Few truly understand Geno Auriemma’s standards for the UConn women’s basketball program better than Rebecca Lobo.

“It’s very few people who change your life,” Lobo, 52, exclusively told Us while discussing Apple TV’s Dynasty: UConn Huskies docuseries. “Your parents mold you, inform you. You have teachers that have a big impact. But change you so that you can handle harder things later on? There’s very few people who can do that, and it’s one of his incredible skills.”

Lobo played for the Hall of Fame coach in the 1990s and was on the Huskies’ first championship team in 1995. After being one of the original players in the WNBA, Lobo moved to the broadcast table where she has covered UConn and the rest of women’s basketball since 2004.

Auriemma, 72, has won 12 national championships and is Division I basketball’s all-time wins leader as a coach, regardless of gender. But he has his detractors, including some who believe his coaching tactics go beyond “tough love.”

Related: What Was Said Between UConn Coach Geno Auriemma and USC Coach Dawn Staley

The NCAA women’s basketball Final Four game between the UConn Huskies and the South Carolina Gamecocks exploded into a fiery postgame moment when the two coaches met to shake hands after the game. UConn coach Geno Auriemma approached South Carolina coach Dawn Staley after the Gamecocks took down the Huskies, 62-48, on Friday, April 3, […]

For Lobo, now a Hall of Famer herself, she experienced it first-hand, admitting that, at the time, she probably did think he crossed lines. Now, she sees it differently, saying that when she came to UConn as a heralded high school player, she didn’t understand what she would have to do to reach her potential.

“I think he was hard on me because I wasn’t giving him my best every day, because I didn’t know how,” she said. “I was young and immature and hadn’t been held to a standard on a daily basis that he was going to hold me to.”

In the docuseries, Lobo recounts crying in Auriemma’s office, only to have her coach tell the story to the whole team in practice days later. Lobo told Us she now sees a method to the madness.

“He doesn’t ever really pull a player aside and yell at her,” she explained. “It’s always in front of everybody because he wants you accountable to everybody. You’re not just accountable to him. You’re accountable to this teammate, that teammate, that teammate. So I think it’s very intentional on his part to call you out in front of everybody else so that you understand.”

Related: Gianna Bryant Honored With a Jersey From UConn Women‘s Basketball Team

Advertisement

Forever a Husky. The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team paid tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in the most special way after the pair died in an unexpected helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26. The UConn Huskies faced off against Team USA in Hartford, Connecticut, on Monday, January 27, and made a […]

Paige Bueckers, the star of the Huskies’ 2025 championship team, had a similar experience with Auriemma. After a demoralizing February loss to Tennessee, Auriemma laid into her during a film session.

“That was the hardest loss, I think, in quite some time,” Auriemma said in the documentary. “Bottom line is, Paige needed to change…. So I took a risk and I said, ‘She is either gonna quit or she’s gonna change.’ So I tried to hurt her like losing hurts.”

And he did. Bueckers, 24, didn’t talk to Auriemma for weeks after that until she finally took it upon herself to call a players-only meeting to announce she was going to be more assertive and the team would, in turn, hold each other more accountable.

The Huskies demolished South Carolina on the road later that month, snapping the Gamecocks’ 71-game home court winning streak. UConn did not lose another game that season.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

The story stuck with the series’ director, Matt Hamachek.

“At the end of our interview, I said, ‘Why did you tell me about all of this? Why were you willing to be so forthright and honest?’” Hamachek told Us. “And she said, ‘I don’t want little kids who look up to me to just think that you walk into a gym and you hoist a trophy over your head and confetti starts falling. If you want to accomplish these things, you have to go through this, and it’s hard.’”

Dynasty: UConn Huskies is streaming now on Apple TV.

Chile, Claressa Shields and Victoria ‘BroRilla’ Woods are trading words again in another lil’ back-and-forth! This time, the they’re going at it after BroRilla had some thoughts about a major wish Claressa recently shared ahead of her alleged eventual retirement.

RELATED: Claressa Shields Reveals She Wants Beyoncé To Walk Her Out For A Fight Before She Retires (VIDEO)

Claressa Shields Fired Back After BroRilla Spoke On Her

On Thursday, Claressa seemingly jumped into the Hollywood Unlocked comment section and didn’t hold back when responding to BroRilla. In one comment, Claressa wrote, “This no neck b*tch love promoting me and watch what I desire happen! Just like everything else.” She continued in another comment, explaining that she doesn’t believe she’s the one giving BroRilla attention and accusing her of repeatedly speaking on her. Claressa also referenced her previous comments about Beyoncé, writing that she had spoken about the singer and that BroRilla had allegedly made “100 videos” about her.

