Lizzo is facing major mockery online after her comeback album, “B-tch,” underperformed at release and failed to crack the Billboard 200.

The Grammy-winning singer has spoken up about her recent struggles in the industry, citing her label’s alleged unwillingness to promote her, changes in how fans consume music, and a shift in public opinion following disturbing allegations from her former backup dancers.

Several Hollywood executives have also weighed in on the album’s dismal performance, with some suggesting that Lizzo lacks a strong core fanbase.

Just four years ago, Lizzo was one of the industry’s biggest names, especially after her 2022 album “Special” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

After exploding onto the scene in 2019, she went on to deliver major hits like “About Damn Time” and “Truth Hurts,” picking up four Grammy wins along the way.

However, she has struggled to replicate that success, as her highly anticipated new album, “B-tch,” released on June 5, 2026, via Atlantic Records, suffered a major commercial setback.

According to data from Luminate, the album sold just 2,649 copies in its opening week and pulled in fewer than 2.7 million on-demand streams, per Rolling Stone.

Things declined further in the second week, with album sales dropping to 650 units and streams dipping to just under 900,000. It was a far cry from her 2022 project, which debuted with 39,000 copies sold and 69,000 equivalent album units earned.

Most surprisingly, “B-tch” failed to crack the Billboard 200, making it a major commercial disappointment compared to her previous hits.

Fans Mock The Singer As Album Struggles To Connect

Social media users are having a field day deriding Lizzo, with many sharing why they believe the album flopped.

“Well, this is what happens when you build a career solely on sensation and not your musical talent,” an X user wrote. “She lost weight, and in the people’s eyes, the only thing interesting about her was gone.”

“Her gimmick fell off. Big girl empowerment is out of style right now,” someone else suggested, while another said, “This is new levels of flopping omg she has her own floor in the Khia asylum.”

One user penned, “How does she not realize she’s been canceled? Those lawsuits and allegations definitely turned people against her. You are doing body positivity, but abusing other women(allegedly) when women are your major base. It’s hard to come back from that.”

Industry Insiders Question Lizzo’s Fanbase

Industry insiders have offered a number of reasons why the “Juice” rapper appears to be struggling to regain momentum.

Among the issues raised were concerns that she never had a strong core fanbase and that there is a current shift from traditional radio consumption to streaming platforms.

“I think the biggest reason is that she never had a core fanbase,” a former senior label executive told Rolling Stone. “She was a very song-driven, radio-hits-driven artist who lacked a core fanbase, and that’s what you need today for career longevity.”

Lizzo Blames Industry Shifts For Album Struggles

Lizzo herself appeared to address that suspicion when she replied to an X post asking where all the people who were buying tickets to her shows barely two years ago had gone.

“I actually can answer this: the industry changed so much in the last 3 yrs. streaming replaced radio & I was a radio darling. That’s how my fans discovered my music. Not to mention the very obvious & public attack on my career changed things,” she wrote on the popular social media platform.

The singer added, “But I’m out here doing my absolute best, and u can’t knock a b-tch for that.”

Lawsuit Remains A Shadow Over Musician’s Comeback

However, some critics refused to give her a pass for the excuse. Industry pundit Ray Daniels told Rolling Stone that he believes she did not take enough responsibility and could have, slowly but surely, guided her fans on how to find her in the new world of streaming platforms.

“I speak like a manager, that’s all BS to me,” Daniels said. “If you know that the industry is changing, you should be warning your fans ahead of time. Why are you not telling your fans to request your song on radio? They’re your fans, they’ll do what you ask them to do.”

Meanwhile, others suggested that her legal battle with three former backup dancers, in which she was accused of fostering a toxic work environment and sexual harassment, may also have affected her.

“A big part of her brand was being the underdog and being very self-confident, I am who I am, I support everyone, body positivity,” the former senior label exec noted. “And when you’re called to task for the mistreatment of exactly what you held out as being your, quote-unquote, brand, then fans don’t wanna see you win anymore, and they desert you.”

Some childhood wounds never truly disappear, they simply wait for the right moment to be confronted. For Alicia Keys, that moment came long before she became a global superstar. 

In a powerful new documentary, the Grammy winner opened up about the heartbreak of growing up without her father, the painful letter she wrote as a young teenager cutting him out of her life, and the unexpected journey that eventually helped transform years of anger into healing.

Alicia Keys revisited one of the most painful chapters of her childhood in her new documentary, “Alicia Keys: Girl From Hell’s Kitchen.”

The singer revealed that when she was just 13 years old, years of disappointment and broken promises finally pushed her to write a devastating letter to her father, Craig Cook.

