Roommates, our hearts go out to Wendy Williams and her family during this incredibly difficult time. The media personality is grieving the passing of her father, Thomas Williams Sr., and fans have been sending love and prayers to the Williams family. Wendy’s niece and goddaughter, Alex Finnie, shared the news on Instagram with a heartfelt tribute, giving followers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Thomas Sr.

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Wendy Williams’ Dad Remembered In Touching Family Tribute

In her post, Alex Finnie shared a touching montage of photos and videos, writing, “It is with an extremely heavy heart that I share — after 94 years of extraordinary love, strength, brilliance, and wisdom, my grandfather Thomas D. Williams has passed.” She went on to celebrate her grandfather’s life as an author, educator, and devoted family man, noting how he poured into both his family and the community. Alex’s post closed with a tender message: “I miss him tremendously. I’m a little lost for words right now, but I love you endlessly Papa. Give Nana a kiss for me.”

Support Pours In For Wendy Williams Online

Once the news hit, fans ran straight to The Shade Room’s Instagram comments to send Wendy Williams love and support. Many remembered how heartbroken she was when her mom passed and hoped she has the strength to get through this loss as well. Others flooded the comments with prayers and condolences. Meanwhile, a few couldn’t help but point out how Wendy is literally her father’s twin.

One Instagram user @chantestory said, “94 is a long life I can only wish 🥹🙏🏽 prayers to the family“

This Instagram user @mstriniqueen2000 shared, “Awwww. Wendy LOVESSSSS her daddy so much…R.I.P 😢”

And, Instagram user @mrslove305 added, “My condolences. Wendy went off the deep end when her Mom passed. I hope that she is surrounded by love during this difficult time.“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @44.pr1nc3ssa commented, “Awee he lived a Long Healthy life Rest in Peace Heavenly Angel ❤️”

While Instagram user @yourkidsfavoritestepmama wrote, “He made sure his baby girl was ok before he left this crazy world 🙏🏾🙏🏾”

Finally, Instagram user @allie.cherie commented, “her twin omg“

Wendy Shares Sweet Moment With Brother Tony Recently

It looks like Wendy Williams is leaning on family these days. In a new Instagram post, Wendy’s brother Thomas Williams shared a sweet family moment with her and another possible relative. Captioning the photo simply ‘FAMILY,’ along with a red heart emoji. Tommy showed love as Wendy smiled into the camera while embracing her brother, their matching grins lighting up the frame. Wendy rocked her signature blonde hair and red lipstick, pairing a black leather jacket with a blue-and-white flannel underneath and a black handbag, keeping her iconic style even in these intimate family snaps.

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Bad Bunny invited some friends to join him on stage during his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show performance — but Lady Gaga made the biggest splash.

Gaga, 39, sang a new version of “Die With a Smile” (her collaboration with Bruno Mars) while taking the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8, as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots competed in the big game. After her surprise performance, Gaga stuck around for a quick dance routine with Bad Bunny, 31.

Gaga’s appearance comes after she and Bad Bunny had a sweet moment at the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 1.

“She said, ‘I love you!’ And that’s it,” Bad Bunny told Access Hollywood about crossing paths with Gaga at the awards show. “And I was like, ‘I love you too!’”

But that wasn’t the only trick he had up his sleeve. The Puerto Rico native included Pedro Pascal, Karol G, Alix Earle, Cardi B, Jessica Alba and Ricky Martin in his performance as well.

News broke in September 2025 that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show.

“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said in a statement at the time. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown … this is for my people, my culture and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.”

Before taking the reins himself, Bad Bunny made a surprise appearance during Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s Super Bowl halftime show in 2020. At the time, he and Shakira, 49, performed his hit “I Like It” before singing a mash-up of her song “Chantaje” and his track “Callaítia.”

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From seemingly the moment the NFL announced that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, the hot takes have come pouring in about the league’s selection. Critics have said that viewers won’t be able to connect with someone who performs primarily in Spanish, while his supporters have pointed to the three-time Grammy […]

Lopez, 56, and Shakira both showed their support for Bad Bunny after he was announced as the 2026 halftime show headliner.

“I think he’s about to blow everybody’s mind,” Lopez raved on the Today show in October 2025. “It’s an introduction to some people.”

Lopez went on to say that she didn’t “understand” the backlash to Bad Bunny’s involvement in the halftime show, noting, “He’s one of the top artists in the world right now, probably the top.”

“It could be a lot of different people. That’s the thing,” she explained. “I’m super excited for people to see him. I think they’ll be pleasantly surprised because his music transcends language. It’s amazing what he’s done. He’s done something that a lot of people have never done in their life.”

Lopez also reflected on her own Super Bowl performance with Bad Bunny and Shakira.

