After previously shutting down breakup rumors, Craig Conover is addressing his and Paige DeSorbo’s split for the first time.

“Hey everyone, what’s up. Oh, I figured it’s finally time to check in with everyone. Sorry about the delay, this has all been very, very unexpected to say the least. But I guess I gotta start living again, whatever that looks like. Whatever my new normal looks like — I have to start,” Conover, 35, said via his Instagram Story on Tuesday, January 7. “‘Gratitude will get you through this, with time comes clarity’ – all of the advice, I’m trying to listen to.”

He continued, “But, yeah. [It happened] right before the holidays. I was very shocked. And it’s OK. It takes two people to be in a relationship and you can’t control other people, you can only control how you react to it. Remember to be kind to Paige and me and yourselves and all of that good stuff.”

Conover said he’s “still processing everything,” which he called “normal.” He added, “[It’s] a 3-year relationship, it’s your best friend who you talk to all day everyday, and then they’re just gone. So, you know, one day I’ll be able to talk more on it.”

Conover thanked fans for their “kind messages” amid the split. “It’s just life. I have to take my own advice … that no one is ever not better off after a breakup,” he continued. “But I guess now I gotta practice what I preach and believe it and truly have faith in God that everything happens for a reason. But I love you all and I’ll see everyone on my travels this January. We got a lot coming up.”

Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover’s Relationship Timeline

DeSorbo, 32, revealed that she and Conover had called it quits after three years of dating on the Monday, December 30, episode of her and Hannah Berner’s “Giggly Squad” podcast. “Craig and I have decided to no longer be together,” she told listeners. “I love him, I think he loves me. I think we will remain friends. No one did anything. It wasn’t a bad thing. 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.”

Noting that she has changed “a lot” in recent years, DeSorbo stated that she has “so much love and respect” for Conover despite their split. “I think he is one of the best people I’ve met in my entire life. I will remain the biggest fan for him and want the best for him, and he truly will get the best, because he is the best,” she gushed. “But, with that said, I think it is the right decision for both of us.”

Conover previously shut down rumors that he and DeSorbo had separated before the holidays. “I don’t know where that came from, because we’re together, like, every week,” he told E! News in an interview published on December 9. “So, no, Paige and I are not broken up. We’re still together.”

The exes met while filming season 1 of Winter House in 2021 and made their relationship public at Bravo stars Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula’s wedding that September. Throughout their relationship, the pair continued to appear on Summer House and the spinoff Winter House. The two also learned to balance a long-distance relationship, as DeSorbo lives in New York City and Conover resides in Charleston, South Carolina, where his reality series Southern Charm is filmed.

On Monday’s podcast, DeSorbo denied speculation that Bravo requested she wait to announce the breakup. “In terms of people saying, ‘Oh, Paige was told to wait until Southern Charm came out or Summer House came out.’ No one can tell me what to do,” she clarified. “The network has power, but they don’t have that much power. … That is not a real thing. Rumors of us breaking up months ago was also not a real thing.”

Summer House's Paige Calls Potential Craig Engagement ‘F—king Scary’

She also used the breakup announcement to set the record straight on other rumors that surrounded her and Conover’s relationship. “Our first rumor was that we were in a PR relationship. So we’ve been with these rumors our whole relationship and we didn’t really give it a second thought,” she explained. “But I didn’t want [my listeners] to think I was leaving them out of the loop or something. Not at all.”

Addressing breakup rumors specifically, she continued: “Any time those rumors were happening, we were still together. When we did break up, obviously, I didn’t run to social media and I didn’t run to the podcast. We both gave each other a little time to deal with it on our own in private with our family and friends.”

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Several celebrities seemingly have Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager to thank for their recent engagements.

While chatting about Zendaya and Tom Holland’s engagement news on the Tuesday, January 7, episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna, the cohosts recalled how they previously predicted the couple would be taking the next big step in their relationship.

“Do you remember when Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco were dating? We said they were gonna get engaged? And guess what they did,” Kotb, 60, stated. Her comments were followed up by a clip of herself and Bush Hager, 43, reacting to Gomez, 32, and Blanco’s December 2024 engagement on the show.

“So, now it’s time for Zendaya and Tom,” Bush Hager said in the replayed clip, while Kotb noted, “It’s probably all happening, and we’ll re-run this clip.”

Celebrity Engagements of 2025: See Which Stars Got Engaged This Year

As the women predicted last month, news broke on Monday, January 6, that Zendaya and Holland, both 28, got engaged over the holidays after several years of dating. One day prior, Zendaya sparked engagement rumors by sporting a diamond ring on that finger on her left hand at the 2025 Golden Globes.

“Tom figured the holidays were the best time to propose in a very low-key way,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly on Monday. “She didn’t want anything over the top.”

The insider went on to add that the duo both felt like the timing was right, sharing, “They had many conversations over the years, but there was never any pressure. Zendaya is giddy and excited. She knew it might have been coming but never put pressure on it.”

On Tuesday’s Hoda & Jenna episode, Kotb and Bush Hager went on to list the reasons why they suspected the couple’s engagement was imminent, citing how Zendaya and Holland wore matching maroon outfits while grabbing dinner in New York City in October 2024. It was during that outing that Holland went viral for protecting Zendaya from aggressive paparazzi.

Tom Holland and Zendaya’s Quotes About Their Relationship Over the Years

However, the telling sign for Kotb and Bush Hager was Holland revealing he was spending the holidays in the U.S. with Zendaya’s family on a December 2024 episode of “The Dish from Waitrose” podcast. During the interview, he also mentioned that he and the actress want to bring their families together during future holiday celebrations.

With two correct celebrity engagement guesses under their belt, Kotb and Bush Hager wrapped up the discussion by sharing their “final prediction”as a hosting duo. (Kotb will depart Today after nearly 30 years working at NBC on Friday, January 10.)

“Travis Kelce [and] Taylor Swift. It’s happening,” they announced in unison.

Similar to Zendaya and Holland, Kotb and Bush Hager noted how the NFL tight end and pop star also coordinate outfits, make public appearances together and have introduced their families to each other, in addition to being supportive of each other’s careers.

“Can we re-run this clip even if I’m not here when it happens?” Kotb asked, to which Bush Hager replied, “We’re not gonna erase you from the show entirely!”

Another source exclusively told Us last month that Swift and Kelce, who started dating in 2023, aren’t in a rush to get engaged. “Taylor does feel like Travis is The One, but jumping in is not her style,” they explained. “That’s just not how she does [things]. Marriage is a big deal, and she wants [it to be] forever.”

Meredith Vieira and late husband Richard Cohen were each other’s biggest supporters throughout their decades-long marriage.

Cohen had already been battling multiple sclerosis for 10 years when he met Vieira in 1982 after being diagnosed with the chronic neurological disorder when he was 25 years old. “I dropped a coffeepot for no reason. I fell off a curb for no reason. I noticed a little numbness in my leg,” he told Yahoo Lifestyle in March 2019. “It hit my eyesight fairly quickly, but other than that, I was very active physically and I thought I was really beating it. I was living in denial.”

Despite his health struggles, Cohen and Vieira fell in love and went on to welcome three kids. “It’s one of those clubs you don’t wanna join, but when you’re part of it, you realize there are amazing people who are within that community,” Vieira said of her husband during a September 2019 appearance on The View. “And I really do believe that when you’re given, that’s the card you’re dealt, you deal with it. And he’s amazing.”

The pair were married for 38 years when Cohen died at age 76 in December 2024. Hoda Kotb announced the news on Today in January 2025, revealing that Cohen was “surrounded by his family and love” at the time of his death.

