Meghan & Harry Rose-Colored Glasses in SB ... All Smiles Amid Tumult
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Hollywood future is in a precarious state right now -- but you wouldn't be able to tell by the way they're carrying themselves ... happy-go-lucky.
The ex-Royal couple were flashing nothing but smiles Friday as they left an office building in Santa Barbara -- where they were holding hands on the way out and radiating positivity ... well, at least Meg was anyway. Harold was a bit more stoic ... keeping his head low.
No matter ... because they were clearly putting on a united front as a guy -- who's presumed to be a bodyguard of some sort -- trailed closely behind and they entered a waiting SUV. As far as their outfits go ... perfect for a sunny SB day, complete with shades to boot.
The message they seem to be telegraphing here is ... nothing wrong over here, we're fine!
Of course, all the reporting about them lately has been anything but. As we know, they got the boot at Spotify ... and were labeled "grifters" by one of the top dogs at the company.
Not just that, but there are rumblings of Netflix not being happy with them too ... and supposedly giving them an ultimatum that demands higher-quality content, and pronto. Pair that with Meghan's recent no-deal at Dior ... and it would seem there's turbulence ahead.
It's interesting that their demeanor here is so positive. You could argue that's very much in line with the latest story being pedaled about their alleged mindset -- namely, that they're sorta burying their heads in the sand and pointing the finger elsewhere for their woes.
There's word of a new doc about Africa that Harry's working on for Netflix, and you gotta figure Meg's busy cooking something up too. Based on their vibes here, perhaps they're confident those projects will work out and get 'em back in Tinseltown's good graces.
There's no time like the present in that regard -- their "bombshell" Netflix doc from last year has come and gone, and many feel they desperately need a new angle to sell ... STAT.
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Meghan & Harry Reportedly Blaming 'Bad Luck' ... For String of Recent Woes
It's been Friday the 13th nonstop at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's house -- at least that's how the couple is viewing their recent misfortunes ... according to a new report.
The Daily Mail says it's hearing from "insiders" that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex feel like they've been hit with a lot of bad luck over the past few years after they left the Royal Family/institution ... and it's because of this, apparently, that things haven't worked out.
If this report is to be believed ... it would seem they're pointing the finger elsewhere, and not at themselves. Specifically, Meg and Harry are reportedly blaming COVID, the death of the Queen and the death of Prince Philip for overshadowing their achievements -- which they supposedly think would've made bigger splashes under a different set of circumstances.
As far as the pandemic's concerned, DM says their sources claim H&M believe it generally screwed 'em on getting stuff out in an efficient/consistent manner ... not to mention setting them back time-wise, as it did for basically everyone else in the entertainment industry.
When it comes to why they're (reportedly) holding QE2 indirectly responsible ... DM's sources claim they felt like her death coincided with the launch of MM's podcast, 'Archetypes,' and essentially stole all her thunder ... as the world focused more on that a week or so later.
Ditto for the Queen's late husband, Prince Philip, who died about a month after their interview with Oprah aired. Apparently, they think that should've had longer legs than it did ... and that the Duke of Edinburgh's passing overshadowed their big moment.
Speaking of that interview, a separate report from The Times (UK) has some juicy new gossip that they're pedaling ... including the alleged notion that Kate Middleton and Prince William were actually the ones behind that "recollections may vary" line that Buckingham Palace released in their official statement responding to Harry and Meghan's racism claims.
The word is ... that statement was a lot more mild than how it finally came out, and that Will and Kate wanted to toughen it up to push back on H&M's characterization of things.
In other words, things are still icy between Harry and his family -- and not just that, but it appears Hollywood isn't all that interested in his other ideas either ... a double-whammy.
Lump in the fact Harry and Meg were finally booted from their Frogmore Cottage home just earlier this week, and it sure sounds like they're finally out here on their own now without a lifeline -- and clearly no further connection to the Royals ... besides blood, we suppose.
If the alleged Netflix ultimatum comes to pass ... they'll have to stop playing the blame game and maybe look themselves in the mirror. "Woe is me" ain't gonna cut it.
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Netflix We're Bringing 'Titanic' Back, Y'all ... Uhhh, Too Soon???
The wreckage from the Titanic submersible tragedy hasn't even settled yet, but some are jumping at the opportunity to get Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet back on screens ... including Netflix.
The streaming giant recently announced James Cameron's 3-hour epic is hitting their service starting July 1. Of course, it's not entirely clear if "Titanic" was already scheduled to be part of their new offerings ... or if this is in response to OceanGate.
