If you’re a fan of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” you know exactly who Jayson is. You also know, what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

A Chippendales dancer and host of the show for more than nine years, Jayson was featured in a few episodes of the hit Hulu reality show and hosted their live Las Vegas event in 2025. With MomTok in the news constantly and back on TV screens with a new season, The Blast thought it was a great time to catch up with Jayson to hear some of the behind-the-scenes tea he experienced while on the show (and it doesn’t disappoint one bit). 

Chippendales is a Las Vegas staple. Well known and loved, the show currently performs at Planet Hollywood and has been featured in multiple reality shows over time. 

When “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” producers reached out to Chippendales about filming an episode at their show, before the show was the hit that it currently is, Jayson said they were “nonchalant” about it. 

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“I think initially when we found out, Season 1, we were all kind of like ‘Oh what’s this, it’s a new reality show, crazy girls from Utah and they want to come see a male review show in Vegas,’ so we were kind of all like nonchalant about it when we initially filmed the pilot season,” Jayson told The Blast exclusively. “But once we saw how it picked up and really gained traction, it was something I was really excited to be a part of.”

Chippendales was featured in an episode of “Mormon Wives” in season 1, another one in season 2 (the Halloween party turned brawl/husband Chippendales routine), as well as in TikToks with Jen and Zac Affleck when they returned to the show for what Jen called “exposure therapy.” Jayson also hosted “Mormon Wives” live “Unholy Tea” event in Las Vegas in 2025. 

Spilling Some Behind-The-Scenes Tea

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Fans of the show will clearly remember the Halloween party turned brawl where the cops showed up. Some might wonder if that was all staged or actually real, and Jayson is putting that curiosity to rest.

“There was drama. I can say that in season 2, the Halloween party episode, when we’re ready to go down and surprise them with a performance, and the big fight breaks out and the cops all show up, that’s all real,” Jayson shared. “None of it was actually planned and I was actually the only representative of the company that was in the house during the party.”

When the fight broke out, Jayson made sure to stay far from the action, and revealed what he was doing during the insanity.

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“I was locked in the bathroom, upstairs by myself peeking out the window watching all the action and the fighting happening from the front yard,” he said. “That’s something you didn’t get to see. It looks like all of that happened very quickly but little old me was just hidden in the bathroom, hiding upstairs looking out the window like what is going on out there?”

Jen Affleck Returned To Chippendales Off Camera And Brought Husband Zac With Her

While Zac had a lot to say about Jen being at Chippendales during Season 1, somehow, she got him to do some “exposure therapy” and join her at the show off camera. They documented the experience on TikTok with a few videos. 

When asked how that all went down, Jayson shared there was “a lot of growth in their relationship.” 

“There was a lot of growth in their relationship, a lot of communication happened to kind of bring them to the place to come back to see the show together, and you know, every couple is different, to break down those boundaries and work through those situations to feel comfortable,” he told The Blast. “I think it was a great improvement for them in their relationship. I think they’re both great people. It was really fun to come back and film some TikToks and things with them before the show.”

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Jayson said they all still keep in touch and will check in with each other on Instagram, but ultimately, he’s happy that they were able to “move over that hump in their relationship and get back to a positive place.” 

Jayson Had A Hand In ‘Unholy Tea’

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In June 2025, Jayson had the opportunity to reunite with MomTok for a prominent off camera event in front of a live audience when the girls brought “Unholy Tea” to Las Vegas. 

Taylor Frankie Paul, Jen Affleck, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, Jessi Draper, and Layla Taylor hit the stage at Palazzo Theater inside The Venetian Resort for their first-ever live show that packed the house. The show included Q&A sessions, interactive games, confessions from audience members, and of course, Chippendales. 

Jayson said the event was a great opportunity for him to see them on a “different level outside of the filming,” to show the other side of their lives. 

“Honestly, it was really awesome. It was awesome to see them on a different level outside of the filming, kind of stripping away the cameras and stripping away the madness of what the show is, to have them in that state where they are just humans and they are just living their lives, and kind of being able to speak and ask them questions that were kind of breaking down the walls, the barriers of television, and getting to know them on more a sentimental level which was really cool,” Jayson told The Blast.

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“I think they’re all amazing, the husbands are great and obviously reality TV paints the picture that it does but working with them on that level was really cool to see and to experience.”

More About Chippendales In Las Vegas

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If you’re visiting Las Vegas, Chippendales is an absolute must experience show. Performing at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas most nights, some nights with two shows, this 18-and-older show is interactive, fun, and totally memorable.

According to the website, “Chippendales is more than just a show – it’s an experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun night out with friends, this show is the perfect way to let loose and have fun. With stunning stage design, high-energy music, and interactive elements that get YOU, the audience, involved – you’ll feel like you’re part of the action.”

