By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 1 minute ago

You might have slept on The Cloverfield Paradox when it first came out, but this sequel was much more than the third film of an innovative sci-fi franchise. When you stream this movie on Netflix, you’re doing more than watching the story about astronauts who must survive a completely unthinkable scenario. You’re also watching a film whose clever marketing strategies ended up changing movie history.

What is The Cloverfield Paradox actually about? The plot centers on a group of astronauts conducting experiments aboard a space station in order to help solve our planet’s growing energy crisis. After they use a particle accelerator, Earth appears to vanish altogether, leaving them to frantically discover what happened and hope against hope that they are able to return home.

The Cloverfield Paradox Didn’t Start Out As A Cloverfield Movie

Part of what makes 2018’s The Cloverfield Paradox so fascinating is that it wasn’t originally written as a Cloverfield film. The first of director J.J. Abrams Cloverfield movies, called Cloverfield, was released in 2008 and involved a gigantic alien monster attacking the world and destroying entire cities.

The Cloverfield Paradox started out based on Oren Uziel’s spec script for God Particle, but during production, Cloverfield creator J.J. Abrams saw an opportunity to connect this new film to his franchise and create a larger cinematic universe. Somewhat ironically, this also happened with the previous film 10 Cloverfield Lane, which was developed from the script for The Cellar, a movie originally unrelated to the Cloverfield franchise.

If nothing else, The Cloverfield Paradox is worth checking out because of the stars involved. Bradley Cooper does some killer voice work, and we also get another stellar performance (or should that be an interstellar performance) from John Goodman. Mary Elizabeth Winstead also shines in this film. Between this and her great performance in that otherwise forgettable prequel to The Thing, she established her science fiction bona fides long before suiting up in Ashoka.

Changing The Course Of Movie History With Marketing

When it came to marketing The Cloverfield Paradox, the new film took very direct inspiration from Cloverfield. As with that original movie, the sequel utilized a viral marketing campaign that provided some crucial backstory about some of our key characters. To access and understand this backstory, though, fans had to put together many virtual puzzles, including a weirdly engaging augmented reality game.

The viral marketing and ARG elements were a great way to rope in the more dedicated fans, but what really set the marketing for The Cloverfield Paradox over the top was its Super Bowl trailer.

Nobody knew the trailer was going to drop during the big game, and the trailer further surprised fans by confirming the final name for the film as well as the fact that it would stream on Netflix. The biggest surprise of all, though, was that the movie was available to stream as soon as the game was over, meaning that Netflix subscribers who enjoyed the trailer didn’t have to wait to experience the whole movie.

In retrospect, The Cloverfield Paradox changed movie history by changing how studios market films as well as how audiences view them. Nearly a decade ago, this movie’s surprise release on Netflix gave audiences a glimpse of a future which would increasingly be dominated by the digital distribution of movies. If you’d like to experience that future for yourself, all you have to do is stream The Cloverfield Paradox on Netflix today.

Finding a flattering swimsuit that looks expensive and earns compliments usually means spending way more than you want to. That’s why I was shocked when the Herseas ruffle bikini set delivered the same elevated look as some designer styles I was eyeing.

I originally fell in love with a chic navy set from Marie Oliver, which rings in at nearly $275 for the full look. It’s polished, tailored and undeniably gorgeous, but not exactly an impulse buy. Thankfully, the Herseas version gives off that same sophisticated, one-shoulder silhouette and high-waisted fit, making it a dead ringer for the designer vibe at a fraction of the price.

Get the Herseas One-Shoulder High-Waisted Bikini Set for $28 (originally $35) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

What makes this swimsuit such a standout is the combination of structure and comfort. The asymmetrical neckline instantly elevates the look, while the high-waisted bottoms smooth and flatter in all the right places. It feels secure without being restrictive — which, if you’ve ever dealt with fussy swimwear, is a game changer.

Even better, the fabric has just enough stretch to hug your shape while still holding everything in. The result? A sleek, pulled-together silhouette that looks equally good lounging poolside or actually getting in the water.

