Fans were left doing a double-take during Ray J’s Valentine’s Day performance in Shreveport, LA, when the singer appeared with what looked like bleeding eyes and a bloodied chest monitor. Social media immediately erupted with speculation, with some claiming the artist had staged the shocking visuals using fake blood. And now, the ‘One Wish’ singer is addressing the speculation.
Ray J Addresses Fake Blood Claims, Shares Wife’s Reaction
Recently, a photographer at the event, Tommy Nard II, posted a video showing Ray J in an orange outfit seemingly applying “fake blood” under his eyes. But the singer is pushing back on the claims. Speaking to Loren LoRosa on ‘The Breakfast Club’ this week, Ray explained that he spoke with Tommy after the show, saying the photographer was just trying to make light of the situation. He also revealed that his estranged wife, Princess Love, had an unexpected reaction to the performance, admitting he’d “never seen her this emotional.”
Ray J’s Manager Speaks Out On Controversy
Furthermore, sources close to Ray say the performance was meant to be a raw and emotional display rather than a gimmick, reflecting the struggles and intensity of his personal life. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Ray J’s manager, Melinda Santiago, didn’t directly deny the “fake blood” claims but commented:
“The bottom line is Ray J has been in and out of the hospital dealing with health and heart issues. That is a fact. Another fact is that the meds that Ray is on have some side effects. It’s absurd that a local videographer (not our team) would want to clout chase for 5 min of fame off of Ray J’s name, and play about Ray being sick is sick in itself.”
Fans Split Over Ray J’s Shocking Stage Moment
Fans immediately flooded TSR’s Instagram comment section to share their reactions. Some admitted they were just confused by the whole situation and didn’t want to jump to conclusions. Others felt Ray J might be “playing too much,” while a few wondered if there’s something deeper going on and whether he really needs help.
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One Instagram user @msbrownmocha wrote, “Be careful what you wish for, he don’t realize he jinxing himself.“
This Instagram user @beresowavey said, “When I first seen it I thought it looked fake🥹”
And, Instagram user @mxrcos.1 added, “Had me sharing it to gc like it was real🤦🏽♂️”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @morgannrae_ shared, “This why Beyoncé was staying far away“
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While Instagram user @romellusw commented, “Needing validation and attention like this has to be exhausting……“
Finally, Instagram user @pianofingers___ wrote, “I know Brandy is furious! 😂”
Wait… What Exactly Happened On Stage?
Hold up… what’s really going on with Ray J? As previously reported, clips from his Valentine’s Day performance in Shreveport, Louisiana, had fans concerned. The singer had promoted the show as “An Intimate Valentine’s Day Concert,” which also featured Sammie, 702, J. Holiday, Sunshine Anderson, Kelly Price, and Bobby Valentino. While Valentino performed his hit ‘Slow Down,’ Ray J hit the stage, handing out roses—but things quickly got wild.
Fans immediately noticed what looked like blood streaming from his eyes, and in another clip, he’s seen walking through the crowd with a chest patch, leaving folks with questions. This is especially concerning because a few weeks ago, Ray J revealed he’s allegedly dealing with congestive heart failure, may need a pacemaker or defibrillator, and allegedly only has months to live.
Content Warning: The following article contains discussions of abuse and sexual assault.When fans think of anime, big shows such as Dragon Ball usually come to mind first, but despite being incredibly popular, it is bound to have haters because it is so widespread. Anime like One Piece and Dandadan are more loved, but they have aspects ranging from pacing and flanderization to crude and uncomfortable material. Still, despite a good deal of dislike, they are overall widely acclaimed.
However, there are anime series that are much more polarizing than these, with fans split between loving them or hating them. That is why this list will rank the ten most polarizing anime of all time based on the standard deviation of scores, mix of love and hate, controversial elements, and popularity. These ten anime are divisive among the anime community, so do you love or hate these series?
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10
‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)
Devilman surrounded by blood in Devilman Crybaby.Image via Science Saru
There are plenty of dark anime series out there, and while they can be critically acclaimed, their depressing nature often makes them polarizing. Devilman Crybaby follows Akira, a kind-hearted soul who turns into a demon during a sabbath. Despite doing everything he can to use his powers for good, Akira can’t help but get into trouble and attract other dangerous demons.
