The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Jeana Keough has completed radiation treatment after being diagnosed with tongue cancer.

Jeana’s daughter, Kara Keough, shared an update on the former Bravolebrity’s health on Thursday, August 6, via a GoFundMe page set up to help cover the costs of treatment.

“Jeana finished her last radiation treatment yesterday, and we were informed that these next two weeks will be the roughest on her physically — as the chemo and radiation are compounding and her body will be at its weakest point,” Kara wrote. “The radiation burns have now made it to the outer skin on her neck, and even putting medicated cream on the area with the gentlest of touches causes her wincing pain.”

“We’re rocking and rolling with the feeding tube and I can feed her in the dark while she sleeps at this point, and she’s stopped losing weight. This is a win and we’re taking it as such,” she continued. “We’re still trying to find a nausea treatment that might prevent the painful vomiting but haven’t found the perfect solution yet.”

Related: RHOC’s Kara and Shane Keough Open Up About Mom Jeana’s Cancer Journey

Jeana Keough’s kids are remaining hopeful and positive as The Real Housewives of Orange County star continues treatment for tongue cancer. “She’s strong through this. She’s got a good support network down there,” Shane Keough exclusively told Us when marking 20 years of RHOC. “Colton, our younger brother, is there [in Orange County, California], so […]

Kara noted that she was due to return to Florida, where she lives, but that her brother Colton was in “Orange County taking [of] her.” Her older brother Shane “and his wife Francheska fly in this weekend for a changing of the guards.”

“Another win: for the last two days, I was able to coerce her to take one sip of water — a very important task so she doesn’t lose her swallow function,” Kara added of Jeana, 70. “The pain is excruciating and she refuses narcotics, so it’s unfortunately a really tough challenge to accept.”

Kara concluded her post by asking fans to pray for Jeana to complete her chemotherapy, among other things. She requested fans pray “that the continued immunotherapy works its magic and that cancer NEVER KNOWS THIS WOMAN AGAIN.”

Kara first confirmed Jeana had been diagnosed with tongue cancer in July when she created a GoFundMe page to support the costs of her mom’s treatment.

Advertisement

Related: ‘RHOC’ Cast Sends Support to Jeana Keough After Tongue Cancer Diagnosis

Jeana Keough is receiving love, support and encouragement from her Real Housewives of Orange County family after her tongue cancer diagnosis was revealed. “By now, most of you have heard my incredible friend @jeanakeough is battling cancer. Her daughter Kara explained her journey on this GoFundMe post,” Vicki Gunvalson wrote via Instagram Sunday, July 19. […]

“A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue,” Kara wrote at the time. “She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down. I asked her how long the sore had been there. She paused, thought about it, and realized it had been nearly a year. A biopsy confirmed our worst fear: squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

“On top of the physical toll, she has been unable to work. Because her job is commission-based, the loss of income has created an enormous financial burden at the very time she needs to focus all of her energy on healing,” Kara said.

RHOC star Vicki Gunvalson gave an update on Jeana’s condition on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Sunday, August 9.

“She’s going through it,” Vicki, 64, said. “She’s in chemo, radiation, and we just pray for her.”

Brooklyn Beckham‘s cooking skills are causing conversation!

The media personality brought his fans along for the ride as he embarked on a pasta cooking mission, and his unique method has sent tongues swirling.

Brooklyn Beckham’s culinary journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown, leading to the creation of his online video series “Cookin’ With Brooklyn.” However, his unending feud with his family has been his main headline appearance in recent times.

3

The former footballer’s son excitedly shared a clip of him boiling his next meal in water scooped from the sea. Brooklyn informed his fans and viewers of his intention to make tomato pasta in the buzzing video.

The former athlete opted for a casual navy blue top paired with similar-colored shorts and a tan hat with dark sunglasses to achieve his task of the day. Brooklyn proceeded to the kitchen on his luxury yacht after getting the seawater into his saucepan. 

He then diced some fresh tomatoes and oiled another saucepan, emptying the fresh vegetables into it and applying seasoning. Brooklyn then boiled his pasta in the water and proceeded to place it in the tomato mix.

Brooklyn put his talent on full display by carefully plating the seafood pasta before digging into the mouthwatering dish alongside his sous chef. 

The media personality’s culinary move was trailed by thousands of comments from fans who either advised him against such a move based on hygiene reasons or praised him for thinking outside the box.

3

Some fans still have their minds stuck on Brooklyn’s football past, drawing comparisons between his career and that of his father, stating, “When his dad was the same age, he’d won the treble and just signed for Real Madrid. But tomato pasta is a pretty good achievement too.”

Another commenter discussed the toxicity of sea water and how boiling it does not kill chemical pollutants, heavy metals, and all the toxins contained in the water.

Reginae Carter‘s impression of her mom, Toya Johnson‘s accent, has internet users in disbelief, saying she “sounds more like Toya than Toya.”

