Sandals season is in full swing, and if you’re anywhere near New York City, you’ll see gold everywhere. Rich moms wear gold sandals nonstop, and Martha Stewart is part of the fandom. The A-lister probably has endless shoe options, and yet she reaches for the same sandals nonstop. We’re following suit, especially since Stewart’s classy gold look is only $18 on Amazon!

The lifestyle queen donned the same shiny pair of sandals at least twice in one week; once with a dress at her godson’s wedding and again with a two-piece set at a luncheon. Clearly, the style has first-pick status in her wardrobe. Stewart has spent years perfecting effortless elegance, and these chic slip-ons fit right in.

Get the Herstyle Cushioned Two-Strap Sandals for $18 (was $22) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These Herstyle Cushioned Two-Strap Sandals are strikingly similar to the gold pair Stewart keeps reaching for. With an open toe, clean flat sole and classy double-strap design, they hit the sweet spot between minimal and statement-making style.

Related: Katie Holmes Wore the Most Unexpected Denim Color — And It‘s a Moment

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Not blue, not white! Katie Holmes stepped out in New York City rocking retro purple jeans. Unconventional, yes, but so incredibly chic. The pants gave Holmes’ style a vintage flair, and we found the fun look for 30% off on Amazon. In an iconic head-turning outfit, Holmes paired purple jeans with a simple black cardigan, […]

Then there’s the comfort factor, which is where these gold sandals really shine. The cushioned footbed means you can wear them all day, from cocktail hours to long walks around Europe. They’re lightweight, easy to throw on and forgiving in all the right places, requiring no break-in period or blisters.

“These shoes were not only attractive but very comfortable to wear,” one Amazon shopper shared. “I wore them on a cruise where I did miles of walking.”

Another reviewer wrote, “The two-strap design is so flattering and on-trend, and the quality is impressive. The memory foam footbed makes them incredibly comfortable right out of the box.”

What makes these shiny slip-ons so smart is their sheer flexibility. Pair them with a flowy sundress and you’ve got a polished wedding-guest outfit. Wear them with loose pants or a knit set, and suddenly you’re ready for a lunch reservation. If you want to be like Stewart, you’ll rock them for both.

Get the Herstyle Cushioned Two-Strap Sandals for $18 (was $22) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other comfy sandals here and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: Parisian Rich Moms Walk Everywhere in These Luxe Sandal Styles

Go to Paris and you’ll see all the locals wearing chic sandals. This is especially true for Parisian rich moms, who make every outing an excuse to turn heads without sacrificing comfort. The secret is having the right pair of sandals, and these 13 classy numbers do it right. They look straight from Avenue Montaigne. […]

Gender-swapped remakes can be quite contentious at times, as people ask what the need for them could possibly be. However, the latest one that’s been announced has certainly caught our eye, because The Expendables universe is officially getting a new movie in the form of The Expendabelles, an all-female spin-off.

The project has been discussed in different forms for years, but the latest version is being lined up as its own entity rather than a follow-up to the adventures of Barney Ross and Lee Christmas, although we’re tickled by the idea of Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney as Barnetta Ross and Leah Christmas.

The main Expendables franchise began in 2010 and followed a team of elite mercenaries led by Sylvester Stallone’s Barney Ross. The films managed to bring an immense level of action stars from your dad’s DVD shelf, including Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, and more.

This has been in the works for a long time. More than a decade, as it happens. An all-female Expendables spin-off was first announced back in 2012, with writers Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith attached at one stage and over the years, names like Meryl Streep, Cameron Diaz, Milla Jovovich, and Sigourney Weaver were all mentioned in connection with the project. We would love to see Meryl with a minigun and a bandolier.

How Successful is ‘The Expendables’?

The series started out like a freight train, with the first movie grossing $268 million worldwide against an $82 million budget, while The Expendables 2 did even better with about $312 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. The law of diminishing returns kicked in with the third outing which grossed $209 million worldwide against a $100 million budget. Not a disaster by any means but there’s a clear drop in interest, especially domestically where it only took in about $39 million.

Then Expend4bles pretty much cratered. This was a full blown box office bomb, as it cost around $100 million and grossed only about $51 million worldwide, with just $16.7 million domestic. Its worldwide box office landed at only 0.5 times its production budget, which is brutal. However, with a more moderate budget, it’s clear the interest is there, so this will be one to watch.

The Expendabelles is in production now.

