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Brendan Fraser's Astonishing Journey Back to Stardom – From Star to Obscurity to Oscar Winner
Celebrities

Brendan Fraser's Astonishing Journey Back to Stardom – From Star to Obscurity to Oscar Winner

After decades away from the big screen, Brendan Fraser is back and to prove it he just won the Oscar for Best Actor in The Whale. This is a man who the world has been rooting for in the last year. A man who has always come across as sincere, hard done by, and most importantly (when it comes to the Oscars) extremely talented. Anyone who has grown up watching the golden era of the ’90s cinema is more than familiar with Brendan Fraser, the strapping blue-eyed handsome star who ruled the silver screen back then with his undeniably brilliant acting chops. He was one of the ‘It’ stars of the decade, with films like Encino Man, School Ties, Airheads, Still Breathing, George of the Jungle, and The Mummy completing his transition to being a bankable Hollywood action actor with the potential to rake in big bucks at the box office.RELATED: Why Did Minnie Driver Disappear from Acting – And Where Is She Now?But by the end of the 2000s, the number of hits he managed to serve was getting overshadowed by the critical and commercial failures. The star was losing his high spot in the wide expanse of the starry sky and for years, it became a task to find that spark within himself that was not governed by others’ perception of who he is. The Setting Sun of Brendan Fraser’s CareerBrendan Fraser in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon EmperorJudging by the fact that Fraser remained stuck in the formula that was a hit back in the 90s and was unable to adapt to the change in the cinematic landscape, his decline was obvious. By his own admission, the actor’s sense of “who I was and what I was doing” was severely messed up after former HFPA President, Philip Berk, allegedly sexually assaulted him in the summer of 2003. Apart from facing backlash for pointing fingers at Berk, he was also going through a divorce at the time. Fraser has shared that he was depressed and unable to focus on his career in the wake of everything that was happening. RELATED: How Brendan Fraser Helped Dwayne Johnson Land His First Role – Yes, Nice Guys Can Finish FirstAs shared in an interview with GQ back in 2018, for Fraser work “withered on the vine for me. In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me.” Though the HFPA has vehemently maintained they never interfered with the actor’s career, Fraser wondered if the association blacklisted him for daring to speak against their own. In the years that followed, Brendan Fraser only played small, easily forgettable roles, leading a life away from all the stardom he had rightfully earned. In fact, a few years back The Mummy alum was increasingly becoming the favorite topic of “what happened to this famous star” articles. The Re-Discovery of the Brendan Fraser If you were to pick at the complicated yarn of Hollywood and try to look past all the glitz and glamour, you will end up with a disappointing picture of talented actors who have been sidelined into the depths of obscurity with no hopes of ever regaining the fame they once enjoyed. But despite being crudely dethroned decades ago and left to wade through a sea of disappointments, setbacks, and playing roles that drastically failed to represent the actor’s massive potential, Brendan Fraser has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. RELATED: ‘Cancel Culture’ Almost Killed Constance Wu – Her Comeback Is a Significant Lesson for EveryoneIt all started with HBO casting him as Cliff Steele/Robotman in the DC series Doom Patrol. Needless to say, Fraser once again proved he can and does steal every frame he is in. This was followed by filmmaker Steven Soderbergh casting him in the crime drama No Sudden Move alongside Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, and Julia Fox. The sudden — but totally well-deserved and earned — rise in his popularity further bloomed thanks to compliments from critics and the general audience for his role in the crime drama. What has eventually cemented his glorious comeback to Hollywood land is his heart-touchingly exceptional performance as the protagonist in director Darren Aronofsky’s 2022 drama, The Whale. Completely driven by Fraser moving performance, the film tells the story of Charlie, a reclusive English teacher who is struggling with obesity and is desperate to reach out to his teenage daughter as a last-ditch attempt to redeem himself. Brendan Fraser Reaps His AwardsSo far, the film has earned him a six-minute standing ovation at the Venice International Film Festival, a Golden Globe nomination, Best Actor at the Critics Choice Awards, and winning the Best Actor award at the 2023 Oscars. Given his relentless upward-rising trajectory and the applause that keeps coming his way for The Whale, it won’t be too far-fetched to presume that Fraser might end up marking his comeback by securing his first-ever Oscar. So, what worked in Brendan Fraser’s favor? Of course, the directors who overlooked the decades the actor spent playing minor roles and gave him the platform for the “Brenaissance” are definitely worthy of a bit of the credit. But the majority of it goes to Fraser’s refusal to give up. RELATED: What Happened To Adrien Brody? The Promising Leading Man Who Mysteriously Left the SceneYes, he was overwhelmed and his spirit was crushed by everything happening to him, but he never let his passion for acting die or be warped by the disappointments he was on the receiving end of for years. You can be lost in the darkness but as Fraser said in his emotional message during the Critics’ Choice Awards, “if you too can have the strength to just get to your feet and go to the light, good things will happen.”With his inspiring rise back to stardom and reclaiming his rightful place at the top in the world of cinema, Brendan Fraser is proof of the wonders you have the potential to set in motion when you believe in yourself, even sparingly, even if it is shrouded in doubt. All you have to do is go on — you will fall, lose, and might find it hard to hold on to hope in the process. Because as he said, all you have to do is to find it in yourself to just get up and strive to get out of the dark place you are in, the universe will recognize your hard work, your Herculean efforts to beat everything threatening to keep you down, and yes, good things will happen.

Why Everyone Thinks Wednesday's Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie Are Married — It's For The Sweetest Reason
Celebrities

Why Everyone Thinks Wednesday's Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie Are Married — It's For The Sweetest Reason