RELATED: Uhn Uhn! Toya Johnson Has The Internet Crackin’ UP With Her Reaction To Attempting A Cold Plunge (WATCH)

Reginae’s Impression Of Her Mom Toya Johnson’s Accent

Over the weekend, TSR Teens shared footage of an apparent recent livestream launched by Reginae Carter and her mom, Toya Johnson. In the clip, the pair appeared to be talking about Louisiana while Carter assumed her mom’s signature New Orleans accent.

As Carter jokingly talked about where her parents are from, Johnson couldn’t help but crack up in tears.

Peep the full clip below.

The Internet Is In Disbelief At Reginae’s Impression of Her Mom’s Accent

Social media users immediately hopped into TSR Teens’ comment section, cracking up at Regine Carter’s impression.

Toya Johnson Previously Made Headlines Alongside Her Husband

As The Shade Room previously reported, Toya Johnson previously made headlines alongside her husband. In September 2025, Robert Rushing shared a skit video referencing the upcoming football season. In the clip, he appeared to hand Johnson a paper which read, “Toya, this is to inform you that 1 week from today is the start of the Falcons’ football season. For the past several months, I have been a helpful, engaging, and loving husband. However, I regret to inform you [that] I am putting my 1 week notice. I will no longer be available for relationship or dad needs on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., some Mondays, and Thursday evenings, due to other commitments.”

In reaction, Johnson shared some playful words for her husband.

RELATED: Robert Rushing Told Toya He Will “No Longer Be Available” Once NFL Season Starts & Her Reaction Has The Internet Crackin’ UP

Heels aren’t the only way to fake longer-looking legs. The right dress silhouette can completely change your proportions, creating the illusion of extra height while keeping you cool and comfortable through the hottest days of summer. That’s why we went on a hunt to pull rich-looking styles that pair perfectly with even your favorite sandals.

From boutique-looking maxis to easy T-shirt dresses, Amazon has plenty of flattering options worth adding to your cart. Our 17 loose, body-skimming styles are designed to create a taller, leaner look without any heels in sight. Plus, prices start as low as $13, making it the perfect excuse to grab more than one.

17 Loose and Slimming Dresses That Make Legs Look Miles Longer

1. Our Favorite: Sometimes the simplest dresses are the most flattering. This loose tank maxi glides over the body, creating a lean, streamlined look that’s perfect with everything from slides to wedges.

2. Waist-Free Wonder: You don’t need a cinched waist to look flattering. This short-sleeve maxi creates an elegant column effect that visually lengthens your body while offering all-day comfort.

3. Belly-Friendly Midi: This V-neck midi dress floats away from the midsection, making it an easy pick for hot summer days. The tiered skirt adds movement and tons of style.

4. Sweet Sundress: This flowy maxi sundress has all the ‘ingredients’ of a forever favorite: a stretchy smocked bodice, breezy tiered skirt and flattering silhouette.

5. Print-Perfect Pick: Don’t underestimate a great printed maxi dress. The busy floral pattern camouflages lumps and bumps, while the long, flowy skirt visually elongates your frame.

Related: 17 Casual, Slimming Dresses That Go So Well With Sneakers — From $13

Some outfit combinations never miss, and dresses with sneakers are at the top of the list. The pairing feels effortless, polished and comfortable enough for everything from running errands to weekend brunches. Better yet, the right dress can create a flattering silhouette without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Amazon is packed with casual styles that […]

Advertisement

6. No. 1 Bestseller: More than 4,000 shoppers picked up this casual maxi dress in the past month alone. Reviewers rave that it’s “soft and comfortable yet slimming,” making this pick an easy wardrobe staple.

7. Nautical Chic: A striped shirt dress instantly channels effortless coastal style. Better yet, the vertical lines and breezy fit work together to create a flattering, elongated shape.

8. Vacation-Ready Print: This beach-ready midi dress has everything you want in a warm-weather staple: a flattering V-neck, forgiving A-line shape and vibrant print that feels straight out of a coastal getaway.

9. Legs-for-Days Dress: This casual mini dress lets your legs take center stage, while the relaxed fit floats over the waist and hips. It’s an easy way to look taller without wearing heels.

10. Cinched-to-Perfection: A drawstring mini dress lets you customize the fit exactly how you like it. Pull the waist tighter for more definition or keep it loose for an effortlessly relaxed silhouette.

11. Body-Skimming Beauty: Softly draping from shoulder to hem, the floral swing dress glides over the tummy, hips and thighs for an effortlessly flattering fit. The floor-grazing length only enhances its elongated effect.

12. Lengthening Stripes: Nothing elongates quite like a striped midi dress. The V-neck draws the eye downward, while the empire waist and vertical lines work together to make legs look even longer.

13. Taller-Looking Trick: A classic A-line maxi dress helps balance your proportions by visually lifting the waistline. The result is a longer, leaner silhouette that looks especially chic with flat sandals.

14. Resort-Ready Favorite: Toss on this striped button-down dress with gladiator sandals and a woven tote for an outfit that feels equal parts polished and relaxed. The vertical pattern also helps create a longer silhouette.

