An update in the Tasia Fortune case claims that the police are investigating her death as a homicide pending autopsy results. The 29-year-old mother was found hanging from a tree in Jackson, Mississippi, on Monday, August 3.

RELATED: Christine Wonsley Shares Heartbreaking Post Ahead Of Her First Birthday Without Her Son Nolan Wells (PHOTOS)

Police Chief Gives Update On Tasia Fortune’s Death Investigation

TSR reported that Tasia was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant property in Jackson. The property is located on the 500 block of Road of Remembrance, and Tasia’s body was found in the backyard. However, her mother, Christy Spivey, said at the time that she did not believe her daughter died by suicide.

During the Jackson City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 8, Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney gave an update on the case after a letter was read by Spivey.

“I have no more answers from one day of this investigation,” Spivey said in her letter, which Councilman Kenneth Stokes read in the meeting, per WAPT. “The detectives are like they are on a prerecorded message just saying the same thing over and over. Now it’s gone to silence.”

An autopsy was reportedly completed on or around August 11-12. However, Brackney claims that the medical examiner’s office has not yet provided the JPD with the results. Brackney also claimed that the police were investigating Tasia’s death as a homicide pending the autopsy results, per WABT. Furthermore, she advised that the police had been doing so since “day one,” and would keep investigating until hearing “otherwise.”

She also pushed back against Spivey’s communication claims, saying that she’d been in constant contact with the grieving mother.

“Jackson police have been investigating this case since day one as a homicide,” Brackney said. “Until we hear otherwise from the medical examiner’s office. I have been in contact with the commissioner who oversees the medical examiners several times…. There is a lot of misinformation out there about this case and other ones. In addition, if you want to talk about the letter, we have been in constant contact with Miss Christy Spivey.”

Mississippi History Noted At Council Meeting

As said, Spivey’s letter was read at the meeting by Councilman Kenneth Stokes, and he noted the state’s history of lynching.

“Hanging is a ugly, ugly part of our past that we never, ever want to come back again,” Stokes said.

In addition, on Sunday, September 6, Stokes called for transparency in the case, per WLBT.

“We need to know whether it was suicide, homicide, gun shot, or whatever happened, to this young lady that was hung,” said Stokes. “Mississippi can not go backwards. We can not revisit our ugly past where hanging was a common thing.”

Not only that, but Stoked called out the Hinds County Coroner, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Mississippi Medical Examiner’s Office for not responding to his inquiries about the investigation. He added that it appears as if they are trying to hide something.

“It sends a message that you’re trying to hide something, and we do not need to hide anything in the state of Mississippi,” said Stokes. “We want the world to know we’re open and above board.”

Unfortunately, it appears that there are no more answers after the council meetings.

Man Arrested And Questioned

According to WLBT, a man named Terence Anderson was arrested in August on a firearm charge, and he is reportedly a person of interest. NBC News noted that the 65-year-old is the father of Tasia’s five-year-old son, who reportedly resides with his father. Anderson denied being involved in her death. However, he allegedly admitted to having an argument with her. In addition, he lives on the same street where Tasia was found, per WLBT. However, he has not been charged with her death.

RELATED: Tasia Fortune’s Mom Doesn’t Believe She Died By Suicide After Body Found Hanging From Miss. Tree As Person Of Interest Reportedly Interviewed

A good thriller book keeps the reader hooked with clever twists and turns, but a true masterpiece of thriller literature is one that instantly grabs the reader’s attention at the very start and never lets go. Some of the best thriller books have earned their place because they can create intrigue even before the story begins and hold that interest until the end.

From shocking opening lines to setups that completely break the reader’s expectations right at the start to plot twists that come early, a masterfully written thriller is all about the momentum it builds that ensures that the reader will not want to leave until it’s over. Ranging across crime, mystery, sci-fi, and conspiracy theories, these gems of thriller literature are easily some of the most brilliantly crafted works of fiction ever written. Without further ado, here’s our selection of thriller books we knew would be masterpieces from the very first chapter.

1

‘Three Assassins’ (2004)

Image via The Overlook Press

Three Assassins is the English translation of the Japanese black comedy-thriller novel Grasshopper by Kōtarō Isaka, which follows Suzuki, an ordinary man and schoolteacher who is drawn into the criminal underworld after his wife is murdered. In an attempt to infiltrate the criminal gang responsible, Suzuki leaves his old life on a quest for revenge, only to find himself pulled into the orbits of an unusual trio of professional hitmen, each with their own agendas. Three Assassins marks the first novel in Isaka’s Hitman trilogy, followed by Bullet Train and The Mantis.

Fun and fast-paced, Three Assassins surprises the audience within the very first pages of the story, where the man whom Suzuki targets for revenge gets killed before he can make a move. This turn of events not only takes the story in a completely unexpected direction, but it also rouses more curiosity in the reader, and the rest of the narrative just raises the tension even further until the final resolution. A gripping story of dangerous assassins and the twists and turns of fate, the novel balances its intense, high-octane action with eerie, meditative moments, making it an underrated gem of modern thriller literature.

