The Real L Word star Francine Beppu’s cause of death has been revealed following her death at age 43.

According to a report by the Honolulu Medical Examiner, with details published by TMZ on Tuesday, June 16, Beppu died by suicide on February 17.

The examiner’s office also conducted toxicology testing which indicated “the presence of amphetamine and alcohol” in her system when she died.

Beppu, who starred on season 2 of the Showtime reality TV show in 2011, was confirmed dead by a spokesperson for her family who spoke to People several days later. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Francine ‘Naoko’ Beppu,” a statement from the family obtained by the outlet read at the time. “The outpouring of care and concern from her friends and colleagues is a testament to the tremendous impact she had on everyone around her. We are deeply grateful to know how cherished she was and how brightly she will continue to shine through all who knew her.”

Related: ‘RHONY’ Alum Bethenny Frankel Mourns Death of Once-Estranged Mom

Bethenny Frankel is mourning the death of her mother, Bernadette Birk, who died on Friday, April 19, at the age of 73 following a battle with lung cancer. The Real Housewives of New York City alum, 53, posted photos and a touching tribute on Instagram, opening up about her complicated relationship with her mom. “She […]

The family added that they had appreciated “the many gestures of love for Francine” while requesting privacy and they navigated “this unimaginable loss and honor her memory.”

The Real L Word was a spin off of The L Word, a Showtime drama series that followed a group of lesbian and bisexual women who lived in West Hollywood, California. It ran from 2004 to 2009 before The Real L Word explored further characters, including Beppu, in L.A. and New York City.

Beppu only featured in the show for one season, alongside her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley, as cameras filmed her coming out as a lesbian to her mom.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: ‘Drag Race’ Star The Vivienne’s Cause of Death Revealed

The cause of death for RuPaul’s Drag Race star James Lee Williams, a.k.a. The Vivienne, has been confirmed. The drag artist’s family told BBC News that they died from cardiac arrest caused by use of the powerful anesthetic drug ketamine. The Williams family have confirmed plans to work with a substance abuse charity, Adferiad, on […]

During a 2022 interview for The Hawai’i Herald, Beppu said that coming out was far from easy, despite taking the news well while cameras rolled. “There were some tears but at the end of the day, my mom wants what’s best for me,” she told the outlet at the time. “My parents are great. They’ve been very accepting. I’m really lucky to have them.”

While her cast inclusion was brief, Beppu’s advocation for LGBTQ+ rights endured. She served as a chairperson for the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation, an organization that focuses on “empowering individuals and communities through education, cultural enrichment and advocacy … to create a world where MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA individuals can thrive, free from discrimination and prejudice,” according to its website.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/

Mean Girls is among the new millennium’s most influential movies. From the comedic genius of Tina Fey, the film stars a who’s who of future movie stars, including Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lizzy Caplan. Especially with the Mean Girls musical reboot, there is no better time than the present to get into the glamorous and cutthroat mood that Mean Girls and other teen films so effectively provide.

Endlessly quotable, hilarious, and infinitely rewatchable, Mean Girls is a generation-defining film and one of the best teen movies in American cinema. Fans of the movie might want to watch other similar films, and, luckily for them, there’s no shortage of options. From films with similar themes to the dark comedies that inspired it, these movies are perfect companions for Mean Girls.

20

‘Mean Girls’ (2024)

Image via Paramount Pictures

As far as films that recapture and fully embrace the type of slick, pop energy of Mean Girls, it’s difficult to find something more similar than the musical remake that came out in 2024. Adapted from a stage musical that was adapted from the original 2004 film, this modern interpretation of Mean Girls features a new cast and the same distinct energy and style that made the musical such a hit. It mostly follows the same story and beats as the original film, yet updated for a modern audience.

While it’s easy to be harsh on modern remakes due to usually not being able to compare in quality to the original film, the 2024 Mean Girls‘ musical angle helps distinguish itself as a separate experience from the original film. At the same time, the film features a lot of the same inherent strengths and qualities of the original story, such as the dynamic between Cady and the Plastics and the array of quotable lines.

