearms and related gear that are stored in a private gun room, a pet cat named Olive and other personal effects.

Jesse James and Estranged Wife Bonnie Rotten's Relationship Timeline

In addition to her divorce filing, Rotten also requested a protective order “in connection with a child support case,” claiming that James “engaged in conduct that constitutes family violence.” According to Rotten, James “committed acts that were intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault” or threatened to do so.

“I realized Jesse Gregory James’ anger was getting worse and worse,” she claimed in the docs. “To protect our baby and myself, I left home with [Bishop] and decided to file for divorce. Because of all the things he has done, I am very afraid Jesse Gregory James will cause me physical harm, cause me bodily injury or assault me.”

James, meanwhile, entered a “general denial” to her accusations in his official response and asked that Rotten “take nothing.” He also filed for a protective order against Rotten, claiming that she committed family violence.

“Respondent committed acts that were intended by Respondent to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or were threats that reasonably placed Applicant and the child Bishop Morrison James in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault,” James’ docs read. “Respondent’s acts therefore constitute family violence. Respondent’s conduct was reasonably likely to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment or embarrass Applicant and Bishop Morrison James.”

James further claimed that Rotten has “alcohol abuse issues and gets violent and aggressive,” asking the judge to appoint a separate guardian over Bishop. She never publicly addressed his counterclaims.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Tennis phenom Frances Tiafoe is still in awe whenever he rubs elbows with some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

“I’m sitting there and I say it in real time [to] whoever I’m with, like, ‘I’m taking shots with Taylor Swift,’’’ Tiafoe, 26, said during the Tuesday, January 7, episode of “The Pivot” podcast. “Granted, I’m … a Beyoncé guy, but at the moment, I was like, ‘Man, this is crazy.’”

Tiafoe and his girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield, attended the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Denver Broncos in November 2024, which Swift, 35, also attended to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce. After the game, the couples partied in a private suite and snapped a series of now-viral social media selfies.

“She’s the biggest star out here and then, you know, Trav and [Patrick] Mahomes [are] like, ‘Yo, we got to have you in KC.’ Them saying that is wild to me and they rolled out the red carpet for me,” Tiafoe recalled. “It’s crazy ‘cause playing tennis and people want to reach out and hang out and actually do stuff. Those are the things [that] are why you do what you do.”

Tennis Star Frances Tiafoe and Girlfriend Ayan Broomfield’s Relationship

Tiafoe started playing tennis at the age of 3, going pro in 2015 when he turned 17. He won his first ATP title at the 2018 Delray Beach tournament, becoming the youngest American athlete since Andy Roddick to take home the trophy. Despite his accolades and achievements on the court, Tiafoe sees his career as something larger.

“It’s who I am and what I represent, like, people relating to you,” he said on “The Pivot” episode. “Like, a lot of people can see themselves in you [and] the energy I play with, the smile I have and I’m just a regular dude. Man, I’m just a dude from Maryland who loves tennis.”

Tiafoe explained that he also has “a lot of interests outside of just hitting the tennis ball.”

“You can feel that,” he continued. “I am who I am in every room. I’m not trying to put on for nobody else and people feel that.”

As his career took off, Tiafoe only realized the extent of his fame when he “beat [Rafael] Nadal” in the 2022 US Open tournament.

“I stepped into something different,” he added. “I went to the hotel that day, and the hotel was packed. Everybody [was] waiting for me … rather than when I checked into the hotel that day, they [were] like, ‘Oh, you here to watch the US Open?’ … It’s amazing how things can change like that.”

Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli were married for nearly 11 years before they eventually went their separate ways.

The twosome — who met on the set of 1996’s An Unfinished Affair — tied the knot in January 2001 and announced their split in March 2012.

“We both share the same deep love and devotion to our children. We remain dedicated to raising our beautiful daughters together,” Garth and Facinelli wrote in a joint statement to Us Weekly at the time, referring to their three daughters: Luca, Lola and Fiona.

Since finalizing their divorce in June 2013, the pair have tried to put their daughters first.

