Below Deck Mediterranean‘s soiled sheets scandal resulted in a surprise cast exit.

During the Monday, July 27, episode of the hit Bravo series, Luke Brumer told Captain Sandy Yawn that he felt it was time for him to leave Akira One. Sandy commended Luke for stepping aside after his issues with Nathan Gallagher overshadowed their jobs.

Luke didn’t tell the rest of the crew that this was his final charter. Instead, he waited for the tip meeting to confirm he wasn’t going to stick around. Later that day, Luke left the boat but the deck crew had more issues as Nathan attempted to balance his job and life as a father.

Season 11, which premiered in June, featured a franchise first when Luke hooked up with Genevieve Lillie in his shared cabin with Nathan. They moved down to Nathan’s bed and Luke finished in the bosun’s sheets, which he didn’t tell Nathan. Luke also didn’t replace Nathan’s sheets and continued to let his boss sleep in a soiled bed.

“I actually get pissed off the more I think about it. It is so disrespectful,” Nathan said in a July episode about the scandal. “I’m not laughing. Do you want me to go to Captain Sandy and tell her about it?”

Nathan called Luke’s behavior “disrespectful.”

“It’s the fact that Luke hasn’t said anything about this in three days,” Nathan explained.. “He had the opportunity to tell me — and the fact that he hasn’t told me and has gone around the boat and everyone else is talking about it. That’s what’s pissing me off.”

He continued: “It’s f***ing rude because you disrespected me. Now, if you keep up with your job, it’s not gonna end, bro. If you piss me off, the slightest amount, you’ll be [heading out] with your bags packed.”

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Related: Every Star Fired From ‘Below Deck’ Through the Years

Below Deck and its spinoff series may be reality TV shows, but there can be real-life consequences for the crew’s actions both on and off the ship. Over the years, stars including Hannah Ferrier, Peter Hunziker and Shane Coopersmith have been fired from their respective charters for a variety of reasons. Below Deck Mediterranean’s Hannah […]

Captain Sandy was just as frustrated when it was brought to her attention.

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“What Luke did, it’s potentially a fireable offense. It’s unprecedented,” she explained. “I’ll make my decision on how to handle this after this charter. But in the meantime — because of the severity of the situation — I need to write this report.”

Sandy’s report ultimately went into Luke’s personal file, with her adding, “It’s official. That’s something other captains will see and I hope Luke takes away from this that he should have consideration for your bunkmate. There’s protocols.”

Below Deck Med airs on Bravo Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on Peacock.

Video games are played for many reasons, whether it be the intuitive gameplay that is so addicting, the immersive worlds that players can explore, or the touching narratives that offer an intimate view of the characters. Games such as Grand Theft Auto and God of War offer these experiences. However, one other reason why gamers play these titles is because of how they look.

The evolution of games is heavily steered in the direction of better graphics and visuals, with modern titles adopting photorealistic imagery. That is why this list will rank the ten most visually stunning video games of all time based on art style, art direction, originality, graphics, realism, staying power, colors, vibrancy, world design, aesthetic, vibe, lighting, and overall quality. To be visually stunning can mean many things, ranging from graphics to visual style.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

Image via Team Cherry

There are a lot of visually stunning indie games, and kicking off this list is one of those examples. Hollow Knight follows a little bug strapped with a needle who embarks on a quest to Hallownest. There, it discovers that a plague has crippled the land and turned its residents into parasitic monsters hellbent on killing anything in their way.

Hollow Knight was an incredibly ambitious project, mainly because it was made with a small team and the 2D art was completely hand-drawn. This approach gave it a much more charming style that fans could appreciate, especially since it was so polished. This atmospheric wonder also has parallax scrolling, which gives the world a marvelous sense of depth that further immersed the player in the art.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ (2023)

Image via Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda is known for having some of the best art styles, but The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes things further by beefing up its graphics. When Link and Zelda explore a cave underneath the castle, they find the mummified body of Ganondorf. It inexplicably revives, sending Zelda into the past and the castle into the sky, causing chaos in the land of Hyrule.

Tears of the Kingdom is the perfect balance of graphics, aesthetic, and art style, creating a painterly vibe that feels like something out of Studio Ghibli. Its art direction and cel-shading also work together to create a very fantastical feeling where whimsicalness takes over, accentuating the isolated world taken over by wilderness. From the golden sunlit sky islands to the dark and eerie depths to the quaint and calming mainland, Tears of the Kingdom proves why it is one of the best Zelda games.

‘Journey’ (2012)

Image via Sony Computer Entertainment

As previously mentioned, the indie genre offers some of the greatest and most ambitious visuals in the medium, and one such example is Journey. The player controls an anonymous and mysterious traveller in an expansive desert with only a couple of landmarks. On a pilgrimage to its central and grand mountain, the player will encounter many mysteries, wonders, and unexpected events.

