Blake Lively’s life once revolved around dazzling nights out, A-list friendships, and headline-making appearances, but those moments now feel like a distant chapter. 

The actress, who was frequently seen alongside celebrity friends and cheering from VIP suites, has reportedly retreated into a much quieter existence as legal troubles and public scrutiny reshape her world. 

Behind the scenes, insiders say the ongoing battle tied to “It Ends with Us” is taking a toll, not just on her career, but also on her marriage to Ryan Reynolds.

Blake Lively Trades Glamorous Nights For A Private Life

Blake Lively has stepped away from the spotlight in a noticeable way, leaving behind the social scene that once defined her public image. 

Her close friendship with Taylor Swift, once a regular fixture of her outings, has also faded from view as she embraces a more low-key lifestyle filled with quiet routines and time away from public attention.

Insiders say the emotional impact of her ongoing legal situation has been difficult to ignore. 

“I think she’s just so tired,” one source told the Daily Mail, adding that the situation has left her drained to the point where “she’s just not always there when you talk to her.” 

The change has extended into her social habits as well. “They used to have big dinner parties and I don’t think they’ve had them for a while now,” the insider continued, pointing to a noticeable shift in how she and her husband spend their time.

Lively’s Legal Battle With Justin Baldoni Spirals

The turning point came at the end of 2024 when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a campaign against her. 

What followed was a highly public legal conflict that escalated quickly, with the director responding with a $400 million countersuit targeting both Lively and Reynolds.

The situation intensified as more developments unfolded, including subpoenas, pre-trial hearings, and explosive claims from both sides. 

Swift was unexpectedly pulled into the dispute, with filings alleging she had been present during a private meeting about script changes. Later, unsealed messages added further intrigue, including one where she allegedly responded, “I’ll do anything for you!!”

Although Baldoni’s case was eventually dismissed and only a portion of Lively’s claims remain, the legal drama continues to dominate headlines. 

As one insider explained, the couple’s day-to-day life now revolves around the legal battle, saying, “No one is saying they have problems, but they’re just preoccupied and I think it’s all about the case. It’s stressful.”

Blake Lively’s Inner Circle Changes As Fallout Grows

The legal battle has not only affected Lively’s professional life but also her closest relationships. 

Her once-tight bond with Swift appears to have cooled significantly following the singer’s involvement in the case and subsequent subpoena.

Additional messages that surfaced publicly only added to the complexity of the situation, including exchanges in which the Grammy Award winner allegedly referred to Baldoni as a “b***h” who got out his “tiny violin.” 

Since then, the two have not been seen together publicly, marking a notable shift from their previously frequent appearances.

Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the case have extended to others in her circle, including publicists and legal advisors, further complicating her support system during an already challenging time.

Despite these shifts, Lively has remained firm in her stance, continuing to pursue her claims even as the process becomes increasingly exhausting. 

Insiders suggest the ongoing battle has significantly changed her day-to-day life, leaving little to no room for the social engagements that once defined her lifestyle.

Lively’s Career Momentum Slows Amid Industry Distance

Professionally, Blake Lively’s trajectory has also been impacted. Her role in “It Ends with Us” was expected to mark a major return after time spent focusing on her family, but the controversy surrounding the project has overshadowed that comeback.

Several projects tied to her name have stalled or disappeared, including plans through her production company and previously announced roles. 

Even her potential directorial debut and other high-profile adaptations have seen little progress, leaving her career in a state of uncertainty.

Insiders say the industry response has shifted significantly. “Blake isn’t getting the offers and there hasn’t been anywhere near the same interest in her since the Baldoni drama exploded,” one source said. They added, “She’s burned bridges and most people in the industry seem to be steering clear.” 

Another insider echoed the same sentiment, revealing, “It definitely appears grim for her work wise in the States, and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to change anytime soon either.” They added, “It feels like she’s been shunned by the industry.”

Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Weigh A Future Beyond Hollywood

As the pressure continues to mount, Lively and Reynolds are reportedly considering major changes, including the possibility of relocating to the United Kingdom. 

According to one insider, “Blake and Ryan have even discussed moving to the UK. But what’s making them take a long, hard look at their immediate future is that their kids’ schooling and friends are in the States.”

They also described the 38-year-old as an amazing mother, noting that if not for her and Reynolds’s kids, they would have considered relocating to the UK. 

Reynolds’ connection to Wrexham AFC has also made the idea more appealing, especially given his growing ties to the region. 

“With Ryan’s huge success with Wrexham, he has a great affinity for the UK,” another insider explained, adding, “Blake could rebrand there and believes there are top of the line filmmakers who could give her a second chance.”

Even so, questions remain about whether a change of scenery would be enough to repair the damage done. As one source put it, “It doesn’t matter which way the jury sways, it’s doubtful she will regain her reputation.”

The Pitt‘s Noah Wyle broke down Dr. Robby’s ending in season 2 after concerns of suicidal ideation.

