Many Criminal Minds episodes are difficult to watch. Some are gruesome, some are genuinely frightening, and others leave viewers staring at the credits in stunned silence, but Season 5, Episode 9, “100,” manages something far more painful: It makes the people hunting monsters feel completely helpless.

The episode, which aired in November 2009 as the series’ 100th installment, concludes the Reaper storyline that had been building since Season 4’s “Omnivore.” George Foyet (C. Thomas Howell) has spent months turning Aaron Hotchner’s (Thomas Gibson) life into a personal nightmare, and by the time “100” begins, the FBI agent has done everything he can to protect his family, but it still isn’t enough. Sixteen years later, “100” remains one of Criminal Minds’ most effective episodes because its violence is almost secondary. The real horror is watching Hotch realize he can do nothing.

‘Criminal Minds’ Makes Hotch’s Worst Fear Come True

Image via CBS

“100” wastes very little time establishing that the BAU is already behind. The episode opens with the team sitting through an internal investigation into Hotch, immediately revealing that something has gone terribly wrong. From there, the story rewinds to show how Foyet found Sam Kassmeyer, the U.S. Marshal responsible for protecting Hotch’s ex-wife Haley (Meredith Monroe) and their son, Jack.

Foyet has always understood that control matters more to him than simply killing people. In “Omnivore,” he manipulated Detective Tom Shaunessy into abandoning the Reaper investigation by offering him a deal. Hotch refuses to play along when Foyet offers the same bargain, making him the Reaper’s new obsession. By “100,” that obsession has become brutally personal.

After attacking Kassmeyer and stealing his phone, Foyet tricks Haley into believing that the people protecting her have been killed. He poses as the replacement marshal and convinces her to let him in. Hotch and the BAU are racing to find her, but Foyet has already anticipated their moves.

Haley’s Death Makes ‘100’ So Much More Than a Serial Killer Story

Image via CBS

Hotch’s relationship with Haley had never been simple. His dedication to the FBI repeatedly strained their marriage, and Haley spent years feeling as though she was raising Jack alone while her husband chased other people’s monsters. Their divorce was painful, but it never erased the fact that these two people loved each other.

As Hotch races toward the house, he is forced to speak with Haley over the phone while Foyet stands nearby. He knows what is happening, Haley knows what is happening, the audience knows what is happening, and no clever escape hatch is coming. Haley asks Hotch to tell their son how they met so that Jack will still believe in love. It is a heartbreaking request because it is simultaneously about her own death and the life she knows she is leaving behind. Hotch tries to stay composed for his son, even as he realizes he’s about to lose the woman he once planned to spend his life with. Foyet shoots Haley three times as Hotch and the rest of the BAU listen.

The episode didn’t need to show the murder to make it horrifying. The sound is enough. In fact, keeping the camera away from the actual shooting makes Hotch’s helplessness even more brutal. He is an FBI agent who’s spent his career learning to anticipate violence, and now all he can do is listen. Hotch is usually the person in the room who keeps everyone else calm. He is controlled, disciplined, and rarely lets his personal feelings dictate his decisions. But Gibson spends much of “100” showing exactly how much effort that composure requires.

When Hotch hears Haley being killed, there is nowhere for that control to go. His eventual confrontation with Foyet releases everything the character has been suppressing. Hotch finds Haley’s body, sees Foyet hiding behind the curtains, and unloads his gun. Foyet survives because he is wearing a bulletproof vest, and the two men then fight hand-to-hand. Even after Foyet surrenders, Hotch continues beating him until Morgan (Shemar Moore) has to physically pull him away. It is an ugly scene, deliberately so. The BAU has spent years asking whether hunting monsters can change the people doing the hunting. Now the show has its answer: Yes, it can.

That question was planted back in the Criminal Minds pilot. Showrunner Ed Bernero specifically wanted the 100th episode to revisit whether someone could spend their life hunting monsters without becoming one. Hotch killing Foyet with his bare hands — rather than the knife used in an earlier draft of the script — makes the point impossible to miss.

Why ‘100’ Still Hurts 16 Years Later

Image via CBS

The brilliance of “100” is that the audience already knows the destination. The opening scenes reveal that Hotch will face an internal investigation, and the episode becomes a countdown to the tragedy we know is coming — a structure that should make the episode less suspenseful. Instead, it makes every scene worse. And while “100” is not without flaws — Foyet’s seemingly endless ability to escape consequences requires a healthy suspension of disbelief, and Haley’s willingness to trust a stranger claiming to be a marshal can feel frustratingly convenient — none of that changes what the episode accomplishes emotionally.

Criminal Minds has killed beloved characters before and since, but Haley’s death permanently changes Hotch. The BAU doesn’t simply solve another case and move on to the next week because their leader has lost someone he loved because the monster he was hunting came after his family.

That’s why “100” remains the show’s emotional benchmark. It takes the fundamental premise of Criminal Minds — a group of people who understand monsters well enough to stop them — and asks what happens when understanding the monster isn’t enough.

