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USA Today
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
JoJo Siwa, Chris Hughes and when it's time to leave celebrities alone
JoJo Siwa, Chris Hughes and when it's time to leave celebrities alone Show Caption Hide Caption JoJo Siwa felt 'pressure' to outdo her KISS iHeartRadio Awards look JoJo Siwa teased the announcement of a "massive project" that's coming soon while wearing a massive rhinestone headpiece at iHeartRadio Music Awards. Entertain This! What in the world is going on between JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes? If you're an avid pop culture watcher, you might find yourself asking that question daily. And if you aren't, let's catch you up. The former "Celebrity Big Brother" castmates have posted tender photos on Instagram in recent weeks, fueling more fan speculation that they're more than just close friends. Siwa has denied that Hughes is her boyfriend, but people are raising eyebrows anyway and aren't satisfied; she also further fueled speculation at a recent London show. "I am so obsessed with Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa like can someone help," one X user wrote. Another added: "Starting to think JoJo Siwa & Chris Hughes are actually soul mates cause nobody on this earth could've predicted that." Others haven't been as kind: "JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes…publicity stunt right?" "JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes have great chemistry, just like water and oil." This all comes amid accusations from Siwa's most recent ex, Kath Ebbs, that she emotionally cheated during their relationship. Siwa, 22, hasn't exactly shied away from the spotlight − or controversy − since her "Dance Moms" childhood days. She even once claimed to have invented gay pop. But Siwa now appears to be happy and healthy, so maybe it's not our place to know or understand everything about her relationship − even if it's taking place in the public eye. "Obviously, a fascination with celebrity relationships is nothing new," says Amy Morin, psychotherapist, author of "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do" and the host of a podcast. "But we pay extra attention when we're trying to get clarity of make sense of something we don't understand. People often treat celebrity relationships or issues like a mystery and the public looks for clues to help them draw certain conclusions. That seems to be the case with JoJo as people try to understand what they're seeing." Did you read? JoJo Siwa, the 'Big Brother' scandal and what happens when child stars grow up before our eyes 'Labels help us make sense of what we're seeing' It makes sense why we care more about celebrities like Siwa now than we have before. You're probably reading this article on your phone, and social media is just a quick swipe away. "In the past, there was a more distinct boundary between celebrities and everyday people but since the 24/7 news cycle and living in a digitally connected world, our parasocial relationships with them are blurred and enmeshed," says Chase Cassine, licensed clinical social worker. And Siwa has garnered attention since she was a kid. Melvin Williams, associate professor of communication and media studies at Pace University, holds a more skeptical view of Siwa's latest headline-making news. "Love or hate her, JoJo Siwa knows how to keep a television camera in her face and the audience engaged." Not to mention, she has new music out. But even if she's leaning into the interest in her love life, is it our place to engage to the point of ridicule, or mocking? In case you missed: JoJo Siwa faces rejection from LGBTQ+ community. Why? Some of those reactions might be coming from a place of confusion. Hughes and Siwa have previously called their relationship a friendship and Siwa has been open about her evolving sexuality. "We really like labels because labels help us make sense of what we're seeing," Morin says. "And when people don't fit into the labels we have for them, it causes some discomfort." For someone like Siwa, who audiences have watched closely since her childhood, any type of growing up or changing is bound to stir up emotions. "When people change the labels we place on them, other people often want to examine more closely," Morin adds. "Have they changed? Did their original label not fit? Where they lying about that original label? Are they trying to redefine what the label means? This is true whether we're talking about someone's relationship status or their sexual (identity)." If and when Siwa and Hughes define their relationship, fans will have a lot to say. As David Schmid, associate professor of English at the University at Buffalo, puts it, "the average person needs distraction and escape more than ever, and celebrities and their love lives will continue to fill this need." But maybe it's an opportunity for people to self-reflect instead. "It can be helpful for us to check in with ourselves when we find ourselves very much so interested in or engaged with the media story of the day," says Janelle Peifer, associate professor of psychology at the University of Richmond. "What does that tell us about our own longings? What does that tell us about our own needs? How can engaging with those impulses help us recognize if we're looking for fun, distraction, escapism, or something deeper?" Contributing: Taijuan Moorman
