Entertainment
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Showrunner Ira Parker Says George R.R. Martin Has “Only Been a Benefit” While Filming Season 2
[Editor’s note: The following contains major spoilers for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.]In the season finale of the HBO series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set in Westeros a century before the events of Game of Thrones, hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) was left wondering just what his responsibilities toward his squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) should be. The aftermath of the Trial of Seven and the death of Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) make Dunk reflect on his own regret and guilt, unsure of what to do and where to go next. When Dunk ultimately decides to take Egg back, it’s on the condition of continuing to travel as a hedge knight and getting as far away from royalty as possible.
While there is a sense of closure to the story being told over the six-episode first season, there’s also a sense of adventure to come. Already deep into production on Season 2, showrunner Ira Parker is continuing to work with the source material, following The Sworn Sword while also getting feedback from George R.R. Martin as he adds his own touches to the adventures of Dunk and Egg.
Collider recently got the opportunity to chat one-on-one with Parker about the events of the finale, poking fun at the need to rename the series A Knight of the Nine Kingdoms now (and no, the title is not actually changing), that reunion between Dunk and Sweetfoot, how that final shot with Ser Arlan riding off as Dunk and Egg go on their way came about, whether Dunk was ever really knighted, the change in dynamic between Dunk and Rafe from what was in the book, the nod to Brienne of Tarth, and the reveal that Egg lied again so that he could rejoin Dunk. Parker also talked about how far into the Season 2 production they are, whether any Season 1 cast members will show up in Dunk and Egg’s world again, the possibility of continuing beyond Season 3, and how they handle any potential changes that might need to be made.
Collider: It’s fun to see a show that feels so different from the other shows in this world, and yet still looks like it fits in this world.
IRA PARKER: I’m glad it still looks like it fits in this world. That was what made us the most nervous. One of our actor’s agents almost didn’t let them be in it because he said, “We don’t know how you’re going to make this look okay for the money that they’re giving you.” They took those words back by the end. I’m glad that this is the result.
No, the Series Will Not Be Renamed ‘A Knight of the Nine Kingdoms’
“We’re just having some fun in Westeros.”
So, do you have to rename the series now to A Knight of the Nine Kingdoms, or were you just having fun with the title card at the end of the finale?
PARKER: I think that’s probably what it was. We try not to take ourselves too seriously. We’re serious when it’s appropriate. We’re just having some fun in Westeros.
It was nice to have that little bit of humor again, after some of the heavier stuff in the last couple episodes.
PARKER: It was important to have that last little conversation between them to cleanse the palate a little bit. So much stuff has come to pass between the two of them in both of their lives, and we just needed to let the audience know, “Don’t worry, going forward, this will still be the Dunk and Egg that we all grew to know and love even before we turned that relationship upside down.
I also have to give you kudos for taking the time to reunite Dunk with Sweetfoot, the horse. Why was it important for you to find the time for that moment when that’s not something that you had to do?
PARKER: We all felt, pretty early on, that a lot of people, including us, were going to care only if Dunk got reunited with that horse. If he wins the tournament, fine. The Trial of Seven, great, we want him to live. But the horse, that was a hard seed to watch. Obviously, Dunk has a great affinity for his animals, so we felt that it was appropriate to at least address that. And he’s going to an apple farm. What could be better? It’s like horsey heaven.
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Just Achieved Something ‘House of the Dragon’ Never Has
The new ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off is a win for the franchise.
I thought there was something really beautiful about seeing Ser Arlan on Sweetfoot, heading off in another direction from Dunk and Egg. It’s far away, but I thought I saw Dunk turn and look in his direction. Did that happen? Was that moment more emotional than you expected, because it made me very emotional?
PARKER: I’m glad. That was the very last thing that I wrote for this show. It wasn’t actually in the original script, and when we were cutting all the things together, our ending didn’t feel quite right. I forget exactly when or how that came up. We were very lucky when we went back to do some of the re-shoots. We very quickly went and grabbed that, and I’m really glad that we did. First of all, Dunk is looking. There is just a little bit of something there. It’s perfect because your response is exactly what I wanted. Is he looking? Is he not? Was that on purpose? Was it not? We’re sending Ser Arlan off on his way. Ser Arlan has done his job and remained present with Dunk even after he died, but now Dunk is setting off to become his own mentor.
Well, thank you for confirming and clarifying.
PARKER: You have an eagle eye. I appreciate you picking that out.
I’ve really enjoyed watching Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell work together this season. They’re so different, but they also work so well together. They’ve been a fun odd couple/buddy comedy duo. What has most surprised you about watching them together? When there’s no way you could have known if they would work until you saw them together, was there a moment that just gave you a sigh of relief?
PARKER: In the audition, they related to each other very well physically. How do you quantify that? There was just a certain natural familiarity that they always had. They both went out of their way to forge a relationship off-screen as well, hoping that would translate to more ease and more chemistry on screen, and it worked. Those guys off-screen are exactly like the pair that they are on-screen. They needle each other, but in a brotherly way. I don’t think the mentorship is bottom up the way it is in the show. It’s more classic in real life. But there’s still a lot of back and forth, which I really appreciate. They’re just two very delightful people. George [R.R. Martin] knows what he’s doing. Those odd couple pairings he creates are like none other. We’re very happy to have Peter and Dex bringing them to life, but a lot of that comes from the source material.
Did Dunk Ever Really Get Knighted by Ser Arlan in ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’?
“The whole journey is going to be about what makes a true knight.”
There’s a moment in the finale flashback when Dunk reveals that he wasn’t knighted by Ser Arlan. Why did you want to make that clear?
PARKER: It’s fascinating to me that that’s what you got out of that scene. At that moment, Dunk had never been knighted by Ser Arlan. He says, “Why did you never knight me?” And then, Ser Arlan dies, and we think it’s over. But then, he’s back and, as far as we know, the continuation of that scene is, “Boy, go get me my sword,” and then he knights him. There is no conformation, one way or the other, coming out of that scene. That’s exactly how Mr. R.R. Martin requested it. It remains [ambiguous] and people can decide for themselves. Look, Danny Webb is a fucking magician. I love him so much. He’s just become Arlan. It could have been no one else in this whole world. He was just pitch perfect, all the way up until his death. This whole journey is going to be about what makes a true knight, whether or not you’re given the title, or if you have to earn the title even after you’re given it. Can you earn it, even if you’ve never been given it?
