Years after stepping back from royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again under scrutiny, this time over a tour that critics say echoes the very role they left behind.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off their Australia jaunt on April 14, with engagements scheduled through April 17. The trip blends philanthropic appearances with commercial ventures, but it has already sparked controversy. 

One of the controversies centers on claims that the couple continues to mimic traditional royal duties despite their exit, an outcome sources say the late Queen Elizabeth II had feared. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Tour Reportedly Reflects What Queen Elizabeth II Tried to Prevent

Royal expert Rebecca English revisited the Sandringham Summit in January 2020, where the late queen made her stance clear that there would be no “half-in, half-out” arrangement for her grandson.

Although Harry ultimately chose to fully leave the institution back then, English now argues that the couple’s recent journey to the Southern Hemisphere undermines that boundary.

The royal editor pointed out that while they are no longer working royals, they continue to act as such, using the name, structure, and style resembling the institution. 

English also referenced a video of Markle smiling after being introduced as “royalty” and “the Duchess of Sussex,” while appearing on a cooking show, further highlighting how the couple capitalizes on their status in ways that blur the line between public duty and private profit.

“What makes Harry and Meghan’s approach so egregious to many, however, is the way in which they have organized their trip as ‘cosplay royals,’ kicking off with a string of highly choreographed and very traditional royal tour-style public engagements,” English revealed to The Daily Mail.

Despite irritation within royal circles, English explained that King Charles III is unlikely to escalate things by stripping the couple of their titles. However, a source close to the late monarch claimed the situation reflects exactly what she had hoped to avoid.

“While I am not going to speculate on what Her Late Majesty would have thought about all this, I can tell you with utmost certainty that this is exactly what she tried to ensure wouldn’t happen,” the insider said.

Meghan Markle’s Cameo Appearance On Cooking Show Sparked Backlash

As part of one of Markle’s stops, she made a surprise appearance as a guest judge on the upcoming season of “MasterChef Australia.” She joined Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli to mentor a group of home cooks. 

However, the former actress’s presence on TV triggered a wave of criticism online. Per The Blast, many questioned her motives, pointing out what they saw as a contradiction between her frequent calls for privacy and her decision to join a high-profile reality series.

Other social media users branded the move “bizarre” and “desperate,” suggesting it was an attempt to remain in the public eye.

How Australians Reacted to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Presence

Beyond social media, The Blast reported that reactions from locals about the visit ranged from indifference to mild criticism in interviews conducted by the BBC. 

One interviewee, Francesca, said she hadn’t known they were in the country and felt their royal exit had been poorly handled. Another, Deanne Cobo, remarked that she doesn’t “think about them at all.”

Another person accused the couple of self-promotion and called them his least favorite royals. He also lamented that their feud with the rest of the family has become “boring.”

Inside Meghan Markle’s Alleged Strict Rules For Harry During Tour 

While reactions poured in about the couple, reports surfaced about restrictions Markle enforced on Harry for the duration of the tour. 

As The Blast reported, the mom of two is said to have forbidden her husband to have unintentional contact with past female associates and exes, including Natalie Imbruglia, whom he once dated. 

She also reportedly imposed a curfew on Harry over her fears that he might cause unnecessary attention after several drinks. However, he is not restricted from hanging out with friends “as long as it is limited to a civilized dinner and a glass or two of wine.”

The Sussexes’ Visit Echoed a Historic Moment with King Charles and Princess Diana

Among the notable stops on their itinerary was a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital. The couple arrived early Tuesday morning, walking hand-in-hand through the halls as they greeted staff and young patients.

According to The Blast, that appearance carried a special significance, as Harry retraced steps once taken by his parents. 

Princess Diana and now-King Charles visited the same hospital in October 1985 during their own 13-day tour, bonding with patients and leaving behind cherished memories.

There’s a reason the ‘coastal grandma‘ aesthetic keeps coming back every spring. It’s effortless, polished and, most importantly, comfortable. But recreating that breezy, Nancy Meyers–inspired wardrobe can get expensive fast, especially when linen sets and lightweight knits start creeping into triple digits.

