In Us Weekly’s exclusive sneak peek of the Tuesday, January 7, episode of the Lifetime reality series, the cast comes together to celebrate one month of marriage.
Instead of raising a glass to love and happiness, however, Emem, 34, and Ikechi, 41, clearly have some issues they need to work out in front of the whole group.
“My husband calls me an a—— on our one month anniversary, I don’t have much,” Emem tells Juan and the entire cast. “I don’t have much to give.”
While Ikechi sits quietly at the dinner table, Emem explains why she’s so upset with her husband of nearly four weeks.
“Call me an a—— for being MIA? You said you needed space and time,” she says. “I was texting you. I called you. You did not answer and then you show up today in this joker ass suit. I’m done. You’re wild for this. I’ve been texting you and calling you for two f—ing days.”
After Ikechi denies his wife’s claims that she’s been trying to contact him, Emem can’t help but get a little louder.
“You’re f—ing lying,” she shouts before Karla and the other ladies ask her to go to the bathroom in hopes of calming down.
Lifetime/Kinetic Content
Before she can catch her breath and officially leave the table, Emem has one final insult for her husband.
“F—ing clown,” she states for all to hear. “Bring me a clown, you’re going to get a circus.”
Viewers met Emem and Ikechi during the season 18 premiere of Married at First Sight in October 2024. At the time, both parties were hopeful that the show’s experts — including Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Calvin Roberson and Dr. Pia Holec — could match them with their forever partner.
Emem was introduced as an open-minded woman not interested in wasting time dating around. As for Ikechi, he was credited as a man who did the work to figure out who he is and what he wants.
As part of the Married at First Sight experiment, both parties agreed to let Lifetime cameras follow them for eight weeks as they experience the highs and lows of marriage.
On Decision Day — or the show’s season finale — Emem and Ikechi will decide if they want to stay married or get a divorce.
Married at First Sight (produced by Kinetic Content) airs on Lifetime Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
“He was wrestling with a lot inside himself, and he was trying to self-medicate and cope with all those feelings because he didn’t want to put it on anyone because he loved everyone so much,” Holker, 36, told People on Tuesday, January 7. “He didn’t want other people to take on his pain.”
Holker revealed that Boss alluded to being sexually abused by a male figure during his childhood in the entries. “Reading Stephen’s journals, and even going back into the books he had read and the things that he was highlighting and lining, really gave me a better perspective of where he was in life and the type of things he was struggling with,” she told the outlet.”It did have me feel a lot of empathy towards him and sadness for all the pain that he was holding.”
“I was with one of my really dear friends, and we were cleaning out the closet and picking out an outfit for him for the funeral,” Holker said about the “cornucopia” of drugs including mushrooms, pills and “other substances” she had to look up after finding them hiding in Boss’ shoeboxes. “It was a really triggering moment for me because there were a lot of things I discovered in our closet that I did not know existed.”
“There was so much happening that I had no clue [about],” she continued. “It was a really scary moment in my life to figure that out, but it also helped me process that he was going through so much and he was hiding so much, and there must have been a lot of shame in that.”
Allison Holker and Stephen ‘Twitch’ Boss.Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
Boss, best known for his all-star appearances on So You Think You Can Dance and as the regular DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, died by suicide in December 2022 at age 40.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us. Stephen lit up every room he stepped into,” Holker said in a statement at the time. “He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”
She continued: “To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children. Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
“It was really hard to put all the pieces together. Through certain discussions, even with friends and things that have been said, reading through his journals … you realize he went through a lot as a child and never faced it,” she told People. “It’s hard to think that he never opened up to someone and wanted to face it, to get through on the other side. I really hope people dealing with the same thing will help themselves out of the shadows and [know] you’re going to be okay.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
In case you missed it, Jennifer Lopez spent New Year’s on a scenic vacation to Aspen, Colorado. Her days were filled with skiing, building snowmen, dancing at the country bar, and wearing stunning winter outfits. What a time! Each new day in the mountains called for a new aprés-ski outfit; when we say she nailed every single one, we mean it.
Her Swiss-like outfits were dynamic and chic, each enhanced with plenty of accessories and animal fur. From bar getups to actual skiing outfits, J. Lo put the win in winter. She wasn’t without her staple accessories, of course, one being her leather Chanel purse. Paired with a puffy fur jacket, the look was beyond glamorous!
But as you’d likely expect, the Chanel purse isn’t for the faint of pocketbook. Lopez’s bag would set you back thousands of dollars — not to mention you’d be buying a used bag. If you want the exact look without damaging your livelihood, check out this ultra-chic bestselling purse on Amazon! It’s just as classy, elegant and trendy. Plus, it seriously looks Chanel.
This leather-style crossbody has a trendy quilted pattern guaranteed to elevate any ensemble. Gold hardware compliments the design, including a chain strap, smooth zipper and a fashion lock that resembles J. Lo’s bag. You can even double up the strap to make it a shoulder bag if you wish! Versatile is an understatement.
The PU leather is durable enough for everyday wear — think trips to Target, brunch with the girls or ski vacations in Aspen. Inside the purse is plenty of storage space, made up of a main compartment and a zip pocket for your wallet, phone, keys and other valuables. Coming in at just over one pound, you’ll be shocked by how much fits into this compact bag.
And if you love the style but want something other than black, you’re in for a treat. There are 15 other colors to choose from, ranging from neutral beiges and whites to bright pink and metallic silver. Since the bag is 47% off right now, we’re tempted to take advantage of the sale and grab two!
Over 2,000 reviewers give this bag five stars, some noting that it “looks very elegant, expensive and REAL“. “My sister has the designer version of this bag and everyone guesses this one as the authentic!” One reviewer writes. “This is a great bag for $8k less!!!!”
Others love the quality, calling it well-made, lightweight and well-textured. We’re sold!
Get the Gladdon Quilted Crossbody Bag for $19 (originally $36) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, January 7, 2024, but are subject to change.
Not what you’re looking for? Shop other bags on Amazon and don’t forget to shop Amazon’s Daily Deals here!
Keller Scott Fornes, best known for his role in Great American Family’s County Rescue, has died at the age of 32.
