Erika Kirk is best known to some as the widow of the late Charlie Kirk, who co-founded the conservative student organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012. He served as the organization’s executive director until his assassination in 2025. Erika was appointed as his successor following his death, but in addition to her role as a nonprofit executive, she is also a podcaster and entrepreneur.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Erika’s net worth was $12 million as of January 2026. However, in November 2025, The Economic Times estimated that her net worth was only about $2 million after accounting for her income from podcasting, real estate, and business ventures.

Charlie’s estimated net worth when he passed was around $12 million; as a result, they estimate that her total assets are around $14 million. Interestingly enough, the publication also reported that Vice President J.D. Vance also has a net worth of around $12 million, according to Forbes.

Erika Kirk was born Erika Frantzve in November 1988 in Ohio, but grew up in Arizona following her parents’ divorce. She was raised Catholic and attended Notre Dame Preparatory High School, where she excelled in basketball and volleyball. In 2006, during her transition to college, she established Everyday Heroes Like You, an initiative committed to highlighting community philanthropy.

Kirk went on to play basketball for two years at Regis University in Denver before transferring to Arizona State University, where she graduated with a double major in political science and international relations.

Erika Won Miss Arizona USA On Her 23^rd Birthday

Her academic momentum carried into pageantry; in late 2011, she won the Miss Arizona USA title on her 23rd birthday. She then represented the state in Miss USA 2012, but did not place. She later expanded her academic portfolio at Liberty University, earning a Master’s degree in American Legal Studies and later pursuing doctoral studies in biblical leadership.

In 2019, she launched the podcast “Midweek Rise Up,” but her entrepreneurial efforts did not stop there. She launched the clothing brand Proclaim Streetwear (Proclaim365) and BIBLEin365, a ministry project. Before her husband’s death, she also worked as a real estate agent at The Corcoran Group in New York City.

Inside Her Relationship With Charlie Kirk

Erika started dating Charlie Kirk in New York City in 2019. They became engaged the following year, in December 2020. They married one year later, in Scottsdale. Turning Point USA funded the wedding reception, which was held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel.

Erika frequently accompanied her husband to various events. They had two children together: a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in 2024.

On September 10, 2025, Charlie was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University, which was one of the stops on his American Comeback tour. Following his death, she pledged to carry on the organization’s work in his memory.

Erika Kirk Talks Forgiveness At Memorial Service

In September 2025, tens of thousands attended a memorial service in Arizona. U.S. President Donald Trump was the headline speaker and called Charlie the “greatest evangelist for American liberty” and a “martyr now for American freedom,” as reported by the BBC.

“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” Erika said in a tearful speech, adding, “I forgive him because it is what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.”

Erika said that she had forgiven her husband’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson. “I saw the wound that ended his life,” she said. “I felt everything he would expect to feel. I felt shock. I felt horror, and a level of heartache that I didn’t even know existed.

“These past 10 days after Charlie’s assassination, we didn’t see violence. We didn’t see rioting. We didn’t see revolution,” She continued. “Instead, we saw what my husband always prayed he would see in this country, we saw revival.”

Her Most Recent Public Appearance

Erika Kirk’s most recent public appearance was at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April 2026. Sadly, the event was disrupted by another shooting. A suspect armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives reportedly ran through a security checkpoint near the ballroom and fired at a Secret Service Officer, as per CBS News.

Fortunately, he did not make it close to the President, who was safely evacuated by the Secret Service. Journalists and guests took cover under tables while the suspect was subdued. Erika Kirk was seen crying as security escorted her safely away from the premises. On June 2, the President revealed that the event would be rescheduled for late July.

“In a sign of Strength and Fortitude, it was just announced that The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which violently ended rather abruptly on April 25th, will be rescheduled to July 24th,” he wrote on Truth Social. “This announcement is a very good thing in that we cannot allow Lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling.”

He went on to say that the event will take place at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C, which used to be the Trump International Hotel. It remains to be seen if Erika will attend the rescheduled event.

It has been 25 years since the turn of the century delivered not just one, nor just two, but several of the greatest thrillers of the 21st century so far. Indeed, 2001 was an exceptional year for fans of the genre. Suspenseful, filled with tension, and directed by some of the greatest filmmakers in the world, the best thrillers of 2001 have all aged like fine wine.

Whether it’s an underrated international film like Behind the Sun or a hyper-acclaimed Hollywood blockbuster like Ocean’s Eleven, these films redefined what the thriller genre was able to do in modern times. Looking back at them today, these 25-year-old movies still titillate the senses in much the same way that they did when they originally came out.

10

‘Read My Lips’

Image via Magnolia Pictures

Well before he united the world in their hatred for his latest film, the Oscar-winning Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard united critics and cinephiles worldwide in their praise for his romance thriller Read My Lips. This awfully underappreciated drama follows Carla, an almost-deaf woman who wants to help ex-convict Paul, who thinks no one can help except himself.

