The Challenge alum Tyler Duckworth has been laid to rest following his shocking death at age 44.

A memorial service for the former MTV reality star was held on Saturday, August 22, at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Challenge star Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio posted highlights from the memorial via his Instagram Story. He shared a photo of a program “celebrating the life of Tyler” — which featured a quote from the biblical passage Philippians 4:6-7.

The quote read, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Tyler’s mother, Joni, announced on August 13 that her son had recently died from undetermined causes.

“My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week,” Joni wrote via Facebook at the time. “Cause of death has yet to be determined. I will post on Facebook about services as soon as his dad and I figure it out.”

The Grand Forks Police Department later shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Tyler’s death, telling People that he was found unresponsive in his apartment on August 11 after neighbors called to report water coming through the ceiling.

The Real World: Key West star’s cause of death is still “pending the results of an autopsy,” per law enforcement. A spokesperson for the North Dakota State Forensic Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us that the investigation into Tyler’s death “will take at least 90 days for the full investigation to be completed.”

That same week, Tyler’s mother, Joni, released a longer statement to People in which she reflected on his primary career as a world history teacher.

“My Ty-Guy would skip to school when he was little,” Joni said. “He has now gone on to a better place where the hurts and challenges (pun intended) are no longer.”

She continued, “Tyler found his passion in teaching, and he was good at it. I understand his students loved him. He taught world history. He loved history and geography, and as he had traveled the world over, I am sure he brought many insights to his students.”

Away from the classroom, Tyler became a pioneer for LGBTQ+ contestants on MTV’s The Challenge by winning the Cutthroat and Rivals seasons in 2010 and 2011, respectively. He also competed on Challenge incarnations The Duel, The Gauntlet III, All Stars 2 and All Stars 3.

The Challenge community came together to mourn Tyler following the announcement of his death.

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“You were more than a friend. More than a roommate. You were the brother I never had,” Challenge alum Devenanzio, 44, wrote via Instagram on August 14. “Rest easy, Tyler. You’ll always be family.”

Brad Fiorenza shared that he was “absolutely heartbroken” to have lost such a beloved member of the Challenge family.

“We shared something special being part of The Challenge family,” Fiorenza, 45, wrote. “I’ll always be grateful for the memories we shared; especially at this last event just a couple weeks ago. Tyler will be deeply missed by so many. May his amazing soul live on in the lives he’s touched. RIP my dear friend.”

Season 2 of Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation has shared an exciting update ahead of its new installment. Based on a popular mobile game released in 2020, the series later expanded into a manga and now a Disney+ show. With Season 2 scheduled to come out in just a few months, Disney has shared more details on what’s to come.

Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation is a show set at Night Raven College. In this all-boys magic boarding school, students are split into seven houses based on some of Disney’s iconic villains, known in this universe as “The Great Seven.” Season 1 spotlights Heartslabyul House, based on Alice in Wonderland‘s Queen of Hearts, and how some students have expressed grievances toward the dorm’s Housewarden. Season 1 had eight episodes and, since its release, sits at a MyAnimeList Score of 6.83. With Season 2 set to take place in a different House, it’s no surprise that new characters will also be introduced.

The official Japanese Disney+ account released a teaser video for Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation: Episode of Savanaclaw, the show’s second season. It not only showcased more scenes of Savanaclaw’s Housewarden, Leona Kingscholar (Yuichiro Umehara), but also teased a new protagonist. Just like the manga, Yuuka Hirasaka, voiced by Fairouz Ai (Chainsaw Man), will be making her debut. Just like Season 1’s lead, Yuken Enma (Jonathan Ha/Yohei Azakami), she is also from Japan, but was selected to attend Night Raven Academy despite a lack of magical talent. Additionally, she will be the only female studying in the school this season.

