Entertainment
Which Mormon Wives Stars Are, Aren’t Returning for Season 5?
Production has picked back up on season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives — but is every cast member returning?
Viewers were originally introduced to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast after the show premiered on Hulu in 2024. Among the stars front and center were Jen Affleck and husband Zac Affleck, Demi Engemann and husband Bret Engemann, Whitney Leavitt and husband Conner Leavitt, Mikayla Matthews and husband Jace Terry, Mayci Neeley and husband Jacob Neeley, Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura, Taylor Frankie Paul and then-partner Dakota Mortensen and Layla Taylor.
Miranda McWhorter, meanwhile, joined the show in season 2 after her split from Chase McWhorter.
After airing four seasons — and hosting several crossovers with Vanderpump Villa — production was halted on the show in March 2026 after an alleged domestic violence incident between Taylor and Dakota one month prior. Dakota and Taylor subsequently filed temporary restraining orders against each other, with Dakota earning temporary custody of their son, Ever. Taylor was granted supervised visits until their next court hearing.
The Bachelorette also canceled Taylor’s season of the ABC reality dating series days before its premiere. Authorities have since confirmed that Taylor would not be charged with any crime for the February 2026 incident with Dakota.
Us Weekly confirmed that filming would resume but it is unclear if everyone — specifically Taylor — would reunite with her costars on screen. Keep scrolling to see who is — and isn’t — returning:
Jen Affleck
Jen and husband Zac Affleck will appear in season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The reality star has also teased an appearance on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County spinoff.
Demi Engemann
After having a limited role in season 4, Demi is likely not returning to the show. It hasn’t been confirmed, however, whether Demi and husband Bret Engemann officially exited The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Whitney Leavitt
Whitney has hinted that she isn’t sure about a return to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Whitney and her husband, Conner Leavitt, have been living in New York City amid her stint on Broadway’s Chicago as Roxie Hart.
Mikayla Matthews
Mikayla teased that season 5 will address her separation from husband Jace Terry.
Mayci Neeley
Mayci filmed for season 5 while her sister McCall DaPron headlined The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County cast.
Jessi Draper
News broke while season 5 was in production that Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce from Jessi. Their divorce will likely play out on screen — with a possible return from Marciano Brunette who has been spending time with Jessi since her marriage came to an end.
Taylor Frankie Paul
“The producers and cast have welcomed Taylor to return to this year’s filming,” a source told Us Weekly about Taylor’s future on the show after production picked back up. “It is still unclear whether she will come back this year, but she is expected to be back in the future.”
The insider noted to Us that Taylor is “focused on her mental health,” adding, “She does want to return at some point.”
Dakota, meanwhile, “will not be involved” in the show moving forward.
Layla Taylor
Layla broke up with her boyfriend, Mason McWhorter, between seasons 4 and 5, which will be mentioned when the hit Hulu series returns.
Miranda McWhorter
Season 5 is expected to address Miranda weathering the revelation that her ex Chase kissed her friend Jessi.
Entertainment
It’s Time for the Most Entertaining Western Movie of the ’90s to Get a Remake
If film studios and executives are hell-bent on continuing the remake trend, constantly farming known movies or IP for new takes, then they need to take a much closer look at the Western genre. There may be an aversion to Westerns because of the price tag that sometimes accompanies the set and costume designs, but the genre has already proven itself as a bountiful well for remakes and reimaginings. The Coen Brothers gave new life to True Grit in 2010 and out shined the original in every way. James Mangold’s 3:10 to Yuma may not have been better than its predecessor, but it was a damn good ride that got a younger generation excited about what Westerns could be.
With that in mind, there’s one widely adored Western from the 1990s that could actually benefit from the remake treatment. It’s hard to imagine a new take becoming better, but with modern technology and the versatility of many current Hollywood stars, there’s no reason a remake couldn’t at least stand up alongside its predecessor. Some may feel this is blasphemous, but it’s time we talked about remaking Tombstone.
