Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is revealing a new chapter in her private life as she continues to represent New York City’s 14th congressional district.

“Hey everyone, it’s been a minute since I’ve posted to stories, but I think it’s a good time to kind of dive back in again — it’s August recess and I think it’s good for you all to hear a little bit more from me directly,” the congresswoman, 36, said via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, August, 8, adding that she is “having some things happen” in her life that she wants to “share more” with her followers amid her “reflective mood.”

“I want to share with you all a decision that is very personal that I have made that has taken me time to consider, weigh and save up for,” she continued, “And it is of a sensitive matter and a personal matter and usually I keep my private life quite private, but I have made the decision to start freezing my eggs.”

Ocasio-Cortez, who was 29 when she was sworn into Congress after becoming the youngest woman elected to the House of Representatives in 2018, is currently engaged to her longtime partner Riley Roberts. The congresswoman admitted that her decision to freeze her eggs — one she plans to document for her social media followers — was due, in part, to near-constant speculation she will one-day be a frontrunner for the Democratic nominee for president.

Related: Julianne Hough Documents Egg-Freezing Journey: ‘Never Simple’

Julianne Hough is opening up about an incredibly personal process: she’s freezing her eggs. “I just want to take a moment to say thank you to Dr. Carolyn Alexander and the incredible team at SCRC. Navigating fertility is never simple, especially with endometriosis and my own personal timeline and hopes around having children… but with […]

“The media will run up and ask a question like, ‘Are you going to run for this? or, ‘Are you going to run for that?’ And it’s almost through this very two-dimensional craven understanding or ambitious understanding of power,” she explained. “When I think a lot of us actually approach these considerations or these decisions through the larger context of our lives as whole human beings and what is happening in our lives as whole human beings.”

Ocasio-Cortez — a common target of President Donald Trump and members of the Republican party — also acknowledged that “strangely” there is a “political risk” or potential “political tax” to her candidly sharing her egg-freezing journey.

“People don’t go down those rabbit holes and fixate on them for men in terms of their decision the way they do for women,” she added. “And I’m not here to, like, talk about what’s fair or unfair in this context — this is just the world that we live in today, and so I’m aware that just by me choosing to not keep this private there may be a consequence.”

She continued, “But you know what, I’m OK with that. This is a choice that I am making to feel more in control of my life and if people want to make assumptions about my decision, let them make those assumptions – I feel empowered to make this choice. I think it’s a very privileged position that I’ve been able to be able to make. And it’s also a result of, I think, changes in technology that have also made it more financially accessible.”

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Related: Jennifer Aniston Reflects on 20-Year Journey to ‘Pursue’ Having Kids

Jennifer Aniston is shutting down the widespread “narrative” about why she hasn’t started a family throughout her years in the spotlight. The 56-year-old Friends alum addressed the speculation about her private life in a new interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, published Wednesday, October 8. “They didn’t know my story, or what I’d been going through […]

The congresswoman went on to reveal that she took her “first shot this morning” and will have to take multiple injections as part of the egg-freezing process on Sunday, August 9, before her scheduled appearance on an ABC morning show.

“I’m going to be delivering an interview on national television and it’s in the morning and I have to take my shot because of the timing of it,” she said. “I’m gonna be taking my shots in the green room before my interview. And I want you all to see that because women can do anything, and I think it’s badass that I’m gonna be, you know, giving myself shots in the green room, get my glam on, roll out talk about international events, domestic policy, elections, pop out, live my life, do my thing.”

She continued, “If we want community we have to raise our hand and be community for each other, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

Former congressman Eric Swalwell had a reported fling with President Donald Trump adviser Stephen Miller’s wife, Katie Miller, when she was a 22-year-old intern working on Capitol Hill.

A Thursday, August 6, report published by Sources Say News, a popular Capitol Hill blog, revealed the alleged relationship between Swalwell, 45, and Katie, now 34.

According to the report, the pair engaged in a “sexual relationship” roughly a decade ago — before she married her husband, the current White House deputy chief of staff, at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., on February 16, 2020.

Stephen, who also serves as a homeland security advisor to Trump, 80, reportedly did not know about his wife’s previous relationship with Swalwell.

Katie seemingly confirmed the reported romance via X on Thursday, writing, “I was an intern working on Capitol Hill.” (Us has reached out to Katie, former congressman Swalwell and the White House for comment.)

Many politicians and pundits on both sides of the political aisle are pointing to the pair’s reported tryst as another example of the disgraced congressman’s illicit conduct while in office. Swalwell, a Democrat elected to represent California’s 14th Congressional District in 2023, ended his bid for California governor and subsequently resigned from office earlier this year after multiple women accused the former politician of sexual misconduct, including harassment, sexual assault and rape. (Swalwell has denied the allegations while admitting he engaged in extramarital relationships.)

“As someone who doesn’t normally believe all women, I believe her — and the many lined up behind her,” Katie wrote via X in April while sharing the then-congressman’s response to the allegations. “Eric Swalwell’s behavior was the worst kept secret on Capitol Hill. I’m positive she was not the only intern.”

Katie, for her part, went on to serve as the communications director for Vice President Mike Pence from 2020 to 2020 after previously serving as his press secretary. She later entered the world of political podcasting while welcoming four children with Stephen: daughter Mackenzie Jay and sons Jackson Grant, Hudson Monroe and Hawthorne Hayes.

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Related: What to Know About Eric Swalwell‘s Misconduct Scandal and Investigation

Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing sexual assault allegations from multiple women, a Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation and calls from top Democrats to end his campaign for California governor. Four women — including a former staffer who claims the politician raped her — accused Swalwell in April 2026 of sexual misconduct and harassment. Swalwell has categorically […]

Shortly after the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Katie had to publicly defend her husband after photos appeared to show the adviser using his then-pregnant wife as a human shield during the chaos.

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“They could not give Stephen Miller a good news cycle if they tried,” Katie said during an April 27 appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle. “They had to make me a target.”

