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  • Bianca Mercuri

    Bianca Mercuri is a qualified writer with a BA in Journalism and five years of online publishing experience.
<strong>Khloe Accused of Using Controversial Weight Loss Drug – Are Kardashians Toxic or Are We?</strong>
Celebrities

Khloe Accused of Using Controversial Weight Loss Drug – Are Kardashians Toxic or Are We?

Pick a day and at least one of the Kardashian sisters are the subject of a media storm.This time around it's Khloe Kardashian and the controversial diabetes drug Ozempic, a drug rumoured to be the ultimate weight loss solution for the rich.The drug's off-label use has become so popular that even Jimmy Kimmel mentions it in his 2023 Academy Awards opening, "When I look around at this room I can't help but wonder, 'Is Ozempic right for me?"'But before Kimmel, Khloe Kardashian was already under fire for her alleged use of the drug to acquire her rather new and sleek physique. Khloe and the rest of the Kardashian/Jenner clan adhere to beauty standards and set them, creating a massive divide between fans and haters. That being said, the internet lit up with theories of Khloe using Ozempic to achieve her shocking weight loss. But staying true to her bold and unapologetic self, the youngest Kardashian clapped back at the accusations and how she really found her way to strength and health.Khloe Kardashian’s Weight Loss Journey@khloekardashian/InstagramEven in the early days of the Kardashian’s fame, the three sisters were known for their physique. But Khloe’s appearance wasn’t fawned over as much as older sisters Kim and Kourtney’s. In fact, both online and print media were quite disparaging to Khloe at that time, even designers and photo shoots refusing to supply her with adequate dress sizes. After years of living with the 'bigger sister' moniker, Khloe began her own health and weight loss journey. While she is not the first celebrity to go through a radical weight transformation, she may be the most talked about. In 2017, Khloe hosted Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian, which started her online fitness presence. The reality star opened up about her weight loss and eating habits, even claiming on an episode of The Kardashians that she eats what she wants, she simply works out to offset it.RELATED: Jordan Peterson Tried to Body Shame a Sports Illustrated Model – But It Backfired SpectacularlyIt's impossible to ignore some of the unhealthy training and food comments seen from the family as a whole, which may have ignited the Ozempic rumors, For instance, Kim Kardashian's dramatic weight loss to fit into the Marilyn Monroe dress threw the internet into a well-deserved tizzy. Between the Kardashian’s dropping weight with help from 'sauna suits' and a new “Heroin Chic” body standard coming back from the 90’s supermodel era, it can be a triggering time for anyone following the body positivity movement.But Khloe, despite her inclusive clothing brand Good American, is still under fire for perpetuating toxic online culture. A heavy-handed use of filters and photoshop have only amplified the rumors of using Ozempic drug for weight loss. But Khloe is having nothing to do with the accusations.Khloe Kardashian Responds to Ozempic Weight Loss Rumours@khloekardashian/Instagram The drug Ozempic went viral on TikTok earlier this year (the hashtag viewed millions of times), showcasing many 'magical' transformations. There were speculations that Mindy Kaling and Elon Musk, along with a slew of other celebrities looking for a quick fix, were using Ozempic to get speedy results. Khloe Kardashian was the latest to be swept up in the storm.But while Khloe was quick to respond to the allegations she has since deleted comments surrounding her appearance. “I openly talk about my nose job and anyone who ‘looks up’ to me must know that I’ve lost over 60 pounds over the years.” She added, “I didn’t know I had to do a running list. Either way, attacking someone is sad in my opinion.” Not only did she address the gossip, but she also brought up a great point about keyboard warriors and their patterns of attacking celebrities through their screens.RELATED: Kendall Jenner Reveals How Her ‘Debilitating Anxiety’ Taught Her a Universal Lesson in Prioritizing Self-CareBut, Khloe didn't stop there and directly jumped on the comments alleging she uses a diabetes medication to suppress her appetite. The comment on her Instagram page lays it out, “The fact that she uses dibetic [sic] medicine to get this skinny is disturbing,” to which Khloe responded, “Let’s not discredit my years of working out. I get up 5 days a week at 6am to train. Please stop with your assumptions. I guess new year still means mean people.”The Kardashians do get a lot of flak, with their every move, pound, and hair color being tracked. That's undeniable, but what's in question is whether it's warranted. They live a public life in which everything they say or do is analyzed and used against them. In an industry where we pin women against women, it’s not a surprise that we demonize and blame famous women for their contributions to societal problems. But these problems existed long before the Kardashian’s fame, so what does that say about their presence online?Are the Kardashians to Blame for Toxic Internet Culture?We typically look to the Kardashian family when body standards change or new trends arise. They have their hands in the beauty, wellness, fitness, and clothing spaces and contribute and shape much of what we see online. Despite being successful businesswomen, the Kardashians are not seen as workforce leaders but as deceitful and famous-for-nothing.While it’s impossible not to acknowledge the impact their choices have on their fans, followers, and society as a whole, is it fair to blame one family for everything wrong with what we see online? As mentioned before, the “Heroin Chic” look stems from the 90’s runway models who sported rail-thin physiques and dark makeup that mimicked under-eye bags. These trends and body standards existed before the Kardashian’s time in the spotlight, and yet we continue to condemn them for adhering to the same standards that we also follow.RELATED: Jameela Jamil’s Fight Against Toxicity In The Media Has Come Full CircleMany times, the criticism of the Kardashians comes from a lack of compassion for what internet culture has done to these women and their self-esteem. Looking at Khloe alone, her weight loss can be thought to stem from the insecurity of all the media and tabloid talk comparing her to her sisters (and never living up). They have experienced the same pressures we all feel at home, except they have an amplified platform and a slew of haters to tear them down minute by minute.Rather than shame the Kardashians for displaying their insecurities, it sets a better example to show kindness by understanding that they are not immune to the same standards imposed on all of us non-famous folk. They make their fair share of mistakes and could be using their platforms to dismantle these systems but that takes courage they might not have at this point in time. The important thing to remember is that celebrities are people too and most likely can’t live up to the impossibly high standards of perfection we expect from them. How could any of us?

