Lauren Weiler | Showbiz Cheat Sheet Senior Writer

‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 Hometown Spoilers: Who Goes Home?

Lauren Weiler — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 20:11:30 +0000

ABC’s The Bachelorette Season 21 is nearly over, and fans will soon see Jenn Tran pick the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. Four men head to hometowns with Jenn: Jonathon Johnson, Marcus Shoberg, Devin Strader, and Jeremy Simon. So, who does Jenn send home after meeting their family? Here are The Bachelorette Season 21 hometown spoilers.

[Spoiler alert: The Bachelorette Season 21 hometown spoilers ahead.]

‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 spoilers: Who goes home during hometowns week?

The Bachelorette Season 21 hometowns are here, and Jenn Tran meets the families of her final four men. So far, she’s made strong connections with Jeremy Simon, Marcus Schoberg, Jonathon Johnson, and Devin Strader.

According to spoilers from Reality Steve, Jenn heads to Tacoma, Washington, to have her hometown date with Marcus. They visit Titlow Beach. “A little backstory: Marcus lived in the Seattle area after the army,” Reality Steve wrote on X. “A lot of his army friends currently still live there. He does not have a great relationship with his parents, who don’t live in Washington. So, my guess is that’s why his hometown is being filmed there.”

Jenn had her second hometown date with Jeremy in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Her third hometown date was with Devin in Houston, Texas. Devin brought Jenn on a run with his running club. The couple starts their date at Buffalo Bayou Park.

Finally, Jenn has her last hometown date with Jonathon Johnson in San Diego, California.

So, who does Jenn send home? According to The Bachelorette spoilers, Jenn doesn’t give Jeremy a rose. She takes Jonathon, Devin, and Marcus to Hawaii for overnight dates.

Jenn Tran says she feels ‘conflicted’ during hometowns week

The Bachelorette Season 21 hometowns aren’t easy for Jenn Tran. Meeting her contestants’ families puts a lot of pressure on her to feel secure in her decisions moving forward. During a teaser posted to Instagram, she expresses how she feels “conflicted.”

“It’s hometowns week, and I feel conflicted,” Jenn says. By the end of the clip, she admits that choosing her final three men is one of the “hardest” decisions she’s had to make.

Another clip shows Jenn meeting Jonathon’s family. While Jonathon’s family is happy to meet Jenn, they have reservations due to Jonathon’s last relationship, which turned toxic and unhealthy. His brother expresses his concerns to the camera.

“I want to be protective of Jon,” Jonathon’s brother tells Jenn during a private conversation. She tells him she understands his stance.

“Jonathon’s brother gets emotional with me,” she says. “I can only hope that they see what I see between the two of us.”

A separate clip shows Jenn meeting Jeremy’s family. Jeremy’s mom says that when Jenn described what she wanted in a man, it didn’t exactly describe Jeremy. His mom also questions whether Jeremy knows Jenn “well enough” for an engagement.

“I’m skeptical because I don’t know that they really discussed the road ahead,” his mom says.

Marcus Shoberg and Jenn Tran in ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 21 | Disney/John Fleenor

Jenn Tran meets Marcus Shoberg and Devin Strader’s families during The Bachelorette Season 21 hometown week, and both men move on to the final three, according to spoilers. Unfortunately, fans on Reddit uncovered allegations and controversies against these men.

Fans noted that Devin made hip-hop music with racist language. He also “liked” right-wing content on social media. When called out, he unliked his past posts and covered his tracks by “liking” left-leaning content.

As for Marcus, Reddit users alleged that several women came forward with allegations suggesting he harmed and abused them. The women making the allegations were allegedly verified on the platform. It’s unclear if Bachelorette producers have been notified or if the show will address the allegations during the Men Tell All or After the Final Rose specials.

This article was originally reported by Reality Steve.

The Bachelorette Season 21 airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Jennifer Lopez Posts Clip of Drinking Alcohol From the Bottle After Ben Affleck’s Birthday

Lauren Weiler — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 19:04:37 +0000

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are closer to divorce than ever, according to sources. The couple didn’t publicly acknowledge each other’s summer birthdays in 2024, though Lopez was known for posting about her romance with Affleck after they tied the knot. In August 2024, Affleck celebrated turned 52 — and Lopez posted a clip of her drinking from a bottle of alcohol a day later. Here’s what to know.

Jennifer Lopez posted a clip of her drinking her brand of alcohol from a bottle after Ben Affleck’s birthday

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are reportedly not in a good place in their marriage. The couple tied the knot in 2022. Just two years later, they allegedly already have divorce papers signed and ready to file.

