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Rep. Lauren Boebert allegedly gave terrorists a Capitol tour in the days before the siege, that’s what one Democrat is saying at least. [Jezebel]
Matt Damon & his wife were photographed together in Australia. [LaineyGossip]
Bed Bath & Beyond and Kohls have dropped “MyPillow” because of Mike Lindell’s hope for a Donald Trump dictatorship. [Towleroad]
Harry Brant passed away at the age of 24. [JustJared]
Who was the worst-dressed person at last year’s SAGs? [GFY]
Wow, the BBC sucks, huh? [Pajiba]
I’m honestly laughing at Prada’s menswear collection. [Tom & Lorenzo]
Armie Hammer apologized for calling the women in his Instagram video “Miss Cayman.” She is not, in fact, Miss Cayman. [Dlisted]
Chrissy Teigen’s latest controversy could have easily been avoided if she had simply NOT posted a million updates about her life online. [Buzzfeed]
I looooove this green Valentino on Mindy Kaling. Love! [RCFA]

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On set, anyway. Tom Holland and Zendaya are working on Spider-Man 3 (version 2) and were photographed on set together. MJ appears to be working in a donut shop now, and there is fake snow falling. Are we in for another random Hallmark Christmas movie ending for a December superhero movie? Or is this…

You’ve probably seen all of the commercials for Mank, the bio-pic of Herman J. Mankiewicz, the Oscar-winning co-screenwriter of Citizen Kane. “Mank” was a well-connected alcoholic in Hollywood and the film is said to be good, although at this point in my life, I have no interest in seeing that kind of rampant, unchecked alcoholism shown on-screen, especially with the current version of Gary Oldman, who seems to have forgotten subtlety long ago. Anyway, people are talking a lot about the supporting cast, which includes (apparently) star turns from Amanda Seyfried and Lily Collins. Lily is having some kind of banner pandemic year, from the successful and much-discussed Emily in Paris and the good reviews for Mank, not to mention her pandemic engagement to Charlize McDowell. That’s what she discussed in a recent interview:

Lily Collins says her relationship with fiancé Charlie McDowell has gotten stronger during quarantine. The “Emily in Paris” star — who got engaged to McDowell in September — told L’Officiel magazine that the couple has benefitted from time together “without the layers of society” interfering.

“Quarantine has made and broken up a lot of people, but the time together just solidified what we already knew about each other,” the 31-year-old said. “Everyone has very much been who they are these last few months, because there aren’t any external distractions.”

“We’re all really getting back to the core of who we are without the layers of society,” Collins added. “When you’ve seen someone at their best and at their worst and you’re still right there with them, that’s a beautiful thing.”

[From Page Six]

I think that’s probably right, especially for people without kids – if your relationship was good before the pandemic, the lockdown heightened the good vibes. If your relationship was already rocky, the pandemic heightened that too. If your boyfriend was an a–hole before the pandemic, it was extra noticeable this year. Trying to handle children during the pandemic – that’s the big issue which put a strain on many “good” relationships.

In a different interview, Lily also talked about Charlie’s proposal – it happened during a roadtrip to Santa Fe, and how before she “got the ring,” she would never even wear a ring on that finger, ever: “I never would ever wear a ring on that finger. It wasn’t like I was superstitious, I was just like, ‘I’m saving that finger.’ Even in photoshoots, I’d be like, ‘No, no, no …’ I was always saving it, so now it’s like, ‘Oh, right, like, it has its place, it’s finally found the right ring to put on.’”

Photos courtesy of Lily’s Instagram.

There was an early leak of Vogue’s Kamala Harris cover (for the February issue) and people weren’t happy. I was really mad about the photoshop around Kamala’s head (which Vogue did to fit in their banner) and I was mad about her expression and how half-assed everything looked. As it turns out, the “Chucks photo” was only one cover, the newsstand cover. The more presidential one, the one with the soft gold background, is the digital cover. While Kamala’s expression is much better in the new cover, the background is still… weird and not great. The floral table behind her is distracting! Anyway, you can read the full cover story here. Some highlights:

Why she spoke at their victory rally in November: “It was very important for me to speak to the moment, and the moment includes understanding that there is a great responsibility that comes with being a first.” She wanted to say something that night that young Americans would remember. “I always say this: I may be the first to do many things—make sure I’m not the last. I was thinking of my baby nieces, who will only know one world where a woman is vice president of the United States, a woman of color, a Black woman, a woman with parents who were born outside of the United States.”