Even Selena Gomez Thinks Her “Weight” Drama Is Getting Old—And She Has a Few Choice Words About It 
Celebrities

Even Selena Gomez Thinks Her “Weight” Drama Is Getting Old—And She Has a Few Choice Words About It 

Selena Gomez is a national treasure, one of the most universally loved celebrities around. She’s been in the entertainment industry for as long as we can remember, starring on Barney as a child before moving onto Disney Channel and eventually even bigger productions. Recently, Gomez’s documentary My Mind & Me gave insight into her health struggles over the years as well as how the industry has affected her body and weight image.RELATED: Why Selena Gomez’s Excitement At Turning 30 Is The Right AttitudeThe documentary spans six years so the audience visibly watches her growth and maturity blossom. This has only been emphasized now, in 2023 and Gomez is ready to clap back at the haters. After attending the Golden Globes, Gomez encountered some criticism about her appearance, and she handled it with honesty, grace, and humor.Selena Gomez’s Health Battle and How It Affects Her Life In 2015, Gomez revealed that she has lupus, an auto-immune disease that led to needing a kidney transplant. Her best friend and fellow actress Francia Raisa was a successful match and agreed to donating a kidney to the "Lose You to Love Me" singer. While the operation was successful for both women this wasn’t the only complication stemming from Gomez's diagnosis. In 2016, the Only Murders in the Building star opened up about her anxiety and depression triggered by her battle with Lupus.This was only the start of her mental health journey. In her Apple TV+ documentary Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, she revealed that in 2018 she had an episode of psychosis. While she recovered from this potentially life-altering episode, shortly after she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She is now being treated through medication and therapy.RELATED: These Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber Photos Will Change Lives Forever – And Finally End the GossipThe last decade of Gomez’s life has been littered with challenges and struggles from both physical and mental health. These struggles are what inspired the beauty brand Rare Beauty. The Rare Beauty packaging is user-friendly, making it easy for people with disabilities to handle. This is a huge step forward in combatting ableism in the beauty space. Meanwhile, proceeds from the brand go toward mental health; the Fund is set to raise $100 million over the next ten years!Selena Gomez’s Support of the Body Positivity Movement@selenagomez/Instagram | @selenagomez/InstagramBeing one of the most followed accounts on Instagram, Gomez's comment section is flooded with praise – but also with criticism. Like most celebrities who grew up in the spotlight, everyone has something to say about the way she changes over time. Aging and growing up can be awkward and hard to navigate, and for people like Gomez who go through this publicly, it’s even more difficult to hold back self-judgment.That being said, Gomez is done taking trolls at face value and she’s clapping back! Known for advocating body positivity for her fans (and haters alike), she’s now advocating for herself. After her red-carpet appearance at the 2023 Golden Globes, the 30-year-old star was told she gained weight. Later that night on an Instagram Live with her younger sister Gracie Elliot Teefey, Gomez said, “I’m a little bit big right now because I enjoyed myself during the holidays.”RELATED: What You Need To Know About Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez’s Alleged FeudBut this isn’t the first time she talks about her experience with toxic online culture and body shaming. In April 2022, Gomez posted a TikTok where she opens up about weight gain. “So I be trying to stay skinny, but I went to Jack in the Box and I got four tacos, three egg rolls, onion rings and a spicy chicken sandwich.” She says, “But honestly, I don’t care about my weight because people bitch about it anyway: ‘You’re too small.’ ‘You’re too big.’ ‘That doesn’t fit.’ ‘Meh meh meh meh.’”In a powerful final statement, Gomez encapsulated her maturity towards the subject, “Bitch, I am perfect the way I am. Moral of the story? Bye.”How Can Celebrities Shift Social Media Toward Body-AcceptanceSelena Gomez for Rare BeautyCelebrities like Selena Gomez and Lili Reinhart who speak out against toxic body culture online are changing the way we accept what we see from influencers with large platforms. Lili Reinhart called out Kim Kardashian after her Met Gala weight loss to fit into the Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe dress. After the Kardashian claimed to diet severely and work out an obscene amount to fit into the dress, Lili Reinhart took to her Instagram story to call her out on promoting unhealthy relationships with our body, with food and with fitness. This isn’t the first time she’s brought up the topic.Gomez has always preached about self-acceptance, self-esteem, positive body talk, and more. But it takes more than just two celebrities to make a difference. A handful of others contribute to this notion, but it’s very few compared to those who actually contribute to the problem.RELATED: Lili Reinhart Gets Deeply Honest About Her Return to Therapy and Her Struggle With AnxietyRather than staying silent and encouraging young women to succumb to the pressures of Hollywood standards, we should teach what we see online isn’t always a reflection of reality. We bestow upon them a standard that’s unachievable, something only attained through unhealthy means or editing. These practices go against the idea of self-acceptance and can cause detrimental mental and physical damage to the young girls who participate.If we’re going to praise celebrities and put them on a pedestal, let’s choose to do so with celebrities who have something to say. Let's praise those who use their platform as a safe space to heal and encourage followers to go against dangerous trends they see online. We give credence to those who mimic what we want to see in ourselves rather than emphasizing the people who preach self-love first. Gomez is setting an example to all women: To value the wellness and safety of their fans over aesthetics.KEEP READING: Kanye West Aims Horrific Body-Shaming Rant At Lizzo – Her Response Is Life Changing

How Harry and Meghan Set Boundaries with Family - And Why It’s a Perfect Resolution This Year
Celebrities

How Harry and Meghan Set Boundaries with Family - And Why It’s a Perfect Resolution This Year

