Influencer Jen Hamilton has hinted at the circumstances that led to her divorce from estranged husband, Brian Hamilton.

“Me crying for weeks about a man I was loyal to for 15 years who wanted everyone but me,” the social media star and labor nurse wrote over the beginning of a TikTok video shared on Tuesday, July 14. Moments later, Jen, 37, is then seen opening her eyes before further text pops up.

“Remembers … I’m a #1 NYT [New York Times] Best Selling Author with the phattest ass,” the text reads as Jen is seen standing up from a chair and mouthing “What the f***” while looking out in disbelief. (Jen, who shares sons, Ellis and Luke, with her ex, published Birth Vibes: Stories and Strategies for an Empowered Birth in May.)

“I am not worthless,” she also captioned the candid post, which attracted more than 235,000 likes in three hours.

Related: Who Is Jen Hamilton? Influencer Hints at Split From Husband in Viral Video

Influencer Jen Hamilton raised eyebrows when she posted a cryptic message suggesting that she and her husband, Brian Hamilton, are heading toward a split. “Day 1: absolutely devastated. Please don’t try to reach out to anybody on my behalf. That would make everything so much worse for me,” she wrote alongside a June 2026 TikTok […]

Jen, who boasts more than 4.9 million followers on TikTok alone, confirmed via the social media platform on June 15 that she was splitting from Brian after nearly 15 years of marriage. “Yes, we are separating,” a statement written by the couple began. “This comes with enormous pain for the both of us but also gratitude for the 15 years of shared history, love, and friendship. What we are committed to is loving each other well through this transition and placing the wellbeing of the family we created at the center.”

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Two weeks ago, Jen revealed that the pair’s ongoing divorce has pushed her to step away from her nursing job. “I’m taking some time off of work, which is something that I never, ever wanted,” Jen wrote via a June 29 “separation vlog” shared via Instagram. “My patients do not deserve the mental state that I would bring to the bedside right now. One moment, I’m OK. The next moment, I’m not OK.”

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Related: Influencer Jen Hamilton and Husband Brian’s Relationship Timeline

Influencer Jen Hamilton and her husband, Brian, have been candid about their relationship through the years. The couple exchanged vows in 2012, before welcoming sons Ellis and Luke. In June 2026, Jen — who sparked speculation that the pair had called it quits — shared her side of the story on where they stand in […]

Her explanation at the time continued, “I don’t know when those moments [of not being OK] are and my patients deserve so much better than that. There is so much happening that is so complicated that I wish that I could share right now and I cannot. Just know that I am being a kickass mom, not just to my children but to myself.”

The vlog painted a very different picture to the one portrayed by Jen in Tuesday’s TikTok, with the influencer formerly rooting for Brian amid their split. “Even after everything that has happened, I have no animosity, no ill will. I want him to find himself,” she said in the vlog. “I want him to be the bestest version of himself that he’s ever been. I’m gonna be his biggest cheerleader as he is on that journey.”

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 1 hour ago

From the very beginning, the strongest aspect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was its casting. Without the talent of performers like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, the public would never have embraced characters like Iron Man and Captain America. MCU guru Kevin Feige is well aware of this, and he often takes a personal hand in casting. That’s especially true with films like Spider-Man: Homecoming, which involve some of Marvel’s most popular comic characters. In that film, Tom Holland made for the perfect onscreen hero; the challenge was finding someone suitable to be an equally perfect onscreen villain.

Michael Keaton got the job, and he absolutely nailed the role of the Vulture by channeling his experiences as both Batman and (fittingly enough) Birdman. As it turns out, though, this former Caped Crusader wasn’t Marvel’s first choice for this character. Feige personally offered the role to the last person you’d expect: Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of the insanely popular musical Hamilton. Had he squared off with Spidey back in Homecoming, it’s fair to say the MCU would never have been the same.

He Threw Away His Shot

This shocking revelation comes to us straight from Lin-Manuel Miranda. Recently, the Hamilton star appeared on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast. According to the musical legend, Kevin Feige personally offered him the role, so no audition was required. Had he said “yes,” Miranda would have gotten a healthy payday and very likely have become a mainstay of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, he declined the offer, and he did so for a reason many who are reading this can understand: he wanted to keep his wife happy!