“We have been really putting up a good face for the world to make it seem like it’s all [seamless, but] it’s been very difficult,” Garth exclusively told Us in July 2024. “We wanted to finally tell the truth and let people know that this evolution could happen for us and it [is a] situation many people … [are dealing with].”

Scroll below to relive Garth and Facinelli’s ups and downs through the years:

Christina Haack is not ruling out walking down the aisle for a fourth time.

“I’ll always love love,” Haack, 41, exclusively told Us Weekly in the latest cover story. “I probably will [get married again] eventually. But, not anytime soon.”

According to the HGTV star, she would need to “be engaged for a minimum of, like, five years” first.

Haack was married to her first husband, Tarek El Moussa, from 2006 to 2016 after meeting as colleagues in the California real estate industry. Together, they share daughter Taylor, 14, and son Brayden, 9.

Christina Haack on How She Got on Better Terms With Ex-Husband Ant Anstead

Two years later, Haack moved on with Ant Anstead and they wed in 2018 after several months together. She and Anstead, 45, ultimately split in 2020 one year after welcoming son Hudson, 5. After their breakup, Haack started dating Joshua Hall in 2021 and got engaged within months. They tied the knot in April 2022 before calling it quits two years later in July 2024.

In her Us cover story with Tarek, 43, and his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, Haack detailed how she has coped amid the divorce from Hall.

“I’ve been very busy, which is probably a blessing,” she told Us. “It’s really been a big growth period.”

Haack is busy with raising — and coparenting — her three children, running her design business and starring in multiple HGTV series including The Flip Off. With all that on her plate, dating is not yet on her mind.

“I’m terrified of men,” Haack quipped, adding she’s not ready to dive back into the dating pool. “I’m taking a break and spending time with my girlfriends and my kids.”

Tarek and Heather, 37, have also seen Haack’s continued growth since she ended her marriage.

“[The dynamic is] better,” Heather, who married Tarek in 2021, told Us. “Not to be mean, but he definitely didn’t have the best personality. So, it’s like a breath of fresh air — and [Christina is] in a really good place.”

Christina Haack Says Josh Gave Her ‘Silent Treatment’ for Laughing at Tarek

Tarek and Heather, who share 23-month-old son Tristan, reunited with Haack on screen for The Flip Off, where they competed in dueling renovation projects. Hall, 41, was slated to be on Haack’s team before he was cut from participation amid their divorce.

“This isn’t Josh’s show. No one’s going to miss that he’s not in it,” Haack said. “Josh is not a TV host, he’s not a house flipper, he’s not a designer. He was just my husband in it. With Tarek, we built everything together, and I still have respect for him. I have no respect for Josh.”

The Flip Off premieres on HGTV Wednesday, January 29, at 8 p.m. ET.

For more on The Flip Off, watch the exclusive video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.

With reporting by Andrea Simpson

Director Alex Ross Perry is remembering his bond with the late Jeff Baena.

“I’ve struggled for days on how to summarize my friendship with Jeff Baena into just a few paragraphs. I could write more. I should,” Perry, 40, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, January 8. “But Jeff wouldn’t write that much: he’d want a concise outline with the basic idea, and then to riff and expand upon it in the moment later.”

He added, “But there is no later, and that is impossible to believe. There will be no ‘Next time I stay at Jeff and Aubrey’s house,’ which I did countless times. If you’ve seen me in L.A. in the last 10 years, it is probably because Jeff gave me a place to stay. He fed me. He made amazing smoothies. Ordered delivery from places he knew I liked but wouldn’t have time to go to.”

Us Weekly confirmed on January 4 that Baena died by suicide one day prior at age 47. He is survived by wife Aubrey Plaza, his parents and his siblings.

Celebrities Voice Support for Aubrey Plaza After Husband’s Death

“There will be no next time for an inexplicable and huge Magpies delivery waiting for me,” Perry continued his lengthy tribute. “There will be no rematch in Scrabble — he will remain undefeated against me, and I am great at Scrabble. He knew words other people didn’t. He possessed facts that were so esoteric, they couldn’t be fact-checked. He had opinions that were so baffling as to be definite.”

Perry wrote that Baena “believed in me more than most people” when it came to his own directorial career.