Cook walked out when Keys was only two years old, leaving her mother, Terria Joseph Augello, to raise her alone. 

By the time the “No One” singer reached her teenage years, she had grown tired of waiting for a father who repeatedly drifted in and out of her life.

Reflecting on that period, Keys explains that missed visits and empty promises became a painful pattern.

“There’s a lot of promises of different meetings and moments between Craig and I and those moments wouldn’t come, they’d be delayed or deferred,” she said per the Daily Mail. “I remember that happening for a long time, I was just like I don’t want to feel like that, I don’t want it to be halfway.”

Eventually, the hurt turned into anger. “I was so furious, I was so over it, I didn’t care any more and I wanted him to know it, I wanted everybody to know it,” she shared.

Sitting at her kitchen table, she poured those feelings into a letter that left no room for misunderstanding. Keys told her father all she needed was for him to mind his business.

“I don’t want the phone calls, I don’t want the letters, I don’t want the fake acts that you pull to try and make me think you care. I don’t want anything. That’s the only way you can make me happy,” the 45-year-old wrote.

Keys Reflects On A Childhood Marked By Her Father’s Absence

The documentary traces Alicia Keys’ upbringing in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, where she was raised by her mother after Cook left the family.

Terria and Cook had only been on three dates before she became pregnant, but she chose to keep the baby despite the challenges ahead. 

To support her daughter, Terria worked multiple jobs and even sacrificed her own dreams of pursuing theater so she could afford piano lessons.

Reflecting on her father’s absence, Keys emphasized, “My father wasn’t there when I was born…on that evening Mommy lay in bed wondering how she would come up with the money for the hospital bill.”

She added, “The story of that day is, in many ways, the story of my relationship with Craig. He wasn’t there and, once the difficult moments had come and gone he would suddenly show up. Only to vanish again.”

According to the songwriter, Cook even brought her to his mother’s house, saying, “here’s your grandchild,” before leaving once again.

Alicia Keys Found Stability Through Her Mother And Grandparents

Although her father struggled to remain present, Keys says she never lacked determination at home. Her mother worked relentlessly to keep them afloat during difficult financial periods.

“Mom was (one year) enduring a particularly stressful financial season and would often find herself short on rent,” Keys recalled.

She continued, “Mom worked hours and hours. She would come home and sleep real quick and go back to work.”

During those long stretches alone, music became both a refuge and an emotional outlet. The “Girl On Fire” singer  immersed herself in blues and jazz while quietly channeling the pain surrounding her father into songwriting.

She also found another important influence in her grandfather, Joseph Augello, a former police officer who became the “main father figure” in her life. 

Beyond admiring his trademark fedora hats and sharp sense of style, Keys credited him with providing the stability she longed for throughout childhood.

Keys Says ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Helped Her Heal Old Wounds

For years, the painful letter remained symbolic of the emotional distance between father and daughter. 

That finally began to change while Alicia Keys was writing and producing her Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” which was loosely inspired by her own life.

As she developed the father figure for the show’s central character, she unexpectedly found herself confronting emotions she had buried for decades.

Writing that character became, in her words, a “big vehicle for healing.” Another turning point came through her grandmother.

“My grandmother’s dying wish was that she wanted family unity,” Keys said, adding, “That really woke me up to something. Craig didn’t have to be my dad but he was my father.”

Rather than rewriting the past, she found herself viewing it through a different lens, allowing room for acceptance without denying the hurt she had experienced.

Alicia Keys And Cook Reflect On Their Relationship Today

Jennifer Aniston has a knack for making practical purchases look aspirational. While plenty of celebrities chase the latest designer shoe trend, the actress built her style around pieces you can wear for hours, without ever thinking about them. That’s exactly why her latest favorite isn’t a luxury sandal at all, but a supportive flip-flop with all-day comfort.

According to the brand, Aniston swears by the Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops. The viral sandals have a cult following of fans looking for flip-flops with built-in support, and one of them includes Aniston; she reportedly owns them in three colors! At just $40, they’re the kind of summer staple that looks simple at first glance but offers a lot more than the average flip-flop.

Get the Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops for $40 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The secret is in the footbed. Archies makes the sandals from specialized closed-cell foam with a contoured arch design to support your feet with every step. They’re lightweight, shock absorbing and comfortable right out of the box. And yes, that’s all without the bulky look that often comes with typical orthopedic footwear.

Shoppers say the comfort lives up to the hype. The sandals earned over 6,600 five-star ratings on Amazon, and reviewers frequently mention wearing them for long stretches of time without discomfort. One shopper called them “so comfy” after wearing them during a beach vacation that involved a “ton of walking.”

