Latest news with #celebrityfeud
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘They're perfect – until they aren't': why are people so interested in the Beckxit beef?
If the biggest feud of the week belongs to Donald Trump and Elon Musk, then the longest running is arguably 'Beckxit'. The name given to the fallout between one of the most famous couples in the world – David and Victoria Beckham – and their less famous eldest son, Brooklyn and his wife, Nicola Anne Peltz, was coined by the Daily Mail this year. But it covers a broader conflict that began in 2022, when Peltz wore Valentino instead of Victoria Beckham to her wedding, and brings us to this week's lavish cover-shoot for German Glamour magazine in which the Beckhams junior discuss their 'occasionally messy, very real love' and whether they might open a restaurant – without a word about her in-laws. Such are the vagaries of celebrity beef, no one really knows what happened in between. But things had clearly ratcheted up when photos of David's 50th birthday party last month appeared online – with no sign of Brooklyn. Further details involving Romeo Beckham's now-ex-girlfriend, various tattoos and a failure to attend one of Victoria's fashion shows began bubbling up, and soon Beckxit had become a reality. Since then every appearance and Instagram post has been picked over by media outlets and armchair journalists alike. Within hours of the Glamour shoot appearing online, the Daily Mail were speculating in one of their 52 stories (and counting) over whether the interview was proof that the feud was far from over. The timing of the Glamour piece was terrible or brilliant, 'depending on whose publicist you were', says PR agent Mark Borkowski, who helped revive Noel Edmonds' career. But however you look at it, it is 'absolutely a war of spin', he says, of the shoot. 'It's what I call a visual soundbite. These images often don't always have the meaning we imbue them with,' he says. 'But we still feed off of it because we are all culprits driven by twitching.' Dr Kadian Pow, a lecturer in sociology at Birmingham City University, agrees. 'The PR moves have to be connected,' she says. 'It's another power play between the two parties.' From the Times of India to Jordanian paper Amman, coverage of this three-year family 'feud' has been extraordinary – especially considering we'll probably never know the truth, nor do we really care. So why are people compelled to read on? 'It's about titillation, and it's about power [and] the Beckhams', says Pow, 'But more widely, these tales are an escape from the doom and political reality [of the news cycle]' says Pow. 'We are fascinated because they are supposed to be richer and better than us – so when we see a flaw that mirrors us ordinary folk and our everyday fallouts, it makes us feel better about ourselves' In The Stars in our Eyes, Julie Klam's 2017 book exploring our fascination with celebrities, celebrity-watching is compared to a fun-house mirror, as if celebrities are constructed to keep ourselves in check. 'If we can get a handle on our relationship to celebrity', Klam writes, 'we can better understand ourselves.' Celebrities are perfect, she says, until they aren't. Sign up to Fashion Statement Style, with substance: what's really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solved after newsletter promotion Gossip is not without its victims though, warns Mark Stephens, a media lawyer at Howard Kennedy, citing the media's part in the divorce between Paula Yates and Bob Geldof. Just as newspapers have dedicated Beckham correspondents, there is an entire Tiktok cottage industry of amateur sleuthing which capitalises on other people's difficulties for clicks and profit. Most of this is unregulated of course. 'And there are libel laws that bring to bear [legal action], but the harm is usually done by that point', says Stephens. Still, fights and breakups are life's great equaliser and occasionally, says Pow, when the stars are as big as the Beckhams, these feuds can be 'a shared experience, which is particularly salient in what has become an increasingly siloed society', she says. 'There isn't a lot of monoculture left, but these big juicy stories allow us to whisper together.' Indeed, celebrity feuds have been entertaining us for centuries. In medieval Italy, the satirist Pietro Aretino was supposedly employed by the French king to write propaganda about the Spanish king, while being paid by the Spanish king to write propaganda about the French king. It was a weaponising of gossip on a par with 2019's Wagatha Christie, in which the machinations of back-stabbing celebrity wives turned Instagram into a global whodunnit. These public disagreements don't just sit within the divorce courts and red tops, but on social media. 