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Release Date

August 13, 2010

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Runtime

103 minutes

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After Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) finishes his jail term for involuntary manslaughter, he is placed on a flight with several other convicts who are being transported to a new maximum security prison. Unlike Poe, these guys are very bad people, so when the plane is hijacked by one of them, Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom (John Malkovich), all hell breaks loose. Poe is the only one on board who can stop them from breaking free, but to do that, he’ll have to take them down one by one without crashing the plane.

Con Air has a silly title and an even sillier premise, but with a cast featuring some of the best character actors of the ‘90s, the film works far better than it should. Sporting a buffed-up physique and an ugly mullet, Cage is the grungy action hero we all deserve, while Malkovich and Steve Buscemi compete with who can chew the most scenery as the film’s wild, over-the-top villains. Con Air is pure Hollywood hokum, and it achieves a kind of machismo-fueled perfection that most action films aspire to reach.

Spencer Pratt is unlikely to have cameras following his every move if he is elected mayor of Los Angeles.

A report claimed on Thursday, May 14, that the Hills alum, 42, signed a deal with L.A. production company Boardwalk Pictures to film a reality show should he be named mayor.

However, a spokesperson for Pratt shot down the rumor, telling Us Weekly in a statement, “This is inaccurate. There is no contract. There is no production. Cameras have not been following the campaign and have no plans to do so.”

Pratt announced in January that he is running for mayor, one year after the Palisades Fire that devastated California. Pratt, his wife, Heidi Montag, and their two sons, Gunner, 8, and Ryker, 3, lost their home in the fire, which killed 12 people and burned more than 6,800 homes and businesses.

Related: Stephanie Pratt Says Voting for Brother Spencer Is a ‘Vote for Stupidity’

Former The Hills star Stephanie Pratt is refusing to endorse her brother, Spencer Pratt, in his bid for Los Angeles mayor. “Spencer has done great work for the palisades. But LA does not need another unqualified and inexperienced mayor,” Stephanie, 39, wrote via X on Saturday, February 14, referring to her brother’s outspoken advocacy in […]

“The system in Los Angeles isn’t struggling; it’s fundamentally broken,” Pratt said at the “They Let Us Burn” public demonstration on January 7. “It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with while the rest of us drown in toxic smoke and ash. Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles, and I’m done waiting for someone to take real action.”

Pratt continued, “That’s why I am running for mayor. And let me be clear, this just isn’t a campaign, this is a mission, and we’re gonna expose the system.”

Amid his political campaign, Pratt likened himself to former President Barack Obama during a recent interview.

“I have two awards from my community. President Obama actually didn’t even have awards when he was a community organizer,” Pratt, who is a registered Republican, told NBC Los Angeles’ Conan Nolan on May 8. “He was able to become a senator and then a president for eight years. So, I feel like him, and I have the same experience.”

Pratt also hit back at criticism of his reality TV past as he attempts to pivot to politics. He insisted he is a “community advocate” these days rather than a celebrity.

“I’m no longer a reality star,” he argued. “It’s funny, I keep being called a reality star. I’m the only candidate living in reality, too.”

Pratt is one of three leading candidates in the mayoral race. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Councilwoman Nithya Raman are also strong contenders.

Pratt has several high-profile supporters backing the MTV alum in his political ambitions, including Joe Rogan, Kristin Cavallari, Nick Viall, Katharine McPhee and David Foster and more.

Related: Meghan McCain Says Spencer Pratt Is Going to ‘Win’ Race for L.A. Mayor

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Meghan McCain predicted a huge upset victory for The Hills star Spencer Pratt in the Los Angeles mayoral race. “I’m telling you this guy is going to win,” McCain, 41, wrote via X on Wednesday, April 29. The former View panelist responded enthusiastically to a new campaign ad from Pratt, 42, where he visited Mayor […]

McPhee and Foster held a lavish fundraiser in support of Spencer’s campaign in their Brentwood Park backyard earlier this week.

At the event, McPhee sang to the guests, changing the lyrics to Tina Turner’s 1989 classic, “The Best.”

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“You’re simply the best / Better than all the rest / Better than Karen Bass / And Nithya Raman,” she sang.

Not everyone, however, is getting behind the campaign. Spencer’s sister, Stephanie Pratt, has urged Los Angeles residents not to vote for her brother.

“Spencer has done great work for the Palisades. But LA does not need another unqualified and inexperienced mayor,” Stephanie, 40, wrote via X in February. She added, “A vote for him is a vote for stupidity.”

David Letterman returned one last time to the show he started 33 years ago.

Letterman, 79, bid farewell to The Late Show on Thursday, May 14, as he joined current host Stephen Colbert to reminisce about the old days. Letterman launched The Late Show in 1993 and retired in 2015, paving the way for Colbert, now 62, to take over.

