Sex and the City star Gilles Marini says it's time for And Just Like That 'to go'
The 49-year-old French actor's breakout role was in the 2008 Sex and the City movie, in which he portrayed Dante, a lusted-after neighbor of Kim Cattrall 's character Samantha Jones.
Speaking with the US Sun this week, he said about the HBO spinoff, 'Everything takes its time. It goes up, and then it goes down. We have to know and understand when it's time to go.'
He suggested, 'Maybe taking the side of one of the characters and having this history behind of Sex and The City, but making something so clearly different.. somebody else come in with something new, you know? Really fresh, like the storyline has to be completely shattered.'
Marini noted that the show could stand to be more relatable: 'And something that is meaningful nowadays. Everybody loved this show because everybody could relate. Let's have a show where really everyone can relate a little bit [more].'
Fans of And Just Like That season 3 were left furious following episode eight last week, and accused the show's main characters of competing for 'biggest dummy.'
The episode, called Happily Ever After, saw Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) reunite with boyfriend Aidan Shaw (John Corbett), and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) nearly relapse on alcohol.
While aware of fans' critiques of the show, he said he'd like to hear from viewers who aren't familiar with Sex And the City.
And despite his thoughts on the changes the new show should make, he said he would not be opposed to taking a role on the series.
'If I got the call… I'd run to it. Absolutely. I think one of the most amazing things that I had the chance to do in my life was Sex And The City,' he told the outlet.
Gilles also address Cattrall's decision not to return to the small screen as Samantha.
'To each their own. Sometimes people want to start something, and then when they're done, they're done with it.
'At the end of it, look at the career she has, I mean, everything she's done. She doesn't need [anything]. It's her decision, of course,' he reasoned.
He acknowledged the opportunities that appearing in the movie have afforded him.
The hunky stat reflected, 'Michael Patrick King, the director of the film, he said, "Listen, when the movie comes out, your life will never be the same and your phone will never stop ringing." And I'm like, why? Why is he saying that? And now I know why he said that.'
Marini began his career working as a baker and a fireman before moving to the United States to begin a modeling career.
After the success of the Sex And the City film, he was invited to participate in the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars.
He earned a runner-up position alongside partner Cheryl Burke and was invited back for the fifteenth season, placing sixth.
On Monday, July 21 he paid tribute to former Cosby Show actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who drowned in Costa Rica on Sunday at age 54.
Sharing a photo of them, he wrote, 'He was a light in so many lives, kind, thoughtful, and full of spirit.
'It's hard to believe he's gone. I'll always remember the moments we shared, the laughter, the talks, and the quiet understanding.
'My deepest condolences to his family, his loved ones, and everyone who was lucky enough to know him. May his memory be a blessing and may he rest in peace.'
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The Guardian
28 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Guardian writers on their ultimate feelgood movies: ‘Radical in its own way'
'Feelgood' movies are often thought of as big-hearted romantic comedies, comforting classics, or childhood favourites that still hold up decades later. In our series, My feelgood movie, Guardian writers reflect on their go-to flick, and explain why their pick is endlessly rewatchable. This list will be updated weekly with further picks. Want more options? Here is our earlier list of the 10 best escapist movies and 52 comforting, rewatchable titles. Director: Paul Feig Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne and Jude Law Why our writer loves it: 'Spy is radical in other respects: it remains the only major Hollywood spy film that features a middle-aged woman as the lead. I know because every so often, in search of a feelgood film, I rewatch what can be inelegantly described as 'female-fronted spy comedies' … [p]rojects like these are few and far between; I guess Hollywood does not think there's enough of an audience for them. To that I say: join us. The delights are profound; the sense of freedom intoxicating; the costumes and the gadgets and the intrigue sexy and absurd and larger-than-life – and an exciting new adventure, that great siren song to the desk-bound, is always just around the corner.' (Rebecca Liu) Read the full review Spy is available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ and Netflix in the UK and Australia Director: Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci Starring: Tony Shalhoub, Stanley Tucci and Marc Anthony Why our writer loves it: 'Big Night doesn't yield over much to anxious tension