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Skating Community Reacts to Ilia Malinin’s 2026 Winter Olympics Finish

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Team USA figure skater Ilia Malinin’s peers rallied behind him after the gold-medal hopeful finished in a disappointing eighth place during the men’s singles competition.

“I was not expecting that,” Malinin, 21, told NBC Sports on Friday, February 13, after his final 2026 Winter Olympics performance. “I felt so ready getting on that ice. Maybe I was too confident it was going to go well.”

Malinin, affectionately nicknamed the “quad god” for the sheer number of quadruple turns in his routines, was the gold-medal favorite in the 2026 Winter Olympics. After finishing the short program at the top of the leaderboard, he slid down to eighth after falling twice and making a slew of technical mistakes in his free skate.

“Finally experiencing that Olympic atmosphere, it’s crazy. It’s really different,” he told NBC after his competition. “I blew it. There’s no way that just happened.”

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Ahead of the individual event, Malinin helped Team USA win gold in the team event.

Keep scrolling to see how Malinin’s fellow skaters have reacted to his surprising eighth place finish:

Tara Lipiniski

Tara Lipinski served as a broadcaster during Malinin’s Olympics competition.

“The grace, honesty and sportsmanship you showed in a moment of heartbreak reveals you are not only an elite athlete but a gracious human being,” Lipiniski wrote via Instagram. “I can’t wait to watch you rise.”

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Johnny Weir

Johnny Weir works with Tara Lipinski as an NBC commentator during the Winter Games.

“You are one in a million @ilia_quadg0d_malinin,” Weir captioned an Instagram tribute. “You showed true sportsmanship and grace. I can’t wait to see where you’ll take us next. 🤍

Nathan Chen

Gold medalist Nathan Chen was also confused as to why Malinin faced many missteps in the free skate.

“Something happened tonight and, truthfully, I can’t even express what it might be,” Chen told Yahoo! Sports. “I definitely can reflect back on my experience in 2018, when I went into the short program with a lot of pressure, a lot of concerns in my head [and] a lot of doubt.”

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Chen further noted that Malinin appeared to “hold back” on most of his elements throughout the Olympics routine.

“By the end of it, it just was not his night,” he said. “One of the hardest parts about performing for a huge sold-out crowd is that you really can viscerally feel the reaction from the crowd.  … That hurts you to your gut. Mentally, you have to figure out what went wrong and how can I regroup for the next element? Also, the energy changes in the arena and you can feel there’s tension now.”

Chen also noted that Malinin is still young and is “still hungry” to overcome his 2026 Olympics outcome.

“He has so much potential,” Chen concluded. “Tonight is a night where he’ll have to reflect and reevaluate where he was mentally and physically, and try to identify how he can come into the next Olympics and have a different outcome.”

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Feature Olympics 2607 Us Weekly Cover Digital


Related: Behind-the-Scenes on Team USA’s Dramatic Journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics

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The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially here — and Team USA is arriving in Italy with star power, storylines and sky-high expectations.  As the world’s best athletes descend on Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, all eyes are on the Americans: from Ilia Malinin’s can’t-miss moment in men’s figure skating to Mikaela Shiffrin’s long-awaited redemption tour on […]

Elladj Balde 

Retired Canadian figure skater Elladj Baldé also offered his support.

“Figure Skating is one of the hardest sports mentally. The pressure is unbelievably heavy and there is no margin for error,” Baldé wrote via Instagram. “Tonight was a tough one but I am so proud of all of these skaters for the work they have put in to get here.”

Speaking to Malinin directly, he added, “You are an innovator and trailblazer of this sport and what you bring to the ice is far greater than simply your jumping ability.”

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Love on the Spectrum Stars Address Season 4 Relationships

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LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM

The Love on the Spectrum cast went through a lot of changes throughout season 4, from engagements to breakups.

During the Netflix show’s new season, which premiered on Wednesday, April 1, viewers checked in on the cast as they offered glimpses into their personal lives. Madison Marilla documented her move to be closer to Tyler White, which came shortly before they got engaged.

“We have not even started [wedding planning] yet. We want to wait until the time is right,” Madison exclusively told Us Weekly about enjoying life as a newly engaged couple. “I know we’re going to do a very big wedding. We will have all our family and friends and cast mates there.”

Madison teased plans to wear “a big ball gown with lots of bling and lots of tulle,” while Tyler promised to be sporting his signature cowboy hat.

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“With the logistics of TV, we’ve had to keep the engagement a secret, which made it hard to plan,” he told Us, noting that the “entire” Love on the Spectrum family will be invited to celebrate their big day.

Despite getting engaged, there are some milestones they are saving for after their wedding. The pair revealed to Us they are still living “down the road” from each other.

LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM
Netflix

“We’re saving moving in together until we’re married,” Tyler noted, to which Madison replied, “We’re saving all that until marriage.”

While Madison and Taylor prepare to tie the knot, Connor Tomlinson made a different decision about his future when he chose to end his romance with Georgie Harris.

“It was my decision to end things. Georgie and I … this season was the longest time we spent with each other,” he told Us. “The more we did, the more we came to realize we’re just two different people. Good people, yes, but not each other’s people.”

