Entertainment
‘Black Mirror’s Greatest Episode Nearly Became a Robert Downey Jr. Movie
“The Entire History of You” is often cited as amongst the greatest episodes of Black Mirror, and for good reason. It’s a somber depiction of a near-future world where memories are no longer a finite concept thanks to an implant that records everything its user sees and hears — thereby allowing them to relive any event from their life, for good or for ill. It was a milestone for the series, and it didn’t take long for it to leave an indelible impact on popular culture.
While previous episodes of Black Mirror’s debut season had taken a sledgehammer approach to their social commentary, “The Entire History of You” opted for a gentler touch — easing up on the overtly satirical elements and instead filtering its thesis through a small group of relatable characters, ensuring that the focus was always kept on how humans use and misuse such technology rather than the technology itself. It’s a template many future episodes would replicate, guaranteeing “The Entire History of You” a permanent place in all discussions about Black Mirror’s finest moments.
Robert Downey Jr. Once Planned a Movie Adaptation of “The Entire History of You”
Curiously, “The Entire History of You” also holds the distinction as the only episode not written by Charlie Brooker, with that honor instead going to future Succession creator Jesse Armstrong. At the time, Armstrong was mostly known for his work on British comedy shows like Peep Show and The Thick of It, making his transition to dystopian sci-fi rather unexpected. However, it was a risk that paid off — not just because of the episode’s glowing reception, but also because it allowed Armstrong to retain the rights for a potential big-screen adaptation.
Armstrong wasted no time exercising this privilege, and in 2013, it was confirmed that “The Entire History of You” would be migrating to Hollywood, with none other than Robert Downey Jr. serving as its producer. Sadly, nothing has ever come of this announcement, leaving it as a curious piece of Black Mirror history.
What Is “The Entire History of You” About?
“The Entire History of You” — the closing episode of the show’s excellent first season — centers on the (supposedly) happy couple Liam (Toby Kebbell) and Ffion Foxwell (Jodie Whittaker), who have recently welcomed a baby daughter, Jody. So far so normal, but Armstrong wastes little time introducing the twist for this latest adventure into speculative fiction. The world of “The Entire History of You” is one where a miraculous piece of technology known as a “grain” thrives, and its ability to record memories has made it as essential to daily life as phones and computers.
It’s a tool that, in many ways, poses many benefits to humanity, and Armstrong does highlight some of these uses (such as Liam replaying a performance review to bolster his skills at work). But this is still an episode of Black Mirror, and it doesn’t take an expert to predict that things won’t stay pleasant forever. To paraphrase The Doctor (appropriate given one of the episode’s main actors), the combination of amazing technology plus human stupidity is truly unbeatable, and soon the threads in this macabre tale start unraveling.
A dinner party with Ffion’s friends quickly threatens their marriage when Liam becomes suspicious of her behavior around the charming Jonas (Tom Cullen), resulting in an Inception-style descent through a mosaic of fractured memories as he seeks to uncover the truth about their relationship. This understandable desire eventually turns obsessive, revealing a darker side to Liam’s character that disrupts the established black-and-white narrative.
By the time the episode reaches its conclusion (a contender for the saddest in the entire show), this supposedly wondrous implant has cost him everything — his wife, his child, his morality… all because of his own misguided actions. It’s a terrific piece of sci-fi storytelling, and the way it takes an often-explored theme (in this case, the fear of infidelity) and reconfigures it for the digital revolution — allowing for a fresh take on an age-old story that will provide some much-needed warnings to its target audience — ensures it as the benchmark for future Black Mirror episodes.
Downey Jr. Beat George Clooney for the Film Rights
It was no secret that Armstrong had ambitions for “The Entire History of You” beyond its television roots. In an interview a year after its broadcast, he revealed that “I always thought this idea could be a film,” with Brooker also describing his initial pitch as more akin to a conspiracy thriller movie. When Armstrong began shipping a feature-film adaptation around is unclear, but the information we have available hints that it occurred sometime during 2012, indicating that he wanted to seal a deal before memories of the recently aired episode started to fade (ironic given its plot). Rather than developing the project in his native UK, Armstrong crossed the pond to America instead, hoping that such a move would allow it to escape the budgetary restrictions that Black Mirror’s house style had imposed upon it. This doesn’t mean that he disliked his work on Black Mirror — often the best creativity comes from the toughest restrictions — but it’s clear that he had ideas for “The Entire History of You” that its original home on Channel 4 would have lacked the capability to realize.
Upon his arrival in Hollywood, Armstrong’s script caught the attention of two high-profile individuals — Robert Downey Jr. and George Clooney. Both are among the most recognizable actors of their generation, and both have also demonstrated an interest in working behind the camera as well as in front of it (to varying degrees of success). A bidding war soon followed, and in February 2013, the Hollywood Reporter announced Downey as the victor, with the film rights to “The Entire History of You” being acquired by his production company, Team Downey. Warner Bros. — the studio that Team Downey was currently partnered with — was also confirmed to be handling distribution, while Armstrong would once again be handling scriptwriting duties. Interestingly, despite having spent the previous decade reasserting himself as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, Downey was not scheduled to appear in the film (although it’s likely that Warner Bros. would have sought to change that).