on the one hand or madcap hijinks on the other. This, to me, is what makes it feel so good. There are real stakes to this meal for these characters, but co-directors Tucci and Campbell Scott care enormously that you have a good time at their party. They never want you to refill your own glass.' (Andrew Holter) Read the full review Big Night is available to watch on Hoopla in the US and to rent digitally in the UK and Australia Director: Chris Smith Starring: Mark Borchardt, Mike Schank and Tom Schimmels Why our writer loves it: 'I feel buoyant and inspired every time I watch the film. It's such a beautiful example of how much talent exists out there in the world, in unconventional places, that never gets a shot or a look in.' (Daniel Dylan Wray) Read the full review American Movie is available to rent digitally in the US and Australia and on Amazon Prime in the UK Director: Wong Kar-Wai Starring: Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tony Leung Chiu-wai Why our writer loves it: '[T]he quirky romantic comedy also manages to be his most joyous and uplifting offering.' (Rebecca Liu) Read the full review Chungking Express is available on Max and The Criterion Channel in the US and to rent digitally in the UK and Australia Director: Wes Anderson Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Olivia Williams Why our writer loves it: 'I am elated each time I watch this poignant, wise and wildly funny film – and, yes, there is a happy ending.' (Rebecca Liu) Read the full review Rushmore is available on Hoopla in the US or to rent digitally in the UK and Australia Director: Richard Ayoade Starring: Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins and Paddy Considine Why our writer loves it: 'It might be a curious choice to name a film that traverses a troubled home life, too-much-too-young sexual experiences, and bullying as my 'feelgood' movie, but within its equally dark and peppy 97 minutes is a story about writing your own rules. Adapted from the Joe Dunthorne novel, Submarine is touching, sweet and, crucially, very funny.' (Sophie Williams) Read the full review Submarine is available to watch on Amazon Prime in the US and UK and to rent digitally in Australia Director: Gurinder Chadha Starring: Georgia Groome, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Karen Taylor Why our writer loves it: 'That's the magic of Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging for our generation. It reminds us of the joyous madness of our school days, when everything was awkward, messy and packed with heart.' (Anya Ryan) Read the full review Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging is available on Hoopla and Kanopy in the US or to rent digitally or on Amazon Prime and Paramount+ in the UK Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet Starring: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz and Rufus Why our writer loves it: 'After completing several good deeds, Amélie falls in love with the elusive Nino (Mathieu Kassovitz), a sex shop employee who likes to collect strangers' photobooth pictures … Although Amélie's kindness might be the apotheosis of whimsy, it's radical in its own way – a quiet protest against the indifference and self-interest that seem to rule city life.' (Katie Tobin) Read the full review Amélie is available to rent digitally in the US Director: John Guillermin Starring: Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and William Holden Why our writer loves it: 'Among the many reasons I'm long overdue for therapy would be that I consider a feature about a bunch of people trapped in a burning skyscraper a feelgood movie. But there it is: the stunning effects (which hold up to this day), the sprawling, larger-than-life cast and accompanying who-will-make-it-to-the-end? suspense, the earnest, cheeseball dialogue – whenever I feel anxious or down, something about The Towering Inferno offers solace.' (Matthew Hays) Read the full review The Towering Inferno is available to buy digitally in the US and rent digitally in the UK Starring: Ben Johnson, Joanne Dru and Harry Carey Jr. Directed by: John Ford Why our writer loves it: 'Wagon Master's great appeal lies in the feel of the thing. 'Be gentle', Travis encourages a restless horse, and that spirit pervades the film. It is Ford's gentlest picture and arguably his most beautiful, both on the surface and beneath it. The film is a plea for tolerance – most of its characters having just been run out of town – that is augmented by a thousand perfect details in word and image: the dialogue spare and true, Ford's camera going to a square dance and focusing first on the wooden planks shifting in the dirt.' (Rick Burin) Read the full review Wagon Master is on Tubi in the US and on BBC iPlayer in the UK Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss Directed by: Steven Spielberg Why our writer loves it: 'What makes a film 'feelgood'? If it's not a romcom, or otherwise setting out to impart warm fuzzies, familiarity plays a big part. I've seen Jaws so many times that watching it now truly feels like sinking into a warm bath.' (Elle Hunt) Read the full review Jaws is available to rent