WebProNews

Author: Val Powell

  • Lisa Rinna Says Yolanda Foster Is Faking Lyme Disease

    Yolanda Foster was hurt when she learned that fellow Real Housewives of Beverly Hills member, Lisa Rinna, accused her of faking her Lyme disease to gain attention, and that she actually suffers from a psychological disorder that makes her think she is ill.

    During the Tuesday episode of RHOBH, Foster confronted Rinna for spreading the gossip that she has Munchausen Syndrome, a psychological disorder in which a person pretends to be sick or exaggerates symptoms of illnesses for attention. Rinna allegedly heard that rumor from her hairdresser.

    Foster was devastated that Rinna would link Munchausen Syndrome to her current health condition and said it was “the biggest f—ing blow I’ve ever had in my life… sorry is not enough.”

    “You labeled Kim last year, you labeled Brandi (Glanville) and now you’re labeling me,” Yolanda Foster told Rinna. Everyone gave their opinion and made Foster understand that they, too, were confused with her illness. In the end, they patched things up and showed support for their castmate although Rinna was not convinced that everything has been settled.

    Foster spoke out about the rumors during Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live Tuesday episode.

    “Are you really going to listen to what the hairdresser says? If you’re my friend you should be saying ‘what are you talking about’,” Yolanda Foster told Cohen. She admitted that she was hurt because by bringing up Munchausen Syndrome, Rinna is clearly hinting that her costar just made up her disease.

    “I’m sharing my journey to bring awareness to Lyme disease, and chronic invisible disease in general. I’m not sharing for a pity party or trying to get any special attention. I’m as frustrated with the disease as everybody else is … but I want answers, I want a cure,” she added.

  • Bill Cosby Files Lawsuit Against Sex Assault Accuser And Lawyer

    Bill Cosby is suing the woman whose rape accusations against him have resulted in a criminal proceeding. Cosby is reportedly filing a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Andrea Constandt, who accused him of sexually molesting her in 2005.

    Cosby included Constandt, her mother, two of her lawyers, and the publisher of the National Enquirer in a lawsuit he filed a day before the hearing. The hearing that took place in Montgomery County court tackled whether the criminal case against Cosby could go forward. Judge Steven T. O’Neill ruled that the case could now proceed.

    During the hearing, Constandt’s lawyer Dolores Troiani mentioned that Cosby’s camp had sued her but did not offer any details. A law professor at Villanova University sees the filing of the suit as a clear attempt of Cosby’s camp to buy time.

    The lawsuit was reportedly under seal on Wednesday, and lawyers of the 78-year-old comedian declined to give further details about it.

    According to cbc.ca, the defendants are under confidentiality clauses that covered the settlement of lawsuits that the alleged victim filed against the comedian and the American Media Inc. in 2005.

    Andrea Constandt, a former Temple University employee, sought help from authorities in 2004 due to allegations that Bill Cosby drugged and molested her in his Philadelphia home in 2004. In 2006, a settlement was reached.

    Her case was reopened after several other women came forward claiming they were sexually assaulted by the veteran comedian. Bill Cosby was arrested in December, just before the 12-year statute of limitations ended. The Statute of limitations in most cases filed by other alleged rape victims have already expired so they were not able to prosecute Cosby.

    Bill Cosby is scheduled for a pretrial hearing in March 8, and he could possibly face up to years ten years imprisonment.

  • Vanessa Hudgens And Boyfriend Under Investigation For Defacing Nat’l Park

    Vanessa Hudgens and boyfriend Austin Butler are under investigation for carving their names and a heart in one of Arizona’s rock formations on Valentine’s Day.

    Hudgens and Butler spent their Valentine’s Day vacation at the park in Sedona, Arizona, with the actress posting Instagram photos of their weekend getaway. In one of the photos, a carving on a red rock bearing their names and a heart, caught the attention of the Coconino National Forest management. Hudgens later on deleted the controversial photo.

