Entertainment
How A Big-Budget Sequel Ruined Two Genres At Once, Nearly Destroying The Best Sci-Fi Franchise
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

There’s something especially depressing about awful sequels to franchises that used to be great. The best example of this is, of course, Jurassic Park. Steven Spielberg turned that first film into a generational classic, one that energized children all over the world and ushered in the CGI age, all while making dinosaurs cool again. That movie got some comparatively lackluster sequels before the franchise roared back to life many years later with 2015’s Jurassic World.
Relatively speaking, Jurassic World was a decent franchise reboot. It brought us entertaining characters, serious spectacle, and more crazy action scenes than you can shake a fossil at. Unfortunately, it took the revived franchise no time at all to go off the rails because Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) was a horrific flop, one which tried to be both an action-adventure movie and (weirdly enough) a horror movie. If you’re ready to see the movie that successfully ruined two completely different genres, it’s easier than ever to watch. All you have to do is stream Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom on Netflix.
Somehow, The Dinosaurs Returned

The premise of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is that years after the Jurassic World disaster, the dinosaurs on that island are in danger of going extinct yet again, thanks to an upcoming volcanic explosion. The government decides to let them die, after which Owen Grady and Claire Dearing (our two will they, won’t they protagonists from the first movie) get talked into helping relocate some of the dinosaurs, saving them from certain death. Unfortunately, this lands them squarely in the middle of an increasingly bizarre plot involving clones, haunted houses, and an underground auction for weaponized dinosaurs.
The cast of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom includes plenty of familiar faces, including Chris Pratt (best known for Guardians of the Galaxy) and Bryce Dallas Howard (best known for Jurassic World: Dominion). We also get the brief return of the popular Jeff Goldblum and his fellow Jurassic Park alumnus BD Wong. The film also features performances from character actor legends James Cromwell (best known for LA Confidential) and Toby Jones (best known for Captain America: The First Avenger), both of whom are giving far better performances than this stinker of a script deserves.
Profit, Uh, Finds A Way

Even though it was hated by both audiences and critics (more on this soon), Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom made fat stacks of prehistoric cash at the box office. Against a budget as high as $465 million, this disappointing sequel earned $1.310 billion. Making as much as Marvel movies did at their height guaranteed that Fallen Kingdom would get a sequel, and Jurassic World: Dominion came out in 2022. That movie’s chief claim to fame was that it reunited popular characters like Alan Grant, Ellie Satler, and Ian Malcolm. But the writing did not, uh, find a way, and that film ended up being even more of a critical disappointment than Fallen Kingdom.
Part of the magic of the first Jurassic Park film is that it was beloved by audiences and critics alike, all of whom appreciated this slice of genuine movie magic. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is the opposite, though, in that it’s equally hated: it has a 47 percent critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 48 percent audience rating. Fans and reviewers alike dunked on the movie for its sloppy characterization and ramshackle writing. The movie was ultimately a shell of the franchise. As a thrill ride without any thrills, Fallen Kingdom will have you wanting to bail long before the credits roll.
Everything Falls Apart

This is one of those cases where I firmly stand with the critical consensus. While it was far from a masterpiece, the first Jurassic World did a good job bringing the franchise back to life. In the vein of The Force Awakens, it mostly functioned as a slick remake of Jurassic Park that added new characters but didn’t tweak the formula too much. That was arguably the biggest problem with Jurassic World: that it didn’t take enough big, creative swings. By contrast, Fallen Kingdom swings for the fences, but it strikes out each and every time by failing to follow through on any of its half-baked ideas.
For example, the first part of the movie is a lame retread plot that involves going back to the island. On paper, an island full of dinosaurs that’s about to explode would make for a fairly exciting film. But nothing really interesting happens here, which is that much more disappointing because the film takes its sweet time even getting our characters back to this iconic location. Once they are there, all they do in between moving the sluggish plot along is watch dinosaurs die. Thanks, Fallen Kingdom, for giving action-adventure fans what they really want: an excuse to cry over phoned-in CGI creatures.