In the short time, Jenna Ortega has been in the industry, she has proven beyond any doubt that she is not just here to stay but to get herself included in the top tier of commendable actors. Her brewing stardom has exponentially climbed ever since she starred in Tim Burton’s Wednesday, which opened on Netflix recently to rave reviews both from the general audience and critics. The series sees her playing Wednesday, a teen girl with psychic powers who has been labeled anti-social and a constant troublemaker. After being expelled from multiple schools, her parents admit her into Nevermore, an academy for outcasts like her. Though she is instantly seen as a notorious troublemaker by the principal, Larissa Weems (Gwendoline Christie), the duo eventually enters into a tense truce to tackle the pressing, and rather deadly, mysteries at play. RELATED: The Strange and Heartwarming Story Behind Lindsay Lohan and Al Pacino’s FriendshipBut the characters’ on-screen tension doesn’t translate at all in the bond the actors share in real life. In fact, in the fantasy land of fans of Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie, the co-stars are actually married. Wondering what the catalyst is behind this sudden declaration? Well, it has been triggered by one heartwarming reason. Why Is Everyone Saying Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie Are Married?Well, Wednesday isn’t simply collecting glowing reviews, it is also attracting attention for the camaraderie shared by its star cast, especially that between Christie and Ortega. A few days ago, Christie sat down for a chat with ET Canada and gushed about Ortega’s impressive acting prowess as well as openly lauded her unique portrayal of Wednesday. "I think that Jenna is truly exceptional in this role. She does a really incredible job. And she is an actress of great capability, and great dynamism, and really extraordinary force. She is an incredible force, and she brings her own inimitable fresh take on Wednesday. And we see more of Wednesday than we've ever seen before,” said Christie. But what gave Gwendoline Christie and Jenna Ortega their current “marital status” was a press tour for the show at Comic-Con, where the Wednesday protagonist didn’t shy away from expressing how much she adores her co-star by calling the Sandman actor “My woman” and sharing that she loves her. At the ensuing giggles from the audience, Ortega added, “Sorry, that might be disrespectful but that is my nickname for her because she’s my wife. Sorry, I look at you (Gwendoline Christie)… and my heart… anyway.” RELATED: How Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Proved Friendship Is Essential to RomanceAww, right? It is a no-brainer that Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie aren’t actually married — they are being simply called a couple given their palpable chemistry, shared fondness for each other, and close bond.To quell the curiosity of those pondering Ortega’s current relationship status, the actor is currently single. Puns, fantasy pairings, and hilarious speculations aside. though Wednesday fans have linked her to her co-star Percy Hynes-White and are, of course, hyping the way she addressed Christie during the interview, Ortega is currently focused on amping up her resume. But Jenna Ortega and Gwendoline Christie’s Bond Is, Undoubtedly, InspiringIt would have not been shocking if Christie and Ortega hadn’t been on good terms. After all, the former is an established, Emmy-nominated star. She could have easily turned her nose up at the very idea of being cordial to a rising new actor like Ortega who is getting her first major break as the star of the show. RELATED: Do You Have These Most Desired Friendship Traits?Then there is the obvious age gap — the gaping generational chasm combined with the years in Hollywood that separate the two as well as the fact that Christie won’t be returning to the show could have hindered any and every chance of even polite admiration. And yet, they bypassed the bare-minimum expectation of maintaining a professional relationship. They recognized a kindred spirit in one another, choosing to admire each other, recognize the positive aspects, and lift each other up whenever possible. KEEP READING: Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Has It All – But After 22-Years of Marriage She’s in “Thankful Mode’ For One Simple Reason

Kanye West Aims Horrific Body-Shaming Rant At Lizzo - Her Response Is Life Changing
Celebrities

Kanye West Aims Horrific Body-Shaming Rant At Lizzo - Her Response Is Life Changing

What are the requirements to be a pop star? A good, strong, and alluring voice? Having a unique style? Knowing how to flex your creative prowess? Lizzo has them all, with confidence, even when someone like Kanye West comes after her. Unfortunately, even though we are living in the 21st century and presumably left the archaic mentalities behind, there are a few who find satisfaction in judging someone based on whether or not they meet the criteria of the “ideal” body type. RELATED: Woman Ruthlessly Bullied By Dance Teachers For Being Overweight Breaks Stereotypes And Gets The Last LaughAs if the task of churning out good work isn’t enough, pop stars have to pay heed to the demoralizing comments of trolls who evaluate talent on the basis of how someone looks. There is this added pressure of fitting everyone’s definition of beauty and perfection. Such negative and crude comments often succeed in crippling the willpower of the most confident out there. But not Lizzo. The singer-rapper has been the subject of demeaning comments and unwanted suggestions aimed at her for a long time and yet, she has never, not even once, opted to sink to the level of her naysayers. But that so does not mean she has been simply taking in all the hate lying down.The Latest String of Body-Shaming Comments Against LizzoJust a few days, rapper Kanye West, or Ye, who has been embroiled in controversies these past few weeks, decided to target body positivity movements in a chat with Fox news, claiming they are a sham. He started by levelling his comments at Lizzo, who has been a vocal supporter of body positivity and has boldly ditched the notion of fitting into everyone’s opinion of what is perfect. “When Lizzo loses 10 pounds and announces it, the bots … on Instagram, they attack her losing weight,” Ye said, “because the media wants to put out a perception that being overweight is the new goal when it’s actually unhealthy. It’s demonic.”RELATED: Models of All Sizes Don Lingerie to Transform Times Square Into Body-Positive CatwalkLizzo could have reacted with vitriol and fired back demeaning comments of her own in retaliation because Kanye deserved it for starting the whole drama with his unwanted opinions. But Lizzo did what Lizzo does best — make the trolls realize that their bitter words, meant to hurt her, have no effect whatsoever on the fact that she is acing life. Recently, during her tour in Toronto, Lizzo, without even taking any names, addressed how she feels like “everybody in America” is talking about her without any logical reason. In a video shared by TMZ, she is seen interacting with her countless fans sitting in the audience and wondering why everyone is spewing their two cents about her while she is busy “minding my fat Black beautiful business.” RELATED: Demi Lovato Has Moved Beyond Body Positivity– and You Should TooWell, that is Lizzo for you, people — elegant, oh, so confident, and letting haters drown in their disappointment of failing to rile her up with their spiteful words. And this is not the first time when the “Good as Hell” singer chose to bask in her success and confidence instead of striving to get back at those who find solace in trying to bring down others. A few weeks before the Kanye West incident comedian Aries Spears directed body-shaming remarks at Lizzo in an interview with The Art of Dialogue. Spears was asked about Lizzo’s music but the comedian made it clear that he can’t “get past the fact that she looks like the s--- emoji.” "She's got a very pretty face, but she keeps showing her body off. Like, come on, you?" he added. RELATED: Why Kanye West’s Admission That He Was Wrong In His Marriage Is More Important Than We ThinkAccording to Spears, even though he's not "the most in shape," he is handsome as well as "funny, has swagger and confidence, and is at least decent looking" which is what he needs to attract women. But he believes that "a woman that's built like a plate of mashed potatoes is in trouble."His comments about Lizzo were undoubtedly degrading and shared with the intention to insult the “About Damn Time” singer. Yet, Lizzo once again chose the higher road, proving that she is in a high place, not just career-wise but also mentally and emotionally. She simply called out everyone (read: Spears) who is busy criticizing her during MTV Video Music Awards. "You know what? I'm not going to say nothing. They be like, 'Lizzo why don't you clap back? Why don't you clap back?' 'Cause, bitch, I'm winning, hoe!," Lizzo said. “Big bitch is winning, ho! Best revenge is your paper, bitch!"Lizzo Shows What It Means to Be Proud of Who You AreIt’s not that Lizzo isn’t bugged or affected by what the world is saying about her. At the end of the day, she is a human with emotions and thoughts that are influenced by the positivity and negativity around her. She has admitted on many occasions how the racist and fat-phobic comments spoken carelessly by others, maybe to get more clicks or spark a controversy, affect her as there is no escaping them. She recently shared how an online comment last year attacking her appearance and weight really hurt her. But then she decided that instead of being the victim, she will show how to thrive in such a demoralizing atmosphere and still win. She chose to be an example for anyone and everyone experiencing the same and let them find solace in the fact that if she can get through this never-ending swamp of negativity, so can they.RELATED: Lizzo’s Journey From Rock Bottom to Radical PositivityIn an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Lizzo acknowledged that she is aware that her narrow-minded haters treat her as "some sort of punchline" as they simply can't accept the attributes that define her. Just because she dares to be who she is and declines to stick to others' definition of what she should be, she has always found herself facing criticism and flak as she sticks to “the way I choose to exist.”As she knows such people employ "negativity as clout and attention" to make themselves feel good, she keeps her distance from giving them the slightest attention. She even avoids reading about what they are saying or writing about her. LIzzo Does the Best Clapback and Says Nothing At AllAs Lizzo once said, by embracing and believing in herself, she is creating her own beauty standard i.e., be who you are without fretting what others think you should be. And she is confident it will be the only standard one day. RELATED: The Shocking Truth About Lizzo’s Weight (And Why We Have It All Wrong)The "Good as Hell" singer knows her own worth and that there is no reason to roll around in the muck with trolls, not expending the energy it takes for response or hate lets her live her own life is a great lesson in realizing that not responding can be the greatest revenge. Lizzo is the living embodiment of the saying that the best revenge isn’t reacting, it is living life like a winner, loving yourself, and letting the critics stew in their self-created hatred. KEEP READING: Lizzo Was Almost Canceled Over an Offensive Slur – Her Surprising Response Changed Everything