Another buyer said, “These flip-flops are really helping with my foot pain” and called them a “great fit.” The reviewer also described the sandals as “light but durable” and appreciated that “they don’t slide around; they stay on pretty snugly.”

A last customer called their Archies a “summer shoe staple,” adding that they’re “easy to throw on” and that they “go with everything.” Between the supportive design, secure fit and versatile styling, it’s easy to see why Aniston reportedly owns Archies flip-flops in multiple colors.

Available in sizes 5 through 16 for women, there’s an option for every person. Plus, the sandals come in a range of colors, including black, olive and red, as well as several easy-to-style neutrals. For $40, you get the supportive flip-flops Aniston keeps reaching for, and judging by the thousands of glowing reviews, there’s a good chance you’ll understand why after your first wear.

Get the Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops for $40 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

Brick by brick, Taylor Frankie Paul is making her television comeback!

The reality star, who has had a bit of a turbulent last few months due to personal controversies involving domestic violence allegations and restraining orders, may get her “The Bachelorette” season returned on air in a few weeks.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of the reality show was shelved back in March after a video of her hurling metal barstools at her ex, Dakota Mortensen, made rounds on social media.

According to reports, next month may finally be the perfect moment for ABC to bring Taylor’s season on air as talk has been going on behind the scenes with executives for a mid-July premiere.

While final plans are not locked in yet, editors working on the show reportedly never stopped cutting the episodes, which is a positive signal for its return.

Sources close to the show added that ABC has been conducting surveys among audiences to see how they currently perceive Taylor, as it has been months since the video leaked, and they had to cancel the season just days before the premiere.

The reality star’s other show, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” also got paused as a result of revelations about her toxic dynamics with Dakota.

On Taylor’s part, TMZ stated that she has made several social media posts sharing updates about her personal growth and healing since her season got yanked off, and it has reportedly caught the attention of network executives.

The Blast shared that despite the development with her season, the media personality is alleged to have received full compensation for being saddled with a canceled season, as she had met her contractual duties. 

Taylor had reportedly finished shooting and done promotional work for the new season before it was eventually canceled after renewed attention on past allegations of domestic violence between Taylor and his ex-partner, Dakota. 

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Insiders stated that the video of the assault was an extra factor that led to worries within ABC, which had already been familiar with her 2023 arrest and past legal problems. Taylor’s compensation is estimated to range in the six figures, following the footsteps of previous stars of the show.

Some of the contestants took to the web to post funny comments after hearing about the cancellation, as sources stated that Warner Bros. had reservations because of Taylor’s public history, but decided to press ahead.

Launching the season was reportedly important to the network as it was part of ABC’s plan to refresh and expand the franchise after its summer 2024 production dry spell.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘The Bachelorette’ Cast Allegedly Weighed Lawsuit Against ABC And Warner Bros

In March, The Blast noted that several contestants from the canceled season considered exploring legal actions against the network and the production company.

They had reportedly expressed their displeasure about how they went about handling this, stating that better vetting could have saved everybody the stress.

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Some of the contestants detailed pausing major life plans, rejecting financial opportunities, and even quitting jobs in anticipation of the exposure and opportunities tied to appearing on the show.

The cast also felt that Warner Bros. Discovery put them in an awkward and uncomfortable situation while shooting, saying they were forced to work with Taylor for her controversial past. 

The cancellation reportedly caused financial problems for ABC and Warner Bros Discovery, running into millions, and upset the franchise plans.

Sources confirmed that ABC had assured contestants that their contracts would still be in effect for up to one year, and that opportunities would still exist within the franchise, including spin-offs.

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Inside The 32-Year-Old’s Domestic Violence Scandal

As shared by The Blast, Taylor found herself in a domestic violence controversy when a video of her throwing a metal chair at Dakota before grabbing him by the hair and around the neck went viral.

Dakota, in the clip, was heard describing the incident as domestic abuse, while admitting that it would not be the first time Taylor assaulted him.

Reports added that Taylor’s toddler was also affected during the confrontation in 2023, which ultimately led to her arrest. She was subsequently charged with one felony count of aggravated assault and two felony domestic violence charges with a child present. 

Following the cancellation of her “The Bachelorette” season, Taylor opened up her heart in a statement thanking ABC and Warner for their support.

At the same time, she continues to focus on the safety and well-being of her children. The reality star and her podcaster ex began dating in 2022 after the former divorced her ex-husband, Tate Paul.