Advertisement

Release Date

September 22, 2005

Advertisement

Showrunner

Erica Messer

Directors

Advertisement

Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Rob Bailey, Matthew Gray Gubler, Joe Mantegna, John Gallagher, Douglas Aarniokoski, Guy Norman Bee, Larry Teng, Nelson McCormick, Alec Smight, Charles S. Carroll, Rob Spera, Charles Haid, Diana Valentine, Rob Hardy, Tawnia McKiernan, Bethany Rooney, Karen Gaviola, Sharat Raju, Thomas Gibson, Aisha Tyler, Anna Foerster, Gloria Muzio, John Terlesky

Writers

Bruce Zimmerman, Virgil Williams, Edward Allen Bernero, Janine Sherman Barrois, Chris Mundy, Simon Mirren, Debra J. Fisher, Kimberly A. Harrison, Jay Beattie, Dan Dworkin, Karen Maser, Oanh Ly, Stephanie Sengupta, Aaron Zelman, Kirsten Vangsness, Erica Meredith, Andi Bushell, Holly Harold, Alicia Kirk, Jeff Davis, Randy Huggins, Edward Napier, Jayne A. Archer, Chikodili Agwuna

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Jennifer Aniston may have just found the easiest way to make a fall outfit look more expensive. The actress recently reached for a chocolate-brown crossbody, making a strong case for swapping lighter summer accessories for the rich, coffee-colored shade. Naturally, we found a similar style on Amazon for just $26.

On September 2, Aniston stepped out in New York City wearing a soft gray midi dress, gold jewelry and a structured chocolate-brown crossbody bag. She wore the strap slightly shorter so the bag sat higher on her side, giving the classic style a polished feel. Between the sleek shape and deep brown hue, it’s exactly the kind of accessory we want to pair with sweaters, denim and other fall staples.

Get the Apryl Structured Small Crossbody Bag for $28 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Apryl Structured Small Crossbody Bag captures the same rich-looking aesthetic for a fraction of the price. Its chocolate-brown color looks strikingly similar to Aniston’s, while the structured silhouette and minimal design make it look much more expensive than its $26 price tag.

Made from soft, durable and water-resistant vegan leather, the bag features a front flap closure and polished gold hardware for an elevated finishing touch. The adjustable strap also lets you wear it as a classic crossbody or shorten it into a shoulder bag, making it easy to recreate Aniston’s styling.

Shoppers are already sold on its fall-ready versatility. One reviewer called it a “super cute fall bag,” adding that the “versatility is perfect” and it “can be an evening bag, a day bag and an errand bag.” Despite its compact silhouette, there’s still room for everyday essentials like a phone, cardholder, keys and lipstick.

Another buyer loved its adjustability, noting that it “can be worn as a cross-body or as a shoulder bag.” We’d pair the chocolate-brown version with a knit dress and loafers, jeans and a sweater or a classic trench once temperatures drop. At just $26, it’s an easy way to give your fall outfits the same rich-looking finish as Aniston’s purse.

Get the Apryl Structured Small Crossbody Bag for $28 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale —>

Related: Martha Stewart Brought Back This *Very* Y2K Tote Bag Style

Advertisement

Martha Stewart just gave Us another reason to dig through our Y2K fashion archives. The lifestyle mogul stepped out carrying the kind of slouchy denim tote that would have looked right at home in the early 2000s — and suddenly, we want one again. Consider the throwback bag officially back on our fall radar. Stewart […]

Selena Gomez turned heads in gold at the 2026 Emmy Awards, but her glamorous red-carpet appearance also sparked a different conversation among some fans.

Social media users questioned whether something looked different around the actress’ eyes, with theories ranging from “fresh Botox” and filler to makeup, lighting and natural facial asymmetry.

Now, plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Tillo is explaining what could produce the effect viewers noticed while stressing that photographs cannot determine whether Gomez recently underwent any cosmetic treatment.

Gomez arrived at the September 14 ceremony in a strapless gold Louis Vuitton gown, pairing the shimmering look with long waves, peach-toned makeup and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. Vogue described the dress as a gold chainmail design, while the actress attended as “Only Murders in the Building” competed for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Advertisement

Amid praise for her look, some Reddit users focused on an apparent difference between Gomez’s eyes.

Commenters floated several possible explanations, including recent Botox around the brow area, cheek filler, contouring, irritation or natural facial asymmetry.

Gomez has not said she recently received Botox or any other cosmetic treatment.

Dr. Omar Tillo, plastic surgeon and Medical Director at CREO Clinic, cautioned against drawing that conclusion from red-carpet photographs.

Advertisement

“Looking at photographs alone, it isn’t possible to say that Selena has recently had Botox, and I would be very cautious about attributing any change in her appearance to a particular treatment,” Tillo told The Blast via email correspondence.