“Me, Shakira, Bad Bunny, J Balvin — and we had an amazing time,” she recalled. “It was a really cultural moment.”

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Later that month, Shakira shared her enthusiasm over Bad Bunny helming the halftime show.

“It’s about time!” she told Variety. “I remember when we did ours that even having part of our set in Spanish was a bold move. … Acceptance of Spanish-language music as part of the mainstream has come so far from when I started. I hope and like to think that all the times my music was met with resistance or puzzlement from the English-speaking world before it was embraced helped forge the path to where we are now.”

As for Bad Bunny’s performance, Shakira felt the timing was right for him to bring his talents to the Super Bowl.

“I’m so proud that Bad Bunny, who represents not only Latin culture but also how important Spanish language music has become on a global scale and how universal it has become, is getting to perform on the biggest stage in the world,” she continued. “It’s the perfect moment for a performance like this. I can’t wait to watch it.”

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Todd Haynes remains an acclaimed figure within the arthouse film community for his powerful romantic and sociological dramedies. Between the intimate romance of his period drama Carol to the scandalous melodrama of his dark comedy May December, Haynes has succeeded in crafting highly personal character studies that feel like slices of life. He’s also set to finally begin work on De Noche, a film that suffered setbacks when Joaquin Phoenix left shortly before filming and has since added Pedro Pascal in his wake. Haynes is inarguably one of the most important filmmakers of his generation, but he’s not necessarily someone who is associated with genre thrillers. However, Haynes showed a completely different side of his storytelling skills with the psychological thriller Dark Waters.

Drawing from a recent real-life event of a public health crisis, Haynes crafted a powerful and timely thriller that speaks to the horrors of corporate greed. The specificity in crafting period pieces that he perfected within his romantic dramas ended up giving him the experience needed to make an eerie parallel to recent events. Dark Waters is a film about a lurking danger that has been covered up by the powers that be. While it is by no means an easy film to watch, Dark Waters is a powerful true crime thriller with excellent performances by Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway.

What Is ‘Dark Waters’ About?

Set in 1998, Dark Waters examines the revelation of the DuPont scandal, which revealed that one of the nation’s most powerful chemical manufacturing corporations was responsible for polluting the environment. Rather than beginning with the crisis’ origins, the film is told from the perspective of the corporate defense lawyer Robert Bilott (Ruffalo), whose expertise is in business malpractice and legal minutiae. While he knows very little about criminal law and would not normally take on a case involving environmental damage, Bilott agrees to look into a series of unexplained animal deaths in Parkersburg, West Virginia, at the behest of farmer Wilbur Tennant (Bill Camp). A series of investigations leads him to discover that the chemicals being dumped in the area are unregulated by the EPA, which would point to a larger conspiracy linked to a corporation capable of covering up its crimes.

While the evidence that Bilott uncovers is horrifying, Haynes treats the dissemination of information like a procedural thriller. It becomes compelling based on how new information changes Bilott’s mind. Initially, he disregards the complaints that the locals have, believing their animosity to be nothing but a half-hearted way of justifying their misfortune. However, the steady revelation of evidence leads Bilott to slowly become more invested in the case. It becomes evident that the generations of pollution committed by DuPont go beyond corporate indifference, as there appears to be a malicious intention behind their targeting of rural communities. Haynes does a great job of showing why the farmers of Parkersburg are particularly vulnerable to these issues. Without a champion like Bilott on their side, the community would not have the resources to raise awareness about what is happening.

‘Dark Waters’ Is an Inventive Psychological Thriller

Image via Focus Features

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Much of Dark Waters takes place in boardrooms and corporate offices as Bilott conducts research and analyzes years of testimonies, video evidence, and contracts. While this level of specificity on the legal front could have made for a dull narrative, Haynes incorporates an aspect of psychological dread based on Bilott’s race against time. As he begins to understand that pollution has a devastating impact on the human body, Bilott realizes that the lives of the people he has been representing hang in the balance. This shifts the stakes of the film from economic to personal, with Bilott transforming into a more selfless character based on the years he has spent dedicated to the case. It’s implied that by fighting on their behalf, Bilott has been accepted by the community of Parkersburg.

As inspiring as Bilott’s journey is, Dark Waters is both infuriating and timely in its deconstruction of DuPont’s practices. Haynes brilliantly shows how antiquated legal policies have led DuPont to shift the blame for the pollution to different parties, leading to an endless chase to find the real culprit. Revelations about the extent of the cover-up made by Bilott inspire powerful moments of righteous anger. On a narrative level, this works in making Ruffalo’s excellent performance even more compelling. Additionally, it may inspire viewers to take a deeper look at the real case that the film is based on.

