Ariana Madix is celebrating a major career milestone after earning her first Emmy nomination. The “Vanderpump Rules” alum has experienced a boost in her career in recent years, transitioning from starring in reality television to hosting her favorite show, “Love Island.” The honor is the latest sign of her successful career pivot, with her hosting work earning recognition from the television industry.

Ariana Madix is currently in Fiji filming the eighth season of “Love Island,” and she was in bed asleep when the nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced on July 8.

The 41-year-old TV personality assumed hosting duties for the dating reality show’s sixth season in 2024, replacing “Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland.

News of Madix’s Emmy nod came via a phone call at 4:30 a.m. Fiji time. She felt anxious when she was awakened by the ringing of the room phone, as it was too early and she assumed the worst. “I ran over to answer the phone, worried that something bad had happened,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.

The call was a welcome surprise, though, as it was Madix’s team on the other end of the line, congratulating her on her very first Emmy nomination. Admittedly, she was still half asleep when she got the news and went back to bed.

The Host Up Against TV Heavyweights

Madix is going up against TV titans for the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program category. Other nominees are Jeff Probst for “Survivor,” RuPaul Charles for “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Alan Cumming for “The Traitors,” and Kristen Kish for “Top Chef.”

Madix shared she was absolutely “over the moon” when the news sank in, describing the experience as “crazy and amazing.” To see herself get recognized alongside other hosts she considers her idols was a “cool feeling.”

“It’s such an honor to be nominated, especially to be nominated in the category where these are people who are the absolute best at what they do,” Madix gushed.

Ariana Madix Was A Big Fan Of ‘Love Island’ Before She Became Its Host

Madix gained fame as a cast member of the Bravo series “Vanderpump Rules,” appearing on the show for 11 seasons from 2013 to 2024. Over the years, she had repeatedly expressed her love for the dating reality show “Love Island,” which was documented on “Vanderpump Rules.”

At one point in the show, she was seen urging her then-boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, to spend more quality time with her by watching “Love Island” together. Sandoval replied, “I don’t have time to watch 50 goddamn episodes of ‘Love Island.’”

In 2023, Madix and Sandoval broke up after nine years together when the former discovered that her partner had been having an affair with her close friend and fellow “Vanderpump Rules” cast member, Raquel Leviss, who now goes by Rachel Leviss. The highly publicized scandal, which became known as “Scandoval,” dominated headlines and remains one of reality TV’s biggest controversies.

The Host’s Personal Turmoil Turned Into Professional Triumph

Madix made her “Love Island” debut in Season 5 as a VIP guest shortly after the demise of her relationship. She said it was a “dream come true” to step into the villa after being a superfan for years.

In 2023, NBCUniversal executives said the fifth season was in pre-production when they saw the episode of “Vanderpump Rules” where Madix expressed her obsession with “Love Island.” The executives said it made sense for Madix to appear as a guest, per Rolling Stone.

Advertisement

Madix visited the villa to host the “Mr. and Mrs.” game for the islanders, and she also dropped a dig at her former partner, telling the contestants, “Take it from me, it’s important to know who you’re dating or sharing a bed with, and if they’re not the one for you, trust me, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later.”

Ariana Madix Finds Fulfillment As ‘Love Island’ Host

In 2024, Hyland stepped down from her “Love Island” hosting duties due to scheduling conflicts, and the production tapped Madix to take over.

Ahead of the Season 8 premiere, Madix told The Hollywood Reporter that she would love to host the show until she dies. “I truly feel very fulfilled doing this job. I feel creatively fulfilled. It also scratches an itch for me in terms of the performance side… I love connecting with the islanders every season, and so I definitely could see myself doing it for quite some time,” she said.

“Love Island” Season 8 is streaming on Peacock, with the finale set to air on July 12.

Advertisement

Jaime King is shutting down speculation that her friendship with Taylor Swift has soured after fans noticed her son, Leo Newman, was absent from the singer’s lavish wedding to Travis Kelce. 

The actress’ publicist has now addressed the growing rumors, insisting the decision had nothing to do with their relationship and explaining why Swift’s godson celebrated the newlyweds in a far more personal, age-appropriate way instead of attending the star-studded ceremony.

4

Rumors of a rift between Taylor Swift and Jaime King began circulating after reports revealed that all five of Swift’s godchildren were noticeably absent from her star-studded wedding celebration. 

