Miracle Herron was delivering an order for DoorDash when she was suddenly caught in the middle of a police chase. Suspect Torrance Whitaker was reportedly fleeing police, driving over 100 miles per hour, when his car came hurdling toward her.

Hit, Miracle Herron still managed to deliver her customer’s food.

So what was going on, and why?

The Shade Room’s Justin Carter is delving into the shocking story on ‘TSR Investigates.’

DoorDash Driver Hit In Police Chase Still Delivers Order!

According to Miracle Herron, when she arrived at her first customer’s address, she heard “sirens” and “wheels screeching.” Seconds later, a car being chased by police almost plowed her over.

“So I see the car coming toward me, [and] once I realized that the car was getting closer, and it was finna get ready to hit me, my mind was like, ‘You need to run,’” she recalled. “Once I get the thought to run, that was when I was hit by the car.”

Herron explained to Carter that she “felt the impact,” and immediately got out of the way in case the car kept moving. Additionally, Herron still delivered the order to her customers.

“There was a lot of adrenaline running that day, I can tell you that,” Herron explained to Carter, noting that she didn’t feel the need to go to the hospital that day. However, she definitely felt the impact the following day.

What Has Happened With Driver Miracle Herron Since?

According to Herron, she’s been in physical therapy since the incident. DoorDash, she says, has been helpful with her recovery. But she still has an important message to be heard.

“I feel like police officers shouldn’t do police chases in residential neighborhoods ’cause if it wasn’t me, it could’ve been somebody else’s child, you know?” she told Carter.

Scroll above to watch as Justin Carter delves into past instances concerning delivery and rideshare driver safety. Additionally, he shares a statement from DoorDash about the matter and details Miracle Herron’s recovery as she reportedly deals with “mounting medical bills” and unmanageable pain. Those interested in donating to Miracle Herron’s recovery efforts can do so via her GoFundMe campaign, located here. Lastly, Carter shares tips every delivery and rideshare driver should know to protect themselves from incidents, accidents, and injuries.

RELATED: Roaches, Flooding & Break-Ins: Inside An Atlanta “Luxury” Apartment Nightmare | TSR Investigates

San Diego Comic-Con may be done and dusted, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t Marvel Studios and Disney-related surprises around the corner this summer. Enter D23 Expo: the Mouse’s own fan event for exclusives and reveals that should feed fans for the rest of 2026. In accordance, Collider is pleased to exclusively reveal what tributes Iron Studios has planned for D23. At SDCC, Iron Studios unveiled collectible figurines that teased Avengers: Doomsday. Specifically, Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) himself as well as Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen). Just weeks later, they’re back with more Doom. They’re also taking it way back to the 1960s with not one, but two Walt Disney exclusive collectible figures.

Doctor Doom’s new — and exclusive to D23 — MiniCo figure features a “metallic paint job created exclusively for the event,” according to Iron Studios. As has been the case with previous Doomsday merchandise, the Fantastic Four villain has a yellow or gold armband that seems specific to the plot of the film. Maybe it’s tied to how the MCU will introduce Latveria? Just something to keep your eye on!

Iron Studios Will Pay Tribute to D23’s Titular Hero

In addition to the new Doctor Doom figure, Iron Studios is unveiling two figurines of Walt Disney, the man who started it all, at D23 this year. One of the two should be particularly of interest to all the theme park enthusiasts out there as it pertains to “the Florida project.” (Not to be confused with the 2017 film The Florida Project.) As you can see above, one of the figures has Disney perched in his office, with plans for what will eventually become Disney World on the board behind him. According to the official press notes:

“Iron Studios is celebrating D23 with two exclusive tributes to Walt Disney: a limited-edition 1/10 scale statue (500 units worldwide) featuring his official office, along with some distinctive details that only those who have visited the Disney studios will recognize. In addition to the iconic phrase ‘To all who come to this happy place, welcome,’ written on the back of the wood. This exclusive can only be found at D23, CCXP Brazil and Disneyland Paris.

