Breaking Entertainment News on Fox News

Kyra Sedgwick says knowing her ancestor signed the Declaration of Independence 'means a lot' to her

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:48:39 -0400

Kyra Sedgwick is sharing why the upcoming 250th anniversary of America's independence is special to her.

During a recent appearance on "Today," the 60-year-old actress revealed that one of her ancestors signed the Declaration of Independence, telling the hosts that knowing that "means a lot."

"I mean, as an American, democracy means a lot to me. The Constitution means a lot to me. And the Declaration of Independence is obviously what it's based on, and I just think that it's a great honor and responsibility," she said. "William Ellery, he was a long way back there. Yeah, he was a lawyer, he was amazing. The original writers of that Declaration were pretty extraordinary."

She was on the show to promote her latest film, "Carolina Caroline," in which she plays the alcoholic mother of the main character.

KEVIN COSTNER FELT LIKE A ‘DUMBBELL’ IN SCHOOL BEFORE FINDING HIS PASSION

The "Singles" star got her start in the entertainment industry as a teenager on the soap opera, "Another World," later appearing in films such as "Kansas," "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Lemon Sky," which is where she met her husband, Kevin Bacon.

After meeting on the set of the movie, Bacon and Sedgwick began dating, with the actress telling People in March 2023 that Bacon fell in love with her after a comment she made while out to dinner one night.

"It was a nice dinner. I opened the menu and said, ‘I can’t believe these prices, and he instantly fell in love," she laughed, adding, "I was like, ‘Oh my God! This place is really expensive!’"

The two dated for a few years before tying the knot in September 1988 and have since welcomed two children together: Travis, 36, and Sosie, 34.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

While on an episode of "Last Meals" in April 2025, Bacon shared why he and Sedgwick chose not to expose their children to fame when they were growing up, telling the outlet, his children did not "sign up" for the lifestyle that comes with being famous.

"When it came to promoting my own fame and taking my kids to premieres and making them watch my movies and showing them an article in the paper…we really didn’t do that," Bacon said. "We really avoided it. I think we really felt like it would be nice for them to have some…we knew how weird this life was."

Although the couple chose to keep their children out of the spotlight, they chose that path for themselves when they got older.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Their son is the frontman of the industrial metal band CONTRACULT Collective, while their daughter followed in her parents' footsteps as an actress, starring in "Mare of Easttown," "13 Reasons Why" and "Smile." They have also attended red carpet events with their parents over the years.

"I just felt like, let them figure out their own thing. So that’s the way we parented them. I keep telling them, ‘It had to have been hard for you. Please, tell me. I want to know. Sit with your therapist, it’s okay,'" he added. "You can get mad at me for this life that you were…and they just will not go there. They will not acknowledge that it was anything that was difficult about having one of them."

Rupert Everett exposes his 'lethal' past, admits he was 'slightly sociopathic' during Hollywood golden era

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 16:55:07 -0400

Rupert Everett is looking back on his "slightly sociopathic" past.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, the 67-year-old actor discussed his rebellious past, calling himself "Brash. Pushy. Disingenuous. Lethal."

"Well, I was lethal. I was just interested in myself and my own pleasure. That’s always lethal. I think I was slightly sociopathic. I was a terrible gossip, and I repeated everything everyone told me. I’d borrow people’s clothes and never give them back," he said. "I don’t know how I justified it to myself. I was lethal."

The "Shrek 2" star explained he was very concerned about his "vanity," saying for him, vanity is "a feeling of deep insecurity rather than feeling how fabulous I am."

CHARLIE SHEEN ADMITS HE ‘LIT THE FUSE’ THAT BLEW HIS LIFE APART AS TURBULENT PAST RESURFACES

He has since left his partying ways behind him, saying that while he thought he would still be clubbing in his 70s, he is "not remotely interested" in any of that.

"I’m interested in dust particles and things like that," he said. "I could quite happily sit just watching spring...I love smaller things now, thank God."

Not only was he "lethal" to others in his life, he also admits to being careless with his body, telling the outlet "I ruined myself."

When looking back at his body when he was younger, noting, "I was wonderful-looking at one point" and had muscles, but admits to going to great lengths to get there.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"I ruined myself. Now I’m almost crippled as a result. I could never be bothered to do all those things, like stretching, which were necessary for lifting weights, because your tendons get tighter and tighter. So boring. I didn’t do any of that. So now my demise will be musculoskeletal, I think."

As he has gotten older, Everett admits that while he is "still quite selfish," but less so than when he was younger, adding he is "probably more thoughtful about other people’s spaces," adding, "You have to be when you live with someone."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The actor has been with his wife, Henrique, for 16 years, confirming in August 2024 that the two had officially tied the knot.

"As soon as you live with someone, that’s the end of that – otherwise you’d split up after five minutes," he said. "You have to make allowances, give territory."

Everett had his breakthrough in the entertainment industry in the 1981 play "Another Country," and later reprised his role in the 1984 film adaptation.

He then gained international stardom in "My Best Friend's Wedding," which earned him a Golden Globe and BAFTA nomination.

He later earned another Golden Globe nomination for his role in the 1999 movie, "An Ideal Husband."

Kelly Dodd fires back at cancel culture, says she's treated like 'an outcast' in Hollywood

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:18:19 -0400

Kelly Dodd says she's still paying the price for speaking her mind.

The former "Real Housewives of Orange County" star, who calls herself socially liberal but fiscally conservative, is sounding off on cancel culture, political division and the backlash that has followed her for years, saying she feels isolated for refusing to conform.

"I feel like if you don't believe along the same lines they do, they don't like you. … I feel like I am an outcast," Dodd said on Jamie Kennedy's podcast.

KELLY DODD CLAIMS SHE WAS FIRED FROM 'REAL HOUSEWIVES' BECAUSE SHE'S CONSERVATIVE

"I feel that I'm getting politically discriminated against."

The reality television personality, who was fired from "Real Housewives" in 2021 after making controversial remarks about the COVID-19 pandemic and being accused of mocking the Black Lives Matter movement, suggested that ideological differences have become increasingly divisive in America, claiming that those with opposing viewpoints are often treated differently.

"It's like rules for me but not for thee again," Dodd said.

While criticizing what she sees as growing intolerance from the left, Dodd maintained that she respects the rights of people who disagree with her.

"If you're a Democrat and you believe in all these things, I don't hate you," she said. "I respect your view. I don't hate you because you lean — you like the policies. ... That's your right as an American to feel that way. I don't politically hate you for that.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"But they hate anyone that doesn't think along the lines as them. So, it's just so hypocritical. The hypocrisy is real, and I just don't understand that."

Dodd also spoke about her time living abroad and how things she saw during her time in China seem similar to things she's seeing in the U.S. today.

WHITNEY CUMMINGS CALLS OUT LIBERAL HYPOCRISY ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND VACCINE MANDATES DURING PODCAST APPEARANCE

"I was always a Democrat, my whole life, and then I moved to China, and I saw how you're not allowed to speak freely," she said. "On Facebook, they would just watch every one of your moves. And I feel like this is where we're going. We're going into socialist communism territory, I'm telling you right now."

Dodd continued by drawing a comparison to developments she believes are occurring in the United States.

"And that's what's happening now to our country. Our civil liberties are taken away from us that you don't even realize are happening," she said.

"I think once you move away to a communist country, then you realize those policies are being inflicted right now in real time, and it's really freaking scary," she said.

"I have changed my perspective on policy. … Those policies don't work."

Her latest remarks come years after she found herself at the center of controversy over social media posts that sparked fierce criticism online.

In May 2022, the "Real Housewives of Orange County" alum drew backlash after sharing a message on X comparing discussions about school security following the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting to security measures implemented after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

The post said, "After 9-11 we didn’t ban planes. We secured the cockpits. Secure the schools."

The post quickly sparked criticism from social media users, with some arguing that increased school security was not an adequate substitute for changes to gun laws.

Following the backlash, Dodd clarified her position in a subsequent post.

"I NEVER said we shouldn't have STRICTER gun laws," she wrote at the time. "I believe we should do a BETTER job of keeping WEAPONS out of the hands of CRIMINALS & the MENTALLY ill.

"In the meantime, while these people have GUNS & CAN STILL BUY THEM, we need to BETTER PROTECT OUR KIDS."

SI Swimsuit model Carol Alt was 'on the verge of death' before dramatic health turnaround

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:00:48 -0400

Carol Alt was quietly battling debilitating health issues that left her so drained and weak that the model was convinced she was "on the verge of death."

Alt, one of the most recognizable faces of the 1980s, made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut in 1981 and landed the cover just a year later. She was featured in the outlet six times between 1981 and 1989. Despite gracing the pages of numerous magazines, including Vogue, the star was dealing with a range of physical challenges.

"I had issues my whole life," Alt told fellow Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and friend Kim Alexis, host of the "Unexpired" podcast. "I had allergies as a kid. I would rupture my stomach coughing. Everything made me cough.

CHRISTIE BRINKLEY SHARES HER TOP BEAUTY TIP AND SECRET TO FITNESS IN HER SEVENTIES

"I had been praying," she later recalled. "I said, 'I don't feel good.' I was doing a job. I didn't look good. I literally escaped from the job, and it had my name on it. ... Everybody looked better than me. Everybody was feeling better than me, projecting better than me. And I went back to LA really depressed, and I just started praying. I was like, 'Something's happening. Let me know what it is. Whatever it is, whatever you need me to do, tell me.'"

At the height of her modeling career, Alt was running on empty. She often subsisted on poor nutrition and restrictive eating habits. The constant exhaustion she felt didn't fade; it only intensified over time.

She also struggled with frequent headaches and sinus problems that left her feeling fatigued. Getting by on little sleep during her constant travels, she fueled herself with coffee, sugar and processed foods, leaving her with digestive issues.

It was her friend Steve Cantor who suggested Alt consult Dr. Timothy Brantley, whom she described as a major proponent of the raw food diet.

WATCH: SI SWIMSUIT MODEL CAROL ALT SAYS CHRISTIE BRINKLEY INSPIRED HER BOLD LOOK

The raw food diet focuses on foods that are uncooked and unprocessed or heated only to relatively low temperatures. Proponents argue that cooking can destroy certain nutrients and natural enzymes found in food. Supporters say the diet can boost energy, improve digestion and promote overall wellness.

Health experts generally note that nutrition needs vary from person to person and that no single eating plan works for everyone.

"I'm rolling my eyes," Alt told Alexis. "I pretended to take down his number, and then I hung up. ... A little voice inside of me said, 'Hey, you've tried everything. You've been asking for help, and now you throw this away.' Fortunately, it was a really easy number to remember. So, I called."

When Alt told Brantley about her diet, he laughed, she said.

"I was allergic to Irish, whatever they put in the Irish rye or barley, whatever it was," Alt said. "I was allergic to it. So, I went to Scotch. But people have to remember that we were traveling all the time. We never knew what time zone we were in.

"I would wake up in the morning on my days off, and I would have a Scotch coffee and whipped cream," Alt said. "And when I was working, believe it or not, I would have pizza bread and cappuccino. That would be my breakfast. That was Italy. In France, I'd have a cappuccino and a coffee. And the doctor was like, 'It's the same thing, the sugar and caffeine.'

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"I really had to dig myself out of a very big hole because, first of all, I was addicted to coffee," she shared. "Second of all, I wanted my Scotch in the morning. I loved my whipped cream. I really had to get myself back on track again and completely swing from this way to that way. Timothy took me through it. When I started with Timothy, I couldn't even go without something to eat every couple of hours."

