Zack Wickham accidentally stirred the pot during the early days of Summer House stars West Wilson and Amanda Batula’s romance scandal — and he still has thoughts on what’s transpired.

“Let me say that I did not mean to [get involved],” Zack, 39, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, May 7, claiming it was “by accident” that he spilled some tea on the pair’s alleged timeline during a March interview.

Zack — who is currently promoting season 3 of The Valley — explained, “I thought everything was coming out. Well, and it was. I didn’t think that me saying what I said was gonna throw a wrench in a timeline.”

He noted that looking back, all he did was talk about “rumors,” which was nothing earth-shattering.

On the same day that Amanda, 34, and West, 31, confirmed their platonic relationship turned romantic, Zack hinted that there would be more eyebrow-raising details about their romance coming out soon.

“Well, I will say that one of our friends’ cousins was on a vacation and met [Summer House star] Jesse Solomon and he just told her everything and then she told me,” Zack claimed during the March 31 episode of SiriusXM’s Smith Sisters Live.

Zack teased at the time, “So, I’m like, if what he told her is real, then brace yourselves, America. Sorry Jesse, I didn’t mean to throw you under the bus. I’m not saying anything publicly, but oh, my God.”

“Luckily, I didn’t throw a wrench in anything,” Zack told Us on Thursday. “I was like, ‘Dear God,’ like, I just that taught me to keep my mouth shut sometimes, like, I don’t need to say everything I know.”

He admitted, “The last thing I want to do is insert myself into another show’s business,” before apologizing to Jesse, 32, for name-dropping him in his past interview.

“I apologize, Jesse, I’m so sorry,” Zack said, revealing that Jesse “still follows me. I guess we’re still good.”

Since Zack’s March statement, more details have emerged and the Summer House cast has distanced themselves from Amanda and West. (Amanda announced her split from husband Kyle Cooke in January, months before she confirmed she is dating West. West, meanwhile, dated Amanda’s longtime friend and costar Ciara Miller in 2023 and they were visibly flirtatious filming season 10 of the series in summer 2025.)

A source told Us in early April that West and Ciara, 30, had been hooking up as recently as “about three to four weeks ago” and that Ciara didn’t know anything about Amanda’s relationship with him.

Ciara broke her silence on the drama in an interview Glamour published on April 17, claiming that she and West had previously outlined “boundaries” to fix their friendship, but those were blown up with the Amanda romance.

“One of those [boundaries] was no more sleeping with people on Bravo. Obviously, now that’s out the window,” she said.

West, for his part, denied last month that there was any “overlap” between his relationship with Ciara and Amanda’s romance with estranged husband Kyle, 43, before they became an item.

Still, the Summer House cast appears to be siding with Ciara and Kyle amid the drama, which fans will see come to a head during the season 10 reunion, which airs on May 26.

Related: Summer House’s Jesse Says Kyle Was ‘Angry’ About Amanda and West’s Makeout

Advertisement

Summer House’s Jesse Solomon is spilling the tea on all things Amanda Batula and West Wilson. During a Tuesday, April 21, appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Jesse shed light on the controversial romance between Amanda, 34, and West, 31, including how Amanda’s estranged husband, Kyle Cooke, feels about the relationship. (Amanda […]

“From what I’ve seen on socials, Amanda and West are really not handling the gravity of what they really have — the damage that they’ve done in their group,” Zack told Us, noting that the reunion will be telling for and if the cast can move forward.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

He noted that since Summer House season 10 is currently airing, it’s been very telling for fans how close West and Amanda were as far back as last summer.

“Watching these episodes with the knowledge, it’s almost like we’re getting to watch it in [real time] with hindsight. And it’s the craziest feeling,” Zack confessed. “But it’s also, like, icky, because some of the stuff they say, I don’t know how you move forward.”

Summer House airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, while The Valley airs Wednesdays at the same time.

No one in the history of ever will suggest that Jean-Claude Van Damme and his films have wrongfully been denied recognition as Academy Award contenders, with 2008’s JCVD really the only film that one could make an argument for. Guilty pleasure, yes — Sudden Death is a personal favorite — but up there with Citizen Kane? Not so much. But Van Damme does what he does well, and one of his best sci-fi films, Timecop, married his martial arts skills with a time travel concept that works better than it arguably should. It’s also his most successful film, which is why, in 1996, ABC ordered a series based on the film. That’s right: Timecop became a TV show in 1997, and you probably didn’t even realize it.

‘Timecop’ TV Series Features a More Established Time Enforcement Commission

Timecop, the movie, features Van Damme as Max Walker, an agent for the Time Enforcement Commission, or TEC, in 2004. TEC is a federal unit designed to stop criminals from going back in time, which is a thing since 1994, and prevent “time ripples,” changes made in the past to alter future events. Timecop, the TV show, takes place in 2007, and replaces Max Walker with TEC agent Jack Logan (Ted King). The TEC that Logan works for has evolved since Walker’s day into a more established unit with more agents and frequent trips to the past. Why, you may ask? Well, surprisingly, time travel technology has leaked beyond the government’s walls, and, shall we say, independent business operators are making time sleds and sending criminals into the past, for a hefty fee.

