John Cusack is opening up about why he stepped away from the Hollywood system that made him a star.

Rather than chasing more blockbuster roles, the veteran actor says he reached a point where creative compromises no longer felt worth making, leading him to pursue a very different path.

John Cusack is revealing what ultimately pushed him toward graphic novels and away from traditional filmmaking, offering a candid look at the frustrations that reshaped his decades-long career.

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Cusack says his latest creative project grew out of a desire to tell stories without having to compromise his creative vision. Rather than pursue another major studio film, the veteran actor said he turned to graphic novels because he “didn’t want to negotiate“ how his stories were told. 

Speaking during Variety Studio at San Diego Comic-Con, Cusack explained that large film budgets often come with creative interference, saying that once someone invests millions into a movie, “they want to have an opinion.”

He said that mindset inspired him to create “Momo,” a graphic novel about two fugitives who form an unlikely partnership during a surreal 1970s road trip across America, according to Variety’s interview shared on X.

The comments quickly drew mixed reactions. One fan wrote, “Man, I hope he gets back into making banger films again; he’s such a special talent,” while another bluntly commented, “FACELIFT HORROR SHOW. damn John, you got victimized.

A Graphic Novel Built Without Studio Influence

Rather than trying to revive an old Hollywood formula, Cusack poured his creative energy into “Momo,” an independently produced graphic novel that blends a 1970s road trip, a heist story, and an extraterrestrial mystery into a single narrative.

Speaking about the project, he explained that he and illustrator Ignacio Noé completed the book without studio executives, focus groups, or outside editors shaping the story.

He described it as an “anti-algorithm” project created entirely on their own terms, and Us Weekly noted that the book marks the actor’s first graphic novel and was published through Mad Cave Studios.

The longtime actor also hinted that it may not be a one-time activity, saying that he is working on another book with Noé as he continues to seek out avenues outside the film industry for storytelling.

John Cusack Has Long Criticized Hollywood’s Studio System

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Cusack’s frustrations with Hollywood did not begin with his move into graphic novels. Years before unveiling “Momo,” the actor openly criticized the modern studio system, arguing that it had become increasingly driven by corporate interests rather than creative storytelling.

In an interview with The Guardian, Cusack explained that Hollywood was now a place “where the big guys are in control, and they’re making more films based on franchises.”

Cusack said studios don’t trust filmmakers to make their own movies the way they used to do. He also condemned the lack of respect for older people and the need for commercial success over originality, which he felt were prevalent.

Those long-held views help explain why Cusack has embraced projects that allow him to work outside the traditional studio model, giving him the freedom to tell stories without the compromises he says have become common in Hollywood.

Outspoken Views Often Keep The Actor In The Headlines

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In addition to his acting and publishing endeavors, Cusack has consistently been one of Hollywood’s most vocal political figures, offering his opinions using social media on significant national events and debates.

The Blast previously reported that following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the actor strongly criticized Donald Trump’s victory, arguing that the country had “destroyed itself” by electing someone he described as a convicted felon.

He has also been a longtime critic of the former president, regularly sharing his views with millions of followers online. From politics to creative freedom, Cusack has never been afraid to speak out on matters of interest, frequently making his voice heard in the news.

John Cusack Continues To Speak His Mind

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Stepping away from traditional filmmaking has not meant stepping away from the spotlight. Outside his creative work, Cusack has continued to draw attention for speaking publicly on issues far beyond the entertainment industry.

During Chicago’s “No Kings” protest, The Blast reported that the actor delivered a blunt message aimed at President Donald Trump while criticizing what he viewed as growing authoritarianism.

The remarks quickly spread across social media, adding to a long history of Cusack using his public platform to weigh in on political issues.

As he continues pursuing projects on his own terms while remaining unafraid to voice his opinions, will John Cusack keep redefining his career in ways that extend far beyond Hollywood?

Netflix has quite a penchant for adapting beloved classic movies and shows into modern remakes. Recently, the streamer delivered a shiny new version of Little House on the Prairie, based on the children’s novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder, which ran as one of the most popular shows of its day between 1974 and 1983. Earning 6.4 million views in just four days and already winning a second season renewal, there’s no doubt that the remake has been a success, even if the show is being review-bombed on aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

The series Collider’s Maggie Lovitt called a “masterpiece” in her review is the latest in a long line of successful remakes for Netflix, with the company ready to try its hand at one of the most popular cult classic rom-coms of the noughties. It was confirmed back in March that Netflix is producing a reboot of the 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going on 30, with Emily Bader and Logan Lerman in lead roles.