That’s where Walmart comes in. I scrolled through pages of their spring arrivals and found a surprisingly strong lineup of pieces that channel that relaxed, seaside elegance for way less. Think flowy dresses, soft neutrals, easy layers and elevated basics you can mix and match all season long!

11 Cozy, Comfy Coastal Grandma Styles Hidden at Walmart

1. Top Pick: A lightweight linen-blend button-down is the backbone of this entire aesthetic. It’s breezy, slightly oversized and instantly makes any outfit look intentional — even if you just threw it on over shorts.

2. Runner-up: These relaxed drawstring linen pants deliver that laid-back, just-got-back-from-the-beach energy. The airy fit keeps you cool while still looking polished enough for errands or lunch.

3. Designer-Looking: This drapey midi dress in a soft neutral shade looks far more expensive than it is. It has the flowy silhouette that gives you that effortless elegance that defines the trend.

4. Everyday Essential: A pair of tailored linen-blend shorts strikes the perfect balance between casual and refined. They’re comfortable enough for all-day wear but polished enough to dress up for dinner (or boat parties).

5. Easy Layer: A lightweight open-front cardigan is the piece you’ll reach for when the AC is blasting or the sun sets. It adds softness and dimension without weighing down your outfit, and the eyelet design helps keep you cool even on the hottest summer nights.

Related: Walmart Dropped 1,000+ New Spring Arrivals: 17 Hidden Gems in my Cart

It’s never an exaggeration to say that Walmart has it all, but now it’s doubly true when it comes to spring fashion. The beloved retailer just dropped over 1,000 new spring arrivals, and the selection is seriously impressive. But, with that many fresh new pieces to scroll through, deciding what’s actually worth adding to your […]

Advertisement

6. Throw-On Dress: This breezy cotton midi dress is the definition of low-effort style. Just add sandals, and you’re instantly channeling that relaxed, coastal vibe.

7. Elevated Basic: A soft, neutral tank makes layering simple and allows it to work as the foundation for nearly every outfit in this lineup. We’re obsessed with the zipper detail and ribbed knit on this one!

8. Polished Denim Alternative: A long, drapey denim skirt offers a more relaxed take on your usual basic. This cotton-blend midi feels casual but still gives that put-together, understated look.

9. Vacation-Ready: A matching two-piece set in a cotton-linen blend makes getting dressed almost too easy. This one has a two-button top with cuffed sleeves and longer bermuda shorts that can be worn together for a coordinated look or broken up to pair with the rest of your coastal grandma wardrobe.

10. Finishing Touch: A woven straw tote pulls everything together with that unmistakable coastal feel. With options in beige, brown, green and navy, this one is equal parts practical and aesthetic.

11. Effortless Slip-On: No coastal grandma closet is complete without a pair of slip-on boat shoes. They’re comfortable, versatile and go with absolutely everything.

Related: Walmart Quietly Marked Down Spring Dresses, Loungewear and Denim

Advertisement

Walmart just dropped a little surprise for our spring wardrobes, marking down a wave of warm-weather staples — and the finds are too good to keep under wraps. Think easy dresses you can throw on and go, along with breezy tops, everyday jeans and comfy loungewear that looks just as cute outside the house as […]

Iron Maiden is one of the most important heavy metal acts to emanate from the 80s. The British group created a deeply influential catalog of melodic-based metal balanced with incredible guitar riffs, meaningful lyrics, soaring vocals and a musicality that other groups in the genre lacked. They made history with thrilling, epic and haunting songs featuring galloping rhythms, a memorable dual guitar attack, powerful lyrics and an elite rhythm section.

Iron Maiden redefined heavy metal culture with a lasting visual legacy, including their zombie mascot “Eddie,” with some of the greatest album cover art of the decade with haunting imagery that still resonates today. While the band has gone through many lineup changes, they never stopped creating music and have sold over 130 million albums to date and continue to sell out stadiums and arenas around the world. The long-running outfit will rightfully be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November. Focusing on the 80s, here are Iron Maiden’s studio albums, ranked by musicianship, songwriting and lasting influence.