During the finale on Thursday, April 16, Robby had separate goodbyes with most of the people at the hospital. His comments about how he didn’t know if he was coming back from his sabbatical concerned Dana (Katherine LaNasa), Abbot (Shawn Hatosy) and Duke (Jeff Kober) but Robby was determined to go.

Robby then had an argument with Langdon (Patrick Ball) before going to check on Baby Jane Doe. In an emotional final moment, Robby told the infant that she had a lot to look forward to because of how loved she was. It served as a direct parallel to Robby, who couldn’t seem to see the support he had from his loved ones.

“Emotionally, it was the culmination of a lot of goodbyes. We’d seen him say goodbye to Abbot, Duke and Dana — and then he has the exchange with Langdon. It removes all of his resistance to going,” Wyle, 54, exclusively told Us Weekly while examining Robby’s mental state. “Then he sits there and he looks at this innocent [baby] — who is also an abandoned soul and who is also helpless in the world. He just connects.”

It was important to have Robby end this chapter of his story with the baby.

“He spills a secret to the only person that can’t answer back or can’t repeat what he has to say in the room where all of his secrets are,” Wyle continued. “So it just seemed like very nice and poetic symmetry to bring him back into that room and to have him deal with that baby at the end of it all.”

Wyle recalled the biggest challenge of bringing the scene to life, adding, “Any time you’re working with babies on set, you’re working very quickly. We had three babies that day and they were being totally uncooperative with what we needed them to do. That baby finally stopped crying — or started crying — and we just started shooting.”

He continued: “We shot all that in 16 minutes. It was technically very quick and efficient work.”

According to creator R. Scott Gemmill, the show’s conclusion never changed.

“That was decided right before we even put pen to paper. It was a bit crazy because it meant we’re going to have that baby for the whole season, which is challenging,” he explained to Us. “But to me, it was about Robby finding solace in the one person that has no connections to him and it’s safe. He can tell that baby anything he wants. In some cases, he does say things that he wouldn’t tell to anyone else because he knows it’s safe.”

Related: What ‘The Pitt‘ Cast Has Said About the Show‘s Numerous Exits

Advertisement

The Pitt cast has not shied away from reacting to losing some of their own as multiple actors leave the show. HBO Max’s hit series, which premiered in January 2025, follows a group of employees at a fictional Pittsburgh hospital’s ER working a single 15-hour shift. The series is led by Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle), […]

Gemmill hoped the emotion came across, saying, “There’s comfort there. I think he sees a kindred spirit in somebody that’s got a tough life ahead of them and he is reflective in that moment of what he’s been through to get to this point.”

Looking ahead, the screenwriter teased the changes planned in season 3. “We’re not going to do a holiday next year. We’re just going to do a time of year,” Gemmill shared. “It will be a little colder. Close to [winter]. Because nobody wants to be in Pittsburgh in the middle of winter.”

Wyle, meanwhile, suggested other possibilities for future seasons.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“ER’s pilot was St. Patrick’s Day, and we’ve now done Fourth of July on The Pitt. Christmas is too many clothes and bulkiness — and we’d all get sick of the decor by the time we were finished shooting,” Wyle said about possible holidays to cover on the show. “Halloween is a little gimmicky. New Year’s Eve is a very busy ER night. So maybe New Year’s Eve.”

The Pitt has been renewed on HBO Max and is returning for season 3.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Hacks Season 5, Episode 2We’re two episodes into the final season of HBO’s critically acclaimed Hacks Season 5, with Jean Smart‘s Deborah Vance determined once and for all to cement her legacy as a legendary stand-up comedian. At her side, as always in the comedy, created by Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky is Ava Daniels, played brilliantly by Hannah Einbinder, who won an Emmy last year for her work on the show. In Episode 2 of Hacks‘ final season, Deborah and Ava head to a convention in an effort to get Deborah to connect with her fans — whom she’s been neglecting — on a more personal level. If she’s going to land Madison Square Garden, she needs to start a grassroots campaign, stat.

As is often the case with some of the best comedies, nothing goes as planned for Deborah and Ava. But it’s actually the storyline between Jimmy (Downs) and his business partner Kayla (Megan Stalter) that’s the most unexpected. While at the convention, Jimmy is starstruck by Renee O’Connor of Xena: Warrior Princess fame, with the duo stumbling upon a golden opportunity that could help get their agency on the right track. During this interview with Collider, Stalter and Downs reflect on the early moments in the series that cemented their dynamic, reveal the deeper meaning behind why they chose Xena: Warrior Princess, and tease Stalter’s big emotional scene in Episode 8.

COLLIDER: This season is so fantastic. I’ve seen the majority of it, and I just have to say, congrats. It’s been a pleasure to watch. Paul, I want to take you back a little bit. Was there an early scene, line delivery, memory on set with Megan, where you were like, “Oh, that’s the person that should play Kayla. That’s why we hired her.”