In speaking with Horowitz, Miranda admitted he “would have been so miscast.” He made up his mind about the offer, asking when filming for Spider-Man: Homecoming would begin. Feige’s answer was, “Basically, the moment you step offstage in Hamilton.” Miranda replied, ‘Well, I love these movies, but I would really like to stay married, so I cannot do this.’” He is married to Vanessa Nadal, and they have two children together. Miranda had been looking forward to spending more time with his family once he stopped playing Hamilton, but playing the Vulture in Homecoming would mean being insanely busy for another year while being contractually tied down to future Marvel appearances.

Yes, Father. I Shall Become A Vulture

Looking back, Miranda has no regrets about his decision. He told Horowitz that he “needed a vacation so badly” after Hamilton and reiterated that “I would’ve been deeply miscast.” It’s hard not to disagree with this assessment. Part of why Michael Keaton was so great in the role is that his Vulture practically oozed menace whenever he was onscreen. By contrast, Miranda has spent a lifetime positioning himself as an affably goofy music guy. His Vulture would likely be a comedic character, and that wouldn’t work; since Spidey himself is so silly, it’s important for him to have a genuinely scary villain to bounce off of.

Lin-Manuel Miranda became a household name thanks to the success of Hamilton. He could have pivoted and become a Marvel icon, but he was very happy to “throw away his shot” at starring in Spider-Man: Homecoming. In retrospect, this was the right decision, and Miranda is the first to admit that he would’ve made a terrible villain. At least, a terrible onscreen villain. To everyone who ever got sick of their family blaring the Hamilton soundtrack at all hours of the day and on every single road trip, this guy will always be an archenemy for life! 

Zendaya is the true epitome of a red carpet icon.

The actress never fails to impress Us with her fearless, jaw-dropping style and method dressing looks. Over the years, her looks have ranged from cool pantsuits to daring naked dresses.

A throwback we’ll obsess over is her ball gown from the 2017 Met Gala, when she stunned in an off-the-shoulder Dolce & Gabbana gown.

One of our all-time favorites came to pass at the 71st annual Emmy Awards, where she wore a strapless emerald green stunner by Vera Wang which she paired with matching Brian Atwood pumps.

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Flash-forward to The Drama premiere in March 2026, the star stunned in a bridal-esque look by Louis Vuitton. Continuing with her “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” theme during the movie’s press tour, Zendaya stunned in a navy naked look during an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Later that year, she dazzled again in all-white ensembles while attending July’s Paris, London and New York City premieres of The Odyssey.

To see all these looks and more of Zendaya’s all-time best red carpet moments, keep scrolling:

Alix Earle has become just as famous for her headline-making dating rumors as she is for her booming influencer career. 

Over the past few months, the social media star has repeatedly found herself linked to a string of high-profile celebrities, with each sighting fueling fresh speculation. 

However, while fans continue connecting the dots, insiders say the buzz surrounding Earle’s love life may be less about finding romance and more about keeping people talking as her next major career move approaches.

If there’s one thing Alix Earle has done consistently this year, it’s dominate celebrity dating chatter without ever publicly confirming a new relationship.

The influencer has recently found herself linked to everyone from Tom Brady and Joe Burrow to Benson Boone and Formula One standout Lando Norris. 

Every public interaction seems to spark another round of online theories, keeping fans wondering whether they’re witnessing the start of a romance or simply another viral moment.

Behind the scenes, however, insiders insist the reality is far less dramatic. Rather than settling into a serious relationship, Earle is said to be embracing single life while continuing to grow a personal brand that already reaches roughly 14 million followers and now extends into beauty and television.

One insider told the Daily Mail that Earle is “loving the attention.” The source added, “Since she’s done filming the reality show, anything you see her do now is more for attention than TV.”

According to the insider, “Of course her intriguing love life will get fans talking and spark more interest in the show so it doesn’t hurt that she’s seen hanging out with multiple guys.”

Earle’s Latest Rumors Show How Quickly The Internet Connects The Dots

Norris has become the newest celebrity pulled into Alix Earle’s orbit, but the speculation surrounding the pair says just as much about internet culture as it does about either of them.

Rumors first surfaced after the pair were spotted together during the Monaco Grand Prix in June. 

Days later, they fueled even more curiosity when they were seen leaving London’s exclusive Twenty Two club within moments of each other.

Social media only intensified the speculation. After Earle shared a photo aboard a private jet, online sleuths noticed what appeared to be a man’s arm in the corner of the image. 

Many quickly claimed the bracelet looked strikingly similar to one Norris has been photographed wearing, sending the rumor mill into overdrive once again.

Even so, sources insist there’s no romance to confirm. “Alix is single and enjoying life, having a hot girl summer,” one insider said, adding that she’s “not exclusive with any guy at the moment” and is simply “having fun.”

