Outer Banks‘ final season teased the idea of bringing JJ back from the dead — but did Rudy Pankow actually return to the show?

During season 5, which premiered on Thursday, August 20, Kiara (Madison Bailey) struggled to cope with JJ’s loss. She immediately jumped at the idea of getting a crown that was rumored to resurrect people — despite the rest of the Pogues questioning the chance JJ would actually return.

The series concluded with Kiara having a powerful moment where she reflected on her most meaningful moments with JJ. She took that as a sign from her late boyfriend that she needed to remember their connection while still moving on in the present day.

Outer Banks also paid tribute to JJ by having Sarah (Madelyn Cline) and John B. (Chase Stokes) name their first child after JJ. Pankow, for his part, didn’t reprise the role of JJ.

The show originally received backlash in season 4 when Pankow’s departure was confirmed despite the writing team claiming it was always the plan to kill off the fan-favorite character.

“It’s been kind of lurking in his DNA from the beginning. He’s really a tragic figure, and the idea of mortality, and you only have a finite window — it’s also a theme of the show,” executive producer Jonas Pate told The Hollywood Reporter in November 2024. “It’s something John B. has talked about from the first season. So believe it or not, this is something that was always sort of baked in the cake, and we just wanted to tell the story as elegantly and interestingly as possible.”

After JJ’s death, the show’s creators explained their decision to kill off a Pogue.

“The overarching plan was to begin with just some kids who wanted to have a good time all the time, and take them on a whole journey,” Shannon Burke told Deadline in November 2024. “One of them was going to end up dying, and pretty early on, we knew that was going to be JJ; he’s the most reckless. He is also the most beloved and, in one way, the most sacrificing and the most risk-taking. And this was going to be JJ’s year.”

He continued: “The kids, they’re getting older. We wanted to begin in a place of innocence and then go to a place that at least one point to go is really dark for them, and then have them come out of it. That’s the overarching plan for the show. It was always JJ that was going to be, we just weren’t sure how we were going to play it.”

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Viewers subsequently started to question whether Pankow’s exit came as a result of a rumored rift between him and the cast. However, Pankow, 28, has said that he thinks JJ’s death was meant to move the story along.

“When I first found out JJ was gonna risk it all and not make it, I understood it. And the risks got bigger and bigger, and the stakes got higher and higher,” he explained to Netflix’s Tudum that same month. “His death really does set up the future of OBX with the question, what is worth it? And when someone that close to you is gone, how do you navigate that?”

Outer Banks is currently streaming on Netflix.

Life after a blockbuster franchise does not always come with financial security, and Jessie Cave is making that clear. 

The actress, best known to “Harry Potter” fans for playing Lavender Brown in the film series, is opening up about the difficult circumstances that pushed her toward OnlyFans. 

While many assume actors from major franchises enjoy lifelong wealth, Cave revealed that reality looked very different behind the scenes as she worked to support her family and navigate the challenges of parenthood.

For years, Cave managed to piece together enough work to support herself, but the 39-year-old revealed that things became increasingly difficult as opportunities slowed and expenses continued to grow. 

Speaking on the British daytime show “This Morning,” Cave admitted that discussing her financial situation publicly was uncomfortable, especially because of the assumptions people made about former “Harry Potter” stars.

“People just assume I’m rich and I have loads of money, but no, I don’t,” she explained, adding that smaller acting roles after the fantasy franchise were not enough to provide long-term financial stability. 

Cave also acknowledged that turning to OF felt “embarrassing,” but said practical realities influenced her decision. She noted that childcare costs made pursuing traditional work more complicated. 

“It was embarrassing because, on a certain level, I would have really liked to get a job, but you know what it’s like [when] you have kids … it costs so much for childcare,” she said.

Cave described her OF venture as a “weird job,” but added that she “couldn’t really have done anything else” while raising her family. Looking back on her career, she explained that she had managed to stay financially afloat for nearly two decades before reaching a breaking point.