In 1996, at age 35, Alt completely changed her approach to eating. She's never looked back. Alt said the changes didn't happen overnight, but she eventually noticed significant improvements in her energy levels and overall health. The model said she no longer felt constantly exhausted and began feeling stronger and more capable of keeping up with the demands of her career.

Brantley encouraged Alt to eliminate heavily processed foods and focus on raw fruits, vegetables and other minimally processed ingredients.

"There was no question," she told Alexis. "For me, there was no turning back. And believe me, I've sat at dinners with renal doctors who were taking me through the coals because I was some stupid model. But, hey, you know what? I rebuilt my body. I was on the verge of death, and I'm back. So, you can't knock me off my pedestal. I'm going to be an orator on this. I'm going to be screaming this from the mountaintops.

"I remember my father dying, saying to me, 'You know, Carol Ann, I should have known something was wrong when I didn't want to go to work,'" she reflected. "And here I was hiding. I'm like, 'There's something wrong. Whatever it is, [God], you've given me a little bit of celebrity. I know I could use it for good. Please let me know.'"

Over the years, Alt has written several books on how natural, unprocessed foods can be used to improve overall health, energy levels and aging.

"I think it was more just trying to get people to understand that processed food has so many chemicals, so many preservatives, has so many hidden fats, cooked oils and really bad things. You could have things that were the same, tasted just as good and were just as gratifying that were healthy."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Alt didn't hesitate, saying, "That I was an inspiration and helped people to live better lives, to eat better and to live better.

"When you eat better, you feel better," she said. "When you feel better, you're nicer to people. That's really what it's about for me. ... I really want people to be happy, and it's so hard to be happy these days. It really is, unless you're at peace with yourself. I find a lot of people just aren't. ... We're not all perfect. We're not all able to do what other people do, but look at your attributes and be happy and joyous in that. Bring that forth to the world because the universe will conspire to find use for you."

In 2023, Alt told Fox News Digital she would have done some things differently as a model.

WATCH: '80S SUPERMODEL CAROL ALT ON AGING, HOW NOT TO BREAK DOWN LIKE ‘AN OLD CAR’

"I wish when I was 18, 19 years old and somebody said to me, ‘You should eat your vegetables raw,'" she said at the time.

"I suffered through my modeling career because I was always tired. I was always malnourished. I was always trying to keep my weight down. I didn't eat, and when I ate, I ate garbage because I really did not know what to eat.

"I didn't know what to eat in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, how much and what would keep my energy going, and there were so many times I suffered."

Alt said that if she had changed how she ate earlier, her modeling career would have been "immensely" different.

"I just had no energy left to be cool and groovy," she said.

Test your pop culture: From Hollywood to the Heartland

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:30:42 -0400

The Pop Culture Quiz is your weekly test of what’s making headlines and breaking the Internet, from the Heartland to Hollywood.

This week’s quiz spotlights hard launches and Hollywood revelations.

Can you get all 5 questions right?

For more Entertainment articles, visit www.foxnews.com/entertainment

To try your hand at more quizzes from Fox News Digital, click here.

Tom Hardy's 'Mobland' drama tops Hollywood's most notorious on-set meltdowns and feuds

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:00:34 -0400

Long before reports surfaced about Tom Hardy's alleged behavior on the set of "Mobland," Hollywood had no shortage of stories about stars whose tempers, clashes and behind-the-scenes drama made headlines.

Hardy reportedly kept production stalled by staying in his trailer for hours at a time, often leaving co-stars Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren idle on set.

"He refused to come out of his trailer for hours at a time," a source told The Hollywood Reporter. "He kept the cast waiting, [which is] a power play. Keeping Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren and others waiting is career suicide, I would wager."

'MOBLAND' STAR TOM HARDY REPORTEDLY FRUSTRATED BY LATE SCRIPTS AS SHOW TENSIONS ERUPT

While many of the biggest on-set incidents unfolded years ago, the stories have endured, fueled by leaked recordings, public feuds and candid admissions from the stars themselves.

From Christian Bale's leaked meltdown to Russell Crowe's reputation for confrontation, some of the industry's biggest names have faced claims that their on-set conduct crossed the line.

The latest claims echoed past reports from the set of "Mad Max: Fury Road," where director George Miller later acknowledged friction between Hardy and co-star Charlize Theron during the movie’s grueling shoot.

Miller claimed the squabble stemmed from Theron and Hardy being "two very different performers."

"Tom has a damage to him but also a brilliance that comes with it, and whatever was going on with him at the time, he had to be coaxed out of his trailer," Miller said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Whereas Charlize was incredibly disciplined — a dancer by training, which told in the precision of her performance — and always the first one on set.

"I’m an optimist, so I saw their behavior as mirroring their characters, where they had to learn to cooperate in order to ensure mutual survival," Miller added. "There’s no excuse for it, and I think there’s a tendency in this business to use great performances as an excuse for other disruption that could be avoided."

Bale famously went off on cinematographer Shane Hurlbut while filming "Terminator Salvation" in 2008. The four-minute tirade, that occurred after Hurlbut walked into Bale's eyeline during a scene. was leaked and went viral.

He later apologized and chalked his behavior up to a bad week and getting too into character. Although he acknowledged his conduct was "inexcusable."

"There is nobody who has heard that tape who has been hit harder than me," he said during an appearance on the Los Angeles radio station KROQ. "The one thing that disturbs me so much is that I've heard a lot of people saying that I seem to think that I'm better than anybody else.

"Nothing could be farther from the truth. I am a lucky man. I never forget that, and that is why I put so much into what I do and why I care so much about it and why sometimes that enthusiasm just goes awry."

MERYL STREEP HAD SECRET 'BEEF' WITH GOLDIE HAWN WHILE FILMING 90S' HORROR COMEDY FILM

Crowe's reputation was on full display during a recent autograph signing.

"Are you listening?" he told the fans in May, according to a video obtained by Fox News Digital. "Stay where you are. Don’t f---ing push in on me. I’ll come to you. Give everybody space. As soon as somebody’s a d---, I’m going. You got me? Clear?"

Crowe's blunt warning echoed the tough-guy image that has followed him throughout much of his career. However, not everyone has been critical of Crowe's intensity.

"Russell has a reputation of being difficult, and what I speculate is that he’s difficult when he’s not trusting," "L.A. Confidential" director Curtis Hanson told Variety in 2010.

By 2024, the "Gladiator" star was able to acknowledge he might have been acting like "a d---" all those years.

"I’ve got a s--- ton of regrets," he told GQ. "An angry word, an overreaction, a missed opportunity for friendship — lots of things like that. But all of those things are in perspective, because I’ve done lots of really cool s--- too. My regrets are, in a way, badges of honor. Having the ability to have that introspection and go, ‘You know, the other day you were a f---ing d---, mate. Do your best not to be a f---ing d--- like that again.'"

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

LaBeouf reportedly created issues on set filming "Don't Worry Darling" in 2020, leading to reports he had been fired from the movie.

"I say this as someone who is such an admirer of his work," Olivia Wilde told Variety. "His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions. He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe that is conducive to the best performances.

"I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment is the best way to get people to do their best work. Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job."

However, LaBeouf later claimed he actually "quit the film due to lack of rehearsal time."

In emails obtained by Variety, LaBeouf told the director, "You and I both know the reasons for my exit. I quit your film because your actors and I couldn’t find time to rehearse."

The claim made by Wilde echoed a sentiment shared by Scott Eastwood after filming "Fury" alongside LaBeouf in 2013.

"[LaBeouf] got mad at me, and it turned into a volatile moment that Brad Pitt ultimately got in the middle of," Eastwood told Business Insider.

"I never think your process as an actor should ever hinder how people are treated on set," Eastwood added. "It should always enhance the production, not take away and put people in a situation where it’s a s----y work environment, or you’re rude or people have to be in an uncomfortable situation.

"You got to put things in perspective. This is make-believe, it’s fun and, at times, it’s serious, and you’re doing emotional work. And you give people space to do that in, but everything has to have its parameters."

SHIA LABEOUF 'NOT INTO' REHAB PUSH, CITES 'SMALL MAN COMPLEX' FOR MARDI GRAS BRAWL

Murray built a reputation for being difficult to work with after his spat with "Saturday Night Live" co-star Chevy Chase. He infamously clashed with "Groundhog Day" director Harold Ramis, and production on "Being Mortal" was suspended after complaints were made over Murray's behavior.

Murray expressed regret over his behavior during an appearance on CNBC in 2022.

"The world is different than it was when I was a little kid. You know, what I always thought was funny as a little kid isn't necessarily the same as what's funny now," he said at the time.

"Things change, and the times change, so it’s important for me to figure it out. And I think the most important thing is that it’s best for the other person. I thought about it, and if it’s not best for the other person, doesn’t matter what happens for me."

Kilmer, who died in 2025, was notoriously difficult to work with on multiple films, including "Top Gun," "Batman Forever," "Tombstone" and "The Doors."

"Batman Forever" director Joel Schumacher told Entertainment Weekly in 1996 that Kilmer was both "childish and impossible" to deal with while filming the 1995 installment.

"[Kilmer] was being irrational and ballistic with the first AD, the cameraman, the costume people," Schumacher claimed. "He was badly behaved, he was rude and inappropriate. I was forced to tell him that this would not be tolerated for one more second."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"The Doors" director Oliver Stone later said Kilmer's personality "was not easy to get along with."

"Creative people are often self-involved, and there was a fair amount of stuff you’d expect to see from an eccentric young actor in Hollywood. Although, even by those standards, Val was pretty out there," the filmmaker claimed to RogerEbert.com in 2025.

Before his death, Kilmer admitted his on-set behavior was "foolish."

"I understand that now," he added during a 2017 Ask Me Anything session on Reddit. "And sometimes, when you are the head of a project and the lead actor is usually the reason a film is being made, unless it’s a superstar director, then it’s only fair to make people feel good and happy they are at work. I was often unhappy trying to make pictures better."

'Teacher's Pet' star Mamie Van Doren says she felt 'used' as young actress navigating Hollywood's dark side

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:00:52 -0400

Mamie Van Doren isn’t done spilling secrets.

The actress and sex symbol has written a new memoir, "You Thought I Was Dead," in which she lays bare her decades-long career in showbiz. The 95-year-old is also the subject of a new documentary about her life that’s in production.

In her latest tell-all, the star addresses Hollywood's notorious casting couch and how it continues to impact stars today.

DENISE RICHARDS PRESSURED TO KEEP SILENT ABOUT ALLEGED SEXUAL HARASSMENT TO AVOID HOLLYWOOD BLACKLIST

"Predatory brutes like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein have been ousted, tried and punished by the #MeToo movement," Van Doren wrote.

"Women can, and should, feel empowered by the support of their sisters. ... Young women being preyed upon and seduced by rapacious Hollywood producers, stars and studio heads is a tired cliché, but like all clichés, it is based on reality. The casting couch was, and is, part of Hollywood's shameful legacy.

"But through all the tears and fears, I am living proof that it is survivable."

Van Doren painted a picture of Hollywood where young actresses were often vulnerable to powerful men.

"It was a classic example of the predatory environment in the movie industry during the so-called Golden Age," she wrote.

"A new starlet in her first movie was like blood in the water to the male sharks at the studio."

WATCH: NEW MARILYN MONROE PHOTOS TAKEN BY CLOSE FRIEND REVEALED IN BOOK

Van Doren knows the subject firsthand. Recalling her early years in Hollywood, she described feeling "used" and "guilty," writing, "I was now part of that multitude of stories about the casting couch."

"Now I felt drained and exposed. And worst of all, used," she wrote.