What To Watch If You Like ‘Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation’

With Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation: Episode of Savanaclaw set to premiere in a few months, there are plenty of titles with similar vibes worth watching in the meantime. The first that comes to mind is the Descendants film series, which is also available on Disney+. These movies take place in a world where the various kingdoms have united to form Auradon, while Disney’s villains, their henchmen, and their children have been banished to the Isle of the Lost. A magical barrier surrounds the island, preventing its inhabitants from using magic and ensuring they no longer pose a threat to Auradon. The first three films follow the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella de Vil, while the fourth and fifth films, The Rise of Red and Wicked Wonderland, shift the focus to a new set of characters.

If you’re after something outside Disney, then The School for Good and Evil on Netflix is worth a watch. This 2022 fantasy feature follows Agatha (Sofia Wylie), who’s dubbed by her village as a witch, and Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso), who dreams of becoming a princess. They both make their way to the School of Good and Evil but are sent to the wrong schools: Agatha to the School of Good, and Sophie to the School of Evil.

Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation: Episode of Savanaclaw is scheduled to come out in December 2026. In the meantime, Season 1, aka Episode of Heartslabuyl, is available to stream on Disney+. Follow Collider for more updates.

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October 29, 2025

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Disney+

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  Natsuki Hanae

  Riddle Rosehearts (voice)

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  Seiichiro Yamashita

  Ace Trappola (voice)

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  Chiaki Kobayashi

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  Deuce Spade (voice)

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  Ryota Suzuki

  Trey Clover (voice)

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Netflix has launched several big action blockbusters so far this year, but the most popular new release of them all has been War Machine. Best known for his role in Prime Video’s Reacher, War Machine stars Alan Ritchson, who is well on his way to becoming one of the biggest action stars in the world, especially in the streaming landscape. Netflix brought together stars Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton for another massive 2026 blockbuster, Apex, which also earned over 100 million views during its first 30 days on streaming. The streamer also has a few big releases coming before the end of the year, including Ray Gunn, the animated feature from Brad Bird 30 years in the making. The film is releasing on Netflix globally on December 18, the same day as Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday.

Not only does Netflix constantly release new movies and TV shows featuring recognizable stars, but the streamer also has an impressive library of older classics that’s always rotating titles in and out. Netflix is especially adept at acquiring popular sci-fi shows that have been canceled or discarded by a network, and one series that has found a home on the streamer in recent years is Orphan Black. The show stars She-Hulk’s Tatiana Maslany, who even won an Emmy for her roles as Sarah, Alison, Cosima, Helena, Rachel, and Krystal. In addition to streaming on AMC+, all five seasons of Orphan Black have also found a home on Netflix lately, but the streamer recently announced that this won’t be the case for much longer. Netflix has confirmed that Orphan Black is leaving streaming this month, and the last day to watch the show will be on August 31.

What Is ‘Orphan Black’ About?

The official synopsis for Orphan Black, which was written and created for TV by Jeff Fawcett and Graeme Manson, reads as follows: “Orphan Black follows Sarah Manning, a street-smart con artist whose life shatters when she discovers she’s one of many identical clones. Tatiana Maslany embodies a dozen distinct characters as Sarah uncovers a shadowy conspiracy behind her origins. Hunted by a ruthless corporation and a fanatical religious sect, the clones must unite to survive.” Maslany did not return to star in the Orphan Black: Echoes spin-off show, which stars Krysten Ritter. The show was canceled after only one season. The show has all the elements from other sci-fi shows like Severance and Black Mirror, making it a must-watch for fans of great dystopian TV.

Check out all five seasons of Orphan Black before they’re removed from Netflix at the end of this month and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates.

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2013 – 2017-00-00

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Space, BBC America

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Showrunner

Graeme Manson

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Ken Girotti, T.J. Scott, David Wellington, Grant Harvey, Helen Shaver, Aaron Morton, Brett Sullivan, Chris Grismer, Peter Stebbings

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Aubrey Nealon, Karen Walton, Tony Elliott, Peter Mohan, Sherry White, Jeremy Boxen, Kate Miles Melville, Greg Nelson, Jenn Engels, Nikolijne Troubetzkoy

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  Sarah / Cosima / Alison / Helena / Rachel

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  Jordan Gavaris

  Felix ‘Fee’ Dawkins

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Mark Ruffalo has rejected accusations that he is “antisemitic” for opposing Hollywood studio Paramount Skydance’s executives’ ties to the Israeli government.