A Plot That Should Have Gone Extinct

After this, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom inexplicably transforms itself into a haunted house movie with dinosaurs in the basement being auctioned off to the highest bidder. You have to seriously suspend your disbelief that nobody in the mansion upstairs can hear the small army of dinosaurs being sold on the dark web. But the part that will turn you into the Joker is the most coveted dino, one that will attack whatever target you paint with your gun-mounted laser sight. This begs the question: if I’m close enough to target my enemy with the laser, wouldn’t it be cheaper and easier on every level to just shoot the guy instead of bringing a 20-ton dinosaur with me and having him do it?
Adding insult to injury, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom has a cool, unexpected ending that the next film never really follows up on. In terms of acting, writing, and even effects, this was already the worst film in the entire trilogy. By having the third movie undo everything neat about the second, the studio reveals this sequel to be a hot mess of superfluous storytelling. The Star Wars metaphor is now complete: if Jurassic World is this franchise’s The Force Awakens, then Fallen Kingdom is most definitely The Last Jedi.


Are you in the mood for a film so bad that it will make you root for a new ice age? Are you looking to torment your friends, or maybe you just want to fry your own brain? Either way, you don’t even have to move from the couch. All you have to do is stream Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom on Netflix to discover a cinematic disaster 65 million years in the making.
Entertainment
Savannah Guthrie’s Husband’s Sweet Mother’s Day Tribute
Savannah Guthrie’s husband, Michael Feldman, is honoring the Today cohost’s strength on Mother’s Day 2026 as her mother, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing.
“To the strongest person I know,” Feldman, 57, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, May 10, alongside a blurry photo of Savannah, 54, embracing their two children, daughter Vale and son Charles.
“Surrounding you with love on Mother’s day,” Feldman added.
Feldman’s touching Mother’s Day tribute comes just days before family, friends, fans and authorities will mark 100 days since the Guthrie matriarch was reported missing earlier this year.
“The Pima County Sheriff’s Department remains fully committed to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Office told Us Weekly on Monday, May 4. “This is an active and ongoing investigation, and we continue to work closely with our partners at the FBI.”
The spokesperson continued, “DNA and video analysis are underway, supported by laboratories across the country. Advances in technology are aiding investigative efforts, and tips continue to be received and reviewed.”
Authorities are urging anyone with credible information about the case to contact 88-CRIME or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, adding that “even small details may be significant.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has been under fire for its alleged mishandling of the case. FBI Director Kash Patel claimed to Fox News’ Sean Hannity that FBI agents were kept from assisting in the case shortly after Nancy’s February 1 abduction from her Arizona home.
“They did,” Patel claimed on the Tuesday, May 5, episode of Fox News Media’s “Hang Out With Sean Hannity” podcast. “It is a state matter. It’s a state and local law enforcement matter. What we, the FBI, do is say, ‘Hey, we’re here to help. What do you need? What can we do?’ And for four days, we were kept out of the investigation.”
Patel went on to claim that when FBI agents were finally allowed to participate in the ongoing investigation into the 84-year-old’s disappearance, a lot was accomplished and breaks in the case became more frequent.
“We went in and got the Ring doorbell. And we said, ‘Hey, is anyone talking to Google?’” Patel claimed. “I called the leadership at Google, and I said, ‘Look, we know that there was not [a] subscription service to capture all of the data that would have been captured had there been a subscription service. But can we go into the cache? Can we go into the data before it’s deleted and see what we can find?’ That’s why you have that image — because the FBI worked with Google to put that image out.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department responded to Patel’s claims in a written statement shared with Us on Tuesday.
“Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is aware of FBI Director Kash Patel’s recent interview and statement. Sheriff Nanos responded to the scene the night of the incident, providing immediate local leadership and oversight,” the statement began. “A member of the FBI Task Force was also notified and present at that scene working alongside our personnel. The FBI was promptly notified by both our department and the Guthrie family. While the FBI Director was not on scene, coordination with the Bureau began without delay.”
The statement continued, “Decisions regarding evidence processing were made on scene based on operational needs. The laboratory utilized by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI Laboratory in Quantico have worked in close partnership from the outset and continue to collaborate in the analysis of evidence.”