For more information and for tickets, visit the website.

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Carrot Top’s legal team has accused singer Brian Evans of demanding $500,000 while indicating that a sexually explicit recording involving the comedian could be placed on a public court docket. Evans has denied threatening to release any recording in exchange for money, creating sharply conflicting accounts of what the communication represented.

The legal dispute emerged publicly as Carrot Top, whose real name is Scott Thompson, remained hospitalized in Las Vegas. Reports have characterized the hospitalization as following an alleged suicide attempt, but Thompson’s representative has only confirmed that he is recovering and receiving care.

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According to court documents obtained by Daily Mail, Thompson’s attorney, Ronnie Bitman, raised the allegations in a September 3 filing in Broward County, Florida.

The filing reportedly included an email from Evans discussing sexually explicit material involving Thompson and the possibility of placing it on a USB drive submitted to a public court docket. “Given the existing posture of the case and the coverage already in print, I expect the press will report the motion and will use its own imagination about what the USB is,” Evans wrote.

Evans maintained that he was describing the potential consequences of filing material publicly rather than making a threat. “That is a foreseeable fact about third-party reporting of a public docket. It is not a threat,” he wrote, adding that he does “not control the public docket” and does “not control the press.”

The email allegedly stated that $500,000 should be delivered “in immediately available funds” for “resolution of all claims against Scott Thompson….”

The documents did not definitively establish whether the communication constituted an improper demand or a settlement proposal connected to the litigation.

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Thompson’s attorneys rejected the characterization of the email as a routine settlement discussion. “This is not settlement communication,” the legal team wrote. “On its face it is a malicious threat to expose Thompson to disgrace, and to expose a secret affecting him, with intent thereby to extort money under the guise of litigation conduct.”

The allegation represents Thompson’s legal team’s interpretation of the correspondence and has not been established as fact in a final court ruling.

Evans, who is representing himself, denied attempting to trade his silence for a payment. “I never threatened, ever, to post any video anywhere in exchange for a settlement,” he told the Daily Mail.

Evans also insisted that it is “not the black and white story portrayed.”

Neither the available reporting nor the statements from Thompson’s representative established a direct connection between the legal dispute and the comedian’s hospitalization.

Thompson’s Representative Points To A Federal Court Ruling

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Thompson’s representative, Jami Schlicher, cited a separate federal court ruling involving Evans when responding to the allegations. “A federal court recently declared Mr. Evans a ‘vexatious litigant’ and described his filings as ‘serial’ and ‘spurious,’” Schlicher said. “In dismissing one of his cases with prejudice, the court went even further, stating: ‘It appears this entire case is designed to harass Defendants.’ The court’s findings and Mr. Evans’s litigation record speak for themselves.”

Daily Mail reported that a September 4 filing from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida stated that Evans had brought at least 15 cases without an attorney in that district since 2025 and that they appeared frivolous.

Being designated a vexatious litigant can result in restrictions on a person’s ability to make additional filings without court permission. However, the designation does not independently resolve every allegation raised in a separate lawsuit.

Carrot Top Is Recovering In The Hospital

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Schlicher emphasized that Thompson’s immediate priority is his health. She said Thompson “is currently recovering, surrounded by his family and those closest to him” and “His focus is on his health and recovery, and we ask that his privacy be respected at this time.”

PEOPLE independently confirmed through Thompson’s representative that the comedian was hospitalized and recovering, but the representative did not publicly disclose the reason for his hospitalization.

Thompson had been scheduled to perform at the Luxor Las Vegas on Friday, but the show was canceled. His Saturday performance was also reportedly called off while he continued receiving care. The Luxor issued a statement expressing relief that the longtime performer was recovering and wishing him strength. Thompson has headlined at the Las Vegas resort since 2005.

Brad Garrett Shared A Message Of Support

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Following news of Thompson’s hospitalization, Brad Garrett posted a photograph featuring himself, Thompson and Ray Romano. “Oh my beautiful, talented friend @carrottoplive. We’re ALL thanking our lucky stars that you’re ok,” Garrett wrote. “Please take this time to remember how appreciated and loved you are by so many. (Except Ray. It’s a long story, just trust me.) We’re here for you. We need you okay. YOU need you okay.”

Garrett continued, “Whatever it takes we’re here for you. You’re getting a second chance for a reason. Use it wisely. We need folks like you around. Show yourself grace. We Love you.”

Thompson’s most recent social media post before his hospitalization promoted his scheduled Friday performance. “Just your average Thursday commute to the Luxor. TBT,” he wrote alongside an older promotional image.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Paris Hilton is using fashion as her favorite decoy tool!