Meredith Vieira’s Husband Richard Cohen Dead at 76 Following MS Battle

Scroll down to look back at Vieira and Cohen’s sweet love story:

1982

In March 2019, Vieira told Yahoo Lifestyle that she and Cohen “went toe-to-toe” from the start of their relationship, saying, “I thought two things: ‘What a jerk,’ and then my second thought was, ‘I’m going to marry this guy.’”

Cohen noted that he informed his future wife of his MS diagnosis on their second date. “I sort of learned the hard way to get it on the table,” he stated, noting that Vieira “didn’t blink” at the revelation.

1986

The couple said “I do” four years after they met.

1989

Cohen and Vieira became parents with the birth of their eldest child, son Benjamin.

1991

They pair welcomed their second child, son Gabriel.

1993

Their family continued to grow with the birth of their daughter, Lily.

May 2011

Vieira announced her decision to leave her hosting role on NBC’s Today in order to spend more time with her family. “I was extremely torn because I love it here,” she said in a press conference at the time. “But I had personal issues that were weighing on me and I felt that I really needed to examine them closely and make a decision based on them.”

She added: “I went back and forth and back and forth. It was really at the last minute that I had to go with my gut, and I know that it’s the right thing, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”

December 2011

“I think that it’s important to ask for help when you need help, that you have friends that care about you,” Vieira said when asked to share advice for families dealing with MS on an episode of Anderson Live. “In the beginning, I thought, ‘Boy, is that putting a burden on other people?’ But that’s what friends are for, literally. And I’m never shy if we need any kind of help, and I think it’s great for the kids to be able to talk to people, as well.”

She continued: “And maintaining a sense of humor. I mean, I think that’s what’s kept us going through a lot of this. As best you can, just to always look at the bright side when you can find it.”

Cohen chimed in to add: “I think we’ve learned that illness is a family affair, and they have a lot at stake in this, also, and need nurturing and need help getting through it. And it really works best when you do it as a unit because you support each other.”

The Most Dramatic 'Today' Show Exits Over the Years: Hoda Kotb and More

April 2014

Vieira took to social media to reveal that her husband was hospitalized with a “blood clot in his leg that had partially gone to his lungs.”

In a follow-up tweet, she thanked fans for their “kind thoughts and prayers” and joked that “Richard is feeling better and already flirting with the nurses!” (Cohen previously battled colon cancer in 1999 and 2000.)

May 2018

“For Richard to write a book, he’s legally blind and he only has the use of one hand. So, imagine somebody, every day, about 6 a.m. till about 8 p.m. at night, face pressed to the computer, typing with one hand,” Vieira said on Today while discussing Cohen writing his fourth book, Chasing Hope. “And I would say, ‘Why don’t you just talk into a mic, and it will all get transcribed?’ And Richard was very clear to point out, ‘That’s not how I write. That’s not how I create.’ So, that’s why when I said last night I respect him, I admire him — and we do as a family — but I’m in awe of him.”

September 2019

“We definitely allow each other to vent,” Vieira told People of how she and Cohen handled tough times. “That’s part of the deal. Certainly he’s allowed to vent, because he’s got chronic illness. But I am too. Because there are days I can’t stand it and the limitations it puts on the entire family. It’s good to say it. But we don’t dwell.”

She continued: “You can think, ‘Why us?’ but then it’s like, ‘Why not us?’ So many people are dealing with stuff and it puts it into perspective. … Richard is a very funny person, and I have a good sense of humor, so that’s sort of our thing.”

General Hospital’s John Capodice Dead at 83

January 2025

News broke that Cohen died on Christmas Eve in December 2024. Kotb explained on Today that the couple’s kids reunited around Thanksgiving because “they were concerned they were gonna lose him early.” Instead, they got to spend a “glorious month” with Cohen before his death.

Savannah Guthrie noted that Vieira was in “really good spirits” before praising her for being “a beautiful and devoted wife” to Cohen. “And he adored Meredith,” she said. “They were, like, the most fun, entertaining, irreverent, cool couple you could hang out with.”

Ashton Kutcher and his 8-year-old son, Dimitri don’t just look alike — they also share a love of wrestling.

In a rare public outing together, the father-son duo stepped out to watch the WWE’s Monday Night Raw at the Intuit Dome on Monday, January 6, in Inglewood, California. The pair smiled as they cheered on the athletes together. (Kutcher, 46, shares Dimitri and daughter Wyatt, 10, with his wife, Mila Kunis.)

Kutcher kept things chill, sporting a University of Iowa Hawkeyes T-shirt and baseball hat, which Dimitri matched with his own Hawkeyes jersey and a black hoodie. (Kutcher hails from the midwestern state.)

Kutcher and Dimitri aren’t the only members of their family who are sports fans. Back in May 2024, Kutcher and Kunis, 41, made a rare public appearance with both of their kids to watch WNBA star Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever take on the Los Angeles Sparks.

Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher's Most Relatable Parenting Quotes Over the Years

After the Fever defeated the Sparks with a score of 78-73, the couple brought their kids onto the court to snap a pic with Clark, 22. In social media footage from the sporting event, Kunis was seen wiping away tears from Wyatt’s face as she got emotional after meeting the basketball superstar.

Kutcher and Kunis — who met starring together on the sitcom That ‘70s Show — welcomed Wyatt one year before they tied the knot in July 2015. Their family continued to grow with the birth of Dimitri in November 2016.

Both the basketball game and wrestling match marked some of the first public appearances the couple have made with their children after choosing to stay mostly out of the public eye over the years. However, both Kutcher and Kunis have gushed about their family of four in interviews.

“We’re very goofy parents when it comes to our children, but that doesn’t [mean we] have a skill,” Kunis shared on a March 2020 episode of the “Teach Me Something New” podcast. “I think that’s just [us] being idiots. We’re very comfortable with ourselves acting a fool at home, but maybe that comes from the idea of being comfortable in your own body, and in your own skin, and in your mind and not having a fear of making a fool of yourself.”

Kutcher went on to add: “Sometimes try to read our daughter’s books in the characters’ voices, and she’s like, ‘Dad, can you just use your real voice?’ I’ll do Peppa Pig with an English accent. And then [the dad], the whole thing. And she’s like, ‘Dad, just do your regular voice.’”

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' Relationship Timeline

Last year, Kutcher told the “Throwbacks” podcast that “toxic masculinity” impacted his parenting style. “My son, I’m always like, ‘Yeah, let’s go for it.’ Like, yesterday we’re popping wheelies on a bicycle in the driveway or it’s like, ‘See if you can jump down four stairs.’ [With] my daughter I just want to protect her,” he explained in September 2024. “When my son cries, I’m like, ‘All right, what did we learn? Let’s move on.’ But when my daughter cries, my heart is out of my body and I can’t put it back in.”

He continued: “But I also notice the same thing with my wife, like, she’s very strict on our daughter and, like, a gushball with our son. I think we balance each other in that way.”

Zendaya couldn’t be happier with how Tom Holland’s proposal played out.

“Tom figured the holidays were the best time to propose in a very low-key way,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly shortly after news of the couple’s engagement broke on Monday, January 6. “She didn’t want anything over the top.”

One day before Us confirmed the pair’s relationship milestone, Zendaya, 28, sparked engagement rumors on the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet by sporting a diamond ring on her left hand. According to the insider, “Zendaya tried to keep it a secret but was very excited to show off her ring. She didn’t think people would notice but didn’t care either way.”

