New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge is reportedly gearing up for fatherhood.
Page Six broke the news on Thursday, December 26, that the 32-year-old outfielder and his wife, Samantha Bracksieck, are expecting their first child — a baby girl. The couple, who are famously private, have yet to confirm the news themselves. (Us Weekly reached out to Judge’s reps and the Yankees for comment.)
Judge and Bracksieck started dating while attending Linden High School in California. Judge graduated in 2010 and started his journey to the big leagues. It’s been reported that the athlete reconnected with Bracksieck in 2019, taking their relationship to the next level.
While they never made any official proposal announcement, the couple sparked engagement rumors when Bracksieck was spotted wearing a ring on her finger in 2021. They got married during a quiet Hawaiian ceremony in December of that year.
Yankees fans started speculating that Judge was gearing up for the next chapter in his life this past October. Eagle-eyed baseball watchers snapped photos of Bracksieck sporting what appeared to be a baby bump while attending the American League Championship Series. At the time, Bracksieck appeared to join Judge on the field after the Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians, according to photos that were shared via X (but have since been deleted).
While Judge and Bracksieck rarely talk about each other publicly, the duo will make the rare appearance together.
Samantha Bracksieck and Aaron Judge.
“What a time we had out in LA for the All Star break! Can’t thank Yankee fans and all the fans out there for their support and making this one of the best years yet! Time to get rolling in the 2nd half!” Judge captioned a July 2022 Instagram post, offering a look at his relationship.
The MLB star also said in a 2022 interview that his wife had a hand in helping him secure a $360 million contract with the Yankees that same year.
“I was in California. Sam and I were headed to Hawaii to celebrate our [wedding] anniversary. We had a flight at 8 a.m., so 2 o’clock in the morning, 3 o’clock, we’re just staying up,” Judge recalled during an interview with “Casa De Klub” podcast this past July. “We’re going back and forth about different offers from different teams. What do you want to do? And I’m telling her, ‘I want to stay in New York. I don’t want to go anywhere else.’”
Bracksieck encouraged Judge to call Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner.
“We call him and I’m just kind of laying it out there, like, ‘Hey, I don’t want to go anywhere. This is where I want to be if you can just add one more year to the deal. I’m set. I’m not looking for anything more, I just want one more year. I want to play this game for a long time,’” Judge recalled., The athlete then found out he was going to be named the 16th captain of the Yankees.
Justin Baldoni and his wife, Emily Baldoni, have welcomed two kids during their relationship.
The duo’s daughter, Maiya Baldoni, was born in June 2015, nearly two years after they tied the knot. Justin and Emily expanded their family in October 2017 by welcoming son Maxwell Baldoni.
“At the end of the day my goal is to raise good humans,” Justin said about being a father during a 2021 interview. “The only way I think we can do that is if we actively teach them the things the world is going to tell them they can’t be. And then they get to decide what qualities they want to have.”
The actor seems to have a supportive family. However, they did not publicly address any allegations when Justin was sued for sexual harassment in December 2024 by his It Ends With Us costar Blake Lively. Through his lawyer, Justin denied the claims made in the filing, calling them “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” Lawyer Bryan Freedman said Lively filed the suit to “fix her negative reputation” and “rehash a narrative” about what happened behind the scenes while filming the movie in a statement to Us Weekly at the time.
Keep scrolling to look back at Justin and Emily’s family photos:
“Maiya hasn’t seen her dada in two days because he’s been working so hard,” Emily captioned a February 2018 family photo.” So tonight, even for just 5 minutes in between takes and before we had to go home for bedtime, we had to make sure they got to squeeze each other. And they didn’t want to let go. It’s the SWEETEST love!!”
“There are days when this is the best. And there are days when this is really hard,” Emily wrote when celebrating Mother’s Day in May 2022. “It’s no doubt my most beautiful work of art and my greatest honor. And yes, I most definitely asked for some alone time today.”
“We got everything we wanted this year. Hope you did too,” Allio, 40, captioned an Instagram video on Wednesday, December 25. “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays friends. Here’s to the best year yet.”
In the clip, Allio could be seen decorating a Christmas tree with his 8-year-old son, James. While putting up the ornaments, an unidentified woman walks into the frame with the assist. Fans were quick to comment about this apparent new romance for the Bachelor in Paradise alum. (Allio shares son James with late wife Laura, who died in 2019 following a battle with breast cancer.)
“Loooooove seeing you and your son happy,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Hoping whoever she is she brings you and your son happiness.”
Amanda Kloots also shared a comment, writing, “Merry Christmas guys!”
Allio made his Bachelor Nation debut during Katie Thurston’s Bachelorette season. Following his elimination from the show, he went on the eighth season of Bachelor in Paradise, which aired in 2022.
During his tenure on the beach, Allio kicked off a relationship with Danielle Maltby. While they didn’t get engaged when the season came to an end, the duo left Mexico as a couple. One year after their love story played out on TV, the former couple announced their split.
“I guess I’ll just come out with it. We’re not together anymore,” Allio said during a September 2023 episode of Jason Tartick’s “Trading Secrets” podcast. “It’s not what we planned. We both threw a lot into this relationship and it’s really awful when it doesn’t work out.”
Danielle Maltby
He added, “You mourn the loss not of just that person and that friend in your life, but also the future that you had envisioned. And it’s to no fault of hers.”
Allio said that Maltby, 39, “poured everything” into their relationship but things didn’t work out in the end.
“This breakup was not a mutual decision arriving at some perception of incompatibilities,” she shared via social media days after Allio talked about their split. “However, I do hope the best for Michael, and I will always have [his son] James in my heart as we move forward separately.”
She added, “I know so many people were rooting for Michael and I, and I appreciate your support so much. I don’t regret the love I gave for a second.”
Pregnant Brittany Mahomes might have skipped out on her husband Patrick Mahomes’ Christmas Day football game, but she still found a way to praise the NFL quarterback on social media.
“Always keeping his promises,” Brittany, 29, wrote via Instagram Stories on Wednesday, December 25, sharing a post from ESPN in which Patrick, 29, said he and the Kansas City Chiefs were going to clinch a win.
Patrick and the Chiefs took on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, winning 29-10. The team’s victory allowed them to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
“I told my pregnant wife I was gonna get the No. 1 seed so we can go have that baby,” Patrick told reporters after the Chiefs’ win. His teammate Travis Kelce was clapping by his side following the declaration.
Brittany may have skipped out on the game, but she was still watching at home with the couple’s two kids, Sterling, 3, and Bronze, 2.
“Baking and watching Daddy,” she captioned an Instagram Story on Wednesday. Brittany and Sterling were wearing matching pajamas in the sweet mother-daughter snap. “Already on our second box of baking.”
Brittany and Patrick announced in July that they were gearing up to welcome baby No. 3. “Round three, here we come,” they shared in a joint Instagram post at the time.