Alix Earle’s Tom Brady Rumors Refuse To Fade Away

Even with Norris dominating recent headlines, Brady remains one of the biggest names attached to the 25-year-old’s dating history.

Their rumored connection gained momentum after reports claimed they shared a kiss during Michael Rubin’s Fourth of July White Party in the Hamptons, but the speculation actually stretches back months. 

The pair were first seen looking friendly during a New Year’s Eve celebration in St. Barts before crossing paths again at a Super Bowl party, where a widely circulated video showing Brady placing a hand on Earle’s backside reignited public curiosity.

Still, insiders continue to dismiss the idea that the pair are secretly dating.

One source acknowledged that Earle “100 percent is into Tom Brady,” but added that “the feelings aren’t reciprocated.” 

According to the insider, they enjoy spending time together, but “there’s nothing more there than a friendship.”

Earle Seemingly Confirmed Her Single Status After Tom Brady Buzz

Alix Earle also appeared to send her clearest signal yet that she was single while walking the red carpet at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party. 

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the influencer was asked which celebrity she hoped to snap a selfie with inside the star-studded event. 

Rather than naming an A-lister, Earle hinted she had something else on her mind. “Honestly, no one. I’m just, like, maybe I’ll get someone’s number or something?” she replied before adding, “Maybe I could meet someone.”   

The comments came shortly after Brady sparked dating rumors with Yael Cohen, while reports suggested Earle wasn’t concerned about the former NFL quarterback moving on.

Alix Earle And Boone Add Another Twist To Her Dating Headlines

In June, the influencer found herself at the center of another celebrity romance rumor, this time involving singer Benson Boone. 

Pictures shared on Instagram showed Earle and Boone leaving Craig’s in Los Angeles together, with the “Beautiful Things” singer opening the passenger door of his vehicle for her before the pair drove off, immediately reigniting questions about Earle’s love life.   

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Boone, however, quickly poured cold water on the speculation. When asked by TMZ whether they were dating, he initially replied, “Uh, no,” before clarifying that the pair were “just hanging out.”   

The outing also came shortly after Earle appeared alongside Boone in promotional content for his single “The Time of My Life,” leaving fans to wonder whether the pair’s chemistry is purely professional or simply the latest celebrity friendship to spark outsized dating rumors.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 22 seconds ago

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Yesterday’s Enterprise.” This is something of a miracle episode, one which smashed together two very different ideas and had to be assembled by four different writers over Thanksgiving. Understandably, they thought it would be a disaster, but it wasn’t. In fact, “Yesterday’s Enterprise” went on to be one of the best (if not the best) episodes of the entire series. It never seemed like a story that needed any improvement. Nonetheless, the original script reveals a huge missing opportunity at the heart of this episode.

“Yesterday’s Enterprise” is about how a change to reality put Starfleet into a brutal war against the Klingon Empire. In the changed reality, Worf is nowhere to be seen because his people are bitter enemies of the Federation. Interestingly, the original script called for Worf to provide the voice of a Klingon commander attacking the Enterprise-D. That didn’t happen in this Next Generation episode, but Deep Space Nine capitalized on this missing opportunity in a big way. In the wildly sexy DS9 episode “Shattered Mirror,” we see Worf as the galaxy’s absolute kinkiest Klingon commander!

Today Is A Good Day To Dom

The plot of the TNG episode “Yesterday’s Enterprise” is that the Enterprise-C accidentally travels to the present day. Originally, it was destroyed defending a Klingon outpost, which helped the Federation broker peace with these warlike aliens. The ship traveling to the future changed reality, plunging the Federation into a bitter, losing war with the Klingons. Interestingly, the Klingons are mostly a faceless menace in “Yesterday’s Enterprise:” we see the brutal attacks of their ships, but we never see any of their commanders. We simply hear an anonymous Klingon towards the end of the episode, demanding that Captain Picard surrender his ship.

The shooting script for “Yesterday’s Enterprise” suggested that we have a very familiar Klingon voice demanding surrender. This section of the script has a note that reads “Possibly Worf?” Obviously, the writers thought it would be a fun revelation that the Worf of this alternate universe had become a very successful Klingon warrior. Sadly, the episode opted against doing so; years later, though, Deep Space Nine picked up the slack. The DS9 episode “Shattered Mirror” revealed that Worf was a bloodthirsty regent in the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance of the Mirror Universe. He is frightening and effective, but in one way, he is very unconventional.