7

‘Iron Maiden’ (1980)

Iron Maiden’s debut album is a raw and electric guitar-driven heavy metal effort with some punk influences. Released in 1980, it features Paul Di’Anno on vocals, Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton on guitar, Steve Harris on bass and Clive Burr on drums. The album has some great moments, including Steve Harris’ iconic bass arpeggio lead “Remember Tomorrow,” the epic riff-rocker “Phantom of the Opera,” and the catchy sing-along-classic “Running Free.”

The release also spawned the group’s self-titled concert staple “Iron Maiden,” inspired by the medieval torture device, and the ripping instrumental “Transylvania,” the first of many for the group. “Prowler” makes a statement right off the bat with its wah-wah infused guitar riff. The band would go through some major changes over the next couple of albums until they settled on the lineup that would catapult Iron Maiden to international stardom. The album introduces the band’s mascot “Eddie,” who appears on every album cover the band has released.

6

‘Killers’ (1981)

Killers is the final Iron Maiden album with Paul Di’Anno on vocals and is also the first to feature Adrian Smith on guitar. Slightly more sophisticated than the debut in sound and scope, Killers is the first of many Iron Maiden albums produced by Martin Birch, who would go on to helm the quintet’s next eight albums. The album opens with the blazing instrumental “The Ides of March,” and features their concert staple “Wrathchild.”

The album’s title track begins with a moody Steve Harris bass line and is punctuated by stellar guitar work from both Smith and Murray. “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” was inspired by the Edgar Allan Poe poem and the energetic instrumental “Genghis Khan,” both highlight the band’s fascination with poetry and history. “Another Life” and “Drifter” still stand out in Iron Maiden’s vast catalog.

5

‘The Number of the Beast’ (1982)

The Number of the Beast marks the band’s first album with vocalist Bruce Dickinson and the last with drummer Clive Burr. It was the group’s most successful album at the time and topped the U.K. album charts and cracked the top 40 on the Billboard album chart. The lead single “Run to the Hills” was a success for the group and showcased their new vocalist. Dickenson’s voice adds a radiant musicality and depth to the band’s sound evident in “Children of the Damned,” the seven-minute fan favorite “Hallowed Be Thy Name” and “The Number of the Beast.”

The band took inspiration from film and television for lyrics and thematic elements. “Children of the Damned” was inspired by the 1964 film, the catchy track “The Prisoner” was inspired by the late 60s British TV show and “The Number of the Beast” was written after Steve Harris watched Damien: The Omen II, it features Dickinson’s legendary and haunting scream at the beginning. “22 Acacia Avenue” is a sequel to “Charlotte the Harlot,” off the band’s debut album.

4

‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son’ (1988)

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son is the band’s best sounding album of the decade and their first effort to feature keyboards and synthesizers. It has a warmer and more robust sound than earlier EPs, thanks to the layering of guitars and keyboards, as well as producer Martin Birch’s steady hands. The band’s seventh LP is a concept album inspired by Orson Scott Card‘s novel Seventh Son, which tells the story of a seventh son of a seventh son, who is born with special powers that make him the target of a dark force.

It continues the quintet’s progressive metal trajectory with the six-minute “Infinite Dreams” and the nearly 10-minute title track, packed with musical interludes and intricate guitar harmonies. The band also gets a bit more reflective and melodic on “Can I Play With Madness,” “The Evil That Men Do” and “The Clairvoyant.” The album debuted at number one in the U.K., marking the group’s first number one in their homeland since their 1982 album The Number of The Beast.

3

‘Powerslave’ (1984)

The band’s fifth album, Powerslave, was its first with the same consecutive lineup. The album captures Iron Maiden hitting its stride with a perfect storm of head-banging riffs, evocative lyrics and more progressive and complex musicality, leading to huge success and worldwide recognition. Powerslave has an iconic cover, a futuristic nod to Ancient Egypt, musically explored on the album’s seven-plus minute title track.