digitally in the US and is on Amazon Prime in the UK Starring: Stars Nancy Allen, Bobby Di Cicco and Marc McClure Directed by: Robert Zemeckis Why our writer loves it: 'Even at the height of their parasocial hijinks, Zemeckis never treats girlhood obsession with a hint of mockery or condescension. Rather, it's an affectionate celebration of what it means to be a fan – its heady thrills and innate universality – as hilarious as it is relatable. I wasn't born anywhere near the 60s, but every time I rewatch I Wanna Hold Your Hand, I feel like I missed out on all the fun.' (Miatta Mbriwa) Read the full review Starring: Hilary Duff and Adam Lamberg Directed by: Jim Fall Why our writer loves it: 'Nostalgia clouds the mind but I do think this movie is genuinely funny … While the film is undeniably a trite tableau of teen movie cliches, it avoids the harshest and grossest ones that were popular at the time. No one is mocked for having an eating disorder or stalked oh-so-romantically. It is aspirational in the silliest sense – while other movies might've inspired you to flirt like this or dance like that, nothing in The Lizzie McGuire Movie could be copied: you're either in danger of being mistaken for an Italian pop star or you're not. This means it didn't make 11-year-old me feel bad about herself, and it still makes adult me feel good.' (Amelia Tait) Read the full review The Lizzie McGuire Movie is available to watch on Disney+ in the US and UK Starring: Veronica Lake and Joel McCrea Directed by: Preston Sturges Why our writer loves it: 'Sullivan's Travels reminds us there's something inherently incorruptible about clinging to the scraps of happiness we're given.' (Alaina Demopoulos) Read the full review Sullivan's Travels is available to rent digitally in the US and UK Starring: Tony Hancock Directed by: Robert Day Why our writer loves it: '[T]there is something rather wonderful about seeing Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock in full and living colour, operating at the height of his powers, the man who his writers described as 'the best comic actor in the business'. And of course the film is a wonderful portal to a vanished world, a net-curtained Britain just on the cusp of its transformation by 60s pop culture. Lucian Freud called The Rebel the best film ever made about modern art; well, he should know, but for me it's more than that – there's an extra joy in remembering the hours I spent tittering at it with Dad as we lolled on the three-piece suite back in my gormless teenage years. If anything makes me feel good, it's that.' (Andrew Pulver) Read the full review Starring: Paul McGann and Richard E Grant Directed by: Bruce Robinson Why our writer loves it: 'The tape went back to Blockbuster. I bought my own. I took it to college and watched it drunk and sober, with friends and alone, in halls and in my desperate pit of a house. Through early adulthood, into fatherhood, on DVD then streaming. To watch Withnail is to discover it again.' (Martin Pengelly) Withnail and I is available on Max and the Criterion channel in the US and on Channel 4 in the UK Read the full review Starring: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan Directed by: Nora Ephron Why our writer loves it: You've Got Mail 'may be naive and soppy, but as a single person it keeps me optimistic that genuine connection may still be found by logging on to your computer (or unlocking your iPhone)'. (Alim Kheraj) Read the full review You've Got Mail is available on Hulu in the US and on Now TV in the UK Starring: Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan Directed by: Rob Reiner Why our writer loves it: 'I sometimes ask myself whether I should love When Harry Met Sally as much as I do. I mean, isn't the film a bit reductive when it comes to gender? Maybe. Yet at the same time, it's a romantic comedy that's actually romantic and actually funny, something few romcoms can boast today. But the reason it's my feelgood film is because I discovered it at a time when I needed it most.' (Henry Roberts) Read the full review When Harry Met Sally is available to rent digitally in the US and UK Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Amitabh Bachchan Directed by: Karan Johar Why our writer loves it: 'Scenes from this movie are seared in mind and I often quote its lines in my daily life – such is its hold on me. I am a complete sucker for the drama, the music, the pageantry, the familiar (though outdated) movie tropes, the costumes, the sets – after all, I grew up watching Bollywood movies (SRK is the love of my life, he just doesn't know it). It is a heaping dose of nostalgia that instantly uplifts my mood and restores my spirit, no matter how in the doldrums the world around might seem.' (Tasneem Merchant) Read the full review Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime in the US and UK Starring: Michael Keaton, Glenn Close and Robert Duvall Directed by: Ron Howard Why our writer loves it: 'Perhaps it's all just borrowed nostalgia for the half-remembered 90s, to remix James Murphy's lyric. But I see it as a feelgood film that makes you feel good because it never shouts about it; there's