Entertainment
Jill Zarin Gets Another ‘Real Housewives’ Support
Jill Zarin is not facing these trying times alone, as her pals are rallying behind her.
The “Real Housewives” alum has some of her former fellow on-screen stars rising to her defense publicly after she was kicked off the “Real Housewives of New York” reboot show, before the cameras started rolling.
Jill Zarin ignited the controversy when she made a social media statement lauding her opinions about Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl Halftime show.
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Aviva Drescher Does Not Think Jill Zarin Is Racist
Zarin’s former castmate, Aviva Drescher, is addressing the comments made about her following the release of her now-deleted Instagram video about Bad Bunny’s performance.
Backlash downpoured as fans reacted, calling Zarin a racist. Drescher’s statement is in response to this claim, and she insists her former castmate is not racist even though her commentary came off that way.
Drescher addressed the media sensation’s ordeal on “Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel” podcast, giving a little background view into her relationship with Zarin.
“I’ve known Jill since 2011, since I joined ‘Housewives’, even though we didn’t work together, we became friendly. I’ve never thought of Jill to be racist, and that was really the thing that stung. That was just the most awful about her tirade,” she stated.
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The reality TV star added that she would not have done the show with Zarin if she felt any nuance of racism, as she draws a hard line on the topic.
Still addressing the matter, Drescher clarified that she was not defending the remarks her fellow Real Housewife made, but stated that she does not think they came from a place of hate. However, she did not hold back in her thoughts about Zarin’s commentary, saying:
“It came off as completely racist, but I don’t think she’s racist. I don’t think it came from a hateful place. It was completely stupid.”
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Why Was The Reality TV Star Labeled A Racist?
In case you missed it, Zarin posted a video analyzing the rapper’s performance where she did not hold back with the criticism. Her words in turn created a firestorm online, which then led to her being kicked off the “Real Housewives” spin-off project.
In the video, she complained that there were no white people in the Puerto Rican artist’s performance, slamming it as the worst halftime show ever. “To me, it looked like a political statement because there were literally no white people in the entire thing,” she said.
Zarin also complained that she could not understand a word of Bad Bunny’s performance, although she would have loved to, since he sang in Spanish. She claimed that the choice of his native language over English was inappropriate.
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She took it down from Instagram shortly after the video was posted, but some fans already reposted it on X. Since then, many fans called her out, claiming her statement was racist, and later, news spread that she was fired from E! ‘s upcoming “RHONHY” reboot show.
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Aviva Drescher Was Not The First To Show Support For The ‘Real Housewives’ Alum
Brandi Glanville previously addressed her pals’ firing from the upcoming reunion show, stating that people should not be punished for their opinions.
In her statement shared in a post on X, she credited the rapper for his performance, writing that she enjoyed it, but as much as she did, she acknowledged that some people like Zarin didn’t, and everyone is free to have a different opinion.
The Blast shared that the former bravolebrity emphasized that “opinions aren’t wrong, they’re subjective,” explaining that firing her as punishment for having a different opinion was not sending the right message.
“I want to watch Jill on TV explain herself & hopefully learn something. Or we can just keep watching ‘yes people’ afraid to share,” she penned.
Zarin Addressed The Network’s Decision
Zarin’s contract with E! for the new “RHONY” spin-off, “The Golden Life,” was cut off shortly after her controversial video went viral. Being one of the OG Housewives, she took the news of her firing to heart.
The producers announced it in a public statement, which read, “In light of recent public comments made by Jill Zarin, Blink49 Studios has decided not to move forward with her involvement in The Golden Life. We remain committed to delivering the series in line with our company standards and values,” as shared by The Blast.
Zarin claims she acknowledged her fault almost immediately, which was why she took the video down, but E! already threw in the towel on her. “[They] didn’t even give me a chance” to rectify the situation.
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“I took it down right away. People make mistakes. I’m human,” the TV star said. She was also fired ahead of season 5 of “RHONY” in September 2011, so this marks her second axing.
Since Jill Zarin Is Out, Who Is In?
E! has announced that another face will be taking Zarin’s place on “The Golden Life” set, which is scheduled to air later in the year. The show was initially set to feature the original cast of “RHONY,” Zarin, Sonja Morgan, Luann de Lesseps, and Ramona Singer.
