Paris Hilton is using fashion as her favorite decoy tool!

The media personality’s world revolves around playing dress-up and looking her best every hour of the day, and even when she doesn’t want to be seen or known, she still has a fashion tip she often swears by.

Paris Hilton became a household name in the late 90s and early 2000s via modeling and reality TV while holding it down on the business side as the Hilton Hotels heiress through her connection to the founder, Conrad Hilton,

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The mother of two finally shared a well-kept secret that has helped her worry less about the paparazzi and live a relatively normal life when on errands. The media personality stated that wearing a brown wig helps conceal her identity to a T, adding:

“If I wanted to be low-key, or if I’m going to Disneyland or the mall or something on the weekend, I always wear a brown wig.”

She explained in the interview that she prefers a wig because she wears one all the time and would never want to mess up her blonde hair by dyeing it regularly. This is not the only time Hilton has played around with hair color by departing from her popular blonde shade.

In May, she walked the runway for the GucciCore Fashion Show in New York, appearing in rich brunette hair on Demna Gvasalia’s idea, who was the creative director for Gucci. Hilton told US Magazine that she instantly fell in love with the shade, and it became one of her options whenever she goes undercover in public.

The 45-Year-Old Reflected On Some Of The Prices She Had To Pay For Fame

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Hilton became the paparazzi and tabloids’ favorite at such a young age, thanks to her legacy in Hollywood social circles and array of celebrity friends. The media personality did it all, from modeling to acting to reality TV, leading her to cross paths with so many people during her journey and also develop some serious trust issues.

The star appeared on the “Hayu Presents…” podcast in August, admitting that her river of knowledge about the celebrity industry has never run dry, but she is lagging on finding who to trust.

She described herself as a sweet person who once let anyone in, but over the years has learned to read people and understand their true intentions, even when they aren’t telling her.

“Yeah, also just not to take life so seriously. I think that, you know, growing up and just having so much fame at such an early age can be traumatizing sometimes,” Hilton continued during the podcast session. 

The hotel heiress also knows better than ever not to let people’s verdicts dictate her happiness, and instead to find contentment in the things she can touch, see, and feel in her life, per Independent.

Paris Hilton’s Abuse Experience In Utah Boarding School Weirdly Prepared Her For The Demands Of Fame

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The reality TV alum had also discussed another sensitive part of her life on the podcast, referring to a story she shared about the abuse she went through in boarding school and how it shaped her journey through Hollywood.

Describing the situation as traumatizing and comparing it to the scrutiny she went through in Hollywood, Hilton noted that surviving the horrific boarding school bullying left her with the reassurance that she could withstand anything.

During an appearance at the Press Association earlier in the year, Hilton recalled the harassment she faced from the media and the lasting impact that cruelty had on her and other female celebrities.

She acknowledged that changing trends and timelines won’t leave room for such comments these days, but the media needs to take more responsibility to make the tabloid space more positive.

Inside ‘The Simple Life’ Alum’s Interesting Urinal Episode At Coachella

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The socialite, who also explores the world of disc jockeying on the side, experienced a bathroom emergency during 2026 Coachella that forced her to make a drastic move.

As reported by The Blast, an insider said Hilton hit a frustratingly long line as soon as she entered the ladies’ room.

This arrangement forced her to grow impatient and opt for the closest second option, the men’s room, where there was less human traffic. On her way to the loo, another man advised her to note the horrible smell emanating from the restroom, but Hilton did not have an exact response.

The reality star was reportedly protected by her bodyguard, who walked behind her into the facility. Her husband, with whom she has two kids, reportedly waited outside the trailer for her, while another security detail stood outside the stall to block anyone from entering.

Paris Hilton’s Surprise Financial Move On New $63 Million Beverly Hills Estate Fueled Speculations

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The business mogul sparked intense speculation about her finances after she took out a $43.75 million mortgage on a Beverly Hills mansion she bought from actor Mark Wahlberg for $63 million.

As The Blast noted, the purchase price was $5 million less than the original asking price, and the property boasts a 30,500-square-foot home on six acres in Beverly Park. Hilton’s sprawling mansion contained 20 bathrooms, a five-hole golf course, a movie theatre, and a pool grotto in a resort-style pool.

