The White Lotus has faced a surprising amount of behind-the-scenes drama ranging from feuds to characters being recast.

The White Lotus, which premiered in 2021, focuses on the guests and employees at a fictional resort as they experience a slew of personal ups and downs while on vacation. The anthology series is also known for featuring a mysterious murder — or two — that is eventually revealed. Each season films at a new location, with the first taping in Hawaii, before venturing to Sicily and Thailand. Season 4 is currently being taped in France.

While many tune in for the star-studded cast, others are invested in the plot payoff. Creator Mike White has previously stood by his vision for the show regardless of the offscreen reaction.

“It definitely gets under their skin. There was complaining about how there’s no plot,” he said on an April 2025 episode of the official White Lotus podcast. “That part I find weird. It never did. Part of me is just like ‘Bro, this is the vibe. I’m world-building.’”

White was confused by fans who didn’t like his writing style three seasons in.

“If you don’t want to go to bed with me, then get out of my bed. I’m edging you! Enjoy the edging,” he quipped. “If you don’t want to be edged, then get out of my bed. Do you know what I mean? Don’t be a bossy bottom.”

White continued: “Get the f**k out of my bed. Don’t come home with me. Don’t get naked in my bed. Get the f**k out of my bed. Obviously, something is going to happen.”

In addition to conversations about what is taking place on screen, the show faced a surprising amount of drama off screen. Keep scrolling for a full breakdown:

Mike White Vs. White Lotus Music Composer

In April 2025, composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer candidly addressed his decision not to return for season 4 after multiple creative differences with White. Tapia de Veer told The New York Times that arguments over the season 3 theme music — especially backlash over the lack of iconic “ooh-loo-loo-loos” in the intro — led to his departure.

“I texted the producer and I told him that it would be great to, at some point, give [the fans] the longer version with the ooh-loo-loo-loos, because people will explode if they realize that it was going there anyway,” Tapia de Veer told the outlet. “He thought it was a good idea. But then Mike cut that — he wasn’t happy about that.”

White who didn’t offer a statement to The New York Times about the situation, allegedly wanted the soundtrack to be more background music. “A song that is more like something you would listen to in Ibiza, in some clubby place with a chill, sexy vibe,” Tapia de Veer claimed. “I mean, at that point, we already had our last fight forever, I think. So he was just saying no to anything.”

Tapia de Veer told The White Lotus team months in advance that he wasn’t coming back.

“I didn’t tell Mike for various reasons; I wanted to tell him just at the end for the shock and whatever,” he continued. “Except I told the whole editorial team and music editor and producer and all that, but I didn’t think that they were going to tell him. At some point he heard about that.”

White replied when he told The Hollywood Reporter that he didn’t think Tapia de Veer “respected” him, while slamming the “PR campaign about him leaving the show.” White claimed de Veer just “wants people to know that he’s edgy and dark.”

“He says we feuded. I don’t think I ever had a fight with him — except for maybe some emails,” White continued. “It was basically me giving him notes. I don’t think he liked to go through the process of getting notes from me, or wanting revisions, because he didn’t respect me. I knew he wasn’t a team player and that he wanted to do it his way.”

White referred to the composer’s tell-all interview by calling it a “bitch move.”

Falling Outs in Season 3

Jason Isaacs made headlines when he teased how friendships “were lost” between cast members.

“It was like a cross between summer camp and Lord of the Flies but in a gilded cage,” Isaacs shared in an interview with Vulture in March 2025. “It wasn’t a holiday. Some people got very close, there were friendships that were made and friendships that were lost.”

The actor didn’t name who was no longer on good terms.

“All the things you would imagine with a group of people unanchored from their home lives on the other side of the world, in the intense pressure cooker of the working environment with eye-melting heat and insects and late nights,” he shared. “They say in the show, ‘What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand.’ But there’s an off screen White Lotus as well, with fewer deaths but just as much drama.”

The outlet offered Isaacs the chance to elaborate, which he laughed off, adding, “Absolutely not. I became very close to some people and less close to others, but we still all had that experience together and there’s a certain level of discretion required.”

Isaacs later walked back his statements but it was too late as fans speculated wildly.

Rumors About Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood

Following Isaacs’ claims of behind-the-scenes drama, speculation spread that Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood were at odds off screen. Viewers specifically noticed that Goggins and Wood were no longer following each other on social media but they ultimately broke their silence in a joint interview.

“There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me,” Goggins told Variety in June 2025, where he got “choked up” about Wood. “This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be. I’ll be on an island, I think Greece. But she’s special. There is no feud. She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply.”

Goggins made it clear that he and Wood “will be friends for f***ing ever.” Elsewhere in the interview, the outlet noted that Goggins began to cry while discussing his character Rick’s journey with Chelsea, played by Wood.