In addition to this, we’ll have another exclusive item: the Walt Disney MiniCo, where the drawing board features the sketch of what would become the Florida project ‘Walt Disney World,’ as well as Mickey’s most iconic eras. This project was created in collaboration with Disney, and our team visited Walt’s office to recreate everything as faithfully as possible.”

Both figures have some additional Disney characters in the background. The “Florida project” a.k.a. Walt’s office MiniCo features Goofy, Pluto, and the beloved Sorcerer’s Apprentice version of Mickey Mouse from Fantasia. The other has three different, and not-so-hidden, Mickeys! The details and inclusive messaging should set the tone for a good D23 Expo this year.

Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters on December 18. In the meantime, get an exclusive look at the new Iron Studios figures for the movie in the galleries above and stay tuned here at Collider throughout the upcoming weekend for more coverage from D23.

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Release Date

December 18, 2026

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Runtime

165 Minutes

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Ariana Madix weighed in on the overwhelming reaction to the heated moments that were caught between Islanders on season 8 of Love Island USA.

“I was a little bit surprised [by the response]. For me, these are adults living [together] and it’s an adult show,” Ariana, 42, who has been hosting the hit Peacock series since 2024, exclusively told Us while promoting her partnership with Orgain.

Ariana reminded viewers that the show was rated TV-MA, adding, “So for me, the audience should be expecting people to act like adults in adult relationships. And people in adult relationships tend to get physical with each other on various different levels of whatever they’re feeling.”

The Love Island USA host showed support for how everyone navigated their villa relationships.

Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Status Check: Which Couples Are Still Together?

They got a text — and found love in the Love Island USA villa. The beloved British dating show made its way across the pond in 2019, following a crop of American bombshells searching for The One in a luxury tropical villa. In season 1, eventual winners Elizabeth Weber and Zac Mirabelli had a connection […]

“I support every islander in their journey of how physical — or if not physical — that they want to be in the villa,” Ariana continued. “I don’t think anyone should be shaming them for either direction that they take.”

She continued: “When that becomes a topic of discussion, I just sometimes wonder if maybe they’re first-time viewers potentially. Because if we go back to Love Island UK season 1, that’s on another level.”

The Love Island franchise originally began in the U.K. in 2002 before expanding worldwide with various spinoffs, including Love Island USA on Peacock. The series follows a different group of singles every season who have to pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa for the chance to win $100,000.

The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa and are under constant video surveillance as they attempt to find love.

Ariana has had a front row seat since she joined the franchise in season 6. While the reality star couldn’t confirm her return for season 9, she was surprised by the online speculation into her future as the host.

“I do [see that]. And obviously I can’t speak yet to what’s going to be happening next season,” she noted. “We did announce already that I will be hosting Love Island Games next year.”

While Ariana “can’t say anything that speaks to” plans for season 9 of Love Island USA, she saw the concern.

“I do wonder that sometimes. [People on social media have] been saying that every year and I always wonder where that comes from,” she added. “I have seen comments online that say there’s some sort of two-year thing and I’ve always wondered where did that [rumor come from?”

Ariana appreciated the outpouring of love, adding, “But you know what? It is really nice because so many of those comments will be so positive in the sense that they’re wondering because they’re hoping that I will be back. So that’s really great. But yeah, nothing’s been said. So I don’t know where they come up with that.”

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Related: ‘Love Island USA‘ Season 8 Couples: Who Is Still Together? Who Broke Up?

Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits in the villa? Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum […]

Ariana, who recently earned her first Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program, is currently preparing to host the season 8 reunion of Love Island USA.

She is also partnering up with Orgain for their plant-based protein powder, which has become part of her morning routine.

“This has been such an easy alignment because this is something that I do every day. It was something I was doing every day leading up to going to Fiji,” she explained to Us. “I — no joke — had to have someone bring tubs of it to Fiji so that I could continue on my protein iced coffee routine in the morning.”