A month after closing the deal, Hilton and her husband, Carter, secured a loan from JPMorgan Chase at a 5.25 percent interest rate, which meant an estimated monthly housing payment of about $283,196, including property taxes.

However, the unusual timing raised questions about the reality star’s finances, since mortgages are usually arranged alongside home purchases. Real estate experts have also suggested that the delayed financing could be a strategic move to free up cash rather than evidence of financial trouble.

A New York Fashion Week runway can take months to build, but Lil Tay needed only seconds to throw one off script.

The 19-year-old unexpectedly stepped onto CI Swimwear’s runway at Sony Hall on September 12 while another model was mid-walk. Roughly 18 seconds later, security escorted her away.

Now, Creators Inc. founder Andy Bachman is exclusively telling The Blast what he thought of the disruption, and his reaction isn’t entirely what one might expect.

Footage of the incident shows Lil Tay joining a model wearing a metallic gold two-piece on the runway. Dressed in a pink top, white wide-leg pants and a light-colored fur piece, the influencer posed before continuing down the catwalk as security approached.

Bachman acknowledged the work that Tay’s surprise appearance interrupted.

“Fashion shows may look effortless, but months of work go into every second on that runway,” he told The Blast. “When someone inserts themselves into the show without permission, it can disrupt the models, production team and designers who worked incredibly hard to make that moment happen.”

Lil Tay’s Runway Presence Still Left An Impression

Despite the disruption, Lil Tay apparently left an impression on Bachman. 

“That said, Lil Tay walked out there with complete confidence and immediately owned the room,” Bachman continued. “She undeniably has the presence for a runway — we would just prefer she get booked before stepping onto it next time.”

Bachman’s latest remarks expand on his initial reaction to the incident. He previously told TMZ that while he didn’t “condone spoiling months of preparation,” Tay “mogged the entire room.”

His suggestion then was similarly simple: “She should consider a catwalk, preferably with a booking next time.”

Lil Tay’s Runway Crash Came With An Ironic Twist

The choice of runway made Tay’s uninvited walk particularly ironic. Creators are exactly the people Bachman has been trying to bring into fashion.

During Miami Swim Week in May, CI Swimwear featured internet personalities including Sophie Rain, Piper Rockelle, Alina Rose, Summer Iris, Mariella Gregoria and Virginia Sanhouse.

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Rain’s debut demonstrated how quickly an online audience can follow a creator into a different industry, with footage of her first CI Swimwear walk going on to attract more than 40 million views.

“I think people are beginning to understand that creators can cross into fashion, acting, business, or anything else we work hard at,” Rain told Where Is The Buzz in July.

Bachman agrees with the broader idea, but says there’s still a line.

“Creators have earned their place in fashion, but there is a difference between breaking traditional industry rules and interfering with someone else’s production,” he told The Blast. “We support bold personalities and unexpected moments, provided they are coordinated and respectful of everyone involved.”

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Creators Inc. Has Been Blurring The Line Between Hollywood And The Internet

That creator-first philosophy stretches beyond Bachman’s runways.

Earlier this year, Creators Inc. helped “American Pie” star Shannon Elizabeth launch a direct-to-fan page. Bachman said she grossed seven figures in her first week, while Variety reported that sources put the figure above $1.2 million.

The company’s growing Hollywood presence has also included Jaime Pressly and Donna Mills.

Meanwhile, Denise Richards and Carmen Electra came together through Creators Inc. for their first on-camera collaboration.

“They’ve each transcended traditional Hollywood and, because they’re forward thinkers, adapted to the creator economy,” Bachman previously said of the pair.

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It’s a philosophy that makes Tay’s stunt almost perfectly on-brand, except for the missing invitation.

Lil Tay Has Been Building Her Next Act Through Music

Tay, meanwhile, has been finding other ways to expand beyond the viral persona that made her famous as a child.

The self-proclaimed “youngest flexer of the century” returned to music in 2023 with “Sucker 4 Green” after spending years largely outside the public eye.

As The Blast previously reported, the comeback followed the bizarre false death announcement posted to her Instagram account that year. Tay later said the episode disrupted plans to restart her music career.