“Aces High,” inspired by the Battle of Britain and “2 Minutes to Midnight,” written about the doomsday clock at the height of the Cold War, were the big singles, but the album also features the underrated instrumental “Losfer Words (Big ‘Orra),” “Flash of the Blade,” written about Bruck Dickinson’s love of fencing and the 13-minute epic “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” inspired by the poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It tells the story of a mariner who interrupts a wedding to tell a tale of a long sea voyage, during which he kills an albatross, leading to the death of his crew and his own supernatural torment. The band recorded the majority of its iconic 1985 album Live After Death on the Powerslave Tour.

2

‘Piece of Mind’ (1983)

Piece of Mind is the first album with the most potent Iron Maiden lineup. With Bruce Dickinson on vocals with Dave Murray and Adrian Smith on guitars, Steve Harris on bass and Nicko McBrain on drums, the band took a massive leap forward musically and lyrically. They drew inspiration from Greek myth, “The Flight of Icarus,” the Bible, “Revelations,” samurai legend Miyamoto Musashi, “Sun and Steel,” the 1968 Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton film Where Eagles Dare, and Frank Herbert‘s sci-fi novel Dune in the seven-minute epic “To Tame a Land.”

The 1983 album was a success, climbing as high as number three on the U.K. charts and scoring a radio hit with “The Trooper,” which helped the band’s cult following in the U.S. grow. The double guitar intro to both “Die with your Boots On” and “The Trooper” are iconic. “Where Eagles Dare” kicks off the album with McBrain’s drum fill making a statement that this album is much different from their previous three efforts. Piece of Mind is a classic Iron Maiden album that launches the band’s most successful era. The ensuing World Peace Tour was their biggest outing to date and saw them headlining arenas in the U.S.

1

‘Somewhere in Time’ (1986)

Iron Maiden began to use guitar synthesizers to push their sound forward for 1986’s Somewhere in Time. The effort also sees the band continuing with a futuristic vibe, marching towards a more progressive feel with a lot of tempo and time shifts and instrumental interludes. It’s a great sounding, well-conceived and concise album with memorable choruses, that is well-produced by Martin Birch. The Blade Runner-esque cover art on Somewhere in Time is full of Easter eggs, including the Aces High Hotel, a pyramid from the Powerslave cover, a clock that reads 11:58 (“Two Minutes to Midnight”), the Phantom Opera House, The Ancient Mariner Seafood Restaurant and a digital scroll indicating the results of a Premiere League soccer match with Steve Harris’ favorite team West Ham beating Arsenal seven to three.

“Caught Somewhere in Time” majestically kicks off the album with a synth and the iconic double guitar harmony before launching into the galloping and head-banging verse. Guitarist Adrian Smith wrote the band’s celebrated tracks “Wasted Years,” “Sea of Madness” and “Stranger in a Strange Land,” inspired by the 1959 Robert Heinlein novel. “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” is an epic Steve Harris-penned track based on the 1962 film and takes the listener on a melodic journey. The album also spawned “Heaven Can Wait,” “Déjà vu,” and the nearly nine-minute opus “Alexander the Great (356-323 BC),” which all have their place in Iron Maiden lore. Each track of Somewhere in Time tells a story and captures Iron Maiden at a creative sonic peak.

Advertisement

Iron Maiden: Live After Death

Release Date

October 23, 1985

Advertisement

Runtime

90 minutes

Director

Advertisement

James Yukich

Advertisement

Cast

• 

  Steve Harris

  Bass/Backing Vocals

  Advertisement
• 
• 

  Adrian Smith

  Guitar/Backing Vocals

  Advertisement
• 

  Bruce Dickinson

  Lead Vocal

Advertisement

Advertisement

Future is once again making headlines as his name surfaces in a new legal situation involving an alleged son and a paternity test. The case is already stirring questions online as details continue to unfold in court filings. With both claims and responses being made on record, the situation is quickly gaining attention as more information comes out about the alleged child and ongoing legal steps.