If you look online ... people definitely have their opinions, and many believe Netflix added this as a last-minute play to capitalize on all the interest in the story -- and there's a lot.
Indeed ... many are accusing Netflix of doing this way too soon. Despite all the jokes and mockery that's been aimed at the victims of the submersible, it would seem there's still a fair amount of people who feel like their memory should be honored -- at least for now.
BTW, "Titanic" isn't the only deep-sea project they're airing in July -- there's a new doc they're also promoting called "The Deepest Breath" ... and that too is getting a double take.
Now, while many suspect Netflix did this as a way to jump on the submarine saga ... some reports have suggested the licensing deal for "Titanic" was already set -- and that it was actually known it would be part of their July slate even before the sub went missing.
If that is, indeed, true ... another question being posed -- would it be appropriate to yank 'Titanic' for sensitivity purposes??? Something tells us Netflix isn't primed to do that.
Titanic Submersible Passengers Dead, OceanGate Says
As you know -- 5 people onboard the Titan submersible died after authorities said the vessel imploded underwater ... and much sooner than everyone initially thought. There's been a lot of scrutiny about the safety concerns in the lead-up to this ill-fated dive.
The irony of "Titanic" resurfacing for at-home viewing is the fact that its director has been so outspoken about the Titan's voyage ... sounding off and suggesting hubris was afoot.
One last thing ... there interest in the "Titanic" movie right now is at an all-time peak -- the flick is trending as the #4 offering on Amazon Prime ... so yeah, people are engaged.
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Meghan & Harry Reportedly Given Netflix Ultimatum Make Better Crap Or No $$$
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are being put over a barrel at Netflix -- 'cause they're apparently on the verge of losing millions unless they pivot ... so says a new report.
According to The Sun, Netflix honchos have recently had a convo with the ex-Royal couple ... supposedly telling them to make better, must-see content -- or risk not getting the rest of their $100-million-plus contract ... which they've already gotten about half of at this point.
Indeed ... the reported conditions have been set -- namely, Meg and Harry must produce higher quality shows, docs, and/or movies to claim the rest of their bag ... and if they don't, Netflix is apparently prepared to cut their deal short and refuse to pay 'em out in full.
The Sun goes on to say -- citing an unnamed source claiming to be plugged in -- Netflix was happy with the results for their bombshell doc ... but have been disappointed about everything after that, which presumably includes PH's forthcoming Invictus docuseries (which is still happening and coming out around August). Anything else though is nowhere to be found.
The report notes Meghan pitched an idea for an animated series about a girl inspired by historical female figures -- but that got dropped by Netflix. It would seem they didn't think it was compelling ... a recurring theme we're now hearing about them as creatives.
Now, on the prospect of potentially cutting 'em loose unless they deliver ... The Sun's source says the streaming giant wouldn't do it as publicly/humiliatingly as Spotify did. However, they do concede it would grab big headlines in and of itself ... and probably be a bad look.
HEART OF INVICTUS (Summer 2023)
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) January 12, 2023 @NetflixUK
This new series from Archewell Productions follows a group of extraordinary competitors from around the globe – all service members who have suffered life-changing injuries or illnesses – on their road to competing at the Invictus Games. pic.twitter.com/Y5sCOIEwoV
No word on a timetable for them to make good on their deal, but it sounds like the clock is ticking for them. Gotta say ... this is not great news for Harry and Meghan. It would seem that wherever they've inked big-time deals ... the companies have been unsatisfied.
They're already filthy rich as is -- but if their Hollywood prospects are cut short ... that could seriously impact their financial futures in the long run. So, they kinda gotta get with it on ideas.
Boy, it sure has been an illuminating week on the Sussexes, hasn't it?
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Amber Heard All Smiles At New Film Premiere ... Returns To Acting
Amber Heard has bounced back from her devastating defeat in her defamation trial against ex Johnny Depp ... making her triumphant return to the silver screen and a huge splash at an Italian film festival.
The actress -- who seemed down for the count after a civil jury awarded Depp over $10 million in damages at their 2022 trial -- arrived at the 69th Taormina Film Festival for the premiere of her new film with costar Luca Calvani.
Amber was all smiles and laughter as she sipped drinks with Calvani -- proving nobody is defined by one bad moment in time ... and for Amber, that means the Depp case.
Amber also looked radiant in a white top, cream-colored skirt and black shoes as she mingled with the masses to promote her new movie in which she plays a widowed American psychiatrist who flies to Colombia to investigate the case of a disturbed child allegedly possessed by the devil.