The Try Guys’ Heartbreaking Split Shows How Sometimes the Hardest Decision Is the Right One
Celebrities

The Try Guys’ Heartbreaking Split Shows How Sometimes the Hardest Decision Is the Right One

In this era, seeing strong friendships, especially when business and money enters the mix, is hard to find. Disputes, different opinions, and alternate aspirations have driven apart groups like One Direction and The Beatles, who established their roots together and attained their success as a team. In this disappointing land of the best friendships being sidelined, The Try Guys had been the brightest example of what true bonds stand for. Keith Habersberger, Zach Kornfeld, Eugene Lee Yang, and Ned Fulmer’s friendship isn’t just a few years old — the four date back to 2014 when they started running the YouTube comedy group, The Try Guys, at Buzzfeed. They probably knew each other much longer before they came together to start the popular show, but it was the rise to fame of The Try Guys that put the spotlight on their friendship.Anyone who follows their channel on YouTube doesn’t just love the trying-new-things concept of their videos but also admires the bond the friends share. They have been together for almost a decade and made The Try Guys the roaring success it is today. In their years as a team, never once have we heard of a disagreement or even the faintest whisper of a rumor that they are breaking up. In fact, recently they consolidated their friendship and partnership even more by starting their own TV show, No Recipe Road Trip with The Try Guys on the Food Network. RELATED: When Dax Shepard Was Accused of Cheating on Kristen Bell, He Did ThisBut that friendship-bound alliance is now in ruins after it was discovered that Ned Fulmer cheated on his wife Ariel, to whom he has been married since 2012. It breaks the hearts of everyone who found comfort and the example of true friendship in the videos of The Try Guys. There is no doubt that Keith, Zach, and Eugene must have taken the decision to part ways with Ned with a heavy heart. But some think the company’s image is the sole reason he was removed. Did The Try Guys Fire Ned Fulmer to Save the Company’s Reputation?Ned Fulmer is currently the topic of many debates on the Internet as many are discussing the circumstances surrounding his departure from the group. Many can’t believe that the other three guys would do this to their friend and sever their partnership. How does an affair decide whether Ned is still capable of following and building upon the show’s core theme — trying new things, no matter how eccentric and risky they are? RELATED: John Legend Reveals The Reason He Stopped Cheating–And It’s Not Chrissy TeigenMany have pointed out that when it came to Ned Fulmer, more than being a Try Guy his image primarily revolved around being a “Wife Guy.” Fans of their videos will run out of fingers to count the number of infinite times Ned has proclaimed “I love my wife.” He had been the poster boy of what it means to be a kind, loving and understanding husband as well as a responsible and caring father. In the Behind the Try documentary, Ned stated how he had “never imagined I would lead my family life so closely with my career.” “I became kind of known for my own relationship, and then we did more of it. I just kind of do it because digital media and YouTube culture is, I don’t know, kind of showing who you are as a person,” he added. RELATED: Is Love Truly Blind? What the Netflix Show Taught Us About Love & MarriageThere is no doubt that living by the “Best Husband” title was one of the core reasons Ned was liked and loved by viewers. His connection with Ariel being the very definition of relationship goals became a part of the show’s image and fed into its success. So, apparently — at least according to some Try Guys fans — Ned was outed from the team because his actions, defying his self-created status as a devoted husband, created a dent in the brand’s image.But while we currently live in a world where everyone has a specific, mostly selfish, agenda for doing something, we might be missing the bigger picture here when it comes to seeing why the Try Guys decided to break their group.The Try Guys picked doing what is right over their friendshipWhile Ned's betraying his, and in turn the Try Guys', image is one of the reasons behind the big decision Keith, Zach, and Eugene took, it is definitely not the only factor and not even the prime reason fueling their decisions. How many times have we seen scandals being swept under the rug and the one responsible getting a wildcard just because their association with a certain organization is more lucrative for the latter? The best example would be Ezra Miller’s The Flash still getting to see the light of day. Even if you are not someone familiar with their part in the larger DCEU, the last few months have catapulted Miller to the spotlight for all the wrong reasons be it allegations of harassment, getting arrested, or breaking into a house. Despite everything, Warner Bros. is happy to continue associating with the actor as long as they can get back some of the money they invested in his film. We are not judging them, it is a totally logical decision from the business point of view. What we are trying to say is that The Try Guys could have kept Ned despite the cheating scandal and hushed it up for their friendship and/or for the sake of The Try Guys’ brand value, which is dependent on the presence of the four friends. RELATED: Before His Cheating Scandal, Kevin Hart Had To Come To Terms With His First Failure As a HusbandIf you are following up on the discussion on Twitter around the three firing Ned, you must have seen how there are many who are his ardent fans and are not happy with the decision. They can’t wrap their head around why the fourth Try Guy’s personal issues dictate his career. Some are even talking about not following the channel anymore. There are many who don’t care what he does in his personal life as long as he continues to entertain on screen. So, yes, The Try Guys will be, inevitably, losing a lot of subscribers in the coming days, not just because Ned threw away his “Wife Guy" status and cheated on Ariel, but also because he was removed from the company. They were obviously aware of this fallback and yet they took the decision as doing the right thing is more important than taking the easy way out. This is what the Try Guys took into account when they decided to remove Fulmer from the family they created. It would have taken a lot of strength to put friendship aside and not let it ruin or colour the business they built. Fulmer went back on the promises (he made publicly and consistently) he made to Ariel. He put his wife, his children, and his family on the line by being unfaithful. RELATED: How Jude Law Took Accountability After Cheating On His Wife With The NannySome would say Fulmer's actions aren't connected to the business the Try Guys are running. But it does fracture the foundation of basic humanity — to stay faithful to your partner. Though firing Fulmer does mess up the perfect image of friendship the Try Guys had going, it does feel very right to see at least some people actually being humans by proving that they can think beyond the traps of money and fake standards. KEEP READING: Netflix at 25: How Streaming Changed the Way We Have Sex, Fall in Love & Live Our Lives

