Bethenny Frankel doesn’t mince words when it comes to her must-haves — especially when hydration is involved. The entrepreneur and Real Housewives alum shared her monthly favorites, and one everyday essential stood out: the Brümate Rise Water Bottle, as mentioned in a recent Instagram post.

After testing countless options, Bethenny made it clear this one reigns supreme: “I’ve tested them all and this is the best. Hydration is non-negotiable in January, and this actually keeps drinks cold all day.” Consider Us immediately influenced.

Naturally, we had to take a closer look. The sleek, leakproof water bottle has quickly become a fan favorite for its stylish design and seriously impressive insulation. It’s the kind of everyday essential that fits seamlessly into busy days, workouts, errands and travel alike. If you’re trying to drink more water this year (or just want a bottle that won’t spill all over your bag), Bethenny’s stamp of approval is all the convincing you need.

Get the Brümate Rise Water Bottle for $38 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

This bottle’s thoughtful, leakproof design actually works for real life. The covered SoftSip silicone straw creates a smooth, spill-free sipping experience and is fully removable for easy cleaning. Prefer to drink without a straw? You can pop out the internal ColdKey stainless steel straw and instantly switch to a chug-style bottle — no swapping lids required. It’s one of those smart details you don’t realize you need until you try it.

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Related: Bethenny Frankel Declared This Suitcase ‘The Best Bag’ for Traveling

Trying to pack light and bring your entire closet with you? You’re not alone. Whether you’re heading to a wedding weekend, a business trip or a vacation that requires multiple outfit changes and every hot tool you own, finding luggage that keeps it all together is a borderline miracle. But according to Bethenny Frankel, this […]

The brand’s patented insulation keeps drinks ice-cold for 24+ hours, while the protective silicone sleeve helps prevent dents, dings and scratches — making it perfect for gym bags, commutes and travel days. Plus, most components are top-rack dishwasher safe. Every bottle is backed by a lifetime warranty, so it’s designed to be your everyday hydration companion for the long haul. With 19 colors to choose from, it’s easy to find one that fits your vibe.

Shoppers rave about the quality and design details just as much as Bethenny does. One reviewer called it the “best sport water bottle,” praising the stainless steel straw and noting the “silicone sleeve is fabulous.”

Another admitted they finally understand the hype, writing, “This water bottle is such good quality…I love the fact that they use a metal straw instead of a plastic one.”

Between the durability, luxe feel and genuinely useful features, it’s easy to see why Bethenny (and thousands of shoppers) swear by the Brümate Rise Water Bottle on Amazon.

Get the Brümate Rise Water Bottle for $38 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Brümate here and more water bottles here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Eric Dane’s ex-girlfriend Priya Jain has opened up about her grief over the late actor’s death at age 53 following a battle with ALS.

“I’m processing,” Jain, 28, told TMZ outside West Hollywood hotspot The Abbey on Friday, March 13,

When asked to share her favorite memory with Dane, Jain replied, “All of them!”

“Eric was a great guy … I’m glad his kids are there to keep his legacy alive,” she added. “He was a great guy. It’s just awful.”

Related: Eric Dane’s GF Janell Shirtcliff Breaks Silence After His Death at Age 53

Eric Dane’s girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliff, is honoring the late actor after his death at age 53. Shirtcliff shared a handful of images of Dane to her Instagram Stories early on Saturday, February 21, including sweet snaps of the couple kissing and other pics of the Euphoria star posing next to a horse and getting a tattoo. Us […]

Dane’s family confirmed on February 19 that the former Grey’s Anatomy star had died nearly a year after publicly announcing his ALS diagnosis. (Per the Mayo Clinic, ALS is a “nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord,” causing a progressive loss of muscle control over time.)

