Latest news with #VanderpumpRules'
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Think twice before you mock the Coldplay kiss-cam couple
Something extraordinary happened yesterday. It was a viral moment to contend with Professor Robert Kelly's kids wandering into the room while he was in a BBC interview in 2017. And it could give Vanderpump Rules' Scandoval a run for its money. It all happened at a recent Coldplay concert in Boston, when a kiss-cam directed itself to a cosy-looking couple. Immediately, their stomachs dropped in horror to see their private moment projected onto the world stage, as they ducked out of the frame like criminals in CCTV footage. 'Ooh, look at these two,' said frontman Chris Martin, before acknowledging their dramatic reaction: 'Alright, come on, you're okay! Oh — what? Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy!' It turned out the latter is apparently more likely. Online sleuths did some digging and claimed the pair were married tech company CEO Andy Byron and his HR chief Kristin Cabot. It will go down in history as a meme-able viral moment. Don't get me wrong, I love that this has happened. I'm all for a global outbreak of schadenfreude. But as the rumour mill spins out of control about their private lives, I'm also left feeling uneasy about the power of a viral moment and the sheer global humiliation of being the subject of one. Yes, these two people were in a public place, seemingly open about their relationship. And concerts these days always have people on their phones filming throughout, so perhaps they absolutely deserved this. But most of the time at concerts, people on the big screen are willing participants. All lenses are directed at the stage and those who choose to be in the frame: it's often fans who queued literally all night to be on the front rail and crave the attention of their own big screen moment. Sometimes, proposals are even made. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Enter the kiss-cam: a largely US phenomenon that's the real-life version of some sickly TV show where women are expected to smile, giggle coyly, and have their big rom-com moment on the big screen. Dare I say, it feels pre-Me Too to trap what is often a woman under a mountain of public pressure to comply with the expectation of a kiss. In March, an NBA fan was caught on kiss-cam with a woman. She appeared to swerve his advances, and the internet expressed their sympathies for him. Not for the poor woman who was faced with either a forced kiss or being responsible for publicly shaming a friend. In November there was another viral basketball game moment, when a man and woman were caught on kiss-cam. She leaned in for a kiss, but he pushed her head down to his lap. While she did laugh, it was awkward and uncomfortable to watch. So now, because of the dreaded kiss-cam, we have two people who are being heavily criticised by the whole world for allegedly doing what roughly a quarter of all married people have also done. There's no excuse for cheating, if it turns out that's what either of these suspiciously shy Coldplay fans has done. But there are things which explain it, that the internet's lack of nuance does not cater for. Like when a Taylor Swift fan was in floods of tears reacting to the song Exile, and the whole online world ripped her to shreds over it. We don't know what in her life has happened which triggered this response, and yet we are resolute in our bullying. While everyone will know the worst of these people and revel in it – perhaps for the rest of their lives – no one will care to wonder about the best of them. I worry about their mental health, and that of their immediate family, and of course the allegedly cheated-on partners. Although the coincidental gotcha is seen as a perfect slam-dunk moment by the rest of the world, it's embarrassing for Byron's wife – even though it shouldn't be. Of course, it should be embarrassing for him, not her. It's kind of evilly delicious just how embarrassing this is for him, if safeguarding concerns are put aside. But we know how the world works: when a man gets caught cheating, it's an almost joke-fuelled atmosphere, which I've seen in response to this scandal. I can't help but wonder what would have happened if the biggest cheater in this scenario was a woman. (It's reported Kristen is divorced, while sleuths claim to have tracked down his wife.) While there's been outrage at the CEO, comments of course turned misogynistic against her. I've seen X posts calling her a 'corporate s**t', a 'bitch', and 'f***ing whore'. If history tells us anything, it's that no one's laughing when a woman is the cheater. I love celebrity and reality TV show scandals as much as the next person, but just remember: these people aren't some desperate influencers strutting into the Love Island villa. More Trending They aren't signing up for the publicity. They haven't asked for virality or fame. Their success isn't shaped by their celebrity. They simply went to a concert. Yes, if it turns out either or both are cheating I'll be the first to call them selfish. But they are also just flawed people living their lives. Viral moments are an unnatural modern phenomenon, and leave no room for nuanced conversation or empathy. So let's just try and be a little sane about it, shall we? Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: The Epping unrest proves far-right violence never went away MORE: A weekly 'porn night' helps keep my relationship alive MORE: The BBC can't justify still showing Mrs Brown's Boys