The Sheriff’s Department reiterated that they “remain committed to a thorough, coordinated, and fact-based investigation and will continue working closely with our federal partners as the process moves forward.”
Entertainment
Martin Short Breaks Silence on Daughter Katherine’s Death
Martin Short is speaking out for the first time about his daughter Katherine Hartley Short’s death.
“It’s been a nightmare for the family,” Short told CBS Sunday Morning of Katherine’s death on Sunday, May 10, per Variety. “But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal. And my daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she couldn’t until she couldn’t.”
Katherine — whom Martin, 75, shared with his late wife, Nancy Dolman — died on February 23 at age 42.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time,” Martin’s rep told Us Weekly in a February 24 statement. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
At the time, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Us that officers responded to a radio call about a possible suicide attempt in the Hollywood Hills on February 23 at 6:43 p.m. Upon their arrival, authorities found a deceased female at the scene.
The day after the news broke of Katherine’s death, Us confirmed via online records that her cause of death was officially ruled a suicide.
According to 911 dispatch audio obtained by TMZ, the person who made the call told a dispatcher they were at Katherine’s Hollywood Hills home but unable to enter a bedroom within the residence. The outlet later claimed that Katherine was found “behind a locked door and with a note nearby.”

Katherine Short, Henry Short, Nancy Short, Martin Short and Oliver Short in 2006 Peter Kramer/Getty Images
In the wake of the tragedy, Martin and his friend and collaborator Steve Martin postponed their comedy shows in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, on February 27 and 28, respectively. The venues cited “unforeseen circumstances” and assured that purchased tickets would be honored for a future “rescheduled” date.
One of Katherine’s neighbors — who lived near her for more than 10 years and asked to remain anonymous — exclusively told Us in February that she showed “no indication of struggle” prior to her death, pointing out that “depression is often a silent” and “hidden killer.”
“Katherine was a private person but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t friendly. She was quite outgoing,” the neighbor revealed, adding that they’d sometimes “hear and see her laughing with friends” on her front porch and she “always said ‘Hi.’”
“She was a voracious reader and could talk deeply about the books she’d read,” the neighbor told Us. “She had the nicest, most beautiful orange tree in her front yard. It was the envy of all the neighbors. Somehow the bugs that affected our trees did not land in hers.”
Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker in Los Angeles and worked part-time at a health clinic, helping with community outreach, support groups and psychotherapy. She also reportedly worked with a nonprofit organization focused on breaking the ongoing stigmas surrounding mental health.
Martin and Nancy were married from December 1980 until her death from ovarian cancer in August 2010 at age 58. The couple adopted Katherine and their sons, Oliver, 39, and Henry, 36.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Entertainment
Jed Duggar Returns to Social Media After Brother Joseph’s Arrest
Jed Duggar is paying tribute to his wife, Katey Duggar, on Mother’s Day in his first social media post after brother Joseph Duggar’s arrest.
“Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful wife, Katey!” Jed, 27, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, May 10. “You are the best mom our kids could ever ask for. Watching you love Truett, Nora, Emma, and Elsie so well makes me love you even more.”
While sharing photos of Katey smiling with their four kids, Jed added, “Thankful every day for you and the life we’re building together. We all love you so much.”
In the comments section, Jed’s sister-in-law Hannah Duggar wrote, “Happy Mother’s Day, Katey! 💕.” (Hannah tied the knot with Jed’s brother Jeremiah Duggar in 2022.)
Months before Jed’s post, Joseph, 31, was arrested amid accusations of molesting a now 14-year-old victim when she was 9 years old on a family vacation in Florida. Joseph was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older, per a press release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Joseph has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was released on a $600,000 bond in March and has since reunited with his wife, Kendra Duggar.
The alleged victim told a detective from Arkansas’s Tontitown Police Department in a forensic interview that there were “several instances of sexual abuse” involving Joseph, according to the affidavit obtained by Us Weekly. At the time, Joseph was 25 years old and Kendra was pregnant with their third baby. (The pair share four children.)