Perhaps the project’s most intriguing aspect was its plot. Instead of retelling “The Entire History of You” with a bigger budget and then calling it a day, Armstrong intended to use the narrative foundation of a broken marriage in a near future setting as a jumping-off point to explore new ideas and themes. This time around, the plot would focus on a grieving husband who uses the grain technology to relive his time with his deceased wife, in the process uncovering a dark secret that ruptures his idyllic memories of her. It was a welcome announcement that Armstrong would be taking full advantage of his influx of creative freedom to tell a story that wasn’t shackled by what had come before and that he refused to take the safer (and blander) alternative speaks to his passion for this concept. The pieces were in place for something special, and Black Mirror fans everywhere waited with baited breaths for its next move.
When Will We See Downey Jr.’s “Entire History of You”?
And then, nothing. Years passed with nary a word, and when Armstrong did comment on it in 2018, he did so while turning said interview into one giant advertisement proclaiming that, yes, he did still want to make the film and anyone else who did should really get in touch with him about it. Seemingly, Team Downey’s option had lapsed, leaving the film under the dreaded blanket term of “development hell.” Such an outcome is not uncommon for options, or even for Team Downey — arguably the company’s most anticipated release, Sherlock Holmes 3, has also spent most of its existence in limbo — but it did result in the film languishing in the background while it was at its most identifiable, potentially hampering future attempts. There have been no announcements one way or the other since 2018, making it unknown if the project is still moving forward (something Charlie Brooker has also commented on, although it’s worth noting that there’s no indication he was ever involved with the film).
It’s been over a decade since the announcement that “The Entire History of You” would be transitioning from television to cinema, and in that time, Black Mirror has undergone a hefty realignment. The show’s move to Netflix in 2016 eradicated many of the restrictions that it had previously faced, allowing for episodes of increased scope and ambition. Some episodes — like “Beyond the Sea” and “Hated in the Nation” — have boasted runtimes longer than some feature films, while the 2018 interactive special Bandersnatch saw Brooker making the leap across mediums himself (in a typically unconventional way). Combined with the show’s exploration of data privacy and the importance of memory in other episodes like “Playtest” and “Crocodile” — all of which were released after Black Mirror had transitioned from a niche television program to a major cultural phenomenon — it’s possible that a feature-length version of “The Entire History of You” no longer has the appeal it once did.
Of course, this is just speculation, and Downey’s attachment to the most successful franchise of the 2010s will have stalled anything he had in the pipeline. Similarly, it’s unclear if Armstrong would have been able to commit past a certain point due to his showrunning obligations to Succession (which premiered the same year he confirmed that the film was trapped in development hell), leaving the film without its key figures. With Succession having recently come to a conclusion in one of the most masterful finales of all time, maybe Armstrong can now find the time to resurrect this often speculated-upon project. You might be tempted to dismiss it as a pointless remake given how excellent the original episode already is, but it’s hard to deny that Armstrong’s stellar track record wouldn’t pique the interest of even the most ardent of detractors.
Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.
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Heather Rae El Moussa‘s return to “Selling Sunset” is not all rosy, and she is letting her fans know why!
The reality star dropped some inside info about her decision to return to the real estate show years after she bowed out of the successful series with a bittersweet statement.
Heather Rae El Moussa has opened up about her exit over the years, consistently maintaining that the drama from the new characters on the show got too toxic for her to handle.
The media personality caught up with the news at the Karma Automotive exclusive evening to discuss what it took for her to make a 180 about her 2023 decision to find her way back to the Netflix series.
“You know, when they asked me to come back, it definitely was a big decision. I’m really big with peace in my life and trying to have as much peace as possible,” the star noted.
The television personality then spilled that while she was away, she got busy with other work commitments and is already filming another show. She continued that juggling two shows with three kids, including a toddler, is a lot to balance, and she sometimes questions her ability to pull things off.
As reported by US Weekly, Heather’s return also came with some exits from casts like Chrishell Stause, Nicole Young and Chelsea Lazkani. Christine Quinn, who exited the show in 2022, will also make a grand entry for the show’s 10th season.
Heather remains fully aware of the task ahead, which requires her to juggle two shows. Although the decision to return was not so easy, she also knows that most opportunities do not stick around forever.
The Netflix Star Enjoys Being On Television, Even With The Drama
Speaking on the timing of her return to the show, Heather admits that it is not her first rodeo with some drama on the show, and she knows the commitment she has gotten into.
She affirmed that the drama has not gone anywhere, although she initially felt the dust had settled when she returned, but she quickly got reminded. Heather is, however, glad to be right in the eye of the hurricane and enjoying it because of the opportunities exposure like that will bring for her beauty brand.
Heather joined “Selling Sunset” as a main cast member when it premiered in 2019 for six seasons until she left via maternity leave to take care of her son, later revealing that she was not asked to appear for subsequent seasons.
Heather Rae El Moussa Previously Spoke About The Gradual Decline Of Peace On ‘Selling Sunset’
The reality star, in 2024, shared during an interview with Lauryn Bosstick and Michael Bosstick on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast about appearing on the show for six seasons and the moment things changed. According to her, she began the show being friends and cordial with everyone, with little appetite for drama, until the cast began growing larger.
She acknowledged that with the growth came an increase in toxicity, forcing her to exist around women who were solely focused on wanting to be stars, and displaying the right amount of desperation while at it. In her words:
“It just got worse and worse. They started adding more girls; it just became out of control. There’d be days I came home crying from the stress of filming.”
The filming schedule took over Heather’s life, and it became nearly impossible for her to focus on parenting and supporting her husband. She described stepping away from the show as a blessing in disguise because it has afforded her the chance to film with her partner and enjoy more family time.
The Actress’ Pal Bre Tiesi Was Devastated About Her Season 7 Exclusion
Heather and Bre were inseparable on and off the show, with fans testifying to their bond. The latter lived up to the hype when she fiercely spoke against the report that Heather would not be returning for the seventh season, which commenced filming shortly before she took her maternity leave.