According to an obituary published by Lacy Funeral Home, the actor and writer passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Eastland, Texas. No cause of death was given.
Fornes starred as Griffin in the medical drama, which was preparing to begin production on its second season this month. Following his death, Great American Media released a statement honoring Fornes: “We at Great American Media are deeply saddened by the passing of Keller Fornes. He was a special person and talent as an actor, writer, and director as well as a singer and musician. His energy and enthusiasm lifted all he worked with here at Great American Media and the cast and crew of County Rescue. Our prayers are with his family and all those he touched.”
Fornes posted on Instagram on December 14, just five days before his death, sharing behind-the-scenes snapshots and memories with his family.
According to his obituary, Fornes grew up in Texas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of North Texas. He was described by loved ones as artistic, with talents for painting, drawing, singing and playing the guitar as well as acting, writing and producing his own independent films.
Fornes wrote and directed several short films, including the 2019 documentary The Buddy I Never Met, as well as appearing in independent films including Anney in the City, Beast Beast, The E-Listers: Life Back in the Lane and The Secrets She Keeps. He also played a Tower Trooper in a 2022 episode of The Walking Dead.
He also found success as a personal trainer, and had won medals for boxing.
“It was pure joy to work with Keller!” Fornes’s colleague Shari Rigby wrote via Instagram. “He was such a kind, encouraging soul! You will be greatly missed my friend! Honored and forever changed by his life!”
Julia Reilly, another County Rescue star, also expressed her grief, simply writing “Miss you” alongside a photograph of the pair.
American Idol singer Colton Dixon, who briefly worked with Fornes, also paid tribute to the star, writing “Was so saddened to hear about this. We only met briefly during my work on County Rescue, but he was incredibly kind and purposeful with his words. Prayers for his friends and family.”
Actress Lauren Swickard, known for her roles in Roped and A California Christmas, commented: “I am forever grateful for his friendship. What an honor it was to work with him. What a wonderful person we’ve lost.”
Fornes is survived by wife Margie, his parents and two brothers. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 11, at Cowboy Church of Erath County in Stephenville, Texas.
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.
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.
Ashton Kutcher with son Dimitri.WWE/Getty Images
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.’”
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.”
James Kennedy returned to social media after his arrest for misdemeanor domestic violence.
Kennedy, 32, took to Instagram Stories on Tuesday, January 7, to share a photo of him with his dog, Hippie. In another post, Kennedy showed nine of his chips from Alcoholics Anonymous which read, “Keep Coming Back.”
The reality star previously revealed his plans to make “meaningful changes” in his life after his arrest.
“I am taking time to focus on my sobriety, personal growth, and being present for my loved ones,” he wrote via Instagram in December 2024. “Navigating challenging moments is not easy but I am determined to learn, grow and move forward with the incredible support system around me.”
Us Weekly confirmed earlier that month that police were dispatched to Kennedy’s home, where he lives with girlfriend Ally Lewber. The authorities received a call about an argument between a man and a woman and saw Kennedy allegedly grabbing the woman. Officers who responded to the scene did not see any visible injuries.
Courtesy of James Kennedy/Instagram
According to police records, the woman reportedly told the Burbank Police Department that “her boyfriend lifted her up and threw her to the ground.” Kennedy’s legal team subsequently released a statement on his behalf.
“We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James,” his attorneys said in a statement to Us after he was released on a $20,000 bail. “We understand that there were no injuries and we are hoping that, after careful review, the city’s attorneys will decide not to file formal charges.”
Lewber, 28, broke her silence after a source told Us that the couple were taking some space.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support and for checking in on me,” she wrote via her Instagram Story. “I’m OK and taking the time I need right now. I deeply appreciate all the kindness and respect for my privacy during this time.”
A source subsequently told Us about their status, saying, “James is trying to win everything back including Ally. If he doesn’t stay sober, he knows he has a lot to lose.”
Before the legal trouble, Kennedy discussed his sobriety journey on Vanderpump Rules. (He joined the cast in 2015 when he was a busser at Lisa Vanderpump‘s restaurant SUR.)
“Letting go of drinking was the best decision I ever made and I’m going strong. I don’t miss the booze …… I don’t miss the feeling …. I’m so grateful for everything now and life has become more beautiful in many ways,” Kennedy captioned an Instagram post in July 2020. “Thank you to my rock @raquelleviss for getting me here I couldn’t of done this without you my love. and thank you all for the support this past year.”
Kennedy confirmed he started drinking again after his broken engagement to Rachel “Raquel” Leviss. He recommitted to cutting out alcohol again after meeting Lewber. His girlfriend praised Kennedy for being the Vanderpump Rules cast member who “changed the most,” telling Bravo in January 2024, “James, he’s in therapy, he’s sober, I’m really proud of him.”
Allison Holker opened up about the death of her late husband, Stephen “tWitch”Boss, and revealed that she made a “triggering” discovery just before his funeral.
Weeks after Boss died by suicide at age 40 in December 2022, Holker, 36, found a “cornucopia” of drugs including mushrooms, pills and “other substances I had to look up on my phone” hidden in Boss’ closet.
“It was a really triggering moment for me because there were a lot of things I discovered in our closet that I did not know existed,” she told People in an interview published Tuesday, January 7. “It was very alarming to me to learn that there was so much happening that I had no clue [about]. It was a really scary moment in my life to figure that out, but it also helped me process that he was going through so much and he was hiding so much, and there must have been a lot of shame in that.”
Holker went on to note that she knew Boss used marijuana during their marriage, explaining that he would often smoke weed in the guesthouse at night after their kids went to bed. (The duo, who wed in 2013, shared daughters Weslie, 16, and Zaia, 5, and son Maddox, 8.)
“That was his alone time,” she explained. “It was his time to recharge, and that was OK.”
After Boss’ death, Holker read his journals, seeking insight into what happened. She learned that he’d been keeping many things hidden from her, including possible sexual abuse by a male figure during his childhood.
Michael Rowe/Getty Images
“He was wrestling with a lot inside himself, and he was trying to self-medicate and cope with all those feelings because he didn’t want to put it on anyone because he loved everyone so much,” Holker said. “He didn’t want other people to take on his pain.”