Patrick offered a post-game update on his wife’s pregnancy on Wednesday. Brittany is gearing up to give birth “any day now,” he told reporters.
“Brittany says I’ve been stressing her out too much this season,” Patrick added. “So, I gotta try not to put so much stress on her through these football games — and get the bye.”
Patrick added, “Hopefully, God works the right way, and we can have that baby on the bye week somewhere. Then, everything will work out perfectly.”
The quarterback, who married Brittany in March 2022, continued to gush about his wife, noting that she deserves the MVP trophy this year.
“MVP ‘cause she’ll go in [to the playoffs] and she’ll crush it,” Patrick added. “We’ll have three babies, and I can take a break for a long time and just focus on playing football and raising those babies.”
Because Patrick was playing football on Christmas Day, he said his family celebrated the holiday earlier in the week.
“Christmas with the Mahomeses is a lot of chasing kids around,” Patrick added. “Santa leaves surprises for the kids. Seeing them grow up and understand what the holidays are all about; I’m making those traditions now. I’m hoping to have some that I’ll have for the rest of my life.”
Derek Hough spent Christmas with family and friends — and his cat’s veterinarian.
“Look what I got for Christmas ” Hough, 39, captioned an Instagram post on Wednesday, December 25. “A plastic bag filled with stuff Otis ate and had to be removed from his stomach costing $8000 ! Yay! Glad he’s ok.”
Hough shared a photo of himself in festive Christmas-themed pajamas holding Otis the cat — and a bag full of the contents of his pet’s stomach. The professional dancer wrote “$8000” over the photo and added an animated arrow pointing to the plastic bag.
“Noooooo!!!! Glad he’s ok!!” fellow dancer Maks Chmerkovskiy commented. Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber added, “S—” in the comments section as well.
Hough, however, seemed to be in high spirits despite the health emergency. The DWTS judge continued to share a glimpse at his Christmas via Instagram Stories.
He and longtime friend Mark Ballas completed a “Christmas build,” according to one photo. (The pair were putting together a toy car.) Ballas, 38, also showed off his “latte art” in another video.
Hough’s holiday also included his wife, Hayley Erbert.
“We’re literally stuck together now,” Hough captioned a second video on Wednesday. The clip showed himself and Erbert, 30, wearing Christmas onesies that were connected, meaning they had to move as one.
This year’s holiday season marked the second for Hough and Erbert as a married couple. They tied the knot in August 2023 and experienced a series of trials during their first year of marriage as Erbert faced a major health scare.
The professional dancer underwent emergency brain surgery for a cranial hematoma in December 2023 after passing out backstage at one of her and Hough’s live shows. (She danced with Hough for the first time during an episode of DWTS in October.)
“It was one of the most difficult times of my life,” Erbert told Us Weekly exclusively in a cover story last month. The dancer explained that she is “relearning how to live” after the surgery.
“I could [have sat there] and just been ‘poor me’ all day long, every single day. But I was like, no — there’s so much beauty in this life still. And I want to live for it,” she explained. “We are truly gonna be so present and appreciate life so much more.”
Erbert told Us that she’s “98 to 99 percent back to what I was” before the surgeries.
“There’s some things here and there, but minor things. Nothing that will hinder me from just doing what I do in everyday life and my career,” she added. “It truly is a miracle. And I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love still.”
The Today cast opened their Secret Santa gifts during the show’s broadcast on Wednesday, December 25. Guthrie, 52, revealed she had Kotb, 60, and the emotional gift had everyone feeling some type of way.
“This is for me? I got wishing candles,” Kotb said while opening her gift bag. When pulling out the second item, Kotb could be heard whispering, “Oh, God,” to herself before showing a small framed square to the camera.
“OK, this phrase, ‘May you find a light to guide you home.’ It’s a beautiful song that Savannah gave to me every time I was going through something new,” Kotb explained. “Oh, my God. It’s too much.”
The lyric is from the song “May You Find a Light” by Josh Garrels.
“I thought you could put it on your desk in the morning when you’re reading your stuff,” Guthrie explained. Kotb responded, “You know what I love about this the most? That’s your handwriting.”
Guthrie confirmed that she did write the framed note before sharing a hug with her cohost.
This year’s Christmas broadcast marked Kotb’s last with the Today show. She announced in September that she would be departing the show in 2025. (Kotb’s final episode date is January 10.)
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new. This is the right time for me to move on,” she shared at the time.
Kotb has hosted the Today show’s fourth hour since 2007 and became a coanchor of the morning show in 2018. She and Guthrie — who joined the Today family in 2012 — have experienced several ups and downs together, which made the gift that much more meaningful.
During Kotb’s Today tenure, she has spoken candidly about her personal life on air. In 2007, Kotb announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy.
She and Joel Schiffman adopted two daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, throughout her time on the show. Kotb and Schiffman also got engaged in November 2019 after six years together, just one year after the television host took over as the Today coanchor.
Two years later, Kotb announced that she and Schiffman split during a February 2022 Today broadcast. Throughout all the hardships, Guthrie has been by Kotb’s side.
Kotb even referred to Guthrie as her “ride-or-die” in an open letter on Today.com announcing her departure from the show.
It might be cold outside, but soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is heating up fans’ Instagram feeds for Christmas.
“Merry Christmas, everyone!” Ronaldo, 39, captioned a new post on Tuesday, December 24. The athlete was shirtless in the image, showing off his chiseled physique while standing outside in the snow.
Ronaldo stood on a deck, which was adorned with holiday-themed twinkle lights. It’s unclear exactly where Ronaldo is celebrating the end of the year, but his girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, previously shared a glimpse of their family vacation in Laponia, Finland.
Ronaldo’s thirst trap comes one day after he shared a photo of himself riding a snowmobile with one of his kids. Both the soccer star and his child were bundled up with face masks and helmets but threw their thumbs up at the camera.
Ronaldo is a father of five: Cristiano Jr., 14, Alana, 8, twins Eva Maria and Mateo, 7, Bella, 2. Two of Ronaldo’s children — Eva Marie and Mateo — were born via surrogate. Rodriguez, 30, gave birth to Alana and Bella, the younger of whom had a twin brother named Ángel who died after birth.
“It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away,” the couple wrote via Instagram at the time. “It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.”
They added, “We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
While Ronaldo is not shy when it comes to sharing his kids via social media, the athlete has spoken candidly about choosing not to identify the mother of his eldest son, Cristiano Jr.
“People speculate I was with this girl or another, or there was a surrogate mother,” he said during a November 2015 interview. “When Cristiano is going to grow up, I am always going to say the truth to him because he deserves it, because he is my son, but I am not going to say because people want me to say.”