She continued at the time, “To that I would say, Stephen did a phenomenal job and he was behind me and protecting not only me, but our baby.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Elijah Wood and The Lord of the Rings cast recently reunited, proving you can always journey back to the Shire.

“The band’s all here,” Sean Astin wrote via Instagram on Saturday, August 8, snapping a selfie from a recent gathering with Wood, 45, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan.

Monaghan, 49, shared another image from the cast’s low-key reunion, revealing the group dined at La Royal in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“Four Halflings. Three cocktails. Two desserts. ONE great night of conversation. More to come,” Monaghan teased of the evening. “#becurious shoutout to the couple [photobombing] in the back. Well played. Thank you @laroyal_cambridge.”

Related: ‘Lord of the Rings’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Author J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy series The Lord of the Rings made its big screen debut in 2001 with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring — and the rest is history. Like Tolkien’s books, the early aughts film followed a hobbit named Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) as he embarks upon a journey […]

Wood, Astin, 55, Boyd, 57, and Monaghan starred in the big-screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic Lord of the Rings franchise. The first movie, which premiered in 2001, followed hobbit Frodo Baggins (Wood) on a journey to destroy the One Ring to help save Middle-earth from the evil powers of Dark Lord Sauron.

In the years since wrapping the LOTR series, Wood has largely stepped back from the limelight to enjoy a more private family life. (Wood and his longtime partner, Mette-Marie Kongsved, are parents of two.)

“We’re well out of toddlerville and they’ve entered kid-dom. It’s incredible,” Wood told The Times of London in a March profile, noting his children have yet to watch his LOTR work. “They have not, but only because I genuinely don’t think they’re old enough. I feel like it might be appropriate when they are 8.”

Wood previously revealed that he loved how “all-consuming” fatherhood had become.

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Related: ‘Lord of the Rings’ Cast’s Honest Quotes About Being Underpaid

Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchett and Orlando Bloom are among the Lord of the Rings stars who have claimed they were underpaid on the billion-dollar franchise. Director Peter Jackson spared no expense on special effects for his adaptation of the hugely influential works of fantasy writer J. R. R. Tolkien — the trilogy reportedly had a […]

“The silver lining of the pandemic has been that it’s enabled me to enjoy fatherhood in a way I might not have done,” he told The Guardian in 2021. “My son was born seven or eight months before lockdown, so we’ve had this kind of unbelievable, uninterrupted family time that we’re probably never going to have again.”

Wood also recently stepped back into acting, joining Samara Weaving’s Ready or Not 2: Here I Come horror movie.

“I think of it as an action movie with comedic elements. Yes, it does have trappings of a horror. There are literally exploding bodies,” Wood noted to The Times earlier this year of his latest project. “But, the reason that horror never goes away is that, as a society, we always have something to be afraid of in real life, but horror is a safe way to experience fear because nothing’s actually going to happen. It’s cathartic.”

Editor’s note: The below interview contains spoilers for the House of the Dragon Season 3 finale.

Although House of the Dragon has primarily told the story of the brewing civil war between various members of House Targaryen over the course of its three seasons, another family of Valyrian noble blood has been quietly on the rise. While it might seem as though the Sea Snake himself, Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), doesn’t have much to his name, especially in the devastating aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, he does have more than one heir he wants to carry on his legacy. Unfortunately, his request for Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) to legitimize his sons, Alyn (Abubakar Salim) and Addam (Clinton Liberty) of Hull, is denied, but Corlys doesn’t have the opportunity to make the queen see reason when he finds himself in the clutches of Ormund (James Norton) and the Hightower army.

However, even in chains, the Sea Snake is a force to be reckoned with, from holding sway over a room of his kidnappers to intervening when Gwayne (Freddie Fox) tries to use him as a bargaining chip with Daemon (Matt Smith). Before the premiere of the Season 3 finale, Collider spoke with Toussaint about embracing Corlys’ biggest strengths as a diplomat, the experience of filming those brutal and bloody Tumbleton battle scenes, how Corlys might react to Alyn publicly declaring himself as a Velaryon, and more.

COLLIDER: Last time we talked, it was about the Gullet, but little did I know how much was in store for Corlys for the rest of the season. I did have a question for you about the finger. Did you have to do a hand cast, or did the special effects team use photos of your hands to create that?

STEVE TOUSSAINT: Yeah, that’s my finger. They did a cast. In fact, I think that might’ve been how I learned that my finger was being cut off. It must’ve been in the script, but I do remember there was a day I went on set, and they were like, “Oh, special effects are here, and they want to do a cast of your hand.” I was like, “Why?” They were like, “Because of your finger.”

Steve Toussaint Explains Why Corlys Never Really Loses His Power in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3

“I don’t know whether he has ever been a prisoner before, but Corlys has been through an awful lot…”

Image via HBO

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In terms of how Corlys’ storyline plays out this season, the episode where he gets taken by Ormund’s men is a big deviation from the book. What the subsequent episodes really do a good job of emphasizing is that Corlys might be a prisoner, but he’s still got authority even when he’s literally standing in chains. In the finale, Gwayne tries to use Corlys to broker peace with Daemon, and then Corlys takes over the negotiations! What did you really enjoy about getting to show that diplomatic side of the character and how he really steps up in that moment to be the voice of peace and reason?

TOUSSAINT: I liked the whole arc of it, actually, because I think there is something about Corlys and the way that he… I mean, obviously, his reputation and the way he holds himself, that just demands respect from people. It’s a joy when you’re working with people like James [Norton] and Freddie [Fox] because they naturally just play that. Corlys never really loses his power, even though he is in chains.

One of the joys about that scene was particularly when, as you said, Gwayne is trying to relay his plan, and then at one point, Corlys just goes, “Shut up.” It makes part of what Gwayne’s saying make sense. Also, I think at this point, Corlys is just tired of futile wars, tired of the bloodletting, and he’s trying desperately to, like most parents, leave a better world for his sons, his now newly recognized sons, than they began with. I don’t know whether he has ever been a prisoner before, but Corlys has been through an awful lot, and I don’t think this is the first time someone has pointed a knife or a sword at him. You know what I mean? When you’ve been through so much, you’re like “Nothing’s that bad, really.” When people recognize that, it can be liberating.