Science matters: “You look at that tunnel between New Jersey and New York; if there is another Hurricane Sandy, it’ll probably be wiped out. You look at the wildfires in California—the whole West Coast, from Washington and Oregon, to California and Colorado. And the storms ravaging the Gulf States…What we want is to get everyone vaccinated, and we intend to make sure that they are free vaccinations. You look at our Black and Latino and Native American populations, and you see that all the [health and economic] disparities before the pandemic have been highlighted and exacerbated.”

How she feels about Trump’s post-election energy: “At the risk of oversimplifying it, you don’t meet hate with hate. You don’t meet one line of division with another line of division. We believe that the vast majority of American people don’t agree with that approach, don’t accept it, and don’t like it.”

She’s not anti-police: “There are a lot of issues where we just need to speak truth, difficult though it may be to hear. If there is a rape, if there is a child who is molested, if there is a homicide, every community wants to know that there will be a police officer who responds to that. We also know we need to decriminalize marijuana and expunge the records of people—I’m reluctant to accept false choices. I think the vast majority of Americans, when presented with the facts, when presented with the truth, will agree we need to have reform of policing—and we need police officers!”

Her marriage to Doug: Most mornings, they work out immediately after waking up, listen to “old-school hip-hop, real old-school jazz, the classics like Prince and Stevie Wonder,” and try to cook together as much as they can. “Loves to cook is an understatement—it just connects her to so many things. Food is family, and family is love,” Emhoff says. Harris taught Emhoff, usually a non-cook, “three moves”: baked chicken thighs with brown rice and spinach, a string-bean stir-fry, and swordfish. When Emhoff once tried to grill burgers and steak inside their apartment, Harris had to fan away the smoke with her briefing binder. “That was a low point,” Emhoff jokes.

[From Vogue]

The Vogue piece was good, albeit nitpicky in a way I wasn’t completely expecting – I felt like Vogue writer Alexis Okeowo found, during the election, all of the people of color who were like “I don’t agree with Kamala Harris on this, this, this and this but I’m still voting for her.” Like, not everyone who voted for the Biden-Harris ticket had to couch their support in criticism. The same thing happened with Hillary Clinton – the narrative of “I’m beyond happy to vote for Clinton” was rarely represented, which added to the perception (exploited by Trump) that there was an enthusiasm gap. I’m sure millions of people voted for Biden-Harris because they aren’t Donald Trump and Mike Pence. But millions of people voted for Biden-Harris because they were genuinely excited for the ticket. The same thing with the incoming administration – I’m really excited to see what they’ll be able to do with narrow majorities in the House and Senate, and I’m not going to start screaming at them on Day 1 that they’re not doing this or that. Learn to celebrate, damn.

Covers courtesy of Vogue.

Many gossips have been remembering the romance of Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas over the last 24 hours since news broke that they’re over. But is the memorial premature? More details are now emerging about their breakup from multiple outlets and there may be as many stories about broken Benana as the…

A few months before the election, I suddenly realized that I did not know the first thing about Ashley Biden, the daughter of Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. I have no doubt that Ashley Biden was around the campaign throughout the entire run, but she wasn’t doing interviews or trying to “build her brand” or baby-whisper complicitly. Ashley is 39 years old and she, along with her parents, will bring a refreshing bit of normalcy back to the American presidency. First and foremost, Ashley is not taking a role within the administration. Thank God. Ashley spoke about her future plans, her parents and a lot more with the Today Show, in what is her first-ever TV interview. She confirms that she will not take a job within the administration and she’ll continue to work with non-profits, charities and such. The issues she wants to work on: “use this platform to advocate for social justice, for mental health – to be involved in community development and revitalization.” She also spoke about Melania being a huge B and more.

“I’m just so proud. I truly am proud of my father.”

In her first-ever network television interview, Ashley Biden, President-elect Biden’s daughter, talks to @JennaBushHager ahead of #InaugurationDay about her family’s special bond, the Capitol riot, and more. pic.twitter.com/6agc8yUB9R

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 19, 2021

“No, I don’t think they’re doing the traditional protocol, which is unfortunate, but I think we’re all OK with it.” -Ashley Biden says Melania Trump is joining with President Trump in breaking with traditional protocol when it comes to the presidential transition pic.twitter.com/hS4drJ7QaB

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 19, 2021

“He was 46 when he passed, dad will be the 46th president.” -Ashley Biden, President-elect Biden’s daughter, says about her brother, Beau. pic.twitter.com/7PJvUbyBSt

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 19, 2021

What she said about Beau Biden made me cry. Everything about Beau’s passing is just so tragic, and to think about Joe Biden burying a wife and two children and… he’s still able to get up every morning, he’s still able to serve. And the entire time, he’s thinking about Beau.