Getting a ‘Tombstone’ Remake Right
There are certain movies from the ’80s and ’90s that are too good and too impactful to ever be remade. Films like Back to the Future (which keeps gracefully avoiding the reboot trap) or E.T. are virtually impossible to try again. While Tombstone is absolutely fantastic and wildly entertaining, it isn’t exactly in that same territory. Tombstone is a movie that is still as fun to watch as it used to be, but could also benefit from another perspective. The most difficult part would be keeping alive the charm of movies from that era, which Tombstone has in spades. It feels simple and defined in a way that makes it so much better than most modern movies, if that makes sense. If it lost that sensibility and tone, then you can go ahead and throw a remake out the window.
But if the right filmmaker got their hands on Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, especially in the more focused version of their iconic story that is depicted in Tombstone, they could create some real magic. Filmmakers like the aforementioned Mangold, who have a real reverence for Westerns and know how to make something feel tactile, or true blockbuster visionary like Ryan Coogler or Christopher Nolan. Who knows if any of those directors would actually take on a project like a Tombstone remake, but it would need a director of their caliber and style.
There are lots of movies about the gunfight at the O.K. Corral out there, with tons of films depicting the life and career of Wyatt Earp. Tombstone stood out for its modern (at the time) approach to the characters and its focus on the fantastic action pieces. The film only cared about the small sliver of the Earp story that took place once the brothers arrived in Tombstone, Arizona, allowing all the drama to directly build up the gunfight itself. That same narrative idea would be key to making a new version of Tombstone, setting it apart from most other Wyatt Earp movies.
Why Remake ‘Tombstone’ Now?
We don’t need more remakes, let’s make sure we’re clear about that. Original stories or fresh adaptations, like Sinners or The Odyssey, are more than strong enough to become big tent pole events for moviegoers. But there is still an insistence on bringing known IP back to the screen, and it isn’t going to disappear tomorrow. So, if these kinds of rehashes are a necessary evil in the current state of entertainment, why not at least try to make them count?
Tombstone is the perfect balance of a good, well-loved movie that isn’t untouchable. It’s also part of a genre that hasn’t completely permeated pop culture over the last decade or so. Unlike sci-fi films, Westerns can feel fresh again, and something like a Tombstone remake could jump-start the intrigue amongst audiences. And it’s great to think about the plethora of big stars who could actually find unique approaches to those iconic characters. No one can ever replace Val Kilmar’s Doc Holliday, but could you imagine what kind of diabolical, “I’ll be your huckleberry” line deliveries we’d get from a mustached Robert Pattinson?
Western remakes have a knack for evolving to explore the wildest era in American history through the eyes of modern ideals, oftentimes taking new approaches to the core ideas of those classic stories. We could use a new hit Western right now, and a fresh take on Tombstone is a surefire way to get one.
- Release Date
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December 25, 1993
- Runtime
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130 minutes
- Director
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George P. Cosmatos
- Writers
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Kevin Jarre
- Producers
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Bob Misiorowski, James Jacks, Sean Daniel
Entertainment
Boots Riley Reveals the Chaotic and Fun Films ‘I Love Boosters’ Lifts From in New Alamo Drafthouse Guest Selects [Exclusive]
Eight years after his leap from making music with The Coup to directing with his absurdist black comedy Sorry to Bother You, the visionary Boots Riley is finally heading back to the big screen next month with a colorful cinematic statement. His next film, I Love Boosters, brings together bright outfits and clothing chaos as it follows a group of shoplifters known as the Velvet Gang who steal from a cutthroat fashion designer played by Demi Moore. Filled with crime, absurd comedy, and plenty of star power, it’s another bonkers effort from the artist, and Alamo Drafthouse is preparing to clear the runway for its arrival. With tickets on sale today, Collider is excited to exclusively share a new installment of the theater chain’s Guest Selects series, highlighting some of Riley’s greatest inspirations.