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family told Us Weekly in a statement at the time. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”

The statement went on, “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

Us exclusively reported on February 24 that Jain made a $10,000 donation to a GoFundMe fundraiser started by “friends of the Dane family,” which lists his wife Rebecca Gayheart as his “Beneficiary.” The fundraiser has raised more than $489,000 for Dane’s family, as of publication. (Dane and Gayheart separated in February 2018 but never followed through with a divorce. Dane was dating filmmaker and photographer Janell Shirtcliff at the time of his death, while Gayheart has been spotted with billionaire Peter Morton in recent years.)

Jain — an actress who costarred with Josh Duhamel in the 2025 movie Not Without Hope — was with Dane for nearly a year, after initially being linked in November 2024. Us confirmed in February that the exes were on good terms at the time of Dane’s death.

“In the months leading up to Eric’s passing Priya and Eric reconnected their relationship as friends,” a source told Us. “It was more important for them to remain friends [following their split].”

Us learned that Priya didn’t think Dane’s death “would happen this quickly” since he only went public with his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. An insider shared that Priya had “so much love” for Dane following his diagnosis and she “​​knows how hard this is for his daughters.”

“She has a lot of love for his family,” the source added.

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Related: Rebecca Gayheart Breaks Silence on Eric Dane’s Death After ALS Battle

Rebecca Gayheart broke her silence on husband Eric Dane’s death following his battle with ALS. Gayheart, 54, shared multiple throwback family photos with Dane and their two daughters via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, February 21, in addition to a link endorsing a GoFundMe campaign meant to financially support their kids in the wake of […]

Earlier this week, Dane’s wife Gayheart, 54, admitted that her family was still in “a state of shock” over losing him.

“It’s been challenging and meaningful, and people are kind,” she told Variety on Wednesday, March 11. “I’m having trouble receiving all of the support and love coming at me from every which way because of Eric and the [entertainment] community that’s so generous with their time.”

Gayheart went on, “[Friends and family have] been holding me and the girls up the last two weeks, and I don’t think they’re going anywhere. I think they’re in it for the long haul. Hollywood gets a bad rap. That kind of makes me mad, because we have a lovely community of people, and I’m so grateful for them.”

Legendary actress Raven Symoné has raised some eyebrows this March after sharing her Disney Mount Rushmore and excluding Miley Cyrus.

During a recent interview, Raven Symoné explained why she believed Cyrus, who starred in the Disney Channel Original Series “Hannah Montana,” doesn’t qualify as one of the network’s founding fathers.

Raven Symoné Says Miley Cyrus Does Not Qualify To Be On The Disney Channel Mount Rushmore Of Stars During Recent Interview

While speaking with The Shade Room, Symoné, 40, discussed who she believed would qualify for a Disney Channel Mount Rushmore if there were such a thing.

In addition to herself, Raven mentioned Hilary Duff, who starred in “Lizzie McGuire,” Shia LaBeouf, who played Louis in “Even Stevens,” and actor Lee Thompson Young, who originated the role of Jett Jackson in “The Famous Jett Jackson.”

Before continuing, Symoné paid her respects to Young, who reportedly died by suicide in 2013. “He is no longer with us, but he was the first Black show on Disney. I believe he should be on Mt. Rushmore. He definitely deserves a spot,” Symoné said.

When Cyrus’s name was mentioned, Raven clarified why the award-winning singer wasn’t on the fictional monument in her mind. “I love you, Miley, but she came after,” Symoné said.

Raven Symoné Sparks Debate Online Over Who Brought More To Disney, Herself Or Miley Cyrus?

Symoné’s list caught some people by surprise, given Cyrus’s show ran from 2006 to 2011 and also spawned chart-topping albums, singles, and a massive tour. However, some social media users rushed to defend Symoné, stating that her legacy on the network still lives on to this day.

“I can turn on ‘That’s So Raven’ right now and laugh my [butt] off,” someone wrote. “Can’t say the same for the rest of them other shows.”

Another user said Raven’s resume at Disney is more than just her early-2000s sitcom. She also appeared in the “Zenon” movies, “Kim Possible,” “The Cheetah Girls,” and recently wrapped a “TSR” spin-off titled “Raven’s Home.”