The media personality’s world revolves around playing dress-up and looking her best every hour of the day, and even when she doesn’t want to be seen or known, she still has a fashion tip she often swears by.

Paris Hilton became a household name in the late 90s and early 2000s via modeling and reality TV while holding it down on the business side as the Hilton Hotels heiress through her connection to the founder, Conrad Hilton,

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The mother of two finally shared a well-kept secret that has helped her worry less about the paparazzi and live a relatively normal life when on errands. The media personality stated that wearing a brown wig helps conceal her identity to a T, adding:

“If I wanted to be low-key, or if I’m going to Disneyland or the mall or something on the weekend, I always wear a brown wig.”

She explained in the interview that she prefers a wig because she wears one all the time and would never want to mess up her blonde hair by dyeing it regularly. This is not the only time Hilton has played around with hair color by departing from her popular blonde shade.

In May, she walked the runway for the GucciCore Fashion Show in New York, appearing in rich brunette hair on Demna Gvasalia’s idea, who was the creative director for Gucci. Hilton told US Magazine that she instantly fell in love with the shade, and it became one of her options whenever she goes undercover in public.

The 45-Year-Old Reflected On Some Of The Prices She Had To Pay For Fame

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Hilton became the paparazzi and tabloids’ favorite at such a young age, thanks to her legacy in Hollywood social circles and array of celebrity friends. The media personality did it all, from modeling to acting to reality TV, leading her to cross paths with so many people during her journey and also develop some serious trust issues.

The star appeared on the “Hayu Presents…” podcast in August, admitting that her river of knowledge about the celebrity industry has never run dry, but she is lagging on finding who to trust.

She described herself as a sweet person who once let anyone in, but over the years has learned to read people and understand their true intentions, even when they aren’t telling her.

“Yeah, also just not to take life so seriously. I think that, you know, growing up and just having so much fame at such an early age can be traumatizing sometimes,” Hilton continued during the podcast session. 

The hotel heiress also knows better than ever not to let people’s verdicts dictate her happiness, and instead to find contentment in the things she can touch, see, and feel in her life, per Independent.

Paris Hilton’s Abuse Experience In Utah Boarding School Weirdly Prepared Her For The Demands Of Fame

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The reality TV alum had also discussed another sensitive part of her life on the podcast, referring to a story she shared about the abuse she went through in boarding school and how it shaped her journey through Hollywood.

Describing the situation as traumatizing and comparing it to the scrutiny she went through in Hollywood, Hilton noted that surviving the horrific boarding school bullying left her with the reassurance that she could withstand anything.

During an appearance at the Press Association earlier in the year, Hilton recalled the harassment she faced from the media and the lasting impact that cruelty had on her and other female celebrities.

She acknowledged that changing trends and timelines won’t leave room for such comments these days, but the media needs to take more responsibility to make the tabloid space more positive.

Inside ‘The Simple Life’ Alum’s Interesting Urinal Episode At Coachella

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The socialite, who also explores the world of disc jockeying on the side, experienced a bathroom emergency during 2026 Coachella that forced her to make a drastic move.

As reported by The Blast, an insider said Hilton hit a frustratingly long line as soon as she entered the ladies’ room.

This arrangement forced her to grow impatient and opt for the closest second option, the men’s room, where there was less human traffic. On her way to the loo, another man advised her to note the horrible smell emanating from the restroom, but Hilton did not have an exact response.

The reality star was reportedly protected by her bodyguard, who walked behind her into the facility. Her husband, with whom she has two kids, reportedly waited outside the trailer for her, while another security detail stood outside the stall to block anyone from entering.

Paris Hilton’s Surprise Financial Move On New $63 Million Beverly Hills Estate Fueled Speculations

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The business mogul sparked intense speculation about her finances after she took out a $43.75 million mortgage on a Beverly Hills mansion she bought from actor Mark Wahlberg for $63 million.

As The Blast noted, the purchase price was $5 million less than the original asking price, and the property boasts a 30,500-square-foot home on six acres in Beverly Park. Hilton’s sprawling mansion contained 20 bathrooms, a five-hole golf course, a movie theatre, and a pool grotto in a resort-style pool.

A month after closing the deal, Hilton and her husband, Carter, secured a loan from JPMorgan Chase at a 5.25 percent interest rate, which meant an estimated monthly housing payment of about $283,196, including property taxes.

However, the unusual timing raised questions about the reality star’s finances, since mortgages are usually arranged alongside home purchases. Real estate experts have also suggested that the delayed financing could be a strategic move to free up cash rather than evidence of financial trouble.