For a creator with as distinct a style as Riley, it’s unsurprising that he also has an eclectic mix of films that have shaped him and his latest film over the years. Leading off the list is Black Cat, White Cat, a 1988 romantic crime comedy helmed by acclaimed Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica. Above all else, for Riley, it’s just fun to watch, constantly presenting new things and keeping the chaos fresh with scenes, like one of a couple frolicking in a sunflower field, that stand among his favorites in cinematic history. He also cites Michel Gondry for shaping his surreal approach to filmmaking, particularly with the film Moon Indigo. The 2013 feature doesn’t just focus on execution, but gets inventive with its setpieces and costumes in a way that conveys just how fun it must’ve been to make.
Riley’s last three Guest Selects will all be screened at select Alamo Drafthouse locations across the U.S. starting next week as appetizers before I Love Boosters arrives. Among those is the surreal fantasy Holy Motors by Leos Carax, which the director loved for its ability to surprise him with what it actually is at its heart. A stellar Denis Lavant performance helped make the piece all the more mind-blowing for him. Riley also highlights Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters, which he believes is Paul Schrader‘s best film, for how it marries three distinct visual styles and makes a statement about art and action. Last but not least is Jacques Tati‘s Playtime, a mostly dialogue-less film that has directly inspired the multi-hyphenate’s sense of physical comedy. The use of space, long-takes, and architecture to make painstakingly crafted humor that Riley is “delighted” to share with more viewers.
Critics Are in Love With ‘I Love Boosters’
Accompanying Riley in his return to theaters is a stacked roster, including a couple of familiar faces from his last cinematic outing. Keke Palmer leads the film alongside Moore, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, and Don Cheadle. Between the star power, Riley’s colorful chaos as both a writer and director, and a timely message about workers’ rights against the leaders of a capitalist society, I Love Boosters won over critics at its SXSW debut earlier this year, earning a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Collider’s Ross Bonaime similarly lauded it in his 8/10 review, saying, “I Love Boosters is an adventure unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, proof that Boots Riley is one of our most adventurous filmmakers, and a film that feels essential in 2026.”
Tickets are now on sale to see I Love Boosters at Alamo Drafthouse on May 22. Check out the exclusive new Guest Selects video in the player above.
- Release Date
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May 22, 2026
- Runtime
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113 minutes
- Director
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Boots Riley
- Writers
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Boots Riley
- Producers
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Aaron Ryder, Allison Rose Carter, Jon Read, Andrew Swett, Boots Riley
Entertainment
“Jeopardy!” star Jamie Ding reacts to shock elimination, dedicates run to immigrants as 'government is going after' them
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The game show contestant exited the competition Monday, after winning $882,605 across 31 episodes.
Entertainment
The 12 best true crime shows now streaming on Amazon Prime Video
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Cold cases, hot leads, and detectives who won’t stop until they find the perp can all be found within the streamer’s true crime category.
Entertainment
Apple TV’s Most Popular Series Ever Finally Sets Release Date After 3-Year Delay
Ted Lasso has been out of our lives for long enough that many AFC Richmond fans were probably contemplating hanging up their scarves for good after the Apple TV comedy closed its original run in 2023. The series “ended” with Ted back in Kansas, AFC Richmond moving into a new era, and just enough emotional closure to make everyone cry into their biscuits. But hey, Ted would want us to believe and the dreams of the fans came true, because now, the Emmy-winning comedy finally has a return date.
Ted Lasso Season 4 will premiere on Apple TV on August 5, bringing Jason Sudeikis back as Ted for a new chapter that shifts the series in a brand new direction. This time, Ted is heading back to Richmond for what sounds like his biggest challenge yet. Season 4 will see him coaching a second division women’s football team, and that’s a pretty smart way to move the show forward without simply trying to replay the AFC Richmond story beat for beat.
