Doja Cat‘s family affairs are once again in the spotlight.

The singer’s name got wrangled between words as her father tries to clear his name from the bad-dad label. This comes after she addressed the extent of their strained relationship, noting he was not there for her through her formative years.

The family drama has been ongoing for years and seemingly continues to escalate. Doja Cat’s mom, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, previously filed a restraining order against her older brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamin, after things got heated between them. 

Doja Cat’s Dad Claims She Has Been Brainwashed By Her Mom

Doja’s father, Dumisani Dlamini, is speaking up in an attempt to clear his name. He addressed certain claims made by his daughter recently about not being a father, indeed, while she was growing up. Doja claims her dad is a deadbeat, saying he ran out on her and their family.

Rising to his own defense, Dlamini explained that he never abandoned the singer, and he played his part to ensure they were fed. He uploaded the videos online wher he stressed that he loves his kids, Doja and Raman, and that he helped put food on the table when they were growing up.

Advertisement

TMZ reported that Dlamini spoke about his strained relationship with the rapper, adding that she has been brainwashed into thinking that he is a bad guy primarily due to the influence of her mother, Sawyer. According to Dlamini, his former partner convinced Doja that he had left her and washed his hands of any responsibility attached to parenting her.

The Rapper Played A Quick One On Her Father

In the series of videos Dlamini shared online, he alleged that it was after his daughter’s career blew up in the industry that her mother started feeding her the false claims. He says that Sawyer ruined his reputation as a good man and started preaching abandonment to Doja.

His videos were uploaded after the iconic rapper shared a video she titled “Deadbeat Chronicles.” In her video, she talked about trolling her dad with tickets to one of her shows in South Africa, where he lives. The entertainer shared that instead of sending him the tickets to one of her Tour Ma Vie shows in South Africa, she sent him a link to gay porn.

The ploy clearly did not sit right with the South African native as he addressed it while telling his narrative. He reiterated that he was not the guy Sawyer had painted him to be and offered apologies for any presumed offense he might have committed.

Advertisement

“[Doja] played the cards because of the influence of her mother. She came to South Africa, had the power to see me, and faked it. What I want to say to you guys is, I’m sorry if I ever touched anyone’s nerves. I’m a man of integrity, respect, and love,” Dlamini said.

Inside Doja Cat’s Family Dynamics

Doja, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, may just have gotten her creative side from her parents. Her mom is a painter and clothing designer, while her dad is an actor and dancer in South Africa. The South African dancer made a name for himself in the world of acting from his appearance on “Sarafina!” in 1992. The pair met in New York while he was performing in the legendary film on Broadway alongside Whoopi Goldberg.

They had a short-lived relationship during which Doja and her older brother,  Raman Dalithando Dlamini, were born. The “Paint The Town Red” singer and her brother lived with their mom in New York and California, and she had previously admitted to having never met her father. PEOPLE shared that one of Doja’s childhood friends, Gabrielle Hame, spoke about the absence of her father in her life.

“She would always think her dad was coming, and he didn’t come. She’d say, ‘My dad is gonna come, he lives in Africa, he’s just performing,’ and he wouldn’t come,” Hames recalled. However dysfunctional and non-existent their relationship seems, Dlamini has openly declared how proud he is of his daughter’s achievement, and the rapper previously praised her dad’s dancing skills.

The Grammy Winner Was Allegedly Abused By Her Older Brother

Two years ago, Sawyer filed court documents claiming that her son, Raman, had been physically and verbally abusive towards Doja. She claimed that things had gotten so heated between the siblings to the point that he knocked out the rapper’s teeth amid their brawl.

The Blast reported at the time that Sawyer also stated that her son was involved in stealing and destroying his sister’s property and had attacked her several times. The painter detailed in her filing that Raman made Doja feel “unsafe and traumatized” after hurling degrading words at her.

Advertisement

She requested that a restraining order be issued against him on behalf of her daughter, but a judge denied the request. A temporary restraining order was issued initially pending the time of their hearing, where the judge advised that Doja filed the request herself.