The Tragic Downfall of Ezra Miller: How to Cope When Your Heroes Become Villains
Celebrities

The Tragic Downfall of Ezra Miller: How to Cope When Your Heroes Become Villains

Have you ever wondered why most brands out there, no matter how big or small, strive to get an actor and flaunt their respective products via them? Is it because they are famous — it is a part of the bigger answer, but the real reason is how the general public perceives them. More often than not, we are swayed by the kind of projects an actor stars in and paint a picture of how they must be in real life based on the type of characters they play. So, when they advertise a product, it benefits from the positive perception the general public has of the said actor.RELATED: Young Avengers: 6 Kids Who Risked Their Lives to Become Inspiring Everyday HeroesThis is even more true when it comes to those who have had the fortune of performing the role of albeit fictional but legendary superheroes on the silver screen. The script-driven self-sacrificing, heroic actions of an actor’s character directly translate into “they can’t do nothing wrong in real life either.” But when they do, it doesn’t take long to catapult their hero status to that of a villain, which is not decided by the severity of their actions but how much they disappointed their fans who saw them as the living embodiment of perfection. And that’s the story of Hollywood actor Ezra Miller goes whose upcoming DC project, The Flash, has transitioned from being the most anticipated film to a topic that is enough to make people cringe. The Almost-Epic-Future Ezra Miller LostEzra Miller is an actor of great potential, ever since they made their debut with a breakout performance in 2008’s Afterschool. Their presence on the cinema landscape became all the more noticeable with films like Perks of Being a Wallflower and We Need to Talk About Kevin. But what really put them on the map was a performance in 2016 as DC’s Barry Allen, the fastest man alive in Batman vs Superman.RELATED: Single Mom and 4 Kids Stranded in the Rain Saved by an Unlikely Hero – Who Makes a Powerful RequestThe DCEU has been stuck in a vicious cycle of trial and many errors when it comes to picking the right actors to breathe life in its widely-beloved superheroes. The fact that Ezra Miller struck a chord with many DC fans as an instantly likable Barry Allen, aka Flash, was a miracle in itself. Their likeability factor skyrocketed with 2017’s Justice League — even though the film was thrashed by critics for its thin characters, Miller's performance was majorly praised and erased any doubts regarding their upcoming solo superhero venture, The Flash. Ezra Miller and Their Long List of Eyebrow-Raising Controversies and AllegationsThen came 2020, and it all went downhill for the actor whose public image only deteriorated from hereon. A video (since deleted) of Ezra Miller choking a woman outside a bar and throwing her to the ground surfaced. At the time, the matter didn’t pick up much steam but it did kickstart the formation of a very negative perception when it came to the actor. The debate about whether they are the right choice to be associated with two of the biggest franchises — DCEU and the Fantastic Beasts films — became a sporadic fixture on social media platforms. But its status soon became permanent as 2022 rolled in and Miller indulged in a string of incidents that more than just raised eyebrows. Since March, the Perks of Being a Wallflower star has been caught between assault charges, restraining orders, getting arrested, having a relationship with a minor, charges of burglary, and running an illegal marijuana operation. According to a Vanity Fair source, Miller saw themselves as "the next Messiah," and that, "the Freemasons were sending demons out to kill" them.The list is long and frightening and doesn't end there with multiple allegations of abuse, grooming, and emotional manipulation of minors. RELATED: The ‘Star Wars Kid’ Strikes Back: How a Viral Victim Became an Anti-Bullying HeroThe actor recently apologized for the concerning behavior exhibited in the past few months, revealing that they are suffering complex health issues, and assured they are “committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.”To say that fans were alarmed, disappointed, and saddened by Miller’s actions would be the understatement of the decade. The apology itself came too late to do much damage control.If cinema has taught us anything, it's that the protagonist is never wrong and can’t do anything remotely inappropriate — they are the hero, they overcome shortcomings, protect others, catch the bad guys, solve the seemingly irreversible crises, and ultimately save the day. Fans rarely get the chance to meet an actor in real life and get to know what they are truly like, we build celebrities up based on their fictional characterization. But the fact that we tend to over-idolize an actor in turn makes their wrongdoings akin to a major betrayal against how one perceived them. So, how to overcome this crushing disappointment? By allowing ourselves to realize a truth we refuse to acknowledge…Ezra Miller Is Not Defined by Their Fictional Portrayals…and that goes for every actor out there. In a world where people are obsessed with perfection, to fall for a fake construct, to play make-believe that at least someone is above the so-called “flaws,” and is seemingly “perfect” is an alluring choice. The world of fiction has always held a stronger sway compared to real life, which is filled with its fair share of ups and downs. It is easy to not differentiate between the real and reel life of an actor and believe that their characters, blessed with script-driven plot armor, define their authentic personality. RELATED: The Sopranos’ Biggest Villain Was a Secret Hollywood Hero IRL – Here’s WhyWe have to voluntarily allow ourselves to acknowledge the truth, and choose to not be influenced by our misconceptions. That starts with realizing that actors are only humans — capable of making the worst decisions against their better judgment, committing regrettable actions, and not always making the right choices.Fiction will forever remain a source of entertainment and a momentary escape from real life. Also, it is totally okay to find inspiration in a made-up character but that doesn’t include projecting their characteristics on the actor who plays them. It would be like setting a course for the Sun and expecting not to be burned to a crisp just because it was shown as a famous tourist spot in some fantasy film. While Ezra Miller is accountable for their past behavior, we are the ones that put them on a metaphorical pedestal, so the crushing disappointment we undergo in light of their actions is on us. KEEP READING: Are Your Superhero Dreams Making You Depressed?

Why Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's ‘Rainbow Baby’ Gives Hope to Grieving Parents
Parenting

Why Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's ‘Rainbow Baby’ Gives Hope to Grieving Parents