“My catharsis in this experience was different than other people’s, because of my history in this place. I knew what we had gone through, and I knew how close that we had gotten, and I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea,” he recalled. “And I knew that that was going to take a while for me, so I let her know, this is what I’ve gotta do. And she was extremely supportive about that.”

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Goggins admitted he “needed to just back away from everyone” after filming wrapping, adding, “I haven’t spoken to anyone. I couldn’t handle it. Judge me or don’t. I don’t give a f*** what you think. This is my process. Rick means everything to me, and Chelsea means everything to me. And so that’s what I needed to do for me to process all of this.”

Helena Bonham Carter’s Departure

Helena Bonham Carter’s early exit from The White Lotus made headlines one week into filming for season 4. News broke in April 2026 that Bonham Carter’s character would be scrapped amid reported creative differences with White. Laura Dern then joined the hit HBO series in a new role developed specifically for her.

“HBO, the producers and Mike White are saddened that they won’t get to work with [Helena Bonham Carter], but remain ardent fans and very much hope to work with the legendary actress on another project soon,” a statement from HBO read. “It had become apparent that the character which Mike White created for Helena Bonham Carter did not align.”

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have settled most of their legal dispute tied to “It Ends With Us,” but a key issue remains in court.

In a surprising turn of events, the actress is now specifically seeking damages under a California anti-retaliation law after Baldoni’s defamation suit against her was dismissed.

With the trial avoided, a judge will now decide any final compensation owed, and according to Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s settlement, they must agree to whatever the judge orders with no appeals.

Lively and Baldoni may have settled most of their explosive legal fight tied to “It Ends With Us,” but one major issue is still heading to court.

Newly filed documents reveal Lively is seeking financial damages from Baldoni under a California law designed to protect people who report workplace harassment from retaliation.

The move comes after Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit against her was dismissed, opening the door for Lively to pursue attorney fees, along with compensatory and punitive damages.

The conflict began after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and leading a smear campaign during production of the film in 2024.

Baldoni denied the allegations and responded with a countersuit, which has since been thrown out by the judge. Instead of a jury trial, the court alone will now decide whether Baldoni and the other defendants owe Lively money, and if so, how much.

According to TMZ, one significant part of the former co-stars’ settlement agreement is that neither party will challenge the judge’s final ruling through an appeal, effectively making the upcoming decision final.

Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni’s Settlement Labeled A ‘Victory’ By The Actress’s Lawyer

The settlement came just weeks before the highly anticipated trial was set to begin, with both Lively and Baldoni expected to testify in court.

Over the course of the legal battle, filings exposed private text messages and emails involving the two stars and several high-profile figures in their circle.

Lively’s attorneys, Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, described the settlement as a “resounding victory” for the actress, arguing it sends a strong message against using lawsuits and public smear tactics to intimidate people who come forward with harassment claims.

They added that by acknowledging Lively’s concerns “deserved to be heard,” the defendants had effectively put an end to claims that she fabricated allegations of harassment or retaliation.

Sources Claim Blake Lively Was Never After Financial Gain In Her Legal Feud With Justin Baldoni

Sources close to the former “Gossip Girl” star insist her case against Baldoni was never about financial gain.

Instead, they say Lively’s focus has always been “about exposing bad actors who are also harming others.”

According to those sources, Lively refused to settle until documents tied to the alleged smear campaign became public, records that have since reportedly triggered additional lawsuits and investigations.

“She didn’t settle her claims until the documents exposing the bad actors behind smear campaigns were made public – documents that have led to other lawsuits and investigations,” the source told TMZ. “With this motion, she is breathing life into a groundbreaking statute designed to protect survivors from retaliatory lawsuits.”

Lively’s team also argues that the latest filing reinforces a groundbreaking California statute designed to protect survivors from retaliatory legal action.

The Former Co-Stars Released A Joint Statement On Their Settlement

In a joint statement released after the settlement, attorneys for both sides said “It Ends With Us” remains “a source of pride” for everyone involved in bringing the project to life.

They also emphasized their shared support for survivors of domestic violence and the importance of maintaining safe and respectful workplaces.

The statement acknowledged that the legal process had been difficult and noted that the concerns raised by Lively “deserved to be heard.”

It concluded with both parties expressing hope that the settlement would finally allow everyone involved to move forward peacefully and focus on the future.

Legal Experts Weigh In On Why Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni’s Settlement Was Unavoidable

Meanwhile, legal experts say the settlement was hardly unexpected following the dismissal of several major claims and the growing risk that a lengthy public trial could further damage both stars’ reputations.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Attorney Neama Rahmani said continuing the case “and spending weeks and hundreds of thousands of dollars to litigate the breach of contract and smear campaign claims alone” likely no longer made financial or strategic sense for either side.

He added that the resolution may still leave the public questioning what truly happened between the two celebrities behind closed doors.

Litigator Tre Lovell also noted that in celebrity disputes, public perception often matters more than courtroom victories.