Doja Cat’s Mom Has Been Her Beacon Of Support

The award-winning rapper recently spoke about the great influence her mom had on her career and personal life. She shared that growing up with a single mother made her more appreciative of the sacrifices it takes to raise a child. Doja described her childhood years as “fun and tough” while stating that she was in awe of how her mom raised her and her siblings all on her own.

“Growing up with a single mother is a hard thing to do. She had five children, but I could never. She is incredible, the strongest mother,” the rapper said. Doja’s mom is indeed proud of her daughter’s success. The singer celebrated the bond between her and her mom in her music video for her hit song “Gorgeous,” which featured Sawyer along with other top models.

While the 30-year-old rapper barely speaks about her father and brother in interviews, she wastes no time gushing about her mother, stating the valuable lessons of life she learnt growing up with her. Doja’s first original song, which she wrote at eight years old, was for Sawyer.

Advertisement

Demi Lovato‘s fans are going to leap for joy in this era!

The singer is set to take the world by storm one continent at a time as she gears up for her album tour about four years after she took to the road in 2022, and now her husband is along for the ride.

Demi Lovato previously canceled some dates on the tour back in February, citing concerns for her health, rest, and well-being as the reason behind her important decision.

Demi Lovato Hints At Celebration Being A Major Theme Of Her Tour

The singer affirmed that she has been in such a great place in her life and “the energy” of her music is a reflection of that, stressing that she is in a “celebratory phase” of her life. Lovato is referring to her 2025 album “It’s Not That Deep,” which she released after tying the knot with her husband, Jutes, in May 2025.

However, Lovato assured her fans in her interview with US Weekly that her new state of mind will not stop her from performing her old hits like “Sober” and “Skyscraper.” The singer explained that, while they are emotional ballads she sang when she was in a specific state of mind, the times have changed, but her attachment to and memories of these tracks remain the same.

“It’s like muscle memory for me that it is hopping back into it, performing the songs that I’ve performed for so long,” the singer noted. Despite her attachment to her past tunes, she is very excited to perform her latest songs like “Joshua Tree,” which is about a sexual escapade with a partner in Joshua Tree, California.

The Disney Alum Admits To Still Feeling The Nerves On Stage

Lovato is committed to giving her fans the best time at the shows on her tour, and while this confidence is reassuring, the nerves do kick in. She revealed that the high notes are usually the anxiety kickers, and her new album has plenty of them.

She continued: “I’m also most nervous about how much dancing I’m going to be doing. That’s why I’m training right now, getting in the best shape possible for tour, so that I’m strong on the road.” Lovato is, however, not leaving any stone unturned to make sure the tour is a success, and that includes protecting her voice by staying silent while she prepares.

She added that her voice is not only the element being challenged on stage, but her mental and physical state are equally important, and she would incorporate meditation, compression pants, and salt baths to aid her recovery. Her husband will also be on deck to handle the emotional part, as she revealed he would be on the first leg of the tour with her before he goes on his own tour in May 2026.

Demi Lovato’s Tour Dates Cancellation Raised Questions About Her Ticket Sales

The Blast shared that the musician announced important news in February about her highly anticipated tour kicking off on a new date as she needed more time to prepare, rehearse, and reenergize for the whole tour run.

She updated fans in Charlotte, Nashville, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Denver about her decision to cancel the dates in those cities. Lovato added that her tour in Orlando would also take place on April 13, and that refunds would be provided to those who purchased tickets.

The Disney alum’s news instantly sparked reports of an issue with her ability to sell tickets as they speculated that demand for the musician had fallen short over the years. Some internet users blamed the actress for pulling an abysmal promotion for the tour as her fans deceived her into thinking she held the same star power to sell out a large venue.

The ‘Heart Attack’ Singer’s Time At Disney Was Filled With Mixed Feelings

Lovato’s era with Disney propelled her into superstardom, and from there, her world domination began with hit track after hit track. The Blast shared that while the actress is forever grateful to have emerged from such a huge platform, her time there was not all smooth sailing.

According to her, she struggled with so many insecurities behind the scenes, including eating disorders and mental health issues. She noted that her insecurities often led her to compare herself to her peers at Disney, such as Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus. Fortunately for the star, her mother was there to be her voice of reason, reassuring her that there is room for everyone and it was fine to root for everyone.