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Madix loved incorporating Orgain as part of her workouts — especially the Vanilla Bean flavor.

“When I first got back from Fiji, of course, I was jet lagged. I was struggling a little bit in [those] first few days to get back into my routine and now I’m back,” she said. “So I have my 21 grams of protein in my iced coffee every morning. I know myself, so I know that I’m not going to get up in the morning and make an elaborate smoothie and mess up my kitchen and do all of that before I head out the door.”

She continued: “My schedule is so different every day. So I know that if I can just start with that 21 grams of protein, I’m already at a headstart for hitting my goals for the day. Obviously, I love to work out, I love to lift weights, and if I’m not getting enough protein within that and I’m not hitting the right things for my diet, then I’m not going to build the muscle. And that’s really important to me. So this is the perfect thing to fit into my day for me.”

The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Jeana Keough has completed radiation treatment after being diagnosed with tongue cancer.

Jeana’s daughter, Kara Keough, shared an update on the former Bravolebrity’s health on Thursday, August 6, via a GoFundMe page set up to help cover the costs of treatment.

“Jeana finished her last radiation treatment yesterday, and we were informed that these next two weeks will be the roughest on her physically — as the chemo and radiation are compounding and her body will be at its weakest point,” Kara wrote. “The radiation burns have now made it to the outer skin on her neck, and even putting medicated cream on the area with the gentlest of touches causes her wincing pain.”

“We’re rocking and rolling with the feeding tube and I can feed her in the dark while she sleeps at this point, and she’s stopped losing weight. This is a win and we’re taking it as such,” she continued. “We’re still trying to find a nausea treatment that might prevent the painful vomiting but haven’t found the perfect solution yet.”

Related: RHOC’s Kara and Shane Keough Open Up About Mom Jeana’s Cancer Journey

Jeana Keough’s kids are remaining hopeful and positive as The Real Housewives of Orange County star continues treatment for tongue cancer. “She’s strong through this. She’s got a good support network down there,” Shane Keough exclusively told Us when marking 20 years of RHOC. “Colton, our younger brother, is there [in Orange County, California], so […]

Kara noted that she was due to return to Florida, where she lives, but that her brother Colton was in “Orange County taking [of] her.” Her older brother Shane “and his wife Francheska fly in this weekend for a changing of the guards.”

“Another win: for the last two days, I was able to coerce her to take one sip of water — a very important task so she doesn’t lose her swallow function,” Kara added of Jeana, 70. “The pain is excruciating and she refuses narcotics, so it’s unfortunately a really tough challenge to accept.”

Kara concluded her post by asking fans to pray for Jeana to complete her chemotherapy, among other things. She requested fans pray “that the continued immunotherapy works its magic and that cancer NEVER KNOWS THIS WOMAN AGAIN.”

Kara first confirmed Jeana had been diagnosed with tongue cancer in July when she created a GoFundMe page to support the costs of her mom’s treatment.

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Related: ‘RHOC’ Cast Sends Support to Jeana Keough After Tongue Cancer Diagnosis

Jeana Keough is receiving love, support and encouragement from her Real Housewives of Orange County family after her tongue cancer diagnosis was revealed. “By now, most of you have heard my incredible friend @jeanakeough is battling cancer. Her daughter Kara explained her journey on this GoFundMe post,” Vicki Gunvalson wrote via Instagram Sunday, July 19. […]

“A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue,” Kara wrote at the time. “She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down. I asked her how long the sore had been there. She paused, thought about it, and realized it had been nearly a year. A biopsy confirmed our worst fear: squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.”

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“On top of the physical toll, she has been unable to work. Because her job is commission-based, the loss of income has created an enormous financial burden at the very time she needs to focus all of her energy on healing,” Kara said.

RHOC star Vicki Gunvalson gave an update on Jeana’s condition on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Sunday, August 9.