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He continued: “What she wanted, I couldn’t give her. What I wanted, she couldn’t give me. We both decided it was for the best.”

The exes have remained in touch, with Georgie reaching out for Connor’s birthday. Looking ahead, Connor is excited to meet his person, who he described as “understanding, kind, smart, sophisticated, talented and pretty.”

Connor isn’t the only single star on the show — Logan Pereira is still looking for love after briefly finding a connection during season 4.

“I have been thinking about dating after that date,” Logan shared with Us. “I’m looking for somebody that has the same interest as me. Maybe somebody that likes model trains and somebody with really nice hair — even if it’s not curvy or straight. Also somebody that has the same connection with me and likes cheesecake and red velvet cake.”

Love on the Spectrum is currently streaming on Netflix.

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10 Most Perfect Sci-Fi Movies of the 21st Century, Ranked

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Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol in Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

Over the course of the 21st century, filmmakers around the world have been treating audiences to some of the greatest, most creative, and most original science fiction movies that the Seventh Art has ever seen. From time travel comedies to dramatic thrillers to massive superhero blockbusters, the 21st century’s greatest sci-fi films are about as close as cinema can possibly come to true perfection.

These films—some of them already considered classics, others guaranteed to achieve that status not too far into the future—display why science fiction has remained one of cinema’s most popular genres since the very beginning of the 20th century, even before cinema was considered an art form or even a storytelling medium. They’re exceptional masterpieces, proof that this is a genre that will never get old.

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10

‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’ (2025)

Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol in Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol in Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
Image via NEON

Canadia’s national filmography is filled to the brim with excellent, often awfully underappreciated masterpieces. One of the country’s most recent international sensations is the brilliant Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, a legacy sequel of the web series Nirvana the Band the Show and the mockumentary sitcom Nirvanna the Band the Show.

Armed with only an RV, a bottle of Orbitz, and a flawless understanding of fair use laws, Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol created a love letter to Toronto and late-2000s pop culture, a genius parody of Back to the Future, and one of the best sci-fi masterpieces of the last 15 years. Full of man-on-the-street-type moments bound to make anyone and everyone go “how the hell did they pull that off?”, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie has already joined the ranks of the greatest Canadian films ever made.

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9

‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Cutter (Michael Caine) stands in the wings of a theater, holding a dove perched on one hand in The Prestige.
Cutter (Michael Caine) stands in the wings of a theater, holding a dove perched on one hand in The Prestige.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

No list of the best sci-fi anything of the 21st century could possibly be complete without at least mentioning Christopher Nolan, a man who has re-defined the genre and constantly set a new standard for all Hollywood blockbusters. Between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, he made The Prestige, a sci-fi thriller that’s always been hugely acclaimed yet still somehow underrated.

It’s the perfect film for people who love thrillers packed with plot twists. A rousing tale of rivalry and revenge fueled by strong yet subtle steampunk elements, it’s undoubtedly one of Nolan’s greatest works. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman‘s fantastic performances are the perfect foundation for this character-driven story, made all the more fascinating by one of the strongest endings in its director’s filmography.

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8

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Miles Morales shoots his web in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales shoots his web in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

After Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse took the world by storm in 2018, expectations for its sequel rose sky-high. Somehow, Across the Spider-Verse managed to surpass those expectations and then some. It’s downright one of the most perfect movies of the last 5 years, simultaneously a love letter to the Spidey mythos and a nuanced study of the superhero genre as a whole.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the movie has the most impressive and jaw-dropping visuals of any animated film ever made. The excellent sound design and Daniel Pemberton‘s score definitely don’t hurt, either. In fact, almost everything about Across the Spider-Verse is pretty much perfect, making it a must-see for Marvel fans, Spidey fans, and virtually anyone who enjoys a well-made sci-fi film.

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7

‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Matthew McConaughey as Joseph Cooper flying a spaceship in Interstellar
Matthew McConaughey as Joseph Cooper flying a spaceship in Interstellar
Image via Paramount Pictures

As if he still had anything to prove in regards to being one of the leading voices of Hollywood sci-fi going into 2014, Christopher Nolan decided to further enshrine himself in that title by making Interstellar. It’s one of the most perfectly-directed sci-fi epics ever made, but the main reason why it works as well as it does is that it is, first and foremost, a character-driven story about a girl and her father.

But though Interstellar is certainly most interested in its characters’ internal conflicts, it’s also a technically impressive epic that leaves nothing much to be desired. The visual effects, the performances, the sound design, the delectably long runtime, the best score of Hans Zimmer‘s career… What more could a diehard fan of sci-fi cinema possibly want from a movie?

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6

‘Arrival’ (2016)

Arrival - 2016 - Amy Adams stands thinking in a field, a spacecraft in the distance behind her Image via Paramount Pictures

Denis Villeneuve was already a well-established filmmaker going into 2016, but the movie that established him as one of the most exciting voices in Hollywood sci-fi was Arrival. This is an alien invasion flick unlike any other, dealing with themes of language, communication, and memory with a deeply emotional story. By the time Arrival cuts to the credits, there won’t be a dry eye in the house.