A third X user questioned why some netizens were bothered by Symoné’s list. “… she’s been on disney channel since ‘99. that’s so raven was on its last season while hannah montana was on its first. they overlapped, but two different generations. she didn’t discredit miley whatsoever,” they wrote.

The Conversation About Raven Symoné And Miley Cyrus’s Contributions Continues

The debate about Raven and Cyrus’s contributions to Disney didn’t end there. Several other social media users opined that Raven was part of Disney Channel’s “golden age,” while Cyrus grew up with other iconic performers, including Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers.

“Raven’s entire point was about who built the era during her time on the Disney Channel, not who was the most popular Disney show ever,” someone shared. “The problem is a lot of y’all don’t listen.”

Another user argued that the only reason Disney had successful productions like “Hannah Montana” and “High School Musical” was due to Raven and her work on “The Cheetah Girls.”

Raven Doesn’t Remember Her Own Disney Songs…

Speaking of Raven, the actress-turned-podcaster recently garnered even more attention when she failed to name her own song during an episode of her show, “Tea Time with Raven and Miranda.”

During the segment, someone off-camera read the lyrics of Raven’s song “Double Dutch Bus” to her and asked her to name the song and artist.

“What the h-ll? This is definitely somebody white,” Raven said before recognizing that it was, in fact, her song. “I sang that?” she asked.

Cyrus Will Return To Disney In March 2026

Cyrus has also been keeping busy these days, according to The Blast. In just 10 days, the “Flowers” singer will return to Disney in the “Hannah Montana: 20th Anniversary Special,” which will show the 33-year-old revisiting iconic “Hannah Montana” sets and even singing a few of the show’s most legendary songs.

“Hannah Montana will always be a part of who I am. What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I’ll always be thankful for that connection,” Cyrus said. “The fact that it still means so much to people all these years later is something I’m very proud of. This ‘Hannahversary’ is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who’ve stood by me for 20 years.”

Phrases like “K-dramas” and “game-changing” somehow always went hand in hand. The K-drama landscape may have dramatically transformed over the past decade, but that didn’t happen by accident—it happened because certain shows dared to break the rules that were established for them early on. Essential 2000s K-dramas reached international viewers and helped numerous actors find their footing as global superstars. Over time, they paved the way for the beautiful and imaginative world of more and more K-dramas to emerge.

Since the 2000s and until today, some K-dramas have, more than others, expanded into what they could be. By doing so, these shows transformed the expectations of audiences worldwide for television, consistently raising the standard with each new series. Here are some game-changing K-dramas that totally rewrote the genre’s rules, fundamentally raising the bar and even expanding the possibilities for everyone who followed.

8

‘Signal’ (2016)

Image via tvN

Before Signal, time-travel stories in Korean dramas were mostly about romantic connections and possibilities. This K-drama showed that series within its genre could handle complex, mind-bending concepts without losing their emotional appeal. Signal drew inspiration from real Korean criminal cases such as the Hwaseong serial murders, grounding its sci-fi plot in reality. It also expertly establishes rules for its time-communication mechanic (the protagonists can only connect at a certain time, randomly, for a few minutes) and sticks to them, avoiding the potential plot holes that often plague similar shows.

Signal follows criminal profiler Park Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon), who discovers a mysterious walkie-talkie that connects him to Detective Lee Jae-han (Cho Jin-woong) from fifteen years ago. Together with cold-case detective Cha Soo-hyun (Kim Hye-soo), they try to solve unsolved crimes by communicating across timelines. However, every change in the past has devastating consequences for the present, leaving the question: should some things be changed, even if they’re great deeds of injustice? Despite initial network reservations, Signal became one of the most successful cable dramas in history, proving that K-drama fans want to embrace sophisticated thrillers.