Among them was ten-year-old Leo, whom King famously asked Swift to become godmother to years ago.

As theories about the pair’s friendship spread online, King’s publicist, Jane Owen, stepped in to shut them down in a statement to Page Six, making it clear that Leo’s absence had nothing to do with any tension between the longtime friends.

Instead, Owen said the decision reflected the private nature of the role the Grammy Award winner has always played in the boy’s life.

Swift’s Role As Leo’s Godmother Was Never About Public Appearances

4

According to Owen, Jaime King chose Taylor Swift as Leo’s godmother because they share a similar understanding of what the role entails.

“The reason Jaime chose Taylor as Leo Thames’s godmother is because they both believe that being a godmother is a deeply personal and spiritual commitment that has nothing to do with public appearances,” she explained.

The publicist also revealed that Leo celebrated the newlyweds in his own way rather than attending the adult-focused festivities.

“Leo Thames is still too young for a large adult wedding celebration, but he and his mother were able to joyfully celebrate Taylor and Kelce’s marriage in his own very special, age-appropriate way during his summer break,” Owen added.

Jaime King Once Declared Taylor Swift Would Be ‘The Best Godmother’ 

4

Even as speculation continues about King’s friendship with Swift, the actress has long spoken glowingly about why she chose the singer as her son’s godmother. 

Speaking to PEOPLE in 2020, she described the decision as deeply personal rather than one based on Swift’s fame. 

“You know it doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are or what you do,” King said, explaining that choosing a godparent “is a very sacred experience.” 

She added that the “Cruel Summer” singer was the obvious choice because of her character, declaring, “She’s going to be, like, the best godmother in the whole world. The best.” 

King also praised Swift’s values, work ethic, and generosity, saying, “It wasn’t because it was this person and the name. It was really because of her morals and her values, the way that she treats people and how hard-working she is … her family and how close she is to them.” 

King Had Long Championed Swift And Kelce’s Romance

4

Jaime King has never been shy about publicly supporting Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce. 

Long before the wedding, the 47-year-old made it clear she believed the NFL star was the right match for the pop superstar. 

Speaking to Us Weekly following the couple’s engagement, King couldn’t hide her excitement, declaring, “I’m f-cking stoked.” 

The “White Chicks” actress continued, “Like, this is absolutely, this is the person. This is her person. Yeah, I’m so happy.” 

King also reflected on her own engagement to Austin Sosa, saying, “I feel like my engagement is to myself, in the best way,” while adding there were “so many beautiful things happening” in her life. 

What Happened To Jaime King And Taylor Swift’s Once-Close Friendship?

Ben Crump shared details about the death of Nolan Xavier Wells in a new interview with ABC News, and he noted texts appear to have been deleted from the teen’s cell phone. He also noted that the 18-year-old was a strong swimmer.

The college student’s body was found off the coast of Horn Island in Jackson County, Mississippi, on Monday, July 6. He’d been on a Fourth of July outing with friends and was reported missing when they returned home without him. The authorities claim he drowned and don’t suspect foul play, but Crump has reservations about the state of Mississippi conducting a transparent investigation.

RELATED: Family Of Nolan Xavier Wells Retains Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump As Investigation Into His Death Continues (UPDATE)

Ben Crump Says Nolan Was A Strong Swimmer And Reveals Apparent Deleted Texts

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump told journalist Linsey Davis that there were concerning contradictions in the case. Sheriff John Ledbetter from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office claims that he suspects no crime occurred, and the authorities believe Nolan may have drowned.

However, a video captured an argument among the group. Furthermore, Crump says Nolan was a strong swimmer, and the family does not accept the sheriff’s theory.

“You know, his father said he was an elite athlete — that he prided himself on his physical prowess,” said Crump. “He said that his son could swim, and so they’re just not accepting that Nolan drowned accidentally.”

“Uh ,you know, the guys on the boat, they said Nolan stayed, but they took his cell phone,” he said. “That’s not adding up to them. The fact that then when the family gets the cell phone back, Lindsay, they’re saying they are trying to understand why there are deleted messages, and so it’s very concerning to them.”

Crump Says Family Is Conducting A Private Autopsy

Ben Crump said an independent autopsy is being conducted. He added that Nolan’s parents, Elmore Wonsley and Christine Wonsley, won’t let their son’s death be swept under the rug. 

