By Robert Scucci
| Published 23 seconds ago

If you know anybody who’s in a struggling band, or are in one yourself, and you get one of those offers that seems way too good to be true, you should force yourself to be the voice of reason, even if everybody in your orbit will hate you for being so cynical. Opportunities that require you to sign over your rights to your own intellectual property in a 365 deal are never what they’re cracked up to be, and you’ll spend the rest of your life trying to reclaim your art through expensive legal proceedings. Or, if you’re like the struggling punk band Suicide Disease in 2024’s Director’s Cut, you load up the van and drive out to the middle of nowhere because an eccentric videographer has offered to direct your debut music video for free.

In this case, you don’t really have to worry about copyright issues when all is said and done, because all signs suggest you won’t make it through the weekend alive anyway. As much as you’d like to get a cut-rate deal on an otherwise expensive endeavor, you have to think about what the offering party stands to gain from the exchange. You may not want to hear this, but sometimes a contract or written agreement is necessary if you want to protect your livelihood, and sometimes even your life.

A Punk Band With Nothing To Lose

Director’s Cut opens with a struggle that any somewhat serious musician will encounter at some point in their hobby or career. The band Suicide Disease has found their passion project in a state of flux, mostly due to lead vocalist Jay’s (Tyler Ivey) rotten attitude. Jay looks like the kind of guy who writes poems about pain in his Moleskine, but doesn’t have the vocabulary to sound like anything other than an angsty eighth grader. He also looks like he’s spent way more money on tattoos than vocal lessons.

When the rest of the band, John (Greg Poppa), Menace (Brandy Ochoa), and Juan (Louis Rocky Bacigalupo), confront him about the fate of the project, they immediately clash over how they should move forward. Jay wants to write more songs, while the band wants to play more shows. They can’t get better gigs until they have a larger catalog, but they’re too broke to take the current show on the road. That leaves them stuck in local band purgatory for the foreseeable future.

In a desperate move to keep the band together, Jay reveals that he’s received an offer to shoot a music video for free. The man making the offer, known only as Mister Director (Louis Lombardi), has a sizable social media following and a body of past work that suggests he might actually be legit. In a last-ditch effort to keep the band alive, they unanimously decide to haul their gear out to rural Pennsylvania, where Mister Director claims to have access to an abandoned mansion.

Honestly, There Are Way Worse Venues Out There

If you’ve ever spent any time inside a punk venue, you know you risk your life every time you step into the bathroom, and that the stage meant for five people and all of their equipment usually has the same footprint as a twin-sized bed. With that in mind, crashing at an empty mansion doesn’t seem like a bad gig, especially if somebody’s helping you out for free. This assumption is what pushes Director’s Cut into fully unhinged territory.

Almost immediately, Jay feels like something is off and has second thoughts about the whole project, which understandably irritates everyone else in the band since this was his idea in the first place. After exchanging pleasantries with Mister Director and his bruiser of an enforcer, Babs (Lucy Hart), the band commits to the shoot because they truly have nothing left to lose. At least that’s what they think.

Things take a hard left when Mister Director explains that he plans to film each band member individually before editing everything together in post-production. While each member waits their turn, nobody else is allowed on set. By the time the drums and guitars are supposedly finished, it becomes painfully clear that Suicide Disease is going to need some lineup changes if anyone is still breathing by the end of the weekend.

Pushing itself firmly into slasher territory, Director’s Cut gets violent fast, and once it does, there’s no turning back. Mister Director technically has a strong aesthetic vision for the video. Unfortunately for the band, that vision involves everyone staying at the mansion getting murdered in increasingly brutal fashion. Babs is a constant threat whether she’s on screen or lurking just outside the frame. Mister Director is wheelchair bound, so she handles most of the physical work, but the menacing bulge in her pants is what will probably unsettle you the most if I’m being honest.

