Katie Price blasted “disgusting” rumors that the search for her missing husband, Lee Andrews, is a publicity stunt.

“I need to look after my own sanity. I’m taking a step back for my own sanity,” Price, 47, told her Instagram followers on Thursday, May 21. “There’s only one person I also need to look after [which] is myself. I am now taking a step back and that’s it.”

The Celebrity Big Brother UK star continued, “I’ve still got to work. There’s exciting things coming up. But, for my sanity, I don’t know what’s true, what’s not true. I’m like that now. I don’t know. … My antennas are up now. I’ve decided to take a step back from everything, assess everything in my way and just continue with my life. What will be will be.”

In an earlier vlog on Tuesday, May 19, Price denied that she had any additional information about her husband allegedly going missing in Dubai last week.

“I want to make it clear again to everyone: This is not a publicity stunt. This is real, and anyone who thinks that I’m part of this is disgusting,” she told viewers.

“None of his family have still heard anything from Lee. His dad’s out in Dubai has heard nothing, and the rest of his family’s in the U.K., and obviously me,” Price added. “We have reported him to the British embassy as a missing person; He’s been reported in Dubai as a missing person. I just don’t know what to say.”

Price and Andrews were supposed to appear together on Good Morning Britain on May 12 but he was a no-show. At the time, his absence was blamed on travel problems in Dubai, where Andrews has lived since the early 2000s.

During that interview, Price was asked directly whether or not it was true that Andrews had been detained in the United Arab Emirates.

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Lady Victoria Hervey, the ex-girlfriend of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) appears to have likened the attention surrounding his arrest to a “blood sport.” Posting via her X account on Friday, February 20, Hervey, 49, wrote,“There is a feeding frenzy going on right now which can only be compared to a blood sport like fox […]

“No, I feel like they just said it to me in there [backstage] so I just said to Lee, ‘Apparently a British man has been detained, can you confirm it’s not you?’ He’s done a voice note back and said it’s not him and sent laughing emojis,” she explained. “He’s at the airport and on his way. He had things to do, didn’t make the flight, because of all his business stuff he has to do.”

Four days later, Price revealed that there was more to the story, revealing that she’d last spoken to Andrews on May 13. Per Price, Andrews claimed he “had ties around his hands” in the back of a van and said he was being taken to a black ops site in the UAE.

“That’s the last contact anyone’s had, his family and myself,” she told fans in a May 16 vlog. “So, this is the third day now. Obviously, he phoned me before the location went off. He’s in the middle of nowhere … obviously, I’m worried like, what the hell’s happened? Then Thursday came, still nothing. My messages weren’t going through. It was just one tick.”

On Monday, May 18, London’s Evening Standard reported that Andrews’ family filed a missing persons report at the British embassy in Dubai.

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“We are supporting the family of a British man and are in contact with the local authorities,” a spokesperson for Britain’s Foreign Office told multiple media outlets that same day.

Price has been married four times total — first to “Mysterious Girl” singer Peter Andre, with whom she shares son Junior Savva Andreas, 20, and daughter Princess Tiaamii Crystal Esther, 18. Following Price and Andre’s 2009 divorce, she was married to MMA fighter Alex Reid from 2010 to 2011 and Kieran Hayler from 2013 to 2021. (Price and Hayler, 39, share son Jett Riviera, 12, and daughter Bunny Hayler, 11. Price also has an older son, Harvey, 23, with soccer star Dwight Yorke.)

In January 2026, Price tied the knot for the fourth time when she exchanged vows with Andrews in a lavish Dubai ceremony.

Celebrity Big Brother U.K. alum Katie Price reported husband Lee Andrews missing after he failed to return home following a trip to Dubai.

“Lee has been missing for three days. The last time I heard from Lee was Wednesday night at 10 o’clock,” Price said in a May 16, 2026, YouTube video. “He was trying to go through the border in Dubai to get on a flight to me.”