Holker — whose memoir, This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light, hits shelves Tuesday, February 4 — explained that she’s sharing her story in the hope that she can help other people open up about what they’re going through.
“Through certain discussions, even with friends and things that have been said, reading through his journals … you realize he went through a lot as a child and never faced it,” she said. “It’s hard to think that he never opened up to someone and wanted to face it, to get through on the other side. I really hope people dealing with the same thing will help themselves out of the shadows and [know] you’re going to be OK.”
Last month, Holker marked the second anniversary of Boss’ death via Instagram.
“Our Angel @sir_twitch_alot is watching over us and protecting us. You are always in our hearts and we will always love you. We miss you, Stephen,” she wrote. “Two years with you not here but you are always on our minds. We love you.”
“I never knew that I could have this again,” Holker exclusively told Us Weekly that same month. “I actually feel like I found such a great love and support system from someone.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Netflix’s Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action docuseries reexamined guest Nancy Campbell-Panitz‘s brutal murder at the hands of ex-husband Ralf Panitz after their appearance on the controversial talk show.
During the second part of the special, which was released on Tuesday, January 7, Nancy’s son, Jeffrey Campbell, discussed how his mother’s tumultuous relationship with Ralf ended in her death months after they participated as guests on The Jerry Springer Show.
“I don’t think they have ever been held accountable for anything. I am sure there have been other people that have been affected — other guests we don’t know about,” Jeffrey said of the show’s producers. “Or people just watching the show at home thinking, ‘Oh, this is normal.’ It isn’t.”
Nancy and Ralf were married for 15 months before divorcing in 1999. They continued to live together off and on until Ralf secretly married wife Eleanor Panitz in 2000. The trio ultimately went on The Jerry Springer Show in May 2000 to air out their relationship issues.
After an onscreen confrontation with Eleanor and Ralf, Nancy left the show. She briefly reconciled with Ralf, but was ultimately granted a restraining order against him in July 2000. The same day as the court hearing — and the airing of their Jerry Springer episode — Nancy was found murdered in her home.
Ralf received a life sentence two years later after he was found guilty of second degree-murder. Judge Nancy Donnellan addressed Jerry Springer and his show specifically during the sentencing.
“Ralf Panitz, Eleanor Panitz and Nancy Campbell were brought to Chicago by the Jerry Springer Show, then manipulated by producers of that show,” Donnellan read in May 2002. “Are ratings more important than the dignity of human life? Shame on you.”
Springer and producers associated with the show denied that their talk show contributed to Nancy’s death. The Jerry Springer Show, which aired from 1991 to 2018, started as a traditional talk show but was reformatted due to low ratings. It became infamous for its new structure that tackled topics such as incest and adultery while encouraging profanity, nudity and physical fights.
Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action is a two-part docuseries that pulled back the curtain on America’s most controversial talk show by exposing its biggest scandals on and off screen. Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the notorious episode with Ralf and Nancy and the aftermath that led to her murder:
Who Was Nancy?
Courtesy of Netflix
Jeffrey said Nancy was “a really good mother” before her death, adding, “My dad died when I was just a toddler so she raised me and my brother by herself. She was strong, independent and just a great person.”
Nancy welcomed sons Jeffrey and Gary Campbell with her husband before his death. While watching Nancy’s episode, which was titled “Secret Mistresses Confronted,” Jeffrey was surprised she took part in something so salacious.
“It was shocking, to say the least, that she agreed to do it. It was so out of character. Growing up, I don’t even remember my mother ever dating. Maybe once or twice but nothing like a serious relationship because she was a widow,” he added. “To see her up on the show just looking like a deer caught in the headlights like, ‘What is going on here?’ I just wish I could go back and say to her, ‘Don’t do it.'”
After meeting in an AOL chat room, Nancy and Ralf started speaking regularly and one year later he immigrated from Germany to the U.S. The pair got married in 1997, but by 1999 they were officially divorced and despite continuing to engage in an on-again, off-again relationship.
“It wasn’t long after [their wedding] that there was a domestic issue. [Ralf] had thrown her on the floor and she had hit her head. After that, she left and filed for divorce,” Jeffrey recalled. “All of sudden, she was in a big house alone and I think she just got lonely. That’s why she went on the show, to get him back.”
What Happened During the ‘Jerry Springer Show’ Episode?
Jerry SpringerGetty Images
Nancy, Ralf and Eleanor traveled from Florida to Chicago in May 2000 to pre-record the episode.
“My mother believed that Ralf had been deported to Germany and that the show was going to pay for his travel back to America and then they would reconcile,” Jeffrey noted. “Then he would tell his new girlfriend that he wanted to be with my mother. But she was basically lied to because that never happened. I don’t think my mother had any idea what she was walking into.”
Footage from the episode is shown in the docuseries. Nancy appeared on stage to explain how she and Ralf were trying to “restore” their marriage, but Eleanor wouldn’t leave the estranged couple alone. Later in the episode, Nancy revealed that she had “slept with” Ralf the past two nights despite him being with Eleanor.
“This is Ralf. He plays the games with all his women. He takes all the money he can get,” Nancy said after Ralf revealed to the audience that he “had sex with my ex-wife yesterday.”
“But the matter of the fact is that I married Ellie and I do love Eleanor,” he added.
Ralf and Eleanor went on to accuse Nancy of stalking them. “Ralf loves me and he wants to be with me. And you redheaded bitch from hell, you need to leave us alone,” Eleanor fired back. “You need to get a life. I hope you enjoyed yourself immensely the last two nights because it is the last time you are ever going to see him. He wants to be with me.”
“It is pretty obvious that they were there to ambush her. The interesting thing is the title of the show. If she had known that that was the title, she probably would have thought twice [about appearing]. But she didn’t know that,” her son Jeffrey told the doc. “The producers wanted them to get physical and make threats and she wasn’t about to do that.”
In clips from the show, Springer was seen telling Nancy that her ex-husband “doesn’t want to be” with her. There was also a wrap up message from the host, which he said, “Let me take this opportunity to thank you for being with us. I hope you are able to find some peace in your future relationships. I hope it works out for you.”