Smart and gritty with rom-com elements that work surprisingly well and a neo-noirish sense of genre-bending that elevates its entertainment value to the stratosphere, Read My Lips is one of the best international films of 2001. It’s psychologically complex and flawlessly paced, proof that Audiard is perfectly capable of delivering a masterpiece when he really sets his mind to it.

9

‘Behind the Sun’

Image via Lumiére Pictures

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Equally underrated, Walter Salles‘ Brazilian social drama Behind the Sun stars Rodrigo Santoro as Tonho, a young man questioning the violent traditions between two rival families when his father orders him to avenge the death of his older brother. Everything that ensues in this powerful study of cycles of violence is the kind of cinematic perfection that fans of Salles’ latest outing, the Oscar-nominated I’m Still Here, are bound to be able to appreciate.

Behind the Sun is still widely recognized as one of the best Brazilian films of the 21st century, and for good reason. Visually striking and potently dark-toned, it’s a riveting family saga with a profoundly poignant heart. Violence is a theme very often explored in cinema, but few films have as many interesting things to say about it as this one.

8

‘The Experiment’

Image via Senator Film

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Oliver Hirschbiegel‘s The Experiment is a German psychological thriller based on Mario Giordano‘s novel Black Box. Inspired by the 1971 Stanford prison experiment, the narrative follows an experiment where 20 participants are hired to play prisoners and guards over the course of two weeks. It’s an incredibly powerful film about the darkest corners of the human condition, exploring how authoritarian governments like the Nazi regime are allowed to rise.

Far more than just a portrayal of the Stanford prison experiment, The Experiment is an incredibly chilling and tense exploration of human morality and power. The unrelenting atmosphere of brutality achieved by Hirschbiegel blends flawlessly with the story’s thematic depth, offering a masterful character study and historical allegory that still feels timely.

7

‘The Devil’s Backbone’

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

Before films like Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth made him a household name both in Hollywood and the rest of the world, dark fantasy master Guillermo del Toro made The Devil’s Backbone. It was his third-ever feature, a Mexican-Spanish co-production that can still reasonably be counted among the heaviest fantasy movies of the 21st century thus far.

The film explores themes that have always seemed to fascinate del Toro, from historical trauma to fascism’s destruction of childhood innocence, in ways that still feel profoundly resonant 25 years later. Impeccably acted and eerily atmospheric, this riveting horror thriller works equally perfectly in both of its most important dimensions: as a creepy ghost story and as a hard-hitting political allegory.

6

‘In the Bedroom’

Image via Miramax

Todd Field‘s crime thriller In the Bedroom is based on the 1979 short story Killings by Andre Dubus. Bolstered by an exceptional cast that includes Oscar-nominated performances by Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, and Marisa Tomei, it’s one of the most nearly-perfect drama movies of the 2000s. The fact that it was Field’s feature debut is a testament to just how immensely talented a filmmaker he is.

Emotionally raw and so profoundly moving that it’s almost an achievement to get to the credits without having shed any tears, In the Bedroom is every bit as devastating as it is complex. While it may be quite a bit emotionally tough to watch, it’s worth every last drop of effort because it’s an engrossing cinematic journey that leads to one of the most memorable movie endings of not just 2001, but the 2000s as a whole.

5

‘Gosford Park’

Robert Altman is a legend. He was one of the most important voices of the groundbreaking New Hollywood movement, and he continued making exceptional masterpieces all the way into the 21st century. This included Gosford Park, one of the greatest whodunnits in movie history, inspired both by Agatha Christie and by Jean Renoir‘s French classic The Rules of the Game.

It’s one of Altman’s greatest masterpieces, boosted by its insightful social critique of class exploitation and what may very well be the single most star-studded ensemble cast of any 2001 film. Stylish, elegant, and wonderfully engaging in how it dissects and deconstructs the English country house lifestyle and class system, it’s the work of a master auteur at the top of his game.

4

‘The Others’

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed and scored by Chilean-Spanish filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar, The Others is a Gothic horror thriller unlike any other. Led by a BAFTA-nominated powerhouse performance by Nicole Kidman, it’s a profoundly unsettling thriller imbued with an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Proving that less is often indeed more, it’s one of the hardest-hitting psychological thrillers of the 2000s.

Kidman’s performance is itself entirely worth the price of admission, but aside from great acting, The Others also offers some exceptional direction and a masterful sense of atmospheric suspense. Rather than relying on cheap special effects or lazy jump scares, Amenábar offers a masterclass in misdirection and Gothic darkness, leading to one of the most memorable twists of any film from the 2000s.

3

‘Ocean’s Eleven’

Image via Warner Bros.

Widely hailed as one of the most perfect heist movies of all time, Steven Soderbergh is one of those rare movie remakes that aren’t just every bit as great as their predecessor, but arguably even better. Led by an ensemble cast that oozes talent and charisma, it may very well be the most entertaining movie that Soderbergh has ever made.