“She’s going through it,” Vicki, 64, said. “She’s in chemo, radiation, and we just pray for her.”

Brooklyn Beckham‘s cooking skills are causing conversation!

The media personality brought his fans along for the ride as he embarked on a pasta cooking mission, and his unique method has sent tongues swirling.

Brooklyn Beckham’s culinary journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown, leading to the creation of his online video series “Cookin’ With Brooklyn.” However, his unending feud with his family has been his main headline appearance in recent times.

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The former footballer’s son excitedly shared a clip of him boiling his next meal in water scooped from the sea. Brooklyn informed his fans and viewers of his intention to make tomato pasta in the buzzing video.

The former athlete opted for a casual navy blue top paired with similar-colored shorts and a tan hat with dark sunglasses to achieve his task of the day. Brooklyn proceeded to the kitchen on his luxury yacht after getting the seawater into his saucepan. 

He then diced some fresh tomatoes and oiled another saucepan, emptying the fresh vegetables into it and applying seasoning. Brooklyn then boiled his pasta in the water and proceeded to place it in the tomato mix.

Brooklyn put his talent on full display by carefully plating the seafood pasta before digging into the mouthwatering dish alongside his sous chef. 

The media personality’s culinary move was trailed by thousands of comments from fans who either advised him against such a move based on hygiene reasons or praised him for thinking outside the box.

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Some fans still have their minds stuck on Brooklyn’s football past, drawing comparisons between his career and that of his father, stating, “When his dad was the same age, he’d won the treble and just signed for Real Madrid. But tomato pasta is a pretty good achievement too.”

Another commenter discussed the toxicity of sea water and how boiling it does not kill chemical pollutants, heavy metals, and all the toxins contained in the water.

Reginae Carter‘s impression of her mom, Toya Johnson‘s accent, has internet users in disbelief, saying she “sounds more like Toya than Toya.”

RELATED: Uhn Uhn! Toya Johnson Has The Internet Crackin’ UP With Her Reaction To Attempting A Cold Plunge (WATCH)

Reginae’s Impression Of Her Mom Toya Johnson’s Accent

Over the weekend, TSR Teens shared footage of an apparent recent livestream launched by Reginae Carter and her mom, Toya Johnson. In the clip, the pair appeared to be talking about Louisiana while Carter assumed her mom’s signature New Orleans accent.

As Carter jokingly talked about where her parents are from, Johnson couldn’t help but crack up in tears.

Peep the full clip below.

The Internet Is In Disbelief At Reginae’s Impression of Her Mom’s Accent

Social media users immediately hopped into TSR Teens’ comment section, cracking up at Regine Carter’s impression.

Toya Johnson Previously Made Headlines Alongside Her Husband

As The Shade Room previously reported, Toya Johnson previously made headlines alongside her husband. In September 2025, Robert Rushing shared a skit video referencing the upcoming football season. In the clip, he appeared to hand Johnson a paper which read, “Toya, this is to inform you that 1 week from today is the start of the Falcons’ football season. For the past several months, I have been a helpful, engaging, and loving husband. However, I regret to inform you [that] I am putting my 1 week notice. I will no longer be available for relationship or dad needs on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., some Mondays, and Thursday evenings, due to other commitments.”

In reaction, Johnson shared some playful words for her husband.

RELATED: Robert Rushing Told Toya He Will “No Longer Be Available” Once NFL Season Starts & Her Reaction Has The Internet Crackin’ UP

Heels aren’t the only way to fake longer-looking legs. The right dress silhouette can completely change your proportions, creating the illusion of extra height while keeping you cool and comfortable through the hottest days of summer. That’s why we went on a hunt to pull rich-looking styles that pair perfectly with even your favorite sandals.

From boutique-looking maxis to easy T-shirt dresses, Amazon has plenty of flattering options worth adding to your cart. Our 17 loose, body-skimming styles are designed to create a taller, leaner look without any heels in sight. Plus, prices start as low as $13, making it the perfect excuse to grab more than one.