The source went on to note that both felt the timing was right. “Tom wanted to propose because he feels he is at the right time in his life and feels ready to settle down.” the insider said. “They had many conversations over the years, but there was never any pressure. Zendaya is giddy and excited. She knew it might have been coming but never put pressure on it.”

Zendaya and Tom Holland's Relationship Timeline

Holland, 28, previously shared that he was spending the holidays with Zendaya’s family in the U.S. during a December 2024 episode of “The Dish from Waitrose” podcast. “Where we’ll be is a secret. … I’ll know where we’re going [but fans won’t],” he said without spoiling his proposal plans.

Bringing their families together for the holidays is something he and Zendaya want to start doing going forward. “That’s what I think we want to do next time, ‘cause we’re both actors; We’re both terrible at organizing things, so it hasn’t happened yet,” he explained.

Holland and Zendaya first sparked romance rumors in 2017, the same year they costarred in their first film together, Spider-Man: Homecoming. The couple eventually took a break and Zendaya briefly dated her Euphoria costar Jacob Elordi from 2019 to 2020 before she and Holland got back together. Their romance was confirmed in July 2021 after being spotted kissing in a car. They made their red carpet debut as a couple that November at the premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Another source exclusively told Us in July 2024 that the duo’s relationship was “the real deal,” noting, “They started as besties, and that’s [why] their relationship is rock solid. … They’re each other’s biggest supporters. They ‘get’ each other.”

At the time, the insider noted that Holland and Zendaya’s families were “all in” on their romance. “[They] think they’re perfect together.”

Tom Holland and Zendaya’s Quotes About Their Relationship Over the Years

In an interview with Men’s Health earlier this month, Holland revealed that he one day plans to step back from acting after starting a family. “When I have kids, you will not see me in movies anymore,” he revealed. “Golf and dad. And I will just disappear off the face of the earth.”

When asked why he wasn’t making any awards season red carpet appearances with his now-fiancée, Holland told the outlet: “Because it’s not my moment, it’s her moment, and if we go together, it’s about us.”

With reporting by Amanda Williams

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Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey will return for more post-apocalyptic adventures on the upcoming second season of HBO’s The Last of Us.

Based on the 2013 video game of the same name, the series follows Joel (Pascal), a grizzled survivor tasked with transporting Ellie (Ramsey) across the country, 20 years after a zombie-like fungus, cordyceps, wiped out much of civilization. As they continue on their journey, the unlikely duo form a surrogate father-daughter bond along the way.

Upon the show’s premiere in January 2023, the series — cocreated by Craig Mazin and the game’s writer and creative director, Neil Druckmann — was renewed for season 2 after only two of the season’s nine episodes had aired.

The second season is expected to follow the plot of the video game’s 2020 sequel, The Last of Us Part II, which picks up a few years after the original story. Though the show hasn’t been picked up for a third installment, Mazin previously teased that the series’ team may need more than one more season to properly portray Part II’s events.

“The amount of remaining story would take us more than a season to tell. But definitely, I don’t see this as something that runs on and on and on,” he told Collider in January 2023. “We don’t have that ambition. Our ambition is to tell the story that exists, as best as we can, in a different medium.”

Scroll below to find out everything we know about The Last of Us season 2:

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Jenna Bush Hager isn’t in any rush to find a permanent replacement for Hoda Kotb on the fourth hour of Today.

The TV personality, 43, teased what fans can expect from the revamped version of Today With Hoda & Jenna, retitled Today With Jenna & Friends, in an interview with Variety published on Monday, January 6. The new series will debut the week after Kotb’s final episode on the NBC morning show on Friday, January 10.

Noting that she is “involved” in picking Kotb’s permanent successor, she clarified the process isn’t something she and the show’s crew are rushing. “Chill out,” she quipped. “I feel like our audience deserves the time to get to know a ton of different people, [a] ton of different backgrounds. We’re hoping to pull up the chairs to all different types of people.”

For now, Bush Hager will cohost Jenna & Friends with a rotating lineup of celebrity guest hosts. For her first week as the show’s main host, Bush Hager will be joined by the likes of Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer.

Jenna Bush Hager Compares Hoda Kotb's 'Today' Exit to Being Dumped

“I think there will be some surprises for sure,” she added. “And so, it’s like when we know, I think we’ll know.”

Jenna & Friends executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones mirrored Bush Hager’s comments, telling the outlet that the show doesn’t want to “replicate” Bush Hager and Kotb’s onscreen dynamic. “We’re in this new version of the show, and it’s really Jenna’s dating,” she explained. “We get a chance to meet different people, and we’ll fall in love one day, but until then we’re just having a really good time.”

NBC News executive vice president Libby Leist added: “This is the part of the Today morning where you’re the most honest and raw and personal. You hear everything from Hoda and Jenna, and I think that’s what the audience has come to expect. They really love when our talent shares the personal, shares advice and themes you may not always see in more of the news programs.”

This week won’t mark the last time Today fans see Kotb, 60, pop up on the show, as the outlet notes she will occasionally make appearances on Today and other NBC programming, as well as continue to host her “Making Space” podcast.

At the time of her interview, Bush Hager was filming a brand-new intro for Jenna & Friends. According to the outlet, the new theme will feature footage of Bush Hager walking through a nearby New York City park, exiting a donut shop and walking into Today’s NBC studio through a revolving door.

Jenna Bush Hager, Hoda Kotb Burst Into Tears Over 'Depression Stage'

The intro is reportedly reminiscent of The Mary Tyler Moore Show’s opening credits, which famously showed the actress as a working woman in the big city. “We didn’t mean for that to happen, but we’re not mad at it,” Bush Hager said of the unintentional reference.”

Bush Hager joined Today as an on-air contributor in 2009 and took over Kathie Lee Gifford’s spot as Kotb’s fourth hour cohost in 2019. Kotb announced her Today departure in September 2024, citing turning 60 and being a mother to her young daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, as the main reasons behind her decision. Craig Melvin will follow in Kotb’s footsteps as Savannah Guthrie’s coanchor.

As Hoda Kotb bids farewell to Today, Jenna Bush Hager is starting a new era of the NBC morning show’s fourth hour.

Following Kotb’s final episode on Friday, January 10, Today With Hoda & Jenna will be revamped into Today With Jenna & Friends. The new show will see Bush Hager, 43, cohost alongside a rotating panel of celebrity guest hosts until Kotb’s official replacement is selected.

“Whoever sits in this seat is going to have the easiest job in the world ‘cause they’re sitting next to you,” Kotb, 60, said on a September 2024 episode of Hoda & Jenna after announcing her Today exit. “I mean, the only thing they have to do is not laugh so hard they pee their pants. That’s it. They just have to hang on. You are this bright light, you always have been, and it’s your turn.”

At the time, Bush Hager replied: “If I’m bright, it’s because I’m sitting in your glow.”

Jenna Bush Hager Compares Hoda Kotb's 'Today' Exit to Being Dumped

Kotb helped Bush Hager announce her first lineup of guest hosts during her final week of Today, describing her first three picks as “heavy-hitter, homerun [and] wow” on the Monday, January 6, episode of Hoda & Jenna.

After hearing the brand-new Jenna & Friends theme song, Kotb tearfully told her TV partner: “I was picturing you and how proud I’m gonna be of you walking right here from that wall to this desk with that song. It’s gonna be awesome. It’s gonna be amazing.”

Scroll down to see which celebs will be sitting next to Bush Hager on Today With Jenna & Friends:

Taraji P. Henson

Hosting dates: The week of January 13

Eva Longoria

Hosting dates: The week of January 13

Keke Palmer

Hosting dates: The week of January 13

Scarlett Johansson

Hosting dates: Tuesday, January 21 through Friday, January 24

Hoda Kotb is saying goodbye to Today with a week full of fun and heartfelt festivities.