Fall mornings have a delightfully cozy habit of starting chilly and warming up by lunchtime, making getting dressed a little bit of a guessing game. The Grecerelle Lightweight Cardigan just so happens to be the $15 Amazon solution, adding just enough coverage when you need it without going full-on heavy cable-knit sweater. Once the afternoon warms up, the delicate layer is easy enough to stash in your tote until temperatures dip later in the evening.

Keep in mind, however, that this isn’t just another basic cardigan destined to fade into the background of your wardrobe. Scalloped detailing along the edges gives the classic layer a more elevated look, making it just as useful for dressing up an outfit as it is for keeping the morning chill at bay.

Get the Grecerelle Lightweight Cardigan for $15 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The delicate knit makes this cardigan particularly handy when you want to add a light layer without adding bulk. Slip it over a tank or tee during transitional weather, then wear it underneath a jacket once temperatures drop further. The open neckline also makes it easy to show off whatever you’re wearing underneath, be it a silk cami, simple blouse or long-sleeve tee.

Related: Need a Cardigan That Pairs With Everything? These 17 Classics Never Fail

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Of all the cozy styles we love wearing in the winter, there’s something special about classic cardigans that adds an extra oomph to cold-weather outfits. This season, we’ve set our sights on traditional styles with warm fabrics that stand up against frosty conditions. Amazon is a one-stop shop for classic cardigans, and we rounded up […]

Styling it is easy, especially when you consider just how many colors it comes in, ranging from essential neutrals to bold hues like royal blue and bright red. Whichever color you choose, the styling possibilities are endless. Pair it with trousers and loafers for the office, throw it over a dress when you need a little extra warmth or keep it handy to dress up jeans and your go-to top. The scalloped trim adds just enough visual interest to make even the most basic combination feel a little more intentional.

Be prepared to get asked where you purchased this simple, elegant wardrobe staple: “This cardigan is one of my favorites!” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I get SO many compliments on the scalloped edging!”

“It’s lightweight enough to wear year-round and is perfect for layering without feeling bulky,” wrote another five-star reviewer. “The scalloped ribbed trim adds a pretty detail that makes it look a little more dressed up than a basic cardigan.”

Unpredictable fall weather has the tendency to keep you on your toes, adding and removing layers, but this super cute cardigan makes dressing for chilly season a whole lot easier. Lightweight, versatile and polished enough to elicit plenty of compliments, it’s the kind of affordable piece you’ll be sure to keep within arm’s reach all season.

Get the Grecerelle Lightweight Cardigan for $15 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Related: Level Up Your Transitional Wardrobe With This $20 ‘Silky Soft’ Cardigan

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Getting dressed during the in-between season as summer transitions to fall can feel surprisingly tricky. Mornings are cool, afternoons are warm and bulky sweaters often feel like overkill. However, there is a trick to choosing the perfect look for not-too-hot, not-t00-cold weather: lightweight layers. And, as luck would have it, this $20 Trendy Queen Cropped […]

A New York Fashion Week runway can take months to build, but Lil Tay needed only seconds to throw one off script.

The 19-year-old unexpectedly stepped onto CI Swimwear’s runway at Sony Hall on September 12 while another model was mid-walk. Roughly 18 seconds later, security escorted her away.

Now, Creators Inc. founder Andy Bachman is exclusively telling The Blast what he thought of the disruption, and his reaction isn’t entirely what one might expect.

Footage of the incident shows Lil Tay joining a model wearing a metallic gold two-piece on the runway. Dressed in a pink top, white wide-leg pants and a light-colored fur piece, the influencer posed before continuing down the catwalk as security approached.

Bachman acknowledged the work that Tay’s surprise appearance interrupted.

“Fashion shows may look effortless, but months of work go into every second on that runway,” he told The Blast. “When someone inserts themselves into the show without permission, it can disrupt the models, production team and designers who worked incredibly hard to make that moment happen.”

Lil Tay’s Runway Presence Still Left An Impression

Despite the disruption, Lil Tay apparently left an impression on Bachman. 

“That said, Lil Tay walked out there with complete confidence and immediately owned the room,” Bachman continued. “She undeniably has the presence for a runway — we would just prefer she get booked before stepping onto it next time.”

Bachman’s latest remarks expand on his initial reaction to the incident. He previously told TMZ that while he didn’t “condone spoiling months of preparation,” Tay “mogged the entire room.”

His suggestion then was similarly simple: “She should consider a catwalk, preferably with a booking next time.”

Lil Tay’s Runway Crash Came With An Ironic Twist

The choice of runway made Tay’s uninvited walk particularly ironic. Creators are exactly the people Bachman has been trying to bring into fashion.

During Miami Swim Week in May, CI Swimwear featured internet personalities including Sophie Rain, Piper Rockelle, Alina Rose, Summer Iris, Mariella Gregoria and Virginia Sanhouse.