RELATED: Brittni Mealy Announces Book As Report Claims She Wants Future Behind Bars Over Life Insurance Policy

Future Faces Paternity Suit Over Alleged 9-Year-Old Son

According to TMZ, Layla Sanad has filed a paternity suit in Florida claiming the rapper is the father of her nine-year-old son. In the filing, Sanad alleges the two previously had a romantic relationship. And, she even claims they share a child identified by the initials K.W., who was born in 2017. She is now asking the court to officially establish paternity and is also seeking child support. Additionally, she is requesting two years of retroactive payments.

Future Responds To Paternity Case With Legal Pushback

In response, Future has reportedly pushed back legally, asking for the Florida case to be dismissed. His filing also says the case is already being handled in Arizona, where Sanad and the child allegedly live. Reports say that in Arizona, Future acknowledged being the father of a son named Kash Wilburn, matching the Florida filing initials. Continuingly, he claimed to have been voluntarily paying $3,500 per month in child support.

More Legal Trouble For Future In Separate Case

As previously reported, the legal back-and-forth comes as Future is also dealing with separate claims from another ex, Brittni Mealy. She recently accused him of not complying with a $500,000 life insurance court order for their son, Prince. Mealy is reportedly seeking to have the rapper held in contempt of court. Furthermore, potential jail time is being requested if he continues to be out of compliance.

RELATED: Social Media Shows Russell Wilson MAJOR Love After Ciara’s Son Future Zahir Refers To Him As “My Dad” During Red Carpet Interview (VIDEO)

If you buy only one piece of clothing for this spring, make it a pair of loose, straight-legged jeans. The classic silhouette and relaxed fit make them a go-to for any situation, whether you’re running errands or going out to dinner. Jennifer Lawrence’s latest casual look is a perfect example of this: the star wore a pair of loose denim jeans that look so comfortable and chic we knew we needed to find them for ourselves.

Lawrence was spotted wandering around New York City in what might be the perfect laid-back spring outfit: jeans, a colorful tee, bright cardigan and comfy tennis shoes. While we love the whole look, the jeans spoke to Us the most – and we were able to find an almost identical pair on Amazon. The best part? They cost less than $35!

Get the Emmiol Wide Leg Jeans for $33 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Emmiol Wide Leg Jeans have a slightly baggy look that doesn’t come off as too oversized, giving them that same effortlessly cool vibe Lawrence’s had. The distressed design is subtle, but it gives them a nice lived-in look, and the light blue color goes with pretty much anything in your closet.

Related: Nail Jennifer Aniston’s Cool-Girl Relaxed Jeans Look for $46

Advertisement

Jennifer Aniston has a reputation for her effortless style, from her signature hair to her chic clothes. Her latest denim moment is proof that relaxed jeans are the ultimate cool-girl staple. The fit is easy, the vibe is polished, and the overall look is timeless. Basically, it’s the modern version of the off-duty formula she’s […]

One thing we love about these jeans is that they seem more comfortable than restrictive – there’s just enough stretch to make them easy to move around in, and the mid-rise waist won’t dig into your ribs. They’re also so easy to dress up or down, as these look just as good with heels as they do with sneakers. And if you don’t love the lighter denim shade, there are 13 other colors and styles to choose from, including a crisp white or dark grey.

“These are my new favorite jeans!” raved one shopper. “Rarely do I find jeans that fit me well, but these fit perfectly.” Another noted the “quality material” and wrote, “They fit better than some of the very expensive brands that I have purchased.”

Aside from the fit, shoppers are also impressed with how these jeans feel. “These are some of the most comfortable jeans I have ever had!’ one shopper wrote. “The stretch is great and the legs are loose.”

Comfy, relaxed fit and versatile style – what more could you want in a pair of everyday jeans? These are bound to be your new spring go-to, so be sure to add them to your cart now.

Get the Emmiol Wide Leg Jeans for $33 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more jeans here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

David Letterman is dissecting CBS’s choice of replacement for Stephen Colbert’s talk show. Letterman, who launched “The Late Show” in 1993 and hosted it for 22 seasons, passed the torch to Colbert.