Be Wary Of The Deals You Make

While Director’s Cut’s storyline is intentionally ridiculous and completely over the top, writer-director Don Capria based the concept on his own experience working as an artist manager for years. He wanted to address the risks young, naive artists take early in their careers when they’re presented with one-sided, exploitative deals. By pushing that idea to its most extreme conclusion, Capria turns Director’s Cut into a cautionary tale about the music industry and how easily it can chew you up if you’re careless about who you trust.

While it’s highly unlikely that you or any local band you know will be lured into a mansion and murdered by a psychotic director, it’s always in your best interest to question any deal that feels off. But if you’re able to hold your own and defend yourself, what happens in Director’s Cut, currently streaming for free on Tubi, isn’t nearly as bad as sitting through a local band showcase on a Tuesday night.

I know people think anime is a niche form of entertainment, but the truth is that the medium is now more popular than ever. Sure, it started as an art form for fans of manga who wanted to see their favorite stories play out on the screen. Streaming has opened anime up to a whole new world of viewers, though. Now, you don’t need to be familiar with the manga to enjoy these stories with intricate world-building, strong characters, and compelling plots.

The animation is enough of a visual feast that no other form of TV and film can ever replicate. If you’re ready to experience the magic for the first time or just want to revisit some all-time favorites, here are the anime series on Prime Video that have absolutely no bad seasons.

1

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Image via Pony Canyon

Attack on Titan is an anime that just can’t be missed, even if you’re not a fan of the genre. The Japanese adaptation of the iconic manga by Hajime Isayama is a masterclass in storytelling and is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction and confined to walled cities to protect themselves from giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The anime follows protagonist Eren Yeager (Yuki Kaji), who witnesses the horrific death of his mother at the hands of a Titan and develops a burning desire for vengeance. He is joined by his friends Mikasa Ackerman (Yui Ishikawa) and Armin Arlert (Marina Inoue), both of whom have their own arcs that we uncover along the way. As the story progresses through its four seasons, Attack on Titan only gets better, with each chapter revealing new lore about the Titans, the origin of humanity, and the dark secrets hidden within the walls.

The series really shines in its worldbuilding and doesn’t try to portray any of its characters as purely good or completely evil. This nuanced approach makes the story feel all the more powerful and pulls you deeper into this complex web of allegiances, betrayals, and shocking twists. The animation and sound design remain consistently good throughout the series, with some of the most fluid fight sequences you will ever see. Attack on Titan is one of the very few anime that never loses momentum and challenges its audience to question everything until the very end. The series concludes with a power-packed finale in 2023, but its legacy will continue to live on.

2

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–2023)

Image via Wit Studio

Vinland Saga was an anime that truly defied all expectations. No one could have imagined that the medium would lend itself so beautifully to a historical drama, but the result remains unmatched to this day. The series, based on the manga by Makoto Yukimura, brings the Viking era to life like never before. The anime first premiered in 2019, produced by Wit Studio, and later continued with MAPPA for its second season in 2023. Despite the shift, though, it never lost its visual or narrative consistency. The story follows Thorfinn (Yūto Uemura), a young warrior who sets out to avenge his father after he is murdered by the ruthless mercenary Askeladd (Naoya Uchida).

This isn’t a typical revenge story, though, because the series focuses heavily on Thorfinn’s character development and shows the harsh consequences of a life driven by vengeance. His eventual transformation into a man searching for meaning makes Vinland Saga one of the most emotionally complex and thought-provoking anime of all time. At the same time, the series addresses the violence of Viking culture and the brutalities of war. This balanced mix of the characters’ personal struggles against a larger historical backdrop is a testament to Vinland Saga‘s genius.

3

‘Dororo’ (2019)

Image via MAPPA

Dororo is one of the best samurai-themed anime the world has seen in decades. The series is based on Osamu Tezuka‘s manga and transports the viewers to a war-torn Japan during the Sengoku period, where demons, political tensions, and a supernatural curse threaten to destroy the fabric of humanity. The anime follows Hyakkimaru (Hiroki Suzuki), a boy born without body parts as a result of a pact his father, Daigo Kagemitsu (Naoya Uchida), made with demons in exchange for power. Hyakkimaru then embarks on a difficult journey to reclaim his stolen body parts. Every demon he defeats returns a piece of his humanity. Along the way, he meets Dororo (Rio Suzuki), a young orphan with a tragic past, and the two form a bond as they face the horrors of war together.

