Entertainment
Armed Man Shot Dead at Mar-a-Lago Was Fixated on Epstein Files, Text Shows
Mar-A-Lago Armed Gunman
Fixated On Epstein Files Week Before Shooting
Published
The armed man shot and killed by Secret Service agents outside President Donald Trump‘s Mar-a-Lago property Sunday had grown increasingly obsessed with the Epstein files and was also a vocal supporter of Trump … TMZ has learned.
Austin Tucker Martin sent a text message, obtained by TMZ, to a co-worker on February 15, 2026, that read, “I don’t know if you read up on the Epstein Files, but evil is real and unmistakable.” He continued, “The best people like you and I can do is use what little influence we have. Tell other people about what you hear about the Epstein files and what the government is doing about it. Raise awareness.”
Sources who worked with Austin at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in North Carolina tell TMZ … he became fixated on Epstein following the latest release of information tied to the files. Co-workers tell us he was deeply disturbed by what he believed was a government cover-up and often talked about powerful people “getting away with it.”
At the same time, Austin was outspoken about his Christian faith and political views. We’re told he regularly expressed support for Trump, telling colleagues as recently as late last year he believed Trump was a strong leader.
People close to Martin describe him as well-meaning but increasingly frustrated, particularly about the economy. We’re told he often complained that young people need two jobs or roommates to afford moving out. Our sources say he still lived with his parents.
Austin also tried to start a union at work to push for higher wages, but no one signed on. Outside of his job, he was a sketch artist attempting to sell drawings of local scenery and people around town.
As we reported … he was shot and killed after breaching the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early Sunday. According to officials, he was observed near the north gate carrying a shotgun and a fuel can. The investigation remains ongoing.
Entertainment
Katseye’s Manon Discussed ‘Setting Boundaries’ Before Hiatus
Katseye’s Manon Bannerman spoke candidly about how she and her bandmates deal with conflict shortly before she announced her hiatus from the group.
“Being in a group, it’s just about good communication and setting good boundaries and building a friendship, but also work relationship, and always remembering that it’s a shared goal that we have,” Manon, 23, said in a Nylon cover story published on Tuesday, April 7.
The singer pointed to photo shoots as an example of where discord might arise, referring to a potential situation where two members might want to wear the same thing.
“There’s six of us, so obviously not everyone’s always going to be on the same page about everything,” she explained. “But I think we all are at, or have been learning and are finally coming to, a point where for the group’s sake, you give and you take. You pick your battles.”
Manon went on to note that she and her bandmates “have to lean on each other” to cope with their fame. “But we also have supportive friends and supportive family,” she added. “It’s something that keeps you humble and grounded. And then just having a good therapist.”
Nylon noted that the interview was conducted before Manon announced her break from the girl group, and the band declined to answer additional questions about the situation. In the interview, Sophia Laforteza addressed the band’s decision-making process, explaining that a majority-rules approach doesn’t always work.

“We’ve learned that if even just one person doesn’t feel good about a certain thing, we need to heavily consider and communicate about it — because it’s not about the majority enjoying it and just having the people who don’t enjoy it adjust,” Sophia, also 23, explained. “If we don’t feel comfortable, we don’t feel passionate. We don’t feel good about something. We need to help that person see another perspective or adjust everything overall because it really is hard to perform a song if you don’t enjoy it.”
She added, “We’re only as strong as our weakest member. We need to make sure that we’re all showing up for each other and all going at the same pace. We cannot leave anybody behind.”
Katseye announced on February 20 that Manon would be taking a break from the group, which also includes Sophia, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung.
“After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and well-being,” read a statement from the group shared via social media platform Weverse. “We fully support this decision. Katseye remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right.”
The statement concluded by thanking Katseye’s fans, known as Eyekons, for their “continued love, patience and understanding.”
Manon also shared her own statement via Weverse at the time, noting that she is “healthy” “taking care” of herself.
“Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture,” she added. “Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can’t wait to see you again.”
In another Weverse message the following month, Manon thanked fans for their support and said that the group’s management is having “positive conversations” about her return.
“I’m happy, and I’m healthy. I’ll share more soon,” she continued. “Thank you for always being there for me.”