According to Lovell, protecting reputations, careers, and long-term brand value usually becomes the top priority, with legal strategies often shaped around how the fight is playing out in the public eye.

Justin Baldoni‘s pal is very much angered over the toll Blake Lively‘s legal feud has taken on the director.

On May 4, the former co-stars settled their long-running lawsuit that began with a complaint from the actress in December 2024, in which she accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and made a number of other claims.

Now, Adam Mondschein, who is a friend of Justin Baldoni and also appeared in “It Ends With Us,” has described Blake Lively’s pursuit of the lawsuit and allegations as “inexplicable” and hurtful to his friend.

Baldoni’s friend Adam Mondschein recently appeared on Piers Morgan’s “Uncensored” show, discussing the film director’s recently ended legal feud with his “It Ends With Us” co-star.

Speaking to Morgan, Mondschein described the accusations from Lively as “inexplicable” and went on to take a swipe at her over her plans to see Baldoni stand trial for the allegations she leveled against him.

“I feel sorry for [Lively] ultimately. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be inside of her mind,” Mondschein said.

While the actor hinted that he was pleased that the legal feud had finally ended, he expressed his annoyance over the fact that it happened in the first place, claiming that Lively’s actions deeply hurt Baldoni.

“I have very firm feelings about the actions that she took, and she hurt my friend and has been hurting my friend,” he added, per Page Six.

Justin Baldoni’s Friend Defended The Actor

Lively’s feud against Baldoni began with a civil complaint in December 2024, where she made sexual harassment claims and other allegations stemming from their time on set in the romantic drama.

It later evolved into a suit with 13 claims, which also named the production company, Wayfarer Studios, which Baldoni founded with Jamey Heath.

Throughout the time the legal feud lasted, several aspersions were cast on the characters of the Baldoni and Heath, as well as their company, which Mondschein attempted to defend while speaking out against Lively’s actions.

“They’re really, truly great people. They’re not Hollywood people,” the actor said of the duo.

“They’re people that want to make movies that have a heart, that help, that are of service, and that’s why they got into it,” he added.

Justin Baldoni’s Friend Claims The Actor Feels ‘Overwhelmed’ Despite Settlement

With Baldoni recently spotted enjoying an outdoor date with his wife, Emily, one would assume that the actor is quite glad that the battle with Lively has ended.

However, Mondschein hinted otherwise, saying his friend rather feels “overwhelmed” by it all.

In particular, Mondschein pointed to the toll the case took on Baldoni’s family, as well as the actor himself, who has only worked on a handful of jobs since the allegations first swirled.

“I think the burden that this is on the family, the taxing, like how they were dragged into the public. And if you picture for a second … people are starting to get to know him more and his family and his kids and his wife,” Mondschein noted.

He added, “It is unbearable when someone misjudges you, when someone takes you out of context, when someone takes what you have built — Justin has a reputation and his reputation has only ever been … of service. Big heart trying to do the best that he can.”

Justin Baldoni And Blake Lively Didn’t Reveal The Reason Behind Their Settlement

Due to the settlement, Baldoni was unable to tell his side of the allegations against him, nor could Lively prove her allegations.

It is unclear what compelled the duo to come to an agreement, as they did not reveal it in the joint statement they released through their lawyers.

The statement, shared shortly after the settlement, merely contained a nod to their project and recognition of domestic violence survivors speaking up.

“The end product — the movie ‘It Ends With Us’ — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life,” read the statement. “Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind.”

It further read, “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserve to be heard.”

Blake Lively Still Plans To Seek Damages From Justin Baldoni

Despite Lively and Baldoni’s lawsuit settlement, the actress has moved to file new documents seeking financial damages from her former co-star.

According to a TMZ report, Lively is taking advantage of a California law that protects people who report workplace harassment from retaliation, after Baldoni filed a defamation suit against her, which was dismissed.

Her lawyers argue that the actress is entitled to attorney’s fees, along with compensatory and punitive damages.

However, based on their settlement terms, the new case will be left solely to a judge to decide on, with Baldoni and Lively agreeing to accept whatever judgment is passed.

This also means they can not file an appeal, making this the final stage of their long-running legal feud.

The change from cooler spring temperatures to overheated summer weather happens quickly, so it’s important to be prepared. Stocking your closet with the right clothing items is key – and you can’t go wrong with flowy dresses that look just as good under a cardigan as they do on their own. These dresses will take you from one season to the next easily, all while making you look effortlessly chic.

The best spring-to-summer dress is one that doesn’t require a lot of thought – think bold prints that don’t need many accessories or simple tank styles that can be dressed up or down. On the hunt for some staples, we found a collection of stylish dresses that not only work for two seasons, but also look much more expensive than they are.

17 Effortless Designer-Looking Spring-to-Summer Dresses

1. Our Favorite: With a fitted bodice and dipped waist, along with vertical stripes that elongate your frame, this midi dress is a flattering pick. The longer length makes it work for chillier spring days, but it’s still airy enough for the summer.