The series definitely stands out for its high-stakes supernatural action, but it’s so much more than just that. Hyakkimaru’s journey is about finding meaning and wrestling with his identity. On the other hand, Dororo’s personal growth adds another emotional layer, and his dynamic with the protagonist quickly becomes the heart of the show. Dororo is rich in symbolism and is the kind of anime that demands to be watched over and over again, with its complex stacking of visual and narrative information. The show’s use of modern and traditional animation techniques reflects the intricacy of ancient Japanese art against an animation style that feels contemporary. Dororo‘s soundtrack deserves a special mention for adding to the story’s emotional depth and elevating practically every scene. Despite spanning only 26 episodes, Dororo is a masterpiece that truly makes you believe in the power of anime.

4

‘After the Rain’ (2018)

Image via Wit Studio

After the Rain might initially seem like yet another romance anime, but the story is much deeper than just that. The slow-burning story follows Akira Tachibana (Sayumi Watabe), a high school student and former track star whose life takes a turn after a leg injury. When Akira begins working part-time at a family diner, she finds herself captivated by her middle-aged manager, Masami Kondo (Hiroaki Hirata), a man who once dreamed of becoming a novelist. Despite their age gap, Akira begins to fall for him, and the two develop an unexpected bond.

The relationship between the characters comes off as unconventional at first, but this isn’t just a story about this teenage girl having a crush on an older man. The show. As Akira deals with the loss of her athletic future, she begins to see Kondo as a reminder of the possibilities that still exist. On the other hand, Kondo finds a new passion for life after interacting with Akira and her youthful energy. The two characters help each other find their way, and their connection never feels forced. The pacing of the series is deliberate, but the payoff is rewarding for viewers who are truly interested in the characters’ personal journeys.

5

‘Speed Racer’ (1967–1968)

Image via Fuji TV

Speed Racer is a classic that has stood the test of time. The Japanese series, also known as Mach GoGoGo, has developed a cult-following over the years and was one of the most ambitious shows of its time. Speed Racer follows the adventures of Gō Mifune, also known as Speed Racer (Tatsuo Yoshida), a passionate and determined race car driver who competes in high-stakes races around the world. The story follows his journey as he faces both human and mechanical obstacles in each race. However, what Speed Racer truly stands out for is its revolutionary animation techniques, dynamic action sequences, and vibrant use of color that no other anime had utilized so effectively at the time.

At a time when animated shows typically targeted kids, Speed Racer, with its complex storylines, made it enjoyable for older audiences too. Mifine’s high-tech car, the Mach 5, instantly became iconic along with his other gadgets, including the famous dive suit. These elements turned Speed Racer into an unpredictable adventure, and the show’s experimental storytelling was complemented by its fast-paced editing, playful tone, and highly stylized animation. Beyond just that, the anime centered on themes of loyalty, family, and determination, which made it all the more personal and meaningful to watch.

6

‘Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku’ (2018–2021)

Image via A-1 Pictures

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku is the perfect slice-of-life anime that offers a refreshing and relatable take on romance by focusing on adult otaku characters instead of the usual high school setting that defines the genre. The series is based on the manga by Fujita, Wotakoi, and explores the heartwarming romance between Narumi Momose (Emi Namba), a passionate yaoi fangirl, and her childhood friend Hirotaka Nifuji (Mutsumi Tamura), a gaming otaku. The story begins with Narumi being heartbroken after her precious relationships. She is happy to be reunited with Hirotaka when she starts working at the office, but their relationship is complicated by their shared otaku interests and the societal pressures they operate within.