Yes, Powell has been in Hollywood for years, but nothing solidifies heartthrob status for an actor quite like wearing a white T-shirt while it rains or shotgunning a beer on stage with Luke Combs (a special thank you to the summer blockbuster Twisters for allowing Us to have both iconic moments.)
The actor famously made his onscreen debut in the 2003 movie Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over. From there he starred in some small, but notable roles, like Chad Radwell in the short-lived — but totally epic — series Scream Queens or the swoon worthy Charliein Netflix’s Set It Up. Fans can argue (and they will) that Powell’s breakout role came as Jake “Hangman” Seresin in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, but it wasn’t until this year that he became a true household name.
“That’s the funniest part about this moment,” Powell told The Hollywood Reporter in May when reflecting on his career. “I’ve worked really hard for a long time, putting things together and just trying to get them in shape enough for people to give a s—. Then you get to a place where people are just like, ‘Yeah, let’s do it,’ and suddenly you’re playing musical chairs with yourself. You’re like, ‘Wait, do I sit in all these chairs right now?’”
The Texas native will, no doubt, continue to sit anywhere he wants in Hollywood, especially as his star continue to rise. 2024 might have been his year but Powell is just getting started.
Keep scrolling for a breakdown why Us was obsessed with Powell this year:
Overall Sex Appeal
Glen Powell in ‘Twisters.’
Powell posed shirtless for Men’s Healthin November 2023, and we definitely thought it couldn’t get better than that — until Hit Man was released on Netflix. The streaming service turned up the heat as summer was starting with Powell’s onscreen sex montage with costar Adria Arjona.
Two months later, Powell put on his cowboy hat and proved their ain’t no love in Oklahoma, unless you’re starring alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones in a movie about tornados. Twisters put Powell’s sex appeal on full display, and this time, the actor kept his shirt on the entire time. He’s just a real movie star and that’s all Us has to say about that.
Life as a Dog Dad
Glen Powell.
If Powell’s looks aren’t good enough, his old terrier poodle mix named Brisket (@hotbrisket on Instagram) might seal the deal. While filming Twisters, the actor adopted his now-famous pup who has even gotten his own magazine cover. Vogue became “Dogue” this past August and Brisket was, of course, featured.
“Brisket’s best quality, I would say, is his ability to snuggle,” Powell gushed of his pup. “If there’s any shape on your body that is remotely cuddle-able, he will figure it out, whether it’s the top of your head, neck, hips, or feet. He is just built for snuggles.”
Anyone familiar with Powell’s social media footprint knows Brisket is built for thirst traps too.
No. 1 Son
Glen Powell (R) and his parents Cyndy Powell (C) and Glen Powell, Sr. (L).
Powell has attempted to put his parents, Cyndy and Glen Sr., in every one of his projects and 2024 was no different. They returned to the big screen for this year’s Twisters — Powell’s big blockbuster hit of the summer — as a couple sitting behind Powell and costar Daisy Edgar-Jones during a rodeo sequence.
“They have some very good screen time, and they’re in the cowboy hats and the boots and the whole get-up,” Powell told Us in July. “They look great. I mean, obviously, they’re from Texas. So, they should look very comfortable in that look, but they nailed it.”
In addition to their endless cameos, Cyndy and Glen Sr. have also been known to show up and support Glen whenever possible — and often show fans exactly where Powell gets his sense of humor. At the May premiere of his Netflix film Hit Man, the duo hilariously followed the actor around with huge signs that read, “Stop trying to make Glen Powell happen” and “It’s never gonna happen.”
“I think that’s maybe the greatest gift that my parents gave me is never, never making me sit in things I didn’t want to sit in and letting me chase the passions I wanted to chase no matter what,” Powell told Us of his parents supporting his career over the years. “When I discovered movies, that’s all I wanted to do. And it didn’t matter the schedule. I would, like, wake up thinking about it and I wake up talking about it. So I just am really grateful for my parents for not trying to deter me from a job that has such a low success rate, which I think a lot of parents do.”
Showing love and appreciation for your — very cool — parents no matter how famous you get? Totally sexy.
Costar Chemistry
Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar Jones.
Powell told Entertainment Weekly in June that when it comes to on screen chemistry, “It either is or isn’t. There’s no way to force it.” And while that might be true, Powell seemingly hasn’t met a costar he doesn’t have “it” with in spades.
From his time on Scream Queens with Nick Jonas to his rom-com Anyone But You with Sydney Sweeney, Powell has always sizzled on screen with his costars — but the sparks he created in 2024 with Twisters and Hit Man leading ladies Edgar-Jones and Arjona were maybe the most intense of all.
“The basis of it is, ‘Oh we could spend four hours together and not shut up. This is somebody that I feel incredibly comfortable with,’” Arjona told Netflix about her instant rapport with Powell. “And once you feel comfortable with someone there’s a layer of trust and respect. You free yourself and you allow that, kind of, chemistry to live.”
We love that Powell can create chemistry with anyone or anything — some would even argue he has it with storms — but it’s knowing his costars feel safe and respected on set that make him the ultimate green flag.
Lookalike Madness
Glen Powell.
Celebrity look alike contests became all the rage in 2024, with some stars — like Timothée Chalamet — showing up to the event to lend their support. While Powell was unable to appear in person when his own look alike contest was held in Austin, Texas, he was sure to send mom Cyndy to help judge in his place — and even popped up in a video to offer his winning doppelganger a special prize.
“Look, I know there is some cash and a hat at stake here, but I just want to say that the winner of today’s contest gets a personal prize from me,” Powell said in the video. “Now you may know that my parents make a cameo in every movie I make, but today, the winner of the Glen Powell lookalike contest wins their parents, or any family member of their choice, a cameo in my next movie. I am completely serious.”
That down to earth aura is exactly what makes Powell so endearing. If you ask Us, he’s everything a true movie star should be.
Reynolds, 48, posted a video on Tuesday, December 24, asking fans for donations to the SickKids Hospital. The actor also shared that he and Lively, 37, are “matching any donation” up to $500,000 before Christmas Eve comes to an end.
“This organization is a sanctuary for so many kids and their parents traversing the unimaginable,” Reynolds wrote, thanking director Bryan Rowland for helping with the holiday charity campaign commercial, which was released earlier this month.
Reynolds also gave a shout-out to Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter, who is also in the advertisement, before praising his daughter’s hard work. “Thank you to my daughter for being such a good person despite your dad asking you to swear (for a good cause),” the Deadpool & Wolverine star shared.
The commercial, released on December 12, showed Reynolds and Inez reprising their respective roles as Deadpool and Kidpool to discuss the importance of raising money for the SickKids Hospital.
“Benevolence is thirsty work,” Reynolds said in character, noting that his next goal is to “eliminate” sick children.
Misunderstanding her dad’s statement, Inez as Kidpool responded: “Oh, dude, that’s so f—ed up.”
Reynolds’ Deadpool clarified, “No. We’re eliminating the sickness by encouraging people to donate.”