She has since continued moving forward with that comeback. In 2026, Tay released “Black Sheep” and “Deal Wit It,” followed by “Brag Different” in July.

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Her unexpected NYFW appearance now adds fashion, unofficially, at least, to the list of spaces where she’s trying to make an impression.

Rep. Lauren Boebert has become one of the most talked-about figures on Capitol Hill since taking office in 2025.

The Colorado Republican and outspoken ally of President Donald Trump has represented Colorado’s 4th District since January 2025, after previously serving in the state’s 3rd Congressional District. Along the way, she has generated a steady stream of headlines — from a night at a Denver musical that ended with her being escorted out, to a viral comment about her colleagues and a very public divorce.

In September 2026, Boebert found herself again under scrutiny after a complaint was filed with the House Ethics Committee, alleging she had sexual relationships with at least three current and former staffers.

Scroll below for a guide to Boebert’s controversies through the years:

Related: Rep. Lauren Boebert Breaks Silence on Allegations She Had Sex With Staffers

Rep. Lauren Boebert is firing back over a House Ethics Committee complaint alleging that she had sex with three current and former staffers. “Congresswoman Lauren Boebert rejects these allegations as utterly false and there is no truth to them whatsoever,” a spokesperson for Boebert, 39, told Us on Saturday, September 16. “This is nothing more […]

Lauren Boebert Faces House Ethics Complaint Over Staffer Allegations

American Muckrakers‘ David Wheeler filed a sworn statement with the House Committee on Ethics in September 2026, alleging Boebert had sexual relationships with three staffers — two women and one man. The complaint also claims that a $200,000 hush money payment was arranged to prevent one unidentified staffer from filing their own ethics complaint.

The House Code of Official Conduct prohibits representatives from having intimate or sexual relationships with employees who work directly under them in their offices or on committees.

A spokesperson for Boebert has since firmly denied the accusations.

“Congresswoman Lauren Boebert rejects these allegations as utterly false and there is no truth to them whatsoever,” her rep told Us in a statement. “This is nothing more than a politically motivated stunt designed to manipulate the ethics process, create headlines, smear her, and generate clickbait.”

Boebert’s office also went after the source of the complaint, alleging that the accusations “come from an activist who has long recycled sensational claims, including numerous baseless accusations previously fact-checked as false.”

Wheeler and Boebert have had a long-running feud dating back more than four years, involving multiple threats of legal action.

Lauren Boebert’s Son Arrested

News broke in August 2026 that Boebert’s son Tyler was arrested on multiple felony charges related to alleged sexual exploitation of a child. 

“I love my son,” Boebert told the Denver Post. “We take these allegations very seriously and pray for everyone affected during this challenging time.”

Tyler was ultimately released on a $10,000 bond. During a court hearing, he was sentenced to 20 days in jail and one-year probation.

Lauren Boebert’s Viral Comments About Congressional Sex Scandals

Speaking to reporters near the steps of Capitol Hill in April 2026, Boebert weighed in on separate sex scandals that led to the resignations of two of her House colleagues: Rep. Eric Swalwell and Rep. Tony Gonzales.

“Go to church, find Jesus,” Boebert told reporters. “Like, I mean, why is everybody so horny here?”

Lauren Boebert’s Political District Switch

An outspoken ally of Trump, Boebert has represented Colorado’s 4th District since January 2025, after previously serving the state’s 3rd Congressional District. The switch came as she continued to navigate a wave of personal and professional headlines, including her divorce.

Lauren Boebert Apologizes After Buell Theatre Incident

In September 2023, Boebert was thrown out of Denver’s Buell Theatre during a performance of Beetlejuice The Musical. She initially denied accusations that she and a companion were vaping and groping one another during the show, but later conceded she had acted inappropriately, citing the trauma of her then-pending divorce from ex-husband Jayson Boebert.

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“The past few days have been difficult and humbling, and I’m truly sorry for the unwanted attention my Sunday evening in Denver has brought to the community,” she wrote in an apology statement at the time. “There’s no perfect blueprint for going through a public and difficult divorce, which over the past few months has made for a challenging personal time for me and my entire family.”