The accuser recalled feeling “uncomfortable” and “confused” during the incidents, sharing that Joseph “eventually approached the victim and apologized for his actions,” at which time “the incidents stopped occurring,” according to the affidavit.
In a court motion filed earlier this month, Joseph’s legal team asked a Florida court to allow them to question officials from the Department of Children & Families, Big Ben, Child Protection Team, who interviewed the alleged victim prior to his arrest.
Joseph’s lawyers reserved the right to speak with “any other law enforcement or child protection agency involved with this investigation (including out of state equivalents, specifically Arkansas).” They are also seeking access to evidence gathered by child protection officials in their investigation.
“The Defendant is entitled to discovery of the witness testimony, including records and evidence in the possession of the witnesses for a fair determination of the Defendant’s guilt or innocence at trial,” his legal brief read. (Us reached out to Joseph’s legal team for comment at the time.)
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Entertainment
Savannah Guthrie Shares Mother’s Day Tribute to Mom Nancy
Savannah Guthrie is thinking of her mom, Nancy Guthrie, on Mother’s Day 2026.
“Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie, we miss you with every breath,” Savannah, 54, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, May 10, sharing throwback footage of the mother-daughter pair. “We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.”
She continued, “We need help. Someone knows something that can make the difference. Call 1800CALLFBI. You can be anonymous and the reward remains available. Please keep praying. Bring her home.”
Nancy, 84, was reported missing from her home in Arizona in February. The case remains open and there are no significant leads at the time of publication.
“[My sister, Annie, called], she said, ‘She’s gone,’” Savannah said on the Today show in March, recalling how she was alerted of their mom’s disappearance. “She was in a panic. I was in a panic. I’m like, ‘Call 911.’ She’s like. ‘I did. We called them. They’re here.’”
She continued, “It was just chaos and disbelief. From the very early moments, Annie and [her husband] were saying [to authorities], ‘This isn’t a case that you are used to where someone wanders off. She can’t wander off.’”
As Nancy’s case has remained open for nearly 100 days, Savannah has remained cautious about giving her own two kids all the details.
“It’s so hard with kids. You want to protect them,” the Today cohost, who shares Vale and Charley with husband Michael Feldman, said at the time. “They’ll write me all the time, ‘Mama, any leads? You hear anything? Any hope?’ I think that we try to talk to them and try to get them a little more certainty than we have, to let them grieve.”
Savannah briefly took a step back from Today to be with her family. She returned to the morning show last month.
“She feels deep, searing pain, and she shows up,” former cohost Hoda Kotb exclusively told Us Weekly in April of Savannah’s broadcast return. “She’s showing that both things can be true. ome pain you carry, you’re not going to explain it away. You just have to go through life with it right in your pocket, and that’s what she’s doing. She’s doing it in a way that I’ve never seen anyone do it before.”
Kotb, 61, further recalled the first moment she saw Savannah back in the Today studio.
“When Savannah first walked on the set on Monday of this week, when I was there, she looked at me and she goes, ‘What is this, April of 2025?’” Kotb joked, referring to her signoff from the morning show. “Then she held me and didn’t let go. I’ve literally been marveling at how she navigates [this].”
Feldman, 57, shared his own Mother’s Day tribute to Savannah on Sunday, praising her strength during such a difficult time.
“To the strongest person I know,” Feldman wrote via Instagram alongside a blurry photo of Savannah embracing their two children. “Surrounding you with love on Mother’s Day.”
Entertainment
Eva Mendes Shares Political Message on Mother’s Day 2026
Eva Mendes is getting political on Mother’s Day 2026, urging parents to focus on protecting their kids from the reported dangers of social media use.
“Mothers are losing their children to social media harms, and instead of breaking, they’re turning their grief into action. For your kids and for mine,” Mendes, 52 wrote via Instagram on Sunday, May 10, alongside a black and white photo of the actress wearing a “mother” tank.
“Out of the universal unconditional love a mother feels for her child-may we please stand in solidarity with them and sign their Mother’s Day card asking bipartisan lawmakers to [do] just that: Protect our children,” the caption continued. “Please pass comprehensive legislation this year that will protect them from online harms.”