Plastic Surgeon Explains Why Her Eyes May Look Different

Selena Gomez fans brand the star ‘unrecognizable’ at the Emmys with some comparing her appearance to Geena Davis.

‘What happened to her?’

‘This is Geena Davis.’

‘I believe she is cloned.’ pic.twitter.com/P83u9b2qgj

Advertisement

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) September 15, 2026

According to Tillo, the area attracting the most attention may explain why some viewers thought Gomez looked noticeably different.

“What people seem to be responding to most strongly in these photographs is the asymmetry around the eyes,” he explained. “One eye appears slightly more closed than the other, and because the eyes are such an important reference point when we recognise a face, even quite a small difference can make somebody look surprisingly different.”

Tillo acknowledged that recent Botox is one possible general explanation for that kind of appearance, but emphasized it is far from the only one.

Advertisement

He explained that Botox temporarily reduces activity in targeted muscles. When used around the forehead or between the eyebrows, dose, placement and distribution matter because several muscles help control eyebrow and upper-eyelid positioning.

“If those muscles are affected unevenly, you can temporarily see a difference in brow height or how open one eye appears compared with the other,” Tillo said.

In uncommon cases, he added, Botox can cause temporary eyelid or eyebrow drooping known as ptosis, creating noticeable asymmetry.

Dr. Tillo Says Timing Could Matter If Botox Was Involved

Ünlü şarkıcı ve oyuncu Selena Gomez’in yüzündeki değişim sosyal medyada gündem oldu; bazı kullanıcılar görüntülerdeki kişinin Gomez olduğuna inanmakta zorlanırken bazıları ise estetik iddialarını gündeme getirdi.pic.twitter.com/FPudUJBhuY

— Onedio (@onedio) September 15, 2026

Advertisement

Even if Botox were responsible, Tillo stressed that the treatment’s effects don’t appear all at once.

“Botox doesn’t normally reach its full effect immediately,” he explained. “Changes develop over several days and generally become more established over the following week or two.”

Consequently, someone treated relatively recently could experience a period in which the result is still settling.

That explanation remains hypothetical in Gomez’s case because neither Tillo nor fans know whether she recently received treatment.

Advertisement

Gomez has, however, previously addressed cosmetic-procedure speculation herself. In 2024, PEOPLE reported that she responded to a TikTok discussion about changes in her appearance by writing, “I have Botox. That’s it. Leave me alone.”

That previous admission does not establish that Botox had anything to do with her appearance at the 2026 Emmys.

More From The Blast

Could Filler Have Changed Selena Gomez’s Appearance?

Some commenters also wondered whether cheek filler could explain why one of Gomez’s eyes appeared smaller.

Tillo again cautioned that photographs cannot establish whether she has filler.

“Generally speaking, however, adding volume to the upper cheek can change the relationship between the cheek and lower eyelid,” he told The Blast. “If there is significant volume immediately beneath the eye, particularly when somebody smiles, it can make the eye aperture appear slightly smaller.”

Advertisement

Still, the surgeon said he would not look at Gomez’s Emmys photographs and conclude that filler was responsible.

“Facial expression, camera angle and existing natural asymmetry can produce a very similar effect,” he explained.

Makeup And Lighting Could Be Playing A Bigger Role

There may also be a considerably simpler explanation behind the online discussion.

“Makeup, lighting and styling can also make facial features appear different in photographs, so they shouldn’t be overlooked when comparing red-carpet images,” Tillo said. “These factors can emphasise existing asymmetry or change how the proportions of the face appear on camera.”

That is particularly relevant at an event where Gomez’s beauty look was deliberately coordinated with her metallic gown. PEOPLE described her makeup as peachy-pink, while her hairstyle featured loose waves.

Advertisement

Ultimately, Tillo said a single red-carpet appearance cannot provide evidence of a particular procedure.

“A difference in muscle movement, natural asymmetry, makeup, swelling, expression or simply the moment a photograph is taken can dramatically change how familiar somebody looks,” he explained.

And even if Botox caused temporary asymmetry, Tillo noted that its effects are temporary and muscle activity gradually returns.

“But without examining somebody clinically and knowing what treatment they have actually received,” he concluded, “anything more specific would simply be speculation.”

Advertisement

“Dancing With The Stars” judge Bruno Tonioli is setting the record straight about the controversy surrounding season 35. 

The popular reality television dance show where celebrities are paired with professional ballroom dancers to perform choreographed routines has been on air since 2005 and has boasted an impressive cast list since then.

However, the recent cast announcement has sparked plenty of online conversation. Now, Tonioli is addressing the dispute, and the season is promising to be one nobody wants to miss.

5

The latest season of “Dancing With The Stars” premiered on September 15 with a two-night premiere, and unlike other seasons, one male and one female will be eliminated after just one week.

This aims to push contestants to go all in from week one. Speaking to US Magazine about the format, the longtime host revealed that judging would be strict this year.