Screencaps courtesy of Today.

Everyday I get to write about my Bridgerton obsession is a good day. Bridgerton is being hailed as a pivotal moment in TV history because of its blind casting and modern take on period dramas. And because of Bridgerton’s diverse casting, it has drawn a much larger audience. Plus some people are wanting to become the spoon which the Duke of Hastings licks in one of the episodes (some people are me). Many fans are talking about those steamy love scenes that focused on a woman’s pleasure.

And you since we are all nosy about those romping sex scenes, the cast are being asked during their press junkets about how they were filmed and how their family has reacted to them. Last week, Rege-Jean ‘the god’ Page hilariously recounted the story about how one of his cousins missed his WhatsApp message warning about all of the steamy love scenes. Said cousin stated that she had to make herself several tactical cups of tea. Now Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne Bridgerton, said she had to fast forward through the scenes when watching the show with her grandparents. Phoebe was on The Drew Barrymore Show with co-star Rege where she talks about how she made Bridgerton a PG-13 experience for her grandparents. Below are a few excerpts from the interview via People:

In the series, Dynevor’s character, Daphne Bridgerton, and her costar Regé-Jean Page’s character, Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, have several intimate scenes that take up a lot of screen time as their romance progresses.

Despite all the action, Dynevor decided to view the Shonda Rhimes-produced series with her grandparents for a good reason.

“I did, but only because and I find it really hard to watch myself, but I had to if they were going to watch it,” she explained on The Drew Barrymore Show on Friday.

“So I had to stand there with the remote ready at any given point to fast-forward for them not to see any of the things I didn’t want them to see,” the Bridgerton actress added.

Page chimed in and said, “That’s very responsible of you what a good grandkid.”

“We got through it. It was PG-13 for my grandparents,” Dynevor assured.

[From People]

I was cracking up when Drew said she would like to see Phoebe’s fast forward version of Bridgerton. I agree with Rege, that would be a whole different show. I truly enjoyed watching Drew and Ross fangirl over Rege and Phoebe. It was so sweet. Seeing Drew and Ross dressing up in the time period and fanning themselves took me out. I also liked what Rege said about how Puritan period shows usually are but what makes Bridgerton different is that it unashamedly embraces its joy. Those were great words from Rege and they feel very true to the essence of Bridgerton.

The more I watch Rege and Phoebe in interviews the more I fall in love with them. Rege is extremely witty and charming and Phoebe is very forthcoming. I love this story about how Phoebe fast forwarded through the love scenes. Although, wouldn’t it be hilarious if Phoebe’s grandparents decided to go back to see what she was trying to hide? The mortification. I know I couldn’t watch Bridgerton with my mom despite our openness about sex. Anyhow, I have gone almost a week without watching episodes five and six and I am very proud of myself. I feel Drew when she said some things were awakened and that she is going back on a dating app at some point, she’s not dead after all.

I am looking forward to season 2 although it has not been confirmed by Netflix yet. But Phoebe says that if they do get the greenlight for season 2 that they more than likely won’t start filming until everyone is vaccinated. And if Season 2 follows the books, I may not get to see my beloved Rege much, but that’s ok. Either way, Bridgerton is now one of my favorite shows on Netflix along with The Witcher. I cannot wait to watch future seasons so that I can escape into their colorful and beautifully crafted world.

Here is the full interview:

I am also too old to be this jealous of a spoon. pic.twitter.com/KiSuG3qNar

— Out of Spoons, Only Have Knives #BlackLivesMatter (@EDFPhotos) January 19, 2021

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Photos via Instagram and also credit Liam Daniel/Netflix

There were jokes going around that Kris Jenner had a hand in organizing the January 6th insurrection as a way to draw attention away from Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s incipient divorce. What’s even funnier is that I actually think Kim is really mad that so many other stories are pulling focus away from her marriage drama. She keeps leaking sh-t to People Magazine to remind people about it. It’s like she’s screaming “don’t forget about MY melodrama!” I mean, I’m on Kim’s side about the divorce, but yeesh. It’s strange to see Kim performing this indecisive Hamlet act every week in People Magazine, but I have a new theory about why she’s doing it: I’m starting to wonder if Kim wants Kanye to be the one to file for divorce. This piece is what convinced me:

An official split between Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West may be fast-approaching, a source tells PEOPLE. According to the source, the stars, who tied the knot in May 2014, have “completely” stopped going to marriage counseling. A separate insider told PEOPLE earlier this month that the couple was in marital therapy in an effort to salvage their fractured relationship.