She also reflected on some of her shortcomings, like being hard on herself at such a young age and acting so bratty towards everyone on set. She subsequently attended a 12-step program, which prompted her to reflect on her lifestyle and make amends with everyone she had wronged.

Demi Lovato Made Something Positive From Her Eating Disorder

The “Camp Rock” star’s chaotic relationship with food ultimately inspired her to author her first cookbook, “One Plate at a Time: Recipes for Finding Freedom with Food.” She noted that in the early times of her eating disorder, she would get so overwhelmed with food that the sight of a grocery store would give her a breakdown.

While she sought treatment for her eating disorder at 18, her struggles began as an 8-year-old, which meant the solution came for her a decade after her woes. Her therapist was also very helpful in finding a solution to her disorder by suggesting she start cooking at home.

Lovato noted that it was a difficult process at first, but she got the hang of it by cooking with her friends and feeling pure joy from the process. The singer shared in 2016 that her mother and grandmother also struggled with eating disorders, and as a toddler, it was tough growing up around a person struggling with bulimia.

More details have emerged regarding the viral altercation that ensued between “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson and his neighbor, Ronnie Taylor.

Sources suggest Taylor provoked Ritchson and pushed him off his bike twice before the actor retaliated.

The tense altercation between Alan Ritchson and his neighbor was captured in a clip, which has since gone viral online.

Alan Ritchson Was Provoked By His Neighbor, Eyewitnesses Claim

Over the weekend, Alan Ritchson was caught on camera giving a man the beating of his life in his neighborhood back in Tennessee.

More puzzling was the fact that the physical confrontation was done in front of his 2 children, who were sitting on their motorbikes nearby.

However, reports claim the “War Machine” actor wasn’t at fault and was seemingly acting in self-defense following a series of aggressive provocations by a neighbor, who was identified as Ronnie Taylor.

According to TMZ, eyewitnesses said they saw Ritchson riding his motorcycle down the street in Brentwood, Tennessee, and was tailed by his 2 kids, who were also riding their mini bikes.

However, Taylor burst onto the scene in an attempt to try and stop Ritchson’s bike, but did so in a “really aggressive” manner. This reportedly caused the actor to fall, suffering cuts and bruises, as well as minor injury to his finger.

The Actor’s Neighbor Shared His Own Account

In the Lead-Up to the now-viral altercation, Taylor reportedly dared Ritchson to hit him as he continued yelling at the actor, but he managed to maintain his cool and tried to get on his bike to leave.

However, the neighbor purportedly shoved the actor to the ground, which was what led to Ritchson beating him up as seen in the clip. After that, Ritchson got back on his bike and left with his kids.

According to TMZ, Taylor explained that the incident actually started on Saturday when Ritchson rode his bike on the street and was allegedly disturbing the peace by riding at full speed while revving his engine.

Then on Sunday, the actor did the same thing, but this time, he was with his children. He explained that he asked Ritchson, “Can you f-cking stop this please,” which is when things allegedly turned physical.

Meanwhile, the investigation is still on with reports noting Ritchson has been cooperative, but no arrest has been made so far.

Some Fans Poked Fun At The Clip Of Alan Ritchson’s Fight With His Neighbor: ‘This Gotta Be A Scene’

Meanwhile, Ritchson’s beating of Taylor left many internet users divided, with some thinking it was probably a scene for a new series.

“Must be a new series being filmed lol,” a fan wrote on Instagram, while another commented, “This gotta be a scene.”

Someone else with the same take wrote, “Naaah, this is from set Reacher season 4.”

Some users defended Ritchson’s acts, saying he’s a “good dude” while asking for the full story.

A fan wrote, “The man is 6’3 with every muscle you can possibly get. How and why did I get here? I’ve met homie, he’s a good dude. We need the full story.”

“Whatever Reacher said that man did… he did it,” another fan added.

“By the way, the man in the blue shirt walked up to him after being hit, tells me that he did something to deserve it,” someone else who suspected Ritchson wasn’t to blame commented.

The Actor Faced Some Backlash For Fighting In Front Of Kids

Some social media users slammed the actor for his behavior, suggesting he could have kept things calm, especially as his kids were present.