The model, who has been married to Andrews since January, claimed she was unable to track Andrews’ location after May 13, further alleging that he had not been in contact with anyone in his family.

“He’s definitely a missing person now,” she said. “I don’t know if he’s been kidnapped. I don’t know what’s going on. So now no one can find him in any prison, police station, anything, anywhere in Dubai. The police just can’t find any record of it.”

Keep scrolling for everything to know about Andrews’ disappearance:

Why Was Katie Price’s Husband Lee Andrews in Dubai?

Andrews is a businessman who operates his various money-making ventures in Dubai. Price claimed that he traveled to the country to sort out her visa and international driver’s license.

When Was Lee Andrews Supposed to Return?

Price and Andrews were scheduled to appear on Good Morning Britain together on May 12. Andrews, however, failed to appear. . Rumors quickly swirled that Andrews was subjected to a travel ban and subsequently detained. When GMB host Ed Balls asked Price if the rumors were true, the model denied the allegations.

“No, I feel like they just said it to me in there [backstage] so I just said to Lee, ‘apparently a British man has been detained, can you confirm it’s not you?’ He’s done a voice note back and said it’s not him and sent laughing emojis,” she said during the interview. “He’s at the airport and on his way. He had things to do, didn’t make the flight, because of all his business stuff he has to do.”

When Did Katie Price Last Speak to Lee Andrews?

Four days after her solo GMB appearance, Price shared that she last spoke to Andrews on May 13.

“That’s the last contact anyone’s had, his family and myself,” she said in the May 16 YouTube video. “So, this is the third day now. Obviously, he phoned me before the location went off. He’s in the middle of nowhere … obviously, I’m worried like, what the hell’s happened? Then Thursday came, still nothing. My messages weren’t going through. It was just one tick.”

Does Katie Price Think Lee Andrews Was Kidnapped?

During their last conversation, Price claimed that Andrews told her he “had ties around his hands” and was in a van.

“He had a hood on and he said ‘I’ve just been captured, arrested,’ or whatever,” she recalled. “I can’t remember the exact word he said, but he had ties around his hand, not handcuffs, and a hood, and he said, ‘Look, they’re coming back for me. They’re coming back for me.’ That is the last FaceTime call I had with him. And then his phone went dead at 10:03.”

What Have the Authorities Said About Lee Andrews’ Disappearance?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are assisting in the investigation into Andrews’ disappearance.

“We are supporting the family of a British man and are in contact with the local authorities,” the FCDO said in a statement to the Independent on May 18.

Katie Price Denies Lee Andrews’ Disappearance Is a Publicity Stunt

After news broke that Andrews was missing, rumors swirled on social media that it was a publicity stunt. Price slammed the rumors in a May 19 YouTube video.

“This is real and anyone who thinks that I’m part of this is disgusting,” she said.

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Katie Price Says She Is Taking a ‘Step Back’ from Lee Andrews Controversy

The glamour model announced via Instagram on May 21, 2026, that she was “taking a step back” from the drama over her husband’s whereabouts.

“There’s only one person I also need to look after [which] is myself. I am now taking a step back and that’s it,” she insisted.

The British star added, “I’ve still got to work. There’s exciting things coming up. But, for my sanity, I don’t know what’s true, what’s not true. I’m like that now. I don’t know. … My antennas are up now. I’ve decided to take a step back from everything, assess everything in my way and just continue with my life. What will be will be.”

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 1 hour ago

Acclaimed horror writer Stephen King had nothing to do with Obsession. Nonetheless, I kept thinking about something the author once said while I was watching this harrowing horror movie. In his wonderful “Why We Crave Horror Movies” article, King argued that every human’s brain is filled with “hungry alligators,” and watching terrifying movies is a safe and cathartic way to feed those alligators. If we don’t feed these carnivorous critters, King argues, we might just make like Jack Torrance and go a little crazy. In a weird way, that’s what Obsession is about: the dangerous darkness hidden within the most unsuspecting souls, just waiting to get out.