"How many more lies would I have to tell before I got what I wanted? As I drove home, I asked myself if this was the way I wanted to become a movie star. Tonight, the answer had clearly been that I would f--- for it. But there was a cold, sick knot in the pit of my stomach, signaling that my conscience was weighing in."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"So, did I want to continue this?" she wrote. "'Well, I'm in it now,' I told myself. ... 'Let's see what the next move will be.' I was learning a hard lesson about Hollywood's promise and threat: You may be allowed to reach the heights, but at the same time, you may be cursed or feel powerless and unprotected — and slightly sullied."

WATCH: CANDICE DELONG CALLS PLAYBOY PLAYMATE DOROTHY STRATTEN'S KILLER A ‘PSYCHOPATH’

In the book, Van Doren portrays Hollywood as an industry that could be exploitative and disappointing, even after achieving stardom. She described how fellow blonde bombshells like Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Stratten met grim ends, their dreams "swept away and turned into nightmares."

"That, boys and girls, is Hollywood," she wrote.

"I wake up every day to a new obituary. I have been blessed with a long life. When you reach this point in the hill climb, it's only natural to see one's contemporaries fall by the wayside. Father Time doesn't miss. ... I'll dare to quote the Book of Job, King James Version, 1:15. 'And I only am escaped alone to tell thee.'"

Van Doren’s memoir also focuses on experiences far removed from Hollywood, including her time entertaining troops during the Vietnam War.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"The rain started again, but I did my whole show," she recalled. "When it was over, all of us were soaking wet. Everyone was grinning. As the soldiers straggled back ... one stopped me and said something that I would hear a lot in the next few months: 'Mamie,' he told me gratefully, 'I can't believe you're here.'

"And there was a part of me that couldn’t believe it either. Vietnam so far had been like a fever dream," she wrote. "I couldn’t escape the alarming sense of being out of control, no longer in charge of my life, but at the mercy of authorities I didn’t know, in service of a war I didn’t understand.

"I got into bed that night clutching my little brown Bible next to my heart, praying to somehow survive the forces swirling around me, praying that I would live to see my son again, and praying that I would manage to bring something worthwhile to the combat soldiers' dark world."

Van Doren described meeting Charlie, an 18-year-old Marine from Toledo. As a gift, he gave her his "lucky charm," a scratched and dented Zippo cigarette lighter. Van Doren initially refused, but he insisted. When she asked him about his luck, he grinned and said, "I got matches to light my smokes. And I got an M-16 for the rest."

Days later, Van Doren learned Charlie had been killed in an ambush.

"I flicked Charlie’s Zippo again and stared at the flame," she wrote. "I closed it and extinguished the flame. ‘Goodbye, Charlie. May angels sing you on to heaven.’"

In 2020, Van Doren told Fox News Digital she loved her life outside of Hollywood in her later years.

"I got away from all the bad stuff that was going on," she said at the time. "This was around the ‘60s when I left. There were a lot of drugs. Marilyn [Monroe] died. Jayne [Mansfield] died. A lot of my contemporaries were gone. I just thought it was time to leave Hollywood. It just wasn’t agreeing with me.

"And I had a son," she pointed out. "I wanted to give him a better life than Hollywood. And he got interested in boats. I took a different turn and a different lifestyle from what I was used to. I kept some of my friends. I didn’t have that many friends in Hollywood to begin with. I shy away from going to parties so much. I had stacks of invitations, and I just never used them."

Despite her tumultuous past, she had no qualms about still being recognized as a sex symbol.

"I think I was born with it," said Van Doren. "I certainly opened a lot of doors during a postwar time when things were very conservative. I was way ahead of my time. ... I wasn't going to be playing nun roles, that's for sure."

Spencer Pratt's unexpected political rise from MTV villain to Karen Bass' challenger

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 09:00:53 -0400

Spencer Pratt's journey from reality television villain to Los Angeles mayoral contender has taken another unexpected turn as the former reality star appears positioned to face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in a runoff election.

Bass, who has served as mayor since 2022 and faced scrutiny over her handling of the devastating LA fires, advanced to a runoff after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday's primary. The top two vote-getters will now compete in November.

Pratt, who is best known for starring on MTV's "The Hills" and has never previously run for political office, is running in second place ahead of LA Councilmember Nithya Raman.

SPENCER PRATT SURGES TO RUNOFF IN LA MAYOR'S RACE AFTER ANGRY VOTERS SEND MESSAGE TO KAREN BASS

"God wanted five more months of me exposing all the failures of our mayor," Pratt said while speaking with reporters outside his election watch party on Tuesday night.

"So, it's going to be a fun ride," he continued. "I hope she's ready."

When asked if he was ready, Pratt responded, "I mean, I was born for this, clearly."

Pratt's mayoral bid was initially met with widespread skepticism, with many observers viewing the TV personality as a long-shot celebrity candidate.

LA BUSINESS LEADER SAYS CRIME, WILDFIRE FALLOUT FUELING PRATT SURGE AS VOTERS SEEK CHANGE: 'PEOPLE ARE ANGRY'

However, as his campaign gained traction online, attracted support from high-profile figures and tapped into voter frustration over issues such as public safety, homelessness and wildfire recovery, perceptions began to shift, and national media outlets started treating his candidacy as a serious political effort.

In recent weeks, Pratt's unlikely candidacy has continued to gain traction due to several viral campaign ads and widely praised debate performance against Bass and Raman.

From reality television fame and viral social media stardom to his surprisingly competitive mayoral campaign, Pratt has reinvented himself more than once. Now, as he looks poised for a showdown with Bass for the leadership of LA, here's what to know about Pratt.

SPENCER PRATT'S SISTER NOW BACKS HIS LA MAYOR CAMPAIGN, MONTHS AFTER SAYING HE DOESN'T BELONG IN THE GOVERNMENT

Throughout his campaign, Pratt has highlighted his LA roots, arguing that he has firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing the city and its residents.

Born and raised in LA, Pratt is the son of dentist William "Skip" Pratt and Janet Pratt. He grew up alongside younger sister Stephanie Pratt, who also found fame on "The Hills," and has an older half-sister, Kristin, from his mother's previous marriage.

SPENCER PRATT FACES HARSH FAMILY OPPOSITION IN LA MAYORAL BID DESPITE GROWING COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Pratt attended the Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica, a private high school known for its many famous alumni, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Jack Black and others. "The Hills" stars Brody Jenner and Whitney Port also attended Crossroads alongside Pratt and Stephanie.

In February, Stephanie slammed Pratt's mayoral run, claiming a vote for him was a "vote for stupidity." Last week, Stephanie revealed that she was now supporting her brother’s campaign.

"I admit I was the first person to tell people that they were idiots if they voted for my brother," Stephanie told Vanity Fair in an email related to a profile on him.

"Wow, was I wrong? He has spent every day since the fires finding the facts, the mistakes, the negligence and uncovering the truth that they never wanted us to know."

Long before launching a mayoral campaign, Pratt earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Southern California (USC) in LA.

After graduating from high school, Pratt enrolled as a political science major at USC in 2003. Pratt left college to pursue television projects which led to his career in reality TV. In 2011, he enrolled again at USC to finish his degree and graduated in 2014.

Pratt's supporters, including Brody, have previously pointed to Pratt's degree when critics dismissed him as "just a reality star."

Pratt's reality television career began in 2005 with Fox's short-lived series "The Princes of Malibu," a series he co-created and executive produced that followed Brody and his brother Brandon Jenner's lives in Malibu.

Brody and Brandon's mother, songwriter and actress Linda Thompson, and their stepfather at the time, Grammy Award-winning musician David Foster, also starred. In May, Foster and his wife Katharine McPhee hosted an exclusive, star-studded fundraiser at their Brentwood Park home for Pratt's mayoral run.

Pratt also made appearances in "The Princes of Malibu," which was canceled after one season.

He later became a household name after he began dating "The Hills" star Heidi Montag in 2006. At the time, Montag was starring alongside Port, Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge in the show, which premiered in May 2006.

Pratt joined "The Hills" during its second season in 2007, where the couple's relationship quickly became central to the show’s drama.

Pratt, who has previously spoken out about how he carefully cultivated his "villainous" TV persona for attention, quickly became a disruptive presence, often clashing with Conrad and the existing friend group.

While appearing on the show, Pratt and Montag teamed up to become the reality TV power couple known as "Speidi." The duo established themselves as fixtures of the tabloid era known for staging paparazzi photos, fueling feuds and embracing the attention that came with being reality television’s most famous pair.

By the late 2000s, the couple's fame reached its peak. Pratt and Montag married in 2008 and held a televised ceremony the following year that aired on "The Hills."

After "The Hills" ended in 2010, the duo faced financial hardship as their income began to dwindle, and they struggled to maintain their celebrity status.

After blowing through their $10 million reality TV fortune, the couple downsized significantly and moved in with Pratt's parents at one point as they tried to rebuild their lives. The two continued to pursue opportunities in reality television, appearing on shows including "I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!," "Marriage Boot Camp" and the U.K.'s "Celebrity Big Brother."

Pratt and Montag made their full-time return to reality TV when they starred in "The Hills" revival series "The Hills: New Beginnings" from 2019 to 2021.

The couple's first son, Gunner, who they welcomed in 2017, appeared on the show, reflecting a reinvention that saw Pratt and Montag move away from their former reality TV personas and toward a more grounded, family-oriented life.

SPENCER PRATT SHARES HEARTBREAKING MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE TO HEIDI MONTAG FROM THEIR FIRE-DESTROYED LA HOME

In 2022, Montag gave birth to their second son, Ryker.

In January 2025, Pratt and Montag lost their Pacific Palisades home in the devastating California fires, which destroyed more than 16,200 buildings. Days after the fire, Pratt asked fans of the couple for their help.

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: HEIDI MONTAG SKYROCKETS TO NO. 1 ON ITUNES AFTER LOSING PACIFIC PALISADES HOME

In an effort to support the pair, fans catapulted Montag's 2010 debut album, "Superficial," which was initially a commercial flop, to the top of the iTunes charts, where it secured the No. 1 spot for both song and album.

The experience marked a personal turning point, shifting public perception of Pratt and Montag from former tabloid fixtures to a family navigating real hardship.

The tragedy also transformed Pratt into one of Bass' most vocal critics and ultimately helped propel him into politics.

SPENCER PRATT ENLISTS SEN. RICK SCOTT FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RESPONSE

Following the fires, Pratt, whose parents also lost their home, led a social media crusade against California leadership he has accused of mismanagement, corruption and "criminal negligence" in their response to the disaster.

In August 2025, Pratt traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials, including former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

SPENCER PRATT ANNOUNCES LA MAYOR RUN ON ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF PALISADES FIRE THAT DESTROYED HIS HOME

Pratt announced that he was running for mayor of LA at a "They Let Us Burn!" protest in the Pacific Palisades near the remains of his home Jan. 7, the one-year anniversary of the LA fires.

From the start of his campaign, Pratt has positioned himself as an outsider candidate challenging city hall and establishment politicians.

"The system in Los Angeles isn’t struggling; it’s fundamentally broken," Pratt said while announcing his mayoral run, according to US Weekly.

"It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with while the rest of us drown in toxic smoke and ash," he continued. "Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles, and I’m done waiting for someone to take real action. That's why I am running for mayor.

"But let me be clear. This just isn't a campaign," Pratt added, via the BBC. "This is a mission, and we are going to expose the system.

"We are going into every dark corner of LA politics and disinfecting the city with our light."

WHY SPENCER PRATT’S LOS ANGELES CAMPAIGN HAS AMERICA PAYING ATTENTION

Despite lacking traditional political experience, Pratt emerged as one of the most talked-about candidates in the race.

The former reality star's mayoral bid has attracted national attention, earning coverage from major political and entertainment outlets as he emerged as an unexpectedly competitive challenger to Bass.