“Obviously, the biggest question is ‘What happened to Nolan Wells?’” Crump said. “I think the reason this case has caught such fire is because they see the pictures, they see the video, and they’re saying, ‘Hold on. You’re trying to tell us just accept this an accident and sweep it under the rug.’ His mother Christine, his father, Elmore, say ‘no.’ They will not allow that to happen.”

“So, the family is concerned about that,” he continued. “So, we’re going to have an independent autopsy. We have investigators talking to witnesses that have no allegiance to the state. And that’s important. Lindsay, when you think about Mississippi and the history of Mississippi, you know, this is the state where Emmett Till was lynched.”

The autopsy results are expected on July 10.

RELATED: Nolan Xavier Wells’ Mother Shares Heartbreaking Message Alongside Family Photos Following His Body Being Found On Horn Island

For years, Paige Niemann became internet-famous for looking almost exactly like Ariana Grande. Now, she is revealing what she claims the pop superstar told her behind closed doors. 

According to the influencer, Grande privately reached out with an unexpected message, not to criticize her viral impersonations, but to encourage her to stop hiding behind someone else’s image and embrace who she really is. 

Rather than focusing on the attention Niemann had been receiving online, Ariana Grande’s alleged message centered on self-confidence.

According to Niemann, the singer wrote per The Mirror, “I am flattered and I am sure you’re very sweet. But I just wanted you to know, I looked back a little ways on your page and I think someone should tell you if they haven’t today that you’re very beautiful as YOURSELF.”

Grande reportedly continued by telling the influencer she didn’t need to transform her appearance to be appreciated, adding she was beautiful “without all the make up and trying to make your face look more similar to someone else’s and whatnot.”

Advertisement

The message concluded with another encouraging reminder that read, “I had to say it because it is the truth. Always do what makes you happy of course but if I didn’t say that to you, I’d regret it. You’re beautiful as you are. Take care.”

Niemann Is Now Trying To Move Beyond Her Grande Persona

Paige Niemann revealed the alleged conversation on “Turning the Paige,” a reality TV series documenting her efforts to redefine herself after years of being known primarily as Ariana Grande’s lookalike.

She first went viral on TikTok at just 12 years old by recreating the actress’s signature hairstyles, makeup, outfits, and mannerisms. 

Advertisement

As her following exploded, so did criticism from online users, with many speculating she had undergone cosmetic procedures to strengthen the resemblance.

Now 22, Niemann says she is trying to establish an identity separate from the comparisons that made her famous. 

Ariana Grande Once Slammed TikTok Impersonators 

Long before Paige Niemann revealed the alleged private message she received from Grande, the “God Is A Woman” singer had already made it clear she was uncomfortable with the wave of TikTok impersonators recreating her look and her “Victorious” character, Cat Valentine. 

In 2020, Grande shared filmmaker Jordan Firstman’s satirical video criticizing internet memes that strip artistic work of its original meaning, saying it perfectly captured how she felt. 

Referring to creators who copied her signature ponytail, oversized sweatshirts, winged eyeliner, and Cat Valentine voice, Grande wrote on Instagram Stories, “Omg can this please also double as your impression of the pony tail tik tok girls who think doing the Cat Valentine voice and that wearing winged eyeliner and a sweatshirt is doing a good impersonation of me … cause this really how it feels.” 

Advertisement

Doctor Urges Caution As Grande’s Appearance Fuels Harmful Online Speculation

The intense scrutiny surrounding Ariana Grande’s image extends well beyond the rise of her impersonators, with fans now debating the singer’s own appearance in ways experts say can be damaging.

Recent social media discussions have accused Grande of engaging in “body checking” after photos and videos of the Grammy winner circulated online, prompting concern among some fans about her noticeably slimmer physique. 

Speaking to Bored Panda, Dr. Monica Li explained that body checking is “when an individual repeatedly and intentionally measures, scrutinizes, or monitors their body size, shape, or weight,” adding that it is “often linked to eating disorders or body dysmorphia.” 

However, he stressed that it is impossible to determine someone’s intentions from photos or videos alone. 

Dr. Gizem Seymenoglu also cautioned against making assumptions about Grande, noting that public speculation can be damaging and emphasizing that “appearance should be only one part of someone’s identity, rather than the thing they’re valued for most.” 

