Roommates, sometimes the biggest headlines come when you least expect them. That’s exactly what’s happening with Dwight Howard right now. The former NBA superstar recently popped out with a message that quickly got fans talking. But while Dwight was making a major announcement about his career, his name has also been tied to some serious personal drama involving his wife, Amy Luciani. And let’s just say…the details coming out from both sides have definitely raised a few eyebrows.

RELATED: Dwight Howard Breaks Silence After Amy Luciani & Son Call Him Out Amid Drug Allegations (PHOTO)

Dwight Officially Retires From Basketball

Although Dwight Howard hasn’t played an NBA game since 2022, he never actually announced his retirement—until now. He woke up on March 12 and shared a lengthy message on X revealing he’s officially stepping away from the game after 20 years.

In the emotional post, Dwight said he’s “taking off the cape” and retiring from basketball to focus on family and giving back. While he acknowledged people might’ve thought he had already retired, he made it clear that wasn’t the case. Dwight shared that the game essentially “retired” him despite believing he still had more left to give. He also hinted at a documentary dropping later this year where he says he plans to tell the “truth about EVERYTHING.“

Woke up today on the 12th of this month and I figured it’s time to move on from Superman! Im no super human… I cry ! I struggle! I feel like everyone else. Through the lies, the media and the hate I still show love and Smile Through The Storm.

But now Im taking off the cape and… pic.twitter.com/SyZQAcAeLq

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— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) March 12, 2026

Dwight Reportedly Calls 911 On Amy

But while Dwight was making headlines for his retirement, his personal life also surfaced in the spotlight. According to newly surfaced 911 audio, Dwight Howard contacted authorities on March 7 claiming his wife left their Georgia mansion with several of his personal items. During the call, Dwight told dispatch that a woman—allegedly his wife—had taken off in a gray Camaro. He also claimed she took his valuables including jewelry, wedding ring, and phone. 

Authorities reportedly told him an officer would follow up so he could file a report. However, the timing raised eyebrows, as the alleged incident happened just two days before Dwight filed for divorce on March 9. Around the time the divorce filing became public, Amy Luciani took to Instagram with allegations against Dwight. She has accused him of drug use—which he has since denied—and made abuse claims tied to their relationship and family situation.

Amy’s 911 Call Paints A Different Picture

Meanwhile, audio from a separate 911 call made by Amy Howard a day earlier is also circulating—and it tells a very different story. In the March 6 call, Amy claimed Dwight locked her out of their Georgia mansion during an argument, leaving her stuck outside in the rain. Additionally, Amy told the dispatcher she had to walk through the woods and force her way through a side gate to get back onto the property. She also identified her husband during the call as “Dwight Howard from the Lakers.”

Furthermore, Amy mentioned that the home contains a large number of weapons. She claimed that there are “over a thousand” stored in what she described as a gun room on the property. Lastly, she can be heard  sharing frustration about being forced to sleep in her car during disputes, saying she couldn’t keep dealing with the situation.

RELATED: Amy Luciani Reacts After Dwight Howard Files For Divorce, Royce Reed Seemingly Weighs In

After 33 years of marriage, Barack and Michelle Obama are navigating unfamiliar changes, and the former First Lady is revealing it.

The former first couple’s marriage has weathered its share of challenges, something they have opened up about. 

After debunking divorce rumors last year, the pair are now stepping into a different chapter of life, with their daughters, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, all grown and living independently.

How Michelle And Barack Obama Are Adjusting As Empty Nesters

The “Becoming” author recently spoke candidly about where she and her husband stand today, describing their marriage as entering a period of rediscovery and focusing on themselves. 

“Our kids are grown. They’re out,” Michelle said on Wednesday’s episode of the “IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson” podcast. “They’re out. We’re looking at each other like, ‘Hey, I remember you.’ Now I’m not mad about anything. I don’t need you to do anything for me.”

The 62-year-old admitted that the transition has been unfamiliar territory for both of them. “It’s a new phase,” Michelle said. “Which takes time. We’re in a new phase of life.”

Michelle explained that both she and Barack now have to find themselves, as for years, their lives have revolved around their kids. 

She also disclosed that many of the hardest moments in their relationship happened “because of their kids,” and called parenting the first major joint project couples do together.

Even after more than three decades together, Michelle emphasized that the relationship still requires effort.

“The level of muscle Barack and I have in our marriage is earned,” the mom of two added. “It’s earned over time, and it’s only gotten better. That’s the point. It only gets better. We’ve done the work.”