“It’s hard to think about the totality of support and enthusiasm you receive from a friend over a decade,” Perry added. “From putting me in Joshy to making sure I had an episode of his experimental, pandemic show Cinema Toast (the reason I am in the DGA), he always wanted me to be working, and for us to be working together. I loved all of the ideas he has been telling me about upcoming movies and stories he wanted to make and share. They were weird. They were unusual. And they were typical Jeff.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alex Ross Perry (@alexrossperry)

Perry credited Baena for being the one who “brought [him] together with a lot of wonderful talented people” in the industry.

“I hope my connections to them endure, and that we always talk about him,” Perry concluded. “We are all better for having known Jeff.”

Aubrey Plaza’s Husband Jeff Baena Cause of Death Revealed

Perry is among the many stars — including Plaza, 40 — who have publicly addressed Baena’s death.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza’s rep said in a statement on behalf of the actress and her family in a statement to Us on Monday, January 6. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Actors Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford are speaking out after they ended their decades-long marriage.

“To everyone who has loved and supported us, we have some personal news to share. After 21 years together and 17 years of marriage, we have decided to begin a new journey and enter this next chapter as friends and coparents,” Routh, 45, and Ford, 46, wrote in a Thursday, January 9, Instagram statement.

They added, “We are now and forever rooting for each other as we move through this wild adventure called life. Our son is, and will always be, our highest priority and we appreciate your understanding of this transition.”

Routh and Ford got married in 2007 before welcoming 12-year-old son Leo. Us Weekly confirmed earlier this week that the former Dexter actress filed for divorce after two decades together. In her petition, Ford requested joint legal and physical custody of Leo as well as spousal support from Routh.

Most Shocking Celebrity Splits

Routh and Ford initially felt “ridiculous” publicly sharing their divorce news amid the ongoing wildfires devastating Los Angeles.

“We were focused on grabbing our go-bags and evacuating yesterday. It feels ridiculous to post this statement with fires still raging,” the estranged couple captioned their Instagram post. “We are safe, but in shock and grief for our friends who have lost their homes and businesses.”

They concluded, “Our hearts break for our community devastated by the ongoing fires. We love you Los Angeles.”

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Since Tuesday, January 7, L.A. has been ravaged by a string of wildfires in the Pacific Palisades that impacted many celebrity residences. Other stars have also sought shelter outside the city limits in accordance with evacuation protocols.

Neither Ford nor Routh have further shared an update on their family during the fires.

The Superman Returns star and Ford met at Hollywood’s Lucky Strike bowling alley when he worked as a bartender. After three years of dating, Routh proposed in 2006. They wed the next year.

Which Stars Have Been Affected by the Los Angeles Fires?

Both Ford and Routh routinely shared updates on their life with Leo via social media.

“The man, the myth, the Legend,” Ford gushed in June 2021, sharing a pic of Routh and Leo. “#HappyFathersDay from Spider-Man and me. Thank you for our family @brandonjrouth .”

Two years later, Routh returned to the favor on Mother’s Day.

“She’s a ride-or-die friend and a mom who’s all in,” he wrote via Instagram in May 2023. “I’m so grateful that Leo has @courtneyfordhere, who jumps feet first into living, giving him permission and unconditional love to be fully himself.”

Check the LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources on how to help those affected.

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt were able to collect a few of their belongings that survived wildfire destruction.

“Spencer was able to retrieve some stuff from the fire,” Montag, 38, captioned a Thursday, January 9, TikTok video of Pratt, 41, opening up a small plastic bag.

Pratt, who sported a vintage T-shirt supporting his wife’s music career, then pulled out each item he recovered from the destroyed property.

“The Hummingbird pot — with some nectar cooked into it,” Pratt said. “Which brand is this? They deserve all the [accolades]. … [There’s also] one [rubber] snake from the backyard, one crystal from the backyard, [another] crystal from the backyard, Ryker’s shovel from the backyard and broken pieces.”

Heidi Montag Shares Tearful Video After L.A. Fires Destroyed Her Home

The pot, an All-Clad Copper Core dish, was the true standout.

“This is the best thing ever,” Pratt said. “Eight years of like [cooking and mixing thoroughly]. I’m gonna have that redone and finished; there’s people who do that.”