“Violence in front of children is child abuse. No one ever mentions the kids, who will be the most affected by seeing adults behaving inappropriately,” one person wrote.

Another said, “Irrespective of what, acts of violence in front of your children is a no no no. Call your cops immediately.”

Alan Ritchson Recently Spoke About His ‘Hard’ Experience Filming ‘War Machine’

Amid the offscreen controversy, Ritchson’s career remains on an upward trajectory. He rose to fame on Prime Video’s global smash “Reacher,” and has seemingly maintained the same standard for subsequent roles.

In his recent role as Army Sergeant “81” on Netflix’s “War Machine,” Ritchson admitted the film demanded a feat of physicality that nearly wore him out, but he managed to rise to the occasion as he always does.

In the film, Ritchson’s character is an elite combat engineer training to become an Army Ranger. Motivated by his brother’s death in Afghanistan, 81 leads his unit through a deadly, unexpected battle against an alien AI killing machine in the Colorado wilderness, turning a training exercise into a fight for survival.

“It was hard. I’m not going to lie, this was the most I’ve ever been pushed physically, and it was the most I’ve ever doubted my own ability to finish,” he told The Hollywood Reporter about starring in the movie.

Chad Michael Murray is reacting to costar Scott Patterson’s shocking Sullivan’s Crossing exit.

“There are various, different things that transpire. You just never know,” Murray, 44, said of Patterson’s recent departure in an interview with Yahoo Canada published on Sunday, March 22. “And so it’s one of those situations where you go, OK well, just look at the show, what is the show? Where does it sit? And how do you hold it up and keep it true to itself? And that’s all on the text and the storytelling.”

The CW series, based on the Robyn Carr novel of the same name, follows Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) as she reunites with her estranged father Sully, played by Patterson, while returning to her hometown in rural Nova Scotia. Murray stars as newcomer Cal Jones. Murray explained that despite Patterson’s exit, his character’s presence is still felt.

“There’s no question in my mind that we did that. The show stays totally true to itself, and Sully is still a big part of it,” he continued. “He still exists in this world, and there’s still that relationship. And he built the Crossing, so it’s always going to be there, and that’s kind of the foundation that the show is built on.”

Us Weekly previously reported that Patterson, 67, officially exited Sullivan’s Crossing ahead of season 4. Executive producer and showrunner Roma Roth exclusively told Us that the next season would pick up immediately after Sully left for a trip to Ireland with his girlfriend.

“Season 3 of Sullivan’s Crossing ended with Sully leaving for Ireland, beginning a new chapter in his life. Season 4 picks up the next day, with Sully still overseas,” Roth explained. “While he isn’t physically present in this season, the character remains an important part of the world with the potential to be included in future seasons should that align with the ongoing creative.”

Patterson’s exit was a surprise to fans, as the actor consistently praised his time on the drama.

“It’s always exciting to go to a new place with a new project [and] with new expectations. Everybody’s lovely. The work is deep and the collaboration is real. You’ve got a built-in audience with [Gilmore Girls] and now we’ve got Robyn Carr’s book audience,” Patterson exclusively told Us in October 2023. “So it’s kind of exciting to come into something that’s kind of established — has already an established fan base — and I can bring mine in. They can join forces and watch the show together and compare notes.”

Related: Why Was Scott Patterson Written Out of ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’? Exit Explained

Advertisement

Sullivan’s Crossing is going through a very big change with Scott Patterson‘s character Sully being written off — but what does the shocking exit mean for the show? Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing centers around neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) after she moves back home to rural Nova Scotia to reconnect […]

Patterson also gushed about being able to collaborate with the writers about his character.

“I have a lot more freedom to create the role. I have a lot more input with what [Sully] says and what he does. I just love that about the show. I love that about the producers and the network and all the support they give. And [executive producer] Roma Roth is a very, very special showrunner,” he shared. “She really, really trusts her actors and she really listens. She just wants the best for the episode.”

He continued, “She wants the best for the scene [and] she wants the best for the show. To me, that is the sign of a true leader. So we follow her lead, but she’s open to suggestions, which makes this so much stronger.”