Sometimes, the best art style comes through a minimalist approach, or at least that is what Journey accomplishes. The golden dunes with sand rippling like ocean tides provide a sense of serenity and eerie wonder, aiding the grand adventure and contributing to the disturbing vibe of the game. Journey has a distinct art direction and fluid animation that creates a profound and emotional feeling in the audience.

‘Alan Wake II’ (2023)

Image via Remedy Entertainment

It isn’t exactly a horror game, but Alan Wake II can feel incredibly scary at times, and that just proves its excellence as a thriller. The titular character is a novelist trying to escape an alternate dimension. At the same time, an FBI agent is investigating a murder, but they realize that it replicates Alan Wake’s horror book.

Alan Wake II is a two-headed beast that can instill a sense of dread and wonder through its dual visuals. Taking viewers from the high-fidelity 3D graphics to live-action footage, it is a mind-bending masterpiece of visual spectacle. The rain-soaked forests are stunning, and the neon surrealism of the dark world is captivating, working in tandem to prove Alan Wake II is an underrated masterpiece.

‘Inside’ (2016)

Image via Playdead

PlayDead Studio is known for its creepy aesthetics, and while fans wait for their next game, they can replay one of the most visually stunning horror games, Inside. Controlling an unnamed boy, players try to make their way out of a mysterious mind-control facility. However, they need to explore deeper into the scientific hellhole in order to escape, where they will encounter more horrors.

Inside uses lighting better than any other game, making it both a design technique to guide the player as well as an atmospheric tool to enhance the sense of dread. The visual style of this game isn’t just for show; it is a deliberate design decision. Here, deep shadows, contrasting lights, and muted colors create a unique atmosphere, amounting to a meticulously crafted, never-ending nightmare.

‘BioShock’ (2007)

Image via 2K Games

Every single BioShock game is known for its vibe, but it all started with the ever-iconic first game. Playing as Jack, gamers find refuge in a lighthouse after their plane crashes. But when they descend into the structure, they discover a failed utopia that has been destroyed by political mayhem, spliced creatures, and rival factions. If they want to escape, fans must listen to those guiding them.

When it comes to aesthetic, no one does it better than BioShock, which is critically acclaimed for its underwater art-deco city. However, the decayed grandeur isn’t just for looks alone; it represents the Randian objectivism which it is critiquing, using the vibe and world itself to showcase its failure. Also boasting impeccable environmental storytelling and a compelling visual style, BioShock is a flawless game that is more than deserving to be on this list.

‘Cuphead’ (2017)

Image via Studio MDHR

There are many reasons not to gamble, but Cuphead sums that up with its story and incredibly challenging gameplay. When the titular character and his brother, Mugman, lose a bet to the devil, they are forced to travel across the land of the Inkwell Isles and collect the soul contracts of the Devil’s runaway debtors in order to save themselves.

While its platforming is known to be some of the hardest in gaming history, Cuphead is also renowned for its magnificent hand-drawn art style. Every frame of this game was hand-drawn and inked on paper, which gave it that authentic 1930s cartoon aesthetic that is so captivating. The custom watercolor backgrounds and grainy texture also build a visual perfection that defines the game’s distinct quirkiness.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Rockstar Games is known for its ambitious and large-scale games, which usually contain incredible graphics, and Red Dead Redemption 2 proves it. Arthur Morgan is the leader of a cowboy gang, but when he learns he has tuberculosis, he sets out on one last adventure. Searching for redemption in the dying age of the Wild West, he confronts his failure and a world that doesn’t need him.

Red Dead Redemption 2 has some of the best character development in video game history, but it has also made a name for itself through its photorealistic graphics and unparalleled naturalism. The Wild West is one of the most meticulously crafted video game worlds, from the rowdy towns to dense forests with spears of light poking through to the authentic falling of snow. Everything about Red Dead Redemption 2 is absolutely gorgeous.

‘Okami’ (2006)

Image via Capcom

It may have just come up short of the number one spot, but in terms of art style and uniqueness, Okami is definitely number one. The player controls Amaterasu, the sun goddess of Japan, who takes on the form of a White Wolf. When a dark curse is launched on the land of Nippon by an ancient demon, Amaterasu must cleanse the land or risk the country falling into ruin.

Okami’s art style resembles a traditional Japanese sumi-e ink wash painting, which features thick brushstrokes and vibrant splashes of color. This painting-come-to-life is the most beautiful game out there, the closest thing a video game can come to being art. And with a sequel announced at the latest Game Awards, fans will be able to experience its visual prestige once again, which may even earn it the top spot on this list in the future.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

Image via CD Projekt Red/Wallpapersmug

There are many visually stunning video games, so many that it was hard to pick the best, but that honor goes to Cyberpunk 2077. V is just one of many common street punks in Night City trying to make a living, but when a job goes wrong and a cyberchip containing a dangerous terrorist is implanted in their mind, V must search for a cure before they are completely taken over.