Lopez and Affleck have stark differences in lifestyles, which may have led to their decision to separate. While Affleck lives a low-key life away from the spotlight in LA, Lopez adores her fans and hopes to continue to tour with her music. Lopez and Affleck also had very different birthday celebrations during the 2024 summer. While Lopez had a Bridgerton-themed bash in the Hamptons that she posted about on Instagram, Affleck had a quiet party with family at home.

“It’s exactly what he wanted,” a source told People regarding Affleck’s birthday party. “He didn’t want to go out to celebrate. The kids had gifts for him, and it was cute. Jennifer [Lopez] stopped by to congratulate him.”

Lopez didn’t wish Affleck a happy birthday in 2024. However, a day after his birthday, she promoted Delola, her brand of alcoholic beverages that she started in 2023, on Instagram. Affleck doesn’t drink alcohol and has entered rehab multiple times in the past.

Lopez posted a clip of her drinking a Delola cocktail from a large bottle. “See how I do this, how I drink from the bottle? Very demure,” she said, referencing a viral TikTok while taking a swig. “Very mindful. I don’t just chug it. I just don’t … all the way down. Just little — little by little. Very elegant, swelling it, demure, mindful.” She ended the video by taking another swig.

An insider said that Ben Affleck isn’t ‘falling off the wagon’ of his sobriety despite the divorce rumors

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend the red carpet for ‘The Last Duel’ during the 78th Venice International Film Festival in 2021 | Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Ben Affleck has publicly spoken about his issues with alcohol in the past. He entered treatment for alcoholism in 2001 and entered rehab again in 2017 and 2018. Jennifer Garner staged an intervention for Affleck in 2018 after their split. Lopez seems to help Affleck stay sober despite starting her cocktail business.

While Affleck and Lopez’s marital stress wears on Affleck, an insider told The Sun that Affleck is “genuinely grateful for his sobriety” and not “falling off the wagon again anytime soon.”

“But he’s still got the weight of the world hanging over his shoulders every day, and Jennifer doesn’t, despite the recent bad fortune with her tour and new music,” the source continued. “She doesn’t ‘do’ misery, at least not around the people closest to her.”

Jennifer Lopez’s cocktail brand allegedly ‘devastated’ her husband

Jennifer Lopez loves reinventing herself and isn’t afraid to step outside the box to stay relevant. A source told DailyMail.com that Lopez launching an alcohol brand “devastated” Ben Affleck due to his past issues with the substance. The brand may have also pushed the couple into divorce territory.

“Ben had to fight to get his life back after overcoming alcohol,” a friend of the actor said, according to Yahoo.”Knowing how he lost everything, including the love of his family, knowing that he could possibly relapse, Jen decided to start her own spritzer line for more money, as if she did not have enough.”

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Jennifer Lopez Criticizes Ben Affleck’s New Look as ‘Lost’ and ‘Pathetic,’ Insider Alleges

Lauren Weiler — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:39:58 +0000

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are reportedly headed for divorce after two years of marriage. The couple famously fell in love in the early 2000s, and 20 years later, they found love with each other again before making their romance official. In August 2024, Affleck showed off a new personal style while divorce rumors loomed. Here’s what Lopez allegedly thinks of his hair and clothes.

Jennifer Lopez allegedly thinks Ben Affleck looks ‘pathetic’ with his new look

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were Hollywood’s golden couple when they got back together in 2021 and tied the knot in 2022. Unfortunately, they’re allegedly headed for divorce just two years after their wedding. Lopez spent most of her 2024 summer in New York, while Affleck remained in Los Angeles. Affleck also bought a $20 million mansion on his own while he and Lopez rush to sell their $68 million estate.

Change is in the air for Lopez and Affleck, and Affleck also changed his personal look. In early August 2024, he was spotted in LA with a shaved faux-hawk hairstyle. He completed the punk look with gray jeans and a black jacket over a Red Hot Chili Peppers T-shirt. Affleck was also spotted in the look while driving a blue electric motorcycle.

So, what does Lopez think? “She’s saying this clearly shows that Ben is clearly not in the right headspace and that he hasn’t been for some time,” a source told In Touch Weekly on Aug. 16, 2024. “In her view, he looks so lost and kind of pathetic right now. It’s obvious to her that this is a cry for help, but her hands are tied because he’s totally ghosted her.”

The source added that Affleck doesn’t care what Lopez thinks. “He’s excited to have his life back and a fresh start ahead of him that’s not dictated for him anymore,” they added.