The stars of the NBC morning show kicked off Kotb’s “Hoda-bration” on Monday, January 6, to mark her final week of episodes. “We’re gonna celebrate you, which is gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really easy,” Jenna Bush Hager said on Today With Hoda & Jenna before joking that she couldn’t even “hold my emotions for one minute.”

Kotb announced in September 2024 that she was leaving Today after nearly 30 years working at NBC, citing her 60th birthday and role as mom to daughters Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, as the main reasons behind her decision.

“I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking they deserve a bigger piece of my time, the pie that I have. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time,” she explained on air at the time. “And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.”

Hoda Kotb's Most Memorable and Emotional 'Today' Show Moments

Kotb’s week-long “Hoda-bration” will conclude with a special episode of Hoda & Jenna filmed in front of a live studio audience on Friday, January 10. “There will be big surprises, lots of surprises that Hoda won’t even know about,” Bush Hager, 43, teased on a December 2024 episode of the series.

Following Friday’s episode, Bush Hager will continue to cohost the morning show’s fourth hour as Today With Jenna & Friends. She will be joined by a series of rotating guest hosts until a permanent replacement is picked. Craig Melvin, meanwhile, will take over Kotb’s role as Savannah Guthrie’s coanchor.

Before her official farewell, scroll down to see the biggest moments from Kotb’s final Today episodes:

A Sorority Surprise

The marching band from Kotb’s alma mater, Virginia Tech, performed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on Monday’s second hour of Today. After Kotb shared a hug with the school’s mascot, HokieBird, Guthrie surprised her colleague with 70 of her Tri Delta sorority sisters.

“They called us two weeks ago, and they said, ‘Can you get a few Tri Deltas?’” one of the sisters stated. “[Everybody] rallied, came from all over the country because we love you.”

A shocked Kotb hugged several members, including the woman who was her “little sister” in the group. “You guys, I was the pledge trainer for this sorority. It meant the absolute world to me,” she gushed. “I can’t believe you guys came. I’m shocked!”

Kotb went on to tell her sisters they had to hang out after the show. “Everybody’s at my house! Let’s go!” she exclaimed. “We gotta go out today. We have to. We’re making it happen.”

Heartfelt Home Décor

On Monday’s episode Hoda & Jenna, Bush Hager gave Kotb a personalized gift from one of her favorite authors, Charlie Mackesy, who wrote The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Mackesy captioned a painting of the book’s titular characters with the message: “Hoda, every step you take is a victory. Love Charles.”

Kotb got emotional as she accepted the present. “First of all, I love him so much. His book has been life-changing for so many people, including me,” she gushed. “In fact, I actually have a framed, just a sketch, in my office, of just a sketch from his book. I can’t believe he did that.”

'Today' Show Hosts React to Hoda Kotb's Surprising Exit

Bush Hager continued the fun by playing a special video message sent by Mackesy, 62. “I’m in the rain in London to say I’m wishing you all the luck in the world and all the blessings, and I hope your next step is fun,” he stated in the clip. “You’ve given so much and give so much and I hope you love what you’re gonna do next. And every single step you take is a victory, and thank you for including me on your journey with the book. I’m so grateful to you, always will be so grateful. Thank you, Hoda.”

A Long-Lasting Memory

During her interview on Monday’s Hoda & Jenna episode, actress and comedian Michelle Buteau recalled how Kotb showed her kindness during the early days of her career.

“You won’t remember this, but about 23 years ago, I was editing local news, WNBC overnights. … And it was off of the overnight [shift], you were coming in [for] the morning, and nobody said hi to me. They just gave me tape to edit,” she recalled. “Not only did you say hi to me, you looked in my eyes, through my soul and said, ‘How is your day?’ And I was like, ‘I don’t even know.’ And you’re like, ‘I get it.’

Andy Cohen Thanks Hoda Kotb for the 'Courage' to Become a Dad Late in Life

She continued: “And you won’t remember, but I remembered because I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s who I want to be. That’s how I want to make people feel: seen.’ No matter what they do, no matter what title they have, you look at somebody and you say, ‘How are you?’’ And you mean it. And so, that’s how I lead my show and my projects, and it’s the only way to live. So, thank you so much.”

The story made both Buteau, 47, and Kotb tear up. “Why did I wear lashes?” Buteau quipped.

An Emotional Reunion

On January 7, Guthrie reunited Kotb with the family of Erin Ludwig, who died of breast cancer in 2017. Ludwig was highlighted in one of Kotb’s “Pink Power” stories, which focused on breast cancer awareness. After first meeting Erin’s husband, Jason, and daughters, Savannah and Aubrey, in 2016, Kotb visited the family for a second time shortly after Erin’s passing and presented the young girls with teddy bears.

Six years later, Kotb cried when Savannah and Aubrey appeared on Today with Jason and brought nearly identical stuffed animals as gifts for Kotb’s daughters, Haley and Hope. The Today cohost embraced both of the girls for lengthy hugs, while Jason presented her with a bouquet of lilies — Erin’s favorite flower.

“We would not miss this for the world. When we first got the call that we were asked to come back, I sat with the girls, we talked, and without a doubt we all decided we wanted to come back and be here for you, Hoda,” Jason gushed. “You have touched our lives in ways you have no idea, and we’re just a small percentage of the people whose lives you’ve touched over your career.”

The interview ended on a sweet note when Aubrey gifted friendship bracelets to both Kotb and Guthrie.

Found Families

Kotb enjoyed another reunion with former guests on the January 7 episode of Hoda & Jenna. She previously profiled Christina Wong and Dean Kahn about their adoption journey and, while having the couple on the show, broke the news that they had been matched with a baby girl.

The couple introduced Kotb and Bush Hager to their daughter Jacqueline on Hoda & Jenna in celebration of Kotb’s final week on Today. “It’s been amazing,” Kahn said of the pair’s new life as parents. “I mean, she’s been everything we hoped for and more. It’s just so surreal. You think perfect’s not possible, and then it happens.”

Kotb and Bush Hager surprised the couple with a gift basket full of baby clothes, children’s books and Hoda & Jenna mugs. “And if she ever gets in trouble, that can all be sold on eBay,” Bush Hager joked.

Not all of Glenn Close’s 2025 Golden Globes presentation speech was heard during the live CBS broadcast.

The actress, 77, was censored during the awards ceremony on Sunday, January 5, while presenting the winner for Best Motion Picture – Drama. “One of my most treasured possessions is a letter that Katharine Hepburn wrote to me, in which she described what we all do as, ‘This terrible profession. This terrifying profession. And let’s face it, this delicious way to spend your life,’” she began her speech.

As she continued, the broadcast briefly cut its audio feed. Footage of Close’s complete speech — profanity and all — was later uploaded via the Golden Globes YouTube channel.

“We are so f—ing blessed and lucky, blessed and lucky to be together in this room,” she gushed. “Let’s get to the reason why we’re here.”

10 Buzziest Moments From the Golden Globes: Nikki Glaser Slays as Host, More

Close proceeded to present the prestigious award to the cast and crew of the historical drama The Brutalist. The film took home a total of three wins on Sunday, including Best Director – Motion Picture for Brady Corbet and Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for Adrien Brody. Emilia Pérez scored the most wins of any nominated film on Sunday with a total of four.

Close, for her part, was not nominated at this year’s Golden Globes. Her most recent nod came in 2021 for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture in Hillbilly Elegy. She has earned three Golden Globe trophies over the years for her performances in projects such as The Lion in Winter, Damages and The Wife.