Montag succinctly captioned her upload, “What was left of our house.”

The Hills alums, who have been married since 2008, lost their house in the Pacific Palisades wildfires, which first broke out on Tuesday, January 7. The couple had already evacuated with their sons Gunner, 6, and Ryker, 13 months.

“The one positive sign I saw as our house burned down was our son’s bed burned in the shape of a heart,” Pratt wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, January 8. “A sign of how much love was in this house so thankful for all the years and memories there with our family.”

When they left the L.A. city limits, they were not able to pack up all of their belongings.

“The craziest thing about packing for a fire [is] your brain just freaks out,” Montag explained in another TikTok video. “It’s so overwhelming packing up a house. I mean, I only have two pairs of jeans, two shirts. I got so much more clothes for the kids. I’m like, ‘Why didn’t I grab more?’ Thankfully, I grabbed anything and that’s such a blessing and the main thing is that we’re safe.”

@heidimontag

What was left of our house.

♬ original sound – heidimontag

Spencer’s sister, Stephanie Pratt, also noted via her Instagram Story the same day that she was “beyond heartbroken” for her sibling, Montag and their children. (Stephanie, 38, has been traveling in London.)

Spencer Pratt Has His Taylor Swift Merch After L.A. Home Burns in Wildfires

“Just spoke to my dad — he tried to save my brother’s house but the wind was so strong. There was nothing he could do,” Stephanie added, noting that their parents also lost their house. “Even the fire station in the Palisades has burned down. The Pacific Palisades is completely on fire. No one is there.”

She continued, “I don’t even want to look at mine. My dad told me the market down the street from my house is on fire. We are such a tight community — I’m at a loss for words knowing so many friends have lost their homes today and so quickly. I hate that I’m so far away. Thinking about flying home so I can hug my family.”

Check the LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources on how to help those affected.

Vanderpump Rules alum Lala Kent evacuated Los Angeles with her daughters amid the recent wildfires.

“This morning, Sosa woke up and was really struggling to breathe. I made the decision to pack my family up and come to Palm Springs, strictly based on the air quality,” Kent, 34, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Thursday, January 9. “This is where we will stay until L.A. is safe again.”

Kent is primarily based in Los Angeles with daughters Ocean, 3, and Sosa, 4 months.

Wildfires in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood broke out on Tuesday, January 7, quickly devastating many buildings. Many celebrities lost their homes in the natural disaster as others sought refuge outside the city limits following evacuation orders.

Lala Kent's Daughter Sosa's Baby Album: See the Sweetest Photos

“This is one of the most devastating situations I have ever seen,” Kent added on Thursday. “At this point, if you were not directly affected, you know someone who has lost everything. I’m obsessing over how we could be so underprepared. My heart is shattered for my community. Neighborhoods that people have called home for decades, now nonexistent. It is unimaginable.”

According to Kent, she has “not been directly affected” and is trying to “feel grateful for that.”

“It’s hard because of what I’m seeing other people go through,” the Bravo star wrote. “In times like this, all you want is to go home for comfort and 1,000s of people don’t have their safe place anymore. There are looters, lack of water and lack of preparation. I’m sad, but I’m angry.”

While Kent vowed to “save that rant for a later date,” she did express her gratitude for first responders.

“For now, all I want to do is say thank you to our firefighters and first responders. Our city’s heroes,” Kent concluded on Thursday. “And to everyone affected — I know you feel alone. You are not alone.”

Kent shares Ocean with ex-fiancé Randall Emmett and gave birth to Sosa in September 2024. After utilizing a sperm donor to conceive her second child, Kent underwent intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Why Lala Kent's Daughter Sosa Nearly Ended Up in NICU After Delivery

“The outside world is funny. Not everybody is as progressive as we are, and I just felt like, ‘OK, I’m bringing this baby into the world because I so badly want it to be here. But I also want to eliminate as many questions as I possibly can,’” Kent said on a March 2024 episode of her “Give Them Lala” podcast. “[I wanted her to] have this same aesthetic look as me, my mom, Ocean. The world is already tough when you come from a totally normal family. I don’t want to make it any tougher for them.”