A relationship expert says Ben Affleck’s changed look could come from his ‘desire to start fresh’

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck attend the Los Angeles premiere of Warner Bros. ‘The Flash’ on June 12, 2023 | Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic

Relationship expert Louella Alderson talked to The Mirror about Ben Affleck’s changed appearance. According to Alderson, Affleck might want to create a “distance” from his “previous image” to prepare for a fresh start.

“This cleaned-up look could be a symbol of Ben’s desire to start fresh and move on from his recent marriage,” Alderson said. “He may have felt the need to distance himself from his previous image and create a new identity for himself as he enters into this new chapter of his life.”

Alderson added that Affleck “may have simply wanted to change up his look for personal reasons or professional projects,” but the timing aligns with his impending divorce.

As for Lopez, she hasn’t completely overhauled her look since news of her impending divorce broke.

Jennifer Lopez briefly saw her husband for his birthday after spending weeks apart

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck spent minimal time together during the summer of 2024. However, they reunited in August 2024 at Affleck’s Brentwood apartment. Lopez reportedly spent time with his son, Samuel, and wanted to see the kids before they headed back to school.

“Now, when she’s back in LA, she wants to spend quality time with them before school resumes and Violet is off to college,” a source told People.

Lopez also stopped by Affleck’s small birthday party. The actor turned 52 on Aug. 15.

“It’s exactly what he wanted,” a source told People. “He didn’t want to go out to celebrate. The kids had gifts for him, and it was cute. Jennifer [Lopez] stopped by to congratulate him.”

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Taylor Swift Is Stressed by Blake Lively and Selena Gomez’s Feud, Source Says

Lauren Weiler — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 14:59:00 +0000

Taylor Swift has a thriving social life. The queen of pop music hangs out with A-listers ranging from movie stars to fellow musicians, and she has a longstanding friendship with Selena Gomez since 2008. Swift also has a loving friendship with Blake Lively, whom she’s had a close friendship with since 2015. However, rumors suggest that Gomez and Lively don’t mesh. Here’s what a source said about Swift feeling stressed by her two best friends not getting along.

Taylor Swift is allegedly stressed by Blake Lively and Selena Gomez’s feud

Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift at the 81st Golden Globe Awards | Christopher Polk/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images

Taylor Swift is a social butterfly amongst other pop stars. However, it’s unclear how her two best friends, Blake Lively and Selena Gomez, feel about each other. Fans raised their eyebrows when they noticed Selena was missing from Swift’s crew at the Super Bowl in 2024 to support Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs. Lana Del Rey, Ashley Avignone, Kaleigh Sperry, and Lively joined Swift.

A source told Life & Style in April 2024 that Gomez and Lively refuse to be in the same room, making certain events difficult for Swift.

“Taylor’s tried many times to broker peace between these two divas, but they won’t play nice,” the insider alleged. “She thinks it’s silly the way they carry on, especially since the two don’t even know where all this hating began! Taylor feels like she’s doing a juggling act in a circus to keep them both happy, but her patience is wearing thin.”

The insider alleged that Gomez feels “jealous” of Swift’s friendship with Lively.

“Selena and Blake are extremely petty sometimes, and it stresses out Taylor,” the source continued. “Either they start getting along, or one of them will have to go!”

The pop queen allegedly ‘knows’ not to mix her 2 best friends

A source told DailyMail.com in April 2024 that Blake Lively and Selena Gomez choose to spend time with Taylor Swift separately, as they don’t mesh well in a group setting.

“This is the reason neither of them are ever with Taylor at the same time and are constantly avoiding run-ins with each other,” the source alleged.

Another source noted that Swift “knows not to mix Blake and Selena in the same room” and that if she wants to hang out with her besties, “it must be two separate nights.”

The second source added that Gomez and Lively serve “different roles” in Swift’s life. As for Lively, she’s the life of the party.

“If there is something fun going down, she wants to be a part of it, and it is contagious,” the insider said of Lively. “This is something that everyone, including Taylor, loves about Blake. She knows that, no matter what, she is going to have a good time and lots of laughs when she is out with Blake.”

As for Gomez, she “kind of does her own thing because she is such a huge star in her own right.”

Taylor Swift could choose either friend as her future maid of honor

Pop star Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce during ‘The Eras Tour’ | Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce continue to fuel engagement rumors as their romance progresses. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end and the pop queen seem to have an incredible relationship, and fans are waiting for wedding bells to ring. When it comes to Swift’s maid of honor, she could potentially choose Selena Gomez or Blake Lively to fulfill that role.