Do you know if the moment when Corlys looks at Gwayne to give him more slack on the chain was in the script, or something that you all came up with in rehearsing the scene?

TOUSSAINT: That was organic. That wasn’t in the script. My natural tendency was to step forward and speak closer to Daemon because he and Corlys know each other, and in this situation, Gwayne is the outsider. Initially, when we rehearsed it, I did step forward, but obviously, Freddie had his foot on the chain, and so we just went with it. I looked at him, and he went with it, being the good, flexible actor that he is, and we kept it in subsequent takes.

There is that element of Gwayne clearly respecting Corlys and his experience, too.

TOUSSAINT: That’s it, yeah.

As soon as we heard the name Tumbleton, I think fans of the book really knew where that storyline was probably heading. Corlys is also, at one point, in the line of fire when Ulf decides to join the battle on Silverwing, and then flips sides in a way no one expected — which is to say, he just starts blasting indiscriminately. What was it like to really film those sequences where you’re still in chains but having to dodge dragonfire at the same time?

TOUSSAINT: The director, Andrij [Parekh], would just say, “Up there, there’s the dragon, so that’s where you run.” You kind of think to yourself, at this moment, it’s about survival mode. What we tried to portray is that Corlys looks up, he sees the dragon, he recognizes it, he knows it’s Ulf, and so initially, it’s, “Oh, we’re going to be fine.” And then, Ulf does what he does, and you haven’t got time for recriminations. You don’t have time for what’s going to happen to him when we get him back to King’s Landing. You just have to survive. That was the overriding feeling, as we did that sequence.

Corlys starts the episode as the Hightowers’ prisoner. He technically ends the episode as Daemon’s prisoner, but he’s really not being treated like any old prisoner, right? I’m thinking of the scene where Daemon is hacking and slicing his way through Tumbleton, and then Corlys is actually the one who goes to collect him, in a way. Though I was very worried, for a moment, that Daemon would end up stabbing Corlys.

TOUSSAINT: On the one hand, it was great just as a performer, because of the level of detail that these guys put in. We had all these corpses lying around everywhere, and then people just wandering around and so forth. In that sense, it was great to get you into that mood. Story-wise, for Corlys, he looks at Daemon, and I think at that moment, Daemon is on a death wish. After that explosion, he’s got up [and] he’s literally just looking for fights. He wants to be cut down, basically. I think Corlys recognizes that and decides that he’s going to save [Daemon] from himself. There will still be war tomorrow, and Daemon is a great tool for the realm.

The idea that Daemon could swing around and just indiscriminately hack away at Corlys was obviously a very real danger. But it’s Corlys, man. He didn’t even think about it. I think it’s the reason why we did it that way — where he grabs hold of [Daemon], and then there’s a moment when they’re just looking into each other’s eyes, where Daemon is trying to remember where he is and what’s going on. Matt Smith, he’s brilliant. It was great, and I’m glad that it comes across that way as well, because that was the hope.

Steve Toussaint Explains Why Rhaenyra’s Actions in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Are a “Betrayal” for Corlys

“He believes her claim is correct, but, at the same time, this is what he’s lost.”

Image via HBO

The big conflict between Corlys and Rhaenyra this season was her refusal to legitimize Alyn and Addam, and that’s really the inciting incident for why he decides to step down as Hand and leave King’s Landing. Where does Corlys’ frustration stem from the most? Is it the refusal itself? Is it the inherent hypocrisy beneath that? Because he very publicly confronts her about the birth of her first three sons.

TOUSSAINT: Primarily, it is this sense of betrayal for him. It’s a sense of righteous indignation. Because the fact is he was part of the thing when she initially presented them with these two boys who clearly were not of his blood. But he was like, “Okay, fine. We’ll go with that.” For him, before that scene happens, he’s sitting somewhere in that bustle waiting, and he’s going through what he’s been through, who he’s lost — his house, his wife, all of that in the cause of this queen. He believes her claim is correct, but, at the same time, this is what he’s lost. “I don’t ask for riches, I don’t ask any of that, but just do this for my boys, because that’s all I have left to give them.” For Corlys, it’s like, “You can’t even do that after you’ve seen what I’ve been through.” And he doesn’t hear her say, “I can’t do it just yet.” He just hears, “No.”

So I think that’s where he is. And then, as you said, that becomes the impetus for him. “I’m going to go out, and I’m going to mop up the survivors from the Gullet, and I’m going to hang them from trees, and hopefully that will assuage my rage.” I don’t think it does, but there are no more pirates left, so he’s got to go home, and then he gets kidnapped.

In light of all that, one moment in the finale that I wanted to get your reaction to as well is Alyn publicly declaring himself as Corlys’ heir. What do you think Corlys’ reaction is going to be, looking ahead to the next season?

TOUSSAINT: Corlys would be glad. That’s what he thinks it should be. Somebody asked me today, or posited the idea that, actually, Joffrey is the heir to Driftmark. That’s very interesting. That’s another cause for conflict, because Corlys would name Alyn his heir, so Alyn taking that mantle on is like, “Yes, of course. You’re my son.” He would also think it might then force Rhaenyra’s hand.

All three seasons of House of the Dragon are now streaming on HBO Max.

Ariana Madix does not hold all the cards for her “Love Island” hosting gig return, but the constant chatter is catching her attention.

The media personality is reacting to circulating rumors that her future on the hit dating show as the host is uncertain, emphasizing that the signal on her end is mostly one of ignorance about the way forward.

Ariana Madix’s time on the USA version of the dating show has been nothing short of a phenomenal run, which has now earned her first Emmy Award nomination for hosting a show.

The reality star sat down in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly to give her verdict on news that has been filtering around about her position as host on the dating show becoming vacant next season.

Madix admitted to seeing the rumors, but noted that she is still in the dark about what will happen next season, although her spot as “Love Island Games” host next year is already secured.

Touching on the constant concerns from fans about her job, Madix declared, “I do wonder about that sometimes. People on social media have been saying that every year, and I always wonder where that comes from.”