I’m Sensing Great Freakiness, Captain

You see, Deep Space Nine chose to portray most of the Mirror Universe as outlandishly horny. This is most notable with Kira Nerys, whose alternate reality counterpart is a sexually voracious domme who prances around in a catsuit. Just when we got used to her walking bisexual disaster, “Shattered Mirror” introduced a version of Worf who keeps Garak chained down on the bridge. Like, the Cardassian has an actual collar, complete with a short leash that Worf frequently tugs on! It’s the weirdest petplay this side of Euphoria, and it pops up like a jump scare in the middle of an otherwise family-friendly sci-fi show.

Some Star Trek fans find the Mirror Universe episodes of Deep Space Nine a little too silly. If you don’t mind over-the-top goofiness, though, these stories are a little slice of sci-fi shlock perfection. Plus, one episode, “Shattered Mirror,” deserves extra props for finally showing us Worf as a brutal Klingon commander. His voice was written into the “Yesterday’s Enterprise” script, but Michael Dorn never got to speak the lines. Years later, Deep Space Nine showed us what a human-hating Worf would look like, all while making him the kinkiest Klingon this side of Risa.

Picard’s old buddy collaring a submissive Garak in front of the entire crew? That’s what I call 50 Shades of Earl Grey! 

Nicky Hilton doesn’t have to do much to look slim and pulled together, but the right dress style certainly doesn’t hurt. Her mega-flattering dress features a tummy-hiding front tie, and we found the look for $40. It’s selling out as we type!

Hilton showed up to the 2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships wearing a breezy blue and white striped dress that was cinched at the waist with a sweet bow tie. Her soft teal bag and round sunglasses finished the look, giving it a French Riviera vibe with a preppy tennis-forward appearance. This striped shirtdress on Amazon has the same appeal.

Get the Wenrine Striped Maxi Dress for $40 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

The Wenrine Striped Maxi Dress is a near-perfect lookalike to the celeb’s pick, thanks to the cap sleeves, fresh blue and white stripes and tie-waist belt that does all the flattering work. The gathered fabric skims right over your midsection while the cinched detail creates the hourglass shape Hilton wore so well.

The flowy skirt gives it movement when you walk, which matters whether you’re strolling into brunch or a Grand Slam quarterfinal. Better yet, the maxi length keeps things elegant, so you can wear this chic dress straight from the beach to a baby shower.

One Amazon shopper loves how versatile the dress is. “It is structured, which means you can wear it to a lot of different places such as church, work or even somewhere more formal if you put a cardigan or jacket over it,” they wrote. “It’s also casual enough for everyday to wear.”

Pair this maxi wonder with a colorful bag like Hilton did, or throw on a cardigan and flats, and you’re ready for a garden party, rehearsal dinner or long weekend in Charleston. It’s the dress you’ll reach for every summer for the next five years, so you can thank Us in 2031!

Get the Wenrine Striped Maxi Dress for $40 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

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

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Andy Serkis is addressing criticism surrounding the lack of diversity in “The Hunt for Gollum.” The actor and director recently responded to concerns about the upcoming “Lord of the Rings” spinoff film, explaining the approach behind its casting and emphasizing its connection to J.R.R. Tolkien’s original world. His comments come as anticipation for the project continues to grow.

Andy Serkis, who famously portrayed Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films, is stepping into the director’s role for the spinoff movie, “The Hunt for Gollum,” and is also reprising his iconic role.

The film’s cast has been slowly taking shape, with new additions announced over the past few months. Both Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen will be returning to play Frodo Baggins and Gandalf, respectively, and other names have been announced as well, including Kate Winslet, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jamie Dornan, Leo Woodall, and Lee Pace.

The project’s casting has reignited debate about representation in films, and Serkis addressed the buzz while talking to the BBC.

“This particular film is somewhat acknowledging that,” the actor said. However, he added, “I don’t think we will be doing a politically correct just-casting-for-the-sake-of-casting-and-ticking-boxes version of the film. So, it’s where relevant basically,” he noted.

The Director Said The Shire Is ‘Very White’

Questions about diversity have followed “The Lord of the Rings” franchise for years, but many have pointed out that author J.R.R. Tolkien’s works were deeply rooted in Northern European mythology, and casting was done to reflect that.

One person commented, “Not everything needs to have forced diversity shoved into it. Especially when it makes no sense for it to be there.”

As Serkis noted, Tolkien was “influenced a lot by Norse mythology,” adding that The Shire, the region in Middle-earth inhabited by Hobbits, “feels very, very much like a very, a very white, you know… They’re not very concerned about what goes on beyond the borders of The Shire, but they know they don’t want people coming in.”