An insider later told Us Weekly exclusively that Manon — who recently removed “Katseye” from her Instagram bio — is not coming back to the group. Us reached out to Manon and a rep for Katseye for comment.
Katsye is set to perform at Coachella on Friday, April 10, but it is not clear whether Manon will appear with the rest of the band.
Entertainment
Allegedly Gave Birth In Toilet, Let Newborn Drown
Anne Demegillo, a 20-year-old Florida woman, has reportedly been indicted after allegedly giving birth to her baby in a toilet and letting the newborn drown.
RELATED: Quavo Shares Message After Offset Was Shot Outside Florida Casino (UPDATE)
Florida Woman Anne Demegillo Allegedly Gave Birth To Her Baby In A Toilet & Let The Newborn Drown
According to a news release from the State Attorney of Florida’s Seventh Judicial Circuit, published on Monday, April 6, Demegillo is accused of “giving birth to a baby and leaving her in the toilet to die.” Furthermore, the release notes that the incident allegedly occurred in the woman’s home on March 5, 2026. Per Fox 35 Orlando, Demegillo reportedly claimed that she was not aware she was pregnant.
While her newborn daughter drowned in the toilet, Demegilla allegedly cleaned up the blood from her giving birth, the outlet adds. Subsequently, she allegedly placed the newborn’s body in a duffel bag. Then, she placed the bag in a closet. And later returned to bury her baby’s body in a shallow grave.
Per ClickOrlando, detectives subsequently discovered searches on the woman’s phone for “newborn premature babies.” This, in addition to “foods to decrease fertility,” and “images of Casey Anthony and new babies.”
Florida Woman Anne Demegillo Is Indicted
During a March 12 court appearance, the woman’s attorney, Michael Politis, reportedly argued that she doesn’t have any prior convictions or a mental health history. Additionally, he reportedly argued that his client is not a threat to society.
“I don’t know how long she will survive… It’s not necessary to incarcerate her,” he reportedly argued in court.
On that date, Anne Demegillo was reportedly released from jail. However, on Monday, April 6, she was indicted by a Florida grand jury. This, on charges of “first-degree premeditated murder, aggravated child abuse, and failure to report the death of a person with intent to conceal the death or alter the evidence or circumstances surrounding such death.”
Per ClickOrlando, her arraignment will take place on April 21.
“This is one of those tragic cases that shock you to your core that a mother would allow a newborn to die because the newborn was a distraction to her life. It’s hard to comprehend how a mother would choose to watch their infant drown instead of lifting the baby out of the toilet,” Sheriff Rick Staly reportedly told the press.
Elsewhere In Florida, Two Rappers Are Making Headlines
Outside of the Anne Demegillo case, elsewhere in Florida, two rappers are making headlines. As The Shade Room previously reported, on Monday, April 6, Offset was reportedly shot in the leg while in the Valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Since then, photos have surfaced showing the rapper having a smoke break while recovering at a hospital.
This, as rapper Lil Tjay has made headlines for also getting arrested at the casino around the time of the shooting.
RELATED: Lil Tjay’s Lawyer Denies His Involvement In Offset Shooting After Arrest At Same Florida Casino (MUGSHOT)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
This Forgotten Western Remains the Best TV Series of All Time 71 Years Later
When considering the vast catalog of Western television programs, there is only one series that reigns not only as the leading champion of the televised genre, but sits on the throne as the “gold standard” that so many others aimed to emulate. If you’ve guessed Gunsmoke, then you’d be right on the money. The famed CBS Western ran for an impressive 20 years between 1955 and 1975 (a feat quite unheard of at the time), and remained popular throughout the bulk of its run. Thus, it’s no wonder that even over 70 years since James Arness first graced the screen as Marshal Matt Dillon that this program continues to find an audience on streaming.
‘Gunsmoke’ Surpasses All Other Television Westerns — In Both Content and Episode Count
Like many television programs of its day, Gunsmoke began as a radio show. Created by Norman Macdonnell and John Meston, the adventures of Marshal Dillon became so popular that CBS aimed to push that reach even further. Charles Marquis Warren developed the series for television, and although John Wayne was initially sought for the leading role, the part ultimately went to James Arness. (However, as a favor, Wayne introduced the very first episode, making Gunsmoke among the few TV Westerns endorsed by the Duke.) Part of what set Gunsmoke apart from other TV Westerns at the time was that it was specifically aimed toward adult audiences. The network wasn’t interested in another “kiddie” series like The Lone Ranger or Hopalong Cassidy; they wanted a mature program that could stand on its own. No doubt, that’s exactly what it did.