The film was far and away the highest-grossing thriller of 2001, and it isn’t hard to see why. Slick, fast-paced, and infectiously fun, it’s popcorn entertainment of the highest quality. Bouncing from thrilling plot point to thrilling plot point with the kind of kineticism that only the best-ever capers have been able to achieve, it’s a true icon of its genre that has only gotten better with age.

2

‘Donnie Darko’

Image via Newmarket Films

Back when it originally came out, Richard Kelly‘s Donnie Darko was a tremendous failure both critically and financially. With its release on home video, however, not only did it become the biggest cult classic of 2001, but it also almost single-handedly brought the midnight film circuit of the cult cinema scene back to life, and watching it at midnight in a packed theater still remains one of those things that every cinephile should do at least once in their lives.

It’s one of those perfect sci-fi movies that get better with every rewatch, a delectably bizarre and masterfully mind-bending mystery thriller about teenage isolation and how love, sacrifice, and courage are its greatest enemies. It’s a movie that’s impossible to fully understand when first watching it, but that only makes every further rewatch all the more entertaining.

1

‘Mulholland Drive’

Image via Studiocanal

David Lynch was one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation, as well as the single most important exponent of cinematic surrealism since Luis Buñuel. His filmography is filled to the brim with masterpieces, but the masterpiece that most people tend to regard as his magnum opus is the Oscar-nominated neo-noir Mulholland Drive.

Part mystery thriller, part showbiz drama, and 100% avant-garde mind-bender, it’s the sort of thriller that’s even better the second time around. Its potent critique of the Hollywood Dream still rings true today, and the profoundly atmospheric mastery of Lynch’s direction hasn’t lost one bit of its spark. Top that with a pair of tour-de-force performances by Naomi Watts and Laura Harring, and you get what may very well be the greatest film of 2001, as intellectually challenging and emotionally unsettling as it may be.

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Mulholland Drive

Release Date

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October 19, 2001

Runtime

147 minutes

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Director

David Lynch

Writers

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David Lynch

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Yes, Kyle Cooke has seen the chatter surrounding his now-viral laughing photos with estranged wife Amanda Batula — and he’s setting the record straight.

“Alright, some of you have your tinfoil hats on, so I’m going to respond to the picture of me and Amanda laughing and smiling as we walk out from the In the City reunion,” Cooke, 43, said in a video shared via Instagram Stories on Saturday, June 13, referring to the images captured earlier this week. “It was a pretty chaotic, action-packed reunion for a season 1 show, and you guys have a lot to look forward to, not only in the season but the reunion.”

Cooke and Batula, 34, were spotted smiling and linking arms as they exited the studio on Thursday, June 11.

“Amanda was in the hot seat, and she opened up a lot more than I would say she did in Summer House,” Cooke explained on Saturday, referring to the three-part season 10 reunion that finished airing Tuesday, June 9. “I was in the hot seat, a lot of people were in the hot seat and we all decided to go get a drink together. Like, group therapy after you, kind of, leave it all out there.”

He continued, “Amanda and I were headed down the elevator, walking out the door and just kind of laughing, like, ‘Can you imagine if there’s a photographer that captures us walking out together?’ And then, boom, that’s exactly what happened. That causes us to laugh even harder, and yes, that’s all that there was to it, guys. That’s all there was to it, my God.”

Cooke and Batula announced in January that they have separated after four years of marriage. Just two months later, Batula confirmed her new romance with Summer House costar West Wilson, who previously dated the swimsuit designer’s BFF Ciara Miller.

Cooke, Batula, Wilson, 31, and Miller, 30, all came face-to-face for the Summer House reunion, where they detailed their sides of the romantic drama. Cooke and Wilson, for their parts, will also sit down in a follow-up special, titled “The Aftermath,” later this month. Batula will speak with Lindsay Hubbard in the upcoming Tuesday, June 16, episode.

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“Kyle and Lindsay met up first in person [before filming] and talked about rising above it all and getting to the bottom of the drama,” a source recently told Us Weekly exclusively. “They don’t feel there were answers at the reunion. They are concerned about Amanda. They don’t trust West.”

Per the insider, Cooke “wanted answers” from Wilson upon their onscreen conversation.

“When Kyle met up with West, he wanted answers. He asked him if he loves Amanda and if he’d watch out for her, and if he is serious about her and if this has been worth it,” the insider told Us, adding that Hubbard, 39, had the “same conversation” with Batula. “Lindsay … asked her if she was sure she wanted to continue with the relationship with West because of what they had been hearing. Even after the meeting, Lindsay and Amanda are still figuring out their friendship.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s royal titles are highly at risk and might be taken from them once Prince William ascends the throne, royal experts claim.

Reports have previously emerged suggesting senior members of the royal family are uncomfortable with the way the couple continues to parade themselves as royals despite leaving the firm in 2020.