Andy Serkis Supports Diverse Representation

Serkis has expressed his support for equality in the film industry, but argues against casting choices made purely to fulfill representation goals.

In 2018, the actor shared how he developed a deeper understanding of what it felt like to be in the minority at a film set. He and “The Hobbit” actor Martin Freeman were the only major white characters in the Marvel movie “The Black Panther,” and were called the “Tolkien white guys.”

In an interview with Radio Times, Serkis said he and Freeman were grateful for having the experience, sharing that director Ryan Coogler, at one point, told them that it was his first time directing a scene with two white actors. “That’s an incredible perspective to find yourself in,” Serkis said. Freeman noted, “You think, ‘Right, this is what black actors feel like all the time.’”

‘The Rings Of Power’ Controversy

While “The Hunt for Gollum” has sparked discussion over its perceived lack of diversity, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” previously faced criticism from one side for its more diverse casting choices.

“The Rings of Power” is a fantasy TV series from Amazon based on the history of Middle-earth, and while many fans celebrated the casting decisions, some viewers argued that it went against Tolkien’s lore. Some accused the showrunners of being too “woke” and prioritizing representation over authenticity.

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The backlash even became a talking point on “The View,” with Whoopi Goldberg saying it’s a fantasy world. “There are no dragons. There are no hobbits. Are you telling me Black people can’t be fake people too?” she said.

Amazon also released a statement, noting that Tolkien created a multicultural world “in which free people from different races and cultures join together, in fellowship, to defeat the forces of evil.”

‘The Hunt For Gollum’ Has Begun Production

“The Hunt for Gollum” focuses on Aragorn’s quest to find Gollum, an untold story set between Bilbo Baggins’ 111th birthday celebration and the journey through the Mines of Moria in 2001’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.”

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Production is underway in New Zealand, and Warner Bros. shared a behind-the-scenes look at Serkis wearing a motion-capture suit, reprising his role as Gollum.

“The Hunt for Gollum” is scheduled to be released in theaters in December 2027.

Cara Delevingne has made her “Playboy” debut. The model and actress posed for the iconic magazine as summer 2026’s cover star and opened up about what the decision means to her. She also reflected on her sexuality, sobriety, and her venture into music. The candid conversation shed light on the milestones and personal journey that have shaped her in recent years.

Cara Delevingne launched her professional modeling career in her teen years and has built an impressive career, walking prestigious runways and landing the covers of some of the most recognizable fashion magazines. Now at 33 years old, she is making her “Playboy” magazine debut.

The cover shows the model in nothing but a black latex corset, with one hand covering her private parts, and the other holding a lit match close to a cigarette in her mouth. In another photo, Delevingne dons the iconic Playboy bunny costume, complete with ears and a puffy bunny tail.

In the interview, Delevingne compared the Playboy photoshoot to her previous works, saying she always felt “a bit gross” modeling naked “for someone else.” While she says that she agreed to do her prior stints, she admitted that they “never felt empowering.” It was a different experience for “Playboy,” however.

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“Today I had so much fun. I’ve never felt more comfortable in my body and in my sexuality. I feel like I’m in more of my prime as a woman and as a sexual being,” she told the magazine.

The Model Views Her ‘Playboy’ Debut As An Act Of Rebellion

“Playboy” magazine’s inaugural issue came out in 1953, with Marilyn Monroe gracing its cover. Its initial target audience was bachelor males, and while the demographic has shifted throughout the years, the magazine’s readers remain predominantly heterosexual males.

Delevingne made history as the first openly lesbian “Playboy” cover star, and she explains it as a rebellious act. “‘Playboy’ is very much a heterosexual institution. That’s why it felt like a bit of a ‘f-ck you’ and a rebellious thing to do, and to have an incredible female-led creative team — a lot of them being queer — felt really fun and different,” she said.

Cara Delevingne Is Owning Her Sexuality

Delevingne has been open about her sexuality in the past. In 2015, she revealed that she felt “confused” until she fell in love with a girl at 20 years old. Five years later, she said she identified as pansexual, saying she falls in love with who someone is as a person rather than looking at their sexual orientation.

In May, however, she confirmed that she was a lesbian. During Rosalía’s concert, Delevingne appeared in a “confessional,” telling the Spanish singer-songwriter and the audience, “If you don’t know this already, I’m a lesbian, and my weakness used to be straight women.”