A source told Life & Style in June 2024 that Cara Delevingne might be Swift’s first choice. “Everyone’s assuming it will be Blake Lively, but the way things are shaping up these days, Cara’s a frontrunner,” the insider alleged.

However, betting experts from Sportscasting.com suggested Swift would choose her best friend, Abigail Anderson. “Yes, for full showbiz exposure, the ‘Love Story’ star might turn to one of her famous singing pals, like Camila Cabello or Selena Gomez,” spokesman Andy Newman said. “But having been a bridesmaid at best friend Abigail Anderson’s wedding in the past, the safer call is to side with Swift, returning the favor to her closest friend that she’s known since she was 15.”

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Violet Affleck Is ‘Not Going to Stop Talking’ to Jennifer Lopez Despite Divorce From Ben Affleck, Source Says

Lauren Weiler — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 12:50:00 +0000

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are allegedly headed for divorce in 2024. The couple tied the knot in 2022, and Lopez was happy to take on the role of stepmom to Ben and Jennifer Garner’s three kids: Violet Affleck, 18, Fin Affleck, 15, and Samuel Affleck, 12. Lopez has twins, Max and Emme Muniz, 16, who adore Ben’s kids. Lopez and Violet developed a particularly close relationship as stepmom and stepdaughter. And Violet allegedly refuses to stop talking to Lopez if Lopez and Ben go their separate ways.

Violet Affleck wishes her father, Ben Affleck ‘would stay with’ Jennifer Lopez, a source said

Violet Affleck and Jennifer Lopez became incredibly close through the years. The stepdaughter and stepmom were seen arm-in-arm shopping in the Hamptons over the summer of 2024. And Violet wore Lopez’s famous Dolce & Gabbana dress on another occasion. A source told DailyMail.com in August 2024 that Violet wants her father, Ben Affleck, to stay with Lopez despite their marital difficulties.

“Violet does wish her dad Ben would stay with J.Lo,” the source said. “She wasn’t living in their house and did not see the extent of the breakdown, but she got extremely close to J.Lo over the past couple of years, and it broke her heart when they split.”

The source added that Violet “is not going to stop talking” to Lopez and purposely made a “statement” by wearing her dress. “Those close to her thought it was bizarre,” the source continued.

“Ben is neither bothered or unbothered by Violet’s closeness with J.Lo, as Violet is an adult and can have relationships with anyone she chooses,” the insider continued. “Unfortunately for her, wearing J.Lo’s dress in public is not going to affect Ben’s divorce at all.”

Another insider told DailyMail.com that Violet is “championing” her father and Lopez “getting back together.” She wants to stay close to Lopez’s twins.

“Violet is a Daddy’s girl and a family first person and is best friends with J.Lo’s kids,” the source said. “She considers them her sister and brother.”

Ben Affleck allegedly wants Jennifer Lopez to maintain a close relationship with his daughter

Actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend the red carpet for ‘The Last Duel’ during the 78th Venice International Film Festival in 2021 | Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Ben Affleck loves that his eldest daughter, Violet Affleck, has a close relationship with Jennifer Lopez. Despite the likelihood of divorce, Ben allegedly wants Lopez and Violet to stay in each other’s lives.

A source told Entertainment Tonight that the stepmom and stepdaughter “have gotten close throughout Jen and Ben’s relationship, and maintaining that closeness is important to everyone.”

“Ben certainly doesn’t want to cause any strain between Jen and Violet, and he is in support of them spending time together,” the source continued. “It’s a little tricky for him, but both Jen and Ben want all their kids to be happy, regardless of the issues they are facing in their marriage.”

Lopez was seen back in Los Angeles at Ben’s Brentwood rental in August 2024. She allegedly wants to spend time with his kids before the new school year begins. “Just because she’s not with Ben doesn’t mean that she doesn’t care about his kids,” a source told People.

The ‘Gone Girl’ actor wants J.Lo’s kids to feel invited to his new home, a source said

Ben Affleck bought a $20 million mansion on Jennifer Lopez’s birthday, seemingly solidifying their split. A source told Closer Weekly that Ben wants Lopez’s twins to feel invited to his new home. Ben knows how close all the kids are and has an “open-door policy” for Max and Emme Muniz.

“They’ve vowed to stay supportive, which is why you see Jennifer and Violet still spending time together,” the source said. “Ben says his home has an open-door policy for Emme and Max, and I’m sure Jennifer will do the same when she finds her new home.”