Michelle Obama Credited Couples Therapy And Self-Empowerment For Strengthening Her Marriage

Michelle’s comments about putting effort into her relationship echo comments she made earlier this year during an appearance on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast.

As The Blast reported, at the time, the author explained that she and her beau have constantly worked together to further strengthen their union. She revealed that they have attended couples therapy, which helped them improve communication and navigate challenges better.

She further emphasized the importance of self-empowerment, encouraging people to prioritize their health, confidence, and personal development rather than depending entirely on a partner for validation.

How Barack Failed To Notice Michelle’s New Appearance 

The attorney has also shared light-hearted moments from her union. The Blast reported a February episode of her podcast with her brother, Craig Robinson, where she shared that she recently gotten new ear piercings, an idea inspired by younger generations.

She noted that the decision was not spontaneous, as she wanted more piercings, but stopped after getting a second one before having children.

However, she went for it, and it took three days before Barack realized something was different, jokingly blaming her habit of wearing her hair down. She recalled teasing  him, saying: “I sleep with you every night, dude, you know?”

Barack Obama Praised As Protective Husband At NBA Game

Regardless of Barack’s failure to notice his wife’s new looks, he has undoubtedly had sweet public moments with her. Last month, the couple attended the NBA All-Star Game with their daughter Sasha. Michelle later posted photos from the outing on Instagram.

One moment, however, captured fans’ attention when a stray ball flew toward the couple. The ex-president quickly caught it before it could hit Michelle.

In a video later shared online, he calmly handed the ball to Devin Booker with a grin. The clip quickly gained attention on social media, with many praising his quick reflexes and protective instincts.

Per The Blast, one fan gushed about the moment, writing, “He’s a protector! I saw now he protected Michelle right there.”

Michelle Obama’s Second Daughter Seen Vaping 

While Michelle and Barack adjust to life without their daughters at home, Sasha has recently made headlines of her own.

According to The Blast, the 24-year-old was spotted vaping after a workout session. In clips circulating online, she carried an oversized tote bag over one shoulder, her phone in one hand and a vape in the other, taking a few puffs as she walked away.

Michelle has previously spoken about the challenges of raising children in the public eye during their time in the White House. She explained that Sasha and Malia went through typical milestones like driving, prom, parties, drinking, and even smoking. However, keeping the vices out of headlines was a struggle she described as a “nightmare.”

The price tag on Meghan Markle‘s Australian women’s retreat is already rubbing people the wrong way.

The Duchess of Sussex has set tongues wagging with the cost of attending her upcoming luxury retreat, which is said to offer unforgettable experiences. Offering a one-on-one meeting with fans who would attend the event would come at a high cost of over a thousand dollars. 

The retreat drama comes after Meghan Markle’s recently dissolved partnership with the popular movie streaming platform Netflix. There have also been rising rumors that she is looking to expand her lifestyle brand outside the U.S., particularly to Australia.

Critics Can’t Get Past The Price Tag Of Meghan Markle’s Australian Retreat

Not everyone agrees with Ian Pelham Turner, who said, “I feel this is a wonderful opportunity for the guests to meet a Royal with a genuine heart and for Meghan to relax and be with people who wish to listen to her thoughts on life.”

The first thing that tipped many people off was the cost. Page Six shared that attendees paying for the VIP experience could spend roughly $2,288 or lock down Early Bird tickets for $1,930. Doug Eldridge, founder of Achilles PR, described the retreat as “essentially a very expensive girls’ weekend built around access to the former actress.”

He also argued that the mom of two isn’t living up to her status as an entrepreneur and founder, explaining that she has shown a lack of continuity in her ventures. He cited the uneven reports surrounding her brand, As Ever, and her unrenewed projects with Netflix.

“For someone who often talks about building, her record seems more in line with demolition,” the branding expert said. Another royal expert stressed that when royals begin attaching their titles to paid appearances and a long list of ventures, it can be seen as desperation rather than influence.

The Retreat Is Reportedly Packed With Activities

Meghan has been recruited by hosts Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Gemma O’Neill to headline a women’s retreat in Australia for the podcast “Her Best Life.” With the former actress as the lead in the event, there are many activities scheduled to take place, but the focus would be on “powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.”