Although The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp beat Gunsmoke to the punch by a few days, it was Gunsmoke that came out on top as the best and brightest that this new TV fascination with the Old West had to offer. At first, the series followed the radio format quite faithfully, even adapting famous episodes like “The Cabin” effortlessly to the screen. These tight scripts produced excellent material for Arness and his co-stars to work with, but over time, the show found a voice of its own. Even after the radio series ended in 1961, the CBS drama continued. In fact, that same year, Gunsmoke shed its initial half-hour format in favor of an hour-long broadcast with an emphasis on original episodes that pushed Marshal Dillon and his allies — Amanda Blake‘s Miss Kitty, Milburn Stone‘s Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver‘s Chester Goode — to their limits. It was in this era that the black-and-white hour-long program produced some of its very best episodes, including the hauntingly powerful “The Gallows,” an intimate look at what happens when an innocent man is condemned to die, and the riveting “Seven Hours to Dawn,” which emphasized the show’s supporting cast against a common threat.
Gunsmoke continued to produce hour-long Western plays for the remainder of its run. By its twelfth season, CBS began filming each episode in color, and only a few seasons later, Gunsmoke drifted away from following its heroes every week in favor of a Western anthology format. Much of the show’s continued popularity has been attributed to the fact that Gunsmoke was able to adjust to the times. Be it the advent of color television or the growing popularity of hour-long television programs (a trend that started with Cheyenne the same year Gunsmoke premiered in 1955). Marshal Dillon and his cohorts often found themselves performing in the sorts of adventures that were of interest to contemporary audiences — some of which even spawned short-lived spin-offs. It’s no wonder that Gunsmoke ranked #1 in the ratings for four years in a row at its peak, and boasted a spot in the Top 10 for 13 seasons. With 635 episodes to choose from, it’s a show that rides laps around most others — even Louis L’Amour was a fan.
The 20-Season Western Set the Standard for All Other Genre Series’ Going Forward
Of course, the main draw for Gunsmoke was always its main cast. Arness’ Matt Dillon is not only one of the greatest Western TV heroes out there, but he was the sort of stand-up type of lawman that you’d always want in your corner. Whether he was joined by sidekicks like Burt Reynolds‘ Quint Asper, Roger Ewing‘s Thad Greenwood, Buck Taylor‘s Newly O’Brien, or Ken Curtis‘ long-running Festus Haggen (or if he were simply on his own), there was a comfort in the sense that Dillon would always get his man. Indeed, no matter how often villains got the upper hand or how outmatched he was, Matt wouldn’t go down without a fight — and he certainly wouldn’t let the good people of Dodge City down. It was that consistency, that charm, that kept audiences faithful to Gunsmoke for 20 years, and it’s that same old-fashioned style that has prompted many to revisit the program on streaming years later.
Gunsmoke may be a product of its time in that it’s a Western that leans into the mythic notions that the genre has spread about the Old American West, but it remains relevant and entertaining today. Unlike many of the modern takes on the West we see now, it’s a series that the entire family can enjoy, despite its often mature themes or ideas. It was Gunsmoke‘s success that helped propel the genre as a TV staple in the 1950s and ’60s, and that success continues to influence the genre.
Entertainment
Mormon Wives’ Chase Claims Season 5 Is Still ‘Up in the Air’
Filming for season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives hasn’t resumed after multiple scandals, according to Miranda McWhorter’s ex-husband, Chase McWhorter.
During an interview on the Tuesday, April 7, episode of Harry Jowsey’s “Boyfriend Material” podcast, Chase, 30, said that cameras haven’t picked back up since production on the Hulu series was paused last month — and he doesn’t know if or when they will.
“I think that’s kind of up in the air at this point,” he claimed. “Hoping they do. All the other women have a bunch of great stories and story lines that haven’t been told. I think that’s a great thing they could look into. So I think they should, but we’ll see.”