However, last year, CBS opted to end Colbert’s run, citing financial reasons, with the final episode set for May 22.

Now, as the transition unfolds, Letterman is weighing in on the shake-up and explaining why the network may have made the move.

What David Letterman Thinks About Stephen Colbert’s Replacement 

During the April 10 episode of “The Barbara Gaines Show,” Letterman did not hold back as he shared his thoughts on the network’s strategy.

“They don’t want to spend any money, so they’re going to make money,” Letterman said on the podcast. “They charge Byron Allen some reasonable price. He sells all the advertising for his Comics Unleashed, and it’ll be, I think, 90 minutes or two hours of comics talking about funny stuff.”

Letterman remarked on the takeover, noting it’s a “pretty good idea,” as “Nobody’s doing any standup, except they’re seated doing standup.”

As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Byron Allen’s comedy talk show,  “Comics Unleashed,” will take over the 11:35 p.m. slot, from May 22, followed by “Funny You Should Ask” at 12:35 a.m.

In Allen’s statement following the network’s choosing his program, he expressed gratitude and noted that the goal behind creating the shows was to give comedians a platform to do what they love most: making people laugh.

How Stephen Colbert Feels About His Exit

With just over a month until his final episode, Colbert has expressed that he is not quite ready to say goodbye.

According to The Blast, during his April 8 broadcast of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” guest Oprah Winfrey asked what he was most willing to “let go of” at this pivotal moment in his career.

Colbert admitted he isn’t there yet. He spoke candidly about his attachment to both his team and his audience, describing that he has a “white-knuckle grip” on the people he has worked with and grown close to over the years. 

He also praised his crew’s loyalty before turning to his audience, highlighting their important role in his stint. He called them the “third person” in his interviews and described their interaction during his conversations with guests as “very pure.”

What’s Next For Stephen Colbert?

As Colbert prepares to close the curtain on his late-night run, he’s already stepping into a new creative chapter.

As The Blast reported, the 62-year-old TV personality is set to write the next part of “The Lord Of The Rings,” teaming up with his son, Peter McGee and the series writer Philippa Boyens.  

Colbert explained he got his idea to put together the parts from “The Fellowship of the Ring” novel that were omitted from the initial series. 

Colbert’s work follows Sam, Merry, and Pippin reuniting to retrace the beginning of their original quest, while Sam’s daughter, Elanor, uncovers a hidden secret that could reveal how the War of the Ring almost failed before it truly began.

David Letterman Defended Seth Meyers Following Pressure From Donald Trump 

Colbert’s departure is not the only late-night development Letterman has weighed in on. The veteran host previously spoke out in defense of Seth Meyers following attacks from Donald Trump.

After the U.S. president called for Meyers to be fired, with FCC chairman Brendan Carr appearing to echo that stance, Letterman pushed back publicly.

According to The Blast, Letterman mocked the demand and criticized the administration. He called the government a “wonder of idiocy” and labeled Trump a “dictator” who refuses to leave power. 

Letterman Praised Jimmy Kimmel’s Defiance of Trump 

While blasting Trump, the 79-year-old former TV star has also commended comedians for standing firm against the government despite the heat. 

In a past appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Letterman pointed out to the audience that host Jimmy Kimmel was “the leader of the resistance.” 

While Kimmel replied that he was the “totally ineffective leader of the resistance,” which drew laughter from the crowd, Letterman continued with his criticism of Trump. 

“If the leader of the free world is a fool, the leader of the free world then should expect and examine every bit of ridicule he receives,” Letterman said, per The Blast. 

Peacock’s Beyond the Villa is bringing back many stars from season 7 of Love Island USA — but Nic Vansteenberghe, Olandria Carthen and Huda Mustafa are noticeably missing from the spinoff.

Peacock’s Love Island USA follows a group of singles who have to pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa in Fiji. The contestants — who are referred to as Islanders — live in isolation and are under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and to stand a chance to receive the prize of $100,000.