“He is talking to divorce lawyers this week,” the source adds of the 43-year-old Grammy winner.

Reps for Kardashian and West did not respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment. The news comes less than two weeks after multiple sources confirmed to PEOPLE that the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, 40, plans to file for divorce from West and has been working with high-profile divorce attorney Laura Wasser.

“They are just not on the same page when it comes to their future as a family,” one insider told PEOPLE. “And Kim is okay with it.”

Kardashian and West share daughters North, 7, and Chicago, 3, and sons Saint, 5, and Psalm, who turns 2 in May. As the reality star works towards her law degree and continues to fight for criminal justice reform, she wants to keep her focus on her children and her career. “Kim knows what she wants to do with her life,” said the insider. “She wants to keep living in L.A., create the best life for the kids and focus on her work passions.”

According to sources, following nearly seven years of marriage, Kardashian feels her future doesn’t align with West’s, especially following his 2020 presidential run and controversial Twitter rants. “Kim has become more independent and has lost patience with his antics, rants, the presidential campaign and tweets,” a TV industry source said. “The love story between Kim and Kanye has been over for a long time. They adored each other but have too many differences.”

[From People]

We’ve heard for weeks from Page Six and People’s sources that Kim has hired Laura Wasser and that she already has plans for everything, from splitting up finances and real estate to what will probably be a custody battle. So… why hasn’t Kim filed yet? Is it because she was waiting for Kanye to come to Jesus, realize that their marriage is beyond repair, hire his own lawyer and file for divorce? It would make some kind of sense, especially because I believe Kim has avoided filing for divorce because she was worried she might trigger another manic episode for Kanye. Manipulating Kanye into thinking the divorce is his idea might solve some of that.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid.

Happening right now in court in London – Meghan Markle’s legal team is seeking “summary judgment” against the Mail on Sunday. Basically they’re arguing that there doesn’t need to be a trial because the Mail hasn’t been able to present an acceptable defence for publishing a private letter she sent to…

The royal commentary people thought that they would have three full months of “one year review” drama to dissect and discuss. They thought they would be filling column inches with endless diatribes about how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are failures and of course they couldn’t survive without the monarchy. How sad all of it is, but here are all the ways the Queen will punish them for their transgressions. The thing is, Harry and Meghan are thriving, even in a pandemic. Their “one year review” was cancelled because there’s nothing really to review and there are no punishments the Queen could justifiably hand down. So we’re left with this: vague bitchery from people who should know better.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s brand will ‘fail’ unless they move too far from the royal model of ‘personal sacrifice and public service’, Princess Diana’s former chief of staff has warned. The Duke, 36, and Duchess of Sussex, 39, are currently residing in their $14million mansion in Santa Barbara with eighteen-month-old son Archie, having stepped back from duty in March last year.

According to the Express, royal expert Patrick Jephson has said the couple face an ‘evolving brand issue’ with their new foundation Archewell.

Speaking during a virtual conference promoting and protecting personal brands, which was organised by a US-based public affairs agency, he said: ‘If it departs very much from that great tradition of personal sacrifice and public service that defines the monarchy brand then I don’t believe it will succeed. One could argue that, at it’s best, membership of the Royal Family gives you access to the most extraordinary and powerful brand in the world. To voluntarily divest yourselves of all those advantages in pursuit of something else is very daring – and we don’t even know what that something else is.’

[From The Daily Mail]

Am I mistaken or did these same royal commentators snidely dismiss Meghan’s effort to brand-ize “Sussex Royal” as somehow gauche and un-royal? And now here’s Patrick Jephson, arguing that WELL ACTUALLY the royal brand is much more powerful than anything Meghan can come up with. How the turntables! Honestly, the “Windsor” brand is in the dumps, and if the Queen has a personal brand, it’s Petty. What’s crazy is that the Windsors *could* have a powerful brand, if only they had foresight and the intelligence to actually figure it out. Instead, they’re left on the sidelines, bitterly complaining about what two former working royals are doing with their lives. Also: I don’t think any royal commentator should sniff about personal sacrifice and public service when the Queen literally refused to allow Harry, a veteran, to have someone lay his wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day. I’m not f–king joking when I say the royal brand is Petty.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, WENN.