She, however, appreciated the care from her fans, choosing to see it as a sign that she is a favorite among the viewers and they all want her back for positive reasons. Madix confessed to Us Weekly that so far, nothing has been said about that part of her career to the media or the fans, so the reports remain largely unfounded.

The ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Alum Reflected On Her Role In The ‘Love Island USA’ Meteoric Rise

In July, the outlet shared that Madix responded to a fan on TikTok when she gave a closer look into moments behind the scenes when filming the season 8 finale for “Love Island USA.” The curious fan had sought to know if it would be Madix’s last time strutting into that villa as the one in charge, to which she quickly countered.

A month before that, Madix had spoken about the role she played in the success of the dating show, especially because it took off around the time she became the host. She continued to The Hollywood Reporter in June that her emergence sandwiched between other pivotal factors really cooked the perfect storm for peak entertainment.

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The reality star also praised “Love Island USA” for its ability to turn contestants into stars, expressing her excitement to finally see the franchise receiving recognition for the enormous effort required to produce episodes at such a rapid pace. Madix bragged that as far as she is concerned, no other show is doing what the dating show is doing as regards their turnover rate.

Ariana Madix Gave A Full Look Into Her Pre-Hosting Ritual

Prior to her return to Fiji to host an episode of the show in June, Madix revealed that she crosses some important things off her list physically and mentally. She reflected on doing a lot of work in the gym, and that happens throughout the year to help her feel confident, sexy, and walk into the villa like a boss.

Several shots of Madix walking inside the villa dressed to the nines and flaunting her curves were often the highlight of the episodes for the viewers and the contestants. 

Madix continued that she also gets to work on her confidence in general because, as a host, balancing empathy and control of the room is an important aspect of getting the job done. The host stated, “Because when I go in there, there’s no producers there. It’s just me; I’m in charge. So I need to come in having that confidence for sure.”

Madix got candid about the opportunity to lead the show, describing the feeling as that of creative fulfillment because she enjoys connecting with the islanders every season, and she intends to do it for a long time.

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The 41-Year-Old’s ‘Love Island’ Obsession Paid Off With First Ever Emmy Nomination

The Blast noted that fans who followed Madix during her “Vanderpump Rules” days would testify how much of a super fan of the dating show she was. Cameras often captured Madix trying to convince her ex, Tom Sandoval, to watch the dating show with her.

When the call finally came in from her team, informing her about her Emmy nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program, Madix was over the moon. She recalled walking over to the phone half asleep and returning to bed before eventually realizing the magnitude of her latest achievement.

The reality TV star was elated to be nominated alongside some formidable competitors in her category, such as “Survivor” host Jeff Probst, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” host RuPaul Charles, “The Traitors” host Alan Cumming, and “Top Chef” host Kristen Kish.

Madix took over hosting duties for “Love Island USA” from actress and “Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland in 2024. She initially made her debut on the show as a VIP guest on the 5th season of the show after producers watched an episode of “Vanderpump Rules” where she raved about her obsession with the show.

Ariana Madix Promised A ‘Love Island USA’ Reunion Alongside Andy Cohen

The eighth season of the dating show crowned Bryce Dettloff and Trinity Tatum as the winners to take home the $100,000 grand prize. As noted by The Blast, Carl Schmidt and Aniya Harvey came second, followed by Sincere Rhea and Melanie Moreno in third place, and Zach Georgiou and Kayda Bosse as the fourth couple.

The season, which came with its own drama, including the removal of one of the contestants, Alannah Keyser, due to a video of her using a racial slur in the past resurfacing, is now set to host a reunion. Former contestants even communicated their favorite picks to take home the whopping six-figure check.

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According to Madix in the finale episode, she will be taking the wheel with Andy Cohen to gather the contestants in one room and ask some juicy questions about their lives inside and outside the villa. The reunion will be available on Peacock on August 31.

Will Ariana Madix take the fans for a spin on the show’s 9th season?

Nothing comes close to the rush of finishing a good book series. By the final page, the characters feel like close friends, and readers have no idea what to do with life for at least a couple of days. Movies and television can also tell incredible stories, but they rarely match the experience of living with the same characters across thousands of pages.

Of course, many of the series on this list have been turned into massive movies and brilliant television franchises. However, reading the books still hits differently, especially because they contain entire characters, histories, and storylines that never make it to the screen, and even if they did, they just don’t hit the same. To fix that, here are the best book series of all time, ranked by how well they pull the readers into their worlds.

10

‘Artemis Fowl’ (2001–2012)

Image via Hyperion Books

The Artemis Fowl series is messy, chaotic, and complex. Eoin Colfer’s eight-book series follows the cold and creepily intelligent Artemis Fowl II, heir to an Irish criminal family, as he discovers that fairies are real. Now, instead of freaking out, the 12-year-old immediately starts thinking about how to steal their gold. The catch is that these fairies are not harmless creatures with tiny wings as one would expect. Instead, they are heavily armed, technologically advanced, and capable of matching Artemis at almost every turn. Along the way, the central character crosses paths with Holly Short, an elf officer in the Lower Elements Police, whom he kidnaps and holds for ransom inside Fowl Manor. However, as the story progresses, Holly goes from being his prisoner to one of his closest allies, and their dynamic is the heart of the series.

The Artemis Fowl books follow one magical disaster after the other, but the real reason the series holds up is the protagonist himself. The series follows his journey from villain to hero, without ever feeling forced. The readers grow alongside Artemis as he learns to let go of his arrogant and manipulative ways. The change is slow, but boy, is it rewarding. Most people write Coller’s series off as children’s stories, but the way they combine humor, fantasy, science fiction, and crime is a treat for readers of all ages.

9

‘The Hunger Games’ (2008–Present)

Image via Scholastic Corporation

It feels like Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series becomes more relevant every year. The original trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenager from the impoverished District 12 who volunteers for the Hunger Games to save her younger sister. Alongside fellow tribute Peeta Mellark, she enters an arena designed to pit children against one another and fight to the death while the wealthy citizens of the Capitol watch from the comfort of their homes. The series begins as a survival story which gradually expands into a sharp satire on capitalism, celebrity culture, and propaganda.