Just as Close quoted a letter she received in her presentation speech, she looked like a letter on the red carpet in a black Balmain dress with sequined embroidery reminiscent of handwritten notes. She completed her look with matching black opera gloves, black heels and a small clutch.

Close posed with several celebrities inside the event, including Viola Davis and Elton John. She even had an Air Force One reunion with Harrison Ford by sitting next to the actor during the show. She famously portrayed the vice president to Ford’s President James Marshall in the 1997 action thriller.

Where Is Her Oscar?! Glenn Close Through the Years: Her Life in Photos

Close also hilariously crashed one of Glen Powell’s red carpet interviews as Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner and Kevin Frazier were interviewing the pair at the same time. “I’m so honored. You’re the ultimate Glenn,” Powell, who was nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his role in Hit Man, gushed to the actress who shares his name. “I kinda thought about this for a long time. This is great.”

Before going back to her own individual interview, Close told Powell, “Wonderful to meet you. Congratulations.”

She went on to reflect on her decades-long Hollywood career, telling ET, “I feel very blessed. I’m going into my 51st year [of] being a working actress. So, it’s all about resilience and belief and learning and humility.”

Kieran Culkin and his wife, Jazz Charton, have been by each other’s sides for more than a decade.

The Succession star and the London native met at a New York City bar in 2012. Culkin recalled his hilarious first conversation with his future wife in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I said, ‘I’m Kieran. You have an English accent. What’s your name?’” he shared in October 2021. “She said, ‘I’m Jazz.’ I said, ‘J-A-Z-Z, like the music?’ And she said, ‘Yeah.’ And I said, ‘Well, that’s f—ing stupid.’”

His humor worked the trick, and the two tied the knot a year later.Culkin and Charton welcomed their first child in September 2019. Their second baby arrived in August 2021 — the same year Kieran’s brother Macaulay Culkin and fiancée Brenda Song became parents.

Scroll below to relive Kieran and Charton’s sweetest relationship moments:

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Fans can expect nothing but fun times with Drew Barrymore on the new reboot of the classic game show Hollywood Squares.

“I want to get out and run around! I want to yell at people!” Barrymore, who will sit in the famed center square on the upcoming series, exclusively shares in the latest issue of Us Weekly. “I’ll pull out a hair extension.”

Hollywood Squares originally aired from 1966 to 1980, with previous reboots running from 1986 to 1989 and 1998 to 2004. The show sees contestants play a tic-tac-toe game to win cash and other prizes. The twist? The squares are occupied by celebrities who give answers to questions posed by the contestants. However, the players must determine if the stars’ answers are correct or not.

Following in the hosting footsteps of Peter Marshall, John Davidson and Tom Bergeron is Nate Burleson. “We’re here to tip our hat, pay homage to those who have come before us and take this show into the future,” he tells Us.

Drew Barrymore Says Renewal of Her Talk Show Was a 'Huge Relief'

Joining Barrymore, 49, in the X’s and O’s this season are stars such as Julie Bowen, Tiffany Haddish, RuPaul, Drew Carey, Tyra Banks, Yvette Nicole Brown, Oliver Hudson, Gabriel Iglesias, Jay Leno, Justin Long, Sheryl Underwood and Jimmy O. Yang, to name a few.

Hollywood Squares has been a game show “favorite” of Barrymore’s for several years. “People like to feel like they’re a part of a party,” she tells Us. “I didn’t understand that until E.T. came out [in 1982] and I saw people congregating and having a collective experience. People lie to be together and they want to laugh and be happy, and then when it comes to the game, they want to win and have stakes.”

As for what makes Barrymore and Burleson, 43, giggle the most on set? “Laughing with each other and at each other,” Burleson shares. “That’s why Hollywood Squares has been on for 60 years.”

He continues: “Think about it: You’re at home seeing people you admire cracking jokes. At the same time, you’re yelling at the screen because the contestants don’t know the answer or you’re mad they went up top instead of going down low on their tic-tac-toe strategy. It gives you the chance to [feel] all of these feels.”

Drew Barrymore Says Her Daughters Are Ready for Her to Get Back Into Acting

Both Barrymore and Burleson have busy TV schedules, also serving as the host and cohost of The Drew Barrymore Show and CBS Mornings, respectively. But when it comes to taking time off, Barrymore jokes that her ideal day-off plans are “boring.”

“I’m a single lady with four cats, so I like to be alone with my cats. I enjoy remote controls in one hand, nachos in the other, watching the Food Network,” she tells Us, to which Burleson adds, “Or [watching] a movie you’ve seen 1,000 times. Sometimes you need to watch something you’ve seen already just to relax into it — familiar and cozy, just like this show.”

Until Hollywood Squares premieres on Thursday, January 9, fans can continue to catch Barrymore on her eponymous talk show, which was renewed for a sixth season last year. “I really did not think at certain points that we would ever get here,” she says of returning for the 2025/2026 TV season. “And so, it is such a gift to everyone doing the show because then they know they have some job certainty. We’re not going year-to-year.”

She adds: “This is such a gift and a privilege that I don’t take one thing for granted, and I’m really excited for everyone who works on the show to take a sigh of big relief.”

Hollywood Squares premieres on CBS Thursday, January 9, at 8 p.m. ET and will move to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET starting Wednesday, January 29.

With reporting by Lanae Brody

Many of the past year’s most critically and commercially successful films are up for the 2025 Golden Globes’ biggest awards.

Nominations for this year’s awards show were announced in December 2024, with the musical thriller Emilia Pérez leading the pack with a total of 10 nominations. The Spanish-language French film took home four awards during the Sunday, January 5, ceremony, the most of any film nominated.

The movie won two of the night’s biggest awards — Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language. Emilia Pérez also won Best Original Song – Motion Picture for “El Mal” and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for star Zoe Saldaña.

Following close behind was The Brutalist with a total of three wins, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for leading man Adrien Brody.

Golden Globes 2025 Red Carpet Arrivals: See What the Stars Wore

The Substance won in one of its five nominated categories, with Demi Moore earning her first Golden Globes win for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. I’m Still Here’s Fernanda Torres, meanwhile, took home the title of Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.

Keep scrolling for a comprehensive breakdown of movies with the most amount of nominations and wins at the 2025 Golden Globes:

‘Emilia Pérez’: 10 Nominations and 4 Wins

Nominations: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture (x2), Best Director – Motion Picture, Best Screenplay – Motion Picture, Best Original Score – Motion Picture, Best Original Song – Motion Picture (x2)

Wins: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, Best Original Song – Motion Picture, Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

‘The Brutalist’: 7 Nominations and 3 Wins

Nominations: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, Best Screenplay – Motion Picture, Best Original Score – Motion Picture

Wins: Best Director – Motion Picture, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Best Motion Picture – Drama

‘Conclave’: 6 Nominations and 1 Win

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, Best Director – Motion Picture, Best Original Score – Motion Picture

Wins: Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

‘The Substance’: 5 Nominations and 1 Win

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, Best Director – Motion Picture, Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

Wins: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

‘Anora’: 5 Nominations

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, Best Director – Motion Picture, Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

‘Wicked’: 4 Nominations and 1 Win

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

Wins: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

‘Challengers’: 4 Nominations and 1 Win

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Original Song – Motion Picture

Wins: Best Original Score – Motion Picture

‘The Wild Robot’: 4 Nominations

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Animated, Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, Best Original Score – Motion Picture, Best Original Song – Motion Picture

‘A Real Pain’: 4 Nominations and 1 Win

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

Wins: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

‘A Complete Unknown’: 3 Nominations

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

‘Dune: Part Two’: 2 Nominations

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Original Score – Motion Picture