Meanwhile, King Charles has reportedly made it his focus to see Prince Harry and William reunited, but exactly where Meghan Markle stands remains a topic for debate.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s days using their royal titles are numbered, royal expert Maureen Callahan claims.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit their royal roles six years ago following strained ties with some members of the royal family, but have continued to use their titles as an honor.

They had proposed a “half-in, half-out” approach to royal life, but the late Queen Elizabeth II shut it down during the Sandringham Summit in 2020, issuing an ultimatum that they had to be either fully in as working royals or all out to pursue independent commercial ventures.

Amid a bitter falling out with Prince William, Callahan told “The Royals Uncensored” podcast that the future king will take a much harder stance against them than King Charles has done.

“I do think Harry and Meghan – their titles will be stripped,” she said, per The Express, adding that “We in America will be cheering (William) on.”

This comes amid claims by palace sources that William will be ruthless toward Harry and Meghan, and that even their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will likely lose their titles during their uncle’s reign.

Harry and Meghan are also said to be becoming increasingly unpopular in the US, especially with Hollywood seemingly pulling away from the Sussex brand, as the royal couple struggles to connect with Americans.

“In America, there is this great love and affection for the royal family, but there’s also the sense that Harry and Meghan were not quite the people they thought they were going to be,” royal author Alexander Larman told the Daily Mail about the duke and duchess.

King Charles Wants Prince William And Harry To Be Back On Good Terms

The incoming months promise to be interesting as they will potentially reveal how much damage has been done to the brothers’ relationship.

According to reports, their father, King Charles, has tapped his deputy private secretary, Theo Rycroft, to help bring them back together on speaking terms at least.

The aide has reportedly made it his “number one mission” to bring them back together and plans to take action when Harry touches down in the UK this summer for an Invictus Games event.

Exactly how he’s going to pull that off remains unknown, but speculations are rife that he will first set up a meeting between Charles and Harry, before encouraging William to subsequently join them.

A Full Reconciliation Is In Place For Prince Harry If Meghan Isn’t In The Picture

Meanwhile, Meghan’s fate should Harry reunite with his family doesn’t seem to be one that she’ll like. Callahan stated that she’s been told that the king could reconcile fully with the duke, but only if the former “Suits” actress isn’t in the picture.

While Harry has traveled to the UK on several occasions, especially after Charles’s cancer diagnosis was revealed, Meghan hasn’t visited the country since 2022, when she went for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

“What I constantly hear from reporters who come on The Nerve is that Charles would like to have some sort of reconciliation,” Callahan told “The Royals Uncensored” podcast.

“He would be open to it, but it is without Meghan,” she continued. “Meghan cannot be part of the picture. It’s code for if they divorce.”

The Couple Had A Big ‘Row’ Over Prince Harry’s Balmoral Dreams, Sources Claim

The possibility of Harry and Meghan separating seems very unlikely, as they’ve shown how much they love each other and are willing to stick it out with each other.

They recently celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary and are fully involved in raising their children, Archie and Lilibet, who celebrated her birthday yesterday.

However, despite consistently putting on a united front, insiders claim they get into heated altercations as many other couples do.

A source told Heat Magazine that before Meghan traveled to Switzerland for an engagement, they had a big “row,” where she told him she won’t be coming along should he go to Balmoral Castle this summer.

“Things boiled over just hours before Meghan flew out to Geneva, and she and Harry didn’t speak for a while afterwards. Meghan’s mum, Doria, was staying at their house while she was away, and so she was FaceTiming her to speak to the children,” a source said, per The Express.

The Duchess Of Sussex Is Reportedly Adamant About Not Returning To The UK With Prince Harry

Speaking further about Harry and Meghan’s alleged fight over a Balmoral holiday and their UK return, the source noted that the duchess is hell-bent on staying away from royal drama, especially when it could involve her kids.

The source said, “Meghan’s bust-up with Harry was a big one, and she’s digging her heels in. She’s told Harry to go to the UK without her, as there was no way she would be joining. She doesn’t want to put herself, or the kids, through the drama.”

“With the children finishing school for the summer soon, Harry is in a state of panic,” the insider continued. “He’s scared he’s pushed Meghan too far this time, and if he chooses to go to the UK, he’s facing the reality of spending the summer cut off from his wife and his children, and with relations still difficult with the rest of his family.”

With reports emerging that the royal family has decided to remove every trace of Harry and Meghan from their former UK home, Frogmore Cottage, hopes for a reconciliation seem less likely.

Taylor Frankie Paul is getting candid about the emotional toll of her ongoing custody battle with ex Dakota Mortensen. “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star revealed she has “gone emotionally numb” as legal tensions continue to unfold between the former couple over custody of their 2-year-old son, Ever.

Paul shared the vulnerable update via Instagram Stories on Saturday after a follower reached out, writing, “I’m going through your exact situation I wish I could talk more on it! I’m so stuck.”