As shared by The Blast, Bre expressed her deep adoration for Heather, sharing that she was devastated to hear about the report. As for Heather at the time, she felt frustrated at the silence from the producers, especially after she had completed her maternity leave.
Interestingly, some fans described her absence as a sign that she was set to appear on another popular reality show from the stables of Bravo. As for another sect, Heather’s presence on the show was tagged irrelevant, which made her absence even less significant in the grand scheme of things.
Heather Rae El Moussa’s Social Life Took A Major Turn Since Becoming A Parent
One thing the reality star did not compromise on was the quality of her parenting once she welcomed her first child with Tarek El Moussa in 2023, two years after tying the knot. The reality star revealed she had to reduce her exposure to social media to get herself in the right headspace to bond with her child.
She seemingly shared posts about finding a balance between motherhood and maintaining her reputation as a famous figure. In all, her family and parenting took precedence, and everything else became secondary, prompting her to create a favorable schedule to make things happen.
Heather detailed that as her child grew into a toddler, she found herself stealing time to focus on getting good sleep, reading her mail, doing some professional tasks, keeping fit, and catching up on her real estate projects.
Heather Rae El Moussa will certainly be a delightful watch on “Selling Sunset” this season!
Prince Harry adorably stole the show during Meghan Markle’s special guest judge appearance on MasterChef Australia.
While doling out criticism to one of the contestants on the Sunday, July 26, episode, Meghan, 44, was unexpectedly handed a smartphone and told she had a call on the line.
“Hi, my love,” Meghan answered after seeing Harry, 41, pop up onscreen, subsequently telling the cast, “My husband’s here.”
After greeting the crew, Harry asked his wife if he missed any important events during the taping.
The time has come to journey to Montecito. After much anticipation, speculation and fleeting sneak peeks, Meghan Markle‘s With Love, Meghan, drops on Netflix on Tuesday, March 4, at 3 a.m. ET — but before that, Us Weekly nabbed and watched advance screeners of all eight episodes. Here’s everything we learned from binging the Duchess […]
“What’s going on?” the Duke of Sussex quipped. “Have I interrupted something important?”
Meghan quickly gave Harry the low-down on the episode.
“Well, we are actually in the middle of tasting all the dishes. We have four incredible cooks here. It’s amazing, they’re so talented. We wish you were here,” Meghan gushed, adding to the judges, “He’s in Canberra [in Australia] right now with the veterans.”
She continued to Harry, “I wish you could try this. These dishes are fantastic. It’s really delicious, and there’s a hot sauce that, well, you know me … it is so good. I think it might be too much for you though.”
After laughing off Meghan’s joke about the prince’s spice tolerance — or apparent lack thereof — Harry offered his better half a sweet message.
Meghan Markle referenced her husband, Prince Harry, in a sweet Instagram video. Meghan, 43, took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday, March 23, to share a video of a large group of birds flying together, also known as a murmuration. Posting text atop the footage and beneath it, Meghan wrote, “Flying into the week with my […]
“Well, go and enjoy it. I’m very sorry to disturb you,” he added. “All is well here. I’ll see you later.”
Harry and Meghan traveled to Australia in April, during which they undertook a handful of public engagements. One of Meghan’s outings was a visit to the MasterChef set to film a then-upcoming episode.
“I was keen to hear the goss. She was so great!” an anonymous show producer sent former colleague Alexandria Funnell in a text message shared with Marie Claire. “She was so nice to all the crew, had a good sense of humor, and was just a normal human. Her entourage was only 2 people and they were so great, too.”
The producer further told Funnell that Meghan was also “really good at judging” compared to other guests who can tend to speak for an extended period.
“That’s the thing about the judges, as a post-producer, you have to cut them down a lot,” Funnell told the outlet. “The waffle is waffling, they waffle like you would not believe. Apparently she was awesome. … Haters gonna hate!”
Meghan and Harry stepped down from their duties as senior working royals in 2020, subsequently settling across the pond in the United States with their two children: Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. In that time, Meghan launched her own lifestyle brand, As Ever, and detailed her DIY and cooking passions on Netflix’s two-season series With Love, Meghan.
Roomies, what started a started temporary foster placement at a South Carolina county council chairman’s home ended in tragedy. Investigators say 17-year-old Landen Austin Moore now faces a murder charge after allegedly drowning 13-year-old Daryl Martinez Lowry. Authorities alleged Moore and another unidentified teen held Lowry underwater until he died.
RELATED: Ben Crump Says Nolan Wells Was A Strong Swimmer While Noting Texts Appear To Have Been Deleted From His Phone (VIDEO)
Investigators Detail The Alleged Drowning Of 13-Year-Old
Fox News reports that Daryl Martinez Lowry recently moved into McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby’s home while he waited for another foster placement. Landen Austin Moore and another teen already lived at the home at the time. Authorities say Moore and the unidentified teen got into a physical altercation with Lowry at a boat dock in Modoc, South Carolina during the early morning hours of July 20. Investigators allege the teens attacked Lowry with a knife and reportedly held his head underwater until he died. The South Caroline Law Enforcement Division said officers found Daryl’s body at Clark Hill Lake on July 20. Investigators later arrested Moore and the unidentified teen in connection with Lowry’s death.
What’s Next For Landen Austin Moore?
Authorities charged Landen Austin Moore with murder and booked him into the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office. Officials transferred the other teen involved to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, though authorities have not confirmed any charges against him. At this time it remains unclear whether Landen entered a plea or retained an attorney.