After all, the introduction of an AFC Richmond Women’s team was teased in the Season 3 finale. Sudeikis previously teased the emotional idea behind the new season when Season 4 was first announced, saying:
“As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to ‘look before we leap,’ in season four, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to LEAP BEFORE THEY LOOK, discovering that wherever they land, it’s exactly where they’re meant to be.”
Who Stars in ‘Ted Lasso’?
The returning cast includes Sudeikis (Horrible Bosses, We’re the Millers) as Ted Lasso, Hannah Waddingham (Game of Thrones, Hocus Pocus 2) as Rebecca Welton, Juno Temple (Atonement, Fargo) as Keeley Jones, Brett Goldstein (Thor: Love and Thunder, SuperBob) as Roy Kent, Brendan Hunt (Horrible Bosses 2, Bless This Mess) as Coach Beard, and Jeremy Swift (Gosford Park, Mary Poppins Returns) as Leslie Higgins. New Season 4 additions include Tanya Reynolds (Emma., Sex Education), Jude Mack, Faye Marsay (Andor, Game of Thrones), Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern (Enola Holmes 2, The Pact), and Grant Feely (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Creepshow).
Ted Lasso Season 4 will premiere on Apple TV on August 5. Check out the new teaser above.
Entertainment
Megan Thee Stallion Reveals Final ‘Moulin Rouge’ Show After Split
Megan Thee Stallion is ending her time on Broadway earlier than expected amid her breakup with Klay Thompson. Meg was set to perform as Harold Zidler in ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ until May 17. However, on Monday (April 27), she announced her last show will take place two weeks earlier than planned.
RELATED: Curtain Call! Megan Thee Stallion Sheds Tears On Broadway Stage After Announcing Split With Klay Thompson (VIDEO)
Rapper Pushed Through Performance Hours After Breakup Announcement (RECAP)
Thee Stallion’s early exit announcement came as a shock to her fans, nicknamed the Hotties. Over the weekend, they praised the Houston rapper for pushing through her ‘Moulin Rouge’ performance on Saturday (April 25). It had been just hours since she revealed her breakup with Klay Thompson. By the end of her performance, videos showed Megan wiping away tears while the cast applauded her and the crowd gave her a standing ovation. Videos of that moment quickly went viral as the Hotties praised her work ethic through heartbreak.
Megan Thee Stallion Thanks Cast & Crew Of ‘Moulin Rouge’
By Monday (April 27), it seemed Megan’s personal life was taking its toll. She took to Instagram to announce that she’ll be stepping away from ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ on May 1 rather than completing the 8-week run. In addition to sharing photos of her time with the show, she thanked her Broadway family and praised their hard work.
“Hotties, my last performance as Zidler in @moulinrougebway will be May 1 ❤️🩹 It’s been such an honor to be part of thee Moulin Rouge family and I’ve met so many amazing people in this theater! Y’all work so hard and I have so much respect for the dedication, the stamina, the work ethic, the time and the effort y’all put into the work! I’m so grateful for the cast and crew that made this experience so meaningful. And to all the Hotties that showed up or planned to attend, thank you for supporting me during this incredible journey! I LOVE YALL🥹 See you soon 💙,” Megan Thee Stallion wrote.
Why Is Thee Stallion Cutting Her Broadway Debut Short?
Although Megan Thee Stallion didn’t explain her early departure, the internet is speculating her split from Klay Thompson is one reason. It’s unclear when Meg and Klay’s relationship issues began. However, in her breakup post, she accused him of having mood swings and treating her horribly during his NBA season, which ran from late October to April.
Fans are also speculating that her hospitalization in late March was due to issues with Thompson as well. As previously reported, Megan received treatment after becoming ill and faint during her performance on March 31. She later revealed her symptoms were due to exhaustion, dehydration and low metabolic levels. After a rest day, she returned to the stage but called the moment a “wake-up call.”
Also, to note, her final day on the Broadway stage is just one day before the birthday of her late mother and former manager, Holly Thomas. Holly passed away in March 2019 from brain cancer and Megan annually celebrates her life with emotional tribute posts.