The exchange comes after BroRilla had words for Claressa over the boxer’s recent request involving Beyoncé. During a TMZ Sports interview, Claressa directly asked Beyoncé to walk her out for one of her final fights before she retires, calling it a major bucket-list moment.

BroRilla Wasn’t Letting Claressa’s Comments Slide

It didn’t take long for BroRilla to catch wind of Claressa Shields’ comments, and chile, she had a response ready! BroRilla took to social media with a video addressing the situation, where she fired back at Claressa’s “no neck” remark by saying that while folks may know she doesn’t have a neck, “we all know” Claressa doesn’t “have a brain, not even half of one.” She also appeared to clap back at Claressa’s claim that she gets what she desires, bringing up Claressa’s reported desire for a “ring” and alleging that the only ring she’ll be getting is “in a match,” while adding that Papoose isn’t going to give her an engagement ring because he’s reportedly still married to Remy Ma.

What Exactly Did Claressa Say About Beyoncé?

Before the back-and-forth with BroRilla, Claressa Shields made it clear that Beyoncé is at the top of her list for a very special boxing moment. During a recent interview, Claressa was asked to name five influential women she’d want to walk her out to the ring before a fight—and Beyoncé was immediately her No. 1 pick. She then looked directly into the camera and delivered a message to the superstar, saying, “Beyoncé, before I retire, I need you to walk me out,” adding that she hopes it can happen by the time she retires at 38.

When host Lou Young asked what song she’d want for the walkout, Claressa didn’t even hesitate. She said she’d leave that decision up to Beyoncé, responding, “Whatever song Beyoncé choose.” So, it looks like Claressa’s Beyoncé request was less about a specific song and more about having Queen Bey by her side for one of the biggest moments of her boxing career.

RELATED: Probably Pregnant? Claressa Shields’ SPICY Tea About Her Quality Time With Papoose Has The Internet Popping OFF (PHOTO)

Farrah Abraham is running for city council — and an AI version of herself revealed the news.

“IT’S TRUE MY TWIN Farrah Abraham is officially running for Austin TX City Council seat in District 5, I can’t keep up with her,” read a Friday, August 28, Instagram post shared via Abraham’s AI Digital Twin account. “Fun fact for the city known for live music, one of Farrah’s songs ‘Blowin’ was filmed in south Austin, as her cult music following knows Farrah will always support the arts 🎭 and give light to the next generation. Farrah is The advocate Austin Texas needs 🦇.

The post included an AI video that showed the Teen Mom alum made to look like country singer Kacey Musgraves on her current Middle of Nowhere Tour as she sits on two aerial disco balls.

“Whether you’re a long-time fan or just confused about this political pivot, it’s definitely a moment to pay attention to in the Austin local scene. Farrah delivers on action, money, and inclusion for District 5,” the post continued. “What do you think about this run? Like Kacey Musgrave’s [sic] showing off her disco 🪩 ball of confidence, Farrah gives her light to a city that’s given her so much from TV shows, commercial business, music, privacy and higher income.”

Related: Farrah Abraham Reveals ’16 and Pregnant’ and ‘Teen Mom’ Salaries

Farrah Abraham is finally revealing how much she says she was paid for starring on MTV’s hit shows 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom. “It was only $3,500 from that first one,” the MTV personality, 35, claimed during the Tuesday, August 18, episode of the “We Need To Talk” podcast. “And then I think I […]

The AI post also shared Abraham’s political platform.

“Farrah advocates important community needs with nonprofits, the senate, governor, mayor so progress flows smoothly and in record timing,” the message stated. “DISTRICT 5 Candidate Farrah Abraham , a leader in all spaces, a two time generation changer and an original in showing you can overcome any challenge. Farrah shows you mad ❤️and support !”

The post encouraged users to vote and register if they weren’t already.

“Share in the comments if you vote local, first time, never do or need to register to vote 🗳️👇,” Keep it weird Austin ! 🤠🐄 AI supports this message,” the post concluded.

Abraham rose to fame after appearing on the inaugural season of 16 & Pregnant before joining the Teen Mom cast. The MTV personality was fired from Teen Mom OG in 2018 after she pursued additional opportunities, including ones in the adult entertainment industry.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Related: Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino Says He’s Considering Career in Politics

Advertisement

Another reality TV star is considering a career in politics. “I’d like to save lives for the next three to five years, with Archangel centers,” Jersey Shore’s Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino told local New Jersey news outlet News 12 on Thursday, May 28, while attending the VUE Magazine spring edition party in state’s Wall Township. […]

Earlier this year, Abraham mistakenly announced that she was running for mayor of Austin. She later corrected herself, stating that she planned to run for city council instead.