15. Boho Beauty: Designed with a bohemian-style maxi silhouette, this dress creates beautiful movement as you walk. The V-neck and sweeping skirt work together to flatter from every angle.

16. Boutique-Looking: You’d expect to find this eyelet mini dress hanging in a high-end boutique. Instead, it delivers the same effortless polish with a relaxed fit that floats over the body.

17. Hot-Weather Hero: Reaching for a breezy dress is one of the easiest ways to stay cool without compromising on style. This cotton maxi dress delivers breathable comfort and a forgiving, body-skimming fit.

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

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

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

Advertisement

Related: Bye, Bye Bulge! These Pretty Summer Blouses Hide Your Arms and Tummy

Summer style is supposed to feel easy, but finding a blouse that doesn’t cling to your tummy or squeeze your upper arms can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Instead of settling for oversized tees or cardigans in 90-degree weather, we’re focusing on airy summer tops that will make you feel instantly more comfortable and […]

A woman who appeared to physically attack Yaya Mayweather is clearing the air on what allegedly went down. Jaleec Pino, a podcaster, claims Floyd Mayweather’s daughter put her hands on her first. She also alleges Yaya insulted her before the caught-on-camera fight. So far, Pino is the only one who has spoken out about what happened.

RELATED: Oop! Yaya Mayweather Shuts Down Claims That She’s “Obsessed” With NBA YoungBoy Or Wants Him Back

Footage Shows Jaleec Pino Confronting Yaya Mayweather & Others

Much of the online footage of the physical fight appears to have originated from Jaleec Pino, who posted or reposted it on her Instagram Stories, and possibly TikTok users. Though this hasn’t been fully confirmed. Nonetheless, the fight and its footage gained momentum on Saturday (August 8). In one Instagram Stories video, Pino is seen throwing an object three times toward a car Yaya was riding in. She added an NBA YoungBoy song to the clip, which she captioned: “Scary A** B****” A third post was a photo of Pino apparently gripping Yaya by the hair and pushing her towards the ground. She dropped an @ for Yaya in that post and included 50 Cent’s song, ‘What Up Gangsta.’

La podcaster “Jaleec” pulls up on undefeated boxer Floyd mayweather jr daughter “yaya” and gives her a vicious case of da beats. This comes after allegedly yaya had words for the podcaster because of an interview. Pray for peace yall. pic.twitter.com/s9PdGrctAS

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) August 9, 2026

Jaleec Claims Hitting Yaya Was “Self-Defense” 

In one of her Instagram Stories videos, Jaleec showed her open palm with a small cut at the center. The caption written in the video said, “POV: Jaleec gets into a altercation with Iyanna Mayweather aka Money Yaya.” Meanwhile, in the clip, Pino said the cut resulted from a fight with Yaya, who allegedly “slapped” her.

“…So it was self-defense, so whatever she told the police she lying y’all,” Pino said in the clip.

It’s unclear at this time whether cops were called to the scene of the tussle or if a police report was filed. Later in her Stories, amid videos and screenshots of the confrontation, Jaleec shared a screenshot of her gripping Yaya by the hair while throwing punches. The text on the clip said, “Yaya Mayweather called me a messy b**** this what happened. “

Sometime after the fight, Jaleec Pino hopped online to clarify that Yaya and her crew “popped it first.” She claimed that Yaya “starts everything,” including online. This time, Mayweather allegedly accused her of speaking about her during an interview, which Jaleec denied. Rather than given an example, Mayweather then allegedly threw shade about big foreheads and buns, seemingly aimed at Pino.

“It don’t matter how y’all try to paint it out, but she really kicked it off first. Talk about that. Don’t act like I did anything. She talks too much and she thought I was overly protected.”

WATCH THE FOOTAGE BELOW. 

Social Media Weighs In On Confrontation 

In Live Bitez’s comment section, more than 2,700 reactions poured in. Reactions to the footage and Jaleec’s post-fight commentary were mixed. Some people called out the podcaster for trying to force a fight with a seemingly unwilling participant. Others urged Yaya to get better security, applauded her restraint and encouraged her to press charges.

@comedian_actor_aj commented, “First off she’s way to little for that girl to be running up on her and secondly yaya looks drunk asf she’s clearly not in fighting mode..we seen how yaya move all fast tryna fight when sober 😂😂… security fired!!!!” 

“Yaya is smart. She didn’t swing first so that’s assault on this girl. She didn’t agitate so no case for her to seem like the aggressors. AND she’s on probation for STABBING someone – she is hands off! Ain’t no way she is trying to go to jail,” @illestemm added.

“That’s weird. She so damn small come get me yaya I got you 😂😂,” @bodixonna wrote.

@wifeythamizfit said, “The way they would locked up right now. They attacked her and damaged her car. Where is her security?”

“Girl now you might go to jail posting this 😂,” @binttaa1 added.