2026 is still young, at the time of writing, so whether Project Hail Mary ends up standing as the year’s best sci-fi movie… it’s possible. It’s the one to beat for now, maybe that much can be said comfortably. But if you’re looking back in time, as in the years preceding 2026, then there are a fair few works of science fiction that do beat it in quality, which might well go without saying.

Too bad. It’s being said here anyway. These films all belong to the science fiction genre, and they’re either classics that are hard to beat, or more modern releases that might well age even better than Project Hail Mary. And hey, Project Hail Mary is still very good. This whole thing is just a fairly silly excuse to talk about some other sci-fi movies, all of them arguably even better than 2026’s most noteworthy science fiction film (so far).

10

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

It feels sensible to start with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, since it was co-produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, while the former was credited with co-writing it, and the duo did direct Project Hail Mary. It’s a very different sort of sci-fi movie, though, and a superhero one, too, exploring the idea of the multiverse in a way that does ultimately make it feel more science fiction-heavy than most superhero movies.

There’s a lot more tackled here genre-wise, and then it somehow also works as a surprisingly great (and never tedious) origin story, and telling an origin story interestingly in a landscape saturated with superhero movies is something worth celebrating. Further, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is easily up there with the best animated movies released in recent memory, and it’s got one pretty great sequel (Across the Spider-Verse) so far, too.

9

‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023)

Image via Toho

There’s an argument to be made that Godzilla Minus One is the best of all the Godzilla movies, being one of many films in a legendary sci-fi series (plus other genres; it depends on the movie), even if it’s the rare Godzilla movie that goes back in time, taking place immediately after World War II. There was also 1991’s Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, which partly took place in the past owing to the plot there involving time travel, but that’s a whole other thing. The Godzilla series is pretty wild.

Godzilla Minus One, though, doesn’t get too silly or crazy with what it wants to explore and unpack, by any means, making it a very approachable film if you’re not particularly up-to-date with the whole kaiju sub-genre. Maybe Godzilla (1954) is the more logical starting point if you’re brand new to Godzilla, but if the age of that one is a turn-off for any reason, then Godzilla Minus One also makes a ton of sense as a way to test the waters (and what waters they are, once you’re in deep and drowning in Godzilla).

8

‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Image via Universal Pictures

Dealing with global infertility in a bleak future where the future of the human race is at stake, Children of Men is an understandably heavy watch, maybe even heavier now, in 2026, versus how it felt to watch in 2006, since the film takes place in 2027 (oh no). It’s not like the specific and central problem here is also a literal problem in the 2020s, but the general state of the world depicted in Children of Men, and some of the chaos and turmoil? That side of things hits close to home, truth be told.

So, maybe it’s a relief to know that Children of Men is also… well, not entertaining. It’s too intense to be entertaining, and its intensity does make it gripping and never boring, for what that’s worth. It’s all very relentless, gritty, and unapologetically visceral, perhaps even being one of the most suspenseful and anxious movies ever made, science fiction or otherwise.

7

‘Threads’ (1984)

Image via British Broadcasting Corporation

Threads is all about what would happen to the world if a nuclear war broke out, to break it down in the simplest terms possible. It remains science fiction because it’s speculative, but it’s the sort of thing that would cease to feel like sci-fi if the thing it’s about ever did happen. Not many people would mind, though. There would surely be more pressing concerns than reclassifying the genre of a TV movie from the 1980s.

So, it’s sci-fi for now, and it’s also a war movie forever, even if the conflict intentionally lasts for such a short time. Threads spends a bit of time on the prelude to war, then most of the planet’s destroyed, and those left are forced to survive in continually worsening circumstances. It’s simultaneously one of the best and most miserable movies ever made, and is apparently being reworked into something potentially even more intense, so everyone has that to look forward to!

6

‘Metropolis’ (1927)

Image via Parufamet

Advertisement

If you like sci-fi movies, you should probably be thankful for Metropolis, as even if it didn’t invent the genre out of thin air or anything, it did redefine what was possible to do, in a movie, specifically relating to the sci-fi genre. Metropolis was perhaps the first great dystopian movie, too, being about a city very directly divided between the rich and the poor, the former thriving because of the latter, all the while living literally above them.