“What happens is your expectations are higher, so obviously they know that,” the 70-year-old judge said. “They’re gonna be afraid, but the expectations are higher. We will be very honest. Nobody’s gonna get a free ride. I’m telling you that.” 

The judge explained that the show’s ballroom technique was a whole different ball game for contestants, even those with past dance experience. “I’ve done it for a very, very long time. But these kids — they’ve never done it before. So give them a chance. Be nice. Be nice, people. Give them a chance,” he urged. 

DWTS Contestants Question If The Playing Field Is Truly Even 

5

Tonioli’s comments come in response to the conversations surrounding the latest season’s lineup. Some viewers questioned whether some contestants have an unfair advantage because of their dance background, with Jenna Dewan being the focal point. 

“The cast is definitely whispering about how unfair some of the casting is,” a source revealed, per The Blast, “especially with Jenna being a former dancer and others having dance experience.”

“Everyone thinks Jenna Dewan has a very unfair advantage because she is a professional dancer. That is how she began her career,” another source said about the “Step Up” actress, who had been dancing for years before coming to Hollywood. “It’s like, ‘Duh, we all know she’s going to win.”

The actress echoed Tonioli’s sentiments, pushing back on the narrative and describing ballroom dancing as a whole different language from the dance she was used to.

“There’s parts of my dance training that’s helpful, obviously. I’ve learned choreography, I can perform, but there is a certain sense of unlearning for me,” she said.

Dewan, however, is not the only contestant under scrutiny. The cast also includes “Save the Last Dance” actress Julia Stiles, former “Bachelor” star Tyler Cameron, who previously appeared on “The Real Dirty Dancing,” and “Glee” alum Harry Shum Jr., who toured professionally as a dancer before becoming an actor. 

DWTS Former Winner Bobby Bones Shared His Opinion On The Ringer Debate

5

Former show winner Bobby Bones weighed in on the debate, making it clear he had no issue with trained dancers getting on the show.

However, he didn’t appreciate them acting like it didn’t give them an upper hand in the competition simply because they didn’t know ballroom dance.

The “DWTS” alum said contestants with dance experience already had skills like rhythm and spatial awareness, likening it to a pro baseball player in a softball game.

He reiterated that pretending it was not an advantage was “insulting,” as it was an “obvious advantage,” per The Blast.

Tyler Cameron Says Former Dance Experience Is Nothing Compared To DWTS 

5

Tyler Cameron, however, seems to have a different opinion. He is entering the competition with dance experience but does not believe it has prepared him for “Dancing With The Stars.” 

The Blast reported that he compared it to his time on “The Real Dirty Dancing,” which took about two weeks,  while DWTS required more from its contestants. 

“I will say that is like one-fifth of what we’re doing here,” he shared, adding that the difference between the two shows was enormous. 

Jenna Johnson Believes No Celebrity Is Truly Prepared For Dancing With The Stars 

5

Professional dance partner Jenna Johnson, who made her show debut in 2014 as a troupe dancer and later became a professional dancer in 2016, also gave her two cents on the situation, as reported by The Blast. 

The choreographer shared that after working with different celebrities from all walks of life, she feels no one is ever truly ready for “DWTS.” She attributed the live audience and millions of viewers at home to that, and said it was impossible to know how someone would act in that situation. 

She also quoted the demanding schedule of less than a week to learn a new ballroom technique, with themes and judging expectations: “I understand when people are like, ‘Oh, you know, dance experience, whatever.’ Who cares! This is the first time they’re ever doing Dancing with the Stars. That is very different.” 

It’s been a few months since Todd Tucker and Kandi Burruss finalized their divorce. And Todd is keeping it real about how he’s been adjusting to his new normal. In a new interview, he also opened up about where things stand with Riley Burruss and spilled on the one thing she wants him to do following his split from her mom.

RELATED: Riley Burruss Opens Up About Life After Kandi & Todd Tucker’s Divorce & What She’s Learned From Her Mom (VIDEO)

Todd Tucker Keeps It Real About Adjusting To Life After Divorce From Kandi Burruss

Todd Tucker kept it a stack about post-divorce life while chopping it up on Big Tigger’s ‘The Morning Show.’ The reality star admitted adjusting to life after his split from Kandi Burruss hasn’t been easy, and he’s still figuring out how to navigate the circumstances. “I’m f****d up!” Todd continued, “You mask it with hanging out, drinking, and all of the s**t, you know. But I’m working through it. I don’t think people understand divorce. I lost my person.”

Todd didn’t reveal what led to his divorce from Kandi, but he admitted the split hasn’t been easy. He said he “lost his family as he knew it.” He also explained that he got so used to having a full house that seeing his kids every other week has been difficult.