Daryl Martinez Lowry’s Death Sparks A Wave Of Emotions Online
Once The Shade Room shared the details surrounding Daryl Martinez Lowry’s tragic death, Roommates flooded the comment section with reactions. Many people said they felt heartbroken to hear another story like this, especially so soon after Nolan Xavier Wells’ tragic passing.
Instagram user @moreniita___ wrote, “35 years please & thank you.”
Instagram user @therealprincesstiuana wrote, “Y’all don’t see what’s going on?”
While Instagram user @flvckor_ wrote, “What bout Nolan? We need justice.”
Then Instagram user @shantaai_ wrote, “Chile here we go again.”
Instagram user @ _heydez_ wrote, “This is why we scream FreeKarmelo!! Smh.”
Another Instagram user @seventhcoach wrote, “Notice how we got the pics of this IMMEDIATELY. Wake up.”
Then another Instagram user @mrxclusive205 wrote, “But can’t do nothing about Nolan case 🤦🏾♂️”
Finally, Instagram user @ashleyello wrote, “This won’t distract us from Nolan. Smh RIP young man.”
RELATED: Ben Crump Shares Preliminary Findings Of Indep. Autopsy As Teen Who Traveled To Horn Island With Nolan Wells Breaks Silence
What Do You Think Roomies?
The nightmare is officially returning.
Earlier this month, Paramount Pictures announced that a brand new A Nightmare on Elm Street film is in development through its new horror label, Paramount Primal. The project is being produced in partnership with the Wes Craven estate and will be based on Craven’s original 1984 screenplay, marking the franchise’s first new theatrical chapter in more than 15 years.
With no director or cast announced, fans have already begun asking the biggest question of all:
Who should become the next Freddy Krueger?
No one will ever replace Robert Englund, whose performance helped make Freddy one of the most recognizable horror icons of all time. Instead, Paramount has an opportunity to introduce a fresh interpretation of the dream demon while honoring the legacy that made the character legendary.
Here are five actors we’d love to see take on the role.
1. Bill Skarsgård
If there’s one actor who has already proven he can reinvent an iconic horror villain, it’s Bill Skarsgård.
His unforgettable performance as Pennywise in IT showcased his ability to transform through subtle facial expressions, unsettling body language, and an eerie sense of unpredictability. Rather than trying to imitate Robert Englund, Skarsgård could create a completely new version of Freddy that feels terrifying for an entirely new generation.
Bill Skarsgård
2. Jack O’Connell
Jack O’Connell may not be the first name fans think of, but that’s exactly why he’d be such an interesting choice.
Whether playing violent criminals or emotionally damaged antiheroes, O’Connell brings an intensity that feels authentic. He could portray Freddy as less of a wisecracking slasher and more of a psychologically disturbing nightmare that haunts victims long before the killing begins.
Jack O’Connell
3. David Dastmalchian
Few actors have become as respected within the horror community as David Dastmalchian.
His performances in films like Late Night with the Devil have shown that he can balance charm, vulnerability, and unsettling menace all at once. Dastmalchian’s unique voice and naturally eerie screen presence could make for one of the most unsettling interpretations of Freddy Krueger yet.
David Dastmalchian
4. Walton Goggins
Walton Goggins might be the wildcard on this list, but he possesses one quality that’s essential to Freddy Krueger: charisma.
Freddy doesn’t simply kill his victims he enjoys tormenting them. Goggins has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to mix dark humor, intimidation, and unpredictability into every performance. That combination could make for a Freddy who is equal parts entertaining and terrifying.
Walton Goggins
5. Andy Serkis (Motion Capture)
Andy Serkis has built an incredible career bringing unforgettable characters to life through motion capture. From Gollumin The Lord of the Rings to Caesar in the Planet of the Apes trilogy and Supreme Leader Snoke in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Serkis has repeatedly shown that digital performances can be just as emotionally powerful as traditional acting.
Rather than relying solely on practical makeup, Paramount could use motion-capture technology to create a Freddy Krueger whose movements feel unnaturally fluid, distorted, and dreamlike. Serkis’ mastery of performance capture could allow Freddy to move in impossible ways that perfectly fit the surreal nature of nightmares, creating one of the most visually unique versions of the character ever seen on screen.
Andy Serkis
Final Thoughts
Paramount’s newly announced A Nightmare on Elm Street film is still in the early stages of development, meaning fans may be waiting a while before an actor is officially cast as Freddy Krueger.
Whoever lands the role will have enormous shoes or rather, a burned fedora and bladed glove to fill. Robert Englund’s portrayal defined the character for decades, but every horror icon eventually finds a new generation.
Whether it’s Bill Skarsgård’s haunting presence, Jack O’Connell’s intensity, David Dastmalchian’s psychological edge, Walton Goggins’ sinister charisma, or Andy Serkis’ groundbreaking motion capture performance, each actor brings something unique that could help Freddy Krueger haunt audiences once again.
Besides Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott is perhaps the only other filmmaker working at the highest level of Hollywood who can switch seamlessly between sci-fi thrillers and historical epics. Nolan has expressed his love for some of Scott’s movies, which the older filmmaker has accepted in his own inimitable manner. Scott is returning to sci-fi shortly after a gap that lasted nearly a decade. Over this decade, the filmmaker focused primarily on historical movies such as Gladiator II, Napoleon, and The Last Duel. Nolan has been on a similar trajectory, having made several sci-fi movies before leaning into period epics. The Odyssey, his latest release, is touted as his most ambitious project yet. Over a decade ago, Scott explored the mythological genre with a big-budget epic that was headlined by Nolan’s frequent collaborator Christian Bale.