no need to force joy, it's just there in all that messy exuberance. The maddening life happening relentlessly, the people at work in the loud city, the thrill of chasing down a story – this is what is actually joyful.' (Larry Ryan) Read the full review The Paper is available to rent digitally in the US and UK Starring: Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore Directed by: Frank Coraci Why our writer loves it: 'One thing I love most about The Wedding Singer is the soundtrack that includes You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), Blue Monday and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. Barrymore sings a bit of 99 Luftballons into her oversize headphones. Sandler gets to perform his own compositions: Somebody Kill Me ('I was listening to the Cure a lot when I wrote this') and Grow Old With You – the latter he performs on a plane to stop Barrymore from marrying the evil Glenn. The ending features a brilliant cameo from 1998 Billy Idol playing 1980s Billy Idol, who wakes from his booze-addled slumber to shove Glenn in the airplane toilets. ('Excuse me, sir. I have to serve the beverages.')' (Rich Pelley) The Wedding Singer is available to rent digitally in the US and on Amazon Prime in the UK Read the full review Starring: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried and Pierce Brosnan Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd Why our writer loves it: 'Mamma Mia! isn't a movie – it's a holiday. It's a film so divorced from subtext and intricacy that its only ask for viewers is to bask in the Greek sunshine as the sounds of Abba wash over them … It was never meant to be taken seriously; it's a film without pretense. Much of what he complains about is precisely what makes Mamma Mia! the perfect cinematic comfort blanket.' (Jeffrey Ingold) Mamma Mia! is available on Max in the US and on Now in the UK Read the full review Starring: Divine, David Lochary and Mary Vivian Pearce Directed by: John Waters Why our writer loves it: 'The will to create a movie for the specific purpose of appalling anyone unaware of its true meaning turned Pink Flamingos into the ultimate litmus test. You either got its sick jokes or you didn't. But those who did got something far more lasting than a laugh. We got a one-way ticket to an underground populated by parallel dissidents, an entire community of the unruly and free. That's a lot to gain, which is why, even decades after I first saw Pink Flamingos, I return to it whenever I need to be reminded there's a universe of possibilities out there not reflected in the world we know now.' (Jim Farber) Read the full review Starring: Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks Directed by: Albert Brooks Why our writer loves it: 'Life-affirming' is perhaps an overused adjective, but few movies have successfully illuminated the human condition as well as this one. Fear is commonplace in our daily lives, but Albert Brooks's film might hold the key to ridding the worries of anxiety-ridden people such as myself. As the new year often brings about feelings of regret and unease, Defending Your Life is the warmest hug you can receive.' (Oliver Macnaughton) Defending Your Life is available to rent digitally in the US and the UK Read the full review Starring: Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant Directed by: Roger Michell Why our writer loves it: 'What is so wonderful about the film is how effortless it all seems. The story isn't complex; there are no gunfights or CGI raccoons; the greatest jeopardy in the film involves Grant having to catch Roberts before she goes back to America – a problem that reads as plausibly insurmountable in 1999 but today would be remedied with a few WhatsApps. But, despite the illusion of effortlessness, getting everything right in this way is deceptively tricky. Has a single romcom ever managed to marry all of the necessary elements – cast, script, timing, an intangible magic – so perfectly? (No. The answer is no.)' (Ralph Jones) Notting Hill is available on Netflix in the US and Channel 4 in the UK Read the full review Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Modine Directed by: Jonathan Demme Why our writer loves it: The movie is a long list of quirky pleasures, including a 'starter kit of premium 80s college rock (New Order, Pixies, the Feelies), well-placed family dog reaction shots, and an FBI agent who dresses himself like Wallace in the Wallace & Gromit shorts. Few of the laughs in the film feel like punchlines or payoffs to some heavily orchestrated joke. Demme's approach is more low-key and breezy, cruising confidently on the assumption that his DayGlo gangland will be fun enough without him having to push too hard. He catches a rhythm and does the mambo Italiano. It feels like your feet never touch the floor.' (Scott Tobias) Married to the Mob is available on Hoopla, Kanopy and Pluto in the US and Amazon Prime in the UK Read the full review Starring: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker Directed by: Brett Ratner Why our writer loves it: 'Rush Hour taps into something that stirred my heart then and now: an ease settles into the