Jennifer Lopez‘s ex-dancer Mia Starr speaks out about what she calls the “worst experience” of her career after working with the singer ahead of the 2020 Super Bowl LIV halftime show.

The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum alleged she was repeatedly embarrassed during rehearsals and claimed the atmosphere became emotionally exhausting.

Mia Starr also recounted a dispute involving an appearance on Jennifer Lopez’s documentary, which resulted in an “insulting” $20 check.

Mia Starr is opening up about what she described as the “worst experience” of her professional career while working with Jennifer Lopez ahead of the 2020 Super Bowl LIV halftime show.

In a YouTube video with fellow “Drag Race” star, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, the dancer said she initially felt thrilled after being selected to dance alongside Lopez and Shakira for the high-profile performance.

According to Starr, she was hired without having to audition and even left her job with “The Voice” casting team to take the opportunity. However, she claimed the atmosphere quickly became uncomfortable once rehearsals began.

Starr alleged that during the second day of practice, Lopez singled her out in front of other dancers and asked her to remove her shirt.

She said the moment left her embarrassed and self-conscious, claiming that the “Let’s Get Loud” singer later addressed the dancers as a group, encouraging them to “elevate” themselves physically for her show.

Starr admitted she understood the pressure that comes with performing at such a high-profile event, but felt the expectations became excessive early on in rehearsals.

Mia Starr Describes Humiliating Rehearsal Conditions And Growing Tension With Jennifer Lopez

The situation reportedly escalated when male dancers were allegedly asked to rehearse shirtless for hours.

Starr further described the experience as humiliating and emotionally draining, saying it felt almost like a form of “hazing.”

She also told Entertainment Weekly that she never believed her appearance was extreme, but felt Lopez “made it very clear that she was not pleased with my image, the way she gave that look of disgust. I was like, oh, this is embarrassing.”

Although Starr said she eventually got into better shape during the rehearsal process, she explained that the atmosphere left her with an “icky feeling.”

Advertisement

She noted that while dancers are often expected to maintain a certain appearance, she had only recently transitioned from office casting work and was unexpectedly thrown into the demanding performance environment.

The Dancer Felt The Singer ‘Hated’ Her

Starr said she eventually became convinced Lopez disliked her personally due to the singer’s focus on her.

She even recalled an awkward moment the following day when an ice cream truck arrived outside the rehearsal space, and Lopez once again delivered a speech encouraging dancers to “elevate” themselves physically.

“Clearly, at this point, I was like, ‘she hates me,’” Starr said, admitting she later leaned into the tension once she sensed the relationship had soured.

As rehearsals continued, Starr claimed the atmosphere only became more stressful. According to her, dancers would rehearse for hours before Lopez allegedly arrived later in the day and criticized much of the work that had already been prepared.

Advertisement

Starr said the constant changes and criticism created an emotionally exhausting environment, adding that the entire lead-up to the performance “felt like hell.”

Mia Starr Alleges Compensation Dispute After Working With Jennifer Lopez

Starr, in her chat with EW, alleged there were later issues involving Lopez’s 2022 Netflix documentary “Halftime.”

The drag queen claimed that dancers were asked to sign release forms shortly before the documentary’s release, which would allow their appearance in the project without additional payment, shortly before the film’s debut.

“I was like, no, you didn’t put me through all of that to not pay me. I didn’t sign the paper. There were a few of us that didn’t sign. They somehow found a loophole to still put me in it,” Starr noted.

Although she refused to sign the paperwork, Starr alleged that footage of her still appeared in the documentary.

Advertisement

The Dancer Said Jennifer Lopez’s Team Sent Her An ‘Insulting’ $20 Check Over The Documentary Appearance

According to Mia Starr, Lopez’s team later attempted to compensate her with what she described as a “$20 check,” which she said she found insulting and returned.

“It was so insulting,” the reality star recalled. “I told my agent, ‘You know what, actually, you can just please send this back, they clearly need it more than I do.’ I sent it back because it’s super insulting. I just had to laugh at that point. I was like, this is unreal.”

Despite everything, Starr acknowledged that she still considers the “Atlas” actress “gorgeous,” but made it clear she would never work with Lopez again.

She later turned down another opportunity to dance for the singer at a separate event.

This isn’t the first time Lopez has been accused of looking down on employees, with a famous hairstylist once claiming that the pop star saw him as “trash.”

Advertisement

One of our favorite trends to make its way back in style is capri pants. From denim to linen and everything in between, the cropped bottoms come in all sorts of looks that are ideal for springtime. This Amazon find might have them all beat, though, because they’re buttery soft and extremely affordable — and we’re talking like $7 affordable!