2

‘Dark Matter’ (2016)

Image via Crown Publishing Group

Blake Crouch’s mind-bending sci-fi novel, which has been adapted into a well-acclaimed TV series, Dark Matter follows quantum physicist Jason, who is kidnapped and wakes up in an alternate reality. Jason finds himself in a different version of his life from 15 years ago, where his destiny takes a different turn because of his choices, and he must find a way to return to his true reality. The narrative relies heavily on the many-worlds interpretation in quantum mechanics, wherein every possible outcome of every event creates a new, parallel universe.

Widely considered Crouch’s most popular and defining work, Dark Matter was a major bestseller and a hit among its readers, even though the critical reception was mixed. The book hooks the reader almost immediately in the first couple of pages with a terrifying abduction and a disorienting experience for the story’s hero. This shocking opening shatters any further expectations of the reader, thrusting them into a complex, immersive journey through various possibilities of Jason’s life.

3

‘The Husband’s Secret’ (2013)

Liane Moriarty’s fifth novel and an international bestseller thriller, The Husband’s Secret centers on three different women, Cecilia, Tess, and Rachel, whose only connection is the school their kids go to. One fine day, Cecilia suddenly finds a letter from her husband that is meant to be opened only after his death. When she uncovers a disturbing secret in that letter, it leads to devastating consequences for all three women, unexpectedly entangling their lives.

The Husband’s Secret is a brilliant example of how a character-driven, domestic drama with themes of guilt, grief, and morality can also be immensely thrilling. Even though the story builds up slowly, introducing the central protagonist and her moral dilemma, that setup pays off in very unexpected ways. Rather than being just a dark and intense psychological thriller, The Husband’s Secret thrives on its intriguing mystery, which teases the reader with details but also rewards them with a shocking but satisfying resolution.

4

‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ (1963)

Image via Victor Gollancz

The third novel and breakthrough work of the master of spy fiction, John le Carré, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a Cold War thriller that also became his first book to be adapted into a film. The story centers on Alec Leamas, a British intelligence officer who infiltrates East Germany under the cover of being a defector to trap an East German spy. But Leamas soon discovers that he is but a simple pawn in an elaborate political conspiracy, making him question his mission and his purpose.

A novel that perfectly captured the dark, disillusioned zeitgeist of the Cold War, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a gripping page-turner. It is a tense thriller right from the start, where the story opens with Leamas watching the last remaining agent at his Berlin station being killed, setting up a chilling journey ahead for the protagonist. Instead of the conventional, action-packed, glossy adventures of tuxedo-clad spies, Le Carré’s narratives are known for portraying espionage as a cold, bureaucratic, and psychologically draining affair, and none more so than this masterpiece.

5

‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2003)

Image via Doubleday

An alternate history thriller by Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code marks his fourth novel and the second book featuring Harvard professor and symbologist Robert Langdon. The book follows Langdon on a trip to Paris, where a sudden murder at the Louvre Museum sets him off on a thrilling crime-solving mission. Along with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Robert Langdon races across Europe, decoding cryptic messages and cracking codes hidden in plain sight to catch the killer, seek the truth, and learn a hidden history that puts Christianity in a whole new light.

The Da Vinci Code is unarguably an intelligent conspiracy mystery thriller, even if it’s often too overwhelming in its intricate details. The book is thrilling and fast-paced right from the first chapter, where a dying curator at the Louvre leaves a bizarre message for Langdon to solve, setting off a high-stakes murder investigation with no warning. With a cleverly crafted plot, complex ciphers, and riddles set around an alternate religious history, The Da Vinci Code ranks among the best thrillers of the 21st century, despite all its controversies and criticisms.

6

‘Rebecca’ (1938)

Image via Hachette

Written by Daphne du Maurier in what became her most celebrated work, Rebecca is a dark Gothic mystery revolving around a young, anonymous woman who narrates the story behind the titular character. The woman, while working in Monte-Carlo, meets Maximilian de Winter, a wealthy and handsome English widower, and after a brief courtship, they get married and arrive at his family’s estate in Cornwall. As the woman gets herself acquainted with the house and its strange housekeeper, she discovers a dark buried secret that haunts her and her new home.

Celebrated as a masterpiece of Gothic mystery, Rebecca is atmospheric and intriguing from the first chapter, opening with one of the most famous lines in literature and setting the haunting, dream-like tone that defines the novel. Even though it builds suspense slowly, the story creates immediate curiosity in the reader with the opening setting. Often creepy and chilling, Rebecca is a genre landmark that immerses the reader in the dark, mysterious environment of Manderley and all its bloody secrets.

7

‘The Killer Question’ (2025)

Image via Atria Books, Simon & Schuster

A modern epistolary mystery novel written by British journalist and author Janice Hallett, The Killer Question revolves around the mystery of a once-popular pub in the English countryside, famous for its trivia quizzes, which becomes a pitch for a Netflix true-crime show. Through text messages, email exchanges, local news, and police reports, the history of the pub and its mysterious owners, Mal and Sue Eastwood, is brought to light, unraveling a dark, twisted mystery spanning decades.

