As expected, Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic is shattering industry projections in its debut weekend at the box office. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, had an eventful production. Reports say the filmmakers rewrote the third act after filming finished. The movie opened to poor reviews this week, with most of the criticism being directed at its hagiographic depiction of the King of Pop’s early life. Michael is nevertheless breaking box-office records this weekend, as Lionsgate prepares to put a follow-up feature in motion. The movie features Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role alongside Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, and Nia Long. The film hails from producer Graham King, whose previous blockbuster, Bohemian Rhapsody, is its closest comp.

The Freddie Mercury biopic was also criticized upon release in 2018 for being similarly sanitized, but emerged as a sensational hit. It grossed more than $900 million, and was the highest-grossing biopic ever made before being overtaken by Christopher Nolan‘s Oppenheimer. Bohemian Rhapsody also earned star Rami Malek a Best Actor Academy Award despite mixed overall reviews. Michael is proving that it’s essentially critic-proof, evidenced by an A- grade on CinemaScore and a “Verified Hot” 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie’s official critics’ score on the aggregator website currently stands at 39%. In her review, Collider’s Taylor Gates noted the omission of longstanding child-abuse allegations but still called the film “a complex, compelling family drama.”

Here’s How Much ‘Michael’ Is Expected to Gross at the Box Office

Despite the criticism, Michael generated $40 million domestically on opening day. The film is eying a record-breaking $90 million-plus opening weekend haul, which far exceeds the $51 million that Bohemian Rhapsody opened with in 2018, and the $60 million debut of Universal’s Straight Outta Compton. Michael carries a massive reported budget of $200 million, but there’s a path to $1 billion worldwide ahead of it if audiences decide to go back for seconds and thirds. Lionsgate could also follow the Bohemian Rhapsody, Frozen, and KPop Demon Hunters playbook by releasing a sing-along version in the future, given the party atmosphere being observed in theaters. Meanwhile, production on the second part is locked and loaded. It’s being reported that 30% of the first film’s footage is already edited and available for part two. Audiences clearly aren’t concerned with the controversial aspects of Jackson’s life and legacy, and are choosing instead to focus on the impact his music has had on their lives. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

April 24, 2026

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Runtime

130 minutes

Writers

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John Logan

Producers

Graham King, John Branca, John McClain

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Actress and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Kenya Moore recently caused a stir in Atlanta after footage surfaced online showing her hair salon equipment being unloaded onto the street. This even led her former “RHOA” co-star, Brit Eady, to react online. Now, while on vacation with her daughter, the former Miss USA is responding.

Hours after Moore’s hair salon equipment was spotted outside of the now-closed business, she took to the official Kenya Moore Hair Spa Instagram page to issue a statement. Notably, the post included footage of Moore and her daughter, Brooklyn, enjoying themselves on vacation.

The “RHOA” alum began, “I have spent the last several weeks moving out of my salon as a result of my ongoing legal battle with the landlord who has failed to reimburse me nearly $80k of improvement funds I am rightfully owed.”

She then explained that her “only recourse” was to “withhold rent and file a countersuit.” Moore joked, “I already have my outfit laid out for court, chile!”

The 55-year-old concluded, “To all the amazing women and men who came in and twirled out in style, thank you from the bottom of my heart! This salon chapter is closing, trust me, it’s not the end. It’s just the beginning of a new era. Stay tuned for what’s next!”

The ‘RHOA’ Alum Updated The Salon’s Status

In addition to issuing her statement, Moore also made a notable change to her business’s Instagram page. Now, the page’s bio says that it’s “temporarily closed.” It’s also worth noting that the Google listing features the same descriptor. Regarding Moore’s involvement in the hair care industry, she first launched Kenya Moore Hair Care in 2014.

The brand became a success, and Moore later expressed interest in opening a brick-and-mortar hair salon. According to PEOPLE, the official grand opening took place in June 2024, but it seems the business had been open in the months prior.

Unfortunately, based on reports from those near the situation, the hair care spa never took off, with many potential customers saying it was closed more often than it was open.

Fans Are Supporting Kenya Moore

“RHOA” viewers watched Moore not only go through the process of opening her salon, but they also knew that she dedicated it to her daughter. As a result, many offered supportive comments following her statement.

One person said, “I’m glad I was able to experience your wonderful salon. I wish you all the best in your next chapter and a proper closure on this one.”