Check the LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources on how to help those affected.

Madison LeCroy has offered words of support for her Southern Charm costar Craig Conover in light of his recent breakup with Paige DeSorbo.

“I don’t need to give him any advice.I just told him, ‘You’re going to be a great husband [and] you’re going to be a great dad one day. You have so much to look forward to, like, just be lucky you didn’t already have those things and then go through a breakup,’”  LeCroy, 34, said during a Thursday, January 9, Amazon Live broadcast. (LeCroy shares 10-year-old son, Hudson, with a past partner and is now married to Brett Randle.)

She added, “I’m here to hype him up when he’s down — and I’ll do that for anyone really. But, they’re still good and I think everything’s going to be fine. I think you guys are taking it a lot harder than they are. I don’t know.”

DeSorbo, 32, announced late last month that she and Conover, 35, called it quits after three years of dating.

Craig Conover 'Had Plans to Propose' Before Paige DeSorbo Breakup

“Craig and I have decided to no longer be together,” DeSorbo said on a December 2024 episode of her “Giggly Squad” podcast. “I love him, I think he loves me. I think we will remain friends. No one did anything. It wasn’t a bad thing.”

She continued, “I think we both were just being really mature and saying what we want and what we didn’t want, and I think that’s extremely powerful to be able to voice how you’re feeling in real-time and what you want for your future.”

Weeks later, Conover claimed that the breakup was “very unexpected.”

“I guess I gotta start living again, whatever that looks like. Whatever my new normal looks like — I have to start,” he said in a Tuesday, January 7, Instagram Story video. “‘Gratitude will get you through this, with time comes clarity’ – all of the advice, I’m trying to listen to. “But, yeah. [It happened] right before the holidays. I was very shocked. And it’s OK.”

Craig Conover Hinted at Marrying Paige DeSorbo 2 Months Before Breakup

Conover was also aware that “it takes two people to be in a relationship.”

“You can’t control other people, you can only control how you react to it,” he continued. “Remember to be kind to Paige and me and yourselves and all of that good stuff. … [It’s] a 3-year relationship, it’s your best friend who you talk to all day every day, and then they’re just gone. So, you know, one day I’ll be able to talk more on it.”

Conover and the Summer House star met while filming Winter House season 1 in 2021, making their public debut as a couple at Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula’s wedding that September. While appearing on each other’s shows, they navigated a long-distance relationship as Conover is based in Charleston and DeSorbo lives in Manhattan.

Candy Spelling’s Malibu mansion was burned to the ground amid the ongoing wildfires sweeping the city.

“I’m in shock and processing this massive loss for our family,” Spelling, 79, told TMZ on Thursday, January 9. “I am beyond grateful for the memories. It was truly a wonderful gift to have.”

Candy further noted to the outlet that her late husband, Aaron Spelling, equally loved the $23 million house. (Candy and the famed TV producer, who died in 2006 at the age of 83, shared daughter Tori Spelling and son Randy Spelling.)

“I’m devastated. I have so many memories in this house,” Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles star Josh Flagg, who is a friend of Candy’s, later told TMZ on Thursday. “The house is gone but the memories are not. This is a total shame. This entire fire is a shame. This did not need to happen.”

Tori Spelling and Mom Candy Spelling's Ups and Downs Over the Years

Neither Tori, 51, nor Randy, 46, have publicly addressed the loss of their family home but have both been outspoken about lending support to others in need during the wildfires.

“The fires in Los Angeles have been devastating,” Randy wrote via Instagram Story on Wednesday, January 8. “Lives lost, so many have lost their homes. I’m praying the fires can be put out soon and people can begin to heal from this.”

He added, “It’s going to be a long process. To all my L.A. friends and family, I love you all.”

Randy also shared various links of resources for individuals affected by the natural disaster. Tori, meanwhile, uploaded a GoFundMe link after her “dear friend” Peter Ferreiro’s house was torched.

Celebrities Share Personal Photos of Heartbreaking Los Angeles Wildfires

“My dear friend @peterferriero lost everything,” Tori wrote via her Stories. “Pls help if you can.”

Ferriero, who hosts a Beverly Hills: 90210 recap podcast, had lost his home in the blaze.