Cave Opens Up About The Surprising Income Behind Her OF Success

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A few days ago, Jessie Cave revealed just how dramatically her finances changed after joining OnlyFans, admitting the decision initially left her feeling embarrassed despite the platform becoming her most lucrative source of income. 

As The Blast reported, the “Harry Potter” actress shared that she had “earned more, easily than my entire acting career within one year” on OF than during her entire acting career, describing the income as “life-changing.” 

According to the adult content creator, she earned as much as £15,000 ($20,488) in a single day and had credited the platform with helping stabilize her family’s finances. 

While she acknowledged feeling uncomfortable about the stigma surrounding OF, she said the experience boosted her confidence and allowed her to continue pursuing creative projects. 

Jessie Cave Calls Breast Surgery A ‘Business Decision’ After OF Success

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Earlier this month, Cave revealed that the financial success she found on OF ultimately led her to make a major personal decision: undergoing breast augmentation. 

Speaking to The Times, the cartoonist described the procedure as a “business decision,” explaining that her earnings from the subscription platform gave her the financial freedom to pursue it. 

Cave acknowledged that while her hair-focused content had become unexpectedly lucrative, she was also aware that its appeal might not last forever. 

“My hair can only do so much,” she said while discussing the realities of maintaining subscriber interest. Cave also revealed that she allowed her followers to weigh in on aspects of the procedure, including discussions about size. 

Beyond the business aspect, the actress said the surgery came after years of pregnancy and breastfeeding, adding that she felt ready for a change and wanted to reclaim a sense of ownership over her body.

Cave Questions Convention’s Decision To Exclude Her

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While OnlyFans transformed Jessie Cave’s finances, she said the platform also came with an unexpected professional setback. 

Writing on Substack in 2025, Cave noted that she learned she would not be appearing at a “Harry Potter” event after organizers discovered she was creating content on OF. 

According to her, the explanation she received was that the convention was a “family show” and that “OnlyFans is affiliated with p-rn.” 

The reasoning left her stunned. “This was baffling to me,” the star wrote, arguing that many actors who regularly attended conventions had appeared in projects featuring nudity or sex scenes. 

Cave also suggested that the decision reflected a broader stigma attached to OF rather than the content she actually produced. 

Although she admitted the rejection initially surprised her, she ultimately viewed it as a sign that her connection to the franchise was naturally evolving. “I am not upset about the prospect of no more Harry Potter conventions,” she wrote, adding, “There’s going to be a new cast now and it’s a different time.” 

Jessie Cave Turned Her OF Journey Into A New Stage Show

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Rather than keeping her unconventional career path separate from her creative work, Cave has transformed the experience into a new live performance. 

Earlier this month, she debuted “Only Work (in Progress)” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a show inspired by her year on OF and the unexpected ways it changed her life. 

According to the production’s description, Cave uses the performance to explore what creating “long hair content” has done to her confidence, finances and sense of self. 

The show also examines the unusual relationship between content creators and subscribers, while touching on themes of fetishism, financial domination and the realities of earning a living in today’s entertainment industry. 

The project allows Cave to combine the personal and professional aspects of her recent journey, turning a chapter that began as a financial necessity into artistic material.

“Love Island” is one of Peacock’s most thrilling reality shows, featuring a cast of attractive singles and an even hotter host. Ariana Madix, who first rose to fame on “Vanderpump Rules,” has become one of the dating competition’s most essential figures, known for her stunning features, extravagant looks, and killer catwalk. And speaking of catwalk, the viral slow-mo entrances that have taken the world by storm don’t happen by surprise. In a new interview, Madix revealed that nailing those scenes takes intentionality, and to get her mind right, she channels another superstar: Beyoncé.

@cnn Ariana Madix says she taps into Beyoncé’s Sasha Fierce persona when filming her signature slow-motion walk. She explains the inspiration came from seeing the singer’s “Renaissance” tour. Join CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister as she interviews Emmy-nominated celebrities on anything from their career-defining moments to news-making reflections. Stream episodes of Coming Up on the CNN app now. #arianamadix #loveisland #beyonce #confidence ♬ original sound – CNN

For those who may be unfamiliar with the aforementioned scenes, Madix’s slow-motion walks on “Love Island” are one of the things fans look forward to most during the captivating dating series. Throughout her last three seasons, the former Bravo reality star has been seen strutting her stuff in iconic, flowy dresses, striking hairdos, and breathtaking makeup.