PAUL W. DOWNS: It was a dream of ours to have Meg play Kayla. We thought of her for the role as we were writing it. I’m trying to think of the thing that cemented it. Honestly, her first day on set, we were like, “Yes, this is somebody who’s making the show even better.” It was beyond a dream to have her in it, because she was Kayla and made it so much better. [To Stalter] I don’t know if you improvised, “lo siento papi” in Season 1?

MEGAN STALTER: It might have been you guys. Best writers in the whole world. I love it when he gets asked questions like these. I just get to sit back and smile and watch the compliments.

DOWNS: Oh, you know what? Another thing you did in Season 1 that was so funny to me, you were on the phone with Ava. I forget if it was the first time, but we heard “girly” or “girlina” or something, and we were like, “Well, we’re going to continue to make that part of her vernacular.” There are too many moments from Kayla that we love that we quote. Usually, when we do a season, there are certain performances that Jen, Lucia, and I, when we’re editing or as we’re working, we’ll just continue to use. We have ones from Kayla every single season.

STALTER: And also, in that vein, there are lines I can barely say without laughing that you guys wrote. Remember that there’s that scene — all of the lines you wrote that I didn’t improvise — we could barely say them without laughing. It was the bicycle thing.

DOWNS: I think you were like, “This hotel room smells like my ex-boyfriend’s bicycle seat.”

STALTER: No, no. That was funny, too.

DOWNS: Oh, the prostate. “The handlebar was up against his G spot.” No, “I guess his prostate is against his G spot.” And I was like, “I don’t think your brother should be telling you this stuff.”

STALTER: Those are written lines I can barely say, even though I memorize them. And once we got on set, I could barely say them without laughing a lot.

‘Hacks’ Paul W. Downs Teases Kayla’s Big Emotional Scene in Episode 8

Image via HBO Max

“It made me emotional doing it with her.”

Megan, that’s your time to compliment Paul. Was there a piece of advice or something early on in the show that really stuck with you as you played Kayla all these years?

STALTER: I think that I just learned everything from Paul and everyone on the show. This was my first TV job and my only TV job [Laughs].

DOWNS: No…

STALTER: Well, nothing will come like this again. He just made me feel so comfortable to improv. I feel like in the first season, you guys let me improv little lines here and there, and I just got really comfortable doing it. I think I just learned from watching him because he’s the best improviser. It doesn’t matter what you say in the scene; he’s going to have something even funnier to say back. Also, sometimes you have trouble crying in a scene, but with him, I’ve never had trouble. If it’s an emotional scene with him, I’ve never been like, “Oh, can I get the tear stick?” I don’t judge anyone using that; of course, I’ve used it a lot on other things.

DOWNS: Absolutely, pop off if you do.

STALTER: But I’ve never popped off in that way here, because I look into those eyes, I’m crying.

DOWNS: In Episode 8, Meg has a really beautiful emotional scene. She’s so good in it, and it made me emotional doing it with her.

STALTER: It’s because of him. He’s giving you all the feeling there. If you’re standing across someone that’s not feeling anything, I don’t feel anything. He feels everything. I’m looking at him crying, and I start crying. He’s really just the best actor and the best comedian. I’ve loved him for years before knowing him because his character on Broad City is the funniest character on Broad City.

DOWNS: Oh my God, wow. Okay, pullquote.

STALTER: I love the girls on it as well, of course.

DOWNS: What if we hated each other off camera?

STALTER: “Get the hell away from me! That’s my coffee you’re drinking. Put it down!”

Related

‘Hacks’ Season 4 Recap: What To Remember Before the Final Season of HBO’s Stellar Comedy

A late-night implosion and a fake death set the stage for a dramatic comeback in the final season of ‘Hacks.’

Advertisement

DOWNS: We do love each other. I admire Meg so much, and I think she’s so funny. I could get emotional! I’m not going to, but it’s true.

STALTER: I’m choking it back. I had a frog in my throat a second ago, and I had to look away from him.

DOWNS: We love each other, and also, I find her so funny. You want to be your best when you’re with a scene partner who’s that good.

STALTER: If you’re with somebody that’s not good, in between scenes, you might go, “Oh, get me out of here now. I can’t be doing this for one more second with this person.” With him, I go, “I can’t wait to be with him!” My goal is to make him break in the scene, make him laugh. Also, I’ll say, nothing feels better than when the scene’s over, and you hear Lucia laugh.

DOWNS: Oh, yeah.

STALTER: If she’s laughing, you feel like you just did heroin.

DOWNS: That is the best, I know.

‘Hacks’ Season 5, Episode 2’s ‘Xena’ Plot Point Perfectly Aligns With Deborah’s Story Arc

“The power of the fans is something that we really wanted to explore.”

One of my favorite parts of the season so far is Episode 2, when you are at the convention for Deborah. You two really get a great storyline. There are a lot of tasteful cameos this season. They always really flow well into the story. Renee O’Connor was a great addition. What made you choose her and Xena for the show?