7

‘Mr. Sunshine’ (2018)

Image via Netflix

After the global success of Descendants of the Sun and Goblin, writer Kim Eun-sook could have played it safe. Instead, she ventured into uncharted territory with Mr. Sunshine, a period epic set in the early 20th century Joseon, during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Mr. Sunshine shattered the notion that period dramas couldn’t achieve blockbuster ratings after breaking Goblin’s record for the highest cable viewership debut. More importantly, it proved that K-dramas could achieve cinematic quality on the small screen, because everything from its lush production value and sweeping cinematography to meticulous attention to historical detail set a new benchmark for what television could aspire to.

Mr. Sunshine follows Choi Yoo-jin (Lee Byung-hun), a Korean-born boy who flees to America after his parents’ death; about two decades later, he returns as a U.S. Marine officer, meets, and develops feelings for Go Ae-shin (Kim Tae-ri), an aristocratic woman secretly fighting for Korea’s independence. Their story turns into a fated but tragic romance, and the chemistry between Lee and Kim is quite convincing despite a big age gap. The drama’s critical and commercial success opened the door to more ambitious period productions, and many shows since have tackled the topic of the Japanese occupation and freedom fighting, juxtaposing this difficult period with romantic plots, proving love always wins.

6

‘Stranger’ (2017–2018)

Image via Signal Entertainment Group

Stranger is the prime example that K-dramas can compete with prestige American television. Critics compared it to some of America’s most popular police procedurals and thrillers, praising its cinematic quality, psychological depth, and open criticism of corruption in the official ranks that should have the least of it. Since the protagonist has a catch about him—he’s emotionless due to a botched surgical procedure—Stranger proved that a leading character can lack empathy and still be compelling and triumphant. Its procedural storytelling also doesn’t need a romantic subplot to maintain viewership.

Stranger is a crime thriller that introduced international audiences to a new kind of K-drama protagonist. It follows the prosecutor Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo), who underwent brain surgery as a child to correct hypersensitivity to sound. However, the procedure left him unable to feel basic empathy, and his social and emotional cues are often maladjusted. When he teams up with police detective Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona) to investigate a murder, they uncover deep corruption within the prosecutor’s office that threatens both of their livelihoods. The show was so successful that it spawned a second season and a spin-off, proving that Korean crime dramas could sustain franchises.

5

‘D.P.’ (2021–2023)

Image via Netflix

D.P. did something unprecedented: it put a spotlight on one of South Korea’s most sacred institutions—its mandatory military service. The show takes place in 2014, a year marked by military tragedies where soldiers suffered abuse. D.P. seemingly resonated deeply with Korean veterans, sparking conversations about reform in military practices and the treatment of soldiers. The show also proves that K-dramas can tackle social issues honestly while still being entertaining and thrilling.

Based on Kim Bo-tong‘s webtoon of the same name (who based the webtoon on his own experiences), D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) follows Private Ahn Jun-ho (Jung Hae-in), a directionless young man assigned to a military unit tasked with tracking down deserters. As he partners with seasoned deserter pursuer Han Ho-yeol (Koo Kyo-hwan), Jun-ho witnesses the brutal realities of South Korea’s conscription system, which is filled with hazing, abuse, and toxic masculinity that drives soldiers to flee or, in some cases, resort to violence. D.P. was released one month before Squid Game, and this may be why this drama isn’t as popular as it should be. Despite the timing, D.P. remains one of the most powerful and necessary K-dramas ever produced.

4

‘My Name’ (2021)

My Name is often considered a landmark in the “female hero narrative” within K-dramas. Created to feel like a revenge action story, My Name gives its female protagonist a motive for retribution while focusing on her development; we often see the traditional “hero’s journey” narrative reserved for male characters, and this show plays on that beautifully, making the female hero imperfect yet ultimately heroic. My Name is one of the first Netflix K-dramas to prove that the eight-episode format removes the typical K-drama fluff and delivers constant tension.