“Backstage [my mom] was informed that if she didn’t return to the end of the show, that they would not provide her with her return ticket back to Florida,” Jeffrey claimed. “And she wasn’t having that.”
He continued: “Somehow she found her way to the bus station in Chicago after walking the streets [alone] by herself. She didn’t have any money and didn’t have anywhere to go. It was just her, crying. Finally a good Samaritan saw her visibly upset and bought her a bus ticket to come home.”
“You as a producer had one more opportunity to keep them,” Toby Yoshimura, a former Jerry Springer Show producer, explained to the camera. “They should feel beholden to you that they are letting you down and you have done all of this for them.”
Jeffrey noted that “no one” from the show contacted Nancy afterward to “check on her or see where she went.” Former executive producer Richard Dominick weighed in on the producer’s post-show hands-off approach.
“We weren’t problem solvers,” he told the cameras. “We were going to give you a chance to tell your story and get it all out but we are not going to help you.”
Where Did Nancy and Ralf Stand After the Episode?
Netflix
“After the taping of the show, Mom was determined to go on with her life without Ralf. She didn’t want anything more from him. I don’t know what happened in the two or three months after they were on the stage, but somehow they got back together at some point,” Jeffrey recalled. “She put money down on a home and then he went back to his old ways. He threatened her again and like she did on the show — she wasn’t going to take it anymore.”
Nancy’s attorney Lisa Kleinberg was interviewed for the docuseries about a domestic violence injunction her client acquired against Ralf.
“There had been several incidents with Ralf before, and this time he had actually kicked her out of the house. Nancy said to me that her and Ralf had been on The Jerry Springer Show and that it was going to air in two weeks. That didn’t register with me,” Kleinberg shared. “I really felt from her that this was it between her and Ralf. She was done with him and she wanted to get back into her house.”
In July 2000, Nancy was granted sole ownership of her home after Ralf and Eleanor moved onto the property. She also received a restraining order against Ralf. Coincidentally, that same day was when their episode of The Jerry Springer Show officially aired.
“When Ralf walked out of the courtroom, he wasn’t cursing or stomping. He seemed resigned to the ruling. There really wasn’t an issue,” Kleinberg said. “But then he went to a bar and they were playing his episode. Ralf watched the entire show, getting drunk, and he was getting more agitated. I think that is what really pushed Ralf because at some point he said to someone at the bar, ‘I am going to kill her.'”
Hours after the episode aired, Nancy was killed at her home and the Florida police treated her death as a homicide. A first-degree murder warrant was issued for Ralf, who initially tried to flee to Canada to avoid prosecution before turning himself in. (Eleanor, for her part, was held as a material witness but wasn’t charged in connection to Nancy’s murder.)
“They told me someone had attacked my mom, choked her, pushed her down on the floor and stomped on her head. That was her cause of death,” Jeffrey recalled. “They said, it was one of the worst scenes that they have ever encountered.”
“People happen to have been on the show, as I understand it, so I hope they get the killer. That’s the main thing. The rest is just TV so we will cooperate fully,” he said before elaborating in another appearance. “I don’t mean to trivialize this because it was a very sad event. But it has nothing to do with the show.”
Was ‘The Jerry Springer Show’ Involved in the Trial?
Netflix
“The rumors were, we were going to be subpoenaed. That is when Richard called me into a meeting and said, ‘I like that Jamaica show idea at a swingers’ resort. Everyone is going,'” Yoshimura claimed. “I don’t want Richard to get at me but if you are going to subpoena someone, all of them were there. That is a great coincidence. We didn’t get subpoenaed.”
Dominick denied the accusation in a separate confessional. (Netflix noted at the end of the doc that the show “denied that they attempted to evade subpoenas” in the case.)
“There’s a rumor going out that the company took the entire show and sent us to Jamaica to get Jerry out of the country. That is bulls— because you can’t take a whole show and 60 people on a whim and move them. It is impossible,” Dominick said, while noting that Springer “would have quit” if the show was somehow responsible for the events that led to Nancy’s death.
Yoshimura blamed the show’s audience for producers ultimately deciding to book people like Nancy and Ralf on the program, adding, “Are we responsible for months after they leave the show for everything that happens in their life? We aren’t.”
What Was the Outcome of the Trial?
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
In 2002, after a 10-day trial and 18 hours of juror deliberation, Ralf was convicted of Nancy’s murder and sentenced to life in prison. Springer’s involvement in the case, meanwhile, was brought up several times in court by the judge.
Jeffrey filed a lawsuit against Springer and the show, but a spokesperson for the program denied any responsibility. The suit was dropped in 2003.
“This whole situation just erased the whole middle part of my life. I dealt with it for the last 20 years now. Here I am 24 years later still talking about it,” Jeffrey said in the doc. “It has had a pretty big impact — it is hard to trust people anymore.”
The Jerry Springer Show continued to air new episodes until 2018, but new guidelines were put in place. Dominick, who left the show in 2008, said the boundaries were “slowly removing the life” for the show.
“I just apologize. I’m so sorry. What have I done? I’ve ruined the culture,” he said during a November 2022 appearance on the “Behind the Velvet Rope” podcast, before quipping, “I just hope hell isn’t that hot, because I burn real easy. I’m very light-complected.”
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
Meredith Vieira’s husband, Richard Cohen, died at age 76 following a battle with multiple sclerosis.
The Today show confirmed on Tuesday, January 7, that Cohen died on Christmas Eve after living with the disease for over 50 years. Today show host Hoda Kotb shared with viewers that Cohen was “surrounded by his family and love” at the time of his death.
The family had been together at Thanksgiving, Kotb continued, telling viewers that they were “concerned” about losing him early. “Instead, they got a glorious month with their dad,” she said.
Today cohost Savannah Guthrie said that Vieira is “in really good spirits” following Cohen’s death.
“She was such a beautiful and devoted wife to Richard and he adored Meredith,” Guthrie added. “And hanging out with them, they were like the most fun and entertaining, irreverent, cool couple you could hang out with.”
In addition to his MS diagnosis, which Cohen received at age 25, he survived colon cancer twice.
Cohen previously revealed that he told the journalist about his MS diagnosis on their second date. The two got married in 1986.