It certainly appears Amber has ripped a page out of the Lindsay Lohan playbook ... You might recall ... Lindsay also made a comeback from her drug and alcohol problems to star in the 2022 Netflix movie, "Falling for Christmas" -- her first major film role in years.
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Deon Cole Comedy Got Me This Far ... Serious Roles Won't Change That
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Deon Cole won't let fame and notoriety for his less humorous roles kill his comedy drive ... even though he's getting plenty of acclaim for his new dramatic project.
We caught the comedian ahead of the premiere of his new BET+ series "Average Joe" ... which has already been drawing comparisons to "Ozark" for its dark, suburban storyline.
Deon tells us turning over a new leaf in his career doesn't mean he's burning down the forest he built on stand-up comedy -- that's still his bread and butter, and he says don't expect him to bite his tongue in future comedy bits.
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He says he learned from Tom Hanks secondhand and credits his cast -- which includes Tammy Townsend, Malcolm Barrett and Michael Trucco -- for elevating his drama chops.
But Deon also tells us the series' directors saw the depth of his acting ability, and gave him the shot of a lifetime!!!
No joke about it ... "Average Joe" starts streaming Monday.
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Busta Rhymes This Year's 'Icon' At Culture Creators Chloe x Halle, Flau'jae To Be Honored Too!!!
Busta Rhymes' 30-year career in the rap biz will be honored in full at an upcoming event, presented by Netflix.
The veteran rapper will be receiving the Icon Award at the 7th annual Culture Creators Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch ... which won't have a shortage of star power in the spotlight this year.
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Chloe x Halle will be granted the Innovators of the Year Award ... while LSU b-ball champ Flau'jae Johnson, Stephen Hill, Troy Carter, Karl Kani, Laurieann Gibson, Chris Robinson and Candace Rodney will all be recognized for their areas of expertise.
The event goes down on Saturday, June 24 inside the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom and is also sponsored by Lexus.
The fuse is lit!!!
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Zachary Quinto Kim K's Got Some Acting Chops!! 'Really Impressed' By Her 'AHS' Performance
Kim Kardashian's got some serious star power as an actress ... according to Zachary Quinto, who says he was 'really impressed' by her work on the upcoming season of “American Horror Story."
Zachary gave Kim the kind words at the recent Tribeca Film Festival premiere of his new flick "He Went That Way," which he stars in alongside "Euphoria" actor Jacob Eldori.
The 'AHS' alum not only confirmed he'll be returning to Ryan Murphy's franchise as a cameo, but says Kim did pretty damn well from what he saw ... saying "She seemed really in her element, and I was really impressed by her spirit and her openness."
He says he's extremely excited to see her work in the final product -- adding she's going to do a wonderful job. Zachary even admitted, "I don’t think she needs my advice."
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As we reported, it was revealed in April that Kim K would be joining the ranks in season 12 of "AHS," titled "Delicate" -- the big announcement also revealed Emma Roberts would be returning to the long-running series, although everyone's parts are kept under wraps.
Kim was spotted heading into a Bev Hills meeting last month with a script for the show in hand. Looks like she's taking the acting game seriously ... and according to Zachary, she definitely does.
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'Dubai Bling' Star Kris Fade Expecting 1st Baby With Wife Brianna ... After Health Issues
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"Dubai Bling" stars Kris Fade and his wife Brianna's dream has come true -- she's pregnant with their first child ... something they feared wouldn't happen due to some serious health concerns.
Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... Brianna is pregnant, and she's close to the end of her first trimester.
The news is particularly special because Brianna recently opened up about being diagnosed with Graves' Disease, which caused her to have Hyperthyroidism. She also developed fibroids ... causing the couple to put off trying for a baby for a while.
However, Brianna recently explained on TikTok her thyroid levels and her vitamin deficiencies are leveled, and she's off all medication.
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Just last month Kris, who hosts the no.1 radio show in Dubai, reflected on his 2019 engagement to Brianna ... saying they were hoping to start a family. It's unclear if he already knew she was pregnant at that time, and just didn't want to jinx it.
Kris has 2 daughters from a previous relationship -- and he and Brianna are hoping for a boy this time around.
Their lavish 2022 wedding was featured in the first season of "Dubai Bling." Fans will get the inside scoop on their pregnancy in the new season, which began filming earlier this year.
Congrats!
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Manti Te'o Done With Football ... 'Playing A Different Game Now'
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Manti Te'o is adamant his football career is over ... telling TMZ Sports his purpose in life is now to help other people -- not crack running backs on a gridiron anymore.
The former linebacker made the revelation to us out at LAX ... saying he's officially hung up his spikes at 32 years old.