“I need to step in and help the city,” she said during an appearance on the “We Need to Talk” podcast earlier this month. “I just know things are getting wild. All my friends are moving out of here. The rents are getting too high, all this other stuff.”

Abraham is far from the first reality star to run for office. President Donald Trump previously hosted The Apprentice and The Celebrity Apprentice, while The Hills alum Spencer Pratt unsuccessfully campaigned to become the mayor of Los Angeles earlier this year.

Video games are experiencing a bit of a moment right now. Multiple iconic franchises have received successful television adaptations, including Twisted Metal, Fallout, Devil May Cry, and The Last of Us. Others, like God of War and Mass Effect, are actively in production. While there have been some misfires, like Paramount+’s Halo television show, these examples prove that Hollywood is ready and willing to spend huge amounts of money to adapt popular video game IP to the screen. However, one massive franchise still needs a live-action television show, and it’s one of the most iconic FPS series in video game history.

What Is ‘DOOM’ About?

First published in 1993 by id Software, the original Doom revolutionized 3D graphics and first-person shooter gaming, and many titles that followed attempted to imitate or model themselves on Doom‘s classic design elements. The game’s unnamed protagonist, originally nicknamed “Doomguy,” is the last marine left alive on a military outpost on Mars. Secret government teleportation experiments have unwittingly opened portals to Hell, allowing literal demons to invade Mars, and it’s up to Doomguy to fight them off.

After multiple sequels and several ups and downs, Doom returned better than ever in 2016 with a revival game, titled DOOM. The series reintroduced Doomguy from the original games as an empowered warrior, known as the “Doom Slayer,” locked in an epic struggle with his demonic foes for centuries. Across DOOM, its sequel DOOM Eternal, and prequel DOOM: The Dark Ages, the franchise’s lore massively expanded, recontextualizing the Doom Slayer and revealing new parts of his backstory.

Under Hugo Martin‘s direction, the rebooted series also added more worldbuilding and immersive narrative elements that the earlier games lacked, while still pushing the envelope with their action and combat. These updated DOOM games could essentially become the basis for a television adaptation. That means incorporating the expanded backstory elements, particularly how Doomguy transitioned from a working-class human Marine to the prophesied savior known as the Doom Slayer.

A ‘DOOM’ TV Series Should Take a Page From ‘The Mandalorian,’ Not ‘Halo’

Any potential DOOM TV series needs to take more cues from The Mandalorian than from Halo in its portrayal of the armored warrior. That means the Doom Slayer shouldn’t remove his helmet and armor, or show his face in any significant way. Newer DOOM games have also hinted that the Doom Slayer is driven by an unquenchable rage and a tragic past that a series could flesh out in greater detail. Despite those traits, the character’s charm comes from his stoicism, and he’s an individual of few words. The series should lean into that, just as The Mandalorian successfully did with its titular hero, played by Pedro Pascal.

A potential television series could peel back more of the Doom Slayer’s layers, showcasing what made him into a crushing machine — and no, we’re not just talking about what happened to his pet rabbit Daisy in the original game. Later installments suggest that Daisy was not the only thing the demons took from the Doom Slayer, and a TV show could finally depict the character’s backstory in its entirety.

A ‘DOOM’ TV Series Could Embrace Several Timely Themes

Image via Bethesda Softworks

On a broader narrative level, the DOOM games offer plenty of rich thematic material for any potential adaptation to tackle. The machinations of parties like Samuel Hayden, the Union Aerospace Corporation, Olivia Pierce, and their irresponsible mining of Argent energy offer an opportunity for broader commentary on greed and the valuing of profit over human life. It also allows for commentary on humanity recklessly meddling with forces beyond their understanding, similar to the way humans meddle with artificial intelligence in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

If the DOOM TV series follows the 2016 reboot game and takes place on Mars, the resulting demon infestation could take a page from James Cameron‘s Aliens. Of course, the incursion eventually arrives on Earth, as depicted in DOOM Eternal, which could allow a future season to draw inspiration from the post-apocalyptic scenario depicted in T2.

Setting aside the two poorly received movies, DOOM is overdue to receive a live-action television series that could redeem the franchise’s past failures. It’s a show that’s begging to be made, and Microsoft, id Software, and Bethesda should consider pitching the project to streamers looking to acquire another iconic IP.

J. Cole‘s fans will have to wait to see him after a fatal crash threw a wrench in his plans.

The accident involved the driver transporting equipment for his show in Sacramento. The two-time Grammy Award winner has now canceled his show. 

The tragedy comes as J. Cole tours behind “The Fall-Off,” his seventh studio album and potentially his final project. The 24-track double album was released in February, marking his first solo headlining tour in five years.