Hotties React To Megan’s Early Departure From Broadway
The world is still waiting to hear directly from Klay Thompson after Megan Thee Stallion accused him of infidelity. While he’s been mum about the breakup, the Hotties have continued to flood his personal profiles and social platforms with hateful wishes. And, as expected, a new wave of criticism hit after Megan’s Monday announcement about ‘Moulin Rouge.’ Just peep the comments under his most recent Instagram post, shared on April 5.
Meanwhile, in the comment section of Megan’s announcement post, the Hotties are showing her the opposite energy. She’s being flooded with praise and well wishes on her overall healing, while a few others who have tickets for after May 1 are sharing their disappointment.
@__kingmvchael__ wrote, “I speak for so many people when I say we are so proud of you. Thank you for giving your all and making the Moulin Rouge an unforgettable experience ❤️🤞🏻.”
“WE LOVE YOU REAL BAD!!!! ALWAYS & 4 Ever Queen 😍🥹,” @smithwoods__ commented.
“beyond proud of you, you left it all on that stage every night! time to get ready for tour now 😅,” @quinnxandrew said.
“We love you so much, take all the time you need 🥹❤️,” @melah.anjelica added.
@tdwebber_30 added, “Congratulations Megan on your first broadway run! You’re the champ! ❤️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️.”
Meanwhile, @pettysnation said, “Yeah we’re going have to drag Klay by his ankles ATP 😒.” Adding in another comment, “Damn it! Iwas planning to come for Mother’s Day weekend 😭 But I understand Megan!”
@emily_lorraine123 said, “Got tickets, flights, hotel and PTO for the show on the 9th… damn this sucks we wanted to have a hot girl weekend to see you 💔.”
“Main character all the way through. Some folks were just… extras💋,” @tessholliday added.
@sin_machine said, “❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹 damn I had tix for the 12th, but I understand 💕.”
@myeung_ commented, “I can’t wait to see the abundance and safety you will receive on the other side of this. You are EVERYTHING and don’t ever forget it.”
@_mo.moneyyy__ had a heated take, writing, “this is CORNY AS HELL! ngl i understand the heart break & public humiliation but to give a final date for May 1 and have everyone purchase tix at wildly increased rates (me included) .. im so freaking sad 😔 i wanted to see my girl so bad – we just got our tix.”
“We love u girl🥹🩷🔥 stay strong u taught so many girls to keep their head high and not let anybody play in their face ik it hurts rn but u will come back from this head up mama YOURE SO LOVED 😭❤️🩹,” @suavaecitas commented.
RELATED: Aht! Aht! WNBA Player Lexie Brown Addresses Rumors Linking Her To Klay Thompson Cheating On Megan Thee Stallion
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
This 5-Part Crime Thriller on Netflix Is Still One of the Best Procedurals Ever Made
Blindspot never bothered to ease you in. Immediately, it pulls you in knee-deep and expects you to catch up. The opening image of the procedural is immediately gripping. A woman is zipped inside a duffel bag in Times Square, no memory, her skin mapped with tattoos that point to crimes no one has committed yet. It should feel like a stunt, but instead, it feels like a promise. The show tells you right then and there what it’s going to do, and then, bless its heart, it actually does it.
Coming back to it now on Netflix, the thing that stands out isn’t just the hook but also the follow-through. Blindspot doesn’t stall or circle its own mythology like it’s afraid to touch it. It keeps pulling threads, letting them knot together, and trusting the audience to keep up. In a landscape where a lot of shows take half a season to decide what they are, this one knows immediately and never really looks back.
It Doesn’t Waste Time Pretending to Be Patient
The woman is named Jane Doe (Jaimie Alexander), a placeholder name given to her by the FBI after she’s found with no memory of who she is, and one she continues to use because her identity remains a moving target. By the time you hit Season 1, Episode 10, “Evil Handmade Instrument,” the show has already burned through what other series might have stretched across two seasons. Tom Carter (Michael Gaston) is a CIA Deputy Director with his own agenda, and one of the first people to treat Jane like a threat instead of a mystery to solve. That suspicion quickly turns violent, with Carter kidnapping and torturing her, exposing just how deep the conspiracy runs. The result fractures whatever fragile trust Jane had left.