@studewoodmike59 commented, “😂Security need to be fired immediately.” 

@lailavland added, “This why nobody f*ck wit u jaleec, your supposed to be a “pod caster” and your getting in your feelings fighting the people YOUR GOSSIPING about. When tf did the podcasters start fighting the talent 😂. Ps come pick on somebody your size.” 

Social media users are also flooding the comment sections of Jaleec’s Instagram posts with reactions to the tussle. See an example below. 

RELATED: Karlissa Saffold Enters The Chat With Advice For Jaidyn Alexis After Yaya Mayweather & Kai Bandz Link Up (VIDEOS)

After months of speculation and Marvel secrecy, Sadie Sink can finally openly discuss becoming Jean Grey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Stranger Things star made her debut as the iconic mutant in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, giving audiences their first look at a new Jean Grey who could eventually become one of the central characters in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Menreboot.

In a new interview with Variety, Sink discussed taking on a character who has been an important part of Marvel Comics for decades.

“She’s such an iconic figure in X-Men and in comics, and I’m very excited to bring my iteration of her to life.”

However, Brand New Day introduces Jean in a very different place than longtime X-Men fans might expect.

Rather than already being a member of the X-Men, Jean is presented as a young mutant struggling with her abilities and the circumstances surrounding her. Although she serves as an antagonist during portions of the movie, Sink says she never approached Jean as an actual villain.

“In this film, they told me that I was the villain, but that you’re not actually the villain, which is how I played her.”

Sink added that she didn’t want to give Jean a traditional villainous personality because Jean herself believes her actions are justified.

That distinction appears to be an important part of Marvel’s approach to the character. Instead of introducing Jean as the established superhero audiences previously saw portrayed by Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner, Marvel has an opportunity to show how she eventually becomes that hero.

Famke Janssen, Sadie Sink, Sophie Turner

Sink explained that she viewed Jean primarily as a teenager dealing with pain and anger rather than someone who was inherently evil.

“She’s a young girl in pain.”

According to Sink, the plan was to avoid focusing on the “evil bits” and instead concentrate on Jean as an angry and hurt teenager.

That idea also connects directly to what Sink believes makes the X-Men different from many other superheroes.

“What makes the X-Men special is they are all incredibly flawed.”

Sink explained that mutants have to discover their own relationship with powers they never asked to have. Those abilities don’t necessarily make their lives easier and can instead make them considerably more difficult.

It’s an approach that could tell us quite a bit about the direction Marvel Studios intends to take with its new X-Men.

The mutants have traditionally worked best when their powers aren’t simply treated as abilities that allow them to become superheroes. Being a mutant is part of who these characters are, and learning to live with that identity has always been central to the franchise.

Jean Grey is particularly suited for that kind of story.

As one of Marvel’s most powerful telepaths and telekinetics, Jean has frequently struggled with abilities that can become overwhelming and, eventually, potentially catastrophic. Her comic book history with the Phoenix Force has made her one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe.

But Marvel doesn’t appear to be rushing toward that version of Jean.

Instead, Brand New Day gives Sink the opportunity to start much earlier in Jean’s life and potentially develop the character across several movies before exploring some of her biggest comic book storylines.

Sink also revealed that some of the first people she told about landing the role were Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of Stranger Things.

“The Duffers were some of the first few people I told.”

Sink said she wanted them to know what she would be doing after Stranger Things, and the brothers were excited about the opportunity. Their reaction carried additional weight for Sink because of their love for comics.

It’s easy to understand the excitement.

After spending years playing Max Mayfield in one of Netflix’s biggest franchises, Sink is moving directly into what could become another defining role, and potentially one that lasts for much of the next decade.

Marvel Studios is currently preparing its new X-Men movie with Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier set to helm the project. Sink’s introduction in Brand New Day now gives the MCU at least one major piece of that team before the movie arrives.

Jean Grey’s future could also introduce another important relationship.

Kit Connor has recently been reported as Marvel’s choice to play Scott Summers, better known as Cyclops. Jean and Scott have one of the most famous and complicated relationships in X-Men history, making the two characters natural candidates to become central figures in Marvel’s new mutant era.

For Sink, though, Jean’s imperfections may ultimately be what makes the character worth exploring.

Marvel has already had two cinematic versions of Jean Grey and has twice attempted to adapt the Dark Phoenix storyline. Simply repeating that journey would offer audiences little they haven’t already seen.

Starting with a younger, angry and emotionally overwhelmed Jean gives Marvel Studios something different: time.

Time to show Jean learning about her powers. Time to show her finding others like herself. Time to establish her relationship with the X-Men. And eventually, time to show how one of Marvel’s most powerful mutants becomes Jean Grey.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day may have introduced her as an antagonist, but if Marvel’s plans come together, Sadie Sink’s Jean Grey is only getting started.

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson is giving an update on good friend Jeana Keough’s tongue cancer battle.

“She’s going through it,” Vicki, 64, said on the Sunday, August 9, episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. “She’s in chemo, radiation, and we just pray for her.”