Mendes was advocating for the passage of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bipartisan bill introduced by Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn that would mandate strict default privacy settings for all social media platforms in the hopes of mitigating bullying, online exploitation and access to harmful content.
Several studies have shown that prolonged social media usage leads to an increase in depression and anxiety. Those who oppose the bill argue that it will lead to increased civilian surveillance and censorship.
Those in favor of the bill are planning to hold a rally on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 12, to “implore” the U.S. senate to, “skip the flowers, skip the chocolates, and give bereaved Mother’s the gift of passing the Kids Online Safety Act (SOSA) this year,” per a Sunday press release.
Mendes shares two children — daughters Esmeralda and Amanda — with actor Ryan Gosling. The pair first met in 2011 on the set of their movie The Place Beyond the Pines, and after a decade secretly got married in 2022.
Known for her relatively private life after stepping out of the spotlight to raise her two children, Mendes is not particularly politically active. In January, the actress took to her Instagram Stories to shut down rumors that she had relocated to London, England, in the wake of President Donald Trump winning a second presidential term.
“Wrong again @dailymail,” she wrote at the time. “Although I love my time in London, I can’t wait to get back home and celebrate the @dodgers World Series championship! Go Dodgers!!!”
Of course, Mendes is not the first celebrity to throw the weight of their significant platform behind a worthwhile political cause. Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle have been consistent advocates for social media safety and increased guardrails.
“We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident,” the Duke of Sussex said while appearing virtually at the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia in November 2024. “While the necessity has always been apparent, it is now time to translate that awareness into meaningful action. So, we thank you all for your attention to this critical issue.”
Entertainment
Sadie Robertson’s Baby Kit’s Health Scare: What to Know
Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson is opening up about a terrifying few months for her family after her 8-month-old daughter, Kit, suffered two separate choking incidents that ultimately led doctors to discover and diagnose an “underlying” health condition.
Robertson shared the update on Instagram on May 8, 2026, revealing that what she initially believed was a one-time emergency turned out to be a sign of something more serious. While she did not disclose Kit’s specific diagnosis, she described the issue as “a relatively small fix” — and confirmed that her youngest daughter is now on the road to healing.
Robertson and her husband, Christian Huff, also share daughters Honey, 4, and Haven, 2.
Keep scrolling to learn more:
Kit’s 1st Choking Incident
Robertson first revealed her family’s health scare on April 11, 2026, sharing on social media that Kit briefly stopped breathing earlier that month while eating a snack.
“Within seconds, you could tell the severity of the situation. My mom pulled her from the high chair and placed my girl into my arms just as she stopped breathing,” Robertson recalled in a social media post. “Everyone went into action and into prayer. Mom called 911, I started CPR, and everyone began to pray out loud and move the other kids downstairs.”
After Robertson’s CPR attempts, Kit “miraculously coughed and began to breathe.”
“I’m currently walking through the waves of anxiety from the trauma of the situation, and the immense gratitude for the miracle of Kit’s full recovery and God’s undeniable hand on this situation,” Robertson wrote at the time. “I’ve been off social media and having my family and amazing team help me on here for some time while I work on having a sound mind.”
The 2nd Incident
A month later, Robertson revealed that Kit experienced another choking episode before doctors began searching for a deeper cause.
“A month since Kit choked, and what we thought was a one-time event, [it] happened again shortly after,” Robertson wrote on May 8. “That was the beginning of discovering something underlying.”
Robertson did not specify Kit’s diagnosis but expressed gratitude that the underlying issue was treatable.
“Praise the Lord that for such a scary and life-threatening event we had, it was a relatively small fix [and] because of the incredible doctors, and she is healing now,” she wrote. “God really does establish STRENGTH in the mouth of infants 😭🙌🥲.”
The reality star also reflected on the spiritual and emotional weight of the experience.