two actors, Chan and Tucker's joviality feeling so genuine that the east-meets-west tropes evolve into characters who have something real at stake, and who are also having fun.' (Tammy Tarng) Rush Hour is available on Netflix in the US and Amazon Prime in the UK Read the full review Starring: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short Directed by: Charles Shyer Why our writer loves it: 'Why do I come back to this film again and again? As a girl and younger woman I was emphatically against marriage (though I've since softened) and watched it more as a comedy horror than anything aspirational. The only aspect of the Bankses' life I'd want is the kitchen. And yet watching Franck and the family put on their ridiculous show makes me want to be part of it. I love ritual, and ceremony, and Steve Martin, and Martin Short, and Diane Keaton.' (Laura Snapes) Where to watch: Father of the Bride is available on Hulu and Disney+ in the US and on Disney+ in the UK and Australia Read the full review Starring: James Woods and Louis Gossett Jr Directed by: Michael Ritchie Why our writer loves it: 'Diggstown is the perfect feelgood movie – a breezy but exciting genre mashup with enough of a hangout vibe that you can have it on in the background, but also enough stakes that you will inevitably end up giving it your full attention.' (Zach Vasquez) Where to watch: Diggstown is available on Amazon Prime Read the full review Starring: Cher and Christina Aguilera Directed by: Steve Antin Why our writer loves it: 'Many of those who panned Burlesque on its release would feel punished by this cosmically appointed choice of comfort movie. A sequined patchwork quilt of all manner of backstage musicals and melodramas from various eras of Hollywood – starring, in a naked reach for cross-generational gay fandom, dual divas Christina Aguilera and Cher – the film inspired critical comparisons to A Star is Born, Cabaret and Showgirls, most of them unflattering. It made $90m at the global box office: not a flop but not a palpable hit either, least of all for a film where the feather budget alone could have funded a modest indie drama. Antin, whose long but scattered pre-Burlesque career ran the gamut from acting to screenwriting to stunt work to producing Pussycat Dolls reality shows, hasn't directed another film since. The world, by and large, hasn't mourned.' (Guy Lodge) Where to watch: Burlesque is available to watch on Netflix in the US, on Sky Cinema in the UK and ABC iView and Amazon Prime in Australia Read the full review Starring: Chris Rock and Bernie Mac Directed by: Chris Rock Why our writer loves it: 'I've come back to this film so many times after the election for laughs, only to wind up seeing the whole picture as a clearer allegory for Kamala Harris's defeat than Obama's victory. Like Harris, [Chris Rock starring as Mays Gilliam, a small-time politician turned presidential hopeful] was a party sacrifice, offered up to make a certain loss look less bad on the cards, thrown into the fray at the 11th hour, plugged into a humming campaign apparatus, and touted as a history maker. It really makes you think about how close comedy is to horror.' (Andrew Lawrence) Where to watch: Head of State is available to stream in the US on Freevee, Tubi, Paramount+ and MGM+, in the UK on Paramount+ and on Amazon Prime in Australia Read the full review Starring: Heath Ledger, Shannyn Sossamon and Paul Bettany Directed by: Brian Helgeland Why our writer loves it: 'To me, watching a feelgood film is an intensely nostalgic exercise. That's because whenever a film is special or timely enough to take up lodging in your heart, rewatching it is also an act of remembering an old version of yourself. A Knight's Tale is shaded by the genuine sadness of Ledger's death only seven years after its release, but when I watch it I also remember the way it used to make me feel, as a girl who loved the jousting because her older brother did, all the while secretly cherishing an action film for being so brazenly sentimental.' (Francesca Carington) Where to watch: A Knight's Tale is available on Amazon Prime in the US and available to rent digitally in the UK and Australia Read the full review Starring: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz and Jennifer Connelly Directed by: Robert Rodriguez Why our writer loves it: 'My feelgood movie for when humanity lets me down is Alita: Battle Angel, a movie where much of humanity hangs out in a city-sized junkpile. And though I don't press play with this aspect particularly in mind, it's nice to imagine a future where things have gone terribly wrong (that just seems realistic at this point) yet unforeseen triumphs still emerge from the tech-nightmare garbage heap. There are plenty of more time-honored films that take a more direct path to temporary bliss, including sci-fi movies better-equipped to restore faith in humanity.' (Jesse Hassenger) Where to watch: Alita: Battle Angel is available to watch on Hulu in the US, on Netflix and Disney+ in the UK and on Disney+ in Australia Read the full review Starring: Wendy Hiller, Roger Livesey, Pamela Brown Directed by: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger Why our writer loves it: 'I Know Where I'm Going! offers up such portentous moments of mystical and romantic significance lightly, alongside comical asides and colourful eccentricity. It's a disarming strategy, which tends to leave the audience every bit as bewitched as (the film's main character) Joan. In this corner of the universe, anything might be possible, even an ancient curse.' (Pamela Hutchinson) Read the full review for I Know Where I'm Going! Where to watch: I Know Where I'm Going! is available to watch on Tubi, Amazon Prime and the Criterion Channel in the US and is available to rent digitally Australia and in the UK and watch on BBC iPlayer Read the full review