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had been slowly separating themselves from the royal family over the last few years. The rumored animosity between the couple and their royal relatives has put a damper on their relationship and also on the way that the public views the monarchy as a whole as themes of racism have also been in question. The bombshell of the couple leaving their roles in the royal family shocked the world and sparked controversy. RELATED: The Truth Behind Meghan Markle’s Relationship With Her ParentsThe death of Queen Elizabeth II brought up the gossip once again. Between Markle’s “Archetypes” podcast, and the plethora of “anonymous sources” that have commented about what’s gone down, it’s hard to decipher what’s true or not. Well, Markle and Prince Harry’s new Netflix docu-series spilled some piping hot, British tea. Here's what Markle and Prince Harry have done to set healthy boundaries for themselves.Netflix Docu-series “Harry & Meghan” Addresses Rumours of RacismThe docu-series holds the crown for highest Netflix documentary debut. Prince Harry jumped into the Harry & Meghan docu-series headfirst, quickly addressing his decision to give up his royal title. When this happened in real-time, the world nearly stood still. It’s been almost unheard of for royal blood to deny their lineage. But, Harry had some pretty good reasons for doing this.“My job is to keep my family safe,” he said in the docuseries, “But the nature of being born into this position amid everything that comes with it and the level of hate that is being stirred up in the last three years, especially against my wife and my son, I’m generally concerned for the safety of my family.”RELATED: How Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Navigated The Grief Of A MiscarriageThere had been gossip circulating about the royal family showing racist tendencies and ideals toward Markle and her son. The media itself perpetuated some of these narratives but from what Harry had to say, it seems as though there might be some truth to that.While Markle also made comments in her interview with Oprah Winfrey about racism in the royal family, Harry has also confirmed the presence of discrimination. Harry calls out an “unconscious [racist] bias” in the Windsor family which ultimately prevented the royal family from understanding why Markle and her son would need more protection as they were mixed race and being targeted heavily in the media. That being said, Harry stated that he is “really proud” about his children being of mixed race.Meghan Markle’s Struggle with Mental Health and Lack of SupportMarkle opened up about her suicidal ideation in the docuseries, shedding light on how her mental state was deteriorating during this time. She had previously opened up to Winfrey about her mental health struggles as well, but this particular comment felt more shocking than the last. “It was like, ‘All of this will stop if I’m not here,’ and that was the scariest thing about it,” Meghan had explained in the docuseries, “That it was such clear thinking.”She expressed this to her husband who claimed he was “devastated” once he really understood how dark it had gotten for Markle. “We were both struggling,” he said, “But I never thought that it would get to that stage and the fact that it got to that stage, I felt angry and ashamed.” Princess Diana, Harry's mother, had gone through some similar media scrutiny that left her vulnerable. Harry has seen people he loves fight this battle before. RELATED: How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Love Defied All BordersBut, he also talked about his mishandling of this situation the first time around and his lack of support – as well as how much he now regrets it. “I didn’t deal with it particularly well. I dealt with it as institutional Harry as opposed to husband Harry. I had been trained to worry more about what are people going to think if we don’t go to this event, we are going to be late.” He said, “Looking back on it now, I hate myself for it. What she needed from me was so much. More than I was able to give.”Harry wasn’t the only person that failed her at this time in terms of support. Markle explains that she wanted to seek help while still a part of the royal family but “she wasn’t allowed to” because “they were concerned about how that would look for the institution”. The couple also says that the royal family didn’t understand why she couldn’t deal with it when everyone else had previously, but what they didn’t understand was how different it was for Markle. Not solely because of her internal conflicts but because of the harrowing media coverage that was going on at the time. She was ultimately left to fend for herself.“I realized that I wasn’t just being thrown to the wolves,” She said, “I was being fed to the wolves.”How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Boundaries Shifted their Situation Harry and Markle needed things to change, and when they were denied help from their royal relatives, they decided to do it themselves. They decided to leave. This decision was hard for many reasons, including the fact that it was going to distance him from his family. But we always talk about leaving toxic relationships and family relationships also count in this.A relationship goes two ways, and all the things that bond people together such as support, love, and trust, were ultimately non-existent between Harry and his family at that point. His child and his wife had their general security in question and Harry needed to protect them since no one else had the courage to do it. Markle was in a toxic relationship with the royal family, and in many ways, so was Harry.RELATED: Meghan Markle Shares Cake With Waiting Children in New Zealand, Reminds Us That Kind Gestures Don’t Have to Be GrandEven when this is the case, and even when the solution seems crystal clear, it’s never hard to set a boundary that shouldn’t have had to exist in the first place. It’s not in our nature to abandon the life we knew and the people in it, but if it’s harming someone you love, or yourself, then we have to put limits in place to protect ourselves.Harry and Meghan made some difficult decisions and placed some drastic boundaries in place to protect their peace, their lives, and their marriage. While this couldn’t have been easy, sometimes in the long run, setting boundaries with family and friends is the only thing to do. READ MORE: Here’s The Best Thing We Can Do For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Kobe Bryant’s Daughter Natalia Bravely Speaks Against The Man Stalking Her - Wins The Fight Of Her Life 
Celebrities

Kobe Bryant’s Daughter Natalia Bravely Speaks Against The Man Stalking Her - Wins The Fight Of Her Life 