“This past month has marked us in a way that will take a while to unpack. It has tested faith, and strengthened it. We’ve seen things that brought a lot of trauma, and also seen miracles on miracles that I’ll tell stories about forever!” Robertson wrote. “God is faithful, He is good, He is an ever-present help in times of trouble. He is a provider and protector. And the church is a wonderful place that displays His love in times like this.”
Robertson also asked followers to respect her family’s privacy on medical matters, writing, “We kindly ask for no further medical advice on this platform.”
Huff responded to the post with a sweet message: “You’re the best mom ❤️.”
Sadie Robertson’s Mom Korie Robertson Lends a Hand
Two days later, on May 10, Sadie dedicated a Mother’s Day tribute to her mom, Korie Robertson, thanking her for being a steady presence during the family’s ordeal.
“Happy Mother’s Day to this treasure on earth 💎!!!” Sadie wrote. “She did not leave our side the past two weeks as we walked through this scary time, and I could not be more thankful for her steadiness!”
She also joked about taking up so much of Korie’s attention amid the sprawling Duck Dynasty family’s schedule.
“I apologize to the rest of the family for stealing the MVP for two weeks,” Sadie continued. “But hey, we needed her, and I did gain a whole new respect for her part-time job of talking on the phone with every family member throughout the day, and somehow still rocking the world in her other job too!”
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
Entertainment
These Summer Bow-Tie Sandals on Amazon Look Designer
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If you’re eyeing designer bow-tie sandals, wait! The trendy look doesn’t necessarily have to be on display at a high-end store, not when we found stylish options that start at just $9. Sure, they may fool everyone into thinking they’re the real deal from brands like Coach, but our affordable favorites deliver a similar elevated aesthetic for less. They give off rich mom vibes without going past the $50 mark!
These expensive-looking sandals are equally luxe and delicate, making them perfect for casual and fancy occasions alike. Whether you’re searching for everyday slip-ons, classy kitten heels or beachy flip-flops, you’ll find them below. Seriously, they should cost triple digits (but we’re happy they don’t).
11 Designer-Looking Bow-Tie Sandals — From $9
1. Our Favorite: If you’re tired of fussy laces and straps, these easy-on sandals are on your feet in seconds. They pair with everything from sundresses to jeans.
2. Low Heel: These 1.5-inch heeled sandals hit the sweet spot between style and comfort, elongating your legs without the wobble of stilettos. The vegan leather finish keeps them sleek.
3. Cute Kitten: Two straps, two bows. These dainty kitten heels have a double-bow detail that adds twice the charm.
4. Rich Mom: Made with a plush footbed and a rich brown hue, these comfortable leather sandals read pure Hamptons. They look like they cost five times the price.
5. Wedding Guest: A sturdy block heel makes these sky blue sandals wearable on grass and cobblestone pathways. The soft color feels romantic without competing with the bride.
6. Classic Cork: Skip the break-in period! These classic cork sandals soften to your foot shape, making every wear feel better than the last.
7. Pool-Friendly: Gone are the days of ruining your cute sandals at the pool. These waterproof jelly flip-flops handle chlorine, sand and salt water.
8. Go for Gold: The polished gold color takes these kitten heel sandals from pretty to glamorous. With only a mini lift, they’re still comfortable for long evenings out.
9. Memory Foam: Memory foam changes everything. These plush flip-flops feel like walking on clouds and don’t rub, thanks to the buttery-smooth straps.
10. Everyday Staple: Style these hot pink sandals with cuffed jeans and a white tee for an effortlessly put-together look. The color does all the talking for you.
11. Total Steal: At just $9, these espadrille-style sandals have no business looking so good. They mimic the woven texture of espadrilles while delivering actual underfoot cushioning.
Entertainment
Taylor Frankie Paul Shares Cryptic Mother’s Day Post
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul is sending a pointed message on Mother’s Day.
“It’s Mother’s Day so I’ll say whatever I want,” Paul, 31, began in a lengthy Instagram post on Sunday, May 10. “As if it’s not already the worst time. I have [sic] STILL have ‘friends’ kicking me while I’m already down and calling it ‘setting a boundary’ and then BLAMES ME for being upset and responding. That’s called shaming and attack while I had a moment to breathe and she knew that.”