Reports circulated last month that production on season 5 of Mormon Wives had paused after Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen were allegedly involved in a domestic dispute in February. Taylor’s costar Mikayla Matthews later said that she and the other members of MomTok decided together that they didn’t want to film in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
“It was a decision that all of us girls came up with and agreed on,” Mikayla, 26, explained in a March Instagram Story Q&A. “We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.”
The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed to Us Weekly on March 16 that a “domestic assault investigation” was ongoing regarding a February incident involving Taylor, 31, and Dakota, 33. The department said that “allegations have been made in both directions.”
Taylor and Dakota’s off-and-on relationship has been a focal point on Mormon Wives, which premiered in September 2024 and launched its fourth season in March.
Shortly after news broke that production on season 5 had paused, leaked footage showed Taylor arguing with Dakota during the 2023 incident that led to her arrest (and was discussed on season 1 of Mormon Wives). The video showed her throwing multiple metal stools at Dakota while her daughter, Indy, now 8, was in the room. Taylor shares Indy and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul, while she and Dakota share son Ever, 2.
Taylor was taken into police custody in February 2023 and charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse and criminal mischief. Us confirmed in August of that year that Taylor pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault as part of a plea deal to drop the other charges. If she abided to the terms of her deal for three years, the charge would be downgraded to a misdemeanor.
After new footage of the incident appeared online last month, ABC canceled Taylor’s season 22 of The Bachelorette just days before its scheduled premiere.
Meanwhile, Taylor’s costar Jessi Draper was experiencing her own personal issues as husband Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce on March 19 after the duo had previously separated.
“I did end it with him, so I knew it was coming, but we had made an agreement to do it together, and he blindsided me and filed because he wanted the headline first,” Jessi, 33, claimed during a March interview on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast. “We agreed to tell our children together before filing, and we haven’t done that.”
A source later exclusively told Us that Jessi had recently cozied up to Chase at a party.
“They were having fun at a party, and it’s not serious between them,” the insider said in March.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
Entertainment
Drew Barrymore’s Makeover Segment Takes Emotional Turn
Drew Barrymore got candid about her body insecurities during an emotional moment on “The Drew Barrymore Show” this week. The 51-year-old host became visibly tearful during a fashion makeover segment when guest Dawn Benwood opened up about her own struggles with wearing “form-fitting clothing.” Drew Barrymore, who shares daughters Olive, 13, and Frankie, 11, with ex-husband Will Kopelman, said the story hit especially close to home.
Drew Barrymore Gets Candid About Body Changes After Kids

As she connected with Benwood, Barrymore didn’t hold back when sharing her own experience. “I so related. I really did,” she said through tears. “The other day, I was walking down the street, and I’ve had two C-sections, and I’m so wrecked down there that I permanently just…I can’t wear a lot of different types of pants.”
She continued, “The other day I was walking around, and I had this shorter shirt on, and I couldn’t keep my jacket closed. And I’m walking around, and I was [thinking], I don’t want anyone to see this.”
The former child star added that she deeply understands the changes that come with motherhood and aging. “When you have kids, and you have a busy life, and your body changes and you get older, and things just aren’t the same,” she explained.
Barrymore Says ‘I Totally Get It’ In Emotional Moment

Barrymore continued to reflect on how the moment resonated with her own recent experiences. “Just hearing your story, I just thought of how I felt two days ago walking down the street on a Sunday with my daughter,” the host said. “I totally get it.”
Despite her vulnerability, she made sure to lift up her guest. “And I’ve gotta tell you, I’m looking at you and all I see is just your beautiful hard work that I only know because you told us, I wouldn’t know otherwise, and you look so stunning,” the actress continued.
Drew Barrymore Says Daughters Push Her Out Of Comfort Zone

The conversation also turned to how Barrymore’s daughters help her step outside of her comfort zone when it comes to fashion. “Listen, you know what my daughter does? She encourages me to dress differently. And a lot of the times I feel really good,” she shared.
Still, she admitted there are certain items she’s sworn off for good. “I’ll never wear those pair of jeans again,” Barrymore said. “We all can find something that fits us right.”
Months before her recent candid on-air confession, Drew Barrymore was already keeping it real with fans about aging and self-acceptance. The daytime host shared a makeup-free video on social media, proudly showing off her natural skin, including fine lines and smile lines, without filters or touch-ups.