Moms like me agree this bathing suit punches way above its price point. One reviewer shared, “This is a really cute and flattering swimsuit. The bottoms fit and support your belly area, which I like as a mom. The ruffle on the top is pretty and adds to the look.”

“I’m a mom of 4 and pretty self-conscious of my tummy,” said another shopper. “I have a long torso, but it comes up over my belly button and hides all the things! It’s super flattering! I can’t wait to show it off! It feels like good quality overall, too!”

If you want a swimsuit that looks chic, feels comfortable and doesn’t cost a fortune, this is it. It’s become my go-to, and the compliments haven’t stopped!

Get the flattering swimsuit for $28 (originally $35) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

Related: Calling All Swimsuit Haters! 15 Best One-Pieces Under $50

The idea of going to a store, picking out swimsuits and doing a fashion show for one in the dressing room is, well, not my definition of a good time. On the other hand, it can be difficult to shop for a bathing suit online. I wanted to make the process easy — and not […]

Are you ready for May? Hulu sure is. The Disney-owned streamer is ready to convince you to ignore the sunshine, stay in and tune into its programming.

And who are we to stop them? Hulu has scheduled enough exciting content to keep you indoors for days at a time.

At the top of Watch With Us‘ list is the streaming debut of Send Help, Sam Raimi‘s gonzo thriller starring a never-better Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien.

We also can’t wait to watch more of Rivals, the ’80s-set British soap opera that returns for a well-deserved second season.

May 1

El Encargado: Complete Season 4
Impuros: Complete Season 6
Travis Japan Travel Around The World: Three-Episode Series Premiere
Blood In, Blood Out (1993)
Bride Wars (2009)
Casi El Paraiso (2024)
Con Air (1997)
Coyote Ugly (2000)
The Departed (2006)
Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024)
Disney Descendants (2015)
Disney Descendants 2 (2017)
Disney Descendants 3 (2019)
Holes (2003)
The Infiltrator (2016)
The Internship (2013)
I, Robot (2004)
Joy Ride (2023)
Keeping Up With The Joneses (2016)
The King’s Man (2021)
The Last Duel (2021)
Little Man (2006)
Little Man En Espanol (2006)
Love And Monsters (2020)
Meet the Spartans (2008)
Minority Report (2002)
Nothing in Common (1986)
November Criminals (2017)
November Criminals En Espanol (2017)
Now Is Good (2013)
Now Is Good En Espanol (2013)
One Direction: This Is Us (2013)
One Direction: This Is Us En Espanol (2013)
Only Lovers Left Alive (2014)
Open Season (2006)
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
The Other Guys (2010)
The Other Guys En Espanol (2010)
Panic Room (2002)
Panic Room En Espanol (2002)
A Passage To India (1984)
Philadelphia (1993)
The Prestige (2006)
Prospect (2018)
Robots (2005)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Sicario (2015)
Spy (2015)
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Stars Fell Again (2023)
Super Troopers (2002)
Take Me Home Tonight (2011)
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
War Of The Worlds (2005)
White Chicks (2004)
White Chicks En Espanol (2004)

May 2

iHeartCountry Festival: Livestream
BBQ Brawl: Complete Season 3
Cheap A$$ Beach Houses: Complete Season 1
Say Yes to the Dress: Complete Seasons 20 and 21
7 Little Johnstons: Complete Season 16
Worst Cooks in America: Complete Seasons 23 and 27
Hallow Road (2025)

Related: 34 Best Movies on Hulu Right Now (April 2026)

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There are a handful of streamers that have more movies than Hulu, but the films that are here can match up against any of the streaming rivals. In a late-month update, Hulu is adding one of last year’s most acclaimed horror flicks, Good Boy. The modern Western Thieves Highway has also proven to be a strong […]

May 3

Amsterdam Narcos: Complete Season 1

May 4

Medalist: Season 2 Premiere (DUBBED)

May 6

Ancient Structures: Secrets Revealed: Complete Season 1
Made in Chelsea: Complete Seasons 6-15