Katniss is easily one of the most compelling young adult protagonists of all time, and her gradual transformation into the face of a rebellion is a fascinating journey to follow. Collins understands the weight of this narrative, but ensures that the readers never lose sight of the fact that all of these people participating in The Hunger Games are victims long before they step into the arena. The way Collins expands Panem and its history is a masterclass in worldbuilding. Not just the original books, but even the more recent prequels feel like meaningful additions to this story that the entire world is familiar with at this point. Every Hunger Games book is heartbreaking, thrilling, and eye-opening in how it reflects the real world. There’s plenty of dystopian fiction out there, but nothing comes close to The Hunger Games.

8

‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ (1950–1956)

Image via C. S. Lewis / HarperCollins

C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia was the first real doorway into fantasy for so many generations. The seven-book series follows the Pevensie siblings, who were evacuated from London during World War II and sent to live at Professor Digory Kirke’s large country house in rural England to escape the bombings. However, their world changes when Lucy steps through a wardrobe at the old property and discovers Narnia, a land of talking animals and mythical creatures ruled by the White Witch. Soon enough, the siblings find themselves pulled into a battle alongside the great lion Aslan that will decide the entire kingdom’s future.

The books move across different periods in the kingdom’s history and take the characters across dangerous seas, underground worlds, and even back to the very creation of Narnia. This enormous timeline is one of the reasons why the series never ceases to feel magical. The children grow older, but the series never loses its sense of wonder. There’s no denying that not every entry is equally strong, but the series as a whole creates a world that feels immersive and never-ending. Lewis never explains every corner of Narnia, and that mystery is part of its appeal. Above all that, The Chronicles of Narnia helped define modern children’s fantasy, which is why it definitely belongs on this list.

7

‘Dune’ (1965–1985)

Image via Chilton Books

If there was ever a time to read Frank Herbert’s Dune series, it’s now. The science-fiction epic is a six-book saga that begins with Paul Atreides, the young heir to a powerful family sent to govern Arrakis, the only planet where the valuable spice melange is found. Now, Arrakis is a brutal desert filled with giant sandworms, deadly politics, and the Fremen, who have survived there for generations. Things take a turn when House Atreides is betrayed, and Paul escapes into the desert to begin the journey that will turn him into the feared religious leader Muad’Dib.

From there, Dune grows into one of the most ambitious novel series of all time. The books trace Paul’s rise and slowly shift attention to the next generation of the Atreides family. The final two books move even further into the future and allow the series to keep changing its central characters, conflicts, and the world itself. Frank Herbert’s Dune books are complicated, and the odds are never really in anyone’s favor. Whoever controls the spice controls travel, wealth, and ultimately the future, which makes this sprawling battle over one desert planet feel frighteningly believable.

6

‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ (1979–1992)

Image via Pan Books

Only Douglas Adams could destroy Earth in the opening pages and still make it feel like the start of a hilarious adventure. His five-book Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series follows ordinary Englishman Arthur Dent, who escapes moments before Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass. His rescuer is his best friend Ford Prefect, who turns out to be an alien researcher writing entries for an electronic travel guide. Arthur soon finds himself aboard the Heart of Gold alongside the irresponsible galactic president Zaphod Beeblebrox, the intelligent and capable Trillian, and the depressed robot Marvin.

What ensues is an endless series of cosmic accidents as the group searches for the meaning of life, travels through time, battles enemies, and repeatedly encounters new versions of Earth. Aside from all the comic relief, though, Arthur’s journey takes a surprisingly personal turn as time goes on. Adams ensures that he receives meaningful character arcs while still staying true to the series’ sense of unpredictability. The brilliance of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is that nothing in the story is ever random, even when it appears to be. Adams uses aliens, robots, and impossible technology to satirize bureaucracy, politics, and human arrogance. Few book series have ever felt so refreshingly silly, yet nuanced at the same time.

5

‘Earthsea’ (1968–2001)

Image via Ursula K. Le Guin / Atheneum Books / Harcourt

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The Earthsea Cycle is Ursula K. Le Guin’s six-volume saga that takes place across a vast archipelago where magic depends on knowing the true names of things. The story begins with Ged, a gifted but dangerously proud boy whose attempt to impress his classmates releases a shadow into the world. A Wizard of Earthsea follows him as he learns that power is not about defeating everything he fears, but understanding it. Ged remains important throughout the series, but Earthsea never belongs to him alone. The series keeps introducing new characters and shifting its focus across different parts of the archipelago.

The final books return to familiar characters years later, but approach them from a completely different angle to explore ageing, trauma, and the weakening line between life and death. Earthsea naturally grows beyond Ged’s original journey. Le Guin gradually moves away from traditional stories about powerful wizards and begins focusing on the people those stories often overlook, particularly women, children, and those living without magical power. The books are relatively short, but every adventure hits harder than the last. The later books make the readers reconsider everything the earlier stories taught them, and that evolution is what makes the series so rewarding. The series grows older alongside its characters and the author, and that kind of honesty has always been rare in literature.

4

‘The Dark Tower’ (1982–2012)

Image via Donald M. Grant, Publisher, Inc.

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The Dark Tower by Stephen King follows Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger of a fallen kingdom, who is crossing the dying Mid-World in search of the Dark Tower. The Tower stands at the center of existence and holds countless worlds together, but it is slowly being destroyed. Roland believes reaching it is his destiny, although the deeper one gets into the series, the harder it becomes to separate that from obsession. Roland begins this journey alone, but the series truly comes into its own when he finds his companions Eddie, Susannah, and Jake. The larger story is about saving the Tower, but the emotional story is about whether Roland can learn to value the people walking beside him more than the destination ahead.

He is brave, disciplined, and almost impossible to stop, but he is not an easy hero to love. Roland repeatedly sacrifices relationships in the name of his mission before learning the true value of friendship. Not just that, but The Dark Tower books also build a fantastical world with ancient magic alongside robots and a civilization that looks uncomfortably similar to the readers’. As the story continues, it also begins connecting to King’s wider body of work, which turns the Tower into the center of a much larger fictional universe, which is one of its greatest appeals.