“I have every right to be pissed off, so I’ll be pissed off here a little bit. You folks wouldn’t be in this theater if it weren’t for me, and Stephen wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for me,” Letterman said about returning to the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. “We rebuilt this theater, and then Stephen came in, and look at this. It’s like the Bellagio [hotel]. You can take a man’s show, but you can’t a man’s voice.”

Letterman then joked about Colbert’s fellow late-night talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel.

Related: Stephen Colbert Discusses ‘The Late Show’ Cancellation: What He’s Said

Former The Daily Show correspondent and beloved late night host Stephen Colbert shocked fans in July 2025 when he announced that CBS has decided to end The Late Show With Stephen Colbert — and the late night program overall — in May 2026. The surprising move retired the longtime late night franchise, launched by David […]

“You know what I’m really worried about? What will become of the Jimmys? Are they going to be all right?” he asked.

Later in the episode, Letterman and Colbert made their way to the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theater to destroy CBS property ahead of The Late Show’s final week on air.

“I thought maybe tonight’s occasion would be a little sad, being the end of your run here, but this brings true joy to my heart. We are up here for the wanton destruction of CBS property,” Letterman said before he and Colbert proceeded to toss both Colbert’s desk chair and the blue sofa chairs used by guests from atop the venue.

Colbert then joked that CBS sent him and Letterman a cake reading “The Late Show 1993-2026,” which they also proceeded to launch to the ground below.

CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show in July 2025. Colbert’s final episode is set to air on Thursday, May 21.

“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire the Late Show franchise at that time,” CBS said in a statement. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”

CBS said the move was purely “financial” and not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.” (CBS’ parent company, Paramount, was acquired by Skydance Media in August 2025.)

In an interview with The New York Times earlier in May, Letterman disagreed that the show was canceled for financial reasons.

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Related: Stephen Colbert Names Star He Was ‘Wildly Attracted’ to Before Final Show

Stephen Colbert has seen it all as a late-night talk show host — but even he couldn’t predict how beautiful Michelle Williams would be upon their first meeting. During the Wednesday, May 13, episode of the “Strike Force Five” podcast, Colbert, 62, dished about which of his past guests on The Late Show With Stephen […]

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“He was dumped because the people selling the network to Skydance said, ‘Oh no, there’s not going to be any trouble with that guy. We’re going to take care of the show. We’re just going to throw that into the deal. When will the ink on the check dry,’” Letterman claimed.

He added, “I’m just going to go on record as saying: They’re lying. Let me just add one other thing. … They’re lying weasels.”

For its part, CBS told the Times that the show’s cancellation was “unequivocally a financial decision.”

You can always count on leather jackets to bring a cool factor to any look — just ask Taylor Swift. The star’s latest date-night outfit included a sophisticated take on the rugged outer layer, which we duplicated with a budget-friendly style for less than $32.

During an evening in London with fiancé Travis Kelce, Swift slipped a black leather trench coat over a lace-trimmed black silk camisole and skirt. While her Toteme layer is undeniably chic, our nearly identical find features a similar texture across a faux leather base. With a button-up front and pointed upper collar, the style also features a sharp, streamlined effect.

Get the BRGZLK Women’s Faux Leather Jacket for $31 at Walmart! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Swift chose to pair her all-black coat and matching set with coordinating accessories: a set of heeled Celine sandals, a leather chainmail Rabanne handbag and a gleaming crystal Chanel necklace. We’d take a similar approach to styling our dark outer layer, which would look just as sharp with a silky top and skirt as it would with dark denim. The piece’s neutral color also makes it a perfect layer for a classic white top and blue jeans — and, like Swift, we’d slip on a pair of strappy sandals to bring the look an elevated touch.

Related: Kate Hudson’s Sleek Leather Trench Feels ’90s Supermodel-Coded

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Kate Hudson just turned a New York City outing into a full ’90s fashion moment! The actress stepped out in a sleek leather trench coat that felt like it was pulled from a vintage runway. Naturally, luxury versions cost thousands, but this $50 lookalike channels the style for less. On February 18, Hudson wore her […]

A leather coat like Swift’s is an “it girl” staple piece, beloved for its edgy texture and nostalgic nod to ‘90s fashion. The star is the latest to wear a version of the outer layer, which has also been spotted on Margot Robbie, Dua Lipa, and Rihanna in recent weeks, too. The most popular takes on the style feature a calf-length silhouette in dark shades of black, brown and deep green, making it versatile and easy to wear over and over again.