O’Neill shared that part of the event would feature an exclusive interview with the Duchess of Sussex, and the biggest moment of the weekend is set to be a gala dinner, which would be an “in-person conversation” with the event’s headliner, Meghan. The VIP guests might get their money’s worth as they will also be allowed to take a group photograph with the “Suits” star, will be gifted a goodie bag, and will have access to an ocean-view hotel room.

O’Neill says that the mom of two became involved in the event because she “really loves what our community is about,” but is also doing it as a favor for a mutual friend. Besides her desire to contribute ti community, royal experts say that the luxury event offers fans a rare chance to see a more personal side of Meghan.

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Have Been Told To Brace Up For A Shift On Australian Soil

Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, are reportedly preparing for a tour around Sydney and Melbourne this coming April. This would mark their first time back in the country since their 2018 wedding, and they have been warned that the tide of acceptance may have changed.

The Blast reports that their trip will center around private, professional, and charitable engagements. However, the public’s perception towards the couple who renounced their royal obligations and left the United Kingdom in 2020 has changed and would most likely affect the way they are accepted.

“I think there will be plenty of monarchists and republicans who won’t welcome Harry and Meghan’s visit. Any ‘royal’ visit, even by members of the family who no longer represent the king, will inevitably create debate about the monarchy,” an insider disclosed. This Australian trip comes after the couple visited the Za’atari Refugee Camp last month, where they met displaced families and youths in Jordan.

The Duchess Of Sussex Brand May Be Faced With Future Hurdles

While As Ever has seen significant site visits in the past months, PR experts warn that the brand may experience some issues in the near future, even with the increasing website traffic.

Between October last year and this January, As Ever has recorded a remarkable 36% increase in website visits. Even though this is a stepping stone for the brand, experts explain that it does not directly translate to long-term success. The Blast notes that more importance has been placed on sales conversions, clear product planning, and repeat customers.

PR and branding specialist Renae Smith further explained that a fast sell-out of products could mean the said product is in high demand, but on the flip side, it could also mean that there is extremely limited stock of the product. Smith cautioned that for the lifestyle brand to rise to the occasion, Meghan and Harry must align in terms of their respective pursuits and values.

Meghan Markle And Her Husband Have A Heart For Philanthropy

The power couple has dug their hands into several humanitarian works and even bagged that “Humanitarians of the Year” award at the Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala last year.

They have given their voice to promote safer online platforms for the younger generation and have been advocates for mental wellness through their Archewell Foundation. The Blast reported that Harry actively participated in supporting the Halo Trust’s landmine-clearing work in Angola last July, which Princess Diana had done nearly three decades earlier.

In 2021, they jointly wrote an open letter to leaders at the G-20 summit, asking them to expand vaccine access in poor countries. The couple also co-hosted another event at the UN General Assembly to canvas for vaccine equity. Amid all these, the lovbirds have taken other international trips to promote their cause, including their 2024 visits to Nigeria and Colombia.

Will many fans grace Meghan Markle’s upcoming retreat?

Young and the Restless exposes that Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) absolutely furious with Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) for kidnapping Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) and Nikki vows she’ll end this—but how far will she go?

Young and the Restless: Nikki Rages

Recently Nikki found out from Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) and Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) that Victor kidnapped Jack to use him as a bargaining chip to get Chancellor back from Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson).

But we know Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) still owns Chancellor so she went to cut a deal with Victor. Although no one gives Phyllis any credit, she absolutely said she’d hand over Chancellor to get Jack back. Why would Phyllis care? She was gonna give it to Billy anyway.

But Phyllis explained to the Abbotts that Victor now wants everything back in exchange for Jack. And of course, Phyllis doesn’t want to do that and doesn’t think Victor will hurt Jack because she knows Nikki would roast her husband.

But now, Diane’s furious and said if anything happens to Jack it’s on Phyllis because she’s refusing to give it all back. But Nikki stormed out before all those details came out. She blew into the ranch bellowing for Victor to come out—but he’s nowhere to be found.

Young and the Restless: Nikki Storms the Ranch Looking for Victor

And Nikki assumes Victor’s staying away and avoiding the ranch because he knows Nikki’s going to be furious with him. She also worries that Victor has more planned than just kidnapping Jack and she’s right because Victor has involved crazy Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk).

Bottom line is Victor can’t hide from Nikki forever and eventually, they’ll be face-to-face in an explosive confrontation and we want to talk about what fallout Victor’s going to face from Nikki, and also how Victor will react to Nikki’s anger.

Because we know Victor’s not going to take it well—he’s going to blow up and clap back at her. So, let’s talk about what’s ahead.