She continued, “I’ve tried to handle it with strength and grace as best I can, but I simply fell short of my values on Sunday. That’s unacceptable and I’m sorry.”

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

Ed Sheeran is facing criticism from inside his own family as backlash continues over Macklemore’s removal from the singer’s Loop Tour. Sheeran’s cousin, British musician Jethro Sheeran, publicly condemned the “Shape of You” singer and accused him of behaving selfishly toward both his relatives and fellow artists.

Jethro, who performs professionally under the name Alonestar, also claimed that Ed was personally responsible for Macklemore’s departure. However, Ed has maintained that the tour’s promoters and participating venues made the decision.

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Jethro addressed the controversy in an Instagram post shared on Thursday, September 17. “Finally it’s all coming out! I’m ashamed of my Cousin Ed,” Jethro wrote. “Finally the world and all his fans see through him. He’s not a good person, I don’t like his music so I can’t say he’s even a good artist.”

Jethro is the son of John Sheeran, Sheeran’s father’s brother. In addition to criticizing his cousin’s handling of the tour controversy, he made several personal allegations about their relationship. “He’s honestly a selfish individual with malicious, cunning ways. ‘He kills you with kindness’ (His Words) I’m his first blood cousin and he screwed me over, made fun of my mental health and mental health in general,” Jethro continued.

Jethro Sheeran Claims He Helped Launch His Cousin’s Career

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Jethro also alleged that he supported Sheeran early in his music career but later felt mistreated professionally and financially. “He is shady and he’s dropped Macklemore himself I believe 100% he’s a coward,” Jethro claimed.

“In my opinion, he’s a bad human. Just my opinion from my experiences. I’ve known him all my life and started him in music, took him on my stage,” he added. “Took him to my first studio, rapped on his early songs, and did all I could to help him. Even when he was bullied at school. He only cared about himself, and he puts out fake narrative[s] that are calculated just to keep everyone happy so he can do big private gigs and keep brand deals.”

Jethro concluded his message by distancing the rest of the Sheeran family from his cousin. “That’s my honest opinion, and I’m family!! He’s not a true Sheeran! Don’t hate on a Sheeran because of this silly little boy.”

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The family dispute emerged amid growing controversy surrounding Macklemore’s departure from the Loop Tour. Macklemore performed as one of Ed’s opening acts during two concerts at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During his sets, the rapper chanted “Free Palestine” and performed his 2024 protest song “Hind’s Hall.”

The rapper was subsequently removed from eight remaining tour dates. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group later said several venues indicated they would not host the shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup.

Macklemore addressed his removal in a statement shared on September 14. “Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from the Loop Tour. I am not a victim. Ed Sheeran is not a victim,” he wrote. “We have careers, money, opportunities, safety, and audiences around the world. Whatever consequences any of us face for what we say, we get to go home to our families.”

Ed Sheeran Says Removing Macklemore Was Not His Decision

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Despite his cousin’s allegation, Sheeran has insisted that he did not personally remove Macklemore. The singer said the tour promoter and venues made the decision, adding that he spent days trying to resolve the conflict. PEOPLE reported that Sheeran tried to mediate between the parties while continuing with the tour because fans, crew members and other workers depended on the scheduled concerts.

The fallout intensified when several scheduled opening acts withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga were among the performers who exited.

Ed’s touring band also reportedly stepped away, leaving the Grammy winner to perform without his usual group during his Philadelphia concert.

The Singer Apologized During His Philadelphia Concert

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Ed Sheeran addressed the controversy from the stage at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, September 19. “Before I play some songs tonight, I hope it’s okay if I say a few words about this last week,” Sheeran told the audience. “I’m used to my music being criticized, and I’m always happy to take that because I’m lucky. A lot of you like my stuff, and to be honest, I’m surprised. I’m not surprised that I’ve even done it. You know, it’s normal.”

The artist acknowledged that the latest criticism involved issues far more serious than reactions to his music. “This week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take [it in] and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry,” the singer added.

Sheeran also described the treatment of civilians in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable” while condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel. He expressed concern about concert venues policing the content of artists’ performances and said he was continuing to learn about the conflict.