Meredith Vieira and Richard CohenSantiago Felipe/Getty Images
“I told her about the illness, because I sort of learned the hard way to get it on the table,” Cohen said during a 2019 interview with Yahoo Life. “And she really didn’t blink.”
Vieira noted that MS “wasn’t enough” to scare her off.
She spoke candidly about her husband’s illness during a separate interview with Peoplethat same year, telling the publication that Cohen was “doing OK.” At the time, he was also declared legally blind.
“It’s a progressive illness, so you don’t know from day to day,” Vieira said. “He needs a walker, and since he’s been using it, he’s much stronger. It was something he dreaded, but it’s been a blessing.”
The journalist noted that she and Cohen “definitely allow each other to vent” during the tough times. (Vieira left Today in 2011 to spend more time with Cohen, but continued to host various TV series over the years including the 25 Words or Less game show.)
“That’s part of the deal. Certainly he’s allowed to vent, because he’s got chronic illness. But I am too,” she said. “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.”
Cohen is survived by wife Vieira, 71, and their three kids, Benjamin, 36, Gabriel 34, and Lily, 32.
“They are friendly exes having fun conversations and laughing having a good time,” a rep for Beckinsale, 51, told Us Weekly after the Sunday, January 5, awards show.
Rumors circulated on Monday, January 6, that the duo — who briefly dated in 2017 — were spotted kissing at a Golden Globes afterparty, but Beckinsale’s rep notes it “didn’t happen.”
Beckinsale and Rife, 29, both attended Netflix’s party at Spago in Beverly Hills. The Underworld actress later stopped by a soirée at the Chateau Marmont, where she was spotted posing with Paris Jackson and The Gentlemen star Harry Goodwins.
Kate Beckinsale and Matt RifeRachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images; Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage
Beckinsale and Rife dated for a year after connecting in 2017. After their split, the actress sparked a romance with Pete Davidson in 2019. At the time, Rife made headlines for telling Davidson, 31, that he should “run” and describing his relationship with Beckinsale as “complicated.”
“Enjoy it while you can. I hope they’re both happy, I hope that it can build to where it’s an established, good relationship,” Rife told TMZ in March 2019. “I wish them both the best. I hope they’re happy. I don’t really have any solid advice, just be careful.”
“I gave that advice because I was only speaking from personal experience, having been together and finding out that we weren’t the most compatible match,” he told Elle in September 2023. “I wanted to make sure that both of them were careful with their emotions and didn’t head into something that they also wouldn’t, that also wouldn’t work out.”
He also publicly apologized to both Davidson and Beckinsale, saying he’d been a “petty a–hole” about the situation.
“I regret saying that. Pete, if you’re out there, sorry I said that. Kate, I also apologize that I said that. I shouldn’t have said that,” he said. “I gave the advice to be careful because I had just gotten out of a relationship with somebody [where] I unfortunately found out we weren’t compatible. And I always want people to, you know, protect their emotions and their personal feelings.”
Prior to her flings with Rife and Davidson, Beckinsale was married to Len Wiseman, whom she wed in 2004. The duo separated in 2015 and finalized their divorce in 2019.
Beckinsale previously dated Michael Sheen from 1995 to 2003. The former couple share daughter Lily Mo, 25.
Not every WWE icon got a hero’s welcome during the premiere of Monday Night Raw on Netflix.
While returning stars including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena and The Undertaker received huge ovations inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Monday, January 6, Hulk Hogan got a very different reaction.
Hogan, 71, was booed by the 17,000-strong crowd as he hyped WWE’s deal with Netflix to air Raw, which moves over from the USA Network, as well as his own partnership with WWE to promote his Real American Beer brand.
“In the past, I’ve had a whole bunch of partners down the line,” the WWE Hall of Famer said over a chorus of jeers, per Variety. “I had incredible partners, like the Macho Man Randy Savage. I’ve had giant-sized partners like Andre the Giant. But the greatest partner the WWE has ever had, is the fact that tonight, we’re making history, and the WWE has tag teamed up with Netflix, the greatest tag team partner of all time.”
Clips of the moment went viral on X soon after it aired Monday. One person wrote, “Hulk Hogan trying to appeal to wrestling fans and getting booed relentlessly. A beautiful thing.” Another shared, “Watching Hulk Hogan get annihilated with boos while trying to sell his ripoff Bud Light beer was effing IN-CREDIBLE. And I grew up a Hulkamaniac.”
Once the face of professional wrestling, Hogan has been seen as an increasingly polarizing figure among wrestling fans over the past decade. In 2015, his contract with the company was terminated and he was suspended from the WWE Hall of Fame after a leaked recording emerged of him using a racial slur.
WWE/Getty Images
Hogan apologized for his comments, telling Us Weekly in a statement at the time that there was “no excuse” for his offensive language. “I believe very strongly that every person in the world is important and should not be treated differently based on race, gender, orientation, religious beliefs or otherwise. I am disappointed with myself that I used language that is offensive and inconsistent with my own beliefs. It is not who I am. I continue to work every day to improve as a person, and this matter is an important learning experience for me in that regard,” he told Us.
Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in July 2018. “This second chance follows Hogan’s numerous public apologies and volunteering to work with young people, where he is helping them learn from his mistake,” WWE told Us in a statement at the time. “These efforts led to a recent induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame.”
Earlier Monday, WWE announced a multi-year deal to promote Hogan’s beer brand on Raw and social media, including branding on the ring mat. WWE also said it would become a minority owner in the company.
Monday’s Raw debut on Netflix also featured guest appearances from Nikki Garcia (formerly known as Nikki Bella) and rapper Travis Scott, while celebrities including Vanessa Hudgens, Richard Gadd and Tiffany Haddish were spotted in the audience.
The number one rule of wedding guest dressing is to never wear white or outshine the bride. However (and I think any bride would agree), you should still come to the wedding looking your absolute best. And for many of Us, that means having a stellar wedding guest dress.
Contrary to popular opinion, looking your absolute best does not have to blow your budget. I mean, going to weddings is expensive anyhow, considering the gift, the travel accommodations, the bachelorette parties, etc., so you might as well save where you can. That’s why we rounded up six chic summer wedding guest dresses from Rent the Runway so you can get designer style at a fraction of the cost.