Here’s What Riley Burruss Wants Todd To Do

Todd didn’t just keep it real about his own feelings — he also shared how the kids have been handling the divorce. As fans know, Todd and Kandi share Ace and Blaze Tucker, while Todd has his daughter Kaela from a previous relationship, and Kandi has Riley Burruss. Todd recalled chopping it up with Riley while Kaela hosted a party at his New Jersey home, and that’s when Riley shared her thoughts on their split. Todd said she straight-up told him she wants to see him and her mom back together. “She was like, ‘Go get my mom back,’ and it was one of those moments where you can’t even get the words out,” Tucker explained.

Riley Burruss Previously Shared How She’s Been Handling Kandi & Todd’s Divorce

During a July interview, Riley Burruss shared how she’s been handling her mom and stepdad’s split. Riley explained that while breakups can hit the couple hard, she’s learned that people who love them feel it too. At the time, she admitted she was still adjusting and learning a lot as she navigated through the new chapter.

“So it is really hard for me,” Riley explained. “It’s just been a year of adapting. It’s tough at times, it’s easy at times, it’s confusing. I’m still learning, honestly.”

RELATED: The Internet Claps For Todd Tucker After He Sends Sweet Message To Kandi Burruss On Her 50th Birthday (PHOTO) 

Modern Family is one of the best modern-day sitcoms. There’s no arguing it. The blend of personalities in the Dunphy-Pritchett-Tucker clan creates a hilarious, colorful viewing experience in every episode. Each episode is special in its own right, and it can be hard to narrow down which episode changed the show for the better, but the show took a big risk with the Season 4 premiere “Bringing Up Baby,” one that ultimately paid off not just by helping one character grow, but by bringing the show into a new era.

What Happens in ‘Modern Family’s Season 4 Premiere?

To truly understand the emotional weight of Modern Family’s Season 4 opener, we must first go back to Season 3. Throughout Season 3, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) are preparing to adopt another child. In the Season 3 finale, aptly titled “Baby on Board,” they receive the call that there is a mother in Calexico currently giving birth, and she has chosen them to adopt her baby. They bring Gloria (Sofía Vergara) as a translator since the family does not speak English. But as they travel to the hospital, Gloria mentions feeling sick, chalking it up to being carsick, coupled with nerves and excitement for Mitch and Cam. However, things don’t go quite as planned when they arrive at the hospital because once the biological grandmother of the baby finds out about the adoption plans, she insists on raising the child herself, ultimately squandering Mitch and Cam’s dreams of adopting again. They opt to put their plans for adoption on hold for a while, as they’re tired of coming so close and being denied time and time again. It not only affects them but Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) as well, and it’s just not fair. Their storyline has one last beat before the episode ends as Gloria reveals that she wasn’t carsick after all but that she’s pregnant.

This is where the Season 4 premiere picks up. It’s Jay’s (Ed O’Neill) 65th birthday, and all he wants is a quiet day. Phil (Ty Burrell), being Phil, can’t accept this and, with the help of Jay’s friends Shorty (Chaz Palminteri) and Miles (Ernie Hudson), they decide to take him fishing, where they toast to Jay’s freedom from responsibility now that he’s turned 65 and is officially an “old age.” On the flip side, Gloria begins telling some of the family to test the waters and see how they’ll react, as she’s nervous about telling Jay. She first tells Manny (Rico Rodriguez), who says Jay likely won’t take it well since he doesn’t like change. She then tells Claire (Julie Bowen), who is excited about the news, and says Jay will be happy, even though she knows he won’t have a good reaction because he struggles to mask his reactions. She decides to get to Jay first and tells him that someone is going to tell him some big news and that he needs to react nicely to the next big news he hears because said person is very vulnerable at the moment. After a bit of confusion, thinking that the big news was Mitch and Cam adopting a cat, Gloria finally frustratedly announces that she’s pregnant and will raise the baby with or without Jay’s help. But to her (and everyone’s surprise), Jay is thrilled by the news. He admits that turning 65 and the newfound freedom it unlocked made him feel like his life was over, so Gloria being pregnant gives him an opportunity to raise a child all over again and feel like his life is only just beginning.

‘Bringing Up Baby’ Has a Positive Effect on the Show as a Whole

Image via ABC

Advertisement

As I said, several episodes could have been chosen for the one that changed Modern Family for the better, but ultimately, “Bringing Up Baby” had the biggest impact in the long run. A lot of this has to do with Joe (Jeremy Maguire), who is Gloria and Jay’s son. Joe makes for one of the funniest (and cutest) additions to the series and brings a whole new dynamic to the family that we haven’t seen since Cam and Mitchell adopted Lily. It also brings another funny dynamic we haven’t seen quite as much of at this point in the show, in the sense of Mitch and Claire adjusting to having a baby brother while being fully grown adults. We saw them work through this dynamic with Manny in the first season, but as Manny got older, it got a little less odd and noticeable. Now, they have a brother who is around 40 years younger than them, which is a major adjustment for anyone and makes for some hilarious jokes throughout the seasons. Also, thanks to Joe, we get Andy (Adam DeVine), Joe’s “Manny,” who is a fan-favorite character and undeniably the best love interest for Haley (Sarah Hyland).