The Killer Question puts a deliciously thrilling spin on the English pub quizzing culture, with mysterious disappearances, shady characters, and a fast-paced narrative. Despite no shocking opening, the book thrills right from the start with its unique and breezy style, with the tone quickly shifting from light banter to deep discomfort and surprising the reader with the discovery of a dead body. Packed with scandals, rivalries, and character drama, The Killer Question is a masterpiece of contemporary mystery that is thrilling and comedic at the same time.

8

‘Gone Girl’ (2012)

Image via Crown Publishing Group

In her third book, Gillian Flynn tells a twisted story of love and marriage with different perspectives on the same events. In Gone Girl, when writer Amy Dunne suddenly disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, it hints at a troubled marriage. When the investigation uncovers Amy’s personal diary with compromising information about her husband Nick, he becomes the key suspect, sparking a massive media storm. But nothing and no one is as they seem in this twisted tale of toxic love.

Gone Girl is not only Flynn’s most successful and popular work, but also one of the most influential mystery thrillers of the 21st century — a book that transformed the genre and cultural conversations on gender and marriage. While the entire story keeps you on the edge, the novel opens with a creepy statement by Nick Dunne, which instantly plants doubt in the reader’s mind about whether Nick is truly responsible for Amy’s disappearance or probable death. Full of surprise twists, shifting perspectives, and suspense, Gone Girl is a brilliant psychological thriller that feels like a fascinatingly complex puzzle from start to finish.

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Release Date

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October 3, 2014

Runtime

149 minutes

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Writers

Gillian Flynn

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Arnon Milchan, Ceán Chaffin, Joshua Donen

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B2K singer De’Mario “Raz-B” Thornton and his wife, Mona Li Thornton, are mourning the death of their 3-month old son Astro.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Astro Monte Thornton, beloved son of Mona and De’Mario ‘Raz B’ Thornton of the R&B supergroup B2K,” the couple’s spokesperson, David Robinson, told USA Today on Thursday, September 10. “The family asks for privacy as they navigate this difficult time. They truly appreciate your love and support.”

No cause of death has been made public at this time.

Us has reached out to Raz-B’s representatives for more information.

Raz-B, 41, and Mona Li are also parents to son Versai Carter Thornton, who was born in October 2024. (Mona Li has an older daughter from a previous relationship as well.)

Mona Li confirmed she was “nine months pregnant” in April while celebrating the end of B2K and Bow Wow’s coheadlining Boys 4 Life tour.

“What people see on stage is the talent, the dancing, the performance. What they don’t see is the pain you push through every single night. And still, you show up and give everything like it’s effortless,” she wrote to Raz-B.

Mona Li added, “Thank you for letting me share this journey with you babe. 9 months pregnant and outside w my man ha. I know you didn’t just do this for yourself you did it for your family, for your future, and for the legacy you’re building.”

In May, Raz-B shared a new family photo while revealing that he and Mona Li were getting ready to welcome their second child together.

“Right now we’re at the hospital getting ready to welcome our newest addition, Astro 🚀👶🏾 another baby boy to the Thornton family,” he wrote on May 16. “Big congratulations to my beautiful wife for being so strong through this journey. Watching you become a mother again is one of the greatest blessings I could ever witness. The Thornton family continues to grow… and our legacy does too.”

Five days later, Raz-B penned a moving tribute to his wife, in which he thanked her for giving him “such a beautiful family.”

“Watching you be a mother, a partner, and the heart of this family makes me love and respect you even more every single day. Through all the ups and downs, you’ve stood beside me and helped make this journey long, meaningful, and beautiful,” Raz-B wrote at the time.

The musician added, “I appreciate your strength, your patience, your loyalty, and the way you love all of us. I just want you to know that I see it, I feel it, and I’m forever grateful for you. I love you more than words can explain.”

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The family officially celebrated their new arrival with a post on older son Versai Carter Thornton’s Instagram account on May 23.

“Best week ever 🥹💙✨ We welcomed my new baby brother Astro into the family, and it already feels amazing being a big brother,” the post read. “Even during such a special moment, my mom and dad still made sure to love on me and make me feel special.’

Raz-B is best known for forming the ‘90s R&B group B2K with Lil’ Fizz, J-Boog and Omarion, with whom he scored a Billboard No. 1 hit in 2002 with “Bump, Bump, Bump,” a collaboration with Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The Emmy Awards focus on honoring TV’s best, but for many fans, it’s an excuse to see the best dressed stars and the selfies they take.

When Amy Schumer attended the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2015, she kicked off her social media coverage with a snap of her room service order. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake, meanwhile, opted to stick their tongues out at the camera before heading to the show in 2018.

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“Just a buncha professional mature adults en route to the  Emm-ahhhhhhs (see what I did there 👅) #emmys,” Biel captioned her goofy pre-Emmys photo.

In 2020, the Emmys were held remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic, but a few celebrities still managed to sneak in some low-key selfies. Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, for example, watched the show together at a socially distanced viewing party.