The movie will reunite Bader with director Brett Haley, after the pair produced rom-com magic with 2026’s The People We Meet on Vacation. “13 Going on 30 is one of those rare, perfect films. Funny, emotional, deeply human, with unforgettable performances from Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and Judy Greer,” Haley said in a statement. “I’m a longtime fan, so stepping into this reimagining comes with tremendous responsibility.”

Two Original Stars Look Set to Return

Of the many rom-coms that could get a remake, 13 Going on 30 is a brilliant choice. Not only has enough time passed that the remake can feel fresh in a modern setting, but it is still relevant enough thematically that there won’t need to be too much creative license taken. But the latter of these points will still worry fans who hold the 2004 original close to their hearts.

Well, courtesy of some new leaked set photos, you might not have to worry at all, with it seeming as if original stars Jennifer Garner, who is already on board to executive produce, and Judy Greer will be reprising their roles as Jenna Rink and Lucy “Tom-Tom” Wyman. In the set photos, the pair were spotted in costume alongside Bader, filming a scene at a building in Santa Monica, California. With the logline for the movie under wraps, who knows how involved the duo will be? Fingers crossed, Mark Ruffalo and Andy Serkis also return.

For more updates, stay tuned to Collider.

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Release Date

April 23, 2004

Runtime

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98minutes

Director

Gary Winick

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Writers

Gary Winick

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Pamela Anderson is finally setting the record straight about whether she will be part of the upcoming “Baywatch” reboot, ending months of speculation surrounding her connection to the iconic franchise.

As Hollywood continues reviving beloved television classics, fans have been eager to know whether the actress, whose red swimsuit became one of the defining images of 1990s pop culture, would return in any capacity.

Long before her career resurgence, Pamela Anderson became a global icon as C.J. Parker on “Baywatch,” starring on the hit series from 1992 to 1997. The role defined a generation and remains the performance most closely associated with her name. 

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Anderson made it clear that while she looks back on “Baywatch” with gratitude, she has no intention of revisiting the role that made her a global star.

Speaking while promoting her new film “Rosebush Pruning,” the actress reflected on how the series opened countless doors but stressed that her focus is now on exploring entirely different creative opportunities.

When asked if she would be interested in returning to the upcoming “Baywatch” remake, Anderson said no one had approached her directly for the part. She also wished the new team good luck, saying that she has “no plans” to make a comeback to her namesake franchise, where she kicked off her career.

Anderson also said the original series was a job she really loved because she loved to shoot on the beach daily, Deadline reported. Instead of revisiting familiar territory, Anderson said she wants to keep surprising both audiences and herself by pursuing bold new roles.

Instead, Anderson is focused on taking creative risks. She said she wants to explore characters she has never played before, including the possibility of returning to the stage, rather than revisiting the past.

Her Sons Were Nearly Part Of The New Series

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Although Anderson has ruled out returning to “Baywatch,” she revealed there was once a family connection to the reboot. Producers had discussions with her sons, Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee, about joining the project behind the scenes.

Those talks ultimately fell through, but Anderson admitted she might have been more interested if her sons had become involved. The iconic actress said there was never “a meeting of the minds,” though she wished the reboot team nothing but success.

Instead, Anderson is looking ahead, with several films already completed and more opportunities on the horizon; she said she is focused on projects that continue to challenge her creatively.

Pamela Anderson’s Legacy Sparks New Competition On The New ‘Baywatch’ Set

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Anderson’s legacy is reportedly creating competition behind the scenes of the new “Baywatch” reboot. As reported by The Blast, Brooks Nader and Livvy Dunne have both been linked to an unofficial race to become the franchise’s next breakout star, with sources claiming discussions about the “next Pam Anderson” have created tension during production.

Nader is expected to play a much larger role in the series, while Dunne is set to appear in only a few episodes. Although neither actress has publicly addressed the speculation, it was reported that the comparisons reflect the lasting influence of Anderson’s portrayal of C.J. Parker.

While the franchise’s reboot is gearing up to usher in a new generation of lifeguards, Anderson’s legacy in the series can never be forgotten. All these things continue to define what’s expected from women who walk on the beach even decades after her debut.