Nearly a year after their season aired, Bryan Arenales, Gracyn Blackmore, Jeremiah Brown, Clarke Carraway, Amaya Espinal, Hannah Fields, Pepe Garcia, Iris Kendall, TJ Palma, Andreina Santos, Chris Seeley, Belle-A Walker, CoCo Watson and Taylor Williams all signed on to appear in season 2 of Beyond the Villa.

Nic and Olandria, who placed second place in season 7, weren’t featured on the show as they remain booked and busy. While Nic has continued to focus on his DJ career, Olandria made her runway debut. The trailer for Beyond the Villa teased a small cameo from Nic but Olandria didn’t appear to be there with him. Huda was also not featured in the sneak peek after she started dating Louis Russell and seemingly grew more distant from the rest of the Love Island USA cast.

Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7 Stars Nic and Olandria’s Relationship Timeline

Love Island USA’s Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen thought their second-chance romance was fate, but what they didn’t realize was how much fan interest inspired their season 7 relationship. The Peacock dating show, which returned in June 2025, started off with Nic coupling up with Belle-A Walker before turning his sights to bombshell Cierra Ortega. […]

The Beyond the Villa cast recently spoke with Us Weekly about their return to reality TV.

“I think for all of us — especially me — some of us weren’t shown enough where people just form these opinions and they see clips and they think that they know you or have an idea of you as a person,” Clarke shared about her concerns coming off season 7 of Love Island USA. “That’s not at all the case.”

She continued: “All of us know each other pretty well. We get to see the full personality while we’re living it in real life in the villa. But taking the opportunity to do Beyond the Villa — and to be able to showcase your personality and who you truly are — was a lot of our hopes and one of the reasons for us wanting to do the spinoff.”

Belle-A, meanwhile, pointed out that not every Islander lasted long on Love Island USA, adding, “Most of us on Beyond the Villa weren’t in the villa for a very long time. So when the cast was released, a lot of the audience was like, ‘Really? These people?’”

Advertisement

Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Status Check: Which Couples Are Still Together?

They got a text — and found love in the Love Island USA villa. The beloved British dating show made its way across the pond in 2019, following a crop of American bombshells searching for The One in a luxury tropical villa. In season 1, eventual winners Elizabeth Weber and Zac Mirabelli had a connection […]

She added: “A lot of people refer to us as side characters and I feel like it’s because they didn’t get a deeper look into our lives. I do think that Beyond the Villa is a good opportunity for them to get to know more about us — and hopefully they’ll learn to love us as well.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Hannah referred to their return as an adjustment.

“It was a little hard because I feel like now we move with a different intention. In the back of your mind, you’re always going to have a thought of how every move that you make is going to be perceived — even off camera,” she explained to Us. “So I think that maybe I took a little play into it. Because obviously in the villa you have no clue what’s going on at all. You come out to a huge reality check. Now we at least can process our thoughts in real time, think about it and then move forward.”

New episodes of Beyond the Villa air Wednesdays on Peacock.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez were already set to be two of the most closely watched figures at this year’s Met Gala, but now their high-profile role in fashion’s biggest night may come with an entirely different kind of spotlight. 

As backlash builds over the billionaire couple’s help in financing the May 4 event, protest groups are ramping up plans to target the gala. 

What began as online outrage has now escalated into an organized campaign that activists say is intended to publicly embarrass Jeff Bezos and challenge the institutions that welcome him.

Jeff Bezos Became A Lightning Rod The Moment His Met Gala Role Was Announced

The backlash against Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez began almost as soon as their involvement in this year’s Met Gala became public. 

The Amazon founder and his wife are helping to cover much of the cost of the annual fashion event, which will be held on May 4 at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

That revelation immediately triggered anger from anti-capitalist activists and critics who say the gala should not be linked to one of the world’s richest men. 

In recent weeks, posters criticizing Bezos have appeared across Manhattan, particularly near the museum.

One poster featured what looked like a plastic bottle of urine on a red carpet, accompanied by the message, “The Bezos Met Gala. Brought to you by worker exploitation.” 

The growing criticism has put Vogue and the Met in an uncomfortable position, especially because both institutions have publicly embraced Sanchez’s role in the event. 