In a fun twist, that darkness doesn’t come in the form of a crazed killer. Instead, it’s all about a young man who would do anything to get his childhood crush to love him more than anything else. He gets his wish, however, and is forced to realize how selfish and downright dangerous his desire really was.

Obsession is captivating from beginning to end, solidifying director Curry Barker as one of the best and brightest new voices in horror. Moreover, it’s one of the scariest films of the last decade, making it perfect for anyone looking for a few good screams.

Escaping The Friendzone At Any Cost

The premise of Obsession is deceptively simple. “Bear” Bailey is a young man who works at a music shop with his childhood friend, Nikki. He has romantic feelings for her, but like many dudes, he’s been effectively friend-zoned.

Instead of legitimately asking her out or simply moving on to another girl, Bear decides to use a “One Wish Willow,” which promises to make any wish come true. He wishes for Nikki to love him more than anything in the world, hoping this will secure her affection. It works, but as Nikki’s devotion becomes both dangerous and deadly, Bear learns the oldest lesson of them all: be careful what you wish for. Like some of the best horror movies, Obsession is a very grounded, lo-fi production. There are no dazzling special effects or distracting CGI, and this helps the actual horrific moments stand out that much more.

Before the film descends into full-blown body horror territory, it mines much of its terror out of the scariest thing of all: cringe. After Bear’s wish takes effect, Nikki begins acting increasingly erratic around their shared friend group, and these scenes can be brutally difficult to watch. Without knowing the weird black magic wish Bear invoked, his friends can only ask themselves one question: what the hell is wrong with this guy’s girlfriend?

An Oscar-Worthy Horror Performance

These scenes of quiet social terror work well largely because Obsession has a killer cast. Michael Johnston is best known for his voice acting, but he is pitch-perfect here as Bear, a guy whose hapless everyman quality makes him relatable. It’s hard not to sympathize with a man whose cat died and who just can’t get laid.

The character gets less sympathetic as time goes on: not only does he magically enslave someone, but he doesn’t hesitate to sleep with Nikki even when he knows she’s not herself. In peak “nice guy” mode, Bear doesn’t really care about what he did to her until it starts to affect him.

As good as Johnston is in the movie, Obsession is really a master showcase for Nikki actor Inde Navarrette. With only one feature film under her belt, I didn’t know what to expect from this young actor, and I was absolutely blown away by her versatility: she expertly animates both the “normal” Nikki and the obsessed version, sometimes alternating between them in the space of a scene.

Nikki can be absolutely terrifying (especially when her obsession drives her to acts of self-mutilation), but Navarrette underscores this relentless performance with notes of haunting vulnerability. In short, while horror is often overlooked by the Academy, Navarette turns in a performance fully worthy of Oscar consideration.

Some Wishes Really Do Come True

Of course, her odds of getting nominated are greater than you might think because of how successful Obsession has been. The movie was made for about $1 million and has made (as of this writing) nearly $28 million. Furthermore, it’s gotten rave reviews from the critics and currently has a 95 percent critical score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Impressively, the movie also has an audience score of 94 percent, indicating it’s a crowdpleaser that general moviegoers love just as much as professional reviewers. But why wouldn’t they? With this film, Curry Barker just established the new benchmark for modern horror.

There’s so much more to say about this amazing movie (the sound design alone will send shivers down your spine), but I don’t want to spoil anything. It’s definitely worth seeing Obsession on the big screen, preferably with your girlfriend or wife. For added irony points, be sure to ask them afterward whether they love you more than anything else. By the time the credits roll, you’ll know just how scary the answer to that question can be!

Almost three months after Lil Poppa’s tragic passing, his family and fans are still trying to keep his legacy alive. Loved ones and supporters continue struggling to come to terms with him no longer being here. Following the release of toxicology and autopsy reports, Lil Poppa’s mother spoke out about the dangers of drug use, especially during mental health battles. 