‘The Last Showgirl’ Star Embraces Risk With New Film

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Anderson is taking another unexpected turn in her career with the dark comedy “Rosebush Pruning,” which premiered in U.S. theaters on July 24. Discussing the film, she said audiences should expect something “shocking in a good way,” stressing that its provocative moments exist to serve the story rather than shock for its own sake.

The actress also explained that she deliberately sought out the project because she wants to keep challenging herself instead of playing it safe. The Blast noted that Anderson described director Karim Aïnouz as a visionary. He said she is committed to working with filmmakers who push both storytelling and her own abilities as a performer.

That approach reflects the path Anderson has embraced in recent years, choosing bold, character-driven roles over familiar territory as she continues to redefine the next chapter of her career.

Pamela Anderson Says Going Makeup-Free Became Her Answer To AI Beauty

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Along with new roles in movies, Anderson has continued to defy the beauty norms of the modern world. The actress has maintained her move to be seen without makeup, believing that it is important to promote authenticity at a time when AI-generated and heavily retouched images are becoming more prevalent.

Speaking about her partnership with Aerie’s anti-AI campaign, Anderson said she refused to retouch or filter her photos because she wanted to highlight what she called “perfectly imperfect” beauty.

Anderson warned that AI-generated imagery has become “very worrisome” and argued that technology is pushing unrealistic expectations even further. She added that stepping away from makeup and digital enhancement has been one of the most freeing decisions of her career.

The actress has chosen to move away from the facade and glamorous lifestyle that defined her career. She has now embraced a more ‘natural’ lifestyle, living a life of simplicity, confidence and self-acceptance.

As her acting career takes a new turn, can Pamela Anderson keep demonstrating that being true to herself is as strong as being reinvented?

One Instagram user @pretty_yai said, “I use to think Keyshia Cole was hard to get next to 😂”

This Instagram user @celeb_brandon joked, “Maybe she need that phone convo with Monica again cause obviously she ain’t listen😑”

And, Instagram user @a.m.p_23_2025 claimed, “Keyshia doesn’t know what she be doing…”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @dominiquechinn commented, “It’s ok to be single for a bit”

While Instagram user @gloomanwalkin4g3 shared, “now she finna do the 67 all day”

Lastly, Instagram user @biggrealmz wrote, “She wants another heart-break to come out with another fire album ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ go girl”

NASCAR legend Kyle Busch’s widow, Samantha Busch, is still figuring out her new normal following her husband’s shocking and sudden death.

“There is so much I want to share about what losing Kyle has really been like. Not just the sadness but the physical pain that grief causes,” Samantha, 40, wrote via Instagram on Friday, July 24, referring to Kyle’s death earlier this spring. “The trauma. The disbelief that still hits me every morning I wake up. The way my heart and mind can’t fully accept that this is our reality.”

News broke in May that Kyle died at age 41 after he was found unresponsive in a racing simulator. (Kyle’s cause of death was later revealed as pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.)

The pro racer is survived by Samantha and their two children, who have since been candid about grieving Kyle’s loss.

“I’ve always been an open book. Sharing the hard parts of my life has always been important to me,” Samantha wrote on Friday of being open with her social media followers. “It’s been how I’ve processed, healed and connected with people walking similar roads. From infertility, hair loss [and] marriage, I’ve shared because I never wanted someone else to feel alone in what they were facing. This feels so different.”

She continued, “Every time I start to write, I stop. I worry people will think it’s too dark. Too much. That I’m grieving the wrong way. That I should be farther along. That I should keep these thoughts to myself, but the truth is staying quiet hasn’t felt like me either and posting just the pretty healing moments feels fake because it doesn’t capture how truly brutal grief is on every level.”

Samantha further noted that she does miss “showing up as [her] authentic self” online, though it is admittedly difficult to do in the wake of her husband’s death.

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“This is my life now. It’s heartbreaking, messy, confusing and incredibly lonely,” she said. “I don’t know exactly what sharing this chapter will look like yet. I just know that pretending I’m OK isn’t honest.”

Less than one week earlier, Samantha publicly celebrated her 11-year-old son Brexton’s first racing victory since Kyle’s death.

“This is his first win since Kyle’s passing. There was a lot of emotions to say the very least,” Samantha wrote via her Instagram Stories earlier this month. “Beyond proud of him not just for winning but all that he’s navigating at a young age, beyond shattered Kyle isn’t here to be a part of this, beyond grateful for all the support and amazing people we have around us.”