Natalia Bryant, daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, is scared for her life due to a stalker's obsession and has been for too long. The LAPD is equally alarmed considering her alleged stalker has a criminal history involving guns. This situation has elevated to the point of sending Bryant straight to court to get a restraining order against 32-year-old Dwayne Kemp.And finally, Bryant was granted a restraining order by the court against the man who terrorized her for years! Dwayne Kemp has been ordered to remain at least 200 yards from Bryant as well as staying away from her home, work, and school. RELATED: The Truth Behind Kobe Bryant’s Troubled Relationship With His ParentsLet’s get to know Bryant a little bit better and give context to this insane train of events. How did the passing of her father contribute to this, and how is she currently dealing with the situation at hand?Who is Natalia Bryant?Natalia Bryant is the daughter of former professional basketball player Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant was a shooting guard and spend his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna along with others died in a tragic helicopter crash.Natalia Bryant is 19 and part of a University of Southern California sorority house. She’s the oldest child of Kobe and Vanessa Bryant as well. She finally opens up about her two-year scare with this former criminal and how this alleged stalking came to be. One incident even supposedly occurred at USC.Natalia Bryant’s Stalker Story Shocks the PublicBryant states that Kemp attempted to make contact two years ago. At the time, she was only 17 whereas Kemp was 30. Apparently, he’s under the impression that the two share a romantic relationship but Bryant says she’s never met or had any kind of contact with Kemp. She claims he’s done everything in his power to make contact with her in the last two years and is extremely fearful of him. He has even gone to the extent of showing up at her school, once at her sorority house and another time at one of her classes as he was roaming the building with flowers.RELATED: Matthew McConaughey’s White House Speech on Gun Control Hit Different – Here’s WhyWhat makes this situation significantly more dangerous is that Kemp has been arrested and convicted of at least four crimes with one involving a gun. He’s also threatened to buy an AK-47 and fully automatic Glock, making his affinity for firearms known. While it’s unclear if he currently owns one, he was previously in the process of acquiring another in which the sale is pending.Bryant also claims that Kemp sent her a DM including a photo of her late father along with the message, “Thankful For Him Birthing You, Hopefully We Can Birth Him… ‘Kobe’.” Everything accumulated has made the LAPD scared for Bryant’s well-being and has encouraged her and the court to follow through with a restraining order request. The request asks that Kemp stay a minimum of 200 yards away from herself, USC, her sorority house, her car, and her job.The Dangers of Living a Public Life Bryant has never had a quiet life. Her father Kobe was an extraordinarily well-known and well-loved member of the NBA. He lived publicly, and unfortunately, that meant that so did his children. After his death, his family did get an influx of immediate attention. Most of it was well wishes, love, and condolences… but it seems that some of that attention was unwanted and unwarranted.RELATED: Five Minutes With: Jay Williams, Inspiring NBA Superstar Who Overcame All OddsThis is an issue that many celebrities face. Stalkers and unwelcome attention are not uncommon for those who put themselves out there. But that doesn’t make it any easier or any less scary to deal with. While we tend to romanticize life in the spotlight, it’s not a simple life to lead. There needs to be a level of compassion for influencers, celebrities, and other individuals who live a highly publicized life – whether that’s of their own volition or not.Natalia Shows Strength In Speaking OutBryant’s priority at this moment is her safety and the restraining order is a step in the right direction. One thing is for certain, Bryant never hid from what truly is a harrowing story for anyone to endure for over two years. Though Bryant lived in fear of the correct actions, “I was in fear, for the longest time, that if I did block him [on social media], he would act in rage or get angry,” she still managed to do the right thing. RELATED: Quick-Thinking Man Acts Like Woman’s Friend To Save Her From Creepy StalkerBravery is never easy. While fear can be immobilizing for many of us, sometimes you have to step out of it, if only for a moment, and ask for help. In this case, the help came from speaking up, the police, and a courtroom. KEEP READING: Aaron Carter’s Shocking Death at Age 34 – Ex-Girlfriend Hilary Duff Speaks Out

Aaron Carter's Shocking Death at Age 34 - Ex-Girlfriend Hilary Duff Speaks Out
Celebrities

Aaron Carter's Shocking Death at Age 34 - Ex-Girlfriend Hilary Duff Speaks Out

Aaron Carter died at age 34 on Saturday, November 5 in his Lancaster, California home. Sources say he was found unresponsive in a bathtub. While no foul play seems to be involved, Police are exhausting all investigation options.The musician and actor began his career in the 1990s and continued to produce his art until the day he passed. Unfortunately, Carter struggled in his life but was vocal about his hardships. Whether these struggles contributed to his death is uncertain as of now, but his lasting legacy includes patience, tenacity, and dignity. He is survived by his son Prince.RELATED: Olivia Newton-John Was a Great Entertainer but Her True Talent Was Even More InspiringLet’s remember Carter and his extensive career, advocacy for addiction and mental health, and the outpouring of love from fellow celebrities.Aaron Carter’s Decades-Long Carrer in HollywoodCarter started in the pop scene at only nine years old with the release of his self-titled debut album in 1997. He was an immediate hit, especially seeing as his older brother Nick Carter was a member of the infamous boyband, Backstreet Boys. Preceding his early success, Carter opened for well-known headliners such as Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. His debut album came soon after and reached gold status. He also dabbled in acting, having featured in popular shows like Lizzie McGuire and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. But it was indeed his music that stuck with his fans. His rendition of “I Want Candy” became infectious and hit songs such as “I’m All About You” and “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” are a source of nostalgia for many. Later in his career, Carter switched genres. He turned to rap and took on a new sound, attracting a new audience but being true to his passion.Aaron Carter’s Lifelong StrugglesCarter’s drug and alcohol issues had been a point of contention in his life for decades. On top of struggling with addiction, Carter had severe mental health mountains to overcome. “The official diagnosis is that I suffer from multiple personality disorder, schizophrenia, acute anxiety, and manic depression,” Carter said in an appearance on The Doctors, “I’m prescribed Xanax, Seroquel, Gabapentin, Hydroxyzine, Trazodone, Omeprazen. This is my reality. I have nothing to hide.”His acceptance and willingness to share about his mental health were always refreshing. It gave many of his fans insight into his life, which was never easy for the “I Want Cady” singer. Although paired with his addiction, Carter found himself spiralling. In 2012, his sister Leslie passed away from a drug overdose. In 2017, he was arrested for a DUI and possession of marijuana. He checked into rehab later that year after being released from police custody.RELATED: How Stranger Things’ Jamie Campbell Bower Overcame Addiction“I was detoxing from basically weed, stuff like that, Xanax, stuff like that. They were detoxing me, but there was also a psychiatrist, and a therapist that I worked with almost daily, and they’re the ones who put me on the king of medications that I need to be on,” Carter opened up about his experience, “I’ll say here right in front of all y’all, I’m not ashamed of it. I have issues. I have post traumatic stress disorder. I never wanted my parents to divorce. I never wanted my dad to die. I never wanted my sister to die at 27.”Celebrities Speak Out About Aaron Carter’s Tragic PassingMany celebrities knew and loved Carter. They had the opportunity to work alongside him, know him as a person and experience his kindness. In the wake of this tragic loss, many celebrities are sharing words of support and condolences.Carter’s ex-girlfriend and actress, Hilary Duff, who he dated on and off for three years, took to Instagram after the news was spread. “For Aaron-“ the post read, “I’m deeply sorry that life was so hard for you and that you had to struggle in front of the whole world. You had a charm that was absolutely effervescent… boy did my teenage self love you deeply. Sending love to your family at this time. Rest Easy.”RELATED: How Hilary Duff Fought ‘Horrifying’ Body Shaming with an Empowering Nude CoverWhile this was certainly the most heartbreaking, others shared their memories of him. “Sad to hear about the news of @aaroncarter.” The reality star and socialite Paris Hilton tweeted, “He was always kind to my family and I. He had a good heart. Gone way too soon. Sending my thoughts and condolences to his loved ones and family. RIP.”Grammy award-winning songwriter Diane Warren also shared some insight following his death saying, “fame at a young age is often more a curse than a blessing and Surviving it is not easy. RIP Aaron Carter.” Carter often spoke about being young and in the spotlight with unease. There’s a pattern in Hollywood of child stars being led down a path of self-destruction from an early age and Carter was not immune to this phenomenon. Although he tried to fight it, sometimes successfully, there are some traumas and experiences in our lives that we simply can’t escape.What Aaron Carter’s Tragic Passing Taught The WorldThe passing of Aaron Carter was a shock to all, especially his family. His young son will grow up without a father, and the world will suffer the loss of his art for years to come. While immense compassion is being shown globally for the Carters, there are some lessons that Carter has passed on through his advocacy and candid insight into addiction and mental health. He is certainly not the first celebrity to fall into this pattern, but we hope that we can end the stigma here, providing others with the necessary tools to choose another path. RELATED: Stranger Things Is Breaking One Dangerous (And Deadly) Hollywood PatternIt’s nearly impossible for anyone to understand the pain that Carter felt in his lifetime. Beyond the internal conflict of his mental health, he had a life of scrutiny, production, and fame that affected his life in ways that are incomprehensible.Let Carter’s passing set a precedent for all that we need to do better in this industry. Better at making it a safe environment for children to follow their passion, better at seeing the signs of addiction ahead of time, and better at providing our favorite stars with the resources they need to ensure their mental health doesn’t falter. Carter’s passing is a tragedy that the world continues to mourn.KEEP READING: How Tom Hanks’ Tragic Childhood Changed Him – Forever