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Rain’s debut demonstrated how quickly an online audience can follow a creator into a different industry, with footage of her first CI Swimwear walk going on to attract more than 40 million views.

“I think people are beginning to understand that creators can cross into fashion, acting, business, or anything else we work hard at,” Rain told Where Is The Buzz in July.

Bachman agrees with the broader idea, but says there’s still a line.

“Creators have earned their place in fashion, but there is a difference between breaking traditional industry rules and interfering with someone else’s production,” he told The Blast. “We support bold personalities and unexpected moments, provided they are coordinated and respectful of everyone involved.”

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More From The Blast

Creators Inc. Has Been Blurring The Line Between Hollywood And The Internet

That creator-first philosophy stretches beyond Bachman’s runways.

Earlier this year, Creators Inc. helped “American Pie” star Shannon Elizabeth launch a direct-to-fan page. Bachman said she grossed seven figures in her first week, while Variety reported that sources put the figure above $1.2 million.

The company’s growing Hollywood presence has also included Jaime Pressly and Donna Mills.

Meanwhile, Denise Richards and Carmen Electra came together through Creators Inc. for their first on-camera collaboration.

“They’ve each transcended traditional Hollywood and, because they’re forward thinkers, adapted to the creator economy,” Bachman previously said of the pair.

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It’s a philosophy that makes Tay’s stunt almost perfectly on-brand, except for the missing invitation.

Lil Tay Has Been Building Her Next Act Through Music

Tay, meanwhile, has been finding other ways to expand beyond the viral persona that made her famous as a child.

The self-proclaimed “youngest flexer of the century” returned to music in 2023 with “Sucker 4 Green” after spending years largely outside the public eye.

As The Blast previously reported, the comeback followed the bizarre false death announcement posted to her Instagram account that year. Tay later said the episode disrupted plans to restart her music career.

She has since continued moving forward with that comeback. In 2026, Tay released “Black Sheep” and “Deal Wit It,” followed by “Brag Different” in July.

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Her unexpected NYFW appearance now adds fashion, unofficially, at least, to the list of spaces where she’s trying to make an impression.

Rep. Lauren Boebert has become one of the most talked-about figures on Capitol Hill since taking office in 2025.

The Colorado Republican and outspoken ally of President Donald Trump has represented Colorado’s 4th District since January 2025, after previously serving in the state’s 3rd Congressional District. Along the way, she has generated a steady stream of headlines — from a night at a Denver musical that ended with her being escorted out, to a viral comment about her colleagues and a very public divorce.

In September 2026, Boebert found herself again under scrutiny after a complaint was filed with the House Ethics Committee, alleging she had sexual relationships with at least three current and former staffers.

Scroll below for a guide to Boebert’s controversies through the years:

Related: Rep. Lauren Boebert Breaks Silence on Allegations She Had Sex With Staffers

Rep. Lauren Boebert is firing back over a House Ethics Committee complaint alleging that she had sex with three current and former staffers. “Congresswoman Lauren Boebert rejects these allegations as utterly false and there is no truth to them whatsoever,” a spokesperson for Boebert, 39, told Us on Saturday, September 16. “This is nothing more […]

Lauren Boebert Faces House Ethics Complaint Over Staffer Allegations

American Muckrakers‘ David Wheeler filed a sworn statement with the House Committee on Ethics in September 2026, alleging Boebert had sexual relationships with three staffers — two women and one man. The complaint also claims that a $200,000 hush money payment was arranged to prevent one unidentified staffer from filing their own ethics complaint.

The House Code of Official Conduct prohibits representatives from having intimate or sexual relationships with employees who work directly under them in their offices or on committees.

A spokesperson for Boebert has since firmly denied the accusations.

“Congresswoman Lauren Boebert rejects these allegations as utterly false and there is no truth to them whatsoever,” her rep told Us in a statement. “This is nothing more than a politically motivated stunt designed to manipulate the ethics process, create headlines, smear her, and generate clickbait.”

Boebert’s office also went after the source of the complaint, alleging that the accusations “come from an activist who has long recycled sensational claims, including numerous baseless accusations previously fact-checked as false.”

Wheeler and Boebert have had a long-running feud dating back more than four years, involving multiple threats of legal action.

Lauren Boebert’s Son Arrested

News broke in August 2026 that Boebert’s son Tyler was arrested on multiple felony charges related to alleged sexual exploitation of a child. 

“I love my son,” Boebert told the Denver Post. “We take these allegations very seriously and pray for everyone affected during this challenging time.”

Tyler was ultimately released on a $10,000 bond. During a court hearing, he was sentenced to 20 days in jail and one-year probation.