With the latest developments, Zarin is being replaced by Dorinda Medley, who is not a new face to viewers. She starred on the show previously for six seasons, and fans have since anticipated her return.
The Blast noted in a previous release that the network did not intend to share that Medley was stepping up from being a spare cast member immediately. Instead, they hoped to announce her role closer to the show’s premiere as they wanted to extend the publicity for the show a little longer.
Entertainment
Apple TV’s Divisive 10-Episode Psychological Thriller Miniseries Is Better Than Its Brutal RT Score
Trying to create a psychological thriller with a huge mystery and then basing it on a popular true-crime story is a questionable choice at best. But in Apple TV’s The Crowded Room, it actually works, despite what the majority of critics say. Unfortunately, it received a 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, mainly criticized for its shallow and anticlimactic reveal, and while this is somewhat true, The Crowded Room‘s premise makes way for Tom Holland‘s most versatile performance on screen, which is particularly exciting after his Marvel grind. It doesn’t work as a mystery, but thrives as a character-driven show, one you’ll want to binge for their precarious fate.
Danny Sullivan (Holland) is an awkward, bullied teen with two best friends who convince him to deal drugs, a high school crush who plays with his heart, a step-father who severely mistreats him and a mother who doesn’t protect him. One day, after a particularly awful bullying incident, he finds refuge with new neighbor Yitzak (Lior Raz) and party girl Ariana (Sasha Lane) and decides to call it home. When he and Ariana decide to take vengeance on a childhood abuser, Danny is arrested and interviewed by Doctor Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried). As the series progresses, Rya tries to dig for the truth about where Danny’s friends are, why he would commit these crimes, and if there are more heinous crimes yet to uncover.
Apple TV’s ‘The Crowded Room’ Is Driven by Its Multi-Faceted Characters
The biggest mistake the show commits is revealing its source material too openly, as it is based on a non-fiction book about a figure that even the most casual true-crime fans will recognize. Luckily for The Crowded Room, its appeal lies in the character-driven story, one that will make you invested in their growth and outcomes, nary of whether you’ve guessed the “grand reveal.” There is a wealth of multi-faceted, flawed, and fascinating characters to explore, including Danny’s two new roommates who straddle the line between being his saviors and pushing his boundaries relentlessly. Jason Isaacs also enters the show as Jack Lamb, a mysterious, charming figure who offers to introduce Danny to his biological dad.
Around the halfway point of the limited series, the framing narrative of Danny talking to Doctor Rya shifts and the show explores her personal life and motivations. She is an overworked mother in the middle of a grueling divorce process, simply trying to make ends meet while also pursuing her academic ambitions. Upon discovering that her thesis is about Danny, on one hand, the mystery around his situation increases, but also fleshes out Rya’s stakes and determination. At first, Seyfried’s performance is restricted to her expressive eyes from across the table to Holland, but in the second half, she wavers between distress and tenacity, which is a compelling mix. As we invest in her, we in turn care more about the case’s outcome for her research, and thus the psychological tension demands our attention until the very end.
Tom Holland Delivers a Gritty, Devastating Performance in ‘The Crowded Room’
At the center of all these vibrant characters is Danny, almost forlorn and pitiful by comparison, but who grows in nuance as the series delves into his mental health. Holland is nothing like the happy-go-lucky superhero he is famous for in the MCU, and is more akin to the angsty teenager in The Devil All the Time. But Danny is imbued with an ache to be loved and cared for, finding it in perhaps all the wrong places, while also discovering troubling things about himself and his past. It’s a harrowing performance that doesn’t really get any substantial reprieve, so much so that Holland claimed he would need to take a year off acting after production.
I Don’t Think We Truly Realize How Much Is at Stake for Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man 4’
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ might get in the way of the eerie ending to ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home.’