Todd Haynes Made ‘Dark Waters’ At the Right Time

The DuPont scandal underscores broader issues regarding corporate accountability, regulatory oversight, and the prioritization of profit over public health and environmental protection. It’s a cautionary tale that reflects systemic failures and highlights the challenges in addressing environmental injustices, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution. Todd Haynes recognized that the relevance of environmental issues in society fueled the creation of Dark Waters. In an interview with Collider, Haynes opened up about the timeliness of his project:

“Sometimes there’s a sort of a zeitgeist that almost beckons projects to come to the fore at the time they do. There’s something in the air that makes them necessary to happen when they happen. And I do feel like just the environmental issues our country is confronting…and the ways that our regulatory system has so catered to the needs of industry; how much money and big business have dominated our economy. These are all things that make this an incredibly relevant story to tell.”

The success of Dark Waters serves as a compelling testament to Haynes’ timeliness on the project. However, it also underscores the persistent lackluster response from society towards environmental concerns. The film ultimately turns a critical eye on corporate malfeasance, but packages it in the form of a star-studded thriller.

Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway Elevate ‘Dark Waters’

Image via Focus Features 

In one of his most underrated performances, Ruffalo combines the professionalism and passion that make Bilott a compelling character. While he does not initially characterize Bilott as haughty or arrogant, he suggests that the character is rather indifferent about the clients he represents, as they really only serve to benefit him economically. However, Ruffalo does a great job of showing how draining the case is for Bilott on a personal level. He’s been taught to be obsessive about discovering evidence, which becomes unhealthy when he applies it to all aspects of his life. The dignity and earnestness that Ruffalo brings to the role is the perfect tribute to a real-life hero.

While it’s not a hugely substantial role, Hathaway gives an impactful performance that transcends the typical “wife” part. Bilott’s wife Sarah is not only critical in reminding the viewer of their humble origins, but essential in caring for him when he puts himself in physical danger. As the case reaches its inflection point, Bilott collapses from overworking himself, forcing Sarah to come to his aid. Hathaway’s heartbroken explanation of her husband’s efforts in a hospital room is among the film’s most heartbreaking moments.

A real story as critical as the DuPont scandal deserves attention, but Dark Waters is more than a standard “issues” movie. It’s a fully fleshed-out psychological thriller that speaks to the horrors of powers being unmonitored. Thanks to the prestigious direction by Haynes and emotionally authentic performances, Dark Waters is a powerful indictment of corruption that highlights a critical ongoing subject.

What Happened to DuPont After the Events of ‘Dark Waters’?

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Dark Waters ends with Bilott winning three successive cases against DuPont, leading the manufacturing company to settle an additional 3,500 cases for $671 million. However, DuPont continued to face economic setbacks during the release of Dark Waters. After an all-stock merger with the Dow Chemical Company in 2015, DuPont spun off into its own company in 2015. The company’s stock continued to plummet in the aftermath of Bilott’s revelations about the use of “forever chemicals” and in 2022, the state of California sued the company for its role in manufacturing airborne pollutants after multi-year investigations were conducted.

DuPont executives may have objected to their characterization in Dark Waters, but the real Bilott continues to be at the forefront of environmental activism. In addition to taking part in promotional events for the film alongside Ruffalo, Billott received a degree as an Honorary Doctor of Science from The Ohio State University’s Environmental Science Graduate Program for his continued efforts to raise awareness about corporate pollution.

What Did Todd Haynes Add to ‘Dark Waters’?

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Todd Haynes was an interesting choice to direct Dark Waters, as it seems somewhat surprising that the director behind elaborate melodrama like Carol and Velvet Goldmine would be interested in a straightforward biographical drama about a criminal and corporate investigation. Although it easily could have felt like a “hired hand” job in which Haynes was simply hired to work on a studio project that he had little passion for, Dark Waters benefits from the meticulous direction of a filmmaker well-aware of the place and era he is capturing.

One of the most compelling aspects of Haynes’ style is his ability to capture the mood of a certain period. In the same way that he encapsulated the buzzy holiday vibes of Christmas in the 1950s with Carol, Haynes examined the pressing tension of corporate America at the tail end of the 20th century. The attention-to-detail needed to examine the recent past is immense, as many viewers watching the film may have remembered the events as they occurred. Thankfully, Haynes was able to recreate key events in a manner that felt legitimate.