'The 2014 elevator beef between Jay Z and Solange was a pivotal moment and how these moments are shared' says Pow, of the leaked CCTV footage of Beyonce's sister hitting the rapper over a supposed infidelity. Sometimes these fights feel curated – and often are. At present, some gossip sites are suggesting the feud has been confected to drum up publicity for Victoria's forthcoming Netflix documentary this October. One reason for the intense Beckxit media interest is that it involves two nepo babies (Peltz is also a billionaire heiress). 'These children are looking to monetise their lives, yet are in economic competition not just with their peer-group, but also their parents,' says Stephens. This is particularly uncomfortable for the Beckham 'brand' which is built on family. Victoria and David came of age 'in full tabloid glare', says Stephens. '[But with the offspring] it's harder – what you have is a case of children growing and boundary finding, except in the public eye.' 'I do think people believe that the kids of celebrities are fair game' says Klam. 'But I do not. Nepo babies have it worse than normal people because everyone thinks they've had everything handed to them.' Still, she says, 'now that Brooklyn is choosing to be in the spotlight, well, he is fair game. It's not like he decided to be a shepherd or something.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside Christine McGuinness' fall-out with Chelcee Grimes after the footballer branded her ‘fake' in feud
CHRISTINE McGuinness was branded "fake" by ex-pal Chelcee Grimes after the pair fell out following their close friendship. It's been revealed how Christine, 37, got "incredible close" to footballer Chelcee, 33, before splitting from husband Paddy, 51, in 2022. 5 5 Despite their once tight bond, the two women are thought to have "little to no contact" these days. They suddenly unfollowed each other on social media in 2023. And last year Chelcee teased a new romance on Instagram before liking a damning comment about Christine. It read "Christine is fake as they come, Chelcee deserved so much better. "Christine can keep trying to get attention and fake a new romance." The former pals met while taking part in ITV's The Games in 2022 - months before Christine and Paddy announced their shock split. Last year Christine revealed she is currently celibate - but Chelcee, who also previously abstained from sex, blasted her for "copying" her. Writing on Instagram she said of Christine: "Honestly just gotta laugh at this point. Copies everything I do." Christine recently opened up about having relationships with both men and women. Speaking on the How To Fail podcast, Christine said: "It shouldn't matter somebody's gender. Christine McGuinness struts in barely there bikini after quitting Celebs Go Dating "It never mattered to me, which was why once me and my ex-husband were separated and I met people, I didn't properly date. 'It was more like blurred the lines of friendships for me, that was normal. "It felt comfortable because I'd done that as a teenager and I, as a teenager, I dated both men and women." Last month Christine, who shares twins Leo and Penelope, eight, and 11-year-old Felicity with Paddy, made the decision to quit Celebs Go Dating after flying to Ibiza for filming. 5 5
Fox News
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Pat McAfee tells John Mellencamp to 'shut the f--- up' after taking offense to Pacers hype-up speech
John Mellencamp and Pat McAfee are officially at war. It all started when Mellencamp took offense to McAfee calling out celebrity Knicks fans during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals between New York and the Indiana Pacers. After calling out Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, and Timothee Chalamet, which prompted boos in Indianapolis, McAfee implored fans to "turn this s--- up" and "send these sons of b------ back to New York with their ears ringing." Mellencamp, though, said in a statement that he was "embarrassed" that "somebody" used "poor sportsmanship" - without mentioning McAfee by name. McAfee replied on X that "I am somebody." But on his own show Friday, McAfee fired back at the singer. "When the Knicks are playing in Gainbridge, I believe there is going to be some boos. There might be some negative things said toward the other team. That's kind of how sports work, I think," McAfee began. "We are