A fatal crash involving a big rig occurred early Thursday morning on southbound Interstate 5 near Zamora. The truck overturned shortly after 6 a.m., and its lone occupant died at the scene.

California Highway Patrol Sergeant David Barker provided updates alongside reporter Dave Grashoff. Barker said the exact cause of the crash remained under investigation.

Authorities were considering several possible factors, including driver distraction or fatigue. Another possibility being examined was that the driver may have fallen asleep while operating the vehicle.

Emergency crews from Yolo County Fire and Woodland Fire responded to the crash. Traffic lanes were temporarily closed so an air ambulance could land and later leave the scene.

Officials then began working to restore normal traffic flow. Because the overturned truck was blocking only one lane, authorities expected traffic to continue through the remaining lanes as recovery efforts continued.

According to the report on CBS News Sacramento, the truck’s solo occupant did not survive the crash. The incident became even more devastating because the vehicle was carrying equipment connected to Cole’s Sacramento performance.

The Crew Member’s Death Forced The Rapper To Cancel His Sacramento Concert

The rapper’s Sacramento concert was canceled after a member of his touring crew died in a trucking accident. The driver was transporting equipment for Cole’s show when the big rig overturned near Woodland at around 6 a.m. The truck drifted onto the right shoulder before the driver tried to steer it back onto the freeway.

The maneuver ended with the vehicle overturning. The driver was freed from the wreckage, and a helicopter was sent to the scene. However, the truck operator was later pronounced dead, and authorities had not publicly released his identity.

The big rig had been hauling gear from Cole’s previous tour stop in Seattle on Tuesday. Authorities had yet to determine why the truck left the road, while Sergeant Barker confirmed that distraction and falling asleep were among the possibilities being investigated.

The Golden 1 Center, where Cole was scheduled to perform, confirmed the cancellation in an Instagram statement. The venue said the show was canceled following the tragic death of a touring crew member in the trucking accident that morning, as shared by The Daily Mail.

Advertisement

J. Cole Names His Favorite Songs From ‘The Fall-Off’

“The Fall-Off” contains 24 songs across two discs; Cole has one track that currently stands above the rest. Billboard reported that Cole named “The Let Out” as his favorite, although he admitted that a couple of other songs were beginning to creep back into contention.

The album itself was released Friday, February 6, and Cole described it as a double album made with the intention of being his last. He explained that “Disc 29” tells the story of returning to his hometown at age 29, while “Disc 39” revisits that idea through his perspective at 39.

Cole said the two discs reflect different crossroads involving the three loves of his life: his woman, his craft and his city. The project has limited features, including Future, Burna Boy and Tems, while remaining rooted in 1990s rap, storytelling and wordplay.

Billboard‘s ranking placed “I Love Her Again” at No. 1, followed by “39 Intro” and “The Fall-Off Is Inevitable.” “Life Sentence,” “Safety,” and “Bunce Road Blues” also ranked among the album’s strongest songs.

Other tracks explore different parts of Cole’s life and perspective. “Only You” reflects his devotion to his wife, “and the whole world is the Ville” pays tribute to Fayetteville, while “Legacy” explores regret and temptation.

Advertisement

“Quik Stop” focuses on Cole’s encounter with a fan and the impact his music had on that person. “Man Up Above” addresses gun violence, while “What If” imagines The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac choosing peace instead of continuing their famous feud.

At the other end of the ranking, Billboard placed “29 Intro,” “Bombs in the Ville / Hit the Gas” and “The Let Out” lower despite Cole’s personal preference for “The Let Out.”

“Ocean Way,” the album’s closer, was described as a quiet resignation, with no rapping and a sense that Cole may be at peace with the possibility of ending his career.

Cole Says Streaming Has Changed How Fans Value Music

Cole’s thoughts on music have also extended beyond his own career and into how audiences consume albums. Cole argued that having virtually every song available through a monthly subscription has lowered the investment listeners once made in music.

He compared that experience with buying an album on CD, when listeners had already committed money before deciding whether they liked it. He also questioned the way streaming allows people to enter conversations about artists without necessarily caring about their work.

Advertisement

In his view, there is now less of a barrier to hearing music, which can lead to more surface-level reactions. In a March 31, 2026, Complex interview, he discussed how streaming has changed the way people value and critique music. 

Cole remembered an earlier era when people bought records, put them on, and experienced the entire album. Instead of immediately debating how many songs should have been removed, listeners could simply appreciate what they had received.

That perspective fits closely with “The Fall-Off,” a 24-song project built around storytelling, reflection and Cole’s relationship with hip-hop. The album moves between his hometown, his family, his career and his changing relationship with the genre.