Then comes “8:00 PM,” the Season 1 finale, which doesn’t just escalate the season, it detonates. The reveal that Jane might actually be a long-dead character isn’t treated like a neat twist to end the season. It forces everything that follows to adjust around it as each reveal doesn’t just close a door, but opens three more and expects the characters to walk through them, ready or not.
‘Sheriff Country’s Morena Baccarin on Mickey’s Blind Spot: “Sometimes She Has to Bend the Rules”
“She has soft spots, and she hates them,” says Baccarin of playing a sheriff that also has an ex-con father.
The Procedural Is Just the Delivery System for ‘Blindspot’
On the surface, the procedural formula is clear when it comes to Blindspot. A tattoo points to a crime, the team chases it down, the case closes, cue the next one — neat, efficient, and almost comforting. Except Blindspot never actually resets. It just pretends to, long enough to pull you into the next layer. Season 1 Episode 11 starts like a standard entry point, a tattoo leading to a child abduction that should fit neatly into the formula, but it doesn’t. The case gets solved, sure, but it leaves its mark, and you see it reshaping how the team operates and how they look at the next problem. Then you get to Season 2, Episode 12, “Devil Never Even Lived,” and the illusion fully drops. The case-of-the-week doesn’t just run alongside Roman Briggs’ (Luke Mitchell) redemption arc; it feeds it. Nothing is random, but it sure looks that way at first glance.
Blindspot feels confident in its storytelling. It doesn’t over-explain by pausing to remind you who everyone is or why something matters. Whether it’s the Remi storyline or the shifting loyalties within Sandstorm, it assumes you’ve been paying attention. If you haven’t, it doesn’t slow down for you. There’s no hand-holding, which only encourages rewatches and for audiences to pay attention. That faith is also what makes it work in a binge format now. The pieces click because they were always designed to stack, not sit in isolation. In a sea of shows that hesitate, Blindspot just keeps powering forward, and that alone makes it feel sharper than most.
- Release Date
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2015 – 2020-00-00
- Showrunner
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Martin Gero
- Directors
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Martin Gero
- Writers
-
Martin Gero
Entertainment
Kate Middleton Retired Neutrals for This Fresh Spring Dress Color
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Kate Middleton is the queen of balancing trendy and refined, and her latest spring dress style is the perfect example. Instead of elegant neutrals, Middleton rocked a unique color that transitions beautifully from spring to summer. We found the royal look for thousands less!
During a reception at Buckingham Palace, the Princess of Wales stepped out in a lilac-colored dress that made warm-weather dressing feel fun again. Soft yet bold, it’s no wonder this lookalike dress is already trending. If you love Middleton’s chic, polished style, we found your new everyday outfit for just $37.
Get the Zesica Long-Sleeve Spring Midi Dress for $37 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
This Zesica Long-Sleeve Spring Midi Dress has a clean round neckline, a billowy tiered skirt and long sleeves with smocked cuffs. As such, the dress is perfect for spring days, summer nights and everything in between. Two side pockets (yes, real pockets) seal the deal.
The high-waist design is genuinely flattering, creating definition without feeling restrictive. It flows beautifully from the ribcage down. To make things even sweeter, the fabric is stretchy, breathable and skin-friendly, with a relaxed fit that’s comfortable for morning coffee runs or evening dinner plans.
Shoppers even love it for travel. One happy reviewer wrote, “Nice dress, super comfortable. I cannot wait to get other colors. Great for traveling and wearing all day. . . Almost like pajamas but that you can wear out . . . It lays nicely and not tight. Highly recommend for taking on trips.”