Devilman Crybaby went through the checklist of dark content and checked them all, from gore to sexual content, taboo themes, and a general mature vibe that didn’t sit well with many viewers. It won the anime of the year award at the Crunchyroll Awards, but its ratings are vastly different. From 10/10s to 5/10s to 1/10s, Devilman Crybaby is justified in any of these ratings depending on fan preferences, but it is still overall critically acclaimed.
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9
‘School Days’ (2007)
Makoto Itou wearing a school uniform standing outside in front of a fence in School Days anime.Image via TNK
There are plenty of bad anime, but not many on this list, except for School Days, one of the most notorious anime shows of all time. The main character has a crush on a girl in his school, and when someone learns this, they work together to get him a date. However, what ensues is a weird love triangle that devolves into a murder spree.
School Days isn’t as polarizing as it is just bad or hated, regarded as one of the worst anime shows of all time. The plot is nonsensical, the characters are horribly written and generally just the worst, and the gore and sexual material are unnecessary and gross. However, there are still some fans who enjoyed him, meaning that no matter how bad the reviews are, it is still polarizing.
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8
‘Made in Abyss’ (2017–Present)
Made in Abyss: Awakening MysteryImage via Crunchyroll
The last couple of entries on this list were pretty dark, and at first glance, fans might think Made in Abyss is different, but underneath its wholesome exterior is a dark and disturbing anime. A girl and a robot boy travel into the Abyss searching for answers about their mother and history, respectively, encountering horrific creatures and situations the further they go.
Made in Abyss has one of the greatest stories in manga, delivering a dark yet intriguing plot with fascinating worldbuilding. However, for everything good about it, this show has an equally bad aspect, mainly its depiction of the young characters. From the horrific violence they experience to the sexual scenarios, Made in Abyss divides the fanbase with the author’s obvious fetish.
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7
‘Aku no Hana’ (2013)
Still of Takao and Sawa in Flowers of EvilImage via Zexcs
Anime doesn’t try new things as often anymore, unfortunately, because when they do, the results are mixed. Aku no Hana, also known as Flowers of Evil, follows a student after he commits a deed he regrets. Caught in the act, he is blackmailed to fulfill their darkest fantasies, caught in a spiral of traumatic experiences.
Aku no Hana already features a wildly sexual and dark plot, which always splits the audience. However, what made it so polarizing was its rotoscoping animation, which it used extensively. This animation does look weird and uncanny, but it is also visually distinct. Aku no Hana is an artistically ambitious anime, but weird art styles are a recipe for polarizing reviews.
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6
‘Beastars’ (2019–2026)
Image via Netflix
Set in a world where anthropomorphic animals make up society, an uneasy tension resides between the carnivores and herbivores. Beastarsfollows a humanoid wolf, who tries to lie low after one of his classmates dies. However, his predatory instincts and interest in a unique rabbit create a troubling situation for him and the mysterious death of his classmate.
Whether fans refer to them as anthropomorphic or furries, it is a topic that spurs much debate and leads to many fans not watching certain shows. This general theme has already made Beastars polarizing, but the author’s weird fetishes can also be seen, creating an uncomfortable romance with weird moments.
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5
‘Fire Force’ (2019–2026)
Poster for ‘Fire Force’ Season 3Image via Crunchyroll
Soul Eater is an incredibly popular anime, but the author also made Fire Force, a series that fans can’t seem to agree on. In a world where humans spontaneously combust into demon-like creatures, the firefighters exorcise these monsters. Shinra joins the 8th company to learn more about the mysterious circumstances surrounding his parents’ deaths.
Fire Force is a typical shōnen for the most part, but it has a unique vibe, premise, sound design, and moments that separate it from the rest. However, no matter how good the rest of the show is, there is one character who is always suddenly naked. This instantly shifts the vibe for the worse, ruining any serious or comedic impact that had previously been there. Some fans can look past this, but others can’t, making Fire Force a polarizing show, even if it is one of the best anime series on Crunchyroll right now.
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4
‘Monogatari Series’ (2009–Present)
Kiss-Shot and Araragi sitting together in Kizumonogatari movieImage via SHAFT
A lot of anime are all about flashy moments and spectacular fights, but the Monogatari Series is different, delivering a dialogue-focused experience. Araragi is a normal human with the abilities of a vampire, which he uses to fight the physical manifestations of his friend’s mental illnesses. It is an endless fight against horrific monsters and depressing situations.