Ed Sheeran found himself the target of savage jokes as “SNL UK” tackled the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s exit from his U.S. tour. The “Weekend Update” hosts spared neither artist, poking fun at the fallout. The comedians also used Sheeran’s well-documented support for Ukraine to deliver another pointed jab about the causes he champions.

Ed Sheeran’s music took an unexpected beating during the latest edition of “SNL UK.”

“Weekend Update” hosts Anna Magliano and Paddy Young turned their attention to the singer as they discussed reports that Macklemore had been removed from Sheeran’s U.S. tour. The rapper was reportedly dropped from the lineup after saying “Free Palestine” onstage.

Magliano sarcastically quipped that the controversy meant Sheeran’s tour was now “under threat.” She then warned fans not to get their hopes up, joking that there was “a very real risk” he would not have to cancel it.

The jabs only got harsher from there. The hosts described Macklemore as a “good guy with bad music” and joked that the controversy was the worst thing to happen to Sheeran’s fans “since their head injury.”

‘SNL UK’ Turns Ed Sheeran’s Ukraine Support Into Another Jab

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That was not the end of “SNL UK’s” brutal trolling of Sheeran. After roasting his music, the “Weekend Update” hosts brought up his well-known support for Ukraine.

The Grammy winner was among the stars who performed at the televised Concert for Ukraine in Birmingham in March 2022. The fundraiser ultimately generated more than £13.4 million, then about $17.6 million, for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

At the time, Sheeran publicly expressed his support for Ukrainians following Russia’s invasion and said he was proud to participate in the benefit.

Magliano and Young turned that history into another dig while discussing the controversy surrounding his tour. After acknowledging Sheeran’s longstanding support for Ukraine, they joked that the singer has “always been a passionate advocate of causes that are allowed.”

‘SNL UK’ Hits Robert Kraft With A ‘Corpsemaxxer’ Jab

Robert Kraft received an even harsher roasting when “Weekend Update” shifted its attention to the New England Patriots owner.

The hosts brought up Kraft’s statement about wanting to “work together to build bridges” amid the Israel-Palestine conflict. They immediately turned his words into another punchline, joking that he would be heartbroken to discover who was “bombing those.”

Things only got more personal. Young branded Kraft a “wealthy corpsemaxxer” before bringing up his 2019 solicitation case.

Kraft was charged with two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution in Florida, allegations he denied. Prosecutors ultimately dropped the charges in 2020 after courts blocked surveillance footage from being used as evidence.

Fans Can’t Get Enough Of The Brutal Ed Sheeran Jokes

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The ruthless routine proved to be a hit with viewers, who quickly singled out their favorite burns on Reddit.

One fan said the line accompanying a photo of Sheeran, “seen here looking at both sides of the issue,” had earned a “hearty chuckle.” Another admitted the same joke “absolutely fried me.”

The nickname “corpsemaxxer” for Kraft was another standout. One Redditor called it their “favorite part,” while another said they laughed hard enough to wake their dog.

Others came away impressed by “SNL UK” itself. One viewer called the “Weekend Update” installment “brutal” and argued it was funnier than its American counterpart. Another declared the British version “so much better than the OG.”

Macklemore’s Red Rocks Resale Price Jumps 45% Amid Tour Fallout

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The controversy has had consequences beyond late-night punchlines, with interest in Macklemore’s upcoming solo show at Colorado’s Red Rocks reportedly surging.

According to TicketData founder Keith Pagello, the cheapest available resale ticket jumped 45% in three days, climbing from $108 to $157. Pagello told CNBC the spike would not have happened without the recent headlines.

Macklemore, meanwhile, said he would donate the $1 million he earned from the tour to Palestinian aid organizations.

Taylor Swift revisited one of her most recognizable eras while helping Patrick Mahomes celebrate his 31st birthday in Kansas City. The pop superstar attended the quarterback’s birthday party alongside her husband, Travis Kelce, at 1587 Prime, the steakhouse Kelce and Mahomes co-own. Although Swift arrived wearing an elegant black dress, a playful pair of red sunglasses later brought back memories of the singer’s “Red” era as the group posed for photos before the Chiefs returned to the field.