19

‘The Clique’ (2008)

2008’s The Clique is based on the eponymous series of teen novels. The plot concerns Claire Lyons, a young girl who desperately attempts to join the most popular girls in her new school, the Clique, doing increasingly questionable things to sneak into the group. The film’s plot and characters find a great deal of inspiration from films like Mean Girls, but instead of simply attempting a blatant copy of the formula, The Clique has a genuine understanding of the important themes and messaging of Mean Girls.

The Clique might as well be middle-school Mean Girls. The plot is similar, visiting the same themes of the dangers of popularity and sacrificing individuality to fit in with the “cool” crowd. However, The Clique is charming enough to warrant a watch, especially for fashionistas; the film is a worthy heir to the Gossip Girl legacy of stunning preppy fashion.

18

‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)

Image Via MGM

One of the most defining romantic comedies of the era, Legally Blonde follows the story of sorority girl Elle Woods, who in an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend, plans to follow in his footsteps and attend Harvard Law School. However, she soon finds herself taking a liking to the judicial process and decides to prove to her peers that she goes against the nasty stereotypes surrounding preppy blondes like herself.

While not as directly tied to the trends and cliques of high school as portrayed in Mean Girls, Legally Blonde shares a connection with the film through their shared love and importance placed upon female empowerment. Elle is a character who fits perfectly within the style and world of Mean Girls, almost acting as a kind-hearted, perfect version of a preppy plastic-type, combined with Reese Witherspoon‘s signature performance, making her an incredible main character to watch.

17

‘Wild Child’ (2008)

Emma Roberts became a teen icon with her explosive performance in the 2008 comedy Wild Child. The plot centers on Poppy Moore, a wealthy and rebellious girl who gets sent to a prestigious English boarding school to correct her attitude. However, things don’t go as planned when Poppy brings her unique brand of disruptive energy to the school.

Wild Child is a star vehicle for Roberts, who shines in a role similar to her future iconic turns in American Horror Story: Coven and Scream Queens. Wild Child is a great companion for Mean Girls, with both films focusing on young and rebellious girls who learn valuable lessons without sacrificing their individual fabulousness. However, the major difference and focus is the more character study-styled singular focus on Poppy, as opposed to a more generalized story about all of high school.

16

‘Plan B’ (2021)

Image via Hulu

One of the core facets that makes Mean Girls such an effective teen comedy is its focus on female camaraderie and friendship, themes that are greatly felt throughout Plan B. The film follows straight-laced high school student Sunny, who, after a regrettable sexual encounter at a party, finds herself on a wild road trip across the countryside with her best friend Lupe in search of an elusive Plan B pill. Their journey sees them facing off against numerous unexpected hurdles and strange characters as the duo reevaluates their friendship and forms a tight-knit bond in the process.

Plan B features an effective blend of raunchy, R-rated comedy, likable female leads, and effective themes of coming-of-age friendship that are sure to make it a hit with fans of Mean Girls. This film is greatly elevated by its inherent charm and execution, getting a great deal of comedic mileage and earnest emotional moments thanks to the tone and style that it creates for itself. As far as modern teen films go, Plan B is one of the best when it comes to having as much wild fun as it has a great emotional core.

15

‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ (1999)

Can’t Hardly Wait follows the stories and events surrounding a massive graduation party, consisting of nearly every student at Huntington Hills High. In each student’s attempt to have the best night of their lives, they each find themselves overcoming a number of unexpected obstacles and changes, resulting in a night that will surely go down in history. While the plot may initially seem completely different, Can’t Hardly Wait shares a lot of DNA with Mean Girls when it comes to its satire and commentary on the trends of then-high school cliques and stereotypes.