The Monogatari Series is one of the most unique anime shows on this list, becoming critically acclaimed because of its profound and well-written dialogue, distinct editing, and avant-garde style. However, it ruins whatever prestigious writing it had with perverted moments where the protagonist abuses female characters for jokes, some underage. This obviously creates a polarizing anime that fans love or hate.
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3
‘Sword Art Online’ (2012–2020)
Kirito and Asuna in a town looking behind them in Sword Art Online. Image via A-1 Pictures
The Isekai genre is already polarizing because of a mix of unoriginality and weird storytelling, so naturally, there are a few controversial shows, such as Sword Art Online. A bunch of eager players hop into the new VR game, but they don’t realize that they will be stuck in the game. Death in the game means death in real life, prompting players to try to escape.
Sword Art Online quickly became one of the most popular anime series of all time because of its escapist fantasy and fun premise. However, it left what it did well in favor of incestuous moments, odd narrative choices, and generally poor writing. Sword Art Online is a very popular Isekai, but it is also one of the shows with the widest standard deviation, as reviews are never consistent.
Yet another Isekai lands on this list, this time being Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. After a stay-at-home loser dies, he is reborn as a child in a fantastical world. Not wanting to waste his new life, he becomes a powerful mage and travels across the world, but he still has plenty of flaws and traumatic experiences in store for him.
Ignoring its controversial aspects for now, Mushoku Tensei does feature some compelling character development and magical worldbuilding. Unfortunately, Rudeus is a controversial protagonist. Some fans justify his actions as flaws he will develop out of, and others can’t get over his disgusting behavior. Mushoku Tensei is the most polarizing modern anime at the moment.
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1
‘Fairy Tail’ (2009–Present)
Guild in the Grand Magic Games from Fairy TailImage via A-1 Pictures
Fairy Tail technically still isn’t over, with a sequel manga currently running, even if fans haven’t heard much about it. The titular wizard guild is home to a plethora of odd characters, such as Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, and Happy. Together, they take on dangerous missions, all the while a dark force threatens to reemerge.
While Mushoku Tensei is the most polarizing anime right now, Fairy Tail is the most polarizing of all time. A lot of fans have forgotten about it, so the hate has died off, but there was a time when everyone either loved this series or hated it more than anything. Fans have cited the overt fanservice, overuse of the power of friendship, and lack of a plot as criticisms, but others appreciate Fairy Tail‘s great arcs, endearing characters, emotional weight, and sense of adventure. Fairy Tail also used to be massive, sparking hate from other fanbases, resulting in its status as the most polarizing anime of all time.
From that point, social media users began speculating if Diamond just revealed the gender of Chris Brown’s alleged “new baby on the way.” From there, more comments began rolling into the thread.
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Instagram user @mary_nicolex3 then wrote, “You are ruthless I love it lol tell us when she’s due 👀 🤫”
While Instagram user @lolma20 added, “Ohh that’s great. Aeko has a baby bro. Same as Royalty and lovely”
Instagram user @_wildflower_sunsets then wrote, “My girl Diamond is Southern, and don’t play! I know that’s right. I knew something was up when he stopped liking your posts.”
While Diamond responded, “@_wildflower_sunsets it’s because I even blocked him boo.”
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Amid that, Instagram user @ruanrudg wrote, “But she’s been… She was just out partying again…. It’s all over the teambreezy fanpages.”
While Diamond replied with, “@ruanrudg that ain’t my business. 🤷🏽♀️”
Instagram user @zamnitsnina wrote, “Bro you really dgaf😂😂😂 you don’t let nobody play with you !
While Diamond replied, “@zamnitsnina EVER. Not playing about me or my daughter. I’ll die on that hill.”
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Meanwhile, Instagram user @mushiyrahtaahiyrah wrote, “@mary_nicolex3 SHE REACHEDBAT BREAKING POINT .. I WAS WAITING FOR IT ..”
While Instagram user @carynngee added, “DIAMOND WHEN IS THE BABY DUE”
Instagram user @prettyellajane_ chimed in with, “Omg you so messy 😂”
While Instagram user @lejanieee_ added, “Savage and we love it!! 😂”
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To note, at this time, Diamond Brown’s claim remains unconfirmed. For knowledge, Babycenter reports that ultrasounds can detect an unborn child’s gender between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. However, it also notes that bloodwork from a noninvasive prenatal test can yield results as early as 10 weeks.