That film is now heading to Peacock. Audiences who enjoyed The Odyssey in theaters can check it out as a companion piece. Both films are based on legends that have been adapted numerous times over the years, across media. Both legends have also formed the backbone of modern storytelling as we know it. Nolan himself has mined The Odyssey for inspiration in his earlier movies, such as Interstellar, The Dark Knight Rises, and even Oppenheimer. Scott, on the other hand, doubled down on large-scale epics after Gladiator; he went on to make Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood before turning to the Bible for his 2014 release.
Here’s When You Can Watch Ridley Scott’s Epic on Peacock
The movie in question is Exodus: Gods and Kings. The movie features Bale as Moses and Joel Edgerton as Ramses II, with Aaron Paul, John Turturro, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Mendelsohn, and Ben Kingsley in supporting roles. Produced on a reported budget of $200 million, Exodus grossed around $268 million worldwide, falling short of its fellow 2014 biblical epic Noah. The Odyssey was able to eclipse Exodus‘ lifetime haul in four days flat. Nolan’s movie has also been infinitely better received than Scott’s epic, holding a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the 29% score of Exodus. The aggregator website’s consensus reads, “While sporadically stirring, and suitably epic in its ambitions, Exodus: Gods and Kings can’t quite live up to its classic source material.” You can watch the movie on Peacock starting August 1. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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December 12, 2014
- Runtime
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150minutes
Nearly four years after Sumner Stroh became embroiled in Adam Levine’s sexting scandal, the model-turned-singer is confronting the damage caused by the controversy while attempting to reclaim her identity. Stroh now acknowledges that her actions hurt multiple people, including Levine’s wife, Behati Prinsloo, and their family. However, she also believes that her worst mistake should not determine the direction of her entire life.
As she launches a new chapter in music, Stroh is opening up about the intense public scrutiny she endured, the effect it had on her loved ones, and why she is no longer allowing fear of criticism to keep her from pursuing her ambitions.
In 2022, Stroh publicly alleged that she and Levine had engaged in a year-long affair involving intimate messages while Prinsloo was pregnant with the couple’s third child. Levine denied having an affair but acknowledged that he had “crossed a line.” Stroh subsequently claimed that she felt “manipulated” by the Maroon 5 frontman.
Looking back on the controversy, Stroh admitted it was an incredibly turbulent chapter of her life. “It was an absolute sh-tstorm, that period of my life,” she told the Daily Mail. However, the 26-year-old stressed that she does not want to portray herself as the victim of a scandal that affected several other people.
“I don’t want to sound like a victim,” Stroh said. “I hurt a lot of people, so I don’t want to by any means say like, ‘Oh, woe is me.’ I know it’s a conversation that is stuck with me and I have to live with that, but I believe that people are more than their mistakes and more than their past.”
Stroh also publicly apologized to Prinsloo and the couple’s children in a 2022 TikTok video. “I’m not the one getting hurt in this,” she said at the time. “It’s Behati and her children. And for that, I’m so, so sorry.”
The Public Scrutiny Sent Her To A ‘Dark Place’
Stroh said the scandal erupted while she was already dealing with other problems in her personal life, leaving her in an emotionally difficult place. “It was traumatic, just the level of public scrutiny,” she recalled. “The bandwagon effect and the whole cancellation of it all, it really gave me time to look inward and process that shame, process that guilt, process even childhood traumas.”
The fallout allegedly extended beyond online criticism and began affecting her family’s sense of security. “The drones flying over my family’s house … that affected my entire family,” she told the outlet. “So that physical safety aspect, for not myself, but for my family was something that was really hard, not for just me, but also my family.”
Stroh grew up in a traditional Texas household and said her family encouraged her to pursue a law degree rather than relocate to Los Angeles. She moved to the West Coast anyway while hoping to join a girl group, but those ambitions were soon eclipsed by the Levine scandal.
Sumner Stroh Is Turning Her Pain Into Music
Stroh is now pursuing the musical career she originally envisioned, even though she knows some critics may accuse her of attempting to capitalize on the controversy. “I’ve already heard all of that,” she said.
The former model explained that she has had to stop trying to control how others perceive her. “I think that I’ve had to relinquish control of what other people think and what they’re going to say,” Stroh shared. “Because at the end of the day, I can’t control that. All I can control is showing up authentically as myself.”
“I just realized I’m either going to do what I love and people are going to say what they’ve always said about women for hundreds and hundreds of years or I can live forever in fear and never have pursued what I love, and I think that is a much more miserable existence for me,” she added.
Her new single, “Miss America,” reflects her determination to continue despite the setbacks. On the song, Stroh sings, “I don’t even need to wear a crown / Can’t wear me out.”
“‘You can’t wear me out’ as I’m actively getting worn the f-ck down and facing setback after setback,” Stroh said of the lyrics.
She then admitted that hearing her own music can still trigger a deeply emotional response. “It makes me cry when I listen to my own music, which is ridiculous,” she confessed.
The Singer Refuses To Deny What Happened
Although Stroh wants to separate her future from the scandal, she does not intend to erase or minimize her involvement. “I have f-cking put blood, sweat, and tears into choosing myself and that’s okay because we’re all inherently flawed,” she said.
“I’ve been working my a-s off to separate myself from that and grow and learn,” Stroh continued. “But also, I’m not going to sit here and say that nothing ever happened and that’s just part of my story and that’s something I have to live with.”