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Dark Waters is a very personal story about the interiority of a family, as Bilott’s character is an interesting one. A lesser filmmaker would have painted Bilott as an uncompromising hero with no faults, but Haynes did not go out of his way to lionize him; it is made evident that Bilott is rather indifferent to the situation with DuPont at the beginning of the film, and only gradually becomes more motivated in making a difference once he begins to learn about the devastating environmental impact that the corruption has caused. There is always a risk that a film like Dark Waters could feel more like a work of activism than a legitimate story, but Haynes is able to thread the needle between making the story both entertaining and informative. Even though it does give a tremendous amount of insight on a situation that many viewers may not have been aware of, the film still functions as a tightly paced thriller with a good deal of urgency.

Haynes captures a sense of righteous anger within Dark Waters as he examines the larger scope of the scandal, and why it is still relevant to the events of today. Although the actions that DuPont took to avoid taking responsibility for its role in the crisis are both shocking and despicable, Dark Waters examines that this is a result of the larger culture of indifference within American capitalism. Major corporations don’t treat their employees and clients as human beings, and are even willing to risk human life to make minimal financial gains. The DuPont incident is simply one example of what can go awry when there is no oversight; although it was a case that claimed countless lives and irrevocably damaged the environment, it is sadly not an anomaly as the climate crisis grows more extreme with each passing year. Dark Waters is not a horror film, but that does not mean that it isn’t terrifying.

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Dark Waters

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Release Date

November 22, 2019

Runtime

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126 minutes

Writers

Matthew Michael Carnahan, Mario Correa, Nathaniel Rich

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Drake Maye’s wife, Ann Michael Maye, already made her style mark even before the first snap at Super Bowl LX.

The Patriots WAG, 22, shared the details about her gameday look via TikTok on Sunday, February 8, hours before she hit the scene to cheer on her husband, 23, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

“The day is finally here. Happy Super Bowl Sunday. Oh, my God. I’m so excited,” she gushed leading up to the big game in which the Pats are facing off with the Seattle Seahawks.

Ann Michael rocked a white T-Shirt under her custom jacket and dazzled up her ensemble by wearing Alice + Olivia’s $895 “Amazing Embellished Jean” in an off-white color. The pants have a low-rise baggy style with a wide-leg silhouette, featuring shimmering crystals on the front and back that are scattered throughout to “amp things up to rockstar status.”

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Ann Michael Maye has been one of the breakout stars of the NFL Playoffs as her husband, quarterback Drake Maye, has guided the New England Patriots back to the Super Bowl. Ann, 22, has been supporting Drake, 23, from the stands and on the field after games, including on Sunday, January 25, after the Patriots […]

“This is Jayda’s Chanel bag,” she shared about her matching tote, seemingly referring to Jayda Hawkins, wife of New Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins.

Ann Michael also donned a one-of-a-kind coat made by Kristin Juszczyk (designer and wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk) in honor of the momentous occasion, featuring the Patriots logo on the right front pocket with MAYE written at the bottom of the left side.

It also has the message “WE ARE ALL PATRIOTS” emblazoned on the front. The navy blue jacket made out of a jersey has a dark chocolate color faux fur collar plus red and white stripes on the arms. Ann Michael styled her hair in a sleek updo, and opted for oval-shaped sunglasses and statement gold earrings.

“Ann Michael Maye for the Super Bowl!! 🏈🏈 I hope you have the best time and soak in every second of it @annmichaelhmaye ❤️,” Kristin, 31, wrote via Instagram while sharing a sketch video showing how she came up with the design.

Kristin’s designs have been a go-to for NFL WAGS. Her work went viral during the 2023-24 season when she launched her Designs By Kristin brand, which has since been rebranded as Off Season. (She even earned a licensing deal with the NFL, allowing her to use team logos on her looks.)

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Kristin Juszczyk’s first official NFL collection is here. Kristin, 29, who is married to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, teased a piece from the drop, which is available via auction as of 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 8. Featured in the capsule is a plum-colored puffer vest with contrasting metallic paneling adorned with […]

Kristin notably created custom puffer coats worn by Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes in 2024.

Kyle, 34, proudly plugged his wife’s designs on X at the time. “Rocking the jacket made by Kristin Juszczyk!!” the athlete wrote. In another reply, he proudly echoed, “Made by my wife!!”

“I only just ever wanted to design cool clothes,” Kristin told NBC Sports Bay Area during a recent interview. “And it really all stemmed from a point of going to all of his games and having three shirts in rotation, and not feeling like what I wanted to wear was available for purchase. So, I was like, the only other thing to do is to design it.”

She added, “And now being able to walk into a stadium and seeing people wear Off Season, it’s just the ultimate pinch-me, and that’s all I’ve ever dreamed of, truly.”

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Bad Bunny
Crushes Super Bowl Halftime
… Featuring Gaga, Ricky Martin, Puerto Rico!!!

Published
February 8, 2026
5:56 PM PST
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Updated
February 8, 2026
8:03 PM PST