17 Loose and Slimming Dresses That Make Legs Look Miles Longer

1. Our Favorite: Sometimes the simplest dresses are the most flattering. This loose tank maxi glides over the body, creating a lean, streamlined look that’s perfect with everything from slides to wedges.

2. Waist-Free Wonder: You don’t need a cinched waist to look flattering. This short-sleeve maxi creates an elegant column effect that visually lengthens your body while offering all-day comfort.

3. Belly-Friendly Midi: This V-neck midi dress floats away from the midsection, making it an easy pick for hot summer days. The tiered skirt adds movement and tons of style.

4. Sweet Sundress: This flowy maxi sundress has all the ‘ingredients’ of a forever favorite: a stretchy smocked bodice, breezy tiered skirt and flattering silhouette.

5. Print-Perfect Pick: Don’t underestimate a great printed maxi dress. The busy floral pattern camouflages lumps and bumps, while the long, flowy skirt visually elongates your frame.

Related: 17 Casual, Slimming Dresses That Go So Well With Sneakers — From $13

Some outfit combinations never miss, and dresses with sneakers are at the top of the list. The pairing feels effortless, polished and comfortable enough for everything from running errands to weekend brunches. Better yet, the right dress can create a flattering silhouette without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Amazon is packed with casual styles that […]

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6. No. 1 Bestseller: More than 4,000 shoppers picked up this casual maxi dress in the past month alone. Reviewers rave that it’s “soft and comfortable yet slimming,” making this pick an easy wardrobe staple.

7. Nautical Chic: A striped shirt dress instantly channels effortless coastal style. Better yet, the vertical lines and breezy fit work together to create a flattering, elongated shape.

8. Vacation-Ready Print: This beach-ready midi dress has everything you want in a warm-weather staple: a flattering V-neck, forgiving A-line shape and vibrant print that feels straight out of a coastal getaway.

9. Legs-for-Days Dress: This casual mini dress lets your legs take center stage, while the relaxed fit floats over the waist and hips. It’s an easy way to look taller without wearing heels.

10. Cinched-to-Perfection: A drawstring mini dress lets you customize the fit exactly how you like it. Pull the waist tighter for more definition or keep it loose for an effortlessly relaxed silhouette.

11. Body-Skimming Beauty: Softly draping from shoulder to hem, the floral swing dress glides over the tummy, hips and thighs for an effortlessly flattering fit. The floor-grazing length only enhances its elongated effect.

12. Lengthening Stripes: Nothing elongates quite like a striped midi dress. The V-neck draws the eye downward, while the empire waist and vertical lines work together to make legs look even longer.

13. Taller-Looking Trick: A classic A-line maxi dress helps balance your proportions by visually lifting the waistline. The result is a longer, leaner silhouette that looks especially chic with flat sandals.

14. Resort-Ready Favorite: Toss on this striped button-down dress with gladiator sandals and a woven tote for an outfit that feels equal parts polished and relaxed. The vertical pattern also helps create a longer silhouette.

15. Boho Beauty: Designed with a bohemian-style maxi silhouette, this dress creates beautiful movement as you walk. The V-neck and sweeping skirt work together to flatter from every angle.

16. Boutique-Looking: You’d expect to find this eyelet mini dress hanging in a high-end boutique. Instead, it delivers the same effortless polish with a relaxed fit that floats over the body.

17. Hot-Weather Hero: Reaching for a breezy dress is one of the easiest ways to stay cool without compromising on style. This cotton maxi dress delivers breathable comfort and a forgiving, body-skimming fit.

