LOS ANGELES — Justin Bieber is facing intense criticism and calls for boycotts after reports emerged that he performed a private concert for executives of Palantir Technologies, the controversial data analytics company known for its extensive government surveillance contracts. The alleged event, said to have taken place at a high-end private venue in Beverly Hills earlier this week, has sparked outrage among fans and critics who accuse the pop star of associating with a firm deeply tied to controversial military and intelligence operations.

Social media erupted Thursday after photos and unverified videos from the event began circulating online. In the images, Bieber appears performing hits from his catalog in an intimate setting for a small group of suited guests, some of whom are reportedly senior Palantir executives. While neither Bieber nor Palantir has officially confirmed the performance, multiple sources close to the entertainment industry described it as a corporate celebration following a major new government contract win.

The backlash has been swift and vocal. Many longtime Bieber fans expressed disappointment, with some calling for a boycott of his music and upcoming projects. “How can someone who sings about love and peace perform for a company that profits from surveillance and war?” one prominent fan account posted, a sentiment echoed across platforms. The controversy has also drawn attention from activists and privacy advocates who have long criticized Palantir for its work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Defense and other agencies.

Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, has faced years of scrutiny for its role in developing software used for predictive policing, border surveillance and military targeting. Critics argue the company’s technology enables mass data collection and potential human rights abuses. The firm has defended its work as essential for national security and counterterrorism efforts.

Bieber’s representatives have not issued a statement addressing the reports. The singer, who has largely stayed out of political controversies in recent years, has focused on family life with wife Hailey Bieber and selective music releases. His last major tour in 2022 was one of the highest-grossing of all time, and he has maintained a significant global fanbase despite periods of relative quiet.

The reported private performance comes at a time when celebrity endorsements and corporate ties are under increasing public examination. High-profile artists have faced similar backlash in the past for performing at events linked to controversial companies or governments. Bieber himself has navigated public scrutiny before, including criticism over past behavior and associations during his younger years.

Industry insiders note that private corporate events can be highly lucrative for artists, often paying six or seven figures for a single night. Such performances allow stars to earn substantial income while maintaining control over their public image. However, in the age of social media and heightened political awareness, these gigs carry greater risk of backlash.

Palantir has grown significantly in recent years, expanding beyond government contracts into commercial data analytics for major corporations. The company went public in 2020 and has seen its valuation soar amid growing demand for AI-driven data solutions. Its work with defense and intelligence agencies remains a core part of its business, making any association with the firm politically charged.

Fan reactions have been mixed but largely negative. Some supporters defended Bieber, arguing that private performances are business decisions and should not define an artist’s values. Others expressed disappointment, citing Bieber’s past messages of love, kindness and social awareness. The controversy has also sparked broader conversations about celebrity responsibility and the ethics of corporate entertainment.

Public figures and activists have weighed in on social media. Some privacy advocates called on Bieber to distance himself from Palantir, while others used the moment to highlight the company’s role in various government programs. The story has trended on multiple platforms, with hashtags related to Bieber and Palantir gaining traction throughout the day.

This is not the first time a celebrity has faced criticism for corporate ties. In recent years, numerous artists have come under fire for performing at events linked to controversial sponsors or governments. The scrutiny reflects growing consumer awareness and activism around corporate ethics and social responsibility.

For Bieber, the incident arrives during a relatively quiet period in his career. He has focused on family and selective creative projects since becoming a father. His last studio album, released in 2021, was a commercial success, and he has occasionally dropped new music and collaborations. A potential world tour has been rumored for 2027, though no official announcement has been made.

Representatives for Palantir declined to comment on the reported event. The company has previously emphasized its commitment to ethical data use and national security, while facing ongoing criticism from civil liberties groups.

As the story continues to develop, Bieber’s team is likely assessing the potential impact on his public image and upcoming projects. In the highly connected world of social media, such controversies can spread rapidly and influence fan loyalty, sponsorship deals and brand partnerships.

The incident also highlights the complex relationship between celebrities and corporate clients. While private performances offer significant financial rewards, they carry increasing reputational risks in an era where fans demand alignment between an artist’s public persona and personal choices.

For now, the focus remains on how Bieber addresses the growing backlash. Whether he issues a statement, distances himself from the event or remains silent will likely shape the narrative in the coming days. As one of the most followed pop stars in the world, his actions — or lack thereof — will be closely watched by fans, critics and the entertainment industry.