‘Gladiator II’: 2 Nominations

Nominations: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

‘The Last Showgirl’: 2 Nominations

Nominations: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Best Original Song – Motion Picture

‘The Apprentice’: 2 Nominations

Nominations: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

‘Inside Out 2’: 2 Nominations

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Animated, Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

‘All We Imagine as Light’: 2 Nominations

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, Best Director – Motion Picture

‘I’m Still Here’: 2 Nominations and 1 Win

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language

Wins: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

‘Babygirl’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

‘Maria’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

‘Lee’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

‘Queer’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

‘Sing Sing’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

‘Nightbitch’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

‘Heretic’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

‘Saturday Night’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

‘Kinds of Kindness’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

‘Hit Man’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

‘A Different Man’: 1 Nomination and 1 Win

Nominations: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Wins: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

‘Moana 2’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Animated

‘Alien: Romulus’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

‘Twisters’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

‘Better Man’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Original Song – Motion Picture

‘Nickel Boys’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Drama

‘September 5’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Drama

‘The Room Next Door’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Animated

‘Flow’: 1 Nomination and 1 Win

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Animated

Wins: Best Motion Picture – Animated

‘Memoir of a Snail’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Animated

‘The Girl With the Needle’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language

‘The Seed of The Sacred Fig’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language

‘Vermiglio’: 1 Nomination

Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language

It’s been more than 10 years since Zendaya competed on Dancing With the Stars, but she’s still upset about her season’s final results.

The actress, 28, famously competed on season 16 of the ABC competition series in 2013. After a season full of high scores, she and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, ultimately lost to Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough.

“Listen, I’m still harboring a little animosity about that,” Zendaya told W Magazine in an interview published on Friday, January 3. “I felt that loss. I was only 16 years old, and it was highly stressful.”

Competing on live television every week was something Zendaya told the outlet was “so scary,” adding, “I took it very seriously, which, in retrospect, I wish I didn’t. I wish I’d enjoyed it a little bit more and just was like, ‘Eh, whatever.’ You know what I mean? But I was stressing myself out. I really went through it on that [show].”

'Dancing With the Stars' Winners Through the Years: Photos

Zendaya went on to note that these days, she doesn’t watch DWTS despite being on it. She first made the revelation in an interview on “The Awardist” podcast last year, sharing that she hasn’t tuned in since her season.

“I have not watched Dancing With the Stars since I was on [it],” she said in October 2024. “I didn’t really watch Dancing With the Stars before I was on Dancing With the Stars. I don’t think I was the target demographic. My grandma, like, loves Dancing With the Stars. That’s her bag.”

She continued: “I also think it was a very stressful experience. I was like, ‘I don’t think I’m gonna be watching this anymore.’”

Zendaya’s upset over season 16’s results is something she shares with Chmerkovskiy, 38, who has since gone on to win the mirrorball trophy three times with past partners Rumer Willis, Laurie Hernandez and Xochitl Gomez.

“My biggest heartbreak was on Dancing With the Stars, not winning with Zendaya, honestly. That was a huge heartbreak for me because she was 16,” he told Entertainment Tonight in March 2018. “I wanted this to be such a huge moment for her. She worked so hard, and I really wanted her to lift that trophy and jump-start her career. And she didn’t lift the trophy and I felt heartbroken about that.”

Luckily, as Chmerkovskiy put it, Zendaya’s time on DWTS “jump-started her career.” He added: “That’s when you learn that it’s not necessarily always about winning or losing, it’s really about learning through the process and then using those tools to further yourself down the road.”

Zendaya Doesn't Know 'How Much of a Choice' She Had About Child Stardom

Prior to DWTS, Zendaya was best known for her roles on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. In the decade since, she has become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars with projects such as The Greatest Showman, Challengers, the Dune series and the Spider-Man franchise.

Back in 2020, Chmerkovskiy took to Instagram to congratulate Zendaya on becoming the youngest actress to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria (an award she also took home in 2022).

“I always knew you were special. Our season on DWTS, and now your continued success since has brought me [a] ridiculous amount of joy,” he captioned a clip of one of their performances. “I’m so proud of you Z! Youngest ever winner of an Emmy for a leading role. You’re a superstar, and always have been! Love you fam to many more wins in your life.”

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As Justin Baldoni’s legal battle with Blake Lively continues, his attorney Bryan Freedman claims the actor didn’t approach the situation with any ill intent toward his costar.

In an interview with NBC News’ Liz Kreutz on the Friday, January 3, episode of Today, Freedman denied Lively’s claims that Baldoni coordinated a smear against her after the two butted heads on the set of It Ends With Us. “One hundred percent no,” he stated. “Justin Baldoni, from the get-go, said, ‘I don’t want to do anything negative toward her. I don’t want to hurt her.’”

Noting that he and Baldoni, 40, “absolutely” plan to countersue Lively, 37, Freedman also said they “plan to release every single text” between the former costars, claiming that text screenshots shared in Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni lacked context.

“I’m not asking anyone to not believe anyone,” Freedman said. “I am more than willing to take every single text message that exists out there, lay them out, put them on a website for the world to see, have them see the truth and determine the truth for themselves.”

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's Reported 'It Ends With Us' Drama Explained

When asked whether he acknowledges that uncomfortable behavior went down on the It Ends With Us set, Freedman replied: “I think there’s some behavior always that can make people uncomfortable, and I don’t think anybody has the intention to do that. The question, really, in this case is does it rise to the level of sexual harassment?”

Following online speculation that Lively and Baldoni struggled to work together while filming It Ends With Us, Lively accused her former costar of sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed late last month (and first published by The New York Times). Among her claims, Lively accused Baldoni of body-shaming her, attempting to add additional sex scenes into the movie, showing her pornographic images and videos, breaking character and continuing to kiss her while filming and launching a “social manipulation” campaign against her to “destroy” her reputation.

Freedman called the allegations against Baldoni “completely false” in a statement to Us Weekly at the time, claiming that Lively instead threatened to not show up on set and not promote the film if her “multiple demands” were not met.

Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs later filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times on Tuesday, December 31, accusing the outlet of libel and cherry-picking in their reporting of Lively’s lawsuit. In the legal docs, obtained by Us, Baldoni continued to deny Lively’s claims of inappropriate workplace behavior, retorting several of her stories, including the aforementioned claims about pornography on set, working with an intimacy coordinator and more. He also alleged that she “kicked” him out of the editing process for It Ends With Us, despite his role as the movie’s director.

Everything Justin Baldoni Has Said About Working With Blake Lively

A New York Times spokesperson stood by the organization’s reporting in a statement to Us, sharing, “Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article. Those texts and emails were also the crux of a discrimination claim filed in California by Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni and his associates.”

Lively’s attorney also told Us Baldoni’s NYT lawsuit changed “nothing” about her accusations in her December 20 lawsuit or her federal complaint against Baldoni, publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, and Wayfarer Studios filed on Tuesday.

“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,” Lively shared in a December 21 statement to Us.

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Joshua Hall is ready to put his 2024 struggles behind him and start the new year on a fresh note.

“2024 was a tough year but it’s taught me a lot,” Hall, 44, wrote in a Wednesday, January 1, Instagram post marking the new year. “It helped me grow and be stronger than I’ve ever been. Sometimes the tough situations can change you. You end up becoming a different person. A better version of yourself. You learn things about yourself you didn’t know before. It has opened my eyes to many things. Even though it was tough, I know that it taught me many lessons and for that I’m grateful. I always tell myself that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.”