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Jennifer Garner Says She and Ben Affleck Will Still Dance Together at Their Kids’ Weddings

Lauren Weiler — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 13:49:00 +0000

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck were one of Hollywood’s “it” couples that fans loved to watch. They tied the knot in 2005 and separated in 2015; however, they remain good friends and co-parents in 2024. Garner and Affleck are committed to retaining a good relationship for their three kids: Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12. Here’s what Garner once said about how she and Affleck will dance together at their kids’ weddings despite being divorced.

Jennifer Garner once said she and Ben Affleck will dance together when their kids get married

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are dedicated to co-parenting their children despite their divorce. The couple was married for 10 years before separating in 2015 and finalizing their divorce in 2018. Garner helped Affleck through alcohol addiction during their marriage, and she allegedly helped him with his marital issues concerning Jennifer Lopez in 2024.

Garner and Affleck both spoke about their divorces. “We had a marriage that didn’t work,” Affleck explained while talking to Howard Stern, according to The Independent. “This happens. It was somebody I love and respect but to whom I shouldn’t be married any longer … what I did was [I] drank a bottle of scotch and fell asleep on the couch, which turned out not to be the solution.”

While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2021, Garner commented that she and her kids will eventually have to unpack how the divorce affected them. “Going through it in public is not what’s hard; going through it is what’s hard, A,” Garner explained. “And B, my children’s eyes are on me.”

In 2016, Garner told Vanity Fair she “lost the dream of dancing” with Affleck at their daughter’s wedding. However, in 2022, she says she doesn’t “worry” about that lost dream anymore.

“When our kids get married, we’ll dance; I know that now,” she explained. “We’ll boogaloo and have a great time. I don’t worry about that anymore.”

The exes have a co-parenting relationship that is ‘always a work in progress,’ a source said

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck in 2015 | Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are committed to their children above all else. They’ve both talked about how they respect each other as parents and aim to make co-parenting as easy as possible. A source told Us Weekly in 2020 that their co-parenting was “a work in progress” as they navigated their lives post-divorce.

“It’s always a work in progress,” the source explained. “Things come up between them, but they are committed to doing the best they can for the kids. They stay on top of things and have a lot of meetings and check-ins. They want to be the best parents they can for the kids. If they have differences, they keep it to themselves and don’t let it have an impact. They always put on happy faces for the kids and put their well-being first.”

Jennifer Lopez has a close relationship with Ben Affleck’s kids as divorce rumors loom

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck work hard to co-parent their kids as the youngest enters his teen years and the oldest approaches adulthood. And Jennifer Lopez also loved becoming a stepmother to Affleck’s kids. Lopez has twins, Max and Emme, 16, who get along well with Affleck and Garner’s three children. Now, sources suggest that Lopez is trying to spend as much time with Affleck’s kids as the summer ends and divorce rumors loom.

“Just because she’s not with Ben doesn’t mean that she doesn’t care about his kids,” a source told People. “She always cared about them. She spent months looking for the perfect house for their blended family last year. Now, when she’s back in LA, she wants to spend quality time with them before school resumes and Violet is off to college.”

Lopez reportedly has a particularly close relationship with Violet, whom she went shopping with over the summer in the Hamptons.

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Zendaya Once Vehemently Denied Throwing Shade at Blake Lively

Lauren Weiler — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 12:25:00 +0000

Blake Lively is earning negative publicity in 2024 due to her press with It Ends With Us. Many fans of the Colleen Hoover novel and new movie adaptation are unimpressed by Lively’s treatment of the difficult subject matter. Additionally, a journalist recently released a 2016 interview with Lively that showed Lively’s rude behavior. Now, we’re looking back at when Zendaya seemingly threw shade at Lively and Emily Blunt. Here’s how Zendaya reacted to the accusations.

Zendaya once denied throwing shade at Blake Lively and Emily Blunt at a Michael Kors fashion show

Blake Lively is under fire in 2024, and it’s not the first time she made headlines for being controversial. While It Ends With Us press put Lively in a negative light, we’re looking back at a subtle interaction between Lively and Zendaya in 2018.

Zendaya sat next to Lively and Emily Blunt at the Michael Kors fashion show in New York City. Lively and Blunt started laughing uncontrollably, and Zendaya didn’t look happy to be seated next to the women. Zendaya looked forward toward the runway while Lively and Blunt continued their laughter.

Blunt discussed the situation with Vanity Fair during their infamous lie detector test in 2021. “I think I was worried that she was flashing her vagina, so it might’ve been something to do with that,” Blunt said in regards to why she and Lively were laughing. “Zendaya doesn’t look very happy, though, with our jokes.”