As Joe gets older, we get to see his personality flourish, and he becomes a mini Jay. It’s most noticeable in the episode “He Said, She Shed” when Jay teaches him how to play golf. Joe becomes very competitive and serious about the sport, which angers Gloria but makes Jay beam with pride. But this also brings me to my next point, and that’s how Joe brings out a whole new side of Jay and helps him to grow as a character. Jay has always been a very hit-or-miss character. His views on things are very outdated, and he wasn’t the best father to Mitch and Claire when they were growing up. There’s no doubt that he loves them, but there’s also no denying he could have done things better. Joe offers him a second chance.

Joe Helps Jay Grow as a Character in ‘Modern Family’

Jay was never a bad father to Mitchell and Claire, but he wasn’t as present as he could have been in their lives while they were growing up. Between the constant fighting between him and his wife, DeDe (Shelley Long), and his long work hours, he wasn’t the father he should have been. He makes up for it now, being a much more present figure in their lives and being the best grandfather to their children. But in many moments throughout the show, Jay expresses remorse to Mitchell and Claire for not being there for them. He and Mitchell especially have a difficult relationship due to Jay’s struggle to accept Mitchell’s sexuality. This is repaired as time goes on, but it takes a long time for them to heal, and rightfully so. Modern Family doesn’t try to beat around the bush about Jay’s shortcomings, nor does it try to defend him or make excuses. He’s made mistakes and said things he’ll never be able to take back. But Joe offers him that second chance to do things right and be the father he never was.

Joe brings out a new, softer side of Jay, which is much desired. He was never inherently bad, but he’s always been grumpy, set in his ways, and often cold. Because of Joe, we also get to see him become a better father to Mitchell and Claire, as he’s softer and kinder, and his heart is more open. All in all, Joe brought a brand-new dynamic to Modern Family. We didn’t know we needed it, yet the rest of the series following his birth took the show on a completely different path that was for the better.

Ed Sheeran‘s tour of North and South America is going up in flames over the decision this week to drop Macklemore as an opener. The rapper’s removal came after his onstage pro-Palestinian comments. Since then, all of Sheeran’s other supporting acts have dropped out. That includes a group that plays with Sheeran during part of the show.

RELATED: Chris Brown Says He Doesn’t Want Award Anymore After Rep. Venton Jones Apologized For Honoring Him With Congressional Recognition

Macklemore Stands By Palestine & Donates $1M

As mentioned, Macklemore exclaimed ‘Free Palestine’ during the Sept. 5 date in New Jersey.

“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters, criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, it in no way is criticism of you,” he said during the New Jersey concert. “This message is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.”

Since then, Macklemore has said his removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour was the result of an effort led by Robert Kraft. Kraft is the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots. His Kraft Group also owns Gillette Stadium, where the NFL team plays and where Sheeran is scheduled to perform later this month. Other acts from the tour implicitly cited Kraft’s involvement, decrying the influence of money.

Meanwhile, Kraft’s representatives did not respond to AP’s emailed requests for comment Tuesday and Wednesday. However, in a statement Monday, he wrote that the decision to cancel Macklemore was a result of the rapper’s recent comments “and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.”

“This decision is not about diminishing the suffering of innocent Palestinians or denying anyone the right to advocate on their behalf. Their pain and loss are real,” Kraft said.

On Wednesday (Sept. 16), Macklemore announced he would donate $1 million from his net earnings from the tour to six organizations helping Palestinians. That includes the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. He challenged Robert Kraft to match the donation.

“Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting,” Macklemore wrote.

Macklemore didn’t address the fallout, writing instead that he wanted to “bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom.”

What Did Ed Sheeran Say About Dropping Macklemore?

After Macklemore issued a lengthy statement Monday about being removed from the tour, Ed Sheeran took to Instagram to lay out his side. He said the cut from the Loop Tour came from the promoter, not him.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine,” he wrote Tuesday. “I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.”

In his statement Tuesday, Ed Sheeran said he was “not complicit” and that he had his own views on the war in Gaza.

“There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics — my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my show do not expect a political forum,” he wrote.

While Sheeran has not been as politically vocal as many fellow artists, he has expressed support for some causes in the past. He performed at the Concert for Ukraine in 2022, which raised money for Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion. Also, he collaborated with a Ukrainian band on a charity single. Sheeran has also campaigned against racism in the U.K. and criticized his country’s government for cutting arts funding.

Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe & Beoga All Quit The Tour

The Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe were scheduled to replace Macklemore as the opening acts on Ed Sheeran’s remaining U.S. tour dates. Finneas, the American singer and close collaborator with sister Billie Eilish, was down to open for Sheeran on four of his South American dates. Beoga, an Irish folk band, had been performing with Sheeran for part of his set since his tour began in January in New Zealand.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas wrote.

The announcements from each supporting act came roughly within an hour of each other Tuesday, following Ed Sheeran’s statement.  Rowe and Beoga cited their country’s history to explain their decision.