The anime tackles themes of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and personal growth while also offering a healthy dose of humor and swoon-worthy romance. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku always remains grounded in its approach to relationships, which is what makes it so enjoyable for a more mature audience. The chemistry between the two leads drives the story. Their interactions are awkward yet sincere, which is what makes their eventual bond feel so sincere. The anime doesn’t go all-out in its exploration of romance. Instead, it focuses on the quiet, tender moments that make relationships special.

7

‘Ghost Stories’ (2000–2001)

Image via Fuji TV

Ghost Stories, originally titled Gakkō no Kaidan, stands out as a truly unique and cult classic in the anime world. Originally, the series wasn’t a major hit in Japan, but it blew up thanks to its infamous English dub. This supernatural horror-comedy is about a group of school children who battle ghosts and spirits haunting their new school and the surrounding neighborhood. The show follows a traditional horror formula, with each episode focusing on a different spirit or ghost that needs to be exorcised.

Ghost Stories is a rare anime where the dub dominates the sub, because the humor in its English dub is sharp, self-aware, and full of cultural references that everyone will enjoy. What’s interesting is that characters who felt one-dimensional in the Japanese version come to life with the English dub, which goes to show the power of dialogue. The show might not offer anything groundbreaking in terms of its plot, but it’s the definition of a comfort anime, even for audiences who are unfamiliar with the medium.

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Ghost Stories

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Release Date

2000 – 2001

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Network

Fuji TV

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Directors

Johei Matsuura

Writers

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Akatsuki Yamatoya, Ryota Yamaguchi, Masashi Sogo

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  Tomoko Kawakami

  Satsuki Miyanoshita

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  Kotono Mitsuishi

  Kayako Miyanoshita

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  Kumi Sakuma

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  Momoko Koigakubo

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  Kurumi Mamiya

  Keiichirou Miyanoshita

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Emma Slater And Alan Bersten Turn Raising Cane’s Shift Into A Valentine’s Day Date

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Tara Lipinski is all about glowy skin.

Lipinski, 43, exclusively opened up to Us Weekly about her partnership with Thayers and their new 80 Hour Milky Moisturizer which made her skin as dewy as ever. “I’ve used Thayers before, but for the last couple months, I’ve been using them strictly, and I am now 100 percent hooked,” the Olympian ice skater told Us. “For me, the dry weather and the skating and being in the cold that [affects] my skin,” Lipinski noted. “So I’ve been loving using their products and their toner.”

Lipinski, who returned to the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan to serve as a commentator, made sure to pack her Milky Moisturizer with her. “I’ll use it without makeup, and then I use it before I put on all of my makeup,” she told Us, gushing that it’s become her go-to.

Her current skincare routine consists of using Thayers’ PH Balancing Gentle Cleanser, which she swears by. “There are so few cleansers I can find that clean my skin without irritating it,” she said. Lipinski especially relies on the product because it gets “rid of all” her “makeup and grime” without stripping her skin. Next, she goes in with the Milky Moisturizer.

“I’ve always been sort of a skincare junkie, and loved trying so many different things, but over the years, I’ve found my staples and what works with my skin,” Lipinski said.

Lipinski also reflected on getting older and seeing the “effects” that cold weather has on her skin.

“I just feel like being in the cold weather, I’ve always tried to really moisturize and hydrate, just because that’s where I live my life,” Lipinski shared with Us.

If she’s ever spending extra time on the rink and feels even more dry than usual, Lipinski has a hilarious hack: putting diaper paste on her face. “If my skin is ever really red or irritated, I will use the zinc oxide [paste] and it transforms your skin overnight,” she said.

Another thing Lipinski is adamant about is applying sunscreen every day on her face, neck and hands. She also takes extra precautions while getting her nails done with a UV lamp and wears gloves.

When she’s not hitting the ice or commentating for the Olympics, fans can watch Lipinski on season 4 of The Traitors, a murder mystery game hosted by Alan Cumming. She also opened up to Us about how the “psychological” game compared to being an Olympic athlete.