Los Angeles Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Jax Taylor exits ‘The Valley' to focus on sobriety, mental health and coparenting
Jax Taylor will not be returning to 'The Valley' for Season 3. The 46-year-old reality star's departure follows a fraught second season on the 'Vanderpump Rules' spinoff, which chronicled the end of his marriage to Brittany Cartwright and time in a mental health treatment facility. Before the season premiered in April, Taylor also opened up about his on-and-off cocaine addiction for the past two decades. 'After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I'll be stepping away from the next season of 'The Valley,'' he said in a statement. 'Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health and coparenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself — especially for our son, Cruz.' Taylor's unraveling marriage and struggles with sobriety were at the center of Season 2. Just before production began in July 2024, Taylor allegedly flipped a coffee table and bruised Cartwright's knee, his estranged wife said on the show. Even while in the mental health facility, he continued to watch Cartwright on their home cameras and send her angry text messages, which were shown on the reality series. 'You took my job away from me … I've worked so hard for two years for this and you took it from me,' read one text. 'Now do the work as a single mom. I am watching the cameras and [you're] not there,' he said in another. Cartwright filed for divorce in August 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. Taylor was served divorce papers on camera, shown in Episode 10. He has since agreed to give Cartwright full custody of their 4-year-old son, Cruz, according to People. 'The Valley' Season 2 finale will air July 22, followed by three reunion episodes. Taylor will appear at the reunion, which was filmed in May, Bravo confirmed.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Here's how to watch Tom Sandoval's ‘America's Got Talent' audition for free
Tom Sandoval is adding another reality show to his list of shows like The Masked Singer, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, and The Traitors Season 3 to try and shed his 'most hated man in America' title. The 'Vanderpump Rules' star appeared in the episode of 'America's Got Talent,' auditioning alongside his band, the 'Most Extras.' Sandoval's public image Tom Sandoval became widely known for his involvement in the high-profile cheating scandal dubbed 'Scandoval,' which was out in March 2023. The incident, involving former girlfriend Ariana Madix and co-star Raquel 'Rachel' Leviss, significantly impacted his public image. The teaser video In a preview clip released over the weekend, Sandoval and his band are shown performing A-ha's 'Take On Me.' However, judge reactions from Simon Cowell, Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel, who previously interviewed Sandoval on his podcast in April 2023 to discuss his cheating scandal, will only be revealed in the full episode. It remains to be seen whether Sandoval and his band will move forward in the competition or be eliminated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Where and when the audition will appear Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras appeared in the June 24 episode of 'America's Got Talent,' which airs at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Those without a traditional cable subscription can still access the live broadcast through streaming services that offer NBC. 'DIRECTV 'Stream offers a five-day free trial for new users. Once the trial concludes, plans start at 59.99 dollars per month and include access to over 90 live channels, including NBC. Another option is 'fuboTV,' which provides a seven-day free trial to new subscribers. After the trial period, users can take advantage of a 25-dollar discount for the first month, with pricing starting at 59.99 dollars and increasing to 84.99 dollars per month thereafter. Another platform to watch the show The show will be able to stream new episodes depending on the subscription to 'Peacock' you have. If you're a Peacock Premium Plus subscriber, you'll be able to watch episodes live as they air, thanks to the local NBC live stream. Premium Plus costs 13.99 dollars per month, and you will have to wait until Wednesday mornings to watch new episodes of 'AGT.'