2. Runner-Up: Made of a linen blend, this button-down dress is an easy breezy option you can wear casually or a little more dressed up. Bonus: it has pockets.

3. Flattering Fit: The ruching along the bodice of this midi dress adds interesting texture and helps hide your tummy area. This one also looks really pretty under a cardigan or on its own.

4. Feminine Details: Covered in eyelet lace and available in pretty pastel colors, this maxi dress seems like it was made for a sunny spring day. Add some sandals, and it works for a summer day too.

5. Garden Party: Whether you’re shopping for a special event or just looking for a vacation dress, this floral option is such a pretty pick. And it’s unexpectedly comfortable – the material is a soft, breathable knit that works for hot weather.

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I used to work at a boutique, and spring-to-summer was always our sign of what shoppers couldn’t get enough of. The second the weather warmed up, everyone skipped past anything fussy and went straight for breezy midis, easy maxis and throw-on dresses that looked put-together (no styling stress required!). I could easily predict which ones […]

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6. Hamptons Chic: This striped midi dress is giving off a chic, “I summer in East Hampton” vibe for a budget-friendly price point. Pair it with a white cardigan during the spring, or wear it over your bathing suit on a summer day.

7. Easy Breezy: Made of 100% cotton, this gauzy sleeveless dress is so easy to throw on, whether you’re running errands or going out to dinner. It’s lightweight and so comfortable.

8. Go-To Dress: It’s hard to go wrong with a simple midi dress like this one. The tiered skirt makes it more interesting, but this is an easy silhouette to style in so many different ways.

9. Under $20 Alert: This sleeveless mini dress might cost less than $20, but it certainly doesn’t look like it. It’s made of 100% cotton for a breathable feel and the paneled look makes it extra stylish.

10. Office Appropriate: This button-down dress is polished and stylish, looks nice enough for the office, and feels comfy enough to wear when shopping. The loose fit is both chic and breezy.

11. Beachy Vibes: Snag this striped midi dress for your next beach vacation. The diagonal stripes and unique color combination make it feel so on-trend, and the loose fit is comfy.

12. Looks Expensive: This shirt dress is the kind of clothing piece you can throw on when you really don’t feel like putting effort into your look – and still look like you did exactly that. Wear this with sneakers or sandals.

13. Vintage Feel: With the dipped waist, longer length and halter neck top, this midi dress kind of feels like Old Hollywood glam in the best way. It’s still casual enough to wear for everyday, though, and looks pretty under a sweater.

14. Cute and Casual: This denim mini dress features a dropped waist look that looks both classic and on-trend at the same time. It’s loose enough to wear for hours on end without feeling restricted.

15. Euro-Summer: The bold floral print of this mini dress and the tie-straps kind of make it feel like it should be worn during a summer trip to Italy. Wear this with a cardigan for a spring day, but it looks so pretty on its own, too.

16. So Romantic: There’s something so darling about this puffed sleeve dress. It’s simple but has subtle romantic details that make it stand out.

17. Denim Dream: Super soft and lightweight, this denim mini dress is a perfect everyday look for spring or summer. The wide waistband and ruched back make it so comfy.

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Jake Anderson confirms his divorce from wife Jenna Anderson in the upcoming season 22 premiere of Deadliest Catch, revealing they separated last year.

“After 17 years being together, 13 years married, Jenna and I have decided to call it quits,” Jake, 45, says during the all-new episode, which airs in its entirety on Discovery Channel, Friday, May 8, according to People.

The longtime fisherman, who has been on the reality show since 2007, explains that the breakdown of their marriage wasn’t just one thing.

“It’s due to a lot of things. The major one is that I’m gone too much crab fishing,” Jake confesses. “But I got three little ones that need to eat, that have to go to school, that have to have doctor’s appointments, and I don’t have a job.”

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During the episode, which was filmed in fall 2025, Jake confirms that he and Jenna had been separated for eight months.

As fans know, the former couple tied the knot in 2012 after meeting in 2009. They went on to welcome three children: sons Aiden, 11, and Luka, 6, and daughter Cadence, 8.

Jake recalled his and Jenna’s meet-cute during an interview with Screener TV, telling them that the pair crossed paths at a festival in Seattle after Jenna and her family asked for an autograph.

Related: How Many People Have Died on ‘Deadliest Catch’? Todd Meadows and More

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Deadliest Catch has shown how dangerous the life of a crab fisherman can be, and the deaths of several cast members over the years have only further proved it. The Discovery Channel series premiered in April 2005, introducing viewers to the world of commercial fishing. Deadliest Catch follows a crew as they hunt for crab […]

“I autographed [her item with], ‘You’re beautiful,’” he shared. “I was trying to stay out of trouble, so I was living on the boat. “I wasn’t going out and spending money; I was trying to save my money. She started calling me, and I started calling her, for a few weeks. We fell in love.”

