Jerry O’Connell is getting candid about his marriage to Rebecca Romijn, blending humor with honesty.

During a March 16 appearance on Bill Maher‘s podcast, he joked about their dynamic, including her vaping habits and their playful intimacy.

Jerry O’Connell also recently revealed that Rebecca Romijn played a key role in helping him quit smoking after decades of struggling with nicotine.

Jerry O’Connell Reveals His Wife Only Shows Affection After Vaping

O’Connell made an unexpected request during his recent appearance on Maher’s podcast, asking the comedian to get “higher than you’ve ever been on any episode” and blow smoke in his face.

Maher agreed, saying he’d be “happy” to, before the conversation shifted to O’Connell’s personal habits.

“I don’t smoke myself, but I live with someone who does — vapes, actually,” O’Connell stated, referring to his wife, Rebecca Romijn, 53, per Us Weekly.

He then quipped: “The only time my wife finds me appealing is intimate with me … the only time my wife — what’s the word? — touches me is if my wife takes a hit off that pen.”

Later in the episode, Maher questioned whether O’Connell was a “health nut,” prompting the actor to admit he regularly eats processed food and orders takeout.

Maher teased him, joking he sounded like someone who “doesn’t get laid unless his wife is high,” and spends his time on “Instagram, eating sh-tty food.”

The “TomCats” actor laughed it off, replying, “My wife gets high every day, so don’t worry about me!”

The Actor Previously Said Rebecca Romijn Gave Him A Sex Ultimatum That Pushed Him To Quit Smoking

O’Connell previously shared another personal story during the February 13 episode of the “Work In Progress” podcast with Sophia Bush, opening up about how he quit smoking after struggling with nicotine for decades.

“I struggled with nicotine for decades… had to get hypnotized,” he said, per The Blast, adding that he hasn’t had a cigarette in about 14 years.

According to the “Big Bang Theory” actor, the turning point came when his wife gave him an ultimatum.

He recalled that Romijn told him she wouldn’t touch him if he continued smoking, and she stuck to it. What he initially thought was a joke quickly became serious, as weeks went by with no physical contact.

“After about three and a half weeks, I was like, I gotta do something,” he recalled.

Jerry O’Connell On How Hypnosis Helped Him Quit Smoking After Years Of Struggle

Though he tried to quit on his own, O’Connell admitted he couldn’t until he turned to hypnosis after getting a recommendation from a friend.

The actor recalled: “I knew a girl who had quit smoking, and I called her up, and I said, ‘How did you do it?’ And she said, ‘I’m gonna give you the number of this lady [a hypnotist].’ And I went to see her, and I had to bring a photo of my children and my wife.”

During the session, he recalled listening to calming music through headphones and eventually fell asleep.

“I woke up, and I was like, that was baloney. What a joke. I can’t believe I just gave some old lady $800. What a waste of money,” he said.

But moments later, when he tried to light a cigarette, something unexpected happened; he couldn’t do it.

“I had a pack [cigarettes], put the ciggy in my mouth, brought the lighter up… I couldn’t light it… I swear to you. I swear to you,” he said, adding that he hasn’t been hypnotized for anything else since.

How The Couple Balances Their Finances, Careers, And Parenting

The couple has been married since July 2007, following Romijn’s divorce from John Stamos, and share 17-year-old twin daughters, Dolly and Charlie.

They previously revealed that they keep their finances “completely separate,” contributing instead to a shared “community pot” for household expenses, which they fund quarterly while handling personal costs individually.

Romijn explained that their contributions vary depending on who is working more at the time, with the higher earner putting in more. “The one who’s not working gets a little bit of a break,” she said, adding that they “tag-team” their work schedules.

The actress also shared that when their daughters were born, they made a joint decision that one parent would always stay home, ensuring “no one else was ever going to raise them besides the parents.”

Jerry O’Connell And Rebecca Romijn Share The Secret To Their Long-Lasting Marriage

During a chat with the Daily Mail in 2023, Romjin and O’Connell got candid about the key to their successful marriage, with the actress stating that she and her husband have learned to find humor in everything they do.