If you haven’t already been introduced, Rent the Runway is a clothing subscription service that allows you to rent designer styles for much, much less (up to 90% off) than their original price tag. You can do one-time rentals for one big event (such as a wedding) for four or eight days, depending on how long you need it for. We recommend checking out the various subscriptions too.The 10-item subscription plan is 40% off through June 21!
You simply pick out the piece or pieces at the size that you want, pick the dates you need them for and watch as they show up, dry cleaned, at your doorstep.
These dresses below will make you look your best but also feel your best thanks to the endless compliments you’ll receive. Below, we’ve included everything from formal styles for black tie weddings, but also casual, laid-back styles for more relaxed dress codes or outdoor weddings. But in case these aren’t your style, there have hundreds more designer styles on RTR’s site just waiting to make an appearance at your next wedding — or even for casual occasions like grabbing coffee!
For Black Tie Affairs: Bring a little disco fever to the black tie function with this pink and pleated Cheri Gown by L’idée that features a retro pleated design, halter neck and cinched waist.
For the Minimalist: A wedding doesn’t mean you have to abandon your style for extra color. In fact, minimalists can maintain their true essence in this Simhkai Silas Midi Dress that includes a clean-line style, drop waist silhouette and comfortable cotton and viscose fabric blend.
For the Outdoor Wedding: Match the enchanting vibes of an outdoor wedding with this cute (but chic) floral midi dress by Maje that has a flattering ruched waist detail, silhouette-slimming design and side slit.
Don’t Know What to Wear? You absolutely can’t go wrong with a simple LBD like this one by Beare Park that has a sleek strapless design, a structured silhouette and a mid-weight wool-silk blend fabric.
For the Destination Wedding: A destination wedding is an invitation to travel but also to have more fun with your dress. If it’s a tropical location, as many are, check out this sunset-style gown by Delfi collective that has a pink and orange ombré fabric, spaghetti straps and a pleated design.
Ieena for Mac Duggal Floral Ruffle Detail Midi Dress
Rent the Runway
For the Boho Wedding: Make a boho bride proud of your dress pick with this midi dress by Ieena for Mac Duggal that features gorgeous flower embroidery, cute ruffle details and a cinched waist.
Kylie Jenner and Timothée ChalametFrancis Specker/CBS
One of the most talked-about moments from the 2025 Golden Globes was undoubtedly Kylie Jennerspending the evening all over her actor boyfriend Timothée Chalamet— but if you ask Jenner herself, it was actually more of a girls’ night.
On Monday, January 6, the model and reality star, 27, documented her night at the glitzy awards via her Instagram grid, sharing a series of glamorous photos from the Sunday, January 5, ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hilton in Los Angeles with the caption: “Cuuutest night w the cutest girls in a little 1999 Versace.”
It appears Jenner’s low-cut, backless, chainmail Versace dress was inspired by one of Elizabeth Hurley’s many iconic turn-of-the-century looks. Way back in 1999, when Jenner was still in diapers, the actress wore a lilac version to the CFDA Awards, when she was Hugh Grant’s date.
Of course, on Sunday night, Jenner was on the arm of a beloved and well-respected curly-haired actor too — but, as ever, Chalamet, 29, was nowhere to be seen in her Insta post.
Kylie JennerCourtesy of Instagram / Kylie Jenner
The Kylie Cosmetics founder attended the ceremony in support of Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama, for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown.
The couple might have been dating for nearly two years but he’s conspicuous by his absence on her social media feeds. Chalamet is clearly more than happy to PDA with his girlfriend (the pair were pictured kissing at the Globes), and we’re sure her phone is brimming over with smooching selfies of the gorgeous couple, but we guess not everyone wants to be an Instagram boyfriend.
Instead, Jenner’s official account of the night was all about the girls and the dress. She shared a cute selfie of her posing with Chalamet’s A Complete Unknown costars, Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro, but it was mostly her outfit that was centerstage.
It isn’t the first time Jenner has seemingly been inspired by Hurley. At last year’s Golden Globes, she recreated the long, sheer black lace outfit the 59-year-old British actress wore to the Pantages Theatre in 1997, again with Grant. Perhaps Jenner sees herself and Chalamet as a modern-day version of one of the ultimate ‘90s power couples?
Jenner wasn’t the only star at Sunday’s event to pay tribute to iconic outfits from the past: Ariana Grande’s vintage Givenchy look was a nod to Audrey Hepburn.
The NBC stalwart, 60, is set to leave the popular morning program on Friday, January 10, after 17 years as cohost, and has already lined up her next venture.
During a Monday, January 6, appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Kotb shared that she is starting her own wellness company comprising an app, podcast and retreats. It is expected to launch in the spring, she told host Kelly Clarkson.
Clarkson prised details of the new project out of Kotb using her signature humor. “I have to say though, ma’am, as soon as they told me you were not doing the Today show, I was like, ‘So what’s that bitch doing?’” Clarkson quipped. “I was like, ‘There’s no way you’re not doing anything.’ You’re me — you like projects, you like work.”
Kotb agreed, “I like things, I do,” before explaining how she got “hooked” into wellness “a couple of years ago.” She added, “I started doing stuff that I thought seemed woo-woo and weird, and then all of a sudden as I was doing it, I was like, ‘Wait, I feel calmer, I feel better.’”
Kotb said her new company will allow patrons to “get together and do things I love.”
“And when you’re done, it’s not like going to Mexico with your girls, which is fun. But this is something that when you leave, you’ll go like, ‘Oh my gosh. I feel transformed. I feel different.’ So I’m in the building process of that,” she continued.
“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 said on the show, citing her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, as motivation for the decision.
“I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one,” she added in a letter to her NBC coworkers. “And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.”
“My time at NBC has been the longest professional love affair of my life,” she continued. “But only because you’ve been beside me on this twenty-six-year adventure. Looking back, the math is nuts. 26 years at NBC News — Ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o’clock hour, sixteen on the ten o’clock hour.”