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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Related: Bye, Bye Bulge! These Pretty Summer Blouses Hide Your Arms and Tummy

Summer style is supposed to feel easy, but finding a blouse that doesn’t cling to your tummy or squeeze your upper arms can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Instead of settling for oversized tees or cardigans in 90-degree weather, we’re focusing on airy summer tops that will make you feel instantly more comfortable and […]

A woman who appeared to physically attack Yaya Mayweather is clearing the air on what allegedly went down. Jaleec Pino, a podcaster, claims Floyd Mayweather’s daughter put her hands on her first. She also alleges Yaya insulted her before the caught-on-camera fight. So far, Pino is the only one who has spoken out about what happened.

RELATED: Oop! Yaya Mayweather Shuts Down Claims That She’s “Obsessed” With NBA YoungBoy Or Wants Him Back

Footage Shows Jaleec Pino Confronting Yaya Mayweather & Others

Much of the online footage of the physical fight appears to have originated from Jaleec Pino, who posted or reposted it on her Instagram Stories, and possibly TikTok users. Though this hasn’t been fully confirmed. Nonetheless, the fight and its footage gained momentum on Saturday (August 8). In one Instagram Stories video, Pino is seen throwing an object three times toward a car Yaya was riding in. She added an NBA YoungBoy song to the clip, which she captioned: “Scary A** B****” A third post was a photo of Pino apparently gripping Yaya by the hair and pushing her towards the ground. She dropped an @ for Yaya in that post and included 50 Cent’s song, ‘What Up Gangsta.’

La podcaster “Jaleec” pulls up on undefeated boxer Floyd mayweather jr daughter “yaya” and gives her a vicious case of da beats. This comes after allegedly yaya had words for the podcaster because of an interview. Pray for peace yall. pic.twitter.com/s9PdGrctAS

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) August 9, 2026

Jaleec Claims Hitting Yaya Was “Self-Defense” 

In one of her Instagram Stories videos, Jaleec showed her open palm with a small cut at the center. The caption written in the video said, “POV: Jaleec gets into a altercation with Iyanna Mayweather aka Money Yaya.” Meanwhile, in the clip, Pino said the cut resulted from a fight with Yaya, who allegedly “slapped” her.

“…So it was self-defense, so whatever she told the police she lying y’all,” Pino said in the clip.

It’s unclear at this time whether cops were called to the scene of the tussle or if a police report was filed. Later in her Stories, amid videos and screenshots of the confrontation, Jaleec shared a screenshot of her gripping Yaya by the hair while throwing punches. The text on the clip said, “Yaya Mayweather called me a messy b**** this what happened. “

Sometime after the fight, Jaleec Pino hopped online to clarify that Yaya and her crew “popped it first.” She claimed that Yaya “starts everything,” including online. This time, Mayweather allegedly accused her of speaking about her during an interview, which Jaleec denied. Rather than given an example, Mayweather then allegedly threw shade about big foreheads and buns, seemingly aimed at Pino.

“It don’t matter how y’all try to paint it out, but she really kicked it off first. Talk about that. Don’t act like I did anything. She talks too much and she thought I was overly protected.”

WATCH THE FOOTAGE BELOW. 

Social Media Weighs In On Confrontation 

In Live Bitez’s comment section, more than 2,700 reactions poured in. Reactions to the footage and Jaleec’s post-fight commentary were mixed. Some people called out the podcaster for trying to force a fight with a seemingly unwilling participant. Others urged Yaya to get better security, applauded her restraint and encouraged her to press charges.

@comedian_actor_aj commented, “First off she’s way to little for that girl to be running up on her and secondly yaya looks drunk asf she’s clearly not in fighting mode..we seen how yaya move all fast tryna fight when sober 😂😂… security fired!!!!” 

“Yaya is smart. She didn’t swing first so that’s assault on this girl. She didn’t agitate so no case for her to seem like the aggressors. AND she’s on probation for STABBING someone – she is hands off! Ain’t no way she is trying to go to jail,” @illestemm added.

“That’s weird. She so damn small come get me yaya I got you 😂😂,” @bodixonna wrote.

@wifeythamizfit said, “The way they would locked up right now. They attacked her and damaged her car. Where is her security?”