In July 2024, news broke that Joshua and wife Christina Hall (née Haack) called it quits after more than two years of marriage. They both filed divorce docs on July 15, with Joshua listing their date of separation as July 8 and Christina, 41, listing their split date as July 7.

Though Joshua did not address the breakup in his post, he noted that 2024 “wasn’t all that bad” thanks to his loved ones. “I realized who is really there for you. These people become your pillars in life. They stand by you,” he explained. “They understand when you need space. They’ve got you even if at this moment in time, you don’t have them. I will forever be grateful for my community who continue to love me, support me and those special ones who came into my life.”

Christina Hall 'Communicating Better' With Exes Ant and Tarek Amid Divorce

He wrapped up his Instagram update by giving cheers to “2025, a new year, a fresh start, and a chance to write a new book with some new beginnings,” adding, “This WILL be my best year yet … .”

Joshua began dating Christina shortly after her 2021 divorce from Ant Anstead. The two tied the knot in 2022 and went on to star on several HGTV shows together, including Christina on the Coast and Christina in the Country. The duo were set to compete together against Christina’s ex-husband Tarek El Moussa and his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, on the new series The Flip Off before their split. (A source exclusively confirmed to Us Weekly that Anstead, 45, will film “a portion of the show” as Christina’s partner.)

Joshua shared his new year’s post one day before HGTV dropped a tense sneak peek of him and Christina on The Flip Off. “This is a competition, you gotta pull out all stops. Whatever it takes to win, I’ll do it. Hall’s rule,” he told Christina during a car ride.

After she didn’t respond, he stated: “You’re supposed to say it with me or repeat it or something to show that you’re with me. Remember, you’re a Hall now. Don’t get confused in this competition about what your last name is. You’re rude.”

Why Christina Hall Won't Allow Joshua Hall to Play 'Victim' in Divorce

The clip concluded with Christina informing Tarek, 43, that she and Joshua had “officially split up.”

As the pair’s messy divorce wages on, Christina hired attorney Laura Wasser in hopes of finalizing their split sooner rather than later. “Christina was not happy with the progress or lack thereof,” a source exclusively told Us in November 2024. “[She] decided to go with the best divorce attorney out there to try and wrap this up quickly and fairly.”

After her 2024 Paris Olympics success, Simone Biles may want to end her Olympic gymnastics career while she’s still on top.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated — where she was named 2024 Sportsperson of the Year — published on Thursday, January 2, Biles, 27, said returning for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics would feel like “life and death” after winning four medals in Paris this past summer.

“Because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do rather than to just be snobby and to try again and for what?” she explained. “I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done.”

Though Biles did not confirm a firm decision, she told the outlet it would feel “greedy” if she did return to the Games. “Those are the consequences. But that’s also your decision to decide,” she said. “What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like, prom, college. Now it’s like, starting a family, being away from my husband [Jonathan Owens]. What’s really worth it?”

Simone Biles Doesn't Want to Hear 'What's Next?' After Olympic Medal Win

Biles took home a total of four medals at the Paris Summer Olympics, which ran from July 2024 to August 2024, bringing her total medal count to 11. (The 2024 Olympics also marked a major return for Biles after she was forced to withdraw from several events at the Tokyo Olympics.)

In addition to helping the U.S. women’s gymnastics team win gold in the women’s team competition, Biles won two individual gold in the women’s all-around and vault events. She also earned a silver in the women’s floor exercise, coming in second to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade.

Her wins in Paris earned her the honor of the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history taking the title from former Olympian Shannon Miller.

Having never expected to become the face of U.S. gymnastics, Biles told the outlet she’s not ready to wrestle with the legacy she’ll leave behind. “I don’t think the reality has set in of what I’ve exactly done in the sport,” she noted. “I can see it, and I hear it from people, and I see a glimpse of it, but the full magnitude I don’t think I’ve realized just yet. I don’t think I’ll realize ’til maybe I retire and look back in a couple years like, ‘Damn, she was good.’ Because I can see that, but I do it every day. So, for me, it’s normal.”

Shortly after the Paris Games came to a close, Biles exclusively told Us Weekly what she would change about the Olympic Village in 2028. “We’re elite athletes trying to compete on the biggest stage of our life, the most important meet of our life, and they’re like, ‘Hey, try doing it after you sleep on this cardboard bed,’” she shared in September. “We’re the best athletes in the world, so I feel like for just one or two weeks we deserve the best of the best. You know, we shouldn’t be stressing about sleeping on a cardboard bed.”

Simone Biles on Competing in 2028 Olympics: ‘Can’t I Live?'

She later hinted at a possible retirement in the second half of her Simone Biles Rising Netflix docuseries, which dropped in October 2024. “At this moment in my career, I feel like if I had to process it, it would be bittersweet,” she said of hanging up her leotard after Paris. “I mean, we’ve been longing for this for a while now and now it’s here. It’s gone.”

Noting that she felt “a lot of relief” after competing in Paris, she added: “Now, I’m like, ‘Oh, my God. Like, what happens in life now?’”

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were equal partners for Wicked, both in front of and behind the camera.

The actresses opened up about working together to establish equal salaries while filming the two-part movie musical in a joint interview with Variety published on Thursday, January 2. “We went through our contracts together and called each other up,” Grande, 31, shared. “[We were like,] ‘Did you see that? What do you think about that? Let’s get together.’”

Erivo, 37, added: “We both went through it — ‘What number are we doing? How do you feel about that?’ We were really f—ing honest. And that’s really rare. People don’t do that.”

Noting that she and Erivo are “very different,” Grande told the outlet that “her needs [became] my needs” while working on the project. Erivo reiterated her words, stating: “And her needs become mine.”

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Shortly after the film’s November 2024 theatrical release, false reports spread online that Grande was paid millions more for her role as Glinda than Erivo for her role as Elphaba.

“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder,” a spokesperson for Universal Pictures told Us Weekly in a statement at the time. “The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked.”

A source close to Grande also told Us that the rumors “started on Reddit” and were “completely not true.”

Director Jon M. Chu praised the women’s equal pay negotiations in Thursday’s Variety interview. “This is a modern production,” he stated. “This is what Hollywood should reflect. These are co-CEOs of ‘Wicked Inc.’”

Based on the Broadway musical and 1995 novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, a.k.a. Glinda the Good Witch, before and during the events of The Wizard of Oz. The plot follows the two women as their relationship develops from rival roommates to best friends to unlikely rivals amid the backdrop of societal turmoil in Oz.

Grande and Erivo’s decision to share salaries and contracts comes as no surprise to fans of Wicked — which hit theaters in November 2024 — as the pair share a strong friendship on and off the big screen. The two have even gone viral for getting emotional in several of their press tour interviews.

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“I feel so grateful and proud of how present we’ve been able to be,” Grande told Variety of her and Erivo shedding tears in interviews. “A lot of people have come up to us and been like, ‘How you holding up?’ with a long face. And we’ve just peeked at each other and been like, we’re grateful and floating.”

Erivo went on to add: “We have a good time.”

Wicked is in theaters now and is available to rent and purchase on digital platforms. The sequel, titled Wicked: For Good, will hit theaters on November 21.

Like all movies, certain scenes from Wicked: Part One ended up on the cutting room floor.

Luckily for fans, the film’s deleted scenes are available to watch now that the movie is streaming and available to purchase on several platforms. From a longer version of Fiyero’s (Jonathan Bailey) Shiz University arrival to extended looks at Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda’s (Ariana Grande) Emerald City adventures, the cut scenes add even more magic to the musical adaptation.