My Name follows Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee), a young woman whose father was murdered in front of her when she was very young. Failed by the police, she joins her father’s criminal organization, endures brutal training, and goes undercover as a mole within the police force to hunt down his killer. Han performed her own stunts, bringing an authentic presence to every brutal confrontation and cementing herself as probably the first and biggest Korean female action star of the last five to ten years. My Name is living proof that female-led action could compete within this male-dominated genre, especially in the K-drama landscape.

Image via Netflix 

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a series that had to have a gentle and careful approach to its subject matter, and it’s the first among K-dramas to have a neurodivergent person as its protagonist. However, the protagonist, Woo Young-woo, represents an “exceptional” case within the autism spectrum, which led the show’s creative team to acknowledge the feedback, remaining hopeful throughout it all. Many viewers felt optimistic after watching the drama, acknowledging the effort even if they didn’t fully support the narrative. Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a gentle and entertaining series that shows that sensitive, thoughtful representation of neurodiversity can achieve massive commercial success.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a legal dramedy that follows Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), a brilliant young attorney with autism spectrum disorder and photographic memory. She gets a job at a prestigious law firm in Seoul, tackling complex cases and a world not designed for neurodivergent minds like hers. Young-woo’s inner world is depicted in rich and typical ways for someone like her: she is, in particular, obsessed with whales and knows all the facts about them; she eats only gimbap; and she likes wordplay and palindromes (her name is a palindrome, too). Extraordinary Attorney Woo really changed the K-drama landscape over the last few years.

2

‘Kingdom’ (2019–2020)

Image via Netflix

Kingdom was written by Signal‘s author, Kim Eun-hee, and it represents the fusion of globally recognizable genres and uniquely Korean elements. The zombie genre has a long history on film and TV, but Kingdom shook things up by setting its story in the Joseon Dynasty, thus creating the first-ever historical zombie K-drama. Besides the superfast flesh eaters, the second plight of Kingdom’s protagonist is political intrigue, which is essential to Korean period pieces. The zombies themselves become a form of social commentary, reflecting the hunger of peasants neglected by the ruling class and creating a conflict between the starving poor and the well-fed aristocrats.

Kingdom is set in Korea’s Joseon period and follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) as he uncovers a mysterious plague turning people into flesh-eating creatures and battles corrupt court officials who are keeping his sick father “alive” through the help of a mysterious flower as a way of getting to the Prince and the throne. The brilliant cinematography and editing make Kingdom a stellar vision that captures both the eeriness and beauty of Korean landscapes while they’re plagued by a zombie virus. As the first original Netflix K-drama, Kingdom proved that the streamer would invest heavily in Korean content—the rest is history.

1

‘Squid Game’ (2021–2025)

Image via Netflix

Squid Game was in the making for about ten years, and it’s a miracle that it succeeded as much as it did. It became Netflix’s most-watched show ever, still holding that record with over 265 million views for Season 1 and over 600 million views for all three seasons combined. It redefined K-dramas as mainstream blockbusters, pushing Netflix to invest in Korean content more than any other series until then. But its impact goes beyond just viewership levels: like Kingdom, it brings traditional Korean games to the battle royale survival genre while critiquing the extreme competition it creates.

Squid Game is a dystopian thriller following the protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and 455 other desperate contestants competing in deadly versions of their favorite childhood games for a massive cash prize. The show’s critical perspective on Korea, from the rat race and economic desperation to social polarization, resonated around the world because these issues seem universal in a capitalist society. Squid Game is the best example of Korean dramas becoming more than just a niche interest; instead, the show turned K-dramas into a dominant force in global entertainment, capable of launching fashion trends (the green tracksuits), inspiring Halloween costumes, and sparking conversations about capitalism and human nature worldwide; it’s the truest modern generator of the Korean Wave.