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Swift and Kelce were recorded walking hand-in-hand into 1587 Prime for the Friday night celebration, according to PEOPLE. The “Opalite” singer wore a strapless, mid-length black dress with a matching shoulder bag. Kelce selected an olive-green polo shirt and coordinating shorts for the gathering.

The party marked Swift’s second publicized visit to the restaurant in less than one week. The singer previously joined Kelce for another evening at the Kansas City establishment while wearing a different black dress.

Swift’s appearance also continued what has become a busy start to the NFL season for the newlyweds. Days earlier, she watched Kelce and Mahomes help the Chiefs secure a commanding Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos.

The Singer Revisited Her ‘Red’ Era In The Photo Booth

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Swift’s outfit may have been black, but her photo booth accessory immediately reminded fans of one of her most famous musical eras. Chariah Gordon, the fiancée of former Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., posted three photo booth strips from the party on her Instagram Stories.

One strip showed Gordon posing beside Swift, who held up a pair of red sunglasses resembling those she frequently wore during the “Red” era.

The bottom of each strip featured the message, “Happy Birthday Patrick.”

Released in 2012, “Red” marked an important transitional period in Swift’s career as she moved beyond her country-music foundation and experimented with mainstream pop. The singer revisited the album in 2021 with “Red (Taylor’s Version).”

Brittany Mahomes Celebrated The ‘Heart’ Of Her Family

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Patrick’s wife, Brittany Mahomes, also shared photographs from the intimate dinner with friends. “Celebrating you always,” she wrote alongside pictures of herself and the quarterback posing in front of birthday balloons. “I loveeeee you.”

Brittany had already honored her husband with an Instagram tribute featuring photos of their three children: Sterling Skye, 5; Patrick Bronze Lavon III, 3; and Golden Raye, 20 months. “Happy Birthday Babe!! You mean the world to us,” she wrote. “Hope you feel so special and loved today but truly every day you’re so special to us! The heart of our family. We love you the MOST!”

Mahomes and Kelce opened 1587 Prime with hospitality group Noble 33 in September 2025. The restaurant’s name combines Mahomes’ No. 15 jersey with Kelce’s No. 87. The contemporary steakhouse features several personalized elements connected to its famous owners, including cocktails inspired by Mahomes, Kelce and their partners. It has also become a popular gathering place for the players and their friends since opening in downtown Kansas City.

Patrick Mahomes Returns To Work After His Birthday Celebration

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The party arrived shortly before Mahomes, and the Chiefs are scheduled to face the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, September 20.

Kansas City enters the Sunday Night Football matchup with a 1-0 record after defeating the Denver Broncos 31-10 in its season opener. Indianapolis enters at 0-1 following a 41-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Mahomes threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns during Week 1. He also recorded one interception, according to ESPN. Kansas City’s running game delivered one of the night’s strongest performances. Kenneth Walker carried the ball 23 times for 173 yards and a touchdown while adding 18 receiving yards and another score.

Tom Cruise Says Taylor Swift ‘Knows Her Stuff’

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Swift attended the Chiefs’ Week 1 victory with actor Tom Cruise, who later revealed that the singer helped him follow the action. During a September 17 appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Cruise was asked what he and Swift discussed while sitting together.

“She was schooling me on football,” Cruise said.

“For real?” Fallon asked.

“For real,” Cruise insisted.

The actor explained that he had not attended an NFL game since before the COVID-19 pandemic and praised Swift’s understanding of the sport. “She was bringing the football. First of all, she’s a genius,” he said. “I’ve been following her since she was a kid. Everybody there, all their friends, they’re a beautiful couple and magical in their own right. Everybody there in that booth.”

Cruise added, “I hadn’t been to a football game since pre-Covid, where I was working and everything. So to get to hang out there and have that moment, it was a lot of fun … she knows her stuff.”

Ed Sheeran‘s tour, long shrouded in political controversy, has now escalated into fear.

The “Shape of You” hitmaker’s Philadelphia concert took an unexpected turn when he admitted he was afraid to get too close to the crowd. The concert also marked Sheeran’s first major response to the unending Macklemore drama.

Ed Sheeran still took the stage at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, despite growing attention surrounding Macklemore’s removal from the tour. He also addressed the controversy directly, apologizing to fans and acknowledging his mistakes.