Holland showed off his range in this role, but it is his performance next to Emmy Rossum as Danny’s mother, Candy, that really shines in The Crowded Room. Their turbulent relationship captures many of the misconceptions around mental health and the misunderstandings that can arise when you don’t have a stable support system. As Danny struggles to navigate his mental landscape, he also confronts how his mother failed to protect him, while Candy deals with her own demons and fears. The finale, in particular, has a moving moment between the two, one that will tug at the heartstrings of any parent as the question of forgiveness is dissected. Apart from Danny’s relationship with himself, this mother-son dynamic is one of the most evocative in the series, providing enough substance to mull over throughout the show.
The Crowded Room may have failed in the eyes of critics, but it has a wealth of character studies that make for a satisfying and thoughtful watch. Holland is at the forefront of them all, and if you’ve only watched him in the MCU, then this miniseries will change the way you see the actor as he showcases his versatility. With only ten episodes, the slow-burning thriller makes for a chilling binge — even if you immediately recognize the real case it is based on.
Entertainment
Kathy Griffin reveals why she hasn't forgiven Jon Hamm after he insulted her while 'wasted'
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The comedian said the star of “Your Friends and Neighbors” said the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Entertainment
Netflix’s Divisive 10-Part Crime Thriller Is the Perfect Weekend Binge Ahead of Its Season 2 Drop
The art of a good crime procedural is not so easily replicated. Classics such as Law & Order are remembered for their gripping portrayal of detectives and lawyers, but there are just as many series that have fallen through the cracks. To be truly successful, procedurals need to have a solid set-up that can deliver the same formula week to week. Criminal Minds became popular because it added psychology to the mix. NBC has shown that this art is not dead with the latest take on the genre.
The 2025 series The Hunting Party has delivered on the promise of a good procedural, though not everyone may agree. Critics and fans are divided on the merits of the series, according to Rotten Tomatoes. The Hunting Party has garnered an 18% critics’ score and an 83% audience score. When there is such a large divide of opinion on a show, that typically means it’s worth a watch.
‘The Hunting Party’ is Reminiscent of the Golden Age of Procedurals
Right out of the gate, The Hunting Party has a concept that measures up against the greats. The story is straightforward with little room for interpretation, which is where procedurals like to live. The series follows FBI Agent Bex Henderson (Melissa Roxburgh) at a low point in her life. Working security for a casino, she gets recruited to the world of psychological profiling. Her talents are specifically required because a super-secret prison housing serial killers recently suffered a breakout.
The Hunting Party compels audiences to suspend their disbelief with the idea of The Pit, a prison where the worst criminals are kept in secret and experimented on. This is the joy of these types of shows, which have a history on network television. One of the more heightened serialized programs on a network was Prison Break, which joyfully explored government conspiracies with no hint of subtlety. This may explain why critics and fans are divided on the issue of The Hunting Party.
While not exactly reinventing the wheel, The Hunting Party is a classic good-versus-evil tale as Bex races to capture a different serial killer week-to-week. Shows like these are tailor-made for appointment television, which regrettably has become a thing of the past. NBC is one of the last bastions of an era gone by, where viewers can tune in and not feel like they’re missing anything. There is still a place for programming like this, and The Hunting Party doesn’t take it for granted.
In addition to a weekly villain, the series also weaves in overarching mythology to keep viewers engaged. It uses the fascinating field of psychology — like Criminal Minds did — as a touchstone for fans as well. Psychoanalyzing killers is one of the reasons why true crime has become so popular, and The Hunting Party is ready to deliver the same thrills. The first season is only 10 episodes, which means fans can catch up quickly to Season 2.
The Hunting Party airs on Thursdays on NBC and is available to stream the next day on Peacock.
- Release Date
-
January 19, 2025
- Directors
-
Thor Freudenthal, Glen Winter, James Bamford, Nicole Rubio, Rod Hardy, Shana Stein, Blackhorse Lowe, Marcus Stokes, Kristin Windell
- Writers
-
David Loong, JJ Bailey, Jake Coburn, Keto Shimizu, Michael Jones-Morales, Paula Sabbaga, Rebecca Bellotto, Vinny Ferris
-
Melissa Roxburgh
Rebecca ‘Bex’ Henderson
-
Reverend Jesse Jackson
Dead At 84
Published
Reverend Jesse Jackson, the civil rights icon who twice ran for U.S. president, has died, according to his family.