Someone else wrote, “I pray that god protects you and your baby girl! I know they’re in the public spotlight; you feel like you owe us an explanation, but you do not. This is your life. This is your business. Do what you normally do, twirl on!!!”

Another “RHOA” fan stated, “It’s never the end for a Phoenix! This is only the beginning of your greatness. There is always more and better in store for those who are brave enough to endure. We love you! You are gonna be alright!”

Brit Eady Offered A Shady Response

As mentioned, there were several reactions to the news that Moore’s equipment had been moved out of her hair care spa. Among them was Eady. For context, the two ladies were on “RHOA” at the time of the location’s grand opening. However, Eady wasn’t invited, and Moore exposed what was believed at the time to be explicit photos of the new cast member at the filmed event.

Following that, Moore was suspended from filming, and Eady filed a lawsuit against Bravo and NBCUniversal. Now, in April 2026, Eady posted footage on social media of herself driving past the salon items outside the building, poking fun.

According to The Gworls Are Fighting, Eady then responded to backlash over the stunt. She said in a comment, “Was it cool what she did to me at her grand opening to destroy my brand?”

Kenya Is Reportedly Involved In A New Show

Moore hasn’t appeared in a new episode of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” since 2025. However, she’s stated on social media that she remains in contact with the network amid its legal situation with Eady. In the meantime, per a Reality Tea report, Moore is one of several reality stars set to appear in a new unscripted Prime Video series.

A few other names mentioned as being involved in the project are Kim Zolciak, Margaret Josephs, and Christine Quinn. The series was reportedly filmed in the Dominican Republic and has been described as being similar to the “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip” format.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are under severe scrutiny following their recent visit to Australia.

While the couple viewed the four-day trip, featuring charity engagements and cultural stops, as a success, critics accused them of blending public service with personal gain, resurfacing “grifter” allegations.

Media voices have questioned their motives, while financial experts have speculated on Prince Harry and Meghan’s potential earnings from appearances and partnerships.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced sharp criticism following their recent trip to Australia, with some commentators accusing them of profiting heavily from the visit.

The couple spent several days in Australia, where they visited locations such as a children’s hospital, a veterans’ art center, and a women’s support service.

While these appearances were framed as charitable and community-focused, they also sparked backlash from sections of the media. Among the most vocal critics was Danica De Giorgio, who dismissed the tour as overly performative and self-serving.

De Giorgio described the visit as a “circus,” claiming it combined selective public appearances with opportunities for brand exposure and financial gain.

“It is all said and done for the grifters of Oz. So long, farewell. Meg and her spare handbag, Harry, have finally left Australia after a whirlwind circus,” she said, per Express.

De Giorgio further noted that the Sussexes’ visit included “a taxpayer-funded walk around Sydney, a woe-is-me microphone tour, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-Meg two-hour girls weekend appearance, a cash-for-wear clothing scheme, oh, and the grifters are set to pocket $10 million (£5.3 million) from their four-day visit.”

Critics Question Sussexes’ Privacy Claims After Aussie Trip

De Giorgio further questioned the couple’s earlier stance on wanting privacy after stepping back from royal duties, suggesting their continued public visibility contradicts that narrative.

She also pointed out what she saw as a noticeable drop in public enthusiasm compared to their 2018 visit, when large crowds reportedly gathered to see them.

This time, she claimed, expected turnouts did not materialize to the same extent, describing the contrast as striking.

“It’s a far cry from the tens of thousands who lined up and camped out in 2018, the last time they came…How dramatic and pathetic can this be?” she added.

More About Prince Harry And Meghan’s Rumored $10 Million Payday

Financial speculation around the trip was fueled by comments from Ted Jenkin, who told Page Six that the Sussexes could have generated substantial income through speaking engagements, partnerships, and media exposure.

“Meghan and Harry could make money from audience aggregation, premium access, brand leverage,” Jenkin said. “All totaled, this tour could fetch $10 million or more for Meghan and Harry. Anytime these two get in the public eye, it usually follows with a flowing cash register.”

He also estimated that their speaking engagements and appearances alone might bring in over $2 million, while sponsorships and branding opportunities could net them $3.5 million.

Media-related value and content exposure were also projected to contribute around $4.5 millions.

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Reportedly ‘Pleased’ With Australia Trip, See It As Turning Point For Future

Despite the criticism, sources close to the couple say they view the trip very differently.

According to insiders, Harry and Meghan are “very pleased” with how the four-day visit unfolded, seeing it as a success that has boosted their confidence and signaled that “the tide is finally turning in their favor.”