“Aging is a privilege. It is not something to fear,” she said alongside the clip.
Barrymore Celebrates Show Renewal Amid Emotional Moment

The emotional moment comes amid exciting news for the daytime star. “The Drew Barrymore Show,” which launched in 2020, has officially been renewed by CBS for two more seasons.
Barrymore shared the update on Instagram, writing, “We’re so excited to announce that we’ve been renewed for not one, but TWO more seasons! I’m so grateful and so excited!”
Drew Barrymore Reflects On Show’s Mission After Renewal

In a statement, Barrymore opened up about what the show means to her and its audience. “What matters most to us is our viewers and the people that come here!” she began. “This show began as a space for intimate conversation, and we’re continuing to plant our flag as a truly multiplatform experience.”
“We live in a world where people discover content in so many different ways, and from the very start in 2020, our mission was to break the mold rather than conform to the traditional daytime landscape,” she continued. “I hold myself accountable to staying savvy about how and where this show is seen, feeding every corner that counts, while daring to just be myself and figure out life with others.”
“My curiosity about people is what fuels me. I’m so excited to continue as I see this endeavor as an opportunity and a gift,” Barrymore went on to say. “Our show family is deeply grateful for the support of CBS and George Cheeks, who all helped us get here.”
Entertainment
Evil Dead Director’s Upcoming Haunt Breathes New Life Into Ancient Monster
By Jennifer Asencio
| Published

For the past few decades, mummies have been featured monsters in movies that are more action-oriented than horror. The last time a mummy was featured as a horror monster in a mainstream film was in 1987’s The Monster Squad. One could be forgiven for thinking of mummies in terms of Brendan Fraser or Tom Cruise, because zombies were introduced, and typical mummies are just zombies wrapped up in bandages … right?
An Ancient Dread For A Modern Audience
In the latest take on the monster, horror master Lee Cronin reminds audiences that mummies have a mystique that is steeped in ancient pagan ritual and occult practices. Millenia before there were zombies, the restless dead were said to have walked the earth, and the only way anyone knew to prevent such affliction was mummification. Early horror iterations called “The Mummy” often asked the question, “what if mummification wasn’t enough to contain the restless dead?” Even the action films tackle this query.
Cronin’s official trailer for The Mummy, which dropped on April 1, 2026, is no joke. It does seem to veer off into a strange direction from normal mummy movies; rather than digging up a 3,000-year-old corpse that then terrorizes the neighborhood, the mummy is a young child who has been missing for almost a decade and is found in a sealed sarcophagus of that ancient age, and it is she who terrorizes the neighborhood. Her distraught parents are both shocked and horrified to find her alive but unaged, and she seems to have returned with a ravenous appetite for fear, if not human flesh.
Cronin Knows How To Make Kids Creepy
Lee Cronin excels at simultaneously creating creepy evil children and making audiences extremely anxious on behalf of the protagonist children who are often their victims. His debut feature, The Hole in the Ground, is an excellent exercise in such dramatic tension, offering a child and a changeling imitating him and spending much of the movie not allowing audiences to know which child was which.

Evil Dead Rise, the first Evil Dead movie that I did not enjoy, still delivered on this theme by taking place among the family of a single mom rather than a group of college students. This is not why I wasn’t fond of the film, but rather that Cronin’s talents lie in his own IPs rather than in contributing to someone else’s. Plus, he’s backed this time by horror studio Blumhouse and their production partner, James Wan’s Atomic Monster.
Natalie Grace And Her Million Dollar Face
The Mummy thus seems to be a return to form for him, even as it borrows from another IP. The Evil Dead franchise has very narrow rules it operates by, while mummies and their cinematic lore have much broader leeway in what can be done with them. There is certainly room for Cronin to explore themes surrounding the horror of being a parent by connecting one of the most terrifying experiences a parent can have, a missing child, to an ancient Egyptian mummy. Coupled with his trademark chiaroscuro lighting in Gothic settings whose antiquity oozes from the very walls, the Irish director seems poised to reinforce his solid reputation in the horror genre.