May 7

After the First 48: Complete Season 11
Meat America: Complete Season 1
My Crazy Ex: Complete Season 2

Send Help
101 Fast Foods That Changed The World: Complete Season 1
10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America: Complete Season 1
WWE LFG: Complete Season 1
WW2 From Space: Complete Season 1

May 8

We Bury The Dead (2025)

May 9

Expedition Unknown: Complete Seasons 15 and 16
House Hunters: Complete Seasons 250 and 253

May 11

The Split: Complete Series
Central Intelligence (2016)

May 12

Tucci in Italy: New Season
Abraham’s Boys (2025)

May 14

FX’s Welcome to Wrexham: Two-Episode Season 5 Premiere
Ancient Aliens: Complete Season 21
My Crazy Ex: Complete Season 4

May 15

Lisa Ann Walter: It Was An Accident: Special Premiere
Rivals: Three-Episode Season 2 Premiere

May 16

Chopped: Complete Season 56
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: Complete Season 43
Guy’s Grocery Games: Complete Season 32
Toddlers & Tiaras: Complete Seasons 7 and 8

May 18

Battle of Fates: Complete Season 1 (DUBBED)

May 19

The Nightmare Upstairs: What Happened to Ty and Bryn?: Complete Docuseries

May 20

Ndrangheta: World Wide Mafia

May 21

How the States Got Their Shapes: Complete Seasons 1 and 2
Ultimate Guide to the Presidents: Complete Season 1
United Stats of America: Complete Season 1
Alien: Romulus (2024)

May 22

Northwoods Survival: Complete Season 2
Yukon Rescue: Complete Season 1
Arco (2025)
Disney Camp Rock (2008)
Disney Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010)
The Home (2025)

May 23

BBQ Brawl: Complete Season 5
Beach Hunters: Complete Seasons 4 and 5
Chopped: Complete Season 57

May 24

Dublin Narcos: Complete Season 1

May 26

Descendent (2025)

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May 27

Aussie Snake Wranglers: Deadly Pursuit: Complete Season 1
Deep Dive Australia: Complete Season 1

May 28

Deli Boys: Complete Season 2
After the First 48: Complete Season 11
America: Promised Land: Complete Season 1
America’s Book of Secrets: Complete Season 1
Ice Road Truckers: Complete Season 12
The Warfighters: Battle Stories: Complete Season 1
Washington: Complete Season 1
Afraid (2024)
Afraid En Espanol (2024)

May 30

Ancient Autopsy: Mysteries of the Dead: Complete Season 1
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: Complete Seasons 40 and 42
Tiny House Hunters: Complete Season 3

Every once in a while, my closet requires a seasonal shake-up. As much as I cherish my fit‑and‑flare dresses and high‑rise denim, spring and summer inspire me to embrace lighter, looser silhouettes — pull‑on pants included. Thankfully, Nordstrom carries a pair that feels tailor‑made for me.

Far from being basic pull-on pants, the Roxy Paddle On Drawstring Cotton & Linen Pants have that quiet-luxury appeal that is so in right now. Designed with a utilitarian, cargo‑inspired vibe, these cotton-and-linen pants feature a cozy elastic waist that fits with everything from crisp button-ups to well-loved tees. And honestly, the second I tried the sumptuously soft pants on, I knew they were about to become my go‑to for those humid, hot days ahead.

Get the Roxy Paddle On Drawstring Cotton & Linen Pants for $60 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Unlike my curve-hugging yoga pants or well-worn denim, these cozy summer pants give me the freedom to move through my day without feeling restricted or overheated, even in the thick of the unrelenting Texas heat. And while I rarely find all-day-wear pants that can handle the constant chaos of being a mom of three, they somehow stay comfortable, cool and ready for whatever the day throws at me, even if that’s lounging around the house, juggling school drop-offs or getting dinner on the table.