Advertisement

Ariana Grande Says The Version Of Herself Fans Called Healthy Was Actually Her ‘Unhealthiest’

As speculation about Grande’s appearance continues to resurface, the singer has previously urged fans not to judge a person’s health based solely on how they look. 

In a candid TikTok video shared in 2023, she revealed that the version of her body many people compared her current appearance to was actually when she was struggling the most. 

“Personally for me, the body that you’ve been comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body,” she said. 

Grande explained that she was “on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly and at the lowest point of my life” during that period, despite many believing she looked healthier then. 

Advertisement

She also reminded fans that “there are many different kinds of beautiful” and urged people to be “gentler and less comfortable commenting on people’s bodies,” emphasizing that they never truly know what someone else may be going through. 

With just days to go before its theatrical release, the review embargo for Evil Dead Burn has officially lifted and while not every critic is completely sold, the latest chapter in the legendary horror franchise is already earning praise for delivering exactly what longtime fans have been craving: relentless gore, inventive kills, and an unapologetically brutal return to Deadite terror.

Directed by Sébastien Vaniček, the filmmaker behind the acclaimed horror thriller Infested, Evil Dead Burn follows a grieving widow who seeks comfort with her late husband’s family, only to find herself trapped in a nightmare as demonic forces begin possessing those around her. The film stars Souheila Yacoub, Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, and Tandi Wright, while franchise creators Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert return as producers.

Many of the first reviews have praised Vaniček’s fresh vision for the franchise, with critics highlighting the film’s intense practical effects, creative set pieces, and emotionally grounded story. Several reviewers have even suggested Evil Dead Burn may be the most violent installment the series has ever produced.

Evil Dead Burn [credit: Warner Bros.]

Advertisement

Not every review has been glowing, however. While some critics applauded the film’s willingness to push the boundaries of horror, others argued that its relentless brutality occasionally comes at the expense of the dark humor and charm that helped define earlier entries in the franchise.

One of the film’s stars, Hunter Doohan, recently spoke about the demanding production, revealing that some of the movie’s elaborate action and horror sequences required days of filming and extensive rehearsals.

“How the f— are we going to do this?”

Doohan recalled thinking while preparing for one of the film’s most ambitious set pieces.

Doohan also revealed that he watched every previous Evil Dead film before production began to fully immerse himself in the franchise’s mythology, saying the experience turned him into an even bigger fan.

Ahead of production, Vaniček also shared that Bruce Campbell had one major request for the new installment: respect what made Evil Dead special while still bringing something new to the table. According to the director, Campbell encouraged him to stay true to the franchise’s DNA without simply recreating what had come before.

Whether Evil Dead Burn ultimately ranks among the franchise’s very best remains to be seen, but the early consensus suggests horror fans are in for one of the year’s most intense theatrical experiences. With praise for its practical effects, gruesome kills, and uncompromising vision, the latest chapter appears ready to continue the franchise’s reputation as one of horror’s bloodiest and most enduring series when it opens in theaters on July 10.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 3 seconds ago

Every modern piece of science fiction owes a debt to those who have come before. It can be fascinating to look back and see things fans take for granted that originally came from the works of Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, or classic serials including Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. The 1956 movie Forbidden Planet news to be up there with the titans of science fiction considering how much it has influenced everything that’s come after it. Forbidden Planet introduced so many concepts to Hollywood sci-fi productions we take for granted today it’s hard to imagine a world without them.

Shakespeare IN SPPPPAAACCCEEE

For starters, Forbidden Planet is entirely set out in space with no scenes on Earth. That doesn’t sound like a big deal today, but in 1956, that had never been done before. The planet of Altair IV also looks better than any sci-fi landscape before thanks to massive matte backdrops. Filming used CinemaScope and Eastmancolor, making it the first sci-fi film to have color, which created the sweeping vistas and cause all of the little details, from the outfits to Robby the Robot’s nuts and bolts, to pop. 

The story of Forbidden Planet, as with so many other films to come, takes an existing story and applies a coat of sci-fi paint over the top of it. In this case, it’s Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) fills the role of Prospero, while his daughter Alta (Anne Francis) is the analogue to Miranda. The hero is Commander John Adams of Starship C-57D, played by acclaimed dramatic actor Leslie Neilsen, long before Airplane and The Naked Gun. There’s no winking to the camera on Altair IV, and while parts of the story haven’t aged well at all, it’s far beyond the B-movie schlock that other studios were putting out in the 50s. 

