A meme used to be regarded as “an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture,” and it still kind of is, though the definition’s shifted a bit. Now, it concerns things that are spread online through social media, usually within fandoms, and those things that spread are usually of a humorous variety. Or at least memes are supposed to be funny.

Certain movies have inspired more memes than others. It’s hard to determine which movies have objectively spawned the most memes, but if you spend enough time online, you start to see some usual suspects. Some of the films below have been mocked through memes, while others have been celebrated through memes (and sometimes, there’s a bit of both). They’re also generally more recent movies, but that’s understandable, since a “meme,” in the current/modern sense, is a relatively recent phenomenon.

10

‘Morbius’ (2022)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

With Morbius, the memes are the only things that matter. The movie is otherwise a footnote within the broader superhero genre, because not many people genuinely like Morbius. But people did enjoy making fun of it, and while some of the other highly-memed movies that’ll be mentioned in a bit have people making memes out of love for whatever they’re memeing, the memes against Morbius were more spiteful.

“It’s Morbin’ time” was the big one, even though it obviously wasn’t said in the movie. Then there was that whole dance sequence, and the way it returned to theaters as a way to potentially cash in on all the ironic memes, but that didn’t seem to do much to actually allow the movie to earn that fabled “Morbillion dollars.” Since the film wasn’t very good, the bullying felt kind of fair, or at least could be justified as punching up. Interest in the Sony Spider-Man Universe But Without Spider-Man (the SSUBWS) was never that high, after all.

9

‘Bee Movie’ (2007)

Image via DreamWorks

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Hey, if an entire article can be written about the memes that Bee Movie has inspired, then it’s worth giving it a quick mention here. Thomas Butt broke it all down in more detail, and made the very accurate declaration that Bee Movie is a “meme factory.” It joins Morbius as one of those not particularly well-liked movies that’s endured largely because memes made fun of it.

There are countless “Bee Movie except x” videos on YouTube, and getting lost down that rabbit hole is more fun than watching the film itself. “The Bee Movie without Anything Even Remotely Related to Bees” is especially good, and honestly almost avant-garde. Just the existence of Bee Movie already feels like a joke, so anything that makes it into even more of a joke feels hard to resist.

8

‘Titanic’ (1997)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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James Cameron knows how to make movies that resonate with people, and Titanic might well show that best of all. Like, the Avatar movies have also been hugely successful, sometimes so successful that people are confused about their popularity, and you get memes about that series not having memes, even though there are still memes of a less meta variety. Look, the Avatar series is complicated.

But Titanic… you know what you’re in for, with Titanic. And the changing of the way the movie’s been perceived overall, if you’re going by memes and what people say online, is interesting. The film was huge when it came out, then mocked for some of the 2000s and a bit of the 2010s, but now, people don’t just poke fun at the movie in a mean-spirited way. There are cheesy and broad things here to enjoy and make fun of at the same time, and so that’s kind of where Titanic is right now.

7

‘A Minecraft Movie’ (2025)

Image via Warner Bros.

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The bad side of meme-making and all that was exposed by some of what A Minecraft Movie inspired. Some enjoyment of this seemed to be sincere, so it wasn’t entirely a Morbius situation again, but other things that really took off here seemed ironic, or maybe just hard to comprehend for someone who’s a little older and/or didn’t really grow up with Minecraft.

A Minecraft Movie seemed like a bit of a joke when it was first announced, and the trailer was hugely criticized, but the movie did well, and fans of the game… again, some of them sort of seemed pleased? But the “Chicken Jockey” meme did get kind of out of control, with cinemas filled with people trying to one-up each other in pulling stunts when Jack Black’s character said those infamous words. The hole is there, if you want to be a rabbit and disappear down it.

6

‘300’ (2006)

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The memes that were popular around 300 aren’t really as cool or funny anymore, and maybe somebody out there has already rolled their eyes at the “This is Sparta!” movie making it onto this ranking. But 300 is historically important, as far as memes go. And yes, that’s a ridiculous thing to say, but it did feel like one of the first movies to come out at a time when memes were popular, and have memes tied to it pretty much instantly.

They were impossible to avoid in the late 2000s, and even if you were too young to actually watch this R-rated movie, you likely knew a bunch of the hammy dialogue. There were also eye-catching visuals here and a style that was easy to simultaneously celebrate and mock, because 300 is spectacular and very silly at the same time, so maybe it was all inevitable.

5

‘Shrek’ (2001–Present)

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Some of the memes around Shrek are horrifying, or might be horrifying if you’ve not grown up online and seen the degradation of Shrek happen in real time. Maybe it’s fitting, though, because from the very first movie, Shrek was irreverent and definitely felt quite adult if you were just a kid, with some of its humor.

So, as those kids in question grew up, some felt a need to find ways to push the humor of Shrek a little further. Sometimes, uncomfortably far. “Shrek is love… Shrek is life” is something you can research yourself if you feel so inclined, but it’s not really worth it. Other memes and parts of the fandom are more endearing, though, like the time in 2018 when more than 200 people collaborated to make a chaotic remake of the first film called Shrek Retold.

4

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008–Present)

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It might seem like cheating to put a whole cinematic universe here, but it’s hard to find a series within the Marvel Cinematic Universe that feels particularly heavily-memed. Also, just about all the movies within the series have had some degree of memes made about them, so it’s not just that there’s a quantity of memes because there’s a large quantity of movies.

There are lots of memes per movie, at least for a lot of the movies, and sometimes even before the movie itself has come out. You can see Avengers: Doomsday getting memed even with people only having a few minutes to make fun of or celebrate (or do a bit of both), via the trailer footage released to date. This whole cinematic universe has been dominant and popular for almost two decades now, so it having inspired a ton of stuff meme-wise shouldn’t be too surprising.

3

‘The Dark Knight’ Trilogy (2005–2012)

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Whenever Christopher Nolan makes a movie, memes follow. An honorable mention should go out to Oppenheimer, though it was hard to figure out whether to include that or Barbie, because both undeniably contributed to the overall memetic phenomenon that was Barbenheimer. And then more recently, The Odyssey inspired quite a few memes, largely thanks to one Robert Pattinson line about beggars and the ease with which music can be added to the Sirens sequence for comedic effect.

But the most memed movies with Nolan’s name attached would have to be his Dark Knight trilogy, and especially The Dark Knight Rises, which was the hammiest of the bunch (largely thanks to Bane). There’s also a balance here, with the kinds of memes, because there are lots of things The Dark Knight movies do right, and quite a few things they do wrong, so you get a mix of affectionate and cynical memes with this trilogy.

2

‘The Lord of the Rings’ (2001–2003)

Before The Lord of the Rings movies, the books (or book, if you’re talking just The Lord of the Rings) were popular, and you sometimes got references to the whole saga outside the book sphere (oh hey, Led Zeppelin IV). But the movies did catapult The Lord of the Rings to new heights culturally, even if some might prefer the books, but the sheer enormity of the memes here… one does not simply discount the memes.

Like the only example ranking above The Lord of the Rings here, it’s hard to watch these three movies without finding at least one highly-memed moment per scene. Over-explaining trivia has become a meme, there was the “They’re Taking the Hobbits to Isengard” remix, and the time someone uploaded a version of The Fellowship of the Ring where Sam said, “If I take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been” every time he took a step. And on, and on, and on…

1

‘Star Wars’ (1977–Present)

Image via Lucasfilm

The Star Wars series is going here largely because of the prequel trilogy. What more has to be said? Well, maybe a little more. It’s probably worth noting that the prequels became so memeable and popular on that front because the original trilogy was also a juggernaut pop culture-wise, and so the momentum kept going, people were always making jokes (often affectionately) about the series, and then a new trilogy came out in a world where the internet was a thing.

And the internet got more popular in the years following 2005’s Revenge of the Sith, or at least making memes online got more popular, and then things reached a point where it’s hard to watch a scene from any of the prequels without being reminded of at least one meme. The original trilogy has its memes, too, and even the sequel trilogy has some attached to it, but the prequels are the memequels. They are unstoppable. One can drown in memes there.

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First TV Show

Star Wars The Clone Wars

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Created by

George Lucas

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Fantasy is by far the oldest and most creative genre of storytelling, as it is limited only by the imagination of the person telling it. Thus, it’s no surprise that fantasy is a frequent genre for television shows. Sometimes the smaller budgets do cut into just how many fantastical creatures and magical powers can be portrayed, but they nevertheless make up for it through captivating world building and memorable characters.