RELATED: Rick Ross’ Daughter Shares Emotional Tribute To Her Son’s Father Lil Poppa While Blasting Those Blaming Her For His Passing

Lil Poppa’s Mother Opens Up Following The Release Of His Toxicology & Autopsy Report

Lil Poppa’s loving mother, Ms. Lynn, took to Instagram earlier this week while trying to keep her son’s legacy alive. She also hoped to bring awareness following the release of his toxicology reports. In the post, she revealed that methamphetamine was found in Lil Poppa’s system at the time of his passing. Ms. Lynn shared that she believes the drugs played a major role in what happened, especially while he battled depression and anxiety.

She explained that her family decided to share the information not to shame Lil Poppa, but to help others understand the dangers of substance abuse and mental health struggles. Ms. Lynn also reflected on the rapper as a loving father, son, and a good-hearted person.

“To everyone who has continued to support and pray for our family since the passing of my son, Lil Poppa, I want to finally speak on the autopsy and toxicology reports.

The reports confirmed that methamphetamine was in his system at the time of his passing. As his family, we truly believe the drugs played a major part in what happened.

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Although he did struggle with depression and anxiety, we know in our hearts that the substances affecting his mind and judgment made an already difficult battle even harder.

The son we knew and loved would never have wanted to leave behind his child, his family, or the people who cared about him so deeply if he had been in the right state of mind. Substance abuse can change a person’s thinking, emotions, and decisions in heartbreaking ways.

We are sharing this not to shame him, but to tell the truth and hopefully bring awareness to how dangerous these drugs truly are, especially when someone is already struggling emotionally or mentally.

Beneath everything, he was still a loving father, son, and person with a good heart. We ask everyone to continue remembering him for the love, talent, and light he brought into this world, not just for the way we lost him.

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Please continue to keep our family, especially his child, in your prayers as we navigate this pain day by day. If sharing his story can help even one person, then speaking honestly about it matters.

Rest easy, son. We love you forever.”

Amid her statement, TMZ also shared an update from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s report. According to documents obtained by TMZ, Lil Poppa passed away from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound. This, reportedly to the left side of his head, sustained while sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

Orieon Shares Heartfelt Message About The Impact Drugs Had On Her Brother Lil Poppa’s Mental Health

Lil Poppa’s little sister, Orieon, also took to social media to reflect on her brother’s legacy and mental health struggles. She shared throwback photos while opening up about how deeply drugs impacted Lil Poppa before his passing.

In her emotional message, Orieon shared that she believes the drugs changed her brother’s mindset. And contributed to the heartbreaking situation. She also reflected on Lil Poppa’s love for his son, Kofi, his relationship with God, his dreams, ambition, and the future she believes he still wanted.

“Although that bullet killed you, deep down I know it was the drugs.

You wouldn’t have done this if you were in your right state of mind, and that’s the most painful part. Just off the strength and thought of Kofi alone, I know for a fact this would’ve NEVER happened.

You loved too hard and cared too deeply to ever willingly leave behind the people who needed you most. That’s why it’s so hard for me to make peace with any of this. Those drugs changed you in ways you never intended. They clouded your mind and spirit, and I hate that they got such a hold on you like this.

Your relationship with God was too deep. You just wanted to be happy, and you were getting there. Through all of this, I still saw the version of you that would’ve done anything for Kofi. The version of you that still had dreams, plans, and people counting on him. I SAW THE REAL YOU, P.

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That’s the version of you I’ll never stop grieving. Because I truly believe, with my whole heart, that if those drugs never entered your life, none of this would’ve happened.”

Fans Continue Grieving As They React To The Latest Update 

Many of Lil Poppa’s supporters gathered under The Shade Room Teens. This, as they reacted to the latest updates surrounding his passing. While many continue mourning the rapper’s loss, others shared shock after learning what was found in his system, leaving some supporters with even more questions.