THE CELEB ENDORSEMENTS BOOSTING SPENCER PRATT'S CHANCES OF BECOMING THE NEXT LA MAYOR

Pratt's celebrity status, viral social media strategy and outsider message have helped turn what was expected to be a relatively routine LA mayoral race into a national political spectacle.

His campaign has also gained additional attention as celebrities have spoken out about their views on his candidacy.

In the months since Pratt launched his campaign, his run for mayor has become a Hollywood flashpoint, as celebrities rally behind the former reality star while others openly push back.

Paris Hilton, Dennis Quaid, Joe Rogan, James Woods, Jamie Kennedy, Billy Bush, Adam Carolla and Joanna Krupa are among Pratt's supporters, as well as several of his former "The Hills" co-stars: Brody, Audrina Patridge and Kristin Cavallari.

Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer attended Foster and McPhee's fundraiser for Pratt while Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss donated the maximum allowed amount to his campaign.

Celebrities who have expressed opposition to Pratt's run include Jimmy Kimmel, Drew Carey, Jane Fonda, Chelsea Handler, Lisa Rinna and Yvette Nicole Brown.

Pratt has centered his mayoral campaign on a series of quality-of-life issues that he argues have been neglected by city leaders. Pratt has emphasized issues such as homelessness, public safety, wildfire response and infrastructure.

Public safety has emerged as one of the cornerstones of Pratt's platform. He has called for increased funding for the Los Angeles Police Department and stronger enforcement against crimes.

SPENCER PRATT SEIZES ON HOMELESSNESS REMARKS BY KAREN BASS, BLASTS DEMOCRAT FOR FAILURES

Pratt has also focused heavily on homelessness. The candidate has criticized the city's handling of the homelessness crisis and advocated for a more effective approach to addressing encampments and connecting people with services.

He also made disaster readiness a key campaign issue, calling for stronger emergency planning, infrastructure improvements and wildfire prevention efforts across Los Angeles.

In addition, Pratt has highlighted infrastructure concerns, including road conditions, traffic congestion and city maintenance.

SPENCER PRATT REVEALS THE ONE MAJOR ISSUE MADE HIM DECIDE TO RUN AS A REPUBLICAN

Though Pratt is a registered Republican, he is running as an independent in the nonpartisan race and has attempted to distance himself from party politics. He has often described himself as a "community advocate" focused on local issues rather than national ideology.

During an appearance on NBC News, Pratt rejected being labeled a "MAGA" candidate by Raman. He emphasized that LA mayoral elections are officially nonpartisan and that a mayor is "supposed to represent all Angelenos."

TRUMP SAYS HE HOPES SPENCER PRATT DOES WELL IN LA MAYORAL RACE, BLASTS CALIFORNIA'S 'RIGGED' ELECTIONS

Pratt also noted that many members of his family and people he meets on the campaign trail are Democrats.

"I do not represent a party. I don’t have a campaign manager. I don’t have campaign consults. There’s no political party backing me," he said.

After President Donald Trump praised Pratt last month, the former reality star explained that he was not seeking endorsements from politicians.

"I don’t need anyone’s endorsement but mothers’. That’s who’s getting me elected," he told NBC News. "My race is a local race. I don’t care what’s going on in the national politics, in other states. I am running for a local position."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Social media has been central to Pratt's public image long before he entered politics. After "The Hills" ended, he successfully reinvented himself online in 2016 when he began cultivating a widespread following on Snapchat, sharing content about his daily life and his obsession with hummingbirds and crystals.

He later became one of the platform's top personalities, winning Snapchatter of the Year at the 10th Annual Shorty Awards in 2018. Over the past decade, Pratt has continued to build his social media following across Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and X.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

By the time he launched his mayoral run, Pratt already had a built-in audience that he leveraged to promote his campaign directly to voters without relying solely on traditional advertising or media appearances.

Instead of running traditional television or radio ads, Pratt's campaign strategy has focused entirely on social media and viral AI-generated videos. Pratt frequently posts videos discussing local issues, responding to critics and sharing campaign updates.

He has also appeared in a series of campaign videos that were widely shared and made national headlines. Pratt's videos include a spoof on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," a wildfire-themed spot tied to the loss of his Pacific Palisades home, and a homelessness-focused clip that highlighted conditions on city streets.

In addition, Pratt has reposted grassroots, viral AI-generated videos created by social media users, including one by filmmaker Charlie Curran that depicted LA as a dystopian city in decline, with the former reality star cast as a Batman-like figure stepping in to restore order.

'Jumanji' actor James Handy's girlfriend's son charged with murder after actor found stabbed to death

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 21:35:57 -0400

James Handy's girlfriend's son has been charged with murder, after the actor was found stabbed to death outside his home in Tarzana.

According to a press release from the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, Michael Gledhill, 44, is facing up to 26 years to life in prison if he is convicted as charged.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, issued the following statement: "This is not how anyone's life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home. The victim, James Handy, deserved to live out his later years enjoying what he had worked so hard for and enjoying it with those he loved and cared about."

The statement continued, "Like all murder victims, his life mattered and the person who inexplicably and violently took it must be held accountable for his actions."

ACTOR JAMES HANDY, KNOWN FOR 'JUMANJI' AND 'TOP GUN: MAVERICK,' ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY GIRLFRIEND'S SON

The press release stated that Gledhill was charged with one count of murder with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Handy, an actor known for various roles in films like "Jumanji" and "Top Gun: Maverick," was killed early Wednesday morning. According to police, a 911 caller stated: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."

When officers arrived, they found Handy, 81, unconscious in the front yard suffering from a stab wound to the chest. Authorities said Handy was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

According to investigators, Gledhill flagged down officers as they arrived and told them he was the person they were looking for.

Police said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend.

Gledhill was arrested and booked into the Van Nuys Jail on a murder charge. Bail was set at $2 million.

Fox News Digital's Michael Sinkewicz contributed to this report.

Maya Hawke says mom Uma Thurman practiced 'witch-adjacent' remedies

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:24:22 -0400

Maya Hawke is shedding some light on how she was raised with Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke as parents.

On NPR's "Wild Card with Rachel Martin," Maya dove into "witch-adjacent" remedies her mom instilled in her as a child.

"My mother really taught me to love and respect nature... like herbal remedies to things," she began. "It's sort of like 'witch-adjacent.' It's not toil and trouble, but it's wickenary."

She went on to explain that one she still remembers from her childhood is a pineapple skin tea that her mom would have her drink if she had a cold. "Because the enzymes in the pineapple skin is good to get rid of a cold," she added.

UMA THURMAN REVEALS WHY SHE NEVER LIVED IN LOS ANGELES

Maya explained that her dad is "magic in a different way."

"He's a magical thinker. I wouldn't say he's witchy, but he used to do like treasure hunts for me when I was a kid," Maya added. "He's crafty and magical, but he's not witchy."

The "Stranger Things" star noted that she grew up between Manhattan and Upstate New York. Maya explained that Uma loves nature and that she is a "gorgeous gardener."

Maya explained that growing up, she didn't know how "big of a deal" her parents were because her mom spent most of her time with her in her garden, "on her knees," finding ingredients to make soups out of.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Maya comes from one of Hollywood's most famous families. Of course, Ethan is best known for his roles in "Dead Poets Society," "Training Day," "Boyhood," and the "Before" trilogy, while her mother, Uma, rose to fame through iconic roles in "Pulp Fiction" and Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" films.

Ethan and Uma married in 1998 after meeting on the set of "Gattaca" and divorced in 2005. Maya followed in her parents' footsteps and has built a successful career as both an actress and singer-songwriter, earning widespread recognition for her role as Robin Buckley in Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Maya has four siblings in total.

She has one full sibling, her younger brother, Levon Roan Thurman-Hawke. Through her father's marriage to Ryan Shawhughes, Maya has two half-sisters, Clementine Hawke and Indiana Hawke. Through her mother's relationship with financier Arpad Busson, she has another half-sister, Luna Thurman-Busson.

Richard Gere says US is in 'darkest moment' he's experienced

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:41:28 -0400

Richard Gere is warning the Democratic Party as to what could happen when they stop paying attention.

When speaking at the Oslo Freedom Forum in Norway on Tuesday, the 76-year-old actor reflected on the state of the United States and how it got there, noting, "we're living in the darkest moment that I've experienced on this planet" under President Donald Trump.

"How is this even possible? Because we went to sleep. We didn't care. We didn't vote. We didn't really listen," he said. "Of course, I didn't vote for this guy, but I didn't do enough work to skillfully convince people around me, close to me, not close to me, that this was insane to elect this person as President of the United States."

He went on to call President Trump a "maniac," who has "dismantled almost everything that was good about the U.S. government and the U.S. people." He admits that while the country "has never been a perfect place," it has always been able to be "self-corrective."

DIRECTOR JUDD APATOW CLAIMS ‘WE’RE IN A DICTATORSHIP NOW’ DURING GOLDEN GLOBES REMARKS

Later in his monologue, Gere reflected on his recent visit to the concentration camp Dachau, using it as a warning for "how quickly our world can be taken from us if we fall asleep," urging everyone to "see the cues."

"We can't sit back and go, 'Ah, life is good. I'm fine. You know, I've got food. I got money. Blah blah blah. I got my house. I got another car. I'm thinking about this. I'm OK. I know he's a bad guy, but it's OK,'" Gere said. "But it's not OK. It's not OK. It's never OK."

"We have to see the cues, this dictatorship of the monsters, how quickly it happens," he added. "We have to be vigilant."

The "Pretty Woman" actor previously spoke to Variety in December 2025, after hearing the Dalai Lama, who he called a close friend, speak.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

He told Variety that the experience made him think about how the United States was on the "very wrong track," adding he doesn't know how anyone could explain what President Trump "has done to this country" or "what it feels like to be an American now," calling it "astonishing."

"If we want a world a certain way, then we have to elect leaders who have a similar vision to us and will lead us towards this higher level of possibility — who we are as individuals and how we can create a world, a society where people can live with each other rather than this battlefield every day, all day long, with the craziness," Gere said. "Especially, as I say, coming from this very crude mentality that is now in our leadership."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, moved to Spain at the end of 2024, with the actor telling Vanity Fair Spain that he thought of the move as "a great adventure" because he had never lived outside the United States.

He explained that the move was good for his wife, because "her family, her lifelong friends and her culture" are there, and it was a good trade-off since "she was very generous in giving me six years living in my world."

When speaking with the Daily Mail in April 2025, Silva explained that the move is not permanent, noting "For a few years [we’ll live in Spain], and then come back. But we're always coming back."

"I'm with my family... I missed them a lot. But I miss the U.S. So we come back and forth," she told the outlet.

'Love Island USA' contestant slammed by Pennsylvania mayor after he quit police force to join the reality show

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:37:18 -0400

A Pennsylvania police department is down another officer — and city leaders say reality television is to blame.

"Love Island USA" contestant Sean Reifel is under fire after resigning from the Bethlehem Police Department to join Season 8 of the hit dating show, leaving behind a force already grappling with staffing shortages and triggering frustration among local officials who say taxpayers invested thousands in his training.

The controversy exploded after Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott publicly acknowledged her disappointment over Reifel's departure, revealing the department is now facing 16 officer vacancies.

‘LOVE ISLAND USA’ CONTESTANT EXITS SHOW AFTER RACIST SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS RESURFACE

"Officer Reifel recently resigned from the Bethlehem Police Department to pursue a unique personal opportunity. We respect his decision and wish him success in this next chapter of his life," Kott said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

But the chief made clear the resignation comes at a difficult time for the department.