An insider explained that the couple “knew there would be some sniping from critics, but in their eyes, the overall reception they received from the general public – and the causes they supported – was incredible.”

The experience has also reportedly reinforced Harry’s belief that they are building a “groundbreaking new blueprint that will stand them in good stead moving forward – and he’s hoping it will impress the royals.”

Speaking to Heat World, a source suggested the trip could even help pave the way for future UK visits, with Harry said to be open to discussions with his father in the coming months about the next phase of their relationship.

Critics Say Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Priorities Are ‘Diverging More Than Ever’

Still, not all observers are convinced. Some commentators in Australia argue that the tour highlighted growing differences in the couple’s priorities. Angela Mollard, speaking to HELLO!, said their interests appear to be “diverging more than ever.”

She pointed out that Harry continues to focus on causes such as mental health, parenting, social media awareness, and military work, while Meghan is actively building her lifestyle brand, As Ever, incorporating commercial elements into public appearances. According to Mollard, the trip’s structure, starting with charitable engagements, helped generate goodwill before transitioning into more commercial opportunities.

Emily Nash echoed similar concerns, noting that the late Queen Elizabeth II had made it clear that royal roles could not operate on a “half in, half out” basis. Yet, she suggested, the Sussexes appear to be pursuing a hybrid model, retaining the global platform of royalty while also embracing private commercial ventures.

Love on the Spectrum’s Tina Zhu Xi Caruso and Pari Kim have confirmed they’re over.

Zhu Xi Caruso, 27, and Kim, 24, both took to Instagram on Friday, April 24 to confirm they’ve gone their separate ways after falling in love on season 3 of the series.

“A few people have been asking if me and Tina are still together. I just wanted to be honest and let you all know that we are just friends now, two trains on different tracks, but I wish her the best and bright T-riffic future!” Kim wrote on a post shared via her Instagram Story.

Several hours later, Kim uploaded another Instagram Story addressing the relationship’s end.

“No matter what media and comments may come out about this news, just know I spoke from my heart and handled this with grace,” she wrote. “I hope everyone continues to lead with kindness and compassion. I have spoken my truth.”

For her part, Zhu Xi Caruso also confirmed the former couple’s separation via a post on her own Instagram page.

“It’s mutual. @purpleprincesspari and I have split up. We’re just friends now,” Zhu Xi Caruso wrote alongside a photo of the pair dressing up as Wicked characters, Glinda and Elphaba.

She continued in the caption, “We are like Glenda and Elphaba in the way we advocate for what we believe in. I’m the Elphaba and I can’t wait to show the world how I advocate. Pari will continue to advocate like Glenda. I hope we can still advocate as friends for things we believe in like public transportation and disability advocacy.”

Zhu Xi Caruso and Kim, who both identify as bisexual, met in episode 3 of season 3 and bonded over their glasses and the fact that they both have food allergies.

The break up news comes just weeks after Love on the Spectrum’s Abbey Romeo and David Isaacman confirmed they’d called it quits after five years together.

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According to multiple reports on April 9, Abbey, 27, and David, 31, went their separate ways after meeting on a July 2021 blind date during season 1 of Love on the Spectrum, which aired on Netflix in May 2022.

They broke their silence on their split via a joint statement the following day.

“Abbey and David spent four and a half years together and truly value the time they shared and each other,” Abbey, David and their families said in a joint statement to People on April 10. “At this point, they want different things and have decided to go their separate ways, but they remain friends wishing each other the best.”

Streaming platforms are being called to pull D4vd from their services following his first-degree murder charge in the Celeste Rivas Hernandez case. Last year, the singer was dropped by his record label, and collaborations with other artists were removed from streaming services. Now, however, an organization is calling for D4vd’s entire catalogue to be removed amid the ongoing murder case.

On April 20, 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd, was charged with the first-degree murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Days later, the organization Industry Blackout started a petition to remove the singer’s songs from streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music. Industry Blackout is a “unified body of Black people across industries committed to changing the community,” per its Instagram bio.

In the Change.org petition, the organization noted, “The music industry has a responsibility that goes beyond commerce. When an artist has been charged with the sexual abuse and murder of a minor, a child who was drawn into his orbit through his music and public persona, continuing to stream, promote, and profit from his catalog is a choice. It is not a neutral one.”