Robby The Robot Changed Everything

The largest cultural impact Forbidden Planet has had is Robbie the Robot. It’s never mentioned outright, but Robby is bound by Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics: A robot may not injure a human, must obey human orders unless they contradict the First Law, and must protect its own existence so long as it doesn’t work against the First or Second Law. When Robbie refuses to stop a rampaging energy monster because he can tell it was born from Morbius’ sub-conscious, that’s the First Law in action. 

Robby is the first time a robot in a Hollywood movie was given a personality. Without Robbie, we’d have no C-3PO and no “Danger Will Robinson.” Using a dry, sardonic wit, Robby paved the way for robotic characters instead of simply robotic props. His design was even different thanks to the clear dome on top that allowed us to see his inner workings while his limbs were maneuverable enough to perform gestures. 

Highly Advanced Ancient Civilizations Started Here

It’s less obvious, but Forbidden Planet also introduced to Hollywood the concept of ancient civilizations leaving behind technology we barely understand. This has been used in Star Trek, Stargate, The Fifth Element, it’s hard to think of a modern sci-fi series that doesn’t go down this road. The Krell on Altair IV are never seen, but their presence is felt through the entire second half of the film. Morbius wants to keep their technology away from Earth, Adams thinks humanity would benefit from it, and that right there is half of all sci-fi plots. 

Forbidden Planet is the Rosetta Stone of science-fiction. There’s something from it used in every series and film that’s followed. Even 70 years later, it’s still a perfectly watchable film that with a few tweaks here and there, could have been an episode of Star Trek: The Original Series. If you want to see the origins of science fiction yourself, the film is currently streaming for free on Tubi and Plex.

The quiet luxury trend has been going strong for a while now, as the understated, often neutral aesthetic gives a timeless, high-end feel. Although it’s easy to incorporate that vibe into clothing, like dresses, sweaters and trousers, perhaps we’ve all been seriously missing out on applying the lifestyle to our swimsuits. That’s right: For summer 2026, it’s all about quiet luxury swimwear.

Of course, you could wear a black, white, beige or other neutral bathing suit and say that’s quiet luxury. However, it’s a little more than that. It’s a one-piece option with really clean lines or a two-piece pick that looks like it has a higher price tag than it does. And yes, of course, the color has a lot to do with it, too. Here’s how you can rock the trend by the pool all season long.

17 Quiet Luxury Swimwear Options

1. Our Favorite: It doesn’t get much better than this one-piece with a plunging neckline. Not only are the color options spot-on, but the waist tie disguises the tummy for a flattering look.

2. Matching Coverup: Your whole poolside look is complete with this one-piece with a matching skirt. Wear the halter swimsuit for a dip, then throw on the cover-up to go grab lunch.

3. Sweet Skirt: Currently on sale for $20, this one-piece Walmart swimsuit couldn’t get sleeker if it tried. The classic silhouette has a built-in skirt with a slit, so you’ll feel as good as you look.

4. Trusty Tankini: Get the coverage of a one-piece with the convenience of a two-piece, thanks to this adjustable tankini swimsuit. It has a smocked bust for comfort and is more modest than a bikini.

Related: Marine Motifs! Gingham! 4 Major Swimsuit Trends to Wear This Summer

Swimwear trends are always extremely nuanced. It’s rare for silhouettes to change from year to year, but small changes — like contrasting trim, unique embellishments and loud patterns — separate each season’s top styles. This year, the hottest swimsuits are playful by design. We’re seeing plenty of patterns, including gingham and polka dots, that spark […]

5. Buckled Beauty: All eyes will be on you in this classic one-piece option, especially if you choose one of the beautiful patterns. It has a flattering waist tie, complete with circular hardware to make it look even more high-end.

6. Tummy Tie: Picking a swimsuit doesn’t have to be complicated — just go with this timeless Lands’ End option, which features a wrap design to disguise the midsection. It’s chlorine-resistant, too, so it’ll last you for many summers to come.

7. Gorgeous Gingham: If you love a two-piece but want a little more coverage, try this high-waisted skirt set. It comes in various gingham options and solid colors that nail the quiet luxury aesthetic.

8. Polished Plunge: You can get much simpler than this Quince one-piece swimsuit, so how can you go wrong? It comes in eight color options, but the deep navy really gives off a rich mom vibe.