Before The Social Media Speculation About Gender, Diamond Brown Threw The Internet Into A Frenzy By Alleging That Chris Brown Has A “Baby On The Way”
As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier on February 18, Diamond Brown, the mother of Chris Brown’s youngest daughter, Lovely, accused the singer of having a baby on the way. Additionally, he allegation arrived amid her telling him to leave her alone.
From there, Diamond clapped back, revealing the reason she was upset with Chris. Ultimately, she explained that she isn’t mad about him moving on. But she wants him to let her do the same.
Has The Singer Clarified The Claim?
From there, Chris Brown’s rumored girlfriend, Jada Wallace, blasted Diamond Brown. Wallace alleged that Diamond is keeping Lovely away from Chris. Furthermore, Jada accused Diamond of dating Chris’s friends to get a “rise” out of him.
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In turn, Diamond shared a lengthy message, denying Wallace’s claim but ultimately doubling down on her claim of Jada being pregnant.
By the end of the night, Chris Brown had seemingly weighed in on the drama. However, he shed no light on whether Diamond’s “baby on the way” allegation was true.
Businesswoman and socialite Hailey Bieber is offering a rare glimpse into her life as a mother to her son, Jack Blues, who is almost 2 years old, revealing the joys of parenthood. She also addressed the possibility of expanding her family with Justin Bieber.
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Hailey Bieber Gushes About Jack Blues
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In a conversation with Jake Shane on the podcast “Therapuss,” Hailey opened up about her life as a mother, proudly telling the host stories about Jack.
According to her, her son has shown a keen interest in basketball and says the word all the time. “So he talks a lot about basketball. He says basketball all the time. I went to get him up from his nap today, and he was like ‘basketball’. He’s just… It’s insane. So funny,” she shared.
Hailey said that Jack has also learned to say please, both verbally and in sign language.
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The mother-of-one told Shane that she enjoys motherhood and always wanted to have children. “When it happens, you never know what to expect and you don’t know what it’s going to be like. And it’s honestly so much fun,” she shared.
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The Socialite Gave Birth In 2024
Justin announced the birth of Jack Blues via Instagram in August 2024. They welcomed their bundle of joy after six years of marriage. “WELCOME HOME,” the singer wrote in the caption, with a photo of Jack’s tiny foot being caressed by his mother.
Before the birth of Jack, the couple often expressed their desire to have children. One of Hailey’s concerns was the public’s scrutiny, especially as both of them are public figures. “It’s enough that people say things about my husband or my friends. I can’t imagine having to confront people saying things about a child,” she explained. Despite her reservations, she said the important thing is for the child to “feel loved and safe.”
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Justin, on the other hand, said he’d like to have “a little tribe.” However, he left the decision to his wife. “It’s her body and whatever she wants to do. I think she wants to have a few,” he shared in 2020.
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Justin And Hailey Bieber Share Responsibilities
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In February, Hailey opened up about how she balances her busy schedule while being a parent to a young child. As she told E News, “Having a great partner is really important.”
The entrepreneur was at a Vogue event in Australia at that time, leaving her son with Justin. “I’m here working and my son is at home with his dad living his best life. Having that support is very freeing and makes the decision a little bit easier,” Hailey shared.
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In an interview with Vogue Italia, Hailey expressed how motherhood changed her. “It’s been the best teacher I’ve ever had,” adding that it was also good for her marriage, as it allowed her to see Justin “in such a different way.” She called her husband a natural when it came to fatherhood.
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The Couple Feels Protective Over Their Child
Both Justin and Hailey value privacy, and they maintain the same preference when it comes to their son. They rarely post photos of him on social media, and when they do, they make sure his face is hidden.
Growing up in the public eye, the Biebers know what it’s like to be scrutinized, and they want to protect Jack from the relentless public attention. As Hailey told GQ in 2025, they are taking things day by day.
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“Our life is our life and it is really public, so I think we’re just going to cross every bridge that when we need to when we get there,” Hailey shared, adding that so far, she’s “comfortable” with what they have and haven’t shared with the public.
Hailey Bieber Wants To Have At Least One More Child
As Hailey told GQ, there’s nothing anyone can say that will prepare someone for motherhood. However, now that she’s had Jack, she feels “much more prepared” to become a mother once again.