In response, the reality star admitted she feels deeply connected to others facing similar struggles but confessed she no longer feels like herself emotionally. “I don’t know what to say anymore other than I’m right there with a lot of you,” Paul wrote. “Wish I could be more helpful. Not sure when the nervous system switched… I can’t even cry lately which is very unlike me.”

The emotional confession comes as Paul remains embroiled in a contentious custody dispute with Mortensen.

Paul And Mortensen’s Custody Battle Intensifies

Paul and Mortensen have been locked in an ongoing legal battle over custody of their toddler son after both parties became involved in multiple domestic violence incidents and police investigations. In March, Mortensen filed legal action against Paul, alleging she had been physically violent toward him. Following the filing, he was granted sole custody of Ever.

Paul, who also shares two children with ex-husband Tate Paul, was later granted supervised visitation during an April 7 court hearing. However, due to concerns raised by the court surrounding her alleged “volatility,” a judge reportedly limited her visitation to six hours per week until a subsequent April 30 hearing. At that hearing, both Paul and Mortensen were ordered to remain 100 feet apart under the terms of mutual protective orders each had petitioned the court for.

Judge Called Taylor Frankie Paul And Dakota Mortensen’s Relationship ‘Toxic’

During one hearing, the judge weighed in on the former couple’s complicated dynamic, suggesting their relationship remained emotionally entangled despite the legal turmoil. “What I’ve seen from the evidence even post last hearing, there seems to be a continuing attraction that they have for each other,” the judge reportedly said.

“You guys have to figure out a lot here. You have to figure out how to function as coparents,” the judge added, while criticizing what was described as a “toxic relationship.”

Dakota Mortensen Previously Addressed ‘Chaos’ Of Custody Fight

Mortensen publicly acknowledged the emotional strain of the custody dispute in April, revealing he had taken “a step back” from the public eye amid the “chaos” of the situation.

According to Mortensen, his focus shifted toward creating stability for their son. “My focus now is where it should have been all along, on [my] son, [Ever], and creating a stable, healthy environment for him moving forward,” he wrote.

He also reflected on his own role in the relationship’s challenges, adding: “I regret not stepping away from a difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt.”

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Custody Drama Comes Months After ‘The Bachelorette’ Fallout

Paul’s latest custody battle comes just months after she found herself at the center of another headline-making controversy. Earlier this year, ABC abruptly canceled “The Bachelorette” starring the reality personality just days before its scheduled premiere following the release of a 2023 video that allegedly showed Paul involved in a violent altercation with her former partner while her young daughter was present.

At the time, Disney Entertainment Television released a statement explaining the network’s decision. “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” the statement read.

A spokesperson for Paul later addressed the situation, claiming the reality star had endured years of abuse. “She is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security. After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” the spokesperson said.

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater reportedly called it quits months ago, but according to insiders, the pair’s nearly three-year romance had been anything but steady long before the breakup became public. Multiple sources are alleging that Grande and Slater quietly split “several” months ago after navigating an “on-off” relationship behind the scenes. The breakup comes as Ariana Grande gears up for a packed professional chapter, including her “Eternal Sunshine” tour, a new album, and a major role in the upcoming “Meet the Fockers” sequel.

While fans speculated about the status of their relationship in recent months, Page Six insiders claim Grande and Slater had been navigating turbulence for quite some time.

When rumors first surfaced that the pair had split in late 2025, one friend of Grande reportedly admitted they were skeptical the romance would last. “If I had to look into my crystal ball, would I think they would stay together? No,” the source told Page Six.

Signs Grande And Slater’s Relationship Was In Trouble

Those close to the couple reportedly noticed signs of trouble months earlier. According to insiders, Slater’s appearance at Grande’s hosting gig during “Saturday Night Live”’s holiday show in December caught many by surprise, as the pair had reportedly not been seen together in weeks.

“I thought they were broken up,” one onlooker reportedly said after spotting Slater at dress rehearsal. Another insider added, “People definitely were surprised that Ethan turned up. No one thought they were together… they were on off, on off, on off.”

Photos shared by Grande’s close friend Elizabeth Gillies later showed the pair together over the holidays, while Slater also offered fans a glimpse into their “very merry” season on social media. However, it would reportedly mark one of the last public glimpses of the couple together.

Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater’s Romance Faced Backlash From The Start

Grande and Slater’s relationship sparked controversy almost immediately after reports surfaced in 2023 that they were dating while working together on “Wicked” in London. At the time, Slater had recently separated from his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young son.

Their relationship was publicly confirmed just days after Grande announced the end of her marriage to luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez. The timing fueled backlash online, with both Grande and Slater facing accusations of infidelity, something sources close to the pair have repeatedly denied.

“There was no cheating… neither of them should have been branded cheaters; that’s not who either of them are,” one insider reportedly told the outlet.