Nikki’s at Her Limit

First, we know this is going to be an explosive confrontation because Nikki is sick and tired of Victor doing whatever he wants and always leaving her in the dark and lying to her. He outright lies right in Nikki’s face all the time and also Victor lies by omission.

Nikki’s on the warpath right now and said it’s time for Victor to deal with her when Nikki called and left Victor an irate voice mail. But, it definitely seems like he’s dodging Nikki maybe hoping her temper will blow up and over.

But Victor’s going to have to face Nikki soon and explain himself and I absolutely think he’s going to try to lie and deny and when that doesn’t work, we’ll see Victor justifying his actions and clapping back at Nikki.

Victor Will Fly into a Jealous Rage Over Nikki’s Concern for Jack on Young and the Restless

That leads us to a second thing. I expect Victor to fly into a jealous rage because of Nikki’s concern for Jack. We all know that Victor hates the connection between Jack and Nikki even though it’s totally platonic.

Victor’s always complaining about Nikki giving a damn about Jack. And recently Victor threw a fit when he caught Nikki in Jack’s arms. But they were hugging and it was totally innocent. Of course, it was strictly platonic, but Victor did not see it that way.

And he raged at Jack to get his hands off his wife. So, I absolutely expect Victor to be fuming because Nikki’s worried about Jack and wants him back home safely. And when Nikki demands that Victor let Jack go immediately without trying to get something in exchange for him, he’ll lose it.

And Nikki will likely turn around and rage back at Victor for taking Jack from his family. She won’t let Victor sidestep and make excuses. And if Nikki pushes him enough, Victor may let loose and tell her the ugly truth once and for all. And that might reveal some big info.

Victor May Reveal Patty Is with Jack on Y&R

Because Victor may let it slip that crazy Patty is keeping Jack company. Because Nikki knows that Victor used unhinged Patty before as a tool against Jack. That might push Nikki to her breaking point on Young and the Restless.

She knows just how dangerous Patty is because she’s a violent nutcase. Back in the day, she shot Jack three times, I believe in the chest, and she also shot Victor and nearly killed him. If not for getting a heart transplant from an Abbott, he’d be dead thanks his scheming with Patty.

So, Nikki is going to be absolutely horrified to find out Victor has Patty looking after Jack on the yacht and is using her against Jack yet again.

Meanwhile, Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) defended Victor’s actions talking to Nikki this week. As far as Victoria’s concerned, the Newmans have to go to extremes to get their legacy back. But she also doesn’t want to see Jack harmed—she knows that would devastate Billy.

But, Victoria doesn’t think Victor would actually hurt Jack or risk his marriage to Nikki. But let’s be real—Victoria’s 100% wrong. Victor wouldn’t care at all if Jack wound up hurt. That’s why he handed him to Patty, a woman who tried to kill him before. Victor does not care.

Victoria and Nikki May Have a Rift

As Nikki gets more upset, if Victoria chimes into one of their arguments and sides with Victor, then Victoria’s difference of opinion with Nikki may escalate. So, this whole thing could end up causing a rift between Victoria and Nikki heating up this Newman civil war.

And the last thing to consider is that Victor may flip things around on Nikki and actually tries to play the victim card and Victor may accuse her of choosing Jack over him. Victor expects Nikki to blindly support every decision he makes and never call him out on anything.

She usually does and enables Victor’s bad deeds or turns a blind-eye. But I don’t think that’ll fly with Nikki this time. I think she’ll storm out and leave Victor—at least for a while. I think Nikki’s going to write Victor a reality check.

In the end, I doubt Nikki will stay split from Victor. But in the short term, until Jack’s safely back in Genoa City, Nikki may put Victor in the dog house and leave him there until her friend returns. But the question is, when Nikki’s ready to come home, will Victor say no because he feels like she’s disloyal? Maybe.

HBO Max has one of the deepest libraries among the major streamers, thanks to a lineup of films that dates back to the dawn of cinema.

But even if you prefer more recent films, HBO Max has a large number of films from the 21st century, including blockbuster hits.

For this month, Watch With Us has selected three new HBO Max movies you need to watch in March, as ranked by IMDb.

Our picks include a controversial crime movie, one of the very first horror sequels and a film that still feels very timely in 2026.