So it falls on the agents of the TEC, including Logan and his partner (and eventual love interest), Officer Claire Hemmings (Cristi Conaway), to go back in time, and capture and arrest these criminals before they alter history. They’re aided by Dr. Dale Easter (Kurt Fuller), the TEC’s chief historian with the wacky ability to cite major historical events that happened in the year any movie was released, and Captain Eugene Matuzek (Don Stark), the head of the TEC and the only character (but not actor) to carry over from the film.

The series plays out like a conventional, “case-of-the-week” police procedural. In one, Logan goes back to Germany in 1944 to prevent advanced technology from being handed over to the Nazis, allowing them to turn the V-2 into a nuclear missile and effectively changing how World War II plays out. In another, Logan traipses to 1956 to prevent the death of a Hollywood actress who, in the future, gives birth to a U.S. president. And in the pilot episode, Logan heads to 1888 to confront Jack the Ripper, only to find that his nemesis, a mid-21st century time traveler by the name of Ian Pascoe (Tom O’Brien), has killed old Jack and taken his place, determined to “kill five times as many women” as the original.

‘Timecop,’ the TV Series, Is No ‘Timecop,’ the Movie

Say what you will about Timecop the movie, but it was filled with action, looked spectacular, and was dark and gritty, covering up flaws through sheer, enjoyable spectacle. The only thing Timecop, the TV series, shares with the film is flaws, but with nothing to hide them. Van Damme’s Walker was an agent with a vendetta and the determination and skills to see it through; Logan is a cop, like any other cop, except a time-traveling one. The martial arts and exquisite, original fight scenes, such as the famed “kitchen counter splits,” are jettisoned for banal shootouts and solving mysteries. The look of the film is the result of a high budget; the look of the series reflects its $15 million budget. And it’s early 8 p.m. time slot essentially neutered the show, forcing it to abandon the darker elements of the film.

Timecop was ravaged by the critics, with the Chicago Tribune saying, “There is only so much time in a day, and Timecop… fails to make a sufficient case for one-twenty-fourth of it,” USA Today suggesting that “Timecop doesn’t boggle the mind. It’s merely a bog,” while both the Detroit Free Press and the Newark Star-Ledger cited it as “dull and predictable.” So, despite winning a bidding war among the networks to land the show based solely on the premise, ABC pulled the plug after only 9 of the 13 filmed episodes made it to air.

So, all that said, you’re forgiven if you didn’t realize that Timecop the movie begat Timecop the TV show. The series was forgettable from the start, and unless you can travel back in time and stop it from ever having happened in the first place, Timecop is best left alone. What’s disappointing is that the premise had a lot of potential, but it wasn’t used effectively. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow has a similar concept, but uses it far more imaginatively. Van Damme it all anyway. But here’s an interesting fact: in 1996, the year that ABC ordered the series, Jean-Claude Van Damme was on television. Not as Max Walker, but as a fictionalized version of himself, filming Outbreak 2, in a cameo on NBC’s hit series Friends, which, funnily enough, he would have liked to have gone back in time and done a better job of.

Advertisement

Timecop

Advertisement

Release Date

September 16, 1994

Runtime

99 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Peter Hyams

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Latto had fans popping OFF with reactions after she dropped a message on social media telling folks that her upcoming project would be her “retirement album.” Now, some of her celebrity friends are weighing in on the shocking update. Lizzo jumped into the conversation as one of the latest to react, and she made it clear she is NOT here for the idea at all!

RELATED: No More Big Mama? Latto Sparks Mixed Reaction After She Announces Next Step In Her Rap Career (PHOTO)

Lizzo Enters The Chat After Latto Teases Stepping Away From Music

Lizzo wasted no time letting Latto know she doesn’t want her to step away from music. The singer dropped a video on social media showing herself vibing in the car while Latto’s ‘Big Mama’ track blasted in the background. In the clip, Lizzo kept saying “Big Mama” right along with the beat. She also added a caption telling Latto she “BETTA NOT RETIRE,” making it crystal clear that she’s not playing and definitely doesn’t want to see her go. As of right now, Big Mama hasn’t responded to Lizzo, but fans are still flooding social media with reactions to the bombshell update.

Social Media Continues To Share Mixed Reactions To Big Mama’s Next Chapter

After The Shade Room dropped the clip of Lizzo, the comment section was flooded with mixed reactions. Some fans said they think Latto is just trolling, while others said she’s way too talented to be stepping out of the game right now.

Instagram user @velvetvixen.vip wrote, “Latto too talented to be stepping back now 😩” 

Instagram user @iamcalisodope wrote, “Y’all just make sure you buy her last album lol.” 

While Instagram user @esme.libra_ wrote, “She said that so that the album can sell …. She is in fact not retiring 🫠” 

Then Instagram user @the_real_darren8 wrote, “Latto doing this to bait yall into buying her new album when it drops. Y’all fall for anything.” 