After spending more than a decade focused on family life, Eva Mendes is reportedly ready to make a serious return to acting.

Insiders claim the actress is exploring new film opportunities and relying on longtime partner Ryan Gosling to take on more responsibilities at home as she reconnects with Hollywood.

The reported comeback follows renewed interest in her career, with rumors linking Eva Mendes to major upcoming projects and reigniting discussion about her future on screen after years away from the spotlight.

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According to a source, Mendes is eager to explore new opportunities in film and is counting on Gosling to take on a larger share of parenting responsibilities. The actress is said to be reconnecting with directors, producers and studio executives.

“She’s leaning on Ryan to pick up the slack at home and slow down his usually packed schedule,” the insider said, per Star Magazine. “Eva needs the free time to meet with filmmakers and studio executives and really see what is out there for her.”

Speculation about the actress’s comeback has been growing in recent months. Reports have suggested Mendes may have already filmed a role in “Star Wars: Starfighter,” the upcoming 2027 installment led by Gosling.

Other industry rumors have linked her to “Fast Forever,” the next chapter in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, which is currently being developed for a planned 2028 release.

The Actress Eyes A Major Return After Rumored ‘Starfighter’ Role Reignites Her Passion

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The source says working on “Starfighter” reignited Mendes’ enthusiasm for acting.

“Eva rediscovered her taste for acting while making ‘Starfighter’ last year,” the insider explained. “Now she wants to be in more films that her kids and their friends will actually enjoy and talk about.”

Mendes and Gosling, who share daughters Esmeralda, 11, and Amada, 10, have built a largely private family life since meeting while filming “The Place Beyond the Pines” in 2012.

Over the years, the Skura Style founder stepped away from the spotlight to prioritize raising their family. However, she has previously acknowledged that a return to acting was always a possibility.

Ryan Gosling Is Reportedly Supportive Of Eva Mendes’ Plans

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In a past interview, she noted that the range of roles available to her had changed significantly since she left the industry, making the prospect of returning more appealing.

“When I bowed out 10 years ago, I wasn’t being offered things that weren’t specifically Latina,” she told the outlet. “It is exciting that things are different now, so who knows what I will do in the future.”

As Mendes explores her next chapter, the source says Gosling is supportive of her ambitions and willing to help make the transition possible.

“It’s the hardest and most rewarding job he has,” the insider says. “Besides, Ryan doesn’t seem to have any other choice but to stick to Eva’s plan!”

Eva Mendes Reveals The Simple Date Night Tradition She Shares With Ryan Gosling

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In a recent interview, Mendes revealed that the pair still make time for regular date nights, often opting for one of their favorite shared activities: going to the cinema.

“Yeah, we do have date nights regularly,” Mendes explained, adding that one of their favorite pastimes is going to the cinema. “We like movies, and we like going to the movies so we try to keep that alive.”

The actress also noted that maintaining a low profile helps them enjoy those moments without too much disruption. According to Mendes, choosing the right places allows them to avoid unnecessary attention and simply enjoy each other’s company.

“People are usually cool,” she explained, per E! News. “If you want attention, you go to certain places, and if you don’t, you know where to go. We do the latter.”

Eva Mendes Calls Ryan Gosling The ‘Most Incredible Partner And Father’ In Sweet Tribute

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Meanwhile, Mendes recently showed her playful side after a fan shared a video celebrating Gosling online. The clip, which featured footage of the actor greeting fans at New York’s Lincoln Center, praised him as the ultimate heartthrob.

“What a man,” the fan captioned the video, “I genuinely think it’s impossible for me to stop posting/talking about this.”

Rather than ignoring the post, Mendes joined the conversation with an enthusiastic response, agreeing with the fan’s admiration while offering a glimpse into Gosling’s life away from the spotlight.

“This is beautiful,” she wrote. “I agree! And girls, I’m telling you he is the most incredible partner and father.”

Mendes went on to praise Gosling’s dedication to their family, saying she never misses an opportunity to let people know how much she appreciates him. “I love letting everyone know that,” she added, “He’s beyond the beyond! Thanks for the support for him & the film. Lotsa love to you guys!”

Brittany Renner recently let off warning shots for her exes, Kevin Gates and PJ Washington. Video clips circulating show Renner telling Kevin to leave her alone and calling PJ a deadbeat dad to their son. In those same clips, she also appears to shade Kevin’s “child bride” wife, Jelenny Tejada and clocks the tension with Alisah Chanel, PJ’s wife.