How James Corden’s Shocking Restaurant Ban Proves the Comedian Needs to “Improve Greatly’
Celebrities

How James Corden’s Shocking Restaurant Ban Proves the Comedian Needs to “Improve Greatly’

James Corden, host of the infamous The late Late Show with James Corden is also a comedian and known for the bonds he shares with his plethora of celebrity guests. Carpool Karaoke, spearheaded by Corden himself has gone viral more times than can be counted. It's featured everyone from Harry Styles to Adele and Lady Gaga. But recently, his friendly persona has been in question as he was publicly banned from a swanky Manhattan restaurant.RELATED: James Corden Reminds Us That Shame Isn’t the AnswerCelebrities being rude to their servers isn’t a new story, but it’s one that hints at a larger issue of entitlement and blown-up egos in Hollywood. Let’s uncover the full story of what events transpired that got Corden banned and discuss his broadcasted apology. Why Did James Corden Get Banned From This New York City RestaurantLady Gaga and James Corden, Carpool Karaoke. On October 17 the owner of Balthazar Keith McNally took to Instagram to call James Corden “a tiny Cretin of a man” and “the most abusive customer” to Balthazar since the restaurant opened 25 years ago. He then declared him banned and “86’d” him. Now, this was shocking to many as Corden comes across as a likeable, jovial, and all-around family man. But, the manager's report from these incidents indicates another side that’s been hidden away.Far from the reach of cameras, it seems that Corden snapped. According to McNally, the first manager report described Corden finding a hair in his food. While the manager was very apologetic, it seems Corden was “nasty” and said, “Get us another round of drinks this second. And also take care of all of our drinks so far. This way I write any nasty reviews in yelp or anything like that.”RELATED: A Waitress Is Humiliated by a Rude Customer – But a Mysterious Letter Changes EverythingAnother, more recent, incident on October 9 was recorded and reported back to McNally by the manager working that afternoon. Corden and his wife showed up for brunch, ordering an egg yolk omelet and a side salad. Corden claimed that there was some egg white mixed with the egg yolk and requested to have it redone. The kitchen remade the dish but sent it with home fries instead of a salad by mistake. That’s supposedly when Corden erupted, saying “You can’t do your job! You can’t do your job! Maybe I should go into the kitchen and cook the omelette myself.” Apparently, Corden was pleasant to the manager but very rude to the server.These two incidents combined are what encouraged McNally to ban the comedian in order to protect his staff from the abusive behavior they were subjected to while serving him. Although, Corden has a slightly different account of what happened.James Corden Apologizes for Rude and Ungracious Behaviour at New York Restaurant BalthazarA week after McNally banned Corden from his Manhattan restaurant, Corden called to apologize for his behavior which McNally accepted. In a follow-up Instagram post, McNally says that he “strongly believes in second chances” and invited Corden back to the restaurant.Many were wondering if Corden would address the situation on the upcoming The Late Late Show with James Corden. To everyone’s surprise, he did. Although his account of the events differed from McNally's and paired with some other behavior, made fans question his sincerity.Before his apology, Corden showed his elderly parents in the audience. While he would usually tell jokes, his family-oriented approach of acknowledging his parents set the mood for what was to come. Corden chalks up his anger toward the egg yolk omelet to the fact that his wife received a dish that contained food she was allergic to. “As her meal came wrong to the table the third time, in the heat of the moment, I made a sarcastic, rude comment about cooking it myself,” he said, “And it is a comment I deeply regret.”RELATED: Gay Couple Gets Kicked Out Of Restaurant, Manager Has The Best ResponseCorden says he understands the difficulties of being a waiter as he was once one himself. He claims to have respect for and value anyone that does this job, and yet from what McNally revealed in the reports this doesn’t seem like the case. He also said, that “the restaurant manager and the server there were lovely, they brought out four glasses of champagne as an apology, but we were like, ‘that’s not necessary, we don’t need it.” This specifically rubbed fans the wrong way as the report stated that he demanded his drinks for free the first time around and was most likely expecting the same. The graciousness he states at the end that he and his wife had denied the free champagne seems out of character with the incident that occurred including the temper tantrum that he admitted to having.“Because I didn’t shout or scream or didn’t get up out of my seat, I didn’t call anyone names or use derogatory language, I’ve been walking around thinking that I haven’t done anything wrong,” he said, “but the truth is I have. I made a rude comment, and it was wrong. It was an unnecessary comment. It was ungracious to the server.”Why Some Celebrities Are Rude to ServersCorden isn’t the first celebrity to be called out for being rude to a serving staff. Last year on the viral video app TikTok, many servers were coming out with their stories about serving celebrities and gave insight on who was rude and who was not.One TikTok user said that she was less than impressed with the “Knocked Up” director Judd Apatow and his wife, and well-known actress, Leslie Mann. “I wanted to like them so much, but they were so rude,” User Annie Bond said in her video, “Maybe they were just having a bad day.” This is an important point as many commenters on the video contradicted her review of the couple, saying that they’ve had nothing but positive encounters with them.RELATED: Candace Cameron Bure’s Reaction to Being Called “the Rudest Celebrity” May Change Your Mind About HerEverybody has bad days, celebrities included. While we’d like to believe that everyone is perfectly agreeable, positive, and respectful at all times that isn’t always the case. If we self-reflect, we can all find moments when we’ve dished our bad days on others unintentionally. Celebrities aren’t immune to these emotions and it can happen that we catch them on a day when they aren’t feeling the best.That being said, it’s also important to hold celebrities accountable as they are under public scrutiny and can send a bad message to their fans, especially if those fans are young and impressionable. No one wants to be labeled rude, Corden included. Corden had not one, but two incidents at this one restaurant alone. Were those just bad days, or can it be assumed that Corden has a bad attitude? Watching how people treat others, whether it's in the service industry or not, can be a strong indicator of someone's personality. While Corden used the excuse with The Times UK, "No one ever tells you how to deal with fame" never more has the old adage of 'treat others how you want to be treated' rung true.KEEP READING: Why Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Was Mocked By This A-List Actress

These Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber Photos Will Change Lives Forever - And Finally End the Gossip
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These Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber Photos Will Change Lives Forever - And Finally End the Gossip

The Selena Gomez and Hailey Baldwin Bieber drama has been a point of contention online for quite a number of years now. But, the month of October has shed some light on the current situation between the two talented women – and not in the way you’d expect!RELATED: The Life Changing Realizations Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber Made In Their MarriageGomez and Baldwin both dated Justin Bieber although while Gomez and Bieber broke up, Baldwin went on to become his wife. The two relationships have many loyal fans which created some toxicity online for the two women caught in the middle of it all. So, let’s talk about the recent development in their friendship and why it might just heal the internet.Why Hailey Baldwin Bieber Calls Out Selena Gomez on “Call Her Daddy” Podcast Baldwin is a model and business owner, married to an award-winning music artist Justin Bieber. She’s recently launched a skincare line that’s taken the internet by storm called Rhode Skin. But this young entrepreneur is not just famous for her business endeavors. Her rumored ongoing feud with Selena Gomez has been perpetuated by online hate and disrespect from fans and eventually gained attention from tabloids.Baldwin used the podcast Call Her Daddy to address the rumors as well as the situation as a whole- and she did not hold back. Firstly, she addressed the rumor that she “stole” Bieber away from Gomez. Putting the rhetoric to rest, she responded, “I can say, period, point blank, I was never with him when he was in a relationship with anybody – that’s just the end of it.”RELATED: What Justin and Hailey Bieber’s Unconventional Relationship Teaches Us About Love“What I will say is that she has been in this industry much longer than I have and maybe there’s something that she knows about like it wouldn’t fix anything,” she said in regard to the hate she was receiving from Gomez’s fans, “She doesn’t owe me anything. Neither of us owe anybody anything except respect. I respect her, a lot.”Although she did tell host Alex Cooper about how no one spoke out against her haters in the very beginning, including Gomez and Bieber, she also clarified that there’s no more drama between the two women! Baldwin confirmed that she and the “Lose You to Love Me” singer are on good terms, saying that “It’s all respect, it’s all love.”The Rhode Skin founder did say that she and Gomez have spoken since the wedding without revealing the details of that conversation. “There’s no drama, personally,” Baldwin said, “That’s also why I feel like, well, if everybody on our side knows what happened and we’re good and we could walk away from it with clarity and respect, then that’s fine.”Why Selena Gomez and Hailey Baldwin's Photo Will Go Down In HistoryThe first pictures of Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber posing together at the 2022 Academy Museum Gala.On October 15, 2022, history was made, and a feud was put to rest. After years of being at odds, Gomez and Baldwin posed for cozy photos taken at the 2022 Academy Museum Gala. The takeaway from this photo was that the two women were never the enemies that the internet made them out to be. In fact, these two women are showing that despite having a past that might be uncomfortable in ways, being kind and cordial goes a long way.RELATED: How Hailey Baldwin Helped Justin Bieber Overcome His Demons Post-ArrestThese photos also made us question just how deeply we looked into situations that may have been exacerbated by fans who were on the defense. If we analyze past behaviors from the two, the engagement in the drama never came from their end. In fact, Gomez had gone on record many times to tell everyone to be respectful and kind online. Even though she never directly named Baldwin, most likely to avoid being connected further to this drama, it’s clear that she was speaking about that situation. In turn, Baldwin also never spoke ill of the Only Murders in the Building actress. The photo was meant to heal wounds and erase years of pointless tensions. So, how did we get here?How the Internet Fuelled the Hate The internet can be a wonderful place to make connections, spread positivity and kindness, and participate in fun activities and business ventures. But it can also be a place full of hate and negativity if we let it. We’ve seen both sides of the internet, but I don’t think we’ve ever acknowledged how damaging the latter can be.The situation with Baldwin and Gomez is a firsthand account of what can come about from a desire to be nasty online. Fans from either side misconstrued a situation from an outward look at celebrities’ personal lives. Their perspectives spiraled into defensive attacks from others online and so the feud was created. It was created beyond the knowledge or participation of the actual parties at the center of the scandal.RELATED: How Selena Gomez Purged All Toxicity From Her Life To Become Her Better SelfBoth women have preached women empowerment time and time again, but their cries were ignored and instead overpowered by a desire for drama. Letting go of the past is hard for everyone, especially when It comes down to a relationship. Gomez and Baldwin haven’t had the luxury of having their past stay in the past and this photo was an attempt to mend burned bridges in order to hopefully do so after all this time. These two women are the perfect example of not living up to rumors and worrying about what strangers think.There was never a hatchet to bury and the two went out of their way in a simple friendly photo to show that they were above gossip. If they have let this kind of mindless chatter go, then so can we, in our own lives.KEEP READING: Why Selena Gomez’s Excitement At Turning 30 Is The Right Attitude