Lauren Boebert’s Viral Comments About Congressional Sex Scandals

Speaking to reporters near the steps of Capitol Hill in April 2026, Boebert weighed in on separate sex scandals that led to the resignations of two of her House colleagues: Rep. Eric Swalwell and Rep. Tony Gonzales.

“Go to church, find Jesus,” Boebert told reporters. “Like, I mean, why is everybody so horny here?”

Lauren Boebert’s Political District Switch

An outspoken ally of Trump, Boebert has represented Colorado’s 4th District since January 2025, after previously serving the state’s 3rd Congressional District. The switch came as she continued to navigate a wave of personal and professional headlines, including her divorce.

Lauren Boebert Apologizes After Buell Theatre Incident

In September 2023, Boebert was thrown out of Denver’s Buell Theatre during a performance of Beetlejuice The Musical. She initially denied accusations that she and a companion were vaping and groping one another during the show, but later conceded she had acted inappropriately, citing the trauma of her then-pending divorce from ex-husband Jayson Boebert.

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“The past few days have been difficult and humbling, and I’m truly sorry for the unwanted attention my Sunday evening in Denver has brought to the community,” she wrote in an apology statement at the time. “There’s no perfect blueprint for going through a public and difficult divorce, which over the past few months has made for a challenging personal time for me and my entire family.”

She continued, “I’ve tried to handle it with strength and grace as best I can, but I simply fell short of my values on Sunday. That’s unacceptable and I’m sorry.”

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. 

Ed Sheeran is facing criticism from inside his own family as backlash continues over Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s Loop Tour. Sheeran’s cousin, British musician Jethro Sheeran, publicly condemned the “Shape of You” singer and accused him of behaving selfishly toward both his relatives and fellow artists.

Jethro, who performs professionally under the name Alonestar, also claimed that Ed was personally responsible for Macklemore’s departure. However, Ed has maintained that the tour’s promoters and participating venues made the decision.

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Jethro addressed the controversy in an Instagram post shared on Thursday, September 17. “Finally it’s all coming out! I’m ashamed of my Cousin Ed,” Jethro wrote. “Finally the world and all his fans see through him. He’s not a good person, I don’t like his music so I can’t say he’s even a good artist.”

Jethro is the son of John Sheeran, Sheeran’s father’s brother. In addition to criticizing his cousin’s handling of the tour controversy, he made several personal allegations about their relationship. “He’s honestly a selfish individual with malicious, cunning ways. ‘He kills you with kindness’ (His Words) I’m his first blood cousin and he screwed me over, made fun of my mental health and mental health in general,” Jethro continued.

Jethro Sheeran Claims He Helped Launch His Cousin’s Career

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Jethro also alleged that he supported Sheeran early in his music career but later felt mistreated professionally and financially. “He is shady and he’s dropped Macklemore himself I believe 100% he’s a coward,” Jethro claimed.

“In my opinion, he’s a bad human. Just my opinion from my experiences. I’ve known him all my life and started him in music, took him on my stage,” he added. “Took him to my first studio, rapped on his early songs, and did all I could to help him. Even when he was bullied at school. He only cared about himself, and he puts out fake narrative[s] that are calculated just to keep everyone happy so he can do big private gigs and keep brand deals.”

Jethro concluded his message by distancing the rest of the Sheeran family from his cousin. “That’s my honest opinion, and I’m family!! He’s not a true Sheeran! Don’t hate on a Sheeran because of this silly little boy.”

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The family dispute emerged amid growing controversy surrounding Macklemore’s departure from the Loop Tour. Macklemore performed as one of Ed’s opening acts during two concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During his sets, the rapper chanted “Free Palestine” and performed his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall.”

The rapper was subsequently removed from eight remaining tour dates. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group later said several venues indicated they would not host the shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

Macklemore addressed his removal in a statement shared on September 14. “Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from the Loop Tour. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim,” he wrote. “We have careers, money, opportunities, safety, and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.”

Ed Sheeran Says Removing Macklemore Was Not His Decision

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Despite his cousin’s allegation, Sheeran has insisted that he did not personally remove Macklemore. The singer said the tour promoter and venues made the decision, adding that he spent days trying to resolve the conflict. PEOPLE reported that Sheeran tried to mediate between the parties while continuing with the tour because fans, crew members and other workers depended on the scheduled concerts.

The fallout intensified when several scheduled opening acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga were among the performers who exited.

Ed’s touring band also reportedly stepped away, leaving the Grammy winner to perform without his usual group during his Philadelphia concert.

The Singer Apologized During His Philadelphia Concert

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Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy from the stage at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, September 19. “Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” Sheeran told the audience. “I’m used to my music being criticized, and I’m always happy to take that because I’m lucky. A lot of you like my stuff, and to be honest, I’m surprised. I’m not surprised that I’ve even done it. You know, it’s normal.”