“We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be,” Beoga posted.

Rowe called Sheeran a friend. “But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation,” he wrote. Adding that he couldn’t “stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.”

Lukas Graham also appeared to take a veiled shot at Kraft, writing: “Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge.”

Meanwhile, Sheeran hasn’t posted since those supporting acts left the tour. His representative didn’t respond to an emailed request for comment. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, also hasn’t responded to AP requests for comment.

RELATED: Chris Brown Court Docs Reportedly Claim Tour Schedule Keeps Him From Court Amid Ex-Housekeeper’s $13M Dog-Bite Settlement

Whew, Roomies! Coi Leray spilled all the tea during her latest sit-down interview. While addressing the chatter about her alleged beef with Latto, Coi switched gears and got real about where things stand with Trippie Redd as they continue co-parenting their daughter, Miyoco.

RELATED: Yikes! Trippie Redd Seemingly Calls Coi Leray A Female Dog While Claiming He’s Not Allowed To See Daughter Miyoco

 Coi Leray Talks History With Trippie Redd & Co-Parenting Their Daughter Miyoco

Okay, so BOOM! Jason Lee wasted no time asking Coi Leray where things stand with Trippie Redd. Trippie seemingly aired out their co-parenting issues in a viral message back in August, but Coi kept things brief and explained that they’re handling the situation in court. Still, that didn’t stop Jason from getting to the tea! He quickly asked the ‘Act Like You Know’ rapper how her relationship with Trippie even came together. Coi admitted things might’ve looked like they moved fast, but she and Trippie had actually been locked in since around 2021 or 2022. “We reconnected. We’re no longer together […] we had a baby. We moved on with our lives,” Coi explained.

When it came to their differences, Coi explained that she’s always cared more about a man’s personality than his looks. “I’m a personality girl. I’m not really a looks girl, you feel me? I don’t really know how to answer that question.” She continued, “You like who you like and fall for who you fall for. I can’t explain it.”  

Trippie Redd’s Previously Sparked Reactions With Message About Seeing His Daughter

Coi’s comments come after Trippie Redd previously aired out their co-parenting issues on X (formerly Twitter). Back in August, fans assumed Trippie was talking about Coi when he dropped a message that read, “Tell that b***h to tell yall she won’t let me see my baby 😉 #NDA” Trippie didn’t explain what prompted the post, but folks on X quickly jumped in and told him to take the drama to court instead of putting their business on the internet. Meanwhile, others thought he took a jab at Coi just to promote his ‘NDA’ album which had released around the time of his post.

Coi’s New Song Might Spill A Lil’ Tea

Although Coi still hasn’t addressed Trippie’s viral message directly, fans might get a lil’ more insight into how she really feels on her new single, ‘Nothing Into Something.’ Coi previously teased a snippet of the track on her Instagram Story, where she seemingly raps about an ex moving funny. It’s unclear if she’s talking about Trippie, but fans will be able to put on their detective hats when the full song drops on Friday, September 18.

“How the f**k I do that?
Remember those days when n****s hating
Now I up they faces changing
Said I knew I always make it
How the f**k you knew that?
Looking back at my ex like damn
How the f**k you blew that?
Looking back at them texts like damn
How the f**k you do that?
Damn how the f**k blew that?,” Coi raps.

RELATED: Whew! Resurfaced Video Appears To Show Latto & Brooklyn Laughing About Fight Coi Leray Recently Recalled (WATCH) 

Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner found themselves sharing the sidelines again this week, more than two years after their divorce, as they reunited to support their son at a volleyball game in Santa Barbara.

The former couple kept their distance during the outing, making the family appearance an awkward reminder of the turbulent years that followed the end of their 18-year marriage.

The reunion also comes as Kevin Costner’s love life is attracting fresh attention after he was spotted getting cozy with a younger lifestyle coach.

5

As seen in photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Costner, 71, and Baumgartner, 52, attended their son’s beach volleyball game in Santa Barbara, with the former spouses appearing to keep their distance while watching the teenager play.

The meeting was significant because it put the former couple in the same public setting after their marriage ended in a contentious legal battle.

Yet the reason for their reunion was straightforward: their children remain a shared priority.

Costner and Baumgartner have three children together, Cayden, Hayes, and Grace. Hayes, in particular, has a long-standing connection to volleyball.

For the event, the Oscar award winner kept it simple in a white T-shirt and pants, along with flip-flops.

People Magazine previously reported that Costner regularly drove his younger children to school and volleyball practices, describing himself as an “Uber guy” who spent much of his time getting them where they needed to go.

The actor has also spoken about the importance of staying involved in his children’s lives, even while balancing a demanding Hollywood career.

See images from Kevin Costner’s reunion with his ex-wife here.

The Actor’s Divorce Became A Major Legal Battle Over Child Support

5

Costner and Baumgartner’s marriage ended after nearly two decades. Baumgartner filed for divorce in May 2023, citing “irreconcilable differences,” and the split quickly became one of the most closely watched celebrity divorce cases of the year.