Kotb’s final Today, a “Hoda-bration,” airs Friday on NBC. Craig Melvinwill take over her role as Savannah Guthrie’s Today coanchor. Today With Hoda & Jenna will be revamped into Today With Jenna & Friends and feature Jenna Bush Hager alongside a rotating lineup of guest hosts until a permanent replacement is picked.
The Brutalist star hosted a May 2003 episode of the NBC sketch show, during which he controversially wore a dreadlocked wig and spoke in a Jamaican accent to introduce musical guest Sean Paul. Ever since there’s been speculation that he is banned from the show, which resurfaced Sunday, January 5, after he won a best actor award at the Golden Globes.
But in an interview with Vulture published last month, Brody, 51, denied the rumor, though he added, “But I also have never been invited back on,” he says, laughing. “So I don’t know what to tell you.”
Brody said the bit was his idea, though the show provided the costume. “They were all literally agape from me pitching,” he explained.
He added, “I think Lorne [Michaels, SNL creator] wasn’t happy with me embellishing a bit, but they allowed me to.”
At Sunday’s Golden Globes, Brody took home Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama, for his role as László Tóth in The Brutalist. The accolade came 23 years after Brody won an Academy Award for The Pianist at age 29.
YouTube
“It’s been many years, it’s been decades, and I’ve had a long life and career and a lot of peaks and a lot of valleys,” Brody told Us Weekly and other reporters in the Beverly Hilton press room following his win. “It’s given me perspective. It’s given me great appreciation for this moment.”
Brody noted that “it can all go away,” referring to his career, which has spanned more than three decades.
“I am very grateful. I’ve had a very blessed career, but as you can see, it’s still a challenge to find work that is as meaningful as this,” the actor said, referring to The Brutalist.
In the movie, Brody stars as a Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who emigrates to America following World War II.
“That you can have a triumph in your life again is incredibly healing and rewarding,” Brody said, noting that the movie “speaks to my family’s struggles and the hardships that they’ve faced.” (In his acceptance speech Sunday, Brody said that his character’s story is similar to that of his own family’s experience of the Holocaust.)
The former WWE star — who rose to fame under the stage name Nikki Bella — returned to where it all started on Monday, January 6, to celebrate the premiere of WWE’s Monday Night Raw on Netflix.
Garcia, 41, joined current and former WWE stars on the red carpet at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, in her first major red carpet appearance since settling her divorce from ballroom dancer Artem Chigvintsev in November.
The WWE Hall of Famer rocked a red leather strapless corset and matching pants for Monday’s occasion.
Garcia’s red carpet return comes two years after she and sister Brie Garcia ended their affiliation with WWE and two months after she and Chigvintsev — who share son Matteo, 4 — divorced last year amid a domestic violence dispute. “Nikki and Artem have settled their divorce and will not be going to court,” Garcia’s rep said in a statement to Us Weekly at the time. “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.”
The statement continued: “Nikki’s number one priority has always been her son and privacy on the matter. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received during this difficult time.”
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Chigvintsev, 42, was arrested in August following an alleged altercation with Garcia in Napa, California. At the time, Us confirmed that the dancer was arrested for domestic battery and booked on a felony domestic violence charge. He was released on bail the same day. (In September, prosecutors declined to charge him.)
In December, Garcia addressed her separation from Chigvintsev for the first time on an episode of her and sister Brie’s “The Nikki & Brie Show” podcast.
“I’ve been heartbroken. 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,” she said.
On a later episode of the podcast, Garcia said that she hasn’t had “a day without tears” since settling her divorce from Chigvintsev. “I just know that situations like this, divorce, whatever it may be, it takes a piece of you,” she said. “It takes a piece of your heart that will never grow back or never be replaced, but it’s, ‘How do we make that piece of you that’s gone strong?’”
Garcia and Chigvintsev began dating in 2019 after competing together on season 25 of Dancing With the Stars in 2017. The pair welcomed their son, Matteo, in 2020 and went on to tie the knot in 2022.
Pamela Anderson had a scary mid-flight encounter with a man who mistook her for one of The Chicks.
Anderson, 57, shared the story on the Monday, January 6, episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast when host Josh Horowitz asked her which celebrity she’s been confused with.
“This one time, I was on a flight and this guy came up to me and said, ‘Do you know what this country’s done for you?’” Anderson remembered. “And I was like, ‘Oh, my God. What have I done?’”
Anderson went on to recall that the man glared at her from his seat and eventually tried to harm her.
“This stewardess had to handcuff him to the chair because he was trying to attack me,” she said, explaining that “he thought I was a Dixie Chick. Remember that whole Dixie Chick thing? I almost got killed on a plane.”
More than 20 years ago, The Chicks — formerly known as The Dixie Chicks — received major backlash after lead singer Natalie Maines took the stage at a London concert in 2003 and denounced President George W. Bush and the decision to invade Iraq. “Just so you know,” she said between songs, “We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.”
Afterward, country music stations pulled the band’s music amid listener complaints and allegations of “anti-American” rhetoric. (In 2006, Maines, 50, and bandmates Martie Maguire and Emily Robinson triumphed with the success of their seventh album, Taking the Long Way, which earned them five Grammys.)
Anderson recalled on “Happy Sad Confused” that her run-in with the angry man had shaken her.
“I was scared to fly after that, a little bit,” she said.
The Baywatch icon, meanwhile, is enjoying a career comeback for her acclaimed role in the film The Last Showgirl. Anderson earned a 2025 Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, losing to Fernanda Torres. She hit the red carpet in style, however, eschewing full glam for minimal makeup — her signature.
She has recently embraced a bare-faced look at glamorous events, first at Paris Fashion Week in 2023, and inspired others to do the same.
“I’m makeup-free at home, so why not for Paris Fashion Week?” she told People that year, adding, “I didn’t expect anyone to notice, but I’m glad it sparked a positive message.”
She emphasized her desire to break free from conventional beauty standards, saying, “It felt empowering to look in the mirror and say, ‘I’m OK just like this.’”
The New York Timesbroke the news on December 21 that Lively had sued Baldoni — her costar and director of the film It Ends With Us — for sexual harassment. Baldoni denied all allegations against him made in the lawsuit, which was obtained by Us Weekly, and days later, was among 10 plaintiffs who launched a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for its coverage of Lively’s accusations.