Consider the Sinophant High-Waisted Capri Leggings your warm-weather alternative to typical full-length leggings. These hit right at the start of your calf, so they’re not too long or too short. The high waist and fitted style mean you can easily wear them to your next workout, to run errands or to lounge around.

Get the Sinophant High-Waisted Capri Leggings for $7 (originally $10) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

For $7, you might not have high hopes for the fabric, but you’ll be surprised by how amazing these capris feel. They were designed to feel buttery soft while offering four-way stretch, allowing them to move with you. So, you don’t have to worry about feeling restricted and, no, they’re not see-through, either.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic black color, but don’t be afraid to mix it up for spring! The Sinophant leggings come in dozens of solid hues, including brown, lavender and hot pink, as well as patterns, like leopard, camo and geometric options. You can also shop these capris in full-length and full-length crossover versions, too.

If you had any concern that the affordable price tag meant that you weren’t getting quality, push it to the side. Real-life Amazon shoppers can’t say enough good things about these capris.

“They’re super soft and feel really high quality the second you put them on. I ended up buying two pairs, because I liked them that much. They’re not see-through at all (huge win), and the material feels durable without being thick or uncomfortable,” one verified buyer wrote.

“These leggings are great. I’ve spent so much money on leggings that didn’t fit good or got faded too fast, but these are great, and the price is wonderful. The material is so soft and comfortable,” a five-star reviewer said.

The only thing better than finding a high-quality clothing item on Amazon is finding one with a super-affordable price tag. From the gym to brunch and beyond, we know what we’ll be wearing all season long!

Get the Sinophant High-Waisted Capri Leggings for $7 (originally $10) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

Billie Eilish has shared a candid look into the daily challenges of living with Tourette’s syndrome and the exhausting effort it takes to manage it. 

During a recent podcast appearance, the singer explained the physical and mental toll of hiding her symptoms during public appearances. 

The singer’s honest revelation aims to clear up common misconceptions about the disorder while highlighting the frustration of being misunderstood by the public.

Speaking on the most recent episode of Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast, Eilish opened up about the hidden realities of Tourette’s syndrome, a disorder characterized by repetitive, uncontrollable movements and vocalizations. 

The musician revealed that she puts an immense amount of energy into hiding her symptoms whenever she is being filmed or interviewed. She explained that she does “everything in my power” to suppress her tics while on camera, acting as if she is perfectly still from her head down to her chest. 

However, this internal battle is only temporary, as she admitted that as soon as she leaves the room, she has to “let them all out.”

Eilish described the experience as having “intrusive thoughts” that her mouth is forced to say out loud. While she has vocal tics, she noted that they are usually small noises that she can keep relatively quiet.

However, the singer finds it particularly “frustrating” when people fail to understand how the syndrome actually works.

Eilish clarified that having multiple tics in a row is “very much normal” for her and not something that requires people to constantly ask if she is okay.

Billie Eilish Has Always Been Vocal About The Physical And Social Toll Of Tics

The exhaustion Eilish feels from constant suppression is a sentiment she has expressed before, notably during a 2022 appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix series. BBC reported that during that interview, she experienced a tic on camera. She then took the opportunity to explain that while she doesn’t experience them while performing, they occur regularly in her daily life. 

She noted that while most people wouldn’t notice her subtle movements during a casual conversation, the internal effort required to manage them is “very exhausting.”

One of the most difficult aspects for the singer is not the tics themselves, but the offensive reactions she receives from those around her. This reaction is something Eilish finds deeply hurtful, stating that she is “incredibly offended” when her involuntary movements are treated as a joke. 

Billie Eilish Recently Debuted Her Relationship Amid Public Backlash

In addition to being open about her disorder, Eilish also recently made a public appearance with her partner, Nat Wolff. However, this romantic debut has sparked a debate among fans who are questioning her previous comments about her sexuality.

The duo appeared together at the Los Angeles premiere of her new 3D concert film. The event, held for the debut of “Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D),” served as the couple’s first formal red carpet appearance. 

According to The Blast, the debut triggered an immediate firestorm on social media, where many fans labeled Eilish’s previous comments about her identity as “performative.” 

Critics argued that her public persona and her choice to date a man were disconnected, with some accusing her of “pandering” to the queer community for professional gain. 

The Singer Also Opened Up About Her Personal Struggle With Style

Shortly before her public appearance with Wolff, Eilish candidly spoke about the origins of her signature fashion.

She revealed that her choice to wear baggy clothing was not just a trend but a necessary shield during a time when she was battling significant eating issues and body image struggles.

According to The Blast, the 24-year-old Grammy winner admitted that her early fashion choices were rooted in a “really, really toxic relationship” with her body. 