Bezos And Sanchez Faced Early Defenses From Anna Wintour

As criticism intensified, Vogue editor Anna Wintour attempted to calm the growing outrage by publicly praising Sanchez and defending her involvement in the event. 

Wintour, who has overseen the Met Gala for three decades, framed the former journalist as a valuable addition to the museum’s biggest fundraiser.

Speaking to CNN in November 2025, Wintour said of Sanchez, “We are very grateful for her incredible generosity,” adding, “So we are thrilled she’s part of the night.”

The remarks were meant to reassure critics and emphasize Sanchez’s philanthropic value, but they appear to have done little to stop the backlash. 

If anything, activists now argue that the support from Vogue and the Met only shows how elite institutions help wealthy figures reshape their public image.

That image has only intensified ahead of the Met Gala, which this year will operate under the broader theme of “costume art,” with the dress code described as “fashion is art.” 

For activists, the symbolism of one of the world’s wealthiest couples playing such a central role in a celebration of culture has become impossible to ignore.

Jeff Bezos Is Now At The Center Of A Protest Plot Aimed At ‘Humiliating’ Him

The most dramatic development came when activists from the group Everyone Hates Elon told the Daily Mail that they are planning a protest specifically designed to embarrass Bezos and Sanchez on the night of the Met Gala.

A protester using the pseudonym Jane said the anti-Bezos campaign has gained major momentum in New York. 

“We have had many volunteers get involved – already people have been ordering stickers to spread across New York and even hacking subway ads,” Jane claimed.

She added, “The movement is building because people are angry.” According to Jane, the group has also seen a surge in financial support, raising $13,500 in just one week.

While Jane declined to reveal the exact details of what is planned for May 4, she made it clear that the goal is to create a spectacle. 

“I can’t say exactly what else we will do as we need to keep those plans secret… but I can tell you what we have done before,” she shared. 

Jane pointed to past stunts, including projecting photos of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle during Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom, as well as trolling Elon Musk with spoof Tesla ads.

Bezos Protesters Say The Met Gala Is Being Used For ‘Image Laundering’

For the protest group, Jeff Bezos is not just another wealthy celebrity attending a fashion event. Activists say his presence as a central figure at the gala represents what they see as a broader attempt by billionaires to sanitize their reputations through elite institutions.

Jane directly criticized Vogue and the Met Museum, accusing them of helping Bezos improve his public image. 

“We also have a message for Vogue and the Met Museum. You are allowing yourselves to be used for image laundering. You should drop [Bezos] as chair, unless you stand by his crimes. Read the public mood and act on it,” she said.

She also questioned why art and fashion were being used to celebrate someone she claims is tied to harmful systems. “Art and fashion can be a force for good – so why is it being used to help a man whose servers power ICE?” Jane asked.

The activist also described the broader political anger driving the protests. Comparing life in America to “The Hunger Games,” Jane revealed that activists are frustrated by war, immigration crackdowns, and growing inequality while billionaires continue to host lavish events.

“We sometimes face off with the police, but the risk is worth it,” Jane said, further explaining, “Billionaires should stop scrounging off the rest of us and pay their fair share.”

Jeff Bezos Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Amazon Allegations And Past Protests

Much of the anger directed at Bezos is rooted in longstanding criticism of Amazon and its labor practices. 

The posters appearing around New York appear to reference allegations made in a 2023 lawsuit filed by three Amazon delivery drivers.

The lawsuit claimed workers were subjected to “inhumane” conditions and, in some cases, felt forced to urinate in bottles or use dog waste bags while on delivery routes because of workload demands. The case has since been stayed.

At the time, Amazon pushed back strongly against those allegations. A company spokesperson made it clear that the company always encourages its Delivery Service Partners to support their drivers. 

The spokesperson added that Amazon provides access to restroom locations and allows time for breaks.

Still, those accusations remain central to the current anti-Bezos messaging. Protesters say they are using the Met Gala as another opportunity to draw attention to what they view as the gap between Bezos’ public image and Amazon’s labor record.