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Squid Game

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Release Date

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2021 – 2025

Network

Netflix

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Showrunner

Hwang Dong-hyuk

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Directors

Hwang Dong-hyuk

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• 
• 

  Wi Ha-jun

  Detective Hwang Jun-ho

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Rihanna is thankfully safe and sound after a woman opened fire at the front of her home. The suspect, who was promptly arrested and remains in custody, has a collection of videos showing her disturbing and obsessive mindset regarding the superstar, and now, more details have been revealed. According to new reports, Ivanna Ortiz communicated with her estranged husband earlier this year regarding Rihanna with demands.

Rihanna’s Home Shooting Suspect Told Estranged Husband To ‘Renounce’ Singer Earlier This Year

Per TMZ, in new court documents in the Ivanna Ortiz case, her estranged husband, Jed Valdez Sangalang, shared an email he received from Ortiz on January 26, in which she told him to “renounce” the Fenty Beauty founder.

“I need you to renounce Rihanna and confess that I’m better than her,” Ortiz’s email read. “Let it be done. You gotta let me know so that door can be closed.”

Following the news of the shooting and Ortiz’s arrest, Sangalang has now asked the court for full custody of the former couple’s child and also the designated rights for sole decision-making. 

The Suspect Fired Multiple Rounds At Rihanna’s Home While She And Her Children Were Inside

On March 8, Ivanna Ortiz fired 10 rounds at Rihanna’s home with an AR-15-style weapon. According to TMZ, after the shooting, Ortiz was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Her bail was initially set at $10,225,000 upon booking. 

Per the Los Angeles Times, of the multiple shots fired into Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home, one round actually penetrated the wall of the superstar’s lavish mansion. 

Armen Arias, an LAPD spokesperson, confirmed that authorities found bullet holes in a gate at Rihanna’s home and in an RV parked in the driveway.

Rihanna Promptly Left Los Angeles After The Terrifying Attack

A day after the shooting at her home, Rihanna was photographed traveling in a line of black SUVs to the private aviation terminal at Van Nuys Airport on Monday, March 10, one day after the home attack, according to Daily Mail.

Rihanna was then said to board a small twin-engine jet to fly out of Los Angeles.

Ivanna Ortiz Has Documented Online History Of Bizarre Fixation With Rihanna

According to the New York Post, Ortiz’s social media posts targeting Rihanna have been uncovered after she fired multiple shots at the singer’s home, including the most recent post on February 23.

“@badgalriri — Are you there? Cause I was waiting for your AIDS 5-head self to say something to me directly instead of sneaking around like you’re talking to me where I’m not at,” Ortiz wrote on Facebook.

A post on February 17 from Ortiz also mentioned the false claims of Rihanna having AIDS and included Drake in the rant. 

Additionally, on January 5 via her YouTube channel, Ortiz held a Praying Woman’s Journal and used it to rebuke Rihanna’s influence. In the video, Ortiz repeatedly described Rihanna as “corny” and “stupid,” implying that there was spiritual warfare and that people needed to avoid the singer’s negative influence. 

Ortiz also bizarrely accused Rihanna of trying to kill her. 

“Listen, Rihanna, when you die, God is taking me to my future,” she said. “You want to kill me? Shut the f-ck up. Okay, shut the f-ck up. Yeah, she’s a witch. She’s a witch. I’m a watchman. She’s a witch.”

Ortiz Has History Of Mental Illness Resulting In Losing Custody Of Her Child

Hal Roen, the attorney of Ortiz’s estranged husband, shared that she was previously placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold, according to TMZ. Roen also revealed that Ortiz was “Baker Acted” in Florida, meaning she was held against her will under state law.

Roen told the outlet that Ortiz is “articulate” and “very believable” despite her mental health issues. “If you sit down with her, she’s very convincing. But she does bizarre things,” he said.

A Florida judge also cited Ortiz’s mental state in April 2024 during a custody battle with ex Sangalang. The court documents obtained by the outlet stated that the legal umpire awarded Sangalang full physical custody of his child with Ortiz.

Despite her attempts in court to deny the allegations, the judge highlighted the “concerning testimony” about Ortiz’s mental health and stripped her of all contact with her child.