Inez made her first appearance as Kidpool in Deadpool & Wolverine, which premiered in July. (Reynolds and Lively also share daughters James, 9, Betty, 5, and son Olin, born in February 2023.)
“Only costar I argued with,” the actor shared via X, posting a photo of himself in costume next to Kidpool. “Most people think Kidpool is the dirtiest. But she’s also pretty good at backtalk and never taking out the trash. #DeadpoolAndWolverine.”
The majority of Reynolds and Lively’s family made an appearance in the movie. Olin played a character named Babypool and Lively stayed masked as Lady Deadpool. While Betty wasn’t on screen, she was credited as “Hugh Jackman Wrangler” in the film.
“They’re all kind of in love with Uncle Hughy over here, so that worked out pretty well,” Reynolds told Extra of his kids in July. “He got attacked by Betty backstage, who thinks she has claws, so she goes at him. I have to actually give her a little tiny time-out.”
Andy Cohen’s 5-year-old son Ben has quite the holiday wish list.
“He had me help him write a letter to Santa, and he said he wants a police drone for himself, which is very timely,” Cohen, 56, told Us Weekly exclusively while promoting his partnership with Fresca Mixed. “A Lego police drone that really flies. I’m like, ‘I don’t think that exists, but all right.’ It is timely.”
Cohen joked, “I’m like, ‘What have you been watching the news?’” (The television host was referring to the recent reports of drones flying over New Jersey.)
Ben also wanted to make sure Santa came through for his 2-year-old sister, Lucy.
Andy Cohen.
“He asked for bath toys for Lucy and he wants a kit of Valentine’s cards so he can make Valentine’s for me ’cause he loves me,” Cohen shared. “I couldn’t believe it.”
While Cohen’s holiday season is mostly kid-focused since he became a dad, the Watch What Happens Live host still finds time to have his adult fun — namely when hosting CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live alongside friend Anderson Cooper.
“I bring over a couple producers from Watch What Happens Live because we are the fun people,” Cohen told Us. “Anderson imports the fun. CNN is about the news. He brings in the fun from my squad, which is great.”
For the broadcast, Cohen said that he and Cooper, 57, “plan a lot of fun games” to play before midnight.
“A couple years ago, at about 11:45, they’re like, ‘Oh, you’ve got 15 minutes to midnight,’ and there were no guests,” Cohen said. “I remember talking [and] at one point, my mind started to wander.”
This year, however, they are prepared.
“We have a lot of fun guests,” he teased. “There are a lot of fun surprises, and I’m really excited about it.”
Even despite the mishaps that might occur during a live show, Cohen said he’s learned “to have fun” during the broadcast. “Last year, Anderson and I had the most fun we had ever had. It was great.”
Those familiar with Cohen and Cooper’s New Year’s Eve broadcast know the drinks are always flowing. Cohen — as expected — puts himself in charge of libations.
“I literally bring a duffle bag with a few bottles of tequila. Some Fresca mix for me during the hour. The tequila is for shots and then shot glasses. I bring ice,” he explained. “I bring this myself. I go to the bodega. I get this stuff.”
As he prepares for 2025, Fresca Mixed is top of mind for the television host who teamed up with the brand to help ring in the new year in style.
Liz Plank was more than Justin Baldoni’s “Man Enough” podcast cohost — she has a successful hosting career under her belt.
Plank publicly announced her decision to step down from “Man Enough” in December 2024, days after Blake Livelyaccused of Baldoni of sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed that same month.
“I’m writing to you today to let you know that I have had my representatives inform Wayfarer that I will no longer be co-hosting the ‘Man Enough’ podcast,” Plank’s Instagram statement read. “Thank you for trusting me with your hearts and stories, for holding space for mine, and for making this show what it was.”
Plank noted that she will “miss” the listeners and the community they created. She did not name Baldoni in the statement but discussed but shared what was next after “this chapter closes” in her career.
“Thank you for being here, for trusting me, and for being by my side for the last four years. We all deserve better, and I know that together, we can create it,” Plank added. “I will have more to share soon as I continue to process everything that has happened. In the meantime, I will continue to support everyone who calls out injustice and holds the people standing in their way accountable.”
Baldoni did not publicly react to news of Plank’s departure, but he denied the allegations made in Lively’s lawsuit via his lawyer. Attorney Bryan Freedman called Lively’s claims “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious” in a statement to Us, noting that she filed the suit to “fix her negative reputation.”
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Plank:
1. Plank’s Connection to Baldoni
She started hosting the “Man Enough” podcast in 2021 alongside Baldoni the president of his Wayfarer Studios production company, Jamey Heath (who was also named in Lively’s suit).
2. Plank Has Multiple Degrees
The television host was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Plank attended McGill University where she majored in women’s studies and international development. Following her undergraduate career, Plank attended the London School of Economics where she received a master’s degree.
During the 2016 election, Plank worked for Vox Media where she hosted several series focused on politics.
Prior to Plank’s career at Vox Media, she acted as a correspondent on MSNBC’s Krystal Clear.
4. Plank Is an Author
She published the book For the Love of Men in September 2019, which focused on “mindful masculinity.”
5. Plank Is a Media Mogul
Since kicking off her career, Plank has made a massive impact in the media world. In 2015, she was named as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in the Media category.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is being sued by former employee Phillip Pines, who is alleging that he participated in “Wild King Nights” with the disgraced music mogul.
The lawsuit, obtained by Variety on Monday, December 23, detailed the alleged “Wild King Nights” as evenings where Diddy, 55, would “engage in a night of sex, drugs and alcohol” with various guests. Pines alleged that, on one occasion, Diddy pressured Pines into having sex with a female guest.
The former employee alleged that he served as Diddy’s “personal lackey” and claimed he would be asked to obtain “red lights, ice buckets, alcohol, marijuana joints, honey packs for male libido, baby oil, astro glide, towels, illegal drugs and power banger sex machines,” before the “Wild King Nights.”
Diddy’s team addressed the filing in a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday, December 24: “No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone — man or woman, adult or minor,. We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail in court.”
The complaint further claimed that Pine would deep clean hotel rooms after the alleged “Wild King Nights” nights — which could be previously planned or occur on a moment’s notice — came to an end. (Pines worked for Diddy from December 2019 through December 2021.)
Sean “Diddy” Combs
Part of his duties included “removing evidence of drugs, removing bodily stains like blood and urine from furniture and sheets, and packing away all items used,” the suit alleged, per Variety. Pines was told to make sure that details about the alleged “Wild King Nights” did not go public and would leave “hotel cleaning crews large tips.” The former employee alleged that he would watch “any incriminating videos” from Diddy’s personal devices and delete them or else he would be fired.