3

‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ (1996–Present)

Image via George R. R. Martin / Bantam Books

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George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire has changed pop culture forever. The author gave the world Westeros, a land with thousands of years of history, complicated family trees, forgotten wars, competing religions, and enough political grudges to keep the kingdom fighting forever. However, the series never throws all of that history at readers, but reveals it all through betrayals, marriages, old rivalries, and family legends. The story begins when Eddard Stark leaves his home in Winterfell to become the Hand of King Robert Baratheon. His investigation into the suspicious death of the previous Hand leads him towards a secret capable of destroying the royal family. From there, the conflict spreads across the Seven Kingdoms as the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Greyjoys, and other powerful families fight for the Iron Throne.

Across the Narrow Sea, the exiled Daenerys Targaryen begins gathering the strength to reclaim her family’s kingdom. Meanwhile, beyond the Wall, an ancient supernatural threat is returning while everyone further south remains distracted by politics. What makes the series so interesting is that no single character owns the narrative. Martin moves between several perspectives to tell a complex story where heroes and villains are never purely good or evil. Of course, the main series is still unfinished, but Martin has continued to expand Westeros with several prequels and spinoffs that are as engaging as the original story. Safe to say, A Song of Ice and Fire changed readers’ expectations of modern fantasy thanks to its ambitious storytelling and unmatched worldbuilding.

2

‘Harry Potter’ (1997–2007)

Image via Scholastic/ Bloomsbury

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J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter is so much more than a book series. The seven-book saga captures what it feels like to grow up and fight for what one believes in. The story follows Harry, an orphan raised by his cruel aunt and uncle, who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he finally finds friendship, purpose, and a world in which he belongs. However, Harry soon learns that his past is connected to Lord Voldemort, the dark wizard responsible for murdering his parents.

The initial books capture the pure excitement of discovering the magical world with Harry. Moving staircases, enchanted sweets, secret passageways, Quidditch matches, and strange school traditions make Hogwarts feel like a place readers could genuinely live in. Yet every year also brings a new mystery and a new revelation about Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter is one of the very few book series that matures pretty naturally. The story naturally grows darker as Harry, Ron, and Hermione realize how prejudiced and corrupt the magical world can be. Rowling created a world that readers never wanted to leave, and that’s why the series still feels so personal.

1

‘The Lord of the Rings’ (1954–1955)

Image via Harper Collins

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The Lord of the Rings is a defining work of modern fantasy, but that’s still an understatement. J.R.R. Tolkien essentially created the blueprint that generations of fantasy writers have been building on ever since. The series is technically one novel published across three volumes. The story begins with Frodo Baggins inheriting a simple gold ring from his uncle Bilbo that just so happens to be the One Ring, created by the Dark Lord Sauron to control the other Rings of Power. The only way to stop Sauron is to carry the Ring into the heart of his kingdom and destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom. Frodo sets out to do so with his loyal gardener Sam, but the journey brings together a much larger group known as the Fellowship of the Ring.

Now, Tolkien’s worldbuilding is famously detailed, and Middle-earth has its own languages, legends, along with thousands of years of history. However, it feels real because of how seamlessly the author incorporates all of it into Frodo’s adventures. When the Fellowship separates, the story expands into a much larger war involving fallen kingdoms and ordinary people forced to stand against Sauron’s armies. Despite that, the emotional center of the series remains surprisingly small. That balance between enormous scale and deeply personal courage is what makes The Lord of the Rings as timeless as ever.

Influencer Olivia Ponton was seen publicly supporting Joe Burrow and his Cincinnati Bengals amid the pair’s rumored romance.

Burrow, 29, was spotted speaking with Ponton, 24, after his football practice on Sunday, August 9, according to footage shared by local sports reporter Jaron May.

“Joe Burrow’s rumored girlfriend Olivia Ponton is at Bengals practice today,” May tweeted. “First time I’ve seen her at a public Bengals event.”

In the clip, Burrow and Ponton sat on the corner of the grassy field as they appeared deep in conversation.

Related: Who Is Olivia Ponton? What to Know About SI Model Linked to Joe Burrow

While Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was busy competing on Monday Night Football, drama was unfolding at his $7.5 million mansion in Cincinnati According to a 911 call placed by model and influencer Olivia Ponton on Monday, December 9 at 8:14 p.m., she arrived at the house to find a window broken and a ransacked […]

Burrow and Ponton, who have not publicly addressed their relationship status, have been romantically linked since December 2024, when the model reported that she was staying at the NFL quarterback’s home during a burglary. (Burrow was playing an away game in Texas at the time.)

“So obviously everybody has heard what has happened. I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one,” Burrow said in a press conference later that month, addressing the incident. “And way more is already out there than I would want out there and that I care to share, so that’s all I got to say about that.”

When asked whether he was frustrated by his personal life making headlines, the pro athlete acknowledged that was “part of it.”

“We live a public life and one of my least favorite parts of that is the lack of privacy,” he said. “And that has been difficult for me to deal with my entire career. Still learning, but I understand it’s the life that we choose. Doesn’t make it any easier to deal with.”

Five months later, Burrow and Ponton were spotted exiting the same car in May 2025 following the F1 Miami Grand Prix. Days later, Ponton was stopped by TMZ in New York City, where she was questioned the reported couple’s connection. She remained mum about where she stands with Burrow, only offering a brief smile before walking away.

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Burrow previously dated Olivia Holzmacher, whom he met in college at The Ohio State University. While Holzmacher was by Burrow’s side after he was drafted to the NFL, they went their separate ways by early 2024.

As for Ponton, she previously dated fellow influencer Kio Cyr for less than a year in 2020.