New York Post
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Jalen Brunson's ‘confused' tweet sends Knicks fans spiraling before shock reality TV reveal
'Law & Order: SVU' isn't the only show in Jalen Brunson's TV rotation. The star Knicks guard sent fans spiraling Tuesday after cryptically posting on X, 'I am genuinely confused.' As responses from Knicks fans poured in, many asking what's going on, Brunson, 28, cleared the air and dropped a villa-sized bombshell. 6 Knicks star Jalen Brunson sent fans into a tizzy after a cryptic tweet in June 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post 6 Brunson then clarified he was speaking about the reality dating show 'Love Island.' Ben Symons/PEACOCK 'Damn my bad yall, I was talking about love island,' the two-time All-Star wrote in a follow-up post. Brunson, widely known for his Mariska Hargitay and 'Law & Order' fandom, was referencing the global phenomenon and reality TV dating franchise 'Love Island.' The seventh season of the U.S. installment premiered on Peacock earlier this month and is hosted by 'Vanderpump Rules' alum Ariana Madix. 6 Jalen Brunson is known for being a superfan of 'Law & Order: SVU.' Getty Images for Tribeca Festival 6 The seventh season of 'Love Island' recently premiered and is hosted by Ariana Madix. Ben Symons/Peacock Brunson's tweets follow what's been a wild start to the offseason for the Knicks, who were defeated by the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals in six. Days later, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after five seasons. 6 The Knicks' offseason began after their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Pacers. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post 6 The Knicks fired coach Tom Thibodeau in June 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post The team, stonewalled by other organizations to speak with their head coaches — including the Mavericks' Jason Kidd— are slated to meet with Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown about the coaching vacancy this week. Though unclear whether the candidates' TV preferences will be addressed in the interview process, Brunson isn't the only New York sports star captivated by 'Love Island.' When speaking to the media Wednesday, Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito quipped that he and rookie teammate Jaxson Dart 'might go on 'Love Island,'' The Post's Paul Schwartz reported. 'We've talked about it,' the New Jersey native added. Surely there's room for more at Casa Amor.
Los Angeles Times
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Take a trip to ‘Love Island USA' with Ariana Madix this weekend
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who was pretending they didn't care about the 'Love Island USA' delay on Peacock so it would load faster. This week's Season 7 premiere of the reality TV dating show arrived over 40 minutes past its scheduled launch time, causing eager fans who planned their dinners accordingly to crash out on social media about the delay — but, hey, absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? (Speaking of absences, Yulissa Escobar is already gone.) 'Vanderpump Rules' alum Ariana Madix, who returns as host, stopped by Guest Spot to talk about the series that brings together a group of single people (known as islanders) into one villa for a messy and drama-filled chance at love (and money). Also in this week's Screen Gab, our streaming recommendations include a PBS documentary about a Harvard dropout who, over half a century ago, revolutionized the way people instantly chronicle their lives with his invention of the Polaroid camera, and a British competition series that's become a bit of a phenomenon by having comedians competing against each other in bizarre challenges. Must-read stories you might have missed Dakota Johnson and director Celine Song rethink the rom-com with 'Materialists': The duo explore contemporary, clear-eyed attitudes toward relationships in their new film, Song's follow-up to 'Past Lives.' Mark Hamill starred in the ultimate battle of good and evil. Now he just wants to make America normal again: After nearly five decades as Luke Skywalker, the actor opens up about finding new purpose in Mike Flanagan's 'The Life of Chuck,' speaking out against Trump and rebuilding after the Malibu wildfires. 'Phineas and Ferb' returns after 10 years with a new season and more musical moments: The popular Disney animated series is back after a decade with its main voice cast, more musical numbers and guest stars including Alan Cumming, Michael Bublé and Megan Rapinoe. 'The biggest mistake of my life': 6 actors on typecasting, comedy idols and more: Nathan Lane recalls the Friars Club Roast from hell, Kate Hudson opens up about needing to fight for roles beyond the rom-com and more tales from The Envelope Comedy Roundtable. Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times 'Mr. Polaroid' ( The story of inventor Edwin Land — scrap metal dealer's son, Harvard dropout — and the transformative social power of his famous instant camera is told in this 'American Experience' documentary. You may remember the Swinger, a '60s mass market youth accessory, or even the older models that needed a fixative rub, but certainly you have experienced the full-color perfection of the classic SX-70. 