She recalled the immense sense of relief she felt when putting on a large shirt, using it as a tool to hide from public judgment. Over time, however, this defense mechanism evolved into a more intentional form of self-expression influenced by hip-hop icons like Missy Elliott, Tyler, The Creator, and Bloody Osiris.

Billie Eilish Gave Fans A Peek Into Her ‘Belieber’ Era

The singer’s style evolution into self-confidence has also allowed her to embrace her roots as a fan while standing alongside the stars she once admired. Just as she has overcome personal struggles with her body and gender identity, she is now celebrating the youthful passions that helped shape her. 

Recently, Eilish took to Instagram to share a collection of throwback photos and videos with her 125 million followers, showcasing her deep admiration for Justin Bieber. 

The 24-year-old captioned the trip down memory lane with a playful “Don’t talk to me.” One photo features a young Eilish in a sequined dress and high-top Converse, posing in front of bedroom walls that are completely covered in posters of the pop star, per The Blast.

Notably, the post arrived just days after Eilish joined Bieber on stage during his Coachella set, an experience that left her visibly overwhelmed with emotion.

Fantasy can be one of the most satisfying genres when handled well, but it’s very tricky to get right. Most modern writers simply retread old ground or serve up the same tired tropes — magic systems, faraway realms, politics, and maybe a dragon here and there. However, a few go further, finding something new and bold to say about this beloved genre.

These acclaimed and daring books are the focus of this list. The titles below span a range of styles and tones, from lyrical coming-of-age stories to sprawling epics, but they are all bursting at the seams with imagination. The best fantasy books of the last quarter-century are layered, entertaining, and psychologically rich, proving that fantasy is still thriving today.

10

‘The Fifth Season’ (2015)

Image via Orbit

Advertisement

“Let’s start with the end of the world, why don’t we?” Set in a world plagued by catastrophic geological events, The Fifth Season follows multiple characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, particularly those with the ability to control seismic activity. Three seemingly separate narratives slowly converge, forcing the reader into an active role, piecing together timelines, identities, and connections.

The world-building is rich and creative throughout. Rather than being comforting or escapist, the setting here is harsh and geologically violent, constantly on the brink of collapse. A small number of individuals are able to shape the land’s roiling energy, but the rest of the society fears them and seeks to keep them under control. This “orogeny” doubles as both a magic system and a social metaphor, one that N.K. Jemisin explores in-depth.

9

‘The Crippled God’ (2011)

Image via Transworld Digital

Advertisement

“We humans do not understand compassion.” The Malazan Book of the Fallen series is the definition of epic fantasy, consisting of ten volumes totaling more than 11, 000 pages and a story that spans not centuries, but millennia. The Crippled God is the final book in the main series, bringing together countless storylines, characters, and themes.

After a decade-plus of tales about gods, soldiers, ascendants, and empires, this book lands with a surprising clarity, focusing more on ideas than on action and grand battles (although there certainly are battle scenes). Moments that might once have been cryptic are allowed to breathe, giving emotional beats more room to land. The main characters aren’t heroic archetypes but worn-down individuals choosing, again and again, to stand together. All in all, it’s a confident, graceful end to an impressive saga.

8

‘Children of Blood and Bone’ (2018)

Image via Henry Hold Books for Young Rivers

Advertisement

“All instruments of vengeance and virtue.” This one is currently being adapted for the screen, with the movie set for release in January 2027. Children of Blood and Bone takes place in the kingdom of Orïsha, where magic has been violently stripped away, leaving its former practitioners oppressed and hunted. The young Zélie is determined to restore magic, joined by a reluctant prince and princess whose own loyalties begin to fracture.

Refreshingly, the land of Orïsha isn’t just a generic fantasy setting with new names pasted onto familiar tropes, but a place with its own spiritual logic and social tensions. It draws heavily from West African mythology, particularly Yoruba-inspired cosmology. Similarly, the persecution of magic users in the book mirrors real-world histories of discrimination, and Tomi Adeyemi writes these dynamics with clarity and conviction.

7

‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ (2006)

Image via Bantam Spectra

Advertisement

“Someday, Locke Lamora… someday, you’re going to f—k up so magnificently, so ambitiously, so overwhelmingly…” This colorful story fuses fantasy tropes with elements of mafia fiction, set in a world inspired by medieval Venice. The main character is an orphaned thief who pulls off daring heists from under the noses of the city’s corrupt elite. However, his activities eventually attract the attention of darker, more powerful forces.

The novel is energetic and entertaining, jam-packed with story, surprising plot developments, brutal bursts of violence, and endlessly funny dialogue. The main characters are layered, too, with real wounds and flaws alongside their quirks and talents. This is what elevates The Lies of Locke Lamora above a mere caper. When things go wrong (and they do, badly), the consequences hit harder because the relationships feel real.