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Keep Their 10-Year Marriage Sexy In the Most Hilarious Way
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Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Keep Their 10-Year Marriage Sexy In the Most Hilarious Way

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are both acclaimed Hollywood actors who met on the set of Green Lantern in 2010. Both were in relationships at the time, but by the Fall of 2011, the two had begun dating after ending those respective situations. Since then, the two have been raising three children and have recently announced a fourth on the way.RELATED: How Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Prove Friendship Is the Strongest Base for LoveThis couple is truly beloved and has reigned as Hollywood’s favorite couple for the last decade of their marriage. What makes their relationship so special? Lively and Reynolds have a history of trolling each other online. They are the subject of each other’s roasts which is both relatable and endearing. The couple is known to be absolutely hilarious in their jabs toward one another.Let’s go over some of the funniest Lively and Ryan Reynolds moments online, highlighting the best comedic punchlines they’ve used!Ryan Reynold’s Best Blake Lively RoastsOn August 4, 2016, Reynolds replied to a tweet via Twitter. The tweet from @stormgeddon81 read: “I’ve got to ask, what does your wife say about all these very explicit ‘fan requests’ you get? They ask for fucked up shit.” In true Reynolds nature, he used this tweet to troll his wife, saying “Pretty sure it’s my wife writing most of those. Sounds like her.”Reynolds is no stranger to using Instagram to further his antics on his wife. On August 25, 2017, Reynolds posted a pixelated photo of himself and Lively on the red carpet, although half of her face was cropped out of the photo. He captioned it, “Happy Birthday to my amazing wife.” This one went down in the couple’s history as one of their funniest relationship moments.RELATED: Paul Rudd and Wife Julie Yaeger Are Hollywood’s Most Un-Hollywood CoupleBut Reynolds does tend to use Lively’s birthday as an opportunity to poke fun at her. Every August 25, we look forward to seeing what new material Reynolds has come up with. In 2019, Reynolds posted to Instagram a slideshow of 10 pictures, all of his wife in-between takes or caught in a strange facial expression. These “bad” photos didn’t strike hard as Lively looks beautiful, even in her worst angle. Although the spirit of the joke was welcome and appreciated. No explanation is necessary, Reynolds captioned this series of pictures with a “Happy Birthday, @blakelively.”Reynolds doesn’t always need an occasion or a reason to post something hilariously embarrassing about his wife. Lively is known to be one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, praised for her natural beauty and slender figure. Her husband had no qualms posting an on-set look from her film The Rhythm Section in which Lively was looking tragically in character. And of course, he captioned it with a simple, “#nofilter.”Blake Lively’s Best Ryan Reynolds RoastsBlake Lively doesn’t just sit back and take the heat from her husband. In fact, she fires back twice as hard. Following in her husband’s footsteps, Lively uses Reynold’s birthday on October 23 to partake in some good-natured roasting. The most iconic birthday tribute was from Twitter where Lively posted a photo of Ryan Gosling with Reynolds cropped almost entirely out of the photo. She wrote alongside the picture, “Happy birthday, baby.”October 23, 2020, Lively posted a candid picture of Reynolds as well as a closeup of his “birthday pie” to Instagram. The post itself was harmless and Reynolds was sporting an adorably large smile directed at his wife. It was actually the caption that happened to be the best part of this post. She wrote, “1) Who is the lost soul that selects birthday PIE. 2) What ANIMAL eats their cake (pie) without first blowing out the candles. @vancityreynolds that’s who. Happy Birthday. I honestly can’t believe we’re still married.” But Lively means this with absolute love as the two continue to grow their family, donate to charity and express nothing but admiration for one another.RELATED: Why Ryan Reynolds’ Attitude Growing Up Offers an Important Lesson about the Mindset that Leads to SuccessLively and Reynolds are advocates for many causes and charities. In 2022, they donated 1$ million to UNHCR (the United Nations Refugee Agency), matching the public donations. The two have also been vocal about their involvement in politics, specifically in the latest election. Lively, used the 2020 elections to encourage everyone to vote as well as to embarrass her husband. The two stood side by side with voting papers in their hands. Lively wrote, “It was Ryan’s first time. He was understandably scared. It all happened so fast. Like, REALLY fast. He wept. I pretended to weep. Then he called all his friends. #voteearly.”Why Are Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Hollywood’s Favorite Couple?Hollywood marriages can begin and end in the same breath, but Lively and Reynolds’ marriage seems like the long haul. Everyone loves these two because of their willingness to celebrate their love and family in a unique way that doesn’t feel like it’s all for show. They are approachable and relatable which sets them apart from many other famous couples.RELATED: Ryan Reynolds’ Viral Match Ad Is A Subtle Masterclass In Finding True LoveTheir jokes and online back-and-forth have the public on the tip of their toes, wondering when they’ll strike next. But the unconditional love they have for each other and their kids inspires their fans to search for the same. Their kind and warm hearts radiate from our screens, giving many people a feeling of security and comfort.In short, if they get divorced, we may not believe in love anymore. We hope to see many more funny moments, sweet speeches, and beautiful babies in the future. They might be biological parents but are the internet’s mom and dad for all intents and purposes.KEEP READING: 14 Celebrity Encounters That Will Change the Way You See Your Favorite Stars