It feels like, for someone like Dunk, it’s also very much a confidence issue because even if he really has the title, it’s not something he feels that he deserves or is worthy of.
PARKER: Yep. What person doesn’t feel that way, even deep into their careers and even successfully deep into their careers, that they’re not complete frauds and undeserving of any little morsel of praise or success that they receive. Honestly – spoiler alert, except I guess people know from the original series – even when he is more successful in his career than he is now and at quite high levels, as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, he’s still feeling that way. He’s still feeling insecure because there’s always new levels of a job. No one ever lets you stay at the same place for your whole life. As soon as you do a good job, they want you to do something that’s out of your comfort zone. And so, you can remain anxious and feeling unworthy for your entire career.
The ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off star goes deep on that surprise twist at the end of the penultimate episode.
Was there ever a version of The Trial of Seven that showed Maekar attacking Baelor? Did you always want that to be something that you held for the end of the episode?
PARKER: We always knew that because of the nature of the novella that is completely told from Dunk’s POV, that our show would follow that quite closely. We’re almost religiously in Dunk’s POV, breaking only a few times for Egg, but no one else. In that Trial of Seven, we wanted to keep it between Dunk and who he was fighting in that moment. That’s not to say we don’t see other little bits of that fight, but we do through Dunk’s perspective and Dunk’s story. When Aerion says on the ground to him very softly, “I yield, it’s over,” Dunk knows it’s over, but people are still fighting. There are still battles to the death going on and Dunk thinks, “I have to get this information out.”
It’s like those war movies when the war is over, but you still feel even more tense now because, what if somebody you love dies after the war is over and they didn’t have to? He sees these brutal fights going on. You see Maekar turning around with his flail and Baelor is still fighting with him. You see the Fossoways going at it, which is one of my favorite ones, and Dunk says, “I need to get this guy to the fucking front and end this thing right now,” and literally drags him there. So, we were always, no matter what, going to show it through Dunk’s POV. That moment at the end had to come through Dunk again. He’s just been given maybe everything he wants. He finally got through it, and maybe now he’s going to be Baelor’s guy. But as George so often does, it was not exactly meant to be that way.
Why did you decide to change Dunk’s childhood friend, Rafe, into a girl and add a bit of romantic interest to it? Did something about that relationship feel important?
PARKER: Is it 100% confirmed that Rafe was a boy?
No, it wasn’t.
PARKER: More than anything else in Dunk’s life, the fact that he was an orphan with no family probably weighs the heaviest and informs most of his decisions. Just that search for family, that search for a mother and somebody to take care of you, which he never had, is very at the core of what it is to be a lonely kid out there, trying to do better. I think Rafe fills that gap in some ways. Not in all ways. Dunk does this thing where he tries to see the very best in everyone because he really wants that family, even when it’s not quite right. I’m still not completely convinced that Rafe isn’t using him a little bit because he’s big and he’s strong, and he doesn’t seem to be that smart, so she can manipulate him. She’s not a bad person. That’s just what she has to do to get by. Dunk is quite earnest. He wears his emotions at the front. It makes you hope for good things.
Rafe is a very interesting relationship in Dunk’s life. At one point, we were going to have all of his little friends. We were going to have Rafe and Ferret and Pudding all in the mix. Of course, our budget necessities brought that all down to what we could accomplish. It originally started off as City of God in Westeros, and then it got paired down a little bit. Rafe, ultimately, was the most important of all those friendships. When a kid that age says, “I love you,” what does it really mean? What is he really saying? I’m not sure it’s romantic love, even though maybe it feels that way because they’re close in age and they only have each other. What is love? Feeling safe and protected and reassured, and somebody you can trust and rely on. Rafe probably qualifies to check off a bunch of those things, and I think a mother probably does the same. I think it was written in the script somewhere that Dunk looks at her like she’s his mother, sister, best friend and wife, all wrapped into one. He’s heaping a lot of things into that moment.
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Showrunner Ira Parker Says That Moment Connecting Dunk and Brienne of Tarth Came Up During Reshoots
“It just seemed perfect.”
You also have a subtle moment connecting Dunk and Brienne of Tarth, and I love that you not only did that, but also shot at the same location. How did all of that come about? Was that something you had always wanted to include? Did that come up later?
PARKER: That came up later. That actually came up in our reshoots. That was a scene that we had early on, that came out for budget reasons but then went back in due to cutting too deeply. We were looking for the original, original spot where they did the very first of those walks, but those trees had become a bit of a Belfast landmark and had actually been destroyed a little bit, just by all the tourism. And so, even the original series had to go, in Season 3 or 4 for the Brienne and Pod walk, had to go to a different spot that looked a lot like it and use that because they couldn’t use the original. So, we went to that one. It just seemed perfect. I loved it when I found out that we could get there and do that. That’s exactly the vibe that we were going for. I love that image of the trees touching over the street. There’s something that feels very special to me about Dunk and his great, great, great-granddaughter, whoever it is, walking along the same road. I think Season 1 is a lot about what we pass down to the next generation. We have father to son. We have knight to squire. We have master to apprentice. And so, it felt very within our motifs or themes for the season.
The ‘Game of Thrones’ series is not told chronologically.
We learn that Egg seems to be disobeying a bit again by venturing off with Dunk. How will that affect things for Egg and his family moving forward? Is Dunk ever going to get so fed up with this kid lying to him?
PARKER: We’ve tried a bunch of different versions for Season 2, big and small. It’s not actually even determined yet where we’re going to land on that. It will come back up again. It was initially meant as just a bit of a joke, but then people started telling me afterwards that, “No, it’s a huge cliffhanger, man. You have to go and address this.” And I was just like, “Oh, okay. Yeah. I suppose.” I don’t want it to distract from the main story they were telling in Season 2. That is the only goal. We don’t want to create an alternate timeline. In the book, it felt fair game to me because it’s actually never explicitly drawn that Maekar says, “Okay, my son can go squire for you.” They’re talking about it and Dunk makes a good point, but then Maekar just walks off, and a few moments later, Egg shows up. Maybe Egg was just hiding in the bushes. Maybe Egg followed his father there, and his father was going back to the castle to say, “Let’s fucking get out of here.” And then, Egg is like, “Hey, Ser, I’m allowed to come with you.” It created a little gap there. It was ambiguous enough that we didn’t feel like we were contradicting anything that had been written down. The after effects of this could potentially do that, so we were trying to be very careful.