Pines’ suit comes amid several cases against Diddy and days after he was accused of sexual assault by a woman named LaTroya Grayson, who claimed she was drugged and raped at the musician’s “White Party” in 2006. (Grayson won a contest to attend the event where the alleged incident took place.)
Diddy’s team denied the allegations in a statement to TMZ on Friday, December 20. The rapper’s legal team has continued to vehemently deny all allegations against him following Diddy’s arrest on a barrage of charges in September. (Diddy has pleaded not guilty and his trial is set to begin in May 2025.)
Diddy is currently incarcerated in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center where he awaits trial.
Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us wardrobe made headlines when the first photos of her character, Lily Bloom, surfaced online in 2023. More than one year later, the actress’ outfits from the film are raising eyebrows once again — this time in the context of Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.
Lively, 37, made a barrage of accusations against her It Ends With Us costar (and the film’s director) Baldoni, 40, in court documents filed on Friday, December 20. The docs, which have been viewed by Us Weekly, detail alleged moments between Lively and Baldoni on the film’s set. According to the complaint, Baldoni “made the rest of the cast and crew wait for hours” while he allegedly broke down in tears over the public’s reactions to Lively’s costumes.
Baldoni’s apparent breakdown took place in Lively’s dressing room. The suit claimed that he was upset over “social media commenters” posting that Lively “looked old and unattractive” after seeing photos from their first It Ends With Us filming day.
The lawsuit states that Lively “tried to reassure [Baldoni] that she should look authentic in the scenes depicted in the photos, which were just after her character had been abused by her fictional husband.” (Lively plays Lily in the movie, while Baldoni took on the role of her abusive husband, Ryle.)
“His lengthy outburst caused a delay in shooting, forcing an emotional scene to be shot haphazardly,” the suit claimed.
Lively allegedly told Baldoni that looking “hot” was not the goal of the scene. The lawsuit claimed that Baldoni “appeared focused on [Lively’s] sexual appeal above all else.” This was detailed at length throughout the rest of the court documents as well. Elsewhere in the complaint, Baldoni allegedly called Lively “sexy” and “hot” while she was wearing a onesie, which was “pre-approved wardrobe” for the scene.
Baldoni has denied the “outrageous” claims made in the lawsuit through his lawyer, Bryan Freedman. In a statement to Us, Freedman referred to Lively’s accusations as “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious” before claiming that she filed the suit to “fix her negative reputation” and “rehash a narrative” about what went down on the film’s set.
When the first photos of Lively on the It Ends With Us set surfaced online in May 2023, fans of Colleen Hoover’s book of the same name did have comments about the character’s outfits. Similar to what was stated in the suit, one social media user claimed the actress looked “frumpy” while another wondered “why” Lily wasn’t dressed more fashionably.
Lively did not speak publicly about the backlash at the time. Hoover, 45, did make it known that she was unbothered by the negative comments, explaining that it showed that people “cared” about the project.
“I don’t remember describing outfits at all. I don’t care what they have on,” the author told Jenna Bush Hager in a June 2023 interview. “In my head, it’s about the conversation they’re having and the story. It’s the same way in the movie. You’ve seen a couple of outfits that are completely out of context. I’m not worried about it.”
King Charles III is breaking Christmas tradition with his annual speech.
The royal family’s official Instagram account shared a photo from Charles’ prerecorded holiday broadcast on Monday, December 23, revealing that this year’s message was filmed in the Fitzrovia Chapel in London. The location appears to have a special connection to the ongoing health crisis Charles, 76, has been experiencing throughout the past year.
“Formerly the chapel of Middlesex Hospital, it is now a space for quiet reflection, discovery and celebration, connecting diverse communities from all faiths or none,” the Instagram caption read, noting that Charles’ grandfather King George VI “laid the foundation stone of the building” in 1928.
This year’s Christmas broadcast was the first time in 14 years that the speech was not filmed on a royal estate. Monday’s Instagram caption also revealed that the Christmas tree featured in the prerecorded package was donated to Croydon BME Forum and Macmillan Cancer Support’s ‘Can You C Me?’ project and will be placed in the Royal Trinity Hospice in London.
Every year, the reigning monarch records a Christmas broadcast that gets played via television and radio at 3 p.m. local time. This year’s message comes nearly a year after Charles announced in February that he had been diagnosed with cancer. (The following month, Princess Kate Middletonrevealed her cancer diagnosis as well.)
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” Buckingham Palace shared in a statement at the time. “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
The type of cancer has never been publicly specified. However, Charles has returned to his public-facing duties.
The king is set to continue undergoing chemotherapy in the new year, a recent report revealed on Friday, December 20. The treatment is part of a “managed condition” as his health is already headed in a “positive direction,” ABC News shared at the time.
Charles proved he was in good spirits that same day when joking with reporters about his wellbeing.
“I’m still alive,” he joked while at Waltham Forest Town Hall on Friday.
In October, Buckingham Palace confirmed to Hello! Magazine that Charles’ rigorous schedule will not change going into the new year.
“We’re now working on a pretty normal-looking full overseas tour program for next year, which is a high point for us, knowing that we can think in those terms,” the spokesperson said at the time.
Chigvintsev, 42, shared four black-and-white photos with his son on Sunday, December 22. In the snaps, the father-son duo are laying down, with two images showing them both laughing with their mouths wide open. Matteo is hugging Chigvintsev, squishing their faces together, in a third image.
Chigvintsev and Garcia started dating in 2019, two years after they competed together during DWTS season 25. The former couple welcomed Matteo in 2020 and got married in 2022.
This past August, shortly after Chigvintsev and Garcia celebrated their second wedding anniversary, the professional dancer was arrested for domestic battery and booked on a felony domestic violence charge after an apparent altercation with his then-wife. (The charges against him were dropped in September following a “thorough” investigation, Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley shared at the time.)
“Nikki and Artem have settled their divorce and will not be going to court,” Garcia’s rep shared in a statement. “Both parties decided to drop the domestic violence restraining orders against each other in an effort to move on with their lives and effectively coparent their son.”
Garcia broke her silence on the divorce in a December episode of her podcast, “The Nikki & Brie Show,” which she hosts alongside twin sister Brie Garcia.
“I’ve been heartbroken,” Garcia told listeners. “You dream of having this family and you have this incredible love, and it just goes the other way. You go from having a great love story to having a terrible one.”
Garcia further explained her silence, noting that she wanted to “disconnect” to put Matteo’s needs first.
“I’m a mom and my son’s protection and privacy is the most important,” she said. “I was going to do whatever it took for that most importantly, and then just needing space for healing, for facing trauma head-on.”
“I know being a public figure, I have to say a little bit about this, right?” Garcia noted. “After this, I don’t want to ever talk about [it] again, because I truly do want privacy for Matteo. That has been the most important part.”
Sara Baldoni, Sharon Baldoni, Justin Baldoni, Sam Baldoni and Emily Baldoni.