‘Spring Breakers’ (2013)

IMDb rank: 5.3

Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Benson were all looking to shake their Disney Channel and Freeform good girl images when they signed on to star in Spring Breakers. This crime comedy has gone on to become a cult classic, and it’s still pretty wild even by today’s standards. The story follows four college students, Faith (Gomez), Candy (Hudgens), Brit (Benson) and Cotty (Rachel Korine) as they decide to do anything to get to spring break, even if it means breaking the law.

Not even armed robbery is too far for these girls to go, but they do wind up in hot water for their out-of-control antics. A drug dealer called Alien (James Franco) takes the opportunity to bail the girls out and exploit them while they’re vulnerable. Alien may talk a good game, but he needs the girls more than they need him, especially when his enemies come calling. By the time this spring break is over, these women may not have a home to go back to.

Spring Breakers is streaming on HBO Max.

‘The Bride of Frankenstein’ (1935)

IMDb rank: 7.8

With The Bride! currently in theaters, it’s fitting that HBO Max has brought back The Bride of Frankenstein, the sequel to the most iconic Frankenstein movie ever made. Boris Karloff reprises his role as Frankenstein’s Monster, and he’s even better in his second time in the role. In a slight retcon from the original film’s conclusion, both the monster and Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) survive, although Henry now completely rejects his imperfect creation.

Related: 3 Movies to Watch If You Like ‘The Bride!’: ‘Wild at Heart’ and More

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One of the most famous horror movie monsters is all the rage right now: only a few months after Guillermo del Toro‘s Frankenstein, the Creature returns in a punk-rock-infused gothic romance. From actor-turned-director Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Bride! is a Bonnie and Clyde-inspired reimagining of The Bride of Frankenstein set in 1930s New York City. Jessie Buckley stars as […]

While Henry has his wife, Elizabeth Frankenstein (Valerie Hobson), the monster has no one to love until Frankenstein’s mentor, Doctor Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger), finds the creature and convinces him to take part in a new experiment. With the monster’s help, Pretorius builds a body for the Bride (Elsa Lanchester), but they’ll need Henry’s help to finish the experiment, whether he wants to or not.

The Bride of Frankenstein is streaming on HBO Max.

‘V for Vendetta’ (2006)

IMDb rank: 8.1

If you’ve ever seen people wearing Guy Fawkes masks during protests, it’s because of the cult film V for Vendetta and the Alan Moore comic book that inspired it. In the near future, the United Kingdom has fallen to a tyrannical and fascist regime that stifles resistance at every turn. Everyone who stands up to the regime winds up dead, except for V (Hugo Weaving). This vigilante in a Guy Fawkes mask never reveals his face, and he has grand plans to spark a revolution.

Natalie Portman also stars in the film as Evey Hammond, a young woman whose life is saved by V. Even so, Evey isn’t sure she can trust V regardless of his intentions. But once Evey is in V’s life, there’s no going back.

V for Vendetta is streaming on HBO Max.

An arrest warrant has been issued for former University of Kentucky competitive cheerleader Laken Snelling after she was indicted for manslaughter over the death of her newborn baby.

The warrant was issued after the manslaughter charge came down on Tuesday, March 10, according to court records viewed by WKYT. 

Snelling was arrested in August 2025 after admitting to giving birth and hiding the infant’s body in a trash bag in a closet of her Lexington, Kentucky, home. 

The manslaughter charge was issued on Tuesday after it was revealed the baby was alive at the time Snelling gave birth. The Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office determined the infant’s cause of death was “asphyxia by undetermined means.”

Related: Laken Snelling’s Roommates Heard Loud Noises at 4 a.m. on Day She Gave Birth

The roommates of former University of Kentucky competitive cheerleader Laken Snelling recalled alarming behavior on the night she allegedly gave birth and hid her infant’s body in a trash bag.  Snelling’s housemates heard loud noises after she gave birth around 4 a.m. on August 27, according to documents obtained by LEX18.  At approximately 8:40 a.m. […]

Snelling was also indicted on charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant, which were originally issued after her arrest last year. 

The former cheerleader has been living at her father’s home in Jefferson City, Tennessee, since late October 2025, when a judge ordered her to home confinement and to wear a GPS ankle monitoring device.

Prior to that, Snelling had been splitting her time between her parents’ homes under a joint custody provision, according to court documents obtained by People. She spent her days at her mother’s home in Morristown, Tennessee, and her nights at her father’s home, about 15 miles away. 