“The accusation that I am antisemitic is appalling and fundamentally dishonest,” Ruffalo, 58, wrote via X on Saturday, August 22. “Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people. This critical and necessary dialogue is then dishonestly framed as being anti-Israel.”

The Spider-Man: Brand New Day actor stressed, “To be clear, my views come from my own political convictions and should never be interpreted as hostility toward Jewish people, for whom I have deep love and respect. Everything I know about acting, activism, and humanism has been profoundly shaped by the Jewish friends, colleagues, and loved ones who have been integral and family throughout every point of my life.”

Ruffalo has been a vocal opponent of Paramount Skydance’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros since the deal was announced in February. Paramount Skydance chairman David Ellison is the son of Oracle cofounder and prominent Donald Trump ally Larry Ellison. (David, 43, and Larry, 82, became co-owners of Paramount Skydance following a 2025 merger.)

Related: Adam Brody, Mark Ruffalo and More Male Celebrities Who Are Proud Feminists

Listen up, fellas! Mark Ruffalo, Ryan Gosling and more of Hollywood’s leading men have staunchly supported their female colleagues and utilized their platforms to speak out in celebration of feminism and gender equality. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I […]

The latest controversy started when Ruffalo condemned a clip of Safra Catz — Oracle’s executive vice chair and a Paramount board member — recently speaking about “profoundly scary technologies” that Oracle shared with the Israeli government following the October 7 terror attacks in 2023.

Paramount Skydance responded to Ruffalo with a statement that invoked accusations of antisemitism.

“We are, as always, troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute,” a Paramount spokesperson said in a statement on Friday, August 21. “Words like ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid,’ applied to a corporate transaction, aren’t just wrong — they’re a bridge too far, and they cheapen the very real suffering those words are meant to describe. This doesn’t deserve a response in kind — and to be clear, we don’t tolerate prejudice of any kind, against anyone.”

The company went on to say, “We understand people feel strongly about this merger and are hopeful and expect that it will be judged based on the legal merits, not underlying bias. We’re asking for the same good faith we’re extending: less rhetoric, more understanding. Paramount’s future is being written for everyone who wants to make and watch great stories.”

In light of those accusations, Ruffalo drew attention to what he warned would be “real consequences” for people across the country if Paramount Skydance is allowed to buy Warner Bros.

“This merger has real consequences for real people, and for the entire country. Scrutinizing the Ellisons, including Oracle’s business built on data, surveillance technology and government contracts, and the serious threat to editorial freedom and the loss of a livelihood for thousands of families, is fair and necessary,” he wrote on Saturday. “The $111 billion deal would hand one family control over CNN, HBO and Warner Bros., backed in part by foreign money whose influence on editorial decisions has never been fully explained to the public.”

The Emmy Award-winning actor called for more transparency from government regulators before the Warner Bros acquisition is allowed to move forward.

“Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for serious national security review, and regulators still haven’t given the public a real answer,” he claimed. “Until they do, the merger shouldn’t move forward. Now is the time to dive boldly into all these issues, not step back or concede.”

Ruffalo was among dozens of Hollywood actors and filmmakers to sign an open letter of “unequivocal opposition” to the Paramount-WB union in April.

“We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good. The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised,” the creatives wrote in their open letter. “Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement. Media consolidation has already weakened one of America’s most vital global industries — one that has long shaped culture and connected people around the world.”

Paramount Skydance recently announced that its potential acquisition of Warner Bros will not close until June 1, 2027, to allow more time for a regulatory review.

Related: ‘13 Going on 30’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo have remained firmly in the spotlight since starring in the 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going on 30, but even the most diehard fans might need an update on other members of the cast. The Alias alum played Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who traveled to the future to see what […]

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Long before this current dispute with Paramount, Ruffalo has been passionately outspoken about his political opposition to the Trump administration.

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He exclusively told Us in January that he would “never say never” to potentially running for office in the future.

“I mean, I spent a lot of time in that world, and acting — it’s for the people,” Ruffalo argued. “So, I love the people and politicians could be doing something good for the people.”

Asked about the current political landscape in the U.S., Ruffalo told Us, “It’s bulls***. And the people in America are suffering. If the people in America weren’t suffering, we wouldn’t be where we are right now. You know, it’s a failure on both parties. They become completely captured by corporations, both parties. And it’s time for a new America that is for the working people who were the plurality of this country.”

Of all the award-winning actors to still be active in Hollywood, Mark Wahlberg has had one of the poorest runs of recent projects. Of his 15 feature-length projects since 2020, only two have earned a positive average score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The likes of director Mel Gibson‘s action thriller Flight Risk, the Prime Video original heist thriller Play Dirty, the action sequel The Family Plan 2, and the disastrous soccer comedy Balls Up all faced enormous backlash from both critics and audiences.

Among the dark clouds in Wahlberg’s filmography, there have been a couple of small shining lights. The best of these came in 2024, when Wahlberg starred in Arthur the King, based on Mikael Lindnord‘s 2016 memoir Arthur – The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home. Telling the story of an extreme racer who adopts a dog to join him on his breathless adventures, this heartwarming story earned a strong critical reception, although it fell just short commercially with a $32 million box office haul against a budget of $19 million.

Wahlberg stars in the movie as Michael Light, based on Lindnord, and is joined by the likes of Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance, and even famous TV survivalist Bear Grylls ​​​​​​as himself. Wahlberg is the highlight of the movie, called “a talented leading man with the right material,” in Nate Richard‘s review for Collider, with many considering it his best role of the decade so far. Over two years since it first debuted, Arthur the King is a quiet hit again, officially ranking as one of the ten most-streamed movies on Netflix in the U.S. at the time of writing.

What Is Mark Wahlberg Making Next?

Hoping to put an end to his poor run, Wahlberg’s next release sees him team up with the likes of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Giancarlo Esposito, Nicole Beharie, David Strathairn, Josh Lucas, and Ethan Embry in the crime thriller By Any Means, which recently debuted its trailer. Following that, Wahlberg will star in another crime thriller titled The Big Fix, which also features the hugely talented Riz Ahmed, as well as the sports comedy Weekend Warriors, which is reportedly in post-production.

Arthur the King is streaming now. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.

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March 15, 2024

Runtime

107 Minutes

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Simon Cellan Jones

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Sugar Hill and The Five Heartbeats star Michael Wright has died. He was 70.

“It is with profound sadness and an unimaginable heaviness in my heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Michael Wright,” Michael’s wife, Susan Wright, wrote in an Instagram statement shared Friday, August 21, announcing the actor’s death. “Michael was a husband, a father, a grandfather, loved one, a friend and an extraordinary artist whose work touched generations.”

Susan continued, “Many knew and loved him through The Five Heartbeats, The Wanderers, V, The Principal, Streamers, and the many other characters he brought to life throughout his remarkable career. His talent, presence and contributions to film and television will live on, but to those of us who loved him personally, he was so much more than the roles the world knew him for. Our family is grieving an enormous and deeply personal loss.”

In addition to Susan, Michael is survived by his five kids and one grandchild.

Related: Celebrity Deaths of 2026

Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. In June, legendary music executive Clive Davis also died at age 94 following a hospitalization for an upper respiratory infection. The following month, G.R.L. member Lauren Bennett died at age 37, while Bonnie Tyler died at 75. Emergency!‘s Randolph Mantooth and Police […]

“We understand how much Michael meant to so many people, and we are grateful for the love, prayers, memories and condolences already being shared,” Susan continued in her statement. “We respectfully ask the public, members of the media and those who knew and admired Michael to please allow our family the privacy and grace to grieve during this incredibly difficult time.”

She concluded, “Michael, your work will live forever, but your love will live even longer in the hearts of those who knew you best. Rest peacefully, my love. You will be missed beyond words.”

TMZ reported on Saturday, August 22, that Michael died after suffering heart failure and complications of Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a rare degenerative neurological condition.

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Michael’s family has not further disclosed his apparent diagnosis, which the National Institute of Health characterizes as a rare disorder defined by necrosis of brain tissue.

Michael is best known for roles in Sugar Hill, The Five Heartbeats, The Principal, V, Streamers, Dope King and two episodes of The CW’s Black Lightning.

“The greatest sin an actor can commit, is to fail to be interesting. I always try to make my characters interesting. I want you to be riveted and wonder what’s going on behind my eyes,” he told Sheen magazine in 2021. “You work from the general, you know, to the specific, then you go moment for moment, beat for beat and try to imbue everything with true and honest emotional content if you will.”

Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, has revealed what she claims she told authorities at the scene of her daughter’s death after the late actress was found unresponsive from an apparent drug overdose.

“[The officer] said to me, ‘Well, what do you think about Brian Hickerson?’ And I said, ‘I think he’s culpable,’” Vogel, 70, told the Daily Mail in an extensive interview published on Saturday, August 22, alleging that her daughter’s on-again, off-again boyfriend played some type of role in her untimely death.

Us has reached out to Hickerson, 37, for comment.

Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, after she was found unresponsive at a residence in South Carolina by Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson. Emergency services arrived at the scene to perform “advanced cardiac life support measures,” but the actress was pronounced dead that afternoon. Narcan, a life-saving over-the-counter medication that can reverse the effects of a drug overdose, was reportedly found at the scene.

Related: Hayden Panettiere’s Mom Says Narcotics Investigator Joined Death Investigation

Hayden Panettiere‘s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, gave an update on the investigation into her daughter’s sudden death. Vogel, 70, told NBC News on Wednesday, August 19, that she was informed that law enforcement is investigating the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death. She claimed that a narcotics investigator has joined the case. Vogel said she is unsure […]

An autopsy was completed and found “no signs of trauma that would have contributed” to Panettiere’s death, per the coroner’s office. The cause and manner of her death “remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.”

While speaking out in the wake of the actress’ death, Zach claimed he and his brother tried to save the actress’ life the night she died.

“There are a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations currently swirling,” Zach told TMZ on Friday, August 21. “The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation. And that is important because the people who loved and adored Hayden deserve the truth.”

He continued, “When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious. I immediately called 911, and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life.”

Zach told the outlet that he is “beyond heartbroken and devastated” by Hayden’s death.

“Hayden was one of my dearest and closest friends that I loved and cared about for the last eight years,” he concluded. “Out of respect for her loved ones, the speculation and sensationalism of her death needs to end until the facts can be released from the investigation.”

The New York Times reported on Thursday, August 20, that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was investigating Panettiere’s death.

While speaking to the Daily Mail, the actress’ mom shared her doubts about Zach’s claims and the alleged timeline of events that ultimately led to her daughter’s death.

“I think there will be a discrepancy in the timeline, meaning Brian had to go out and buy the Narcan while he left her there because I do not believe he happened to have two bottles of Narcan on him, like he carried them around in his back pocket,” she alleged. “When the EMTs came it was for a cardiac arrest. People in cardiac arrest aren’t just lying still. They make noise.”

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She further claimed, “I think Brian called his brother. My opinion. I think he knew she was deceased.”

Us has reached out to Brian on multiple occasions for comment on Vogel’s many claims regarding his alleged contribution to her daughter’s death but have not heard back.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

More than a decade after their viral debate on the “Real Time” show, Ben Affleck and Bill Maher remain at odds regarding Islam, and their confrontation remains one of the most memorable moments in the show’s history.

While podcaster Sam Harris has long since “buried the hatchet” with the movie star, Maher recently revealed that the Oscar winner continues to reject his invitation and shows no interest in making a guest appearance on his show.

Ben Affleck’s move to completely shun Bill Maher’s invitation has now earned him heavy praise online, with many slamming the talk show host’s stance.

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The “Real Time” show host recently had a conversation with comedian Max Amini on the August 17 episode of “Club Random,” where he discussed his famous disagreement with Affleck.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Maher revealed that Affleck has consistently turned down invitations to return to the show and cited their decade-old encounter on TV as the reason for the rejection.

“I love him, but we just are gonna disagree on that one,” Maher said. He added that there’s a possibility the duo could find common ground should they meet and talk privately.

“Maybe if I talked to him privately, or it’s been, you know, 12 years, maybe I think there’s a middle ground,” he explained.

Maher also noted how popular the moment was. He mentioned how often people bring it up to him, comparing it to all his other TV moments.

“More people mention that episode to me than anything,” he said and acknowledged that “it wasn’t the best episode we ever had,” but it remains one of the most memorable moments on the show.

Fans Praise The Actor For Shunning Bill Maher’s Invites

Bill Maher has been haunted by this for over a decade when he was thoroughly embarrassed by Ben Affleck. Who was raised and taught well by his brilliant mother, Chris Affleck. RIP pic.twitter.com/L4vgwkXBYk https://t.co/02Aujeyw7u

— Roy Drones Jr🪼 (@chiweethedog) August 20, 2026

The claims made by Maher have since gone viral on social media, prompting a wave of praise and support for Affleck’s decisions.

One post on X read, “I remember that episode of Real Time very well because it was the final straw for me. I was DONE with Maher after that. Good on Ben Affleck.”

“Butt Hurt Bill still chastened by rejection of Bad-ss Ben,” another stated, while a third wrote, “BASED. Extra BASED points if Ben starts being as courageous as his daughter when it comes to reducing viral transmission.”

A fourth person slammed Maher, saying, “Sorry, don’t buy it, no way Maher invites the guy on again after he embarrassed him so badly 12 years ago.”

“Respect to Ben Affleck for the boycott, and for standing with the Muslim community,” one more individual said of the snub on X.

Bill Maher And Ben Affleck’s Clash Over Islam

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The encounter happened during a 2014 episode of “Real Time,” when Maher and his guests, Affleck, Harris, Michael Steele, and Nicholas Kristof, were discussing ISIS and radical Islam during the panel portion of the show.

During the show, Maher criticized Islam, arguing that it’s “the only religion that acts like the mafia that will f-cking kill you if you say the wrong thing,” making a comparison between the religion and organized crime.

Harris questioned the use of the term Islamophobia and its legitimacy as a critique against people attacking the faith, calling Islam the “motherload of bad ideas”.

Affleck immediately rejected their assessment of the religion, calling it “racist.” He pointed out that they were criticizing extremists and applying that same condemnation to the whole religion and its adherents.

“How about more than a billion people who aren’t fanatical, who don’t punch women, who just want to go to school, have some sandwiches, pray five times a day, and don’t do any of the things you’re saying of all Muslims?” Affleck questioned.

The confrontation quickly garnered attention online, becoming one of the most talked-about TV segments at the time.

The Actor Reflects On His ‘Emotional’ Reaction During The Show

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In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, the “Gone Girl” actor spoke about the exchange, noting that his reaction had been genuine. “I love a good debate, and I get very energized by it,” he said.

Affleck continued, saying, “On ‘Real Time,’ I think people could tell I had a genuine emotional response because I strongly believe that no one should be stereotyped based on their race or religion. It’s one of the most fundamental tenets of liberal thought.”

The original confrontation also led some commentators to condemn Affleck for defending the Islamic faith from what they believed to be legitimate criticism of extremist ideology. Others praised him for challenging broad generalizations of a faith that billions of people adhere to globally.

The exchange became part of a wider conversation surrounding Islam, Islamic stereotypes, and criticisms directed at the religion.