Sadly, creating a television show is difficult work even at the best of times, and networks can be fickle when it comes to renewing projects. Some shows come to an end early before they can reach 40 episodes, but are still worth checking out, especially because their smaller episode count means you can get through them relatively quickly. Alternatively, some of these shows are new or ongoing, so time will tell how many episodes they’ll have by the end of their runs.

‘Hilda’ (2018–2023)

Image via Netfflix

Hilda (Bella Ramsey) is a young girl who loves to go exploring in the wilderness and discover new, magical creatures alongside her deer-fox, Twig. Her mother, Johanna (Daisy Haggard), worries that Hilda might suffer from not growing up with human friends, so, after their house is destroyed by a giant, she moves them to the walled city of Trolburg. Fortunately, there are still plenty of magical creatures within the city, and she makes friends with two humans, Frieda (Ameerah Falzon-Ojo) and David (Oliver Nelson), and an elf named Alfur (Rasmus Hardiker), who accompany her on new adventures.

Hilda‘s author, Luke Pearson, had an active hand in his graphic novel’s adaptation, which is a major reason why the show is so engaging. It’s got a very laid-back style that is reminiscent of childhood days spent exploring and gaining a better understanding of the world, which is accentuated thanks to the colorful and expressive art style. The use of the magical creatures is also fantastic, with many of them drawing on their mythological roots rather than more modern interpretations, which helps make them feel more unique.

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

Alina Starkov (Kaylan Teague and Jessie Mei Li) is a cartographer of Ravka’s First Army who discovers that she is a prophetized Grisha called the Sun Summoner, who can generate light. She is quickly brought into Ravka’s Second Army, led by General Aleksander Kirigan (Ben Barnes), to be trained to use her powers in the hopes that she can destroy the Fold, a shadow barrier that splits Ravka in half. Meanwhile, news of the Sun Summoner’s arrival spreads far and wide, leading a trio of thieves from Ketterdam called the Crows to try and kidnap Alina to get a leg up on their rivals.

Shadow and Bone is based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, and does a pretty good job translating the world to the small screen. Each of the different nations feels well-defined with their own cultures and grievances with one another, while the different types of Grisha demonstrate a wide array of magic that feels naturally integrated into the broader world. As for characters, Alina is admittedly a little bland as a protagonist, but General Kirigan is a complicated individual, and the Crows absolutely steal the show whenever they’re onscreen thanks to their camaraderie.

‘Dave the Barbarian’ (2004–2005)

Image via Disney Channel

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When the king and queen of Udrogoth depart to fight evil in far off lands, their eldest daughter, Candy (Erica Luttrell), is made princess regent. The kingdom is protected by their son, Dave (Danny Cooksey), a warrior of incredible strength who would rather do anything but fight, who is aided in turn by his aggressive younger sister, Fang (Tress MacNeille), glutenous and bumbling sorcerer uncle, Oswidge (Kevin Michael Richardson), and pet dragon, Faffy (Frank Welker). Together, they go on quests, battle the forces of evil, and get into fourth-wall-breaking debates with the show’s narrator (Jeff Bennett).

Dave the Barbarian is one of the funniest shows produced by Disney Channel, making it all the more tragic that its run ended so soon. The show’s humor relied a lot on fourth-wall breaks, self-awareness among the characters, and loving parodies of the fantasy genre, leading to a wide array of creative jokes that had audiences laughing with each episode. It also helps that the characters have simple but complimentary personalities, which leads to plots that practically write themselves.

‘The Mighty Nien’ (2025–Present)

Image via Prime Video

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On the continent of Wildmount, the Dwendalian Empire stands on the brink of war with its neighbor, the Krin Dynasty. Beauregard Lionett (Marisha Ray), a member of a monastic order that specializes in uncovering conspiracies, discovers that the coming war is linked to someone within the Empire, and sets off to find proof. Her journey brings her into contact with the most unlikely of allies, including a homeless wizard with a traumatic past, an alcoholic and cleptomaniac goblin, and a sheltered tiefling with a perverted mind.

The Mighty Nien is the second series to adapt the works of Critical Role, and its first season hit a lot harder than Season 1 of its sister-show, The Legend of Vox Machina. Rather than start midway through the adventure, the show lets audiences see the Nien individually before they come together, and since episodes are an hour long, more time can be dedicated to the characters and world building. It’s also a much darker story (not that Vox Machina didn’t get dark in places), with a lot of focus on the complex world of politics and conspiracies, as well as greater emphasis on the character’s trauma.

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

Image via Netflix

Enraged at the death of his wife Lisa (Emily Swallow) at the hands of the church, Dracula (Graham McTavish) summons an army of demons and other terrors of the night to wage war on all of humanity. The only one who can stop him is Trevor Belmot (Richard Armitage), a vampire hunter whose family was excommunicated due to alligations of black magic use. He is aided by a wandering mage named Sypha Belnaes (Alejandra Reynoso) and Adrian (James Callis), Dracula’s dhampir son.

Castlevania is not only a great adaptation of the popular video game series of the same name, but it’s also one of the best adult animated shows on Netflix. It presents a world dripping in Gothic horror and tragic romance, all brought to life through truly spectacular animation and intense, fast-paced action sequences. Every character is memorable thanks to their fantastic voice acting and their complex personalities, but Dracula himself stands out thanks to how well McTavish taps into his dual nature of bloodsucking monster and tragic figure haunted by grief and loss.

‘Primal’ (2019–Present)

Image via Adult Swim

Spear (Noah Kaye Bentley and Aaron LaPlante) is a hominid living in prehistoric Earth who loses his family to a pack of horned theropod dinosaurs. He later takes his revenge on the predators with the help of Fang (Frank Welker), a female Tyrannosaurus Rex who lost her children to the pack as well. Now the two wander the landscape, fighting and hunting to survive, while encountering numerous other groups trying to do the same.

Primal is primarily an action-adventure show, but there are plenty of fantasy elements to be found, such as the presence of dark magic and witchcraft. The animation is stellar, resulting in brutal and fast-paced action sequences and creative designs, especially for the prehistoric creatures. Its greatest strength, however, is how perfectly it can draw audiences into the narrative and the struggle of the characters, especially since the show is virtually devoid of dialogue.

‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

Rian (Taron Egerton) is a Gelfling from the planet Thra who serves the Skeksis, ancient rulers of the planet who steward the Crystal of Truth. That is, until he witnesses them kill one of his close friends and drain her essence to rejuvenate themselves, forcing Rian to go on the run. As he tries to find allies who will believe him, a subterranean Gelfling named Deet (Nathalie Emmanuel) discovers a blight that is corrupting the ecosystem, while Princess Brea (Anya Taylor-Joy), the youngest daughter of the All-Maudra (Helena Bonham Carter), discovers a hidden breadcrumb trail that reveals more about the Skeksis’ past.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a prequel to Jim Henson‘s dark fantasy masterpiece, The Dark Crystal. It expands on the film’s lore by delving into the different Delfling cultures and showcasing the Skeksis when they were at the height of their rule, which includes individuals not present in the film, such as The Hunter, skekMal (Ralph Ineson). It also goes without saying that the puppetry is phenomenal, especially for skekMal, who is portrayed by a full-body actor to highlight his greater strength and stamina compared to the other Skeksis.

‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)

Image via Netflix

After the undercity of Zaun failed to rebel against the technologically advanced Piltover, Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and her younger sister Powder (Mia Sinclair Jenness and Ella Purnell) are left orphaned and adopted by a friend of their parents named Vander (Edan Hayhurst). Years later, the two take part in a heist that causes collateral damage, bringing enforcers down to Zaun and threatening the peace. Meanwhile, Vander’s old partner, Silco (Jason Spisak), resurfaces with a powerful new drug at his disposal, while in Piltover, two brilliant minds named Jayce (Faustino Duran and Kevin Alejandro) and Viktor (Edan Hayhurst and Harry Lloyd) discover a breakthrough that will change the world forever.

Season 1 of Arcane is a masterpiece in storytelling, even if you’re unfamiliar with the League of Legends game its based on. The first three episodes alone tell a brutally tragic tale as Vi and Powder’s lives are all but shattered, but when combined with the rest of the season, it weaves a tapestry of the sacrifices people make for the ones they love, the price of ambition, and the pros and cons of new technologies, all held together by complex characters often at war with themselves. Season 2 was, admittedly, much more of a mixed bag, but that doesn’t take away from the emotional highs of Season 1, and, should you wish, you can look at its final episode as the tragic ending to a tragic story.