As for when that will happen, Hailey told Shane that she “definitely” wants at least one more child, but she’s in no rush to make that happen. “I definitely want one more. Maybe I’ll have four more. Maybe I’ll have three… I’m just taking it one day at a time,” she said.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Beloved actor Eric Danehas passed away at the age of 53 after his battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Known for his work in Grey’s Anatomy, Dane starred in shows like Euphoriaand even played a character with ALS on the NBC series Brilliant Mindsopposite Zachary Quinto. The news was confirmed by Eric Dane’s family in the following official statement:
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Dane became a household name as “McSteamy” on Grey’s Anatomy. The character, also known as Dr. Mark Sloan, is still a favorite for fans of the show and a beloved part of the 22 seasons of the show. Later, he went on to play Nate Jacobs’ (Jacob Elordi) father in the HBO series Euphoria and has continued to be a fan favorite every time he appears in something. That was Dane’s charm as an actor, fans always loved to see him take on a new role.
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Eric Dane’s Legacy Is One Fans Continue to Enjoy
Eric Dane as Nathan Blythe on his cell phone in CountdownImage via Prime Video
While Dane became a voice for the ALS community after his diagnosis, including his episode of Brilliant Minds, his past work is also something many will still connect with. His Prime Video series Countdown, where he starred opposite Jensen Ackles, was filmed after his diagnosis but was the first series fans watched with him in it knowing about his ALS journey. There are so many shows that fans turn to when thinking about Dane. An entirely new group of fans learned to hate his role on Euphoria while the older generation loved Mark Sloan. His work is beloved and for a good reason, he was one of the best actors out there, and he will be missed.
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Release Date
March 27, 2005
Directors
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Rob Corn, Kevin McKidd, Debbie Allen, Chandra Wilson, Allison Liddi-Brown, Jeannot Szwarc, Tony Phelan
Writers
Shonda Rhimes, Julie Wong, Jen Klein, Tameson Duffy, Meg Marinis
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Chandra Wilson
Dr. Miranda Bailey
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This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Eric Dane rose to fame in the early 2000s after he was introduced to fans as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloane on Grey’s Anatomy in 2006.
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After his (spoiler alert) onscreen death in 2012, the actor moved on from his stint at the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital and to tackle other roles. While Dane has appeared in several movies over the years, various TV series have defined the bulk of his career. The actor starred as Tom Chandler on The Last Ship from 2014 to 2018 before taking on Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, a role he’s held since 2019.
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Dane’s personal life has also made headlines throughout his career, including many ups and downs with wife Rebecca Gayheart. In April 2025, Dane — age 52 at the time — announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS. He died less than one year later.
Keep scrolling to look back at the actor through the years:
Jason Bateman is opening up about the turning point that changed his life.
The longtime actor and producer admitted he didn’t fully embrace sobriety until 2004, three years into his marriage to Amanda Anka.
After years of hard partying, drinking, and what he once referred to as “the Scarface stuff,” Bateman said the pressure at home and the tension it caused finally forced him to make a decision that would alter both his career and his family life for good.
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Jason Bateman Says Marriage Tension Forced A Sobriety Decision
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Jason Bateman revealed that his journey toward quitting cocaine and alcohol wasn’t instant, but was negotiated.
He admitted that he didn’t get “California sober” until 2004, several years into his now 24-year marriage to Anka.
“Amanda and I definitely had a few negotiations about the point at which the [partying] spigot was going to completely turn off,” the 57-year-old former child star told The Hollywood Reporter. “She’d be like, ‘This drip, drip, drip is annoyingly unpredictable, Jason.’”
At the time, Bateman confessed he believed his sobriety “ETA was six months away.” However, after ongoing back and forth with Anka, he realized the stress wasn’t sustainable.
He ultimately decided that if he could “land this plane now,” it would alleviate a lot of the tension, so he decided to do it.
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That moment marked the end of years of alcohol and cocaine use and the beginning of a more stable chapter in his personal life.
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Bateman’s Hard-Party Reputation Delayed Romance With Amanda Anka
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Jason Bateman first met Anka at an LA Kings game in 1988. However, their romance didn’t immediately take off.
The actress reportedly delayed dating him for an entire decade because of his hard-partying Hollywood lifestyle.
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“I just wasn’t into where he was at,” Anka told GQ in 2013. Once Bateman cleaned up his act, everything shifted.