Jesse’s family issued a statement Tuesday morning, saying … “Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.”
They went on … “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
Jackson died peacefully with his loved ones at his side. In November, Jesse was hospitalized after living for over a decade with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), according to his Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The disease impacts patients’ ability to walk and swallow and has dangerous complications.
Jackson’s official cause of death was not released.
He was 84.
This is a developing story
Stephen A. Smith
Here’s Why I’m Thinking ‘Bout Running For Prez …
And The One Reason I Won’t
Published
TMZSports.com
Stephen A. Smith says he wants to run for president of the United States, but there’s one enormous roadblock … MONEY!
TMZ Sports caught up with the ESPN star, who previously told us he had no interest in running, during Kenny Smith‘s The FlyHouse All-Star Bash in Los Angeles, who told us straight up, “The country sucks.”
“I think the country is devoid of leadership, the kind of leadership we have, we don’t need. The kind of leadership we should be getting, nobody is stepping up and doing. I don’t desire to be a politician, but in the same breath, the opportunity to go on a debate stage and call out these politicians for the things that they’ve done to damage this country is something that very much appeals to me,” SAS told us matter-of-factly.
A strong statement … so, we asked the 58-year-old what it would take for him to actually run, and Smith said this … “My money has to be tight.”
“My quality of life needs to be straight, you know? From my understanding, that can’t happen because I’d have to give it up in order to run.”
FYI, Smith reportedly signed a 5-year, $100 million deal with ESPN last year.
Ultimately, Stephen A. says he’d love the opportunity to “debate these politicians that I think have divided all of us and have really screwed up this country.”
“That’s what I really, really want to do, more so than anything else. But I’m not going to lie and act like it wouldn’t be attractive if I knew I could win the presidency, that I wouldn’t be tempted, because I know I would.”
Don’t expect a final decision to come anytime soon. SAS says nothing “definitive” is coming until 2027.
Until then, we wait.
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“I have little kids now, and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they still want to spend time with me,” Cooper tells EW in a statement.
Entertainment
Steven Weber finds it hard to watch his iconic movie death scene: 'Affable womanizing dickhead'
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His character met a painful death involving a high heel in the 1992 movie “Single White Female.”
Entertainment
Where are the “America's Next Top Model” judges now? Inside their abrupt exit from the series
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Jay Manuel, Miss J. Alexander, and Nigel Barker all departed the reality series following its 18th cycle.
Entertainment
Will Arnett had tense audition with Kevin Costner day after being hospitalized: 'This could go really bad right now'
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“I was meeting Kevin Costner and I legitimately was worried about crapping my pants,” Arnett recalled while eating some spicy wings on “Hot Ones.”
Nicole Curtis’ Slur Controversy
Parents at Kid’s School Unglued About Her Volunteering
Published
Some parents at a SoCal school where Nicole Curtis volunteers as a room parent to her son’s class have serious concerns on the heels of her N-word controversy… and at least one has gone to leadership demanding answers, TMZ has learned.
Here’s the deal … the HGTV star has been in hot water since a 2022 video leaked of her using the N-word while filming her popular show, “Rehab Addicts.” She’s was fired — and has issued an apology.
But TMZ has heard from multiple concerned parents at her kid’s school … who tell us they’re super uncomfortable with her working in the classroom as a volunteer — and they think the school should at the very least address the situation with parents.
One parent pointed out there are children of color who attend the school … and they’re shocked leadership has been mum on what happened — and the headline-making fallout.
Another parent told us they, along with others, voiced their concerns to the school administration … who allegedly told them it was not a “school-wide issue,” so there’s not much to be done.
Nicole has been at the school since the 2022 leak … and one parent told us it would be wise for her to read the room — and take some time off to let emotions cool.
Nicole declined to comment.
We’ve reached out to the administration for comment … so far, no word back.
Steak ‘n Shake says Bitcoin Push Sent Sales “Dramatically” Higher
Apple TV’s Divisive 10-Episode Psychological Thriller Miniseries Is Better Than Its Brutal RT Score
*DE LOCOS* ADVERTENCIA URGENTE PRECIO XRP Y BITCOIN! BLACKSWAN METAPLANET! #xrp #ripple
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