She now considers the painful period pivotal to the artist she has become and no longer measures success according to public approval. “My definition of success is what I’m doing every day and that’s creating,” Stroh explained. The experience also taught her a blunt lesson: “Don’t kiss and tell.”
Although Stroh acknowledged that she still dates people in entertainment, she has changed how much she shares publicly. “I continue to date people in my industry and in Los Angeles,” she admitted, “but I like to keep that private.”
Adam Levine And Behati Prinsloo Remain Together
Levine and Prinsloo have remained married since the scandal. The couple was recently photographed enjoying time aboard a yacht in St. Tropez shortly before their 12th wedding anniversary. Prinsloo has never publicly discussed Stroh’s allegations or explained why she decided to stay with Levine.
An insider recently claimed, however, that the couple’s marriage is now in a better position than it was immediately following the controversy. “Their relationship is in a much healthier place than it was in the immediate aftermath of the scandal,” the source told the Daily Mail.
“That doesn’t mean everything is perfect… but Adam has made enough changes to keep the marriage intact and avoid repeating the mistakes that nearly cost him everything,” the insider added.
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Styling shorts can feel surprisingly tricky. It’s easy to default to a basic tee or tank, but sometimes the finished look ends up feeling a little too casual for brunch plans, date nights or even the office. As a shopping editor, my solution is a blouse that strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and tailored, adding instant polish without making your outfit feel overdressed.
As someone who’s covered fashion and shopping for years, I’ve learned that the right top can completely transform a pair of shorts. Amazon has become one of my favorite places to find breezy blouses with thoughtful details like peplum hems, puff sleeves, smocking and crisp cotton-inspired fabrics that elevate denim, linen and tailored shorts alike. Below are the styles I’d reach for whenever I want my summer outfits to look a little more refined with very little effort.
9 Flattering Loose Blouses That Instantly Elevate Shorts
1. Our Favorite: Structured necklines and voluminous sleeves continue to dominate celebrity street style for good reason. This blouse delivers that elevated look while balancing the relaxed feel of your favorite summer shorts.
2. Runner-up: Elegant puff sleeves and a sculptural peplum hem give this top an expensive-looking finish. It’s the kind of blouse that makes simple white or black shorts feel worthy of dinner reservations.
3. Editor-Approved: A softly structured peplum silhouette instantly makes even cutoff denim shorts feel more intentional. The lightweight fabric and flattering shape create definition without clinging, making it an easy piece to dress up or down.
4. Designer-Looking: Between the smocked bodice and flowy peplum hem, this blouse creates a polished silhouette while staying comfortable in the heat. Pair it with tailored shorts and simple sandals for an outfit that looks effortlessly put together.
5. Everyday Essential: The relaxed fit of this floral V-neck top keeps things comfortable while subtle texture adds visual interest without overwhelming your outfit. It works just as well with denim shorts as it does tucked into tailored pairs.
Finding a top that’s comfortable, flattering and easy to wear can feel surprisingly difficult, especially when you want a little extra coverage through the midsection. Luckily, this budget-friendly blouse has earned a loyal following for exactly that reason, with shoppers saying it offers a relaxed fit that skims the body without looking boxy. The bestselling […]
6. Vacation MVP: Airy fabric and delicate Swiss dot detailing make this blouse ideal for warm-weather getaways. It instantly softens linen shorts while keeping the overall outfit feeling light and breezy.
7. Office-to-Weekend Pick: Clean pleats and a structured drape help this blouse transition seamlessly from work meetings to weekend lunches. Add polished shorts and loafers for an outfit that’s equal parts professional and relaxed.
8. Closet Staple: Soft ruffle sleeves add just enough femininity without overpowering the rest of your outfit. It’s an easy way to elevate classic denim shorts for everything from errands to outdoor dinners.
9. Most Versatile: An oversized button-down is one of the hardest-working pieces in any summer wardrobe. Wear it tucked, tied at the waist or open over a tank with shorts for multiple polished looks using one versatile staple.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Some people confront things head-on, while others run away from them altogether, but Sam Asghari is accepting his interesting fate!
The model has moved on from his relationship with Britney Spears, but the shadows of the past still haunt his present, with his hands tied and a loud acceptance that they are forever attached at the hip.
Sam Asghari and Britney Spears were involved in a seven-year relationship that began after meeting on a music video set in 2016, until their divorce in 2024 after a 14-month marriage.
The media personality admitted that when it comes to expecting the public interest in his relationship with the pop star to fade or escaping the tag “Mr. Britney Spears,” even though they parted ways years ago, it is “never going to happen.”
He noted that he has reached a point in his life where sitting down to discuss the years spent with her no longer has the emotional impact it once did. One of the highlights of Asghari and Spears’ marriage is him being by her side while she battled to be let go from her 13-year conservatorship.
The duo had gotten married in 2022, in a star-studded ceremony attended by Madonna and Drew Barrymore. Asghari has since moved on with girlfriend Brooke Irvine and has lived together in Los Angeles for two years now as he continued to explore his acting career.
On the career side, Page Six shared that the model previously appeared on the NBC hit show “The Traitors” and the public will get to see him play Victor in “The Gentleman Thief,” due to be released on July 31.
Asghari walked away from his marriage to the pop star amicably without spousal support, a decision he proudly stands by. In his latest conversation with the publication, the dancer reiterated that the past stays in the past and reflection has become a pleasant reminder of what could have been.
In his words, “You can’t change the past. The things that happened happened. And like I said, I would never complain about one thing that changed my life for the better or for the worse.” The actor also broke his silence on Spears’ latest controversy, from her DUI arrest to rehab visit, opting to say nothing and rather focus on the ongoing situation in Iran.