J. Cole Revealed He Started Smoking At 6

Cole opened up about a childhood experience that shaped how he understood his own actions. In a 2023 interview, he revealed that he began smoking cigarettes at just 6 years old while growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Cole explained that he spent time around older children in his neighborhood who smoked. Wanting to impress them, he became curious about cigarettes and began smoking despite his young age.

Advertisement

His mother eventually discovered the habit after his older brother, Zach, caught him smoking and told her. Cole recalled that his mother confronted him, smelled cigarette smoke on his breath, and forced him to confront what he had been doing.

He described that moment as “life-changing” because it was when he first understood that his actions could hurt someone else. After that confrontation, he said he became more capable of correcting himself without needing much further punishment.

Cole also discussed his long-running desire to win a Grammy. His album 2014 “Forest Hills Drive” lost Best Rap Album to Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” in 2016, despite becoming one of Cole’s most acclaimed projects.

He had received 16 Grammy nominations beginning in 2012 before winning his first Grammy in 2020 for “A Lot,” his collaboration with 21 Savage. The Blast revealed that by the time he finally won, the award had become less important to him.

Advertisement

J. Cole’s Sacramento show still remains canceled, in respect to the dead.

Matt Kendrick, the CEO of Good Good Golf, is calling out Callaway Golf after the company cut ties with the apparel brand in the wake of their controversial ad.

“Interesting that @CallawayGolf asks us to make an ad then approves it then asks us to take the fall then drops us in a coordinated media blitz and covers it up by giving a million dollars away thinking everyone will be ok with it,” Kendrick, 40, wrote via X on Friday, August 28.

Responding to a social media user who said the ad “wasn’t that good,” Kendrick wrote, “Agree we made a terrible ad. No denying that. We apologize for that.”

Kendrick’s post comes one week after a Callaway commercial debuted on social media and was quickly pulled due to controversy over its depiction of violence toward women.

Related: PGA of America CEO Wrote Apology Letter to Rory McIlroy and Wife Erica

PGA of America CEO, Derek Sprague, issued a personal apology to pro golfer Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, after the two endured a barrage of abuse during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. Sprague, who took over as CEO in January, confirmed that he reached out directly to […]

The ad, which was a collaboration between Good Good and Callaway, featured the former’s cofounder Garrett Clark running toward a woman, Good Good employee Alexis Miestowski, and shoving her to the ground after she attempted to pick up his Callaway Quantum driver.

“Do not touch my new driver,” Clark, 26, told Miestowski, also 26, in the ad.

After the commercial received a wave of backlash, Clark released a nine-minute-long video statement on Wednesday, August 26.

“I personally want to apologize for playing a role in this skit [and] this ad at the magnitude that I did,” he said. “On Good Good’s behalf and Good Good marketing’s behalf, I wanted to say an apology as well because this is not at all what we stand for. The way that this ad was received was not how Good Good is, and it’s not what we stand for, once again.”

Clark has also maintained that he did not actually touch Miestowski during production.

“I want everyone to know that I do not support DV, abuse or any of that of any kind,” he continued on Wednesday, claiming that the marketing team had “reached out” with an idea to recreate the 2026 horror movie Obsession, but between Clark and his driver. “Looking back, super dumb concept … not the greatest idea.”

Related: Golfer Collin Morikawa Has Tense Moment Confronting Reporter Over Story

Collin Morikawa confronted a reporter face-to-face over a story about the golfer parting with his second caddie in as many months. Morikawa, 28, spoke to the media on Wednesday, June 25, ahead of this week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, Michigan.  When Golfweek’s Adam Schupak asked whether Morikawa knew who would be caddying for him […]

Callaway has since severed its partnership with Good Good and announced its commitment to donating “$1 million to support organizations working to prevent violence against women, provide resources to survivors and advance education and awareness efforts.”

“Over the last several days, we have listened and reflected deeply on the hurt and disappointment caused by the video we reposted,” the company said in a statement on Thursday, August 27. “We heard from individuals who shared personal experiences related to violence against women, and their stories were powerful reminders that this issue touches the lives of far too many people. Unequivocally, violence against women is unacceptable and should never be trivialized, normalized or used as entertainment.”

The statement continued, “In this instance, our content review process was not comprehensive enough. We have taken appropriate internal corrective actions and significantly strengthened our approval procedures to help ensure this does not happen again.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Callaway’s CEO, Chip Brewer, has also issued an apology.

“While the video was produced by Good Good, it was approved by Callaway prior to posting. That approval should never have happened,” he said in a social media statement. “Mistakes were made, and we are taking the matter very seriously. As we deal with the consequences of our mistake and complete our investigations, I want to make it clear that we sincerely apologize for the video. The content was inappropriate and does not reflect our values.”