The controversy serves as a reminder that in today’s cultural landscape, celebrity choices are subject to intense public examination. As Bieber navigates this latest challenge, it underscores the delicate balance artists must strike between personal freedom, financial opportunities and public expectations in an increasingly polarized world.

One week after Spirit Airlines shut down operations, a new campaign to save the budget carrier has gained traction online, with more than $335 million in pledges.

TikTok creator Hunter Peterson posted a video last weekend proposing a plan to purchase Spirit through crowdfunding.

In the video, which has garnered more than 7 million views, Peterson suggested that if enough people contributed, the airline could be revived.

“This is a genius idea: We nationalize Spirit Airlines, owned by the people. Airlines gone. We make a new airline,” he said.

SPIRIT AIRLINES SHUTS DOWN IMMEDIATELY, STRANDING TRAVELERS: HERE’S HOW TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK

Spirit Airlines jets sat on the tarmac as the company ceased operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 2, 2026. (GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Shortly after posting the video, Peterson launched letsbuyspiritair.com, which as of Saturday night had raised at least $337 million in nonbinding pledges.

The site allows users to pledge toward a proposed ownership stake in Spirit Airlines, though the contributions do not involve actual payments and instead reflect expressed interest.

Peterson later said in a follow-up video that the idea was gaining momentum.

“This started as a joke and this is rapidly going out of control in the best possible way,” Peterson said.

SPIRIT AIRLINES LAWYER SAYS JET FUEL PRICE SURGE LEFT CARRIER WITH ‘NO REMAINING WAY OUT’ OF BANKRUPTCY

Spirit Airlines shut down operations after more than 30 years, prompting online efforts to revive the carrier through crowdfunding. (Spirit Airlines / Fox News)

His proposal is largely modeled after the ownership structure of the Green Bay Packers, the NFL team that is publicly owned.

Spirit announced May 2 that it would cancel all flights and wind down operations “effective immediately.”

The airline said customers who booked directly with Spirit using a credit or debit card would be automatically refunded.

UNITED FLIGHT CARRYING 221 PASSENGERS HITS POLE AND TRUCK ON APPROACH TO NEWARK

A Spirit Airlines commercial airliner flies after taking off from Las Vegas International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., February 8, 2024. (Mike Blake / Reuters)

“All flights booked with credit and debit cards are in the process of being automatically refunded,” a spokesperson for Spirit told FOX Business. “The majority of guests who booked travel on a credit or debit card were refunded as of Saturday evening, with a small percentage continuing to process. Refunds may take time to appear in a guest’s account.”

Spirit said the shutdown followed failed restructuring efforts, citing rising fuel costs and an inability to secure additional funding.

“For more than 30 years, Spirit Airlines has played a pioneering role in making travel more accessible and bringing people together while driving affordability across the industry,” Spirit’s President and CEO Dave Davis said in a statement.

UNITED PILOT REPORTS MIDAIR DRONE SCARE NEAR AIRPORT DURING LANDING APPROACH

A JetBlue airliner lands past a Spirit Airlines jet on taxi way at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport on Monday, April 25, 2022.  (Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“… Sustaining the business required hundreds of millions of additional dollars of liquidity that Spirit simply does not have and could not procure,” Davis added. “This is tremendously disappointing and not the outcome any of us wanted.”

Customers who purchased tickets through third-party vendors, including travel agencies, were advised to contact those providers for refunds.

Claims from passengers who booked flights using vouchers, travel credits or loyalty points will be handled through Spirit’s bankruptcy process, the airline said.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

FOX Business has reached out to Spirit for comment.

FOX Business’ Sophia Compton contributed to this report.

LOS ANGELES — Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a confidential settlement, bringing an abrupt end to the high-profile legal battle that erupted during the production and promotion of the film “It Ends With Us,” sources close to both parties confirmed Thursday. The resolution, coming just months after Lively filed a bombshell lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and a smear campaign, avoids a potentially explosive trial and allows both stars to move forward amid intense public scrutiny.

The settlement was finalized in recent days, according to multiple people familiar with the negotiations. Neither side has released details of the agreement, including any financial terms or admissions of wrongdoing. Both Lively and Baldoni issued joint statements expressing a desire to put the matter behind them and focus on their families and future projects.

In a carefully worded joint statement, the two said: “We have decided to resolve our differences amicably and privately. We wish each other the best and ask for privacy as we move forward with our lives and careers.” The statement was released through their respective representatives and marked the first public communication between the parties since the lawsuit was filed in December 2025.