Can’t Hardly Wait makes a major effort when it comes to blurring the lines between the archetypes of high school students, with the lines between jocks, nerds, and popular students fading away by the end of the film. It’s also a laugh riot throughout its runtime, as the film’s simple party-centric premise allows for a wide variety of different stories and characters that constantly blend in with one another throughout the runtime. Much like Mean Girls, the film embraces the clichés and trends of the teen movie genre to create its own original story, reflecting upon the clichés themselves.

14

‘Election’ (1999)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Teen movies lend themselves perfectly as avenues for greater satires and social examinations of greater societal structures, something that Mean Girls greatly excelled at as one of the defining satires of the early 2000s. However, before Mean Girls took the world by storm, Election would provide a similar level of using high-school drama as an avenue for its adult satire, telling a hilarious story of abuse of power and elections. The film follows the chaos and infighting surrounding a student election, in which bright-eyed Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is running unopposed, to the major dismay of teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick).

What makes films like Election and Mean Girls stand out from the variety of other teen movies of the era is their distinct use of cynicism and dark comedy to excel their satirical themes and messaging. This style of humor and storytelling lends itself to the high school setting perfectly, creating an effective balance of petty drama and surprisingly high stakes that makes for highly memorable cinematic experiences. Even 25 years after its release, Election is still widely regarded as one of the best teen movies of the era, in the same vein of legacy and status as Mean Girls.

13

‘Do Revenge’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

Netflix’s wickedly funny teen comedy Do Revenge stars Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock‘s classic Strangers on a Train, the plot follows two students at a prestigious Miami school who team up to get revenge against the people who wronged them. However, as several twists and turns come with their newfound popularity, their original plans prove themselves to be falling apart at the seams.

Campy, self-aware, and endlessly funny, Do Revenge is a pastel-colored teen nightmare elevated by a pair of committed performances from Mendes and Hawke. More than simply acting as a modern retread of classic teen movies, the film finds massive inspiration and growth from the original formula, acting as the perfect modernization of this style of film. The film features a genuinely clever twist that separates it from other teen efforts, and its distinctive visual style and intelligent screenplay echo the heights achieved by Mean Girls.

12

‘Cruel Intentions’ (1999)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Reese Witherspoon cemented their legacies as ’90s teen icons with 1999’s Cruel Intentions. An updated adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ seminal epistolary novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the film follows two scheming step-siblings who make a bet concerning a newly-arrived virginal student.

Cruel Intentions is a sexy and surprisingly witty update to a literary classic. Powered by a wicked turn by a never-better Sarah Michelle Gellar and with a memorable ending that ranks among the all-time best finales in the teen genre, Cruel Intentions is a scandalous thriller that fans of Mean Girls will undoubtedly enjoy.

11

’13 Going on 30′ (2004)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

One of the quintessential coming-of-age experiences of the early 2000s, 13 Going on 30 stands head and toe alongside Mean Girls as a hilarious examination of teenage life that defined the era. The film follows the story of Jenna, a teenage girl who is tired of the painful social structures of teenage life and wishes that she could simply be an adult and skip these painful teenage years. She suddenly gets her wish when she wakes up as a 30-year-old woman, complete with a stable career and full life, yet it doesn’t take long before Jenna learns that adulthood isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

13 Going on 30 employs a similar style of coming-of-age comedy and humor as Mean Girls, with its focus simply placed on the contrast between teenage culture and adult life as opposed to entirely focusing on teenage life. Jennifer Garner gives a standout performance throughout the film, having to bring out the inherent optimism and beauty for the world in the eyes of a child, and elevating the entire experience as a result. Even despite there differing plots, there is an undeniable parallel in the tone and execution of Mean Girls and 13 Going on 30 that makes them complement one another perfectly.

Stephen Colbert may have signed off from “The Late Show” with one final joke, but it turns out the gag came with real-world consequences for CBS. 

Nearly a month after the comedian playfully suggested that a musical stunt during his show’s finale could cost the network money, a licensing agreement has now been confirmed. 

The situation, which began as a tongue-in-cheek moment involving one of television’s most recognizable tunes, ultimately led CBS to strike a deal with the company that controls the rights to the beloved music.