Justin Baldoni’s rise to fame wouldn’t be complete without a supportive family by his side.
The actor gained popularity after playing Rafael Solano on Jane the Virgin from 2014 to 2019. Baldoni has since nabbed various directing roles, allowing him to expand his horizons behind the camera as well. Throughout his ups and downs in Hollywood, Justin has had wife Emily Baldoni by his side.
“I’m so grateful that I get to choose to wake up every day and love this woman,” Justin captioned a July 2024 Instagram post. “But after 11 years of marriage, what has made things so sweet, and what has allowed our relationship to get better and better over time is the fact that I don’t just love her … I also like her. Like, a lot.”
The pair share two kids, Maiya and Maxwell, but the actor’s support system goes way beyond his immediate family. (Justin’s loved ones did not immediately respond when his It Ends With Us costar Blake Livelysued him for sexual harassment in December 2024. Justin denied the “outrageous” claims through his lawyer at the time.)
Keep scrolling to meet Justin’s wife, kids and more:
Sharon and Sam Baldoni
Justin’s parents welcomed their firstborn son in January 1984. The couple raised their family in Los Angeles as part of the Baháʼí Faith, which encourages universal peace and harmony, and Justin has been open about continuing to follow that religion.
“If I could have selected two people to be my parents, I would go back in time and choose them,” Justin gushed during a 2021 interview. “I don’t think a lot of people can say that. My parents are amazing.”
Sara Baldoni
Fans have gotten to know Justin’s younger sister, Sara, through his Instagram posts.
“Sara, I’m not just proud of you, I’m proud of who you are and everything you stand for,” he captioned a social media post in 2016. “Maiya is so lucky to have such a powerful force of positivity as an auntie. I love you so much and I’m so excited to see what you’re going to do next.”
The It Ends With Us star also called his sister “one of the most kind, thoughtful, authentic, loving, generous, happy, and overall incredible women I know.”
Emily Baldoni
Justin and Emily took their relationship public in April 2013, when his 25-minute proposal video went viral. The couple got married that summer.
“We chose someone who is on a lifelong search for growth, who never stops being curious, who stays accountable, and who never, ever gives up,” Justin captioned his July 2024 anniversary post. “We both have these same qualities, and while so many things about us are opposite, no matter how far the world tries to pull us apart, each of those things brings us back together like glue.”
Justin’s wedding vows to his wife have also made headlines, with the actor apologizing for “anything I’ve ever said or done that has hurt you” and his “faults, shortcomings, insecurities and my ego” during the July 2013 ceremony. He got emotional in his speech, promising to “cherish, listen to you, honor you and respect” Emily throughout their marriage.
Justin and Emily welcomed their first child, a daughter, in June 2015.
Maxwell Baldoni
In October 2017, the couple expanded their family with son Maxwell.
“At the end of the day my goal is to raise good humans,” Justin said about parenting in 2021. “The only way I think we can do that is if we actively teach them the things the world is going to tell them they can’t be. And then they get to decide what qualities they want to have.”
Blake Lively has received public support from her famous friends and other Hollywood stars following the news of her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.
Lively sued It Ends With Usdirector and costar Baldoni for sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed on Friday, December 20. According to court documents, which have since been obtained by Us Weekly, the Gossip Girl alum detailed a barrage of accusations, claiming that Baldoni was inappropriate on the film’s set. (TMZ and The New York Times were first to report the contents of the lawsuit.)
While filming It Ends With Us, which was released this past August, Baldoni allegedly body-shamed Lively and attempted to add sex scenes to the film. Lively claims in the suit that she raised concerns about Baldoni prior to the completion of the film. She further alleged that Baldoni has since attempted to “destroy” her reputation in the public eye by launching a “social manipulation” campaign against her.
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, claimed in a statement to Us that Lively filed the suit to “fix her negative reputation” and “rehash a narrative” about what went down on the film’s set. He further denied the “outrageous” claims, calling them “completely false” and “intentionally salacious.”
Lively addressed the suit in a statement to The New York Times.
“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,” she wrote.
Keep scrolling to see which stars have spoken out in support of Lively:
Gwyneth Paltrow
Paltrow showed subtle support for Lively by sharing the actress’ haircare Blake Brown brand via Instagram Stories shortly after the complaint made headlines. “Just added to my Christmas wish list,” she wrote on December 20.
“Blake Lively you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met,” she shared in a December 21 Instagram Story post. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
One day later, Hoover spoke out again, reposting a statement shared by Lively’s former Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars alongside a lengthy caption. Lively thanked Hoover by “liking” the Instagram post.
Robyn Lively
The fellow actress called out “justice” for her sister in a December 21 Instagram post, pointing followers to The New York Times piece detailing each accusation against Baldoni.
“Her complaints were filed during the filming. On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him for a reason,” Johnson wrote in a comment on The New York Times December 21 Instagram post. “Read this article before spiting [sic] ignorance.”
Johnson admitted that “mistakes were made” along the way before praising how Lively worked diligently on movies and launching various businesses while raising her four kids with husband Ryan Reynolds. (He also credited Baldoni’s “gross and disgusting but highly effective” PR strategy.)
“But yeah let’s post from our couch how much we hate her for making mistakes,” Johnson continued. “That makes sense. I mean, she’s been rude in these interviews that magically played on repeat. I saw it. None of us have ever been wrong or mean. Never. We should discount decades of good for those few bad moments. Glad the microscope isn’t on me every day of my life.”
“He puts on the ‘costume’ of a hero, man bun and all,” Johnson wrote, referencing Baldoni’s “Man Enough” podcast. “Used all of the trendy catchphrases & buzz words for his podcasts.”
Johnson continued, “None of it’s genuine. It’s all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years. Rewatch his videos with a more critical eye and watch him compliment and praise himself with faux humility and self-deprecation. What a performance.”
“As Blake’s friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation,” the trio shared. “Throughout the filming of It Ends with Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice.”
The actresses continued: “Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding. We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment.”
Ferrera, Tamblyn and Bledel noted that they are “inspired” by Lively’s courage. They concluded the statement by encouraging fans to read Lively’s full complaint, which was published via The New York Times.
Amy Schumer
The comedian showed support for Lively via Instagram Stories.
After Baldoni hired the same crisis PR team as Johnny Depp amid his legal battle with Heard, the Aquaman actress spoke out about Lively’s lawsuit in a statement to NBC News on December 23.
“Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.’ I saw this firsthand and up close,” she wrote. “It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.”
Heard was referring to her past relationship and subsequent legal trial against ex-husband Depp. (Depp won a defamation suit against Heard in 2022 and was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.)
Brandon Sklenar
Sklenar starred alongside both Baldoni and Lively in It Ends With Us, playing the role of Atlas. The actor shared The New York Times article detailing Lively’s lawsuit via Instagram on December 23.