RELATED: Brittany Renner Reacts After Alisah Chanel Alleges She’s Pregnant, Refused To Let PJ Washington See His Son And Begged For $150

Brittany Renner Addresses Internet Talk Of Her Converting To Islam For Kevin Gates

In a clip posted by Live Bitez, Brittany appeared to be on a livestream and clarified that she wasn’t talking to Kevin Gates when she converted to Islam. Additionally, she said she never did anything to him. “He is who he is,” she said before saying that she ended the relationship. She then called out an alleged 12-minute song the rapper allegedly dropped, threatening her and her song, then shouting out PJ. “That’s weird,” Renner added, claiming Kevin deleted the track soon after posting it. “That looks f**king crazy,” she said. Additionally, she called herself his biggest inspiration.

 “…Let’s not forget who you wrote ‘Flagging’ about, ‘Wishing in Morocco’ about, ‘Fairytale’ about. But you happy with your child bride. Okay, leave me alone then b****h,” Brittany Renner said.

It’s unclear what, if anything, recently happened between the exes or whether he has spoken about her to trigger the livestream comments. For context, Jelenny is reportedly 27 years old and allegedly wed Kevin Gates in December 2025. In another clip, she talked about a home that he allegedly got for her first, then mentioned his estranged wife, Dreka Gates.

“And if you’re such a great f**king guy then how come Dreka don’t wanna be with you? Cause they d**k eat her. So, who’s the problem?

As mentioned, she said she did not become Muslim to get Kevin Gates, and that he popped up six months into her journey. She also claimed to still “have him” and said he’s not as “indifferent” as he thinks he is.

Brittany Calls PJ Washington A Deadbeat Dad, Talks Of Fighting Alisah Chanel

Soon after going in about Kevin Gates, Brittany Renner turned her attention on PJ Washington and Alisah Chanel. She claimed to know PJ is going to watch her video since his real dream is to stream, she said. Then, she got straight to dragging!

“Stop f**king playing with me and stop f**king playing with our son,” Renner said, before alleging that the “feds are building a case” and he’s going to get “traded.” Last September, Washington signed a four-year contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks that was reportedly worth $90 million.

“That’s why no good is going to come to you. You keep talking about the Lord and carry that Bible around as a prop. Boy if you don’t stop! What did the Bible say about the children? Because if you’re with doing what you’re doing to our son and you got your other f**king kids living a certain kind of way and people think that sh*t is funny…that’s f**king deadbeat behavior. You’re a f**king deadbeat.”

Brittany Renner said her issue will always be with PJ Washington, but that anyone who gets in it can get it. She seemed to allude to Alisah Chanel, claiming that PJ allows her to insert herself in their problems.

“The reason that you’re still married to that b*tch is cause y’all keep trying to prove a point to me,” Brittany Renner said. “That’s what it is.”

Moreover, the influencer claimed that Alisah Chanel previously reached out to her in November 2024. Brittany said Alisah told her she went through PJ Washington’s phone and couldn’t catch him cheating, so she allegedly asked Renner how she found out.

“You’re just going to stay with him because you have no self-respect and you’re not gonna do better than PJ. The difference between me and you is that I can.”

Additionally, she addressed the previously viral video of her and PJ going in on each other outside of her home while picking up their son. In that video, Renner had also traded heated words with Alisah. But, in her recent livestream, Renner said she’s offered to throw hands with Alisah after PJ allegedly brought his wife to her home to “incite violence.” She claimed PJ told her he would make her look like an unfit mother. “So I’m going up against someone with endless resources that’s threatening to take my child…,” Renner said.

 “…Let me tell you something, b*tch you don’t want that it with me either. Cause you know I’ll light that sh*t up any day with you. That’s nothing. Did you forget that PJ pulled my mom off of you? You don’t want that sh*t with me babe, I done offered it to you. I offered that to you. You were out of breath cause you’re out of shape.”

Also, Brittany Renner said she’s not having a crash out moment. “What you’re hearing is passion,” she said.

RELATED: Social Media Called It! Rashad Scroggins Says He “Dodged A Missile” While Confirming Breakup With Brittany Renner, Claims She Wants PJ Washington (VIDEO)

After questions about her degrees went viral, Pastor Jamal Bryant apologized for giving Cheyenne Bryant a platform. On Saturday (July 25), he circled back to her, saying she attempted to send him a cease-and-desist order. Pastor Bryant said this will be his last time addressing Cheyenne. Instead, he’s turning his attention to displaced Howard University students.