Another Instagram user @dayummgina wrote, “Taking a page out of Jay z book 😂” 

Then another Instagram user @iam_torigrae wrote, “Let her do her.” 

While another Instagram user @r3alest_n1sha wrote, “How is she retiring? How many albums? How long have she been out?” 

Finally, Instagram user @marleylovaaaa wrote, “She trolling and y’all falling for it 😭” 

Is Latto Really Done With Music?

Latto shook up timelines when she dropped a message on X (formerly Twitter) telling fans, “5/29 My retirement album. Thank you for everything.” The post sparked tons of reactions and had fans wondering if she was seriously leaving the booth and her bars behind. The raptress still hasn’t confirmed whether she was just trolling, but fans are hoping her upcoming project won’t be her last.

RELATED: Oop! Social Media Thinks 21 Savage Responded To GloRilla’s Sister After She Made Claims About Latto’s Pregnancy (PHOTO)

Editor’s Note: This article contains discussion of suicide and mental health that could be triggering.The Office became one of the funniest sitcoms ever made by delivering different varieties of comedy. Like a traditional sitcom, it found laughs in conflict and physical humor, but what set the series apart from most other sitcoms is the ability to find the most cringeworthy moment it could put a character in and then sit in that moment for as long as possible. With its faux-documentary style and the lack of a laugh track, that realism only made the purposely awkward scenes even more uncomfortable. There’s no character on The Office more cringe than Michael Scott (Steve Carell). The guy means well, but his lack of self-awareness lands him in trouble often. However, in one episode of The Office, Michael went so far over the top that a certain scene was cut from all future airings, partially because of the wife of then-NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker.

That scene’s absence is especially relevant now, with The Office: The Complete Series – Superfan Extended Episodes arriving on Digital and Blu-ray on July 14. The release includes 194 extended episodes and more than 25 hours of previously unaired footage, though it’s unclear whether this controversial cold open will be included, given the sensitive nature of why it was removed.

The Employees of Dunder Mifflin Created Their Own Haunted House

Michael Scott isn’t the brightest man, and there are a lot of insecurities wrapped up in just how little he knows. For example, look at The Office‘s second-ever episode, “Diversity Day”. When he gets in trouble for repeating a Chris Rock routine — not done out of malice, but simply because he likes comedy — the office is made to undergo diversity training. It all goes wrong due to Michael, again, not out of any malice or racism, but because he’s clueless. He’s a good person who loves everyone, so his actions are funny instead of offensive.

Michael’s lack of awareness also gets him in trouble in The Office‘s sixth season episode “Koi Pond.” Debuting on October 29, 2009, the episode is in part about Michael accompanying Jim on a meeting, only to embarrass himself as usual by falling into a koi pond. It’s not a Halloween-themed episode, but with it coming out two days before the holiday, “Koi Pond” featured a Halloween cold open. Down in the warehouse, a haunted house is created to scare the kids of Dunder Mifflin employees. That’s a fun idea, but Michael takes it too far. At the end of the haunted house, Michael, wearing a wrapped present box on his crotch (a nod to the Lonely Island’s viral “Dick in a Box” video that premiered on SNL that year), falls from the ceiling with a noose wrapped around his neck. He writhes around as if he’s actually dying, while the kids scream in horror. He shakes until he’s “dead,” before breaking character and saying, “Kids, just remember, suicide is never the answer.”

Michael Scott’s Pretend Death Made Light of a Sensitive Subject

It’s a hilariously upsetting scene that’s pure Michael Scott at his “best”. You have Michael dressed as one of the guys from “Dick in a Box” (in front of kids, mind you), contrasted with the seriousness of suicide, with him thinking it’s all okay to do because he has a serious message for the children at the end. If someone did this in real life, we’d be upset, but this is Michael Scott. He simply thinks he has a funny Halloween costume and is just scaring kids in a haunted house, while also being a caring adult.

Still, it is offensive to make a joke out of suicide, and it wasn’t the only time The Office did it either. In the Season 3 episode “Safety Training,” Michael wants to deliver a message about the seriousness of depression and self-harm, so he goes to the roof to fake his death in front of everyone. The joke, though, is that no one believes he’s really going to jump, and he chickens out of his plan to leap off and land on a trampoline. It’s then up to the Scranton workers to save him from accidentally hurting himself.

The Scene Was Removed Partially Because of the Wife of NBC Universal’s CEO

Image via NBC

Advertisement

You can still watch “Safety Training,” but if you watch “Koi Pond” now on Peacock, DVD, or syndication, you won’t find the haunted house cold open. It only aired one time before being removed forever. It’s a shame that it’s gone now, because it has other funny moments, like Creed (Creed Bratton) dressed up as a vampire who wants to sell the kids’ blood, and Jim (John Krasinski), whose costume is nothing more than writing “BOOK” on his face; he’s trying to be clever with Facebook, but Darryl (Craig Robinson) calls him Bookface.