“The pressure of an Olympic Games is unlike any type of pressure there is,” she said. “But I will say that this was a new type of pressure. It’s psychological pressure and torment that Alan would bestow on us every single day.” 
She also noted that her and Johnny Weir’s strategy in the game was to act like strangers so that no one would detect their secret alliance, even though they’ve been friends for years and serve as Olympic commentators together.

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Cosmetic brands are always dropping new products, but what launches are really worth splurging on? Us Weekly’s beauty team did the testing for you, rounding up the best beauty products of 2024. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms […]

“I’m a competitor, so I think that’s the strategy that I had, and the strategy that Johnny and I had,” she explained. “We put a lot of thought into [pretending not to be close]. Obviously, my game play was to kind of be under the radar, but be part of the mix.”

She added, “Johnny and I were like, ‘We are not ever breaking character on this. We barely know each other.’ Even when he gave me a hug in the first episode, you kind of see he’s almost startled, because I even thought that was too warm.”

Maxim Naumov began figure skating because of his parents. Almost exactly one year after losing both of them in a plane crash, he will make his Olympic debut for Team USA.

Naumov, 24, was with his parents, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas in January 2025, but they stayed behind after his fourth-place finish to attend a developmental clinic.

Vadim and Evgenia flew home on American Eagle Flight 5342, which was involved in a mid-air collision with a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. They were among the 67 people who died in the accident.

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Maxim did not know if he would ever lace up a pair of skates again, let alone compete on the world’s biggest stage.

Related: Figure Skater Left Wichita Just Days Before Parents Died in Plane Crash

Figure skater Maxim Naumov boarded a flight out of Wichita just days before his parents were killed when their American Airlines plane crashed into the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, January 29. Naumov, 23, competed at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita on Sunday, January 26, with his parents, Evgenia Shishkova and […]

“All I wanted to do in that moment was lay in my bed or lay on my couch and just rot, essentially,” Maxim told The New York Times in January. “And it was a moment where I knew that the complete opposite of that was the path.”

As the weeks went on, Maxim surrounded himself with family friends from his hometown of Simsbury, Connecticut, making sure he had company 24 hours a day.

“I know a couple who is with him right now,” said Ekaterina “Katia” Gordeeva, a former teammate and close friend of Maxim’s parents, in a February 2025 interview with People. “They weren’t even in Washington yet, but … that morning [of the plane crash], we all connected right away, all the people from Simsbury.”

Though it took him a while to skate again, he was quick to take the mantle from his parents in leading their development program for children in Boston. By watching them, he was reminded of the passion he had for the sport since he first stepped onto the ice at age 5.

Related: Figure Skaters Evgenia Shishkova, Vadim Naumov’s Relationship Timeline

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PIERRE VERDY/AFP via Getty Images Russian figure skating duo Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were partners on and off the ice. The couple sparked a romance not long after they began competing as pairs skating partners in 1985. The two-time Olympians went on to win multiple titles together before hanging up their skates in 1998. […]

Fittingly, he qualified for the Olympics by returning to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January 2026, this time in St. Louis. He placed third, earning a spot on the team.

Maxim brought a photo of his parents to the press conference after the event and held it up for the cameras.

“We did it,” he said. “We did it together.”

Maxim added that he thought of his parents “immediately” when he learned he had qualified.

“I wish they could be here to experience it with me, but I do feel their presence, and they are with me,” he said.

Maxim added, “I came into this competition thinking how grateful I am to even have the ability to compete and the fact that I overcame so, so much. Looking back, even not being able to lace up my skates and not knowing if I was going to compete, let alone skate, what I did [Saturday] — I don’t even have the words, honestly, of just what I had to overcome to be here.”