Villeneuve’s direction is pretty much flawless, which makes it unsurprising that Arrival earned him his first Oscar nomination. It’s also one of the most perfectly-written sci-fi movies ever, with some enthralling character writing and a plot that keeps growing increasingly mind-bending as it goes on. It doesn’t feel like any other alien invasion film in history, and that uniqueness is enough to make it obligatory viewing for fans of the genre.

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5

‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (2022)

Everything Everywhere All at Once - 2022 (1) Image via A24

There are Oscar winners that feel like frontrunners in the awards race since months before they even come out; but then, there are others which feel like they come out of the blue and end up sweeping. There’s no contemporary example more perfect than Everything Everywhere All At Once, a quirky and ambitious indie sci-fi action dramedy that ended up winning a whopping seven Academy Awards.

A thrilling and beautifully touching tale about parenthood, love, aging, and everything bagels.

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On paper, Everything Everywhere seems like it shouldn’t work. Its thematic breadth is enormous, its sense of humor is undeniably offbeat, and its elements of campy silliness are potent and abundant. But what soon proved to be one of the most chaotic movies of all time also proved to be one of the greatest sci-fi epics of the 21st century, a thrilling and beautifully touching tale about parenthood, love, aging, and everything bagels.

4

‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Clive Owen holding Clare-Hope Ahitey as they walk through a crowd in Children of Men
Clive Owen holding Clare-Hope Ahitey as they walk through a crowd in Children of Men
Image via Universal Pictures
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Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón is no stranger to genre cinema, but his strongest genre work happens to be in science fiction. Children of Men is a masterpiece, a dystopian action thriller that unfortunately underperformed at the box office, but has since become a cult classic so huge that it’s arguably more mainstream that it is cult by this point.

It’s one of the most thrilling movie masterpieces of all time, full of impressively shot sequences and permeated by a nail-biting atmosphere of suspense. Bleak though its tone may be, it’s also beautifully hopeful, celebrating faith and humanity’s resilience in the face of a crisis. Excellently performed and strikingly shot by frequent Cuarón collaborator Emmanuel Lubezki, it’s dystopian science fiction at its ver best.

3

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Max aiming a gun at someone off camera in Mad Max: Fury Road Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
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After three decades away from the action genre and from the Mad Max franchise that he revolutionized low-budget Australian cinema with, George Miller made his triumphant return with Mad Max: Fury Road. This wasn’t just a return to form for the filmmaker, nor was it just the best installment in the franchise thus far: We’re talking about one of the most perfect sci-fi action movies of the 21st century.

The over-the-top world-building is a delight, the non-stop adrenaline shots that are all the action sequences (which comprise the vast majority of the film’s relentless runtime) are a blast, and the visuals prove that the sky’s the limit when Miller is given a proper budget. Exciting, emotionally compelling, and packed with some of the most memorable action scenes of the century, Fury Road is one for the cinematic history books.

2

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Three figures flying in the Dune: Part Two opening scene Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
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For the longest time, it seemed that it was simply impossible to turn Frank Herbert‘s world of Dune into a film franchise that lived up to the source material’s legacy. Along came Denis Villeneuve and proved that belief embarrassingly wrong. But while the Canadian director’s first Dune is already amazing enough, it’s Dune: Part Two that smashed every expectation any fan might have had going in.

It’s this generation’s The Empire Strikes Back, a stunning sci-fi franchise epic that expands the scope of its world tremendously and has the guts to conclude with an ending that’s nothing if not dark-toned. Just two years after its release, it can already be considered one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, one with virtually no flaws to talk about. Greig Fraser‘s stunning cinematography, Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, all the amazing performances, the flawless way in which Villeneuve and co-writer Jon Spaihts understand the essence of Herbert’s work, and—of course—Villeneuve’s hugely imaginative direction. There’s basically nothing not to love about this masterpiece.

1

‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)

Kate Winslet as Clementine and Jim Carrey as Joel lying on the ice in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. 
Kate Winslet as Clementine and Jim Carrey as Joel lying on the ice in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Image via Focus Features
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By the time 2004 rolled in, Charlie Kaufman had already established himself as the greatest, most intelligent, and most talented screenwriter working in Hollywood. But as if any more proof were needed, he wrote what some may call the single greatest sci-fi screenplay ever written, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, directed by Michel Gondry. The result? The most perfect science fiction movie of the 21st century thus far.

Rather than focusing on its sci-fi elements, Eternal Sunshine leverages them as tools to elevate its story about a crumbling relationship and the power of memories. It’s a raw, emotionally powerful, thematically hard-hitting exploration of the very concept of romantic love, concluding with one of the best endings of any sci-fi film from the 2000s. Many great sci-fi movies have been released since, but none quite as exceptional as this 21st-century masterpiece.































































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Collider Exclusive · Oscar Best Picture Quiz
Which Oscar Best Picture
Is Your Perfect Movie?

Parasite · Everything Everywhere · Oppenheimer · Birdman · No Country

Five Oscar Best Picture winners. Five completely different visions of what cinema can be — and what it can do to you. One of them is the film that was made for the way your mind works. Ten questions will figure out which one.

🪜Parasite

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🌀Everything Everywhere

☢️Oppenheimer

🐦Birdman

🪙No Country for Old Men

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01

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What kind of film experience do you actually want?
The best movies don’t just entertain — they leave something behind.





02

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Which idea grabs you most in a film?
Great films are driven by a central obsession. What’s yours?





03

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How do you like your story told?
Form is content. The way a story is shaped changes what it means.





04

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What makes a truly great antagonist?
The opposition defines the protagonist. What kind of opposition fascinates you?





05

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What do you want from a film’s ending?
The final note is the one that lingers. What do you want it to sound like?





06

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Which setting pulls you in most?
Where a film takes place shapes everything — mood, stakes, what’s even possible.





07

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What cinematic craft impresses you most?
Every great film has a signature — a technical or artistic element that makes it unmistakable.





08

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What kind of main character do you root for?
The protagonist is the lens. Who you choose to follow says something about you.





09

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How do you feel about a film that takes its time?
Pace is a choice. Some films sprint; others let tension accumulate slowly, deliberately.





10

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What do you want to feel walking out of the cinema?
The best films leave a mark. What kind of mark do you want?





The Academy Has Decided
Your Perfect Film Is…
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Your answers have pointed to one Oscar Best Picture winner above all others. This is the film that was made for the way your mind works.

Parasite

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You are drawn to films that operate on multiple levels simultaneously — that begin in one genre and quietly, brilliantly migrate into another. Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a film about class, desire, and the architecture of inequality that manages to be darkly funny, deeply suspenseful, and genuinely shocking across a single extraordinary running time. Your instinct is for cinema that hides its true intentions until the moment it’s ready to reveal them. Parasite is exactly that — a film that rewards close attention and punishes assumptions, right up to its devastating final image.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

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You want it all — and this film gives you all of it. The Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the most maximalist films ever made: action comedy, multiverse sci-fi, family drama, existential crisis, and a genuinely earned emotional core that sneaks up on you amid the chaos. You are someone who responds to ambition, who doesn’t want cinema to choose between being entertaining and being meaningful. This film refuses that choice entirely. It is overwhelming by design, and its overwhelming nature is precisely the point — because the feeling of being crushed by infinite possibility is exactly what it’s about.

Oppenheimer

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You are drawn to cinema on a grand scale — films that understand history not as a backdrop but as a force, and that place their characters inside that force and watch what happens. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a film about the terrifying gap between what we can do and what we should do, told with the full weight of one of the most consequential moments in human history behind it. You want your films to feel important without feeling self-important — to earn their ambition through sheer craft and the gravity of their subject. Oppenheimer does exactly that. It is enormous, complicated, and refuses easy comfort.

Birdman

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You are drawn to films that foreground their own construction — that make the how of the filmmaking part of the what it’s about. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman, shot to appear as a single continuous take, is cinema examining itself through the cracked mirror of a fading actor’s ego. You respond to formal daring, to the feeling that a film is doing something that probably shouldn’t be possible. Michael Keaton’s performance and Emmanuel Lubezki’s restless camera create something genuinely unlike anything else — a film that is simultaneously about creativity, relevance, self-destruction, and the impossibility of ever truly knowing if your work means anything at all.

No Country for Old Men

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You are drawn to cinema that trusts silence, that refuses to explain itself, and that treats dread as a form of meaning. The Coen Brothers’ No Country for Old Men is a film about the arrival of a new kind of evil — implacable, arbitrary, and utterly indifferent to the moral frameworks we use to make sense of the world. It is one of the most formally controlled films ever made, and its controlled restraint is what makes it so terrifying. You want your films to haunt you, not comfort you. You are not interested in resolution if resolution would be dishonest. No Country for Old Men is honest in a way that most cinema never dares to be.

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Netflix’s Romance Spin-off Is Still Making the Same Mistakes

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Eleven and the rest of the cast stand and look determined towards the camera in Stranger Things.

When XO, Kitty first released, fans were excited to watch one of the most bubbly and chaotic characters from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before set off on her own romantic journey halfway across the world. But the spin-off was plagued with issues and disappointment, dulling the charm of Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart), to no fault of Cathcart herself. Season 2, however, subtly branched away from contrived storylines and romantic tropes, fleshing out its characters and tone so much that it seemed to finally be paving its own identity. Season 3, however, has fallen right back into all the show’s old traps.

Kitty is embarking on her final adventure at KISS: senior year. She’s dealt with the heartache of losing her first love (over miscommunication, no less), navigated the nuances of her sexuality, fallen for the cold, rich, secretly-sweet boy, and has reconnected with her heritage in the most heartwarming ways. In Season 3, the show’s focus shifts to the future, where Kitty is adamant about savoring senior year but is forced to think about college plans or whether she and Min-ho (Sang Heon Lee) could become a real couple. But with Kitty, nothing is straightforward.

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‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3’s Central Romance Hits the Same Old Roadblocks

Gone are the days of love triangles (for Kitty, at least), as this season’s central romance is between her and Min-ho, giving the show plenty of space and potential to do something exciting, sweet, or complex with the arc. However, XO, Kitty can’t seem to let go of the poorly-used miscommunication trope, where any of the pair’s problems could be cleared up with a single conversation, one that is constantly delayed by phone calls or interruptions. It makes the first half of the season drag along at a dull pace, and the finale feels far less satisfying than it could’ve been. There are a couple of episodes in the middle of the season that capture interest, but that’s because they focus less on the problems between Kitty and Min-ho, and more on their individual insecurities.

Apart from the fact that XO, Kitty is supposed to be a romance show, the real crime in failing the central couple is how Min-ho is written. The show gives him the same treatment as Dae (Choi Min-yeong) in Season 1, where, in shaping the perfect love interest, any character flaws that made Min-ho interesting and beloved are smoothed out into a blank slate. Where Dae was passive, Min-ho is now a mannequin. This is no slight to Lee’s performance, who does what he can under the constraints of the newly bland character, but Min-ho goes from a scene-stealer in Season 1 to a mere accessory in Season 3.

‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3 Is Strongest as a Coming-of-Age Tale

Where XO, Kitty Season 3 finds its wins are on the sidelines, among the supporting cast who tend to have storylines that outshine the central character. In particular, Yuri (Gia Kim) is navigating the fallout from the lawsuit against her family, and Kim portrays the complexity of finding one’s new identity without the crutch of wealth in a wonderfully compelling way. Meanwhile, Q (Anthony Keyvan) is wrapped up in his own messy situation that becomes the beacon in the first half of the season, the reason we stick with the show until the more well-rounded episodes come along. This season also introduces us to Gigi (Christine Heesun Hwang), a character who adds some much-needed spark to the show.

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Although the chemistry between Kitty and Min-ho is diminished this season, by the halfway mark, their individual stories actually garner some interest. One thing we can applaud XO, Kitty for is how Cathcart represents turning points in Kitty’s character development. There are scenes after Episode 4 that quickly elicit sympathy thanks to Cathcart’s performance, as Kitty is always ready to admit mistakes on her part and welcomes growth. On the other hand, Min-ho has a handful of scenes of interest when he is worried about his relationship with his father. Hints of his former self emerge here, but in a more vulnerable form that rounds off his personal character arc.

Eleven and the rest of the cast stand and look determined towards the camera in Stranger Things.


The 28 Best High School Series to Watch on Netflix

Actually relatable.

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As a coming-of-age tale between friends, XO, Kitty is a feel-good show, even if the romance is contrived, and the storylines are repetitive and nonsensical at times. Teenagers are supposed to be messy, dramatic, and have room to grow, which is where the show succeeds — there just needs to be an internal logic to the chaos. It’s also a pity that Season 3 didn’t involve more of the adults who delivered some of the stronger storylines in Season 2. There was only one of substance this season that involved Kitty’s cousin Jiwon (Hojo Shin), which develops into something beautifully moving in the later episodes.

‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3 Once Again Relies Heavily on ‘To All the Boys’ Nostalgia

Kitty and Lara Jean hugging in 'XO, Kitty' Season 3.
Kitty and Lara Jean hugging in ‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3.
Image via Netflix

Like always, XO, Kitty never quite lets go of its roots to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and heavily relies on nostalgia at times. Last season, Peter (Noah Centineo) made a special appearance, and this time, Lara Jean (Lana Condor) returns to the story. On the surface, inviting Condor to the show seems like an easy way to play on fans’ nostalgia, but it arguably works better this season than it did before. Family and sisterhood have always been an endearing undercurrent in the franchise, and XO, Kitty Season 3 is no exception. That being said, these scenes make it a tad more glaring that the aspects of the show without nostalgia are losing the identity it managed to form in Season 2.

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It’s a shame that XO, Kitty didn’t manage to maintain the momentum created in Season 2, and instead returns to the formulaic, forced nature of Season 1. The comparatively strongest parts of the show are rarely the romances or the chemistry, and instead live between the friendships and the personal growth of the supporting cast. As Kitty finishes off her senior year at KISS, it’s a bittersweet moment that leaves us longing for a more memorable final year in Seoul.

XO, Kitty Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.


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Release Date

May 18, 2023

Network

Netflix

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Showrunner

Jenny Han

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Directors

Jennifer Arnold, Katina Medina Mora, Anna Mastro, Jeff Chan, Steven K. Tsuchida, Pamela Romanowsky, Sherwin Shilati

Writers
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Jessica O’Toole, Sarah Choi, Alanna Bennett, Hanna Stanbridge, Chris Martin, Emily Kim, Siobhan Vivian

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  • instar53731933.jpg
  • instar52951760.jpg

    Anna Cathcart

    Katherine ‘Kitty’ Song Covey

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Pros & Cons
  • The supporting cast have storylines to fuel interest throughout Season 3.
  • The central romance loses its charm along with Min-ho’s vitality.
  • Season 3 doesn’t pick up until the second half, then loses momentum at the end.
  • The storylines remain nonsensical and are difficult to invest in.

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West Wilson, Amanda Batula Scandal Deemed ‘Anti-Black’

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Ciara MIller, Summer House.

Summer House” fans are going to bat for Ciara Miller after learning her friend, Amanda Batula, recently began dating her ex-boyfriend, West Wilson. On social media, users are sharing their strong reactions to the controversial announcement, with one even calling the situation “anti-Black.”

West Wilson, Amanda Batula Confirm They’re Dating Following Speculation

For those who may be unfamiliar with what’s occurred in the Bravoverse over the last 24 hours, “Summer House” co-stars Wilson and Batula recently confirmed their relationship following weeks of speculation, according to The Blast.

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“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” their combined post read, according to The Blast. “It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we need a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

Continuing, Batula and Wilson said, “We’ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected. Our connection grew out of a genuine, long-standing friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.”

Ciara Miller Dated West Wilson, Opened Up About Interracial Dating On The Show

Ciara MIller, Summer House.
MEGA

Wilson and Batula’s sudden relationship took many Bravo viewers by surprise, given that Wilson had previously dated Batula’s best friend, Miller, during season 8 of the show.

Their relationship hit a bit of turbulence, however, when Miller revealed during the reunion that Wilson couldn’t commit to her.

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The news of their recent relationship also comes at an unfortunate time, as Miller previously opened up to her castmates about the struggles of interracial dating in March 2026.

“I don’t think you guys also realize the interracial aspect that exists and all the s— that goes on,” Miller said. “I get a lot of blowback that’s very racial, obviously, being in this position. I was the first Black person in this house, and then dating publicly, dating white guys publicly, is a whole contraption that I don’t think you guys can understand or can even empathize with.”

One User Comes To Miller’s Defense, Creates Post Calling Out Batula And Wilson’s Relationship

West Wilson, Summer House cast member.
Bravo | Kareem Black

Some assumed that Miller’s candid explanation about her experience as a “Summer House” cast member would be enough to steer Wilson and Batula away from one another.

Seeing that it did the opposite, however, has riled up some viewers, specifically @ItsRealityWithAli on Instagram.

In her video, she called the situation between Wilson and Batula “anti-Black.”

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“Anti-blackness is not the same as calling someone racist or saying that they hate Black people,” the creator said. “Anti-blackness is often not intentional; it’s not always conscious. Oftentimes, it shows up in who gets chosen, or who’s deemed long-term material.”

The creator went on to say that anti-Blackness shows up in interracial dating for some people, as they’re often desired and relied upon, but never chosen when it’s time to actually settle down.

“But then somehow, he’s ready when the right white woman comes along,” the creator finished.

Fans Rally Behind Miller

The response to Wilson and Batula’s relationship was much of the same on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Regardless, Ciara shared how the relationship deeply and negatively impacted her and how having it play out publicly affected her as a Black woman,” one user said. “The length of time they were together is a moot point. It’s fine for you to be dismissive and ignorant. I’m choosing the hill that acknowledges this. You do you.”

“I also thought this was terrible timing for all this to come out right after that conversation aired and West and Amanda acting so understanding and supportive while Ciara explained the hate she gets for allowing West to treat her so badly,” someone else wrote.

Ciara Miller Knew A Statement Was Coming From Wilson And Batula

West Wilson at BravoCon 2025.
Bravo | Gabe Ginsberg

While Batula and Wilson’s relationship might’ve taken the Bravoverse by surprise, a source told TMZ that Miller was given a heads-up about their new relationship.

As speculation about them intensified, Batula and Wilson allegedly told Miller a day or two earlier that there would be a joint statement.

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Miller has not yet broken her silence on the matter; however, she’s sure to mention it all during the upcoming “Summer House” reunion, which is scheduled to film in the coming weeks.

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Donald Glover promises the “Community ”movie will happen 'soon': 'I know everybody's been saying that'

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It’s been four years since Peacock greenlit the continuation of the NBC sitcom.

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“Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen ”creator explains Rachel's cryptic smile in final scene

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Haley Z. Boston also spoke about the possibility of a second season.

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This 6-Part Spy Thriller Turns a Wild True Story Into a Gripping Miniseries

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Gary Oldman as the lead cast in Slow Horses Season 2

Some of the best television shows of all time revolve around spies and their complex relationships with those around them while balancing the emotional toll and excitement of covert operations. While shows like The Americans and Slow Horses are based on fictional characters, the gripping MGM+ miniseries A Spy Among Friends feels just as thrilling as any scripted show but is based on an incredible true story that’s practically made for TV. Based on British author Ben Macintyre‘s non-fiction book of the same name, A Spy Among Friends centers on Kim Philby, one of the most notorious spies in British history.

What Is ‘A Spy Among Friends’ About?

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, A Spy Among Friends explores the close friendship between MI6 agents Kim Philby (Guy Pearce) and Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis), who worked together for years. However, after 30 years of friendship, Elliot is devastated to learn that Philby is a secret Soviet double agent. The story picks up after Philby’s betrayal is revealed, with Elliott being sent to Beirut to get a confession from his friend. After 34 hours of taped conversations in 4 days, Philby defects to the USSR, and Elliott is later interrogated by MI5 agent Lily Thomas (Anna Maxwell Martin), a rare fictional character in the show who plays a crucial role.

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Interwoven with the present-day fallout from Philby’s deception are flashbacks that give deeper context to their long friendship. Lewis and Pearce bring depth and intensity to their roles, perfectly capturing the subtle dynamics of their characters’ relationship as it shifts from camaraderie to suspicion, and ultimately to heartbreaking disappointment. The scene in Beirut, where the men spent hours together, is also interwoven throughout the series, with recordings of their conversations replayed for Elliott during his conversations with Lily.

Gary Oldman as the lead cast in Slow Horses Season 2


40 Shows To Watch if You Love ‘Slow Horses’

Dive into the dangerous world of espionage.

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There are many great moments in the scene, but when Elliot says, “The irony is, even though you’ve managed to hide your real self for all these years, I know you all the better for it now” and describes Philby as a “man on the brink,” it perfectly encapsulates the heart of the show.

‘A Spy Among Friends’ Is a Compelling and Gripping Spy Drama

What sets A Spy Among Friends apart from other espionage thrillers is that it focuses much more on the emotional and psychological aspects of espionage rather than the more action-packed covert operations. The true story is so wild and gripping that it pulls viewers in, not needing to rely on the more exciting covert scenes that would be typical in other spy shows. Instead, the focus is on the internal emotional battles and how these two wonderful actors bring that story to life. The show hinges on their relationship, with Elliott and Philby’s evolving bond at the heart of the story, and Pearce and Lewis play off each other masterfully.

Their scenes together are completely captivating, whether it’s their moments of camaraderie, like laughing over dirty limericks, or their intense scenes of interrogation and betrayal. The various timelines provide much more context for why Philby’s betrayal had such a profound impact on Elliott, and are laid out to really show the audience the depth of their friendship. One powerful moment comes during a conversation between Elliott and MI5 agent Lily, where she bluntly asks him when he’s going to accept that his best friend had used him for years. That raw realization really lands a punch and, as an audience member, it’s hard not to sympathize with Elliott in that moment.

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A Spy Among Friends is the perfect combination of a slow-burning spy thriller and a period drama with a cinematic depiction of gloomy 1960s London that really sets the tone. The deep character study is what truly makes the series so compelling, using real characters and historical events to bring nuance to such a well-known and infamous figure as Kim Philby. While history buffs will appreciate this show, you don’t need to know the real story to feel the emotional weight, thanks to great performances, smart writing, and stunning set pieces, making A Spy Among Friends a must-watch.

All episodes of A Spy Among Friends are available to stream on MGM+.


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Release Date

2022 – 2022-00-00

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    Anna Maxwell Martin

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    Lily Thomas

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“Bob's Burgers” star Eugene Mirman suffers serious injuries in fiery car crash

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Mirman voices Gene Belcher on the hit animated series.

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Kendra Wilkinson Wants to Be ‘Honest’ About GLP-1 Weight Loss

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Kendra Wilkinson is continuing to open up about her weight loss journey.

“Starting my GLP-1 journey and being really intentional about how I do it 🤍 for me, it wasn’t just about weight… it was about feeling better, having more energy, and actually trusting the process instead of rushing it,” the realtor, 40, wrote in the caption of her Instagram post on Wednesday, April 1, adding that she is “so excited” for her transformation in the coming weeks. “Unlike most people I’m being honest.”

The former Playboy model captioned the post, “I wanted something that felt transparent, supportive, and realistic for my lifestyle.”

Wilkinson was all smiles while rocking a brown maxi dress paired with a black blazer as she announced her collaboration with Effecty, a platform that connects individuals with licensed medical providers who can determine whether treatment is appropriate.

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Kendra Through the Years


Related: Kendra Wilkinson Through the Years: From Playboy Playmate to Full-Time Mom

Former Playboy model and reality star Kendra Wilkinson is no stranger to the public eye. The 39-year-old first turned heads in 2004, when she attended late Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner’s 78th birthday party. Shortly after the event, she was asked to move into the iconic Playboy mansion and started dating Hefner. “Hef asked me to […]

Last month, Wilkinson exclusively told Us Weekly that she was starting GLP-1 shots with a goal in mind. “There’s nothing worse than being in a gym every single day, working out and not seeing any progress,” she told Us on March 21. “I hit 40. I’m happy. I’m at peace, but I noticed that my jeans are a little tighter lately, so I don’t want to go out and shop anymore. Mama is on a budget, so I have to fit back in my jeans.”

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The former reality star, who rose to fame as one of the late Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends on Girls Next Door, spoke about her health journey weeks after firing back at age-shamers criticizing her appearance.

Playboy Model Kendra Wilkinson Shuts Down Comments That She’s ‘Aging Poorly’: ‘Embracing Myself’
Courtesy of Kendra Wilkinson/Instagram

“I used to use a light filter on myself but now I’m just embracing myself as it is,” she captioned an Instagram selfie on March 8. “I’ve seen many people comment saying I’ve aged ‘poorly’ and that is OK. I’m OK with aging ‘poorly.’”

She continued, “For some reason I’m happier than I’ve ever been lately even with a little weight gain and wrinkles and I’m not going to tie my happiness again into the negative energy. I am a balanced, single, positive, fun woman who loves life and I hope that I can manage this feeling forever now after working hard to get here to this place.”

Wilkinson is a proud mom of two kids Hank Jr., 16, and Alijah, 11, shared with ex-husband Hank Baskett. (The exes were married from June 2009 to October 2018.) “Watching them grow has been my [ultimate] happiness over everything else,” she said of her children in the post.

Prior to shutting down nay-sayers, the Kendra on Top star admitted last spring that she thinks twice before sharing photos on social media because she is subject to “hate” online.

“Playboy days are long gone and it feels more and more liberating for some reason,” she wrote in March 2025, revealing there’s been another silver lining in how she approaches life. “Fear can kiss my ass now!! It feels good to finally LIVE with less depression. If people don’t like me or this or think I’m bigger or i can’t turn men on anymore GOOD then there’s the door.”

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Prince Harry’s Privacy Case Takes A Public Text Turn

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Prince Harry at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, day 8, Vancouver, Canada - 15 Jan 2025

Cracks in Prince Harry‘s defense have surfaced amid his ongoing legal battle.

The Duke of Sussex had been embroiled in a months-long battle against the Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Mail titles, over unlawful invasion of privacy claims.

Prince Harry argued that the media outlets obtained information about his life through illegal means like phone hacking. However, a major flaw in that argument recently surfaced in court.

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Prince Harry’s Past Ties To A Journalist Revealed In Privacy Case

Prince Harry at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, day 8, Vancouver, Canada - 15 Jan 2025
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According to new reports, Harry’s connection to the former Mail on Sunday deputy diary editor, Charlotte Griffiths, emerged in the evidence provided at the High Court case in London. The duo’s recovered Facebook messages supported the Associated Newspapers’ argument.

The media outlet argued that the information published about Harry came from sources within his friend group, such as Griffiths. In her witness statement, Griffiths recalled meeting Harry through mutual friends, claiming they all knew she was a journalist working for Katie Nicholl at the Mail on Sunday.

Griffiths told the court Harry contacted her first through Facebook in 2011, where he provided his phone number. He reached out to her after a night out in London, with their messages shared by Newsweek, detailing a flirty exchange between the pair.

The Pair’s Exchanges Radiated Chemistry

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at Wheelchair Rugby in Vancouver Convention Centre
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Griffiths dubbed Harry “Mr. Mischief” and “H Bomb” in her messages, with the Duke responding with similar affection. In a January 2012 exchange, Griffiths noted their friend group missed Harry at a party, to which he partly replied, “I WISH I was there, sugar.”

Harry explained that he couldn’t meet Griffiths anytime soon because he was stuck at the army. He lamented missing the opportunity to spend time with Griffiths, writing, “Hope you’re really well Griff…Miss our movie snuggles!!”

Additionally, the former working royal did not want Griffiths to have any misunderstandings, explaining that he would be unreachable due to his Army engagements. Although these messages showed a strong connection between the pair, Harry argued that it only happened because he didn’t know about Griffiths’ job.

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Prince Harry Allegedly Ended Things Once The Cat Was Out Of The Bag

Prince Harry Leaves High Court In London After Final Day Of His Appeal Over Downgraded Security
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The “Spare” author tried to downplay the significance of the Facebook messages, stressing that he broke off contact with Griffiths once he realized she was a journalist. He alleged that none of his friends knew, a claim she refuted in her statement.

In their messages, Harry asked Griffiths about work in general without ever mentioning journalism. The privacy trial has officially ended, but Judge Matthew Nicklin has reportedly deferred judgment until further notice.

The legal empire’s decision is expected to take months, not weeks. The trial has been an emotional experience for Harry, with The Blast reporting in January that he fought back tears while recounting the negative impacts of the Mail’s invasion of his privacy and that of his family.

Meghan Markle’s Life Was Miserable Due To Incessant Reports

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Gala
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According to Harry, his wife, Meghan, had to endure the pain of having the Mail report their every move. “They continue to come after me. They have made my wife’s life an absolute misery,” the Duke of Sussex recounted on the stand, noting that the incessant reports started early in their relationship.

Harry explained that he had initially considered filing a lawsuit against the media outlets when he and Meghan began dating in 2016. The desire to take action only grew with time as he could not stand the “vicious, persistent attacks, harassment of, and intrusive, sometimes racist articles concerning Meghan.”

Harry wasn’t the only public figure fighting against the intrusive media outlets, with the lawsuit including notable names such as Sir Elton John, his husband David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, and politician Sir Simon Hughes. They collectively argued that the information reported about them was obtained through unlawful means.

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Prince Harry’s Pal Defends His Right To Taxpayer-Backed Security

Prince Harry Attends Court For Appeal Over Security In London, UK - 09 Apr 2025
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Besides the privacy case, Harry has been trying to regain his rights to taxpayer-funded protection. The Blast reported in March that his friend, Alex Rayner, who served alongside him in Afghanistan, argued that he deserved the royal treatment.

Rayner noted that Harry’s achievements in the army should be considered as well as his ongoing Invictus Games efforts. He believed his pal shouldn’t be expected to cover his own security costs, while other royals continue to receive taxpayer-backed protection.

Harry and his family lost their rights to taxpayer-funded protection when he and Meghan stepped down from their position as senior royals. They also relocated to the United States, where they have lived to date in Montecito, California.

Will Prince Harry win his invasion of privacy lawsuit?

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