DOWNS: That episode in particular is really about fandom, and it’s a love letter to fans, because for people like Deborah, not only are they so important to her career, but they sometimes become your friends. And in Xena, something that always struck me was that she was a character on Hercules, and the fans were so enthusiastic, so a show was born out of that. The power of the fans is something that we really wanted to explore. But, full disclosure, I was a Xena fan growing up. I watched the show with my sister. It’s the perfect thing for Jimmy to be obsessed with. It’s so surprising, but also, it’s cute. The Little Debbies are these idiosyncratic characters who can be quirky and kooky, so it was nice for us, I think, to have one of our ensemble be in that position, somebody who’s a fanatic of somebody. The show is about making comedy. We ourselves are such fans of TV, so we just wanted to give a little taste of that.

New episodes of Hacks Season 5 air on Thursdays on HBO Max.

Singer D4vd has been arrested in connection to the death of Celeste Rivas, whose body was found in the trunk of his impounded Tesla.

Us Weekly can confirm D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke), 21, is being held without bail following his arrest on Thursday, April 16.

“Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division have arrested David Burke, a 21-year-old resident of Los Angeles, for the murder of Celeste Rivas.  Burke is being held without bail,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement on Thursday. “The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration.”

D4vd’s attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter addressed the arrest via a statement to TMZ on Thursday.

“Let us be clear – the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death,” the statement read. “There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed.”

They added, “David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”

Us Weekly has reached out to D4vd’s attorney for comment.

The Los Angeles Police Department launched an investigation after discovering the body of the teenager inside an impounded Tesla registered to D4vd in September 2025.

Police confirmed to Us at the time that officers responded to the 1000 block of Mansfield Avenue in Hollywood on September 8, “for a foul odor coming from a vehicle at a tow yard.” Detectives responded and located human remains inside a Tesla.

Authorities told KTLA at the time that the Tesla was towed from the Hollywood Hills after it was reported abandoned nearly a week prior to being discovered.

Weeks later, investigators identified the deceased individual as Rivas, who turned 15 the day before her body was found.

Although the singer did not address any connection to the late teen at the time, a spokesperson for D4vd told NBC in September, “[He] has been informed about what’s happened. Although he is still out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities.”

D4vd is known for hits like “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Related: D4vd Named Grand Jury Target Amid Celeste Rivas’ Murder Case

Advertisement

Five months after Celeste Rivas’ body was found in a car that belonged to D4vd, the singer has been named as the target of a Los Angeles grand jury investigation in new court documents. The court documents state that D4vd, 20, “may be involved in the death of a 15-year-old victim” identified as Rivas, according […]

Before a body was discovered in a vehicle reportedly registered to D4vd, the artist shared a post via social media on September 6, writing, “I start media training tomorrow guys wish me luck … ”

On September 8, the same day the body was found, D4vd, also promoted his upcoming album, titled Withered Deluxe: Marcescence, via Instagram.

“Every song written exclusively by me on my phone baby, this is a passion project i put together to make sure i didn’t lose the raw emotional weight my music carries and how much it means to u all,” D4vd wrote at the time. “Thank you to all the friends who collaborated with me on this everyone ATE THEIR VERSES UP ❤️❤️❤️.”

Carrie Preston‘s Elsbeth Tascioni may strike one as being a one-note character, especially if you’re not as invested as we Fanscioni’s (?) are. But in Season 3’s latest Elsbeth episode, “Murder, He Wrote,” Preston assuages such presumptions with her best performance in the series to date. It certainly doesn’t hurt that guest star Griffin Dunne delivers a truly memorable, terrifying villain with author Elliott Pope, and a host of alums from Perfect Strangers, Friends, one from Grease and Grease 2, and four returnees from previous episodes.

Some People Can’t Take Criticism In ‘Elsbeth’s “Murder, He Wrote”

Image via CBS

Advertisement

Elliott Pope (Dunne) is reading a chapter from one of his books to an audience in an Authors in Conversation seminar, hosted by long-time friend Barney Corman (Mark Linn-Baker), a bookstore owner and critic. After his reading, Elliott sits down with Barney for an interview, with Barney citing how a new novel by Elliott is a major event. They talk about how their hometown of Massapequa features prominently in his books, a shared past that Barney honors by recusing himself from criticizing Elliott’s works. He then alludes to how the characters mirror people they’ve known — which Elliott chalks up to happenstance — before making reference to Elliott’s early, smutty bestsellers.

Afterward, they go to the back room of Barney’s Books, where Barney’s office is. The back room is a rat’s nest, literally, with one rat, which Barney named Templeton, scurrying about, having dodged all attempts to catch him. Barney begins to talk about how well the evening went, but Elliott is more concerned about the negative points Barney brought up, aggressively expressing his dissatisfaction. The tense moment dies down, with Barney asking if Elliott is stuck on a project, and offers to read what he’s written so far for his latest novel. Elliott relents, and hands Barney his current work. It’s still in longhand, Elliott notes, and if it gets lost, “I’ll kill you.” Cue the nervous laughter.