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The relationship was defined with frequent breakups and makeups, alongside a pregnancy loss very early on in the three-year romance.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Drama Tagged ‘Reality Gold’

The reality TV alum Bethenny Frankel did not hesitate to give her opinion on the dynamic between Taylor and Dakota when the video got leaked.

In the same breath, Frankel thumbed up ABC’s decision to strike out Taylor’s season, stating that it was careless of her and Dakota to involve their infant in their toxic cycle.

Frankel continued that while she could understand why some people remained in unhealthy relationships due to financial hardships or difficult circumstances, neither Taylor nor Dakota was in this situation. She praised ABC for its responsible decision despite the fact that it cost them millions of dollars in losses. 

The media personality continued that while the controversy in Taylor’s life could be reality gold elsewhere and seen as an opportunity to garner attention, ABC chose to platform empathy, which paid off in good reviews.

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DC Studios is gearing up to release “Supergirl” on June 26, with Milly Alcock starring as the beloved superhero and Craig Gillespie directing. In the weeks leading up to its release, box office tracking has continued to trend downward for the $175 million film. Now, just days before its theatrical release, the movie has received a “rotten” score on Rotten Tomatoes, with most reviews overwhelmingly negative.

DC Studios lifted the review embargo for “Supergirl” on June 24. As of this writing, the follow-up to James Gunn‘s “Superman” has an unimpressive 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This is based on 99 professional reviews of the film.

This puts the movie just barely in the “certified rotten” distinction of scores, which means that once more people see the film, the score could improve. Additionally, it’s likely the audience score will surpass the critical score on the platform.

For comparison, according to Movie Web, “Superman” debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a much higher 91% rating in July 2025. Notably, David Corenswet, who played Clark Kent in the film, makes a cameo in “Supergirl,” following her appearance in his movie.

Here’s What The Critics Are Saying About The Movie

Regarding the “Supergirl” movie reviews, most critics praise Alcock’s portrayal of the character as well as the performances of the other actors in the film, including Jason Momoa. However, it seems the problems most have center around the story itself as well as the screenplay.

One critic, Donald Clarke from The Irish Times, gave the movie a negative review, saying, “Supergirl is certainly more endurable than James Gunn’s nauseating 2025 take on Superman, but most things that don’t give you pleurisy can reasonably make that claim.”

Calum Cooper from Cinerama Film said, “It’s a fatally bland experience. A terrific lead performance and compelling themes carry it some distance, but not enough to evade its conflicting aesthetic choices and tired story.”

Dan Murrell also reviewed the film, saying, “It’s a fatally bland experience. A terrific lead performance and compelling themes carry it some distance, but not enough to evade its conflicting aesthetic choices and tired story.”

Lastly, Grace Randolph from Beyond the Trailer stated of “Supergirl,” “A big disappointment after Gunn’s excellent ‘Superman’ last year. ‘Supergirl’ inexplicably throws fantastic source material in the trash – the comic ‘Woman of Tomorrow’ – in exchange for a watered-down version of ‘GotG,’ ‘The Marvels,’ and ‘Mad Max.’”

Some Fans Are Still Defending ‘Supergirl’

Despite the bad reviews for “Supergirl,” many fans who planned to see the film still have plans to do so. Notably, some are comparing it to “Michael,” which debuted with abysmal reviews from critics but was beloved by fans and is now among the most successful films of the year.

One person said on X, “Ignoring supergirl reviews until after I see it tomorrow night, and then I’ll weigh in. Until then, not joining this toxic online discourse.” Another person defended it, writing, “The supergirl reviews don’t surprise me at all, these bozos do the same thing for every female-led superhero movie.”

Lastly, another moviegoer shared their opinion, stating, “I’m not the type of person to take reviews as gospel, and I fully intend on seeing it myself before I make any sort of judgment, but these early ‘Supergirl’ reviews are making me fall to my knees.”

‘Supergirl’ Is Predicted To Flop At The Box Office

As mentioned, “Supergirl” reportedly has a production budget of $175 million, which means it has a massive break-even point when factoring in the marketing budget and other costs. According to Comic Book Movie, the film was initially tracking to bring in about $47 million to $60 million in its first weekend.

Unfortunately, that figure has continued to decrease. According to Deadline, the movie is now predicted to open with $40 million to $50 million. If true, this would mean the big-budget superhero film will miss the top spot at the weekend box office, with “Toy Story 5” claiming it for a second weekend.

Milly Alcock Recently Revealed The Most Challenging Thing About ‘Supergirl’

Alcock recently interviewed with Entertainment Tonight while on the red carpet at the “Supergirl” premiere. During the brief chat, she was asked about the most challenging aspect of getting into character for the movie.

According to her, “I just think the whole stake and weight of having to hold up this version of Supergirl is probably the most intimidating part, and all the press has been very new and exciting and wonderful.” After that, she called her casting an “honor and a privilege,” saying she’s “really blessed to be playing Supergirl.”

“Supergirl” arrives in movie theaters on June 26, with some advance screenings the day before.

Christina Ricci paid tribute to her husband, Mark Hampton, for Father’s Day before her legal drama with ex James Heerdegen came to light.

“Happy Father’s Day!!!!!! The best dad we could have ever hoped for,” Ricci, 46, wrote to Hampton, 41, via Instagram for the holiday on Sunday, June 21.

The Yellowjackets actress shared a sweet photo of her second husband cuddling with both her and Heerdegen’s son Freddie, 11, as well as with her and Hampton’s 4-year-old daughter Cleo.

“I honestly didn’t know they made them like you, babe,” she added in the Father’s Day message. “I am so grateful for you. We LOVE you so much @markhamptonhair.”

The new photo of Hampton with Freddie was posted a few days before Us Weekly confirmed that Heerdegen lost a legal bid to gain emergency custody of the 11-year-old.

Us obtained court documents showing that Heerdegen filed an ex parte request for order following an alleged incident that occurred earlier in June.

Per Heerdegen’s petition, he received text messages from Freddie telling him that Ricco consumed alcohol while they were on a flight to Canada together. The boy allegedly used “certain words to describe the manner” of how his mother behaved after drinking. (Ricci has been candid in the past about using alcohol to cope with fame in her younger years.)

Freddie allegedly told his father’s lawyers one day later that he’d “overreacted” and that he had “no fear” of being in her primary custody. Ricci requested that the original text messages be sealed because Freddie was about to start at a new school and had experienced bullying in the past.

On Tuesday, June 23, the judge granted Ricci’s request to seal the text messages before striking down Heerdegen’s request for emergency custody of Freddie.

Related: Adorable! See Christina Ricci, Mark Hampton’s Rare Family Photos With 2 Kids

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A blended family! Christina Ricci and her husband Mark Hampton tend to keep their family life pretty private, but occasionally share rare glimpses into their roles as parents. The Casper actress shares son Freddie with ex-husband James Heerdegen. The then-couple welcomed son Freddie in 2014, nearly a year after tying the knot. Ricci filed for […]

Us has reached out to Ricci’s spokesperson for comment.

Ricci and Heerdegen welcomed Freddie in 2014, a year after they tied the knot at the Harold Pratt House and Peterson Hall in New York City in October 2013.

The Addams Family actress filed for divorce in July 2020 after she’d been granted a protective order against Heerdegen. (Heerdegen denied any wrongdoing and was not arrested when the LAPD responded to a domestic battery call at the pair’s home in June 2020.)

As part of their divorce settlement, Ricci and Heerdegen agreed to share legal custody of Freddie. (Heerdegen also received a one-time payment of $189,687 from Ricci.)

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Ricci confirmed she’d tied the knot with second husband Hampton in an intimate ceremony in Los Angeles in October 2021. They welcomed daughter Cleo two months later.

Both Cleo and Freddie were present when Ricci received a prestigious star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in March 2025.

“I want to thank my family,” she said in her acceptance speech. “Mark, you’re the most supportive and loving husband. Freddie, you made me feel so much love the day you were born and reconnected me to art, passion and ambition. And Cleo, my gorgeous little baby girl, I love you so much. I’m inspired by all your strength, courage and spirit. She’s really spirited!”

Kathy Griffin is sharing painful memories from her past appearances on “The View.” 

She revealed that Barbara Walters repeatedly struck her beneath the broadcast desk due to a strong personal dislike, amid certain disagreements between them. 

Meanwhile, former cohost Sherri Shepherd has similarly alleged that she also didn’t have a pleasant experience during her time on the show.

Griffin recently detailed the physical toll of her past guest-hosting roles on the morning television program, “The View.” As seen in a YouTube clip, the comedian alleged that the legendary creator of the show, Walters, frequently struck her lower body during production. 

According to Griffin, the television icon, who passed away three years ago, possessed a strong personal dislike for her. She revealed that Walters allegedly kicked her underneath the discussion desk, leaving lasting physical marks on her skin. 

“Barbara Walters, the late great, who I adored, did not care for me, so she kicked me under the table,” Griffin said. “And I used to leave that show with bruises, but proud of them.”

Despite the physical discomfort, the comic admitted she proudly displayed the resulting discoloration to her acquaintances as a badge of honor, jokingly saying that Walters had a BDSM kink, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.

Kathy Griffin Previously Bashed Elisabeth Hasselbeck & Meghan McCain

Griffin’s revelation about the tension between her and Walters comes almost two months after she unleashed on former “The View” cohosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck & Meghan McCain.

The comic specifically targeted her past rival, Hasselbeck, characterizing their previous arguments as dealing with absolute “stupidity” or what she described as “indignant stupidity.” 

She further directed sharp criticism toward another ex-panelist, McCain, applying a highly offensive label by calling her an “annoying c-nt.” The performer explained that she intentionally targeted McCain because she easily “takes the bait every time,” per The Blast. 

However, the stand-up star clarified that she genuinely “loves” the current panel of female presenters, which includes notable figures like Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar. 

Jenny McCarthy Shared Her Two Cents On Coming Back To ‘The View’

Griffin doesn’t seem to be the only one to have a controversial history with “The View.” Jenny McCarthy, another former presenter, completely ruled out ever returning. 

The model explained that an unexpected shift in the program’s creative direction left her feeling entirely overwhelmed and out of place. McCarthy noted that she originally joined the broadcast panel under the impression that her role would be strictly lighthearted. 

However, this entertainment-focused format only lasted for a single week before producers abruptly informed her that they intended to pivot the daily discussions toward heavy political topics instead. This caused massive panic for the presenter, who did not view herself as a politically minded individual during that period of her life. 

The Blast reported that she recalled feeling completely lost regarding how to handle the new expectations. When asked on the audio broadcast if she would ever consider participating in a special gathering with other past hosts, she stated, “Over my dead body would I ever step foot in that place.”

Sherri Shepherd Fully Validated Jenny McCarthy’s Claims Of Having A Strenuous Experience At ‘The View’

Amid McCarthy’s confession to having a hard time on the show, Shepherd echoed a similar experience, remembering the exact moment the daily production dramatically shifted away from its original premise. 

According to The Blast, she confirmed that McCarthy’s statements were “absolutely true,” noting that the account of the stressful period was completely accurate. 

The media personality recalled that network coordinators initially recruited the model because viewer research groups specifically expressed a strong desire for a lighter, more lighthearted atmosphere with minimal political tension.

However, the television audience quickly reversed its preferences, demanding that hard-hitting governmental debates be pushed right back to the center of the daily panel discussions.

Kathie Lee Gifford Criticized The Alleged Hostility and Changing Dynamics Of ‘The View’

Shepherd and Griffin’s description of network-mandated styling shifts on “The View” aligns with broader criticisms regarding how the program’s overall tone has evolved over the years. 

Another seasoned television personality, Kathie Lee Gifford, expressed deep disappointment with the current atmosphere of the daily talk show, contrasting it sharply with her past experiences on the set. 

The media veteran suggested that the modern iteration of the panel reflects a wider, more hostile shift in how people interact publicly, per The Blast.

Gifford also noted that while she has had great experiences with the show in the past, its tone has changed drastically because everybody seems “miserable” now.

Clay Aiken is speaking out about the awkward exchange he had on-air with Kelly Ripa in 2006, recalling what he described as a “catastrophic” time in his life. The singer reflected on the moment that sparked headlines at that time, offering his perspective on what happened and revealing whether he and Ripa were able to move past the tension.

“American Idol” alum Clay Aiken has broken his silence over an incident that happened with Kelly Ripa 20 years ago. In 2006, the singer was a guest host on “Live with Regis and Kelly,” and during an interview segment, he playfully put his hand over Ripa’s mouth in an attempt to give himself the opportunity to ask questions.

In an interview with “Hollywood Raw,” Aiken was asked whether he and Ripa made up after the incident, to which he responded, “No.”

The singer said that he wasn’t the one who got upset. Aiken said he had seen Ripa at some events throughout the years, but they had never spoken. “Maybe I should feel bad that I have not gone up and said something myself, but she hasn’t either,” he noted.

The Singer Said It Was The ‘Most Catastrophic Week’ Of His Life

Aiken was brought on as Ripa’s co-host in the absence of Regis Philbin in late 2006. The singer said he was being considered to host his own program, and the temporary gig allowed him to show he could hold his own. However, he said he didn’t get to talk much.

“There were cue cards. They had my name on them. So I tried to be funny, and I did what I did, which was incredibly innocent,” he explained, alluding to the moment he placed his mouth over Ripa’s. Ripa seemed taken aback by the action, and Aiken said “it got a little cold in the room.”

“Is that a no-no?” he asked Ripa. The host responded, “Oh, that’s a no, no, no. Don’t know where that hand’s been, honey.”