There’s an unpacking of class conflict and revolution here that still feels relevant, somehow, nearly 100 years later, and the filmmaking on offer here is also still impressive, if you’re purely talking about its technical qualities. Metropolis might well hold up the best of any silent movie, or at least of the non-comedic silent movies, and there really aren’t enough praise-worthy things that can be said about both it and its overall influence.

5

‘Until the End of the World’ (1991)

Image via Warner Bros.

Advertisement

So, Until the End of the World sort of lives up to its title, because everyone’s grappling with the idea that the world might be ending, all in a panicky way that foreshadowed the whole Y2K thing very well, with the movie even taking place right at the turn of the millennium. Also, what it eventually has to say about technology and how people use it feels oddly prophetic, in terms of how people have found it easier to lose themselves in devices more and more as the years have gone on.

Before all that, though, Until the End of the World has quite a bit of fun as a not-quite-post-apocalyptic movie that’s maybe pre-apocalyptic, or possibly pre-apocalyptic. It’s fun because it’s also a road trip movie done on an epic/international scale, and it’s further helped by the fact that it has one of the most impressive soundtracks ever compiled in cinema history.

4

‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968)

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Advertisement

It feels a bit silly to include 2001: A Space Odyssey here, because of course it’s better than Project Hail Mary, and could well be better than just about any sci-fi movie released in the 21^st century so far. Maybe that’s funny, considering the film’s title, but it’s really held up in the years since it was actually released (1968), so if anything else released more recently is still breathtaking five or more decades from now, then perhaps it can engage in a fair fight of sorts with 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Famously, what you have here is a sci-fi epic that’s about almost everything, unpacking so much by way of the evolutionary history – and possible future – of humanity. And 2001: A Space Odyssey also has one of the best villains of all time, even though it only shows up in one of several sections of the overall film, and it’s just a menacing red dot, basically. Plus lots of other stuff. It did everything everywhere all at once before it was cool.

3

‘On the Silver Globe’ (1988)

It would be a stretch to call On the Silver Globe perfect, given it’s intentionally very messy and was also infamously unfinished, meaning it couldn’t technically be all it wanted to be, but what remains is impressive and maybe even near-perfect in terms of quality. The premise will probably make it sound a bit ordinary, since it’s about traveling off Earth and finding a new planet to start a civilization on.

Well, it’s a bit beyond that when things get interesting, because it’s less about finding the planet (that happens early) and more about what happens to that civilization over many generations, so it’s ambitious in terms of the timespan covered in a way that’s reminiscent of aforementioned films like Threads and 2001: A Space Odyssey. The whole thing is also very surreal and even oddly anxiety-inducing at times, with it also being impressive just how beautiful and ugly the film is, simultaneously.

2

‘Star Wars’ (1977)

Image via Lucasfilms

Another obvious pick, even if it’s a space opera and thereby kind of a fantasy movie with a space setting, here’s Star Wars, as in the first one (throw “A New Hope” onto the end of the title, if you feel so inclined). You surely know the story by now, because it’s about a young man going on a quest to rescue a princess, in turn getting wrapped up in a massive conflict that escalates further following the end of this first movie.

Yes, it’s got sequels, and at least one of them might be even better and more emotionally powerful, but Star Wars (1977) nabs the spot here for being the first of the bunch, and for paving the way for that excellent sequel and then all the other follow-ups that are a bit more divisive. Few people agree about anything Star Wars-related beyond the first two movies; that you’ll learn after being on the internet for about five minutes, maybe six, tops. But those first two movies, you know? Wow.

1

‘Blade Runner’ (1982)

Image via Warner Bros.

Blade Runner is another untouchable movie and about as obvious a pick as they get, not to mention also being a science fiction movie that proves particularly rewarding if you’re willing to rewatch it. At its most basic, it’s about a pretty dreary human being (seemingly) being tasked with taking down a bunch of replicants that have all gone rogue and are running around in human society, not that there’s much society left to run around in.