going to be an agent of only good things at sports stuff happening. Only positive cheers going forward, because that will make John Cougar Mellencamp happy." The former Indianapolis Colt added, "I don't know what he thought he was doing." "He puts out this horrendous quote tweet, horrendous graphic. John, can't tell you how bad everything you did here was. The graphic, the quote, the timing, your two days late, John… John, shut the f--k up… "You thought you were gonna bury me? I don't think so, John! Hey Coug'. Suck it buddy. Hope I get the chance to see you real soon. I think we're probably gonna be at the same place pretty soon. I don't want any of your bulls--t, I don't like you." The Pacers won Game 4 after McAfee took the mic to take a commanding 3-1 series lead, but the series is headed back to Indiana after the Knicks wiped the floor with the Pacers in Game 5. Stiller challenged McAfee to attend Game 5 at New York's Madison Square Garden Thursday, but McAfee said he was "not paying $70,000 for a ticket." Neither team has made the NBA Finals in the 21st century. The Knicks beat the Pacers in the 1999 conference finals, but the Pacers returned the favor the following year. Game 6 will be played Saturday night in Indiana, where it appears likely that the two new foes will both be. The winner of the series will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, who will be playing for a championship for the first time since 2012. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Bobby Norris reveals celeb feud as he rants about being talked about in ‘leaked' WhatsApp group chat
BOBBY Norris revealed a new celeb feud as he ranted about being talked about in a "leaked" WhatsApp group chat. The former Towie star, 38, took to Instagram to send a message to the person responsible for the shady WhatsApps. 3 3 3 Bobby said: "Little piece of advice for you… you might want to grab yourself a plumber, sweetheart. "It's about your group chat - it's sprung a leak. "I've had to take to the bed and have a lay down because my ears are burning so much." Despite pleas from his followers, Bobby didn't name and shame the culprit. One fan wrote: "You've got to spill now Bob!" Someone else said: "Come on spill the leak." It's been a tough time for Bobby recently after he ended up in hospital when he discovered a suspicious lump. He later took to Instagram to update fans after his operation - but they were quick to point out a worrying detail. Many commented after they saw a close-up shot of Bobby's hospital wrist band that revealed his personal health data. They quickly tipped him off to his mistake, with one writing: "Bobby blur out your hospital band details."
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How Taylor Swift and Blake Lively's A-list pals could be forced to pick sides after 10-year friendship ends
The fallout between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively has fans speculating about how their A-list inner circle will divide. The pop superstar, 35, ended her longtime friendship with the Gossip Girl actress, 37, after Blake threatened to leak private texts unless Taylor publicly supported her in her escalating legal feud with It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni. Now, speculation is swirling around the stars who've long orbited both women—from their girl squad of Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Karlie Kloss to Hollywood heavyweights like Hugh Jackman and Deadpool director Shawn Levy. Fans are dissecting every detail: who became friends with whom first, who vacationed together, who's been publicly supportive, and just how deep those bonds run—think godparent status and past invites to Taylor's exclusive Fourth of July parties. And of course, all eyes are on whether Taylor's iconic Fourth of July bash at her Rhode Island compound—once the backdrop of her whirlwind romance with Tom Hiddleston—will go on as usual this summer. With Lively's trial looming and tensions high, breaks down who in Hollywood is likely to stand with Taylor—and who might stick by Blake. Gigi Hadid She was once Blake Lively's 'little sister,' but now it looks like she's riding hard for Team Taylor. Gigi Hadid's 30th birthday bash in April raised eyebrows when Blake and Ryan were noticeably absent — especially considering Blake once called Gigi 'family' and reposted glowing tributes from her in the past. In 2023, Gigi gushed about Blake in a birthday post, writing, 'U are a magical friend and mamma... Ur made of all the good stuff like rainbow sprinkles and butter and bourbon whipped creme.' Blake responded