Later in the same interview, Blunt said that she and Lively are not “BFFs.”

The viral runway moment between the three actors resulted in Zendaya defending herself on Twitter. According to the Euphoria star, she was not throwing shade toward Lively and Blunt for not laughing with them.

“I WAS LOOKING AT THE RUNWAY,” Zendaya tweeted.

“Whoa whoa whoa y’all not bout to have me out here lookin shady,” Zendaya wrote in a separate tweet with a laughing-crying emoji. “I was looking at the runway and asking Law when the show was gonna start. Don’t do me. They were super nice.”

In yet another tweet, she wrote, “Ya’ll messy that’s all lmao.”

Zendaya, Blake Lively, and Emily Blunt attend the Michael Kors Collection Fall 2018 Runway Show | Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively is making headlines for her alleged feud with Justin Baldoni in 2024

Blake Lively and Zendaya don’t have beef in 2024. However, Lively seemed to have an issue with director and actor Justin Baldoni. Baldoni and Lively co-starred in This Ends With Us. An insider told Us Weekly that the actors had a “creative struggle” that resulted in them no longer speaking once the film hit theaters.

“There were two camps on the film — team Blake and team Justin,” a source told Us Weekly. “This creative struggle set the tone for the negative experience behind the scenes and grew into them not speaking anymore.”

The insider added that Baldoni “was made to feel that his vision wasn’t as important as Blake’s,” stifling their creativity. The tension between the actors had built “since day one.”

Neither Lively nor Baldoni referenced the feud in public. However, Baldoni hired a veteran PR crisis manager following the film’s release.

The ‘Gossip Girl’ actor allegedly has issues with other high-profile stars

Aside from Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively allegedly feuded with Leighton Meester and Selena Gomez.

Lively worked with Meester on Gossip Girl. In 2017, executive producer Joshua Safran told Vanity Fair that Lively and Meester “were not friends” despite working on the show together. The actors reportedly didn’t have any blowout arguments — they just were two different people. “They were friendly, but they were not friends like Serena and Blair,” Safran continued.

Lively also allegedly has issues with Gomez. While Lively and Gomez are best friends with Taylor Swift, Swift reportedly only hangs out with them separately. Lively attended Swift’s gathering at the 2024 Super Bowl, while Gomez was noticeably absent.

“For a good hangout and good party, you know who to invite and who not to invite,” a source told DailyMail.com. “Taylor knows not to mix Blake and Selena in the same room and that it must be two separate nights.”

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How Much Money Did Matthew Perry’s Personal Assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, Earn? Here’s an Estimate

Lauren Weiler — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:31:54 +0000

Friends icon Matthew Perry died in October 2023. According to toxicology reports from Los Angeles County, the star died from acute effects of ketamine with “drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects” as contributing factors. Five people were charged in connection with Perry’s death in August 2024, and one of them was his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. How much did Iwamasa earn as Perry’s personal assistant? Here’s an estimate.

How much money did Kenneth Iwamasa earn as Matthew Perry’s personal assistant? Here’s an estimate

Matthew Perry’s personal live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is under fire. He was arrested and charged in August 2024 in connection with Matthew Perry’s death. According to a press release from the Department of Justice, Iwamasa “admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training.” He pleaded guilty and could face 15 years in prison.

According to Iwamasa’s LinkedIn, he worked for Perry for over 25 years. “I thrive in chaotic situations which call for order,” he wrote, according to Page Six. “I am discreet, loyal, and honor absolute confidentiality.”

So, how much did Iwamasa earn as Perry’s personal assistant? It seems likely that Iwamasa earned a higher-range salary for celebrity assistants: $80,000 to $150,000 annually. A midrange celebrity assistant salary stands around $40,000 to $80,000 annually, while an entry-level position likely brings in less than $40,000 annually.

Because Perry lived in the Pacific Palisades, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles, he might’ve paid Iwamasa even more. Iwasama has not publicly stated his salary.

Iwamasa likely helped the star make travel arrangements, set up meetings, keep a daily schedule, manage social media and emails, run errands, and manage all communications.

Matthew Perry’s friends and family are ‘saddened’ by Kenneth Iwamasa’s arrest

A source close to Matthew Perry told Us Weekly that his friends and family feel “blindsided” and “saddened” by Kenneth Iwamasa’s arrest. The insider also alleged that Iwamasa only worked for Perry for a few years before Perry’s death, which goes against what the assistant’s LinkedIn states. Iwamasa allegedly started working for Perry after initially working for Perry’s manager, Doug Chapin. Perry’s family considered Iwamasa a “great fit” because of his previous work for Chapin.