"At the same time, I would be less than candid if I didn't acknowledge my disappointment in losing another police officer. Law enforcement agencies across the United States continue to face significant recruiting and retention challenges, and every vacancy affects our organization and the community we serve. With Officer Reifel's departure, we now have 16 officer vacancies that we are actively working to fill."

Kott added that while she was disappointed to lose a "trained and experienced officer," she understands that "people have personal and professional goals that sometimes lead them in different directions."

The chief also thanked Reifel for his service to the department and wished him success moving forward.

But Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds delivered a different response.

JENNA ORTEGA URGES FOLLOWERS TO 'BE ANGRY' OVER LOS ANGELES IMMIGRATION RAIDS

The mayor blasted the 29-year-old reality TV contestant for walking away from the force less than a year after being sworn in, arguing the city invested significant taxpayer resources into preparing him for the job.

"Our police department spent a lot of time training, and we paid thousands of taxpayer dollars to send him to the police academy," Reynolds told local outlet WHTM.

"We are disappointed he left as we now have another vacancy in our department that is impossible to fill until next year."

Reynolds then took direct aim at Reifel's decision to swap police work for reality television.

"I never thought I'd see the day in America where reality show participation wins out over being a police officer."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

The remarks quickly ignited backlash from some "Love Island" fans, who accused the mayor of publicly shaming Reifel for pursuing a new opportunity.

"I don't understand why this mayor took time to give an interview about this. Is he riding on the popularity of LI? Even if he did leave the force, he is not the only officer across the country who has left being an officer," one commenter wrote.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Another defended Reifel's choice, writing, "I went to the mayors Instagram and I left a comment because this is simply outrageous. I'm sorry, but people have the right to leave a job for a better opportunity for themselves and from what we've seen so far, Sean has only spoken favorably about his position as a police officer."

A third commenter accused Reynolds of using the reality star hopeful as a scapegoat.

"Regardless of whether it was approved leave or not being the mayor of a city and dragging this guy [through] the mud is just a way to deflect blame when he can't do his job."

Fox News Digital has reached out to Mayor Reynold’s office for comment.

Sharon Stone admits the brutal moment she knew her marriage was over

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:53:44 -0400

Sharon Stone opened up about the devastating moment she knew her marriage was over.

Stone recently revealed that while facing a frightening health scare, she found herself at odds with her husband. His reaction to her decision ultimately became the breaking point in their relationship.

The now 68-year-old actress recalled being warned that doctors believed suspicious masses in her breast could be cancerous.

Stone did not mention her ex-husband by name but did share that he was a journalist. The actress was married to Phil Bronstein from 1998 until 2004. At the time, Bronstein was a prominent newspaper executive. Her first husband was television and film producer and writer Michael Greenburg; she was married to Greenburg from 1984 until 1990.

"And one of them was bigger than the size of my entire left breast," she said during an appearance on "The Person Who Believed In Me" podcast. "It was all the way up into here. And the doctor had come out to my house and said, 'Look, we think you should have a bilateral mastectomy. This is really bad. And we usually, when they're all the way up into here, we know before we go in that they're cancer.' And I said, 'I don't have cancer.' And he said, 'You don't get to decide that.' And I said, 'I do, I do get to decide that I'm deciding. But I am deciding that I will have a bilateral because I'm not f--king around."

JOHN TESH SAYS 'FAITH-FILLED' WIFE SAVED HIS LIFE AFTER DOCTORS GAVE HIM 18 MONTHS TO LIVE

Stone claimed her husband's response was immediate and negative: "...my husband said, 'Wow, this is ridiculous.' And got up and left the room."

The "Basic Instinct" star explained that her then-husband was "furious" that she would choose to undergo a bilateral mastectomy. Stone recalled the doctor defending her decision and reminding her husband that the choice belonged to her.

"And so the doctor said to him, 'If I had more patients like her, we'd have more women alive today. You need to sit down.' And I said, 'I make the decisions. Not you.'"

"That was the end of the marriage," Stone recalled. "That was it. He was done with me. Then it was over."

Stone clarified that a decision to end the marriage wasn't necessarily made that day.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"It was just over in the room," Stone said. "You could just tell it was over."

"He thought I was ridiculous," she claimed. "He thought I was foolish. He thought I was making too many decisions myself."

Stone was right and doctors discovered her tumors were benign during a biopsy.

'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star Anthony Head dead at 72

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:21:22 -0400

Anthony Head, an actor best known for starring in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died. He was 72.

Head, who more recently appeared in the hit show "Ted Lasso," died from complications of pneumonia, The Associated Press reported. His family shared the news Friday, adding that he was at home and surrounded by loved ones when he died.

"Our grief is far greater than the hole he has left behind, but we know his legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them," his daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, said. "How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us."

‘BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER’ CAST HONOR NICHOLAS BRENDON WITH TOUCHING TRIBUTES AFTER HIS SUDDEN DEATH

Head became known to British TV audiences in the 1980s as one half of a will-they-won’t-they romantic couple in a series of ads for Nescafé instant coffee.

Head achieved U.S. fame as librarian Rupert Giles, mentor to the title character in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which ran from 1997 to 2003.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

He most recently played Rupert Mannion, the villainous ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in "Ted Lasso."

In addition to his work onscreen, Head was known for his time on the stage. In the late ‘70s, before he began working in front of the camera, he starred in a West End production of "Godspell." Other notable theatrical roles include Captain Hook in a 2003 production of "Peter Pan" at London’s Savoy Theatre and multiple turns as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Show."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

While he acted for decades, he wasn't afraid of the changes to his career through the years.

"Getting old is a heap of fun for an actor, because the older you get, the better the roles get," he told The Guardian in 2010. "The past three or four years have been really interesting."

In December 2025, Head lost his partner of more than 40 years, Sarah Fisher. Their daughters described Fisher's death as "immensely shocking." She was 61.

"There's no secret to a long-lasting relationship, although Sarah has said it's that we spend an enormous amount of time apart," Head told The Guardian. "A sense of humour is of huge importance. It's about tolerance, and liking the person you're with. I adore Sarah."

Head is survived by his two daughters.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun take their red-hot romance to the streets of New York

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:00:11 -0400

Scooter Braun and Sydney Sweeney are putting their romance on full display.

The music executive shared video clips from the couple's latest New York City adventure, offering fans another peek into a relationship that has steadily grown more public in recent months. "When you’re in bed at 11pm and your girl says 'I’ve never been to Times Square….'" Braun captioned the Instagram post.

Braun filmed the two riding Citi Bikes to Times Square incognito to get a glimpse of the actress' latest American Eagle ad campaign. Sweeney and Braun seemed to stop into a Shake Shack for a quick bite to eat, with the music executive filming "The Housemaid" star enjoying a burger.

The social media update is the latest public milestone in the couple's increasingly high-profile relationship. Braun recently gushed over Sweeney during an appearance on the "Second Thought" podcast.

SYDNEY SWEENEY GOES INSTAGRAM OFFICIAL WITH SCOOTER BRAUN IN COZY STAGECOACH SNAPS

"I've met an extraordinary woman, kind and generous and smart and real and down to earth," he said. Braun seemed delighted by his growing relationship with Sweeney, calling it "one of the biggest surprises ever."

Sweeney, 28, and Braun, 44, first broke the internet when she was photographed with the music executive in the summer of 2025. The two were first seen together at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos' wedding in Venice, Italy, and were photographed spending time together throughout September 2025 and through February 2026.

She then brought Braun with her as her date to the Season 3 premiere of "Euphoria" in April and later went Instagram official when she shared a photo of them from the premiere on her stories with a white heart over it.

Originally it was reported the two were "casually" hooking up, but by December, insiders hinted the relationship was more serious.

"Scooter and Sydney are going strong and things between them are great," a source told People magazine at the time. "They're in a committed relationship and things are serious."

SYDNEY SWEENEY STUNS IN WHITE SWIMSUIT DURING FLORIDA KEYS WEEKEND WITH SCOOTER BRAUN

Sweeney and Braun hard-launched their relationship on Instagram on May 1 after spending the weekend together at Stagecoach. The actress posted a series of pictures of the two of them at the music festival, captioning the post, "cowboy kind of weekend ♥️."

The photos showed the two of them enjoying music at the festival, including some of her on his shoulders and him carrying her in front of the stage. Braun shared his own Instagram post, featuring many of the same photos, captioning the post, "Stagecoach delivered a lucky cowboy."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

The relationship also appeared to extend beyond the couple themselves, with Braun spending time alongside Sweeney's family.

As the two became more serious, Braun and Sweeney were joined by the actress' parents during a date night at Universal Studios Hollywood in late September. The two were spotted walking hand-in-hand alongside her mom and dad, Page Six reported.

Sweeney's mom was later caught catching a ride on Braun's private jet right before Valentine's Day, according to Page Six. Lisa Sweeney was photographed taking a flight out of Los Angeles.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Sweeney's relationship with Braun began months after the "Euphoria" star called off her engagement to film producer Jonathan Davino in March 2025. Sweeney's relationship with Davino had been "rocky for a long time," People magazine reported.

Insiders claimed Sweeney had been "overwhelmed" by her relationship and wedding planning while finally finding the "magical career" she had been dreaming of. "She's not ready to settle down," the source told the outlet at the time. "They only lasted for this long because it was hard for her to break it off. They didn't split because there is no love. They split because she just wants to focus on her career right now."

Braun was previously married to entrepreneur and activist Yael Cohen from 2014 until their divorce was finalized in 2022, and they share three children.

Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this report.

Randy Travis' health crisis began with 'congestion' and ended in a five-month hospital stay

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:00:42 -0400

Randy Travis' intense health journey started with a symptom of the common cold.

During a recent interview with Fox News Digital while at The Nashville Palace — where a celebration took place on June 3 in honor of the 40th anniversary of his first album "Storms of Life," the 67-year-old and his wife, Mary Travis, spoke about a time in his life where he leaned on his faith the most, noting he initially went to the doctor after having issues with "congestion," but ended up finding something much more serious.

The "Forever and Ever, Amen" singer was hospitalized in 2013 for congestive heart failure tied to viral cardiomyopathy. A blood clot that formed in his heart then caused a massive stroke, which left him with partial paralysis and affected his speech.

"Obviously, during the stroke, that was probably the closest life or death, if you will, situation," she said. "We were there for five and a half months. We left home one morning thinking we were just going to go to the critical care and get something for congestion that he had, and we didn't walk back in the house for five and a half months."

RANDY TRAVIS' WIFE DEFIED MEDICAL ADVICE TO 'PULL THE PLUG' DURING COUNTRY STAR'S STROKE RECOVERY BATTLE

While in the hospital, Mary shared that Randy spoke with the Lord "all the time," saying that while Randy has "always been close to the Lord," they "leaned hard on the Lord" in those moments.

WATCH: RANDY TRAVIS WENT TO THE DOCTOR FOR CONGESTION AND ENDED UP IN THE HOSPITAL FOR FIVE MONTHS

When looking back at that time, Mary said, "We hit that brick wall at 100 miles an hour, and things changed overnight," but said that in terms of their relationship, it "definitely made it stronger."

"There was never any question that we were gonna go in any other direction. It concreted it, is what it did. I knew that I was put in his life and he was put [in] my life right where we were, how we were," she said. "Everything was in a plan, and it strengthened it because I needed him more than anything, and he needed me more than anything. And you know what? That was a great place to be for both of us."

After going through his health crisis together, Mary urges others not to "take for granted the people closest to them."

"I think that's what we've learned is just embrace every single one," she said. "I tell people, I say, put the phone down, turn the TV off, go out to the country, sit by a stream, eat peaches, enjoy life, and thank God for more life."

CARRIE UNDERWOOD'S TRIBUTE TO RANDY TRAVIS MOVES GRAND OLE OPRY AUDIENCE TO TEARS

The event not only celebrated the country legend's debut album, but also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the naming dedication of the Randy Travis Room at the venue.