How many of the Targaryens that we saw this season will crossover to the second season? And really, how much of the cast, in general, will we see again?
PARKER: Every book is a brand-new cast of people. George has a plan for later novellas, where certain people would come back in. We’ll see how it goes. It’s going to be, if any, quite light. There might not be any. We’re exploring. If it feels right, if it feels fun, if it adds something to it while not taking away from everything that we’re trying to do with The Sworn Sword, then it could happen.
Production of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Season 2 Is Moving Right Along
“We’re doing some really cool stuff.”
How are things going with Season 2? Where are you at in the process of it all?
PARKER: We are pretty deep into shooting now. We’re seeing some scenes get cut together. I’m still writing a little bit and still tweaking here and there. But everything is going very well. I love our cast this season. I think we’re doing some really cool stuff, and some very different stuff than we did in Season 1. We’ll see. You never know until it’s out there.
You’ve said that Season 2 would also be six episodes. Has it felt challenging to tell the story with just six episodes that are at 40 minutes or less, or has it felt like a good amount because you really can pack the episodes with a lot of story?
PARKER: It is challenging to tell a drama episode in that amount of time, setting up the stakes, telling a full story, and closing it off. However, I will say it’s fortunate for us that, because we are a single POV show, it’s not like we have to manage multiple storylines in every single episode. This feels like the perfect amount for us. It never felt like we were straining or trying to fill time. We were just having fun. Ultimately, at the end of the day, we actually ended up cutting down a lot of stuff because it didn’t work or we didn’t need it or it slowed things down. I’m very grateful that HBO gave us such a wide breadth to deliver an episode in. The truth is, if an episode had come in at one full hour and it was just a banger, then it would have gone out like that. But between 35 and 40 minutes seems to really be our sweet spot.
George R.R. Martin Confirms ‘The Winds of Winter’ Isn’t His Current Priority
The author’s focus isn’t that surprising.
Do you have plans to go beyond three seasons? Have you discussed that with George R.R. Martin at all, with him still writing and things not being done? Are you worried about the Game of Thrones problem of running out of source material? How do you feel about that?
PARKER: Certainly, I’ve talked to George a lot about this, and he’s given me a bunch of paragraphs and synopses of 10 to 12 more of these – I forget and need to count them up again – to take them all the way through their whole lives, which is very exciting. And there’s a lot of really cool stuff in there. Because we actually already know all the moments that happen, because this is in the past from A Song of Ice and Fire, there’s no danger of big events being done uncanononically. Honestly, we know their fates, or George knows their fates, and we know major events that happen within their lives, we know battles that they fought in, and we know people that came in and out of their world, marriages, and deaths, and all these things. So, we actually have a fair bit to work with. We have, essentially, a finished timeline. But we’ll see. We’ll see how this first season wraps up. If people stick with us into the second season, we’ll go from there. It’s a lot of fun to write these characters.
Everything Showrunner Ira Parker Is Doing in ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Is Guided by the Stories of George R.R. Martin
“We never change the story.”
Are there changes that you’ve already needed to make to material for the second book to do Season 2? Do you make those changes and then go to George R.R. Martin, or do you have to ask him about that stuff before you write it? How does that work?
PARKER: George gets sent every draft of the script, and he’s only been a benefit to the series. That’s all we want, his input. Every now and then, little things have to change, but we never change the story. The beginning is the beginning, the middle is the middle, and the end is the end. We just fill out the world and fill out the characters, and we try to do it in a way that feels seamless and that feels like he would have done it if he had written them as novels instead of novellas. Sometimes we get it wrong, but for the most part, so far, so good. We’ll see where Season 2 comes out. It’s been a joy writing in this world. Just getting to do the fun scenes and having a strong story laid down in front of you that works, what more could you hope for with a big TV series like this? It’s a story that people love. It’s quite a classic tale that can reach a lot of people. We just get to give a different bit of flavor, a little bit of a different tone, and a little bit of a different side of Westeros. We’ll see if people continue to follow us on this journey or not.
- Release Date
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January 18, 2026
- Network
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HBO
- Showrunner
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Ira Parker
- Directors
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Owen Harris
- Writers
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George R. R. Martin, Ira Parker
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Peter Claffey
Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall
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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs on HBO and is available to stream on HBO Max.
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Entertainment
Apple TV’s 6-Part Sci-Fi Series Falls Short of Streaming Competition Despite Strong Reviews
For All Mankind has been one of Apple TV’s most respected originals for years, but even prestige sci-fi can get crowded out when a platform’s lineup gets busy. Right now, that’s exactly what seems to be happening. The show is still pulling viewers, just not at the same level as some of Apple TV’s louder current titles.
FlixPatrol’s worldwide Apple TV chart for April 6 places For All Mankind at No. 4, behind Your Friends & Neighbors, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and Shrinking. That’s not a collapse by any means, but it does show the series isn’t dominating globally at the moment.
The cast for the penultimate season includes Joel Kinnaman’s seemingly immortal Ed Baldwin; Sean Kaufman as his grandson, Alex; Toby Kebbell as Miles Dale; Edi Gathegi as Dev Ayesa; Cynthy Wu as Kelly Baldwin; Coral Peña as Aleida Rosales; Wrenn Schmidt as Margo Madison; Mireille Enos as Celia Boyd; Costa Ronin as Lenya Andropov; Ruby Cruz as Lily Dale; and Ines Asserson as Ingrid Solheim.
How Good Is ‘For All Mankind’?
Therese Lacson stated in her review that For All Mankind Season 5 continues to show just why the series is one of Apple TV’s most impressive, well-made and consistently rewarded sci-fi dramas, expanding its lore in the alternate reality while keeping its emotional core firmly grounded in relationships. What began as a Cold War space race drama has now evolved into a sprawling, multi-generational story set in a fully colonized Mars, and the transition feels earned rather than overwhelming.
“The creators of the series have always planned a seven-season arc, and For All Mankind is proof that when streamers have faith in their shows and allow them to grow, they can create pure magic. With each episode, Season 5 builds tension while giving us brief moments of relief, all culminating in another massive shift that promises to usher in a completely new and exciting age.”
For All Mankind is streaming now on Apple TV.