NBC got complaints from viewers who were upset about The Office using suicide as comedy, so the network decided to take out the scene from any future airings. However, it wasn’t just fans who got the scene pulled. According to AV Club, they were told by an anonymous producer on The Office that the scene was pulled because of Caryn Zucker. She was the then-wife of Jeff Zucker, who was the CEO of NBC Universal. Caryn, who worked in suicide prevention, was offended by the scene and asked her husband to remove it. He then called NBC reps and producers from The Office, where they decided “the episode was re-cut and re-delivered, with the original HD-SR delivery masters collected back from NBC and thrown into deep storage.”

It makes sense why the scene was removed, but it’s still a funny example of just how clueless Michael Scott is. Viewers weren’t clueless, though. It’s good that the moment was taken out, but it’s also disappointing that we lost the debut of the iconic Bookface.

The Office is available to watch on Peacock in the U.S.

Jennifer Lopez‘s ex-dancer Mia Starr speaks out about what she calls the “worst experience” of her career after working with the singer ahead of the 2020 Super Bowl LIV halftime show.

The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum alleged she was repeatedly embarrassed during rehearsals and claimed the atmosphere became emotionally exhausting.

Mia Starr also recounted a dispute involving an appearance on Jennifer Lopez’s documentary, which resulted in an “insulting” $20 check.

Mia Starr is opening up about what she described as the “worst experience” of her professional career while working with Jennifer Lopez ahead of the 2020 Super Bowl LIV halftime show.

In a YouTube video with fellow “Drag Race” star, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, the dancer said she initially felt thrilled after being selected to dance alongside Lopez and Shakira for the high-profile performance.

According to Starr, she was hired without having to audition and even left her job with “The Voice” casting team to take the opportunity. However, she claimed the atmosphere quickly became uncomfortable once rehearsals began.

Starr alleged that during the second day of practice, Lopez singled her out in front of other dancers and asked her to remove her shirt.

She said the moment left her embarrassed and self-conscious, claiming that the “Let’s Get Loud” singer later addressed the dancers as a group, encouraging them to “elevate” themselves physically for her show.

Starr admitted she understood the pressure that comes with performing at such a high-profile event, but felt the expectations became excessive early on in rehearsals.

Mia Starr Describes Humiliating Rehearsal Conditions And Growing Tension With Jennifer Lopez

The situation reportedly escalated when male dancers were allegedly asked to rehearse shirtless for hours.

Starr further described the experience as humiliating and emotionally draining, saying it felt almost like a form of “hazing.”

She also told Entertainment Weekly that she never believed her appearance was extreme, but felt Lopez “made it very clear that she was not pleased with my image, the way she gave that look of disgust. I was like, oh, this is embarrassing.”

Although Starr said she eventually got into better shape during the rehearsal process, she explained that the atmosphere left her with an “icky feeling.”

Advertisement

She noted that while dancers are often expected to maintain a certain appearance, she had only recently transitioned from office casting work and was unexpectedly thrown into the demanding performance environment.

The Dancer Felt The Singer ‘Hated’ Her

Starr said she eventually became convinced Lopez disliked her personally due to the singer’s focus on her.

She even recalled an awkward moment the following day when an ice cream truck arrived outside the rehearsal space, and Lopez once again delivered a speech encouraging dancers to “elevate” themselves physically.

“Clearly, at this point, I was like, ‘she hates me,’” Starr said, admitting she later leaned into the tension once she sensed the relationship had soured.

As rehearsals continued, Starr claimed the atmosphere only became more stressful. According to her, dancers would rehearse for hours before Lopez allegedly arrived later in the day and criticized much of the work that had already been prepared.

Advertisement

Starr said the constant changes and criticism created an emotionally exhausting environment, adding that the entire lead-up to the performance “felt like hell.”

Mia Starr Alleges Compensation Dispute After Working With Jennifer Lopez

Starr, in her chat with EW, alleged there were later issues involving Lopez’s 2022 Netflix documentary “Halftime.”

The drag queen claimed that dancers were asked to sign release forms shortly before the documentary’s release, which would allow their appearance in the project without additional payment, shortly before the film’s debut.

“I was like, no, you didn’t put me through all of that to not pay me. I didn’t sign the paper. There were a few of us that didn’t sign. They somehow found a loophole to still put me in it,” Starr noted.

Although she refused to sign the paperwork, Starr alleged that footage of her still appeared in the documentary.

Advertisement

The Dancer Said Jennifer Lopez’s Team Sent Her An ‘Insulting’ $20 Check Over The Documentary Appearance

According to Mia Starr, Lopez’s team later attempted to compensate her with what she described as a “$20 check,” which she said she found insulting and returned.

“It was so insulting,” the reality star recalled. “I told my agent, ‘You know what, actually, you can just please send this back, they clearly need it more than I do.’ I sent it back because it’s super insulting. I just had to laugh at that point. I was like, this is unreal.”

Despite everything, Starr acknowledged that she still considers the “Atlas” actress “gorgeous,” but made it clear she would never work with Lopez again.

She later turned down another opportunity to dance for the singer at a separate event.