Alongside the message, Taylor shared a series of photos with her kids through the years. (Taylor shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul and is also mom to son Ever, 2, with ex Dakota Mortensen. Taylor temporarily lost custody of Ever after an alleged domestic violence incident between the pair, but was awarded a 12-hour Mother’s Day visit. Local police declined to press charges.)
“Not once have [I] called myself a ‘victim’ but I’m HUMAN and have breaking points,” Taylor wrote on Sunday. “What a snake friend just did to me in the public eye after everything she just witnessed … the lack of empathy and silence was loud enough.”
The statement comes one day after Mormon Wives costar Mikayla Matthews shared that she “tried to stay as removed as possible” from Taylor amid legal drama. Taylor, for her part, responded in the comments section of a fan’s recap of Matthew’s message and claimed her friend was “waiting for my downfall.” Matthews denied this in a separate comment.
Taylor did not name Matthews in the statement on Sunday, where she referenced her 2023 arrest when she was charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief after the incident. (Taylor ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, while the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice. She later reached a plea deal.)
“Did you see the hearing? Did you see the bruises?” Taylor continued on Sunday. “Yet she’s bringing up ‘picking sides?’ Yes usually you do for friends you know go through that. Have you been hurt while pregnant? Have you been beaten right after giving birth? Have you lost two babies due to who knows what? Have you gone to jail for finally breaking and taking the only blame for years? Have you been in trouble for getting ready to feel pretty two months postpartum that you cry off your make up and return to an ugly tee shirt? Can you even understand what I’m saying just from just a psychological point?”
She continued, “No clearly not .. if it’s being used as an analogy to rash cream.. You heard one side and never called me after, in fact ignored me twice. That is what an enemy is. Your trauma doesn’t give you a pass to kick me while [I’m] down and cover it with ‘a boundary’ months later after the fact… she is right to state her ‘boundary’ sure … but go ahead tell them the truth.”
Without naming Matthews, Taylor then questioned who her “last convo” was with “regarding the situation” and noted that it was “not me.” Taylor also seemingly referenced “concerns” arising with her filming Mormon Wives season 5, which halted production amid her alleged altercation with Mortensen. Us Weekly confirmed last month that filming resumed, but Taylor has yet to appear on camera.
“What other questions did you have in the concerns while filming with me… ’Does she get paid more than us? Save the ‘concern for children act,’” Taylor wrote. “They all know I’m good to my children. I’ve missed more events, girls nights and opportunities to stay home with my kids more than some could ever say.”
She concluded, “Happy mother to all the moms out there💕 Of course I’m spiraling… people calling me out yet I can’t respond? Exactly what I will NOT be tolerating ever again. Thank you GOD for the people you sent to help me through this with my enemies so close.”
In the comments section, Mormon Wives costar Jessi Draper shared a message of support.
“You know how much I love you,” she wrote. “Not many have seen the behind the scenes but I have and I understand it first hand. I’m so sorry and you’ll be back stronger and happier than ever ❤️.”
In a separate statement on Sunday, Taylor wrote via her Instagram Story, “I will not be sitting down, staying silent or logging off … I did that for years on this. Trust me I can take a beating whether it’s physical, emotional, or public scrutiny. Anyone else want to speak up? Please do …”
Entertainment
M.I.A’s Shannon Gisela Breaks Silence on Show’s Shocking Finale Twist
Peacock’s newest crime drama M.I.A pulls off a shocking finale twist — but what does that reveal mean for the show’s future?
After Etta Tiger Jonze (Shannon Gisela) spent the whole season plotting — and succeeding — to avenge her family’s murder, she met boyfriend Matt’s (Tyler Tomás Perez) mother, Caroline (Marta Milans). Only the audience, however, knew that Caroline’s brothers were the ones who murdered Etta’s loved ones.
“I can’t even speculate — because all of this is from the wonderful writing team — about what comes next. I have no idea how this is going to go but I do know that the hope is that we get a second season to continue telling the story,” Gisela exclusively told Us Weekly. “They do such a wonderful job of making things complex and difficult to navigate. So I have no doubt that — should we get to keep telling the story — that we’ll just get deeper into the well.”