Related: Comfy, Flowy Harem Pants Take Your Wardrobe From Basic to Boho Luxe

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Your favorite jeans are fine, but they’re probably not the most comfortable. If you’ve been stuck in a tee-and-jeans rut, flowy harem pants are the boho-luxe upgrade you didn’t know you needed. The easy-going design brings the ideal balance of style and stretch that you’ll reach for all spring long. Easy-going harem pants usually feature […]

Rich-mom style is a trend that’s going strong, and while I do love of-the-moment fashion, I also love how well these cozy elastic-waist pants work just as well in a capsule wardrobe, while still nailing that signature rich‑mom aesthetic. The roomy soft pants even have a slight nautical edge, with a removable rope belt that leans into a subtle seaside vibe without looking costume‑y.

As a girl who avoids monochrome hues, I love that these pocket-adorned pants come in an unconventional curry color as well as an easy-to-style olive. Even so, the colors still pair seamlessly with all the go-to staples I already have in my closet. The pants also have a wide-leg design that works just as well with platform sandals as they do with my well-worn sneakers.

These soft summer pants are a relatively new debut, but they’re already the kind of warm‑weather staple I reach for on the regular. And unlike my usual denim uniform, these give me the comfort and easy movement I need to keep up with the demands of working-mom life.

Shoppers haven’t dropped reviews on these game‑changing pants yet, but if the dwindling sizes are any indication, it’s clear they won’t stay in stock for long — especially with seasonal heat settling in. So follow this Texas girl’s lead and invest in a pair that keeps you cool, stylish and flattered for only $60.

Get the Roxy Paddle On Drawstring Cotton & Linen Pants for $60 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Related: ‘It’ Girls Are Ditching Rigid Denim for This Comfy-Chic Pants Trend

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Let’s be honest: Rigid jeans may be chic, but it’s definitely not the most comfortable option, especially when the weather warms up. That’s why fashion ‘It’ girls and insiders are starting to reach for something a little bit easier. Enter: pull-on pants. They’re the relaxed yet totally polished spring staple that’s comfortable without compromising when […]

Life after welcoming a baby isn’t always smooth, and Pete Davidson is learning that firsthand. 

Just months after he and Elsie Hewitt celebrated the birth of their daughter, cracks have reportedly started to show in their relationship. 

While the couple continues to present a united front, sources say they are quietly dealing with challenges behind the scenes. 

Between sleepless nights, new responsibilities, and emotional adjustments, the transition into parenthood has brought both joy and strain.

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt are reportedly facing some tension in their relationship, even as they try to stay committed to one another. 

Speaking to PEOPLE on April 30, a source revealed, “There are issues, but they’re trying to figure things out together.”

The insider added that they are still in the process of adjusting to life as new parents, which has added pressure to their dynamic. 

“They’re adjusting to parenthood and working through the process,” the source explained.

Despite the challenges, both Davidson and Hewitt are said to be focused on maintaining stability and finding common ground as they move forward together. 

Davidson Embraces Fatherhood With Strong Emotions

Pete Davidson has been open about how becoming a father has changed him, even as his relationship faces difficulties. 

The comedian welcomed daughter Scottie Rose with Elsie Hewitt on December 12, 2025, marking a major turning point in his life.

In a March interview with PEOPLE, the comedian shared his excitement about fatherhood, saying, “Dad life is f*cking awesome,” while also admitting that the experience comes with its own challenges. 

“It is exhausting and rewarding and cute. And I’m very lucky because Elsie is a fantastic mom, and I can’t stress enough how lucky I am,” he added.

Davidson also revealed that becoming a parent made him more protective. “It’s funny. It’s like I didn’t understand this. You’re just ready to fight anyone,” he said.

Pete Davidson And Elsie Hewitt Focus On Daughter Amid Changes

Even as they work through relationship issues, Davidson and Hewitt are united when it comes to their daughter. 

Sources say Scottie Rose remains their “top priority,” guiding their decisions during this difficult period.

The pair, who began dating in March 2025, announced their pregnancy just a few months later. 

Their daughter’s name carries special meaning, honoring Davidson’s late father, Scott Matthew, who died during the 9/11 attacks.

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Since her birth, Davidson and Hewitt have shared glimpses of their baby on social media while keeping her face private. 