Related

Griffin Dunne Talks Directing a Segment in Comedy Anthology MOVIE 43, Matthew McConaughey’s Weight Loss in DALLAS BUYER’S CLUB, and More

Griffin Dunne Talks Movie 43 and Dallas Buyers Club. Dune talks about directing Movie 43 and working with Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club.

Advertisement

​​​​​​​

Two months pass without a word from Barney. He makes his way to the bookstore and rearranges the displays, so his books are more prominent as he waits for Barney to finish with a customer. They go to the back room, where Barney shows a first edition copy of “Howard’s End” by E.M. Forster. Elliott thumbs through it, but what he wants is his manuscript, which Barney notes has some flaws. “Some” is a lot, with Barney calling it another “sad, masturbatory exercise steeped in misogyny and casual cruelty,” damning Elliott for using the good people of Massapequa as fodder, all but his sainted mother and her precious tuna sandwiches. Elliott rips into Barney, aggressively confronting him before breaking the tension, feigning he was simply upset. But when Barney is standing beside a bookcase, Elliott pushes another one over, creating a domino effect that traps Barney. Traps, that is, thanks to a footstool that prevents it from falling directly on him, until Elliott pulls it away. Deed done, Elliott takes the manuscript, turns the bookstore’s sign to Closed, and returns home, throwing the manuscript in with a host of others.

Elsbeth Senses Something Darker in Barney’s “Accident” in ‘Elsbeth’s “Murder, He Wrote”

Eighteen months later, Elliott is at another Authors in Conversation event, hosted by Fred Harrison (Arnie Burton, from “Poetic Justice“), reading a chapter from his latest book, with Elsbeth and Sheryl Jacobs (Marcia DeBonis, from “Unalive and Well“) in the audience. Afterward, Elliott takes questions from the audience, and Elsbeth has a few. One character in the book, Marty, who dies in an avalanche, bears a resemblance to Barney, but she was surprised he’d be on a ski trip, not being very athletic. Furthermore, the narrator Edgar says his and Marty’s eyes meet just before he dies, but if Marty died in an avalanche, wouldn’t Edgar as well? It gets more convoluted following the event, as Elsbeth has Elliott sign her book. She apologizes for the questions if he was offended, but can’t help herself when he says he heard about Barney’s death in the newspaper, despite an earlier claim that his widow called him personally.

Back at the precinct, Elsbeth drops a handful of Elliott Pope books on the table, telling Wagner (Wendell Pierce) and Lt. Connor (Daniel K. Isaac). Apart from noting that he’s not good at writing women, his newest book, Snow Falls Down, is different. Normally, Elliott’s narrator alter-ego is typically ravaged by guilt, but not at all in this one, despite causing the avalanche that killed him. With the help of Hackett (Lindsay Mendez), Elsbeth lays out an argument about the weakness of the initial investigation. Wagner thinks it’s a waste of time, but leaves the decision to allow Elsbeth to investigate in Connor’s hands. Connor agrees there’s something there, and off she goes.

Related

‘Elsbeth’ Season 3 Episode 15 Review: Beanie Feldstein Dons Her Bridesmaid Dress in the CBS Procedural

Always the bridesmaid, and never the killer… until now.

Advertisement

Elsbeth and Hackett arrive at the bookstore, where Barney’s widow, Bev (Didi Conn), is restocking. She asks to look in the storeroom, which she’s kept locked up since Barney’s death, but isn’t keen about Templeton. She calls in a favor from Brad and Jill (Mihir Kumar and Arianna Gayle, from “I See… Murder“), who trap the critter. They go into the storeroom, where Elsbeth follows the arc of the bookcases, noting the last one would have fallen on the footstool, which now has a scratch that matches the molding on the bookcase. Alongside a witness who noticed the store was closed at 6:40 that night, she’s given the green light to proceed.

Elsbeth meets up with Elliott on the sidewalk, going to a shop down the street to get a tuna fish sandwich like his mother used to make. She discloses they’ve reopened the case thanks to that new evidence, but he surprises her by inviting Elsbeth to dinner at Gogol’s, claiming he wants to know more about her. Elsbeth, however, gets an opportunity to know him better after Bev finds a log from Barney’s fax machine that shows he’s been faxing Maura (Joanna Gleason), Elliott’s first wife, frequently. It turns out he’d been writing reviews of Elliott’s work for years, sending them to Maura for a laugh. The last one is about a book called Troubled Pants, which was never released. A sneak peek, perhaps? Maura agrees, admitting that Elliott would let people read his work for a shot of adulation, which he also received from the young female grad students he is no longer allowed to hire after sexual assault allegations.

Elsbeth Writes the Epilogue to Elliott Pope’s Story in “Murder, He Wrote”

Image via CBS

“We’ll both have the borscht,” Elliott tells the waiter at Gogol’s, dismissing Elsbeth’s claim that he didn’t need to order for her and topping off her schnapps. He wants to hear about her “hopes and dreams,” but she pulls out two photos from the bookstore, one before Barney died and one after, noting that Elliott’s books are prominently displayed in the latter, which doesn’t square with the reviews Barney wrote about his books, the ones he didn’t know were being sent to Maura. And what about Troubled Pants? Elliott says it doesn’t ring a bell, then suggests that they go back to his place to “celebrate,” prompting a disgusted “No” from Elsbeth. Back home, alone, he sets fire to Troubled Pants.