Vicki previously showed her support for fellow RHOC OG Jeana, 70, via Instagram.

“By now most of you have heard my incredible friend @jeanakeough is battling cancer,” she shared on July 20, linking to a GoFundMe page set up to support Jeana cover the costs of her treatment. “Her daughter Kara explained her journey on this below GoFundMe post. Please donate if you can, and lift her up in healing ❤️‍🩹 prayers. Jeana, you have been there for so many people through your life, now it’s our turn to be there for you! We love you girl 💪🙏❤️.”

Related: ‘RHOC’ Cast Sends Support to Jeana Keough After Tongue Cancer Diagnosis

Jeana Keough is receiving love, support and encouragement from her Real Housewives of Orange County family after her tongue cancer diagnosis was revealed. “By now, most of you have heard my incredible friend @jeanakeough is battling cancer. Her daughter Kara explained her journey on this GoFundMe post,” Vicki Gunvalson wrote via Instagram Sunday, July 19. […]

Jeana’s daughter, Kara Keough, broke the news of her mom’s cancer battle in July.

“A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue,” Kara wrote via the GoFundMe page. “She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down. I asked her how long the sore had been there. She paused, thought about it, and realized it had been nearly a year.”

According to Kara, Jeana was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

“After surgery to remove the cancer, we were hopeful that the hardest part was behind her. But when doctors recommended a second surgery to remove lymph nodes, they discovered the cancer had spread,” Kara wrote. “What we thought would be a one-time surgery became a full cancer battle.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: ‘RHOC’ Star Jeana Keough’s Prognosis for Tongue Cancer Revealed After Chemo

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Jeana Keough’s daughter, Kara Keough, has revealed her mom’s prognosis after finishing chemotherapy for tongue cancer. “Jeana is home and recovering,” Kara, 37, wrote in an update on Jeana’s GoFundMe page on Friday, July 31. “She’s done with chemo and only has 2 days of radiation left! After […]

Advertisement

Kara shared an update on her mom’s treatment plan on Thursday, August 6, confirming that Jeana had “finished her last radiation treatment” the day before and that “we were informed that these next two weeks will be the roughest on her physically — as the chemo and radiation are compounding and her body will be at its weakest point.”

“The radiation burns have now made it to the outer skin on her neck and even putting medicated cream on the area with the gentlest of touches causes her wincing pain,” Kara wrote. “We’re rocking and rolling with the feeding tube and I can feed her in the dark while she sleeps at this point and she’s stopped losing weight. This is a win and we’re taking it as such.”

“We’re still trying to find a nausea treatment that might prevent the painful vomiting but haven’t found the perfect solution yet,” said Kara, noting that the “pain is excruciating and she refuses narcotics, so it’s unfortunately a really tough challenge to accept.”

Roomies, a night out on the water near one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks has reportedly turned tragic, with Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, losing their lives after a boat overturned in New York Harbor. Now, the vessel’s captain, Manuel Hernandez, is facing charges as authorities work to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to the fatal capsizing.

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! Ohio Mom Pleads Guilty To Child Endangerment After Allegedly Injecting Fecal Matter Into Child’s IV Port

Boat Carrying 14 People Capsizes Near Liberty Island

The 22-foot powerboat was carrying at least 14 people when it overturned near Liberty Island shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, August 8, according to authorities. Authorities have reportedly identified the two victims as 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and 5-month-old Antonella Garcia, who both lived at the same Queens, New York, address, according to the NYPD. The U.S. Coast Guard previously referred to the victims as “a mother and child.” At the same time, sources familiar with the investigation told ABC News that Sanchez and Garcia were mother and daughter.

Captain Hernandez Arrested & Charged After Fatal Capsizing

The boat’s captain, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez, was arrested early Sunday and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, according to the NYPD and U.S. Coast Guard. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the vessel to overturn, and the Coast Guard is also examining whether the trip may have been operating as an illegal charter.

Following the capsizing, 12 other people were rescued from the water and taken to area hospitals with minor injuries, according to officials. Additionally, the NYPD’s Harbor Unit, SCUBA Team, and Aviation Unit were among the responders who rushed to the scene as crews worked to get everyone out of the water.

Investigation Into What Happened Remains Ongoing

Furthermore, authorities have not yet determined the cause of the boat’s capsize. The Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the NYPD are continuing to investigate the fatal incident, including the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s operation. Moreover, Hernandez is facing current reckless endangerment charges as the investigation continues. Also, it remains unclear whether he has obtained an attorney.

RELATED: Yikes! Footage Shows Amusement Park Guests Stranded Upside Down On New Jersey Boardwalk Ride (VIDEO)

Keeping it real is always in style!

Cardi B has never been one to hold back. Whether she’s spilling her beauty secrets, shutting down rumors, rapping about her feelings, or sharing candid looks at her family life, the Grammy winner has built her career on being unapologetically herself. So, naturally, partnering with Zevia for the better-for-you beverage brand’s Real Talk Interpreter campaign was a perfect fit.