It may have had a disastrous launch, but Cyberpunk 2077 has since polished itself into the crown jewel of gaming visuals. Not only are the graphics some of the most realistic and immersive in the medium, but the striking colors of the neon cityscape create a dazzling scene. Cyberpunk 2077 may have a bleak ending, but the visuals are a perfect glamour, drowning the depressing city in fake brightness. The tightly packed design fits in with the themes of the game and anti-capitalist message, highlighting the suffocating yet captivating visuals.

While we’re still in the middle of the summer heat, July is quickly coming to an end, which means Netflix is preparing to say goodbye to a handful of beloved classics, cult favorites, and blockbuster hits. Fortunately, we still have a few days left to squeeze in one last movie marathon before the streamer refreshes its catalog for August.

Whether you’re in the mood for a timeless romantic comedy, a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller, or an action-packed superhero adventure, we’ve made sure that this selection has something for just about everyone. Several of these films were major box office successes, while others earned Academy Award recognition or have since become modern classics that continue to influence movies today. From Julia Roberts‘ irresistible rom-com charm to Alex Garland‘s chilling vision of artificial intelligence, every movie on this list has earned its place. If any of them have been sitting on your watchlist, or you’re simply looking to revisit an old favorite, now’s the perfect time to hit play. Here are the best movies leaving Netflix in August.

’27 Dresses’ (2008)

Leaving August 1

Image via 20th Century Studios

Everyone loves a good wedding, right? Well, no one loves them more than Jane Nichols (Katherine Heigl), a hopeless romantic who has served as a bridesmaid 27 times, but has yet to experience her own happily ever after. When her younger sister Tess (Malin Akerman) catches the attention of Jane’s longtime crush and boss, George (Edward Burns), she’s forced to put her own feelings aside and once again help plan the event she’s been dreaming of for herself her whole life. Meanwhile, cynical wedding reporter Kevin Doyle (James Marsden) sees Jane’s unusual story as the perfect article, prompting him to get close to her for the wrong reasons. But after spending time together, both of their perspectives on love start to change.

While 27 Dresses didn’t exactly win critics over, audiences definitely were. The romantic comedy grossed $162.7 million worldwide against a $30 million budget, proving to be a major box office success. Over the years, it has earned a loyal following and is now considered one of the best wedding-themed movies of all time. If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good watch, this is well worth adding to your end-of-summer movie marathon.

‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016)

Leaving August 1

Image via Summit Entertainment

War movies often focus on soldiers who become heroes by taking lives. Hacksaw Ridge tells the extraordinary true story of a man who became one by doing the exact opposite. Directed by Mel Gibson, the film follows Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a devout Adventist who enlists in the U.S. Army during World War II but refuses to carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs. Ridiculed by other soldiers and nearly court-martialled for his decision, Doss eventually proves his courage during the Battle of Okinawa, where he risks his life to save dozens of wounded men without ever firing a single shot.

Hacksaw Ridge was both a critical and commercial success, earning more than $180 million worldwide and receiving six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Garfield. The emotional and deeply inspiring story of Desmond Doss, Garfield’s heartfelt performance, and Gibson’s gripping direction make Hacksaw Ridge one of the most acclaimed war films of the past decade.

‘Atonement’ (2007)

Leaving August 1

Image via Focus Features

Do you feel like you need a good cry? Look no further than Atonement. Based on Ian McEwan‘s novel, Joe Wright‘s period drama follows Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), two young lovers whose future is torn apart after Cecilia’s younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), makes a false accusation that changes their lives forever.

As World War II begins, the consequences of Briony’s impulsive, childish decision continue to haunt them, turning what begins as a passionate romance into a devastating story of love, guilt, and… well, atonement. Beautifully acted and emotionally devastating, Atonement remains one of the finest literary adaptations of the 21st century, and one you should definitely watch more than once.

‘Pretty Woman’ (1990)

Leaving August 1

Image via Touchstone Pictures

Some movies simply never go out of style, and Pretty Woman is one of them. More than 35 years after its release, the rom-com remains one of the most beloved feel-good classics, thanks largely to the effortless chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Roberts stars as Vivian Ward, a free-spirited escort whose chance encounter with wealthy businessman Edward Lewis (Gere) turns into an unexpected week of luxury, self-discovery, and, of course, romance. What begins as a business arrangement slowly blossoms into a relationship that neither of them saw coming.

It’s hard to overstate just how big Pretty Woman was when it hit theaters. The film became a worldwide phenomenon, grossing more than $460 million against a budget of just $14 million and turning Julia Roberts into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. She also earned her first Academy Award nomination for the role, making it a must-watch for fans of both Roberts and the rom-com genre.