It’s not enough to scare off Elsbeth, who meets Elliott at his house with a peace offering: a tuna sandwich, like his mother used to make. Only she never did, but instead bought from the shop down the street from his childhood home, shattering his illusion that she was the only woman who had never done him wrong. In an instant, Elliott’s demeanor changes, telling Elsbeth she won’t find the manuscript, the lawsuits were “misunderstandings,” and the only woman problem he has is women trying to trap him. He aggressively pushes towards Elsbeth, creating general concern for her safety in one of the few instances of such in the series, before demanding she get out.

Elsbeth does, only to reappear with Hackett and Connor at another seminar. She confronts him, noting how the death of a character in Howard’s End is eerily similar to how Barney died. Coincidence? Not likely. Elliott’s DNA is found in Barney’s copy of the book, on the very page that has the death in it, thanks to a habit he has of licking his thumb to turn pages, just as he did when signing Elsbeth’s copy of his book. Elliott’s story comes to an end, walked out on the charge of murdering Barney.

As for Alec Bloom (Ivan Hernandez), he wins the mayoral race but loses Elsbeth. In a show-stopping, heartrending scene, Elsbeth breaks up, unable to look past lying outright to him about Pete. She understands being a people-pleaser, but what she can’t abide is losing herself, and knowing that her gift of knowing when something’s not right was greatly compromised by their relationship is too much. It’s over, but it may have dashed Wagner’s hopes of being police commissioner, which is awarded to his rival, Tully, instead. But is Tully going to look into Elsbeth’s consent decree? We’ll see, perhaps as early as the next episode, when Kaya (Carra Patterson) returns!

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

February 29, 2024

Directors

Nancy Hower, Robert King, Lionel Coleman, Rob Hardy, Robin Givens, Ron Underwood, Rosemary Rodriguez, Aisha Tyler, Bille Woodruff, James Whitmore Jr., Joe Menendez, Kevin Rodney Sullivan, Lily Mariye, Nick Gomez, Peter Sollett, Sam Hoffman, Tyne Rafaeli, Darren Grant, Fong-Yee Yap, Mary Lou Belli

Advertisement

Writers

Jonathan Tolins, Erica Shelton Kodish, Bryan Goluboff, Sarah Beckett, Michelle King

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Pros & Cons

• Carrie Preston is absolutely spellbinding here, with a powerful and emotional break-up speech that is utterly heartrending.
• Griffin Dunne is a very unlikeable villain, in the best of ways, and is among only a handful that have legitimately caused viewers concern for Elsbeth’s life.
• An excellent cast all-around, with Mark Linn-Baker a standout for his performance, albeit brief, as the ill-fated Barney.
• The return of characters from previous episodes, which has been a welcome and strong addition this season, marks a triumphant return.

• Only one: Didi Con(n). See what I did there?

Advertisement

Meghan Markle did not hold back on her views about social media while on her Australian tour.

Seemingly scarred by the constant trolls, scrutiny, and dissection of her daily life, the Duchess of Sussex has raised her voice once again on the dangers of online platforms. She emphasizes how people must develop tough skin, drawing inspiration from her personal experience as a public figure. 

Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, are currently on a tour in Australia, where they have several personal events scheduled. In recent times, they have raised awareness of mental health issues stemming from the use and abuse of social media platforms.

Meghan Markle Says She Was ‘Bullied And Attacked’ Online For A Decade

Meghan has pulled back the curtains on her experience with social media as a public figure. She dug deep into her feelings about the online industry and how she was able to navigate through the heavy negativity. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited an organization at the Swinburne University of Technology dedicated to helping young people during their trip to Australia.

The organization, Batyr, is an Australian youth mental health charity with a focus on helping young people to reduce stigmas and reach out in times of need. Meghan and her husband addressed the group of youngsters, sharing their battles with social media and mental health.

The former Hollywood star disclosed that she has been “bullied and attacked” every day for 10 years on social media and was “the most trolled person in the entire world.” Despite the negative energy from online users, the mom of two declared triumphantly, “Now I’m here,” telling her listeners in the classroom that she did not let the hate weigh her down.

Megan continued her speech, noting that as the trolls fired on, social media companies were not “incentivized to stop.” She added that due to her personal experiences, she likes to listen to others going through similar phases, as it hits so close to home. PEOPLE reported that the ousted royal admonished her listeners to be strong while informing them of the reality behind online platforms. 

“When I think of all of you and what you’re experiencing, I think so much of that is having to realize that you know that industry, that billion-dollar industry, that is completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks,” Meghan said before adding that the clickbait nature of social media is not going to change. 