“I got to be myself. I love shoots where I can just show up and be me. That’s why this partnership works. It’s funny, it’s honest, and it’s not too serious,” she tells ET.

The partnership celebrates the unfiltered moments that happen when people say exactly what they’re thinking, something the former Love & Hip Hop: New York star has never had much trouble doing.

“I mean, you don’t gotta be rude, but I think people appreciate honesty,” she says with a laugh.

“I’ve always been myself, even when it got me in trouble. I’d rather people know exactly who I am, so they know exactly what to expect,” the hitmaker continues.

“I could never pretend to be anyone else, and I wouldn’t want to be anyone else. I think what my fans appreciate most about me is that they never have to guess when it comes to who I am.”

For the “Bodak Yellow” rapper, being genuine is a way of life, and she brings that same straightforward approach to her health habits.

“I’m definitely more mindful now because I got a lot going on. Touring is no joke, and I need energy every night. … It’s really about balance. I still enjoy the foods I love, but I try to make smarter choices where I can. That’s why Zevia works for me. I still get the flavor I want without any sugar,” she explains.

As for what she keeps stocked on her tour bus, she has found her favorites. “I really love the new Orange Creamsicle and Strawberry Lemon Burst. I can scratch my soda itch with a better soda option.”

Of course, Cardi’s commitment to authenticity goes far beyond her wellness routine, extending to her enviable wardrobe and impressive handbag collection.

When asked whether she’d ever carry a convincing designer dupe, the New York native makes her stance crystal clear: “I’d never buy fake anything, especially not a Hermès bag.”

Cardi’s love of fashion has also become a family affair, especially when it comes to spending time with her daughter, Kulture.

“I love being home with my family and shopping with my kids,” the Grow Good founder shares.

And it sounds like the 8-year-old is already her mom’s mini-me.

“Kulture is a real girly-girl, like me. She’s always finding something for us to do, like skincare, TikTok recipes, and going to concerts. I love doing everything together.”

RELATED CONTENT:

Willem Dafoe has perhaps one of the most interesting and impressive resumes of any actor working today. The 4-time Academy Award nominee has played everything from a larger-than-life supervillain in Spider-Man to a humble motel manager in The Florida Project, and in every single one of those projects, he delivers 110% every single time. Dafoe’s legendary dedication to everything he does almost makes his mere involvement a bona fide stamp of approval, and that’s very much the case for his next two projects, Late Fame and The Birthday Party.

The two new films are a near-flawless showcase of Dafoe’s range as an actor, as one portrays him as a quiet and introspective poet while the other has him playing an intimidating and wealthy businessman. Ahead of the films’ release, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Dafoe about his new roles and how he decided to make them his next projects. Our full conversation also covers Dafoe’s surprising history with the James Bond IP, his ongoing working relationship with Robert Eggers, and what fans can expect from his upcoming horror film Werwulf.

Willem Dafoe Breaks Down His Process for Choosing a Role and Why He Chose to Star in ‘Late Fame’ and ‘The Birthday Party’

“You don’t really know the role until you do it.”

Image via Quiver Distribution

COLLIDER: Let’s just jump right into it. It’s rare that I get to talk to someone about two movies rather than just one movie, and I think that really speaks to how you are always working on something interesting at all times. What does your process of choosing a role look like from the biggest blockbuster to the smallest indie film?

DAFOE: You know, I’ve got a non-answer for that because it’s always different. I think there’s certain tendencies. The director is very important for me, and I think I look for situations, situations where I can find something, or I can learn something, or something can happen to me. So, that’s what I look for.

It’s not really the role specifically because you don’t really know the role until you do it. And sometimes I think even if you see the role too clearly and you say, “Wow, this would be really great for me,” that’s something to avoid because it’s almost like you know what it is. You’ve got to have that space to reach for. You’ve got to have that space that’s a little difficult. You’ve got to have that space that’s full of questions. I think that is what gives you the energy to really extend yourself and forces you in a creative way to find something new, and that becomes the heart and the energy of what commits you to having your world drop away and trying to imagine the situation of another person, another way of looking, another way of feeling. That’s the pleasure of performing.

Because really, the thing that we can do is just share an experience. Have an experience, and share an experience. It’s not really about telling people things. It’s not necessarily about communicating the message. It’s about having an experience to expand the possibility of how we see things.

I wouldn’t call that a non-answer at all. That was a wonderful answer. Let me hone in a little bit more on Late Fame and The Birthday Party, specifically. What drew you to those two roles? Was it mainly the directors involved? How would you describe getting involved at first?

DAFOE: It’s probably complicated. Late Fame, I read the novella. A friend gave it to me and said, “I think this is a movie. It’s really interesting,” — a writer-actor friend in New York named Danny Sippy. He gave it to me basically because I was looking for something to do with Abel Ferrara, who I work with quite often. Abel, it wasn’t for him right off the bat, and I knew it wasn’t because it’s set in Vienna and a period movie. It just didn’t seem like the right material for him, but I was really stuck on it.