Snelling was placed on house arrest in September 2025 when she was released on $100,000 following her initial arrest. She waived her right to a preliminary trial later that month, instead opting for her case to be heard by a grand jury, 

Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Kimberly Baird explained how the grand jury came to their manslaughter indictment after Tuesday’s hearing. 

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Related: New ‘Frustrating‘ Reality of Cheerleader Laken Snelling‘s Arrest Emerges

The events leading to the arrest of former University of Kentucky competitive cheerleader Laken Snelling could have been prevented, according to a leading infant safety activist.  Snelling, 21, was arrested in Lexington, Kentucky on August 30, and charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant. According […]

“They were given the information about homicide, the four levels of homicide and then deliberated and decided that manslaughter first degree was the charge that should come out of the grand jury,” Baird told WKYT. 

After her arrest last year, Snelling “admitted to giving birth” and to “concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence, placing all cleaning items used inside of a black trash bag, including the infant, who was wrapped in a towel.”

Snelling told authorities the baby was likely still alive when she gave birth and claimed she passed out on top of the infant’s body shortly after, waking up to find it “blue and purple.”

A former competitor on the University of Kentucky’s STUNT cheerleading team, Snelling is no longer enrolled at the school or a member of the team. 

At 54 years old, Jada Pinkett Smith still has that “unlimited swipes” type of face card! She recently flexed her flawless skin while feeding fans nostalgia. So, what’s the TEA behind her mesmerizing MUG? Smith is reprising her role as Lena James in ‘A Different World.’ And after dropping her selfie to confirm, fans are losing it with excitement!

RELATED: Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Have The Internet Losing It Over Their Rare Pop Out At Paris Fashion Week (PHOTO)

Jada Pinkett Smith Slays In Set Selfie

‘A Different World’ is getting a superstar treat! The series, coming up on Netflix, will be based on the same fictional HBCU campus that fans fell in love with 38 years ago. Jada Pinkett Smith first stepped on the Hillman scene midway through the original series’ run. Now, Lena James is confirmed to be back on campus. Jada shared the news on Wednesday, posing outside of the trailer for her reprised role. She gave fans a smize while wearing a black head wrap, large sunglasses and a dainty necklace. Sunkissed skin and clocked in! Meanwhile, her caption said, “She back 😜#ADifferentWorld✨.”

Details About The Return Of ‘A Different World’

While Lena James is making her appearance in ‘A Different World,’ she won’t be the focus character in script. Deborah Wayne is the girl leading in this modern version of life at Hillman. Deb, played by Maleah Joi Moon, is the daughter of characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert-Wayne and a freshman at her parents’ alma mater.

Like Jada, the OG actors behind Dwayne and Whitley, Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy, are returning. Cree Summer (Freddie Brooks) and Darryl M. Bell (Ron Johnson) are also coming back to Hillman.

RELATED: Oop! Will Smith Sounds OFF About Slapping Chris Rock At The Oscars & His Marriage To Jada Pinkett In New Album (LISTEN)

Although the kind of story it told was far from original, the success of Coralie Fargeat‘s The Substance seems to have kicked off a trend for body horror movies that explore the psychology of women’s beauty standards. Last year’s Shell looked more at the cynical corporate side of creating insecurities to sell solutions to, and now Amy Wang‘s feature debut Slanted takes it in the direction of the erasure of cultural heritage. It’s a wickedly entertaining movie which, despite a couple of minor drawbacks, manages to make some interesting points about the self-image of Americans from immigrant families, and about teenage girls.

What Is ‘Slanted’ About?

Joan (Shirley Chen) and her parents came to America when she was a child, and ten years later, she is a high-schooler looking forward to prom. She desperately wants to be voted prom queen, but feels constantly sidelined or overlooked by those around her. She uses a face-tuning app that makes her look white, to such an extent that the company that operates it, Ethnos Inc., starts messaging her with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She relents and finds herself in the suspicious office of Dr. Singer (R. Keith Harris), who promises her a pain-free, recovery-free operation that will permanently transform her into a beautiful white woman. She takes little convincing and undergoes the operation, waking up in the body of Mckenna Grace, and she sets about establishing a new life for herself under the pseudonym Jo.

Of course, what first appears to be a dream come true ends up being something of a Faustian pact, one that forces Joan to really look at herself and consider who she is and why she felt so othered in the first place. Her parents, played wonderfully by Vivian Wu and Fang Du, are the important straight men in this surprisingly funny dystopian story. They are completely blindsided by Joan’s surgery — one she tricks them into signing consent forms for — and outraged that she would want to shed her Chinese heritage. They serve as constant reminders to Joan of the characteristics she feels embarrassed and held back by, and ultimately as the emotional core of the story.