"I'm playing a different game now," the Notre Dame legend said. "I'm trying to empower people. Trying to inspire people. That's the game that I'm playing now, and I'm trying to be the best at that."
Te'o -- a second-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft -- last played in the league in the 2020 season ... when he suited up for the Chicago Bears.
He spent most of that year on the team's practice squad, though he did play in the team's postseason game against the Saints, logging six tackles.
Some believed he still had football left in his body -- if not for the NFL, perhaps for the XFL or the USFL -- but he said that's simply just not the case.
Instead, he told us he now wants to help people learn from the hard times he's endured, most notably his 2013 catfishing incident.
"If my life can be that for people -- to show people that, 'Hey, it may not be sunshine and roses all the time, but if you just keep your head down and keep working and believing in yourself and putting God first, everything will be all right.'"
Te'o -- who played eight seasons in the NFL -- also spoke briefly about his documentary, "Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn't Exist" ... and said he's glad people finally get to see and hear his story.
"It's more of an understanding now," Te'o said. "It's a beautiful thing because all the facts weren't out there ... I'm grateful that people have all the details and that people are able to see everything and that God's timing is perfect timing. So, everything works out."
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Millie Bobby Brown & Jake Bongiovi Time to Celebrate Our Engagement!!!
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi aren't walking down the aisle yet, but they're partying like they are ... going all out commemorate their engagement with family members.
The "Stranger Things" star made sure to snap several photos Thursday with her fiancé, Jake -- Bon Jovi's 21-year-old son -- during the private party. And, the couple couldn't look happier, as they posed in front of a sign reading "Mr and Mrs Bongiovi."
19-year-old Millie donned a bridal lace co-ord set -- and Jake was suited and booted in green.
Hairstylist Pete Burkill shared several photos from the celebration, congratulating the young couple and showing off their hair for the event.
As we reported, Millie announced her engagement back in April ... sharing a photo of Jake hugging her, and flaunting her stunning diamond ring.
She captioned the photo with a quote from Taylor Swift's song "Lovers" -- "I've loved you 3 summers now, honey, I want 'em all."
Jake also shared the special moment on his page, posting photos with the caption, "forever."
Millie and Jake have been together since 2021, after initially connecting on social media.
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'Selling Sunset' Nicole Young Let's Just Drop the Drama, Chrishell!!!
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"Selling Sunset" star Nicole Young is extending an olive branch to her costar Chrishell Stause ... saying she's ready to move past all of the drama, once and for all.
We caught up with the 'SS' newbie at Sunset Plaza, and she opened up about her ongoing feud with Chrishell -- one that made her the target of some very brutal death threats.
Nicole tells us, things went way too far on the show between them. She says, while the drug accusations Chrishell made about her are very damaging, she won't be taking any legal action against her ... adding she's also able to take responsibility for her actions as well.
Moreover, she tells us it's about time they smooth things out, for the sake of everyone and to get back to focusing on what's really important -- i.e. their business.
As we reported, Nicole has been getting death threats and vile remarks in the wake of their heated argument on the show. Chrishell spoke up to defend Nicole on IG, and later told us nothing warrants that kind of bullying.
Nicole says she hasn't spoken to CS directly, since it all went down -- but she's more than willing to drop all the drama and come to an understanding with her costar.
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'Selling Sunset' Jason Oppenheim Splitsville With GF Marie-Lou Nurk
"Selling Sunset" star Jason Oppenheim is a single man again ... he and his model girlfriend Marie-Lou Nurk have called it quits.
Jason announced the split Wednesday on social media, saying their long-distance relationship was too much to overcome. Marie-Lou splits her time between Los Angeles and Paris, while Jason is anchored in Hollywood.
The now-former couple started dating 10 months ago, first getting together in July during a vacation to Mykonos, Greece. Jason went public with the 25-year-old model back in August, hitting up a premiere for a Netflix show together.
After jet setting around the globe, Jason and Marie-Lou moved into a new luxury condo in L.A. together ... but a few days ago she said she was moving back to France for her modeling career.
Jason says ... "While we still love and care about each other very much the distance between us has proven to be too great a challenge to overcome."
He adds ... "We remain close friends and continue to talk often and support each other and we want the very best for one another. We thank everyone for their support throughout our relationship."
Of course, prior to dating Marie-Lou, Jason dated his 'SS' costar, Chrishell Stause, the two eventually split after Jason expressed he wasn't yet interested in having kids ... something Stause really wanted.
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Chrishell Stause 'Selling Sunset' Fans Go Too Far ... Stop Threatening Nicole!!!