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026–Present)

Image via HBO

After the death of his master, Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb), Ser Duncan the Tall (Bamber Todd and Peter Claffey) makes his way to Ashford to compete in a tournament and make a name for himself as a hedge knight. He runs into a well-spoken, bald-headed boy named Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), who wishes to be his squire, to which Dunk eventually agrees. However, things become a lot more complicated when members of House Targaryen arrive at the tournament, including Hand of the King, Prince Baelor (Bertie Carvel), his youngest brother, Prince Maekar (Sam Spruell), and Maecar’s arrogant son, Prince Aerion (Finn Bennett).

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the second spin-off to come from Game of Thrones, and even after just one season, audiences can’t stop singing its praises. It’s faithful to author George R. R. Martin‘s lovable story of heroism and adhering to knightly virtues in an unjust world while making necessary changes that give audiences more time to immerse themselves in the world and fall in love with the characters. Even if the later seasons dip in quality, Season 1 tells a complete story that presents Westeros in a unique, ground-level perspective, rather than always following big movers and shakers among the highborn.

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Image via Cartoon Network

Stepbrothers Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Greg (Collin Dean), as well as Greg’s newly acquired frog (Jack Jones), find themselves lost in a strange forest called The Unknown. They meet a talking bluebird named Beatrice (Melanie Lynskey), who offers to take them to Adelaide of the Pasture (John Cleese), who can help them get home. However, they are warned by a Woodsman (Christopher Lloyd) to beware of the Beast (Samuel Ramey), who prowls the Unknown looking for lost souls such as themselves.

Over the Garden Wall was Cartoon Network’s first miniseries, and remains one of the most beloved IPs to come out of their revival in the 2010s. Though the episodes are only eleven minutes long, they enthrall audiences with their rich atmosphere, lovable characters, foreboding mystery, and mature themes. The show also takes massive inspiration from the Golden Age of Animation, namely early Disney projects like The Alice Comedies and the works of Fleischer’s Studios, like Betty Boop.

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Over the Garden Wall

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Release Date

2014 – 2014

Network

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Cartoon Network

Showrunner

Patrick McHale

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Directors

Nate Cash

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Some of the best sci-fi movies are so pointed that they continue to be relevant decades after the fact. Social commentary has always been at the heart of good science fiction, and 20 years later, one of these classics still holds up. Immigration, fascism, and dread are all at the center of one of the best dystopian films of all time.

While the relevance of these themes is not exactly promising for the current state of affairs in real life, it does make Children of Men timeless. Premiering in 2006, the film was a beautifully directed adaptation of P.D. James’ book. In a not-so-distant future, infertility has become a worldwide epidemic, and the human race is desperately trying to hold on. England is one of the last surviving nations and has caved to scapegoating refugees from other countries.

In the midst of it all is Theo, an alcoholic with nothing to live for, played with heart-wrenching emotion by Clive Owen. Children of Men is a masterful film, hinting at a bleak future that is frighteningly even more relevant now than it was when it premiered. Despite its darkness, it still strikes a chord because of the content and the final scene filled with hope.

‘Children of Men’ Earned Its R-Rating

Science fiction has gradually reached a point where these stories seem within reach; Children of Men most of all. Theo lives in a world where the last baby was born 18 years ago; and this world is brutal. Morale in the world is at an all-time low, and there seems to be no respite from the harrowing reality. The political landscape is accentuated by Alfonso Cuarón’s masterful filmmaking.

Before the best space film, Gravity, Cuarón proved he could convey an upsetting world with beautiful filmmaking techniques. One of the most famous sequences in the film is a one-shot inside a moving vehicle that captures some of the most tragic moments of the film. Cuarón and his cinematographer rejected the use of CGI and shot the scene with full 360-degree coverage. This practical effect is a standout in the film and contributes to Children of Men not feeling dated.

After Theo’s ex Julian (Julianne Moore) recruits him to help a “fugee” escape, their car is attacked by marauders. While her role is short-lived, the brutality of her death and how it was captured on film elevated the stakes of the scene. Though the scene didn’t glamorize the violence of her death, it was still evocative and painful. This scene ensures that viewers understand how difficult this world is and what is required to achieve the hopeful ending that Children of Men concludes with.

Theo finds this hope when he learns why the refugee Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) is so important and this spurs him to action after so many years of giving up. Children of Men makes it clear that there is nothing more important than striving for a better world, and Kee’s role as the first person to give birth in almost two decades represents that. Though the film doesn’t shy away from its bleakness, it also shows a light at the end of the tunnel.

Even in the war-torn streets, everyone puts down their arms when they realize Kee is holding the first baby in decades. Children of Men is a fully engrossing film that doesn’t just work on a thematic level, but is a masterclass in filmmaking. Cuarón’s work is a beautiful meditation on the human condition that is realistic but also maintains the idea that one person can make a difference.

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Children of Men

Release Date

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January 5, 2007

Runtime

109 minutes

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Director

Alfonso Cuarón

Writers

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Alfonso Cuarón, David Arata, Timothy J. Sexton, Hawk Ostby, Mark Fergus, P. D. James

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There are certain dresses that earn permanent closet status, and Savannah Guthrie just reminded Us why. A polished midi dress with a waist-defining shape can make getting dressed for the office, a nice lunch or an important event feel practically effortless. It’s a style that lets you look put together without trying too hard, and you don’t need a morning show budget to recreate the same expensive-looking effect.

Guthrie was spotted on the Today show on August 20 wearing a blue plaid sleeveless midi dress with subtle ruching through the bodice, which created a flattering, streamlined effect around the waist. She finished the summery look with strappy sandals and delicate gold jewelry, keeping everything classic and understated. We found a similar option on Amazon for $36, making her ageless look much easier to recreate on a budget.

Get the Allegra K Sleeveless A-Line Houndstooth Dress for $36 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, August 24, 2026, but are subject to change.

The Allegra K Sleeveless A-Line Houndstooth Dress has the same polished-meets-easy appeal as Guthrie’s pick, thanks to the classic crew neckline and fit-and-flare silhouette. The fitted bodice gives the dress some structure, while the skirt gently floats away from the body for a shape that feels forever timeless. It’s the kind of throw-on-and-go piece that can look just as appropriate at work as it does at brunch or dinner.

Related: Vanessa Hudgens’ Sparkly Date Night Bag Has a $24 Lookalike

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Vanessa Hudgens found an accessory that can make even the simplest fall date night outfit feel instantly more glamorous. A sparkly silver bag adds just enough shimmer to jeans and a cute top, a little black dress or even a cozy sweater-and-skirt combo. And while her version looks seriously luxe, you can recreate the vibe […]

In addition to having a polished appearance, the A-line silhouette also makes it easy to switch up the styling options. For example, opt for sandals and kitten heels now, and ballet flats, loafers or boots once temperatures drop. We also like the layering capabilities; throw on a denim jacket, cardigan or pullover, and you’re out the door.

Along with a similar blue plaid option, the star-looking dress comes in several other patterns and colors, including black houndstooth, navy plaid and burgundy. Plus, it’s also available in sizes ranging from XS to XL.

Shoppers especially love how flattering and easy the dress is. One reviewer said it “fits beautifully,” while another buyer praised the light, wrinkle-resistant material as “perfect for the summer.” Those are exactly the kinds of details that make an affordable dress feel much more expensive than its price tag suggests.

Guthrie’s look is proof that sometimes the most sophisticated outfits can also be the simplest. Add strappy sandals and delicate jewelry for a similar summery feel, then layer on a structured jacket when fall arrives. For $36, this slimming plaid dress has the polished, ageless appeal you’ll want to keep reaching for season after season.

Love Guthrie’s look? shop more figure-flattering blue midis on amazon!

Shop more blue midi dresses that we love:

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Related: Elisabeth Moss’ Loose, Polished Blouse Is Perfect for the Office

Bloated days have a funny way of making even your most reliable work tops feel like the enemy. But Elisabeth Moss just made a strong case for swapping anything clingy or restrictive for a loose, silky button-down that still looks completely polished — and we found a similar style on Amazon for just $24. Moss […]

Madonna celebrated her twin daughters, Stella and Estere, on their 14th birthdays with a sweet tribute.