‘Slanted’ Is a Strange New Breed of Teen Movie

You get a bit of everything with Slanted. You might think you’re going into a body horror or sci-fi movie from the setup, but it spins out into a Mean Girls-style high school comedy at times, before reining it back in to very emotional drama territory akin to Thirteen. You could say that it has some tonal inconsistencies and doesn’t quite know what it wants to be, but this is played off quite well as reflecting the fast pace and spontaneity of being a teenager. Joan makes several quick and very dumb decisions over the course of the movie that make you wonder just what the hell she thought would happen as a result — the surgery itself being the biggest. She just comes home one day in an entirely different body and expects her parents to go about their lives as normal, and not completely freak out and need convincing that a stranger hasn’t wandered into their home. She doesn’t even tell her best friend what she’s done. For all intents and purposes, Joan Huang just vanishes.

This is very much one of those allegorical movies that you have to switch off the logical side of your brain for. It’s taking place in a vaguely alternate universe in which scientific impossibilities are shrugged off and explained away as, “I dunno — science?” What we’re really here to do is consider how a young Chinese girl feels growing up in a very proudly white place. The opening scene sees Joan being driven through town on her first day of school, and every billboard is plastered with sexy young white women, while all the stores have darkly hilarious names like Prayers & Ammo. The writing and production design go a long way in satirizing the American way of life for all its chest-beating glorification, lending the movie that pitch-black humor that stops it from feeling too preachy or boring. In this world, it is no wonder that Joan feels like she doesn’t belong, and that all her problems would be solved if she were white.

Race and Cultural Heritage Are At The Heart of ‘Slanted’

Image via Bleecker Street Media

The movie says as much. Dr. Singer’s office has videos playing of previous patients explaining how being white has transformed their lives. One was able to become a vet, and says even the animals treat her differently. Another is now able to accuse waiters of sexual harassment and get free meals out of it. Imagine the possibilities! It is notable that almost all the white characters in the movie, including those who are Ethnos patients, are not supermodel types like Margaret Qualley in The Substance. They are actually quite ordinary looking people, which serves to emphasize that whiteness really is the point. You don’t have to be hot; you just have to be the right color, and then you get to play life on easy mode. There is a particularly on-the-nose scene towards the end in which the movie’s message is spoken out loud, admittedly in quite thought-provoking ways, but again, because our protagonist is a teenage girl, the movie gets away with spelling things out for her. Seeing this struggle through the eyes of a teenager, and all the highly emotional, easy swayed recklessness that goes with the territory, makes it all much more believable. Young folks are known to dive into situations without considering, or having the capacity to consider, the long-term ramifications, and because we understand that, we never grow to hate or look down on Joan, no matter how much she ends up hurting those around her.

There is a certain universality to the Western teenage experience, but Slanted is a firmly Asian picture, with a considerable majority of its crew coming from Eastern backgrounds. This is an important choice and one that lends the movie a real authenticity. One can only imagine that there were many discussions both on set and behind the scenes about what spoke to the lived experiences of these Asian American artists, and how best to communicate their feelings and stories to the wider, whiter world. Thanks to this authenticity, Slanted manages to make itself accessible to people who have never had to face the struggles it tells of, in the same way that Jordan Peele‘s movies do. Through Wang’s astute direction, some moving performances, and well-rounded vision, it is just as provocative as it needs to be, while making for a very entertaining watch.

Slanted comes to theaters on March 13.

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Release Date

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March 13, 2026

Runtime

102 Minutes

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Director

Amy Wang

Writers

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Amy Wang

Producers

Trevor Wall, Mark Ankner, Amy Wang

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Pros & Cons

• Strong performances offer everything from deep emotion to sharp comedy.
• Writing, direction and production design are well-synced to deliver a stylish and considered movie.

• The movie’s tone is rather inconsistent, but still works well.

Chile! It’s only been days since G Herbo popped off on a social media user who questioned his intentions with posting for Taina Williams to see. But the ‘net is talking yet again! This time, it’s over another post of his, in which he admits he “snuck out” to the studio after a lit night out with his fiancée and Coi Leray.