“Please help us. Our home is destroyed. We have lost pretty much everything inside of it,” Ferriero wrote on Wednesday, sharing a GoFundMe link. “I don’t do this kind of thing. But literally we need all the help we can get right now. If I ever did a thing for you please remember it now.”

Former child star David Lascher replied, “I’m so sorry” and “Call me.”

Wildfires broke out in the Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, January 7, rapidly devastating thousands of buildings. Many celebrities who live in the area have already lost their homes and personal effects. Others, meanwhile, evacuated out of the city limits to safety.

Check the LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources on how to help those affected.

Nick Viall kicked off the new year with an enhanced focus on his health and wellness.

“I haven’t eaten in 36 hours, so that’s fun,” the former Bachelor, 44, quipped during the Thursday, January 9, episode of his “The Viall Files” podcast. “I started a water fast. I’m not recommending it to anyone [and] this is not some sort of, ‘Do this with me.’”

According to Viall, the diet is “supposed to be really healthy” for individuals.

“It’s supposed to reduce your chance of cancer, it’s supposed to be good for inflammation, it’s supposed to reduce your chance of Alzheimer’s and things like that,” Viall claimed, noting he first heard of the diet fad from his mother. “It’s supposed to have a lot of health benefits to occasionally fast.”

Bruce Springsteen Eats Just 1 Meal a Day — Here's Other Stars' Diet Hacks

The apparent “water fast” diet — where participants only drink water, bone broth or electrolytes — typically lasts for one week. Viall, however, said his “goal is four days.”

“I needed a cleanse and I’ve been eating way too much sugar lately these days,” he explained. “I think my diet is not where it could be or should be. It’s the new year, I was like, ‘F— it.’ If my mom can do it, why can’t I?”

Viall further stressed that his fast is only “temporary.”

“Do not take my recommendations,” he stated to podcast listeners. “I’m doing this for me. I don’t need feedback from any of you listening — good or bad.”

According to Healthline, water fasting can boost weight loss and reduce the chance of chronic conditions but is also associated with risks such as dehydration, orthostatic hypotension or worsening preexisting conditions. (It is not recommended to participate for longer than 72 hours.)

For Viall, the early hours of the fast were the most difficult.

Zoe Kravitz Drinks Milk Like a Cat and More Wacky Celebrity Diets

“It was a tough first night — and I was fine,” he recalled. “I’m delightful right now. Last night sucked hard. … They said the first 24 hours are tough and I felt really weak and tired.”

Viall’s wife, Natalie Joy, chimed in to concur that he was very “hangry” that evening.

“I’m also suffering because he’s been nothing but a bitch this whole time to me,” she joked. “He’s the hangriest person I’ve ever been around. He’s so mad, he’s so angry and I’m like, ‘You can stop whenever you f—ing want!’ Last night in bed, I was like, ‘Do you want me to boil you some eggs? Because this is insane. You are being mean to me.’ It’s because you’re hungry and I understand.”

Joy added, “I would also be mean because I am mean when I’m hungry, but this is, like, intense hunger. You can’t complain when this was your doing.”

Counting On alum Jedidiah Duggar and his wife, Katey Duggar, are now proud parents of four!

“They’re here!! Introducing Elsie Kate and Emma Kate!” the couple announced in a joint Instagram post on Thursday, January 9. “Elsie was born on January 8, 2025, at 2:06 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and Emma followed at 2:13 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounce. Both girls are healthy and beautiful!”

The pair’s post featured several adorable snaps of their twin daughters, as well as a sweet family photo of them with their son, Truett, 2, and daughter Nora, 19 months.

In a Thursday statement to People, Katey and Jed, 26, shared that “both girls are healthy, and beautiful, and have completely captured our hearts.” They added: “We are so grateful to God for entrusting us with these precious girls. Our hearts are full, and we’re thankful for the love and support we’ve received during this joyful time.”

Duggar Family: Meet the Next Generation

Katey and Jed revealed they were expecting again back in July 2024.

“The twins are due on January 19; that’s when I’ll be 40 weeks,” Katey explained in a December 2024 YouTube vlog. “Now, 50 percent of twins are delivered before 37 weeks. If I can make it past Christmas and the New Year, then, we’ll see. We’re talking to my doctor all the time about options — and whatever’s best for the babies.”