- Release Date
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November 1, 2019
- Network
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Apple TV
- Directors
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Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Andrew Stanton, Meera Menon, Dan Liu, Allen Coulter, Craig Zisk, Dennie Gordon, John Dahl, Lukas Ettlin, Wendey Stanzler, Seth Gordon, Sylvain White, Michael Morris, Maja Vrvilo, Sarah Boyd
- Writers
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Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, Ben Nedivi, Bradley Thompson, David Weddle, Nichole Beattie, Joe Menosky
Congressman Eric Swalwell’s senior staff have said they are “horrified” by sexual misconduct allegations made against him.
“As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we’re horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN,” a statement signed by staffers for Swalwell’s 14th congressional district and the “Eric Swalwell for Governor 2026” campaign read on Saturday, April 11. “We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too.”
His staff went on, “The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.”
Despite their condemnation of the Democratic representative, his staffers addressed why they cannot necessarily quit their jobs at this time.
Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries and more prominent Democrats are reacting to claims Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, sexually assaulted and harassed multiple women. “This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Pelosi said in a statement in response to the allegations. “As I discussed with […]
“We also understand that we lead teams who need guidance and stability now, more than ever. We are focused on supporting our colleagues during this challenging time,” they said in a joint statement. “Any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Eric Swalwell. We recognize that not everyone — in particular our junior staff — can immediately forfeit their income and benefits without significant personal risk or consequence. Our responsibility now is to them.”
Their statement concluded, “We, more than he, understand that we have obligations to the people we lead and to the constituents of California’s 14th Congressional District. Those of us that remain on staff do so for the sole purpose of ensuring that as many of those obligations are fulfilled as possible.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Representative Swalwell’s office for comment.
Swalwell has been accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by four women. He has strenuously denied all allegations. (The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation into the accusations on Saturday.)
An anonymous former Swalwell staffer told CNN that the Congressman pursued her romantically when she worked at his Castro Valley, California, headquarters in 2019. She alleged that Swalwell propositioned her for oral sex and later invited her out for a drink, where she “blacked out” and allegedly woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, at which time she allegedly felt that he’d initiated vaginal intercourse.
Rep. Eric Swalwell in 2019. Patrick Semansky-Pool/Getty Images
Another accuser, Ally Sammarco, alleged that Swalwell sent her “very inappropriate” text messages via Snapchat. Two other anonymous women accused the politician of sexual harassment and unwanted touching.
Swalwell has been married to Brittany Watts since 2016 and they share three children. On Saturday, April 11, Swalwell denied any wrongdoing, alleging that he was being targeted because he was a frontrunner in California’s gubernatorial race.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have,” Swalwell said in a statement. “They also come on the eve of an election, where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor of California.”
He went on, “I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint — I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position.”
The late Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have spoken out after first lady Melania Trump attempted to distance herself from the convicted sex offender in a White House speech. “Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports and giving testimony. Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not […]
Many prominent Democrats — including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — have called on Swalwell to drop out of the gubernatorial primaries.
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Pelosi, 86, said in a statement on Saturday. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that this is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
California’s gubernatorial primary election will be held June 2.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing sexual assault allegations from multiple women, a Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation and calls from top Democrats to end his campaign for California governor.
Four women — including a former staffer who claims the politician raped her — accused Swalwell in April 2026 of sexual misconduct and harassment. Swalwell has categorically denied all the allegations.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” Swalwell said in a statement. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.”
Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, was the frontrunner in the 2026 race for California governor before the accusations made headlines.
Keep scrolling to learn more about the scandal and resulting investigation:
What Are the Allegations Against Eric Swalwell?
One of Eric Swalwell’s former staffer, who was 21 when she was hired, claimed that he attempted to pursue her romantically when she worked at his district office in Castro Valley, California, in 2019. She alleged he messaged her via Snapchat, sent her images of his genitals and sought nude pictures in return. She also claimed Swalwell tried to kiss her in her car and later asked her to perform oral sex on him.
The woman further alleged that Swalwell invited her out for drinks in September 2019, where she “blacked out” and allegedly woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, at which point she felt the effects of vaginal intercourse.
“I kept figuring out ways to blame myself: I shouldn’t have reached out to him at all, I should have left, I should have done this,” an anonymous alleged victim told CNN in April 2026. “Well, Eric shouldn’t have raped me.”
Another woman, Ally Sammarco, claimed that Swalwell offered to “share her resume” with other congressional offices before sending her “very inappropriate” messages via Snapchat. Two additional women also accused the congressman of sexual harassment and unwanted touching. All the women, sans Sammarco, wished to remain anonymous fearing retaliation.
Eric Swalwell’s Denial and Apology to His Wife
Eric Swalwell addressed the allegations in a social media video, while also apologizing to his wife, Brittany Watts.
“I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint. I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past,” he said in a social media video in April 2026. “Those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this potion.”
Watts, who shares three children with Swalwell, has not publicly addressed the scandal.
Ally Sammarco’s Husband Reacts to the Scandal
Alleged victim Ally Sammarco‘s husband, Adam Parkhomenko responded directly to Swalwell’s denial video in April 2026.
“My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco. Obviously you know that, but she’s not named anonymous,” Parkhomenko, a Democratic strategist and former DNC National Field Director, wrote via X in April 2026. “She also went on the record with CNN so that hopefully this does not happen to other women and maybe it would help other women come forward.”
In a second statement, Parkhomenko added, “I would just like to reiterate that if Eric Swalwell and his attorney believe any statements that my wife and I have made are not true, he should sue us immediately.”
Democrats Call for Eric Swalwell to Drop Out of Governor’s Race
Prominent members of the Democratic Party publicly reacted to Eric Swalwell’s misconduct scandal in April 20226.
“This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. “As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that this is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, issued a joint statement with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. They called for Swalwell to “immediately end his campaign to be California’s next governor.”
Adam Gray, a Democrat from California who served as a campaign cochair for Swalwell, also called the reports “deeply disturbing” and withdrew his support in the congressman’s gubernatorial race.
Manhattan DA Opens Investigation
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office launched an investigation into Eric Swalwell on April 11, 2026.
“We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,” the DA’s office told CNN in a statement. “Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.”
Us Weekly reached out to Swalwell’s communications director for comment.
Congressman Eric Swalwell’s Staff ‘Horrified’ By Sexual Misconduct Allegations
On the heels of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office opening an investigation into Congressman Eric Swalwell’s alleged misconduct, staffers from his 14th congressional district and the “Eric Swalwell for Governor 2026” campaign released a joint statement condemning him.