Back in 2020, Chrissy Teigen was beyond elated to be pregnant with her son, Jack — she admitted she and her husband, John Legend, refrained from naming their child until after the delivery, but this time they were too connected with their unborn baby. But in October of the same year, Teigen shared the heartbreaking news that they had lost their baby boy. The then 34-year-old revealed how she had been experiencing bleeding in the previous month of her pregnancy and despite their every effort to save their child, they couldn’t succeed. “We are shocked and in the kind of deep pain you only hear about, the kind of pain we’ve never felt before,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “So he will always be Jack to us. Jack worked so hard to be a part of our little family, and he will be, forever. To our Jack — I’m so sorry that the first few moments of your life were met with so many complications, that we couldn’t give you the home you needed to survive. We will always love you.”RELATED: Chrissy Teigen’s Breastfeeding Thread Holds A Special Lesson For MotherhoodNeedless to say, it was a traumatizing and very painful experience for the couple who were halfway into their pregnancy and harbored no doubts about the future they would have shared with their unborn child. This is what makes their current unborn child a “rainbow baby” — a heartwarming rainbow after a storm that felt neverending. What Is a Rainbow Baby?To be precise, a rainbow baby is nothing short of a miracle for a family that has lost a child due to a miscarriage, because the child was still-born, or passed away a few days after birth. Only a parent who has gone through this agonizing experience of losing their child knows the true meaning of getting pregnant again or adopting a child. They didn’t just lose their child, they lost their hope, their happiness, as well as their certainty of actually having the future they envisioned with their child. RELATED: What Chrissy Teigen’s Post About Pregnancy Tells Us About Moving ForwardFor them, the arrival of a new baby is, for the lack of better words, a life-changing experience as it renews their wounded hope and throws open the gates for a flood of emotions we can’t even begin to explain. "It's called a rainbow baby because it's like a rainbow after a storm: something beautiful after something scary and dark," as explained by Jennifer Kulp-Makarov, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and infertility specialist in a chat with Parents. "It's an extremely emotional and devastating experience to lose a pregnancy [or baby]. To create a life or bring a baby into the world after such a loss can be amazing—like a miracle for these parents.”Mostly, there is a physical reason why a parent loses a child, like in Chrissy Teigen’s case, she suffered a partial placenta disruption and experienced severe bleeding that needed constant transfusions. Thus in order to ensure the same doesn’t happen again, parents bend over backward and do everything in their power to erase any and every cause that would or could harm their child. And more often than not, this is a long, tiring journey as well as a rather emotionally as well as physically painful procedure for the parents, especially the mother. RELATED: Chrissy Teigen’s Twitter Departure Is A Reminder To Put Yourself FirstWhen Chrissy Teigen announced her pregnancy a few days ago in a heartwarming Instagram post, she revealed how she had been taking constant IVF injections in the past months. “Every appointment I’ve said to myself, “ok if it’s healthy today I’ll announce” but then I breathe a sigh of relief to hear a heartbeat and decide I’m just too nervous still. I don’t think I’ll ever walk out of an appointment with more excitement than nerves but so far, everything is perfect and beautiful and I’m feeling hopeful and amazing,” she wrote.While the process of IVF stimulation isn’t painful, it is nonetheless extremely taxing due to the effect injections have on hormones. and in turn, emotions, as they are put through the wringer.This extreme hard work and physical pain, not to mention the emotional rollercoaster parents have to endure is what makes the arrival of the rainbow baby beyond special. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s ‘Rainbow Baby’ Gives Parents Everywhere HopeAnyone who has followed Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s journey on social media since they lost their baby boy in 2020, knows that the usually chirpy couple went through a tumultuous emotional ride. Every time the duo openly talked about their harrowing experience, they were also supporting those parents who actively hide their emotions following the loss and deal with their trauma in hiding. Teigen has been criticized by a few for sharing images from the hospital when she lost her baby, but as Legend aptly said in an interview with The Guardian "it was a powerful and brave thing that Chrissy did to share that because it made so many people feel like they were seen and that they weren't alone.”RELATED: John Legend: My Mother Disappeared Into DepressionTeigen herself disregarded anyone’s dislike of the photos she shared as they were the representation of the trauma she “lived.” Moreover, she posted those photos for people “who have lived this” and “need them.” She further stated that in spite of the few naysayers, there have been many people, even total strangers who have understood her pain and encouraged her, but she knows “many women that won’t get these quiet moments of joy.”Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s unfortunate experience of losing their child halfway through their pregnancy is something many across the globe will relate to. Often, when a couple loses their child, they are stuck in depressive thoughts like how they are possibly infertile, incapable of carrying a full-term pregnancy or will never be able to deliver a healthy baby. It is a vicious cycle of negative notions and bleak thoughts, a pit that feels so deep it becomes impossible to get out of it. RELATED: Chrissy Teigen Celebrates John Legend’s EGOT, Her Love and Support Will Make You CryBut the couple is not only sharing their difficult journey with the world in hopes of finding closure but also to support those who are forced to live through this time quietly and on their own. And now that the couple, after facing many hurdles, tears, and troubles, is finally about to have their third child, it is renewing the faith of parents who have lost their child as they know that there is light at the end of the tunnel after all. All they have to do is persevere and not lose hope until they find it. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s Parenthood Journey Will Continue to Inspire Knowing the couple, we can expect that after their third child takes birth, we will be joining Chrissy Teigen and John Legend as they navigate being parents for the third time. Once again, sharing their experience would help parents acknowledge that parenting a rainbow baby is no easy feat but also realize that this difficult terrain can be navigated. The experience of becoming parents again is indeed a joyful experience but it is, to an extent, influenced by the child they never got to make a part of their lives. While the pregnancy or the arrival of a rainbow baby (via adoption) is going to be special, parents tend to feel nervous and overprotective when it comes to the child. Their happiness is tainted with the understandable and expected fear of losing their child yet again. RELATED: John Legend Reveals the Life Lessons He Learned From Working a ‘Boring Corporate Job’ in His 20sMore often than not, parents either don’t understand the trauma they are experiencing or have a hard time truly acknowledging it, which is followed by the inability to explain what they are feeling. This forced internalization of their pain only serves to isolate them at a time when they need to feel supported. To that, add the stigma and shame people who have gone through a failed pregnancy are subjected to and forced to live with.As a celebrity, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend continuing to share what comes next will empower every parent out there who has lost a child and/or is getting ready to welcome a new life. Imparting fashion advice or sharing intense workout videos is one thing, but to actually muster the courage to lay bare your pain and make another wounded soul realize they deserve to become a parent? To give them the hope and the guidance they seek? KEEP READING: After Years Of Trauma, Halsey Is In Love And Pregnant With Rainbow Baby

What Happened to Warner Bros.' Black Superman Movie — And Why Is It So Controversial?
Pop Culture

What Happened to Warner Bros.' Black Superman Movie — And Why Is It So Controversial?