6

‘A Dance with Dragons’ (2011)

Image via Bantam Spectra

Advertisement

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” A Dance with Dragons is the most recent published installment in the main Song of Ice and Fire series (though also perhaps the final one, given that it’s been 15 years and The Winds of Winter still isn’t out). This book is a little messier than its predecessors, but also bold, intricate, and sweeping, bringing in new characters and taking us to fascinating new locales like Essos.

Thematically, a big focus here is on leadership under pressure. Daenerys, Jon Snow, and even Tyrion are placed in situations where there are no clean choices, only trade-offs. Daenerys’ rule in Meereen, for instance, becomes a slow, grinding lesson in the limits of idealism. Similarly, Jon’s command at the Wall is defined by difficult, often unpopular decisions that isolate him from those he leads.

5

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ (2007)

Image via Bloomsbury Publishing

Advertisement

“I open at the close.” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the capstone to the greatest literary sensation (so far) of the 21st century. As Voldemort’s power reaches its peak, Harry, Ron, and Hermione leave Hogwarts behind to hunt for Horcruxes, and the tone of the story shifts into a darker, more introspective mode. It gets very philosophical, delving deep into themes of mortality and sacrifice.

Nevertheless, the action, adventure, and creativity remain as rich as ever. Throughout the book, we encounter dragons, unbeatable wands, fresh mysteries, unexpected allies, and surprising new layers to characters we thought we already understood. Severus Snape, in particular, is revealed to be a far more complex and tragic figure than he seemed. The losses matter, the victories feel earned. Sure, the pacing can be uneven, and certain plot devices arrive conveniently, but they don’t undermine the book’s core achievements.

4

‘Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell’ (2004)

Image via Bloomsbury

Advertisement

“Can a magician kill a man by magic?” Set in an alternate version of 19th-century England, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell follows two magicians — one cautious and conservative, the other bold and unpredictable — as they attempt to restore magic to the country. In the process, they contend with war, faeries, dark sorcerers from the past, and, of course, politics. Their relationship, a kind of philosophical duel disguised as a partnership, drives the story.

Here, magic is not just a tool, but a cultural force, intertwined with history, and both men have strikingly different ideas on how it should be used. The novel’s structure is expansive, filled with footnotes, digressions, and side stories that give the world a sense of depth rarely matched in the genre. Similarly, Susanna Clarke’s prose is precise, almost formal, a brilliant pastiche of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

3

‘The Shepherd’s Crown’ (2015)

Image via Doubleday Childrens

Advertisement

“She was the witch of the chalk, and she would not leave it.” The Shepherd’s Crown was the last book Terry Pratchett wrote, and it’s a quietly powerful finale, not just to the Tiffany Aching arc, but to the entire Discworld project. It follows the young protagonist as she steps fully into her role as a witch, inheriting responsibilities that extend far beyond her years. The plot itself is relatively straightforward, but the tone is wise and reflective.

Characters age, roles shift, and the world continues to change in ways that feel both inevitable and bittersweet. Pratchett’s signature humor remains, but it is tempered by a sense of finality. Most of all, the novel reflects on legacy, on what is passed down and what must be carried forward. Goodness, The Shepherd’s Crown tells us, is usually found in small, unglamorous acts.

2

‘La Belle Sauvage’ (2017)

Image via Scholastic

Advertisement

“Every step we take is a choice.” La Belle Sauvage returns to Philip Pullman’s universe, serving up yet another striking, satisfying, and intellectually provocative adventure. Set twelve years before the events of His Dark Materials, the book centers on Malcolm Polstead, a young boy who becomes responsible for protecting the infant Lyra during a catastrophic flood. As waters rise and reshape the landscape, the story takes on an almost mythic quality, echoing folklore and Bible stories.

From here, the plot unfolds as a journey shaped as much by moral tension as by physical danger. Malcolm is forced to navigate a world where religious and political institutions are increasingly authoritarian, and where small acts of kindness carry significant risk, but also profound impact. Characters are constantly navigating systems that demand obedience, raising questions about conscience and the cost of defiance.

1

‘The Name of the Wind’ (2007)

Image via DAW Books

Advertisement

“It was the patient, cut-flower sound of a man who is waiting to die.” The best fantasy book of the last quarter-century is The Name of the Wind. In it, Kvothe, a legendary figure now living in obscurity, recounts his life to a chronicler: his rise from poverty, his time at a magical university, and the events that shaped his reputation. This structure creates tension not from what will happen, but from how events are remembered, and perhaps misremembered.