‘Ex Machina’ (2015)

Leaving August 1

Art has an interesting way of reflecting society’s greatest fears, and while AI has seemingly become part of our everyday lives today, that wasn’t the case when Ex Machina was released in 2015. Written and directed by Alex Garland in his feature directorial debut, the sci-fi thriller follows Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer who wins the opportunity to spend a week at the secluded home of his company’s eccentric CEO, Nathan (Oscar Isaac). There, Caleb is introduced to Ava (Alicia Vikander), a humanoid robot whose intelligence and complexity soon blur the line between human and machine. As Caleb begins questioning Ava’s true nature, the movie evolves into a tense psychological thriller that explores consciousness, manipulation, and the ethical dangers of creating artificial intelligence.

Despite its modest $15 million budget, Ex Machina became both a critical and commercial success, grossing more than $36 million worldwide. It also won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, beating out blockbuster contenders like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Mad Max: Fury Road. More than a decade later, Ex Machina feels more relevant than ever, making now the perfect time to revisit one of the most realistic sci-fi films ever made before it leaves the streamer.

‘Borat’ (2006)

Leaving August 1

Image via 20th Century Studios

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Some love it. Some hate it. But the reality is that Borat is one of the most influential comedies of the 2000s. Sacha Baron Cohen‘s mockumentary really pushed the boundaries of cringe comedy, blending scripted humor with hidden-camera pranks that caught unsuspecting people completely off guard. The movie follows Borat Sagdiyev (Cohen), a fictional journalist from Kazakhstan, as he travels across the U.S. to learn about American culture for a documentary. Along the way, his outrageous behavior exposes prejudice, hypocrisy, and social attitudes in ways that are often as shocking as they are funny.

Borat became a massive box office success, earning more than $260 million worldwide and turning countless catchphrases into pop culture staples. The film was also a critical darling, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, while Cohen took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Nearly two decades later, Borat remains as provocative, quotable, and unforgettable as ever.

‘Spider-Man’ (2002)

Leaving August 5

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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As one Spider-Man swings onto the big screen this summer, another is preparing to leave the small screen. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to revisit Sam Raimi‘s 2002 superhero classic. Starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, the film follows a shy high school student after he’s bitten by a genetically altered spider, granting him superhuman abilities. As Peter embraces his newfound powers, he must also learn that “with great power comes great responsibility” while facing off against the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe).

It’s easy to forget just how revolutionary Spider-Man was. The film helped kick-start the modern superhero boom, becoming the first comic book movie to earn more than $800 million worldwide and proving that audiences were ready to embrace superheroes on the big screen. More than two decades later, it remains one of the genre’s defining films. If one movie isn’t enough, Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3 are also leaving Netflix this month, making now the perfect excuse to revisit the entire trilogy before it’s gone.

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Spider-Man

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Release Date

May 3, 2002

Runtime

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121 minutes

Director

Sam Raimi

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Writers

David Koepp

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Influencer Jen Hamilton confirmed she will keep her last name despite the breakdown of her marriage to estranged husband Brian Hamilton.

“It’s my name now,” she vowed via Instagram on Monday, July 27. “I made this name special and I’m gonna keep it.”

Jen announced her separation from Brian after “15 years of shared history” on June 15 and has since accused him of living a “double life.” (Brian has not responded to Jen’s accusation, as of publication.)

“Yes, he had a double life with a woman who was 56 years old. Yes, I should have left him way earlier — giving myself grace,” Jen, 35, said on Monday. “I am so fortunate to have the means and resources to leave a bad relationship. There are so many women who are unable to do so, whether from finances, resources, etc.”

Jen acknowledged her privileged situation while promoting her Sisterhood of Solidarity fashion line, which features “girl power” slogans such as “I Survived,” “Choosing Myself Today,” and “G.Y.A.U. (Get Your Ass Up).” Last week, the influencer promised that “100 percent of the proceeds will go to charities that help women rebuild their lives.” (Jen has also promised that all other merchandise bought from her website through the end of August will also benefit women’s charities.)

In her latest video, Jen shared the exciting news that she’d raised “over $50,000” in the last few days alone.

“Is what I’m going through just the most craziest s*** I’ve ever heard of in my life? Nope. It is awful though,” she said. “I love to take something awful and turn it into something good for other people.”

Earlier this week, Jen — who works as a nurse — opened up more than ever before about what allegedly led to the end of her marriage.

“While I was at the hospital, taking care of people, he found the time to have a whole other life. As someone who’s never even passionately kissed anyone else in my entire life, this has broken me beyond comprehension,” Jen told her Instagram followers on Sunday, July 26. “I’m done being people’s PR manager. My kids know, everybody in my orbit knows, so I’m just going to give you the nitty-gritty details so it can give you enough information to be, like, ‘OK, I get it.’”

Jen said that she “repressed [her] own natural human desires” throughout their marriage because Brian allegedly showed little interest in intimacy.

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“A direct quote I got [from another woman] was, ‘I knew about you. He talked about you all the time. But I didn’t know you had so many followers,’” Jen claimed. “I’ve never, ever in my life told this man a lie. Even when I was getting next-to-no physical affection whatsoever, I would not in a million years look at another guy like that.”

Related: Jen Hamilton Stuns in Sheer Revenge Top and Jeans for Night Out Amid Divorce

Influencer Jen Hamilton is in her carefree era amid her divorce from husband Brian Hamilton. Jen, 37, took to Instagram on Sunday, July 26, to share a mirror selfie in which she showed off her sexy ensemble for a night out: a certifiable black high-neck “revenge” top with sheer patterned sleeves, paired with high-waisted jeans, […]

“Secrets and hiding are what I believe made all this possible, so the way I’m dealing with it is by not having any secrets,” she concluded.

Jen and Brian got married in August 2012 and they share two sons, Ellis and Luke.

Martha Stewart knows how to make loungewear look like anything but. Instead of frumpy sweats, Stewart opts for the chic outfit that makes anyone look put together. We found her easy look hiding on Amazon!

Stewart left the TODAY Show in a matching button-up shirt and lounge pants, finishing the outfit with polarizing Crocs sandals. The internet had opinions about her shoes, but her two-piece set style was a resounding ‘yes’ from fashionistas and comfort connoisseurs alike. Somehow, it’s only $51!

Get the Bwq Two-Piece Outfit Set for $51 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

This Bwq Two-Piece Outfit Set channels Stewart’s breezy, effortless energy beautifully. It’s 100% cotton, so it actually breathes during the summer months, and it doesn’t cling when you start to sweat. Relaxed, not sloppy, it keeps you equally classy and comfortable.

Related: We Found Nicole Kidman‘s $2,600 ‘Old-Money‘ Travel Tote Style for $25

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Trends come and go, but the rich mom travel tote isn’t going anywhere. Just ask Nicole Kidman, who boarded a plane carrying the most expensive-looking bag we’ve seen all summer. We found the quadruple-digit style for only $25! On her private flight home from Wimbledon, Kidman wore a slouchy striped button-up, relaxed jeans and clean […]

The button-front shirt is swoon-worthy in itself, with a proper collar and rollable sleeves that go up for errands and down for dinner. We also love the pants, designed with a wide leg, cute tie detail and stretchy elasticized waistband — the real luxury.

One five-star shopper wrote, “It looks like, feels like and wears like a work-casual set from a major boutique or brand, not like a lounge set. At work, the feedback was very positive.”

Another happy reviewer shared, “I’m always on the lookout for great outfits for summer vacation — versatile pieces that are lightweight, good looking and easily able to dress up or down . . . It’s perfect for resort lounging or day trips through the city.”

Like Stewart’s, this elevated lounge set photographs well, travels beautifully and saves you from staring at your closet at 7 a.m. Wear it with sneakers for a farmers market run, sandals for brunch or, if you’re feeling bold, green Crocs for a morning stroll.

Get the Bwq Two-Piece Outfit Set for $51 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more outfit sets, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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New allegations surrounding Tom Sandoval’s split from Victoria Lee Robinson are painting an even darker picture of their relationship. 

According to one of the reality star’s longtime bandmates, Robinson allegedly wanted the Ariana Madix treatment and repeatedly threatened to destroy Sandoval’s reputation while subjecting him to violent outbursts behind the scenes. 

The claims come on the heels of the former “Vanderpump Rules” star obtaining restraining orders following an alleged domestic incident.

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Tom Sandoval’s manager and drummer, Jason Bader, believes Victoria Lee Robinson’s alleged behavior was fueled by a desire to become the next woman at the center of a headline-making scandal.

Bader, who has toured extensively with Sandoval & The Most Extras, described Robinson as “a fame-hungry, ruthless sadist,” claiming she often spoke about wanting the same level of attention Ariana Madix received after Sandoval’s affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss became public.

“She is a very messy person and would be so violent with him,” Bader told the Daily Mail, adding, “She scared me. She will do whatever it takes for the betterment of herself.”

According to Bader, one heated argument left a lasting impression. He claimed Robinson shouted, “I am going to ruin you. I am going to get the Ariana treatment. I hate you. I don’t want to be with you.”

The allegation comes as Sandoval continues pursuing legal protection against both Robinson and her father, following an alleged altercation that escalated into a criminal case last month.

Sandoval Allegedly Spent Months Trying To Avoid Escalating Fights

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While the legal battle has centered on one violent incident, Bader claims the relationship had been unraveling long before police became involved.

According to him, the model repeatedly became physically aggressive with Tom Sandoval while accompanying the band on tour, alleging that she punched, kicked and even spat on Sandoval on several occasions.

“She is the worst person I have ever met in my entire life. I have never met someone so two-faced, manipulative and evil. It was sick watching it all go down. I have never experienced anything like it,” Bader told the outlet.

Despite witnessing repeated confrontations, he said he never saw Sandoval become physically aggressive.

“Tom is someone who has the ability to defend himself and physically match up with people because he’s a wrestler. Even when people are getting rough with him, like fans, he wants to de-escalate the situation,” Bader explained.

He also recalled an October tour stop in Fort Lauderdale where security allegedly had to intervene after Robinson became physical with Sandoval.

Tom Sandoval’s Relationship Allegedly Left His Band On Edge

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According to Bader, the alleged turmoil wasn’t limited to Sandoval alone.

He claimed Robinson’s presence on tour created constant tension among the musicians, alleging that she frequently stayed out after concerts, partied with fans and invited people back to the tour bus.

“She was not good at hiding that,” he said. One incident, Bader recalled, unfolded just outside the band’s tour bus after Sandoval began playing his trumpet following a show.

“Tom played his trumpet outside of the bus and Victoria got very angry. She ran out and just started attacking him. She was punching him in the chest and his head. She was kicking and spitting at him, just saying horrible things,” Bader alleged.

Crew members quickly escorted Robinson back onto the bus before more fans noticed what was happening. 

Bader admitted the repeated incidents pushed him to consider leaving the band altogether.

Tom Sandoval’s Court Filing Echoed His Bandmate’s Claims

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Bader’s account closely mirrors allegations Tom Sandoval later made in court.

According to documents reviewed by the Daily Mail, the reality star accused Robinson of repeatedly striking him in the face and head, claiming the alleged attacks left him with blurred vision and injuries to his ear and neck. He also submitted photographs that he said documented those injuries.

The filing followed a June 3 confrontation involving Robinson and her father. Surfaced footage from the incident reviewed by PEOPLE showed Sandoval arguing with the pair before pushing Robinson’s father into a brick fire pit. 

Sandoval claimed he was attempting to stop his ex-girlfriend from recording him without his consent when her father “lunged at him.” 

The latter denied that version of events, revealing that he intervened because Sandoval was “overpowering and twisting” his daughter’s arm.

Following the altercation, Sandoval obtained restraining orders against both Robinson and her father. 

Judge Denies Robinson’s Request For Court Protection

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After Tom Sandoval obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order, Robinson filed her own petition, accusing the restaurateur of physically and verbally abusing her throughout their roughly two and a half year relationship. 

In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, she alleged Sandoval shoved her down a flight of stairs at his home, pushed her onto a hotel floor during a trip to Nashville, and violently twisted her arm during the June 3 confrontation that ended with her arrest. 

Robinson also claimed her ex-boyfriend shoved her father into a fire pit and asked the court to extend protection to him as well. 

However, on July 6, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied Robinson’s request for a temporary restraining order, ruling that Sandoval’s existing restraining order, granted on June 25, remained in effect and that Robinson’s petition would instead be considered at the already scheduled hearing. 

The judge determined that a properly noticed hearing was required before her request could be granted, leaving Sandoval’s temporary protections in place for the time being.

Journalist Kaitlan Collins is breaking her silence after President Donald Trump continued to attack her looks, comparing her to trans actress Dylan Mulvaney and claiming the CNN reporter needs to smile more.

“I’ve always felt this, regardless of who’s the president … it’s really not about me, and I don’t want it to be about my reaction. If you let it become about that, then it becomes a back-and-forth between the two of us,” Collins, 34, said on the Monday, July 27, episode of The Daily Show. “Instead, I think it’s more important to remind people in those moments when he is insulting me, he is criticizing me … it’s important to put the reminder back on the work, on the question, and on the non-answers that we get.”

The Daily Show host Jon Stewart pointed out that the ballroom in the Waldorf Astoria was largely silent while Trump lit into her at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Friday, July 24.

“I’ve covered Trump for 10 years so I’ve listened to pretty much all of his speeches with very little exception. I actually think it’s helpful for people to listen to [his speeches] in their entirety, which people really don’t these days. In the room, I was not surprised when he insulted me,” she said. “That happens pretty regularly inside the Oval Office — this was just a bigger venue where it was happening. What was most surprising to me is that the room was filled with a lot of his staffers, his cabinet, his allies, Republicans in Congress. It was so quiet in the room during the president’s remarks.”

Related: Dylan Mulvaney Seemingly Supports Kaitlan Collins Amid Donald Trump Attacks

Trans actress Dylan Mulvaney is seemingly lending her support to CNN reporter and anchor Kaitlan Collins after President Donald Trump compared the two women during the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner. On Saturday, July 25, Mulvaney, 29, shared an inspirational quote attributed to former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt via her Instagram Stories — the same […]

Collins’ comments come after Trump, 80, made controversial remarks about the CNN anchor’s appearance at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Friday.

“[Collins is] a young, attractive woman. She never smiles,” Trump said of Collins — one of many instances in which the commander-in-chief has commented on her appearance. “I said, ‘Kaitlan, do you ever smile? Smile. You have a nice position, you’re at CNN fake news, you should be a happy person. So smile, Kaitlan, just smile.”

The president then made a comment about previously mistaking Collins for transgender actor Mulvaney, 29.

“I thought Kaitlan had really made it big with a major new sponsorship, but then I was informed that it wasn’t her on the Bud Light can; it was Dylan Mulvaney.” (Mulvaney, a vocal LGBTQ+ activist, received backlash by right-wing politicians and anti-trans influencers for her 2023 campaign with Bud Light in which her face was placed on beer cans.)

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Related: Donald Trump Compares CNN’s Kaitlan Collins to Trans Actress During WHCD

President Donald Trump took aim at frequent target Kaitlan Collins during this year’s rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “I want to personally congratulate CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on receiving her award. It was all about me. It’s a fake — she shouldn’t get the award, it was a fake,” Trump, 80, said during the Friday, July […]

Collins hinted that she was unbothered by Trump’s remarks on Saturday, July 25, sharing an empowering quote from the former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt via her Instagram Story.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” the quote read as part of Collins’ recap of the celebratory evening, in which she received an award for her reporting on Trump’s infamously contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Mulvaney responded to the viral moment on Sunday, July 26, sharing a TikTok video thanking the president for “reminding me that I am more powerful than I even knew.”

Related: Candace Owens Defends Jimmy Kimmel After Feud With President Trump

Candace Owens is defending Jimmy Kimmel amid their respective feuds with President Donald Trump. “What I enjoyed most without question was the absolute whiplash from Trump’s Truth Social post about me, followed almost immediately by their administration crying about the left’s rhetoric,” Owens, 37, said on a YouTube live stream on Wednesday, April 29. She continued: […]

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“To quote my favorite recording artist, Shea Diamond, ‘I am America,’” she added.

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That same day, Trump doubled down on his comparison between Collins and Mulvaney by sharing an AI-generated image via TruthSocial of the anchor seemingly morphed with the former SIX The Musical star.

In the photo, Collins’ face appeared to be placed on Mulvaney’s body, holding a can of Bud Light, which Mulvaney did in 2023 to promote her partnership with the brand amid March Madness.

When asked to comment on Trump targeting the reporter and her looks, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told Us in a statement, “The liberal media can dish it but they can’t take it.”

Hollywood’s relationship with superhero movies has shifted radically in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, with these massive franchises no longer having the same sway that they once did. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has struggled to maintain the same degree of consistency in the aftermath of the “Infinity Saga,” and not every installment has been successful. DC Studios has faced near-constant setbacks and seems to be questioning which direction to pursue after every misfire. HBO’s The Franchise is a hilarious but surprisingly truthful look at the process of making big-budget superhero films in Hollywood, and it has become even more relevant in the two years since its premiere.

‘The Franchise’ Offers a Brutal Assessment of Hollywood

The Franchise takes place on the set of a superhero film named Tecto: Eye of the Storm, a big-budget but not integral installment in a connected cinematic universe. While the set has already been rife with all sorts of creative and technical issues, the pressure on the cast and crew intensifies when they must accommodate changes being made to the upcoming film Centurios 2, a more significant crossover event within the overall saga. The Odyssey‘s Himesh Patel stars as Daniel Kumar, the overworked assistant director trying to keep the Tecto set stable, with Aya Cash playing his ex-girlfriend Anita, a producer who joins the project. Daniel’s intention to keep Tecto: Eye of the Storm on schedule is undermined by the film’s director, Eric Bouchard (Daniel Brühl), who views himself as a “prestige” filmmaker and therefore above complying with the studio’s mandates.

The Franchise might take place in a slightly heightened version of reality, but the show feels authentic in its exploration of the expectations placed on crew members during the production of films with significant consequences. The major issue Daniel faces is that failing to stay on schedule won’t just harm this movie but could also cause ripple effects that impact the studio’s entire upcoming slate. At the same time, being forced to make something that only serves as a setup for future installments is a cynical enterprise, and one that makes it hard to find any joy in. Daniel is a compelling character because he has become so dejected by the “slop” he’s making that he only cares about protecting people’s jobs. There surprisingly aren’t many people who are willing to improve the film out of sincerity; Anita only wants to be involved so that she can get the opportunity to do more “serious” work, and Eric’s process of “elevating” the material stems from a lack of respect for others and insults the very job that he was hired to do.

‘The Franchise’ Has Become Even More Relevant

The Franchise exposes an ugly side of the superhero film complex that has become startlingly clear in the years following the show’s release; many actors have complained about the constraints placed on them when signing up for superhero films, especially when directors aren’t given the creative freedom to execute their vision. The Franchise was released only a year after the disastrous 2023 slate of DCEU movies, in which a combination of reshoots, changing creative direction, a major shift in leadership, and the off-screen activities of some stars resulted in four colossal box-office bombs. The Franchise is a surprisingly empathetic series because it doesn’t offer a judgment on those who greenlight or enjoy superhero films, but rather explores how the pressure to pull off such a complex multimedia franchise has become excruciating for those who see it as a day job. The saddest part is that Daniel is a character who seems to love cinema, but has had to stifle his artistic objections so that he can keep his head above water.

The Franchise might have struggled to connect with HBO viewers because it is a very fast-paced show with many inside jokes for those who know a lot about filmmaking behind the scenes, but it has increasingly resembled reality. In 2026, many of the show’s wilder predictions have been borne out; Supergirl had a chaotic production that involved two competing cuts, and Avengers: Doomsday reportedly began its massive shooting schedule without a completed script. As dispiriting as it can be to see what blockbuster filmmaking has turned into, The Franchise is wise and witty enough to make light of the situation.

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The Franchise

Release Date

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2024 – 2024-00-00

Network

HBO Max

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Showrunner

Jon Brown

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Shaquille O’Neal is merging his passion for sports and true crime to television with the new series he’s executive producing, “Game Day Murders.” While promoting the project, the NBA legend opened up a couple of cases that had a profound impact on him, with one making him want to intervene as he watched the events unfold in a documentary.

The Shaquille O’Neal executive-produced true crime series, “Game Day Murders,” premiered on July 27 on Investigation Discovery, and the sports icon is sharing his love of the genre. Unbeknownst to many, the former basketball star is a self-confessed “true crime junkie” and spends a lot of time watching documentaries about famous cases.

While promoting his new show, O’Neal shared some of the cases that have left a lasting impression on him, a notable admission from someone who says he’s seen just about everything the genre has to offer.

One of them was “American Murder: The Family Next Door,” which focuses on Chris Watts, who murdered his pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two young daughters. He concealed their bodies at a remote oil-storage site. The documentary showed body cam footage of Watts lying to authorities and appearing oblivious to what happened to his entire family.

“When it gets down to it, he buried his family in that oil. I wanted to jump through the TV,” O’Neal told US Weekly.

The Sports Icon Is Invested In The Murdaugh Murders

Another saga O’Neal followed was the case of Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted of killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in 2023, following a highly publicized trial. O’Neal described the case as his “favorite for a while.”

The case was the subject of the Netflix documentary “Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal.” The case drew international attention due to Alex’s power and influence in South Carolina. The show also looked into other suspicious deaths tied to the prominent family.

Alex’s conviction was overturned in May 2026 due to jury interference, and he is scheduled to face a retrial sometime in 2027. Apart from being accused of murder, Alex is also serving time behind bars for financial crimes.

Shaquille O’Neal Shares What He Loves About True Crime

The true crime genre boom began in the mid-2010s, sparked by documentaries and podcasts that delved into some famous cases. The genre quickly became a cultural phenomenon as audiences were drawn to the blend of investigative storytelling and real-world mysteries.

In an interview with Page Six, O’Neal said he likes the genre because “everybody has that detective in them.” He compared it with watching films and used the Sylvester Stallone-led movie “Rocky” as an example, saying that despite the setbacks, the audience knows “he’s gonna go through this crazy comeback, and he’s going to win the last fight.”

When he watches true crime, on the other hand, “You don’t know what’s gonna happen next,” O’Neal said.

The NBA Icon Is Merging His Interests

“Game Day Murders” is a six-episode series that focuses on sports tragedies. “I’ve been a sports guy, I’ve been a true crime guy, and finally, we’re going to merge the two together,” O’Neal said about his new show.

The first episode tackled the case of Patrick Dennehy, a Baylor University basketball player who was murdered. “Sports create obsession, I’ve seen it firsthand. But when that obsession breaks the wrong way, it’s something else entirely. People aren’t ready for this show,” O’Neal teased.

“Game Day Murders” is hosted by sports anchor Lindsay Czarniak.

Shaquille O’Neal Wants To Honor The Victims’ Legacies

O’Neal said creating the show was a way to honor the legacy of the victims and not “sensationalize” the tragedies. The former basketball star said each episode was approached with respect, and the goal is to show audiences “how we could band together in tough times.”

“‘Game Day Murders’ offers a compelling look at the cases that shocked fans, shattered expectations, and altered the fabric of the world of sports,” Investigation Discovery President Jason Sarlanis said.

New episodes of “Game Day Murders” will air on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET and can also be accessed on streaming services carrying Investigation Discovery. Future episodes will focus on Mike Danton, Lorenzen Wright, Troy Causey, Dernell Stenson, and Sean Taylor.