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
JoJo Siwa, Chris Hughes post intimate photos together: 'Absolutely beautiful'
JoJo Siwa, Chris Hughes post intimate photos together: 'Absolutely beautiful' Show Caption Hide Caption JoJo Siwa felt 'pressure' to outdo her KISS iHeartRadio Awards look JoJo Siwa teased the announcement of a "massive project" that's coming soon while wearing a massive rhinestone headpiece at iHeartRadio Music Awards. Entertain This! JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes' relationship continues to turn heads. The former "Celebrity Big Brother" castmates have posted tender photos on Instagram this week, fueling more fan speculation that the pair are more than just close friends. "This years birthday week was more magical than anything. Full of surprises, family time, performing, chilling, laughing, loving, smiling, and good meaningful cries," Siwa captioned a set of photos, including intimate shots with Hughes, on May 21. "Absolutely beautiful, wouldn't change a single thing a week I'll remember for the rest of my life." The previous day, the former "Love Island" star wrote on his own carousel, including a few affectionate photos of the two: "The previous 7 days have been the prettiest.." The photos come after Siwa's ex Kath Ebbs criticized their breakup and accused the former child star of "emotional cheating" amid Siwa, 22, and Hughes' closeness in the "Big Brother" house. Ebbs, 27, said in a viral video in April that "everything we saw unfold on what I thought was a fake reality show, where I didn't need to worry about the validity of my relationship, was, in fact, laced in a lot of truth." JoJo Siwa addresses Kath Ebbs breakup after 'emotional cheating' allegation During a "This Morning" interview days after Ebbs' video, Siwa said the isolation of being on "Celebrity Big Brother" inspired her to take stock of issues in her life, including her romance with Ebbs. "I really realized things that I was OK with in my life that I should never have been OK with in the first place," she said. Siwa and Hughes, 32, who were seen cuddling on the show, shared a tearful goodbye after becoming close on the series, with Hughes kissing Siwa on the cheek and Siwa telling him she loves him. After Hughes said Siwa is "one of my favorite people I've ever come across," Siwa echoed the sentiment and joked she "never thought I would say that to a straight man." She confided that she felt "confused" and "guilty for how happy I've been." JoJo Siwa shares update on her sexuality in candid 'Big Brother' moment Siwa has opened up about her evolving outlook on her sexuality on the British reality show, telling co-star Danny Beard in April: "I've always told myself I'm a lesbian, and I think being here I've realized: 'Oh, I'm not a lesbian, I'm queer.' And I think that's really cool." Contributing: Brendan Morrow and Anna Kaufman
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Mickey Rourke apologizes to JoJo Siwa for homophobic slur on 'Celebrity Big Brother'
Mickey Rourke apologizes to JoJo Siwa for homophobic slur on 'Celebrity Big Brother' Show Caption Hide Caption JoJo Siwa felt 'pressure' to outdo her KISS iHeartRadio Awards look JoJo Siwa teased the announcement of a "massive project" that's coming soon while wearing a massive rhinestone headpiece at iHeartRadio Music Awards. Entertain This! Mickey Rourke has been warned about his "homophobic" comments toward JoJo Siwa. The actor and dancer have crossed paths as contestants on the British "Celebrity Big Brother," which premiered its 24th season on Monday. Tensions brewed in the first episodes between Rourke, 72, and Siwa, 21, who accused the actor of being homophobic for various comments he made about her, including saying he was "going to vote the lesbian out real quick," according to a transcript obtained by BBC ahead of Wednesday's episode. Later, when the "Sin City" actor asked the "Dance Moms" alum if she liked "boys or girls," Siwa said she liked girls, before clarifying that her partner is nonbinary. Rourke responded: "If I stay longer than four days, you won't be gay anymore." USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Rourke and Siwa for comment. Later in the episode, he used the British slang word for cigarette, the same word used as a homophobic slur, and told Siwa: "I'm not talking to you," according to the transcript. After former British "Love Island" star Chris Hughes told Rourke he couldn't say that, the Oscar-nominee claimed: "I know. I was talking about a cigarette." Producers of the series, which airs daily on Britain's ITV, told Rourke his "language was offensive and unacceptable" and issued him a warning: "Further language or behavior of this nature could lead to you being removed from the 'Big Brother' house." "I apologize," he responded, per the transcript. "I don't have dishonorable intentions - I'm just talking smack, you know. I wasn't taking it all so serious. I didn't mean in it any bad intentions and if I did, sorry." The internet is attacking JoJo Siwa — again. Here's why we love to hate. JoJo Siwa faces rejection from LGBTQ+ community. Why? After Rourke returned to the cast, Siwa confronted him, saying his use of the slur was "not an acceptable word." He told her: "I want to apologize. I've got a habit of having a short fuse. And I don't mean nothing by it. I do mean (the apology). If I didn't, I wouldn't say it to you." Siwa responded: "I appreciate your apology."