Gisela was excited to see a showdown between Etta and Caroline.
“It’ll be just as action packed — especially because Marta is such a force. It feels like two female Gladiators who are meeting and not knowing how the other is gonna react. So it’s just all of this juicy stuff,” she teased. “She brought it to life so beautifully. She has such a precision about her too. Like every scene that she’s in, she’s accurate and laser focused. So I’m excited to see what explosion comes from that meeting of these two gravitational characters.”
Gisela continued: “I wonder is Caroline going to want to get out of the business and she’s going to join Etta and be like, ‘Wait, this is crazy.’ Or is Matt gonna get thrown in the middle? Or does Matt end up knowing? Then does he have to pick? I have no idea but it’s such a juicy ending.”
Created by Ozark‘s Bill Dubuque, M.I.A is a crime drama focused on Etta, who seeks to avenge her family’s murder and rise to power in the Miami underworld.
“It’s a situation where it is so beautifully written in that Etta doesn’t have a one-track mind. There’s a real heart to her and an eagerness to connect with the people around her still. It takes her time, obviously.” She told Us. “The fact that she even lets Matt in is a sign that she wants to also just be a young woman and experience life.”
Gisela loved how the show found a balance, adding, “That eagerness to connect is the thing that keeps her coming back. It might be something where they are just going to keep learning more about each other.”
While the audience was shocked by the ending — so was the cast.
“We didn’t really know much about what was happening in the next episode until a little bit before we had to shoot it. It was one of these things that kind of kept me on my toes in a really great way,” Gisela gushed. “It kept it surprising. I had no idea where this was going to go. I knew what happened in the first episode and I knew that that was going to be the inciting thing that then we go on this journey. It was making discoveries along the way, which was really fun.”
M.I.A is currently streaming on Peacock.
Entertainment
Blake Lively’s Mother’s Day Tribute After Baldoni Settlement
Blake Lively is paying tribute to her own mother, Elaine Lively, after she reached a surprise settlement in her legal battle against her It Ends With Us costar and director, Justin Baldoni.
“Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who chooses joy, every day, no matter what,” Lively, 38, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, May 10, over a photo of her mother. “The strength and defiance in that is something I’ll always appreciate, especially the older I get. She makes every day special for everyone around her. Especially her babies and grandbabies”
The Gossip Girl star continued, “She isn’t just beautiful, she creates beauty, with her hands, her stories, her playfulness, her creativity, her incredible ingenuity and her love. I’m so grateful, now and forever to have been shaped by your heart full of love, optimism and magic. You make the ordinary extraordinary. I love you. Thank you mama.”
Lively’s heartfelt post comes nearly one week after Lively reached a surprise settlement with Baldoni, 42, before trial was set to begin.
Lively had alleged that her It Ends With Us costar sexually harassed her, fostered a hostile work environment and orchestrated a smear campaign against her. Baldoni denied her claims, but his countersuit was dismissed in June 2025.
On Monday, May 4, the pair reached an out-of-court settlement in the case, avoiding trial altogether.

Instagram/@blakelively Instagram/@blakelively
“The end product — the movie It Ends With Us — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind,” Lively and Baldoni said in a joint statement to Us via their attorneys at the time. “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard.”
The statement continued, “We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”
Rachael Bennett, a certified family law specialist and senior attorney at Sullivan Law & Associates, exclusively told Us Weekly that similar cases tend to settle so close to trial because “the risk of putting the outcome in a jury’s hands becomes too dangerous for at least one, and here, probably both sides.”
“I think the timing here matters,” she continued. “The settlement came right after the judge dismissed the majority of Blake Lively’s claims, including that headline-grabbing sexual harassment allegation. By the end, the case had been narrowed primarily to just her retaliation claims and those contract related claims.”
She adds, “That changes the leverage dramatically once those bigger emotional claims are gone. I think both sides may have decided that continuing into a highly public trial with massive legal fees and some potential reputational risk simply just wasn’t worth a gamble anymore.”
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