    “This incident is currently under investigation, so there is not much we can share specifically,” Brady Smith of the U.S. Forest Service told People. “However, we can say that the issue of people carving their names and other things in rocks in the Sedona and surrounding area is always a challenge we face and try to educate people about. We have found that when one person carves something, it encourages others to carve.”

    Smith explained that carving of any kind is prohibited under Title 36 of CFR 261.9 (a) Damaging any natural feature or other property of the United States. Hudgens and Butler could pay a maximum fine of $5,000 and/or face six months imprisonment. Smith added that the department will continue to investigate their case and find witnesses.

    However, it is still unknown whether the authorities have found a heart carving similar to the one Vanessa Hudgens posted on Instagram. Smith also admitted that he does not know if there were any signs in the area to inform people of the law.

    The Valentine’s Day trip came after the actress earned tons of praises for her performance as Betty Rizo on Grease Live! Vanessa Hudgens performed after her father Greg died of cancer the day before the show. She previously said she would perform “in his honor,” according to People.

  • Jennifer Garner Shared Valentine’s Day With Ben Affleck At Ski Resort, Actress Still Not Ready For New Relationship

    Actress Jennifer Garner is finally moving forward after her split with former husband Ben Affleck, and she seems to be enjoying her life again.

    A source told People that Jennifer Garner has finally been able to focus on herself after ending her ten-year marriage to Ben Affleck.

    The actress is said to be working hard to adjust to her new life. “She made an effort to start the year fresh, and she is having a good year so far,” shared the insider. “She doesn’t find her private life ideal, but she has accepted it.”
    However, it does not mean Jennifer Garner is ready to get involved in a new romantic relationship. The source added: “It’s hard to picture her dating before the divorce is finalized.”

    A source close to Ben Affleck claims that the actor is also not dating anyone. The two are putting their differences aside so they can focus on their children. Garner and Affleck have “found a new normal where they get along and work together for the sake of the kids,” a source told Page Six. In fact, they spent Valentine ’s Day together with their children at a ski resort despite Ben Affleck’s rumored romance with nanny Christine Ouzounian.

    Jennifer Garner Finds Out About Ben Affleck’s Alleged Affair With Nanny

    The family stayed at the exclusive Yellowstone Club in Big Sky with their friends Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen. Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck were friendly and relaxed, the Page Six source said of the former couple.

    The exes have not yet signed their divorce papers, and sources believe it could take a long time for the divorce to be finalized. Both parties are slowly getting used to their new lives.

    “They are doing it their own way,” an insider close to the ex-couple explained. “And that way works for them right now.”

  • Gwen Stefani Claims She’s Only Had Two Boyfriends In Her Life, But That Number Doesn’t Seem Quite Right

    Gwen Stefani confirmed that the song “Make Me Like You,” which she performed on Monday’s Grammys was about her new love, Blake Shelton.

    The Voice coach performed a live music video recorded during the Grammys commercial break. In the video, Stefani was at a bar with a sign that reads “Blake’s.”

    Stefani appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday evening and talked about her Grammys performance. The host teased the singer asking if her performance for Blake Lively or Blake Griffin. Stefani jokingly said it was just a coincidence before telling the host Shelton was the guy she was referring to in her newest single.

    Gwen Stefani Talks About Blake Shelton on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

    According to Us, she also confirmed that “Make Me Like You” is about the country singer in an interview with K-Earth 101 FM. “I mean, come on!” Stefani reportedly said. “It’s so easy. Honestly, it’s so embarrassing when people ask me. My lyrics are so transparent, you know what I mean? I’m not trying to hide anything.”

    Stefani and Shelton have been open about their relationship and during the Pre-Grammys party on February 14, the couple was inseparable.

    Stefani also revealed to K-Earth 101 FM hosts Gary Bryan and Lisa Stanley that she does not have a type and that she only had two boyfriends in her life. Shelton was one of them and the other was her No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal, who she dated for seven years before breaking up in 1994. She was married to Gavin Rossdale for 13 years, possibly the reason why she did not consider him an ex-boyfriend.