Her sultry walks only add to the drama, and in an interview with CNN, Madix said it’s all part of the game. According to the 41-year-old, Madix channels Beyoncé, specifically the moment when she walks a catwalk during her 2023 tour “RENAISSANCE.”

“During Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour, which I saw twice, I love Beyoncé. There is a moment where she does this catwalk and it’s the intro to the song ‘Energy’ […] And we were right there and Beyoncé was making a beeline right for us and that stuck in my head,” she said.

Ariana Madix Earned An Emmy Nomination For Her Work On ‘Love Island’

Madix’s attention to detail and commitment to making viewers fall in love with “Love Island” don’t go unnoticed. The reality star recently earned an Emmy nomination for best host for a reality or reality competition program.

She opened up about her feelings regarding the special moment in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, revealing that she learned of the accomplishment while filming season 8 of the show in Fiji.

“So I ran over to answer the phone, worried that something bad had happened. And it was my team calling to tell me about it and to congratulate, and we were all so excited on the phone,” she said.

Madix Gets Candid About Possibly Returning To ‘Love Island’ For Another Season

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In another interview with Us Weekly, Madix responded to fans’ concerns about her potential departure from the series and said she’s unable to speak about the show’s future, but seemed confident she’d be back for season 9.

“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 said. “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?”

Why Madix Loves That Fans Are Concerned About Her Future On The Show

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And while the rumors can be frustrating to deal with at times, Madix said it makes her feel good to know that fans would be disappointed if she weren’t part of the program in the future.

“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,” she said. “But yeah, nothing’s been said. So I don’t know where they come up with that.”

‘Love Island’ Isn’t Over Just Yet

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Although “Love Island” wrapped a few weeks ago, the season isn’t over just yet. Madix will team up with Andy Cohen in late August 2026 to host the season 8 reunion.

According to a previous report from The Blast, Madix said she had so much fun working on the reunion with Cohen in the past and even revealed that she learned a lot about the job from him.

“I learned a little bit like, ‘Oh, I’m allowed to do that,’ which is great,” she said, adding, “We had a lot of fun together.”

The 1990s are back in a big way. Baggy jeans and relaxed fits are all the rage in fashion, while beloved films from that era like Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion with original stars Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow and Heat are about to get long-awaited follow-ups soon.

Next month, another ‘90s classic, Practical Magic, is finally getting the sequel fans have been wanting for years.

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are back as Sally and Gillian Owens, two close sisters who share the same gift for, well, practical magic.

With Practical Magic 2 set to bewitch moviegoers on September 11, Watch With Us is getting ready by watching some of Bullock and Kidman’s best movies — and, let’s be honest, some films that are so-bad-they’re-entertaining.

And to save some money to fund our holiday trip to Fiji, we’re going to one of our favorite FAST platforms to stream some of the best free-to-watch movies around.

Related: Owens Sisters Reunite in ‘Practical Magic 2’ Trailer to Stop Love ‘Curse’

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are back as the Owens sisters in the official Practical Magic 2 trailer — and this time around, a dead ex-boyfriend is nowhere in sight. “No magic is stronger than sisterhood. Cast by fate, tested by time and never broken,” Aunt Frances “Franny” (Stockard Channing) reveals in the trailer, released […]

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Where Can You Watch Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s Movies for Free?

Pluto TV is streaming some of Bullock and Kidman’s movies for free in August.

The following Sandra Bullock films are now available on-demand on Pluto TV:

Miss Congeniality
Miss Congeniality 2
Two Weeks Notice
Gravity
The Net
Forces of Nature
The Thing Called Love

Aside from the mediocre Forces of Nature, you can’t go wrong with any one of these titles. The Miss Congeniality movies have long been adored by Bullock’s fans, and Gravity is a top-tier sci-fi that gave the actress her second Oscar nomination.