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Sheeran told the Philadelphia audience that his usual stage setup had changed for the concert. He explained that he had originally planned to perform on a B Stage during the show. That setup would have placed him directly in the middle of the audience. 

The singer ultimately decided against it because he was unsure how the crowd would react. “I didn’t know what this audience would be like,” he told the crowd.

Sheeran added that he didn’t know whether fans might throw things at him if he stood among them. The “Thinking Out Loud” singer openly admitted:

“I was afraid of what might happen if I stood in the middle. And I will admit that.”

The decision reflected the heightened security concerns surrounding his first Philadelphia performance since the Macklemore controversy erupted. Philadelphia police had previously told TMZ they would take appropriate safety measures. 

The Singer Apologized For ‘Making Mistakes’ 

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Sheeran’s Philadelphia appearance came after an unusually difficult week for his Loop Tour. Every opening act had reportedly stepped away from the remaining dates after Macklemore was removed from the lineup.

The controversy followed Macklemore’s pro-Palestine comments during performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. The Grammy singer’s tour promoter said venues had threatened to pull out if Macklemore continued performing.

Sheeran therefore appeared in Philadelphia without an opening act. Other supporting acts, Aaron Rowe, Finneas, and Luke Graham, also announced that they were dropping out of the tour in solidarity. Beoga, the singer’s backing band, also bowed out.

The concert start time was reportedly moved from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The protests outside the venue began around 4:30 p.m. The singer apologized to the audience before continuing with his performance. The Blast revealed that Sheeran told fans he was “making mistakes” and was “so, so sorry” while addressing the backlash directly from the stage. 

Why Ed Sheeran Continued With The Tour

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The “Perfect” singer told the crowd that his concerts have always been intended to provide a safe environment for everyone. He said honoring his commitment to his fans remained essential to who he was. “I don’t want to disappoint fans,” Sheeran said. He also explained that he had never wanted to become an activist musician. 

Sheeran also called the Israel-Palestine conflict the most complex political issue on the planet. The singer said he was concerned about venues pre-approving content before performances. He argued that although such practices happen in places where he performs worldwide, they should not happen in what he called “the free world.”

Sheeran also directly addressed questions about where he stood regarding Israel and Palestine. He nevertheless said he could no longer hide how he felt about the humanitarian situation. Sheeran described what happened in Israel and at the Nova Music Festival on October 7 as horrific.

He then described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable, and disproportionate.” He also said the loss of civilian and children’s lives was devastating. The singer said the injustice in the West Bank could not be overlooked.

Macklemore Was Honored With A Gaza Mural

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Macklemore’s removal did not end the attention his comments drew. The rapper subsequently pledged $1 million from his tour net earnings to humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza. He also continued speaking publicly about the conflict after leaving Sheeran’s tour.

His actions attracted support from people who viewed his public statements as an important use of his platform. The Blast reported that a mural honoring Macklemore appeared in Gaza City after he was removed from the tour.

Local artists Anne Redwan and Qusai al-Helo created the artwork. The artwork showed the rapper draped in a Palestinian flag with a message thanking him for using his voice. Ms. Rachel reportedly matched Macklemore’s commitment.

Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft also said Sheeran had pledged $2 million toward humanitarian relief and asked him to match that amount. Macklemore had previously accused Kraft of being involved in efforts by venue owners to oppose his continued participation on the tour.

He reportedly used Instagram to redirect attention toward the humanitarian situation in Palestine. TicketData founder Keith Pagello reported a rise in the rapper’s Red Rocks prices. He said the get-in price climbed 45% in three days.

Ed Sheeran’s Philadelphia Stop Faced Uncertainty

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Before Sheeran’s Philadelphia performance, questions had already emerged about the concert’s ticket sales. Hundreds of tickets were reportedly still available through StubHub hours before the show. The available tickets were listed between $56 and $251. 

The singer also faced planned demonstrations outside Lincoln Financial Field. The Philly Palestine Coalition and Shut Down D&Z had called on supporters to gather outside the venue. He had set the venue’s all-time concert attendance record in June 2023 with 77,900 fans during his Mathematics tour.