“As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we’re horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN,” they said. “We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too. The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.”
His staffers addressed why it was impossible for many of them to quit their jobs with Swalwell amid the ongoing scandal.
“We also understand that we lead teams who need guidance and stability now, more than ever. We are focused on supporting our colleagues during this challenging time,” they said in a joint statement.
“Any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Eric Swalwell. “We recognize that not everyone — in particular our junior staff — can immediately forfeit their income and benefits without significant personal risk or consequence. Our responsibility now is to them.”
Their statement concluded, “We, more than he, understand that we have obligations to the people we lead and to the constituents of California’s 14th Congressional District. Those of us that remain on staff do so for the sole purpose of ensuring that as many of those obligations are fulfilled as possible.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Congressman Swalwell’s office for comment.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
Season 2 of “Temptation Island” is already delivering major drama, and for Scarlett Bentley, the experience ended with a life-changing decision. The 29-year-old marketing agency owner entered the island alongside her boyfriend, 27-year-old real estate entrepreneur Cole Mueller, hoping to work through ongoing issues in their two-year relationship. But by the end of the experiment, Scarlett made the surprising choice to leave the island alone. While the decision didn’t come easily, it marked a turning point for the “Temptation Island” star, who has since opened up about what really went wrong between them.
Scarlett Bentley Says ‘Trust Issues’ Weren’t About Cheating
Ahead of the season premiere, Scarlett shed light on what led the couple to the island in the first place, revealing that their struggles weren’t rooted in infidelity.
“Once we were there, I realized I wasn’t actually worried about Cole cheating,” she told Cosmo. “I think it would’ve been pretty crazy for either of us to actually do something like that…so I was just hoping that both of us would really look more deeply into our relationship and grow.”
Instead, Scarlett explained that their issues were more about communication, growth, and understanding each other on a deeper level.
Disappointment Over Cole’s Approach On The Island
While the experiment is designed to push contestants out of their comfort zones, Scarlett admitted she was left wanting more from Cole’s experience. She revealed that she had hoped he would take advantage of the opportunity to connect with others and gain perspective.
“I know that he was probably scared of me seeing anything that would upset me,” she explained. “It was a hard situation to navigate, and I think everyone just did their best, right?”
For Scarlett, the lack of exploration made it feel like a missed opportunity for both of them to truly evolve.
Scarlett Bentley Found Support In Unexpected Friendship
During her time on the island, Scarlett formed a close bond with fellow participant Bradley Bobbit, but she made it clear their connection remained strictly platonic.
“That first pick for that date was totally random,” Scarlett said. “I just chose Bradley on a whim, and had no idea that we would become such great friends. And after that first date, we had really great conversations. I was the oldest girl. He was the oldest guy. I think he was just really mature, and he spoke my language.”
According to Scarlett, that friendship became an important source of support throughout the process. “He was able to help me navigate my relationship, which was super helpful, considering I was just like wanting to grow and get answers,” she shared. “It always just felt like a deep friendship to me…and having a solid friend to lean on was huge.”
Scarlett Admits She Has Some Regrets
Looking back, Scarlett acknowledged that there are a few moments she might have handled differently, especially when it came time to communicate with Cole.
She admitted she “could have been a little softer” in the video message she left for him during the show. “Obviously, I’m only seeing very small clips of Cole’s experience, so in that moment, it felt right,” she said. “I wanted him to dive into the experience…but from what I had seen, it seemed like he wasn’t.”
Still, she ultimately stands by her decision to walk away, explaining that she was ready to move on from the relationship they once had. “I think I was just so over the old relationship that we were in, and I just wanted growth,” she told the outlet.
‘Temptation Island’ Puts Relationships Through The Ultimate Test
At its core, “Temptation Island” follows four couples at a crossroads who agree to test their relationships in one of the most extreme ways possible. Each pair arrives on a tropical island only to be immediately separated and surrounded by a group of attractive singles, forcing them to confront temptation head-on while navigating time apart.
“Isolated from one another, they will go on a journey full of temptation and self-reflection to decide whether to return to their lives together, chart a new path alone, or leave the island with someone new,” the show’s description states.
Season 2 of “Temptation Island” is streaming on Netflix now.
Amy Duggar is sharing what she believes could be just some of the many “promises” her famous family has made Kendra Duggar in the wake of her husband Joseph Duggar’s arrest for alleged child molestation.
“I guarantee you a promise has been made. Promises have been made. So here is just my ideas of what those might be — this is just my opinion, OK?” Amy, 39, alleged in a Friday, April 10, video shared via TikTok.
Amy, who has been a vocal critic of her famous reality TV family amid her cousins’ arrests, then pretended to be her family as she listed off what she says are just some of the potential promises they have made to Kendra, 27.
“Kendra we love you so much, we’re gonna band together as a family,” she began. “You know, I’m so sorry that he stumbled, I know that’s gotta be just heartbreaking but you know I know he loves you. And you all are so good together, this is just a little bit of a problem but you know what you’re showing your strength in god right now.”
Amy Duggar King has taken back her previous support of embattled cousin Joseph Duggar’s wife, Kendra Duggar, following Kendra’s arrest on a child endangerment charge. “I think that was a plot twist that no one saw coming,” Amy, 39, said of Kendra’s arrest during a Saturday, March 21, interview with TMZ. “When I gave that […]
She continued, “By staying with him and just being a devoted wife and loving him you are showing him God’s love. Your faith is being tested right now and I need you to stay strong because Joseph loves you so much. We’re all here to support you.”
Joseph, the seventh eldest child belonging to Jim Bob, 60 and Michelle, 59, was charged last month with lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old. He was also charged with lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older.
@amyrking
The charges were presented after a 14-year-old came forward to police accusing Joseph of molesting her when she was 9 during a 2020 vacation. Joseph was extradited to Florida, where the alleged crime took place, and has pleaded not guilty.
Kendra was later arrested and charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, second-degree, and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment. These secondary charges are unrelated to Joseph’s molestation allegations. Kendra was released on bond the same day she was arrested.
“We have the best lawyer for you. You know what? Not even just that, we might just try to drop those charges because it’s ridiculous that you got arrested,” Amy continued in her Friday video, again pretending to be her family as she listed off what she claims could be potential promises they have made to Kendra.