The artist acknowledged that the latest criticism involved issues far more serious than reactions to his music. “This week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take [it in] and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry,” the singer added.

Sheeran also described the treatment of civilians in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable” while condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel. He expressed concern about concert venues policing the content of artists’ performances and said he was continuing to learn about the conflict.

Taylor Swift revisited one of her most recognizable eras while helping Patrick Mahomes celebrate his 31st birthday in Kansas City. The pop superstar attended the quarterback’s birthday party alongside her husband, Travis Kelce, at 1587 Prime, the steakhouse Kelce and Mahomes co-own. Although Swift arrived wearing an elegant black dress, a playful pair of red sunglasses later brought back memories of the singer’s “Red” era as the group posed for photos before the Chiefs returned to the field.

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Swift and Kelce were recorded walking hand-in-hand into 1587 Prime for the Friday night celebration, according to PEOPLE. The “Opalite” singer wore a strapless, mid-length black dress with a matching shoulder bag. Kelce selected an olive-green polo shirt and coordinating shorts for the gathering.

The party marked Swift’s second publicized visit to the restaurant in less than one week. The singer previously joined Kelce for another evening at the Kansas City establishment while wearing a different black dress.

Swift’s appearance also continued what has become a busy start to the NFL season for the newlyweds. Days earlier, she watched Kelce and Mahomes help the Chiefs secure a commanding Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos.

The Singer Revisited Her ‘Red’ Era In The Photo Booth

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Swift’s outfit may have been black, but her photo booth accessory immediately reminded fans of one of her most famous musical eras. Chariah Gordon, the fiancée of former Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., posted three photo booth strips from the party on her Instagram Stories.

One strip showed Gordon posing beside Swift, who held up a pair of red sunglasses resembling those she frequently wore during the “Red” era.

The bottom of each strip featured the message, “Happy Birthday Patrick.”

Released in 2012, “Red” marked an important transitional period in Swift’s career as she moved beyond her country-music foundation and experimented with mainstream pop. The singer revisited the album in 2021 with “Red (Taylor’s Version).”

Brittany Mahomes Celebrated The ‘Heart’ Of Her Family

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Patrick’s wife, Brittany Mahomes, also shared photographs from the intimate dinner with friends. “Celebrating you always,” she wrote alongside pictures of herself and the quarterback posing in front of birthday balloons. “I loveeeee you.”

Brittany had already honored her husband with an Instagram tribute featuring photos of their three children: Sterling Skye, 5; Patrick Bronze Lavon III, 3; and Golden Raye, 20 months. “Happy Birthday Babe!! You mean the world to us,” she wrote. “Hope you feel so special and loved today but truly every day you’re so special to us! The heart of our family. We love you the MOST!”

Mahomes and Kelce opened 1587 Prime with hospitality group Noble 33 in September 2025. The restaurant’s name combines Mahomes’ No. 15 jersey with Kelce’s No. 87. The contemporary steakhouse features several personalized elements connected to its famous owners, including cocktails inspired by Mahomes, Kelce and their partners. It has also become a popular gathering place for the players and their friends since opening in downtown Kansas City.

Patrick Mahomes Returns To Work After His Birthday Celebration

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The party arrived shortly before Mahomes, and the Chiefs are scheduled to face the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, September 20.

Kansas City enters the Sunday Night Football matchup with a 1-0 record after defeating the Denver Broncos 31-10 in its season opener. Indianapolis enters at 0-1 following a 41-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Mahomes threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns during Week 1. He also recorded one interception, according to ESPN. Kansas City’s running game delivered one of the night’s strongest performances. Kenneth Walker carried the ball 23 times for 173 yards and a touchdown while adding 18 receiving yards and another score.

Tom Cruise Says Taylor Swift ‘Knows Her Stuff’

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Swift attended the Chiefs’ Week 1 victory with actor Tom Cruise, who later revealed that the singer helped him follow the action. During a September 17 appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Cruise was asked what he and Swift discussed while sitting together.

“She was schooling me on football,” Cruise said.

“For real?” Fallon asked.

“For real,” Cruise insisted.

The actor explained that he had not attended an NFL game since before the COVID-19 pandemic and praised Swift’s understanding of the sport. “She was bringing the football. First of all, she’s a genius,” he said. “I’ve been following her since she was a kid. Everybody there, all their friends, they’re a beautiful couple and magical in their own right. Everybody there in that booth.”

Cruise added, “I hadn’t been to a football game since pre-Covid, where I was working and everything. So to get to hang out there and have that moment, it was a lot of fun … she knows her stuff.”

Ed Sheeran‘s tour, long shrouded in political controversy, has now escalated into fear.