Over the years, Jake has shown snippets of his home life on social media, but Jenna has rarely made an appearance in the pictures.

Ahead of the season premiere, however, Jake seemingly gave fans a glimpse at his life as a single dad. He shared a sweet photo of his two sons watching the show with him from their couch on Sunday, May 3.

“ME AND THE BOYS Deadliest Catch season 22,” Jake captioned the snap.

While Jake doesn’t expand further on his relationship during the upcoming episode, he does discuss the shakeups in his professional life.

At one point in the premiere, Jake has a meeting with an attorney, who raises concerns about his ownership stake in the Titan Explorer.

“I don’t want you investing any more money in your ownership interest in the Titan Explorer because that could end up being an asset that needs to be divided in the case,” the lawyer explains to him.

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Amid tensions over the ship, Jake takes over as the captain of Phil Harris’ old boat, Cornelia Marie, which also needs some work.

“I worked on it before,” Jake tells the cameras. “I was young, had just met Jenna, was getting yelled at all the time. Life was hard for me.”

Season 22 of Deadliest Catch premieres on Discovery Channel Friday, May 8, at 8 p.m. ET.

As Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden celebrate the newest addition to their family, fresh details have emerged about why they kept their son’s arrival under wraps.

The “Charlie’s Angels” star and Madden began their romance in 2014 before tying the knot in January 2015. Since then, the couple has continued to grow their family, welcoming their third child on May 4.

Now, sources are shedding light on why the couple chose to remain private throughout the process of having the baby.

Like many fans surprised by the news of Diaz and Madden’s newest baby, even some of the couple’s closest friends reportedly had no idea they were expecting another child.

According to an insider, the pair decided to keep the process private because they were uncertain it would work out. “They are ecstatic about adding [another] son to their family,” the source told US Weekly. “Not many people in their circle knew because they weren’t sure it would become a reality.”

The insider also opened up about Diaz’s surrogacy journey, revealing that the actress, now a mother of three, feels grateful to the women who helped bring each of her children into the world.

“Cameron feels very fortunate to have had amazing surrogates, and it has been a long journey for her and Benji,” the insider added. “This feels like exactly what they always wanted, and their family now feels whole.”

How Benji Madden And Cameron Diaz Announced The Birth Of Their Second Son

The insider’s revelation about the couple’s secrecy comes just two days after Madden shared the news of their baby’s arrival with a symbolic Instagram post.

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As The Blast previously reported, Madden posted illustrations featuring the baby’s name and its meaning.

One image showed a navy and gold pirate ship flying a flag marked with the letter “N,” introducing the name “Nautas” and explaining its Latin origin. “Nauta, meaning sailor, navigator, or voyager.”

Another illustration featured a giant “N” designed like the North Star, alongside inspirational messages encouraging Nautas to “chart his own course and stay true to his compass.”

Madden also paid tribute to the couple’s other children, using a red cardinal bird to represent son Cardinal and a potted plant to symbolize daughter Raddix.

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The Couple Has A History Of Keeping Their Children’s Pictures Off The Internet 

Cameron Diaz, 53, made a shock announcement on Instagram welcoming their third baby. Her rock star husband Benji Madden revealed the news.

Wow.. I thought mid 40s was the cut off point for health reasons.. pic.twitter.com/QBF38j3nhz

— WeGotitBack 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@NotFarLeftAtAll) May 4, 2026

As Madden and Diaz announced Nautas’ arrival without sharing photos of him, the decision follows their long-standing approach to protecting their children’s privacy.

When they welcomed their daughter Raddix in 2019, the duo chose not to release pictures of their newborn. At the time, they described themselves as “blessed and grateful,” while sources said they were enjoying “baby bliss.”

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Their family expanded again on March 22, 2024, with the arrival of their first son, Cardinal. The news was announced on Instagram alongside an abstract drawing that read, “A little bird whispered to me.” Once again, Diaz and Madden chose to keep their child’s face out of the public eye.

Cameron Diaz Considered Quitting Hollywood After Facelift Allegations 

While the actress and the Good Charlotte lead guitarist celebrate their growing family, Diaz has faced backlash for her comeback, which sources said made her rethink staying in the industry. 

According to The Blast, Diaz’s return to acting in Netflix’s “Back in Action” after an 11-year break was met with online scrutiny over her appearance. Search trends like “Cameron Diaz facelift” and “Cameron Diaz age” made the rounds, which the actress reportedly saw as “sexist.”

Those close to Diaz revealed she was frustrated that little had changed since her hiatus, with the focus still on her looks rather than her work. One insider said she feels “raging” and is considering stepping away from Hollywood again.