As hopeful DC fans eagerly awaited signs in early 2021 that Justice League star Henry Cavill would reprise his role as the Man of Steel, they were instead confronted by an unexpected movie update: Warner Bros.' reported plan to reboot the iconic superhero with a Black Superman. While that hasn't been confirmed, the possible shift in the character's depiction has primarily attracted criticism. But why?Shadow and Act broke the news that celebrated author Ta-Nehisi Coates had been hired to write the film, produced by J.J Abrams’ Bad Robot. The development then gained traction with the contention by The Hollywood Reporter's sources that the project was being set up as "a Black Superman story."That was followed by another THR report, in which unidentified sources claimed the studio was searching for a Black director. What's more, rather than use DC's Calvin Ellis or Val-Zod, each of whom was introduced in the comics as a Black, alternate-universe Superman, the film would reimagine the original Man of Steel, Kal-El, better known as Clark Kent.RELATED: Superman’s Most Inspirational Quotes That Prove He Really Is a ‘Man of Tomorrow’Comics fans have celebrated similar plans by Marvel Studios, where inclusivity plays a central role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- whether that's in naming Sam Wilson as the new Captain America or confirming characters like Loki and Valkyrie are bisexual. But even unconfirmed reports of a Black Superman have received pushback. Why has Warner Bros. been silent about the project, which has been seemingly stewing in developmental limbo since it first made headlines in 2021? And, what’s more, why are DC fans so against the idea of a Black Superman?The Questionable Future of Warner Bros.’ Black SupermanTo be clear, neither Coates nor Abrams has confirmed THR’s report that the film intends to reintroduce Clark Kent as a Black Superman. So far, the only concrete information is that Warner Bros. plans a new Superman film. In the latter half of 2021, rumors circulated that Coates' film was dead in the water. However, KC Walsh of Geeks WorldWide, many of whose “leaks” subsequently have been confirmed, was quick to shoot down such speculation. Walsh insisted in a November 2021 Twitter post that such rumors "are 100% false," and that the writer was still working on a script.The THR report claimed Warner Bros. was looking for a Black director, but no announcement has been made. A June 2022 story by Variety indicated “the studio has yet to finalize plans” for the Superman film.RELATED: ‘She’s White. Is That OK?’ – Couple Adopts Abandoned Girl Despite Race StereotypesAt the time of this writing, the future of the new Superman film is as uncertain as the rest of DC's movie slate, which is again trying to find its footing in a world of superhero cinema dominated by rival Marvel Studios.However, the biggest question, surprisingly, isn’t the status of the film. Instead, the real dilemma is the "controversial" label that remains attached to the project, more than a year later.Why Is Warner Bros.’ Black Superman So Controversial?Before we address the major reason driving the online backlash, let’s touch upon the relatively minor, but more visible, issues adding fuel to the fire. For starters, Warner Bros. has no intention of granting the wishes of a vocal faction of fandom by continuing the so-called SnyderVerse, represented by Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Zack Snyder's Justice League.While studio will bring back Ben Affleck as Batman, in March 2023's Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the same can't be said for Man of Steel star Cavill. DC loyalists have demanded another film featuring the actor as Superman, but that isn't part of Warner Bros.' plan for the DC Extended Universe. That's despite a multiverse approach that could accommodate multiple versions of the character. (For instance, in addition to Affleck as the Dark Knight in the Aquaman sequel, audiences will see Michael Keaton reprise his Batman role in The Flash.) Needless to say, SnyderVerse fans aren't happy.RELATED: Ewan McGregor’s Response to Racist Star Wars Trolls Attacking Moses Ingram Was Powerful – But SadBut what some fans are really against is the timing. Coates' Superman was announced at a time when Warner Bros. was battling accusations by Justice League actor Ray Fisher that many of his Cyborg scenes, as well as those of other actors of color, were removed from the film's 2017 theatrical release after Joss Whedon took over from Snyder as director. The studio conducted an investigation, but refuted Fisher’s claims he faced racist and abusive behavior on set.Amid all of that chaos arrived the report of a Black Superman reboot. And soon, social media was rife with people insisting the studio’s decision was anything but revolutionary. One user insisted the move by Warner Bros. creates only a “facade of diversity," "especially when that studio won't even ACKNOWLEDGE the racist behavior perpetuated under their watch.”RELATED: Marvel’s Biggest MCU Stars Joined Forces to Make a Dying Boy’s Last Wish Come TrueArdent DC fans also take issue with the fact that many iconic Black characters already exist in the comic books, including more than one Black Superman. Yet, instead of giving them the spotlight, the studio is reportedly taking an established character, and changing his race, in hope of leveraging an existing audience. According to one Twitter user, it “represents no one, be they White or Black, and insults everyone.”Fans can’t help but compare Warner Bros.' DCEU to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has also introduced more heroes of color, only in a less-haphazard way. As pointed out in a tweet, while the MCU devoted years to properly introducing Sam Wilson, and even more time to debuting him as the next Captain America, all the DCEU would accomplish with a Black Superman is "another rush job.”Warner Bros.' Batgirl Cancellation Raises ConcernsResponse to the unconfirmed Black Superman film has been divided, but there's no denying plenty of fans would be in favor of the project. But a recent decision by Warner Bros. has left some dumbfounded, and fuming.The studio last week abruptly shelved its Batgirl film, starring Leslie Grace, which had already entered post-production. Variety reports the decision was a result of a shakeup at parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, formed from the recent merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. Originally targeted for release on the company's HBO Max streaming platform, the $90 million Batgirl was ultimately viewed as “neither big enough to feel worthy of a major theatrical release nor small enough to make economic sense.” RELATED: 15 Marvel Quotes to Help you Find the Superhero WithinWhile that may be the explanation, some fans fear the push to bring more representation and inclusivity to the DCEU has been dealt a major setback. Many question the studio’s decision to cancel Batgirl while allowing The Flash to continue, despite the alarming accusations against star Ezra Miller, which range from assault to harassment to child grooming. To some fans, Warner Bros. has revealed where its priorities lie by canceling a film starring a person of color yet permitting Miller to remain part of its cinematic universe. Thus, there are now concerns for other DC projects starring POC, namely Blue Beetle, headlined by Angel Manuel Soto, and Black Canary, featuring Jurnee Smollett's return to her role from 2020's Birds of Prey. RELATED: Marvel’s Will Poulter Called One Thing About Superheroes ‘Unhealthy’ – And He’s 100% RightWarner Bros. Can Still Turn Around the DCEUGiven Warner Bros.' recent track record of inadvertently igniting, and then extinguishing, its own fires, the studio desperately needs to sort its priorities. That's where it can learn a thing or two from the journey of Marvel Studios.There was a time when MCU was viewed as sexist for the way it handled female characters. They were relegated to the sidelines, only to take the stage as damsels in distress, like Pepper Potts, or else overly objectified, like Black Widow. But Marvel has slowly and steadily shed that image with fully formed female heroes whose debuts or character arcs don't feel rushed. If Marvel can be mindful and employ tact while revamping its image, nothing is stopping Warner Bros. from putting the past behind it and truly embracing promises of representation.KEEP READING: Marvel Finally Revealed a Superhero as Queer in Thor: Love and Thunder – And That’s Crucial

Who Is 'Inventing Anna' Based on and Where Is She Now?
Pop Culture

Who Is 'Inventing Anna' Based on and Where Is She Now?