He was also honored on June 2 with a Tennessee Music Pathways marker recognizing his contributions to country music, and a peninsula on Old Hickory Lake was dedicated as "Point Amen" in celebration of his legacy.

Randy will be celebrated throughout CMA Fest weekend, as fans and fellow artists mark the 40th anniversary of his landmark album, "Storms of Life."

WATCH: MARY TRAVIS ADMITS HER HUSBAND RANDY TRAVIS' HEALTH CRISIS MADE THEIR MARRIAGE 'STRONGER'

"I think what amazes us is when he and Kyle Lehning finished putting that album together, they agreed that if they sold 40,000 copies of it that maybe Warner would let him make a second album," she said. "Of course, that followed up with 'Always and Forever,' so we know what happened with that. That was even bigger than 'Storms of Life.'"

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

While Randy has gone on to become one of the most legendary performers in country music, Mary explains, "He had no plan to be the legend that he has become," and had never planned on being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and just thought "if I could make a living maybe out of making music, that'll be okay with me."

"He just came by it naturally because of his God-given natural talent," she said.

WATCH: RANDY TRAVIS IS CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEBUT ALBUM 'STORMS OF LIFE'

Throughout his 40 years in country music, Randy has won seven Grammy Awards, 11 ACM Awards, 10 American Music Awards and many others, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. He has also had four albums go platinum, one go double platinum, another go triple platinum and a third go Quintuple Platinum.

"I think every artist dips their paintbrush deep down into their soul, and then they paint on their palette their own different way, and they hope that it touches somebody's life somewhere along the line. Boy, Randy, he did that. He had a string of masterpieces, if you will, with his music and his songs, and Storms of Life, there's not a bad song on it."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

She continued: "There's three or four of them that became hits, but if you take any of those songs, they could all be hits, if there was just room enough for that many hits. So Randy got to pick a lot of the great music that he wanted to pick because he was singing traditional country music and most of the artists weren't singing that. So he said, ‘I had pick of the litter as far as the music.’ He said, ‘My time was just right.’"

Actor James Handy, known for 'Jumanji' and 'Top Gun: Maverick,' allegedly killed by girlfriend's son

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:12:21 -0400

James Handy, an actor known for various roles in films like "Jumanji" and "Top Gun: Maverick," was allegedly killed by his girlfriend's son this week, police said.

The Los Angeles Police Department said officers responded to a residence in the 19200 block of Erwin Street on Wednesday morning.

According to police, a 911 caller stated: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."

When officers arrived, they found Handy, 81, unconscious in the front yard suffering from a stab wound to the chest.

'HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER' ACTOR NICK PASQUAL SENTENCED TO DECADES IN PRISON FOR STABBING EX-GIRLFRIEND

Authorities said Handy was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

LAPD identified the suspect as Michael Gledhill, 44, of Tarzana.

According to investigators, Gledhill flagged down officers as they arrived and told them he was the person they were looking for.

ROB REINER AND WIFE MURDERED: TIMELINE SHOWS ARGUMENT WITH SON NIGHT BEFORE DEATHS

Police said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend.

Gledhill was arrested and booked into the Van Nuys Jail on a murder charge. Bail was set at $2 million.

Handy amassed nearly 150 acting credits over a career spanning roughly five decades, according to IMDb.

In addition to film roles, he made guest appearances on numerous television shows throughout his career, including "The West Wing," "9-1-1," and "NCIS: Los Angeles."

Hailey Bieber shows off toned abs in behind-the-scenes photos from new Rhode beach campaign

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:48:48 -0400

Hailey Bieber is soaking up the sun in behind the scenes photos from her new campaign for Rhode.

In a recent Instagram post, the 29-year-old model posted a campaign for her skincare and beauty brand, Rhode, featuring photos of her on the beach in a bikini with some of her products.

Among the campaign photos, Hailey also included a behind the scenes picture of her laying down on the sand in a brown bikini, which highlighted her toned abs.

She paired the bikini with a dark brown cropped long-sleeve cover-up, and gave the camera a serious look as she flashed a thumbs up.

HAILEY BIEBER ROCKS YELLOW BIKINI IN SUMMER PHOTOS AHEAD OF JUSTIN BIEBER'S REPORTED ALBUM RELEASE

"It’s hailey’s world and we’re just living in it 🤎," one fan wrote in the comments section. Another added, "the most beautiful in the world 🤎."

"She really does just get more iconic everyday and more gorgeous and radiant, HAILEY BIEBER YOU ARE THAT GIRL," a third follower wrote.

Hailey launched Rhode in June 2022 with three products: the Peptide Glazing Fluid, the Barrier Restore Cream and the Peptide Lip Treatment. She has gone on to release other makeup and skincare products.

It quickly grew in popularity and was acquired by e.l.f. in May 2025, with Bieber staying on as chief creative officer and head of innovation.

"When I launched @rhode in 2022, I always had big dreams for the company, and the most important thing to me is to keep bringing rhode to more spaces, places, and faces globally," she announced on Instagram. "So today I am so incredibly excited and proud to announce that we are partnering with e.l.f. Beauty as we step into this next chapter in the world of rhode."

This is far from the first time Hailey dared to bare, as she walked the red carpet at the Australian premiere of "Wuthering Heights" in February in a figure-hugging lacy sheer black floor-length Saint Laurent dress that showcased her underwear.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Most recently, Hailey cheered her husband, Justin Bieber, on as he headlined at Coachella in April. Critics online panned Justin's performance, calling it his "worst performance."

Fans took issue with the second half of his act, which featured him singing along to his old songs as he played their music videos on YouTube.

"I'm crying this might actually be the worst performance i’ve ever seen. He’s literally just playing music videos from youtube… zero effort, just pure laziness," one user wrote on X.

"What the hell is justin bieber doing bro you’re telling me he was the highest paid to do this bulls---?" another added. Justin was reportedly paid $10 million to headline the festival.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Despite the criticism, some fans praised the artist for his stripped-down performance.

"These 8 minutes of Justin Bieber singing his old songs, I'm going to treasure them in my heart for the rest of my life," one fan wrote. "THANK YOU JUSTIN, THANK YOU."

Heather Locklear speaks out about her romance with Lorenzo Lamas for the first time

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:03:35 -0400

Heather Locklear has spoken out about the new man in her life: Lorenzo Lamas.

During an appearance on the "Hollywood & Divine" podcast, Locklear talked about Lamas for the first time, calling him her "new boyfriend" – while discussing the importance of faith.

"My new guy is very ... everything," Locklear said. "I'm just like, when I tell this person I love him, I'm really saying, 'I love you, God.' Because that's what happened. It's from God."

"I'm [in] the best time [of my life]," she added.

LORENZO LAMAS AND HEATHER LOCKLEAR SET TO MAKE THEIR FIRST PUBLIC OUTING AS A COUPLE AT FAN EVENT

Locklear and Lamas made their first appearance as a couple at the Chiller Theatre Expo on April 26.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Lorenzo Lamas got candid about decades of ups and downs in his love life, saying years of "trial and error" ultimately led him to Locklear.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"The short answer is no," Lamas said when asked if he ever imagined their relationship coming full circle more than four decades after they first met. "I mean, I’ve been through a lot of trial and error, and she is the most amazing woman that I think I’ve ever met."

FOX NEWS ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER: HEATHER LOCKLEAR DATING LORENZO LAMAS, REALITY STAR SUFFERED STROKE

The pair first crossed paths over 40 years ago at the height of their early fame. At the time, Locklear was starring in "Dynasty" while Lamas appeared on "Falcon Crest."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

They famously met while posing for a 1983 cover of Playgirl magazine in a sizzling magazine spread featuring Locklear in a bikini and Lamas in a Speedo.

Locklear was previously married to Tommy Lee from 1886 to 1993. She married her second husband, Richie Sambora, in 1994, but split in 2004. The former pair share one daughter, Ava.

Last May, Locklear ended her five-year relationship and engagement to Chris Heisser. In 2021, Locklear told People that a marriage to Heisser was "not so important."

Last month, Locklear brought Lamas as her plus-one to her daughter's wedding in Montecito, California.

'Alaskan Bush People' star Matt Brown's cause of death revealed

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:35:03 -0400

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255).

Matt Brown's official cause of death has been released.

On Thursday, the Okanogan County coroner's office confirmed to Fox News Digital that Matt died by suicide, with "subsequent immersion in water" and "under the influence of methamphetamine" cited as contributing circumstances. He was 42.

On Saturday, his brother, Bear Brown, took to social media to confirm Matt had been found dead after authorities had recovered a body from a Washington state river.

'ALASKAN BUSH PEOPLE' STAR MATT BROWN FOUND DEAD IN WASHINGTON STATE RIVER AT THE AGE OF 42

"They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as being Matt," Bear said in a TikTok video.

Bear confirmed their brother Noah was the one to positively identify Matt.

"I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly. He struggled for a long time, as I've mentioned, and I worried he was going to end up, like, OD'd or something like that. I didn't think he would hurt himself."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"It does look as though the injury is self-inflicted," he continued. "Obviously, the coroner and stuff still has to look at him and stuff, but I thought that you guys should know that it is him."

The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office deputies responded Wednesday after receiving a 911 call from a witness who reported seeing a man sitting in a shallow section of the river, according to Page Six. The caller later reported hearing a sound and finding the man face down in the water before he was swept away by the current.

A firearm was reportedly recovered from the area where the man was last seen, according to the outlet.

On Sunday, the Brown family shared a statement regarding Matt's death.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"It is with broken hearts that we share the loss of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Matthew Brown," the statement began. "To millions of viewers, Matt was known as one of the original stars of Alaskan Bush People. To us, he was so much more."

"Matt was intelligent, curious, creative, and endlessly fascinated by the world around him. He was a gifted outdoorsman, fisherman, boatman, artist, and lifelong learner. He loved adventure, nature, and discovering new things. Matt had an extraordinary mind," the statement said.

"Those who truly knew Matt knew his heart. He was compassionate, generous with his time, and deeply wanted to help others. During periods of sobriety and recovery, he openly shared his struggles with addiction and mental health through his videos and personal outreach. He encouraged others to seek help, offered hope to people fighting similar battles, and reminded them they were not alone. We are incredibly proud of the lives he touched."

"Matt spent many years battling serious mental health challenges and addiction. Like countless families facing similar circumstances, we experienced periods of hope, recovery, setbacks, heartbreak, and reconciliation. Our Dad, Billy Brown, never stopped believing in Matt’s ability to heal and find peace, and neither did we."

Matt starred on "Alaskan Bush People" from 2014 to 2019, when he stepped away amid his addiction struggles.

Ted Danson says he wants to 'apologize forever' for doing blackface at Whoopi Goldberg roast

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:44:24 -0400

Ted Danson said this week that he wants to "apologize forever" for doing blackface during a roast of former girlfriend Whoopi Goldberg in 1993.

"I would like to address this and apologize forever," the "Cheers" star told W. Kamau Bell on his "Who’s With Me?" podcast on Wednesday.

He reiterated, "I have no problem talking about this, but I need to and want to apologize for the rest of my life because somebody today can go on the internet, you're right, and go, ‘What the f---? Wow, I feel betrayed. I feel angry’ and whatever. And I did that."

Danson said he was intimidated about roasting Goldberg at the Friars Club, whom he called one of the most "outrageous, funny Black women in the world at that point."

‘SEINFELD’ STAR MICHAEL RICHARDS MOUNTS WILD COMEBACK AFTER INFAMOUS RANT SPARKED COMEDY EXODUS

Knowing that he wasn’t a stand-up comedian, he decided he would go with "performance theater" for her roast.