'Mr. Polaroid' captures the magic of the analog image developing in your hand as opposed to the mundanity of digital pictures in thousands on your cell phone — a thing to gather around, put in an album, stick on a refrigerator — and the vision (and myopia) of an obsessive leader whose invention he hoped 'you would use as often as your pencil or your eyeglasses,' and would somehow draw humanity closer together. ('Polaroid is on its way to lead the world,' he declared in a letter to his troops, 'perhaps even to save it.') Land hired women in important research positions when that was rarely done and, after the death of Martin Luther King Jr., resolved to bring more Black employees into Polaroid, but he would also work with the CIA and license (then retract) technology to apartheid South Africa — so, a complicated person. But using his cameras was simplicity itself. — Robert Lloyd 'Taskmaster' (YouTube, Pluto TV) Imagine 'The Great British Bake Off' with fangs. That's the appeal of 'Taskmaster,' a truly singular British comedy competition series in which pompous tyrant Greg Davies and his fastidious minion Alex Horne (who is also the show's creator) sit in gilded thrones and order five comedians to do the impossible, the ingenious and the hilariously annoying. The first episode of Season 1 kicked off with the challenges: paint a horse while riding a horse, empty a bathtub without pulling the plug or tipping it over, and eat as much watermelon as possible. Expect giggling and protestations as the frustrated comics have the best worst time of their lives. Now in Season 19, for the first time an American performer — Jason Mantzoukas — has flown across the Atlantic to be publicly roasted. Challenged to bring in his snootiest item, Mantzoukas admitted that 'in America, snootiness is not really a thing.' So he hired a fake butler. He's making us Yanks proud. — Amy Nicholson A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they're working on — and what they're watching 'Love Island USA' kicked off its seventh season this week on Peacock, which can only mean one thing: A summer of diabolical choices sure to take over timelines six nights a week has officially begun. A spinoff of the U.K. reality dating series, the U.S. iteration is set on the island of Fiji and brings together 10 singles in a villa under constant video surveillance with a goal of coupling up. Over the course of the series, in between competing in kooky challenges and going on dates, new islanders are brought in and contestants may re-couple at their discretion — those not paired up are in danger of elimination. The last-standing couple leaves with a $100,000 cash prize. It's not exactly the storybook backdrop for forming long-lasting relationships, but the realities of modern dating are hardly any better. After making her hosting debut last season, Ariana Madix, the 'Vanderpump Rules' alum and Scandoval survivor who has spun her reality TV stardom into a booming career beyond the Bravo universe, is back to oversee the shenanigans. Madix stopped by Guest Spot to tell us which contestant she's watching out for this season and which workplace comedies she finds comfort in. —Yvonne Villarreal As someone who has had the highs and lows of a relationship documented on a reality show, what's your best advice for someone looking for love on TV today? I've never been on a television program to find love, [or] make a romantic connection, so I'm not sure I'm the best to give advice … but my advice for anyone entering the world of reality television regardless of the reason is to enter with authenticity and vulnerability. Let yourself be open to the opportunities that the circumstances bring. Is hosting the level of involvement you want to have with reality TV at this point in your life and career or could you see yourself letting cameras document your life again? I think for me to be on reality television in the sort of role where I am putting myself out there, I would want to be in charge. I would want to be executive producer and I would probably fight for that in any capacity to be back in that space. Which islanders do you think will do well this year? I have a great feeling about Olandria [Carthen]. She's stunning, sexy, full of personality and knows exactly what she wants. What have you watched recently that you're recommending to everyone you know? For a while I was telling everyone I knew about 'Sweet Home' [Netflix]. It had me on the edge of my seat and I became so connected to the characters. I cried so hard at the end and I never would have expected to be crying over a show about monsters. What's your go-to comfort watch, the film or TV show you return to again and again? 'The Office' or 'Parks and Rec' [both on Peacock]. I can put them on to fall asleep and whenever I wake up, I can jump back in and have a laugh with my favorite TV characters. There are no bad seasons.