Still, tensions escalated publicly after Jay shared emotional comments about the fallout of her marriage. “My family is just collateral damage,” she previously told Page Six before later reflecting on the painful experience in an essay for The Cut.

“I confidently moved to another country with my two-month-old baby and my husband to support his career,” Jay wrote. “Consumed by the magic and mundanity of new motherhood, I didn’t understand the growing distance between us.”

Pete Davidson Is Still Reportedly Protective Of Grande

Even years after their whirlwind romance, Grande’s ex-fiancé Pete Davidson reportedly remains protective of the singer. Grande and Davidson famously got engaged in 2018 just weeks after they started dating before ultimately ending their relationship later that year following the death of Grande’s ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller.

According to a friend of Davidson’s, the comedian still thinks highly of Grande despite the passage of time. “She’s been through a lot in her life, and Pete admires her so much, she just keeps working and just keeps outdoing herself,” the source reportedly shared.

The insider added that although the former couple hasn’t spoken in some time, Davidson remains “extremely protective” of the pop star.

Ariana Grande Is Focusing On Work Following Split

Though Grande and Slater have reportedly gone their separate ways romantically, insiders insist the split was amicable. “She and Ethan are still friends,” one source said. “This is not a dramatic breakup, it’s not like that at all…it was not an overnight thing, it was a thoughtful decision, there’s no break in communication.”

Professionally, Grande has remained busier than ever. The singer recently launched her “Eternal Sunshine” tour and is preparing to promote “Focker-in-Law,” the latest installment in the “Meet the Fockers” franchise, in which she stars alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.

According to those close to Grande, her upcoming album Petal will not focus on heartbreak. “It’s not about romantic love,” one friend reportedly said. “It’s Ari’s way of responding to all the headlines.”

Deion Sanders is known for dropping words of inspiration on social media, often mentioning God. This week, he went viral after directing that energy towards his daughter, Deiondra Sanders. She started trending after sharing vulnerable tweets referencing her past with Jacquees. One day after advising his daughter, Deion circled back with another message about patience and God’s plan. This all comes amid him also revealing an update in his past bladder cancer battle.

RELATED: Oop! Deion Sanders Reacts To Deiondra Sanders Tweet Seemingly Referencing Jacquees’ New Comments About Her & Dreezy

Deion Sanders Shares Message About Trusting God 

On Friday (June 12), Deion Sanders hopped on X (formerly Twitter) and encouraged his supporters to lean into God’s plan for their lives. He typically shares words of wisdom, often tied to God, on his social media platforms.

“Lord we’ve learned that it can’t be our way, it’s got to be your way or no way at all. We’re learning patience & how to truly listen. We also know that it ain’t gonna be easy & we wouldn’t appreciate it if it was. We trust u Lord. #COACHPRIME,” Deion tweeted.

Lord we’ve learned that it can’t be our way, it’s got to be your way or no way at all. We’re learning patience & how to truly listen. We also know that it ain’t gonna be easy & we wouldn’t appreciate it if it was. We trust u Lord. #COACHPRIME

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) June 12, 2026

What Daddy Sanders Told His Daughter About Letting Go

The day before, Deion was trending after dropping three tweets on X—two directed at Deiondra Sanders. His first tweet posted on June 11 quoted Deiondra and only said “Lawd Lawd Lawd,” a response that quickly went viral. Sanders was responding to Deiondra writing, “I can’t wait till my son grow up and see the truth for himself.” 

Following that came his inspirational scripture-based message. He wrote of continuing to push forward, blessing others and remaining positive. A few hours later, he quoted another one of Deiondra’s tweet. That second time, she penned a message about feeling “hurt disappointed” and needing time. It was one in a series of tweets responding to Jacquees’ recent comments about moving too quickly with her before closing his chapter with Dreezy. In that second piece of advice, Daddy Sanders wrote, “Give it to GOD and let’s go! Got Got u! #NoMo.” 

Give it to GOD and let’s go! Got Got u! #NoMo https://t.co/a6nsxvaYDv

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) June 11, 2026

Sanders Reveals His Health Has Improved

Days before stepping in to comfort his daughter, Deion Sanders revealed on ‘Good Morning America’ that his health has improved. Last year, he was battling bladder cancer and faced challenges with coaching the Buffaloes. These days, he’s doing much better, especially following bladder removal surgery. He said on the morning show that he’s “got [his] health” and “swagger” back. “I’m fully back now. Last year at this time, it wasn’t a good look,” Sanders said. Sanders is now “cancer-free” and credited “great doctors in Colorado” and God, whom together, he said, “brought [him] through.” He added, “I’m thankful ‘m healthy.” 

RELATED: Yung Miami Turns Up Summer Walker’s Atlanta Concert With ‘Spend Dat’ Performance & Social Media Has Thoughts (VIDEOS)

FunnyMike and Jaliyah have the internet talking again. Fans began speculating about the former couple’s relationship after FunnyMike popped into Jaliyah’s TikTok Live and started sending gifts during her stream. Jaliyah quickly shut down the chatter, reminding folks that she is single, prompting a response from FunnyMike as well.