This isn’t the first time Lopez has been accused of looking down on employees, with a famous hairstylist once claiming that the pop star saw him as “trash.”

Advertisement

One of our favorite trends to make its way back in style is capri pants. From denim to linen and everything in between, the cropped bottoms come in all sorts of looks that are ideal for springtime. This Amazon find might have them all beat, though, because they’re buttery soft and extremely affordable — and we’re talking like $7 affordable!

Consider the Sinophant High-Waisted Capri Leggings your warm-weather alternative to typical full-length leggings. These hit right at the start of your calf, so they’re not too long or too short. The high waist and fitted style mean you can easily wear them to your next workout, to run errands or to lounge around.

Get the Sinophant High-Waisted Capri Leggings for $7 (originally $10) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

For $7, you might not have high hopes for the fabric, but you’ll be surprised by how amazing these capris feel. They were designed to feel buttery soft while offering four-way stretch, allowing them to move with you. So, you don’t have to worry about feeling restricted and, no, they’re not see-through, either.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic black color, but don’t be afraid to mix it up for spring! The Sinophant leggings come in dozens of solid hues, including brown, lavender and hot pink, as well as patterns, like leopard, camo and geometric options. You can also shop these capris in full-length and full-length crossover versions, too.

If you had any concern that the affordable price tag meant that you weren’t getting quality, push it to the side. Real-life Amazon shoppers can’t say enough good things about these capris.

“They’re super soft and feel really high quality the second you put them on. I ended up buying two pairs, because I liked them that much. They’re not see-through at all (huge win), and the material feels durable without being thick or uncomfortable,” one verified buyer wrote.

“These leggings are great. I’ve spent so much money on leggings that didn’t fit good or got faded too fast, but these are great, and the price is wonderful. The material is so soft and comfortable,” a five-star reviewer said.

The only thing better than finding a high-quality clothing item on Amazon is finding one with a super-affordable price tag. From the gym to brunch and beyond, we know what we’ll be wearing all season long!

Get the Sinophant High-Waisted Capri Leggings for $7 (originally $10) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more capris here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Billie Eilish has shared a candid look into the daily challenges of living with Tourette’s syndrome and the exhausting effort it takes to manage it. 

During a recent podcast appearance, the singer explained the physical and mental toll of hiding her symptoms during public appearances. 

The singer’s honest revelation aims to clear up common misconceptions about the disorder while highlighting the frustration of being misunderstood by the public.

Speaking on the most recent episode of Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast, Eilish opened up about the hidden realities of Tourette’s syndrome, a disorder characterized by repetitive, uncontrollable movements and vocalizations. 

The musician revealed that she puts an immense amount of energy into hiding her symptoms whenever she is being filmed or interviewed. She explained that she does “everything in my power” to suppress her tics while on camera, acting as if she is perfectly still from her head down to her chest. 

However, this internal battle is only temporary, as she admitted that as soon as she leaves the room, she has to “let them all out.”

Eilish described the experience as having “intrusive thoughts” that her mouth is forced to say out loud. While she has vocal tics, she noted that they are usually small noises that she can keep relatively quiet.

However, the singer finds it particularly “frustrating” when people fail to understand how the syndrome actually works.

Eilish clarified that having multiple tics in a row is “very much normal” for her and not something that requires people to constantly ask if she is okay.

Billie Eilish Has Always Been Vocal About The Physical And Social Toll Of Tics

The exhaustion Eilish feels from constant suppression is a sentiment she has expressed before, notably during a 2022 appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix series. BBC reported that during that interview, she experienced a tic on camera. She then took the opportunity to explain that while she doesn’t experience them while performing, they occur regularly in her daily life. 

She noted that while most people wouldn’t notice her subtle movements during a casual conversation, the internal effort required to manage them is “very exhausting.”

One of the most difficult aspects for the singer is not the tics themselves, but the offensive reactions she receives from those around her. This reaction is something Eilish finds deeply hurtful, stating that she is “incredibly offended” when her involuntary movements are treated as a joke. 

Billie Eilish Recently Debuted Her Relationship Amid Public Backlash

In addition to being open about her disorder, Eilish also recently made a public appearance with her partner, Nat Wolff. However, this romantic debut has sparked a debate among fans who are questioning her previous comments about her sexuality.

The duo appeared together at the Los Angeles premiere of her new 3D concert film. The event, held for the debut of “Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D),” served as the couple’s first formal red carpet appearance. 

According to The Blast, the debut triggered an immediate firestorm on social media, where many fans labeled Eilish’s previous comments about her identity as “performative.” 

Critics argued that her public persona and her choice to date a man were disconnected, with some accusing her of “pandering” to the queer community for professional gain. 

The Singer Also Opened Up About Her Personal Struggle With Style

Shortly before her public appearance with Wolff, Eilish candidly spoke about the origins of her signature fashion.

She revealed that her choice to wear baggy clothing was not just a trend but a necessary shield during a time when she was battling significant eating issues and body image struggles.