just as sweetly: 'Coparenting with you whether you agree to raise my children or not is one of my life's greatest joys. Love you mama, sister, friend.' But the tone has shifted. Not only was Blake absent from Gigi's recent birthday bash — reportedly by design — but an insider claimed, 'She is no longer friends with Blake,' and emphasized, 'She is not, and will never be, one of Blake's "dragons."' That alleged 'dragon' comment was supposedly part of a shady message from Blake to It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, and it's clearly making the rounds. Still, Blake and Gigi shared nearly a decade of friendship thanks to Swift, and while it looks like that chapter may be closed, it's not impossible they could rekindle down the line. For now though, Gigi's loyalty seems crystal clear. She showed up for Taylor at her Eras Tour — and skipped the Reynolds/Lively crew entirely. Karlie Kloss Few friendships have unraveled quite like Taylor and Karlie's. Once inseparable, the pair walked runways and red carpets side-by-side — even living together for a stretch. But after 2017, things got murky. Karlie was seen with Scooter Braun (enemy no. 1 to Taylor's fans), hung out with Kendall Jenner during the height of the Swift-Kardashian war, and skipped Taylor's Fourth of July parties. Blake, meanwhile, swooped into Karlie's orbit around that time — and the two have remained close ever since. They're often seen at the same NYC fashion events, sitting front row and hugging like besties. Blake even 'liked' Karlie's 2024 Met Gala look, fueling speculation that they've stayed solid despite the swirling drama. Still, Karlie's recent surprise appearance at the Eras Tour in LA turned heads. She was seated in the stands — not the VIP tent — but her presence was still read as a gesture of goodwill. Maybe it's her way of quietly making peace with Taylor — or just trying to stay friendly with both sides. Cara Delevingne If anyone's tried to stay neutral in the storm, it's Cara Delevingne. She's been close to Taylor since the Bad Blood days, and even credited Swift with helping her through a breakup by letting her crash at her place. 'She let me live with her,' Cara said in 2024, calling Taylor 'homely' and 'sweet' but admitting she brought a bit of chaos into the singer's life. More recently, Taylor returned the favor by supporting Cara's run in Cabaret on the West End. The two also cheered on Travis Kelce together at a Chiefs game in 2023 — and Cara's gone on record saying how happy she is for Taylor: 'There's definitely something very different about them.' But don't count Blake out of Cara's world either. The two fashion powerhouses have crossed paths plenty over the years at Met Galas, Paris shows, and private dinners. In fact, they share a playful, sisterly dynamic that goes back at least a decade. Sophie Turner Sophie Turner went from red carpet bestie to custody crisis confidante — and Taylor was there through it all. When Sophie's messy split from Joe Jonas exploded in 2023, it was Taylor who offered her a shoulder (and an NYC apartment). The two were suddenly photographed everywhere together, from dinners in Tribeca to girls' nights out with the squad. Taylor dated Sophie's ex Joe in 2008 and it was later revealed he'd broken up with her during a 27-second phone call after just three months; Taylor and Joe are seen in September 2008 Fans quickly anointed Sophie as an official 'Tay-venger,' with some even calling her Taylor's 'divorce wife.' But Blake Lively has also had a friendly rapport with Sophie — or at least she used to. They shared sweet Instagram comments in the past, and Sophie once joked she'd join the Lively-Reynolds family because 'Ryan is my hall pass.' She also sat at Blake's table during the 2022 Met Gala. So now fans are left wondering — whose side is she really on? Florence Welch If Taylor Swift has a musical soulmate, Florence Welch just might be it. The two have shared more than just duets — they've shared heartbreak, reinvention, and stage time. Taylor featured Florence + The Machine on Midnights' You're On Your Own, Kid, and called her 'extraordinary.' Florence was later one of the select few to receive a TTPD promotional package before the album dropped — and fans noticed. 