The replicants all have a finite lifespan anyway, and they seem more human than the guy tasked with killing them, which could seem like poor writing at first, with a flat protagonist, but that’s all the point, and it feels more like the point after you sit with Blade Runner for a while. There’s a lot more to unpack beyond that, and, truth be told, you can also enjoy this one for its aesthetics alone (it looks and sounds incredible throughout).

Advertisement

Blade Runner

Advertisement

Release Date

June 25, 1982

Runtime

118 minutes

Advertisement

Writers

David Webb Peoples, Hampton Fancher, Philip K. Dick

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Bethenny Frankel has more to say about the ongoing drama surrounding the cancelled season of “The Bachelorette.”

After initially applauding ABC for shutting down the new season just days before it aired, “The Real Housewives of New York City” alum is slamming the network for negligence in their background checks.

Bethenny Frankel and many more have weighed in on the controversy surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul. The latter was set to become the next Bachelorette until a video of a 2023 domestic abuse incident resurfaced.

Bethenny Frankel Slams ABC For Failing To Investigate Taylor Frankie Paul’s Past

Over the weekend, Frankel updated her Instagram page with a video of herself outdoors. She killed two birds with one stone, promoting her dating membership community while slamming ABC for allowing someone as controversial as Paul on their set.

“So word on the street is that five contestants from The Bachelorette want to sue,” Frankel began. She noted that in her dating membership community, The Core, they prioritized vetting people and have kicked people out for aligning with their values.

Frankel explained that people were let go for offenses such as love bombing or ghosting love interests, but never anything as serious as domestic violence. “I mean, like that would be, that’s, that’s insane,” she declared, slamming ABC for casting “someone who has a problematic past.”

The TV Personality Believes The Network Can’t Avoid A Lawsuit From Upset Contestants

Frankel noted that she understood that people were capable of changing, but it was still “insane” to cast someone like Taylor on a popular dating series. On that note, Frankel argued that the contestants considering a lawsuit had every right to sue ABC.

“Those people do have a case because they theoretically went onto this show to find love. I mean, you can’t have it both ways,” Frankel said. She explained that the network could not promote the series for entertainment purposes like “The Hills” and then want people to think its primary purpose was “finding true love.”

“So they are kind of f-cked because there’s no way that the most high-profile matchmakers on the globe would cast someone like that and set those people up to meet that person. That’s f-cked,” Frankel concluded. Her words sparked interesting reactions from fans in the comments.

Fans Have Varying Reactions To The Possible Lawsuit

Fans had different opinions about the possible lawsuit, with reality TV alum Jessica Furtado Nickson against legal action. “Are the guys wanting to sue because the show isn’t airing? Because that’s them just screaming ‘I only did this to be famous,’” she argued.

However, some fans shut down her theory, pointing out that the contestants must have invested a lot into the show only to have it canceled. On the other hand, a few supported Nickson’s stance, believing the men were upset their “5 minutes of fame” got canceled.

The reactions continued, with IG users loving Frankel’s take on the subject and the points she raised in her video. Entrepreneur and coach Heidi Cortez agreed that the men had a case, writing: “Many of those contestants may have lost their jobs, taken time off work, or put themselves in debt to cover finances while they were filming too.”

Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘The Bachelorette’ Suitors Allegedly Suing For Negligence

As Frankel and some fans pointed out, the male contestants of the now-canceled season of “The Bachelorette” are angry at the showrunners for failing to investigate Paul’s past. The Blast covered the story, reporting that sources claimed these men believe their time and efforts were wasted.

According to sources, some contestants had paused important engagements, quit their jobs, or even rejected financial opportunities in exchange for the visibility the show would provide. Their sacrifices would have been worth it if the showrunners had properly vetted Paul’s background.

The five contestants contemplating a lawsuit against ABC and Warner Bros. Discovery, which produces the show, believe they were placed in a toxic work environment due to Paul’s past arrest on domestic violence allegations in 2023.

Advertisement

Bethenny Frankel Initially Applauded Showrunners For Canceling The New Season

ABC’s decision to cancel Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” followed the release of a video that captured her attacking her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The incident occurred in the presence of Paul’s daughter from her past marriage, leading to harsher charges.

Paul was arrested and charged with one felony count of aggravated assault and two felony counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child. The Blast reported that the network noted they wouldn’t move forward with the new season and focus on supporting Paul’s family.