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Pro-Baldoni YouTuber targeted by Blake Lively in 'invasive' subpoena reveals ironic financial link to Ryan Reynolds
A smalltime YouTuber has hit back in a court filing after Blake Lively subpoenaed her bank details – accusing the Gossip Girl star of pursuing 'desperate and paranoid' tactics, and submitting an official complaint against the actress's lawyer. Lively, 37, has claimed throughout her ongoing legal battle that her ex co-star Justin Baldoni paid influencers to smear her following the premiere of 2024 domestic violence drama film It Ends With Us. But in an ironic twist, pro-Baldoni YouTuber Kassidy O'Connell says the only money she has received is from ads on her videos starring Lively's husband Ryan Reynolds. 'Ms. Lively, who still cannot accept that the criticism against her online is completely organic and of her own making, has made yet another move guaranteed to make matters far worse for her reputation by lashing out at content creators on social media,' O'Connell wrote in the filing published on the docket Friday. It Ends With Us actress Lively sparked uproar on social media when she sent a legal demand to Google for the financial and personal records of 16 YouTubers earlier this month, and to social media site X for another 20 users. Some of the content creators told they believe Lively is trying to prove a conspiracy that her legal nemesis Baldoni paid them to produce negative content about her, which they deny. One creator, who uses the pseudonym Kassidy O'Connell, has filed a fiery response asking the judge to cancel her subpoena, and accusing Lively of a 'desperate and paranoid' attempt to prove 'an imaginary smear campaign'. O'Connell, who has around 16,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel, submitted her initial response last Wednesday without a lawyer, saying she was trying to meet tight court deadlines before she had a chance to hire an attorney. She was scathing of Lively in her 11-page motion to quash the Google subpoena, which she filed alongside a copy of her California State Bar complaint against Lively attorney Esra Hudson. 'No third party has access to add additional money to a YouTuber's monthly pay,' she wrote, trashing the theory that creators were paid by Baldoni. 'We are paid by AdSense according to ads run on our channel. Ironically enough, Mint Mobile often runs ads on my channel featuring their spokesperson, Ryan Reynolds, so if I've been paid directly or indirectly by anyone involved in this case, it's former party, Ryan Reynolds.' Reynolds stars in Mint Mobile commercials, and owned a reported $300million stake in the company until 2023. The subpoena to Google asks for O'Connell's address, bank details, subscriber records, and detailed information on her YouTube account. O'Connell argued in her filing that it was an unwarranted invasion of privacy, pointing to Lively's own previous legal filings that asserted the actress' right to privacy when Baldoni tried to subpoena her data. 'Ms. Lively herself makes a compelling argument that individuals have a constitutional right to privacy regarding their financial information,' O'Connell wrote. 'Ms. Lively appears to recognize the basic elements of privacy rights that individuals are entitled to, despite her attempts to pierce the rights others are equally entitled to.' The YouTuber, who makes videos dissecting court documents in celebrity cases and prominent criminal prosecutions, said she had already been the victim of a stalker and sexual assault, and that she was terrified Lively would leak her private information putting her in harm's way. 'Plaintiffs' counsel has an established history in this case of improper (completely absent) redaction in filings and have exposed the home addresses of every Wayfarer defendant,' O'Connell wrote. The notices were sent out to the YouTubers via their Google accounts and demanded 16 content creators to produce their private information - which initially led many to believe that it was a phishing scam 'This led to death threats to all the defendants, several of which are women, threats of kidnap and harm to a wife and daughter not affiliated with the lawsuit, an act of arson where the arsonist is currently in jail, and the disclosure of two separate medical conditions, further heightening the risk of exposure and harm to any person's information presented to this lawsuit. 