For fashionistas who want to experiment with color but still feel like themselves, this classy dress hits that sweet spot. The modest cut is elegant without being stuffy, and the lilac shade adds character. Whether you pair it with nude flats for the office or sneakers for weekend errands, you’ll look like a royal rich mom.
Get the Zesica Long-Sleeve Spring Midi Dress for $37 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Not what you’re looking for? Shop other dresses on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!
Entertainment
Oz Pearlman Drops Out of Kimmel Interview After WHCD Shooting
Mentalist Oz Pearlman dropped out of his planned appearance on the Monday, April 27, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting.
Deadline reported on Monday that Pearlman “backed out of the appearance” and was replaced by comedian Jon Lovett.
Us Weekly has reached out to Pearlman for comment.
Pearlman, 43, was one of the attendees at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, April 25, when gunfire broke out at the annual event.
“I was performing right then for the president, the press secretary and the first lady,” the magician recalled during a Sunday, April 26, appearance on CNN’s State of the Union. “It [was] kind of a pivotal moment in the trick where you’re just about to do the reveal … and we hear commotion.”
“I see everyone swarming one table,” Pearlman said. “I didn’t hear any shots or see what looked like a shooter. I thought there was about to be a bomb. I really, very much thought, ‘Oh my god, it’s about to explode,’ because of the way it was being approached.”
Last week, Kimmel spoofed the annual political event on the Thursday, April 23, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“Our first lady is here. Mrs. Trump … you have a glow like an expectant widow,” Kimmel said in the bit. “By the way, in the unfortunate event that our president has a medical emergency tonight, do we have a doctor in the house — oh, I’m sorry. I mean, do we have a Jesus in the house? I always confuse them, too.”
Days after the joke aired, gunfire erupted at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday. President Donald Trump, wife Melania Trump and additional administration officials were escorted out of the ballroom at the Washington Hilton hotel. A Secret Service agent was caught in the crossfire and shot and transported to the hospital. The Secret Service member is expected to make a full recovery. No one else was injured.
The suspected shooter was later identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, an engineer and part-time teacher from Torrance, California. He was allegedly armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives, per authorities. The suspect appeared in court on Monday, April 27, and was charged with three criminal counts, including attempting to assassinate the president.
Two days after the incident, Donald, 79, slammed Kimmel’s joke and called for his immediate termination.
“Wow, Jimmy Kimmel, who is in no way funny as attested to by his terrible Television Ratings, made a statement on his show that is really shocking,” Donald shared via his Truth Social platform on Monday. “He showed a fake video of the First Lady, Melania, and our son, Barron, like they were actually sitting in his studio, listening to him speak, which they weren’t, and never would be. He then stated, ‘Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.’”
The president continued, “A day later a lunatic tried entering the ballroom of the White House Correspondents Dinner, loaded up with a shotgun, handgun, and many knives. He was there for a very obvious and sinister reason. I appreciate that so many people are incensed by Kimmel’s despicable call to violence, and normally would not be responsive to anything that he said but, this is something far beyond the pale. Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Melania, 56, also reacted to Kimmel’s joke in a statement shared via X on Monday, “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy — his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America. People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.”
The first lady continued, “A coward, Kimmel hides behind ABC because he knows the network will keep running cover to protect him. Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community?”
Donald and Kimmel have had a contentious relationship over the years. The late night host has frequently joked about Donald since he took office. Donald has been critical of Kimmel for his countless jokes.
Last year, Donald supported ABC’s decision to temporarily suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! in September 2025 following controversial jokes about Charlie Kirk‘s death. After coming back on air from a suspension period, Kimmel has stood by his decision to address politics on his show.
“To me, it just seems obvious and unavoidable, and I just can’t imagine on those nights talking about anything other than what we are talking about,” Kimmel said on an April episode of the “IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” podcast. “I give a lot of credit to my colleagues for doing the same thing.”
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs on ABC every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET.