If you only had time to watch one of these films, I’d recommend Two Weeks Notice. The 2002 film, which stars Bullock as a lawyer who has a combative love/late relationship with her boss, the demanding George Wade (Hugh Grant), is a top-notch rom-com that features both of its lead stars at the top of their game. It’s a low-key charmer that not a lot of people have seen.

The following Nicole Kidman films are available on-demand on Pluto TV:

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Cold Mountain
The Peacemaker
The Hours
Margot at the Wedding
Rabbit Hole
The Family Fang
Grace of Monaco
The Human Stain
The Paperboy
Genius

Is there any better encapsulation of the sheer oddity of Kidman’s filmography? The Aussie actress won an Oscar for The Hours and received critical acclaim for Margot at the Wedding and Rabbit Hole, but also starred in The Paperboy, a lurid thriller where she urinates on Zac Efron to save his life. (No, I’m not joking.)

Related: Sandra Bullock Is ‘Excited’ About ‘Practical Magic 2’ With Nicole Kidman

Fans have already started to prepare their midnight margaritas in anticipation of Practical Magic 2 — and star Sandra Bullock is thrilled to be returning for the sequel alongside Nicole Kidman. “Sandra’s really excited about Practical Magic 2,” a source exclusively shares in the latest issue of Us Weekly. “Nicole is someone she adores, and […]

Kidman is one of the most interesting actors working today, but I’m a huge fan of one of her more traditional films, The Hours. A literate drama about how the lives of three women from three different time periods are affected by Virginia Woolf’s novel Mrs. Dalloway, The Hours features a star-studded cast that includes Kidman, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Ed Harris, Allison Janney, John C. Reilly and Claire Danes, a brilliant score by Philip Glass and intelligent direction by Stephen Daldry. But Kidman won an Oscar for a reason, and her Virginia Woolf is a fascinating character — brilliant yet plagued with doubt, she lives to write even if it drives her mad. It’s such an impressive performance that she beat out co-star Moore (for Far From Heaven) and Diane Lane (for Unfaithful) to win her first, and so far only, Academy Award.

Netflix is giving Mizu the chance to finish her revenge story.

The streamer has officially renewed its acclaimed animated series Blue Eye Samurai for a third and final season, confirming that the upcoming chapter will bring Mizu’s story to an end. The announcement comes well ahead of Season 2, which is now set to premiere in January 2027.

Season 3 is currently planned for 2028, meaning fans won’t have nearly as long to wait between the show’s final two seasons. Production on Season 2 has reportedly wrapped, while work on the third season is already underway.

Created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, Blue Eye Samurai debuted on Netflix in 2023 and follows Mizu, voiced by Maya Erskine, a mixed-race swordmaster pursuing a brutal quest for revenge in 17th-century Japan.

Blue Eye Samurai [netflix]

Season 2 will take that journey far beyond Japan. After the events of the first-season finale, Mizu heads to London in pursuit of the remaining men connected to her past. Meanwhile, the story will continue back in Japan as Akemi and Taigen navigate Edo Castle under a dangerous new shogun and Ringo searches for a new purpose.

Erskine is expected to return alongside Brenda Song as Akemi, Darren Barnet as Taigen and Masi Oka as Ringo.

Netflix’s decision to order the final season this early gives Noizumi and Green something increasingly rare in streaming television: the opportunity to plan a definitive ending. Rather than leaving Mizu’s fate dependent on another renewal after Season 2, the creators can now build toward a planned conclusion.

The series has become one of Netflix’s most acclaimed animated originals since its debut, earning multiple awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program.

Blue Eye Samurai Season 2 premieres on Netflix in January 2027, although an exact date has not yet been announced. The third and final season is expected to arrive in 2028.

Meghan Markle is reportedly considering returning to acting when she and husband Prince Harry move back to the U.K.

Australia’s news.com.au broke the news on Friday, August 21, that the Duchess of Sussex, 45, has been offered a role in an upcoming project based in the U.K. Details about the project have yet to be revealed.

The BBC and The Telegraph reported Friday that sources close to the Sussexes “have not denied” the reports.