According to The Blast, the 24-year-old Grammy winner admitted that her early fashion choices were rooted in a “really, really toxic relationship” with her body. 

She recalled the immense sense of relief she felt when putting on a large shirt, using it as a tool to hide from public judgment. Over time, however, this defense mechanism evolved into a more intentional form of self-expression influenced by hip-hop icons like Missy Elliott, Tyler, The Creator, and Bloody Osiris.

Billie Eilish Gave Fans A Peek Into Her ‘Belieber’ Era

The singer’s style evolution into self-confidence has also allowed her to embrace her roots as a fan while standing alongside the stars she once admired. Just as she has overcome personal struggles with her body and gender identity, she is now celebrating the youthful passions that helped shape her. 

Recently, Eilish took to Instagram to share a collection of throwback photos and videos with her 125 million followers, showcasing her deep admiration for Justin Bieber. 

The 24-year-old captioned the trip down memory lane with a playful “Don’t talk to me.” One photo features a young Eilish in a sequined dress and high-top Converse, posing in front of bedroom walls that are completely covered in posters of the pop star, per The Blast.

Notably, the post arrived just days after Eilish joined Bieber on stage during his Coachella set, an experience that left her visibly overwhelmed with emotion.

Fantasy can be one of the most satisfying genres when handled well, but it’s very tricky to get right. Most modern writers simply retread old ground or serve up the same tired tropes — magic systems, faraway realms, politics, and maybe a dragon here and there. However, a few go further, finding something new and bold to say about this beloved genre.

These acclaimed and daring books are the focus of this list. The titles below span a range of styles and tones, from lyrical coming-of-age stories to sprawling epics, but they are all bursting at the seams with imagination. The best fantasy books of the last quarter-century are layered, entertaining, and psychologically rich, proving that fantasy is still thriving today.

10

‘The Fifth Season’ (2015)

Image via Orbit

Advertisement

“Let’s start with the end of the world, why don’t we?” Set in a world plagued by catastrophic geological events, The Fifth Season follows multiple characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, particularly those with the ability to control seismic activity. Three seemingly separate narratives slowly converge, forcing the reader into an active role, piecing together timelines, identities, and connections.

The world-building is rich and creative throughout. Rather than being comforting or escapist, the setting here is harsh and geologically violent, constantly on the brink of collapse. A small number of individuals are able to shape the land’s roiling energy, but the rest of the society fears them and seeks to keep them under control. This “orogeny” doubles as both a magic system and a social metaphor, one that N.K. Jemisin explores in-depth.

9

‘The Crippled God’ (2011)

Image via Transworld Digital

Advertisement

“We humans do not understand compassion.” The Malazan Book of the Fallen series is the definition of epic fantasy, consisting of ten volumes totaling more than 11, 000 pages and a story that spans not centuries, but millennia. The Crippled God is the final book in the main series, bringing together countless storylines, characters, and themes.

After a decade-plus of tales about gods, soldiers, ascendants, and empires, this book lands with a surprising clarity, focusing more on ideas than on action and grand battles (although there certainly are battle scenes). Moments that might once have been cryptic are allowed to breathe, giving emotional beats more room to land. The main characters aren’t heroic archetypes but worn-down individuals choosing, again and again, to stand together. All in all, it’s a confident, graceful end to an impressive saga.

8

‘Children of Blood and Bone’ (2018)

Image via Henry Hold Books for Young Rivers

Advertisement

“All instruments of vengeance and virtue.” This one is currently being adapted for the screen, with the movie set for release in January 2027. Children of Blood and Bone takes place in the kingdom of Orïsha, where magic has been violently stripped away, leaving its former practitioners oppressed and hunted. The young Zélie is determined to restore magic, joined by a reluctant prince and princess whose own loyalties begin to fracture.

Refreshingly, the land of Orïsha isn’t just a generic fantasy setting with new names pasted onto familiar tropes, but a place with its own spiritual logic and social tensions. It draws heavily from West African mythology, particularly Yoruba-inspired cosmology. Similarly, the persecution of magic users in the book mirrors real-world histories of discrimination, and Tomi Adeyemi writes these dynamics with clarity and conviction.

7

‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ (2006)

Image via Bantam Spectra

Advertisement

“Someday, Locke Lamora… someday, you’re going to f—k up so magnificently, so ambitiously, so overwhelmingly…” This colorful story fuses fantasy tropes with elements of mafia fiction, set in a world inspired by medieval Venice. The main character is an orphaned thief who pulls off daring heists from under the noses of the city’s corrupt elite. However, his activities eventually attract the attention of darker, more powerful forces.

The novel is energetic and entertaining, jam-packed with story, surprising plot developments, brutal bursts of violence, and endlessly funny dialogue. The main characters are layered, too, with real wounds and flaws alongside their quirks and talents. This is what elevates The Lies of Locke Lamora above a mere caper. When things go wrong (and they do, badly), the consequences hit harder because the relationships feel real.