Brewer continued, “To be clear: We are unequivocally against discrimination, domestic violence or threatening behavior of any kind. … We believe we have been a positive force for diversity and inclusion in the game of golf. This video was completely inconsistent with that. I assure you that we will learn from this and do better.”

Far-right political commentator and Kanye West ally Milo Yiannopoulos has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Online records viewed by Us on Friday, August 28, confirmed that Yiannopoulos, 41, was taken into ICE custody in Louisiana. (TMZ was first to report the news.)

It is not immediately clear what Yiannopoulos was doing in Louisiana, though West, 49, is scheduled to perform at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Friday.

Us has reached out to representatives for Yiannopoulos for comment.

Related: Wireless Festival Canceled After Kanye West Banned From Traveling to U.K.

London’s Wireless Festival has now been canceled after Kanye West was officially blocked from traveling to the U.K. due to controversy surrounding his planned headlining set. “The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom,” read a statement to Variety on Tuesday, April 7. “As a result, Wireless Festival is […]

Yiannopoulos has been associated with divisive far-right leaders, including interning for former Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and working with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. He was infamously banned from Twitter (now X) in 2016 for allegedly leading a campaign of online abuse against comedian Leslie Jones.

He later served as a campaign adviser during West’s unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign and then worked as his personal chief of staff until they parted ways that same year.

At the time, Yiannopoulos told TMZ that he had departed West’s staff amid the rapper’s plans to launch a “Yeezy Porn” studio. (The “Yeezy Porn” project never got off the ground.)

“I wish Ye every success in the future. I have some concerns about his new team, and hope he proceeds with caution,” he said.

Earlier this year, West repudiated many of the antisemitic and pro-Nazi views he espoused during his brief association with Yiannopoulos, explaining that he had fallen into a spiral of “psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior.” (West has previously said that he was diagnosed as bipolar type 1 in 2016.)

“My words as a leader in my community have global impact and influence. In my mania, I lost complete sight of that,” he wrote in a January column for the Wall Street Journal. “As I find my new baseline and new center through an effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living, I have newfound, much-needed clarity.”

West directly addressed accusations of antisemitism, explaining, ”One of the difficult aspects of having bipolar type-1 are the disconnected moments — many of which I still cannot recall — that led to poor judgment and reckless behavior that oftentimes feels like an out-of-body-experience.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people,” he continued.

Related: Kanye West to Perform in the Netherlands Despite Bans Elsewhere

AMSTERDAM, May 29 (Reuters) – U.S. rapper Kanye West, who has been barred from performing in several countries due to past antisemitic comments, is set to hold concerts in the Netherlands next month, after its migration minister said there were no legal grounds to deny him entry. Dutch lawmakers had urged the government to bar […]

Advertisement

Later that month, West told Vanity Fair in an email interview that his public apology had nothing to do with reviving his career.

“It’s my understanding that I was in the top 10 most listened-to artists overall in the U.S. on Spotify in 2025, and last week and most days as well. My upcoming album, Bully, is currently one of the most anticipated pre-saves of any album on Spotify too,” West told the magazine. “My 2007 album, Graduation, was also the most listened to and streamed hip-hop album of 2025. This, for me, as evidenced by the latter, isn’t about reviving my commerciality. This is because these remorseful feelings were so heavy on my heart and weighing on my spirit.”

Mysterious new advertisements popping up all over Los Angeles might be hinting at a possible collaboration between Ben Affleck and supplemental insurance company Aflac.

Bright blue Aflac advertisements have been spotted at multiple locations with the actor’s name graffitied next to or over their own branding with black spray paint.

The repeated sighting in various locations comes amid a mournful period for Ben Affleck after he suffered the loss of his mother, Chris Anne Affleck.

5

TMZ reports that fans spotted the strange ads at several locations around Los Angeles, including Jefferson and Centinela, Robertson and 3rd, La Cienega and Jefferson, Sunset and Argyle, and Melrose and Mansfield.

These locations are especially busy and attract a lot of attention, making the advertisements difficult to miss.

The alleged campaign in certain locations stretches across entire walls and features the Aflac branding underneath large black lettering spelling out Affleck’s name.

The design spread across the city has fueled speculations that the ad could be a part of a clever, coordinated marketing stunt.

However, there is currently no official confirmation that Affleck has made any business dealings with the insurance company, and the signs themselves do not necessarily indicate a partnership

The Actor Has Long Had A Funny Connection To The Brand

5

The speculations are particularly interesting because of Affleck’s humorous association with Aflac.

The actor has previously spoken about the similarity between his surname and the name of the insurance company.

As detailed in a 2022 Wrap report, Affleck joked about the similarities and recounted stories that arose from the funny connection. When asked whether he owns the company, he replied, “This is my cross to bear.”