“That was my first relationship ever. When we were together, I was like, ‘Oh, you guys care about this just as much as I do. Yay.’ But then, when we broke up, I was really shocked by how much people cared,” Ponton told Elite Daily in November 2025 of her past relationship. “After that, I was like, ‘Never again.’ If I could go back to my 18-year-old self, I’d say, ‘Just have fun with it. It’s not that serious.’ Relationships shouldn’t be a weight on your shoulders.”

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to shop the cutest fashion and home finds, well, the time is now! Mud Pie is having its Warehouse Sale on just about everything you could ever imagine. We’re talking summer fashion pieces, home decor and gifts that’ll make Nantucket rich moms ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh.’

Every item in the coveted flash sale looks luxurious, high-end and boutique-worthy, which is why we’re buying up stock in droves. Curious what deals are hiding during Mud Pie’s shopping event? We combed through pages and pages of markdowns to come up with a curated list of top-tier picks that need to be on your radar. From comfy everyday fashion staples to expensive-looking home decor, these are the 14 finds you don’t want to miss. And FYI: the sale runs from now until Friday, 8/14, so start shopping now.

14 Mud Pie Warehouse Sales to Shop

Fashion and Apparel

1. Our Favorite: We simply cannot get over how cute this flutter top looks! The pretty print, ruffle details and loose fit are sure to make you feel comfy and rich.

2. No Brainer: Getting out the door is easy when you have a one-and-done outfit like this adorable jumpsuit. The lightweight material and effortlessly chic appearance make it a summertime essential.

3. Boho Babe: Whether you’re going to the beach or lounging around your summer house, you’ll want to do so while wearing these bohemian-style pants. The easy breezy fabric and relaxed silhouette will make you forget you’re even wearing pants!

4. Two-in-One: Sure, this on-sale pick is technically a coverup, however, we think it works as a chic summer dress, too. Hello, just look at that seaside print that gives off major Hamptons vibes.

5. Fall Staple: Prepping for autumn? This knit sweater top is one we’ve been eyeing, especially since it has an easy-going silhouette, preppy collar and large accent pocket.

Related: Peasant Blouses Are Summer‘s Most Dainty (and Comfy) Fashion Trend

Loose, airy and breathable tops are a summertime must to beat the heat, and there’s one shirt style that we’re seeing fashionable women reach for time after time: peasant blouses. The breezy warm-weather staple may have been your go-to in the ’70s, however, these dainty styles feel a little more modern and fresh (while still […]

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Home Decor

6. Instant Upgrade: Your serving bowls might be a little outdated, but this charming ramekin set will make you the hostess with the mostess. The stripes and bow accents set it apart from the rest.

7. Quite the Charmer: Give your home a beach house aesthetic with this floral-printed vase that looks so high-quality, people will think it was passed down in the family.

8. Going Viral: Everyone from Palm Beach socialites to celebrities like Bethenny Frankel is all about the crustacean fashion trend. This elevated beaded towel features a little crab and blue stripes that are so ‘in.’

9. Expensive Looking: Prop this woven lazy Susan on an ottoman, and guests will think you got it at Williams Sonoma. We credit the rope-like design, scalloped trim and beaded accents for that.

Gifting Essentials

10. Summer Staple: You can’t ever go wrong with a large tote bag, which is why this cute bow pick makes the perfect gift. It’s roomy enough to hold beach essentials, farmers’ market loot and more. Plus, it comes in five different colors and patterns, so take your pick.

11. Coastal Chic: Um, are you obsessed with these beachy earrings as much as we are? These beaded shell earrings are every aspiring mermaid’s dream.

12. Date Night: Going out to dinner doesn’t always require cocktail attire. Sometimes it’s fun and playful, just like this coastal beaded clutch.

13. Wedding Season: Summer is arguably the season to get married, and every bridesmaid knows it. Get the bride-to-be the most adorable tote bag that she’ll wear during the bachelorette and wedding week.

14. Sweet Treat: If you’re buying for someone who can’t live without their morning latte and loves whimsical items, this striped bow mug gives them the best of both worlds. Honestly, it’s so cute, we won’t blame you if you gift yourself one, too!

Harry Potter child star Jessie Cave is raking in the big bucks thanks to her thriving OnlyFans side hustle.

“I’ve earned more, easily, than my entire acting career within one year,” Cave, 39, told The Times of London of her content creation income in a profile published on Friday, August 7. “I thought I’d make five grand, be on [OnlyFans] for a few months and it would buy me time to work out what we’re going to do, but it’s now been over a year and a half and it’s genuinely saved our lives.”

Cave, who portrayed Lavender Brown in the magical franchise, launched her profile on the subscription-based platform in 2025.

“My rule is the hair is the main character. That’s how I justify it,” she said of her OnlyFans content. “It’s literally about hair [and] the texture of hair. The fetish. It’s very, very niche.”

Related: ‘Harry Potter’ Star Jessie Cave Used OnlyFans Earnings to Pay for Boob Job

Harry Potter star Jessie Cave revealed exactly how she paid for her breast augmentation. “To celebrate my one-year anniversary doing ‘hair content,’ I got a boob job,” Cave, 38, captioned a recent mirror selfie shared via Instagram, featuring the actress posing in a hospital gown. The actress, who played Lavender Brown in the franchise, reflected […]

Cave’s subscribers pay $6 per month to view the actress’ content and, for an additional fee, can request “paid-for messages.” Totaling up her earnings, Cave told The Times that, at one point, she made £15,000 ($20,236) in a single day.

According to Cave, she joined OnlyFans after reaching “a point of complete desperation” following a failed acting audition.

“I couldn’t go and, say, work in a supermarket because I can’t afford the childcare, and also I don’t want people shouting Harry Potter spells at me as I work at Tesco,” Cave, a mother of four, told the outlet. “I could retrain but I can’t afford to do a degree. I had a breakdown and I thought, that’s it with acting, I give up. But also we have no money.”

While Cave solely posts “hair content” on OnlyFans, she acknowledges that the site is primarily known for NSFW, sex-basedl uploads.