Then I started seeking out who had the rights to it, and unbeknownst to me, because I’m not really an industry person and I don’t develop things often, it was already a script. Shortly after I started looking for who owned the rights, they asked me to do the role. It was the script from Samy Burch, who did, among other things, May December a couple of years ago, and the amazing thing about it was it was transposed from Vienna to present-day New York City. Initially I thought, “Bad idea,” because Vienna was such a character in the original, but then I read the script, and I said, “Wow, this is really what’s in the air. This is really pertinent. This is something I relate to because I know something of this.” But there are also a lot of questions that are raised that are really interesting and really are in the air. So, that’s when you feel like you’re going to make a movie that people will relate to and will be rich material. So that’s why the reason I did that.

The Birthday Party, it’s a long story, but I did a movie called Inside with a Greek director, and there was a very good producer on it. The movie was really made in the shooting. There was a good script, but we had to tweak a lot of things in the process, and both the director, Vasilis Katsoupis, and the producer worked very well. And the producer said, “I have this book,” and he told me this story, and I said, “What? That’s fantastic!” It’s 1970s Greece, kind of an Onassis kind of character. It was interesting, but I didn’t think it was right for me.

When it was time to cast, he called me up and said, “I want you to do this.” And I was a little bit like, “You really think I’m right for it?” And after some talk, he introduced me to a director that I like very much. He was unknown to me, and I loved his movies. So, these things come together, and I say, “Why not?” It’s like you go towards situations, you go towards people, you go to places where you think you can have an experience or contribute something. So, that’s basically the road to how I choose.

Willem Dafoe on Working With Greta Lee in ‘Late Fame’

Lee can also be seen in Netflix’s ‘The Last House.’

Image via Magnolia Pictures

Advertisement

Another thing about Late Fame that I loved is Greta Lee is just firing on all cylinders in that movie and is having a blast. What was it like having her as a scene partner in that film?

DAFOE: It’s an interesting story. She’s great. It’s an interesting story because it’s kind of a sidebar to the main story about his relationship with the Enthusiasm Society, and like Ed Saxberger was, perhaps, she is turned on. She’s doing the thing that she loves to do, but she’s having difficulty sustaining herself, not just economically, but finding the right work. She’s still got the hunger. And she’s at that point.

Saxberger, the character I play in Late Fame, at a certain point, the scene kind of moved away. He didn’t get the teaching gig to support him. You can take a job and still continue your art, but he decided to walk away from that life and start another life by working at the post office, having some friends in a bar, living very simply, very solitarily. She is at that point where she has to decide, but she’s not giving up. So, there’s a kind of compassion and desperation.

What’s tragic about her is she’s pushing. She needs the attention, so she’s kicked everything up. But at the same time, you’re kind of touched by her commitment to what she’s doing. It’s what she feels like she’s made for. It’s what turns her on. And I think Saxberger relates to that. And it’s a flirtation with a younger woman, and I think it’s kind of a return to a younger man than he was and a flirtation, so that’s always understandable.

She’s the perfect foil to Sax for the whole time. I especially love, without getting too much into the spoilers, there’s one scene where we get to see a very different side of her character that is a big revelation for him. It’s fascinating to see how both of you worked together in that movie.

DAFOE: She was a good partner. And, yeah, it’s an interesting relationship between the two.

Willem Dafoe Explains His “Tragic Character” in ‘The Birthday Party’

“I feel for him, but I wouldn’t want to be him.”

Image via Quiver Distribution

Advertisement

Speaking of interesting relationships, The Birthday Party is chock-full of them. Marcos as a character is such a larger-than-life figure, and I feel like we learned so much about him just through visuals alone, let alone the dialogue. He almost carries himself as a Bond villain with his big estate. Do you think that Marcos considers himself the hero or the villain of his own story, even though he is very much the protagonist?

DAFOE: Listen, he’s not stupid. But at the same time, he’s so involved in trying to save his life and save the lives of people around him that he’s blinded. He’s also someone who’s been hurt by life, even though he’s very successful and he’s what you call a self-made man, I suppose. He’s concentrated on building this empire, and somehow has lost touch with his wife, with his children, one who has tragically died, and that’s sort of an old story. We all know that: The man who sacrifices the things he loves in the pursuit of something out there. So, he’s difficult. He’s a complex character. I feel for him, but I wouldn’t want to be him. It’s a tough character.

But I think it’s an interesting story just about how people gather around these people of power and what their relationship is, including their family. The central relationship is between him and his daughter, who he loves very much, but it’s tinged by all kinds of complex problems. I also like the relationship with his wife, which is very complicated because there’s a lot of love there, but they can’t stand each other in a way. You see that in a lot of relationships. It’s just a little bigger than life because he’s bigger than life, and his power and the attention and the love and the damage that he can do because of his resources is bigger than life. It’s a very Greek story. He’s a very tragic figure.