Jed, who is a twin himself, chimed in to say that both he and brother Jeremiah Duggar “would love to have another set of twins” born on their December 30 birthday.

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“Oh, for the rest of my life celebrating all those birthdays, that’s a lot,” Katey replied.

Jed and Katey followed his family’s tradition of courtship before getting married in April 2021. Less than one year later, they welcomed Truett. Nora followed in May 2023.

While Jed and Katey’s hearts and hands are now full with four little ones, they haven’t ruled out having more kids down the line. (Jed is one of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s 19 children.)

Meet the Duggars: Get to Know Jim Bob, Michelle and Their 19 Kids

“I think we are praying about each one and we’re just loving life,” Jed said in December 2024. “We’re very excited for each one that God’s given us this far. We’re not really sure yet [and] asking God, ‘What’s the timing for everything?’ It’s been really neat and we love each one of our kids and God’s timing.”

Katey, for her part, noted that neither she nor her husband concretely believe that “four is it.”

“We’re very open to having more after this, but considering God at every step that we take in our family,” she said. “We’re both very open with what God has [in mind] for our future and our family.”

Duggar Family's Courtship Beginnings: How Each Couple Met

The twins bring the Duggar grandchildren count up to 35. Jed’s twin, Jeremiah, and his wife, Hannah Duggar, are also currently expecting. They announced on Christmas Eve 2024 that they are gearing up to welcome a third daughter.

“Life with our little girls has been wonderful and we are so excited about adding a third little girl to this group late next spring!!” Jeremiah, 25, and Hannah, 29, wrote via Instagram, referring to kids Brynley, 2, and Brielle, 10 months.

Former Ellen DeGeneres Show producer Andy Lassner is supporting the mother of his late colleague Stephen “tWitch” Boss.

“Sending you so much love,” Lassner, 58, wrote via Instagram comment on Thursday, January 9.

Less than one hour earlier, Connie Boss Alexander broke her silence on daughter-in-law Allison Holker’s memoir claims. (Holker, 36, said in a recent interview for her upcoming This Far memoir that Boss had struggled with addiction ahead of his death in 2022.)

“Our family is absolutely appalled by the misleading and hurtful claims made about my son, Stephen Boss. The recent publications spreading untruths about Stephen have crossed every line of decency,” Boss Alexander wrote via her Instagram. “As his mother, I will not let these accusations go unanswered. We will not stand by while his name and legacy are tarnished. He doesn’t deserve this, and the kids don’t deserve this.”

‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ Producer Remembers tWitch’s ‘Kindness and Joy’

Boss died by suicide at the age of 40 in December 2022. He is survived by his mother, his brothers, Holker and their three kids. (Boss and the current So You Think You Can Dance judge shared Weslie, Holker’s daughter from a past relationship whom Boss adopted, as well as Maddox and Zaia.)

“For the last two years, I have remained quiet and away from the public eye to protect my family,” Boss Alexander continued. “My primary focus has been on healing and attempting to remain connected to my grandchildren. But when I read these dreadful claims about my baby, our beloved Stephen, I realized I could not stay silent any longer. Our family will ensure his name and memory are protected, and we are committed to defending his honor.”

Other members of the dance community also supported Boss Alexander.

“We are right with you,” SYTYCD alum Eddie “Neptune” Eskridge wrote in the comments.

Allison Holker Defends Book as She's Criticized by tWitch's Family, Costars

Holker, for her part, denied that she included Boss’ struggles for any ulterior motive.

“I want to be clear that my only intention in writing the book is to share my own story as well as part of my life with Stephen,” Holker wrote via Instagram Story on Wednesday, January 8. “Just like you, I never really knew what happened and even as I am trying to put the pieces together, I will never really know. If you decide to read the book, hopefully, you’ll see my intention is to celebrate the love and life I shared with Stephen and our three beautiful children and also the more complex aspects of both of our lives.”

She added, “I hope that by sharing our full story, maybe I can help someone else who might see themselves in or a loved one in Stephen. In sharing, I hope that maybe they can catch some of the red flags that I missed before it’s too late.”