Talking about her sexuality to “Playboy,” Delevingne said some people focus on how others want to see them and neglect their sexual relationship with themselves. “Sex is a language, too, and your own sexuality, what turns you on, is like a beautiful dance you play with yourself… Loving yourself and turning yourself on. It’s fun when you can discover that,” she added.

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The Model Is In A Happy Relationship

Delevingne has had some high-profile relationships in the past. She dated musician Annie Clark (also known as St. Vincent) and “Pretty Little Liars” star Ashley Benson. She is now in a relationship with musician Minke (real name Leah Mason), whom she has been with since 2022.

The model said that she and Minke are “very different” people, which makes the relationship work so well. “She’s the most incredible person I know. We’re best friends, obviously, lovers, and everything else, but I’ve never had a relationship like it and felt so close to someone and felt so seen,” she gushed.

The couple has known each other for years, first meeting in boarding school and reconnecting several years later at a concert. Delevigne, who has been sober for about four years, also credits her partner for giving her the support she needed during recovery.

Cara Delevingne’s Music Is Stevie Nicks-Approved

Delevingne is expanding her portfolio and has ventured into music. Initially, the model wanted to release her music under a different name, believing audiences and critics would form opinions without listening, but she ultimately decided to stick with her identity.

One big name who has praised her abilities is Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, who came to one of her shows and even gifted her a ring straight from her finger. “It felt so crazy and insane. I’m still reeling,” she said.

Delevingne has released a few singles and is currently on tour. Her album will be released in late summer.

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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 24 seconds ago

Over the years, Star Trek has boldly gone where no franchise has gone before by exploring different ways of telling killer sci-fi stories. We’ve had movies, live-action TV shows, 3D cartoons, 2D cartoons, all of which have been supplemented by entire libraries of books, magazines, and comics. The latter includes some surprisingly good Star Trek manga. Despite that quality, however, we’ve never gotten an official anime. But that didn’t keep the writers and producers of various shows from sneaking in countless references to their favorite shows!

Most of those references are hidden where fans can’t easily see them. For instance, references to shows like Dirty Pair were often written in Okudagrams or on computer monitors in Star Trek: The Next Generation. In one grisly instance, however, an homage to an anime classic was hidden in plain sight. In the episode “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” Enterprise-C Captain Rachel Garrett is killed, leaving shrapnel sticking out of her body. Look very closely, and you’ll notice something wild about the most prominent piece of shrapnel: it’s the wing from a Super Dimension Fortress Macross model kit.

Death By Anime

In “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” the Enterprise-C accidentally travels forward in time to the present day instead of getting destroyed. This changes reality, making it so that Starfleet is in the midst of losing a war with the Klingons. Picard convinces Enterprise-C captain Rachel Garrett to return to the past, sacrificing herself in the hopes of saving the future. However, Tasha Yar has to take command of the older ship after a Klingon attacks the Enterprise-C. This kills Rachel Garett, and in a notably gruesome scene, we can see her lifeless body pierced by shrapnel.

Believe it or not, that shrapnel has its own bizarre story. According to Star Trek: The Next Generation art department illustrator Rick Sternbach, the shrapnel in Garrett’s head was the wing of a VF-1 Valkyrie model kit from the popular anime series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross. Interestingly, this wasn’t even the first time this model secretly appeared in the show. It was also used (albeit in multiple scales) to create both the desktop version and studio film model of the Constellation-class ship. That’s the same type of ship as the Stargazer, the vessel Picard commanded before becoming captain of the Enterprise-D.

The Most Requested Anime In The Holodeck

While this trivia might seem a little strange, it’s not really that surprising that an anime model kit made multiple prominent Star Trek appearances. The Next Generation writers were big fans of Japanese animation and often hid references to their favorite shows within random episodes. For example, both “A Matter of Perspective” and “Peak Performance” had references to Dirty Pair, a popular anime about a pair of plucky female consultants with a reputation for causing Demolition Man levels of destruction wherever they go. Such Easter eggs reveal how the Trek writers loved anime about a decade before its popularity exploded in the West.

“Yesterday’s Enterprise” may be the best episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It’s an episode that pulls no punches, killing popular characters like Riker in ways that seem downright shocking. Nobody got a more brutal death than Rachel Garrett, whose body was destroyed by shrapnel. It can be hard to watch, but maybe knowing that she’s got an anime model kit sticking out of her face will make things better. It’s a surreal detail that calls to mind Trek icon William Shatner’s famous episode of The Twilight Zone. “There’s someone on the wing,” he cried. “Something on the wing!”

Yeah, there’s something on the wing, alright: Rachel Garrett’s face!