“Let me just tell you something — if you just stick around and you just show family loyalty things are gonna work out. This problem is going to fix itself,” she added. “We’ll take care of everything, just stay. This will all blow over and people are exaggerating. You made vows, you can’t just walk away.”
She concluded of her idea for possible promises she claims her family has made, “God hates divorce. Forgiveness is what God wants. You just need to stay and stay silent and stay quiet for the sake of your family. We’ll take care of the bills, don’t you worry about anything.”
Amy went on to claim that “that’s how it works” within her family amid their public scandals.
“It’s provision, with conditions,” she claimed. “Support, sure, but with strings attached and the help keeps them dependent. Real support doesn’t require silence and real support doesn’t trap you in a system that protected the problem in the first place.”
Amy Duggar King has thanked fans on behalf of her family following the arrests of her cousin Joseph Duggar and his wife, Kendra Duggar. The 19 Kids and Counting alum, 39, shared a message from the “God Lady Talk” Instagram account on Friday, March 27, which read, “Surround yourself with people who pray for you […]
While Amy believes her family has promised Kendra certain things in exchange for silence and for her to remain in her marriage, a source exclusively told Us Weekly that the opposite is true for Anna Duggar after her husband, Josh Duggar, was found guilty on child pornography charges.
“Anna has several family members who have strongly encouraged her to leave Josh,” the insider told Us. “It has been very difficult to have those conversations because Anna has always been so supportive of Josh, but the family felt that they had to let her know their thoughts.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
https://www.rainn.org/
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
https://www.childhelphotline.org/
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
https://www.dhs.gov/know2protect
90210 alum Annalynne McCord revealed that she is engaged to longtime love Danny Cipriani after the rugby star proposed on Christmas Day 2025.
“I cried for 10 minutes straight,” McCord, 38, told People in an interview published on Saturday, April 11. “At some point, I realized I had to answer. I said, ‘Yes, but I can’t even speak,’ and he replied, ‘That’s okay, it’s actually a good sign that you are quiet for once.’ Then, we’re all laughing.”
McCord told the outlet that she was actually considering proposing to the athlete late last year, but her sisters “strongly discouraged” her from taking that step at the time.
“It occurred to me that I should just propose to him and I told my sisters. Both really questioned this choice, and they strongly discouraged it,” she recalled. “I decided to tell him that was my plan, but then the look on his face convinced me not to, and he fessed up and told me he had plans to propose to me on our upcoming trip to Cambodia.”
Cipriani’s proposal plans ultimately changed. On Christmas Day, he encouraged McCord to join the whole family for a movie and she went off to get changed.
“I come downstairs and there are rose petals everywhere and a rose petal heart,” she revealed. “Danny, down on one knee with a ring, waiting for me to step into the heart.”
Cipriani proposed at McCord’s Los Angeles home with a 15-carat, emerald-cut diamond with seven round accent diamonds set in the band. He also arranged for her family and friends to watch the proposal over Zoom.
Us Weekly exclusively revealed in May 2024 that McCord and Cipriani were officially back together. The two originally started dating in 2016, but went their separate ways four years later.
“I wasn’t looking for it at all. It kind of found me,” she told Us about her feelings for Cipriani. “It’s the most unlikely situation ever because I was with this person on and off for four years, and we were two shadows matching the shadow of the other person.”
AnnaLynne McCord in 2024. Kevin Winter/Getty Images
The two reconnected “as friends” a few years after splitting, with love blossoming once again.
“Now we’re together and it’s new, but we are both showing up for ourselves in life,” she explained. “And because we can show up for ourselves, we’re matching each other on every level and we’re having painful conversations of where we were, because they’re honest and they’re real and I wouldn’t want anything else.”
Prior to her relationship with Cipriani, McCord dated Twilight’s Kellan Lutz from 2008 to 2010 and later was with Prison Break star Dominic Purcell from 2011 to 2014. (Lutz, 41, married Brittany Gonzales in 2017 and they share two children: daughter Ashtyn Lilly, 5, and son Kasen Lane, 3. Purcell, 56, has been married to Tish Cyrus since 2023.)
Apple TV has gradually built up a diverse catalogue of shows from hot comedies like Ted Lasso or mind-bending sci-fi like Severance, but there is a 2024 crime drama lurking in the shadows that deserves more recognition. Bad Monkey offers one of the wackiest and feel-good approaches to crime, with Vince Vaughn‘s brand of comedy at the center. Written by Bill Lawrence and Carl Hiaasen, the show transports viewers to the sunny coasts of the Bahamas while also unveiling the disastrous impacts of building developments and disrupting the local ecosystem. It’s all tied together with a hilarious crime, one that begins with a lone severed arm.
Vaughn carries us through the twisty investigation as Andrew Yancy, a former Miami cop who now works as a health inspector. He is enjoying his peaceful but admittedly stagnant life in a coastal house when his best friend Rogelio (John Ortiz) shows up at his door with a limb in his trunk. Throughout his investigation, he falls for the magnetic coroner Rosa (Natalie Martinez), meets the wonderfully psychotic Eve (Meredith Hagner), and is also entangled in his ex-girlfriend’s, Bonnie (Michelle Monaghan), strange life — and, of course, there’s a monkey.
Vince Vaughn Leads a Comedic Cast in Apple TV’s ‘Bad Monkey’
With Vaughn at the helm of Bad Monkey, we immediately know that we’re in good hands in terms of comedy. The script is wry, sarcastic, and witty, as each cast member drops comedic gems at every turn, no matter how tense or dramatic the scene may be. The rest of the cast follows his lead while adding their own flair for well-timed quips, with Martinez making a fun scene partner for Vaughn. Their easy on-screen chemistry makes the criminal investigation fly by, as Rosa’s ferocity and passion pair beautifully with Yancy’s demeanor of a man who’s been in this game for too long, but just can’t help himself. Whether they are flirting in the morgue or running through the forest, every scene between the two is immersive.
Vince Vaughn Drops a Major ‘Bad Monkey’ Season 2 Update [Exclusive]
Vaughn describes Season 2 as “a really great next step for the characters.”