“Matthew kept secrets,” the insider alleged. “I wouldn’t be shocked if Kenny was the only one who knew how bad it really was.”

The source added that “it was already chaotic” when Iwamasa got the job as a personal assistant for the actor. “Matthew wasn’t actually sober,” they continued. “He had been going in and out of sobriety. And multiple people were helping to take care of him. Kenny knew the situation and could deal with Matthew.”

“When Matthew’s [previous] assistant left, they didn’t hire a new one for a while,” the insider continued. “Matthew wasn’t acting at the time, so someone was needed only to handle his life and around the house.”

Five people were charged in connection with the actor’s death

U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Martin Estrada, speaks during a press conference on Aug. 15, 2024, announcing arrests in the death of ‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry | Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Jasveen Sangha, allegedly known as “The Ketamine Queen,” and Dr. Salvador Plasencia are the lead defendants in the case. Others arrested and charged include Dr. Mark Chavez, who admitted to selling ketamine to Plasencia, and Eric Fleming, who admitted to distributing the ketamine that killed Perry. And, of course, Kenneth Iwamasa.

According to court documents, the events leading to Perry’s death in October 2023 began with Dr. Salvador Plasencia. He learned that Perry wanted ketamine, so he reached out to Dr. Mark Chavez, the past owner of a ketamine clinic. Plasencia attained the drug and instructed Iwamasa on how to inject Perry with the drug.

Iwasama later sought out additional ketamine from Eric Fleming, Perry’s acquaintance. Fleming reached out to Jasveen Sangha, a dealer allegedly known as “The Ketamine Queen.” Fleming attained the drug through her and sold it to Iwasama. Iwasama injected Perry with at least three shots of ketamine on Oct. 28, 2023. Perry died in his pool later that day.

Elements of this article were originally reported by NBC News and Pocketbook Agency.

Jennifer Lopez Posts Photos in Sheer Gown on Ben Affleck’s Birthday

Lauren Weiler — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:23:23 +0000

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are close to announcing their divorce, according to insiders. The couple tied the knot in 2022 and are allegedly ready to separate just two years later. Earlier this summer, Lopez celebrated her 55th birthday without Affleck. Now, it looks like Lopez and Affleck will spend Affleck’s birthday apart. Here’s what Lopez posted to Instagram on his 52nd birthday.

Jennifer Lopez posted photos of herself in a sheer gown on Ben Affleck’s birthday

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck haven’t spoken out about their alleged plan to divorce, but the signs persist. Affleck turned 52 on Aug. 15, 2024. Lopez didn’t wish her husband a happy birthday, though she made an Instagram post dedicated to his birthday in 2023.

Last year, Lopez posted a video to Instagram showing Affleck driving a car while she held her phone camera on them. They sang “Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke as it played on the radio. “Don’t know much about the French I took / but I do know that I love you / and I know that if you love me too / what a wonderful world this would be,” the couple sang.

“Dear Ben … happy birthday! I love you,” Lopez captioned the post.

Lopez’s post in 2024 looks a lot different. She posted a series of three photos on Instagram showing off her figure in a sheer Dior gown during a night photoshoot. Thanks to its silver details, the sleeved, nude gown glimmered in the moonlight. Lopez paired the dress with a black tie belt, black heels, and an equally shimmery fringe bag.

Lopez reposted the photos to her Instagram Stories without mentioning Affleck’s birthday. She captioned the series of images, “Dior.”

Ben Affleck is reportedly spending his birthday ‘with close friends and family’ in 2024

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at the 81st Golden Globes in 2024 | Earl Gibson III/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images

If Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez aren’t celebrating Affleck’s birthday together, what is he up to? A source told Entertainment Tonight that Affleck is keeping it simple this year.

“Ben is planning to keep things intimate for his birthday and spend it with close friends and family,” the source explained.

Affleck bought a house in Los Angeles on Lopez’s birthday. The $20 million state is only in his name, and he presumably didn’t involve his wife in his purchase. It’s unclear if he will hold a birthday celebration at his new place or his Brentwood $100,000 monthly rental. As for Lopez and Affleck’s $68 million estate, that remains for sale.

Lopez was spotted visiting Affleck’s rental property in August 2024. She took his youngest child, Samuel, to the mall. It’s possible that she was taking Affleck’s son shopping to find a gift.