Scroll down for a look at Emmys past and a peek at the best selfies from celebs in attendance:

It’s hard to imagine a time when Blade Runner wasn’t celebrated as an all-time classic. But during its initial release in 1982, Ridley Scott‘s film was actually notoriously overlooked by critics and audiences alike. After being initially disregarded and presented in inferior cuts for years — most notably the infamous theatrical cut that featured a sleepy narration track by star Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard — Blade Runner has come to redefine the science fiction film, thanks to its prescient commentary on the collision between humanity and artificial life forms. No matter what cut you’re watching, the dystopian sci-fi classic’s most iconic quote, Roy Batty’s “Tears in the Rain” monologue, delivered by Rutger Hauer, leaves you with chills. This totemic scene in Blade Runner hasn’t lost an ounce of its profundity through the decades, and it underscores the film’s enduring thematic range.

‘Blade Runner’s “Tears in the Rain” Speech Remains Undeniable

Blade Runner follows Rick Deckard, a cop in 2019 Los Angeles who is on the hunt to terminate the remaining batch of replicants made by the Tyrell Corporation, who have recently returned to Earth. In the group of fugitive synthetic humans is Roy Batty, the film’s most tragic character and the aching heart of Scott’s vision of a world where the line is blurred between human and android. During the film’s visceral climax, Deckard (whose own identity may not be what it seems) chases Roy across rooftops, but because of the replicants’ four-year lifespan, the latter accepts his fate and surrenders. It is on top of a building in the pouring rain where Roy delivers the legendary monologue in which he laments that his life and memories will quickly fade away, just like tears in the rain.

For the rest of modern time, Rutger Hauer’s moving, awe-inspiring speech will be included in various tribute videos celebrating cinema’s finest moments. The late Hauer, who also thrived in The Hitcher and Batman Begins, dined out on this triumphant monologue for decades, and the moment highlights what any actor would want from a richly written passage of dialogue. The actor gives us pathos, humility, and warmth in one fell swoop, conveying this hefty monologue seamlessly. At this moment, based on his muted register and decaying spirit, you can sense that Roy is truly fading away. The visual majesty of the thunderous precipitation adds to the poetic grandeur of this scene, as does the beautiful cinematography juxtaposing the faded neon lights in the background with Roy’s shadowy, mournful face in the foreground.

The Profound Thematic Weight of ‘Blade Runner’s Most Iconic Quote

Most of Blade Runner could be read as a cold and clinical study of a dystopian future, one deprived of emotionality and active human psychology. Due to Ford’s still but transfixing performance and Scott’s brilliant observation of an ominous, tech-controlled future, the film is certainly atmospheric, worthy of the subgenre label “tech noir.” But Rutger Hauer shatters any preconceived notions that the film is a sterile text with his resonant performance. By playing a humanoid with recognizable human traits, he straddles a fine line between uncanny and vulnerable. The “tears in the rain” speech evokes Roy Batty’s passionate salute to the human condition (and a defiance of Deckard’s mission) while also revealing his deep-seated fear of being lost to time.

“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe,” Roy says, beginning the memorable soliloquy. The gravitas in his voice tells you everything you need to know about the replicants’ experiences being weaponized by a mega corporation, with harrowing images such as “ships on fire” and C-beams glittering in the dark. Deckard believes he is justified in eliminating replicants, even though this speech indicates that they suffer from the same regrets and longings as humans. Just like us, Roy dreads a future where his existence will be forgotten. This moment challenges the viewers’ notions of artificial life forces. Should we feel empathy for humanoids, even if their presence may compromise the future of humanity? It’s a polarizing question no one has the answer to, but Roy’s monologue reminds the audience that replicants understand pain more than anyone else living in this dystopian world.

After uttering the words “tears in the rain” and subsequently shutting down for good, Roy Batty becomes a martyr for the replicants. Roy, who saved Rick Deckard from falling during their climactic chase, recognized the same internal conflict torturing him. If he doesn’t accept his own identity as a replicant, then he’ll only lead to his own self-destruction and genocide of the replicants. Blade Runner‘s most iconic quote is concise, but its thematic depth is almost too dense for a lone feature film; this movie isn’t like the others.

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Blade Runner

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Release Date

June 25, 1982

Runtime

118 minutes

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Writers

David Webb Peoples, Hampton Fancher, Philip K. Dick

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Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans is promising her fans that she is “done” with ex David Eason after recently letting him back into her life.

“The topic of David. Just think this needs to be addressed to all of my fans because I’ve just been so transparent with you guys over the years,” Evans, 34, explained in a TikTok video on Wednesday, September 9. “I’m just kinda silent lately because of my health issues. Also, my mental struggles, what I’ve been going through lately, it’s been really, really tough.”

Evans confirmed that she was “coparenting” 9-year-old daughter Ensley with Eason, 38, “for months,” including letting him visit with Ensley one-on-one so they could have “their time together.” (The MTV star also shares 17-year-old son Jace with ex Andrew Lewis and 12-year-old son Kaiser with Nathan Griffith.)