Lively’s original complaint accused Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, of creating a hostile work environment, including allegations of sexual harassment, fat-shaming and orchestrating a public relations campaign to damage her reputation. Baldoni denied all allegations, calling them “categorically false” and filing a countersuit accusing Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds of defamation and interference with his professional relationships.

The dispute quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about scandals, dominating tabloid coverage and social media discussions for months. It also sparked broader conversations about power dynamics on film sets, the role of crisis PR firms and the challenges faced by women in the industry when speaking out.

Timeline of the Dispute

The tensions reportedly began during filming in 2024 but erupted publicly after the film’s release in August 2025. Lively alleged that Baldoni and others engaged in inappropriate behavior and later retaliated against her when she raised concerns. Baldoni’s team maintained that creative differences and Lively’s desire for more control over the project fueled the conflict.

The lawsuit detailed text messages, alleged meetings and involvement of high-profile PR strategist Melissa Nathan, whose firm was accused of running a smear campaign against Lively. Baldoni’s countersuit claimed Lively and Reynolds tried to take over the film and then retaliated when he resisted.

The case was set for trial in 2027, but both sides faced mounting pressure to resolve it privately to avoid further reputational damage and the release of sensitive information during discovery.

Settlement Details Remain Confidential

Legal experts say confidential settlements are common in Hollywood disputes to protect both parties’ images and avoid the unpredictability of a jury trial. While the exact terms are unknown, such agreements often include nondisclosure clauses, mutual releases and sometimes financial compensation.

Neither Lively nor Baldoni is expected to comment further. Representatives for both declined to provide additional details beyond the joint statement.

The resolution comes as both stars look to move on professionally. Lively has several projects in development, including a return to the “Gossip Girl” universe in a new form. Baldoni is focusing on directing and producing future films while dealing with the aftermath of the public scandal.

Impact on Hollywood and #MeToo Conversations

The settlement, while ending the legal fight, is unlikely to quiet the broader cultural conversation sparked by the case. It highlighted ongoing issues around workplace behavior, the power of PR narratives and the challenges of addressing allegations in the public eye.

Advocates for survivors praised Lively for speaking out, while others criticized the speed and confidentiality of the resolution, arguing it prevents full accountability. Hollywood insiders say the case has made studios and producers more cautious about talent disputes and documentation on sets.

The involvement of high-profile figures like Reynolds, who was accused in Baldoni’s countersuit of being overly involved in the production, added another layer of celebrity drama that captivated the public for months. Reynolds largely stayed silent publicly but was reportedly instrumental in supporting his wife through the ordeal.

Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz

The news of the settlement triggered an immediate wave of reactions online. Some fans celebrated what they saw as justice for Lively, while others expressed disappointment that no public admission or detailed findings emerged. Hashtags related to the case trended again briefly, with many expressing fatigue over the prolonged drama.

The resolution also sparked renewed discussion about the original film “It Ends With Us,” which became a box office success despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil. Some viewers have called for a reevaluation of the movie in light of the allegations, while others argue it should be judged on its own merits as an adaptation of a popular novel about domestic violence.

What’s Next for Both Stars

For Lively, the settlement allows her to focus on her family — she and Reynolds share four young children — and her growing business empire, including Rare Beauty. She has several acting projects lined up and is expected to take a more selective approach to future roles.

Baldoni faces the challenge of rebuilding his reputation after the public accusations. His production company, Wayfarer Studios, continues to develop projects, but he has stepped back from some public-facing roles. Industry observers say it may take time for him to regain trust with major studios and talent.

Both parties are expected to maintain a low profile in the coming months as they focus on healing and moving forward. The entertainment industry will be watching closely to see how their careers recover from one of the most publicized Hollywood disputes in recent memory.

The settlement brings a quiet close to a saga that captivated the public for months. While many questions remain unanswered, both Lively and Baldoni appear ready to turn the page and focus on the next chapters of their lives and careers. In Hollywood, where image is everything, the ability to resolve such high-stakes conflicts privately may ultimately benefit both stars as they seek to reclaim their narratives.

NEW YORK — The New York Times Connections puzzle for Sunday, May 10, 2026 — No. 1064 — delivered a delightful mix of famous painters, types of cheese, car brands and words that can precede “Ring,” challenging players to find the perfect groupings while sparking lively discussion on social media about the clever purple category.