“[Now] I can’t get him off the couch to go to a party. This is a guy who wants to go get frozen yogurt and come home,” she said.
Even his friends have noticed the dramatic transformation. Jimmy Kimmel joked to The Hollywood Reporter, “He rarely makes it out past 10, and if he does, there’s a lot of, ‘Oh great job, Grandpa. Congratulations.’”
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Kimmel himself admitted he didn’t want to get too close to Bateman until after drugs, referencing the shenanigans Bateman once got into with Andy Dick backstage in 2003.
Today, Bateman and Anka, who co-starred in the 2003 rom-com “Sol Good,” share two daughters, 19-year-old Franny and 14-year-old Maple.
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Jason Bateman Went Wild After Early Acting Success
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Long before sobriety, Bateman was a disciplined child actor helping to financially support his family.
He appeared in projects like “Little House on the Prairie,” “Silver Spoons,” and “Teen Wolf Too,” building a steady résumé at a young age.
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However, after wrapping his six-season run as David in NBC’s “The Hogan Family” in 1991, Bateman admitted he went off the rails.
“Fortunately, I was living at a time without social media and camera phones, so I got away with a lot, but it was definitely close a few times,” he recalled.
The absence of smartphones may have shielded him from public fallout, but the partying lifestyle eventually caught up with him.
Despite that turbulent period, Bateman managed to avoid complete career collapse, something many former child stars struggle to escape.
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His decision to quit drugs and drinking would later become a crucial factor in his professional resurgence.
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Bateman Says Respect Became His Focus
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Jason Bateman’s career revival began when he starred as Michael Bluth in Mitchell Hurwitz’s satirical sitcom “Arrested Development,” which ran across multiple seasons on Fox and later Netflix.
That role ushered in what many consider his prestige era. He went on to produce, direct, and star in Netflix’s crime drama “Ozark,” earning Emmy recognition. He also secured a lucrative $100 million deal co-hosting the podcast “SmartLess.”
Reflecting on his shift in priorities, Bateman said, “Having been on the outside looking in for so long, I’d gotten a real good sense of what it was that provided longevity, and it wasn’t fame or money, it was respect.”
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He added, “I still feel like I’m trying not to be a child-actor failure. I’m still trying to make it out.”
Though he admits he’s “not above a marijuana gummy,” Bateman’s mindset has clearly evolved from the chaos of his earlier years.
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Jason Bateman Balances Sobriety With A Busy Producing Slate
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Jason Bateman isn’t slowing down. He will next executive produce and star as Clark in Steve Conrad’s seven-episode HBO Max series “DTF St. Louis,” premiering March 1.
The black comedy/murder mystery follows a love triangle involving middle-aged characters, with one winding up dead.
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David Harbour, Linda Cardellini, Richard Jenkins, Joy Sunday, and Peter Sarsgaard are also set to appear.
His production company, Aggregate Films, is also behind Courteney Cox’s second directorial feature, “Evil Genius,” starring Harbour, Patricia Arquette, Ryan Eggold, and Thomas Michael Allen.
The indie crime thriller is based on the 2018 Netflix docuseries about the 2003 death of pizza deliveryman Brian Wells.
Meanwhile, Anka’s most recent IMDb-credited project was producing Apple TV+ newsroom drama “The Morning Show” between 2019 and 2021.
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From wild teen idol to respected filmmaker and devoted father, Bateman’s decision to quit cocaine in 2004 reshaped both his personal life and his professional legacy, and it’s a transformation he no longer shies away from discussing.
The actress tells EW that her character, first lady Jenny Hagan, “doesn’t really understand the deal with the devil” she makes in season 3 until it’s too late.
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Rihanna is officially 38 and while she still hasn’t dropped the new album … she has dropped some pretty killer skincare products.
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In honor of RiRi’s birthday, treat yourself to a little something from Fenty Skin. From cleansing face scrubs to hydrating lip oils, Rihanna has got you covered when it comes to a little TLC.
You know Rihanna would want you to celebrate her birthday in style.
Bursting with Barbados cherry, fruit enzymes and caffeine, this gentle daily face scrub brightens skin, smooths texture and refines pores. It buffs away dry, flaky skin to clear the way for juicy hydration and flawless makeup application.