In her TikTok video, Evans acknowledged that her fans were concerned about her giving Eason another chance since she has taken legal action against him in the past. (Evans and Eason were together on and off from 2015 until she filed for separation in 2024.)

Related: Jenelle Evans Addresses Rumor She’s ‘Talking’ to Ex-Husband Again

Teen Mom’s Jenelle Evans wants to set the record straight about her relationship with ex-husband David Eason. Evans, 33, took to her Instagram Stories on Monday, October 13, and answered a series of questions from her followers. In response to a fan asking if she was “talking to David again,” she clarified, “F*** no,” adding […]

“Everything was nice at first, [he was] very sweet and caring,” Evans said. “He was trying to hold my hand and touch me a lot. That all went away within a month.”

According to Evans, Eason started showing signs of a new “attitude” and began “name-calling” when he was frustrated.

“That was the s*** I was dealing with for nine years and I refuse to still put up with it now,” she insisted. “I don’t know if he was being manic at some points but it showed me a lot of red flags I’ve recognized for years.”

Evans insisted that her “breaking point” came when Eason allegedly made insulting comments to Ensley one morning before school. (The Teen Mom franchise star explained that her two youngest kids were in public school for a few weeks before she started homeschooling them.)

Evans claimed that Eason continued insulting Ensley in the car until she turned around to assure their daughter that she is “beautiful, gorgeous and smart.” Evans said she ordered her ex to “get the F” out of her house. David then allegedly turned the car around and headed back to the residence, demanding that Evans take the kids to school on her own.

“I said, ‘I can’t even walk or drive because I’m in pain.’ … He drove us home,” she remembered. “Once we get to the house, he starts packing all of his stuff and he starts dumping out my purse, going through my s*** … Since there is a no-contact order between us, I did threaten to call the police.”

Per Evans, Eason allegedly “got scared” and immediately left her residence, leaving all of his personal belongings behind.

“He still hasn’t asked for anything, which is kinda weird,” she said. “I say all this because he knew what I was going through with my health and [he] still acted this way.”

Earlier this week, Evans confirmed she had surgery on her left knee in April and was later diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). (The Mayo Clinic describes CRPS as a form of chronic pain that develops in a limb, often after surgery.)

“I was seeing everything happen all over again [with Eason] before my f***ing eyes,” she said. “I was like, I’m not doing this anymore and for [him] to treat me this way while I’m … the downest I’ve ever been in my life?”

Related: Jenelle Evans Says David Eason Relationship Was a ‘Big Mistake’

Jenelle Evans is trying to find the positive in her bumpy marriage with estranged husband David Eason. “I don’t regret that time because I learned a lot of life lessons that were very important for me to grow up and mature,” Evans, 32, shared via her Instagram Stories on Friday, April 26, when participating in […]

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The Teen Mom 2 star felt she owed her fans an explanation because she knew they were “concerned” about her getting close with Eason again.

“I’m always a believer of second chances, unfortunately,” she said. “I do that with my exes. That’s my track record. Everybody knows that. This time, at least it only took a few months to see the dramatic change in his behavior. Ladies, don’t put up with that.”

She accused Eason of moving away from Florida to North Carolina, where he allegedly tried to charge $3,000 on her credit card to pay a boat-docking fee. (Evans confirmed she was “refunded” by the bank.)

Evans encouraged anyone in a similar situation to “break free,” adding. “I know it’s scary to be alone. One day, you’ll just have to wake up and have that epiphany.”

“Nobody can tell you to leave him. You have to make that decision yourself and it’s very hard,” she acknowledged.

Evans also promised her followers that she’s “getting better at [her] decision-making,” having started to see a therapist.

“We agree that I have a lot of trauma that’s happened that I have not really acknowledged,” she said. “We are working on that!”

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In closing her video, Evans insisted that she’d “blocked” Eason and had not spoken to him at all in at least “two weeks.”

Us has reached out to Eason for comment.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

LuLu LoveBottom’s roommate Michael Aquino, has shed light on his friend’s final moments while mourning his death.

The adult content creator, who also went by the name Hunter Hardin online and whose legal name is Lucas Drake, died on Monday, September 7 at age 30 in an apparent suicide.

Prior to his death, the burlesque performer shared a farewell message via Instagram, which read,“I love you and I’m sorry I was unable to make it to the end. Goodbye forever. Love, LuLu.”

He captioned the message, “Been hurt for the last time by someone I shared my heart with 💔.”

Related: Adult Content Creator Hunter Hardin, a.k.a. LuLu LoveBottom, Dead at 30

Hunter Hardin, an adult content creator also known as burlesque performer LuLu LoveBottom, died on Monday, September 7. He was 30. Hardin died in an apparent suicide after sharing a farewell message with his followers on Instagram. “I love you and I’m sorry I was unable to make it to the end. Goodbye forever. Love, […]

In the comments section of the post, Aquino shared that Hardin “passed away in his room in our home.”

Aquino subsequently shared a lengthy tribute post via his own Instagram account reflecting on the loss.