Us has reached out to Meghan and Harry’s representatives for comment.

Related: Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s U.K. Move Change Their Royal Roles?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the United Kingdom, but will they resume their duties as senior working royals? News broke on Wednesday, August 19, that Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, planned to move back to England in time for their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, to start […]

On Wednesday, August 19, People and other outlets reported that Meghan and Harry, 41, are relocating to the U.K. later this month with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.

According to the BBC, the royal couple will live in a “private, non-royal residence outside London,” and their children are already enrolled to start school in the U.K. in September.

Harry and Meghan will reportedly keep their home in Montecito, California, and their vacation residence in Portugal.

Us understands Harry’s father, King Charles III, only learned of the pair’s move on Sunday, August 16.

Harry and Meghan left the U.K. for California in 2020 after stepping down as senior working members of the royal family.

Before joining the royal family in 2018, Meghan was best known for playing paralegal Rachel Zane on the hit legal drama Suits. She was a main cast member for the show’s first seven seasons before leaving upon her engagement to Harry, at which time she stepped away from acting.

“I think what’s been so exciting [transitioning] out of my career and into, as you said, the causes I can focus even more energy on, very early out of the gate, [is that you] have a voice that people listen to, a lot of responsibility,” Meghan said at the time.

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“I’ve been working on my show seven years, we were so fortunate to have that longevity, and I feel like I checked that box and am very proud of the work I’ve done there,” Meghan added of Suits.

Since her acting retirement, Meghan has largely focused on documentary and lifestyle television shows, such as With Love, Meghan, which aired for two seasons on Netflix and was recently nominated for an Emmy, as well as her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

In November 2025, news broke that Meghan had filmed a cameo in the new movie Close Personal Friends, marking her first acting role in eight years. Meghan is expected to play herself in the film, which stars Oscar winner Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Jack Quaid and Henry Golding.

We’re now at half a decade since Daniel Craig was exploded as James Bond in No Time to Die, and we’re somehow still none the wiser about who will inherit the tuxedo, bloodstains not included. This is the first time the role has needed to be recast in more than two decades, and plenty has changed since Craig was announced as Pierce Brosnan’s successor in 2005. Amazon MGM Studios now has creative control over the franchise, a new movie is finally starting to take shape, and seemingly every British actor between the ages of 25 and 45 has been linked with 007 at some point. Well, one of them isn’t up for it.

Theo James, who has regularly appeared among the frontrunners to become the next James Bond, has effectively ruled himself out of contention. Speaking with British GQ, The Gentlemen and The White Lotus star pointed to his age as one reason he doesn’t see himself taking over from Craig. “I’m definitely too old now, for one.”

That’s an interesting assessment given that James is 41 years old, while Craig was 38 when Casino Royale arrived in theaters, and Brosnan was actually older than James is now when GoldenEye introduced his version of 007 at 42. But maybe Amazon just wants someone who can spend a decade playing the role, similar to Craig’s five-film, 15-year run. Starting at 41 could potentially leave James playing Bond into his 50s.

Theo James Doesn’t Want Everything That Comes With James Bond

But it’s not just age that James is bothered by. He, quite understandly, is entirely uninterested in the fame that comes with the role. “Imagine, suddenly, you and I cannot walk down the street,” James said, particularly highlighting the effect that level of attention could have on his children. “None of that, to me, is worth it.”

James acknowledged that being offered an enormous, career-altering role can be “very intoxicating,” but questioned whether the consequences would ultimately justify accepting it. And when it comes to Bond, he feels like it’s a point of no return.

“At the time, it’s very intoxicating, being offered some huge, sexy part that would change your life forever. But it really wouldn’t ultimately be worth it. That would be an example of a place you could never come back from.”

There is currently no official date for the next James Bond movie.

Hayden Panettiere was reportedly preparing to celebrate her 37th birthday with her daughter, Kaya, before her death at age 36. The “Nashville” star was expected to travel to Germany and spend her birthday week with the 11-year-old, according to a source close to the actress. Panettiere died on August 16, just five days before her August 21 birthday.