During the final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on May 21, the longtime host appeared to knowingly flirt with copyright trouble while discussing legal disputes surrounding music from the classic “Charlie Brown” television specials.

The segment focused on recent enforcement efforts involving the “Peanuts” franchise and the iconic music composed by Vince Guaraldi. 

As Colbert spoke about lawsuits tied to unauthorized use of the music, he reminded viewers that the rights holders take the matter seriously.

“Peanuts is a powerful brand and corporation in and of itself. Anyone illegally using that music is going to have to pay through the nose,” Colbert said during the broadcast. 

The warning set up what would become one of the show’s final comedic moments.

Colbert Called Out His Own Band Mid-Segment

As Stephen Colbert continued speaking, bandleader Louis Cato and “The Late Show” house band, the Great Big Joy Machine, began playing Guaraldi’s instantly recognizable “Linus and Lucy” theme in the background.

The host immediately drew attention to the music, pretending to realize what was happening in real time. 

“Louis, Louis! Is the band right now playing the same Peanuts music I just said people were being sued for, for using without permission? Is that what you’re doing?” he asked.

Moments later, Colbert delivered the joke that would later prove surprisingly prophetic. “Oh no, I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money!” he joked.

At the time, the line appeared to be just another playful jab during his farewell episode. 

Weeks later, however, it became clear there was more truth behind the joke than viewers realized.

Stephen Colbert’s Musical Bit Led To A Licensing Agreement

According to the Daily Mail, Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc., the company that oversees Vince Guaraldi’s musical catalog, has now confirmed that CBS entered into a licensing agreement covering the use of “Linus and Lucy” during the finale.

According to the company, the performance required formal licensing approval after the episode aired. While the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the arrangement officially resolved the use of the famous Peanuts tune featured during the broadcast.

The licensing agreement also produced an unexpected charitable benefit. Lee Mendelson Film Productions announced that all proceeds generated through the CBS licensing deal will be donated to World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by celebrity chef José Andrés.

The organization is known for providing meals to communities affected by humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and conflicts worldwide.

The donation carries additional significance because World Central Kitchen had already played a role in the final days of Colbert’s program.

During the penultimate episode of “The Late Show,” Colbert and the show presented a $2.5 million donation to the organization and Andrés.

Stephen Colbert’s Final CBS Gag Earns Praise From Rights Holders

Rather than expressing frustration over the unauthorized use of the music, Lee Mendelson Film Productions embraced both the humor and the outcome.

Jason Mendelson, the company’s chairman, praised the segment while explaining the broader purpose of the organization’s enforcement efforts.

“LMFP found the music’s use on The Late Show funny and entertaining, and is proud to support World Central Kitchen’s mission,” Mendelson said in a statement.

He also emphasized that protecting the music remains an important part of the company’s work.

According to him, “A principal goal of our enforcement actions is to educate individuals, businesses, and government entities about the need to obtain written license agreements to use music in a commercial setting.”

Colbert Takes Aim At CBS During Surprise Hosting Return

Last month, Stephen Colbert made an unexpected return to television less than a day after ending his 11-year run on CBS’ “The Late Show,” stepping in as guest host of Michigan public-access program “Only in Monroe.”

As The Blast reported, the comedian used the appearance to poke fun at his former network, joking, “It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount.” 

Colbert also mocked CBS’ approach to streaming, telling viewers they could watch online through technology and adding, “which I promised not to learn about while I was on CBS. And evidently CBS also decided not to learn about it.” 

Ultimately, the surprise hosting stint became a talking point among fans, as it also featured appearances by Jeff Daniels, Jack White, Steve Buscemi, Eminem, and Byron Allen.

Sofía Vergara has once again shown herself to be one of Shakira’s biggest supporters.

The actress attended the World Cup opening ceremony, where the singer performed the event’s anthem, “Dia Dia.”

Vergara later took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with the “Hips Don’t Lie” hitmaker, as well as a video of herself dancing while Shakira performed on stage. The singer was also spotted blowing a kiss to her fellow Latin star.