Her husband, Harry, chimed in, detailing his personal mental health struggle. He stated that social media has led to much loneliness for a lot of people. The Duke also praised the Australian government for placing a ban on social media users, which restricts the use of online platforms to 16-year-olds and older. However, he noted that it should never have gotten so bad that countries of the world need to institute bans.

Meghan and Harry have previously made their stance evidently clear against children using social media. They continue to advocate for stronger protections for children from the online community. Harry previously highlighted that he is grateful Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are still too young to use social media, saying life is better off the platforms. 

Last year, The Blast reported that the lovebirds unveiled a memorial called the Lost Screen Memorial in New York City, dedicated to the memory of children whose families believe harmful material online contributed to their deaths. The memorial featured 50 smartphone-shaped lightboxes. Each box displayed a photograph of a child whose life was lost “due to the harms of social media”. 

The Sussexes also assisted the grieving families by reaching out to tech companies, insisting that parents should be able to gain access to the phones of the children who have passed. Harry argued that tech companies refusing to allow parents to see what their children do on social media during their lifetime, on the grounds of privacy, is wrong.

The ‘Suits’ Actress Is Heavy On Security For Her Kids

Reports have shown that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have been noticeably absent as their parents visit Australia this April because it was their mother’s wish for them to remain in the US. According to insiders, Harry wanted to bring the kids along on the Aussie trip and make it a family affair, but his wife insisted that they remain at home in California. 

The source explained that the Duke wanted to create memories with his children similar to the ones he has of going on royal tours with his mom, Princess Diana. Meghan, on the other hand, was reportedly uncomfortable with the suggestion, and The Blast detailed that her fears stemmed from maintaining security and a stable environment for the kids.

Although she hates being away from her children, she believes they need to stay behind in Montecito while she and Harry focus on work. Not only is she concerned for her kids, but in a previous public address, Meghan also emphasized that the security of children is paramount.

Meghan Markle Can’t Escape Public Scrutiny 

As the couple embarked on the Aussie tour, eyebrows were raised with many questioning their motives. Some critics claim that Meghan and Harry are trying to step back into their official roles after announcing they had left that world behind.

Controversy also stems from drawn conclusions that the couple’s trip gives the appearance of a royal tour when they have fully denounced their stance as working members of the royal house. Royal expert Rebecca English brought up a statement the late Queen Elizabeth made in 2020.

At the time, the queen stressed that there would be no “half-in, half-out” arrangement for her grandson, hence he had to make a choice and stick to it. The Blast reported that while Meghan and Harry maintain that they aren’t working royals, they continue to act as such, using the name, structure, and style resembling the institution.

English stated that the couple organized their trip as “cos play royals” and are going through traditional royal tour arrangements. She also called Meghan out for smiling while appearing on a cooking show previously, where she was introduced as “royalty and the Duchess of Sussex.”

Will Meghan Markle’s words about social media effect a change?

The season 2 finale of The Pitt appeared to write Dr. Samira Mohan off the show after Supriya Ganesh‘s controversial exit.

During the Thursday, April 16, episode of the hit series, Robby (Noah Wyle) is preparing to go on his sabbatical, worrying others that he won’t return. Robby attempted to give each person an individual goodbye — leading to a candid conversation with Samira right outside the ER.

“I know that life can be challenging — especially when it doesn’t work out the way you expect it,” Robby told Samira. “I thought I would be married with two kids in college by now. Maybe have some property with a pond and we could play hockey on it in the wintertime. And yet look at me now. No wife, no kids, no pond.”

Samira reminded Robby that “it’s never too late.” He then asked if she “really” believed that for him and for herself.

Related: What ‘The Pitt’ Cast Has Said About the Show’s Numerous Exits

The Pitt cast has not shied away from reacting to losing some of their own as multiple actors leave the show. HBO Max’s hit series, which premiered in January 2025, follows a group of employees at a fictional Pittsburgh hospital’s ER working a single 15-hour shift. The series is led by Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle), […]

“I see what you did there. Is that true or is it something you just said to make a point?” Samira asked before offering more insight into her strained relationship with her mom. “We’re not talking [right now]. I am sorry that I let it distract me. She was treating me like a child and I was letting her.”

Samira ultimately wished Robby “a good trip,” adding, “Please be safe. We need you here, even if you can be a d*** sometimes.” Their last exchange was Samira wishing Robby luck — and him reciprocating. The final scene with Samira came later on in the finale when the employees went to the roof to watch the 4th of July fireworks together.

News originally broke earlier this month that Ganesh, 28, would not be returning to the show. It was reported that the exit was a “story-driven” decision after Ganesh previously teased plans to return.

“It’s up to the writers,” Ganesh exclusively told Us Weekly in February about where she would like to see Samira in season 3. “Let’s see where they end up taking her.”

Ganesh continued: “I think we left her in a really interesting spot. I’m really curious where she ends up going.”