The organization said that the petition isn’t about “rushing judgment.” Rather, it brings into question the ethics of continuing to support and monetize an artist facing severe allegations, especially against a minor.

D4vd Was Dropped By His Record Label

In September 2025, the decomposing remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found in the trunk of an impounded Tesla. The vehicle was later identified to be registered to D4vd. Reports then came out about the singer’s alleged romantic relationship with the deceased, adding to suspicions.

Despite not being charged in connection with the murder at that time, the record label Darkroom/Interscope Records reportedly dropped D4vd in late 2025. The singer’s collaborations with other artists, including Kali Uchis (“Crashing”), Holly Humberstone (Superbloodmoon), and Laufy (“This Is How It Feels”), were also pulled from streaming services, per NME. Damiano David, meanwhile, removed D4vd from his song “Tangerine” and released a solo version instead.

As of the time of publication, D4vd’s collaboration with The Kid Laroi on the track “The Line” remains available on streaming platforms.

D4vd’s Rise To Fame

D4vd once had a dream of becoming a professional gamer, and he started livestreaming while playing “Fortnite.” He also watched other gaming videos and was exposed to other types of music. When he made his own gaming videos, however, they were taken down for copyright infringement due to the songs he used.

As a result, D4vd decided to create original music to accompany his videos. He later discovered other people using his music and explored the idea of making a career out of music instead. His success came in 2022 with the song “Romantic Homicide,” which got more than 500,000 views shortly after its release, the singer told VMAN.

His song went viral, which led to a lucrative contract with Darkroom/Interscope Records. D4vd released his first studio album, “Withered,” in April 2025.

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The Singer Was On Tour When The Teen’s Body Was Discovered

Following his viral success, D4vd performed as one of SZA’s opening acts in 2023’s “SOS Tour.” He dropped more singles the next year and performed at the 2025 Coachella music festival. Later, he announced the “Withered World Tour,” which kicked off in North America in August 2025.

D4vd was scheduled to take his tour to the U.K., Europe, Asia, and Australia, but he canceled the remaining dates after September 17, following news reports of Hernandez’s body being found and his alleged connection to the murdered teen.

Despite no arrests being made, Hollister and Crocs, which named D4vd as a brand ambassador for a joint campaign, dropped him.

D4vd Pleaded Not Guilty On All Charges

After months of investigation, D4vd was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and mutilation of a human body in the Hernandez case. He was arraigned on the day he was charged, and his counsel pleaded not guilty on all the charges.

The prosecution argued that the singer killed Hernandez to prevent her from exposing their illegal relationship and to “maintain his very lucrative musical career.” D4vd’s attorney denied the claim, saying that evidence will show the singer was not responsible for Hernandez’s death.

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D4vd was denied bail and remains in custody. A preliminary evidentiary hearing is scheduled on May 1.

Peacock fans need to hold tight because the streamer is getting a fresh lineup of movies in just under a week.

In the meantime, there are still a few days to enjoy a handful of Peacock’s most entertaining movies before they head into a company vault.

To make it easier for you, Watch With Us has selected the three Peacock movies you need to binge-watch this weekend.

This week’s picks include a tense thriller, a real-life legal drama and a comedy with a slightly sci-fi premise.

Related: What’s New on Peacock in April 2025

2023’s Oscar-winning Best Picture Oppenheimer is heading back to Peacock in April after a few months away. While that film is easily the highlight of Peacock’s movie additions in April, it’s far from the only fan-favorite film arriving this month. Peacock’s slate in April is an eclectic mixture of recent hits like Creed III as […]

‘Red Eye’ (2005)

The late Wes Craven helmed Red Eye, a thriller that helped propel Rachel McAdams forward as a leading actress. Lisa is a hotel manager who finds herself increasingly attracted to Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy), a charming man she met at the airport before they were seated together on the plane.

Lisa’s dreams of rom-com happiness are quickly thwarted when Jackson reveals his true agenda during their red-eye flight. He intends to force Lisa to help him assassinate a government official. And if she refuses, her father, Joe Reisert (Brian Cox), will be murdered. Lisa’s a resourceful woman and fights back, but Jackson seems to have thought of every contingency.

Red Eye is streaming on Peacock.

‘Dark Waters’ (2019)

If you’ve ever seen Erin Brockovich, you’ll recognize a lot of the themes in Dark Waters, which is also based on a true story about a class action lawsuit against one of the most powerful companies in America. In this case, it’s DuPont that stands accused by residents of Parkersburg, West Virginia, of dumping a chemical that caused cancer in the town’s residents and deformed livestock.