He said during their relationship, the tabloids went after them for their interracial romance, saying, a White man and Black woman couldn’t be dating "because they liked each other or saw something in each other. It had to be sex. It had to be just pure sex, that's the only reason for a relationship like this."

In his mind, as he pondered what he would do for his performance, he thought: "If I were Black, I could say all these outrageous things. I'm not. Then my mind went, ‘Well, I will do it in blackface.’"

TED DANSON SAYS BILL CLINTON GRILLED HIM ABOUT HIS 'INTENTIONS' WITH MARY STEENBURGEN USING SECRET SERVICE

He added that at the time he wanted to address what the tabloids had said about their relationship in his performance, but didn’t realize at the time it was getting "darker" and "angrier" and ended up having an "edge to it."

Danson added that he had also "latched onto" a stand-up bit that Goldberg was doing at the time about not caring if people use the n-word because she felt that well-spoken people can be even more racist.

"I thought I could pull I could pull this off," Danson scoffed. "I thought that this — there's no one been Whiter than me in the world — that this White guy could have something valuable to say about, uh, race and race relations was so stupid and entitled."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

BEN STILLER DOUBTS IF 'TROPIC THUNDER' WOULD BE MADE TODAY, SAYS 'EDGIER COMEDY' IS 'HARDER' TO DO

The "Becker" actor explained that he thought he could be "Robin Williams. I can … step up and I can pull this off."

"And that was so arrogant and stupid on my part," he admitted. "So, off I go, using all this horrendous language describing our love affair while also in blackface."

Danson revealed that he had run his plan for his performance by Goldberg, who he thinks maybe "didn't want to squelch my creativity," and had worked on it for months.

ROGAN TELLS ‘TRAITOR’ COMEDIANS CONDEMNING THE KEVIN HART ROAST TO ‘F--- ALL THE WAY OFF’

"And within 20 seconds, I was like I stuck my finger in a light socket," Danson revealed, adding that it felt like about 20% of the crowd "got" what he was doing and liked it, about 30% got it and hated it, and the rest "hated it and hated me. Yeah. And I kept going."

Bell admitted that as a performer, just listening to Danson’s story was giving him "flop sweats."

"I thought I was doing a satire on race relationships," Danson said. "And I thought I was being edgy."

In his defense, Bell pointed out that it was supposed to be a private event, but Danson said it had "left the room before I was over."

By the time he got back to his hotel, he said he had to get on the phone with the mayor of New York City at the time, who hadn’t been in the room but had heard about it, and his manager said he couldn’t physically open his hotel room door because there were so many messages in front of it.

He said the stunt also frustrated his wife of more than 30 years, Mary Steenburgen, whom he married in 1995 and who he said has done much work on civil rights.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

The incident also resurfaced during the Black Lives Matter movement, Danson said, adding that he lost some corporate sponsorships, and it "scared" him.

"I am forever apologetic," he said.

For the longest time, he said he would say, "I knew what my intention was. My intention was love. It doesn't matter. Your intentions do not matter. The impact you have on people is what matters."

"I thought I could run with the big boys and I couldn't, and it was stupid, and it was not my place, and it was wrong, and it was hurtful," he admitted.

Bell lauded Danson for his willingness to admit that he was wrong, adding that he experienced cancel culture before it had a name.

"And the fact that you even dealt with it in more recent years speaks to who you are, and why I would want to talk to you," Bell said, adding that he found it even more "admirable" that Danson continues to be willing to discuss the incident "because most people don’t."

Comedian Bert Kreischer says blood clot scare may have saved him from dying in a tour bus fire

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:39 -0400

Comedian Bert Kreischer revealed how suffering a terrifying medical ordeal may have saved his life.

In early January, the 53-year-old "Free Bert" star went to the emergency room after severe leg pain woke him up in the middle of the night. At the hospital, doctors found a significant blood clot behind Kreischer's knee and then discovered additional clots in his lungs. Afterward, he was placed on blood thinners and had to stop drinking alcohol while recovering.

In March 2026, Kreischer and his team were traveling on one of his tour buses in between stops in North Dakota and Iowa when the vehicle suffered a major tire blowout on Interstate 94 around midnight. The group then left the bus and continued on other crew buses.

COMEDIANS TURN 'FAT SHAMING' JOKE ON JOE ROGAN'S PODCAST INTO ANNUAL 5K THAT IS CHANGING LIVES

The following morning, the first bus caught on fire and was destroyed. The driver, who was the only occupant of the bus at the time, escaped safely before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

During an interview with Fox News Digital, Kreischer recalled a later conversation with the driver in which he realized that had he been on the bus, he would have perished in the disaster if it weren't for the forced lifestyle change that he made due to his major health scare.

"Two weeks after it burned down, I go to get on my new tour bus with my same tour bus driver who was in the fire. And he says to me casually — and it hadn't affected me at all — he goes, 'Man, you're lucky you got that blood clot," Kreischer said at a For Your Consideration (FYC) event for "Free Bert."

HARDY DETAILS TERRIFYING MOMENT HE THOUGHT HE WAS 'DEAD' IN DEVASTATING TOUR BUS CRASH

Kreischer continued, "And I was like, 'Huh?' And he goes, 'Old-school Bertie boy would have been drinking. You didn't pass out in the back. We would have just let you sleep. Bus would have caught on fire, man. You would have dead. That thing caught up in 30 seconds.'"

"That's when it affected me the most," he remembered.

While reflecting on how the bus fire had changed his perspective on life, Kreischer said that it changed his outlook, but not in the dramatic way people might expect because he wasn't actually on the bus when it burned.

COMEDIAN DUSTY SLAY REVEALS HOW FAITH AND SOBRIETY PAVED THE ROAD TO HIS STAND-UP SUCCESS

WATCH: COMEDIAN BERT KREISCHER SAYS BLOOD CLOT SCARE MAY HAVE SAVED HIS LIFE

However, Kreischer explained that it left him with a greater appreciation for random twists of fate.

"I've realized how valuable life is," he said "I realized how luck works in certain ways and you gotta see everything is lucky because all those things are real."

Kreischer drew a parallel to Seth MacFarlane's well-known story of missing a flight on the first plane hijacked during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and how the "Family Guy" creator reacted in the aftermath.

PETE DAVIDSON STANDS BY SAUDI ARABIA GIG AFTER FDNY FATHER'S 9/11 DEATH DESPITE BACKLASH

"He dodged the planes on 9/11," Kreischer said. "He overslept. And I remember being like, 'How is he not more intensely affected by this moment?' And his answer was 'I missed a lot of flights.' Like, that was his answer And you're like, 'Dude, 9/11, that should have been you' and he's like, 'But I missed my flights a lot.'"

"It's crazy," he added. "I just felt like you got to look at every instance as luck."

While speaking with Fox News Digital, Kreischer admitted that his blood clot diagnosis marked a turning point in his health and weight loss journey. The "2 Bears, 1 Cave" podcast host has previously spoken out about losing a significant amount of weight over the last few months after making major lifestyle changes.

'MIKE & MOLLY' STAR CALLS FOOD HIS 'POISON PILLS' AFTER DRAMATIC 170-POUND WEIGHT LOSS TRANSFORMATION

The comedian, who often appears shirtless in "Free Bert," recalled that brutal feedback from his daughter Ila, 19, about his physique during the show's first season made him realize that he had gained an unhealthy amount of weight.

"'Buddy, I think you lost your belly button,'" Kreischer remembered Ila telling him. "I had gotten so fat that my belly button just disappeared."

"I can't tell you how dramatic of an experience it was," he said. "And I had panic about it for a while. It went just flat."

COLIN HANKS CALLS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ABOUT JOHN CANDY'S WEIGHT 'HEARTBREAKING'

Kreischer explained that he committed to a weight loss plan at the urging of his doctor and his wife LeeAnn, with whom he shares Ila and daughter Georgia, 21.

"Let's just be fair, it was doctor-imposed. It was doctor and wife and family-imposed," he said. "They all agree that I am overweight. They send me to the doctor."

Kreischer said that after he underwent a full-body scan, his doctor determined that his body fat percentage was 40%.

BILLY BOB THORNTON ABANDONS HOLLYWOOD'S EXTREME BODY TRANSFORMATION DEMANDS AFTER HEALTH CONCERNS

"Which doesn't sound that bad out of 100%, OK?" Kreischer said.

Kreischer explained that he began taking tirzepatide, a GLP-1 medication, to lose visceral fat with the goal of shedding 95 pounds.

"Then I get the blood clot," he recalled. "And then the blood clot was the first time that I had any feeling of mortality. I felt like a snowman in March. Like all of a sudden I realized, 'Oh, I'm not indestructible.'"

'MODERN FAMILY' STAR TOLD HE WAS DYING 30 YEARS AFTER BEING HIT BY CEMENT TRUCK

"I remember getting pushed to the hospital and looking at people that I thought were in bad shape," Kreischer continued. "And then in a matter of minutes, I was the one in bad shape. It was terrifying, it was overwhelming. And then the bus burns down. Our dog dies of a stroke on the couch. I mean, all this stuff made me realize justhow precious and lucky you are to just be here, you know?"

Kreischer is famous for his hard-partying, beer-drinking "Machine" persona, which is based on a bit that he incorporated into his stand up comedy act and later became his calling card. It was adapted into the 2023 comedy film "The Machine," in which Kreischer played a fictionalized version of himself.

However, Kreischer said that his new sober lifestyle had forced him to cope with his feelings instead of masking them.

VALERIE BERTINELLI, ELLE MACPHERSON, BRAD PITT, ROB LOWE EXPLAIN HOW SOBRIETY HAS CHANGED THEIR LIVES

"I haven't drank because I'm on blood thinners," he noted. "So then I've got all this sobriety of trying to figure out what these feelings are. I think, you get to a certain age where you're just like, 'Man, all of this is just luck.'"

WATCH: BERT KREISCHER SAYS BLOOD CLOT SCARE MADE HIM REALIZE 'I'M NOT INDESTRUCTIBLE'

Kreischer spoke to Fox News Digital ahead of attending a For Your Consideration(FYC) event for "Free Bert" in which he participated in a screening and Q&A aimed at Emmy Award voters.

In the Netflix comedy series, Kreischer plays a fictionalized version of himself, a famous shirtless comedian trying to navigate family life and elite Beverly Hills social circles. Netflix announced in March that it had renewed the show for a second season.

JB SMOOVE REFLECTS ON LESSONS FROM LIFE, LOSS, AND LAUGHTER, SAYS 'YOU'LL GET THERE WHEN YOU’RE READY'

During his interview with Fox News Digital, Kreischer marveled over how his life had changed since his humble beginnings as a broke father in Los Angeles.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"I mean I said to my wife, 'We're getting dressed to go to an FYC event. What?' An FYC event for a TV show that people seem to like, that's been renewed for season two,'" he said. "Our kids are doing good. We are living the dream."

"If you had told us 22 years ago when we were giving birth over at Cedar Sinai [Medical Center]and broke, not sure we could afford it, that we'd be here, we made it," he continued. "We made it, and if you're telling me the cut is I can't drink on planes, I'll do it."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

WATCH: COMEDIAN BERT KREISCHER REVEALS WHAT FANS CAN EXPECT FROM 'FREE BERT'S' SECOND SEASON

Kreischer also shed some light on what fans can expect from the next chapter of "Free Bert."

"Hopefully as much fun," he said. "It's so hard. It's not like you're making kids. You don't have any idea what they're gonna come out like. You hope it comes out as fun as the first one, but the first time we had no expectations, no realizations. We were just gonna make something that made us laugh."