On New Year’s Eve, Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, 40, in a New York federal court, mirroring her earlier claims that were submitted with the California Civil Rights Department. In addition to Baldoni, Lively is suing publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, as well as Wayfarer Studios, Baldoni’s production company.
Attorneys for the actress told Us in a statement on Monday, January 6, that Lively’s “serious claims of sexual harassment and retaliation” are “backed by concrete facts.”
“This is not a ‘feud’ arising from ‘creative differences’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation,” the lawyers’ statement read, per the outlet. “As alleged in Ms. Lively’s complaint, and as we will prove in litigation, Wayfarer [Studios] and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against Ms. Lively for simply trying to protect herself and others on a film set. And their response to the lawsuit has been to launch more attacks against Ms. Lively since her filing.”
The statement noted: “Sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and in every industry. A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to ‘blame the victim’ by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied.”
Lively’s team continued, “Another classic tactic is to reverse the victim and offender, and suggest that the offender is actually the victim. These concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct.”
And in conclusion, they wrote, “Most importantly, media statements are not a defense to Ms. Lively’s legal claims. We will continue to prosecute her claims in federal court, where the rule of law determines who prevails, not hyperbole and threats.”
Us reached out to Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, for comment.
On Thursday, January 2, Freedman told NBC News that he “absolutely” planned to sue Lively on behalf of his client.
“We plan to release every single text message between the two of them,” Freedman told the outlet. “We want the truth to be out there. We want the documents to be out there. We want people to make their determination based on receipts.”
Previously, he shared a statement with Us, vowing to “take down” The New York Times for its “vicious smear campaign.”
As for the Times, a spokesperson told Us that the outlet is planning to “vigorously defend” itself.
“The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead,” read a statement on December 31. “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.”
The duo were photographed holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes in Los Angeles on Monday, January 6, according to images published by People. Jackman, 56, sported a black jacket, gray T-shirt and white jeans, while Foster looked equally chic in a beige trench coat and green maxi dress.
According to the outlet, the actors — who costarred in a revival of TheMusic Man revival on Broadway — had dined together in Santa Monica.
The Deadpool & Wolverine star was seen at L.A.’s Ahmanson Theatre on Saturday, January 4, per photos circulating on social media. In the snaps, Jackman was seen recording seatmate Carol Burnett receiving an unexpected round of applause during intermission.
Sources exclusively told Us Weekly in November 2024 that a romance between Jackman and Foster sparked while the twosome began working together on The Music Man the year prior.
“They’re happier than ever,” a source said at the time, noting that their relationship is a “wonderful next chapter” with a “balance of playfulness and genuine admiration.”
Per the insider, Jackman was drawn to Foster’s “immense talent, infectious positivity and grounded nature” with the Tony-winning actress appreciating his “kindness, professionalism and ability to make others feel valued.”
Jackman was previously married to Deborra-lee Furness for 27 years, announcing their separation in September 2023.
“We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,” Jackman and Furness, 69, said in a joint statement at the time. “Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. Our family has been and always will be our highest priority.”
The statement concluded, “We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”
Foster, for her part, was married to screenwriter Ted Griffin for a decade. She filed for divorce in October 2024, which has yet to be settled. The Younger alum and Griffin, 53, share daughter Emily, whom they adopted in 2017. (Foster was also previously married to fellow Broadway star Christian Borle between 2006 and 2009.)
“A lot of people on Broadway knew, and we kept it quiet because both of them are so nice and great people,” the source claimed in November. “Everyone respected their privacy. But there was an affair and overlap.”
Jocelyn Wildenstein in September 2022.(Craig Barritt/Getty Images for FENDI)
Jocelyn Wildenstein will be cremated in the wake of her death on New Year’s Eve.
The Swiss socialite, who gained notoriety — and the moniker “Catwoman” for her plastic surgery that made her resemble a feline — died peacefully in her sleep while staying in a Parisian palace on Tuesday, December 31. She was 84 years old.
Wildenstein’s longtime partner, Lloyd Klein, told TMZ on Monday, January 6, that she’ll be cremated, with her remains transported to her ranch in Kenya following an intimate funeral in Paris. According to the outlet, the ranch is the site of her father’s grave and where her mother’s ashes are located.
Days earlier, Klein revealed to People that Wildenstein had battled phlebitis, which is inflammation of the veins near your skin due to blood clots.
“Because of her phlebitis, the legs were very, very swollen, and the blood was blocked, and there was no oxygen in the brain,” Klein told the outlet on January 2. “And we were having a nap and when I woke up, I said, ‘Jocelyn, we have to wake up, we have to get dressed,’ and she was cold and she was dead.”
He noted at the time, “It’s very sad. … It’s extremely sad to lay down with your other half that I have known for 21 years and waiting to celebrate New Year’s Eve and to find her cold.”
Prior to her death, Wildenstein (born Jocelyne Périsset) garnered headlines for her exaggerated cosmetic surgery. Following her first surgical procedure in the late 1970s, observers began comparing Wildenstein’s eye lift to that of a lynx, which she kept as a pet.
Wildenstein was also known for her marriage to billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein. The two wed in 1978 and divorced in 1999. Their split and legal battle received heavy media coverage, with Alec telling Vanity Fair at the time that he lacked a say in how much surgery his then-wife had, despite reports that he encouraged her dramatic physical transformation.
“She was crazy. I would always find out last,” he claimed, according to The Times. “She was thinking that she could fix her face like a piece of furniture. Skin does not work that way. But she wouldn’t listen.”
Jocelyn, for her part, told The Times in June 2023 that her ex-husband had “hired a publicist and paid a plastic surgeon to certify that I completely changed my face” so he could “win the divorce.”
However, Jocelyn — who was also dubbed “the Bride of Wildenstein” because of her surgeries — triumphed in the end. She reportedly won $2.5 billion in the divorce, laughing all the way to the bank.
Alec died in 2008 after a battle with cancer, and Jocelyn moved on with Klein in 2003. She met the designer after attending one of his Lloyd Klein Couture fashion shows. He was reported to have proposed to Jocelyn in 2017 at the Versace Mansion in Miami.
and thank you all for the support this past year.”