He didn’t celebrate Jennifer Lopez’s birthday amid divorce rumors

Jennifer Lopez posted about her Briderton-themed 55th birthday party in July 2024. The birthday bash included an orchestra, horse-drawn carriages, and Regency-era costumes. Unfortunately, Ben Affleck didn’t attend the party, as she held it in the Hamptons in New York. Affleck remained in LA.

“It has been a hard year with some unexpected realizations, changes, and obstacles, but Jen is trying to view her 55th birthday as a fresh start,” a source told Entertainment Tonight. “She is trying not to let her situation with Ben bring her down.”

Additional sources suggest that Lopez and Affleck have accepted that they can’t repair their marriage and have already signed divorce papers.

“They finalized the divorce papers with her a month ago but are waiting for the right time to drop them,” a source told DailyMail.com in August 2024. “At that time, they will release a joint statement that will say how they have much love for each other and how they fought to make it work but couldn’t.”

For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.

Justin Baldoni’s ‘Favorite Experience’ Filming ‘It Ends With Us’ Has Nothing to Do With Blake Lively

Lauren Weiler — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:33:33 +0000

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are under the spotlight due to their alleged feud following the filming of It Ends With Us. The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, brought Baldoni, the director and actor, and Lively together on set. Unfortunately, rumors suggest Lively had an uncomfortable time filming with Baldoni. And when Baldoni was asked about his “favorite experience” from filming, it had nothing to do with Lively.

Justin Baldoni explained his favorite experience filming ‘It Ends With Us,’ and it didn’t include Blake Lively

Justin Baldoni directed and acted in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us. Baldoni plays Ryle Kincaid, and his character falls in love with Blake Lively’s character, Lily Bloom. Unfortunately, their relationship turns abusive.

Baldoni and Lively have seemed to actively avoid each other when promoting the movie. They didn’t take photos together on the red carpet, and they haven’t attended press events together. Additional rumors suggest that Lively felt uncomfortable when Baldoni asked about her weight before performing a scene with her. Lively also allegedly felt that Baldoni lingered too long after a kissing scene.

Baldoni spoke to Harper’s Bazaar about his favorite experience with the cast and crew of It Ends With Us. While he spent ample time with Lively, he didn’t mention her in his answer.

“I think my favorite experience of the entire shoot happened after the shoot was over,” Baldoni said. “It was at our first test screening in Colorado. I asked Colleen [Hoover] to attend; it was her first time seeing the film, and she brought her mom and her husband. After the film ended, her mom came through the doors, tears still flowing, and gave me the biggest hug. She just held on to me, repeating ‘Thank you. Thank you so much.'”

Baldoni noted that he “promised” Hoover that he would “protect” the integrity of her story with the movie.

“I just wanted this film to feel emotionally accurate for Colleen and for her mom, who lived through a version of this story,” he said.

Blake Lively said filming the entire movie was ‘a challenge’

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of ‘It Ends with Us’ on Jan. 12, 2024, in Jersey City, New Jersey | Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Blake Lively hasn’t publicly spoken out against Justin Baldoni’s conduct during the filming of It Ends With Us. However, when asked about the most challenging aspects of filming, she noted that nothing was easy.

“Oh my God, all of them, this whole movie,” Lively told The Hollywood Reporter when asked about the most challenging scene she had to film. “Honestly, the work that I did on-screen was easier than the work that I did off-screen in this movie because of all that went into it. I love a challenge, though. And I’m just so proud of every bit of it. We went through a whole rollercoaster of the human experience. I’m very proud.”

During an interview with Access Hollywood, Lively praised working with her other co-star, Brandon Sklenar, as they had undeniable chemistry. However, she never referenced how she felt while working with Baldoni.

Justin Baldoni said he and the ‘Gossip Girl’ star didn’t have a chemistry read

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively aren’t promoting It Ends With Us together. However, the director/actor praised Lively during interviews. While speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, Baldoni said he “knew” Lively was perfect for the role as soon as they met.

During the same interview, Baldoni noted that he hoped his “chemistry” with Lively would be seen by the audience, as they didn’t have a chemistry read before filming.

“We didn’t have a chemistry read as Ryle and Lily,” he said. “The very first time we met, we had a three-hour meeting. By the end of that meeting, I just knew she was Lily. But, no, we didn’t have a chemistry read. We did have chemistry reads with Lily and Atlas, but we didn’t with Ryle and Lily. I’m grateful and hopeful that there’s chemistry on the screen.”

For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.

Lauren Weiler | Showbiz Cheat Sheet Senior Writer

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