On the other side of the investigation is Hagner’s Eve, who is the kind of psychopath you will never tire of watching. She owns a tiny dog that likes to lick blood, a beautiful mansion she bounces around in with a manic sort of grace, and a stepdaughter (Caitlin Lawrence) she just doesn’t quite grasp — damn those pesky things called emotions. In the sunny hues of the Bahamas, Eve is a delightful and unpredictable antagonist who keeps our main characters guessing while delivering her own comical panache. Cartoonish in the best way, Hagner ensures that whenever the camera isn’t pointed at Vaughn, we still gain the same comedic value, just a tad more psychotic.
‘Bad Monkey’ Is a Feel-Good, Sunny Crime Drama
While the cast handles the comedic side of things, the rest of Bad Monkey strives to inject a little bit of wonder into our lives. Amid the dramatic turns of the criminal investigation are little nuggets of ecological knowledge and appreciation that remind us that beauty is all around us. They’re as simple as Yancy minding of the sea turtles in his backyard or Bonnie swimming with manatees in an absolutely breathtaking underwater scene. Just like in real life, natural beauty is tucked away in the corners of the show, emerging in fleeting sequences of wonder and reverence so as not to disrupt the pacing but to coax us into stillness for a couple of beats.
People also make up the ecosystem of the island, and Bad Monkey doesn’t forget that either. At the beginning, there is a seemingly separate storyline that gradually intertwines with the central one about a group of inhabitants worried about losing their homes. Neville (Ronald Peet) and his monkey are the embodiment of fighting for freedom on the island, while the intimidating Dragon Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) and her mischievous ya-ya (L. Scott Caldwell) practice a magic that symbolizes the old traditions and history that are being threatened by the developers.
By seamlessly weaving cheap thrills with feel-good wonder, Bad Monkey effectively advocates for awareness, appreciation, and preservation of the natural world. The comedic cast and twisty storyline hook viewers in while the unexpected shots of nature inspire awe and empathy. It’s a gorgeous show that may first be a fun romp into the world of beachside crimes, but you’ll walk away with far more than you bargained for.
That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for The Beatles. From the Beatlemania phenomenon to the British invasion, the Liverpool quintet has become the ultimate pop culture sensation. That popularity also translates into numbers, as the band currently sits as the best-selling act in music history with over 600 million units sold. But it seems the sky is not the limit.
And there’s no better institution than NASA to send a group of suit-wearing, music-playing men into space — at least through their music. With 213 officially released songs in their catalogue, choosing just one is no easy task. Still, NASA ultimately settled on a particular track they deemed worthy of being sent to extraterrestrial beings, if any are out there.
The Beatles Marked the 40th Anniversary of “Across the Universe” by Beaming the Song into Outer Space
With Artemis II completing its journey around the Moon, it’s a fitting reminder that NASA isn’t just about rockets and science. Surprisingly, the high-tech institution also knows a thing or two about great music. On February 4, 2008, NASA made history by transmitting The Beatles’ iconic song “Across the Universe” directly into deep space, marking the first time a song was deliberately beamed beyond Earth’s atmosphere. In true Beatles fashion, the opportunity gave the track a literal “ticket to ride” to the North Star, Polaris at the speed of light, about 300,000 km per second (186,000 miles per second). To put that into perspective, light can circle Earth’s equator roughly 7.5 times in just one second at that speed.
Who’s Your Perfect Classic Rock Band?
This Beatles-NASA broadcast celebrated multiple milestones at once: the 40th anniversary of the song, NASA’s 50th anniversary, and the 45th anniversary of the Deep Space Network. What’s even more remarkable is that this was not NASA’s idea in the first place. Avid fan and Beatles historian Martin Lewis suggested that the agency send “something a little more cheery.” As a cherry on top, Paul McCartney congratulated NASA for their initiative, and asked them to “send his [my] love to the aliens.” While humans may never know if anyone, or anything, will hear it, the gesture itself takes the title of the song literally. If aliens are truly out there, at least they’ll know that Earth has got some great bands.
John Lennon Got the Inspiration for “Across the Universe” While Lying in Bed with His First Wife
Released as part of a 1969 charity album for the World Wildlife Fund, “Across the Universe” is one of many works credited under the Lennon–McCartney partnership. Written in a stream-of-consciousness style, the song focuses more on form than conventional lyric structure, mimicking the flow of thoughts as the narrator takes in their surroundings through sensory impressions, from the “images of broken light” to the “sounds of laughter.” Much of this self-enlightened tone is also influenced by the band’s interest in Transcendental Meditation, which explains the inclusion of the Sanskrit phrase “जय गुरु देव, ॐ” (Jai Guru Dev), meaning “All glory to Guru Dev.”
As John Lennon recounted to David Sheff, much of “Across the Universe” came to him in a moment of spontaneity — following an unusual incident involving his wife, Cynthia Lennon.
“I was lying next to my first wife in bed, you know, and I was irritated, and I was thinking. She must have been going on and on about something and she’d gone to sleep and I kept hearing these words over and over, flowing like an endless stream. I went downstairs and it turned into a sort of cosmic song rather than an irritated song, rather than a “Why are you always mouthing off at me?” [The words] were purely inspirational and were given to me as boom! I don’t own it you know; it came through like that.”
Three years before the “Across the Universe” broadcast, McCartney had the honor of sending a “wake-up” call to astronauts Bill McArthur and Valeri Tokarev aboard the International Space Station on 12 November 2005. In true space exploration tradition, wake-up calls are part of a decades-long practice in which Mission Control plays music or audio messages to help astronauts start their day in orbit. NASA has even publicly shared a full playlist of these wake-up calls for missions like Artemis II. What makes McArthur and Tokarev’s wake-up call especially memorable is that it was broadcast live from McCartney’s concert at the Arrowhead Pond (now the Honda Center) in Anaheim, California.
Before McCartney performed for McArthur and Tokarev, he briefly spoke to them mid-show, with the live broadcast displayed on the stage screens in front of an audience of 28,632 fans who erupted in cheers. McCartney sent his regards and wished them “all the very best for the rest of your mission.” Along with this short conversation, the 15-minute broadcast also included two special performances from McCartney: “English Tea” from Chaos and Creation in the Backyard and “Good Day Sunshine” from the Beatles’ 1966 album Revolver.
The entertainment capital of the world turned up the spotlight for Bruno Mars, transforming the Strip into a full-blown celebration for the decorated Grammy winner. From renaming a street in his honor to declaring Bruno Mars Day, the community paid tribute to one of its most beloved residency stars in true Las Vegas style.