According to Holker, all proceeds from This Far will fund “a mental health-focused foundation [she] started in Stephen’s honor, Move With Kindness.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Priscilla Presley filed new court documents in her ongoing elder abuse lawsuit.

In new court documents, Presley, 79, claimed that a former business associate came between her relationships with granddaughter Riley Keough and director Sofia Coppola in the filing obtained by Us Weekly. (In Touch was first to break the news.)

Presley accused defendant Brigitte Kruse and her alleged cohorts of making “a concerted effort to gain my trust and isolate me from my key advisors.”

“They expanded the scope of their interests in my affairs, seeking to inject themselves into every area of my life,” the filing reads. “Under the guise of ‘assisting’ me with my financial affairs, which Defendants contend were being mismanaged by my long-time advisors, defendants duped me into giving them control over my finances and access to my funds.”

Priscilla Presley Sues Former Associates for Elder Abuse, Wants $1 Million

According to Presley, Kruse had isolated her from family, friends and advisors to “assert more and more control over my life.”

“She made an effort to inject herself into every business deal I had at the time and personal disputes that had nothing to do with her,” Presley claimed in the docs, adding that Kruse allegedly tried to interfere in her relationship with Coppola, 53. (The filmmaker directed Priscilla in 2023 about Priscilla’s past marriage to the late Elvis Presley.)

Priscilla further claimed that Kruse “strained” her relationship with Coppola after trying to “inject herself into the deal” she made about adapting her memoir for the big screen.

“[She sent] multiple communications to the film’s director in Los Angeles, Sofia Coppola, attempting to get a credit on the picture, and attempting to get invited to the film’s premiere,” the docs claimed, arguing that Kruse did the same with Priscilla’s family.

“[She] made every effort to inject herself into a family issue that I was having when my daughter, Lisa Marie, unexpectedly passed away in January 2023,” Priscilla further alleged. “Including (but not limited to) by making multiple unrequested trips to California to meet with me, interfering with legal negotiations and a resulting settlement agreement, and causing strife between me and my granddaughter [Riley].”

Priscilla Presley's Ex-Business Partner Responds to Elder Abuse Lawsuit

Lisa Marie, the only child of Elvis and Priscilla, inherited her father’s Graceland estate and more when he died in 1977. After she died in 2023, the ownership was transferred to Keough, 35. (Riley is the eldest child of Lisa Marie and ex Danny Keough. Their son, Benjamin, died in 2020 at age 27.)

After a back-and-forth battle over Lisa Marie’s will, Riley and Priscilla ultimately settled out of court. (In November 2023, Priscilla said on Piers Morgan Uncensored that she trusted Riley to run the estate “well.”)

“Things with Grandma will be happy,” Riley told Vanity Fair in a profile published late last year. “They’ve never not been happy. … There was a bit of upheaval [after my mom died], but now everything’s going to be how it was. [Priscilla’s] a beautiful woman and she was a huge part of creating my grandfather’s legacy and Graceland. It’s very important to her. He was the love of her life.”

Riley Keough Will Pay Priscilla Presley $1 Million in Estate Settlement

Regarding Priscilla’s ongoing lawsuit, Us Weekly confirmed in July 2024 that she sued four of her former business associates for $1 million after they accused her of elder abuse. The actress claimed in her legal motion that Kruse and other associates conspired to take advantage of her finances, calling Kruse a “con artist and pathological liar.” Per Priscilla, the two women met in 2021 when Kruse started selling Elvis memorabilia before slowly taking control of Priscilla’s finances.

Priscilla’s lawyers wrote in the initial filing: “This action arises out of a meticulously planned and abhorrent scheme by the defendants in this action to prey on an older woman by gaining her trust, isolating her from the most important people in her life, and duping her into believing that they would take care of her (personally and financially), while their real goal was to drain her of every last penny she had.”

In a statement to Us, Kruse said, “Any statements I have to make will be in my court documents. However, I have decided to write a book about my treatment and experience with this family. It is coming. One would never be able to comprehend what these people have done to me and my children, let alone each other. The whole truth is coming out and I will see to that.”