But it’s an interesting portrait of power and an interesting portrait of family in a position of power. It’s not a celebration. I remember someone said, “Why do you want to make a movie about rich people?” It’s as much a study of a cautionary tale not only about rich people, but where you place your attention and your relationship to other people. You’ve got to give them space, and you’ve got to get a lot of things to change. You can’t hold on too tightly, or you’ll strangle them. So, I think this is a familiar scene, but it’s played out in a very specific way because it’s a story that happens in the ‘70s with a man of power, an almost Onassis-like character. So, it’s interesting, not only on a personal level, but also, now, particularly, from a political level.

Willem Dafoe Reveals His Surprising History With the James Bond Franchise

Dafoe played the main antagonist of the 2003 video game, ‘James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing.’

Custom Image by Zanda Rice

When I described him as a Bond villain, that ties a little bit into one of my favorite pieces of Willem Dafoe trivia. You actually played a Bond villain at one point in one of the James Bond video games.

DAFOE: I did. And, you know, I think I never even saw it. I enjoyed doing it, but that was very early when people were making video games. Very, very early. I remember it was a very quick recording session. I kind of invented an accent on the spot. It was very loosey-goosey. But many people have told me they really enjoy it, so it’s a case of sometimes it’s good to jump in and play it loose and fast. Sometimes that has a spirit that may not be precise, but it has a spirit that really brings the character to life.

That’s wonderful. A lot of people think you would make such a great Bond villain, because you’ve had so many great villain roles. With all this chatter of who the next James Bond is going to be, would you ever want to revisit the James Bond franchise in live action at some point?

DAFOE: I don’t want to send a little headline out there, but, you know, in the right situation. I mean, when I was a kid, I remember seeing From Russia with Love and Goldfinger when I was really young, like uncomfortable. I was young enough that the sex scenes, for example, or the romance scenes or whatever you call them, were not cool. They were uncomfortable for me because one of my sisters was babysitting me and couldn’t get me lost and had a date, and they took me along. And I remember I suffered through it. [Laughs]

Then, I’ve watched Bond films through the years. They’re a particular thing. Yeah, it is something that might be fun to do, and I’d really check it out if they came my way.

Willem Dafoe on Working With Robert Eggers on the “Otherworldly” ‘Werwulf’

“We’ve got a very, very full-on movie.”

Credit: Frederic Kern/Future Image/Cover Images

About two years ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with someone who you’ve worked with quite a bit, Robert Eggers, and he had very wonderful things to say about you. What is it about him as a filmmaker that you really love working with so much, and how has your relationship now evolved going into what we’re going to see later this year in Werwulf?

DAFOE: He gets better and better. He’s just very committed. He’s smart. He knows his passions. He knows his limitations. He knows what he loves, and he knows actors. He was an actor. I love working with him because he gives me fun things to do, and he knows how to punch my buttons, and he’s a world maker, you know? And that’s what you want from a director. You want him to make the world, so when you enter that world, the world speaks to you. And if a great part of acting is reacting, that world tells you what to do, and you do it. It’s always in the doing — the quality of the doing, the authenticity of the doing, and as we know, he’s a nut about research and all that. It’s an ideal situation. I really love working with him.

He’s demanding. It’s not easy. But one thing that he does, that is the reason why I sought him out: I saw The Witch, and then I asked for a meeting with him, and then I’ve worked with him, I guess, four times now. A lot of particular period movies or elevated movies that aren’t naturalistic family drama, these sorts of things, he makes it so easy to enter the world because he doesn’t show. Like a good actor, he inhabits it. He creates things, not to tell you where you are, but because he wants to be there. He has such love for the material and gives you beautiful research that really makes you learn things and puts you in another head. So, that really makes a space. Once you learn those things, you want to pursue them, and that’s the road to inhabiting something. Because once you learn something, you become a different person, and that different person then becomes available to pretend to be this character. So, it’s a growth process. It’s a game.

He’s fun to work with, and just committed and strong, and I enjoy him so much. And I always admire people that really give themselves to their work totally, and he does. He has collaborators that become extensions of him. There’s such understanding and such complicity that he doesn’t delegate anything. He’s everywhere, but he’s everywhere with the collaboration of a team. It’s a beautiful thing to work with him. Not always easy. It’s not a character thing. He just doesn’t sign things; he experiences them.

For example, in the case of Werwulf, we’ve got a very, very full-on movie, and I think it’s going to be very beautiful. I haven’t seen it yet completely, but I have done some ADR, and just some of the visuals and some of the short little clips that I saw are just stunning. Stunning. Otherworldly. So, yeah, you heard it. I’m a cheerleader. What can I say? [Laughs]

Willem Dafoe’s Late Fame is in theaters now, with The Birthday Party set to debut in the U.S. on August 14.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

August 7, 2026

Runtime

Advertisement

90 minutes

Director

Kent Jones

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement