By Robert Scucci
| Published 11 seconds ago

With Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey fast approaching, it’s time to get back into all of the great historical epics that have come out over the years. Gladiator (2000) is always a no-brainer thanks to Russell Crowe’s magnetic performance as Maximus Decimus Meridius, and if you want to channel your inner Spartan while a single tear runs down your cheek because you’re 37 and need to accept the fact that you’re never getting the abs back, you can fire up 300 (2007) to get your fill. Between those two films, though, is a little $185 million historical epic called Troy (2004), which wasn’t exactly a critical darling upon release (53 percent on Rotten Tomatoes), but has remained a fan favorite for decades.

Here’s the thing about historical epics based on Ancient Greek mythology: they almost always lose points for not properly representing the source material. But here’s my counterpoint: this is a movie, everybody speaks American English, and our main hero’s weakness is his heel because his mother dunked him upside down in the River Styx to make him immortal, but the water didn’t touch the spot where she was holding him. In other words, let’s suspend some disbelief, watch some epic battles, and enjoy the show.

I’m No Scholar, But Troy Is Badass

I hate long movies that don’t earn their runtime, but Troy is built differently because it fully commits to spectacle. There are plenty of names being said out loud that made me think, “Oh, that’s how you pronounce that; I’ve only ever read it before,” followed immediately by enough cinematic violence to distract me from the fact that I should probably brush up on both my history and my phonics.

Here’s the short and sweet version of what happens in Troy because, if I’m being real, I’m not watching this one for the plot. I’m watching it to see thousands of extras get leveled while armies wage war against each other and burn everything to the ground.

After Paris (Orlando Bloom), a prince of Troy, sparks a forbidden romance with Helen (Diane Kruger), the wife of Spartan King Menelaus, tensions between the two kingdoms explode into all-out war. The Greek armies unite under the ambitious Agamemnon (Brian Cox), bringing along their greatest warrior, Achilles (Brad Pitt), whose legendary fighting skills are matched only by his pride and ego. As Troy braces for invasion, noble prince Hector (Eric Bana) struggles to defend his family and city from destruction. What follows is a massive clash driven by love, revenge, ambition, and the pursuit of glory during a time when nothing else really mattered.

Beyond Epic In Scope And Scale

Filmed during that sweet spot in movie history where CGI enhanced a film instead of completely replacing practical filmmaking, Troy never feels like a green screen experience. Sure, digital effects were used to fill out backgrounds with massive armies and sprawling naval fleets, but the production still relied on thousands of extras swinging rubber swords during combat sequences so everybody could safely hack away at each other with reckless, military-sanctioned abandon. It’s even been reported that Brad Pitt and Eric Bana spent days rehearsing their final duel without stunt doubles to make sure audiences got the best fight sequence money could buy.

Speaking of Brad Pitt, his portrayal of Achilles is second to none. He brings a certain level of nonchalance to the role, like he’s a party guy who just so happens to be exceptionally gifted at war. He’s untouchable and unflappable, and he commands the screen whenever he shows up while channeling serious dude-bro energy anytime somebody asks anything of him. When we’re first introduced to him, he effortlessly kills Boagrius (Nathan Jones), a giant hulk of a man, while violently hungover and not even having eaten breakfast yet. It’s poetry in sandals, and it’s ridiculously fun to watch play out.

For every bit of charisma in Troy, however, there’s also a healthy amount of corn you need to chew through. The most egregious moment, to me, is when Ajax lets out his battle cry in the middle of combat, bellowing, “I am Ajax, breaker of stones! Look upon me in despair!” Don’t get me wrong, that’s an objectively badass thing to say, but Troy is set in 1184 BC and he delivers the line like he knows there’s a camera crew behind him and he wants to sound as cool as humanly possible. Moments like that can take me out of movies like Troy, but it’s also worth mentioning that this is still an incredible quote to casually work into real life whenever the opportunity presents itself.

In 2026, Troy’s legacy has far exceeded its initial reputation, which is reflected in its much stronger 74 percent Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics may have gone hard on this movie at the time, but it’s also worth remembering that critics don’t always know how to have fun. Troy is fun. It’s pure popcorn spectacle wrapped in armor, and if you’re looking for next-level fight choreography and carnage, it really doesn’t get much better than this.

As of this writing, Troy is not available through standard streaming subscriptions, but it can be rented or purchased on demand through Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV+.

If you thought Helluva Boss had already reached peak horniness, Vivienne Medrano has some news for you. The creator recently revealed that one upcoming Season 3 musical sequence pushes the show’s adult humor even further, to the point that even series star Brandon Rogers was caught off guard. Speaking during an interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Medrano teased an upcoming sequence arriving in October that she believes is one of the coolest moments in the new season.

While she couldn’t reveal exactly what happens without spoilers, she admitted the reactions from people who have already seen it weren’t quite what she expected. For Medrano, the sequence always felt less like an excuse to shock audiences and more like a slick, stylish music video. She knew it was raunchy, but she viewed it as a creative showcase more than anything else. That changed once she started hearing how other people responded. Medrano told Collider:

“We have a sequence in Season 3, so I can’t reveal what it is, but people will see in October, that I think is cool. It’s so funny because I was like, ‘I know this is raunchy,’ but I just thought, ‘This is a sleek music video. It’s so cool.’ Then seeing people react to it… Brandon Rogers, who is our main character, is known for doing outlandish, crude, he’s-naked-in-the-street comedy, and seeing him be like, ‘That was a lot,’ I was like, ‘Really? It was a lot to you?’ Then, the fact that Prime is letting us put that out on their platform.”

Brandon Rogers Has Been Teasing a Steamier Season 3, Too

Medrano isn’t the only member of the Helluva Boss team to hint that Season 3 is dialing up the show’s already unapologetic energy. In an interview last year with Collider, Rogers was asked to describe the upcoming season in just three words, and his answer painted a pretty clear picture.

“More, horny, more horny… Jesus. No, wait, we can’t say Jesus in Hell, that’s a swear. Well… bigger, faster, redder… sexier.”

Those comments line up neatly with Medrano’s latest tease. While she emphasized that the October sequence stands out because of its stylish presentation as much as its explicit content, she also admitted that Helluva Boss is “pushing the boundary on the horny content in Season 3.” Her comments also suggest the move to Prime Video hasn’t changed the series’ creative identity. Rather than toning things down for a larger streaming audience, Medrano admitted she was pleasantly surprised the platform was willing to let the sequence remain exactly as intended.

That should come as welcome news for longtime fans. Helluva Boss has built its audience by balancing outrageous comedy with increasingly emotional storytelling, and Season 3 doesn’t appear interested in sacrificing either side of that equation. If Medrano and Rogers are any indication, the next batch of episodes will be bigger, bolder, sexier, and apparently just shocking enough to make even Blitzø’s voice actor do a double-take.

Helluva Boss Season 3 premieres on October 14, 2026. Stay tuned at Collider for more.

Advertisement

Release Date

October 31, 2020

Advertisement

Network

YouTube, Prime Video

Directors

Advertisement

Vivienne Medrano

Writers

Brandon Rogers

Advertisement

Advertisement

• 

  Brandon Rogers

  Blitzø (voice)

  Advertisement
• 

  Richard Steven Horvitz

  Moxxie (voice)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Whew! Lonzo Ball is setting the record straight after his family’s personal life became a hot topic online. Following days of speculation, the NBA star is speaking out to clear the air and share his perspective on a situation involving his parents, LaVar and Tina Ball, that has had social media talking.

RELATED: Moving On? LaVar Ball Reveals Near 30-Year Marriage To Wife Tina Is Over, Social Media Sounds OFF (VIDEO)

Lonzo Ball Speaks On LaVar & Tina’s Divorce

During a recent appearance on ‘Ball in the Family Podcast,’ Lonzo Ball addressed his parents’ divorce after LaVar Ball previously revealed that he and Tina Ball had separated during an appearance on N3on’s YouTube channel. While LaVar didn’t explain what led to the split, Lonzo didn’t hold back, saying his mother “didn’t want to leave” and was “d*mn near forced to leave.” He also revealed that he personally helped Tina move out and said he’s glad she did.

Lonzo went on to shut down speculation that Tina left because of LaVar’s health, calling those claims “a myth” and making it clear their separation had nothing to do with him losing his foot. Despite admitting his parents “don’t f*** with each other,” Lonzo said he loves them both and emphasized that they’re both doing well, adding, “It didn’t work out, and it is what it is.“

Here’s What Prompted Lonzo To Speak

Lonzo’s comments come just days after LaVar publicly confirmed that he and Tina Ball had ended their nearly 30-year marriage during an appearance on streamer N3on’s YouTube channel. At the time, LaVar shared that Tina chose to “go her own way” and insisted there was no bad blood between them, even revealing that he’s already seeing someone new.

He also reflected on Tina’s 2017 stroke and said her health never changed how he viewed her, calling her “beautiful” throughout her recovery. However, after online speculation suggested Tina left because of LaVar’s recent leg amputation due to diabetes complications, Lonzo decided to speak out, making it clear that narrative was false and that his parents’ separation stemmed from issues unrelated to his father’s health.

The Comment Section Was In Detective Mode

Fans also flooded the ‘Ball in the Family Podcast’ Instagram comment section after Lonzo’s remarks began making the rounds, and they didn’t hold back. Some praised Zo for speaking up and defending his mom, saying they were glad someone finally addressed the rumors head-on. Others, however, felt there was more to the story, with several commenters insisting that something “fishy” must have happened behind the scenes.

One Instagram user @el_wongies claimed, “You know damn well that as long as dip is in the league, Tina we’ll always be taken care of financially that boy loves his mama as he should“

This Instagram user @babyscill444 added, “‘She did not leave him cuz he lost his foot’ 😂😂”

And, Instagram user @c0rey.st0ry said, “Respect. Bro had his mom back because you can tell by Tina’s character she would’ve never told her side.“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @thebenefields wrote, “This is how it should be. [Boys] were raised right. Not picking sides and supporting both parents that helped them get to where they are. Love it“

While Instagram user @cooper_chirafisi joked, “Brotha cleared up nothing cmon Zo spill man 😂”

Lastly, Instagram user @anabellababii claimed, “I knew Tina didn’t just leave. Sending love to your whole family for some healing. ❤️‍🩹”

X Had A LOT To Say About This

Folks wasted no time taking the conversation to X, where they shared plenty of thoughts on the Ball family’s latest headlines. While many accused LaVar Ball of playing the victim, others claimed they noticed the way he treated Tina during the family’s reality show years ago and said the split didn’t completely surprise them. Meanwhile, plenty of users shifted their focus to Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, saying they simply felt for the brothers as they watched their parents’ divorce play out so publicly.

Lonzo Ball revealed his mom Tina was “forced” to leave despite LaVar Ball claiming she “chose” to leave on N3ON’s stream 😳 pic.twitter.com/MhUw5zPMdE

— clip 🛸 (@clippedszn) July 1, 2026

When Lonzo come to grips with how horrible his dad has been to him and his mother… https://t.co/byRuZwL1Zb

— 4Extra’s good hand (@TwinOfTiger) July 1, 2026

Are men upset with Lonzo ball for clearing up the suspicions and letting the truth out after folks went on a podcast to trash his mama??? Is it bothering yall that yall can’t run free with takes now ?

— Angela Rockford (@angie_goodwood) July 1, 2026

Advertisement

Men were so mad at me when I said that this relationship was incredibly toxic and Lavar Ball’s insufferable presence was enough to end this marriage. He is a jerk! https://t.co/yS2QrbMqCF

— Black Archie Character (@ppppp1245688) July 1, 2026

The burden the oldest has to carry when so much family stuff is going on. Great that the kids are old enough and stable enough to at least make the process easy even though I can imagine deep down inside, that inner child is hurt and sad.

I think in another universe 9/10 times,… https://t.co/9hxC7BqY19

— Ramone Dilon Jonet Dixon (@greatsince1986) July 1, 2026

So basically Lavar is using his power to manipulate the audience into thinking Tina Left him for no reason.

“She was Forced to Leave” ; “I Helped her Leave” – Lonzo Ball! https://t.co/0bITyOd4f0

Advertisement

— Michael Jesus Santos (@MichaelJesusS7) July 1, 2026

Lonzo said he’s glad his mother moved on. Did you not watch the video?

— Sgt. Nemesis (@NemesisSgt) July 2, 2026

Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive books are not exactly small, breezy reads you knock out on a train journey quickly. They’re enormous, dense, character-packed fantasy epics with wars, ancient magic, giant swords, you name it, so the idea of a TV adaptation that plays fast and loose and gives us an on-the-surface adaptation is a concern. Luckily for us, though, Apple TV do not like to do things the easy way.

Sanderson has now officially confirmed that the first season of Stormlight is set to run for 10 episodes, sharing the update while he was discussing his rapidly expanding slate of projects and revealing that he’s going to be taking on a key role in the writing process.

“Stormlight, I’ll write a huge chunk of it – which is a 10 episode television show. I am the primary writer on both of those.”

Plenty of folks have understandably been nervous about how the massive Cosmere story will translate to television, so it’s enormously reassuring to hear that Sanderson is not just offering notes from the sidelines, rather he’s one of the main creative voices shaping the series.

‘The Stormlight Archive’ Has a Huge Story To Adapt

Set in the world of Roshar, The Stormlight Archive follows several characters whose lives collide during a brutal war, as long-buried powers and ancient truths begin to resurface. The saga began with The Way of Kings in 2010 and currently spans five novels, with Wind and Truth closing out the first major arc. The GoodReads synopsis for the book series reads:

Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy cycle tells the story of Roshar, a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain. It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. As brutal wars rage over the control of these magical weapons, an ancient text called The Way of Kings tells of ancient times, the Knights Radiant, and perhaps the true cause of the war. The Knights Radiant must stand again.

The Stormlight Archive is in development for Apple TV. Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest news and updates from Brandon Sanderson and the growing slate at Apple TV. The Wheel of Time streams on Prime Video.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

2021 – 2025-00-00

Advertisement

Network

Prime Video

Showrunner

Advertisement

Rafe Judkins

Directors

Sanaa Hamri, Ciaran Donnelly, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Thomas Napper, Maja Vrvilo, Wayne Che Yip

Advertisement

Writers

Amanda Kate Shuman, Dave Hill, Rohit Kumar, Justine Juel Gillmer, Celine Song, Rammy Park, The Clarksons Twins, Katherine B. McKenna

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

By TeeJay Small
| Published 21 seconds ago

If you’re a fan of high-octane action thrillers, you’re probably already aware of Martin Scorsese‘s hit 2006 film The Departed. Doubly so if you’re from the Boston area, since many fans see the film as the most quintessential Boston movie of all time.

Right now, The Departed is streaming on MGM+, but it desperately needs a better streaming home, where a wider selection of viewers can marvel at this masterpiece. With all due respect to the MGM+ subscribers in our midst (all five of you,) I think a Best Picture winner from one of the greatest living filmmakers deserves a little more prestige than a streaming service most people have never heard of.

A Cinematic Masterpiece All Around

In case you’re out of the loop on this one, The Departed is a crime thriller loosely based on the real life story of infamous Boston mobster Whitey Bulger. It also serves as a remake of a 2002 Hong Kong film titled Infernal Affairs. The film centers on a Whitey stand-in by the name of Frank Costello, as well as his coterie of criminals, crooks, and dirty cops on the payroll. As one of the most dangerous men in Boston, Costello commands a crew of murderers, thieves, and full-on terrorists, even as undercover police infiltrate his inner circle.

One of the most impressive elements of The Departed, besides Scorsese’s impeccable direction, is the absolutely stacked cast. Costello is portrayed by a scenery-chewing Jack Nicholson, while multiple A-listers including Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, and Alec Baldwin offer some of the best performances of their entire careers. Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, and Kevin Corrigan also appear in highly memorable bit parts.

Gets Better With Each Repeated Viewing

As a thoroughbred Bostonian dirtbag myself, I grew up on a steady diet of The Departed, with frequent rewatches each year. At this point, I can practically quote the movie from front to back. While I wouldn’t necessarily put it on the same level as Goodfellas, I think that The Departed is the best modern mob story, showcasing the ways organized crime has evolved in the 21st century and beyond.

The academy certainly seemed receptive to the film as well, since The Departed swept four categories at the Oscars in 2007. Most notably, the film took home the statue for Best Picture, though it also serves as Scorsese’s only win in the Best Director category.

If you’ve got an MGM+ subscription, be sure to throw The Departed on your watch list before it bounces to yet another streamer. Otherwise, consider renting it on digital stores like Amazon, or do yourself a real favor and pick up a 4k Blu-ray. Watching the movie from the comfort of your couch is guaranteed to bring all the charm of Boston to your personal abode, without the exceptional cost of a visit to the city on the hill.

Kim Kardashian is reportedly feeling the heat after fresh criticism over North West’s growing fame erupted following the teenager’s Paris Fashion Week appearance. 

As celebrities and insiders question whether the 13-year-old is being exposed to too much attention, new claims suggest the reality star feels “insulted” by suggestions she isn’t doing enough to protect her daughter, even as Kanye West’s influence continues to shape North’s rising career.

North West found herself at the center of intense public scrutiny after attending the Vetements show during Paris Fashion Week. 

Seated in the front row, the teenager appeared uncomfortable as photographers and fans tried to capture her attention while security attempted to create space around her.

The situation escalated when footage showed North interacting with several adults at the event. As The Blast reported, one moment in particular drew widespread attention after internet personality Matteo Sinet embraced her despite what appeared to be North’s attempt to initiate a handshake.

The clip quickly spread online, prompting concern from observers. UK rapper Skepta was among those who reacted publicly, sharing a video and writing, “WOW!! Protect your kids people. Protect your kids!”

North’s Growing Fame Raises Questions Among Industry Insiders

According to sources, Skepta is not the only person expressing concerns about North West’s increasing public profile.

One insider claimed that several people connected to Kanye’s circle have reservations about the level of access adults have to the teenager. 

The source told the Daily Mail, “Skepta won’t be the only artist concerned about how exposed North is to fame-hungry adults who may not all have good intentions.”

The insider added that many artists are especially protective of their children and suggested some celebrities have quietly questioned whether stronger boundaries should be in place.

Concerns reportedly extend to Kanye himself. Another source said the rapper is actively focused on strengthening safeguards around his daughter.

“No child should be placed in a position where adult men feel entitled to crowd her, comment on her, or seek photos with her in a way that treats her as public property,” the source said, adding, “Ye is taking this seriously… This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

North West Attended The Event Without Kim Kardashian Or Kanye West

While debate surrounding the Paris appearance intensified, neither Kim nor Kanye was present during the event.

The Yeezy mogul was reportedly celebrating his 49th birthday alongside his wife Bianca Censori at a private gathering near the Château de Versailles. 

Kim, meanwhile, appeared to be in Los Angeles celebrating sister Khloé Kardashian’s birthday.

Instead, North attended under the supervision of Danielle Levi, a longtime stylist for Kim, who has increasingly become a familiar presence during many of the teenager’s public appearances.

Levi has accompanied North throughout the rollout of her debut music project, “N0rth4evr,” and has been seen supporting her at multiple performances and promotional events.

Her relationship with the family stretches back years. After working under stylist Mel Ottenberg, Levi eventually joined Kanye’s creative circle and previously described him as her “number one” style icon.

North’s Music Ambitions Continue To Grow

Sources say one of Kim’s biggest challenges has been North West’s determination to forge her own path in entertainment.

The teenager has already released music and is preparing to embark on the Molly x North Kimokawaii Tour alongside rapper Molly Santana. 

The tour is scheduled to visit multiple cities across North America before concluding in Los Angeles later this summer. An insider claimed Kim initially had reservations about how quickly things were moving.

“Kim never wanted North to make music and start a tour so soon because of safety concerns,” the source said. Despite those concerns, North reportedly remains focused on building a career of her own.

“But North does what she wants, she is determined to become a huge star and have her own fame,” the insider added.

The source also noted that Kanye has strongly encouraged his daughter’s ambitions, explaining that “Kanye backs up North” and takes pride in seeing her follow a creative path similar to his own.

North West’s Success Creates New Parenting Challenges For Kim Kardashian

Balancing North’s ambitions with concerns about privacy has reportedly become increasingly difficult for Kim.

Sources say the reality star has long preferred that her children maintain a lower profile, but recognizes that such a goal may be unrealistic given their family circumstances. 

North’s bold personality and growing interest in music, fashion, and public appearances have only accelerated that challenge.

The situation is further complicated by Kim’s co-parenting relationship with Kanye. Since their 2022 divorce, both parents have maintained joint custody of their four children while navigating differing views on fame and public exposure.

According to one insider, criticism directed at Kim has been especially frustrating. “Kim feels judged by a lot of other parents but is insulted at the idea that she isn’t doing enough to protect North,” the source said.

The insider added that the mom of four’s friends believe she is facing an extraordinarily difficult situation as she tries to support her daughter.

“He has made it easier for detractors to target Kim because of his past nonsensical anti-Semitic and anti-Black tirades. She is doing the best she can,” they shared.

Ray J and Orlando Brown are already giving fans plenty to talk about ahead of their upcoming boxing match. A video circulating across social media shows the two entertainers getting into what social media users are calling a “heated argument” during a press conference promoting their scheduled fight on the undercard of Claressa Shields’ upcoming event in Atlanta. What began as a routine face-off quickly spiraled into a bizarre and chaotic moment that left attendees visibly stunned and sent the internet into a frenzy.

In footage shared online, Brown and Ray J are seen standing face-to-face at the promotional event before tensions appear to escalate.

Several people seated at the press conference table turned around to watch as the confrontation unfolded, while others attempted to keep the situation under control. The exact details of what sparked the disagreement remain unclear, but the clip quickly gained traction online as fans reacted to the unexpected showdown.

Many viewers appeared less concerned about the argument itself and more entertained by the unusual dynamic between the two longtime entertainers. One commenter wrote, “You can’t make this up [laughing face emoji] I never thought Ray J vs. Orlando brown.” Another joked, “Nurse, they are at it again [laughing face emoji].”

A third user compared the moment to a crossover episode from two iconic 2000s television shows, writing, “‘The Moesha’ ‘That’s So Raven’ crossover episode.” Others poked fun at the participants’ ages, with one commenter adding, “Men in their 40’s showing out nowadays!”

Ray J Is Looking For Redemption After Brutal MMA Debut

The upcoming bout comes just weeks after Ray J suffered a devastating loss during his combat sports debut.

The singer and reality television personality competed against internet personality Supah Hot Fire at Adin Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions event in Las Vegas. The fight ended in dramatic fashion when Ray J was stopped in the second round and later required medical attention.

The loss sparked renewed concerns about the entertainer’s health, particularly after he had previously claimed he was dealing with serious heart issues and had only months to live. Despite those concerns, Ray J was ultimately cleared to compete and now appears determined to return to the ring for another high-profile matchup.

Orlando Brown Brings His Own Controversial History Into The Ring

Brown, best known for his role as Eddie Thomas on Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven,” has spent years making headlines for legal troubles and erratic public incidents. Over the past two decades, the former child star has faced multiple arrests involving battery, drug possession, burglary, and domestic disputes.

In 2018, Brown appeared on “Dr. Phil” to discuss his struggles with addiction and homelessness. One of the most alarming incidents occurred in 2020 when the former Disney Channel star sparked concern after posting a disturbing video to social media that appeared to show him threatening his then-girlfriend while she was driving.

In the video, Brown repeatedly switched the camera between himself and his girlfriend as the situation became increasingly tense. At one point, he could be heard yelling, “Stop playing…, before I slash your… neck, …”

Advertisement

As the argument continued, Brown’s girlfriend appeared to attempt to de-escalate the situation by placing her hand on his lap. The gesture seemingly had the opposite effect, prompting Brown to shout, “Now you wanna touch on me, n-gger?”

Viewers quickly expressed concern after noticing what many described as visible fear and distress on his girlfriend’s face throughout the clip. Brown continued yelling during the exchange, criticizing her for appearing upset as the video circulated widely online.

Orlando Brown’s Legal Troubles Continued With Domestic Violence Arrest And Public Outbursts

In 2022, he was arrested in Ohio following a domestic violence incident involving allegations that he threatened a family member with a knife and hammer. He later pleaded guilty to criminal damaging.

Brown also made headlines in 2024 after an erratic outburst at a Los Angeles restaurant, where he reportedly shouted obscenities and made bizarre claims before being escorted from the premises.

Ray J Says He’ll Be Back In The Ring This Summer

While the chaotic press conference has already captured plenty of attention online, fans are still waiting for official details about when Ray J and Brown will actually step into the ring. In a recent Instagram post, Ray J teased his return to combat sports, telling followers, “I’ll be back fighting in August.”

Although the matchup with Brown has been heavily promoted, an exact fight date has not yet been announced. Organizers are expected to reveal additional details about the venue, broadcast plans, and the official date in the coming weeks as preparations for the event continue.

Advertisement

Chris Brown has to pony-up $13 million to his former housekeeper after she was allegedly disfigured by his dog. The housekeeper filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit after she was attacked by Brown’s 200-pound shepherd, Hades, outside the ‘Loyal’ singer’s home in Tarzana, California, back in 2020.

RELATED: Caught Up? Fans Are Popping OFF With Reactions To Chris Brown & Usher’s Opening Tour Night (VIDEOS)

Chris Brown Ordered To Pay $13 Million To Disfigured Housekeeper

After a two-week trial, a jury sided with Brown’s former housekeeper, Maria Avila, and awarded her $13 million. According to Billboard, the jury also awarded Avila’s sister, who was also working in Brown’s home during the attack, $885,000. Avila’s husband, Oscar Olivo, was awarded $50,000.

Here’s What Happened During Dog Incident

Avila claimed to be suffering from PTSD as well as severe scarring on her face and left arm. She reportedly needed skin-graft surgery on her left arm, and she was left with “raised and pitted skin.” She also has scars on her forehead and under her eye, per Rolling Stone.

Brown said on the stand that he had warned Avila not to go outside without his security guards because Hades was an unfriendly guard dog. The housekeeper was attacked while taking out the garbage. The 37-year-old singer added that he heard Hades growling and ran out of the house to find a bloody Avila lying outside his front door on the walkway, and she wasn’t moving. “The blood kind of freaked me out,” recalled Brown.

The recording artist also admitted to leaving the scene and letting his staff handle the attack, on the advice of his manager, to avoid a media circus. Hades was euthanized following the attack, per KTLA.

Roomies React In TSR’s Comment Section

Reactions in TSR‘s comment section ranged from folks wishing they had been bitten by Brown’s dog to people inquiring about employment opportunities.

User @alexes_ciarra joked, “Meet & Greets about to be $20K. $25K if you come dressed as a dog 😂.”

@iamkeylarichardson added, “Man I ain’t never want to be bit by a dog until now 😂.”

@thereallattosister replied, “Man I just went to google a Caucasian Shepard Dog 😳 and baby you gots to know I would’ve never accepted the job.”

User @realwiseguy_ceo asked, “How I sign up for housekeeping for a celebrity?👀👀👀🤣.”

@love_meorleave_me96 sided with Brown. “He told her ssa not to go outside when those dogs were there!!!”

RELATED: Okay, Breezy! Chris Brown Sparks A FRENZY After Sharing PSA For The Ladies About His Upcoming Tour (WATCH)

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s highly anticipated wedding celebration is reportedly coming with an enormous security bill. As preparations continue at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, new reports claim the superstar couple could spend close to $160,000 on police presence alone during the multi-day wedding festivities. The event is expected to begin just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, with trucks, equipment, and event infrastructure already arriving at the famed venue.

According to TMZ, more than 70 NYPD detectives are expected to be assigned to the event across July 2 and July 3. Sources told the outlet the detectives will work approximately 8.5-hour shifts, with hourly rates reportedly ranging between $80 and $90. The estimated cost for those officers alone could exceed $95,000.

An additional 50 police officers are also reportedly expected to be stationed around Madison Square Garden, working nine-hour shifts at approximately $70 per hour, adding another estimated $63,000 to security expenses.

The report further claims that senior NYPD officials will also be involved, pushing the total cost closer to the six-figure mark. Officials noted that staffing levels could still change before the celebrations begin.

Madison Square Garden Preparations Already Underway

Photos obtained by the Daily Mail showed significant activity outside Madison Square Garden earlier this week as crews unloaded equipment and prepared the venue. Large trucks were spotted outside the arena, while a red carpet was briefly installed before being removed and replaced.

Among the equipment arriving at the venue were electronics racks and trailers labeled “TAIT 1 – AUD DECK” and “TAIT 2 – VER.” The markings appear to reference TAIT Towers, the company known for developing large-scale staging and transportation systems used for major live productions. Swift famously utilized TAIT’s technology throughout her record-breaking “Eras Tour.”

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Are Reportedly Keeping Guests Guessing

Despite widespread speculation surrounding the wedding, guests allegedly still don’t know exactly where the ceremony will take place.

A source recently told Us Weekly that invitees have only been instructed to be in New York City during the celebration window. “Taylor and Travis told guests to be in NYC. No other location was provided,” the insider claimed.

According to the report, attendees were informed that they would need to be available on July 2 and July 3, but were not given any additional details about specific venues or event plans.

The source added that the couple is effectively “putting their guests on hold for a couple days” while final arrangements remain under wraps.

Wedding Costs Continue To Climb

Reports suggest Swift and Kelce have fully embraced the idea of turning their wedding into a major event. TMZ previously reported that the couple spent approximately $3 million to secure Madison Square Garden for multiple days, covering setup, the ceremony itself, and post-event breakdown.

Meanwhile, The New York Times has reported that the festivities could include a smaller gathering on July 2 before expanding into a much larger celebration the following night with roughly 1,000 guests in attendance.