Aiken doesn’t recall how they parted ways after the episode, but said that what followed was “the most catastrophic week” of his life.

Kelly Ripa Talked About The Incident With Regis Philbin

Ripa didn’t let the awkward interaction slide. Instead, she talked about the incident with Philbin when he came back to the show. Ripa said there was a “lot of impropriety” and “a lack of respect” when Aiken co-hosted. Philbin placated her by saying that the singer must have been nervous, but Ripa doubled down on her opinion.

“You don’t put your hands on somebody’s face and mouth when they’re conducting an interview, even if it’s for a laugh,” Ripa told Philbin and their audience, adding that she received many phone calls about what happened.

Clay Aiken Was Outed On ‘The View’

The issue erupted, and headlines reported on the incident. Even “The View” discussed what went down between Aiken and Ripa.

Rosie O’Donnell opined that what Ripa told Aiken was a “homophobic remark,” adding that if a straight male put his hand over Ripa’s mouth, she doubted the host would have said anything. Ripa called in to the show to defend herself, saying it wasn’t about Aiken’s sexuality. She explained that it was flu season, that she had three kids, and the singer had been shaking hands with people before placing his hand over her mouth.

Aiken told “Hollywood Raw” that he had not publicly come out at the time, even to his family. O’Donnell was one of the few people who knew, and she accidentally revealed it on TV. “Not only did she out me, but they had a big argument about whether I was gay and who talked about me being gay,” Aiken said.

Clay Aiken’s Publicist Turned The Tables

Aiken recalled getting advice from Diane Sawyer, who told him to hold off on sending flowers to Ripa. The singer revealed that his publicist and some interns scoured footage of Ripa placing her hand over Philbin’s mouth, and they sent the clips to the media. Only then did he send Ripa flowers.

Aiken said that Ripa called her later, apologizing for how the incident was “blown out of proportion.” The host also extended an invitation for Aiken to come back on the show, but the singer claimed that every time he attempted to come back, he was “not allowed.”

The drama surrounding “Don’t Worry Darling” never truly stayed on the big screen. Long after the psychological thriller premiered, speculation about Olivia Wilde, Florence Pugh, and Harry Styles continued to dominate headlines. 

Now, Wilde is revisiting the controversy herself, directly addressing some of the most explosive rumors that plagued the film’s release while revealing why she remained silent as the speculation spiraled out of control.

For years, rumors that Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh clashed behind the scenes became almost as famous as “Don’t Worry Darling” itself. 

Reports suggested tensions grew during production, with much of the speculation centered on Wilde’s relationship with Styles. 

Now, Wilde is firmly rejecting one of the biggest claims. Speaking to The Cut, she denied reports that she and Pugh had a heated confrontation while filming.

“I have never had a screaming match on my set. I was never not available on set. I wanted to be like, ‘None of this is true,’” Wilde said. 

The filmmaker explained that the rumors portrayed both the production and her conduct on set in a different light. 

According to Wilde, much of the speculation overshadowed what the cast and crew were actually trying to accomplish with the thriller about women unknowingly forced into becoming 1950s housewives by their partners.

Wilde Says She Regrets Staying Silent

Although the stories continued to spread, Olivia Wilde revealed she was discouraged from publicly responding at the time. 

She said both the studio and others involved in the production advised her not to engage with the speculation.

“I was told, ‘Don’t say a f**king word. Just go out there and smile,’” the 42-year-old recalled while shaking her head. 

Looking back, she admitted that following that advice is something she now regrets.

“I resent that, but it taught me it’s not the way I want to handle things,” Wilde shared. 

The controversy extended beyond the film itself, following Wilde and Styles throughout their nearly two-year relationship, which she described as “loving and wonderful and joyful.” 

Olivia Wilde Faced Claims About Harry Styles And Florence Pugh

Much of the reported tension stemmed from claims that Pugh disapproved of Wilde’s romance with Styles while Wilde was still engaged to Jason Sudeikis.

A report alleged that the English actress took issue with the relationship, while additional scrutiny followed after a leaked video showed Wilde referring to the actress as “Miss Flo” and suggesting she needed a “wake-up call” during rehearsals in a conversation with actor Shia LaBeouf.

The speculation intensified even further when Vulture reported that both women had a “screaming match” after the director allegedly disappeared from set with Styles during filming.

Another unnamed source alleged that the 42-year-old’s “frequent, unexplained absences” eventually led to a confrontation between the two women.

Wilde Calls Pugh a ‘Force’ Amid Rumors Of Bad Blood

Despite those reports, Olivia Wilde consistently maintained there was no falling out. During the “Don’t Worry Darling” press conference at the Venice Film Festival she publicly praised her leading actress instead of fueling the rumors.