He explained the “cross” in detail, saying, “Imagine having a very unusual, kind of slightly unappealing sounding name. Now imagine that, somehow, there’s a huge insurance company that also has that name.”

“Now imagine that insurance company has a bottomless budget to buy television commercials. And now imagine that their creative choice is to hire a duck to shriek your last name in as loud and obnoxious a way as humanly possible for the duration of a television commercial,” Affleck added.

He also recalled an incident where a fellow passenger on an airplane recognized him and repeatedly made an impression of Gilbert Gottfried, the comedian who famously voiced the Aflac Duck.

Aflac would add to the joke, saying that they’ve been repeatedly pitched a “Ben Affleck idea” and stated that “Maybe someday we’ll see the two together.”

Ben Affleck Has Had A Busy Business Year

5

The mysterious signs come as Affleck has reportedly maintained a good presence in high-profile entertainment and business deals.

Earlier this year, the “Good Will Hunting” star reunited with his longtime friend Matt Damon for Netflix’s crime thriller “The Rip”.

The film was produced through Artists Equity, the production company founded by the pair in 2022

Reports revealed that the company negotiated a first-of-its-kind deal with Netflix to provide all the cast and crew with a bonus if the film performs well. The film became a hit on streaming when it opened earlier this year.

Netflix Recently Purchased His AI Startup

5

In March 2026, Netflix acquired Affleck’s AI startup InterPositive for approximately $587 million in cash, per Variety.

The company, which reportedly develops AI tools meant for filmmakers, saw its entire team of engineers, researchers, and creatives move over to the streaming giant, with Affleck serving as a senior advisor at Netflix.

The deal further highlights Affleck’s increasing presence in tech alongside his already well-established career in Hollywood.

Amid the business milestones, Affleck also suffered the loss of his mother, Chris Anne, following a six-month battle with cancer.

The 83-year-old died peacefully in her sleep on June 2, days after fulfilling her final wish to watch her grandson graduate high school.

A Possible Reunion Between Ben Affleck And His Ex-Wife Jennifer Lopez

5

Speaking of collaborations, Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were both recently spotted at the same location, sparking speculations of a possible reunion between the former couple.

Wealth Of Geeks reports that the pair were photographed at a West Hollywood office building earlier this month.

Although there was no concrete evidence they even interacted, the incident was notable because Affleck’s car was reportedly parked nearby when the “Jenny From The Block” singer arrived, suggesting he most likely saw her.

A similar encounter in 2024 preceding a reunion for a movie has only added credence to the idea that a possible reconnection is on the horizon, but like the Aflac ads, nothing is confirmed.

Lindsay Clancy’s trial is nearing its end after both the defense and prosecution shared their closing arguments about whether or not she should be found criminally responsible for killing her three children in January 2023.

The jury began deliberations on August 27, 2026, and many spectators have been left wondering how long it will take for them to reach a verdict as Clancy faces three counts of first-degree murder. As the general public awaits the outcome of the highly publicized case, legal expert Jennifer Roman weighed in on the timeline.

How Long Will It Take to Get a Verdict in Lindsay Clancy’s Murder Trial?

Roman, a legal analyst for WBZ-TV, told CBS News that it may take several days for the jury to come to a verdict.

“I don’t think we’re seeing a verdict before Monday or Tuesday of next week,” Roman said in an interview published on August 28, which marked the second day of deliberations.

Related: Lindsay Clancy Speaks for 1st Time During Trial After Killing 3 Kids

Lindsay Clancy spoke for the first time during her trial after she was charged with the murders of her three children. Clancy, 35, spoke while answering questions from Massachusetts Superior Court Judge William Sullivan on Tuesday, August 4, which marked the sixth day of her trial. When asked whether she could stipulate the facts, she […]

Roman explained that jurors usually take a straw poll when they start deliberations in order to see how everyone is leaning going into the decision making process.

“Just by the sheer fact that they didn’t come back [Thursday] at 4:20 means they are not unanimous,” she said. “Even if it’s not guilty by reason of insanity, it has to be unanimous.”

Roman added that coming to a verdict “takes time” because the jurors have to consider the testimony from 85 witnesses, as well as the closing arguments of both sides.

“They have a lot of medical reports and notes and her journals. Although there’s not much of it, it’s going to take a while for them to get through it, and then they’re going to have to parse that out with the actual testimony,” Roman said.

How the Jury Selection May Impact Lindsay Clancy’s Verdict

The jury went from 18 jurors to 12 on August 27, with the final group consisting of nine women and three men.

Roman said the gender disparity “could work for either side.” She added, “Sometimes I think that women can be harsher on other women and hold them to a higher standard.”