The model recently marked her daughter’s 12 week milestone with a lovely social media post. 

Taking to Instagram, Hewitt wrote, “my scottie girl is 12 weeks old today on the way to the hospital we wrote down our predictions for what time she’d be born.”

She added, “my guess was 3:05pm (my birthday, 03/05). after 23 hours of labor, that is the exact time she arrived. how crazy and cool is that.”

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Davidson Slammed After ‘Weird’ NSFW Joke About His Daughter 

Pete Davidson hasn’t been immune to backlash since welcoming his daughter. In fact, he recently came under fire after making a controversial NSFW joke about his baby daughter during a comedy show at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.

As The Blast reported, the 32-year-old told the audience, “I got a little girl. It’s weird having a little girl.” 

He then admitted, “It’s hard to watch p-rn… in front of her,” before following up with the shocking revelation, “I still did… I powered through.”   

The remark quickly spread online, where many users condemned it as inappropriate, with some calling it “genuinely disgusting” and questioning why such a joke would be made about a child.

Some fans went as far as describing Davidson as a “weirdo,” noting that the joke wasn’t funny but “weird.”

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Pete Davidson Sells His House To Be Closer To Family

Since welcoming his daughter, Davidson has made some of the toughest decisions.

Earlier in April, the “SNL” alum reportedly made a major personal sacrifice, giving up what he once called his “paradise” home in New York for the sake of his family. 

According to The Blast, Davidson decided to sell his secluded North Salem property, a place he described as his “hip, funky cool” retreat filled with personal memories, after becoming a father. 

The home, which he bought in 2023 for $1.95 million and used as a peaceful escape from city life, held sentimental value, including moments tied to his partner’s pregnancy and his early journey into fatherhood.  

However, the distance from his family in Staten Island and New Jersey became increasingly difficult, especially with a newborn daughter. 

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Davidson ultimately chose to prioritize being closer to loved ones, even though he admitted he was sad to part with the property.

Chris Brown‘s ongoing legal battle with his former housekeeper continues to escalate. According to a new report, the singer’s ex-employee is fighting against his request to stop her from showing bloody pictures from an injury she said she sustained at his sprawling LA home. Before that, Brown reportedly asked a judge to stop the plaintiff from bringing up his past assault charges from his relationship with singer Rihanna.

Maria Avila, who initially lodged a lawsuit against Brown in 2021, is fighting against the singer’s effort to stop her from showing images of her gruesome injury to the court, according to TMZ.

In the new legal documents, Avila argues that the images are relevant to the case because they show the seriousness of her injuries.

According to Avila, being unable to show the photos would make it more challenging to prove her claims.

Chris Brown’s Former Housekeeper Was Allegedly Attacked By His Dog In 2020

For those who may be unfamiliar, Avila filed a suit back in July 2021, claiming Brown’s large, dark-colored dog attacked her while she was completing work for the high-profile celebrity.

According to an NBC News report, Avila accused Brown and his team of ignoring her when she was “screaming in terror and calling out for help.”

The initial suit claimed that Brown’s dog “viciously and brutally” mauled, bit, and attacked her on December 12, 2020, at the singer’s Los Angeles home.

“The dog begins savagely biting her face, her arms and other parts of her person and body, literally tearing out and ripping off large chunks of her skin from her face and her arms,” Avila’s then attorney, Nancy Doumanian, wrote.

However, the story doesn’t end there. According to the legal documents, Brown allegedly ordered the dog to be driven to a “nebulous location in Humboldt County” to have the dog euthanized in an effort to destroy evidence.

An official from Humboldt County confirmed that an animal matching Brown’s dog’s description was euthanized a day before Christmas due to its aggressive nature.

Per reports, the attack was labeled a “high profile case” due to the dog’s owner being “a celebrity” and the injuries being “extensive.”

Chris Brown’s Lawyer Asks Judge To Stop His Ex-Housekeeper From Speaking About His Past Issues With Rihanna

In addition to hopefully stopping Avila from showing pictures to the court, Brown is reportedly asking the judge to bar her from speaking about his past domestic violence case with Rihanna.

Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault following the headline-making incident in 2009, according to TMZ.

The “Fine China” singer’s lawyer urged the judge to stop Avila and her team from presenting that as evidence, questioning its relevance to the case at hand.

Brown’s team also argued that mentioning the assault, which happened “more than a decade ago,” would be “improper, irrelevant, and unduly prejudicial.”

Brown Promises He’s ‘Not Bad’ After Breaking Silence About Alleged Brutal Dog Attack

According to Rolling Stone, Brown spoke out about the alleged dog attack during an April 2025 deposition, during which he explained his actions after seeing his former housekeeper lying “face down” in his driveway.

“I didn’t touch her. I bent down and I looked. I was – I was making sure she was breathing and then from there, I ran and put the dogs away and yelled and told the security guard to come over,” he said, adding that he saw her “chest moving.”

Brown explained that he didn’t touch Avila while she was on the ground because she was allegedly unconscious. He went on to say that after his security guard called 911, his manager ordered him to leave the home.

Avila’s lawyer asked the singer whether he felt “bad” about leaving his ex-employee after the alleged attack, to which he replied, “I’m not bad — I’m not feeling bad about leaving the house.”

He added that he was concerned about Avila’s well-being and left only after her sister or a trusted individual was by her side.

Brown Is Gearing Up For A Massive Tour With Usher

Amid his ongoing legal battles, Brown is preparing for a massive tour with R&B legend Usher. According to The Blast, the tour will hit stadiums across the United States and feature performances of chart-topping hits from both artists.

The joint tour comes years after reports about an alleged fight between the two surfaced. Whatever beef they may have had, though, has clearly been squashed—and fans are grateful for it.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s ongoing legal battle with Dakota Mortensen has taken a deeply personal turn, with new revelations emerging in court that shed light on the struggles behind their relationship. 

As the pair face off over protective orders and custody of their young son, previously private details, including Paul’s experience with multiple miscarriages, have come to the forefront, adding more tension to the already existing case.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s recent court hearing uncovered painful details that had never been publicly shared before. 

During testimony tied to the protective order case, her attorney revealed that she had suffered two miscarriages before the February incident that led to the current legal dispute.

“This was a very difficult time in their relationship,” her lawyer explained in court, per Us Weekly, outlining the timeline surrounding the events. 

“They were going through some challenges, of course, compounded by the fact that my client was dealing with two recent miscarriages,” they added. 

The attorney also pointed to other contributing factors during that period, noting, “Alcohol was also a massive factor in the 2023 incident, a factor that is no longer an issue. She has not consumed alcohol.” 

Judge Calls Out ‘Toxic’ Behavior In Taylor Frankie Paul Court Clash

At the recent hearing, a judge laid out a series of blunt statements, making it clear the situation involved both parties. 

As The Blast shared, the judge said, “I’m finding that there’s been violence both ways between these parties,” and added that when the two are together, “it turns violent.”   

He went on to call their relationship “dysfunctional” and described the situation as marked by “toxicity.” 

Addressing them directly, the judge said, “You guys have to figure out how to function as co-parents,” while warning, “You’re linked together for the remainder of your lives.”   

He also stressed the impact on their child, stating, “You’re modeling right now how you deal with conflict to a 2-year-old,” and cautioned that it could affect the child later in life.  

Paul And Dakota Mortensen’s Legal Fight Intensifies

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s dispute centers on competing protective orders and custody arrangements for their two-year-old son, Ever. 

The legal battle stems from allegations tied to incidents that reportedly occurred in Utah on February 23 and 24.

Following those events, both parties sought legal protection against each other. Mortensen initially filed for a temporary restraining order, which was granted in March, along with temporary custody of their son. 

Weeks later, Paul filed her own request for a restraining order, which was approved in early April.

As the case developed, authorities reviewed evidence from both sides. Ultimately, prosecutors decided not to move forward with charges against the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star. 

“After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul,” District Attorney Sim Gill’s office confirmed.