An insider previously told the Daily Mail that the couple had embraced the idea of a “spectacle” wedding and ultimately selected Madison Square Garden as the centerpiece of the celebration.

Stevie Nicks And Tim McGraw Could Reportedly Play Special Roles

Adding even more star power to the festivities, reports have suggested that Swift and Kelce have enlisted two music legends to perform during the wedding celebration. As The Blast previously reported, Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw, both longtime figures in Swift’s career and musical journey, are reportedly expected to take part in the event.

The guest list itself remains largely a mystery, though previous reports have claimed attendees are being required to sign non-disclosure agreements before receiving additional information about the wedding. It is also speculated that Selena Gomez, one of Swift’s BFFs, and Gomez’s beau, Benny Blanco, will be in attendance.

On Travis’ side, it is believed that his brother Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie Kelce, as well as their kids, and his parents Donna Kelce and Ed Kelce, will be present and involved in the ceremony.

With security tightening, equipment continuing to arrive, and guests still waiting for final details, anticipation surrounding what could become one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings in recent memory continues to grow.

Travis Kelce’s longtime stylist, Danielle Salzedo, has officially touched down in New York City ahead of his reported wedding to Taylor Swift.

Salzedo posted a cryptic Instagram Story on Wednesday, July 1, sharing footage of her car driving into NYC, set to RÜFÜS DU SOL’s track “New York.”

The stylist has worked with Kelce, 36, for several years through her role as a senior vice president of brand development for Sports at 3 Arts Entertainment.

Salzedo previously offered insight on the Kansas City Chiefs player’s fashion choices while speaking exclusively to Us Weekly in November 2023, insisting he has “a clear vision for his personal aesthetic and definitely styles himself.”

“I know what he likes, and I find him options with brands we know are his vibe — while also looking for new ones yet to be discovered,” she said.

At the time, Salzedo explained that Kelce was incredibly hands-on with picking his clothing and has a closet filled with top designers such as Louis Vuitton, Fear of God, Christian Dior, Bottega Veneta, Tom Ford, Thom Browne, Marni and Kid Super.

“He dedicates time to buying online, so he knows what’s out there and what’s new,” Salzedo told Us in November 2023. “He spends a significant amount of time on different retail and designer sites looking for new pieces and shopping. He’s bought pieces before we can even contact the brand to secure the items.”

Along with Salzedo’s arrival in NYC, Kelce was photographed jogging in the city on Tuesday, June 30, per DeuxMoi. Swift, 36, has yet to be seen in the days leading up to her reported nuptials.

The couple are expected to tie the knot sometime over the holiday week, though they have yet to publicly confirm any details.

Reports suggest that the ceremony may take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 3. Multiple media outlets reported this week that Swift and Kelce are having a fairytale-esque castle and white staircase built inside MSG as part of their wedding set.

Ahead of the big day, several of the couple’s friends — including Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Suki Waterhouse — have all been spotted in the New York City area.

An insider exclusively told Us in late June that guests still have no firm details on where or when exactly the wedding will take place though they were asked to be available on Thursday, July 2, and Friday.

“Taylor and Travis told guests to be in NYC. No other location was provided,” an insider revealed to Us.

The source hinted that the impending newlyweds are “putting their guests on hold for a couple days” in order to maintain the integrity of the wedding.

“They are spending a lot of money — in the millions,” the source added.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Swift and Kelce announced their engagement in August 2025. Kelce popped the question directly after Swift made an appearance on the NFL star’s “New Heights” podcast.

Related: Travis Kelce Hints at Making Core Memories Over 4th of July Ahead of Wedding

Travis Kelce is ready to make some “core memories” over the Fourth of July holiday — which may also be his wedding weekend. “Fourth of July weekend is right around the corner,” Travis, 36, said while promoting Expedia during the Wednesday, July 1, episode of his “New Heights” podcast with brother Jason Kelce. “America’s birthday.” […]

During a November 2025 appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Swift teased that she’d throw herself into wedding planning once she finished promoting her October 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl. (Swift’s 12th studio album topped the Billboard 200 for 12 nonconsecutive weeks.)

“I think the wedding is what happens after [my Life of a Showgirl promotional tour] in the scheme of the planning, but I’m so excited about it,” Swift teased. “I know it’s gonna be fun to plan because I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount and people are on the bubble.”