Kvothe and the other major characters are all compelling and well-realized, and the world they inhabit is immersive. The magic systems are especially cool, including the structured processes of “sympathy” and the more mysterious powers of “naming.” On top of all that, the prose is amazingly deliberate and lyrical, paying clear homage to Ursula K. Le Guin. Simply put, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece.

RELATED: Social Media Reacts As Pooh Shiesty’s NEW Mugshot Surfaces Amid Arrest For Kidnapping & Robbery Of Gucci Mane (PHOTO)

Pooh Shiesty Says It Wasn’t Him FrFr

According to reports, Pooh Shiesty appeared in federal court in Dallas on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to federal robbery and kidnapping charges. His attorney, Kent Schaffer, confirmed the plea, maintaining that the rapper denies any involvement in the alleged crimes. Federal prosecutors claim Pooh, his father, and seven others were connected to a January incident at a Dallas recording studio where multiple people—including Gucci Mane—were allegedly robbed and kidnapped. Despite requesting bond, Pooh Shiesty will remain in custody after a judge denied his release while he awaits trial.

You Already Know The Comments Are Cutting Up

As soon as the news hit the timeline, fans flooded The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section with jokes for days and nonstop reactions. Some users said Pooh Shiesty deserves a third chance, while others doubled down on claims that he “ain’t do nothing frfr” despite the charges. Meanwhile, plenty of commenters kept it blunt, saying, “Why would he plead guilty?” and insisting of course he was going to enter a not guilty plea.

One Instagram user @amourmaddii claimed, “He ain’t do that sht your honor fr 💯💯”

This Instagram user @differeentt_ shared, “Pooh deserves a 3rd chance let himmmm outtttt.“

And, Instagram user @melaninn.goddness added, “My boo coming home to big mama😂”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @jeremy.evans831 commented, “FDO pt. 2 dropping 2067😂😂😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @chocolateekkiss joked, “The lawyers defense bouta be ‘they was just playing’😂😂😂😂”

Finally, Instagram user @officialtimmm said, “‘Good news we got your payment , bad news they gave ya life’😂😂😂”

Pooh Shiesty’s Mugshot Had The Internet Wide Awake

Folks haven’t slept since Pooh Shiesty’s new mugshot started making rounds online, chile. After it dropped on X, fans immediately went into detective mode over the rapper’s expression, appearance, and overall demeanor while reactions flooded social media. The viral moment comes as Pooh remains behind bars in connection to the federal robbery and kidnapping case involving Gucci Mane, where prosecutors allege Pooh, his father Lontrell Williams Sr., and several others carried out an armed takeover during a January 2026 meeting tied to a recording contract discussion.

Bonnie Tyler was reportedly placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix while in Portugal, according to a close friend of the star.

The 74-year-old singer is said to be recovering in intensive care as doctors treat complications from the infection.

The health scare comes just months before Bonnie Tyler was set to begin a major European tour celebrating 50 years since her breakthrough hit, “Lost in France.”

Bonnie Tyler’s Friend Gives Update On Her Condition Following Induced Coma Reports

Bonnie Tyler has reportedly been placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery after suffering a ruptured appendix while in Portugal.

According to the Express, the 74-year-old singer began experiencing severe abdominal pain shortly after arriving in the Algarve, where she owns a home.

Family friend and businessman Liberto Mealha said Tyler had previously undergone medical tests in London after feeling unwell during a concert, but doctors were reportedly unable to identify the problem at the time.

After traveling back to Portugal, her condition allegedly worsened within days. Mealha claimed Tyler was initially taken to a private hospital before being urgently transferred to Faro Hospital when doctors discovered her appendix had burst, requiring immediate surgery.

Tyler, best known for hits like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero,” is currently being treated in intensive care. Her spokesperson later confirmed she had been placed in an induced coma to “aid her recovery” following the procedure.

Bonnie Tyler Reportedly Battling Infection Following Emergency Surgery

Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã reported that the singer is also battling a generalized infection and is receiving strong antibiotics after the emergency operation.

According to the singer’s pal, Mealha, Tyler’s husband, Robert Sullivan, has remained by her side throughout the ordeal, leaving the hospital only to rest at night.

He reportedly praised the medical team treating the singer, saying that “he’s very grateful to the doctors and nurses at the Faro hospital and believes that if Bonnie had stayed in the United Kingdom, she would no longer be here.”

News of Tyler’s hospitalization first surfaced earlier this week when her representatives confirmed she had undergone emergency intestinal surgery.

At the time, her team said the operation had gone well and that she was recovering. A later statement revealed her doctors decided to place her in an induced coma as part of her treatment plan while she continues to recover from complications linked to the ruptured appendix.