9. Cool Contrast: For something a little more fun than a solid color, this Walmart set includes an adjustable underwire top and mid-rise bikini bottom. Both have a unique contrast trim that adds a little something extra.

10. Real Ruching: As much as we love midsection ruching, our favorite part of this one-piece bathing suit is the thick straps. They give it an expensive look that could easily pair with a skirt or shorts.

11. Bandeau Babe: Wear it as a bandeau — goodbye, tan lines! — or use the optional straps. This Abercrombie & Fitch option has contrast trim that gives a timeless vibe.

12. Happy High-Rise: The top is a little longer, and the bottoms are a little higher, so this isn’t a super revealing bikini. With thick straps and hardware on the bust, this under-$40 two-piece set is a winner.

13. Serious Support: You can thank the U-wire push-up design for ensuring your chest is supported. This two-piece bikini pick has textured material, which is a flattering detail.

14. Better Button-Up: We bet you don’t have a one-piece bathing suit with buttons, but now you can. The fun detail is the unexpected touch that makes it quiet luxury-ready.

15. Twisted Tie: Not only is the up-and-down texture elongating, but it helps disguise your tummy. We also love the tie-front and cutout at the bust on this Walmart bathing suit.

16. Cute Coverage: It’s all about clean lines on this one-piece skirt swimsuit, so what you see is what you get. It offers reasonable coverage, and the adjustable straps ensure you feel confident, too.

17. Sturdy Straps: There are so many color and pattern options with this Abercrombie & Fitch bikini that we can’t choose which is our favorite. The wide-strap underwire top and mid-rise, high-leg bottoms ensure you soak up the sun.

Related: This $28 Bathing Suit Earns Me Tons of Compliments Every Summer

Finding a flattering swimsuit that looks expensive and earns compliments usually means spending way more than you want to. That’s why I was shocked when the Herseas ruffle bikini set delivered the same elevated look as some designer styles I was eyeing. I originally fell in love with a chic navy set from Marie Oliver, […]

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

John Stamos has finally explained why fans should stop hoping to see him compete for the Mirrorball Trophy on “Dancing With the Stars.”

The longtime television star recently admitted that despite years of speculation and repeated invitations, one major reason keeps him from joining the hit competition series. While many celebrities view the ballroom as a chance to reinvent themselves, Stamos believes the show isn’t the right fit for him.

John Stamos is opening up about his firm stance, revealing why he will “never” sign up for “Dancing With the Stars,” while reflecting on the personal journey that continues to shape his decisions today.

5

John Stamos revealed that despite receiving an invitation “every single season,” he has no plans to compete on “Dancing With the Stars.”

Speaking to Bobby Bones on his “The Bobbycast” podcast, the actor admitted he has repeatedly turned down producers and eventually told them to stop asking because his decision would never change.

Explaining his reasoning, Stamos said the show’s appeal comes from watching contestants struggle through demanding rehearsals, painful injuries, and embarrassing moments in front of millions of viewers. He joked that watching celebrities suffer may entertain audiences, but it is not an experience he wants for himself. In his words:

“What makes that show good is people suffering and looking like fools. They’re breaking their feet, calluses. I don’t want that.”

Bobby Bones tried to persuade him it would be worth it, but Stamos was adamant that the ballroom competition wasn’t for him.

The Actor Joked That The Dance Competition Was Rigged

5

Although Bobby Bones tried convincing him that competing on the show would be worth the experience, Stamos refused to budge. The actor instead teased the former champion about his Season 27 victory, joking that fellow contestant Juan Pablo Di Pace should have taken home the Mirrorball Trophy instead.

Stamos laughed that Bones had defeated somebody who had been getting all A’s from the judges all the time, and playfully said it didn’t make any sense to him. He even joked, “You know that it was rigged up for the competition, just telling you,” leaving both men laughing through the interview.

Despite the lighthearted exchange, Stamos made it clear his opinion has not changed. He said no amount of persuasion would convince him to join the celebrity dance competition.

John Stamos Isn’t The Only Star To Reject ‘Dancing With The Stars’

5

Stamos joins a long list of celebrities who have politely declined “Dancing With the Stars” over the years, each for their own reasons. Weird Al Yankovic turned down the show, telling Billboard he’s “frankly not a big fan of reality TV.”