Instagram user @nanii.g wrote, “METHHHHH POPPA WTF”

Instagram user @its.teriahh wrote. “nahhh im not fw this, yall should’ve kept that in the family”

While Instagram user @whinstarr wrote, “Very well written, I applaud her for sharing her son’s story to hopefully save someone else’s.”

Instagram user @mssheartbrk wrote, “i just want yall to know if you do x pills meth will show up in your system. NOT justifying it at all but i don’t think he was heating spoons up like yall making it seem 🥴”

Instagram user @streamwithnell added, “Instead of judging him as a human being, Lets pray for his family during this difficult time! 🙏🏾”

While Instagram user @rareseed_baby wrote, “Yall so delusional in the comments, it could be in any kind of pills ! !   and this not the post for all that anyway be fr 🙄”

Instagram user @theeoriginalprettigyrlb wrote, “I’m still so broken 💔 behind this Poppa I Pray you found peace within 💜 💜 💜 

Instagram user @gorgeous_astt added, “Rip poppa we love u regardless 🥺💔depression is so real”

While Instagram user @lifeofa.mari_ wrote, Substance abuse and mental illness go hand in hand 😢 💔 we, as a community, have to do better and get the help we rightfully deserve. Keep resting in heaven Poppa 🙏🏾 

RELATED: Fans Weigh In After Toie Roberts Reveals Lil Poppa’s Belongings Were Reported Missing Following His Passing (PHOTO)

Rumer Willis has opened up about how her father Bruce Willis’ battle with frontotemporal dementia has changed her perspective on family and connection.

While reflecting on the emotional challenges of his diagnosis, Rumer shared that the experience has also revealed a softer, more tender side of the actor she had not seen before.

She also spoke about the importance of family support, the realities of living with FTD, and how Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma, is helping raise awareness through advocacy and research efforts.

Rumer Willis Opens Up About Spending Time With Her Father

While speaking on “The Inside Edit” podcast alongside her close friend and stylist Maeve Reilly, Rumer said she understands that things will “never be the same” since Bruce was first diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, which later progressed to frontotemporal dementia in 2023.

However, the actress emphasized that she feels thankful she is still able to spend time with her movie star dad.

She also reflected on a meaningful family milestone, expressing gratitude that her daughter, three-year-old Louetta “Lou,” has been able to meet her grandfather.

“I’m so grateful that I have a child who got to meet him,” she said, adding that not all of her siblings may have that same opportunity with future children.

As the eldest daughter of Bruce and Demi Moore, Rumer explained that the family has leaned on one another throughout the journey.

Bruce also shares daughters Mabel and Evelyn with his wife, Emma Heming Willis. Despite the emotional weight of the diagnosis, Rumer said the family continues to make an effort to stay connected and support each other through what she described as an unprecedented experience.

The Actress Reflects On Bruce Willis’ Health And The Softened Side Of His FTD Journey

Rumer also revealed that the disease has uncovered a softer side of her father that she had not fully seen before.

Although FTD has brought painful changes, she said it has also given way to a new “sweetness” and “tenderness” in him that contrasts with the tough, “macho” image he carried throughout much of his Hollywood career.

The 37-year-old also admitted she had no idea how common FTD was until her father received his diagnosis.

She explained that since speaking publicly about it, many people have approached her to share their own experiences with the disease affecting parents, uncles, and other loved ones.

Back in November, Rumer gave another update on Bruce’s condition during an Instagram Q&A, saying that while the illness has undeniably changed him, there is still a visible “spark” in his personality.

She acknowledged the harsh reality of FTD, noting that no one dealing with the condition is truly “doing great,” but added that her father is managing as well as can be expected for someone living with the disease.

Emma Heming Willis Explains Why Bruce Willis Is Unaware Of His Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis

Bruce was first diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and later confirmed as having frontotemporal dementia in 2023.

His family has been open about his condition, including his wife, Emma Heming Willis, who explained that he also lives with anosognosia, a neurological condition that prevents a person from recognizing their own illness.