The Hole in the Ground cast doubt upon whether the boy in it was real or his doppelganger, but The Mummy makes no obfuscation in showing that its creepy little girl, played by the odd-looking Natalie Grace and unnamed on IMDb, is definitely not who she was when she disappeared. The only doubt lies in whether this monster is riding around in their daughter’s actual body, or if it is simply disguising itself as her to prey upon them. Grace’s exotic eye shape lends itself mightily to her makeup and her uncanny and sinister behavior, and her youthful appearance makes her believable as she crawls around in her white nighty exuding evil with unconcealed glee.
Even if Grace’s performance turns out to be poor, her unique facial structure is enough to keep her employed for years, and her apparent emotional range, indicated by “before” scenes of the character with her family, hints that she will be great in this breakout role.

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy comes out in theaters on April 17, 2026. Check it out and prepare for a new twist on a very old monster.
Entertainment
Martha Stewart Approves of Hands-Free Skechers Sneakers
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Martha Stewart knows everything about chic taste and high standards, so we trust her judgment with shoes. Stewart wears Skechers sneakers nonstop, whether she’s gardening, traveling or walking around the neighborhood. In fact, she loves them so much that she partnered with Skechers (and now has an entire collection).
As you’d imagine, Stewart-approved styles are more than comfortable. They’re effortlessly stylish, supportive and convenient, offering an easy slip-on design that takes the bending and lacing out of getting ready. Stewart raves about the hands-free line, so we rounded up the comfiest rich mom versions to carry you through spring, summer and beyond.
Comfy Slip-on Skechers Inspired by Martha Stewart
1. Stewart’s Go-to: We’ve spotted Stewart in many Skechers sneakers, but she did an entire commercial about these sporty slip-ins. She said, “It almost feels like I’m gliding on air when I walk.”
2. Festival-Ready: If you’re attending a music festival this season, or if you want to look like you are, these edgy sneakers deliver. They have a sleek flat silhouette, a colorful print and secret arch support.
3. Could be Designer: Iridescent leopard print and a solid color make these lace-up kicks appear much more expensive than they are. They’re a compliment magnet, so be prepared.
4. Luxe Alert: With intricate stitching, glittery leather and a gold star detail, these slip-on sneakers channel rich mom vibes. The heel pillow keeps your foot secure while the wedge gives you height.
5. Retro Chic: Metallics are totally in right now and these champagne-colored kicks nail the aesthetic. They transition seamlessly from brunches to cocktails, making them the perfect wear-everywhere shoes.
6. Spring Time: Bestseller alert! Shoppers rave about these floral sneakers, highlighting the cozy fit, air-cooled memory foam and classy quilted look.
7. Travel-Friendly: Whether you’re running errands or to the airport, these low-profile shoes have you covered. One reviewer said that the sneakers are so comfortable that they forgot they were wearing shoes.
8. Colors Galore: From neutrals to vibrant hues, there’s a Glide-Step Pro for every wardrobe. The soles provide plenty of cushioning for soft landings and springy steps.
9. Quiet Luxury: We’re a little (a lot) obsessed with these quilted slip-ons that channel Nantucket and Nashville at the same time. Equally preppy and luxe, they’re the easiest add-to-cart — especially with an under-$100 price tag.
Entertainment
Reza Farahan Recalls Massive Shahs of Sunset Salary Increase
Reza Farahan dropped a surprising bombshell regarding the Shahs of Sunset casts’ salary increase.
“The last thing they want is for the cast to figure out how valuable they are. They want to keep you in the dark and keep a thumb on your head, so you don’t ask for more money,” Reza, 52, recalled in his new book Memoirs of a Gay Shah: My Story of Family, Fame and Becoming a King, released on Tuesday, April 7. “There’s no gold statue moment. It’s a constant game of trying to keep you in check no matter how popular you become.”
Reza, who appeared on the show from 2012 to 2021, recalled “investing” his own money to promote himself and his lifestyle. He specifically recalled “buying Louboutins” to maintain his image while his checks were allegedly not “covering the price of the shoes.”
“With how dumpy everything about the production was at that point, my minuscule check felt like it might be eating up the majority of the budget,” he continued. “During season 1, I shot my confessional interviews in a storage closet. I’m not even kidding. The camera person was doing my makeup, for God’s sake. We didn’t have a legit makeup artist. She bought some cosmetics and kept them with her. She would help us put them on before we shot.”