Cameron Diaz Praised As ‘Always Reliable’ In Husband’s Tribute On Tenth Marriage Anniversary 

Aside from the “Bad Teachers” star’s rethinking her years-long career, her marriage to Madden has been blossoming. Last year, they celebrated a decade together, and Madden dropped a heartfelt tribute to her to mark the milestone. 

As The Blast reported, the singer shared pictures of his wife, calling her “My Queen.” He further gushed about their relationship, noting that each year together becomes even more “fulfilling.”

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“It’s special. Never perfect, always real – always reliable,” Madden added in his post. “Every day getting to have my best friend with me, ride or die…what a beautiful life.”

Hayden Panettiere was in constant “fear” while living in Nashville after a stalker fixated on her before being sentenced to prison years later.

“This is a very terrifying individual who wreaked havoc on my life for a long, long time,” Panettiere, 36, exclusively recalls in Us Weekly’s latest cover story, on newsstands now, while promoting her upcoming memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning. “It was a very scary situation.”

She remembers the man getting her phone number and the number of her closest confidants and he would call and text “all day, every day [with] threats on my life.”

“I had to cancel multiple speaking events, because he was traveling, and, like, waiting for me there, to do lord knows what,” Panettiere tells Us of the scary ordeal. “So I had to cancel everything, and I had to stay inside and live in fear.”

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The actress reveals that the convicted stalker was put in jail by the FBI and sentenced to 30 months in prison in July 2025, but he “recently got out,” which has stirred up several emotions.

“I’ve been trying to process, you know, that fact, and it’s terrifying,” Panettiere confesses. “It’s been very scary, the whole thing was terrifying. Still is terrifying.”

She notes that the case “affected everyone” in her orbit. (Panettiere was living in Tennessee and working on ABC’s Nashville, which ran from 2012 to 2018, when the stalking began.)

“It affected not just me, but it affected everyone around me. Everyone was in danger,” Panettiere tells Us. “A lot of people were in danger that were close to me.”

The Heroes alum says that when she was first faced with her stalker, she was worried he’d be “capable of finding me where I went.”

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Hayden Panettiere channeled her own experiences — as a both mother and as a former sleepwalker — when diving into the complex emotions of her latest character. In her new psychological thriller, Sleepwalker, Panettiere, 36, explores the question of how much a mother can endure as mourning mom Sarah, whose grief after losing her daughter […]

That constant fear had a “huge impact” on Panettiere and the lives of those she loved, which she says “was almost worse.”

Panettiere admits it was “worse for me, fearing for them,” explaining to Us that once she saw someone threatening to harm her loved ones, she became a “fierce lioness.”

“Thank God for the FBI. Thank God they caught him,” she adds. Panettiere says now that he’s out it’s “daunting” to think about if he’ll return, but “that’s the reality of the situation.”

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Panettiere confessed, “It’s terrifying what people are capable of” after all she’s experienced.

Panettiere opens up about her fears as well as the darker times in her life in her upcoming memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which hits shelves on Tuesday, May 19.

The Remember the Titans star also details her romantic past and pulls back the curtain on her relationships with Stephen Colletti, Milo Ventimiglia and more — which you can get a tease of in Us Weekly’s latest issue, on newsstands now.

A free weekend is a blank slate, and many people use that time to watch a feature film. So, naturally, no one wants to waste their valuable free time on a mediocre movie with questionable impressions — they’d rather be blown away by near-perfect content that feels both classic and brand-new at the same time.

Everyone has a different definition of a near-perfect film, but Rotten Tomatoes is the go-to site for finding an almost flawless pick. Some of these recommendations are timeless classics that many people adore, but if you haven’t seen them yet — or want to rewatch something you haven’t seen in a long time — here are six near-perfect on Rotten Tomatoes movies to watch this weekend.

1

‘The Truman Show’ (1998)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95% Certified Fresh

Image via Paramount Pictures 

The Truman Show is a sci-fi comedy/drama starring Jim Carrey in one of his most iconic roles. It was written by Andrew Niccol and directed by Peter Weir, and it is a prescient satire on reality television, media manipulation, and the nature of free will. Carrey gives the performance of his career, portraying a heartbreakingly sincere character who never veers into cartoonish territory. Many of the film’s themes still resonate with audiences today, particularly in this age of constant screen time and connectivity. The film has a 95% Certified Fresh rating and received three Oscar nominations.

The Truman Show follows Truman Burbank (Carrey), a cheerful, ordinary insurance salesman living a dream life in the idyllic seaside town of Seahaven. What he doesn’t realize is that his entire life has been a 24-hour reality TV show broadcast around the world since he was born. Every person and thing in his life, including his wife Meryl (Laura Linney), best friend Marlon (Noah Emmerich), daily events, and even the weather, are paid actors playing scripted roles. When small glitches appear, Truman’s carefully constructed reality begins to unravel, and he gradually realizes that things aren’t as they seem. The Truman Show is ideal for a weekend of thought-provoking, funny, and emotionally charged entertainment.