“Happy Birthday to my Virgo Twins! Stella and Estere!” the Grammy winner, 68, wrote via Instagram on Monday, August 24. “So full of Life, Music, and Opinions. I can’t believe you’re 14!!! You live in the magical world that only twins can inhabit.”

Madonna shared multiple photos of Stella and Estere over the years. One snap showed off the twins standing side-by-side as they rocked long white dresses. She also posted individual shots of Stella and Estere, in addition to both girls posing alongside the pop superstar.

The “Material Girl” singer’s tribute also included throwback snaps of Stella and Estere as young children. She also opened up about meeting Stella and Estere in Mawali before adopting them in February 2017.

Related: Madonna’s Family Guide: Everything to Know About Her 6 Kids

While Madonna is best known for being the Queen of Pop, she considers motherhood to be one of her greatest achievements. Madonna became a mom in October 1996 when she welcomed daughter Lourdes Leon with her then-partner, Carlos Leon. The couple split the following year. In 1998, the “Material Girl” performer started dating Guy Ritchie. […]

“I felt a deep connection the moment I met you at Home of Hope,” she continued. “You have grown into beautiful, young women. So Sassy!! Like all of your sisters, you do not suffer fools gladly. Malawian Queens. Long may you Reign 👑👑 🎂🎂 ♥️♥️ 🇲🇼🇲🇼”

She also included a throwback video of the girls when they were young as they sang along to their mom’s song “La Isla Bonita.”

In addition to Stella and Estere, Madonna is mother to daughters Lourdes and Mercy as well as sons Rocco and David. (Madonna welcomed Lourdes with ex Carlos Leon in 1996 and Rocco with ex Guy Ritchie in 2000. She adopted David and Mercy from Mawali in 2006 and 2009, respectively.)

“Even today, I struggle to understand how to be a mother as well as do my job,” the musician said of motherhood in a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair Italia. “Because no matter where you are, whoever you are, having children and raising kids is a work of art. And nobody gives you a manual — you have to learn from your mistakes.”

Earlier this month, Madonna celebrated her birthday alongside five of her children during a family trip to Greece. (David was seemingly absent during the festivities.)

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“It’s My Birthday! Eat, Pray, Love, Drink, Dance, Break plates, Feed Cats!! Thank you G*D!” she wrote via Instagram on August 18.

Three days later, Madonna opened up about how much it meant to her to celebrate her birthday in Greece and why the country holds a special place in her heart.

“Prayers from Patmos!! What a magical island. I really felt the presence of God there,” she wrote via Instagram on August 21. “The first time I went to Greece, I was 7 months pregnant with Rocco. A full circle moment to take him there again as a Man. To reconnect. To remember. Good for the Soul!”

Former Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse is taking her battle with pageant officials to court after being stripped of her crown weeks before the national competition. The 27-year-old has filed a defamation lawsuit accusing A-Blaize Productions and Miss USA president Thom Brodeur of promoting a damaging public narrative about her while allegedly concealing the real reason behind her removal.

Boltinhouse claims her conservative Christian beliefs motivated the decision. Pageant officials have denied that allegation and maintain that her title was revoked following a broader review of her past conduct and public content.

Boltinhouse filed the lawsuit on Sunday, one day before Miss USA festivities began in Miami, Florida. Her lawyers accuse the defendants of “maliciously coordinating to publish a false public narrative portraying [her] as a racist, homophobe, and intolerable bigot to be shunned from public life,” according to the complaint obtained by the New York Post.

She was crowned Miss North Carolina USA on June 28 but lost the title on August 5, approximately five weeks into her reign. The controversy erupted after social media posts from 2017 through 2019 resurfaced. The posts reportedly included Boltinhouse using a racial slur. However, her lawsuit claims those posts were weaponized against her only after she won the state title.

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“Nearly a decade later… when Brittany’s immigrant inspired work ethic was propelling her to the American dream, [the pageant organizers] would conspire to use these innocuous posts and their self-evident ubiquitous use of the popular slang term ‘n-gga’ to falsely smear Brittany as a racist, homophobe, transphobe, and bigot,” the lawsuit states.

The complaint then alleges, “[Pageant organizers] hid from the public the real reason they dethroned Brittany: she is a conservative Christian.”

Former Pageant Queen Points To Her Political Beliefs

Boltinhouse has previously claimed her political and religious views played a role in the pageant’s decision. The former titleholder attended President Donald Trump’s speech at the National Mall on January 6, 2021. She has also publicly supported Andrew and Tristan Tate, criticized former President Joe Biden’s 2024 Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation and encouraged her followers to vote for Trump before the 2024 presidential election.

Her attorneys claim pageant officials used those beliefs to “falsely portray and defame her … as a racist, homophobe, transphobe, and a bigot who should be shunned from public life.”

Boltinhouse is not challenging the organization’s authority to take away her crown, according to PEOPLE Magazine. Instead, her case focuses on the public statements released after she was dethroned and the damage she claims those remarks caused to her reputation and professional opportunities.

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Her complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Lawsuit Claims She Was Pressured To Approve An Apology

The lawsuit also accuses pageant organizers of attempting to secure Boltinhouse’s approval for a prepared statement addressing her past. “Over the past several days, I have been forced to confront parts of my past that I am not proud of,” the proposed statement read. “That has included a fight from my teenage years and social media posts I made as a young adult. Those words and actions were mine, and I take full responsibility for them.”

It continued, “I do not seek to minimize them or make excuses for them. To those who were hurt or disappointed by my past words or actions, I offer my sincere apology. This experience has been painful, but it has also been humbling.”

Boltinhouse allegedly refused to endorse the statement. Her attorneys characterize it as an effort to obtain a false confession, while the pageant has not publicly addressed that specific claim.

Recorded conversations cited in the lawsuit allegedly show state pageant officials telling Boltinhouse that her removal was based on several issues rather than one incident. “Brittany, you are being dethroned, or you have been dethroned because of the totality of every single thing altogether,” co-director Nic Blaize allegedly said during an August 5 call.

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When questioned about the public announcement, Blaize reportedly said the directive came from the national organization. “The national office told us to make a statement,” Blaize said. “They told us too that we had to make a statement.”

Pageant Producers Deny Political Motivation

A-Blaize Productions previously denied that Boltinhouse’s politics or faith influenced its decision. “A Blaize Productions’ decision was not based on Brittany Boltinhouse’s political views, religious beliefs, or protected personal viewpoints. Our organization includes people from various backgrounds, political views, personal beliefs and values. We welcome and celebrate that,” a spokesperson said.

“The decision followed a careful review of the totality of information that came to our attention, including previously undisclosed conduct and public content spanning multiple years that was inconsistent with the standards and responsibilities expected of a Miss North Carolina USA titleholder under the agreements governing the position,” they added.

When Boltinhouse was removed, pageant officials said the decision followed a review of recently surfaced information and consultations with the Miss USA Organization.

Brodeur also said at the time that Miss USA “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor language that strips any person of their dignity.”

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The organization did not publicly identify specific examples of homophobic or transphobic conduct in its initial announcement.

Myla Hadley Takes Over The Crown

First runner-up Myla Hadley assumed the Miss North Carolina USA title after Boltinhouse was removed and will represent the state at the national pageant.

A-Blaize Productions had not publicly responded to the newly filed lawsuit at the time of the original report.

Simon Cowell’s near-fatal e-bike accident is once again demanding his attention, six years after the terrifying crash left him facing the possibility that he might never walk again. 

The music mogul is reportedly preparing to undergo another back operation after suffering devastating injuries in 2020. 

The latest procedure could force Cowell to step away from “America’s Got Talent” for several weeks, bringing an unwelcome reminder of the accident that transformed his health, lifestyle and attitude toward taking risks.

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The crash that changed Simon Cowell’s life happened at his Malibu home in 2020, when the music executive was testing an electric bike he had shipped over from England. 

The situation began as excitement over trying out the new vehicle but quickly became a medical emergency after Cowell pulled the throttle and the bike suddenly lifted.

“I shipped it in from England, couldn’t wait to drive it. I was in the driveway and my son was there and I pulled the throttle, it did the biggest wheelie and it threw me like 7-8ft in the air,” he recalled on “Elizabeth Day on the How To Fail” podcast in 2025. 

Cowell landed directly on his back and immediately realized something was seriously wrong. “I landed on my back and the second I landed I thought “sh-t, I know I’ve broken my back” because I could feel it,” he said. 

He underwent extensive surgery, including the insertion of a metal rod to stabilize his spine. Now, six years later, TMZ reports that another procedure could keep him away from “America’s Got Talent” for several weeks.