Entertainment
Machine Gun Kelly Says He’s ‘Banned’ From TSA PreCheck
Machine Gun Kelly is opening up about a travel headache that’s still following him years later. The 36-year-old artist revealed he’s unable to use TSA PreCheck or any expedited airport programs, and the reason goes back to a past drug charge.
Machine Gun Kelly Reveals Drug Charge Left Him Without TSA PreCheck For Years

Speaking on the “Take Flight” podcast, MGK, whose real name is Colson Baker, explained that a prior incident had kept him from accessing faster airport security options.
“I got caught with cocaine on the way back from New Zealand last time I was out here. Traveling was difficult because I have a level one narcotics possession or whatever,” he said. “I still don’t get [TSA] PreCheck or Global Entry or any of that fast stuff in the airport. I’m still stuck in lines like normal.”
He added that the situation even delayed his return to Australia, noting it took eight years before he was able to travel back.
MGK Opens Up About Sobriety Journey

The revelation comes as MGK continues to speak candidly about his sobriety journey. In August 2024, he shared that he had been sober for nearly a year, explaining that stepping back and taking a broader look at his life helped him make the change.
“I had to zoom out and take a look at myself from a holistic perspective,” he said in a previous interview. “I was born on the 22nd. Twenty-two is a master number. What am I here to master? I had to ask myself that question.”
That same period of reflection has also made its way into his music, with MGK channeling his sobriety journey and personal struggles into his latest album.
Machine Gun Kelly Gets Raw About Rehab And Megan Fox Drama On ‘Lost Americana’

Machine Gun Kelly is letting the music do most of the talking, but he’s also peeling back the curtain on some of his most personal moments. With the release of his latest album, “Lost Americana,” MGK addressed the inspiration behind several tracks. One of the most revealing songs, “Treading Water,” reflects on his time in rehab in late 2024.
“I wrote this in Room Three, spending Christmas in rehabilitation/I got no phone, just a cell that I’m trapped in while my home’s vacant,” he sings on the bridge. Elsewhere on the album, MGK appears to touch on his complicated relationship with Megan Fox, hinting at emotional fallout in lyrics about regret and broken trust.
Though he noted that the music “speaks better than how I would be able to articulate it,” he did offer some clarity on his personal life, revealing he spent the holidays in rehab before returning to intense public scrutiny.
“Here’s the real truth,” he said. “I spent Christmas and New Years, the whole month of December and late November, in a rehab facility. I came out, the world was very loud about me and my personal business. Ironically, neither me or Megan have said anything. Still, to this day, there could have been zero drama, and you would never know, ’cause none of us have said one thing. It’s all claims and things that have happened out of our control.”
MGK Shifts Focus To Fatherhood, Praises Megan Fox As ‘The One’ Doing The Work

Outside of music, MGK has been focused on fatherhood, often sharing glimpses into life with his children. He shares one-year-old daughter Saga with ex Megan Fox, and is also dad to 16-year-old daughter Casie from a previous relationship.
While celebrating his birthday recently, MGK posted a video reading to his youngest daughter, making it clear his priorities have shifted. “Usually I throw a big birthday party today, but this all I want,” he said.
He has also praised Fox for her role as a mother, previously crediting her for doing the heavy lifting when it comes to parenting. “I want to detract all of the congrats to me and just move it to Megan because she really does all the work,” he continued.
“Someone the other day was like, ‘You’re such a good dad!’ just because I was holding the baby,” the artist said. “And [Megan] was fuming, like, ‘No, no, no, no.’ She’s the one. I just play the guitar and pray that the baby is happy.”
Tensions Resurface Between Machine Gun Kelly And Megan Fox Amid Co-Parenting Struggles

Despite recent moments of unity, new reports suggest things may not be smooth behind the scenes for Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox. According to an insider, the pair has hit another rough patch in their co-parenting dynamic, with ongoing disagreements causing friction.
“They were on a good path, and things have blown up again,” an insider said. “They have been having so many disagreements and explosive fights. Their communication with each other has been terrible.”
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