She noted that the “Die Hard” star is not aware of his diagnosis, which she views as a difficult but important part of the disease.

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Emma explained: “People think this might be denial; they don’t want to go to the doctor because they’re like, ‘I’m fine’ — this is where the anosognosia comes into play. It’s not denial, it’s just that their brain is changing. This is a part of the disease.”

“He never connected the dots that he had this disease, and I’m really happy about that. I’m happy he doesn’t know about it,” she added, per Entertainment Weekly.

Emma Heming Willis Launches Foundation To Support Families Affected By Frontotemporal Dementia

In addition to caring for her husband, Emma has also established a foundation aimed at improving “understanding of FTD and ensuring families facing it feel seen, supported, and less alone.”

The initiative is focused on three key areas: increasing public awareness, funding promising scientific research to speed up discoveries, and providing assistance to caregivers who often carry the emotional and physical burden of the condition.

Speaking at the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s Hope Rising Benefit in New York on March 12, she shared how the experience has reshaped her understanding of what many families go through when dealing with FTD.

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Bruce Willis’ Wife Talked About The Importance Of The Research Fund

The former model emphasized her strong belief in the importance of “supporting research while also showing up for the caregivers who carry so much every day.”

Emma added that the goal of the fund is to foster greater understanding of the disease and to ensure that families navigating it feel seen, supported, and less alone.

She noted that Bruce has always been known for his generosity and compassion, and she believes he would be proud of the efforts that aim to support others facing similar challenges.

Spring weather conditions are a fickle friend. One day, it’s practically summer, the next, you’re reluctantly dipping back into your outerwear collection to stave off the chill. Luckily, with bomber jackets like the one Jennifer Lopez wore during the Office Romance press tour, you don’t have to sacrifice the integrity of your outfit to do so.

The actress was spotted wearing the Auter Paperweight Batwing Bomber while walking the streets of New York City and looked cool, calm and completely unbothered by the dip in temperature. The designer jacket is constructed from lightweight Italian wool (which explains Lopez’s comfort), with stylistic features like batwing sleeves, a concealed front closure, a gathered hem and a stand collar with a snap, giving it a fashion-forward look. Unfortunately, the green statement piece retails for a whopping $1,450, but we found a similar option that lets you channel Jenny from the Block at a small fraction of that price.

Get the Xunger Women’s Faux Suede Bomber Jacket for $45 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Related: Get Heidi Klum’s Cool-Girl Bomber Jacket Look for Just $37

Heidi Klum knows a thing or two about elevated dressing, often slipping into sleek separates that include modern design details, chic tailoring and bold pops of colors. But Klum’s refined taste isn’t just reserved for red carpets — and her recent bomber jacket serves as proof. Better yet? I found a lookalike silhouette for just […]

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It’s an unfortunate truth that, at this point in the season, we’re still wearing jackets out of necessity rather than as accessories. Irritation aside, the best way to combat unpredictable forecasts is to invest in pieces that can pose as both, and this Amazon version of JLo’s sage bomber jacket fits the bill. It’s made from faux suede and boasts the same batwing sleeve.

The Amazon bomber also offers a relaxed fit that channels the 56-year-old’s effortless street style. Lopez paired the utilitarian accessory with black thigh-hugging capris, Etnia FC Barcelona sunglasses, a ruby-colored snakeskin bag and red open-toed mule slides, creating a casual look peppered with elevated details. That’s the beauty of this bomber style: it can be dressed up with heels or down with sneakers.

Just as clothes should fit you (not the other way around), they should also fit your style, and the versatility is what customers say they love most about this jacket. One Amazon reviewer described it as “very versatile,” noting they wore it with “leggings and tennis shoes as well as with wide jeans and boots.” Another admitted that they wore the bomber to an outside wedding. “You can dress [the jacket] up or down,” they assured potential shoppers, adding that it’s “very comfortable” and, for the price, you simply “can’t beat it.”