2

‘The Social Network’ (2010)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96% Certified Fresh

The biopic drama The Social Network is widely regarded as David Fincher‘s best directorial work. Fincher’s dark and sleek visuals, combined with Aaron Sorkin‘s chatty, poignant screenplay, transform a story about the creation of the world’s most famous social media platform into a Shakespearean tragedy with themes of friendship and greed. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross complete the experience with their haunting electronic score, which earned them a well-deserved Oscar. The film was based on Ben Mezrich‘s novel The Accidental Billionaires, and Sorkin also won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film has a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating and is endlessly watchable.

The Social Network is set in 2003 and follows Harvard undergraduate Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg). The opening scene depicts Zuckerberg being dumped by his girlfriend, and in a fit of drunken inspiration, he creates a campus website called “Facemash.” Its viral success inspires the creation of “The Facebook,” a social networking site that takes off across Ivy League campuses. However, as the platform grows, so do the lawsuits, particularly those filed by three classmates who claim Zuckerberg stole their idea, as well as his former best friend and CFO, Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield). Fincher’s film alternates between depositions and flashbacks, telling a story of ambition, betrayal, and the chaotic start of a billion-dollar empire. The Social Network is ideal for a weekend when you want sharp writing, brilliant performances, and a story that feels (and mostly is) unsettlingly real.

3

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97% Certified Fresh

Image via Warner Bros.

Many people believe that George Miller‘s masterpiece Mad Max: Fury Road is the most perfectly directed action film of our time. He conceived the story in the 1980s, when his Mad Max trilogy was at its peak of popularity, but it was shelved due to production delays, global events, and other unavoidable factors. It’s interesting because Fury Road appears to have arrived at the ideal time, when Miller was free to create a sandy, dystopian world with cutting-edge technology and stunning practical effects. The story is told almost entirely through images, the pacing is relentless, and each frame resembles a painting. Fury Road‘s protagonist, Furiosa (Charlize Theron), has become an icon, and the film has a feminist heart beneath its chrome-plated dusty exterior. The film received six Oscars and has a nearly perfect 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Mad Max: Fury Road is an action sci-fi epic set in a scorched, post-apocalyptic wasteland where water and gasoline are considered currencies. Imperator Furiosa, a war rig driver for the tyrannical Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne), devises a desperate plan: she smuggles Joe’s five wives out of his fortress and drives them to a fabled “Green Place.” The entire war party is pursuing her, and she is joined by a captured loner named Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy), who is reluctantly drawn into the chase. Fury Road is a two-hour high-speed chase through the desert with realistic stunts, powerful engines, and minimal CGI. This film is ideal for a weekend when you want adrenaline, spectacle, and pure cinematic bliss.

4

‘Inside Out’ (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98% Certified Fresh

Image via Pixar

For fans of animated films, the last decade has seen some incredible additions to the genre. Inside Out stands out as the ideal animated comedy-drama that appears to be intended for children but also speaks to adults. Inside Out is the most emotionally intelligent animated film ever made, and it focuses on an intriguing topic: why humans need to feel and experience sadness. With this film, Pixar fully intended to make us all cry over a forgotten imaginary friend and reframe depression and low mood as a natural part of growing up, making the film a perfect coming-of-age story. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 98% rating, and it won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. It was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

Inside Out follows Riley Andersen, an 11-year-old who relocates with her parents from Minnesota to San Francisco, leaving behind her hockey team, friends, and everything she knows. The “control panel” in her head is run by five emotions: Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling). When Joy and Sadness are accidentally swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind, Fear, Anger, and Disgust take over, and the lost emotions must return to Headquarters before Riley loses her ability to feel happy. Inside Out, with its brilliant voice cast and wonderful life lessons, is the ideal film for a weekend when you want to laugh, cry, and feel profoundly understood; if you have any family nearby, particularly children, this is the perfect choice.

5

‘Parasite’ (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99% Certified Fresh

Image via CJ Entertainment

Parasite is a brilliant psychological thriller that also serves as a dark satire. Bong Joon-ho‘s films frequently criticize capitalism and class divides, and Parasite is one of his most effective examples. Parasite is a masterful film that seamlessly transitions between class satire and horror, delivering a powerful plot twist that you never would have expected. Bong’s screenplay is tight, with every detail working in its favor, and everything from production design and music to performances is flawless. That makes Parasite not just near-perfect, but actually perfect. It received six Oscar nominations and won four, including Best Picture, making history as the first non-English-language film to do so.