“Girl now you might go to jail posting this 😂,” @binttaa1 added.

@studewoodmike59 commented, “😂Security need to be fired immediately.” 

@lailavland added, “This why nobody f*ck wit u jaleec, your supposed to be a “pod caster” and your getting in your feelings fighting the people YOUR GOSSIPING about. When tf did the podcasters start fighting the talent 😂. Ps come pick on somebody your size.” 

Social media users are also flooding the comment sections of Jaleec’s Instagram posts with reactions to the tussle. See an example below. 

RELATED: Karlissa Saffold Enters The Chat With Advice For Jaidyn Alexis After Yaya Mayweather & Kai Bandz Link Up (VIDEOS)

After months of speculation and Marvel secrecy, Sadie Sink can finally openly discuss becoming Jean Grey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Stranger Things star made her debut as the iconic mutant in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, giving audiences their first look at a new Jean Grey who could eventually become one of the central characters in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Menreboot.

In a new interview with Variety, Sink discussed taking on a character who has been an important part of Marvel Comics for decades.

“She’s such an iconic figure in X-Men and in comics, and I’m very excited to bring my iteration of her to life.”

However, Brand New Day introduces Jean in a very different place than longtime X-Men fans might expect.

Rather than already being a member of the X-Men, Jean is presented as a young mutant struggling with her abilities and the circumstances surrounding her. Although she serves as an antagonist during portions of the movie, Sink says she never approached Jean as an actual villain.

“In this film, they told me that I was the villain, but that you’re not actually the villain, which is how I played her.”

Sink added that she didn’t want to give Jean a traditional villainous personality because Jean herself believes her actions are justified.

That distinction appears to be an important part of Marvel’s approach to the character. Instead of introducing Jean as the established superhero audiences previously saw portrayed by Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner, Marvel has an opportunity to show how she eventually becomes that hero.

Famke Janssen, Sadie Sink, Sophie Turner

Sink explained that she viewed Jean primarily as a teenager dealing with pain and anger rather than someone who was inherently evil.

“She’s a young girl in pain.”

According to Sink, the plan was to avoid focusing on the “evil bits” and instead concentrate on Jean as an angry and hurt teenager.

That idea also connects directly to what Sink believes makes the X-Men different from many other superheroes.

“What makes the X-Men special is they are all incredibly flawed.”

Sink explained that mutants have to discover their own relationship with powers they never asked to have. Those abilities don’t necessarily make their lives easier and can instead make them considerably more difficult.

It’s an approach that could tell us quite a bit about the direction Marvel Studios intends to take with its new X-Men.

The mutants have traditionally worked best when their powers aren’t simply treated as abilities that allow them to become superheroes. Being a mutant is part of who these characters are, and learning to live with that identity has always been central to the franchise.

Jean Grey is particularly suited for that kind of story.

As one of Marvel’s most powerful telepaths and telekinetics, Jean has frequently struggled with abilities that can become overwhelming and, eventually, potentially catastrophic. Her comic book history with the Phoenix Force has made her one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe.

But Marvel doesn’t appear to be rushing toward that version of Jean.

Instead, Brand New Day gives Sink the opportunity to start much earlier in Jean’s life and potentially develop the character across several movies before exploring some of her biggest comic book storylines.

Sink also revealed that some of the first people she told about landing the role were Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of Stranger Things.

“The Duffers were some of the first few people I told.”

Sink said she wanted them to know what she would be doing after Stranger Things, and the brothers were excited about the opportunity. Their reaction carried additional weight for Sink because of their love for comics.

It’s easy to understand the excitement.

After spending years playing Max Mayfield in one of Netflix’s biggest franchises, Sink is moving directly into what could become another defining role, and potentially one that lasts for much of the next decade.

Marvel Studios is currently preparing its new X-Men movie with Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier set to helm the project. Sink’s introduction in Brand New Day now gives the MCU at least one major piece of that team before the movie arrives.

Jean Grey’s future could also introduce another important relationship.