A coat like Swift’s is also a top trend for mid-season dressing. Light outer layers that can easily be removed if needed are ideal for wearing between spring and summer, as well as the summer and fall seasons. The affordable version we discovered is remarkably similar to luxe iterations on the market from labels like FRAME, Nour Hammour and Massimo Dutti as well, proving that of-the-moment style doesn’t require a high price tag.

Swift’s leather coat is one we’re especially glad we found a budget-conscious take on. The textured piece has a classic silhouette that’s easy to layer atop any ensemble, as well as style from day to night. With a sleek finish and sharp collar, the piece brings outfits that dynamic, elusive “it girl” edge that’s sure to instantly enhance your wardrobe from season to season. Take it from Swift: this is one outer layer that never goes out of style.

Get the BRGZLK Women’s Faux Leather Jacket for $31 at Walmart! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Related: Taylor Swift’s Red Bomber Jacket Proves That Bold Can Be Versatile

Taylor Swift knows a thing or two about red. When she’s not singing about it, she’s wearing it, and her latest outfit made the color a winter wardrobe essential. Her leather jacket is the chicest outer layer, and we found the look on sale for just $40 on Amazon. It’s flying off the shelves! While […]

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A disturbing case out of West Palm Beach is drawing widespread attention after police say a 29-year-old Florida man turned a Mother’s Day family moment into a violent attack that left his grandmother fighting for her life. Keo Nottage Jr. is now facing serious charges after authorities allege a simple request to help carry groceries inside escalated into a brutal stabbing inside the family’s home.

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! Wisconsin Woman Faces Charges After Stabbing Her Boyfriend Because He Allegedly Wanted To Air Fry Dinner (VIDEO)

Groceries Request Turns Into Deadly Family Outburst

According to an arrest affidavit, the situation began when Nottage was inside the residence while his grandmother and cousin returned from a grocery trip for a planned Mother’s Day dinner. The cousin reportedly asked him to help bring items inside, which allegedly triggered his anger. Investigators say Nottage became agitated and declared, “someone is going to die today,” before grabbing a kitchen knife and attacking his grandmother multiple times. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying, with one family member yelling, “You stabbed my f—ing grandma!” after witnessing the repeated strikes.

Violence Escalates As Nottage Allegedly Chases Witness Outside

The affidavit further states that after the stabbing, Nottage allegedly turned aggressive toward others in the home. While the cousin went outside to call for help, they told police they suddenly heard screams coming from inside the house. Upon re-entering, they reportedly saw Nottage holding the knife and their grandmother on the ground, but could not see her from the knees down. Fearing for their life, the cousin fled the home, jumped a fence, and contacted police, later reporting that Nottage chased them outside while allegedly shouting, “Do you want to fade? What the f— are you going to do?”

Nottage Taken Into Custody As Grandmother Remains Critical

Authorities say the violence did not end there, as Nottage allegedly pursued the cousin from the residence while still armed with the knife and making threats. Officers responded to the scene shortly after and took him into custody. He has since been charged with attempted murder with a deadly weapon and is being held without bond.

RELATED: Man Banned From Planet Fitness Over Unpaid Bill Allegedly Returns And Stabs Employee (VIDEO)

Fans are rallying around “Real Housewives of Orange County” star Shannon Beador as her beloved dog, Archie, has passed away. This comes after the “RHOC” star announced earlier this month that the loveable golden retriever had been diagnosed with brain cancer.

This sad announcement comes on the heels of Beador and the rest of the “Orange County” cast wrapping production on season 20 of the show, which may include footage of Archie.

Beador took to her official Instagram on May 14 to announce that Archie had passed away. The “RHOC” star began, “Heaven has a new special angel. Archie passed away yesterday, and the girls and I are heartbroken.”

After that, the grief-stricken reality star explained that Archie was more than a pet. According to her, “For the last 10 years, Archie wasn’t just my dog – he was my constant comfort, protector, best friend and truly the real ‘man’ in my life.”

She went on to note the “highs and lows” of her life, saying Archie had been a constant for her. Beador said, “Archie was always by my side and loved me the same way every single day. Never judging me and always giving pure, loyal, and unconditional love.”

Shannon Revealed How Archie Spent His Final Day

Beador continued her emotional post about the famed K-9. Regarding his final day of life, she revealed, “Stella [one of her daughters] was able to fly home from Paris, and Archie spent his last day doing his favorite things- standing in the ocean, sitting in the park, and eating, a lot of eating. More than just his usual carrots.”