Taylor Frankie Paul And Dakota Mortensen Speak Out After Ruling

As The Blast reported, Paul responded emotionally after learning that she would not face charges in connection with the February case. 

Taking to Instagram, she shared her reaction with followers, writing, “Cried when I got the call THANK YOU to those that have stood with me.”

Mortensen also addressed the situation publicly days later, offering his perspective on the outcome. 

“I’m not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I’m sincerely sorry to those I’ve hurt,” he wrote in an Instagram statement. 

However, he made it clear that he disagreed with how the situation has been portrayed. 

“At the same time, I don’t agree with how this situation has been portrayed publicly. It does not reflect the full context of what occurred or the impact it has had on me and my son,” Mortensen added.

He went on to explain his current focus moving forward, stating, “I’ve chosen to step away from the spotlight to focus on my family, my growth, and our healing, and that’s where my energy will remain. I’m closing an unhealthy chapter and moving forward with hope for better days ahead.”

Paul Gains Support As Case Impacts Career And Personal Life

Taylor Frankie Paul has not been navigating this situation alone. Ahead of the latest hearing, she received support from those close to her, including her “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” co-star Jessi Draper. 

According to a report from The Blast, court records confirmed that Draper filed an affidavit in support of Paul, adding her voice to the case.

Paul’s younger sister, Aspen May, also submitted an affidavit, reinforcing the backing she has from her inner circle during the legal proceedings.

The situation has also had ripple effects beyond the courtroom. Production on season five of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” was temporarily halted as the allegations surfaced and investigations began. 

In addition, ABC canceled Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” three days before it was set to premiere. 

Taylor Frankie Paul’s attorney is speaking out after a judge issued both her and ex Dakota Mortensen protective orders during a custody hearing on Thursday, April 30.

“Today’s hearing was a significant step forward as the Court entered protective orders requiring that Taylor’s ex-partner stays far away from her,” Taylor’s attorney, Eric M. Swinyard, told Us Weekly in a statement.

Swinyard went on to praise Taylor, 31, for her candor during Thursday’s hearing, after she and Dakota, 33, made several accusations of domestic violence against one another.

“Taylor was incredibly candid with the Court that she is not perfect and owned her faults, which is in direct contrast to how the other party presented their argument, despite evidence and input from law enforcement that showed otherwise,” Swinyard said.

Related: What to Know About Taylor Frankie Paul and Ex Dakota’s Custody Battle

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen have tried to coparent son Ever since their fall 2024 split. Paul and Mortensen welcomed their first baby together, the MomTok content creator’s third, in March 2024, months before they called it quits. As Paul and Mortensen navigated jointly raising their son, […]

He continued, “Taylor feels solidarity with the many survivors who have endured similar hardships behind closed doors and shared only part of their stories, and she remains grateful for the outpouring of support she continues to receive. She looks forward to continuing to cooperate with the Court to make progress in the custody case.”

Utah judge Commissioner Russell Minas issued mutual protective orders for both Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars, ordering them to stay 100 feet from each other. The orders are expected to last three years.

Minas did not make any changes to the former couple’s custody arrangement of their 2-year-old son, Ever. Dakota was granted temporary custody of Ever in March, with Taylor being allowed up to eight hours of supervised visitation each week. (Taylor also shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul.)

“This has been a very toxic relationship. It’s beyond the pale in a lot of ways, the toxicity,” the judge told the exes on Thursday. “What I’ve seen from the evidence even post [the] last hearing, there seems to be a continuing attraction that they have for each other. … You guys have to figure out a lot here. You have to figure out how to function as coparents.”

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Related: Inside Mormon Wives’ Taylor, Dakota’s Messy Relationship: What They’ve Said

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives‘ Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen never shied away from addressing their messy — and oftentimes volatile — relationship ahead of their multiple domestic disputes. Before the show premiered on Hulu in September 2024, Taylor and Dakota started dating following her divorce from husband Tate Paul in the wake […]

“I’m hoping that you’re not people who just thrive on the drama and the conflict. You’ve got to put your child first and shield the child from this conflict,” Minas added. “I’m going to leave the current [custody] order in place. I need to think a little bit more about this lifting of supervision. I have mixed feelings about it.”