Ben Affleck And Bill Maher Are Still Not On Good Terms

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Maher’s latest comments indicate that the bone of contention between both men remains unresolved.

Unlike Maher, Harris, who was also a target of Affleck’s criticisms during the show, has since reportedly patched things up with the “Batman” actor.

According to Globe Magazine, during an appearance on Maher’s “Club Random” in 2022, Harris revealed that he and Affleck had privately settled their differences following the explosive confrontation.

Maher referenced the reconciliation in his recent remarks on the show, noting that he has not yet had the same opportunity to make amends with the actor, showing that the incident has played out differently for the two.

The renewed attention on the confrontation 12 years later illustrates just how memorable it was, and it has since become a part of the show’s public identity.

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady offered public support for player Ed Oliver after the defensive tackle’s 2-year-old son, also named Ed, died after reportedly drowning in the family’s pool.

“I’m a parent and, ever since I found out the news [about the toddler’s death], I can’t fathom what he’s going through,” Brady, 36, told reporters during a press conference on Saturday, August 22. “There’s really not words to describe [the situation] in those moments. As a coach, as a father, it’s my job to be what he needs from me, right now.”

Brady — who shares two children with his wife, Lauren — stressed that he wanted to give Oliver, 28, “the privacy he deserves” as he continues to mourn the loss of his son.

“Whatever [mourning] looks like, however someone might want to handle it, it’s however he wants us to handle it,” Brody noted. “Look, he’s not here right now [at Saturday’s preseason game] because of an injury and dealing with that. This [tragedy] isn’t the reason he’s not here.”

He went on to say, “It’s hard. It’s hard whenever I see him. I can’t imagine it and I haven’t had the words since. I don’t really have the words 1787469368 but all I can do is just be there for him in whatever way he needs.”

Bills general manager, Brandon Beane, announced that Oliver’s son had recently died earlier on Saturday, sharing public “condolences” on behalf of the NFL franchise.

“On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son,” Beane, 50, said in a statement. “It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent.”

The Bills GM added, “We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this loss.”

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that officers responded to “an in-progress life-in-danger call” at Oliver’s Texas home on June 28. Once first responders arrived on the scene, they were told that the 2-year-old child was found “unresponsive in the pool” by his parents. (ESPN and TMZ were first to report the news.)

The toddler was transferred to a local Houston, Texas, hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead at 7:18 pm, per officials. Oliver was not directly named in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s statement.

Us has reached out to the sheriff’s office for comment.

ESPN reported that the Bills organization has been “aware of the incident since it occurred” and that the team was “aligned” with Oliver in terms of sharing condolences.

Related: NFL’s Shaquil Barrett Gives Update 2 Years After Drowning Death of Daughter

NFL star Shaquil Barrett and his wife, Jordanna Barrett, are reflecting on the death of daughter Arrayah two years after her drowning. “It’s always a battle. It’s always a struggle. It don’t get no easier but it’s something that we’ve been managing, dealing with, just talking with each other and talking to NFL families, talking […]

Oliver has been participating in training camp activities with the Bills this summer but was held out of the team’s preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday due to a “minor injury,” according to ESPN. (The Bills beat the Browns, 31-7.)

The tackle has spent his entire professional career playing with the Bills, after being picked ninth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the organization. Prior to that, he was a standout college player for the University of Houston Cougars from 2016 to 2018, during which time he won the prestigious Bill Willis Trophy in his freshman year.

Oliver also shares a daughter, Eva, with his partner Dymond Gladney.

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In September 2025, Oliver opened up during a press conference about the way becoming a father impacted him on and off the field.

“I really attest a lot of my maturity and just my growth to my kids,” Oliver said at the time. “Having kids and having to be the head of a household and a leader and trying to guide them you know that that’s kind of then trickled over into football. Then, I got [to] become more patient and more, I guess, [observant] and paying attention to different things. … I don’t know what specifically they do, but they got a weird way of making you grow up real fast.”

For more vital, life-saving information on pool safety, see Bode Miller’s tips and visit Coverstar’s website.