'She proclaims herself to be the 'voice of women' and vowed to not stop speaking for us, while simultaneously causing lasting harm to woman after woman with her counsel and the Court's assistance. 'I, as most of her victims, have done nothing wrong and do not deserve to be unconstitutionally stripped of my rights to suit her whims.' O'Connell called Lively's subpoenas 'abusive' and 'sweeping', noting she served '60 third party subpoenas and intends to file several more' according to court documents. The plucky YouTuber also claimed that Lively's big law firm, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, made a procedural mistake that invalidates their subpoena. O'Connell said clerks in Northern California federal court told her the subpoena to Google's Bay Area, California headquarters was issued from New York, not NorCal. But she cited legal precedents saying that the subpoena must be routed through the nearest court to be valid. She also noted that Lively's subpoena referred to Reynolds as a 'party' to the case, though he has already been dismissed from involvement by the judge. O'Connell noted the alleged mistakes in a complaint against Manatt attorney Esra Hudson to the California State Bar for 'issuing an improper subpoena'. 'Her actions violated multiple California Rules of Professional Conduct and disregarded constitutional protections under the First Amendment,' the YouTuber wrote in her complaint. She included a claim that 'Ms. Hudson's office denied issuing the subpoena on three separate occasions […] which raises serious concerns under the rules of professional honesty and truthfulness. 'The misuse of a legal process to delay litigation, intimidate critics, and obtain improper discovery from non-parties is serious misconduct that undermines both legal ethics and constitutional protections.' New York federal Judge Lewis Liman responded to her initial submission by issuing an order on Wednesday afternoon saying O'Connell must either refile under her real name, or submit additional legal arguments explaining why she should remain anonymous. 'The Court will not entertain the motion to quash unless it is either de-anonymized or accompanied by a motion requesting leave to proceed anonymously in this Court and explaining why the movant's interest in anonymity outweighs the public interest in disclosure and any prejudice to the opposing party,' Liman's order said. O'Connell refiled her documents on Friday, this time signed by an individual named 'Ni Cai', with the title of 'Manager of Kassidy O'Connell, LLC'. Lively's theory that Baldoni hired influencers to smear her was bolstered by messages her lawyers obtained about Jed Wallace, a social media consultant used by Baldoni's publicists. Baldoni PR Melissa Nathan texted colleagues that Wallace quoted $175,000 for a three-month online campaign to 'start threads of theories' and provide 'full social account take downs', and a $25,000-per-month service of 'creation of social fan engagement to go back and forth with any negative accounts, helping to change the narrative and stay on track'. 'All of this will be most importantly untraceable,' Nathan added in the August 6 2024 text. But last Wednesday, Judge Liman dismissed Wallace from the case, in a blow to Lively's claims over the alleged smear campaign. In a summary of Wallace's arguments, the judge wrote that the online consultant found 'people on social media organically supported Baldoni and disliked Lively.' 'Wallace has an understanding of what a 'social combat' or 'social manipulation plan' could be, but he did not provide such a service related to It Ends With Us, Wayfarer, Baldoni, Lively, or Reynolds,' Liman wrote. 'Wallace states that his role was merely passive observation and analysis of the social media environment.' Liman ruled that Wallace had to be dismissed from the New York lawsuit because the court didn't have jurisdiction over him, adding that Lively was free to separately sue the consultant in his home state of Texas. Lively's lawyers also appear to have sent out a subpoena to social media site X for another 20 content creators. One account, 'The Spiritual Shift', wrote on July 17 that they received an email from X that it had received 'legal process, dated July 3, 2025, requesting information regarding your X account'. The X user, who says they are a licensed attorney, attached an apparent screenshot of the email. 'I'm a licensed attorney and casual content creator who started covering this case in late December 2024 to early January 2025 because it mattered and interested me,' The Spiritual Shift wrote in the July 17 post. 'I'm not monetized. No ads. No sponsors. No donations. Just over 2,400 followers. Zero dollars made. 'The subpoena informs me that they are attempting to obtain my personal X account information simply because I dared to speak truth to power, openly, critically, and transparently, about them and their lawsuit. '20 users were named in my copy of the subpoena,' the X user added. 'This is the height of privileged injustice. It is a fishing expedition, a deliberate attempt by the wealthy and powerful to scare, suppress, and silence dissent. It is intimidation disguised as litigation.'