At Shakira’s World Cup opening ceremony performance, Vergara was front and center, dancing along as the singer thrilled the packed crowd.

Advertisement

The actress was there to support her friend, and the gesture seemingly didn’t go unnoticed by the Latin superstar. In viral videos that circulated online, the two shared a brief but heartwarming moment that drew cheers from attendees.

While singing and dancing on stage, Shakira spotted Vergara in the front row, fully immersed in the performance. The singer then blew her a kiss before continuing her choreography.

The gesture immediately brought a huge smile to Vergara’s face, and she continued dancing and singing along to the performance.

Fans Call Shakira And Vergara ‘Latina Royalty’

Fans on social media appeared to enjoy the heartfelt moment between the two Latin stars and expressed their excitement in online comments.

“Two icons in one moment, that’s a cultural crossover we didn’t know we needed,” one individual wrote.

Advertisement

“Aww man, two queens from Barranquilla just making the whole stadium melt. Shakira blowing that kiss was so pure,” a second user commented.

“Latina royalty acknowledging Latina royalty. The crowd never stood a chance,” said a third.

“Shakira spotting Sofia and blowing that kiss is pure bestie energy,” one more wrote, while another remarked, “you can tell there’s a lot of mutual respect between them.”

Another user also praised Shakira for acknowledging her friend’s support.

Advertisement

“I really like the way she cares about the people she knows,” the individual mentioned.

Sofía Vergara Gushed Over Shakira After The Show

After the performance, Vergara headed backstage to see Shakira and ended up taking a photo with the singer.

She later took to Instagram to share the picture, which showed both women all smiles as they enjoyed each other’s company.

In the shot, Vergara remained dressed in the outfit she wore to the event, a yellow tank top paired with denim jeans. Meanwhile, Shakira had changed out of her performance attire and was wearing what appeared to be a glittering light blue tracksuit.

Vergara also added another clip from the performance showing her dancing, singing, and clapping along as Shakira performed. She captioned the post, “Con la más más!!!! Barranquilla in tha house!!!” which loosely translates to, “With the best of the best! Barranquilla is in the house!”

Advertisement

Shakira Celebrated Sofía Vergara’s ‘Griselda’ Success

Last year, Shakira also shared her love for Vergara by congratulating her ahead of the premiere of Vergara’s Netflix series “Griselda.”

“Hi Sofi, congratulations on your new show ‘Griselda’, I’ll be seeing you this Thursday, a kiss,” the singer said in a social media post, referencing the premiere date in January 2024.

In the series, Vergara stars as Griselda Blanco, the former leader of the Medellín Cartel and mentor to Pablo Escobar, who became known as the “Godmother of Cocaine.”

Advertisement

Following its debut, the series received positive reviews from critics, with much of the praise directed at Vergara’s performance in the lead role.

Subsequently, the “Hot Pursuit” star was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film.

Shakira Will Return For The World Cup Final

Fans of Shakira will see her on stage again to round off the 2026 World Cup on July 19.

The singer is set to make history as a co-headliner of the inaugural World Cup Final halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During the event, she will share the stage with music legend Madonna and global K-pop powerhouse BTS.

The event will also serve a charitable purpose, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative is dedicated to expanding access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

Advertisement

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s split has dominated headlines, but it was the reaction from the country star’s daughter that quickly grabbed attention. 

As fans flooded social media with theories and speculation about the end of the couple’s nearly decade-long marriage, Bailee Ann decided she had seen enough. 

The 18-year-old took aim at those dissecting her family’s personal life, delivering a blunt message that left little doubt about how she feels. Her comments come as new attention falls on the bond she has long shared with Bunnie XO.

Bailee Ann has broken her silence following news that Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO are ending their marriage. 

The 18-year-old, whom the country star shares with ex-girlfriend Felicia Beckwith, took to TikTok on Tuesday to address the growing public interest surrounding the breakup.

Rather than discuss the divorce directly, Bailee criticized those closely following developments within her family. 