“She was planning on spending the week of her birthday visiting her daughter in Germany,” the source told Page Six exclusively. The trip had reportedly been in development for some time, with Panettiere frequently discussing her excitement about seeing Kaya. “She was so excited to see her and was telling everyone how much she was looking forward to spending time with her,” the insider added.

Panettiere shared Kaya with her former fiancé, retired Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko. The former couple dated on and off from 2009 until ending their relationship in 2018. Although Kaya primarily lived in Europe with her father, Panettiere repeatedly emphasized that she remained closely connected to her daughter.

Actress Discussed Her Vacation Plans With A Close Friend

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Panettiere’s hairstylist and friend Erick Orellana also recalled hearing about her desire to take a vacation and reunite with Kaya. “I last saw her a few months ago,” Orellana told Page Six. “She was talking about how she wanted to take a vacation, and that she wanted to go and see her daughter. Her daughter was always her absolute priority. She loved her so much.”

Orellana worked with Panettiere for three years and said conversations about Kaya were a regular part of their time together. According to the hairstylist, Panettiere frequently shared photographs and stories about her daughter. “Her daughter was the absolute light of her life,” he said. “She lit up when she spoke about her. Everything she did revolved around her.”

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The remarks challenge any assumption that physical distance had weakened their connection. Panettiere had recently described herself and Kaya as sharing a “really intense, incredible bond.”

• Panettiere’s death has prompted the Drug Enforcement Administration to join the investigation.
• Days after her passing, Hayden Panettiere‘s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, released a statement through his lawyer.
• Panettiere‘s mother, Lesley Vogel, has been vocal about her feelings towards Hickerson, claiming “This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death, and that was Brian Hickerson.”
• Hickerson reportedly struggled financially during his on-and-off relationship with the actress. His bankruptcy has now returned to the spotlight amid reports that the former couple had privately reunited.

Hayden Panettiere Called Custody Decision ‘Heartbreaking’

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Panettiere relinquished custody of Kaya to Klitschko in 2018 while struggling with postpartum depression and addiction. During a 2022 appearance on “Red Table Talk,” the actress pushed back against the belief that she simply chose to give her daughter away. “It wasn’t fully my decision,” she explained.

Panettiere said she initially believed the custody arrangement could change after she sought treatment and stabilized her life. According to ABC News, Panettiere described signing the custody documents as the “most heartbreaking thing” she had ever done. She entered treatment while Kaya continued living with Klitschko. Panettiere later acknowledged that mounting a larger custody battle could have negatively affected their daughter.

The actress also praised Klitschko’s parenting and called him a “fantastic father,” despite admitting that they did not always agree about the arrangement.

The Former Couple Maintained An Amicable Relationship

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Panettiere and Klitschko reportedly remained on friendly terms after ending their engagement. Their relationship began in 2009, and they welcomed Kaya in December 2014. They ultimately separated in 2018, around the same time Panettiere became romantically involved with Brian Hickerson.

While Kaya remained with Klitschko, Panettiere continued discussing the emotional importance of motherhood and the complicated realities of loving her daughter from a distance.

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Hayden Panettiere Died Days Before Her Birthday

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Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Police and emergency personnel responded shortly before 2 p.m. and attempted to revive the actress before she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate her death.

Authorities said their preliminary findings revealed no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An autopsy also found no “signs of trauma” that contributed to her death. Her official cause and manner of death have not been determined. Toxicology results remain pending and could take several weeks to complete.

Sophie Rain is turning James Fishback’s failed campaign proposal into an opportunity to support the educators he claimed his controversial tax would help. After Fishback finished a distant third in Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary, Rain announced that she would begin clearing classroom wish lists for teachers preparing for the upcoming school year. The pledge arrived after months of tension between Rain and Fishback, who personally targeted the content creator while promoting his proposed 50% “sin tax” on earnings generated through adult content platforms.

Rain announced the initiative in a TikTok video that quickly gained attention online. “This week, I’m gonna be clearing schoolteachers wish list. James Fishback, a Florida gubernatorial candidate who just lost the race, wanted to tax me 50% of my income, because he deems my job a sin, and that’s on top of the federal taxes I already paid,” Rain began.