The “Shape of You” hitmaker’s Philadelphia concert took an unexpected turn when he admitted he was afraid to get too close to the crowd. The concert also marked Sheeran’s first major response to the unending Macklemore drama.

Ed Sheeran still took the stage at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, despite growing attention surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the tour. He also addressed the controversy directly, apologizing to fans and acknowledging his mistakes.

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Sheeran told the Philadelphia audience that his usual stage setup had changed for the concert. He explained that he had originally planned to perform on a B Stage during the show. That setup would have placed him directly in the middle of the audience. 

The singer ultimately decided against it because he was unsure how the crowd would react. “I didn’t know what this audience would be like,” he told the crowd.

Sheeran added that he didn’t know whether fans might throw things at him if he stood among them. The “Thinking Out Loud” singer openly admitted:

“I was afraid of what might happen if I stood in the middle. And I will admit that.”

The decision reflected the heightened security concerns surrounding his first Philadelphia performance since the Macklemore controversy erupted. Philadelphia police had previously told TMZ they would take appropriate safety measures. 

The Singer Apologized For ‘Making Mistakes’ 

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Sheeran’s Philadelphia appearance came after an unusually difficult week for his Loop Tour. Every opening act had reportedly stepped away from the remaining dates after Macklemore was removed from the lineup.

The controversy followed Macklemore’s pro-Palestine comments during performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. The Grammy singer’s tour promoter said venues had threatened to pull out if Macklemore continued performing.

Sheeran therefore appeared in Philadelphia without an opening act. Other supporting acts, Aaron Rowe, Finneas, and Luke Graham, also announced that they were dropping out of the tour in solidarity. Beoga, the singer’s backing band, also bowed out.

The concert start time was reportedly moved from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The protests outside the venue began around 4:30 p.m. The singer apologized to the audience before continuing with his performance. The Blast revealed that Sheeran told fans he was “making mistakes” and was “so, so sorry” while addressing the backlash directly from the stage. 

Why Ed Sheeran Continued With The Tour

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The “Perfect” singer told the crowd that his concerts have always been intended to provide a safe environment for everyone. He said honoring his commitment to his fans remained essential to who he was. “I don’t want to disappoint fans,” Sheeran said. He also explained that he had never wanted to become an activist musician. 

Sheeran also called the Israel-Palestine conflict the most complex political issue on the planet. The singer said he was concerned about venues pre-approving content before performances. He argued that although such practices happen in places where he performs worldwide, they should not happen in what he called “the free world.”

Sheeran also directly addressed questions about where he stood regarding Israel and Palestine. He nevertheless said he could no longer hide how he felt about the humanitarian situation. Sheeran described what happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on October 7 as horrific.

He then described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate.” He also said the loss of civilian and children’s lives was devastating. The singer said the injustice in the West Bank could not be overlooked.

Macklemore Was Honored With A Gaza Mural

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Macklemore’s removal did not end the attention his comments drew. The rapper subsequently pledged $1 million from his tour net earnings to humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza. He also continued speaking publicly about the conflict after leaving Sheeran’s tour.

His actions attracted support from people who viewed his public statements as an important use of his platform. The Blast reported that a mural honoring Macklemore appeared in Gaza City after he was removed from the tour.

Local artists Anne Redwan and Qusai al-Helo created the artwork. The artwork showed the rapper draped in a Palestinian flag with a message thanking him for using his voice. Ms. Rachel reportedly matched Macklemore’s commitment.

Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft also said Sheeran had pledged $2 million toward humanitarian relief and asked him to match that amount. Macklemore had previously accused Kraft of being involved in efforts by venue owners to oppose his continued participation on the tour.

He reportedly used Instagram to redirect attention toward the humanitarian situation in Palestine. TicketData founder Keith Pagello reported a rise in the rapper’s Red Rocks prices. He said the get-in price climbed 45% in three days.

Ed Sheeran’s Philadelphia Stop Faced Uncertainty

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Before Sheeran’s Philadelphia performance, questions had already emerged about the concert’s ticket sales. Hundreds of tickets were reportedly still available through StubHub hours before the show. The available tickets were listed between $56 and $251. 

The singer also faced planned demonstrations outside Lincoln Financial Field. The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z had called on supporters to gather outside the venue. He had set the venue’s all-time concert attendance record in June 2023 with 77,900 fans during his Mathematics tour.

The changes to the Loop Tour have extended beyond one Philadelphia performance. Sheeran was left to continue the remaining dates as the solo act after several performers and his backing band departed.

The Blast had previously reported that the tour had around 17 dates remaining. The singer’s team remained confident in his ability to perform major arena shows without his usual supporting lineup.