“For the Love of God Read This,” he wrote when linking Lively’s full complaint. He also tagged the actress, adding a red heart emoji.
Michele Morrone
“It’s usually not my thing to make those kinds of videos, but I think it’s time to stand up for a person I really love and this person is Blake Lively,” the Italian actor shared in an Instagram video on December 23. “I personally met Blake during A Simple Favor 2. We shot this incredible film together and I felt something was wrong, and I felt the pain.”
Morrone said she and Lively “had the opportunity to talk” while working together. He noted that he was “really tired” of seeing “cruel and bad comments” about Lively.
“Blake, I love you so much,” the actor continued. “Keep it up and we’re going to see each other very soon. Love you.”
Jenny Slate
Slate also appeared in It Ends With Us and declared her support for Lively in a statement to Today.com on December 23. (Slate played Baldoni’s sister in the movie.)
“As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation,” Slate’s statement read. “Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.”
The comedian added, “What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”
Hoover’s lengthy message was accompanied by screenshots of a statement from Lively’s Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars. “This statement from these women and Blake’s ability to refuse to sit down and ‘be buried’ has been nothing short of inspiring,” Hoover, 45, captioned an Instagram post on Monday, December 23. “Seeing these three women stand up for their friend when they know good and well they’re going to be ripped apart by the people who choose to not accept or read receipts is inspiring.”
Hoover explained that she initially planned to share the “beautiful” statement written by America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel via her Instagram Stories in fear of negative comments.
“I wanted to show support, but I had anxiety thinking of putting my post about Blake in my feed and sending myself into a mental spiral from the inevitable comments,” the author wrote. “They can be vile, and over the last year or two, there’s been a huge shift in my attitude toward social media. I used to share so much of my life, every single day, but that all changed when I noticed people weren’t necessarily following me out of interest, but rather to tear me down.”
Hoover admitted that things “got dark” for her, so she pulled back on what she posted.
“Rather than stand up for myself and for truth, I allowed and still allow people to blindly judge me without a rebuttal, because that’s what we’re told to do,” she added. “I am done being afraid to post in fear of the comment section hurting my reputation. I do not care about my future legacy. I never have. I care about the people who are currently in my life, who I love and know and trust. And I care about the readers who have supported me along the way, and who reach out daily to ask where I’ve been and why I haven’t released a book in years.”
Concluding her post, Hoover appeared to promise more of a presence online.
“I will see you tomorrow. And the day after that,” she wrote. “Because I like it here and I miss you.”
Us Weekly can confirm that Lively “liked” Hoover’s Instagram statement on Monday. Hoover previously showed Lively support after news broke of her lawsuit against It Ends With Us costar Baldoni, who she accused of sexual harassment. Lively further claimed that Baldoni launched a “social manipulation” campaign to “destroy” her reputation following rumors of tension between the two leads. Baldoni’s lawyer denied the “outrageous” accusations in a statement to Us, calling the lawsuit “completely false” and “intentionally salacious.”
Hoover first spoke out on Saturday, December 21, urging Lively to “never change” and “never wilt.” A similar message was shared by Ferrera, Tamblyn and Bledel, who starred alongside Lively in two Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies.
“As Blake’s friends and sisters for over twenty years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation,” they wrote in a joint statement on Sunday, December 22.
“Throughout the filming of It Ends with Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice,” their statement continued. “Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding.”
The actresses added: “We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment. We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others.”
Justin Baldoni has the rights to Hoover’s It Starts With Us — the 2022 sequel to her 2016 novel It Ends With Us — but it seems the actor might not be on board to direct a second film in this movie universe.
“I think there are better people for that one,” he told Entertainment Tonight on August 6, 2024, when asked about the possibility of stepping behind the camera for a sequel. “I think Blake Lively is ready to direct. That’s what I think.”
His comment made fans wonder if there was bad blood between Baldoni and Lively on set. Us Weekly has since confirmed that there was an intense “creative struggle” between the two. “[Justin] was made to feel that his vision wasn’t as important as Blake’s, and it stifled the creativity on set,” a source told Us exclusively earlier this month. (Baldoni directed and starred as Ryle Kincaid in the film while Lively executive produced the movie and starred as Lily Bloom.)
TMZ reported in December 2024 that Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment, claiming his behavior during filming caused “severe emotional distress.” His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said in a statement to Us Weekly that the allegations were “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious,” arguing Lively was attempting to “fix her negative reputation.” Us reached out to Lively’s rep for comment at the time.
It Ends With Us told the story of flower shop owner Lily who finds herself in an abusive relationship with Ryle, a neurosurgeon with a dark past. When the homeless man from Lily’s youth, named Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), resurfaces, it further throws a wrench in her relationship with Ryle.
The second book is a continuation of Lily’s story — but this time with Atlas.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about It Starts With Us:
How Does ‘It Ends With Us’ End?
The movie and book come to an end with Lily giving birth to her and Ryle’s daughter, Emerson, and asking him for a divorce. In a flash forward that leads into the sequel, Lily meets up with Atlas.
What Is ‘It Stars With Us’ About?
The second book takes place nearly one year after It Ends With Us‘ conclusion. Lily is now the mother of a 1-year-old daughter and is trying to figure out a copacetic coparenting relationship with Ryle. Eventually, she and Atlas reconnect romantically.
Who Owns the Rights to ‘It Starts With Us’?
Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios owns the rights to the second book.
“We have the option on it,” Baldoni told Variety in July 2024: “I haven’t even begun to think that far ahead. I’m trying to stay in the present as much as I can.”
Will ‘It Starts With Us’ Become a Movie?
Screenwriter Christy Hall played coy during an August 2024 interview with Business Insider.
“Everyone wants to be in business with Colleen so I would be interested to know who controls the rights to all of her materials at this point because I would be shocked if she’s not set all over town,” Hall said, noting that she’d “happily adapt” anything with Hoover.
Will Baldoni Direct ‘It Starts With Us’?
Justin Baldoni in “It Ends With Us.”
Baldoni made it clear that he has no plans to direct a possible sequel — or pull double duty again.
“We’re gonna take a vacation after this,” he told ET earlier this month.
What Are Baldoni’s Upcoming Projects?
Baldoni is set to executive produceScarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story and Code 3.
Every year more celebrities are getting book deals (even if no one asked for them) and the anecdotes included on page keep getting juicer — especially when other notable names are concerned.
2024 brought Us memoirs from stars all across the board, including A-listers like Whoopi Goldberg and Cher. However, reality TV stars turned authors took over with Selling Sunset’s Mary Bonnet and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Heather Gay spilling the tea about their respective pasts and shows.
Meanwhile, Bethanny Joy Lenz’s Dinner for Vampires took Us through her time in the Big House Family cult, while the late Lisa Marie Presley (with the help of her daughter Riley Keough) put her entire life on the table.