Following backlash, Wyle, 54, defended the decision to shake up the cast from season to season. (Tracy Ifeachor didn’t come back for season 2 despite being a fan-favorite on the show.)

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“It’s an inevitability that’s going to happen every season with this show, because as writers we’re hard-pressed to figure out what a lapse of time we can have and keep most of the ensemble together realistically,” he told Variety at PaleyFest’s screening of The Pitt on Sunday, April 12. “Emergency rooms have a high revolving door. As always, we try to bring in new characters or promote from within as we go through these cast changes and try to keep the story lines fresh, but obviously Supriya has been a huge part of our show since the beginning.”

He concluded: “Dr. Mohan is a beloved character, and I love playing with her and working with Supriya, and we wish her all the best in her next endeavors, and we’re going to miss her.”

The Pitt has been renewed on HBO Max and is returning for season 3.

Snoop Dogg has long been synonymous with his iconic “smoke weed every day” mantra, and now, he’s turning that signature line into a full-circle business move in his hometown. 

The rapper and serial entrepreneur is gearing up to open his second cannabis dispensary, S.W.E.D. (Smoke Weed Every Day), in his hometown of Long Beach. Blending nostalgia with innovation, the space channels early hip-hop energy through bold, street-inspired design, vibrant visuals, and throwbacks to Snoop’s rise. Inside, the store feels like an immersive experience, complete with retro arcade games, live DJ booths, a personal lounge curated by Snoop, and a hologram of the beloved icon. 

Every detail, from the music to nods to local culture, reflects the city’s influence on his exciting journey, turning the opening into more than just a business move – it’s a homecoming.

Snoop Dogg Set To Open Second S.W.E.D. Location In Cali

Snoop is ready to blaze a new trail in Long Beach, his hometown, with the opening of his second S.W.E.D. location. The new store, located at 2115 E. 10th Street in Long Beach, is set to officially open on May 9.

The new store represents a full-circle moment for the rapper, honoring the city that helped to shape his vision and legacy. The store will include street-inspired visuals, throwbacks to the classic Snoop era, retro arcade games, Snoop’s personal lounge, two live DJ booths, a state-of-the-art hologram of Snoop and much more.

Every element of the new store was intentionally designed to celebrate Long Beach’s culture and community that helped Snoop’s journey.

Snoop Dogg Has A Strong Commitment To Supporting California’s Cannabis Industry

Opening a second S.W.E.D. location further reinforces the rapper’s continued commitment to supporting equitable growth within California’s cannabis industry and beyond. S.W.E.D. helps to not only expand Snoop’s cannabis footprint but also helps to honor the culture and create equitable job opportunities in the community.

“Long Beach made me who I am,” Snoop said, according to a press release sent to The Blast. “Opening S.W.E.D. in Long Beach is my way of showing love to the community that showed love to me. We’re creating jobs, opportunities, and a space that celebrates the culture.”

The Blast Was On Hand For The First S.W.E.D. Location’s Grand Opening

Snoop’s first S.W.E.D. location, not too far from LAX Airport in Los Angeles, opened in July 2024. The Blast was on hand for the opening celebration and got the chance to tour the brand-new store.

This store isn’t just for the cannabis connoisseur; it’s also for the die-hard Snoop fan or anyone who loves pop culture and nostalgia. This store is more of an experience than just your typical dispensary from the moment you walk in. The famous wooden Death Row Records chair greets you near the entrance and is the perfect spot for a memorable photo.

Pop Snoop Was A Proud Dad At The Opening Celebration

Snoop’s dad, Vernell Varnado, also known as Pop Snoop, was at the opening celebration of the first S.W.E.D. location. He told The Blast exclusively what he likes the most about the store.

“I like the whole thing. I like the setup, I like the booth, and I like the old-school stuff,” he told The Blast enthusiastically. “This store has a different vibe, but the good part about it is it’s in the hood. That’s what I like about it.”

He also told The Blast that when Snoop was younger, he used to tell him to be better than him and be above it all, and that’s clearly advice Snoop took.

“People give him a bad rap, but he always seems to just keep moving,” Pop Snoop said. “As a father, I respect him more because he always gives back.”

Snoop Dogg Stays Booked And Busy

Was there ever a time you can remember that Snoop wasn’t doing something newsworthy? We’ll give you a minute to think but promise there aren’t many.

In addition to opening his second S.W.E.D. location, he also recently revealed that he’s teaming up with Lil Baby for an expansion of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream, that was founded by Snoop and his son Cordell Broadus.

According to PEOPLE, Broadus said, “Bringing Lil Baby into Dr. Bombay was a very intentional move. Lil Baby has built one of the most authentic brands in music, and he understands how to connect people at scale.”

He continued that this “isn’t about a name — it’s about aligning with someone who sees our long-term vision and can help us build something that lasts for the next generation of ice cream lovers.”

What can ice cream lovers expect? Some “90s nostalgia” mixed with “bold, accessible flavors,” such as Iced Out Orange Cream, Sticky Caramel Apple, Baked Blueberry Muffin, and more.