Related: Jaliyah Confirms She’s Ending Her 8-Year Relationship With FunnyMike After Accusing Him Of Assault & Fathering Additional Kids

FunnyMike Sends Gifts During Jaliyah’s TikTok Live

On Saturday, June 13, a clip from Jaliyah’s TikTok Live began circulating on social media. In the video, FunnyMike, Jaliyah’s ex and the father of her children, repeatedly sent gifts during her livestream.

As the gifts continued rolling in, Jaliyah laughed and told viewers, “He just want some shine on my live,” before jokingly adding, “I’m finna block you.”

The interaction quickly sparked debate online. While some viewers brushed off the exchange as harmless, others pointed to the former couple’s history and questioned whether Jaliyah was truly done with FunnyMike. Several commenters suggested the pair has a habit of finding their way back to one another despite their public fallout, while others expressed frustration, saying they had been rooting for Jaliyah to leave the relationship.

However, Jaliyah later shut down the speculation. Responding to the growing backlash, she wrote, “I’m single asf and will remain that way.” The moment comes just weeks after Jaliyah publicly accused FunnyMike of abuse and alleged that he was expecting children with other women.

FunnyMike Says He Was ‘Trolling’ While Showing Off His Single Lifestyle

After The Shade Room Teens shared Jaliyah’s response, FunnyMike jumped into the comment section to offer his own take on the viral moment. According to FunnyMike, he was simply “trolling.” He also doubled down on Jaliyah’s comments by writing, “Heavy on the single.”

The YouTuber later appeared to lean further into his single era when he shared an Instagram photo dump featuring several mystery women. He captioned the post, “This sh** overly structured #singleaf.”

FunnyMike also responded to followers who kept bringing up Jaliyah in the comments. One user wrote, “Can’t wait for my girl Jaliyah turn laugh now cry later.” In which FunnyMike replied, “Bruh stop bringing her up we both single I could careless.” While another commenter wrote, “Lemme get da bm 👀.” FunnyMike responded, “Hit her dm 5.”

FunnyMike also appeared to address critics who believe he’s secretly hurt by the breakup. Taking to his Instagram Story, he wrote, “Y’all want me to go cry in a corner.” He later leaned into the jokes by posting a video of himself sitting in a corner and pretending to cry, seemingly poking fun at social media users who think he’s bothered by the split.

Social Media Reacts To Link Up

The ShadeRoom Teens comment section had plenty to say about the viral interaction.

Instagram user @takiyahtyiel wrote, “She going back trust I know! 😂😂😂 yeen pose to let him see you smile no matter how happy you really are.”

Another Instagram user @jada.erin wrote, “30 year olds still playing like this btw.”

While Instagram user @naaeeeeee.s wrote, “Well that’s still her kids father! She ain’t gotta move like it’s hate.”

Instagram user @ndot._ wrote, “He miss her bad, cause why you on her live anyways 😭”

Another Instagram user @trrullyariana wrote, “He so disrespectful, I really hate this for mg 😕😭”

While Instagram user @ebonykelly wrote, “Jaliyah better get her a ball player next. Make him feel it!!!”

Instagram user @prettybrownas__ wrote, “Trolling? boy grow up, if you single leave her be. never understand dudes who try to be so unbothered but you trollin ya ex? Lol.”

Another Instagram user @elkiriaa.j wrote, “He gone be soooo sick when she move on 😭💔.”

While Instagram user @bookworm29_ wrote, “He like this now but when time pass and he get bored of them females he gonna want something real and when he do she will be long gone, in a happy new relationship.”

Related: Oop! FunnyMike Fires Back At Social Media Users Following Jaliyah’s Claims That He Has Two Children On The Way (VIDEOS)

2026 has been a wonderful year for horror so far. The likes of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Send Help, and Ready or Not 2: Here I Come all charmed audiences, but it wasn’t until this past month that the genre truly stood out from the rest. This is thanks to the release of two fresh new horror projects, both from the minds of former YouTube creators. Focus Features’ Obsession has become the talk of Hollywood, with director Curry Barker helping transform a sub-$1 million budget into almost $230 million worldwide, so far.

Then there is A24’s Backrooms, from the mind of 20-year-old Kane Parsons, which has broken numerous records, including the aforementioned director becoming the youngest person ever to top the North American box office. However, not every horror release in 2026 has been a hit, with perhaps the very worst coming from a franchise some had long given up on. The Strangers: Chapter 3 debuted in February and only managed four weeks in theaters, thanks to a dreadful run that only picked up $11 million worldwide, against a production budget reported to be $8.5 million.