Related: Erin Brockovich Recently Walked in on Grandkids Watching ‘Erin Brockovich’

Kris Connor/Getty Images 25 years after the release of Erin Brockovich, the achievements of the beloved movie’s real-life heroine are still being uncovered — even by those closest to her.  “I walked in on my grandkids who happened to be watching Erin Brockovich,” Brockovich, 64, exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting her role as Global […]

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Attorney Rob Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) is brought into the case by a farmer, Wilbur Tennant (Bill Camp), and Tennant’s findings are critical to the case against DuPont. But unlike some other biopic legal dramas, DuPont drags out the case for years, leaving Rob’s marriage to Sarah Barlage Bilott (Anne Hathaway) in a very vulnerable state. DuPont’s legal strategy appears to be designed to avoid the company being taken to task for its actions. But as long as Rob can stand up in court, he’s not going to let that happen.

Dark Waters is streaming on Peacock.

‘Hot Tub Time Machine’ (2010)

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It seems like films with on-the-nose titles like Hot Tub Time Machine are rarities among modern theatrical movies. In this case, the high concept helped sell the film and made it a hit. John Cusack stars as Adam Yates, a recently dumped middle-aged guy who reunites with his childhood friends, Lou Dorchen (Rob Corddry) and Nick Webber-Agnew (Craig Robinson), for a vacation at their favorite winter resort so they can forget their unhappy lives. Even Adam’s nephew, Jacob Yates (Clark Duke), comes along for the trip.

One ill-advised hot tub accident later, the four men wake up in 1986. Aside from Jacob, the guys are back in their childhood bodies and ready to make up for lost time. But if they don’t maintain the shape of their personal history, they run the risk of entirely erasing the future they came from.

Hot Tub Time Machine is streaming on Peacock.

Jamie Lynn Spears’ daughter Maddie is all grown up!

Taking to Instagram on Friday, April 24, Jamie Lynn, 35, got emotional as she reflected on motherhood ahead of Maddie’s high school graduation.

“Welp….the grad invites are sent, the cap and gown arrived, and the last regular day of school is here….I guess the lovely state of denial that I forced myself to be in has to end, bc the reality of time is coming at me like a freight train,” Jamie Lynn wrote of Maddie, 17.

“I know the saying ‘the days are long, but the years are short’ is one of the most cliche sayings, bc it’s said so much, but I now know that cliches are only said so much bc they continue to ring true in every lifetime throughout the test of time.”

Jamie Lynn, who is the younger sister of Britney Spears, went on to describe how much it meant to her to watch her daughter grow up.

“Having the privilege of watching your children grow up is one of the most beautiful & fulfilling things we can experience as humans, and I am so grateful for each every up & down moment throughout the journey of motherhood this far,” she wrote. “It’s bittersweet, bc you’re so proud of everything they have accomplished this far, and so excited to watch everything that their future will bring, while also longing for them to stay your baby forever.”

She added, “I know I’m one of luckiest mamas in the world, so I’ll stop my rambling now, until I completely lose it on graduation day.”

In 2007, Jamie Lynn found out that she was pregnant with her first baby when she was still a teenager and starring on Nickelodeon series Zoey 101.

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Related: Jamie Lynn Spears’ Daughter Maddie Attends Junior Prom: See Photos

Jamie Lynn Spears is celebrating a milestone moment for daughter Maddie. Spears, 33, shared a carousel of photos via Instagram on Sunday, March 30, featuring Maddie, 16, in a floor-length lilac Sherri Hill dress with a thigh-high split. Maddie paired the look with metallic Christian Louboutin heels, styling her hair in a half-up, half-down ‘do. […]

Jamie Lynn and ex-boyfriend Casey Aldridge welcomed Maddie in June 2008. (Jamie Lynn also shares daughter Ivey Joan, 8, with husband Jamie Watson, who she married in March 2014.)

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The Sweet Magnolias star opened up to Dopple in 2019 about what it was like being a young mom and how her outlook on parenting evolved over time.

“I don’t feel like a young mom at all now, but I guess that’s because I had my first daughter so very young. I used to be insecure at times, because I was always the youngest mom in the room,” she told the outlet.

She added, “I quickly learned that being a good and competent mother has nothing to do with age. I have met some of the most wonderful amazing moms who are anywhere from 20 years old to 50 years old, so young or old, love is all it’s really about.”