The changes to the Loop Tour have extended beyond one Philadelphia performance. Sheeran was left to continue the remaining dates as the solo act after several performers and his backing band departed.

The Blast had previously reported that the tour had around 17 dates remaining. The singer’s team remained confident in his ability to perform major arena shows without his usual supporting lineup.

Sweet Magnolias star JoAnna Garcia Swisher is breaking her silence after the show’s shocking cancellation after five seasons.

“How do you say goodbye to something that became so much more than a job? Seven years. Five seasons. A million tiny moments that somehow became a whole life,” Garcia Swisher, 47, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, September 20. “Sweet Magnolias came into my world during a chapter that held some of my deepest loss and, somehow, some of my greatest joy.”

Garcia Swisher, who explained that both of her parents died during production of the first few seasons, starred on Sweet Magnolias as Maddie Townsend. The Netflix hit followed Maddie’s life in the small town of Serenity, South Carolina, with her best friends, Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott) and Helen Decatur (Heather Headley) by her side.

“In a time when I wasn’t always sure how to keep moving forward, Serenity gave me somewhere to go,” Garcia Swisher continued on Sunday. “These people gave me somewhere to belong. They made me laugh when I was sure I had forgotten how. They let me be sad when I needed to be. They showed up. Again and again and again, and maybe that’s what I will carry with me most.”

Related: ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Season 5 Has the ‘Most Romance’ in the Show’s History

Sweet Magnolias is raising the romance bar when the Netflix show finally comes back for its fifth season. During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly while promoting Hallmark’s Providence Falls, JoAnna García Swisher says the next installment has the “most romance” Sweet Magnolias has ever had. “That is across the board. It’s a roller coaster […]

Netflix announced on Friday, September 18, that Sweet Magnolias was canceled and will not return for a once-potential season 6.

“This show was always about showing up for the people you love. About friends becoming family. About life not turning out exactly the way you planned, and choosing to build something beautiful anyway,” Garcia Swisher added. “Somewhere along the way, while we were telling those stories, we started living them too. To every single person who made this show, and every single person who watched it, loved it, shared it, and found a little piece of themselves in Serenity … thank you.”

She continued, “You will never fully know what you gave me. Five seasons. Seven years. One really, really beautiful chapter of my life. I’m not quite sure I’m ready to close it, but I am so incredibly grateful I got to live it.”

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In the wake of Sweet Magnolias’ shocking conclusion, Garcia Swisher will reunite with showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson to adapt Lauren Edmondson’s novel Ladies of the House for Netflix.

“From the moment I read Lauren Edmondson’s Ladies of the House, I fell completely in love with Daisy, Cricket and Wallis: their relationships, their messiness, their strength, and most of all, their heart,” Garcia Swisher said in a Friday statement. “I am beyond excited to continue to tell meaningful, female-driven stories alongside the incredible Sheryl Anderson. … Netflix has been my creative home for the past seven years, and I couldn’t imagine a better place, or a better team, to tell this story.”

All five seasons of Sweet Magnolias are streaming on Netflix.

Tender loving care! Lizzo, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alana and Danielle Haim, Jaleel White, and more celebs had plenty to cluck about at TenderFest 2026.

The annual chicken tender festival took over The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, on Saturday, Sept. 19, where attendees and celebrity judges put their taste buds to work in the ConTender Competition to crown the best take on the crispy classic.

Guests got their fill from vendors including Delilah, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Pizzeria Mozza, Marvin, Le Coupé, Box Chicken, Raising Cane’s, Chimmelier, Tendercrush, Miya Miya, Jitlada, Petit Trois and Lucia, while dipping, snacking, and mingling with stars throughout the night.

The foodie fête has also drawn plenty of famous faces in years past, including Kris Jenner, Diplo, Benny Blanco, and Sydney Sweeney.

When all was said and done, Jitlada ruled the roost, taking home the ConTender Cup and a cash prize benefiting the restaurant’s charity of choice.

And no feast is complete without dessert! Henry’s Secret Ice Cream, All About The Cinnamon, and Gone Bananas Bread helped end the night on a sweet note.

Hungry for more? TenderFest is heading beyond the West Coast for the first time, making its Chicago, Illinois, debut on Saturday, Oct. 10.

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