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
JoJo Siwa, the 'Big Brother' scandal and what happens when child stars grow up before our eyes
JoJo Siwa, the 'Big Brother' scandal and what happens when child stars grow up before our eyes Show Caption Hide Caption JoJo Siwa felt 'pressure' to outdo her KISS iHeartRadio Awards look JoJo Siwa teased the announcement of a "massive project" that's coming soon while wearing a massive rhinestone headpiece at iHeartRadio Music Awards. Entertain This! JoJo Siwa is getting a lot of attention − and not in a good way . The 21-year-old singer, dancer and former 'Dance Moms' star is facing criticism after her ex-partner, Australian influencer Kath Ebbs, accused Siwa of 'emotional cheating' and said Siwa ended their relationship at a "Celebrity Big Brother" after-party on April 25. Siwa this season was a contestant on the British reality series where stars live together. During her time in the house, she opened up about her sexuality and gender identity. She also formed a close friendship with castmate and former 'Love Island' star Chris Hughes, which raised eyebrows among viewers who speculated that it could have been the catalyst for her breakup. Love her or hate her, there's no denying child stars face a unique set of challenges when it comes to coming of age in the public eye. And the headlines surrounding Siwa and the conversations about her evolving views on sexuality and gender serve as an important conversation starter for young fans who are figuring things out for themselves in real-time, says Melvin Williams, associate professor of communication and media studies at Pace University. The unique struggles child stars face Siwa grew up in the spotlight – first as a star on two seasons of 'Dance Moms' and later in Nickelodeon shows and with her music career. Before taking part in 'Big Brother,' she competed on 'The Masked Singer' and 'Dancing with the Stars' and was a judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance.' Siwa has had to figure out who she is with very little detachment from that spotlight, says Williams. "We live in a celebrity-obsessed society where the lines of appropriate, inappropriate, invasive, private and in this case, adulthood and childhood, are just immediately blurred and outright dismissed,' he says. Siwa embraced the so-called female pop star rebrand starter kit in the same way child stars like Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears shed innocent looks for more adult personas, he adds. Siwa looked to break out of her preppy, child-friendly image with her song and music video 'Karma,' in April 2024, which featured a grittier aesthetic and exaggerated dance moves from a large cast of female dancers on a yacht. The release was mocked online. 'It becomes this requirement for them to show, 'hey, I'm an adult now,' to essentially become hyper sexual," Williams argues. More: JoJo Siwa addresses Kath Ebbs breakup after 'emotional cheating' allegation What did JoJo Siwa say about her sexuality and gender on 'Big Brother?' Williams says the rollout of Siwa's rebrand – which included the starlet offending some in the LGBTQ community when she declared her desire to 'start a new genre of music …. called gay pop' – included worthy discussions about Siwa's sexuality, which she explained she is now unpacking. "I feel, like, so queer, do you know what I mean?" Siwa, told "Big Brother" castmate Danny Beard, who landed in the house after a stint on "RuPaul's Drag Race UK." "I think that's the thing, I've always told myself I'm a lesbian, and I think being here I've realized: 'Oh, I'm not a lesbian, I'm queer.' And I think that's really cool." Williams says sexuality is an aspect of identity that is complex and ever-evolving. Siwa, he adds, may have faced pressure to proclaim her identity early-on as she lives in the public eye. He says her reflections now send an important message to young fans: That it's OK to change your mind. 