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Dakota sought custody of Ever in March amid two separate police investigations into alleged domestic violence incidents involving Taylor and Dakota. In April, prosecutors declined to press charges against Taylor in connection with the incidents, which allegedly took place in 2024 in West Jordan, Utah, and this past February in Draper, Utah, respectively.

“After reviewing reports and evidence submitted to the Draper Police Department and West Jordan Police Department, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has declined to file charges against Taylor Frankie Paul,” district attorney Sim Gill’s office said in a statement obtained by Us on April 14.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. 

Grey’s Anatomy is gearing up for a shocking season 22 finale with one character getting fired — while another could potentially die on screen.

During the Thursday, April 30, episode of the hit ABC series, Kwan’s (Harry Shum Jr.) future at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital was called into question when Richard (James Pickens Jr.) realized Miranda (Chandra Wilson) wasn’t actually involved in secretly giving a patient an experimental treatment that was denied by the FDA. Richard then revealed to Miranda that he had fired Kwan off screen.

Teddy (Kim Raver), meanwhile, was secretly considering a job in Paris that would take her away from Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. She got in a fight with Owen (Kevin McKidd) about it, but a voicemail he left the next morning took a turn when she heard him getting into a potentially deadly car crash.

The shocking twists came after news broke in March that both McKidd, 53, and Raver, 57, were leaving the show.

Related: Why Is ‘Grey‘s Anatomy‘ Going Through So Many Cast Exits, Onscreen Deaths?

Grey’s Anatomy has been going through a surprising amount of cast exits and onscreen deaths. The medical drama, which premiered in 2005, is focused on the personal and professional lives of surgical interns, residents and attendings at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital a.k.a Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital a.k.a Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Due to […]

“Grey’s Anatomy has been a huge chapter of my life, creatively and personally, and I’m deeply grateful for everything the show has given me over the years,” McKidd said in a statement at the time. “Playing Dr. Owen Hunt and directing on the show have both shaped me enormously, and I’ve had the privilege of working with an extraordinary group of people throughout that time. I’m particularly thankful to Shonda Rhimes for creating Owen, and for the encouragement she gave me as I stepped into directing.”

He continued: “As that chapter comes to a close, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead — building new work, telling new stories and taking everything I’ve learned into the next phase of my career.”

Raver also broke her silence on the news.

“Playing Dr. Teddy Altman will always hold a dear and special place in my heart. Sixteen years ago, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into this role thanks to the vision of Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers,” she wrote in her own statement. “Since that day, it has been a true gift to bring the iconic words of Shonda and our brilliant team of writers to life. … To the fans — your unwavering devotion and support are the reason this show remains such a force. Thank you for making this set my place of magic and my home.”

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Related: Grey’s Anatomy’s Biggest Exits Over the Years

Katherine Heigl, Patrick Dempsey, Justin Chambers and more stars have left Grey’s Anatomy — for various reasons. Created by Shonda Rhimes and starring Ellen Pompeo, Grey’s Anatomy debuted on ABC in 2005. Pompeo (Meredith Grey) left the show as a series regular following season 19 but continued to provide voiceover narration and make special guest […]

Creator Shonda Rhimes, meanwhile, hinted how the season will wrap up for Teddy (Raver) and Owen (McKidd).

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“Over the years, we have had the privilege of watching Owen and Teddy’s love story evolve and deepen — two characters who always seem to find their way back to each other. It is both bittersweet and joyful to give this couple the happy ending their story deserves,” she teased in her own statement. “Kevin and Kim bring extraordinary talent, nuance and heart to their roles as Owen and Teddy. Their contributions leave an indelible mark on Grey’s Anatomy, both in front of and behind the camera. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them both and to see them shine.”

She concluded: “While we will all miss seeing them in the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial each day, I am excited to witness where Kim’s and Kevin’s journeys will take them in the future.”

Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.