Kit Connor has recently been reported as Marvel’s choice to play Scott Summers, better known as Cyclops. Jean and Scott have one of the most famous and complicated relationships in X-Men history, making the two characters natural candidates to become central figures in Marvel’s new mutant era.

For Sink, though, Jean’s imperfections may ultimately be what makes the character worth exploring.

Marvel has already had two cinematic versions of Jean Grey and has twice attempted to adapt the Dark Phoenix storyline. Simply repeating that journey would offer audiences little they haven’t already seen.

Starting with a younger, angry and emotionally overwhelmed Jean gives Marvel Studios something different: time.

Time to show Jean learning about her powers. Time to show her finding others like herself. Time to establish her relationship with the X-Men. And eventually, time to show how one of Marvel’s most powerful mutants becomes Jean Grey.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day may have introduced her as an antagonist, but if Marvel’s plans come together, Sadie Sink’s Jean Grey is only getting started.

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson is giving an update on good friend Jeana Keough’s tongue cancer battle.

“She’s going through it,” Vicki, 64, said on the Sunday, August 9, episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. “She’s in chemo, radiation, and we just pray for her.”

Vicki previously showed her support for fellow RHOC OG Jeana, 70, via Instagram.

“By now most of you have heard my incredible friend @jeanakeough is battling cancer,” she shared on July 20, linking to a GoFundMe page set up to support Jeana cover the costs of her treatment. “Her daughter Kara explained her journey on this below GoFundMe post. Please donate if you can, and lift her up in healing ❤️‍🩹 prayers. Jeana, you have been there for so many people through your life, now it’s our turn to be there for you! We love you girl 💪🙏❤️.”

Related: ‘RHOC’ Cast Sends Support to Jeana Keough After Tongue Cancer Diagnosis

Jeana Keough is receiving love, support and encouragement from her Real Housewives of Orange County family after her tongue cancer diagnosis was revealed. “By now, most of you have heard my incredible friend @jeanakeough is battling cancer. Her daughter Kara explained her journey on this GoFundMe post,” Vicki Gunvalson wrote via Instagram Sunday, July 19. […]

Jeana’s daughter, Kara Keough, broke the news of her mom’s cancer battle in July.

“A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue,” Kara wrote via the GoFundMe page. “She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down. I asked her how long the sore had been there. She paused, thought about it, and realized it had been nearly a year.”

According to Kara, Jeana was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

“After surgery to remove the cancer, we were hopeful that the hardest part was behind her. But when doctors recommended a second surgery to remove lymph nodes, they discovered the cancer had spread,” Kara wrote. “What we thought would be a one-time surgery became a full cancer battle.”

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Related: ‘RHOC’ Star Jeana Keough’s Prognosis for Tongue Cancer Revealed After Chemo

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Jeana Keough’s daughter, Kara Keough, has revealed her mom’s prognosis after finishing chemotherapy for tongue cancer. “Jeana is home and recovering,” Kara, 37, wrote in an update on Jeana’s GoFundMe page on Friday, July 31. “She’s done with chemo and only has 2 days of radiation left! After […]

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Kara shared an update on her mom’s treatment plan on Thursday, August 6, confirming that Jeana had “finished her last radiation treatment” the day before and that “we were informed that these next two weeks will be the roughest on her physically — as the chemo and radiation are compounding and her body will be at its weakest point.”

“The radiation burns have now made it to the outer skin on her neck and even putting medicated cream on the area with the gentlest of touches causes her wincing pain,” Kara wrote. “We’re rocking and rolling with the feeding tube and I can feed her in the dark while she sleeps at this point and she’s stopped losing weight. This is a win and we’re taking it as such.”

“We’re still trying to find a nausea treatment that might prevent the painful vomiting but haven’t found the perfect solution yet,” said Kara, noting that the “pain is excruciating and she refuses narcotics, so it’s unfortunately a really tough challenge to accept.”