6

‘A Dance with Dragons’ (2011)

Image via Bantam Spectra

Advertisement

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” A Dance with Dragons is the most recent published installment in the main Song of Ice and Fire series (though also perhaps the final one, given that it’s been 15 years and The Winds of Winter still isn’t out). This book is a little messier than its predecessors, but also bold, intricate, and sweeping, bringing in new characters and taking us to fascinating new locales like Essos.

Thematically, a big focus here is on leadership under pressure. Daenerys, Jon Snow, and even Tyrion are placed in situations where there are no clean choices, only trade-offs. Daenerys’ rule in Meereen, for instance, becomes a slow, grinding lesson in the limits of idealism. Similarly, Jon’s command at the Wall is defined by difficult, often unpopular decisions that isolate him from those he leads.

5

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ (2007)

Image via Bloomsbury Publishing

Advertisement

“I open at the close.” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the capstone to the greatest literary sensation (so far) of the 21st century. As Voldemort’s power reaches its peak, Harry, Ron, and Hermione leave Hogwarts behind to hunt for Horcruxes, and the tone of the story shifts into a darker, more introspective mode. It gets very philosophical, delving deep into themes of mortality and sacrifice.

Nevertheless, the action, adventure, and creativity remain as rich as ever. Throughout the book, we encounter dragons, unbeatable wands, fresh mysteries, unexpected allies, and surprising new layers to characters we thought we already understood. Severus Snape, in particular, is revealed to be a far more complex and tragic figure than he seemed. The losses matter, the victories feel earned. Sure, the pacing can be uneven, and certain plot devices arrive conveniently, but they don’t undermine the book’s core achievements.

4

‘Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell’ (2004)

Image via Bloomsbury

Advertisement

“Can a magician kill a man by magic?” Set in an alternate version of 19th-century England, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell follows two magicians — one cautious and conservative, the other bold and unpredictable — as they attempt to restore magic to the country. In the process, they contend with war, faeries, dark sorcerers from the past, and, of course, politics. Their relationship, a kind of philosophical duel disguised as a partnership, drives the story.

Here, magic is not just a tool, but a cultural force, intertwined with history, and both men have strikingly different ideas on how it should be used. The novel’s structure is expansive, filled with footnotes, digressions, and side stories that give the world a sense of depth rarely matched in the genre. Similarly, Susanna Clarke’s prose is precise, almost formal, a brilliant pastiche of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

3

‘The Shepherd’s Crown’ (2015)

Image via Doubleday Childrens

Advertisement

“She was the witch of the chalk, and she would not leave it.” The Shepherd’s Crown was the last book Terry Pratchett wrote, and it’s a quietly powerful finale, not just to the Tiffany Aching arc, but to the entire Discworld project. It follows the young protagonist as she steps fully into her role as a witch, inheriting responsibilities that extend far beyond her years. The plot itself is relatively straightforward, but the tone is wise and reflective.

Characters age, roles shift, and the world continues to change in ways that feel both inevitable and bittersweet. Pratchett’s signature humor remains, but it is tempered by a sense of finality. Most of all, the novel reflects on legacy, on what is passed down and what must be carried forward. Goodness, The Shepherd’s Crown tells us, is usually found in small, unglamorous acts.

2

‘La Belle Sauvage’ (2017)

Image via Scholastic

Advertisement

“Every step we take is a choice.” La Belle Sauvage returns to Philip Pullman’s universe, serving up yet another striking, satisfying, and intellectually provocative adventure. Set twelve years before the events of His Dark Materials, the book centers on Malcolm Polstead, a young boy who becomes responsible for protecting the infant Lyra during a catastrophic flood. As waters rise and reshape the landscape, the story takes on an almost mythic quality, echoing folklore and Bible stories.

From here, the plot unfolds as a journey shaped as much by moral tension as by physical danger. Malcolm is forced to navigate a world where religious and political institutions are increasingly authoritarian, and where small acts of kindness carry significant risk, but also profound impact. Characters are constantly navigating systems that demand obedience, raising questions about conscience and the cost of defiance.

1

‘The Name of the Wind’ (2007)

Image via DAW Books

Advertisement

“It was the patient, cut-flower sound of a man who is waiting to die.” The best fantasy book of the last quarter-century is The Name of the Wind. In it, Kvothe, a legendary figure now living in obscurity, recounts his life to a chronicler: his rise from poverty, his time at a magical university, and the events that shaped his reputation. This structure creates tension not from what will happen, but from how events are remembered, and perhaps misremembered.

Kvothe and the other major characters are all compelling and well-realized, and the world they inhabit is immersive. The magic systems are especially cool, including the structured processes of “sympathy” and the more mysterious powers of “naming.” On top of all that, the prose is amazingly deliberate and lyrical, paying clear homage to Ursula K. Le Guin. Simply put, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece.

RELATED: Footage Shows Stefon Diggs Shedding Tears After Being Found Not Guilty In Assault & Strangulation Case (VIDEOS)

Jamila Adams Shares Messages & Challenges Court Narrative Claims

In a new Instagram post, Jamila Adams shared what she claims are text messages that were entered as evidence during the case. However, they were never publicly addressed in detail at trial. In her caption, she referenced individuals connected to Diggs, including Kyanna Barber, the mother of Diggs’ son. Jamila also made it clear that she refuses to be silenced or labeled in a narrative she disagrees with.