“I will miss you so much my dear friend. We were just sitting in our living room talking about a future of love that you deserved, while Phil and I gave you a hug to cheer you up reminding you that we were your family,” Aquino wrote. “I didn’t know that was going to be our last hug, because I would’ve held on tighter to make sure you wouldn’t leave. You always had so much love to give and you did so much to learn how to love others well.”

The post continued, “I wish so much that our words of love to you would’ve saved you, but I hope you find peace in your heart and soul amongst the stars and that you shine as brightly in the afterlife as you did when you were with us.”

Aquino honored the role Hardin played in his life, adding, “I’ll forever be grateful of the lessons of self-love you taught me. You were a friend that brought out a light in me I never knew existed. Not only did you shine, but you brought me along for the ride to show me what it meant to shine unapologetically.”

Burlesque performer Asura, who described themselves as Hardin’s “best friend,” also commented on Hardin’s post.

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“His roommates broke down his door and called paramedics but unfortunately it was far too late to resuscitate him,” Asura wrote. “Lulu has sadly passed away and I’m so truly sorry to anyone that knew him. 💔.”

In an interview with Out Sports in March 2025, Hardin explained why he had switched from playing football to performing burlesque.

“It allows me to identify my femininity with my masculinity. There’s a lot of musculature to what I do. I’m oiled up, but I let myself express my femininity as well. It feels authentic and reflects the journey I saw for myself when I was younger,” he said. He added, “I’ve dealt with a lot of depression in my life, and sports was relief from that. The gym, practice — I’ll always be a fan because of that.”

Beyond the Gates considers Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones) could potentially leave Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning)’s life in ruins, starting with putting him in a bright orange jumpsuit and changing his address to the local state prison. Smitty may be setting up to take the fall for Lia Whitmore (Cecelia Specht)’s tragic death.

Beyond the Gates: Ashley Targets Matin Too

This could be not only to take down Smitty. But also to destroy the political career of his husband, Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon). And of course, Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) is not going to sit by and watch Heather destroy more lives with violence. But this isn’t violence. And it may be too late once Joey even starts to realize that she’s targeting Smitty in this different way.

Because let’s face it, Joey already knows that Heather came to town with a chip on her shoulder about Smitty. He got all those kudos for writing about her plasma ring and that played a big role in getting Heather’s red market ring in San Francisco shut down. That happened recently. And Smitty is still writing articles because he’s determined to expose the identity of the Impaler. So, of course, Heather is livid over this and she wants to stop Smitty and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Heather already had Lia killed to send a message to anybody else involved with the red market ring. Heather’s message was clear. Keep your mouth shut or this could happen to you. But Smitty’s not going to give up and his investigation could force Heather to do something desperate. So, Smitty’s already gotten two of Heather’s operations shut down and Smitty may do it again.

Heather’s Gotta Play it Smart on BTG

More of them may be on the risk of teetering. So, the psycho in Heather is going to surface and she wants to silence Smitty before she loses more of her illegal but very profitable enterprises. And it can’t be just any plan. Heather has to make sure that she has clean hands when she takes down Smitty because let’s face it, if not, Heather would have already just killed Smitty.

But her biggest roadblock is, of course, her brother Joey. Heather doesn’t want to alienate her brother, and another high-profile death in the DMV would likely do that. But Smitty holds Heather’s future in his hands. So every word Smitty writes about the plasma ring, it brings Heather closer to financial ruin and possibly getting busted. So, obviously she’s angry.

Beyond the Gates: Smitty’s Life on the Line

Unfortunately, Heather promised her brother Joey that Lia’s death was a one and one and said she wouldn’t spill any more blood in the DMV. But Heather could get creative and try to kill Smitty in a car accident, something that she can’t be blamed for. And in fact, Heather might have even gotten inspiration for this by pulling a page out of Joey’s playbook and the way he dealt with Doug McBride (Jason Graham). So Heather could arrange for somebody to cut Smitty’s brake lines. And just like with Doug, a fiery crash could kill Smitty.

That would work out great for Heather. But it puts a lot of chance to it because Smitty could survive. And of course, he’s smart enough to realize if his brake lines were cut, the Impaler may be targeting him. Then Smitty might double down on finding out the Impaler’s identity. That could prove even riskier for Heather, especially because her alias being discovered would be disastrous. And there’s no way that Joey would accept that Smitty’s death or car accident was actually an accident.

Joey on to Heather on BTG

It would be way too much of a coincidence for Joey, even if Heather was with Joey at the time of Smitty’s so-called accident. And if Heather harms Smitty, she knows that would infuriate Joey and there’s no telling how her brother would react. At a minimum, he’d probably sever ties with Heather, and that might hurt her because despite being a psycho, she does seem to legit love Joey.

But Heather’s main reason for being in the DMV isn’t to spend time hanging out with her brother Joey. Because we know that Heather wants into Joey’s business, and she also really wants back into Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman)’s bed.