Frankel’s initial reaction saw her praising ABC for not profiting from Paul’s controversy, which she described as “reality gold.” She noted the right move was to take a financial loss and not give Paul a platform while slamming the latter and Mortensen as “toxic.” 

Two years after Celine Dion last took the stage, something more is now reportedly brewing for the iconic singer’s return. 

The “I’m Alive” hitmaker shifted away from singing since her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome. 

Amid her health battle, she made a powerful appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Since then, she has remained offstage, but new reports suggest that fans can now start counting down until her return.

Celine Dion Is Reportedly Planning Concerts Across France

Fans have every reason to stay excited, as Dion is reportedly gearing up for a major return to the stage in France. Over the weekend, French-Canadian outlet La Presse first broke the news of her anticipated comeback.

By Monday, the buzz had intensified, with teaser posters popping up across the city, featuring some of her most iconic hits, including “Pour que tu m’aimes encore” and “The Power of Love.”

According to Variety, Dion is expected to headline a series of performances at the Paris La Défense Arena, a venue with a capacity of up to 40,000. The shows are reportedly scheduled for fall, September, and October, with two performances each week, reviving the concerts that were originally planned for 2020.

However, it was delayed by COVID-19 and further postponed following her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis in 2022. 

The news follows Dion’s last appearance in 2024, where she delivered a rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’Amour” in Paris. The emotional performance captivated millions worldwide, with fans later showering her with flowers in admiration.

Fresh off the stage, Dion was spotted on the streets of Paris in a casual yet stylish denim hoodie layered over a long-sleeved shirt. As fans gathered around, one admirer handed her a single rose, which the singer accepted, appearing to hold back tears as she clutched it close.

Inside The Reason Behind Celine Dion’s Zero-Fee Olympic Performance

After delivering a one-of-a-kind performance, the singer was soon rumored to have been paid $2 million for the single song. However, the organizers debunked the speculation, revealing the performers at the event did not receive any remuneration. 

“Contrary to information relayed in the media, the performers who will perform during the Paris 2024 Games ceremonies will not receive a fee for their performance,” a statement from the Olympic Committee read, per The Blast.

They further emphasized that the artists’ participation was voluntary, reflecting their desire to be part of a historic global event. Dion, on her part, took to Instagram after the event, sharing that she was honored to be involved in the sports event. 

Celine Dion Was Making More Music Plans After Olympics

While the Olympic moment was special for Dion, that night at the Eiffel Tower also reignited her desire to continue performing. 

According to The Blast, a source close to the singer said she is motivated to “prove everyone wrong” by continuing to take the stage despite her health issue. The insider also added that she has something in the works. 

The insider noted that the singer felt triumphant afterwards, and even though her condition was still present, she intends to keep fighting for her fans and anyone going through the same health issue.

As she prepares for what lies ahead, Dion is said to be drawing strength from her three sons and from the memory of her late husband, René Angelil, whose presence she still feels close to her.

‘The Power of Love’ Singer Honored Her Husband on His 9th Death Anniversary 

Angélil passed away in 2016 after battling throat cancer. In January last year, Dion marked the ninth anniversary of his passing with a heartfelt tribute.

Per The Blast, Dion shared a photo of herself and her boys posing outdoors, and in the caption, she reflected on fond memories of her husband. 

She called Angelil her “biggest supporter,” and the “one who always believed in me.” She added, “I honor you, and you will always be deeply missed, mon amour… We love you. —Celine xx…”

Celine Dion and René Angélil’s Marriage Looked At Through The Eyes Of A Close Insider

Dion and Angelil married in 1994, in what many have long viewed as a story of deep devotion and loyalty. However, that narrative is now being revisited following the release of the memoir “It’s All Coming Back To Me” by longtime collaborator Vito Luprano.

As The Blast reported, the book revealed behind-the-scenes details of the couple’s bond, suggesting that their relationship may have begun earlier than publicly acknowledged, when Dion was 17. 

Advertisement

According to Luprano, Angelil took deliberate steps to hide it. Luprano added that there were also controlling signs, as it was rare for the singer to be alone with anyone without her husband.