After that, Beador mentioned her other dog, Troy. She said, “One of the most selfless and thoughtful things Archie did was to bring Troy into our lives so we aren’t alone. There is such a void in our household right now. Troy continues to look for his big brother, which is heartbreaking.”

The “RHOC” star continued, “I keep thinking he is just taking a nap, but Archie is now a very special angel in heaven and is swimming, running, and playing catch with no more pain. The girls and I are so blessed to have spent 10 years with the most incredible companion anyone could ask for.”

She concluded, “Please give your animals a hug and kiss for Archie today.”

Colleagues & Fans Are Rallying Around The ‘RHOC’ Star

Following the sad news about Archie’s passing, Beador received an outpouring of support. This is true for both fans of the “Real Housewives of Orange County” star and her colleagues. First, Andy Cohen responded, saying, “I am so sorry.”

Entertainment Tonight’s Brice Sander wrote, “All dogs go to heaven. So sorry for your loss.” Her “RHOC” co-star and sometimes friend, sometimes enemy, Tamra Judge, stated, “Sweet Archie is now running free in heaven with all the tennis balls his heart desires. Thinking of you and the girls.”

A fan wrote, “I’m so devastated for you all. He lived a life filled with so much love from you and the world, and, of course, all dogs go to heaven.”

Lastly, someone else replied, “May his memory be a blessing. Bravo’s support animal.”

She Previously Revealed Archie’s Cancer Diagnosis

Beador first shared that Archie had been diagnosed with brain cancer on May 5. She did so with a heartfelt social media post, starting, “know my posts about my dogs are usually fun and silly, but today I wanted to share something more serious.”

From there, she stated that Archie received his diagnosis after he endured “multiple seizures” across an unspecified time frame. At the time, she was hopeful about his health, noting that he “has seen a neurologist and oncologist and it has been recommended that he start radiation soon.”

Even then, the “RHOC” fan favorite received support, with many sharing their personal stories of having pets receive similar diagnoses.

Archie May Be Seen On ‘RHOC’ Season 20

Beador adopted Archie in 2016, two years after joining “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” He quickly became a staple on the show, even winning the T’Challa Award for Best Appearance of an Animal at BravoCon 2025.

Beador began filming season 20 of “RHOA” in February 2026, with production wrapping in May. Though not confirmed, it’s likely fans will get at least one more look at Archie when the season premieres on Bravo in July 2026.

Taylor Frankie Paul is opening up about her tumultuous relationship with ex Dakota Mortensen amid their custody battle and The Bachelorette cancellation.

“It’s so sad because nobody wants to be like this. I hate that I am no longer myself. I hate that I stayed for so long,” Taylor, 31, wrote in an emotional Instagram post on Thursday, May 14. “I blame nobody more than my own damn self, because how did I allow this for my kids and myself for so long? I’m sorry to THEM. I don’t need to log off and remain silent. I’ve already admitted in court I’m fully NOT INNOCENT, I know that. None of it is okay, period.”

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star continued, “I’ve been in survival mode for years with miscarriages, pregnancy, postpartum, and horrible betrayal with so many lies told, which added to the trauma on my body physically, hormonally, mentally, and emotionally. Those layers also matter. To make it more difficult, I was scared to call for help or tell anyone because I was being reminded I would be the one in trouble given I’m the one on probation already.”

“Imagine being pregnant & postpartum healing internally and too scared to ask for help or at the very least speak about it and he knew he had that advantage, which gave him MORE access to do whatever, knowing I’d remain silent,” Taylor alleged. “What people aren’t understanding is you don’t even realize you’re in it and what’s happening psychologically for a long time. You solely believe you’re the only insane one because they twist everything that you eventually feel insane. Then to find out you weren’t insane, in fact, I was right about it all, which is gut-wrenching to learn. Was always projection. It’s a human response to eventually snap and then getting stuck in the cycle because they console you, saying, ‘It’s okay you’re acting out, I’m still here for you and love you still,’ which then you’re feeling bad as they are aware they are gaslighting you. Even after learning a lot of that, you STILL want to be held by that same person. It’s twisted, I know.”

“And then there is the ‘Why didn’t you leave sooner?’… which is valid and let’s look at how it ended for me when I finally did,” Taylor went on, claiming Dakota, 33, had “love bombed, then manipulated, threatened [and] physically hurt” her, in addition to having “cops called on me, [being] publicly humiliated, lost most friends because he got to them, had CPS called, and am now in court all because I said no more and he knew I meant it this time.”