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Brit comedian with massive YouTube following lands huge deal with Apple to make first standalone TV show
CHICKEN Shop Date star Amelia Dimoldenberg has landed a huge deal with Apple to make her first standalone TV show. The comedian, who launched her YouTube series a decade ago, has interviewed a string of megastars including Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Jennifer Lawrence and Louis Theroux. 5 Amelia has 3.17million subscribers to her YouTube channel, 4million followers on TikTok and 2.7million on Instagram. So Apple knows it will have a ready-made audience for her show, which is expected to drop on the streamer later this year or early 2026. A TV insider said: 'The programme is all about megafans of famous people and what makes them tick. 'One of the main groups the show makers have been approaching are devotees of Taylor Swift who must be among the most fanatical fanbase of any superstar. 'It's believed the finished show will include footage from fans who attended her recent Eras tour in the UK.' Amelia also has a long list of famous fans who've been clamouring to get interviewed by her. She's also bagged herself some seriously sought-after dates too, which all take place inside a Morley's chicken shop. These include with actors Jonathan Bailey, Paul Mescal, Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds. It was also how Amelia was seen meeting Louis three years ago. And they have bumped into each other since as she's taken on more red carpet interviewing duties at a string of events. 'You couldn't' - Ice cold Cole Palmer shuts down Amelia Dimoldenberg in viral interview at GQ's Men of the Year awards If anyone's qualified to examine the culture of superfans, it's definitely this friend-to-the-stars. FORTUNE TELLER ON MOVE 5 STEPHEN MANGAN has hinted his show Fortune Hotel is set for a location switch. The Traitors-style ITV series is currently set on the Caribbean island of Grenada, but, if a third series gets the go ahead, he reckons they will be on the move. The Password star revealed all when he was asked if he only took the hosting gig for a free exotic holiday. On the Table Manners podcast, he said: 'Of course. How is that even a question? 'It's a lot of fun. And we filmed the first series in Grenada, and then we film the second series in exactly the same place. 'But I think if it goes again, we'll go to other parts of the world.' Handy for the air miles. ITV's coverage of England Lionesses Euro 2025 semi-final victory over Italy on Tuesday was watched by a peak of 10.2 million across all devices – giving ITV its biggest peak audience of 2025 across ITV1 and ITVX. It was also ITVX's biggest day this year with 17.2m streams. OXO HAS JAMES IN A STEW 5 INBETWEENERS star James Buckley was detained on suspicion of drug smuggling when he tried to bring OXO cubes into America. The actor, foul-mouthed teen Jay Cartwright in the Channel 4 sitcom, found himself on the wrong side of US airport security, who were confused by the small foil cubes he had in his bag. James explained he was bringing British gravy granules to his wife Clair's Scottish auntie Dora. But after confiscating his meaty contraband he is now on a watchlist and his boarding pass for US flights is marked SSSS (Secondary Security Screening Selection). On his and Clair's The Buckleys podcast, he said: 'Anytime I go to America I have to open my suitcase, not because I was smuggling drugs. . . it's because I tried to get some OXO cubes into the country.' He added: 'I'm not a criminal mastermind by any means.' THE latest Race Across The World was an even bigger ratings hit for the BBC than its predecessors. After the 28-day consolidated figures were compiled it showed that each episode was viewed an average of 7.5m times – that's up from the 6.7m who viewed the fourth series. KAT WHO GOT THE DREAM SHERIDAN SMITH got all glammed up for her Good Housekeeping front cover, which is a little different to her appearance in her latest ITV drama. In I Fought The Law, she will play Ann Ming, who battled to bring the murderer of her daughter Julie Hogg to justice. Talking in the September edition of the magazine, Sheridan discussed meeting Ann while filming, saying: 'It's probably the hardest job I've ever done, partly because I wanted to do Ann Ming's story justice. 'She's a little firecracker of a woman who took on the establishment and won. 'She's my hero. 'I was thrilled to be asked to play her and couldn't wait to meet her. 'Her story hit especially hard as I'm a mum myself now.' 'I instantly loved her. 'She's salt of the earth. 'Tough, yet vulnerable. 'She's been through unthinkable things. 'But I was nervous because she's such a strong lady. 'She came on set one day and I was smoking. 'She said, 'Put that out! That's not very me.' 'I was like, 'Yes, Ann. Yes of course.' 'I put it out immediately. 'I felt like a very naughty girl.'