He revealed that his focus has stayed on that situation in his home country, and all his projects have gone towards that. Asghari also registered that he does not immerse himself in clickbait and entertainment news because he does not exactly believe everything he sees.
Sam Asghari Previously Spoke About The Plus Side Of Marriage To Britney Spears
The singer’s blinding star power rubbed off on Asghari during and even after their union, a privilege he is not shy to admit. As stated by The Blast, the model stated in an interview that being in such a public relationship provided him with a platform to build his career and make vital connections towards making a life for himself.
From moving to America at 12 years old from Iran and watching John Travolta films to help him learn English, Asghari has now found himself working alongside big names in the industry, including John Cena, Jean Smart, and Don Cheadle.
Although Spears had once referred to her marriage to Asghari as a distraction to help her deal with the pain of being away from her children and the conservatorship, the model saw their union from a different angle.
Asghari explained that his time with the pop singer remained as real as ever to him, although the timing was short. He referenced the lengthy timeline of their romance, which spanned for nearly a decade, and how he was in love with her the entire time.
The 32-Year-Old Addressed Britney Spears’ Conservatorship In Recent Interview
Back in March, the actor hopped on Piers Morgan’s show “Piers Morgan Uncensored” for a lengthy discussion about his life and career. When he was asked to share his thoughts on Spears’ DUI arrest, Asghari declared that the actress has had a tough life in the past and experienced oppression by several people in her life.
Referencing the situation of women being oppressed in Iran, Asghari established that it broke him to witness Spears’ struggles during their short-lived marriage. He had earlier shared his experience watching Spears fight her way through the program and finally breaking free after 13 years.
In the 2023 interview, the model revealed that he found it terrible that people in her life at the time had told her story like it was theirs, silenced her voice, and used her as a money-making machine while limiting her freedom.
Sam Asghari And Britney Spears’ Relationship Was Fiction Brought To Life
One year after he played her love interest in Spears’ music video shoot for “Slumber Party” in 2016, the duo came out as lovers. Their relationship involved attendance at high society events and displaying affection in front of the ever-flashing cameras.
In 2022, they exchanged vows at their home in Thousand Oaks in the presence of friends and family, but unfortunately parted ways over a year later, citing irreconcilable differences.
Asghari and Spears were seemingly married during a period the singer described as one of the hardest in her life, when she was being cut off from her two kids, James and Preston. In 2023, the boys moved to Hawaii to live with her ex, Kevin Federline, with a reunion happening a year later in 2024.
Spears and Federline were married for two years between 2004 and 2006 after meeting in a Hollywood club where Federline was a backup dancer.
Will Britney Spears react to Sam Asghari’s stance?
Tom Cruise has reportedly set his sights on wooing A-list star Charlize Theron to be his new woman after his romance with Ana de Armas ended last year and left him crushed.
The actor has been looking to work with her for some time now, and his close circle reportedly encouraged him to text her after she called for him to join the “Fast & Furious” franchise.
Tom Cruise is understood to have a checklist that his next woman must fulfill, with previous reports claiming that he has enlisted an A-list pal to help find his next partner.
Tom Cruise is seemingly ready to begin a new chapter in his love life and would be keeping it within the film industry.
According to industry insiders, the “Top Gun: Maverick” star has set his sights on a high-profile romance with Charlize Theron, with reports claiming she’s been eyed for an undisclosed role in “The Edge of Tomorrow 2.”
“Charlize has been on Tom’s radar for a long time, and he’s incredibly impressed by her,” a source told Globe Magazine. “The timing is right for him and Charlize to get together and do something big and interesting.”
Cruise and Theron have been acting for decades but have yet to share the screen, with their 2008 lineup in “The Tourist” eventually going to Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.
“Putting them in a film together, be it ‘Edge of Tomorrow 2’ or something else, makes a ton of sense. In fact, it’s long overdue,” the insider continued. “She has that same ‘no guts, no glory’ risk-taking attitude that made Tom an international superstar in the first place, and like Tom, she sees moviemaking not as just a job but a calling.”
However, for the action star, their partnership on screen is said to be “more than just business.”
The Actor Noticed When Charlize Theron Made A Warm Gesture Toward Him
Cruise has been with a slew of Hollywood actresses, including Mimi Roger, Nicole Kidman, Katie Holmes, and has been linked with stars like Cher and Penelope Cruz. Most recently, he was in a whirlwind romance with Ana De Armas, but has long been a silent admirer of Theron.
Several years ago, Theron called for him to join the “Fast and Furious” franchise, but her wish never materialized. However, reports suggest he took notice of that, and she remained in his soft spot with the warm gesture.
“He would love to work with her, and of course, it didn’t go unnoticed when she publicly called for him to join the Fast and Furious franchise alongside her a couple of years ago,” a source said, per reports.
“People in Tom’s world have been telling him to reach out to her ever since, and he’s now saying he’s going to do it,” they added.
Tom Cruise Has Some Preferences For His Next Woman
The “Mission: Impossible” star is said to have a checklist of requirements for his next lady. However, it doesn’t appear that Theron meets a few of them.
A source previously told a news outlet that he’s looking for an English “Mrs. Right,” especially if she came recommended by his pal, ex-football star David Beckham.
The insider went further to add that he was “ready to be set up” at the time, and would ideally love to get with a “woman that is part of the British High Society.”
“The ideal candidate must come from good stock [and] be in her late 20s or early 30s,” a source told the news outlet, adding that “ties to the royals” are also important, as the actor is determined to keep building on his friendship with Prince William and Princess Kate.