Asked directly whether there had been a falling out, Wilde responded per the Daily Mail, “Florence is a force and we are so grateful that she is able to make it tonight despite being in production on Dune.”

She continued, “I know as a director how disruptive it is to lose an actor even for a day so I’m very grateful to her and Denis Villeneuve for helping us – we’re really thrilled we’ll get to celebrate her work tonight.”

Wilde also dismissed the constant online speculation, saying, “I can’t say enough how honored I am to have her as our lead. She’s amazing in the film and, as for all the endless tabloid gossip and all the noise out there, I mean, the internet feeds itself. I don’t feel the need to contribute, I think it’s sufficiently well nourished.”

Olivia Wilde Received Public Support From The Film’s Crew

The debate surrounding the production became so widespread that dozens of people who worked on “Don’t Worry Darling” eventually spoke out themselves.

Producer Miri Yoon joined nearly 40 crew members in signing a joint statement after the film’s release, pushing back against what they described as false reports about conditions on set.

“As a crew, we’ve avoided addressing the absurd gossip surrounding the movie we’re so proud of, but feel the need to correct the anonymous ‘sources’ quoted in a recent article,” the statement read.

The crew firmly rejected allegations of misconduct, adding, “Any allegations about unprofessional behavior on the set are completely false. Olivia is an incredible leader and director who was present with and involved in every aspect of production.”

They continued by praising Wilde’s leadership throughout filming, noting, “She ran this set with class and respect for everyone involved. There was never a screaming match between our director and anyone, let alone a member of our cast.”

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger denied that Jimmy Kimmel was suspended from his ABC late-night show last year to prove the network’s allegiance to President Donald Trump.

“That was not the case,” Iger, 75, told the Financial Times in an interview published on Saturday, June 20. “We thought [Kimmel’s joke] was in bad taste.”

Iger pointed out that Kimmel’s suspension lasted less than a week, noting,“We just wanted him to acknowledge that it was an ill-timed and probably inappropriate comment.”

(Iger stepped down as Disney CEO in March, turning over the role to successor Josh D’Amaro.)

Related: Everything Jimmy Kimmel Has Said About Being Taken Off the Air and His Return

Jimmy Kimmel made his late-night return on September 23, 2025, after serving a weeklong suspension that sparked a public debate on free speech. The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host was pulled off the air “indefinitely” by ABC on September 17 for comments he made about the suspect in the shooting death of conservative political pundit Charlie […]

Controversy erupted last fall over Kimmel, 58, discussing the murder of Charlie Kirk while the conservative activist was delivering a speech on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025.

(Tyler James Robinson was later charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and violent offense in the presence of a child, as well as two counts of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Robinson, 22, has not yet entered a plea.)

During his Jimmy Kimmel Live! monologue on September 15, 2025, Kimmel ignited a firestorm of controversy while discussing the political fallout of Kirk’s death at age 31.

“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them with everything they can to score political points from,” Kimmel said. “In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.”

Kimmel then showed footage of Trump, 80, discussing his White House construction plans in the wake of Kirk’s death.

“He’s at the fourth stage of grief, construction,” Kimmel joked. “It’s demolition, construction.”

The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host added, “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.”

Days after the jokes originally aired, numerous conservative groups called for a boycott of ABC and multiple station owners, including Nexstar Media and Sinclair, vowed not to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! until he publicly apologized. ABC eventually confirmed to Us Weekly on September 17, 2025, that the comedy show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.”

Kimmel was off the air for a total of six days before ABC reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live! into its weeknight lineup on September 22, 2025.

“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” the company’s statement to Us read. “It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”

Kimmel told viewers in his return monologue, “I’ve been hearing a lot about what I need to do and say tonight, and the truth is, I don’t think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference.”

“If you like me, you like me, if you don’t, I have no illusions of changing anyone’s mind, but I do want to make something clear because it’s important to me as a human: It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” Kimmel clarified.

ABC ultimately signed Kimmel to a one-year contract extension in December 2025, despite Trump’s repeated demands for the network to fire him.

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Kimmel has continued to spar with Trump in the months since his on-air return, most recently picking the president’s longtime nemesis Rosie O’Donnell to guest-host Jimmy Kimmel Live! during his summer vacation.

“As a special treat for our commander-in-chief, I asked one of his all-time favorites, Rosie O’Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming. So, you’re welcome,” he told viewers on Thursday, June 18. “All I ask in return, Mr. President, is that you don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone!”

Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs every on ABC weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET.