President Donald Trump clarified that he did not suggest to wife Melania Trump to make a statement about Jeffrey Epstein — but approved of her making one.

“I said, ‘If you want to do that, you can do that.’ I said if she wants to do it — I didn’t recommend it, but … I let it be her, I said, if you want to do it,” Donald, 79, said in an interview with the New York Times on Friday, April 10.

The president also clarified that Melania “didn’t meet me through Jeffrey Epstein.”

“I could understand her feelings,” he said. “But I said, ‘If you want to do it, do it.’”

Related: President Donald Trump Was Surprised by Melania’s Jeffrey Epstein Statement

First lady Melania Trump surprised many when she released a statement denying any connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — including her husband, President Donald Trump. Following Melania’s Thursday, April 9, statement to the press, MS NOW reported that they had a “brief phone call” with the president, 79, where he allegedly told the […]

Donald shared that he and his wife’s conversation about making the statement “wasn’t a big discussion.”

“I’d say it lasted for about two minutes,” he explained. “I had no problem. I thought she actually did a good job.”

Melania made headlines on Thursday, April 9, when she addressed speculation about her and her husband’s connection to Epstein. (The disgraced billionaire was convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Prior to his 2019 death by suicide, Epstein was awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to traffic minors.)

“[The rumors] with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” Melania said during a Thursday, April 9, press conference at the White House. “The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”

Melania claimed that she had “never been friends” with Epstein.

“Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now. Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false,” she continued. “I am not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter.”

The first lady clarified that she and Donald Sr., who wed in 2005 and share son Baron 20, were previously “invited to many of the same parties as Epstein” but she “never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice [Ghislaine] Maxwell.” (Donald Sr. is also father to Don Jr., Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany Trump.)

Related: Breaking Down Melania’s Epstein Denial, President Trump’s Reaction and More

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First lady Melania Trump stunned observers on April 9, 2026, when she held an impromptu press conference at the White House to deny any connection to late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein — and to reject rumors that Epstein introduced her to her husband, President Donald Trump. What Melania Trump Said During Her Rare Public […]

Epstein and those who have been accused of being in his inner circle have been a hot topic in recent years due to the Department of Justice’s investigation into him. The government body has been releasing Epstein’s alleged correspondence — also known as the Epstein Files — as part of an FBI investigation into his actions.

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Trump later told the Times on Friday that he doesn’t “mind anything having to do with Epstein.”

“The only thing I don’t like is, I waste a lot of time having to talk about it,” he told the outlet.

15 of Epstein’s victims spoke out against Melania’s remarks in a Thursday statement, “Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports and giving testimony. Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not justice. It also diverts attention from [former attorney general] Pam Bondi, who must answer for withheld files and the exposure of survivors’ identities.”

First lady Melania Trump stunned observers on April 9, 2026, when she held an impromptu press conference at the White House to deny any connection to late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein — and to reject rumors that Epstein introduced her to her husband, President Donald Trump.

What Melania Trump Said During Her Rare Public Address

“[The rumors] with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” Melania Trump said in a statement to the press on April 9, 2026. “The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”
The first lady claimed she had “never been friends” with Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. (He was previously convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution.)

She acknowledged that she and husband President Donald Trump “were invited to many of the same parties as Epstein from time to time” but insisted she “never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice [Ghislaine] Maxwell.”

Melania said she first “crossed paths” with Epstein in 2000 at an event she attended with her husband and that she “had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings” at the time. She also acknowledged replying to an email from Maxwell but dismissed it as nothing significant.

“My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note,” she stated. “I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998. This initial encounter with my husband is documented in detail in my book, Melania.”

She added that “numerous fake images and statements” about her and Epstein have been circulating on social media and warned people to “be cautious about what you believe.”

“I am not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter,” she said.

President Trump Apparently Had No Idea Melania Was Going to Speak Out

Melania Trump’s speech appeared to catch the White House unaware. Following her remarks, MS NOW reported that the outlet had a “brief phone call” with President Donald Trump, who allegedly told them he had no prior knowledge of his wife’s plans to speak out on the topic. The publication alleged that “many” White House staffers were also “caught off guard” by Melania’s impromptu statement.

The president, however, backed his wife’s claims, telling MS NOW, “She didn’t know [him].”

Jeffrey Epstein’s Victims Push Back

Melania Trump’s speech drew a swift response from Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, who took particular issue with a portion where the first lady encouraged victims to give sworn testimony to Congress in a public hearing.

“Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already shown extraordinary courage by coming forward, filing reports and giving testimony. Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not justice,” a statement signed by 15 Epstein survivors read on April 9, 2026. “It also diverts attention from [former Attorney General] Pam Bondi, who must answer for withheld files and the exposure of survivors’ identities.” Their statement concluded, “[Bondi’s] failures continue to put lives at risk while shielding enablers. Survivors have done their part. Now it’s time for those in power to do theirs.”

The survivors also echoed criticisms that the Justice Department’s release of the Epstein files was handled haphazardly, with identifying information left unredacted in some cases and other important documents allegedly never being published at all.

President Donald Trump confirmed on April 2 that Bondi was leaving her role as attorney general to take “a much-needed and important new job in the private sector,” though multiple media outlets reported that she was fired due to the president’s displeasure with her recent job performance.

Jimmy Kimmel Weighs In

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel also weighed in during the April 9, 2026, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, questioning the timing of Melania Trump’s remarks.
“Why is this happening today?” Kimmel asked, making reference to President Donald Trump’s threats against Iran. “He spent the past six weeks trying to bomb this Epstein story out of the headlines. Two days after the ceasefire, she puts it right back on top.”

Kimmel wondered whether Melania did it on purpose, joking, “She must really hate him. I don’t know how else to explain it.”

Related: Donald Trump Slams Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens and More Who Criticize Him

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President Donald Trump is taking aim at political podcasters like Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens after they criticized him amid the conflict in Iran. “I know why Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones have all been fighting me for years, especially by the fact that they think it is wonderful […]

He also referenced reports that White House officials were blindsided. “He didn’t know she was going to do it before she did it, which shows you just how smoothly things are running over there,” Kimmel added. “For whatever reason, she didn’t ask [her husband].”

He concluded: “She didn’t give him a heads-up. She just went right out in front of the cameras and fired away.”

Donald Trump Clarifies He Didn’t ‘Recommend’ Melania’s Statement

In an April 10 interview with the New York Times, Donald Trump explained he didn’t suggest for his wife to hold a press conference about Jeffrey Epstein, but was aware it was happening.

“I said, ‘If you want to do that, you can do that.’ I said if she wants to do it — I didn’t recommend it, but … I let it be her, I said, if you want to do it,” Donald, 79, said in an interview with the Times.

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He added that he thought Melania “did a good job” while also confirming that his wife did not know Epstein.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is a human trafficking victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.

Residents in Los Angeles’ Holmby Hills neighborhood are reportedly uneasy amid speculation that Sean “Diddy” Combs could return home if his appeal succeeds.

Concerns center on potential disruptions, including loud gatherings and increased media attention associated with his property, which some locals note has previously drawn police visits.

The concerns come as Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team continues its appeal against his 50-month sentence, now under review by judges.

Holmby Hills Neighbors Concerned As Diddy Appeal Raises Possibility Of Return Home

Residents in the upscale Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles are reportedly growing anxious as speculation builds that Sean “Diddy” Combs could be released if an appeals court rules in his favor.

According to TMZ, sources familiar with the area revealed that chatter among neighbors has intensified in recent days, with concerns that a possible return home could bring renewed disruptions similar to those that allegedly contributed to his earlier legal troubles.

The unease isn’t just about media attention or increased security presence, as locals are also worried about the lifestyle activity linked to the property.

Insiders claim that past gatherings involving Diddy’s family were extremely loud at times, leading to repeated police call-outs, which unsettled parts of the community.

Separately, reports suggest that real estate agents in the area are already informing potential buyers about Combs’ nearby property, treating it as relevant disclosure information due to concerns it could affect property value or lead to future disputes if not mentioned.

The Rapper Appeals 50-Month Sentence, Challenges Trial Evidence As Judges Deliberate Decision

On the legal front, Diddy’s attorneys questioned his conviction, arguing that his 50-month sentence is excessive compared to typical penalties for Mann Act-related convictions, which they say often average closer to 15 months.

They also note that he has already served a significant portion of his sentence while the appeal is under review.

During the appeal proceedings, Diddy’s defense team referenced allegations involving Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, including claims of drug use that they say were excluded from the original federal trial.

They also brought up an incident described as a “hotel night,” a term linked to what they characterized as consensual encounters with an individual identified as “Jane,” which they argue did not involve coercion or threats. The defense has asked the court to issue a swift ruling, though no timeline has been provided for when a decision might be reached.

More About Diddy’s Conviction Under The Mann Act

Diddy was convicted last July on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act.

The charges centered on arranging travel for escorts to engage in sexual activity with his former partners, including Cassie and another woman who testified under the pseudonym “Jane.”

He was acquitted of the more serious allegations of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which prosecutors had argued involved coercion and abuse tied to a wider pattern of misconduct.

According to the indictment, authorities claimed Diddy pressured both women into sexual encounters with male escorts, sometimes involving drugs and extended multi-day sessions.

These encounters were referred to during the trial as “Freak Offs” and “hotel nights,” with prosecutors alleging they were at times recorded. Diddly denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty throughout the proceedings.

The Rapper’s 50-Month Jail Release Date Has Slightly Changed

In sentencing submissions, prosecutors sought a prison term of more than 11 years alongside the maximum $500,000 fine, while the defense requested a much lighter sentence of around 14 months.

Ultimately, in October, Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Diddy to 50 months in prison, which is about four years and two months, along with a fine and five years of supervised release.

Separately, the Bureau of Prisons has updated its projected release date. According to People Magazine, he is now scheduled for release on April 15, 2028, a slight change from earlier projections of April 25, 2028, and prior estimates of June 2028.

Where Is Diddy Serving Out His Prison Sentence?

Diddy is currently held at FCI Fort Dix, a federal correctional institution located on a military base near Philadelphia.

The rapper’s legal team had requested placement due to access to rehabilitation programs and proximity to family.

Since his arrest, several photos and videos of Diddy from inside Fort Dix have been shared online, revealing the music mogul interacting with other inmates and carrying out his prison duties, a huge contrast from his once glamorous lifestyle.

There’s no shortage of Taylor Sheridan titles in the world now, and that’s part of what makes going back to Hell or High Water such a good reminder of where so much of this really started. Long before sprawling TV universes, ranch wars, and sheriffs trying to hold the line in a collapsing world, Sheridan delivered a lean, bruised, and deeply human crime story set against the dusty backdrop of West Texas. It doesn’t need big mythology or franchise sprawl to land. It just works. And for Netflix subscribers, the clock is now ticking.

Hell or High Water is leaving Netflix on May 1, which means there’s only a short window left to catch one of the best films Sheridan has ever written. Released in 2016 and directed by David Mackenzie, the neo-Western thriller earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Jeff Bridges, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Nearly a decade later, it still holds up as one of the sharpest and most emotionally grounded modern Westerns of its era.

Chris Pine stars as Toby Howard, with Ben Foster as his volatile brother Tanner, while Jeff Bridges plays Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton and Gil Birmingham stars as his partner Alberto Parker. The film was Sheridan’s first foray into the world of neo-Westerns, and you can see the Yellowstone DNA running through it.

How Good Is ‘Hell or High Water’?

When it first hit theaters,Hell or High Water became both a critical darling and a modest box office success, grossing over $37 million worldwide. It earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Bridges, Best Original Screenplay for Sheridan, and Best Editing. On Rotten Tomatoes, it remains Certified Fresh with near-unanimous praise (97%) from critics and audiences alike.Collider’s review of the moviehailed the leads in Pine and Foster:

“This film lives and dies by the performances of the brothers. And they do not disappoint. Tanner could’ve been played as an over-the-top firecracker with an itchy trigger finger, but Foster smartly winds the violent coil down until its most absolutely necessary. Instead, Foster chooses to lay on a good-for-nothin’ charm that’s all mumbled confidence and acidic humor. And instead of simply having a short fuse, Foster adds the beats of frustration that both ignite that fuse, but also drive home the idea of brotherly love. As the other brother, Pine, who usually plays heroes, plays neither hero nor anti-hero. He is a man with a plan. He is measured.”

Hell or High Water leaves Netflix on May 1.

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Release Date

August 11, 2016

Runtime

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102 minutes

Director

David Mackenzie

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Producers

Carla Hacken, Julie Yorn, Peter Berg, Sidney Kimmel

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Congressman Eric Swalwell has denied the sexual assault allegations made against him by a former staffer.

“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,” Swalwell, 45, wrote in a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle on Friday, April 10. “For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.”

The politician continued, “I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.”

News broke earlier on Friday that an unnamed woman came forward to accuse Swalwell of sexual misconduct. The woman, who was 21 at the time when she was hired, claimed that Swalwell attempted to pursue her romantically when she worked at his district office in Castro Valley, California, in 2019, according to the SF Chronicle. She claimed that Swalwell messaged her via Snapchat and he allegedly sent her images of his genitals and sought nude pictures of her in return.

Related: Hillary Clinton Doesn’t Object to Jeffrey Epstein Claim About Her Looks

When Hillary Clinton appeared before the House Oversight Committee in a closed deposition, she denied having any connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. There was one alleged statement from the late billionaire, however, she didn’t take offense to — and it made everyone in the room laugh. “Mr. Epstein is commenting and he quotes, […]

The woman claimed that Swalwell made moves on her when she drove him around for events. She alleged he tried to kiss her in her car after leaving a donor meeting. Weeks after the alleged kiss, the woman claimed that Swalwell asked her to perform oral sex on him. She allegedly performed the act in a parking lot.

She also claimed that Swalwell invited her out for drinks in September 2019. She “blacked out” and allegedly woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, at which point she felt the effect of vaginal intercourse. Following the incident, Swalwell allegedly distanced himself from her.

The woman also recalled “snippets” from an incident that allegedly took place after they both attended a 2024 charity gala at which he was honored. The woman, who no longer worked for him, said they met for drinks afterward, and Swalwell allegedly forced himself on her.

Us Weekly has reached out to Swalwell for comment.

Swalwell is best known for being a member of the House of Representatives where he has served since 2013. The politician represents Northern California. He previously ran for president in 2020 but dropped out after failing to poll above one percent.

The allegations against Swalwell come amid his campaign for Governor of California. In recent months, Swalwell has been the frontrunner candidate for the Democratic Party.

However, he is ranked third amongst the candidates, with Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton in first and second, respectively. Due to California’s jungle primary system, the top two vote getters in the June primary will move forward to the general election in November.

Related: The Women Who’ve Accused Donald Trump of Sexual Misconduct

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Many women have accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct following the leak of his 2005 tape, in which he makes misogynistic comments and brags about sexually assaulting women — here is a comprehensive list of those who have come forward, and how Trump and/or his campaign responded

Swalwell is facing off against multiple Democrats including former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, billionaire Tom Steyer and more.

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Steyer, who has been trailing in the polls closely behind Swalwell, reacted to the allegations and sent his support to the alleged victim.

“I commend the brave former staffer who came forward with her story about Eric Swalwell,” Steyer, 68, tweeted on Friday. “Speaking out is never easy, and her account must be taken seriously. At a moment like this, we must make sure that women are heard, and justice is pursued.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for Boston Blue Season 1, Episode 14.]

In Episode 14 of the CBS drama series Boston Blue, entitled “Blood Chemistry,” Sean (Mika Amonsen) and Jonah (Marcus Scribner) find themselves caught up in a dangerous drug ring that’s dropping bodies, drawing Lena (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) into the case. An undercover operation forces Sean to face the way he left things (translation: ghosted) with Penny (Xochitl Gomez) and he learns that a genuine apology can go a long way. At the same time, the Silvers are learning that you can’t stop family secrets from bubbling to the surface, especially when you’re determined to get answers.

Collider recently got the opportunity to chat one-on-one with Martin-Green about Episode 14 and what’s still to come in the following six episodes of the first season. During the interview, she discussed the growing size and scope of these final episodes of Season 1 and why viewers will be “knocked back” by them, what Lena does on her days off, their incredibly talented guest stars, whether she’s rooting for Sean and Penny, Lena’s love life and having her real-life husband also on the show, Lena’s desire to learn more about her father, what she’d like to see in Season 2, finale cliffhangers, and which other CBS series she’d like to do a crossover with. Martin-Green also shared what she learned from her time on the popular franchise series The Walking Dead and Star Trek: Discovery.

‘Boston Blue’ Continues To Broaden Its Size and Scope Until the Season 1 Finale

“We cover a lot in Season 1.”

Collider: This episode was so much fun because it feels like the sweet spot of the show where you get to have this big case that affects a lot of people, but then you also have a shootout and you have all the family stuff. It seems like everything you want from a show like this.

SONEQUA MARTIN-GREEN: It is. Especially coming back from the holiday break, I think that people are going to be pretty knocked back by the size and scope and depth of the stories in the second half of the season. We’ve got a long way to go and there are more stories to tell in Season 2. We’re so grateful that we’re going to be coming back. But we cover a lot in Season 1, so I’m excited to see where we go from here. To your point, there are so many things that we covered in this episode, and in the next six as well.

I love that we get to see glimpses of Lena outside of work, and we see her at family dinner, but if we could follow her for an episode on her day off, what would you want to see her do?

MARTIN-GREEN: That is such a good question. I have never heard that question before. I would say that it would be great to see what Detective Lena Silver’s self-care day looks like. People who work these kinds of jobs, it’s survival. It is imperative that they check out and decompress. We talk about it a little bit in the story. We talk about the things that we do when we’re on our off days, and I love that you do get to see these people in their off times. But it would start with some sort of quiet time, just being out in the sun, in prayer and meditation. And then, you’re going to see me go for a run. And then, I’m going to go for a massage. And then, I’m going to cook my own meal. It would be by the book because the discipline applies to the self-care day too.

I feel like she would also turn her phone off and tell people not to bother her on her day off.

MARTIN-GREEN: Oh, yeah. A lot of reading.

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The moment in Episode 13 when Lena is clearly upset about her grandfather being shot was heartbreaking, and his health issues carry over in a different way into this episode. First of all, what was it like to shoot that scene with Ernie Hudson, when you had to be so scared about whether he’d be okay? Was that something you had to shoot over and over again?

MARTIN-GREEN: Oh, man, we did have to do it quite a few times. It was crazy. Ernie is such a joy to work with. You can just sit with him and listen and learn. He’s so open and gracious and hilarious. It was freezing outside that day. We were all freezing, so that added an element of tension to the moment and maybe to the scene. There was a point in one of the takes where I ran over and pressed on his wound, and as soon as they said, “Cut!,” he said, “Ow!” He was joking because, obviously, it was just a fake dressed wound, but he always finds the perfect joke in the moment. He disarms us all the time. I busted out laughing, and I had just been crying. It was a lot of fun. It was difficult. That happening to grandpa was a big story point, and we knew that the audience was going to [panic], just like we did. What a scare that was. I enjoyed it. Those moments are always a lot of fun to play.

On a show like this, you have to have a lot of guest stars cycling in and out, so it’s fun when you can have a guest star that has a history with one of the characters and can be a bit more playful. I thought there was something really fun about Kenzie (Kate Rockwell) in this episode. Did you find that character fun?

MARTIN-GREEN: Yes, absolutely. I feel like we have some of the best guest actors, ever. They’re just pulling out stellar performances, week to week. I love it. I love that whole storyline, and I love all the humor and levity that we get with that. I want more.

Sonequa Martin-Green Is Rooting for Sean and Penny in ‘Boston Blue’

“There’s such a sweetness to the way they relate to each other.”

Image via CBS

This episode also brings back Penny in a way that not only makes Sean have to confront how he treated her but also puts her directly in the path of Sean’s father, Danny. How was it to have her back? Are you rooting for Sean and Penny to figure it out?

MARTIN-GREEN: Yes! I like their dynamic. I think it’s sweet. There’s such a sweetness to the way they relate to each other and to the way that they’ve built their relationship up to this point. Of course, yes, we love our guest actors, and I always want to see more of them. I feel that it’s important for just the building of the world. The showrunners, the Brandons (Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier) have talked about that a lot. They really want to expand this world, and they really want there to be people that you get accustomed to seeing. That’s how we do it. We bring these people back who’ve made an impact on the show, and we keep bringing them back because we’re expanding our world. So, I would say that I root for Sean and Penny.

They’re so cute, and this show needs to have some cute.

MARTIN-GREEN: It has to. You’ve got to have the cute with the heavy.

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Xochitl Gomez and Mika Amonsen’s Flirtatious Relationship Blossoms in New ‘Boston Blue’ Sneak Peek [Exclusive]

The midseason finale airs on CBS tonight.

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We’ve also gotten to see a little bit of a romantic life for Lena, with Detective Brian Rodgers (Ryan Broussard). Are we going to see any more of that this season? It’s probably hard to find ways to work that in with the weekly cases.

MARTIN-GREEN: Yeah, and we talk about that. I think they used to talk about that a lot on Blue Bloods as well. It is difficult. Even with Baez and Danny, they’re having difficulties because the job is so demanding, and then you add the distance between them. The same is true for Lena and Brian. They both understand the job. They used to be partners, and now they’re together, but it is just so demanding. Can two people continue to pour into a relationship when they’re putting all that they have into solving these crimes and getting justice for the victims? That’s part of why it’s interesting because you see how difficult it is. You see the push and the pull and the strain of it. I think a lot of people can relate to that. They can relate to what a relationship really requires and making the decision that maybe you don’t have it to give, or maybe you do. I just love that all of those relationship dynamics are at play. There are the romantic relationship dynamics, and then there’s the family relationship dynamics, and we don’t shy away from any of them. I applaud the Brandons and the writers for doing that and for not being scared.

Your husband, Kenric Green, is also on the show. Do you guys conspire to come up with ways to get your characters in scenes together?

MARTIN-GREEN: Oh, my gosh, we joke about it all the time. Kenric even said, and I feel like this is the best one, “We’ve got to put a Price on Silver,” because his character’s name is Charlie Price. I was like, “Oh, my goodness, that’s just too good.” We were all laughing about it. I think we literally have only had one moment in the same scene on the show because I’m so rarely in that world with him and my mom, Mae (Gloria Reuben). We certainly would love, of course, to see more of Lena and Charlie interacting with each other. We’re not so subtle about it either. Maybe we should cool it down. It’s a dream for us to be on this show together, especially because of everything that the show represents, and we always want to work together. If you give us an inch, we might take a mile.

There’s also a bit of Danny poking fun at Lena when it comes to her wanting to do this interview with the reporter. He says to her, “Maybe you just want the whole world to see the amazing Detective Lena Silver in all of her glory.” And she talks about wanting representation for little Black and Brown girls to see her wearing the badge and making a difference. But would it be so bad if she really just wanted everyone to see how good of a detective she is without any further justification? I feel like she’s entitled to some recognition without having to apologize for it or explain it to anyone, including her partner.

MARTIN-GREEN: You know, I love that perspective. I think that you’re absolutely right. It’s interesting with Lena though, because there was a crossroads in her life. She had to decide, “Am I going to join my family and be in the law enforcement community, or am I going to be an artist?” For that reason, yes, and because of the talent that is inherent, it is worth sharing your art. Being a detective and an artist at the same time seems like a conundrum, for sure. But I love that Lena admits what it really is about. I love that self-awareness and the fact that she has the courage to admit it. It’s vulnerable, but she’s going to say it out loud. It’s because she [wants her father] to see it. I think that alone is commendable and interesting. [With her father], there are all those wounds and everything that’s leading to that. The truth of the matter is that the justification is not needed, but that’s a journey that she’s going to have to take.

Stay Tuned to ‘Boston Blue’ As Lena Continues To Ask Questions About Her Father Before the End of the Season 1 Finale

“This second half of the season seems to be all about exposure and things being unearthed.”

Image via Dimitry Loiseau

How frustrating is it for her that she can’t get information about her father from her mother? How much more are we going to see that push back and forth with the two of them in the rest of this season?

MARTIN-GREEN: I wish I could tell you everything, but there is definitely more to come with that. There are a lot more things to unearth with that story and I really look forward to it because it’s an important one to tell. Again, I applaud the Brandons for it. I applaud Brandon Sonnier because he’s based so much of the Silvers and Lena and Jonah on his own life, so I appreciate him. We all do. I look forward to everybody seeing it. We’re seeing other things being unearthed as well. Mae just found out about her mom, Lena’s grandmother, and what really happened there. This second half of the season seems to be all about exposure and things being unearthed. There’s a lot more where that came from.

After a season of establishing characters and developing relationships, what are you most excited about getting to do with the second season that you wouldn’t have been able to do with the first season?

MARTIN-GREEN: That’s a good question too. To piggyback on what on you were saying about the guest actors, being able to see more of them, being able to see more of Xochitl, being able to see more of Marisa [Ramirez] and Bridget [Moynahan] and even Len [Cariou] is really exciting. Also, just the actors that come through and give their all for the cases that we’re solving, being able to have more interactions with them. I will also say that I’m really looking forward to more casual moments with the family.

There were so many things that needed to be introduced in Season 1, and we had a lot of ground to cover. I feel like now that we have a solid idea of who these people are, of what their relationships look like, of what the culture of this family is, and of what the bond between the Reagans and the Silvers looks like, now we can spend more time and more of those quiet moments with the family where we’re having what would seem like a surface conversation, but we know there’s so much history beneath it. I really look forward to more moments of levity with the family and getting to see them spending time with each other when they’re not solving cases and when they’re not even necessarily at the Shabbat table, but they’re just together, being a family. I really look forward to that. There will be more opportunities for that in Season 2.

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Are you leaving us on a cliffhanger this season?

MARTIN-GREEN: I am not blowing smoke to say that episodes 15 through 20 are insane. I’m so excited. At the end of the season, there are some open-ended aspects to the story. There are some unanswered questions. There are some cliffhangers by the end of the season. It’s a serious ride until then. You’ll see what I’m saying.

Which CBS TV Series Should ‘Boston Blue’ Do a Crossover With?

“I feel like we should go one by one and crossover with everybody.”

Image via CBS

You’re on a network with a lot of other cop shows. There’s FBI, CIA, NCIS, and even Elsbeth and Sheriff Country. You have lawyers with Matlock, firefighters with Fire Country, and even a Tracker that could be useful. In a dream world, which other CBS show would you want to do a crossover with, and which character do you think would be fun to see Lena team up with?

MARTIN-GREEN: Oh, my gosh! If I can cheat and say this, I feel like we should go one by one and crossover with everybody. I’m not going to say one person because we have this wonderful lineup, even just Friday nights. I would love to see crossovers with Sheriff Country and Fire Country because we’re already sharing space with each other. I feel like that makes the most sense, to have crossovers there. They’re always going to be connected, so they’ve had their crossovers and that’s exciting. It would be so nice to get thrown in there. And then, let’s just run through them. I think it could be so much fun. Why not?

Personally, I would love to see you have to work with Wendell Pierce over on Elsbeth.

MARTIN-GREEN: I would love to work with Wendell. I love Wendell. Me and Kenric are such good friends with him. You answered the question for me. Specifically, yes, something with Wendell. I would love to see [Captain Wagner] with Lena and Danny. That would be a hoot.

Sonequa Martin-Green Feels Blessed To Have Been a Part of ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Star Trek: Discovery’

“God is writing this story, and He’s doing an amazing job.”

Image via CBS

An actor working on television hopes to have one hit TV series in their career, and you’ve gone from The Walking Dead to Star Trek: Discovery to Boston Blue. What’s it been like to have those experiences, and to be in this experience now?

MARTIN-GREEN: I just couldn’t have imagined it. I couldn’t have predicted it or planned it. When I started on Walking Dead, it was already a Goliath and I was really quite overwhelmed, but just so exhilarated and excited to be a part of something like that. At the time, I was a big fan of the show before I was on it. And then, once that was over, I had no idea I was going to go to a franchise that, dare I say, has had even more impact because it’s longer and older. And then, I certainly didn’t think I’d do it again, coming off of Discovery into another beloved TV franchise. God is writing this story, and He’s doing an amazing job. I am just taking it one day at a time and doing my best to be in the present moment. I’ve certainly learned that over the years.

You’ve got to let the pressure come up and out of you. You’ve got to let it pass through you because it stifles you, and it makes you self-centered. The way to be at your best, creatively speaking, at least, is to be completely available in your heart, and you can’t do that with fear and pressure. You have to let those things go in order to flow freely. I’ve certainly learned that. I’ve learned how to just be another blade of grass in a field of grass, and I’m still growing in that too. It’s just been such a ride, and I’m grateful for it. I’ve come to appreciate it and cherish it in new ways, which is exciting.

Being able to do the movies that I’ve done in the last few years, even She Dances, which is out in theaters now. It’s been a blessing to be able to have hands in everything – to have hands in sci-fi, and to now have hands in the network television procedural world, especially on a show that’s character driven as well. I get to have the character dynamics to play with. That’s so exciting. But then, being able to be a part of really pure, powerful, independent film is great. I do want to get back to the stage, at some point, where I started. I’m loving it. My goal is to get smaller and smaller and smaller, so that the things that are more important get bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger.

It must also be a little bit surreal to see that your time on The Walking Dead and Star Trek is done, but those franchises carry on and you can still see these different forms that keep evolving.

MARTIN-GREEN: It is surreal. Your perspective changes because it matures, and it grows, and it purifies, and you start to see things more clearly. Even now, I find myself in so many conversations out in public about Walking Dead because it seems like it’s coming back around. I think a lot of people are returning to that series, and being able to have conversations about that now, I look at it completely differently than I did a decade ago. I can appreciate it in a new way, and I’ve digested the lessons from it. That’s happening with Discovery as well. And now, it’s happening with Boston Blue. Being able to share it with my husband, being able to now begin to share it more with my children because they’re getting older, it’s amazing. It’s wondrous, but not in a lofty way, in a base humanity level way.

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Release Date

October 17, 2025

Directors

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Alex Zakrzewski, Anthony Hemingway, Antonio Negret, Randall Zisk, Jackeline Tejada

Writers

Terri Kopp, Pam Veasey, Rebecca Perry Cutter, Brandon Margolis, Brandon Sonnier

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  Donnie Wahlberg

  Danny Reagan

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  Sonequa Martin-Green

  Lena Silver

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Boston Blue airs on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+.

That fitted top you loved five years ago might not hit the same way anymore. Your body has shifted, and the midsection is usually the first place you notice it. The good news? You don’t need shapewear or a bigger size. You need a smarter silhouette.

Peplum blouses are known for visually slimming the midsection, which is a big reason why they’re back in style! These clever tops work by cinching at the narrowest part of your torso, then flaring out to cover the tummy area beneath. The effect is instant: A defined waist and a smooth line through the hips. For many of Us, these slimming styles are a wardrobe shortcut that actually deliver. Below, we found 17 great options that work for the office, date night and weekends — starting at just $10.

17 Peplum Blouses That Visually Slim and Define Your Waist

1. Our Favorite: Need a top that covers the tummy while still looking polished? This chiffon peplum blouse cinches at the waist and flares right where you want it.

2. Shopper Favorite: Shoppers keep coming back to this dressy Grace Karin blouse because the draped fabric skims the midsection,  instead of hugging it. The cap sleeves add coverage without bulk.

3. Perfectly Pleated: The button-front detail and pleated peplum hem on this stylish V-neck blouse draws the eye upward and away from your midsection. Those three-quarter sleeves are arm-friendly, too.

4. Office-Ready: Walking into the office with confidence starts with a top like this waist-slimming blouse. The V-neck and ruffle sleeves look dressy enough for any meeting.

5. Fabulously Flowy: If fitted tops make you self-conscious, this loose peplum blouse is one to consider. The puffed sleeves and a babydoll shape gives you tummy coverage without looking boxy.

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6. Desk-to-Dinner: A collar, button-down front and tie detail give this cap-sleeve blouse real structure. The peplum design cinches the waist and transitions easily from work to evening.

7. Curve Enhancing: The ruched waist on this curve-slimming blouse creates definition through the middle, so you get a slimmer silhouette without feeling tight or restricted.

8. Comfort MVP: At just $10, this peplum tunic top gives you a V-neck, quarter-length sleeves and a flowy hem that covers the tummy. It’s certainly hard to beat that kind of value.

9. Designer-Looking: Blue and white stripes give this peplum button-down blouse a designer feel at a fraction of the price. The pleated peplum hem and collar look crisp and polished.

10. Floral find: Floral prints naturally draw the eye, and the peplum shape on this dressy V-neck blouse directs attention right to your waist. The puff sleeves add a pretty finish.

11. Boutique-Worthy: This Swiss dot peplum blouse looks like something you’d spot in a boutique for twice the price. Long sleeves and a V-neckline make it versatile across seasons.

12. Polished Puff Sleeves: Get a put-together look without any restriction when you wear this puff-sleeve blouse. The pleated babydoll shape skims past the tummy while defining the waist.

13. Weekend Winner: Farmers’ markets, brunch dates and afternoon strolls call for a stylish ‘fit. This floral peplum blouse has puff sleeves and a smocked bodice, making it ideal for all your weekend plans.

14. Striped Stunner: The tie-front detail on this black and white striped blouse cinches right at the waist, giving you a defined shape. We love the long sleeves and collar, which keep things polished.

15. Easy Elegance: Bell sleeves, a tie-front design and a V-neckline give this elegant peplum blouse a draped, flowing silhouette. The peplum flare defines your shape effortlessly.

16. Brunch-Ready: This floral wrap blouse may have a flowy shape, however, the elastic waist magically creates a natural waistline. The flowy fabric and peplum style add feminine movement, too.

17. Flowy Fit: A smocked bodice and square neck anchor this ruffle-sleeve blouse, while the babydoll shape flows out below. The fit is forgiving but still structured.