Chef Bobby Flay took a similar stance, previously telling Zagat he didn’t want to become known as “that guy on Dancing with the Stars.” His concerns weren’t just professional either, as he once admitted his ex-wife threatened to leave him if he signed on.

Even Queen Latifah, who has performed on the show multiple times, has made clear she’d rather watch from home than compete herself, telling Access Hollywood she sees herself “as a performer, but not as a dancer.” For every celebrity chasing the Mirrorball Trophy, another is perfectly content saying no.

More Celebrities Who Have Said No To The Ballroom

5

Stamos is far from alone in giving “Dancing With the Stars” a hard pass. Kevin Jonas has been asked to join nearly every season for the last 20 years but has always declined, admitting, “it’s just not for me.”

Kylie Kelce feels similarly, telling Us Weekly she doesn’t want to do “anything reality,” including DWTS, adding that she says so “with my whole chest.” Tish Cyrus has echoed the sentiment, admitting on a podcast that the show’s live format leaves her too nervous to ever compete.

The show has also been turned down several times over the years by other stars, such as Gayle King and Paula Deen, for their own reasons, including not getting on the dance floor. Obviously, not all celebrity aspirations involve being on the show.

John Stamos’s Sobriety Journey Shapes His Priorities Today

5

Stamos’s stance on “Dancing With the Stars” isn’t just about dance — it reflects a broader shift in how he approaches his life since getting sober. The actor has been sober for close to six years, a journey that began after his 2015 DUI arrest pushed him toward therapy and real change.

Stamos has credited his longtime therapist, Phil Stutz, as well as his wife, Caitlin McHugh, and son, Billy, for helping him stay grounded on that path.

He explained that sobriety taught him the value of consistency, noting that “staying on the path” is what matters most, even when temptation creeps in, as reported by The Blast. Stamos apparently has more interest in keeping his peace these days than obtaining reality TV spotlights.

By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 15 seconds ago

On September 1, 2026, Sony will be removing 551 digitally purchased movies and television shows from its platform, which means consumers who paid for the products will no longer have access to them. While this move will only affect European accounts, it continues an ominous precedent that raises questions about ownership in the digital landscape.

Sony claims expiring licensing agreements as the reason the properties are being removed. Accounts in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe will lose access to popular movies like Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Hot Fuzz, and hundreds of others. This is due to an expiring license agreement between Canal Studios and Sony, but this is not the first time that Sony has removed Canal Studios content from its platform. In 2022, Sony removed over 300 titles distributed by that studio.

The Fine Print Always Wins

It’s always in the very fine print in the digital user agreement that digital platforms reserve the right to remove purchased content. This language in the agreement exists in the US digital user agreement, as many experienced with purchased content from Discovery TV or the show Final Space, which suddenly disappeared right after an announcement that some studios would only be releasing digital content. Just like in past instances of Sony pulling purchased content, they are not offering refunds or other compensation for the current removal of 551 titles.

Tying into the digital user agreement and Sony’s ability to remove content if a licensing agreement expires, the company has announced that starting on Jan 1, 2028, they will no longer be producing physical discs. The digital content will be always-online and, in some cases, require PS+ to access multiplayer and other features. Gamers will only be purchasing the right to play the content, not to actually own the game. These actions have resurrected concerns by many on social media that we no longer own what we are buying if a company can pull your access at any time.

True Ownership No Longer Exists

As if on cue, Rockstar Games recently announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will not have a physical disc, either. Players will be required to always be online and subject to the same wording in a digital user agreement about access to the game that we, the gamers, have purchased. The base game of GTA VI will be $80, and the upgrade, which gives you access to customization options, will have a $100 price point.

If we don’t own what we buy and they can remove access at any time, then why is the price of games continuing to increase? Why is our access to movies and shows being Balkanized into digital streaming libraries that only give us access when they want to, and can remove access at any time? In an entertainment industry that is increasingly moving from physical to digital media, the companies have more control over what consumers are allowed to own than the consumers do, meaning we don’t actually buy what we buy, but rent it until the company pulls it for whatever excuse. With Final Space, Warner Bros wrote it off for tax purposes, actually making money from depriving consumers of content they purchased.

While the lesson from all this should be “buy physical copies,” with so many companies working around this by only releasing movies, TV shows, and video games digitally, that advice no longer works. Viewers and video game players need to be aware that the platforms that manage their media can remove it at any time, so we can fight for the ownership of the things we buy.