The 16 words in today’s grid were: PICASSO, VAN GOGH, MONET, DA VINCI, CHEDDAR, BRIE, GOUDA, FETA, TOYOTA, FORD, HONDA, TESLA, ENGAGEMENT, WEDDING, ONION, KEY.

Yellow (Easiest): Famous Painters PICASSO, VAN GOGH, MONET, DA VINCI

These are four legendary artists whose works have shaped art history. This category was the most straightforward for most solvers and typically solved first.

Green: Types of Cheese CHEDDAR, BRIE, GOUDA, FETA

These are popular cheeses from different culinary traditions. Many players noted this as a tasty and approachable group, especially with Mother’s Day brunches in mind.

Blue: Car Brands TOYOTA, FORD, HONDA, TESLA

These are four well-known automobile manufacturers. The grouping tested basic consumer knowledge and was often solved after the more obvious categories.

Purple (Hardest): Words that can precede “Ring” ENGAGEMENT, WEDDING, ONION, KEY

Removing one word from each creates famous phrases: Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring, Onion Ring, Key Ring. This category rewarded lateral thinking and cultural knowledge, causing the most difficulty for many players.

Hints and Solving Strategies

For players who prefer gentle guidance, strong starting strategies on May 10 included scanning for obvious artist names and car brands. The purple category proved particularly tricky, requiring solvers to think beyond the literal words and consider common phrases. Experienced players recommend grouping clear pairs first, then testing remaining connections systematically while avoiding more than four mistakes.

The puzzle earned a moderate-to-hard difficulty rating, with the purple group causing the majority of stumbles. Many shared that once they spotted the “Ring” connection, the rest fell into place quickly.

Connections’ Growing Popularity in 2026

Since its debut, Connections has become a beloved morning ritual for millions alongside Wordle and the Mini Crossword. The game’s appeal lies in its perfect balance of logic, vocabulary, pop culture and wordplay. Puzzle No. 1064 exemplified this mix, blending art, food, automotive and everyday phrases in an engaging way.

Social media platforms lit up Saturday evening and Sunday morning with shared grids, frustration over the purple category and praise for the clever “Ring” twist. Hashtags like #NYTConnections and #Connections1064 trended as players compared streaks and solving times. Some reported perfect games, while others needed all six guesses.

The New York Times continues refining the game with careful curation to maintain accessibility while offering escalating challenge. Categories range from straightforward associations (yellow) to abstract or pun-heavy links (purple), ensuring broad appeal across ages and backgrounds.

Why Today’s Puzzle Resonated

The famous painters and car brands categories felt approachable and educational. The cheese grouping added a fun, relatable touch, while the “Ring” category delighted wordplay enthusiasts but frustrated those less familiar with common phrases. Many players noted the puzzle had a nice “Sunday morning” feel with its mix of culture, food and everyday life.

Parents and educators appreciate Connections for building vocabulary, pattern recognition and cultural knowledge in an entertaining format. Many use it as a family activity or classroom warm-up, fostering discussion around language nuances and shared references.

Tips for Mastering Connections

Veteran players offered these strategies for May 10 and beyond:

• Look for proper nouns or capitalized phrases that might signal artists, brands or titles.
• Consider multiple meanings — words like “ring” can be literal or part of a phrase.
• Group by obvious themes like art or cars early.
• Save riskier guesses for later when fewer options remain.
• Learn from mistakes: review solved puzzles to spot patterns for future days.

For those building streaks, consistency and a calm approach help. Resources like the official NYT companion or independent hint sites provide gentle nudges without full reveals for purists.

Broader NYT Games Ecosystem

Connections complements other NYT offerings like Wordle, Spelling Bee, Strands and the Mini Crossword, creating a robust daily brain-training routine. Many subscribers start their mornings with the full suite, sharing results across platforms and competing with friends.

The game’s design encourages replayability and community without paywalls for basic access, though subscribers gain additional features and archives. Its popularity reflects growing interest in mental fitness and shared online experiences in an increasingly digital world.

As May 10 unfolded, conversations shifted toward tomorrow’s puzzle while today’s solvers reflected on their performance. Whether achieving a perfect solve or learning new connections, Puzzle #1064 delivered the satisfying “aha” moments that keep players returning daily.

Connections continues proving that word games can be both challenging and joyful, fostering curiosity and clever thinking one puzzle at a time. For fans, today’s mix of art, food, cars and classic phrases offered a memorable ride through language and culture.