'If Florence is in the inner circle, it's because Taylor wants her there,' one wrote. Blake and Florence, on the other hand, share more of a fashion-forward friendship. They've mingled at Met Galas and couture shows over the years, and both orbit the high-end style scene like pros. But are they close? That's less clear. While Florence tends to keep things low-key and mystical, her quiet loyalty to Taylor speaks volumes. When the Blake drama hit, Florence kept liking Taylor's posts and even posted her own cryptic nod to self-growth. Coincidence? Maybe. But fans think she's staying firmly Team Taylor — just in her usual ethereal way. Hugh Jackman Hollywood's nicest guy is in a tight spot. Hugh Jackman has been thick as thieves with Ryan Reynolds for over a decade, and by default, he's also grown close with Blake. Their trio has made the press rounds for Deadpool & Wolverine, and their long-running bromance has turned into box office gold. But Hugh also has ties to Taylor — though they've been mostly off the radar. The two reportedly bonded years ago when she auditioned for Les Misérables, and they've quietly maintained a friendship ever since. He was spotted at Eras Tour shows and liked several of her posts — small signs, but telling ones. Now fans are starting to watch him closely. When Hugh posted photos with Ryan and Blake at the NYC premiere of Another Simple Favor, some Swifties sounded the alarm. \ 'Might wanna stay away from that side for a while,' one user warned. Another added: 'Very close to unfollowing HJ as well.' For now, Hugh's staying publicly neutral — but depending on how messy things get, he may not be able to sit on the fence forever. Brittany Maack Brittany Maack has been a constant in Taylor's life since their childhood days in Wyoming. The two have weathered every era together, with Taylor serving as maid of honor in Brittany's 2016 wedding — a testament to their unshakable bond. 'My favorite accomplishment of my entire life is that everything in my life has changed except for me and Britany,' the Grammy winner told her gal pal in her maid of honor speech.. 'She was my partner in crime at Brownie's sleepaway camp and she was my date to the Grammys,' Taylor added. While Brittany keeps a low public profile, she remains quietly visible at other key moments as well. She's popped up in Swift's documentaries, at private events, and in the occasional throwback post — a steady presence amid the chaos of Taylor's global fame. As for Blake Lively? She and Brittany have been friendly through the years — appearing at parties together and sharing social circles. But there's a clear distinction. She's Taylor's hometown anchor — the one friend whose loyalty likely isn't up for debate. Jake Gyllenhaal Taylor's fans never forget — and when it comes to Jake Gyllenhaal, neither does she. The All Too Well short film cemented Jake's status as public enemy number one in Swiftie lore. He's been immortalized in lyrics, memes, and, of course, that infamous scarf. Though he's avoided commenting publicly, his posture whenever Taylor's name comes up speaks volumes — he clearly wants no part in the ongoing drama. So where does Blake Lively fit in? Jake and Blake have shared social circles since their early 2010s New York days, often spotted at the same industry events. Their mutual ties include Maggie Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Blake's husband, Ryan Reynolds. In fact, Jake and Ryan grew close during their Life press tour, sparking double date rumors and even whispers of a Hollywood bromance. Now, in 2024, the optics are thorny. Jake was spotted chatting with Ryan at a private event just weeks after The Tortured Poets Department dropped — and only days before Taylor and Blake's public rift seemed to take shape. He's unlikely to wade into the feud directly, but fans are reading between the lines. If there's a Team Blake, Jake may be quietly seated at the table. Shawn Levy Hollywood's busiest director is also becoming its most overexposed middleman. Shawn Levy — helmer of Stranger Things, Deadpool & Wolverine, and now possibly Avengers 5 — has long been tight with Ryan Reynolds. They've worked on multiple blockbusters together, and their friendship turned into a creative empire. By extension, he's bonded with Blake too, often spotted in family-friendly hangs and group events. But Shawn has recently been pulled into the Swiftian orbit. He was front and center at the Eras Tour with Taylor's inner circle, later attending Chiefs games with her and even being photographed in Swift's VIP tent. Some fans dubbed him 'the Swift dad,' pointing to his respectful silence and genuine smile. Now? He's in a no-win position. He's still promoting Deadpool with Ryan and Blake — but hasn't been seen with Taylor in recent months. T he last photo of them together dates back to fall 2023. Since then, he's gone quiet. Is he trying to stay out of it? Probably. But fans are watching. '