Not only was the threequel a box office disaster, but it also faced huge critical backlash and earned a dismal 18% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Dubbed “an odd attempt to expand this world in an irritating way that couldn’t be further away from what makes this series great,” in Ross Bonaime’s review for Collider, there is no doubt that this is a movie 2026 will likely forget. However, morbid curiosity has hit following the film’s streaming arrival, with The Strangers: Chapter 3 becoming one of the ten most-streamed movies on Starz in the U.S.

A Poorly Reviewed Horror Movie Just Topped the Box Office

Although the likes of Backrooms and Obsession are dominating box office headlines by proving huge critical and commercial hits, last weekend’s charts were actually topped by a very different horror film, and one that has received a similar scathing critical reception to The Strangers: Chapter 3. The film in question is Scary Movie, a first return to the parody franchise in 13 years, which opened with an impressive $55 million haul from U.S. theaters and another $50 million from overseas markets​​​​​​. The horror parody franchise’s sixth chapter might have taken top spot over the weekend, but it was quickly outgrossed on its first Monday by Obsession.

The Strangers: Chapter 3 is available to stream now on Starz. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for all the latest streaming stories.

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Release Date

February 6, 2026

Runtime

91 Minutes

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Director

Renny Harlin

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Writers

Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland

Producers

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Courtney Solomon, Alastair Burlingham, Mark Canton, Charlie Dombek, Christopher Milburn, Gary Raskin

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Cast

• 
• 

  Richard Brake

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  Sheriff Rotter

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It looks like this month has been full of major milestones for Polo G. From announcing that he’s expecting his second child and first with girlfriend Chalynn Monee to preparing to release new music, the rapper is now sharing another major win in his life with supporters.

RELATED: Congrats! Polo G & His Girlfriend Chalynn Monee Are Expecting Their First Child Together (PHOTOS + VIDEO)

Polo G Reflects On His Growth And How Sobriety Changed His Life

Polo G took to social media to officially celebrate one year of sobriety. The rapper reflected on the milestone while highlighting the growth and discipline that helped him achieve it.

In his post, he wrote: “Officially 1YR Sober &…. Key Words Here ‘GROWTH’ & ‘DISCIPLINE.’ Im beyond proud and happy fa myself for the man I’ve been able to become thru will power. We all gat the potential to be who we really wanna be, we just gatta find it within ourselves…But yea, to celebrate I’m putting out a single this Friday. Swipe til the end for the cover arts.”

Polo G Previously Opened Up About His Past Drug Abuse And Surviving An Overdose

Throughout the years, Polo G has been very open about his struggles with substance abuse. Nearly five years ago, the rapper got candid about a drug overdose he experienced when he was 17 years old. Polo G explained that, at the time, drugs had become such a regular part of his life that he felt he needed them to function.

During a celebration for a late friend, he said he blacked out after consuming champagne and more than 17 pills. Reflecting on the incident, Polo G recalled his father telling him that if help had arrived just seconds later, he could have died.

“That just made me think. Knowing that I got my son, I had to slow down off that. That made me quit Ecstasy and Xanax. The only way I got through that dark time was the music. That’s the one thing that always kept me going.”

Fast forward to 2026, Polo G sat down sat down with DDG and revealed that he was 11 months sober. When asked whether he still smoked weed or used anything else, the rapper shared that he was completely sober. As Polo G reflected on his journey, he opened up about the differences between living sober and being on drugs.

“I feel like my mind clear. Like I got more control over my thoughts. My days go a lil better. Sometimes you can get real f***ed up and it’ll set you back.”

Polo G went from overdosing after taking 17 pills and being just minutes away from death, to now being 1 year sober from drugs and alcohol 🐐

His new song comes out Friday to celebrate🔥 pic.twitter.com/uHz5Hz0kKR

— Polo G Reports (@pologreports) June 10, 2026

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Social Media Floods The Rapper’s Comments With Uplifting And Celebratory Messages

Supporters across platforms flooded Polo G’s comments with uplifting and celebratory messages as they congratulated him on reaching one year of sobriety. Several of his rap peers also stepped in to show their love and support.

Instagram user @rob49up wrote, “Best news I got all day brother”

Instagram user @fattmack_ wrote, “Tryna get like you p 100 Motivation Fasho”

While Instagram user @richoffbowlzzzzz wrote, “Happy I came across this post that just gave me motivation to my stop smoking journey”

Instagram user @Isouthendhero wrote, “💯 💯 💯 im 8 months in!! Needed this motivation 👏🏾 👏🏾 keep going”

Instagram user @phuck_chyna wrote, “I ain’t smoke in 17 hours and I feel I’m finna go to jail if I don’t get a wood soon…. So congratulations to you buddy😂😂😂🔥 need some of that discipline

While Instagram user @_thareal_zy wrote, “Deliverance is truly the best gift 🫂 “

RELATED: Love To See It! Joseline Hernandez Shares Sentimental Message While Revealing She Is Three Years Sober (VIDEO)