She then questioned whether money generated through Fishback’s proposed tax would have reached Florida’s educators. “He said this, and I quote, ‘Sin Tax would be used to help school teachers in Florida,’ but we all really know where the money’s going,” she continued.

Rather than simply celebrating Fishback’s primary defeat, Rain said she wanted to help teachers directly. “So, in honor of his failed campaign, I am pledging to clear teachers’ wish list for this upcoming school year,” Rain announced. “I know how incredibly fortunate I am to be in the position I am, and I want to use my privilege to be able to give back to the teachers who really need it.”

The content creator invited educators to submit their classroom and school supply lists for consideration. “So if you’re a teacher and if you have a classroom or a school wish list, please send it to me. I’m gonna go through as many as I possibly can to start clearing them,” she said. “I love you guys, and I’m very grateful to be in the position I am, and to all the teachers out there, thank you so much for what you do.”

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Rain did not disclose how much money she intends to spend or how many teachers she expects to assist.

Content Creator Took A Victory Lap After The Election

Rain’s TikTok pledge followed several mocking posts directed at Fishback after the primary results were announced. After a post declared that U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds had defeated Fishback, Rain responded on X, “looks like i am keeping my money [laughing face emoji].”

Rain then resurfaced Fishback’s Election Day message encouraging supporters to remain in line and vote. “Better luck in 2030 maybe? [laughing face emoji],” she wrote.

James Fishback Finished A Distant Third

Donalds won the Republican nomination with approximately 47.8% of the vote, according to Spectrum News. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins finished second, while Fishback received approximately 10.5% of the vote.

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Donalds will face Democratic nominee David Jolly in November’s general election as voters select a successor to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who cannot seek another consecutive term.

Fishback’s defeat prevents him from pursuing the tax as Florida’s governor during the upcoming term. However, even a victory would not have allowed Fishback to impose the levy independently. Under the Florida Constitution, a new state tax requires approval from two-thirds of the membership of both legislative chambers before being presented to the governor.

Fishback’s proposal never advanced beyond the campaign stage and was not enacted into Florida law.

Florida Candidate Proposed A 50% ‘Sin Tax’

Fishback launched the dispute in January when he announced what he described as the country’s first “OF Sin Tax.” “As Florida governor in year one, I will push for the first-of-its-kind OF Sin Tax,” Fishback declared. “If you are a so-called OF creator in Florida, you are going to pay 50% to the state on whatever you so-called earn via that online degeneracy platform…”

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The investment firm CEO said the revenue would be directed toward Florida’s education system. “We will raise hundreds of millions of dollars of income on the OF Sin Tax,” he continued. “If we don’t raise that income, you know what it’ll mean? It’ll mean something even greater has materialized for the young women and young men of our state…”

Fishback did not stop at outlining the proposal. He singled out Rain by name and directly challenged her to leave the platform. ”Hey @SophieRaiin, pay up or quit OF. As Florida Governor, I will not allow a generation of smart and capable young women to sell their bodies online,” he wrote.

Rain, a lifelong Florida resident, quickly pushed back and accused the candidate of using her profile to generate attention for his campaign.

Sophie Rain Previously Accused Fishback Of Seeking ‘Clout’

Rain previously addressed Fishback’s proposal in comments provided exclusively to The Blast. “I have not heard of this guy until now, and I have lived in Florida all my life. He’s looking for clout,” she told The Blast.

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She argued that she already pays significant federal taxes and questioned why Fishback wanted to single out creators for an additional 50% levy. “First of all, imposing a tax on OF girls is quite possibly the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of. I already pay my taxes, millions in taxes, actually,” Rain said. “Also, why are you taxing the creator, why not the subscriber?! By that logic, this makes no sense.”

Rain also warned that targeting creators could push them to relocate outside Florida, costing the state money generated through housing, tourism and other local spending.

Fishback maintained that his proposal was intended to discourage participation in an industry he considered immoral while raising money for education.

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