Formulated with a delicious blend of seven conditioning essential oils, this lux body moisturizer renews and replenishes intense moisture instantly and over time. It leaves skin with a glossy-looking sheen that’s never sticky…and gives you a little bit of extra shimmer.
This ultra-hydrating lip oil’s antioxidant-rich formula defends lips against environmental stressors and nourishes dry, chapped lips while plumping them with hydration. It’s never sticky and adds just the perfect touch of sheer color for everyday use.
Make dry and flaky hands a thing of the past. TheFenty Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Glycerin Hand Maskwill have you waking up with cloud-soft hands as it works to intensively nourish and soften hands overnight. Formulated with 40% moisture-locking Glycerin, fruit oils and plant extracts, your hands will be left with a soft, glossy sheen that lasts.
About 30 minutes into the Season 2 premiere of Apple TV’s most underrated slow-burn mystery, The Last Thing He Told Me, Jennifer Garner’s watchful and pragmatic Hannah Hall gets attacked in her own home. At first, the chilling break-in finds her genuinely shaken, but in the moments that follow, something shifts as she fights back. Stepping far from the simmering tone of the streamer’s debut in 2023, the sequence isn’t flashy or stylized in a way more suited to Garner’s iconic Sydney Bristow in Alias. Instead, it gives the vibe of someone who has spent five years waiting for this very moment.
This unsettling, edge-of-your-seat moment serves as the meat of The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2. While the first season was about Hannah being thrown into chaos, the show’s return is more about what happens when you’ve been living with that underlying mess for so long that it becomes part of you. In what feels like a totally (and tonally) different show, it’s almost as if Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine-produced series, based on the books by New York Times bestselling author Laura Dave, represents more than a mere tweak or reset. The mystery framework is still intact across Season 2’s eight episodes, but it’s been built into something sharper and more propulsive.
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What Is ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ Season 2 About?
One of the smartest things the Apple TV show has done is stop pretending that the mystery is the point of everything. While Season 1 was about Owen’s (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) disappearance and his murky past, Season 2 doesn’t waste time on setup. Instead, we see Owen has been living off the grid for five years and working undercover for U.S. Marshal Grady (Augusto Aguilera), snapping photos from rooftops and trying to dismantle the powerful and wealthy Campano family. He also sneaks a visit to see Hannah while in disguise, but none of it is ever romanticized. If anything, Owen is positioned as awrecking ball to the stability that Hannah and his daughter, Bailey (AngourieRice), have built in their new home in Los Angeles.
Season 2 is really a story about a family reuniting under pressure, and Owen’s goal is simple on paper — finish the job, get out clean, and return home — but the show never pretends that the fix is easy. His years-long absence compounds all the damage of being kept in the dark following his abrupt exit in Season 1. Hannah and Bailey have been doing well on their own. Bailey is older, more independent, in college, and has a boyfriend, but while Hannah maintains a normal life, she’s also quietly built systems that speak to her instinct for danger. When she’s attacked early in the first episode, “Cape Cod,” and instinctively fights back, it’s equal parts scary and inevitable. This is a woman who has been creating contingency plans, securing emergency funds, and training for self-defense in the park with her instructor for nearly half a decade.
As things begin to get messy and some mysterious men are in pursuit of the pair (along with two others trailing Hannah and Bailey), the tension is never just about outside threats closing in, but rather the internal ones that rely on someone else always controlling the narrative. With Bailey needing answers about her mother, she gets mixed up with a member of the Campano family, Quinn (Judy Greer), despite everyone warning her against it. Naturally, Hannah is stuck in the middle, trying to protect her daughter while also figuring out what kind of life they can have with Owen, which is why Season 2 isn’t less of a whodunit and more of a pressure-cooker story about whether this trio can stay together once the truth finally stops being optional.
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‘The Last Thing He Told Me’s Cast Gets a Bigger Playground for Season 2
While Garner has always been the beating heart of the Apple TV series, Season 2 gives her a lot more momentum than Season 1. This isn’t to say she plays Hannah like an action star; she also balances the character’s fatigue with a capability that feels more earned than anything. Even when Hannah is calm or thinking things through, Garner gives her a constant sense of hyper-awareness, like she’s mentally measuring exits and risks. Quieter beats, especially in scenes with Rice, are where she barely has to speak to communicate her fears, frustrations, or that kind of parental exhaustion that comes from always being the responsible one. As much as Season 2 belongs to Garner, it’s also a huge upgrade for Coster-Waldau, whose character was mostly a ghost the first time around and finally gets to be a real person. While some of his choices might rile up Hannah and Bailey, there’s a quiet desperation to Coster-Waldau’s performance as the prodigal patriarch, who needs to be 10 steps ahead, even in scenes that feel more personal within the family.