Cowell Was Warned He Might Never Walk Again

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The seriousness of Simon Cowell’s injuries became clearer after he reached the hospital. His surgeon reportedly feared the damage was so extensive that repairing his back might not be possible. 

During the chat, the TV personality revealed the chilling warning he received after doctors examined his X-ray.

“He showed me the X-ray and he said, ‘Look, I’m not going to lie Simon, I don’t know if I can fix this, which means you probably won’t walk and secondly, the operation could take 11 hours,’” Cowell shared.

The possibility of paralysis forced him to confront how close he had come to losing far more than his career. 

He later described the accident as a major “wake-up call” after years of what he called a “crazy” lifestyle. The lengthy recovery also showed him just how physically vulnerable he had become.

Simon Cowell Overhauled His Lifestyle After His Spine Injury

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Cowell’s recovery did not end when he left the operating room. Rehabilitation forced him to rebuild basic physical abilities, including walking, and the experience became a turning point in how he treated his body. 

Looking back, he admitted that he had believed he was fit before the accident, only to discover how quickly that could change.

“It was a wake-up moment, which is I’m crazy,” Cowell explained. He recalled struggling during physiotherapy before gradually becoming more mobile. 

According to him, “It kind of happened for a reason because I thought I was fit but then when I had to do all the physio after, just walking, they make you walk very quickly, I pretty much couldn’t move and then I started to walk a lot and thought, ‘Oh God, I was in a really bad place.’”

The crash also pushed him to make major lifestyle changes. He has reportedly lost three stones and gradually gave up smoking, despite once consuming as many as 80 cigarettes a day. 

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Cowell Suffered Another E-Bike Crash Years After His First

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Although Simon Cowell had already rebuilt his strength after the accident that left him with a serious back injury, his relationship with electric bikes took another painful turn in early 2022. 

Just over a year after his first crash, the 66-year-old was hospitalized again after falling from an e-bike near his home in London. 

He said the accident happened when he turned a corner in the rain, and the bike’s “wheels just went under me.” Cowell told ITV News that he “doesn’t remember much” about the fall but was grateful to passersby who stopped traffic and helped him get medical attention. 

He suffered a broken arm and facial injuries and was also believed to have suffered a concussion. The second accident was particularly concerning because Cowell was still recovering from his previous spinal injury. 

He was reportedly not wearing a helmet when he crashed, which became a major concern for his family. 

His then-seven-year-old son, Eric, apparently made his feelings very clear. Cowell recalled that Eric gave him “the biggest telling off,” with the young boy particularly upset that his father had not protected his head. 

Cowell nevertheless insisted he was not ready to abandon cycling, saying, “I’m OK,” and promising, “I’ll definitely wear a helmet next time.” 

Simon Cowell Reveals How Son Eric Changed His Priorities

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The repeated health scares that forced Cowell to confront his physical limits also came alongside a much broader change in his personal life: fatherhood. 

The entrepreneur has repeatedly said that having Eric transformed the way he viewed his career and the amount of time he devoted to work. 

In a 2025 interview with PEOPLE, he reflected on the possibility of Eric eventually becoming involved with “America’s Got Talent,” saying, “I think he’d actually be a really good producer.” 

Cowell admitted that his son was more reserved than he was and “more shy,” meaning he might not necessarily want to appear on camera. 

However, if Eric chose to work behind the scenes, Cowell said, “I would definitely encourage him to produce. I would love that. I mean, that would be my dream.”

Sharna Burgess is officially returning to the ballroom!

The professional dancer announced her surprise comeback to “Dancing With The Stars” on August 24, 2026. Her return comes five years after her last full season and follows a rocky history with the competition.

Sharna Burgess first joined the dance competition as a professional during Season 16 in 2013. She eventually became one of its familiar faces before stepping away from the ballroom after Season 30 in 2021. Her journey included major wins, difficult partnerships, and more than one unexpected exit from the show.

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Burgess looked ready for her comeback in the shiny silver outfit featured in the “Dancing With the Stars” announcement. She appeared excited as she delivered her message to fans, saying, “I’m back in the ball, baby.” The playful announcement instantly made her return feel like a celebration.

Fans quickly filled the comments with excitement over seeing the veteran pro back on the show. One fan called her return “everything,” noting it comes ten years after she and James Hinchcliffe danced together. Another fan celebrated her as their favorite professional dancer.

The “Dancing With the Stars” Instagram video confirmed Burgess’ return while showcasing her excitement about getting back into the ballroom. A fan urged the show to give her a strong partner who could make it to the finale. Another supporter echoed the excitement, writing, “Yessss my fave pro!! So excited!”

Burgess’ Professional Dancing Journey Over the Years

Burgess has experienced plenty of highs during her time on the competition. She won the Season 27 Mirrorball Trophy with Bobby Bones and previously reached four other finals. She also finished second with Nick Carter, James Hinchcliffe and Josh Norman during different seasons.

Burgess made her professional debut in Season 16 and appeared on 14 seasons before her latest return. Her history with the show also includes an unexpected absence after her Season 27 victory. She later returned for Seasons 29 and 30, including a partnership with her then-boyfriend Brian Austin Green.

Her relationship with Green also became part of her final season before the long break. Burgess later explained that she felt the show focused too heavily on their relationship instead of Green’s journey. She said they ultimately asked the show to eliminate them if that was the direction it wanted to take.

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Sharna Burgess Was Dropped From ‘DWTS’ After Season 27

Burgess was devastated to learn she would not return for Season 32. “I am unbelievably sad to not be back!!!” she shared after the announcement.

The dancer said she felt grateful for her years on the show, the people she met, the talent she worked with, and the memories she made, especially after finally winning the Mirrorball with Bobby Bones.

She said the show never gave her a clear explanation for leaving her out of the lineup. The only reason she received was that producers “couldn’t partner” her with anyone that season.

Burgess also pushed back against speculation that her salary was the reason, explaining that she was paid on par with the other professionals and was “definitely not the most expensive.”

Brief Returns That Did Not Turn Out Well

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Burgess eventually returned for Season 29 with Jesse Metcalfe and Season 30 with Brian Austin Green. TV Insider detailed how both seasons brought their own difficulties, including Burgess saying she could not be alone with Metcalfe after things happened between them early in the competition.

Their partnership ended quickly, while her experience with Green grew complicated as the show focused on their relationship. She said she and Green became frustrated when their romance seemed to overshadow his journey on the dance floor.

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Burgess recalled telling someone that if this was what the show wanted from them, they should be eliminated. The pair was eliminated soon after, adding another difficult chapter to Burgess’ already complicated “DWTS” history.

The Pro Dancer Received Unexpected Snub From ‘DWTS’ In Season 32

In 2023, the pro dancer shared her feelings about being excluded from the show during the premiere episode of her new iHeartRadio podcast, “Old-Ish.” She shared a clip from the podcast on her Instagram, where she and her other co-hosts, Green and Randy Spelling, discussed the topic. Burgess claimed that she was off season 31 when she had a baby.

Burgess explained that she was supposed to come back last season, but her son Zane was only eight weeks old, and she needed to “sit in motherhood.” She added that production always told her they loved her and wanted her back the following year. Burgess revealed that she found out she wasn’t being invited back when others got calls, but she didn’t. 

The ballroom dancer said the shock was tough to handle because she was not expecting it at all.  She noted that her last five years on the show have been rocky after a new executive producer came in and decided not to bring her back right after she won with Bones. The mom of one clarified that she had to work through the disappointment, and all she felt after was gratitude.

Sharna Burgess Experienced Backroom Discomfort In ‘DWTS’

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Three years ago, Burgess spoke about uncomfortable experiences with some of her former celebrity partners. She revealed that two partners had made her feel “very, very uncomfortable” when she was younger. She said she initially laughed it off and tried to make everything seem okay.

The Blast reported that the dancer opened up about her experiences while speaking with Cheryl Burke on the “S-x, Lies & Spray Tans” podcast. The “DWTS” star said one partner behaved in an unprofessional, suggestive way and became frustrated when she did not return that energy. Burgess also recalled being advised by a producer to get along with the situation simply.

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Burgess explained that her perspective changed during and after the Me Too movement, when more women spoke about their experiences. The Australian dancer said she eventually realized that some things had happened to her that she had not understood she could challenge. She also mentioned another uncomfortable situation where she went through the proper channels and made reports.