Netflix is renowned for its crime series depicting real-life stories that have grabbed eyeballs and snatched headlines. But its drama miniseries, Inventing Anna, held everyone’s attention because it introduced the infamous con artist who went by the name of Anna Delvey. Pretending to be a wealthy German heiress, Delvey scammed New York City elites from 2013 until her arrest in 2017. RELATED: Are True Crime Podcasts ‘Unhealthy’ or Can They Solve Real Problems?So, where is Anna Delvey now? Did her story really end where the Netflix series concluded? Before we dive into her current whereabouts, let’s delve into the scandalous true story of Inventing Anna.Who Is Inventing Anna Based On? The True Story of Anna DelveyWhile the true story of Anna Delvey became public knowledge after she was sentenced in 2019, the Netflix series chose to base its story on the New York Magazine article "How Anna (Sorokin) Delvey Tricked New York's Party People" by Jessica Pressler. In her article, Pressler interviewed everyone from the young concierge Neff at the hotel 11 Howard to the wealthy names of NYC's VIPs. Everyone had the same things to say about Anna — she was someone who loved flaunting money and “knew everyone.”Anyone who has seen Inventing Anna knows that in reality, Anna had no money and faked being a German heiress. Her real name is Anna Sorokin and she was born in a Moscow suburb on January 23, 1991, in a middle-class family, where her mother used to run a small convenience store and her father drove a truck. She dropped out of art school and barely worked for a year at a fashion magazine in New York. RELATED: Inventing Anna’s 10 Best Quotes – And How They Can Make You Feel More AudaciousAnd yet, none of the affluent individuals (not to mention many hotels and banks) she conned initially managed to notice that she was lying through her teeth, or the fact that she was making others pay for her outrageously extravagant lifestyle. The biggest socialites of the city were in contact with her — DJ Elle Dee, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher partner Joel Cohen, and art collector Michael Xufu Huang, to name but a few. She even cooked up the “Anna Delvey Foundation,” which she proclaimed would be a private club for members only and an art foundation. But it was never anything more than another trick to fool the rich. In the beginning, no one batted an eyelash, even when she asked others to pay her bills, always paid in cash, mysteriously left her wallet home every time, or had a credit card that never worked when it came to making payments. Strangely enough, Anna always explained her imaginary wealth with a different backstory, but her charisma was enough to make a great first impression and everyone believed her. At least... they did until the loans she took from friends, the fraudulent checks she submitted in banks, and the bills she could not pay began to pile up; meanwhile, the lies she kept no track of started contradicting her claims. Anna Sorokin Started Running Out of Believable LiesIt all started unraveling in 2017 after she was evicted from one hotel after another as her fraudulent wire transfers didn’t amount to anything and her credit cards were all declined. One of the hotels even filed a case of theft of services against her when she failed to pay her bills. She was already under investigation for bank fraud, too.RELATED: Grandma Is Targeted by Scammers but the Trick Is on Them – Thanks to Her Secret PastBy July 2017, Anna had run out of friends. Rachel DeLoache Williams, who worked at Vanity Fair at the time (and was still waiting for the $62,000 she spent on Delvey) and celebrity fitness expert/trainer Kacy Duke refused to go out of their way to help her anymore as her stories were starting to not add up. It didn’t help that she had failed to pay them back even as she brazenly continued to ask for more money to settle her many outstanding bills. Things took a turn for the worst for Anna after she skipped her court date for the theft of service charges. Her flimsy reputation took a hit when the Post wrote about her, saying, “Wannabe socialite skips court, now faces arrest.” But the police had no idea about her whereabouts and she left behind no trail. So, New York Assistant District Attorney Catherine McCaw and New York Police Department Officer Michael McCaffrey decided to hatch a sting operation and contacted Rachel Williams, as she revealed in her 2019 article in Time. RELATED: Cashier Saves Elderly Woman from a $3k Scam – With One Perfect QuestionShe had been giving Anna the cold shoulder for months, but the police asked her to message her again, pretending to reconcile in order to coax out where she was. Rachel messaged and while Anna took her time to respond, she eventually fell for the trap and revealed her location — Passages Malibu, a luxury rehab facility in Los Angeles County, California. Anna was soon arrested, bringing her years of swindling the elite to an abrupt end.Where Is Anna Sorokin Now?In 2019, Anna Sorokin was indicted by a grand jury that found her guilty of a total of eight charges, which included attempted grand larceny in the first degree, grand larceny in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree, as well as theft of services for the bogus loan applications she made. All together, she was charged for scamming many and stealing an estimated amount of $275,000. The judge remarked how they were “stunned by the depth of the defendant’s deception” and sentenced her to 4 to 12 years in state prison. She was also fined $24,000 and was ordered by the court to pay restitution of about $199,000. But Anna had no regrets. "I'd be lying to you and to everyone else and to myself if I said I was sorry for anything,” she said in an interview with New York Times before the judgment. She used the $320,000 Netflix paid her for the rights to her life story to pay the fines. RELATED: Struggling Family Loses their Last $600 in a Scam – Then, a Stranger Steps in and Changes EverythingOn February 11, 2021, Anna was released from prison on parole. But she only got to taste freedom for six weeks as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took her into custody for overstaying her visa. It was decided that she would be deported to Germany on March 14, 2022, but as reported by Der Spiegel, she refused to leave and is contesting the decision. Thus, at the moment, Anna sits in Orange County Jail, hoping for a decision in her favor as she doesn’t want to leave New York. Anna Sorokin Wants to Turn Over a New LeafWhile the legal system and, of course, the people she conned are not in favor of giving her a second chance, her story via Inventing Anna has catapulted her to instant fame. Though she is stuck in ICE custody, she held her first art exhibition in late March 2022, titled "Free Anna Delvey." The exhibition also contained five drawings by Anna and according to the New York Times, were priced at $10,000."It’s ironic," Anna shared. "How after having failed so publicly while trying to build A.D.F. a couple of years ago, people are way more interested in hearing my voice now than they were back in 2017."A second exhibition took place in May 2022. Titled "Allegedly," it featured 20 drawings by Anna that were each priced at $10,000. How Different Is Inventing Anna From Anna Sorokin’s Real Story?At the beginning of every episode of Inventing Anna, there is a disclaimer simply stating that the truth has been laced with elements of fiction. While the majority of the outrageous scams depicted in the series were committed by Anna, a few creative liberties have been taken while shaping her story for the small screen. For starters, the character of reporter Vivian Kent is based on the real-life New York Magazine writer Jessica Pressler, who was pregnant when she investigated Anna’s life. But that’s where the similarities end. As revealed by Pressler in a chat with Vulture, she never joined with the defense to solve the case and neither did she break into Anna’s parents’ home in Germany. She also never faced any excessive resistance from her New York Magazine bosses when she decided to pursue Anna’s story. Same goes for the fictional Chase Sikorski, Anna’s boyfriend in Inventing Anna. But he is not pure fiction as Pressler’s article did mention a "futurist on the TED-Talks circuit who’d been profiled in The New Yorker” whom Anna had dated for a while. Many other character names in the show are not real but it is obvious that they are based on real-life people who interacted with Anna. Her finance lawyer, Alan Reed, for example, is probably based on her real-life lawyer, Andy Lance. And just like it is shown in the series, he never made an attempt to properly check if Anna really had the resources to pay for the lavish plans she had. Inventing Anna did dramatize the bit about Peter Hennecke, though. The real Anna cooked up the fictional persona and claimed that he was her business manager. She provided people with fake email IDs to contact him and a cell phone number that was later traced back to a defunct burner phone. But in the series, Anna goes out of her way to make Hennecke look believable. She is seen using voice disguising software to sound like her non-existent German business manager to anyone who called the number. What’s Next for Anna Delvey?Inventing Anna isn’t the last time Anna’s story will grace the small screen. As reported by Town and Country Magazine, she has signed a deal with Bunim-Murray Productions to star in a new docuseries. While Inventing Anna only covered her court trials and life in prison, the reality TV series will document what she has been up to since then. "Anna’s story is very much alive and still unfolding as we speak,” Michael Driscoll, director of development at Bunim/Murray Productions, shared with Deadline. “She is a complicated and fascinating character, and we are looking forward to telling the next chapter of her ever-evolving tale." RELATED: This 9/11 Hero Got Scammed Out Of $1M – Today, He Was Given $400,000In a chat with NBC News, Anna also revealed that she is launching NFTs (non-fungible tokens) in order to give her fans "exclusive access" to her as they have been supporting her constantly and writing letters to her. She also shared that she is “trying to move away” from her “scammer persona” as she hates seeing herself being called one.Fictional events and shocking facts aside, Anna Sorokin has made it clear that she wants to leave her past behind. She expressed her frustration with the label of being a fraud in an essay she penned for Insider, saying, "Will I forever be stuck in a past not entirely of my creation without getting a chance to move on?" Only time will tell whether the world, and especially those she scammed, are ready to let bygones be bygones.KEEP READING: How Hulu’s The Bear Tears Apart Addiction, Suicide and Mental Health