“The difference between us, my love was real for him without gaining anything, and people know that. Not sure it was the same in return. I cried the whole way home after court, allowing the pain through,” the MomTok influencer wrote. “I wish he had been the person he pretended to be. I experienced enough, I saw too much. The mask fell off, and not only with me. We’re both in the wrong. What I can say is I didn’t want to ruin his life, call cops on him, take his child away, or claim complete innocence … that’s the difference between us.”

Us Weekly has reached out to Dakota’s representative for comment.

Taylor also took aim at her Mormon Wives costar Mikayla Matthews, who has distanced herself from Taylor in recent months.

Related: Mormon Wives’ Taylor Frankie Paul, Dakota Mortensen‘s Relationship Timeline

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen‘s complicated romance was thrust into the spotlight on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives — and their relationship status remains unclear. Before the show premiered on Hulu in September 2024, Taylor and Dakota started dating following her divorce from husband Tate Paul in the wake of a high-profile “soft […]

“And then we have friends like Mikayla that come at me during all this, and now she wants me to apologize? Absolutely not. She can go kick rocks instead of kicking me right now,” Taylor wrote.

In the caption of her post, Taylor wrote that she was sharing her emotions over the past couple of months because she “wanted to process it more.”

News broke in March that ABC had shelved the latest season of The Bachelorette starring Taylor after footage emerged of a domestic violence incident between her and Dakota that took place in 2023. (Taylor pled guilty to third-degree felony aggravated assault in 2023 as part of a plea deal and remains on probation.)

At the same time, Taylor was being investigated by two different Utah police departments in connection with two more alleged domestic disputes involving Dakota; however, prosecutors ultimately declined to press charges against the reality stars. The police investigations led to production pausing on Mormon Wives season 5.

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In late April, Taylor and Dakota were granted protective orders against each other, ordering them to stay at least 100 feet away. The pair remain locked in a legal battle over their 2-year-old son, Ever, of whom Dakota currently has temporary custody. Taylor has up to 12 hours of supervised visitation with her youngest child. The custody arrangement will be revisited during another hearing on June 1. (Taylor also shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul.)

In an April statement, Dakota said, “I regret not stepping away from the difficult cycle sooner. I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt. At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on me and my son.”

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

[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for The Terror: Devil in Silver Episode 2.]

From showrunners Chris Cantwell (Halt and Catch Fire) and Victor LaValle (The Changeling), who wrote the novel the third season of the anthology series is based on, The Terror: Devil in Silver follows Pepper (Dan Stevens) as he finds himself committed to New Hyde Psychiatric Hospital. A working-class man with a temper who’s just trying to figure things out while struggling every step of the way, Pepper quickly realizes that something sinister is lurking that he may ultimately have to face if he’s ever going to get out of the institution and back to his life.

Collider recently got the opportunity to chat one-on-one with Karyn Kusama, who directed the first two episodes of the series, about her choices in blending fear and psychology horror for savvy audiences. During the interview, she discussed finding the vibe of the story, figuring out just how much gore to show, what made Stevens such a great collaborator as the star and executive producer, and figuring out just how much of the monster to show in Episode 2. She also reflected on her first film as a writer/director, Girlfight starring Michelle Rodriguez, what attracted her to the upcoming Amazon series Life Is Strange, based on the critically acclaimed video game, the love she still hears when it comes to Jennifer’s Body, and what she thinks of the sequel script that she hopes will get made.

Director Karyn Kusama Wanted To Create a Claustrophobic Vibe for the World of ‘The Terror: Devil in Silver’

“The sense of a lack of agency was the most important thing to set up and establish visually and emotionally for the characters.”

Collider: Because you directed the first two episodes, you really set up the vibe of this series, and this series really is very much a vibe. What sort of vibe did you want to bring to this, to set up the season and the story that’s being told, to really create that mood?

KARYN KUSAMA: Once our lead character, Pepper, lands at New Hyde Psychiatric Hospital, he really doesn’t see much daylight. With the exception of a few scenes, he really is like the rest of the community of patients around him. They’re pretty much stuck there. That sense of claustrophobia and the sense of a lack of agency was the most important thing to set up and establish visually and emotionally for the characters.

It’s very effective to go from the opening scene in the hospital, and then introduce us to Pepper outside, before you go back into the hospital. This starts off in the hospital with something that’s happened to one of the patients, and we only see glimpses of that body. How did you decide what to show us and what not to show us, in that moment?