RELATED: G Herbo’s Sons Yosohn & Essex Speak Love Into Taina Williams After She Calls Herself “Ugly”(VIDEO)

Taina Williams & Coi Leray Enjoy Lit Club Outing

Earlier this week, footage surfaced of Taina and Coi Leray partying in a nightclub section with G Herbo. At one point, it appears Coi even grabbed the rapper’s phone and gave close-up views of herself and hugs with the “wifey” Taina. Leray also reminded the girls that “none of [them] are bigger than the program.” Her boyfriend, Justin LaBoy, also appeared to be with the group, per social media posts.

Chicago rapper G Herbo out partying with Coi Leray and fiancé Taina Williams pic.twitter.com/oYLSI1IRCe

— Kollege Kidd (@KollegeKidd) March 10, 2026

@real1of1tv

G Herbo On A Double Date With Justin LaBoy & Coi Leray #gherbo #justinlaboy #coileray #club #video

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♬ original sound – Real1Of1TV

G Herbo Admits To Sneaking Out For Studio Time

After the club outing, it seems the rapper and Taina Williams ended up at home. However, for Herb, that didn’t last long! That same night, he posted photos from what looks like a music studio, tagging his fiancée to let her know why he wasn’t in bed beside her. One photo seemingly showed him in the same outfit from the club outing. G Herbo also made a promise to make it up to his future wife at the Chanel store—but it took a second and third post to get the spelling of said promise right. Swipe below to see what all he shared. 

“[@Taina Williams] HEY I SNUCK OUT AFTER I COULDN’T FALL ASLEEP WITH YOUUU! SORRY MAAA I’LL MAKE IT UP IN THE CHAEL STORE,” G Herbo wrote, adding a few emojis.

Social Media Is Drawing All Kinds Of Conclusions

In The Shade Room’s comment section, over 5,000 roommates dropped their two cents on G Herbo putting his fiancée on notice via the ‘gram. Some applauded the love he’s been showing and laughed at his misspelling slips, while others accused him of moving suspicious and seeking attention. A few took it a step further by dropping the “C” bomb, claiming the rapper was trying to make up for cheating with public displays of affection.

Just a few days ago, Herbo called a social media user out of her name for typing, “Man what did you just do” in response to him posting about missing Taina Williams. Still, as mentioned, the comment section under this latest post for Tai-Tai was LOADED with similar comments.

Instagram user @jessybabyyy_ commented, “This is so performative, this couldn’t be a text for her to wake up to? take us out the group chat!”

“He cheated. He doing too much,” @thegoldenkei wrote with a laughing emoticon.

@insanelyy.fine_ said, “I just know he cheating cause men stay feeding info you never asked 😂😂😂”

@zapato_papi added, “I know an alibi when I see one😭”

@sheso716 commented, “Cuz he lying & his fingers know he wrong 😩😂”

“He scared ash can’t even spell rt 😭,” @_vinna.vinaa_ added.

@talkabout.cee speculated, “She must done got real strict, or that man been out here acting crazy 😂”

“But why not txt her this 🙄 lol it’s giving show,” @imanilw.xo said.

Meanwhile, @catchin_cat commented, “Aww he is smitten ❤️ love that for them.” 

@saintdwsn wrote, “This seems like one of those waves of falling in love with your person again ❤️”

“He cheated first then went to the studio to go take a pic,” @toomuch.arijjj alleged.

@naturallynellee accused the comment section of projecting, writing, “Shouldn’t you want your man to do the most when it comes to you? Y’all projecting cheating cause that’s what you’re used too…”

“Too extra to not be cheating 😂 like why not just text this,” @callme_feaaa said.

@calientay__ called out the comment section, saying, “When he was doing wrong yall said he didn’t deserve her, when he’s doing right y’all saying he’s cheating. Y’all need to go heal atp lol that or yall just don’t like this man like yall don’t like Queen Naija for no reason 😂.”

@candieecrushglam also had words for the haters. “Y’all tripping this is cute !! Damn can she trust her man ! Can he not be doing what he said he doing!”

@eric_x1029 wrote, “Guys using the oldest trick in the book take some pics before creeping to send when she ask where he at 😂😂.” 

“Good throw off 👏 I bet she ain’t got that location tho,” @saiii3rd commented.

“Or maybe he’s his doing something he never did before 🤷‍♀️ men grow up at some point . I think he love her fr and is a good man to her,” @tyanaa added.

RELATED: G Herbo Claps Back After Social Media User Puts Him On Blast Over Post About Missing Taina Williams (PHOTO)