Director Jon M. Chu explained in a December 2024 interview that while it broke his heart to cut certain scenes, he did so “to serve the bigger grand scheme of what the movie was trying to do, and have a rhythm that could be sustainable.”

Among the bonus clips is an extra scene from Glinda’s fan-favorite musical number, “Popular,” in which she helps Elphaba “get some pep in your step” by jumping on her bed. “I need you to bounce with me, girl,” she hilariously states, to which Elphaba replies: “I’m not really a kind of bouncing person. It’s not a thing I do.”

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After getting Elphaba to loosen herself up, Glinda demonstrates another version of her iconic hair toss. “You can do toss, toss, leg,” she says while flipping her hair and sticking her leg out. Much like the other methods shown in the film, Elphaba tries to no avail.

Scroll down for everything the Wicked: Part One deleted scenes revealed about the film and teased for part two:

Pfannee and ShenShen’s Origins

In the movie, Bown Yang’s Pfannee and Bronwyn James’ ShenShen were already established as Glinda’s friends upon her arrival at Shiz. However, a deleted scene reveals just how the trio’s friendship came to be.

“[We’re] from Miss Cringeable’s Twirling Academy,” Pfannee states, after which ShenShen asks Glinda if she remembers them.

“Wait, of course,” Glinda says before the three break out their twirling academy moves. “Oh, so good to see you!”

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Glinda proceeds to ask the pair how they are, to which Pfannee hilariously responds: “I’ve been through. I’ve been through.” (The line, improvised by Yang, made the comedian and Grande crack up as they recalled the scene on his “Las Culturistas” podcast.)

Fiyero Gets Scratched

The streaming release’s bonus content featured an extended clip of Fiyero and Elphaba’s adventures rescuing the lion cub. While arguing over where to release the young animal, the cub becomes agitated and scratches Fiyero’s face. Elphaba points out Fiyero’s injury in the original version, though the moment is not shown.

The clip ends with Elphaba placing the clip by a stream to drink, as she does in the theatrical cut.

Friendship Tensions

While Elphaba and Glinda become besties after making amends at the Ozdust Ballroom, a deleted scene of them studying in Madame Morrible’s (Michelle Yeoh) classroom offers insight into how their relationship will be put to the test heading into Wicked: For Good.

“Didn’t expect magic to be so hard,” Glinda states after failing to levitate a coin. Pointing out differences in their upbringings, Elphaba replies: “Maybe it’s harder for you to make magic because things have been kind of easy for you. So you don’t need it.”

Changing the topic, Glinda asks Elphaba why she chose Fiyero to help her rescue the lion cub instead of her. “I would’ve helped you,” she says. “If you needed someone, you could’ve picked me.”

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Sensing Glinda’s upset — and likely trying to hide her true feelings for Fiyero — Elphaba apologizes. “I’m sorry. It was a mistake,” she states. “I won’t leave you behind again.”

The moment leads into the scene in which Elphaba’s invitation to the Emerald City from The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) arrives at Shiz and previews Elphaba inviting Glinda to join her in Oz.

Boq And Elphaba Call Each Other Out

Two of the movie’s deleted scenes take place at the train station before Elphaba and Glinda journey to the Emerald City. While one sees the return of Elphaba’s father, Governor Thropp (Andy Nyman), and nanny, Dulcibear (voiced by Sharon D. Clarke), the other features a heart-to-heart conversation between Elphaba and Boq (Ethan Slater).

Boq informs her that he still has “hope” Glinda will return his affection, but Elphaba shuts down his hopes by questioning him about his true feelings for her sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode). “Why can’t you just tell my sister the truth?” she asks. Noting that he doesn’t share Nessarose’s love, he tells Elphaba that he doesn’t want to “hurt her.”

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“I can’t just change my feelings,” he adds before asking Elphaba, “Could you change yours for Fiyero?” After she denies having a crush on Glinda’s boyfriend, Boq retorts: “Oh, I’m sorry. I misunderstood. I thought we were being honest.”

He gets up to join the rest of the train station crowd as Elphaba is left to think about his comments. This moment hints at more to come for Elphaba and Fiyero in part two.

Working ‘Hand in Hand’

In bonus footage of Elphaba and Glinda walking around the Emerald City, Elphaba encounters the same pop-up book about The Wizard she had in the flashbacks of her childhood. Looking forward to the pair’s meeting, she holds the hand of the cutout Wizard, a nod to “The Wizard and I” lyrics, “As we work hand in hand / The Wizard and I.”

The small interaction could also be a hint at Elphaba and the wizard’s connection in the film’s second half, which hits theaters in November 2025. (Spoilers!)

Isla Fisher rang in 2025 with several days of rest and relaxation.

“This has been the most incredible way to spend the new year. 6 days at Buchinger! @buchingerwilhelmi,” the actress, 48, captioned Instagram photos of herself at the Buchinger Wilhelmi rehabilitation center in Überlingen, Germany, on Thursday, January 2. “Therapeutic fasting, integrative medicine, inspiring treatments for the spirit and soul. Every kind of therapy cocooned in warmth & care — the kindest hands. Everything you repress just comes out, all at once.”

In one snap, Fisher looked at ease while posing in a comfy white robe in front of the clinic’s picturesque Lake Constance backdrop. In addition to sharing a sunset pic of the view, Fisher posed with a head-shaped statue on the grounds in her robe and slippers.

In another Instagram post shared on Tuesday, December 31, Fisher wrote that she was “ending 2024 with gratitude” following her split from estranged husband Sacha Baron Cohen. “For my family and old friends who have supported and loved me, to the new friends who have opened their hearts and homes to me and my children and to those who kept shooting me texts to check in,” she wrote over a selfie. “I love you all and I wish you the happiest 2025.”

Isla Fisher Thanks Fans for ‘Support’ Amid Sacha Baron Cohen Split

Fans and celebrities sent the Australian native well wishes in the post’s comments. “Love you so much. No one funnier or smarter in the room!!” Naomi Watts wrote to Fisher. “Can’t wait to see you in the new year for belly laughs .”

Mary Elizabeth Ellis, meanwhile, commented: “I hope to hug you in person this coming year. Sending love.”

Fisher’s visit to the German wellness center comes nearly nine months after she and Cohen, 53, announced their split after 13 years of marriage. “After a long tennis match lasting over twenty years, we are finally putting our racquets down,” the duo captioned an Instagram Story photo of them dressed in tennis attire in April 2024. “In 2023, we jointly filed to end our marriage.”

They continued: “We have always prioritized our privacy, and have been quietly working through this change. We forever share in our devotion and love for our children. We sincerely appreciate your respecting our family’s wish for privacy.” (The pair share three kids, whom they have kept out of the spotlight over the years.)

All the Signs Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen Were Headed for Divorce

At the time of their announcement, a source exclusively told Us Weekly that Fisher and Cohen had “been living separate lives” since initially calling it quits in 2023 “but wanted to give this space and time for their children to be OK with this before the news came out.” The insider also clarified that their divorce had “nothing to do” with Rebel Wilson’s misconduct allegations against Cohen made in her 2024 memoir, Rebel Rising. (Cohen has denied the allegations.)

A second source told Us that the former spouses “furiously argued” over their work-life balance before ending their relationship.

Back in July 2024, Us confirmed that the exes filed a divorce application in England in September 2023 and stated that their marriage had broken down irretrievably in joint paperwork filed three months later.

A source from the London court exclusively told Us in November 2024 that Fisher filed “for financial remedy proceedings to consider how their finances will be divided” two months prior. The proceedings, however, were “put on pause” as she and Cohen were “going into arbitration to try and resolve the financial matters amicably.”