However, Roman also noted that the women on the jury may be able to relate to Clancy’s experience.

“Presumably some of them are mothers or are grandmothers,” she speculated. “They may have had somebody in their life, including themselves, who may have suffered postpartum depression following a pregnancy or known someone who has and that could also color their perspective too.”

Inside the Verdict Options in Lindsay Clancy’s Case

Roman predicted the least likely outcome of the case will be that Clancy is not guilty, and she pointed to the fact that the defendant never denied killing her kids.

Clancy’s defense team argued that she committed the killings due to her mental health struggles, while the prosecution argued she should be held criminally responsible because they believe she sent her then-husband, Patrick Clancy, out of the home to commit the killings and attempted to take her own life afterwards.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Roman explained that the jury could potentially charge Clancy with the lesser charge of manslaughter, which would be a “compromise position.”

“Maybe they don’t find that it was premeditated. Maybe they find that she was off, she was struggling, but she could still conform her conduct to the law,” the legal expert said. “That’s your manslaughter charge. I think it does give the jury a little bit more breathing room.”

If you or someone you know is pregnant or just had a baby and is in crisis, help is available. Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential support 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

Chase Stokes is embracing a new side of himself — and changing his overall health routine — after saying goodbye to Outer Banks.

“When I was doing Outer Banks, I was intermittent fasting almost until two o’clock every day,” Stokes, 33, told Men’s Health in an interview published on Wednesday, August 26. “Just so I could keep the weight off with [my character] John B., and I was drinking upwards of a gallon of water [at] that time to keep myself full.”

Stokes explained that after playing John B. on the Netflix series for five seasons, culminating in the series finale that premiered this month, he was ready for something new.

That change includes a shift in his fitness routine — and in a surprising twist, the ability to eat more while doing different gym workouts.

“Now, I wake up at 7 a.m., fast until 10 or 11, and have a hearty breakfast,” Stokes revealed, noting that he’s now preparing to play pit crew member Ronnie Whitlock on AMC’s Thunder Road. “Then, I go to the gym, and when I come back, I have a protein shake. Later, I have another oomph of protein.”

He joked that he’s no longer “starving himself to play a teenager,” telling the outlet, “It’s nice to be able to eat more.”

The actor, who was known for his slim but toned physique on Outer Banks, said that his gym routine is now reminiscent of a professional athlete.

“There was a lot of lighter weight, higher reps with John B. to sort of keep that lean look, and now, it’s a lot more of heavy compound lifts,” Stokes shared. “It’s almost sort of mirroring a version of what a wide receiver, or even a tight end, would do. A lot of cleans, squats, Bulgarian split squats, deadlifts.”

The Maryland native added, “I’m benching for the first time in a long time, trying to hit maxes. I’m really building out my frame versus with John B., I had to be kind of lanky and lean.”

Related: Chase Stokes Explains the Meaning Behind His ‘Dear Me’ Tattoo

Outer Banks star Chase Stokes revealed the meaning behind one of his newest tattoos. “I recently got ‘Dear me’ tattooed on my hand as a reminder that whenever I’m being mean to myself to simmer down,” Stokes, 31, exclusively tells Us Weekly‘s 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me. “Nobody should be s—ty to themselves.” […]

Stokes noted that after growing up in the spotlight on Outer Banks — he was in his 20s when the show began and now is in his 30s — he’s happy to feel comfortable in his body.

“I’ve always kind of struggled with body dysmorphia,” he confessed. “The internet falls in love with the blonde-haired boy with the six-pack abs and then wonders why I don’t always look like that.”

Stokes revealed that he’s “gone through a lot of scrutiny and a lot of condescending stuff over the years about my body,” which “really messed” with his mental health.

Now that he’s left John B. in his rearview mirror, Stokes said that “constant comparison and contrast” to the character is finally “put to bed.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Chase Stokes on ‘Progression of Distance’ With Rudy Pankow After ‘OBX’ Exit

Chase Stokes made a rare comment about the way JJ’s death on Outer Banks affected his bond with now-former costar Rudy Pankow. During the Friday, January 24, episode of SiriusXM Hits 1 The Morning Mash Up, Stokes, 32, addressed Pankow’s shocking exit, saying, “When you spend five years with somebody doing a show like this, […]

“We get to start fresh, and we get to build something that is really cool and entirely different,” Stokes said of his next chapter. “And you don’t have to worry about the aesthetics. You can just focus on the work and the art and making sure that you’re showing up well for the job.”

The actor, however, is aware that with a fresh start and a new TV role, comes the risk that fans will see who he truly is outside of playing a Pogue.

“I just want the world to see me,” Stokes admitted. “That’s a scary, vulnerable thing to say.”