Why the Marilyn Monroe #1 Netflix Drama is Facing So Much Hate and Getting the Wrong Kind of Attention
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Why the Marilyn Monroe #1 Netflix Drama is Facing So Much Hate and Getting the Wrong Kind of Attention

One of Netflix’s newest releases is the Marilyn Monroe drama Blonde. Somewhat advertised as a biopic and not inherently known to be fiction, many Netflix subscribers were eager to see the life of Monroe unfold on-screen. Unfortunately, this was not the case. What was meant to portray the highly publicized, yet mysterious life of Marilyn Monroe turned into a heavily fictionalized version of her story.RELATED: Top 20 Marilyn Monroe Quotes to Inspire You to ShineWith so many viewers upset about the film’s contents, it’s impossible to deny the questionable plot elements that riled them up in the first place. Let’s explore Blonde and the backlash it’s getting so we can determine whether or not it merits all the hate it’s receiving.Everything Wrong With Marilyn Monroe Drama “Blonde”Ana de Armas plays the lead role of Monroe in Blonde. Despite its never-ending flaws, Armas' is always impressive with her acting talent and commitment to the character. Unfortunately, it’s the characterization of Monroe herself that has caused the most ire among fans. The movie is based on the novel by Joyce Carol Oates, also called Blonde. The book was intended to be a fictionalized version of Monroe’s life, dramatizing elements we already knew. The film was released on September 23, 2022, and by the following week, it had gone viral online – and not in a good way.RELATED: The Truth Behind Marilyn Monroe and JFK’s Tragic Affair – And Why It Matters TodayWhile some knew that this was a fictionalized telling of Monroe’s life, it wasn’t obvious to those who aren’t familiar with the book. This is where some of the issues lie. Because while Blonde manipulates real-life elements for the purpose of entertainment, it’s still a real person at the center of it. Monroe was a woman who went through a version of these events, and so starts the criticism of the insensitivity of some of the horrors that she endured during her short life. The movie capitalizes on her suffering by amplifying what really happened.A massive point of controversy in the film is the way they depicted abortion and sexual assault. In the aftermath of Roe V. Wade, the film contributes to an anti-choice narrative that did not lend itself well to public opinion. It also shows very graphic sexual assault scenes that some deemed as disturbing. The film portrays Monroe as having two abortions against her will with a scene showing her talking to a fetus. The way the fetus was shown was medically inaccurate and contributed to anti-abortion arguments. Meanwhile, the sexual assault scenes were not only horrifying in their details but also factually incorrect. Monroe was sexually assaulted in her life, but not in the way the film would have the audience believe. They used rumors ,such as Monroe’s possible affair with US president John F. Kennedy, to fabricate sexually explicit scenes that can’t be verified. How Are People Reacting to Marilyn Monroe Drama “Blonde”The response to Blonde has been about more than just hating the film’s content. The criticism has been both emotional and angry, fuelling many women to speak out about why the film perpetuates misogyny. One Twitter user says, “It is exploitative, demeaning, and not an accurate representation of the power and wit that was Marilyn Monroe. I feel ashamed for watching this; what a misogynistic, black and white view of a multifaceted and complex woman.” Other uses agree with the view that the film takes away any three-dimensional character progression and shows Monroe as a one-sided and flat person. This most likely is a direct link to how the director feels about women as a whole.Another Twitter user takes this theory a step further and says, “The fact people are going to watch @netflix’s #Blonde and think it’s even REMOTELY accurate really boils my blood. The director should never ever work again, he literally thinks she was a whore, that all women are whores, he doesn’t even like her movies. He’s a bastard.”RELATED: Inspirational Tribute to Marilyn MonroeAnd it’s not just the audience at home that’s making statements. In fact, Caren Spruch, Planned Parenthood’s director of arts and entertainment engagement, had a lot to say about Blonde. “While abortion is safe, essential health care, anti-abortion zealots have long contributed to abortion stigma by using medically inaccurate descriptions of fetuses and pregnancy.” Spruch added, “It is a shame that the creators of Blonde chose to contribute to anti-abortion propaganda and stigmatize people’s health care decisions instead.”Emily Ratajkowski took out her rage about Blonde on Tik Tok, calling out the film for “fetishizing female pain, even in death”. I think that encapsulates everything that most people are feeling about the film and accurately describes what the movie subtly expressed the entire way through.Should Netflix’s “Blonde” Be Removed From The Platform?Don’t get it twisted, Blonde is fiction and never claimed to be otherwise even though its vague advertisement confused many into thinking it was a biopic. This confusion contributed to the shock of the actual film and enraged viewers as they saw a highly dramatized version of the life and death of a beloved public figure.There were more things wrong with Blonde than right factually, but the most horrific thing about it was the director’s blatant lack of self-awareness in his misogyny and underlying hatred for women. Seeing the way that Monroe was written shows how deeply rooted our sexist and negative views of women are in Hollywood.RELATED: Netflix at 25: How Streaming Changed the Way We Have Sex, Fall in Love & Live Our LivesThe bright side of this is that people are realizing it and not sweeping it under the rug. We are calling it out and taking it at face value rather than making excuses for the way men make women feel. The film is just a prop in the more prevalent issue of misogyny, but the criticism that it receives actively fights against it. Films like Blonde are an opportunity to say that this is not okay behavior.So, should Blonde be removed from the platform? That’s a loaded question and involves a lot of debate about free speech. It’s important to note that we can’t control the media and what’s published for the world to see. But, we can combat it and in consequence raise more awareness for the sexism that still runs rampant in Hollywood.KEEP READING: How True Is Netflix’s Monster to the Real Jeffrey Dahmer Story?