RELATED: Howard University Releases Statement As Internet Users React To Mass Unenrollment Allegedly Impacting Hundreds Of Students

Pastor Jamal Bryant Shares Interaction With Alleged Rep For Cheyenne Bryant

The pastor addressed his latest take on Cheyenne Bryant in a video shared on Instagram. He said that he had received a cease-and-desist that didn’t come from a lawyer, but from Bryant herself. When that happened, he stayed quiet about it.
“I said imma walk away, I don’t want to be part of Black on Black crime. I let it go,” he said.

Then, he recently received an email from Dr. Jaquel Pitts, who claimed to be the president of Indiana Southwest Christian University. Pastor Bryant said in his video that he couldn’t find any such university in that location. Also, he said Pitts defended Cheyenne Bryant’s Ph.D in “theocentric psychology,” but refused to send any transcripts.

What Sparked The “Dr. Cheyenne Bryant” Questions, Again? 

As previously reported, Cheyenne Bryant and her certification history are once again a hot topic. She fanned the social media fumes after participating in the Netflix documentary trend earlier this week.

“When Netflix does a documentary on Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, Episode 1 will ask, ‘Is she really a doctor? Episodes 2-10 will investigate why complete jealous envious haters tried to prove she wasn’t,” her video said.

Controversy about her doctoral degree surfaced while on a press tour for her book, ‘Live Your Promise.’ An interview on The Breakfast Club where she spoke of her transcripts and experience sparked more questions about whether she was legit. Social media became obsessed with seeing proof of her doctoral degree and her dissertation. However, in May, she doubled down on ‘The Marissa Mitchell Show’ about refusing to show proof.

RELATED: Oop! The Internet Continues To Question Whether Cheyenne Bryant Is A “Real Doctor” After She Defends Her Credentials (VIDEO)

What’s Going On At Howard University? 

In his video caption, Pastor Jamal Bryant centered the situation at Howard University. He wrote, “Now that we finished with that! Let’s deal with something way more important! The education of black children is in real danger! Run to @jamalbryantpodcast the Jamal Bryant podcast on YouTube and hear the entire discussion! 🤦🏾🙏🏾.” 

Earlier this week, hundreds of students were unenrolled from the HBCU for the fall semester in connection with unresolved payment issues. Howard released a statement clarifying that students received multiple warnings in the five months leading up to being dropped. Still, social media has been flooded with commentary from impacted students, parents, Howard alums and more. Pastor Bryant was one of the first prominent figures to bring attention to the mass unrollment on social media.

 

 

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RELATED: Oop! Dr. Cheyenne Bryant Renews Doctorate Controversy After Participating In Netflix Documentary Trend (VIDEO)

Courtney Stodden is addressing Seinfeld star Jason Alexander’s decision to donate money to Unchained At Last — a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the legal practice of child marriage in the United States – as part of his apology for his role in a 2012 comedy sketch.

“I was grateful to learn Jason Alexander sent a beautiful gift to Unchained At Last. I want to sincerely thank him for choosing to turn words into action,” Stodden, 31, wrote via Instagram on Friday, July 24, alongside a photo of the model-turned-advocate. “Accountability isn’t about public punishment — it’s about taking meaningful steps that can help create change.”

She continued, “My hope has always been bigger than my own story. If difficult conversations can lead to real support for organizations protecting children and ending child marriage, then something positive can come from something deeply painful.”

Stodden made headlines after she called out the Funny or Die alum, 66, for a comedy sketch featuring her when she was a minor. In the sketch, which parodied daytime television, Alexander used a cell phone to “assess the quality” of Stodden’s heart by rubbing the device on her breasts.

“I was 17 years old in this photo,” she wrote alongside a screenshot from the skit. “The older I get, the more impossible this is to understand. During this comedy sketch, Jason Alexander repeatedly rubbed his phone across my breasts while saying there was ‘no signal’ in my head but ‘plenty of signal’ in my chest. Later in the sketch, he joked that when I turned 18 he’d like to take me behind the couch and ‘have his way’ with me.”

She continued at the time, “As an adult, that fact has become harder — not easier — for me to understand. I was a minor. I didn’t have the legal power to decide whether I wanted to participate. The contracts were signed by adults.”