Romjin shared, “I guess we just keep on laughing. Keep it light. You have to lighten up about everything. You have to be able to move on quickly.”

O’Connell also noted that he tries to avoid conflict with his wife. “If there’s an argument brewing, I try not to engage,” the actor said, adding, “I try to distance myself.”

However, Romjin seemed to disagree with his claim, stating that he’s “not very good at that,” prompting O’Connell to respond, “I’m very good at that! I disengage!”

The former co-host of “The Talk” went on to explain that he leaves the house whenever tensions rise: “I ran out! If I think a fight is happening, I run! My wife is also a Scorpio. It’s a different situation.”

Baywatch’s Alexandra Paul has been arrested on charges connected to freeing animals during animal rights protests.

Paul, 62, was arrested on Sunday, March 15, in Wisconsin after a group of protesters allegedly trespassed the Ridglan Farms property. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to People on Monday, March 16, that Paul was one of approximately 20 people who were arrested. The outlet noted that Paul was still in police custody at the time.

“Some activists broke into the facility and began removing numerous dogs,” authorities said in a statement, noting that some beagles taken were recovered and returned to Ridglan Farms after the incident.

Several more dogs, however, are still unaccounted for. Authorities are still investigating the situation and seized two vehicles, burglary tools and other evidence.

Ridglan Farms is one of two large dog breeding facilities in the U.S. that offer animals for scientific research. As of October 2025, Ridglan Farms agreed with the La Crosse County District Attorney that it would no longer operate under its Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) license and would not sell dogs purposefully bred for biomedical research. WKOW 27 reported that the agreement would go into effect beginning no later than July 1, 2026.

DCSO Sheriff Kalvin Barrett stated that the agency “understands how deeply people feel for the beagles at Ridglan Farms, and we respect their right to express that passion through peaceful protests.”

He continued: “Our role is to keep everyone safe and to respond when unlawful activity takes place. We encourage anyone with concerns about animal welfare or research practices to engage through lawful and constructive avenues.”

Paul, who played Stephanie Holden on Baywatch from 1992 to 1997, was previously charged with misdemeanor theft for allegedly taking two chickens from a Foster Farms truck in September 2021. The Fresno Bee reported that she testified in Merced County in March 2023 and was found not guilty.

Before making headlines for legal woes, Paul spoke with People in 2011 about her animal activism with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

She explained how her activism began when she became a vegetarian at 14 and then a vegan at 47. Paul stopped wearing leather, wool, silk and fur at 26 years old and wrote in her acting contracts that she would not wear “any makeup tested on animals.”

Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on Tuesday (March 17). In his now-viral statement, Kent urged President Donald Trump to reverse course on the war in Iran. He shared his concerns about the justification for military strikes and refused to back the Trump administration’s war. Additionally, Kent said he will not support sending “the next generation off to fight and die in a war” that has no benefits for Americans.

RELATED: Trump Raises Eyebrows With “I Guess” Response To Whether Americans Should Worry About Iran Retaliation (VIDEO)

Joe Kent Claims Iran “Posed No Imminent Threat” 

Following the resignation news, social media exploded with reactions. Kent’s tweet was viewed over 40.8 million times in the first 4 hours. The former director blamed pressure on Iran for the United States’ actions against Iran.

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” Joe Kent said.

Kent said he supports the values and foreign policies Trump campaigned on in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Until June 2025, the former director says Trump understood that wars in the Middle East “were a trap” for Americans, our prosperity and wealth. Then, came a “misinformation campaign” led by “high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media.” That campaign, Kent said, “sowed pro-war sentiments to encourage a war with Iran.” And President Trump fell for “the lie” of striking now to claim “victory,” the former official said. Adding, “We cannot make this mistake again.” 

Former Director Urges Trump To Halt The Iran War

Also, Joe Kent referenced his 11-time combat deployment and his late wife Shannon, who died “in a war manufactured by Israel.”

“…I cannot support sending the next generation to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives. I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now. You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards. It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation.”

After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.

I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr

— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026

A spokesperson for the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, did not immediately respond to questions about Kent’s resignation. The White House also had no immediate comment on Kent’s resignation.

Trump Nominated Joe Kent To Lead The National Counterterrorism Center  

The change in personnel at one of the nation’s top counterterrorism offices comes amid increasing concerns about terrorism in the homeland. Within the past week, there have been attacks at a Michigan synagogue and a Virginia university.

For context, Joe Kent was a former political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists. He was confirmed to his post last July on a 52-44 vote. As head of the National Counterterrorism Center, he oversaw an agency tasked with analyzing and detecting terrorist threats.

His resignation reflects unease within President Donald Trump’s base about the war. It shows that even the right-wing Trump supporters, including senior members of his administration, have questions about the justification for the use of force in Iran.

What Has President Trump Said About The War In Iran?

President Trump has offered shifting reasons for the strikes in Iran. Additionally, he has pushed back on claims that Israel forced the U.S. to act. Earlier this month, House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested that the White House believed Israel was determined to act on its own, leaving the Republican president with a “very difficult decision.”

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and FBI Director Kash Patel are scheduled to testify before lawmakers later this week about threats facing the U.S. It is an annual hearing, but this year it will likely focus on Donald Trump’s war in Iran. Another revelation that could come up is the U.S. relying on outdated intelligence likely led to the U.S. firing a missile in Iran. That missile hit an elementary school in the country, killing more than 165 people.

Democratic Leader Supports Joe Kent’s Stance Amid Resignation

Democrats strongly opposed Joe Kent’s confirmation. They pointed to his past ties to far-right figures and conspiracy theories. But following Kent’s resignation, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, spoke out. Warner said Kent’s concerns about the war in Iran were justified.

“I strongly disagree with many of the positions [Joe Kent] has espoused over the years, particularly those that risk politicizing our intelligence community,” Warner said. “But on this point, he is right: There was no credible evidence of an imminent threat from Iran that would justify rushing the United States into another war of choice in the Middle East.”

RELATED: Boosie Claps Back After Critics Call Him Out For Requesting Presidential Pardon From Donald Trump (PHOTOS)

Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim and David Klepper contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

By Robert Scucci
| Published 10 seconds ago

David Fincher, like Quentin Tarantino, is one of those directors whose films I like to slowly savor over time because putting out high-quality films like Zodiac and Gone Girl, and series like Mindhunter, means there’s an obvious emphasis on quality over quantity. The downside of this approach means that I still haven’t seen Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, and I only just watched 2023’s The Killer this past weekend. I’m so glad that I finally pulled the trigger on this one when I saw it on Netflix, but I’m also incredibly bummed that I missed out on what may very well be my favorite Fincher flick of all time.

What’s there not to like about The Killer? Michael Fassbender operates as a nameless assassin with a strict code of ethics. Hard-boiled narration dominates the dialogue. And, most importantly, nearly every scene features a song by The Smiths, and for some reason Morrissey’s signature blend of melodramatic crooning makes the whole thing a top-tier experience from front to back.

While I haven’t yet checked out the Alexis Nolent comic series of the same name that inspired The Killer, I’ve already started looking for a new thing to obsess over. Given how much fun I had watching the movie, I think I know what my next deep dive is going to be.

A Killing Machine’s Perfect Routine

The Killer wastes no time showing you just how calculating its titular character (Michael Fassbender) is when he’s on a job. He knows how to bide his time, where to grab an unassuming bite to eat, how to hide in plain sight, and even how to squeeze in some yoga while waiting for his target to check in at the hotel across the street. Empathy is his enemy because he’s simply showing up to do a job. Nothing more, nothing less.

When The Killer botches a job, inadvertently shooting a dominatrix instead of his intended target, he quickly disappears and heads home to regroup before traveling back to his hideout in the Dominican Republic. Once there, he learns that his girlfriend Magdala (Sophie Charlotte) had been accosted by two assassins known as The Brute (Sala Baker) and The Expert (Tilda Swinton), leaving her in critical condition.

Looking for answers and revenge, The Killer sets out to do what he does best: kill people with ruthless efficiency. The rest of the film moves from point A to point B to point C, which sounds boring but is anything but. Watching Fassbender stop by one of his many strategically located storage units to swap out license plates, credentials, and weapons as if it’s just another day at the office is what really sells this movie. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: movies like The Killer simply don’t work if the muscle memory seems phoned in.

On his quest to track down and eliminate The Expert, he has run-ins with his handler, known as The Lawyer (Charles Parnell), his office administrator Dolores (Kerry O’Malley), and turns The Brute’s house into crime scene, all to the tune of “This Charming Man,” proving that he’s a man with exceptional taste. The Killer can effortlessly access any building and disappear without a trace, using a new name and ID to help him move along. It’s almost poetic how seamlessly he handles these heightened situations that would make any lesser man crumble under the pressure.

Fincher’s Grit Always Lands

Like most David Fincher films, The Killer has a gritty aesthetic that borders on grimy. Everything has a muted green hue to it, making it feel like it occupies the same realm as Fight Club or Seven. Like The Killer’s every move, everything is intentional, making every frame drip with purpose, as if you’re meant to experience the late-night fluorescently lit storefronts and corner offices firsthand.

Though it never goes full-on over-the-top like most action flicks, The Killer earns its keep as a slow-burn thriller with a smoldering wick that steadily burns until it’s finally time to pop off and level the entire room. It requires the same kind of patience a person needs while waiting for their target to finally walk through the crosshairs so they can finally pull the trigger and bolt. Fassbender does such a great job sizing up his surroundings, though, that you’ll never once feel bored.

The Killer can be streamed on Netflix.

By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 26 seconds ago

Every year, the whole world becomes Irish for a day. We wear green, drink green beverages, and get our brogue on for the day. We celebrate traditional Irish things like corned beef and cabbage, banshees, and leprechauns. Disney has all of that in one classic movie: Darby O’Gill and the Little People.

The story is based on Irish tales of the trickster Darby and his battle of wits with King Brian of the Leprechauns. In the movie, Darby (Albert Sharpe) is about to retire from his career as groundskeeper of the local manor, a fact he can’t reveal to his daughter, Katie (Janet Munro), because he has to figure out where they’re going to live once Darby’s replacement moves into the groundskeeper’s cottage. Meanwhile, he entertains his neighbors at the pub with tales of his adventures against King Brian and does good deeds for the town, such as carrying a church bell for the payment of its sound being forever dedicated to him.

King Brian (Jimmy O’Dea) is real, but only Darby has seen him so far, and his encounters with the leprechaun swaps the upper hand between them as they trick each other with riddles, treasures, and other mind games. As the rivalry between them blossoms into a friendship, events in the town are coming to a boil as local thug Pony Sugrue plots to steal Darby’s job and Katie’s heart. And when Michael McBride comes to town, everything they all knew will change as quickly as a leprechaun’s wish.

Michael McBride is played by the legendary Sean Connery in an early role that predates his first stint as James Bond (1962’s Dr. No). The 1958 movie is a musical, like much Disney fare of the era, and yes, Sean Connery sings. Fortunately, it’s brief. Otherwise, he manages to contain his wide aura as the new groundskeeper so that he doesn’t steal the show from its stars, Darby and Brian. His Scottish brogue also fits in well with the Irish setting.

Darby’s little town is full of characters: the swaggering bully Pony and his scheming mother, the town priest, the pub’s proprietor and his wife, and a cast of rural townsfolk from old Ireland. It paints a shiny picture of what was actually a desperate time for the Irish but also reflects the importance of Irish storytelling as a cornerstone of the culture that braced the people through its hardest periods. Scholars of Irish culture emphasize how important the fireside céilí, or nightly tale-spinning and singing party, was to the Emerald Isle from its early days. The seanchaíthe, or storytellers, are still revered in Ireland to this day as they continue the tradition of passing down stories orally and through song.

More than once, Darby encounters the most famous of Irish supernatural creatures, some of them charming and others terrifying. It’s easy to forget that it’s a Disney movie when things get tense, because the movie can get pretty scary and touch upon themes that one wouldn’t expect from an offering from the Magic Kingdom. It’s not a kids’ movie, but it is a family movie, with enough for everyone to enjoy and a few fun songs I swear my family didn’t sing at one another when I was a kid myself.

It also holds up surprisingly well for a movie that is almost 70 years old. The fight choreography and special effects are products of their time, but still pretty good considering they are entirely practical. Sean Connery and Keiron Moore, as Pony, both show their moves a few times with physical prowess and clear skill. It all looks very good for its time and fits in with the movie’s world of live-action magic, so its age never diminishes from its enjoyment.

To get your healthy dose of St. Patrick’s Day Irish, check out Darby O’Gill and the Little People on Disney+. But be careful what you wish for: King Brian can be tricky!

Fans of “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” are still in an uproar about Hulu’s decision not to move forward with the revival series, “Buffy: New Sunnydale.” This came after Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao helmed the pilot withSarah Michelle Gellar returning as the beloved character.

Now, following comments from both Geller and Zhao, a new report suggests that Hulu didn’t pick up the series for one big reason: they felt it was made for the wrong audience.

A New Report Says The ‘Buffy’ Reboot Had Problems

Hulu ordered a pilot episode for “Buffy: New Sunnydale” in February 2025. After that, Gellar, Zhao, and the rest of the cast and crew began production during the summer, with work on the test episode ending in September, per Yahoo Entertainment.

Now, regarding Hulu not ordering the “Buffy” reboot as a series, Deadline reports that one issue with the pilot was that executives thought the episode “played too young.” Notably, the actress cast alongside Gellar was Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who was 15 at the time she was selected.

Additionally, Hulu’s higher-ups also reportedly felt the “Buffy” reboot was too “small.” This is despite the fact that, according to Deadline, the original idea for the reboot was to keep its scope similar to that of the original series, which was produced on a relatively small budget.

There Was A Rewrite For The Script

The script for the “Buffy: New Sunnydale” pilot was written by sibling duo Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. After hearing criticism about the episode, they reportedly conducted a rewrite to address the issues.

Per Deadline, the new script came in at about 90 minutes and was more adult in tone. Additionally, there was more Gellar in the episode, which was reportedly another issue Hulu had with it. The updated pilot is also said to have been described as more of a streaming series than a network show like the original “Buffy.”

Sources also told the outlet that both studios involved with the Hulu reboot, 20th TV and Searchlight TV, were satisfied. From there, internal talks about the show being picked up are said to have begun. The outlet went on to say that executives from both studios spoke daily the week leading up to the call to cancel the revival.

As reported by The Blast, Gellar gave an exclusive to PEOPLE, stating that one executive killed the reboot. The new report states that Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich ultimately decided not to order the series, with his reasoning unclear.

Fans Are Reacting To The New Information

“Buffy” fans were passionate about the revival series, and many want solid answers as to why the show didn’t move forward. One person said on X, “They rewrote the whole thing, and Hulu still said no. Craig Erwich really killed Buffy twice.”

Another disheartened fan said, “So they rewrote the entire show to fix every concern Hulu raised and still got cancelled anyway. Craig Erwich made up his mind before the rewrites even happened, and everyone in that room knew it. Sarah Michelle Gellar was fighting a decision that was already made, and nobody told her.”

Someone else suggested, “Sounds like they couldn’t figure out what the show wanted to be… focus on new characters or give fans the Buffy they actually want. No surprise it didn’t land.”

Lastly, another X user wrote, “I feel her frustration, but we really don’t need a Buffy revival in 2026. It’s old and done. We need new things to be excited about.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar Opened Up About Signing On For ‘Buffy’

Gellar has accomplished quite a bit in her career as an actress, with several roles that have resonated with audiences. However, the role of Buffy Summers is one of the most defining in her resume. Because of this, she was initially hesitant about doing a reboot. In fact, she’d firmly said she wouldn’t.

According to The Daily Mail, she opened up on Instagram in early 2025 about what changed her mind. Gellar said at the time, “So… you might have heard some news this week, but I realize you haven’t heard from me.”

The actress continued, “Three years ago, I got a call from my dear friend and mentor, Gail Berman. She told me that she wanted me to sit down with Chloé Zhao to hear her take on a potential ‘Buffy’ revival. I eventually agreed to go (mainly just to meet Chloé), and our twenty-minute coffee quickly turned into a four-hour adventure. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we both talked about how much this show means to us.”

After that, she discussed the process of finding writers for the show before saying, “I have always listened to the fans and heard your desire to revisit Buffy and her world, but it was not something I could do unless I was sure we would get it right.”

The Show’s Anniversary Recently Passed

“Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” premiered on The WB on March 10, 1997. In addition to Gellar, the show starred Alyson Hannigan, David Boreanaz, Nicholas Brendon, and James Marsters. The series concluded in May 2003, but on UPN as The WB had gone defunct.

Nowadays, fans can stream the show on Hulu and Disney+ and purchase it from various platforms.

In Dune: Part Two, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) took the galactic throne and the hand of the ex-Emperor’s daughter, Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh), much to the displeasure of his Fremen lover, Chani (Zendaya), who subsequently disappeared into the desert. The two women didn’t get a chance to interact at the finale of that film, but with Dune: Part Three looming, they’re set to collide in a big way. Pugh and Zendaya talked about their character’s relationship at an exclusive event launching Dune: Part Three‘s trailer, which was attended by Collider’s Aidan Kelley.

During the question and answer event, Pugh had a mischievous question for co-star Zendaya:

At the end of the last movie, you ran away. I got Paul. Where are you now? Are you mad at me? Do you kinda like me? What do you like?

Zendaya couldn’t reveal much, but teased the relationship between the two characters (and praised the acting skills of Pugh):

We said the last time, the press, we only had one scene together, and we were far away, so we were like, “We hope we get more!” She’s absolutely phenomenal, and you guys will just have to see for yourself, because it’s quite the journey.

If you want to see for yourself (and you probably do), Dune: Part Three hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

What Do We Know About ‘Dune: Part Three’?

Taking place 17 years after the events of Dune: Part Two, Paul Atreides now rules the universe as the Emperor. Chani has borne him twins, Leto II and Ghanima (Nakoa-Wolf Momoa and Ida Brooke), but his rule is not a peaceful one: his name has become a killing word, and untold millions have died in his name. Meanwhile, a deadly menace threatens to end his rule: the shapeshifting Face Dancer Scytale (Robert Pattinson), who is the instrument of a galactic conspiracy to overthrow him. Meanwhile, Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa), the loyal House Atreides swordmaster who was felled by the evil Harkonnens in Dune: Part One has returned to life…but is he friend or foe now? The film also stars Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, and Anya Taylor-Joy.

Dune: Part Three is directed by Denis Villeneuve; he also co-wrote the script with Jon Spaihts, adapting Frank Herbert‘s 1969 novel Dune Messiah. It is the third and final film in Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy.

Dune: Part Three will be released in theaters on December 18, 2026. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

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December 18, 2026

Director

Denis Villeneuve

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Writers

Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve, Frank Herbert

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be privately visiting Australia next month, and are scheduled to take part in some business, philanthropy, and media ventures.

For her part, Meghan would be headlining a Sydney “ultimate girls’ weekend” retreat where she is expected to take photos and answer questions from paying vip guests.

However, the retreat is already coming under scrutiny as reports suggest the event’s hosts are wallowing in financial difficulties and are owing over 500,000 Australian dollars in taxes.

Meghan Markle’s Australian Retreat’s Host Embroiled In Financial Troubles

The PR agency responsible for organizing Meghan Markle’s upcoming appearance at an Australian “girls’ weekend” has reportedly entered liquidation, with reports suggesting the brand is owing more than half a million Australian dollars in taxes.

The “Her Best Life Retreat” is a first-of-its-kind seaside weekend outing by event company Besties, which was founded by radio host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Gemma O’Neill.

The pair tapped Meghan to headline the ultra-exclusive retreat, where women pay £1,705 [$2,275] for a nice timeout and also get to take pictures with the Duchess of Sussex over dinner.

However, the talent agency promoting the event is said to be having money problems,  with owner O’Neill saying she can’t pay the huge tax bill because of a lack of savings and “limited income.”

A news.com.au report revealed that the brand, Gemmie Agency, went into voluntary liquidation in November, and owes $543,548 to the Australian Taxation Office, with another 3,300 owed to small business Jack Lawrence Accountants and Advisors.

The Meghan Markle Retreat Organizer Has Been Asked To Give An Account

The company hosting the weekend event, Besties Australia, was also mentioned in the insolvency report, as it was noted that it received a loan of $18,143 from the Gemmie Agency.

Besties Australia was registered by O’Neill in October 2022 in her role as director/secretary. However, the report states that she didn’t disclose any loans to related parties to administrators.

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“The director (O’Neill) advised that this balance was incorrectly recorded by the Company’s former accountant and the transactions in the loan account were in respect of costs incurred by the Company, and not by Besties Australia,” the report states.

According to the Daily Mail, administrators have written to O’Neill requesting “a detailed explanation of the balance of that loan.”

She reportedly wrote to them back in February, stating that she couldn’t make any repayment contributions, as she has no available personal savings, limited income, and has failed to refinance her beachside apartment in Sydney.

More Troubles For The PR Agency

O’Neill seems to have endured more challenging situations as her star client, Jackie O, got embroiled in a public row with her KIIS FM radio partner, Kyle Sandilands, which led to their $100M contract being torn up.

Now, Jackie O is understood to have filed a wrongful termination suit against the network after she told executives she couldn’t “continue to work with Mr. Kyle Sandilands” following his comments.

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Meanwhile, it remains unclear how the financial situation would affect Meghan’s meet and greet event from April 17 to 19.

Reports suggest the event will host more than 300 guests to a “VIP Experience” that includes a “group table photo with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” as well as the chance to hear her interviewed on stage during a two-night stay in a 5-star Sydney hotel.

It Is Unclear If Meghan Markle Would Be Paid For The

It appears the former “Suits” actress had nothing to do with the booking, which was seemingly handled by her friend Markus Anderson.

The organizer, O’Neill, claims Anderson reached out to her and suggested that Meghan be their guest of honor.

Whether or not the Duchess of Sussex would be paid an appearance fee of some sort remains unknown, as the event coincides with her and Harry’s trip to Australia next month.

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However, royal experts have suggested she’ll appear as a “paid celebrity,” with one insider comparing her to former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, saying, “she’s basically Fergie,” per the Daily Mail.

Meghan Markle Was ‘Horrified’ Over A Leaked Email Which Revealed Details About Her Retreat

Meanwhile, Meghan is understood to be uneasy after details of her upcoming Australian trip were leaked.

“She was horrified when word got out, ahead of the official announcement, that she would be appearing at a women’s retreat in Sydney,” a source told New Idea.

They continued, “She likes to be in control, and the chaotic announcement about her arrival was anything but polished. While a leak about the trip isn’t the end of the world, Meghan’s losing sleep at what else could come out.”

Meghan is said to have taken measures to fish out where the leak came from, as she also worries about what other private information may surface.

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“She is on a mission to find out who leaked the information. It’s made the working environment around her office very tense,” the source added.