Ortiz was barred from having any in-person, phone, video, text, email, or third-party communication with her child until further order from the court. 

She was also previously arrested for domestic violence, resulting in probation.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is strongly condemning the ruling on his prostitution-related Mann Act convictions.

The disgraced rapper is serving 50 months in federal prison and has now described his sentencing as a “perversion of justice” in an appeal filed by his lawyers.

Diddy was previously found not guilty of sex trafficking and RICO charges, which he had earlier faced. His team has also filed previous appeals to overturn his conviction, including one where they accused the judge of acting as the “thirteenth juror” in the trial.

Diddy’s Attorneys Say The Rapper’s Sentencing Was Too Harsh

Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed another appeal seeking to overturn his prostitution-related Mann Act convictions, this time strongly condemning the sentence handed down in the case, per TMZ.

Diddy’s lawyers, during sentencing, had recommended 14 months, but U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ultimately slammed the rapper with a 50-month sentence.

Now, in a filing submitted on Friday, Diddy’s attorneys argued that the rapper had been found not guilty of the more serious charges and that the 50-month sentence for the Mann Act conviction effectively punishes him for crimes of which he was acquitted.

The music mogul’s lawyers also noted that the sentence is roughly four times higher than what they believe is typically imposed for similar offenses.

Further emphasizing the harshness of the sentencing, Diddy’s attorneys described it as a “perversion of justice.”

The Music Mogul’s Lawyer Demanded His ‘Immediate Release’

Expanding on their argument, Diddy’s lawyers wrote that the judge relied on “acquitted conduct” sentencing, a practice in which punishment is increased based on allegations a defendant was cleared of.

They claim that such a method has faced widespread criticism across the legal landscape and should not have played a part in determining Diddy’s sentence.

To them, justice would be served if the appeals court either orders Diddy’s “immediate release and grants a judgment of acquittal” or at least “vacates and remands for resentencing.”

Diddy’s Appeal Will Begin In April After Being Fast-Tracked

Oral arguments on Diddy’s appeal are expected to begin on April 9, given that the case was allowed to be fast-tracked.

If the appeal is successful, Diddy could be given a reduced sentence or an immediate release pending resentencing.

Conversely, a rejection of the appeal would see the sentence maintained, although the rapper could further push for a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Prosecution Asked The Court To Maintain Diddy’s 50-Month Sentence

Late last year, Diddy’s lawyers also criticized the judge in the criminal case in a filing that initiated the appeal process.

In the document, they claimed that Judge Arun Subramanian acted as a “13th juror” during the trial and described the sentence as “draconian.”

In February, prosecutors issued a response in which they argued that the judge had acted appropriately in his ruling.

“Combs seeks an unprecedented rule against consideration of any conduct that could have also supported a conviction on an acquitted count,” the prosecutors responded in a brief, per Billboard.

“That rule would eliminate sentencing judges’ long-recognized discretion to engage in fact-finding to aid their sentencing decisions, forcing them to blind their eyes to the actual conduct of each defendant before them,” they added.

Elsewhere in their brief, the prosecutors urged the appeals court to maintain the sentencing and reject the argument being made by Diddy’s lawyers.

When Is Diddy’s Release Date From Fort Dix?

At the time of Diddy’s sentencing, his release date was set for May 8, 2028. It was later moved to June 4, 2028, after the rapper was reportedly punished for allegedly breaking prison rules.

The allegations included claims that he was caught drinking homemade alcohol and initiating a three-way phone call with someone other than his lawyer.

Later, his release date was moved forward to April 25, 2028. The earlier release followed his acceptance into a drug-abuse rehabilitation program at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution, the New Jersey facility where he is currently serving out his prostitution-related Mann Act sentence.

“Mr. Combs is an active participant in the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) and has taken his rehabilitation process seriously from the start,” a rep for the rapper announced at the time, per reports. “He is fully engaged in his work, focused on growth, and committed to positive change.”