Keep scrolling to see which celebrity memoirs from 2024 had the wildest name drops:
Crystal Hefner’s Relationship With Jordan McGraw
Crystal Hefner, Jordan McGraw
Crystal’s Only Say Good Things kicked off the year strong with its January release. Aside from her tales about Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Mansion, she penned a shocking story about … Jordan McGraw. (Yes, Dr. Phil McGraw’s singing son who opened for the Jonas Brothers on multiple tours.)
After initially calling off her engagement to Hugh, she found her “safe haven” in McGraw. “I ran straight to Jordan and hid from it all,” she wrote, noting that their relationship “started to sour pretty quickly” after it started.
Rebel Wilson’s Confession About Sacha Baron Cohen
Rebel Wilson, Sacha Baron Cohen
Wilson released her book, titled Rebel Rising, in April and claimed one of her past costars was a “massive a—–e” when they worked together. The actress later revealed that she was referring to Cohen on the 2016 movie The Brothers Grimsby movie set.
Goldberg struck up a friendship with The Godfather star prior to his 2004 death after he essentially broke into her house to play the piano, she recalled in Bits and Pieces, which was released in May.
How Woody Harrelson Saved Darius Rucker’s Life
Rucker’s Life’s Too Short memoir — which was released in May — opened with the country singer recalling how Harrelson saved his life. While visiting the actor in Hawaii, and after a “treacherous 25-minute descent,” Harrelson and Rucker went swimming. The Hootie and the Blowfish singer then got pulled underwater by a rip current, he wrote.
“I fight and flail for I have no idea how long — ten minutes, fifteen — and then I hear a voice. Woody,” Rucker wrote. “I can’t see him, but I hear him. He’s not far. … All I know for sure is that somehow Woody pulls me out of the current.”
Mary Bonnett Wearing Idina Menzel’s Shoes
The Selling Sunset star detailed her fast friendship with Netflix costar Amanza Smithin the September bookSelling Sunshine. Smith was dating Taye Diggs at the time, and Bonnet had the opportunity to go through his ex-wife, Idina Menzel’s closet.
“Idina had left a bunch of stuff behind that she was planning to donate to charity, and I didn’t have any nice shoes with me,” Bonnet wrote.
Wilmer Valderrama’s A-List Plane Incident
Valderrama’s An American Story memoir, released in September, detailed a near-plane crash with Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson and Colin Hanks. The actors thought “our plane is going down” while flying in a storm following the Super Bowl in 2013.
“The plane is pitching up, down, side to side,” Valderrama wrote. “I’m feeling lightheaded. It’s getting hard to breathe. Oxygen masks drop from the ceiling, and I wonder if they dropped because the turbulence shook them loose or if it’s something else.”
Connie Chung Recalls Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer’s Feud
When Chung worked as an ABC News reporter, she had a firsthand experience of what she called the “same-sex battle” between Walters and Sawyer.
“Instead of battling men, I found myself squeezed between two people I thought should have been allies,” Chung wrote in her Connie: A Memoir book, released in September. “I’d foolishly believed the women would be my comrades.”
JoJo’s Galentine’s With Taylor Swift — and How Selena Gomez Was Involved
The singer recalled spending Galentine’s Day at the “sweet and complimentary” Swift’s house in her Over the Influence memoir, released in September. She was invited into the singer’s inner circle because of a close-knit friendship with Gomez.
Elsewhere in the book, JoJo recalled feeling “the occasional twinge of pain or jealousy” during her friendship with Gomez.
Eric Roberts’ Apology to Sister Julia Roberts
Eric Roberts, Julia Roberts
Eric previously took ownership for his sister Julia’s blockbuster acting career. When releasing his Runaway Train memoir in September, the actor apologized for the “asinine” comments he made.
“Now one of the things I’d like to apologize for in this book is for publicly saying on more than one occasion, ‘If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts,’” he wrote. “That’s not only unfortunate, but it’s also untrue. And I hope Julie will accept this more public apology.”
Lisa Marie Presley Taking Michael Jackson’s Virginity
Lisa Marie Presley, Michael Jackson
The late Presley devoted an entire chapter in her From Here to the Great Unknown memoir, released in October, about her brief marriage to Jackson. When they first got together in 1994, Jackson was 35 and told Presley he was “still a virgin” before noting that “the physical stuff started happening.”
Bethanny Joy Lenz Has a Moment With Katharine McPhee
The expected cast of characters (her One Tree Hill costars) appeared in Lenz’s October memoirDinner With Vampires, with an unexpected cameo at the end. The actress recalled crossing paths with McPhee — and having a hilarious interaction — years after escaping The Big House Family cult. At the time, Lenz was telling her friend that she left the church as McPhee listened.
“Kat was bewildered. She put her hand on my arm. ‘Wait, you were in a cult?’” Lenz wrote. “‘Yeah,’ I said. ‘Bible study went sideways.’”
Tim Matheson’s Call With Rob Lowe
Matheson’s book Damn Glad to Meet You was released in November. He joked about former costar Lowe asking for his nanny’s number while they worked together on The West Wing. Matheson quipped that Lowe subsequently “stole” her.
Jaleel White’s Nearly-Naked Moment With Magic Johnson
White, of Family Matters fame, reflecting on being a child star in the November Growing Up Urkel book. The actor crossed paths with Johnson in a locker room and joked that the NBA star was “barely holding on” a towel.
“I was trying to keep my eyes to myself, but I was like, ‘Wow.’ I just never imagined I would get this unfiltered view of Magic’s johnson,” he wrote.
Cher Has an Encounter With … Everyone
The first part of Cher’s self-titled memoir, released in November, had tons of celebrity name-drops — but a few stood out among the rest. The singer recalled hanging out with Liza Minelli as a child, and subsequently meeting her mom Judy Garland.
“We did as we were told, and when we sat on the front steps Liza spontaneously burst into song with ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’ I remember thinking that was strange, as I’d never been around a kid who just burst into song like that, even though she was pretty darn good,” Cher wrote. “It was only later that I realized she was Liza Minnelli and that the woman on the stairs was Judy Garland. Now I realize she probably wasn’t drinking juice.”
Elsewhere in the book, she recalled a moment with Warren Beatty. The actor nearly crashed into her while driving and when Cher got out to yell at him, she recognized Beatty.
“He showed me inside, fixed us some cheese and crackers, then leaned in and kissed me,” Cher wrote. “The two of us went swimming, with me in Natalie Wood’s bathing suit, and we had a great time.”
Heather Gay Raises Eyebrows With Story About Monica Garcia
Gay’s Good Time Girl memoir, released in December, included an accusation that formerReal Housewives of Salt Lake City star Jen Shah’s husband, Sharrieff Shah, tried to kiss Garcia.
Garcia subsequently denied the allegation in a statement to Us.