Hayden Panettiere’s mother has revealed that their final phone call ended with a painful ultimatum involving the actress’ on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Lesley Vogel said she told her daughter that they could not maintain a relationship if Panettiere decided to stay with Hickerson. The decision, which Vogel said she made at the recommendation of her therapist, resulted in the mother and daughter remaining estranged during the final months of Panettiere’s life.

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During an appearance on “Good Morning America,” Vogel explained why she felt she needed to step away from her daughter. “I needed it. I needed to have that pocket of time,” Vogel said of removing Panettiere from her life. “Of course, I thought it was gonna be a pocket of time.”

The “Heroes” actress died on August 16 at age 36. Vogel admitted she never imagined their time apart would become permanent. “I did not by any stretch of the imagination think this was gonna happen to Hayden,” Vogel continued. “I don’t know why. I just didn’t. Maybe I didn’t want to.”

Vogel previously confirmed that she and Panettiere were not communicating during the final months of the actress’ life.

Hayden Panettiere Allegedly Wanted To Leave Brian Hickerson

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Vogel recalled staying with her daughter approximately one year before Panettiere’s death. During that time, she claimed the “Nashville” star wanted to end her relationship with Hickerson permanently. “She knew that Brian was toxic,” Vogel said. “She knew she had to get him out of her life.” However, Vogel claimed Panettiere began pulling away after approximately six weeks. The actress’ mother then returned home to Florida.

Panettiere later called Vogel and revealed that she had reconciled with Hickerson. “When I got the phone call from her saying I’m going to be with the person I love… I just lost it,” Vogel shared. “I could not believe she had gone that far back, that he had been successful in reeling her back in with all the things he had done to her.”

That conversation became the final phone call between the mother and daughter.

Brian Hickerson Was Present When Panettiere Died

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Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina.

A police report said Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present when emergency personnel arrived. First responders attempted to revive Panettiere before she was pronounced dead. According to the report, Brian “did not become emotional” until emergency personnel officially declared her dead. He also showed officers a “bag of medication” that Panettiere had reportedly been taking.

Emergency dispatch audio referenced a possible “overdose,” but authorities have not confirmed that drugs caused or contributed to her death. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to Panettiere’s death. Police also said the preliminary investigation uncovered no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

Her official cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending further testing.

Hayden Panettiere’s Mother Publicly Criticizes Hickerson

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Vogel has been outspoken about Hickerson since her daughter’s death. “This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death, and that was Brian Hickerson,” Vogel told NBC News. She also alleged that Hickerson pawned some of Panettiere’s belongings, including a vintage guitar, and kept other possessions in a storage unit.

Those accusations are Vogel’s claims and have not been established as part of the official investigation.

Hickerson has not been accused by authorities of causing or contributing to Panettiere’s death

Brian Hickerson Responds Through His Attorney

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Hickerson released a statement through his attorney, Sloan Ellis, as scrutiny surrounding his relationship with Panettiere intensified. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Ellis said.

“As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play,” the statement continued. “Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

Hickerson and Panettiere began dating in 2018. Their relationship was marked by several domestic violence cases. He was arrested on a felony domestic violence charge in May 2019 following an alleged altercation with Panettiere. That case was dismissed in September 2019.

Hickerson was arrested again in February 2020 after another alleged dispute involving the actress. In April 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in county jail, four years of probation, 52 domestic violence classes, and a $500 fee.

He also received a five-year restraining order barring him from going near Panettiere.

Bozoma Saint John-Watson does not do “small.” Since joining The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2024, the 5-foot-11 marketing exec lovingly known as Boz has enthralled fans and castmates with her big, beautiful world. So when it came to her wedding to Keely Watson in Accra, Ghana, on Friday, August 21, every detail was destined to be as lavish and spectacular as she is, even by Housewife standards.

“I’m a very expensive bride,” Boz, 49, jokes to Us about her dowry.

Nearly 1,000 guests, including around 250 people who flew in from the U.S. and U.K., where Boz has family, celebrated the couple’s union at the home of former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo. Celebrity attendees included Ashley Graham and Justin Ervin, Emmanuel Acho, Elaine Welteroth, Married to Medicine’s Quad Webb, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’s Yandy Smith and actor Yaya Decosta. And of course, Boz’s Real Housewives costars, including Kyle Richards, Kathy Hilton, Dorit Kemsley, Sutton Stracke and Jennifer Tilly — all dressed in bright, traditional Ghanaian patterns and headdresses — were there to celebrate their friend. They even helped the couple cut their towering five-tier Sweetintins Couture Cakes confection.

The bride and groom, 50, wore traditional Kente cloth by Goba Kente and Naana Adobea for the ceremony — which 250 of the couple’s nearest and dearest got to witness — along with stacks of showstopping gold jewelry. (Even their wedding invitations, created by Minted, incorporated Kente.) When it was time to party, they changed into couture: Ghanaian designer Mimmy Yeboah for her, Fedu by New Yorker Ilbert J. Sanchez for him. Both rocked Christian Louboutin footwear for the party — and hers were custom-made by the designer himself in his atelier.

“Seeing the sheer scale of everything we had planned actually come to life surprised me,” Boz tells Us. “You can spend months imagining every detail, but nothing prepares you for standing in the middle of it and realizing, ‘Oh, my God, we actually did this.’ And somehow, despite the grandeur of it all, it still felt incredibly intimate and personal.”

Related: Celebrity Weddings of 2026: AnnaLynne McCord and Danny Cipriani, More

Many stars went to the chapel and said “I do” in 2026. Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White rang in the new year with a wedding to her now-husband, John Donaldson, before Stranger Things actress Maya Hawke said “I do” to longtime boyfriend Christian Lee Hutson in a surprise Valentine’s Day ceremony the next month. […]

Of course, life hasn’t always been so sublime for Boz. She raised daughter Lael, 17, whose dad — Boz’s first husband, Peter Saint John — died of cancer in 2013. (The two were separated at the time.) She lost her Malibu home in the 2025 Palisades Fire. And viewers have watched — sometimes cynically — as she and Keely have gone through multiple rounds of IVF. Boz — whose résumé includes serving as the CMO of Netflix and Uber, cohosting On Brand With Jimmy Fallon and founding the hair-extension company Eve by Boz — is a tough cookie, but she says it’s Keely’s willingness to let her be vulnerable that made her realize he was her person.

“There have been several moments over the course of our relationship — and very early on — when I knew that this is someone I could be soft around,” she says about the entrepreneur and business development executive. “I am a strong woman. I’m a successful woman. I’m ambitious, and those things can be tough when you have to be so hard in the world. The kind of boardrooms I’ve been in … sometimes the disrespect I’ve had to deal with has meant that I’m always very confident and can be tough. You want a soft place to be, especially with your partner. Keely allows me to not have to fight. I don’t have to be the big, tough girl all the time.”

Now she’s got a ring on her finger — one Keely had custom-made in Mumbai — that makes it official. Scroll below for all the details as the ecstatic newlyweds — who will celebrate their love story once again with a Beverly Hills ceremony in November — spoke exclusively to Us from Ghana:

Congratulations! Your wedding photos are stunning. How did you feel during the ceremony?

Bozoma Saint John-Watson: It felt sacred. This is how our people have joined families in marriage for generations. It’s nothing like a Western wedding ceremony. To marry Keely in Ghana, in the Akan tradition, surrounded by our families, our culture and our ancestors felt like we were stepping into something that existed long before us and will continue long after us. And the party that followed was spectacular and full of color and joy!

How did you decide on Ghana for your big day?

Boz: We’d been introduced by his nephew, Recce Smith — his nephew’s wife is an artist, and I collect art. We go on two dates, and then for the third date, we were trying to figure out plans, but I was on my way to Ghana, and I was going be here for, like, a month. So I was like, “Well … if you want to come, come to Ghana.” And it was so funny because he really said yes and then showed up! So for me, our love story began here. You know how they say, “If a man wanted to, he would”? This man really wanted to, and he did. Fast-forward a year later, when he became a citizen of Ghana, before he even proposed. Now we’re both dual citizens. It wasn’t even really a discussion that we wanted to have both a Ghanaian ceremony and an American ceremony, and make sure that the Ghanaian ceremony is truly traditional — no Western influences whatsoever. We’re taking it back, like, 300 years’ worth of tradition.