Chrishell Stause wants fans of her show to get the message, once and for all, to stand down on making death threats against her to costar Nicole Young -- 'cause, like, it's just reality TV ... and not that serious.
The "Selling Sunset" realtor talked to us Tuesday in L.A., and we asked why she thought it was important to publicly speak up on Nicole's behalf and tell haters to cool it -- and she touched on the absurdity of modern-day fandom.
Watch ... CS says people in this day and age just take things too far, especially when it comes to keyboard catharsis -- which clearly spilled over into dangerous territory last week.
Like we reported, Nicole was getting death threats and other vile remarks in the wake of her onscreen feud with Chrishell ... and it was affecting her well-being. Chrishell spoke up on her own social platform and told everyone to simmer down.
While she goes to bat for Nicole on camera with us -- about the threats, at least -- it sounds like there's still no love lost between them. Chrishell tells us it's up to Nicole to repair their relationship.
That's one thing, but on the real-world attack front ... she clearly knows how to differentiate.
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John Stamos on 'Fuller House' I Was 'Angry' w/ Olsens for Bailing Water Under a Bridge Now
John Stamos says he was sour over Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen skipping out on the "Full House" reboot a few years ago -- but in the same breath, he also says they're all good now.
The actor dished on his feelings over their glaring absence from "Fuller House" just earlier this week -- admitting to "Glee" stars Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz on their podcast that he was, in fact, "angry" over their decision to not star in the revived Netflix series.
He says he and the rest of the OG cast didn't stay in close touch with them post-'FH' -- with the late Bob Saget being the exception, he notes -- which probably didn't help when it was time to approach them about reprising their role as Michelle ... something they declined.
JS explains, "When I did 'Fuller House,' they didn't want to come back and I was angry for a minute, and that got out." He goes on to explain that there was a misconception that the girls hated their childhood and their time on "Full House" by extension ... but says that's BS.
John adds, "But they said, 'We loved our childhood. We loved being with you. We miss Bob.'" He also mentions a recent visit they made to his home when they brought grub/sage.
Since then, John says he and the Olsen twins have "stayed very close." It sounds like this all might've happened after Saget's death last year -- which, in hindsight, is a shame ... 'cause John himself has also conceded that he might've been able to get the twins back on TV if he'd gone about it the right way. Namely, talking to them personally ... which he didn't.
As John explained to THR in 2016 -- when "Fuller House" was first launching -- Mary-Kate was apparently somewhat interested in "Fuller" and wanted him to try to convince Ashley, who was wearier of getting back into acting. He also says they told him never heard an official request from anyone ... despite him thinking he'd gotten a hold of their agent.
In the end, it appears there was a communication breakdown ... and some hard feelings in the wake of not getting them. But, like John make sure to clarify, he's got nothing but love for the Olsen twins ... who've arguably moved on to bigger and better things in fashion, etc.
Like the song says ... what ever happened to predictability? It sure don't live here anymore!
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'Selling Sunset' Nicole Young Gets 'Unbearable' Death Threats After Feud with Chrishell
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8:34 AM PT -- Chrishell Stause just addressed the death threats, saying, "It's been brought to my attention that Nicole's camp is reporting receiving death threats to several outlets. Being on a reality show on such a huge platform makes for an influx of feedback and I am certainly not a stranger to death threats after 6 seasons."
She continues, "Your opinions help make this show what it is & clearly I have my own. But let's keep it fun please."
"Selling Sunset" newbie Nicole Young is feeling some serious fallout from her feud with costar Chrishell Stause -- we're told Nicole's getting brutal death threats, now that their battle is out in the show's latest season.
Sources close to Nicole tell TMZ ... aside from the death threats, she's been getting hit with meth addict accusations and loads of hateful speech from crazed fans -- some of whom found her address and phone number.
Nicole's been getting stuff like "Watch out on the streets….whores die," "You’re a c***. A bully. I hope you die honestly," and "No one likes you because you’re a crackhead. You should leave the O Group you f***ing methhead."
Not only is she taking a beating, but we're told folks have been calling out her family ... and it's now impacting her mental health. She's backed out of appearances and podcast tapings because of the hateful reactions.
If you haven't seen the new season ... tensions got high after Nicole claimed Chrishell stole the credit for a listing they were working on together. She also claimed Chrishell was handed listings from head honcho Jason Oppenheim because they used to date.
Sparks flew quite a bit, with Chrishell even calling Nicole a "b****" straight to her face ... but despite all the anger coming her way, sources say Nicole's standing by her comments on the new season -- claiming not enough context was shown in the final edit.
Originally Published -- 1:00 AM PT