Kreicher continued, "And with this one, you're like, well you've got testing, you know what people like, people seem to appeal to this and that, and you know that you got characters that really stand out. I wanna give them a little more of that. But also, one of the things, you don't wanna give them too much of that, you know?"

"It's like cocaine," he joked.

Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson’s past controversial remarks resurface after halting patriotic chant

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:00:17 -0400

When Chris Robinson sparked backlash for shutting down a "U.S.A." chant at a Black Crowes concert over the weekend, the controversy resurfaced a familiar pattern of outspokenness from the musician.

While the rock legend has insisted he's "not interested in politics," Robinson has openly criticized issues ranging from conformity to cultural prejudice and complacency throughout the years.

His latest public remarks caused quite the uproar among concertgoers and social media users.

On Sunday, during The Black Crowes' show in Tampa, Florida, a screen reportedly displayed the band's mascot dressed as Uncle Sam, prompting members of the crowd to break into "U.S.A." chants, according to TMZ.

BLACK CROWES FACE BACKLASH AFTER CHRIS ROBINSON SHUTS DOWN U.S.A. CHANT AND CALLS FANS 'IGNORANT'

Robinson allegedly responded, "Thanks for the geography lesson," before adding, "I don't know what you have to be so proud of right now."

The statement drew boos from the crowd and prompted some concertgoers to walk out before the show ended.

In videos circulating online, Robinson can be heard saying, "Some of us have real faith. For those of you f---ing booing us, some of us are not afraid. And we most assuredly are not f---ing ignorant."

Months earlier, however, the Black Crowes singer claimed he had no interest in taking a political stance.

ANTI-TRUMP ROCK STAR’S VOW TO DITCH POLITICS AT SHOWS DOESN’T SEEM TO LAST VERY LONG

"I’m not interested in politics. I’m more interested in poetry and art and people and experience," he told Mojo magazine. "But a song doesn’t have to be like an overt political statement. I know what’s right and wrong – and this s--t going on right now is wrong."

"Look man, I’m almost 60, all right. I don’t tell anyone what to do, because I don’t like to be told what to do," he continued. "But I know right and wrong. The world’s teetering on the edge with all this bulls---, but if there’s a street fighting man out there, he’d got to be a young man, right? But these kids don’t seem to give a f--k. I get it, I guess their phone is their interest. I don’t know, though, I still go to bookstores and read books and all the lyrics on this album were written in pen. I’m a mid-20th century product."

"Rock’n’rollers are meant to be outsiders, weirdos, freaks…." he added.

The Atlanta native, who started the band with his brother, Rich Robinson, in 1984, found major success in the early 1990s. The band split in 2015 but reunited four years later and is currently on tour promoting its 10th studio album, "A Pound of Feathers."

That same year, when the rock band broke up, Robinson spoke candidly about artists' obsession with personas and what other people think of them and their beliefs.

"Completely," Robinson told Smashing Interview Magazine when asked if he believes that artists seem to care more about image than the actual music. "Otherwise, what would the response be to our age of violence, anxiety, fear, ignorance and racism? The earth is crying out. Our bodies are sick and blistering. The earth is sick and blistering."

NATALIE MAINES’ ANTI-TRUMP TIRADE, ZACH BRYAN’S FENCE-CLIMBING CLASH FUEL COUNTRY MUSIC’S BIGGEST FEUDS

"So let’s let kids get their teeth whitened and have these f--ing people who haven’t gone a day in f---ing decades without having a meal, tell them what to do. It’s about assimilation. There’s no art there," he continued.

"You can’t say anything without people needing to make it something shallower, making a sound bite," he added. "You can tell by the way I f---ing ramble on, that I don’t do sound bites too well. I find the same thing with music. There’s nothing interesting in it. If it makes you feel better to consider yourself an artist, or if that’s what you have to call it, good."

After Sunday's remarks at the concert, people were quick to respond online.

COUNTRY STAR TRACY LAWRENCE CALLS OUT ‘DIVISIVE’ POLITICAL CLIMATE: MUSIC SHOULD BRING US 'ALL TOGETHER’

"Shouldn’t concerts be a great place to escape the daily grind?" one user asked on X.

"It’s just stupidity. Give the politics a rest for 90 minutes," another commented. "I don’t know why they feel compelled to spit on their fans."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

"Never a good idea to insult half of your fans," another person quipped. "It hasn’t worked for Hollywood and it won’t work for the Crowes either. All they have to do is entertain people, keep political views out of it. Love the Crowes but this is a mistake."

Other fans were quick to come to the band's defense.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"It's rock and roll. You're supposed to be offended, that's the attitude that makes it dangerous," one fan wrote on X. "It's not 'go along with the flow like everyone else' music. It's rebellious & Chris Robinson isn't well known for his warm personality & happy vibes? He's always been like this."

"Chris has had on-stage rants for years," another wrote. "My favorite live band. Will see them twice this summer."

"Chris can choose to say whatever he likes.... and the audience can choose to leave. What's the problem? Someone get their feelings hurt?" another added.

A representative for The Black Crowes did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Cassie Ventura fled the United States after testifying against Diddy in sex crimes trial: docs

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:54:10 -0400

Cassie Ventura fled the states after testifying in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial last summer, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

The singer — who testified for four days as a star witness during Diddy's sex crimes trial — filed a motion last month to transfer venues in an ongoing legal battle with former male escort, Clayton Howard.

Cassie, 39, was one of a handful of people named in a lawsuit Howard filed last year, where he claimed "sexual exploitation, trafficking, and abuse" for 10 years at the hands of Diddy and his ex-girlfriend.

In the motion submitted May 1, Cassie argued that Howard's lawsuit should be transferred out of California courts and into a New York court, where dozens of similar Diddy claims were already filed.

ROB REINER'S SON CHARGED WITH MURDER, DIDDY SENTENCED TO PRISON: 2 HIGH-PROFILE CASES THAT DEFINED 2025

"Plaintiff is a resident of New Jersey and can easily travel to New York City," documents stated. "Ms. Ventura does not reside in the United States, but it is more convenient for her to travel to New York than California. The corporate defendants are both incorporated in New York.

"As described above, many of the relevant facts occurred in New York City, and over two dozen civil cases related to Combs’ crimes — many of which involve the same factual and legal issues as this case — are currently pending in New York federal courts, with many others filed in New York state courts."

She added, "As a result, relevant witnesses are likely to reside in or around New York. Viewed together, these facts all point to New York as a more convenient and appropriate forum. Therefore, Ms. Ventura respectfully requests the Court transfer the claims under 28 U.S.C."

DIDDY'S FREEDOM 'RISES AND FALLS' ON CASSIE VENTURA TESTIMONY AS LAWYERS PREP FOR CLOSING ARGUMENTS: EXPERT

In a separate filing, Cassie declared, "I am a citizen of the United States," before writing, "I am not a resident of the State of California."

"I reside outside of the United States," documents stated. "I do not intent to move back to the United States."

She added, "If this case were to proceed, it would be significantly more convenient for purposes of participation in the case to travel to New York, where my lawyers are, than to California, where no parties to this action reside."

LEGAL EXPERTS BELIEVE CASSIE'S PREGNANCY COULD SWAY JURY IN DIDDY TRIAL

Cassie's representatives declined Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The "Me & U" singer gave birth to her third child with husband Alex Fine in May 2025, nearly two weeks after providing key testimony against the fallen Bad Boy Records founder during his sex crimes trial.

Cassie married Fine, Diddy's former personal trainer, in 2019. The couple also has two daughters; Frankie, five, and Sunny, four.

Cassie made multiple claims in court, including that Diddy raped her in 2018 after she attempted to end their relationship for good.

Diddy's former girlfriend testified in May 2025 about the alleged abuse she experienced at the hands of the rapper. Cassie claimed she was physically abused and forced into participating in "freak offs," during which Diddy would coerce her into having sex with a male escort while he watched.

She claimed to have entered rehab and pursued trauma therapy at the beginning of 2023 after having "horrible flashbacks" on set of a music video.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Cassie also revealed in court that she's expecting to receive a $10 million settlement from the InterContinental Hotel, the location of the 2016 assault where Diddy attacked her in the hallway.

Diddy and Cassie allegedly had a "freak off" at the hotel March 5, 2016, that turned violent. Cassie previously testified that she was attempting to leave the "freak off" after Diddy gave her a black eye.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

WATCH: SEAN ‘DIDDY’ COMBS ASSAULTS CASSIE VENTURA IN 2016 LOS ANGELES HOTEL INCIDENT

After making it to the elevator lobby, the singer-songwriter testified, Diddy assaulted her. The rapper could be seen dragging Cassie down the hotel hallway in surveillance footage that was shown to the jury and previously released to the public in 2024.

The trial, which began on May 12, wrapped on July 2 when a jury found Diddy not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking. He was convicted on two lesser counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

The "Last Night" rapper was sentenced to more than four years behind bars, and is serving his sentence at FCI Fort Dix.

Diddy has been behind bars since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024, and is scheduled for release in February 2028.

Vanilla Ice refuses to quit Freedom 250 concert, says he won't let anyone tell him he 'can't be proud'

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:26:51 -0400

Vanilla Ice is once again defending his decision to perform at the Great American State Fair's Freedom 250 concerts in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

During an appearance on "The Story with Martha MacCallum," the 58-year-old rapper shared why he chose not back out of the performance, telling the host, "I don't like anybody telling me I can't be proud of my country."

"I'm born here. I'm raised here. I'm proud of it. I represent it everywhere I go. I wear the American Flag everywhere I go. It's just a shame that it's going down like this. I really don't think it's fair on us as musicians to have the pressure put on us like this, but it's a shame. It's a shame that we can't be proud."

He added that he doesn't understand why this has become such an issue among fans and performers, saying he is "honored to do this once in a lifetime event," and that "this is still the greatest country in the world."

ROCK THE COUNTRY FESTIVAL DEFENDS PATRIOTIC MESSAGE AFTER ARTISTS EXIT, 'LOVING AMERICA ISN'T POLITICAL'

"I'm proud of it and I love it and I'm really really proud of all of our soldiers," he said. "Those guys put their life on the line, some of them even lost their lives, and you gotta respect that. This is our country, man. I can't believe people are even making a big deal out of this."

The rapper first shared his excitement over performing at the celebration, in an Instagram video posted last week, in which he said he was "honored" to be performing at the event, promising to "bring back the 90s."

"It’s all about enjoying the great times of 250 years. From George Washington to now. All the presidents and everybody in between, this is a magical event that’s gonna happen," he said in the video. "It’s very rare. I’m honored, man. This is gonna be epic. And that’s it. We don’t take anything too seriously, and we’re gonna bring the ‘90s, that’s how it works."

In the caption, he promised that the concert will "bring us all together" in addition to being "an epic party," adding, "We are all one. This is not a political platform. This is celebrating America’s birthday."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

The post was met with a lot of criticism, with many calling his decision "disappointing," as they oppose the current administration led by President Donald Trump. Others came to his defense, writing, "Major respect for not dropping out like the others!!

After the original lineup for the Great American State Fair was announced on May 29, several performers attached to the concert, including Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, the Commodores and Morris Day announced they were backing out.

Vanilla Ice doubled down on his decision not to drop out of the concert, both in his Instagram comments and in an interview with Fox News Digital on Monday, saying "It's such a cool thing to go celebrate your country and enjoy the birthday."

"I'm reinforced. I'm here. I am committed. Once you commit, you don't quit, man. And that's how I am," the rapper and singer said. "I was so honored, man, my mom is proud of me, everybody."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

"And the way the people are dragging this into politics, it's not fair," he continued. "It is not fair to us as entertainers for sure. And I think that this shouldn't be looked at as political or anything."