Parasite follows the impoverished Kim family: father Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), mother Chung-sook, son Ki-woo, and daughter Ki-jung. They live in a cramped, semi-basement apartment, folding pizza boxes for spare cash, when Ki-woo gets a job as a tutor for the wealthy Park family’s daughter. While doing that, he sees an opportunity, and the Kims gradually infiltrate the Parks’ household, posing as unrelated, highly qualified professionals: Ki-jung as an art therapist, Ki-taek as a driver, and Chung-sook as a housekeeper. Their plan works perfectly until the former housekeeper returns, revealing a terrifying secret hidden deep within the Parks’ modernist home. You’ll laugh, be scared, and maybe even cry; schedule Parasite for a weekend when you want something smart, tense, and completely absorbing.

6

‘Toy Story’ (1995)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100% Certified Fresh

Image via Pixar Animation Studios

So, while Toy Story may not fit into the “near-perfect” category due to its 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, its audience score isn’t at its highest, so we can technically still call it an almost flawless film. Toy Story, if you aren’t aware, is a classic animated Pixar film for the entire family, and families with children who have free weekends will undoubtedly want to spend every minute with them, making Toy Story the perfect movie to watch in these circumstances; this film is funny, heartwarming, and timeless. Toy Story is well-known as the film that revolutionized animation and demonstrated that CGI could tell emotionally complex stories. It became the first animated film to be nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars.

Toy Story is set in a world in which toys come to life when humans are not around. Woody (Tom Hanks), Andy’s favorite pull-string cowboy doll, is the story’s protagonist, and Woody’s comfortable reign among Andy’s other toys is upended when Andy receives a flashy new space ranger action figure for his birthday: Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), who considers himself a true hero on a mission. After being separated from Andy, the rivals must band together to escape the clutches of his sadistic neighbor, Sid, and return home before Andy moves away. Toy Story is perfect for a weekend with the family or a solo nostalgia trip that will make you cry happy tears and reflect.

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Toy Story

Release Date

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October 30, 1995

Runtime

81 minutes

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Director

John Lasseter

Writers

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John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joss Whedon, Alec Sokolow, Joel Cohen, Joe Ranft, Pete Docter

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• 
• 

  Tim Allen

  Buzz Lightyear (voice)

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Justin Baldoni’s longtime friend Adam Mondschein is sharing a glimpse into the actor’s mindset after his It Ends With Us legal battle with Blake Lively was settled before trial.

“His sentiment, to me, is just relief as a friend, but also needing prayers and love and thoughts to weather the next stage,” Mondschein, 50, exclusively shared with Us Weekly on Thursday, May 7. “The relief is there. The support is beautiful — from the community, from the strangers, from the world.”

Mondschein said his friend was “literally recovering from a cold” this week before adding, “It’s the emotional taxing on the family. It’s the emotional tax of all of this. I think it’s been overwhelming.”

News broke on Monday, May 4, that Lively, 38, and Baldoni, 42, had reached a settlement in their highly contentious It Ends With Us lawsuit, which began in December 2024.

Related: Why Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Trial Became ‘Too Dangerous’

This week on Legally Us, Rachael Bennett, a certified family law specialist and senior attorney at Sullivan Law & Associates, breaks down Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s legal settlement. On Monday, May 4, news broke that Blake Lively, 38, and Justin Baldoni, 42, had reached a settlement in their lawsuit after nearly two years, just […]

“The end product – the movie It Ends With Us – is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors – and all survivors – is a goal that we stand behind,” lawyers for both parties said in a statement to Us. “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard.”

The statement continued, “We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”

While a settlement avoids a trial in New York City, Lively filed a notice of settlement on Thursday, in which she requested damages to cover her attorneys’ fees and costs, as well as compensatory and punitive damages.

“I think they’re waiting to truly celebrate. But there’s just no question that this is a win,” Mondschein claimed to Us about the settlement. “I think they’re very relieved, and they’re excited for the day that the celebration can actually begin, but because it’s not truly over for them, I think we’re the ones that get to kind of, like, celebrate a little bit for them. … We’ll all be very glad when this is, I mean, no longer part of the general conversation.”

“They have weathered this in their hearts for such a long time,” Mondschein added. “I think there is an emotional cost to this on a personal level.”

Baldoni and Lively’s settlement came as both parties appeared to be preparing for their upcoming trial, with jury selection expected to begin on Monday, May 18.

According to Mondschein, Baldoni didn’t fear having to go to trial.

“He never was going to quit,” Mondschein claimed. “They were excited for the day in one way to tell it in court along the way, but you’re seeing it tax your children, tax your wife, and then having to carry that. Also, having to keep staying firm. It is exhausting. He is not a quitter, I will tell you that.”

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Before Baldoni found himself in a legal battle with his It Ends With Us costar, the actor gained success in Hollywood with roles in projects like Jane the Virgin, The Bold and the Beautiful and Everwood.

When asked if he could see his friend returning to the big or small screen for a role, Mondschein appeared optimistic that the opportunity would come one day soon.

“[I] feel like he needs the time to heal,” Mondschein shared. “For him to contemplate putting his heart out there to pick another project, he’ll just need the time to, like, truly feel safe as an artist.”