KUSAMA: It’s such an interesting question because we really had to grapple with that. On the one hand, it could have been extremely gory, and we could have seen a lot of it. But the issue with that is that it’s also the opening of our show. And in fact, we’re not introducing our main character yet. And so, we really did have to strike a balance between presenting a series of questions for the audience like, what is this place? Why is this the beginning of a show that we think stars Dan Stevens versus setting up real peril or real mystery? We probably looked and relooked, and cut and recut that cold open almost more than anything else in the first two episodes because it really did require a lot of balancing of tones to get it right.

Showing us other people’s reactions without showing us the full body works so well. What did you tell the actors? What were they looking at to know how to react?

KUSAMA: Sometimes they were looking at a human who was in a contorted position. Sometimes they were looking, just for the sake of enacting the scene, at a really good prosthetic character. The horror of it was actually pretty apparent. Honestly, when we walked in the room, even if the prosthetic body was there, it was something we didn’t really want to look at very much. As I get older, I really want to look at bodies and violence to bodies responsibly. Just even being in the space with that was disturbing, to be honest.

Just entering that hospital room and seeing the contorted hands gives a sense of creepiness and unease that make you want to immediately get back out of that room.

KUSAMA: Totally. Oh, God, yeah. Part of it is setting up that this is an empty bed now and somebody else will land in that room. And then, we introduce Pepper to say, “Welcome to the next patient at New Hyde.”

This series definitely feels much more like a psychological build over each episode, which I always find more terrifying.

KUSAMA: We were definitely looking at the series as part of a tradition of horror, and even monster movies, where you actually see a lot less of a literal monster than you suggest it. In the case of this story, it was important that the audience feel like the monster was as much a part of our brain scape as it was in the outside world. Asking the question, do we create monsters or do monsters create us? was a little bit a question of the series.

Director Karyn Kusama Says Dan Stevens Was a Wonderful Creative Partner on ‘The Terror: Devil in Silver’

“He really is one of the most skillful, prepared, thoughtful actors I’ve gotten the great opportunity to work with.”

Image via AMC+

What do you think made Dan Stevens the right actor to not only bring Pepper to life, but to also be an executive producer on this?

KUSAMA: He was such a wonderful creative partner for us. First of all, he’s a great actor. He really is one of the most skillful, prepared, thoughtful actors I’ve gotten the great opportunity to work with. We had all known that about him. We had all done our research and heard only good things about him. It was also just nice to work with somebody who brought an incredible amount of intelligence to the character, but also just the world of the story. He really understood that once Pepper gets to New Hyde, he has to learn to bond and engage and empathize with all these people that he assumes are so different from him. That was a touchstone for the character, but also something I think Dan just really understood how to play.

In episode one, you have that moment in the long, dark hallway when the man’s face starts to droop around his eyes and mouth, and then he pushes it back into place, which made it all even creepier. Did you know how that was going to look and how you wanted that to look? Did you intentionally want that to be something that feels off and wrong, but isn’t full-on horrific yet?

KUSAMA: The idea that in our world there are real ghouls was what we played with. As far as I’m concerned, if you just open a paper today, there’s no shortage of ghouls to choose from. I often wonder, when is this person in high office just going to pull their face off and reveal whatever machinery is underneath that confirms their lack of humanity? I actually felt like that was something that I really responded to in the script right away, this concept of the mask falling. We had a lot of interesting visual references, but we played quite a bit with the wonderful actor, John Benjamin Hickey, actually putting his face in as many grotesque positions as possible so we could work with all of that to create that effect. I think we got to a pretty good place that was very scary and gross, but then strangely real when he puts his face back in place. It’s also kind of funny. There’s a grim humor to it, that he just pushes it back in place.

In episode two, you strap down Dan Stevens and muzzle his mouth? Is there a time limit for how long you can strap down and gag the star of your show? How long did you keep him like that?

KUSAMA: Oh, yeah, we really had to be mindful of what was physically happening to him. He does a great job of playing terrified by that entrapment and by being bound like that. We definitely had to be mindful of how uncomfortable it was for him. So, the answer is a few minutes at a time. We had to check in with him frequently.

‘The Terror: Devil in Silver’ Takes a Less Is More Approach to Showing the Monster

“I don’t feel as excited anymore by seeing monsters in horror films because I’m a little bit desensitized.”

Image via AMC+

At the end of episode two, you also have that moment where we see glimpses of what this thing in the hospital might be, but we get a feel for it really through the physicality and the reactions that Pepper has to it. What was it like to figure out the balance of how much to show in that moment and how much to show the reaction of it?