Advertisement

Bonnie Tyler’s Storied Career: From Club Singer To Music Icon

Born Gaynor Hopkins, Tyler grew up in a council home in Neath before becoming one of the most recognizable voices in rock music.

She was discovered by talent scout Roger Bell while performing in a Swansea club, leading to the release of her debut single, Lost in France, in 1977.

She achieved worldwide stardom in 1983 with “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” a chart-topping anthem that dominated both the UK and US charts.

More than four decades later, the song surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, cementing its legacy as one of the era’s defining hits.

Her success also earned Grammy nominations for “Faster Than the Speed of Night,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” and “Here She Comes.”

Advertisement

In 2013, Tyler represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013, and in 2023, she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her contributions to music.

Bonnie Tyler Praised By Fellow Stars Following Emergency Operation

The Grammy-nominated star had been preparing for a major European tour later this year, celebrating 50 years since the release of “Lost in France,” which became a chart success across Europe.

Tyler was scheduled to perform in Malta and Germany later this month, with additional dates planned throughout the UK, Austria, Hungary, Turkey, and Romania as part of the anniversary run.

Fellow music stars from the 1980s have since sent words of encouragement to the singer, with Katrina Leskanich writing: “Dearest Bonnie. Make a speedy recovery and come back rocking! We love you.”

Meanwhile, disco legend Gloria Gaynor added: “Wishing you a swift recovery, Bonnie!”

Advertisement

Fans Wish The Singer A Speedy Recovery After Her Health Scare

Fans from around the world have flooded Tyler’s Facebook page with support, leaving more than 2,000 messages wishing her a quick recovery.

One individual wrote, “Wishing you all the very best in your recovery, Bonnie. We are all rooting for you.”

Another wrote, “Get well, Bonnie. Hope you make it out of the coma, love,” while a third noted, “PLEASE GET BETTER, we are with you.”

One more person commented, “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Bonnie Tyler. Your music has been part of my life for many years, and I’m praying for your health and strength. Hope to see you back on stage soon. God bless you always.”

Advertisement

Jerry Seinfeld has stirred up fresh debate over two of television’s biggest sitcoms after taking a playful but pointed swipe at “Friends” during a live appearance in Los Angeles.

The comedy icon joked that NBC copied the formula behind “Seinfeld” and simply replaced the cast with more attractive stars.

His remarks quickly reignited the longtime comparison between the two legendary series.

Jerry Seinfeld made the eyebrow-raising comments while appearing at the “Netflix Is a Joke” festival at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

During the event, the comedian reflected on the massive success of his own sitcom before joking that NBC borrowed the same formula when creating “Friends.”

“Here’s my theory on Friends,” Seinfeld said, per Variety. “ My show came on ’89, ’90. Friends came on a few years later.”

He then delivered the line that immediately got fans talking online: “I think NBC was watching my show and went, ‘Hey, this is working pretty well. Why don’t we try the same thing with good-looking people?’”

The comedian doubled down on the joke by adding, “And that was a pretty good idea. I think that kind of worked.”

Although the remark appeared lighthearted, it quickly reignited old arguments among sitcom fans who have spent decades debating which show had the bigger cultural impact.

Jerry Seinfeld Jokes About Watching Himself

The topic surfaced after Seinfeld asked audience members to guess his all-time favorite television series.

One fan shouted out “Seinfeld,” prompting the comedian to poke fun at the suggestion.

“Seinfeld? I am Seinfeld. Why would I watch Seinfeld?” he joked.

He then compared the idea to admiring yourself in the mirror every day.

“Would you go up to your bathroom mirror and go, ‘This is fantastic. I love this show. I’m in every episode.’”

Seinfeld never actually revealed what his favorite show was, though he acknowledged that fans guessing “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Breaking Bad” were on the right track.

The legendary comic co-created “Seinfeld” alongside Larry David, who later went on to create and star in HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

The NBC sitcom premiered in 1989 and ran until 1998, becoming one of the most successful comedy series in television history.

The show followed four single friends navigating life in New York City and starred Seinfeld alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards.

Its final episode became a television event, drawing more than 76 million viewers in the United States alone.

‘Friends’ Became A Cultural Phenomenon Too

While Jerry Seinfeld’s comments sparked laughter, “Friends” built a television empire of its own after premiering in 1994.

The beloved sitcom followed six close friends living in Manhattan and quickly became a global obsession throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Jennifer Aniston led the cast as Rachel Green alongside Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and the late Matthew Perry.

The sitcom ran for 10 seasons and continues to generate huge audiences decades after leaving the air.