The former couple fought over their family home, child support, and the terms of their prenuptial agreement before reaching a settlement in September 2023.

Their divorce was officially finalized in February 2024, with a court granting them joint custody of their three children.

The legal dispute also brought unusually personal details into public view.

Baumgartner argued for substantial monthly child support, while Costner’s lawyers challenged some of her requests. The proceedings eventually ended without a trial, but the public nature of the battle left a complicated backdrop to their co-parenting relationship.

Their latest volleyball reunion shows that, whatever tension remains between the former spouses, family occasions still bring them into the same space.

Christine Baumgartner Has Since Married Kevin Costner’s Former Friend

5

The story became more complicated after Baumgartner moved on with Josh Connor, a financier who had been a friend of Costner’s.

The pair were romantically linked after her divorce filing and married in October 2025 in Santa Barbara.

Their relationship attracted attention because Connor had been part of Costner and Baumgartner’s wider social circle.

Baumgartner had previously described Connor as a friend during the divorce proceedings, while later reports confirmed their relationship had become romantic.

According to E! News, Baumgartner and Connor married at Santa Ynez Ranch in front of about 100 guests, with their children present. Costner did not publicly comment on the marriage.

The Actor’s Love Life Has Also Faced Scrutiny

5

While Baumgartner has settled into married life with Connor, Costner’s own romantic life has remained a source of speculation.

He was linked to singer Jewel, although Costner later pushed back on the idea that they had dated, saying they were friends.

He was also reported to have had a private, casual relationship with Kelley Noonan Gores, with sources describing a cautious romance following his highly publicized divorce.

Now Costner has sparked fresh romance rumors after being photographed in Santa Barbara with lifestyle coach Jennifer Milburn, 40.

Page Six reported that the pair appeared “extremely affectionate” during an outing and identified Milburn as a lifestyle coach from Aspen, Colorado.

Neither Costner nor Milburn has publicly confirmed a relationship. The attention surrounding his personal life has nevertheless arrived at the same time as his public reunion with Baumgartner at their son’s volleyball game.

Kevin Costner And Christine Baumgartner’s Children Remain The Common Ground

5

For all the speculation surrounding Costner and Baumgartner’s personal lives, their children remain the clearest reason the former couple will continue crossing paths.

Costner has described his family as the “anchor” of his life.

In a 2024 People Magazine interview, he explained that much of his routine involved driving his younger children between school, sports and social activities.

His son Hayes has also shared a creative connection with his father, appearing in Costner’s film “Horizon: An American Saga,” while pursuing sports including volleyball.

The latest Santa Barbara reunion therefore appears less about the former couple’s complicated history and more about showing up for their son.

Still, seeing Costner and Baumgartner together again inevitably brings their difficult divorce, her marriage to his former friend, and Costner’s latest dating rumors back into the spotlight.

The creator of a Texas-based investment company has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for his role in a Ponzi scheme that prosecutors say bilked 64 victims. One of the said victims was Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

RELATED: Power Couple Energy! Ashanti & Nelly Turn Heads After Popping Out For Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s Wedding (VIDEOS)

Details About Ponzi Scheme

U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone sentenced Siddharth Jawahar, 38, on Tuesday (Sept. 15) and ordered him to pay $31.35 million in restitution to victims. Jawahar’s attorney did not immediately respond to a voicemail requesting comment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said between July 2016 and December 2023, Jawahar took in more than $35 million from investors in his company, Swiftarc Capital LLC. However, he only invested about $10 million of that amount.

Instead, prosecutors said, he used money from new investors to repay older investors and to fund an extravagant lifestyle. That lifestyle included luxury apartments in New York City and Austin, Texas, private jet travel and expensive outings.

Man Sentenced Was Living In U.S. Without Legal Status

Siddharth Jawahar was indicted by a grand jury in 2023 and pleaded guilty in January to three counts of wire fraud. Jawahar is from India and was living in the U.S. without legal status since 2005, according to court documents. Prosecutors say that after his indictment, Jawahar tried to coach a victim into giving a favorable statement to the FBI. Also, prosecutors say he lied about his immigration status and tried to get a relative to remotely wipe his iPhone in order to hide evidence.

How Much Did Travis Kelce Lose?

St. Louis news station KMOV-TV reported that prosecutors said in court that Travis Kelce was among the victims. However, they did not elaborate. A 2021 Forbes article said Kelce invested in a fund established by Jawahar’s company Swiftarc.

Robert Patrick, a spokesperson with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, said there were 64 victims total. Patrick declined to answer questions about Kelce’s connection to the case. Also, Travis Kelce’s spokespeople did not immediately respond to Associated Press emails requesting comment.

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! 83-Year-Old Woman Pleads Guilty To Bilking Folks Out Of More Than $10 Million In Ponzi Scheme

Associated Press contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.