KUSAMA: All of us on the team, like I hope a lot of our audience, have seen a lot of horror, we’ve seen a lot of great monsters, and we’ve seen a lot of incredible effects already. And so, with that in mind, we knew that we were the kind of show that had to approach it differently. We were modestly budgeted. We didn’t have the resources to see everything. But the fact is that I don’t feel as excited anymore by seeing monsters in horror films because I’m a little bit desensitized. It was an interesting challenge, but an exciting challenge to think about, how do we invoke the horror of these moments with the least amount of monster possible? Thematically, it was also important that we not over-literalize the monster. The fact is that everyone sees a different monster in this hospital. We really had to be mindful of how, when we say psychological horror, we really mean it with this particular hospital and the monster that haunts it.

I have been a fan of your work since Girlfight. I love that movie, and I love the work you did with Michelle Rodriguez in that movie. How do you feel about that movie, 26 years after it came out? It was the first movie you directed, and you also wrote it. Do you think about it any differently now or appreciate it more, after all this time and all these projects that you’ve done since then?

KUSAMA: First of all, thank you so much for that question. I appreciate it so much. I do think about it a little differently. I was really trying to make a pure statement about a complicated young woman struggling to find a place in the world and honestly find herself in her own physical body, and I feel like that arc for that character mirrors my own. I’m really just trying to find meaning for myself, but within my larger world and with my community and, very simply, in my physical self, day to day. Now that I’m older and very solidly in middle age, I ask myself that question about what it means to be alive here on Earth quite regularly. In a funny way, I think that movie, consciously or not, was a distillation of a lot of the kinds of work I’ve been interested in doing since then.

You’ve signed on to direct the Amazon series Life Is Strange, and I read an article that said if anyone can understand showcasing the horror of being a teenage girl, it’s you. Having seen so many of your previous projects, I can see why they might think that. What attracted you to that project and that story, and what’s it been like to approach that material?

KUSAMA: I’m still approaching it. I’m prepping it now. I just loved the grim humor that comes from being a young woman, and the sense of feeling both endless possibilities ahead of you and narrowing possibilities ahead of you, as a young woman. I think that’s the question a lot of young people face. I just happen to feel like I know the female perspective of that quite well. And I just loved what (creator) Charlie Covell did with the show. They’re an incredible writer and thinker and creator. I’m really honored to get to work on it, and I’m really excited for it.

Director Karyn Kusama Calls the ‘Jennifer’s Body’ Sequel Script “Dazzling” and “Fresh”

“I’m just knocking on wood to hope that it hapepns.”

Image via 20th Century Studios

Last year, you said that Diablo Cody was writing a Jennifer’s Body sequel. Do you know if she’s finished it? Have you read it? What’s happening with that?

KUSAMA: Yeah. We’re talking about making it. I’m just knocking on wood to hope that it happens because it exists, and it’s a truly fresh, dazzling continuation of the story. I’m really excited by it.

Obviously, there’s no way you could have known the life that movie would have taken on since it came out.

KUSAMA: No, I could not have predicted it.

Are you surprised fans are still holding onto it? It’s not something that lasted a couple of years and then they moved on. They’re still hanging onto it.

KUSAMA: That’s so nice to hear. I have so many movies and television shows that I hang onto still with the sense of, “Wow, that thing sort of saved my life in that moment.” I knew when I made that movie that I wanted to make something I would have wanted to see when I was 17 or 18. The fact that it took some time to find some of its most rabid fans, but that it also has stayed relevant for the people who watched it when it first came out in the theaters, I just feel so gratified because I always knew the movie was better than the way it was being received when it came out. I always understood that about it, which is maybe naivete or denial or some kind of insane ego on my part. I was always just confident in the work. And so, the fact that it got discovered and rediscovered over the years gives me a sense of so much joy and hope in audiences.

I feel like there might not have been a project like Yellowjackets, which you’ve also directed, if there hadn’t been something like Jennifer’s Body before it. It feels like the existence of one opened a pathway for the other.

KUSAMA: Oh, cool. I’m happy to hear that. I don’t disagree.

The Terror: Devil in Silver airs is available on AMC+ and Shudder.

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Release Date

2018 – 2025-00-00

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Network

AMC, Shudder, AMC+

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Showrunner

David Kajganich, Soo Hugh, Christopher Cantwell

Directors

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Tim Mielants, Edward Berger, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Fred Toye, Karyn Kusama, Michael Lehmann, Josef Kubota Wladyka, Lily Mariye, Toa Fraser, Meera Menon

Writers

David Kajganich, Shannon Goss, Tony Tost, Steven Hanna, Andres Fischer-Centeno, Benjamin Endsley Klein, Danielle Roderick, Alessandra DiMona, Josh Parkinson

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