And of course, the primary reason she came was to tie up all those loose ends from the red market ring blowing up in the DMV. Plus, Smitty might not back down, even if he thinks the Impaler is targeting him. And in fact, he may double down. But if Heather goes after Samantha Richardson (Najah Jackson) and Tyrell Richardson (Jaden Lucas Miller) instead, well, that might have Smitty rethinking his approach. If Heather threatens Samantha and Tyrell, it might actually get Smitty to back down off the Impaler.

Beyond the Gates: Nicole Warns Joey

But since Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) just raged at Joey and said to keep Heather away from Samantha and Tyrell, I think if Joey heard the kids were threatened, he would know that Heather was behind it. You have got to wonder if Beyond the Gates is dropping red flags about what is coming.

Heather talking to Samantha Tyrell seemed very much planned and not a coincidence. So, it’d be a good place for Heather to snap a photo of Tyrell and Samantha for a possible new plan. You know, if Heather got a picture of them, she could send it from a new burner phone and taunt Smitty and pretend, well, she actually is the Impaler. But text as the Impaler and directly threaten Samantha and Tyrell’s safety with a nasty text. So, Heather could even threaten all of Smitty’s happy little family and says, “You better stop your investigation.” and that might actually stop the journalist in his tracks.

Or it could just make Smitty more determined to find out the identity of the Impaler and they just bring in more security. And this could have Martin and Smitty butting heads because Smitty may not want to drop the investigation.

But Martin may insist Smitty has to walk away to keep the family safe. But he’s a good investigative journalist and Smitty is on a mission to uncover the truth. So this whole thing with Heather could rock his household to the core in another way that would stop Smitty in his tracks.

Beyond the Gates: Heather Has Help from the Inside

They kind of handed it out a little bit as a hint when Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) showed up to interrogate Smitty. Jacob was asking Smitty all kinds of questions about Lia’s death. And since Smitty was the last person from outside the prison to see Lia alive, the cops were very interested to hear what Smitty had to say. And I’m guessing that Heather has contacts not only inside the prison. But also inside the police department.

So, Heather may know that Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik) was having Jacob question Smitty. And Heather may think, why not put Smitty behind bars and let him spend the rest of his life in prison since he’s trying to do that to her. You know, Heather may think, I will frame him as the person who killed Lia.

And that would ruin Smitty’s credibility. And then the cops would stop looking for the Impaler as a possible culprit in Lia’s death. This should be easy for Heather because she has somebody inside the prison walls who killed Lia on her commands. It may be an inmate, maybe a corrupt prison employee. But somebody ended Lia’s life with an overdose and then staged it to look like suicide.

Beyond the Gates: Smitty in Lehal Trouble

So Heather could tap that source again and have them make a statement. They saw Smitty give something to Lia, like a packet of pills. They could even have a witness say they overheard Lia saying that Smitty threatened her if she didn’t give up more information about the Impaler and that he said, “You’re either going to come clean to me or take these pills because I won’t stop.” You know, something like that. That way, Smitty could wind up in prison and that would have his journalistic reputation in shreds and it would put an end to his coverage on the Impaler.

And since Heather wants to silence Smitty, you know, she’s got several options in front of her. But framing Smitty as Lia’s killer would ruin Smitty’s life and it would silence him. And most importantly, it would keep Heather in Joey’s good graces because he told Heather, “Don’t kill Smitty.” And Joey also told her, “We don’t target kids. But if Heather frames Smitty for Lia’s death, then she’ll neutralize him and stay within Joey’s guidelines.

The Spice Girls are celebrating a major milestone this year, as 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the release of their debut album, “Spice.” For years, fans have been clamoring for the iconic girl group to reunite, making the milestone an especially exciting occasion. After the group teased something special, however, the eventual announcement left some fans wishing for more.

The Spice Girls, made up of Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice), Mel B (Scary Spice), Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Mel C (Sporty Spice), and Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice), went their separate ways in 2001. Although they have reunited for a few performances over the years, fans have continued hoping for a full-scale tour featuring all five members.

The group released their debut album “Spice,” which included hits such as “Wannabe,” “2 Become 1,” and “Say You’ll Be There,” 30 years ago this year, and on September 9, the Spice Girls teased a surprise for fans on Instagram.

In the short clip, the camera zoomed in on a newspaper with a wanted ad that reads, “R U A SPICE GIRLS FAN WITH THE ABILITY TO SING & DANCE? R U A SUPERFAN, A COLLECTOR, A MUSIC LOVER?” The post’s caption noted that the surprise will be revealed on September 10 at 2 p.m. BST.

Fans expressed excitement in the comments, with many hoping the Spice Girls will announce a tour. “If it’s a world tour, I’m selling my house to buy tix,” one fan wrote.

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The Spice Girls Celebrate 30 Years With A Box Set

On September 10, the Spice Girls announced The Singles Collection, a special edition set that includes 14 CDs with 160 tracks. Fans can listen to all original singles, B-sides, remixes, and bonus tracks, as well as unreleased demos.

Also included are collectible art cards, a 32-page booklet with messages from the Spice Girls, and a 30th anniversary acrylic charm. The set, which will be available for purchase on November 6, comes in a holographic handbag box and will sell for £94.99.