If the flip-flopping spring forecasts continue to mess with your warm-weather wardrobe, Lopez’s sage bomber jacket is the answer to dressing practically while simultaneously staying true to your style. Copy her look with this $45 batwing bomber, which will likely come in handy this fall, too!

Get the Xunger Women’s Faux Suede Bomber Jacket for $45 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

Related: Jennifer Garner Wore a Spring-Perfect Denim Jacket — I’m Copying Her Look

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Jennifer Garner is the poster child for uncomplicated dressing, gravitating toward laid-back staples like simple pants, comfortable footwear and easy T-shirts. And while the actress’ latest spring look stuck to the theme, her trend-forward denim jacket added a surprising twist. Better yet? I found a lookalike version for just $37. Spotted out and about in Los […]

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 44 seconds ago

One of the most important directors in Star Trek history is someone you’ve likely never heard of: James L. Conway. He made a splash by directing some major TNG episodes like “The Neutral Zone” and “Frame of Mind,” and he later became one of DS9 showrunner Ira Steven Behr’s favorite directors for helming killer episodes like “Duet,” “Way of the Warrior,” and “Apocalypse Now.” In fact, he was so important to the franchise that he nearly directed First Contact, and he only lost that gig because Patrick Stewart personally pushed for having Jonathan Frakes in the director’s chair.

While Conway didn’t get to direct a major Star Trek picture, he did get to do the next thing by directing “Broken Bow,” the movie-length premiere of Enterprise. He did an excellent job, and many (including beloved franchise writer Brannon Braga) consider it the best pilot from the Golden Age of Star Trek. However, one Enterprise actor had a less-than-stellar time making this episode: John Billingsley, who got humiliated by Conway on set during his very first scene!

The Galaxy’s Most Quirked-Up Doctor

On Enterprise, John Billingsley plays Dr. Phlox, a genial alien physician with a very warm bedside manner. However, the doctor isn’t without his quirks, including a creepy, CGI-enhanced smile that has haunted Star Trek fans for years. But it turns out that the actor wanted his character to be far, far quirkier than anyone could have imagined. While performing in his very scene, Billingsley began squawking like a bird. Malcolm Reed actor Dominic Keating happened to be on-set, and he later reported how the squawking sounds sent director James L. Conway into an angry tailspin.

In the special feature on the Enterprise Season 1 Blu-Ray, Keating claims that Conway, when he heard the squawking noises, began repeatedly and immediately screaming out “Cut!” The director had been inside the video control room, but he allegedly stormed out and stood directly in front of Billingsley. Keating claims the director looked the actor directly in the eye and asked a brutally humiliating question: “Are you sh*tting me?!” All Billingsley could do was mutter, “Listen, I’m not married to it.” They finished the scene as written, and Billingsly never again squawked when playing Dr. Plox.

Humiliation: Star Trek Style

It’s wild to imagine an acclaimed Star Trek director humiliating an actor on set like this. Still, you might be on Conway’s side: the squawking really does sound goofy, and it would have made every scene with Dr. Plox distractingly weird. But here’s the thing: John Billingsley had made those bird-like noises throughout his entire audition process, which included performing them in front of Conway. The director seemingly decided in the moment that the squawking didn’t work for this performance. Again, this was probably the right call, but he made it in such a way that Billingsley was left downright mortified.

This bizarre tale is a reminder of the paradox at the heart of every Star Trek series. These shows are all about “seeking out new life and new civilizations,” but audiences have trouble relating to anything that’s a little too alien. That’s why Trek is filled with so many not-so-exotic species that look mostly human: it’s easier for those of us watching to relate to. In the case of Dr. Phlox, James L. Conway decided that Enterprise audiences were ready for weird head bumps and even an alien smile straight out of a creepypasta. But a doctor who squawks like a really loud bird? That, sir, is a starship bridge too far!