Shahs of Sunset followed a group of Iranian Americans living in Beverly Hills as they tried to juggle their social lives and up-and-coming careers while balancing the demands of their families and traditions.
Reza recalled the cast coming together as a group to negotiate a raise when the season 3 offer was “a pittance.”
“I’m not going to lie. It was four figures an episode,” he wrote. “At the end of the day, it all worked out. We agreed to a favored nations contract and our per episode salary went up something like six or seven times what it was previously. We went from four digits per episode to five for the season. So that was a nice bump.”
Elsewhere in his memoir, Reza detailed tension between the cast based on who was “doing more press” pegged to the show, revealing he catfished his cast early on by pretending to be an anonymous producer who mocked them and addressed the show coming to an end.
Shahs of Sunset’s finale paved the way for Reza, Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi and Mercedes “MJ” Javid eventually joining the Bravo reboot: The Valley: Persian Style.
Memoirs of a Gay Shah: My Story of Family, Fame, and Becoming a King is out on bookshelves now.
Entertainment
Welcome to Plathville’s Moriah Takes Off Her Wig in Public
Moriah Plath has a vulnerable moment with her siblings on Welcome to Plathville while taking off her wig for the first time in public amid her emotional journey with alopecia.
“OK, nobody laugh. Or actually everybody laugh,” Moriah, 23, tells her big brother Ethan Plath and younger sister Amber Plath in Us Weekly’s exclusive sneak peek at the Tuesday, April 7, episode of the TLC series. “It helps when people laugh sometimes.”
Moriah proceeds to remove her blonde wig and reveal her bald head before trying on a new wig.
“You’re so beautiful” the beauty supply store salesperson chimes in, pointing out that Moriah has the same cute dimples as her siblings, who are smiling as they watch her get styled.

Moriah Plath. Courtesy of Moriah Plath/Instagram
“I’ve never taken my wig off before in public,” Moriah tells the cameras. “It’s definitely freeing to just be honest.”
The reality star, who has been vocal about her alopecia journey since 2024, adds that to “get that out there” and show all sides of herself is a relief.
“I ain’t got nothing to hide. I can’t anymore,” Moriah shares.
As Moriah steps out into the spotlight and embraces her hair loss, both Ethan, 27, and Amber, 17, reveal how proud they are of their sister’s courage.
“Moriah’s, you know, she’s precious, and I think she’s beautiful whether she has hair or not,” Ethan says in a confessional, noting he “can’t imagine what it’d be like, especially for a woman” to have no control over your hair.
Amber tells the cameras that Moriah is doing “really good these days” and that her newfound confidence is clear to see.

Moriah Plath. TLC
“She has her weirdness back, which is her personality,” Amber says with a smile. “It really makes you see that self worth doesn’t come from your hair or, you know, superficial things. I think it comes from, you know, your heart, feeling loved and accepted.”
During the family outing to the beauty store, Moriah looks happy as she tries on wigs and embraces different styles.
“Ethan ain’t saying nothing bad, so it must be good,” the salesperson says with a laugh, which makes Moriah giggle. Ethan confirms, “It looks good,” which Moriah tells the store associate “means a lot.”
Moriah previously talked about her alopecia journey during a September 2024 episode of Welcome to Plathville. She revealed that when she was about 3 or 4 she lost all of her hair.
“It started falling out and it didn’t come back till I was 8,” she recalled. “These last several months, I have noticed, for myself at least, heartbreak triggers my alopecia. I think that it’s an outward reflection of what’s going on inside.”
Moriah noted that following a 2023 breakup, she “definitely lost about half my hair” and wanted to shave it off.
In July 2025, Moriah took to Instagram to address her appearance after she once again “lost all my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.”
She shared, “It was extremely hard and emotional and I had to come to terms with it. I cried an awful lot and then told myself oh well, it is what it is. I’ll do what I can and make the most of it.”
Moriah revealed at the time that she was “not very talented” with wigs yet or drawing on her eyebrows. “So if I look a bit odd or different now that would most likely be why 🙈I’m learning to laugh where I can and cry when I need to and just accepting it,” she added.
Welcome to Plathville airs on TLC Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET.
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