'The message is very clear that young people have the right to identify, to take a step and become more educated on the varying aspects of their identity, and to identify as something else, or add more nuance to the descriptors of their sexuality,' Williams says. Earlier in the season, Siwa also mused about gender, saying she, at times. doesn't identify as male or female and feels most like the nonbinary people she's met in her life. "I don't know, it's not something I want to say about myself yet, but it's something that is confusing," she added. Part of the scrutiny on her sexuality could be that Siwa is part of Gen Z, the generation with the highest number of adults to identify as LGBTQ. Of people born between 1997 and 2006, more than 1 in 5 call themselves something other than straight. More: JoJo Siwa faces rejection from LGBTQ+ community. Why? As the federal government cracks down on all things DEI, people like Siwa may have a tougher road ahead. But that doesn't mean they're going anywhere − nor are these discussions. Contributing: Brendan Morrow and Anna Kaufman Rachel Hale's role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal Ventures and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach her at rhale@ and @rachelleighhale on X.
USA Today
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
JoJo Siwa's ex 'humiliated' by breakup, alleges 'emotional cheating'
JoJo Siwa's ex 'humiliated' by breakup, alleges 'emotional cheating' Show Caption Hide Caption JoJo Siwa felt 'pressure' to outdo her KISS iHeartRadio Awards look JoJo Siwa teased the announcement of a "massive project" that's coming soon while wearing a massive rhinestone headpiece at iHeartRadio Music Awards. Entertain This! JoJo Siwa's ex-partner is in a "state of shock" about the end of their relationship. In a video shared April 26 on social media, Australian influencer Kath Ebbs said they felt "humiliated" after the "Dance Moms" star allegedly "dumped" them at a "Celebrity Big Brother" after-party. USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Siwa for comment. Siwa, 21, a contestant on the British reality series where stars live together, became close with "Love Island" star Chris Hughes on the show, raising eyebrows among viewers who speculated they were more than friends, despite Siwa's relationship status. In a longer version of Ebbs' video that has since been deleted from TikTok, Siwa's ex accused her of "emotional cheating" and said that "everything we saw unfold on what I thought was a fake reality show, where I didn't need to worry about the validity of my relationship, was, in fact, laced in a lot of truth." Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox Siwa and Hughes, who were seen cuddling on "Celebrity Big Brother," shared a tearful goodbye after becoming close on the reality series, with Hughes kissing Siwa on the cheek and with Siwa telling him that she loves him. After Hughes said Siwa is "one of my favorite people I've ever come across," Siwa echoed the sentiment and joked she "never thought I would say that to a straight man." She confided that she felt "confused" and "guilty for how happy I've been." JoJo Siwa shares sexuality update: She made her comments in a candid 'Big Brother' moment Ebbs told followers they were in a "complete state of shock" and that watching the show was "very unsettling and very hurtful, and I did feel betrayed by the things that I saw conspire." Ebbs said they wanted to "address my feelings of hurt and work through them" but felt "further humiliated" after Siwa ended the relationship. "I was told that there are confused feelings there − do with that what you will − and that they had realized in the house that I wasn't the person that they wanted to spend the foreseeable future with," Ebbs said. They added that this has been "so shocking that I feel kind of subhuman right now." Siwa previously revealed her experience on the show made her come to a realization about her sexuality. "I've always told myself I'm a lesbian, and I think being here I've realized: 'Oh, I'm not a lesbian, I'm queer.' And I think that's really cool," she said. Hughes defended his bond with Siwa on the "Celebrity Big Brother" finale, according to E! News, maintaining, "It was just a friendship, which is only going to get stronger." He also said on the show that he was "really sad" that "people have made me feel like I can't have a friendship with" Siwa. Siwa and Ebbs went public with their relationship in January. In March, Siwa told People that she was "so happy" in a "very mature relationship, and it's beautiful."