Jennifer Garner’s Reaction to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s Marriage May Surprise You
Celebrities

Jennifer Garner’s Reaction to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s Marriage May Surprise You

Jennifer Garner’s Reaction to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s wedding may not be what you think it is. When Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were married, the couple owned the title of being Hollywood’s power couple. It was not because they showed up at every red carpet event together — the duo based their relationship on a strong friendship, constantly had each others’ back, and never forgot to appreciate one another. And that made all the difference.RELATED: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s “Reunion” Carries an Important TruthEven though they separated years ago and Affleck has dated many renowned names in the industry — Ana de Armas, Lindsay Shookus, and Shauna Sexton — Garner continued to stick by his side as a loyal friend who truly cared about his life and goals.Jennifer Garner Was a Positive Force in Ben Affleck’s Life A year after his breakup with Jennifer Lopez in 2004, the Justice League star got hitched to Jennifer Garner and remained married to her for the next ten years. During this time, the couple not only embraced parenthood with the birth of their three children but also strengthened their bond by being there for each other. While Affleck raved about the “rare” kindness and empathy that Garner possesses, she told Parade magazine how her husband was the whole package — "Ben is sexy and kind, but he's also a riot.”RELATED: The Truth About Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s RelationshipWhen Affleck married Garner, he was struggling with a severe dip in his career as well as his long-term addiction to alcohol. Thanks to the constant support of his wife, something he candidly shared in a chat with Loaded magazine, he mustered enough courage and confidence to turn his life around. He decided to give his directorial skills a try and went on to helm acclaimed dramas and films like Gone Baby Gone and Argo. His career received another boost when he starred in the critically and commercially successful Hollywoodland. "Getting to know Jennifer, falling in love with her and being connected with her gave me a foundation to reach out and say, 'Okay, I'm going to do Hollywoodland. I'm going to direct Gone Baby Gone.' Those were the steps forward I needed to put positive stuff on the board."Jennifer Garner Stood by Ben Affleck Even After They SplitEven after the couple separated in 2015 — though their divorce was finalized in 2018 — Jennifer Garner, who could have chosen to be a criticizing ex, continued to support Ben Affleck. In a tell-all interview with Vanity Fair in 2016, Garner talked about the end of her marriage with Affleck and admitted that even though he is a “complicated guy,” if given the chance she “would go back and remake that decision” of marrying him as he is “the love of [her] life.”RELATED: What Jennifer Garner Learned From The Horror Show Of A Divorce From Ben AffleckJennifer Garner’s support hasn’t just been limited to praising Affleck and showing the world how modern co-parenting can work smoothly and without any hard feelings. In 2018, Entertainment Tonight reported that despite all the efforts the Argo director was putting into steering clear of his alcohol addiction, he had fallen off the wagon again. But Garner was there to help him even though his addiction had played a major role in their divorce and drove him to the rehab facility. While Garner has been undeniably instrumental in the betterment of Affleck’s health and career, she has always opted to not comment on his love life, even when “Bennifer” started grabbing headlines in 2021. As reported by E! News in May 2021, a source told the publication that Garner has no interest in being dragged into the media circus around Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s relationship as she would prefer to remain focused on herself and her children. "She's trying to live her life and raise her kids, and the last thing she wants to be doing is be dealing with Ben's love life. Her focus is always on the kids' happiness and Ben being a good father."Jennifer Garner Is Busy Winning in LifeWhile the world was going crazy over the surprise wedding ceremony of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez in Las Vegas last Saturday, the Alias star was busy having the time of her life in Lake Tahoe, California. Unlike the many celebs who choose to throw not-so-subtle shade at their exes when they get re-married, Jennifer Garner’s Instagram stories were instead giving us major how-to-have-fun-the-right-way goals. From her story updates, it is evident that Garner had a blast while spending her weekend biking, paragliding, and enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of nature around her. There are many who are expecting her to make some comment on her ex-husband’s sudden wedding but the actress is evidently feeling no pressure to meet these expectations. She had not been helping Affleck in hopes of reconciliation, she has been helping a friend, taking care of a person for whom she wants nothing but good things.RELATED: Ben Affleck’s Accountability Journey Starts With Acknowledging The Women In His PastEven though Affleck has dated many women since his split from Garner, no one has stuck around and continuously supported him like the Elektra actress. Since the rumours, swiftly followed by a confirmation, started swirling that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez had tied the knot, Jennifer Garner also became a trending topic on social media. Her fans have been sending her warm wishes and wondering how she is holding up in the face of Affleck's marriage to a woman he was dating before he married her. Jennifer Garner Doesn't Let He Past or Present Relationships Define HerBut no matter how heartfelt the wishes of her fans are, Jennifer Garner is sticking to her mantra - to keep her distance from her ex-husband’s romantic endeavors and live her own life. While Affleck’s many romances have always been in the spotlight, Garner has kept her personal life away from the media’s eye. For some time now, she has been dating businessman John Miller and is loving the fact that he is not interested in all the attention he can grab by flaunting their relationship. As reported by Us Weekly, “[Jennifer] loves how little [John] cares for the limelight or the whole Hollywood scenester stuff.” The outlet added that the couple’s bond is “very different from Ben and J. Lo’s relationship in that way. You’ll never see them ham it up for the cameras or fixate about what events to attend together, it’s just not their style.” RELATED: Why We Need To Talk About The Jennifer Lopez vs Jennifer Garner ConversationThe Adam Project star chilling in Tahoe, trying new things, and acing the title of amazing mom shows how she chooses to truly live and experience life regardless of the social chatter and drama around Ben Affleck and J.Lo’s wedding. Sidestepping the expectations that come with the boon and the curse of being a celebrity while not letting negative feelings cloud a positive mindset? Now, that’s what we call living life to the fullest and Garner is hands down, acing it.KEEP READING: How Jennifer Lopez’s Breakup With Alex Rodriguez Exposes Double Standards