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Related: Harry Potter’s Jessie Cave Launches ‘Niche’ OnlyFans for Hair Content

Lavender Brown, we are not at Hogwarts anymore. Harry Potter star Jessie Cave has officially launched an OnlyFans account focused on her hair — and, yes, she knows how strange that sounds. “I’m starting an onlyfans for my hair. It’s niche even for me,” Cave, 37, captioned an Instagram video on Monday, March 10. “Join […]

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“There is a stigma. I didn’t really understand the risk of people thinking I’m doing porn,” Cave said in Friday’s interview. “Yes, [OnlyFans] is largely porn, but there are cooking videos, tarot readings, personal training — it’s just all done with a sexy edge. It is about wanting some kind of gaze. I wear baggy T-shirts on stage, I’ve never posted a bikini shot [and] I wear huge glasses.”

To mark her one-year anniversary of OnlyFans success, Cave used her income to pay for a breast augmentation.

“Big fan of my new look so far. Wanted to do this for ages, but never thought I’d actually do it, much like I never thought I’d be doing what I do now for a living,” she wrote via Instagram in March. “I’ve breastfed four babies, clocking up six years of feeding and pumping. I am so grateful my body was able to do that, but I thought it was time to do something for myself.”

Taylor Frankie Paul‘s ex, Dakota Mortensen, has ticked another box in his current dating life!

Dakota launched his budding romantic relationship on social media this weekend as he continues to find his way through the bends of his failed relationship with his ex, whom he shares a child with.

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen began dating in 2022 after the former’s divorce from her ex-husband, Tate Paul, and their on-and-off relationship became a focal point of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

Shinia Powell, who was a guest on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” gave her fans a glimpse of what she has been up to as summer wraps up. She opened her picture collection with an image of her looking over lush greenery and dressed in a denim shorts and black crop top combo.

The second slide was where the most fun lay, and it featured a shot of Shinia and Dakota sharing a smooch and wrapped in a warm embrace. Shinia added more adorable pictures of herself and Dakota chilling by the riverside alongside another image of Dakota planting a warm kiss on her forehead.

Dakota and Shinia looked every inch in love and even donned matching silver bands on their ring fingers, although the relationship had only recently begun. Overall, the mood in the latest post suggested that the couple and their kids headed out for a quick getaway in the woods.

Shinia wrapped up the post with a caption that read, “Soaking up our last bit of summer” as thousands of Instagram users left their likes on the content.

Fans Share Their Thoughts On Dakota Mortensen’s Sizzling Romance

Shania’s post did generate buzz from some viewers of the Hulu series who have followed Dakota and Taylor’s tumultuous love story over the years. One commenter gave a review of the dating scenes in Utah and how they often end up in relationships with people within the same social circle.

“I wonder how it feels being chosen just cuz the one he really wants say no lmao,” this Instagram user added, as another conversation ensued in the reply section arguing that Taylor was the one who walked away despite Dakota’s fixation on their bond.

One more commenter observed a pattern with Dakota and pointed out that he once took Taylor to this spot during their relationship. “Awww, this is cute. I remember the happy times being posted with him and Taylor in the beginning too. Good luck, girl…,” this user noted.

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The atmosphere in the comment section heavily tilts towards skepticism on the part of the viewers who are not expressing confidence in this new pairing.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Ex Dakota Mortensen Reportedly Found Support In Shinia Powell Amid Custody Battle

Dakota’s journey with Shinia reportedly began with a friendship that gradually became more during his difficult moments dealing with custody issues and the fallout from his relationship with Taylor. As noted by The Blast, sources close to Dakota described Shinia as a steady source of support to Dakota, and everything naturally grew into a romantic arrangement.

However, the duo was reportedly not rushing into anything and have been thoughtfully navigating their relationship with the best thoughts for their children. Dakota and Shinia also craved privacy at this stage of their romance, especially as they are moving forward from such a delicate, yet complicated situation.

Speaking of the complicated environment, Taylor and Dakota have been slugging it out over the custody of their son, Ever. As of July, Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services reportedly filed a petition requesting that a juvenile court order protective supervision and appoint a guardian ad litem to represent Taylor’s three children.

In the petition, the agency came forward with claims that the entertainer’s kids were abused, neglected, or dependent. However, Taylor insisted these adjectives do not remotely describe her relationship with her children.

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Taylor Said Vicious Legal Ordeal Nearly Broke Her As Probation Ends

On August 8, The Blast reported that Taylor took to her social media to address one of the most trying chapters of her life coming to a close. The reality star was arrested in 2023 after being involved in a domestic violence incident with Dakota, and she pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in a plea deal.

Taylor admitted that getting into the case was the beginning of a lengthy process she initially knew nothing about, and her probation officers also constantly informed her of the unique nature of her case. The reality star felt she had limited control over how things would turn out and ultimately could not do anything to change the course.

Taylor spoke about the extreme public interest that trailed her situation, which made her realize she did not care about being tagged the villain or the victim. She was, however, able to overcome that phase with the help of her closest friends. 

The reality star continued that her three-year ordeal actually brought her a different form of freedom and exposed those who truly understood what had happened. Taylor’s fans and friends praised her vulnerability, describing it as admirable while noting that her story gave so many women the boldness to come out and share their experience.

The Other Ex Of Taylor Frankie Paul Refused To Back Down After Court Rejected Restraining Order Bid

Just as Taylor closed the chapter on her case, another legal battle involving her children continues to brew, courtesy of her former husband. Earlier in July, Tate Paul returned to court after his request for a temporary restraining order was denied, asking the judge to reconsider their initial stance.

He reinforced his petition with fresh claims that Taylor had become unpredictable around their two children and that trend could ultimately jeopardize their safety.

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Tate came armed with records of text messages to bolster his argument, including one where she allegedly refused to explain why she had entered inpatient treatment or provide him updates about the situation.

Dakota was also dragged into the story, with Tate recalling Taylor telling him that physical confrontations between herself and Dakota had stopped after he began recording their conduct.

Taylor ultimately discovered a different motive behind Tate’s legal adventure as she accused him of trying to weaponize her personal struggles and damage the career she had built in the public eye.

Will Taylor Frankie Paul react to her ex, Dakota Mortensen, going Instagram official?

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