Keely Watson: It was a no-brainer for me to get on the plane and travel to Ghana for our third date. She offered, and I thought to myself, “Wow, she must really think enough of me so quickly to even invite me around her loved ones.” If you can travel together, that is a great way to find out whether or not you get along. We hit it off in Ghana. That’s when we really got a chance to see our chemistry, and it allowed me to just watch her in action, to see how much people love her.

Nothing says “I’m serious about this” like getting dual citizenship!

Boz: Exactly! That’s what was so funny. On Housewives, when people were reacting to the fact that we were already talking about having kids, I was like, “I don’t think you understand — we’re in; we’re committed to this.” We look young, but we ain’t young young, you know what I’m saying? We’ve lived full lives. We have separate full lives that we have decided to blend together, and that was long before he got down on the knee. We knew pretty quickly that this was a forever type of thing. Even though I was so honored that Keely would go as far as to become a citizen, it wasn’t truly a surprise because we knew this was it pretty early.

Your wedding weekend was packed with events. Tell Us everything!

Boz: [Accra] is such a social city; it’s very cosmopolitan. The welcome reception was at my Eve by Boz headquarters, which is where we are now. We had a very raucous night out, hitting up our favorite bars and clubs. Thursday, we had a night-before party — like a rehearsal dinner, except we didn’t rehearse — at Sandbox Beach Club, with fireworks, fire dancers and horseback riding on the beach. Friday, the wedding started at 2 p.m. and was the full day, nonstop. Saturday, we closed it out with a goodbye party.

Keely: When you come to Ghana, you don’t sleep.

How did you come to have the former president host your ceremony?

Boz: President Nana Akufo-Addo and I have been great friends for a decade or so. Unfortunately, my father’s not doing well in his health, so he’s unable to travel to Ghana. But the Ghanaian marriage ceremony is very dependent on family, and the father of the bride is the one who hosts the event in their home. Since my father was unable to participate, the former president stepped in to be my father during the ceremony. The marriage ceremony itself, the dinner and the reception all took place at his presidential house.

Wow, that’s incredible.

Boz: It’s actually outrageous. I can’t even believe it happened.

How did you pick August 21 for your wedding date?

Keely: We wanted to do it before Lael started her senior year of high school. It was really important for us to get it done, and then get her back in time to start her first day of school. So we literally flew back Sunday, and she starts school on Monday. Her last first day of high school.

Was there an epiphany moment when you each knew the other was The One?

Keely: There was for me. Boz was on a plane, and we were on the phone. It was about six or seven months in, on my mom’s birthday. Boz was like, “I’ve got to get off the phone so I can order your mom flowers.” And she had a beautiful bouquet of roses sent to my mother 10 minutes before she took off. At that moment, I’m like, “OK, her love extends beyond me — it also extends to my family.” With that, I was like, “Yeah, she’s definitely gonna get proposed to.”

Boz: There have been several inflection points for me. I think when you’re in a relationship, especially at this age, you can recognize the people who are thoughtful and kind and committed, and all of those adjectives were something I was looking for … Sometimes I just want to lay down and be comfortable in somebody else who cares for me and loves me and also loves and cares for my child. I live in Los Angeles and Keely lives in San Diego. I try my best to get down to San Diego, but he definitely carries most of that because Lael’s in school and I can’t get away that often. One time he had come over and stayed the weekend, and as he was leaving, he called out into Lael’s bedroom like, “OK, love you, Lael.” Then he just kept going. It just so caught me off-guard. It was such a big thing for me. The fact that he would stop, acknowledge her in a way that also makes her feel seen and then just kept going like it was just a normal thing. It was such a big, big thing.

Will you guys move in together now that you’re married?

Keely: The plan is for me to move up to L.A. near the top of 2027, but I’ll be up there a lot more until then.

You got married within a year of getting engaged. Was that intentional?

Keely: I don’t believe in long engagements. Once you pop the question, it should be a 12-month countdown, because at that point you’ve made the decision that you want to marry this person.

Boz: I didn’t know why we should wait either. There’s too much life to live. And also for us, we’d already started talking about expanding our family, and for us, it’s very important that we be in a marriage when we decide to expand our family.

Boz, you’ve talked about the miracle of second chances. Tell Us about how you let yourself be open to that, especially after the devastating loss of your husband.

Boz: I was in no hurry to get remarried. It’s such a miracle to ever find someone you feel compatible enough with to marry, to have a child. Those are [like] lightning striking. I don’t know why people think it’s so easy. So I felt very blessed to have found that once. I wanted to be loved, I wanted to be in love, but I had resigned myself to working and taking care of my daughter and being a great auntie to lots of kids. But when I met Keely, he opened many chambers for me. I’ve had two very traumatic pregnancies, one which resulted in the loss of a daughter. Even the pregnancy with Lael was very difficult, and so even though I wanted to expand my family, I didn’t have a partner, and I didn’t want to go through those challenges again. But when I met Keely, I think one of the most important things about him is his optimism, and his confidence in that optimism. He’s always trying to find a solution. So when we talked about expanding our family — he doesn’t have children yet — I was a little concerned. Like, “Hey look, I’m not quite sure what my body will do.” But I was like, “You know what? I’m gonna borrow some of that optimism and confidence.” So that’s what drove me to go forward with meeting with doctors and us talking about IVF. To open your heart again is a very, very difficult thing, but I trust in this. I believe in this, and it has been a miracle.

Keely, did you understand that opening her heart again would be a process for Boz?

Keely: Once I enter into a relationship, I’m open, and I allow people to open their hearts to me. I knew she was taking a chance. My goal, of course, is to never, ever crush somebody or be a disappointment. It was really important that I safeguarded her heart and I understood how she needed to be loved. We really do have the same love language. We both love affection. We are the types that are half full. It might drop a little bit, but it’s right back to full.

Can we ask where you are on your IVF journey?

Boz: We’re both still very optimistic. Physically, not just emotionally, we know that the best way to go through an IVF process is with as little stress as possible. And I don’t think I have to reiterate how stressful planning two weddings is. We looked at it and felt like we gave it a good go. We went through two rounds. Now it’s like, “OK, let’s take a little break until after the weddings, when we can refocus.” So yeah, we’re still talking about it. We still want to expand our family, but we’ll do it after this period is done.

How have you changed each other since being together?

Boz: Gosh, that’s such a great question. Like I said, I haven’t had a chance to be soft in a long time. Even in parenting, I think one of the things that was so devastating to me, aside from the obvious, when we lost Lael’s father, was that I have to make decisions by myself, which has not been easy. Sometimes it’s just about the thought process, bouncing ideas off of somebody else, and there was no one to talk to. When Keely came into our lives, Lael was 14, a delicate age. People think it gets easier, and it doesn’t really get easier. The challenges are just different. So even my parenting has changed, because I can talk to Keely about challenges we’re facing or decisions. I can ask him, “Am I too hard? Should I be harder?” I’m now more open and dependent on his opinion. There’s somebody for me to share some of these challenges with.

Keely: She’s the one who actually got me across the finish line and was loving enough, and [who] I cared enough about to marry. She’s the one who actually made me pop the question.

Boz: I didn’t strangle him or anything like that. That’s not what he means. There were no threats involved.

Keely: She’s shown me the importance of being consistent and what consistency looks like once it shows up. She is the epitome of consistency. I’m a very disciplined person, but she is highly detailed. It’s helped me. It’s helped me become a better business owner as well.

Speaking of: Boz, fans obviously admire your business acumen. Can you talk a little bit about your prenup process? It’s not the sexy part, but it’s a very real, relatable thing for people.

Boz: You know what’s so funny about that? I think people have such a reaction to prenups because they go immediately to divorce.

Philosophically for me, and I believe for Keely as well, it’s not about that. It’s about how you’re going to live. As business people, it is really important to understand structure. Like, “How are we going to structure our lives so that we have a successful marriage?” Most marriages fail because of challenges with money and understanding of finances. We own a lot. We manage a lot. We have different decision making. It’s been a long time since I had to check in with anybody about how I spend anything. I do think it’s important for us to understand how we are structuring our lives, how we’re going to make financial decisions. This isn’t just about what happens should the terrible, inconceivable take place, but how are we going to live now? I wish more people understood that and felt like, “OK, prenups are how to structure your financial life so you can have a successful marriage.” It’s not just about what happens in case of divorce and who gets what.

Keely: One of my things is: If I didn’t earn it, I don’t want it.

Boz: Hallelujah to that.