“I know what I lived through. He knows what happened. And the people who know him know the truth too. These texts were submitted into evidence but not addressed.” She continued, “Let’s stop the scorn woman narrative. I didn’t come this far to stay quiet. And I won’t be quiet,” she wrote.

What Else Did Jamila Say?

In a separate post, Jamila also directed attention toward Xia Charles, Stefon Diggs’ hairstylist and a witness who testified during the proceedings. Charles previously told the court that she picked Jamila up from the airport after the alleged incident. However, she did not observe any visible injuries at the time. She also added that surveillance footage shown in court appeared to show Jamila without bruises or signs of harm. Charles also testified that Jamila did not mention being assaulted during their time together afterward. Ultimately, the case ultimately concluded with Diggs being found not guilty.

Comment Section Erupts Over Claims And Messages Fallout

Folks rushed to The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section and quickly descended into disarray, with opinions flying in every direction. Some users argued she should have just taken the $100K the first time and avoided the entire situation. While others insisted her plan clearly backfired based on how things unfolded. And, some claim that everything we need to know is in them text messages.

One Instagram user @leaks415 added, “She’s a chef and cooked herself 🥴”

This Instagram user @ummmcanuno wrote, “It’s giving she was in love with him, wanted a relationship with him, and got her feelings hurt“

And, Instagram user @primedamee_ said, “Him being saved as “D1” tells me everything I needed to know.“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @sugarae commented, “🗣️ GIRL LET IT GO!!!!!“

Then Instagram user @golden.slugsxx claimed, “Shoulda gave this to the courts .. fuqq we gone do w this info 😭 Shoulda took that 100k and got tf on 😂😂😂😂”

Lastly, Instagram user @ninathemodel22 shared, “Wtf are we even looking at ? I’m so lost“

Diggs Cleared In Court As Trial Comes To Emotional End

As previously reported, Stefon Diggs was visibly emotional after being found not guilty in his assault and strangulation case involving former private chef Jamila Adams. According to ESPN, on day two of the trial (May 5), Adams returned to the stand and alleged Diggs offered her $100,000 to recant her claims, while earlier testimony also brought up alleged financial demands during their relationship. Witnesses reportedly told the court they did not observe any visible injuries in the days following the alleged incident, and the defense argued the accusations stemmed from a disagreement over a planned trip to Miami, per AP News. Ultimately, with the prosecution unable to present what the defense called credible evidence, Diggs was acquitted of all charges.

RELATED: Social Media Reacts As Pooh Shiesty’s NEW Mugshot Surfaces Amid Arrest For Kidnapping & Robbery Of Gucci Mane (PHOTO)

Pooh Shiesty Says It Wasn’t Him FrFr

According to reports, Pooh Shiesty appeared in federal court in Dallas on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to federal robbery and kidnapping charges. His attorney, Kent Schaffer, confirmed the plea, maintaining that the rapper denies any involvement in the alleged crimes. Federal prosecutors claim Pooh, his father, and seven others were connected to a January incident at a Dallas recording studio where multiple people—including Gucci Mane—were allegedly robbed and kidnapped. Despite requesting bond, Pooh Shiesty will remain in custody after a judge denied his release while he awaits trial.

You Already Know The Comments Are Cutting Up

As soon as the news hit the timeline, fans flooded The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section with jokes for days and nonstop reactions. Some users said Pooh Shiesty deserves a third chance, while others doubled down on claims that he “ain’t do nothing frfr” despite the charges. Meanwhile, plenty of commenters kept it blunt, saying, “Why would he plead guilty?” and insisting of course he was going to enter a not guilty plea.

One Instagram user @amourmaddii claimed, “He ain’t do that sht your honor fr 💯💯”

This Instagram user @differeentt_ shared, “Pooh deserves a 3rd chance let himmmm outtttt.“

And, Instagram user @melaninn.goddness added, “My boo coming home to big mama😂”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @jeremy.evans831 commented, “FDO pt. 2 dropping 2067😂😂😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @chocolateekkiss joked, “The lawyers defense bouta be ‘they was just playing’😂😂😂😂”

Finally, Instagram user @officialtimmm said, “‘Good news we got your payment , bad news they gave ya life’😂😂😂”

Pooh Shiesty’s Mugshot Had The Internet Wide Awake

Folks haven’t slept since Pooh Shiesty’s new mugshot started making rounds online, chile. After it dropped on X, fans immediately went into detective mode over the rapper’s expression, appearance, and overall demeanor while reactions flooded social media. The viral moment comes as Pooh remains behind bars in connection to the federal robbery and kidnapping case involving Gucci Mane, where prosecutors allege Pooh, his father Lontrell Williams Sr., and several others carried out an armed takeover during a January 2026 meeting tied to a recording contract discussion.