Related: 14 Figure Skaters Killed in American Airlines Plane Crash: ‘Lost Family’

The figure skating world is dealing with a major loss after American Airlines flight 5342 crashed with multiple members of the community onboard.  During a Thursday, January 30, press conference, The Skating Club of Boston’s CEO, Doug Zeghibe, said “to the best of our knowledge, 14 skaters returning home” from the U.S. Figure Skating National […]

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Two weeks later, on the one year anniversary of his parents’ deaths, Maxim remembered them with a tribute via Instagram.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s already been one full year. The most difficult year of my entire life,” he wrote alongside a photo of them. “I still find myself waking up some days and just wondering why? How could this all have happened? For what reason? Why were they taken away from me so soon?”

He continued, “Unfortunately, there are always more questions than answers. But, despite all of that I get ready, put on my coat and head out the door. Every. Single. Day. Because I have a job to do. I am quickly reminded of the goal we set out to achieve when I was 5 years old. Together. As a family.”

GloRilla has spoken on her sister Victoria Woods allegedly threatening to assault her with a firearm after Woods’ apparent arrest warrant from 2015 surfaced online.

RELATED: Here’s What GloRilla Has Previously Shared About Her Parents, Siblings & Upbringing In Memphis (VIDEOS)

GloRilla Speaks On Sister Victoria Woods Allegedly Threatening to Assault Her With Firearm After 2015 Arrest Warrant Surfaces

As The Shade Room previously reported, on Monday, February 9, GloRilla went live to address the recent events with her sister, and while streaming, she mentioned that an incident between them is on public record.

“I ain’t gon’ talk about how you got me sent to jail for a whole week — we ain’t gon’ talk about that. How you tried to shoot me and set me up. You got me sent to jail — we ain’t gon’ talk about none of that? Aight. I ain’t gon’ talk about half the stuff you did, just leave it alone,” Glo said, speaking directly to her sister.

Furthermore, Glo seemed to imply that it would be best for her sister to continue doing her and keep her “out of it.” Additionally, she shared a message for other family members who appear to agree with Woods in feeling that Glo should financially provide for them.

“Even before I was rich, I always been the one to never ask for s**t,” she said. “I always been the one to do s**t for motherf*****s. So the ones that feel where she coming from, y’all don’t know s**t ’cause y’all never been the ones to have s**t.”

See what the rapper said below, and swipe to see the apparent 2015 arrest warrant, which appears to state that Woods was cited for domestic assault of GloRilla in May 2015. Additionally, the document alleges that Woods threatened to harm GloRilla with a gun, saying, “shut up before I shoot you.” Per GloRilla, Woods did not point the gun at her and only made threats. Nonetheless, Woods was reportedly transported to jail.

Social Media Weighs In On Apparent 2015 Assault Threat & Arrest

Social media users weighed in on the apparent 2015 assault threat and arrest involving Victoria Woods and GloRilla in TSR’s comment section.

Here’s What GloRilla Shared Amid Speaking On Victoria Woods Allegedly Threatening to Assault Her With Firearm

As The Shade Room previously reported, on Monday, February 9, GloRilla also addressed Victoria Woods airing her out for allegedly neglecting their parents and family. Ultimately, Glo got her mom and dad on the phone, and each parent thanked her for being present and supportive of them.

Elsewhere during the live, Glo sparked questions about her sister’s mental state, and reiterated that she won’t be helping those with whom she doesn’t have a good relationship.

Since then, Victoria Woods has seemed to imply that her mother may be playing both sides of the situation, and shared alleged texts appearing to show her mom being upset with GloRilla.

On Tuesday, February 10, Woods shared her latest message about their back-and-forth via Facebook.

“how is it when she go to interviews and talks about our struggles it’s koo but when i do it it’s a problem? and she been mentioning me im the 5th child… yall just justify her then yall will say ohh she hasn’t mentioned your name of course she not cause she don’t want yall knowing anything about us and don’t want the truth to be revealed…yall labeling me as a comedian but every comedian actually make jokes off of hurt,” Victoria Woods wrote.

RELATED: Victoria Woods Calls Out Her Mom & Drops Alleged Text Receipts After GloRilla Goes Live With Their Parents Thanking Her For Her Help (VIDEOS)