In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked “Seinfeld” as the third greatest sitcom ever made while placing “Friends” at number 38 on its list of the 100 best sitcoms of all time.

Still, the financial success of “Friends” remains staggering.

The cast famously negotiated their contracts together, boosting their salaries from $22,500 per episode during the first season to $1 million each by the show’s final years.

In 2021, the stars reunited for an HBO Max special and reportedly earned around $2.5 million apiece for the nostalgic return.

Lisa Kudrow Reveals ‘Friends’ Still Makes Millions

Lisa Kudrow recently revealed that the money tied to “Friends” never truly stopped flowing.

Speaking to The Times, the actress admitted the show still generates enormous residual payments every year through syndication and streaming deals around the world.

According to Kudrow, the cast continues earning approximately $20 million annually.

She also reflected emotionally on revisiting the series after Matthew Perry’s death in October 2023.

“After Matthew died I watched the show again. Before, I only saw what I did wrong or could have done better, but for the first time I truly appreciated just how great it was,” Kudrow explained.

Lisa Kudrow Pays Emotional Tribute To Matthew Perry

Kudrow credited the show’s success to the chemistry between the cast members and the creative team behind the scenes.

“Because there was a genius at work. And whatever any of us do in the future, we will never experience something like that again.”

Kudrow also praised her co-stars while remembering Perry’s unforgettable comedic timing.

She said, “I felt I did OK, but Jennifer and Courteney? Amazing. David and Matt? They had me laughing so hard. And then Matthew – he was just beyond us all.”

One of NCIS‘s spin-offs is about to air its series finale, months after the premiere of its latest season. This action-drama franchise, which began in 2003, followed a similar premise: a close-knit team investigates crimes against the U.S. military. Since then, NCIS has spawned many titles set in different locations, and one of them went international.

NCIS: Sydney, the first Australian international spin-off of the NCIS franchise, launched in 2023, and is currently in its third season. The show follows two NCIS members, Michelle Mackey (Olivia Swann) and DeShawn Jackson (Sean Sagar), who team up with Australian Federal Police officers, Jim “JD” Dempsey (Todd Lasance), Evie Cooper (Tuuli Narkle), Bluebird Gleeson (Mavournee Hazel), and Roy Penrose (William McInnes) as they solve U.S. Navy-related crimes in the land down under, and, in Season 3, Antarctica. The third season premiered in October 2025, and its two-part finale is scheduled to air next week.

Recently, NCIS: Sydney returned to the global streaming charts, ranking at #10 on Paramount+ Top 10 TV Shows worldwide. The third season of NCIS: Sydney introduces a new plot line: The Collective, a group within the U.S. military involved in drug smuggling and tied to Mackey’s backstory of being court-martialed during her time in Afghanistan. Season 3 also introduced a new member of the NCIS x AFP team-up, Travis Riggs (aka: Trigger), played by Claude Jabbour. According to a plot synopsis for the Season 3 finale shared on Paramount’s press site, this military criminal group is back, and the FBI will be getting involved.

Is ‘NCIS: Sydney’ Worth Watching?

When NCIS: Sydney debuted, it was reported to be the “most-streamed CBS network premiere ever on Paramount+,” with nearly 10 million views in November 2023. While Seasons 2 and 3 don’t have Rotten Tomatoes scores, Season 1 was well received by critics, earning a 73% rating, while audiences gave it a low 33% rating. On IMDb, NCIS: Sydney received a 6.2-star rating, with each Season maintaining similar episode scores; the highest-rated episode by far was Season 3, episodes 12 and 13, tied at 8.4 stars. Following its success, a fourth season has been greenlit.

Australian critics note that this Australian spin-off doesn’t plan to change an established formula that has lasted for decades, nor will it do anything new to a long-running TV series. However, they appreciated that it added some Australian references to the mix and praised the Australian leads, noting that both Lasance and Swann have “decent chemistry.”

All three seasons of NCIS: Sydney are available to stream on Paramount+. New episodes air every Friday on CBS.

​​​​​​

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

November 10, 2023

Network

Advertisement

Paramount+

Showrunner

Morgan O’Neill

Advertisement

Directors

Jennifer Leacey, Shawn Seet

Advertisement

Writers

Andrew Anastasios, James Cripps, Morgan O’Neill

Advertisement

• 

  Olivia Swann

  Michelle Mackey

  Advertisement
• 

  Todd Lasance

  Jim ‘JD’ Dempsey

  Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Tatum O’Neal has spoken candidly about the family trauma she believes contributed to half-brother Redmond O’Neal’s long struggles with addiction, mental illness, and crime.

In a new interview, Tatum blamed their late father, Ryan O’Neal, for what she described as years of cruel treatment and instability.