Not only is Theron a South African-American actress and producer, but it’s also not known that she has any ties to the British monarchy, save for when she was seen chatting with Prince Harry in 2011, per People Magazine.
The Actor Is Said To Be His Own Greatest Enemy When It Comes To Love
Earlier this year, reports emerged suggesting the “Jack Reacher” actor was “lonely,” especially after his romance with De Armas came crashing down last October after nearly a year.
Apparently, the actor is said to be his own greatest enemy when it comes to love, due to his strict work ethic, which makes it hard for him to stay put in one place for a long time.
“Tom’s work will always come first, regardless of who he’s dating,” a source told Star Magazine about the actor’s chaotic love life.
“That’s been a major issue over the years. He puts on a brave face, but he’s clearly lonely right now,” the insider added.
Tom Cruise’s ‘Hyper-Intense’ Ways Have Made Dating Him Hard, Source Says
Cruise is said to be intense when he’s in love, which sometimes comes off as overwhelming. He reportedly blew more than $11,000 to impress De Armas on a trip to the U.K., complete with helicopter rides and luxury gifts.
“He’s so hyper-intense with the women he’s dating,” the insider explained, per Star. “The way he jumps into everything can be a turn-off.”
“Tom’s the master of grand gestures; he loves to whisk women away in his private jet and treat them like princesses,” the source noted, likening his behavior to “high-end love bombing.”
Orville Peck has revealed the devastating circumstances that led him to abruptly halt his “Bronco Tour” in 2023. The country singer, whose real name is Daniel Pitout, said he was struggling with addiction and alcoholism before attempting suicide during what he described as “one of the worst places” of his life.
The 38-year-old musician said the harrowing experience forced him to confront what was happening in his life. “I was a bad addict, a coping alcoholic,” Peck told Rolling Stone. “And I had this spiral moment, where I went back to my hotel and tried to take my life … It was a big turning point for me, with a lot of realizations to come. It was something that needed to happen.”
The difficult period reportedly also included the end of a relationship and a stint in rehab. Peck has now turned those experiences into his fourth studio album, “Mule,” which is scheduled to arrive on September 18.
The country star announced the project on Instagram, describing it as an intensely personal and chronological retelling of the year in which his life unraveled. “’Mule’ – my fourth studio album arrives 9/18/2026,” he wrote. “This record is a chronological account of the year I lost my way. You can pre-save it tonight at midnight EST, and listen to the first single, ‘Too Little, Too Late’ on all platforms.”
The Country Singer Initially Resisted Rehab
Peck also spoke candidly about his initial reluctance to accept treatment, admitting that he did not believe he belonged in rehab. “I didn’t want to be there. I thought it was a waste of time, that I’m unique and didn’t have a problem,” he said.
The singer attempted to cope with the experience through humor and songwriting. “So I was like, I’m going to write the funniest song about this experience, because at the time I was just like, ‘F-ck this. I want to leave,’” Peck recalled. That period ultimately inspired “Rehab Blues,” one of the songs created from his experience.
Orville Peck Previously Cited His Mental And Physical Health
When Peck postponed the remaining dates on his “Bronco Tour” in 2023, he did not disclose the full extent of what he had been facing. As The Blast reported at the time, the masked country singer instead told fans that his mental and physical health had made it impossible for him to continue performing at his best.
“I am completely heartbroken as I share this news, but I have made the incredibly difficult decision to postpone all of my upcoming shows effective immediately,” Peck wrote. “This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I’ve come to realize that my current mental and physical health won’t allow me to bring you my best.”
He emphasized how much he valued his audience and the opportunity to perform. “My fans mean the absolute world to me and I am so incredibly thankful to every single person who has bought a ticket to come and see us play, I do not take it for granted,” he continued. “Being on stage is my favorite thing in the world.”
Peck explained that stepping away was necessary if he wanted to return healthier and continue making music. “But I have to take this time to replenish my mind and body so that I can come back stronger and healthier than before, to do what I love for many years to come,” he added. “I truly hope you can understand.”
‘Mule’ Will Not Gloss Over His Difficult Year
Peck said honesty became essential while translating the painful chapter of his life into music. “What I was really trying to capture in terms of the concept, there was no way to gloss over or sugarcoat it,” he told Rolling Stone.
“Mule” follows his third album, “Stampede,” which was released in August 2024. Peck later made his Broadway debut in “Cabaret” during the summer of 2025, telling People at the time that he was “having the best time of my life.”
His upcoming album appears to offer a far more vulnerable account of the struggles that preceded those professional highs.
Orville Peck Is Returning To The Road
Peck will release “Mule” on September 18, the same day he is scheduled to headline the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and launch his “Man Turned Mule Tour.”
“Just Announced! Country crooner Orville Peck to headline the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, September 18th,” read a joint Instagram announcement from Peck and the venue. “Fresh off his Broadway debut in ‘Cabaret’ and musical collaborations with the likes of Willie Nelson, Elton John, Kylie Minogue & Beck – you won’t want to miss this very special performance in the city Orville calls home. Tickets info and more in bio.”
Peck later shared his excitement while announcing the tour’s opening dates. “Yeeeeehaw. I’m so excited to announce the first leg of the Man Turned Mule Tour,” he wrote. “Sign up for early access now at orvillepeck.com/tour.”
Presale opens next Tuesday, July 28, at 10 am, and general on sale next Friday, July 31, at 10 am.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental health concerns, emotional distress, or substance use, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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