The Announcement Dashed Fans’ High Hopes

While fans were grateful for the surprise, many shared their disappointment that there won’t be a Spice Girls reunion tour, with one noting that the announcement “could have been an email.”

“Will purchase all of this but also ready for a tour ladies,” one fan wrote. “What a waste of excitement,” another said, adding a crying emoji. “I’ll tell you what I want! What I really really want… A TOUR WITH ALL 5!!!,” another exclaimed. “I hear the millennial sigh of devastation from across the world,” another noted.

Apart from a reunion tour, fans have also been asking for the Spice Girls movie, “Spice World,” to be made available on streaming platforms. It isn’t on streaming libraries due to copyright issues, but in June, Mel C said it will be “streaming somewhere soon,” giving fans at least one reason to be hopeful.

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Why A Spice Girls Reunion Isn’t Happening Soon

For years, some members of the girl group have hinted at the possibility of a reunion tour, but in March, Mel C confirmed that it was not happening.

Sporty Spice said that she was in constant communication with the other women, and they want to do something special, but they “failed to reach an agreement,” as previously reported by The Blast.

Mel B shed more light on the decision, explaining that it was difficult to get all five members together since they are working on their own projects and are also busy with their personal lives.

However, Mel C and Mel B aren’t closing their doors on the possibility and remain hopeful that all five of them can reunite on a stage in the future.

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The Spice Girls Remain Close Friends

The last time all five Spice Girls performed together in an official capacity was at the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony, where they sang a medley of “Wannabe” and “Spice Up Your Life.”

Despite no longer working together professionally, all five remain close friends and have had private reunions over the years, some of which have been shared on social media. In 2024, all the Spice Girls attended Victoria’s 50th birthday celebration, and David Beckham captured them on video singing and dancing “Stop” in front of guests.

In July, three of the Spice Girls attended Mel C’s wedding. Victoria was absent due to the FIFA World Cup, but the bride revealed that Posh Spice designed her wedding dress.

Big Tigger is giving a glimpse into where his head is at following a whirlwind few months that brought plenty of public scrutiny his way. While the legal situation surrounding the media personality has now been settled, it seems the experience may have changed how he views the people around him — and how open he is to letting someone new into his life.

RELATED: Lil Scrappy, Lil Duval & King Harris Weigh In On Leaked Footage Of Big Tigger & Alicia Brown’s Confrontation Over His Phone

Big Tigger Opens Up About Charges Being Dropped

Following the DA’s decision, Big Tigger addressed the matter in a video obtained by Live Bitez. In the clip, the media personality is seen smiling as he celebrates the news, exclaiming, “I got them charges dropped!” He also revealed that a “public declination” had been documented in his case, noting that folks can look it up for themselves to see the circumstances prosecutors reviewed before deciding not to move forward.

Big Tigger went on to reflect on the past three months, saying his trust level in new people is now at an all-time low. He said that nearly 30 years of his name, history, and character allowed people to make their own judgments about him, and he expressed gratitude to those who stood by him. As for those who didn’t, he said they were never really there for him anyway — adding that he kept notes. He also revealed that he’s not dating anybody right now and has removed his wedding band, although he sometimes wears it on his right hand alongside his Oura Ring.

So, What Exactly Went Down With Big Tigger?

The legal situation involving Big Tigger, born Darian Morgan, has officially come to a close after the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office declined to move forward with a felony aggravated battery charge and misdemeanor third-degree cruelty to children charge against him. Sandy Springs police arrested Morgan on June 20, and he posted a $10,000 bond later that same day.

The case traced back to a May 9 dispute at the home Morgan shared with his estranged wife, Alicia Brown. Per the arrest affidavit, the disagreement reportedly started over text messages from a female co-worker. Brown alleged that Morgan used force to move and shove her, causing her to stumble into an office door and sustain a cut above her left eye that she said required stitches. Morgan has denied the allegations since they first surfaced.

Them Comments Were A Mixed Bag

As soon as folks caught wind of this, they ran straight to Live Bitez’s Instagram comment section and ran it up. Some came with the jokes, of course, while others had questions about the situation, and a few simply popped in to congratulate him.

One Instagram user, @thebxkid, said, “Bro really gave us a classic meme and walked away from the case cleared of all charges. Crazy W 😂😂😂”

This Instagram user @garner_82 joked, “know what else he got? he got that phone back! 😂😂😂😂”

And, Instagram user @devonmarie1andonly shared, “that still doesn’t mean he didn’t do it.. but god bless you if you didn’t”

Then, Instagram user @i_reallylikebnme commented, “Mr.Tigger!! 😭😭😭😭 I still say that randomly”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @darrick_leggett asked, “I don’t mean no harm but does anybody remember what superhead said about him in her book because every time I see him that’s the only thing that comes to my mind😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂”

But, Instagram user @babyfacescooter_dagoat claimed, “You still was aggressive over that phone WHY?”

RELATED: Social Media Users Point Fingers Following Leaked Video Of Big Tigger & Alicia Brown’s Physical Struggle Over His Phone (UPDATE)