Her comments come as Redmond remains hospitalized after being ruled mentally unfit to stand trial over violent criminal charges tied to a 2018 attack spree in Los Angeles.

Tatum O’Neal Speaks Out On Redmond O’Neal’s Struggles And Father’s ‘Horrifying’ Parenting

Tatum is opening up about the painful family history she believes shaped her half-brother Redmond O’Neal’s troubled life, blaming years of what she described as “horrifying and cruel” treatment by their late father, Hollywood star Ryan O’Neal.

Her remarks came after Redmond recently appeared in a California courtroom over an attempted murder case, drawing renewed attention for his heavily tattooed appearance, including devil horns inked onto his head, and the long-running struggles that have kept him in and out of headlines for years.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Tatum said her half-brother is “doing very poorly” and reflected on what she called a deeply unstable upbringing marked by addiction, emotional turmoil, and repeated trauma.

“It was a terrible beginning with my dad, Ryan, who wasn’t a very good person, and with Redmond, he was mean and hurt him over and over,” she said, per the New York Post. “It was horrifying and cruel.”

Tatum, who has publicly battled addiction herself, added that Redmond “never even began a real life,” describing his struggles as a cycle that never truly stopped.

Redmond O’Neal’s Years Of Addiction, Arrests And Family Turmoil

Redmond’s history with substance abuse and legal trouble stretches back years.

He has faced multiple arrests, including a 2018 incident in which he allegedly carried out a string of violent attacks across Los Angeles during what authorities described as a knife rampage.

Prosecutors later charged him with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and battery.

Tatum also spoke candidly about her own health battles. The former child star said she has spent time receiving treatment at a memory care facility in California’s San Fernando Valley after suffering a stroke linked to a prescription drug overdose in 2020.

The family’s struggles were echoed by Griffin O’Neal, Ryan’s eldest son, who said he is amazed both he and Tatum survived years of addiction and dysfunction. Griffin has also faced long-running substance abuse issues and legal troubles throughout his life.

Advertisement

David Leit, who became Redmond’s sponsor in a 12-step recovery program when he was 16, painted a similarly bleak picture of the family dynamic.

He described Ryan as a “raging narcissist” and said Redmond carried deep anger and addictive tendencies from a young age. While Leit remembered moments when Redmond could be funny and compassionate, he also said he struggled with intense emotional instability.

Redmond O’Neal’s Addiction Struggles And Mental Health Battles Played Out Publicly For Years

The family’s problems frequently spilled into public view. In 2008, authorities reportedly discovered methamphetamine in Ryan’s home during a parole search tied to Redmond, leading to the arrests of both father and son.

Ryan later accepted a plea deal on reduced charges and entered a treatment program. A year later, the movie star spoke openly about Redmond’s addiction in an interview with Vanity Fair, revealing that his son had entered rehab 13 times.

He harshly criticized Redmond’s inability to control his addictions, calling his son ”stupid” and a ”sap.”

Advertisement

That same year, Redmond’s mother, Farrah Fawcett, died after battling cancer. Redmond, who was in custody at the time, reportedly visited his mother while restrained and later attended her funeral under heavy supervision. When Ryan died in 2023, Redmond, Tatum, and Griffin did not attend the funeral.

Redmond’s criminal case remains unresolved after repeated delays linked to his mental health. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and antisocial personality disorder, and was ruled mentally unfit to stand trial in 2019. Since then, he has remained in psychiatric custody at Patton State Hospital.

Redmond O’Neal’s Conservator Shares Hopeful Update On His Recovery

In a statement to People Magazine, Redmond’s conservator, Mela Murphy, who was also one of Fawcett’s closest friends, shared a more hopeful update on his condition.

Murphy said Redmond has now been drug-free for five years while receiving treatment at Patton State Hospital, describing him as a “model patient” who has worked hard to rebuild his life after years of addiction and mental health struggles.

According to Murphy, Redmond’s progress only began after he finally received “a proper mental health diagnosis and medication.”

She believes many of his past substance abuse issues were tied to years of untreated mental illness and a lack of support earlier in life.

Redmond O’Neal’s Conservator Reveals His Mother Farrah Fawcett’s Final Words About Her Son

In her chat with the publication, Murphy noted that Redmond is now actively participating in a 12-step recovery program, spending time reading, helping fellow patients, and embracing spirituality as part of his recovery journey.

She further shared that he remains in contact with several longtime supporters and friends who continue to encourage his progress.

Murphy, who was by Fawcett’s side when she died in 2009, also once recalled the actress’s final moments, revealing that Farrah’s last words were about her son.

“She was saying his name, ‘Redmond,’” Murphy shared about the late screen goddess.