Keely: That’s the other reason we get along so well. You see a lot of chatter out there on social media saying I only dated her because she was on the show, and thank God we met before she was asked to be on the show, so all of that stuff is eliminated. She’s always been Bozoma: gifted, divine connection, all that other stuff. But she just wasn’t on the show then, which is very helpful. I was attracted to her way before that.

Boz, are you keeping your last name?

Boz: That has been such a conversation. First of all, people don’t realize I already have, like, 100 other names, because I’m African. [Boz was born Bozoma Afiba Mamekyi Arthur.] The challenge for me is that I have been known as Bozoma Saint John since I was 26. It’s my entire career and brand. At the same time, I am a traditional woman. I don’t know if I want to call myself a trad wife necessarily, but I believe in taking my husband’s name. Privately for sure, I’m Mrs. Watson, not even a question about it. And then what happens in my professional life … maybe I just drop everything. We’ll figure it out.

What’s most exciting about being able to call Keely your husband?

Boz: I was so in awe of the opportunity to love someone as deeply as this again. For me, it was all butterflies. I was just looking forward to it. Keely, I don’t even know if you remember this, but we were on a date once, and I asked him what he saw for himself in the future. And he was like, “One day I hope I’m able to just sit on a beach with my wife and look out on the ocean and enjoy the day.” And I was like, “God, what a wonderful goal.” You expect people to be like, “I want to earn $17 million,” and he was like, “I just want to be with my wife.” And I was like, “Oh yeah, same. I want to be your wife.” So I am really looking forward to that: being able to sit on our honeymoon and be like, “That’s my husband over there.” Or, you know, go get my husband a drink.

Speaking of the honeymoon, do you have a plan yet?

Boz: We’re going to wait until the Beverly Hills wedding, and then we will take our time and go away and just chill after the raucous two weddings that we will have had.

Do you know where you’re going yet?

Boz: He’s in charge.

Keely: I’m looking at three different places: Seychelles, Mauritius or possibly Bali. It’s gonna really be based on the weather.

We need to talk more about the wedding looks, which were beyond.

Boz: Let’s start from the bottom up, OK? Christian Louboutin custom made my shoes for this Ghanaian wedding in his atelier in Paris. And baby, let me tell you: The formal royal cloth in Ghana is called Kente cloth. It’s made in, like, one small town called Bonwire, which is about four hours away from the capital. It’s woven over months, so Christian asked for two yards of the fabric so he could make my shoes out of the same fabric I’d be wearing on my wedding day, and they are spectacular. He even used red Swarovski crystals on the sole of the shoe, so that you could see them sparkling from the back.

Wow! And what about your dress?

Boz: My dress was made by Mimmy Yeboah, who is a couture designer here in Accra. She’s made almost all of my couture pieces that I’ve worn on Real Housewives. In fact, the very first scene I was in, the first time people saw me on camera, I was wearing this off-white ivory gown with an enormous rose cape. It’s funny because once she made that, she was like, “Oh man, we should have saved this for your wedding.” At that point, Keely and I had been dating, like, three months. I was like, “What wedding are you talking about?”

In the morning, for the marriage ceremony itself, we were dressed in traditional Kente cloth as it’s been worn over centuries, which is basically like a draping or a wrapping of the cloth. Our Kente cloth was a mix of reds and oranges, green and blue and yellow, with gold thread interwoven in it, and we asked all the guests to wear kente cloth as well. We had lots of gold on because Ghana is known for its gold — it was called the Gold Coast before independence.

Keely: I was dressed in about 12 yards of the same Kente — that’s all part of the union and the tradition here. We also had a royal slipper called an ahenema.

Boz: Men wear 12 yards of the Kente cloth to be wrapped and worn traditionally. Women wear six yards. I wore 10 because I needed a little extra. For our dinner and reception outfits, Keely used strips of the Kente in a western-type suit, and I used pieces in my dress.

Keely: It was so, so fly. We surprised each other with our custom fits. I had the Christian Louboutin shoes as well, but mine were not custom designed by the man himself.

For my suit, I worked with Ilbert Sanchez, this custom suit designer out of New York. He’s dressed a number of celebrities, and his specific line is Fedu.

Boz: We forgot very one very important part: As part of the dowry and the bride price, Keely had to present me with another ring — not my engagement ring, and not what you would consider the traditional marriage band that you have in the U.S., but a new a new ring to represent the Ghanian ceremony. And when he designed my engagement ring, he flew to India as a surprise to go and pick out the diamond himself and work with designers there to make my ring.

Keely: She wanted a ring that clearly distinguished the Ghanaian wedding from the U.S. wedding and said, “I want this one to be more colorful, and I want to match the colors in my kente.” So I went to work, and she sent me a little bit of mood board inspiration. And then what I found was, every store I went into, there was a variation of that same ring, and the last thing you want is to put something on somebody’s hand — especially one as beautiful and prominent as hers — out there, readily and commercially available. And so I went to work and designed a one-of-one ring for Bozoma. My sister and mom, if they had 10 thumbs they would have given me 10 thumbs up. So, so gorgeous the amount of love and detail that went into this. When it was done, I flew back to Mumbai and picked it up in one day.

And can you explain the dowry?

Keely: There’s what’s called the bride price, right? And the whole concept behind the dowry is thanking the family that they did such a wonderful job raising this flower, so it’s like I’m plucking a flower out of their garden, and the bride price is basically a way of thanking their dad, their mom, their family for doing such a great job tending to this one flower in their garden, the one flower that was worthy of a man. So there was a long list. There was luggage on the list, there were cloths, a necklace, cash, cash envelopes, lingerie, drinks. And they were very specific with the number of everything that I had to get.

Talk to Us about the bridal party and Lael’s role.

Boz: In the traditional Ghanaian ceremony, the bridal party isn’t what you think. There’s no aisle to walk down or people going one after the other. It’s more like your friends who have helped support you, who have made you who you are — sisters or brothers, people who are your peers who have helped shape you. So my bridal party is going to be the same for the U.S. wedding as the Ghanaian ceremony. There were 11 amazing women who are all besties to me. And although Lael will walk me down the aisle for our American wedding, in this wedding she was sitting next to my mother witnessing the ceremony, because she’s not a peer. In the Ghanaian ceremony, the bride is the very last part of the ceremony. I only participate after the bride has been presented, after my father — or the president, in this case — has agreed, after everybody is celebrating, then they call me in to approve of the man and of the gifts and all of that. So it was really important to me that Lael be sitting prominently when Keely came in and was presenting his price and what he was going to promise to me. After all was said and done and the drums started playing, and the women started screaming and cheering and chanting, and I walked toward the living room where everything happened to accept and join his family … I was very emotional about it. I felt the significance of it. The guests in the room, even the American ones who maybe never witnessed this before, still felt the weight.

We have to talk about Rihanna. She joked on social media about being very offended that she hadn’t received a wedding invitation.

Boz: Rihanna was all over us. It was so funny, because it started with a DM, and it was kind of friendly and funny. And I was like, “Yes, of course, you can come to the wedding!” And I didn’t follow up, so then she decided to comment publicly and say, like, “I’ve been looking for my invitation. It’s wild, I haven’t found it.” And I was like, “Oh, damn, we’ve actually got to send her one.” So all I can say is that she got an invitation.

What was the most emotional moment of the day?

Boz: Walking into the ceremony and seeing both of our families gathered. The marriage negotiations were complete, our families had come to an agreement, and all that was left was for me to give my consent and accept Keely as my husband. There was something incredibly powerful about knowing that my “yes” was the final word.

Tell Us about your first dance.

Boz: The Ghanaian artist KiDi performed his song “Odo,” which means “love.” It was awesome. And I’ll tell you what we didn’t have: Per Keely, no “Electric Slide,” no “Cupid Shuffle.”

Keely: No “Wobble, baby.” None of the traditional wedding songs. We’re not doing it.

What do you hope people take away from your wedding?

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Boz: Ghana and Africa in general is such a gorgeous and diverse place, and I think we focus so much on Western traditions and use them as the ballast for all things that are fabulous in the world. I really want the broader world to see Africa and Ghana in particular for its beauty and its culture.

Does it feel different to be husband and wife today when you were fiancés just yesterday?

Boz: Absolutely! There’s a different weight to calling Keely my husband now … and quite literally, a little more weight on my left hand! My wedding band is this gorgeous mosaic of emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds and other colored gemstones, each chosen to reflect the colors of my marriage Kente and symbolize things like protection, commitment and love. I keep looking at my hand and thinking, “Oh wow… I have a husband!!”