Alexander issued a public apology to Stodden, who has become a fierce advocate against legal child marriage in the United States after her own underage marriage to Doug Hutchinson, who was 50 when he married 16-year-old Stodden in 2011. (The pair eventually split in 2017.) While many Americans believe child marriage to be just an international issue, 33 states currently allow children under the age of 18 to get married, while 17 have banned the practice.

“Looking back at the comedy sketch in which Ms Stodden and I participated in 2012, I completely agree that it was inappropriate and I truly regret it,” the actor said in a statement to Us. “But more importantly, I am deeply sorry for any harm or distress it has caused Ms. Stodden. I offer her my sincere apologies.”

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On Friday, Stodden told her Instagram followers that she hopes Alexander’s apology and subsequent donation becomes “the standard” when people are asked to reckon with their past actions.

“When harm is acknowledged, meaningful action has the power to help others,” she added. “That’s how real change begins. If Jason’s actions inspired you, I hope you’ll consider making a donation to Unchained At Last. We are working to end child marriage and protect vulnerable children across the United States. Don’t just witness accountability — be part of it. Every donation helps protect the next child.”

If you know of a young person who is being exploited or is the victim of a crime, you are urged to report it to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be left at http://tips.fbi.gov/

Weeks after publicly accusing her husband of being a pedophile, influencer Sara Gilson has died. According to reports, her husband, Jeremiah ‘Shawn’ Duffey, fatally shot her and himself in a murder-suicide act. Newly obtained 911 audio is now giving more context to the incident and Gilson’s pleas for help.

RELATED: Prayers Up! 23-Year-Old Woman Passes Away In Japan After Man Falls From Building Onto Her

How A TikTok Trend Led To Influencer Sara Gilson’s Death

As mentioned, on July 11, Sara Gilson uploaded a TikTok video participating in the popular Netflix documentary trend. The trend involves describing a type of docuseries for which the network could potentially interview the poster. In Gilson’s video, she referenced her marriage to Jeremiah, claiming he’s a pedophile.

“Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon to be ex husband who I just found out is a pedophile,” the 43-year-old wrote in her video.

Meanwhile, her caption read, “I wish I was joking.” Her video has since been viewed over 10.2 million times and counting following the news of her death. The comment section boasts over 24,000 reactions.

@mrsgilson

I wish I was joking. #plottwist #netflix #documentary

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♬ original sound – Sara 🌸🐚🌺

According to KTUL, Jeremiah ‘Shawn’ Duffey shot and killed Sara on Thursday, July 23 in her Owasso, Oklahoma home. Police discovered her body with gunshot wounds after a child who lived in the home called 911. The child was not harmed in the incident.

Additionally, cops reportedly arrived on the scene shortly after 11 p.m. After shooting his wife, investigators believe Duffey fatally shot himself. An extended family member told KTLA that Duffey had broken into the home ahead of the murder-suicide.

Influencer Filed A Protective Order Against Estranged Husband Amid Incident With 15-Year-Old

According to court records reviewed by PEOPLE, Jeremiah and Sara Gilson faced challenges years before the killing. In 2021, she had reportedly filed two protective orders against him that were later dismissed due to failure to show up in court. However, on June 10, Gilson filed an emergency protective order that the court granted. Duffey was ordered to stay 100 yards away from his estranged wife. Also, he was also forced to leave their home. Days later, on June 23, the court extended that protective order until August 24. Her application alleged that he had threatened suicide and went on the run with a firearm.

That wasn’t the only recent protective order against Duffey. Another woman also filed against him on June 10, citing the need to protect her minor daughter. This order was also granted and later extended through August 24. The minor girl in question was a 15-year-old whom Duffey reportedly coached in basketball. The outlet, The Oklahoman, reports that the husband had kissed and touched the minor girl before another coach caught him in the act. Furthermore, the report said Duffey had also sent the girl inappropriate messages, invited her to his hotel room on a trip and gave her hush money. All of this was reported to Owasso police.

911 Audio Highlights Sara’s Last Moments

PEOPLE obtained and reviewed 911 dispatch audio that hears an official and first responders discussing a previous call. One dispatcher described hearing a woman “screaming and crying” in the background.

“I’m trying to reach him back, but I could hear a female in the background screaming and crying. Some sort of loud bang in the background,” a 911 dispatcher told first responders on the audio recording.

In the audio, the dispatcher also reportedly mentioned that a male who was “caught kissing a juvenile” was involved. Also, the dispatcher mentioned a gun.

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