April 10 Was Declared Bruno Mars Day
On April 10, Clark County officials proclaimed Bruno Mars Day to celebrate the singer’s significant impact on Las Vegas. Mars has had a continuous residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, which kicked off in 2016. He has performed hundreds of shows since then, grossing more than $154 million as of December 2025.
The day kicked off with a parade from the Bellagio to Park MGM, with a large crowd lined up on the streets to catch a glimpse of the man himself. The parade consisted of dance and cheer teams on double-decker buses, a mariachi band, a marching band, and a massive float. Mars, donning a white cowboy hat, joined the parade in a pink vintage convertible.
Park Avenue Becomes Bruno Mars Drive
Mars, who was described as the “new king of Las Vegas,” also received a big honor, with Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson officially renaming Park Avenue to Bruno Mars Drive. The singer took the stage to express his gratitude, saying how much he loves Las Vegas.
“Ten, 15 years ago, when I first started out, they said, ‘Bruno, don’t play Vegas just yet. This is where acts go to retire, but you’re at the top of the charts right now, hold off’,” Mars said. MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said Mars has proved that he has the “legacy and legs” to keep performing in Las Vegas even several years from now.
Mars also shared a touching message sent by his father, reading, “My loving son, I know you don’t like getting advice, but getting a street named after you is a monumental move. I know you must be very proud, because I am so very proud of you… Be humble. Tell your fans, this is their street, and you are so honored and grateful.”
The Singer Made A Massive Donation
Apart from the festivities, Mars also donated $1 million to a children’s hospital in Las Vegas, Intermountain Children’s Health, with the amount matched by MGM Grand. The large check was received by a 12-year-old boy named Benji Sanchez, a huge Bruno Mars fan and a three-time cancer survivor. “I think it’s gonna be great. I think it’s gonna help out a lot. I think it’s gonna help out our new children’s hospital,” Benji said.
The donation marks the latest philanthropic effort from the singer, who has supported several charities and foundations throughout the years, including The Rainforest Foundation, the Red Cross, Global Poverty Project, and MusiCares. In 2020, the singer pledged $1 million to the MGM Resorts Foundation’s Employee Emergency Grant Fund and the Children’s Medical Support Fund amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bruno Mars Joins The Ranks Of Legendary Entertainers
With a street now bearing his name, Mars joins the ranks of iconic entertainers honored in a lasting way, cementing his place among the legends who helped shape Las Vegas’ history as the entertainment capital.
One of the first major entertainers to have a street renamed after him was Elvis Presley. In 1972, the King of Rock and Roll was honored when Highway 51 South was renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard. Other notable streets named after entertainers include Duke Ellington Way, Houdini Street, Jimmy Buffett Street, Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Tupac Lane, and Marilyn Monroe Avenue, per Vegas Changes.
Bruno Mars Kicked Off His ‘The Romantic’ Tour
Bruno Mars Day also marked the first night of the singer’s “The Romantic” tour. At the celebration, Mars performed the song “Treasure” from his 2012 album “Unorthodox Jukebox,” before telling the crowd that he had to leave. “I’ve gotta go now, I have a stadium to take over,” he said.
The tour kicked off on the night of April 10, launching from Las Vegas before taking the show across North America and Europe. Mars will hit major cities, including Houston, Atlanta, Toronto, London, Paris, and Madrid, with the tour scheduled to wrap in December.
Jessica Biel has issued a plea to fellow parents, begging them to stop using the viral so-called “Jessica” toddler tantrum trend.
“Guys, I am not sure how I feel about this, like, ‘Jessica’ trend with moms and toddlers and now dogs, apparently, that it’s working for — which is kind of amazing, I’m going to try it on my dogs,” Biel, 44, said in a Friday, April 10, video shared via TikTok. “Because I feel like half of these kids in these videos look petrified.”
The Valentine’s Day actress was responding to the now-viral parenting trend involving parents suddenly and very loudly yelling the name “Jessica” continuously and unapologetically while their young child throws a fit. The goal, according to the trend, is to confuse or distract the small child or children to the point that they cease throwing a tantrum.
“I really love that I can come into your household with my name that I share with so many other incredible Jessicas around the world, I’m sure, and help you with your kids’ tantrum,” she continued. “But I sorta feel like these kids are terrified. They look terrified and hopeful that Jessica is not going to show up.”
Jessica Biel shared rare photos of her and Justin Timberlake‘s kids as they supported him on tour. “Tour wifey / mommy out ✌🏼,” Biel, 43, captioned an Instagram post on Wednesday, July 30, including a glimpse of sons Silas, 10, and Phineas, 4, watching Timberlake, 44, perform on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour. The social […]
She continued, “Part of me wants to say, ‘You’re welcome, glad I can be helpful. Glad all us Jessicas can be helpful.’ And also, ‘Please, please, please don’t make your toddler terrified of people named Jessica. Because we’re good people. We’re nice people. We want to help you with the tantrum but we don’t want to scare the s*** out of your kid.”
Biel shares two sons, Silas and Phineas, with her husband, Justin Timberlake. According to the proud mom, the viral trend does not work on her own children.
@jessbiel On behalf of all Jessicas, we are nice people
“Of course it’s not working with my kids,” she explained. “My kids are like, ‘What? Why are you yelling your own name, you weirdo? You’re, like, weirder than you already are normally.’”
She concluded, “So yeah, I’m conflicted. I don’t know what to say, what do you guys think? No other name works? You’re welcome? It’s a — it’s a toss up.”
Biel, who welcomed her first child with the former boy band singer in 2015, has been focused on parenting her sons in the wake of Timberlake’s June 18, 2024, DWI arrest, which occurred just two days after Father’s Day.
“Jessica is extremely upset,” an insider exclusively told Us Weekly after Timberlake’s legal trouble. “She was shocked to hear the news and had no idea as she was working. She was really worried about him.”
The insider added, “She always gives Justin the benefit of the doubt.”
The singer later addressed the arrest during a September 2024 court appearance.
“I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself — and this was not that,” he told reporters at the time, according to ABC News. “I found myself in a position where I could’ve made a different decision. But I’ve had some time to reflect on that.”
He continued, “What I’d like to say to everyone watching and listening: Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend, take an Uber, there’s many travel apps [or] take a taxi. This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake.”
Timberlake pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI), a noncriminal traffic violation. He was fined $500, ordered to complete 25 hours of community service and received a 90-day license suspension.
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