“I am disgusted at how invested everyone is in a very clearly private family matter,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself lying in bed.

The teenager then urged followers to focus on their own lives instead. “Worry about your house – not mine,” she shared per the Daily Mail.  

While many hoped she would provide clarity about the situation, Bailee made it clear she was not prepared to speak publicly. “I’m not speaking on it – yet,” she added. 

Her comments arrived less than 24 hours after reports surfaced that Jelly Roll had filed for divorce from Bunnie last month.

Jelly Roll’s Daughter Has Always Shared A Close Bond With Bunnie XO

Bailee’s reaction drew attention partly because of the famously close relationship she has with Bunnie. 

When Jelly Roll gained primary custody of his daughter in 2017, Bunnie stepped into a motherly role and helped raise her. 

Over the years, the pair frequently documented their relationship online, sharing videos and photos that showcased their bond. Many of those clips carried the hashtag “#baileeandbunnie,” while Bailee has often referred to Bunnie as her mom on social media.

Last year, she even joked about having her “mom” Bunnie’s back “a little too much” while discussing how fiercely she defended her against critics. The affection has gone both ways.

During an appearance on “Today with Jenna and Sheinelle,” Bunnie reflected on how deeply she connected with Bailee because they shared similar childhood experiences involving mothers who struggled with addiction.

“When I met Bailee, I was looking at a younger version of me. Our lives are so parallel with the addict moms and just in and out of our lives,” the media personality shared. 

She described Bailee as “so independent and so headstrong and tenacious,” adding, “When I saw her, I was like this is me and she deserves the chance I didn’t get.”

Jelly Roll And Bunnie XO Often Spoke About Building A Family Together

Bunnie has repeatedly credited Bailee with changing her and Jelly Roll’s lives for the better. 

Speaking about their journey as parents, she admitted that discussions about Bailee often left her emotional.

According to Bunnie, helping raise Bailee forced both adults to embrace responsibilities they had previously avoided.

“She really just was such a catalyst in my husband and I having to grow up and become adults. We were running from becoming adults for so long, and it was all because we wanted to give Bailee a chance,” Bunnie explained.

The podcast host also made it clear that she considered Bailee her daughter in every way that matters. 

In her words, “She’s such a good kid, and I’m like, you know what, we did that. Like, I know that I didn’t birth her, but that’s my child. That’s my kid. I will ride for her until forever.”

Jelly Roll And Bunnie XO Overcame Major Obstacles During Their Marriage]

Jelly Roll and Bunnie’s relationship was far from perfect, but both frequently spoke about the challenges they overcame together.

They first met in 2015 while she was still involved in another relationship. After that romance ended, the two began dating and married the following year at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.

Recalling their first meeting during a 2022 appearance on “Taste Of Country Nights,” Jelly Roll said, “We hit it off. She said she fell in love with the saddest eyes in the room.”

Their marriage faced a major setback in 2018 when they briefly separated after the singer admitted to having an affair. Speaking candidly about it last year, he described it as “one of the worst moments” of his life.

He explained that they worked hard to repair their relationship and said the healing process had been meaningful.

Jelly Roll Continued Working As Divorce News Became Public

Despite the headlines, Jelly Roll has largely remained focused on his career. Rather than retreat from the spotlight after the news emerged, he traveled to Toronto to perform with Post Malone at Rogers Stadium as part of their joint tour. 

The tour, which was delayed from its original May launch date because of a scheduling conflict, is expected to continue through October.

Meanwhile, the timing of the split is particularly notable given the public praise the couple exchanged earlier this year. 

In February, Bunnie spoke warmly about Jelly Roll’s 300-pound weight-loss transformation, saying it had given him a “new zest for life.”

That same month, the 41-year-old honored his wife during a Grammy acceptance speech. “I want to thank my beautiful wife. I would have never changed my life without you,” he said, adding, “I would have ended up dead or in jail. I would have killed myself if it wasn’t for you and Jesus. I thank you for that.”