While Rice isn’t as front and center as last season, she does a lot of emotional heavy lifting. Bailey spends time caught between a need to go forward, but is also unable to stop pulling at the past, and Rice plays this tension flawlessly. She’s especially good at letting Bailey’s yearning show in the space between a beat that lingers too long or a look that turns from curiosity to hurt in a split second, particularly in moments with Greer and an unrecognizable Rita Wilson, who plays Hannah’s estranged and emotionally distant mother, Carole. Wilson refuses to soften her character for likability, which is exactly why she works in the small dose we get.
Greer is one of The Last Thing He Told Me‘s most electric additions this season. With an immediate edge to every scene she’s in, her character has a welcoming warmth to her interactions with Bailey, and Greer plays friendly threat with the right amount of control and depth. Her easy chemistry with Garner is so much fun to watch, and while diehard 13 Going on 30 fans will love seeing them interact, that kind of real-life friendship can run the risk of their scenes becoming one-note. That is never the case here. Instead, each moment between them is defined by a push-and-pull filled with distrust and recognition between two women who understand each other more than they want to admit. Supporting Greer are incredible performances from Luke Kirby as her erratic and power-hungry little brother, Teddy Campano, and her cold, watchful father, John Noble, as Frank Campano. The pair’s presence hangs over the series, never once feeling like cartoon crime bosses and making things feel a lot bigger and more dangerous than ever.
‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ Elevates Its Writing in Season 2
Image via Apple TV
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One of the biggest improvements in The Last Thing He Told Me this time around is how the writing stops tiptoeing into some of Season 1’s more atmospheric, moody beats. Of course, the show had an effective hook, but it often felt like it was stretching itself to preserve its overall puzzle without moving the story forward. While Season 1 could have gotten away with being a movie for Apple TV, Season 2 earns its status as a series. This time, the plots and characters move with more direction and purpose. The pacing is also a lot tighter, with higher stakes that feel earned instead of carefully plotted. Even when the season leans into more action or larger set pieces like a fight scene or even a car chase, the writing never loses sight of the story’s emotional center.
Another thing that viewers might appreciate is how the season builds suspense not through a mystery, but through the characters’ choices. The danger is never just about who’s following Hannah or Bailey, but in how they’re forced to rely on people they can’t really trust. The show pulls at threads that also alter the story’s tone, creating a sharp paranoia that gives the season a faint edge of noir through morally murky instances, shadowy figures, and decisions that always come with a cost.
Although The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2 is informed by Dave’s novels, it’s clear the show has grown beyond the limits of the source material, including taking some liberties in adapting the book for the small screen. As this season deepens its conflicts and expands its world, however, there are some moments where it relies too heavily on explaining itself. Some of it is necessary clarity, but this narrative housekeeping also interrupts the season’s momentum. Overall, The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2 is a lot more confident in taking risks, emphasizing the rarity of a follow-up that doesn’t just continue the story but energetically improves the entire show to date.
The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2 premieres February 20 on Apple TV.
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Release Date
April 13, 2023
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Network
Apple TV
Showrunner
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Laura Dave, Josh Singer
Directors
Olivia Newman, Deniz Gamze Ergüven, Daisy von Scherler Mayer, Lila Neugebauer
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Writers
Josh Singer, Laura Dave, Jamie Rosengard, Isaac Gómez, Harris Danow, Allegra Caldera, Erica Tavera
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Jennifer Garner
Hannah Hall
Angourie Rice
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Bailey Michaels
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Pros & Cons
Season 2 is sharper and more propulsive, turning its slow-burn DNA into real edge-of-your-seat tension.
Garner is the beating heart of Season 2, playing fatigue and earned capability with a hyper-aware precision that never slips.
Greer is electric, playing that “friendly threat” with control, depth, and chemistry that crackles opposite Garner.
A few set pieces flirt with familiar thriller rhythms, even if the show keeps its emotional center intact.
A later episode over-explains what’s happening, breaking the momentum when it should be sprinting.
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