    “You know, I’ve only had two boyfriends, right?” Stefani said laughing. “So I’m not like—when you say that, it just sounds funny. It’s just so limited. No, I do not (have a type). That’s a funny question. Ill just stop right there.”

  • Duncan Jones, Son Of David Bowie, Cleverly Shades Lady Gaga’s Tribute To His Late Father

    Lady Gaga’s tribute to the late British rocker David Bowie at the 2016 Grammys may have impressed many but one person did not seem to appreciate her performance.

    Duncan Jones, son of the rock icon, made a cryptic Twitter post after the Grammy Awards show. “Overexcited or irrational, typically as a result of infatuation or excessive enthusiasm; mentally confused.’ Damn it! What IS that word!?” Jones, a filmmaker, tweeted.

    Although Jones did not mention any names, fans thought that he was referring to the eccentric singer-songwriter, Lady Gaga, when he quoted the Oxford English Dictionary definition of the term “gaga” in his tweet.

    The tribute to Bowie, who died of cancer earlier this year, was among the most anticipated performances of the 58th Grammy Awards.

    Lady Gaga channeled the Bowie persona Ziggy Stardust with her blue Marc Jacobs gown, bright orange hair, blue eye shadow, and huge killer heels, as she paid tribute to her “music hero.” She covered a medley of Bowie’s hit songs including “Space Oddity,” “Ziggy Stardust,” and “Rebel Rebel.”

    Despite the criticism she received from Jones, the crowd was amazed not only by her voice but also by the costume and the “digital skin” technology the production staff used for her number.

    Duncan Jones Was Not Impressed By This Bowie Tribute by Lady Gaga at the Grammys

    A source told Hollywoodlife that Lady Gaga was not offended by Jones’ tweet. The source claims that the singer respects his opinion.

    “Lady Gaga believes everyone is entitled to their own opinion, including David Bowie’s son Duncan Jones,” the source told HollywoodLife.com.

    “She is, and always has been, a huge fan of David Bowie, his music, and what he stood for. She gave it her all [at The Grammys] and hopes she did the legendary rocker justice. She’s just super grateful she got to pay her respects by honoring him on such a special night,” added the source.

  • Michael Savage Suspects Foul Play In Death Of Justice Scalia, Radio Host Invites Donald Trump To Share His Thoughts

    National radio host Michael Savage called for a serious federal investigation concerning the tragic and sudden death of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Associate Justice Antonin Scalia.

    “We need a Warren Commission-like federal investigation,” Savage proposed. “This is serious business.”

    The radio host also said that Scalia’s body should be autopsied as soon as possible to trace possible causes of his death, other than the reasons given out by authorities.

    Savage also mentioned that there was no medical representative at the scene when a U.S. Marshal declared by telephone that the Supreme Court judge was dead. He also emphasized that President Barack Obama appointed the marshal.

    In his radio show, Michael Savage also connected Scalia’s death to his previous stance against the White House. Scalia, 79, was a crucial factor in the Supreme Court temporarily blocking the Obama administration rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

    Savage also pointed out that something is off with the ranch owner’s description of Scalia when they found him.

    “We discovered the judge in bed, a pillow over his head. His bed clothes were unwrinkled. He was lying very restfully. It looked like he had not quite awakened from a nap,” said John Poindexter, who is the owner of the Cibolo Creek Ranch where the associate judge stayed over the weekend.

    He later clarified that the pillow was “over his head,” and not “over his face.”

    Michael Savage finally asks Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump to share what he thought about the issue.

    Still, Trump gave a safe answer and replied that while the news is indeed horrible for the judiciary branch of the government, he couldn’t give an answer yet about possible foul play.

    The late judge Scalia was the longest-serving justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He was appointed by former President Ronald Reagan in 1986, and has since become the SC’s conservative voice.

  • ‘Grim Sleeper’: Trial For Alleged Serial Killer Commences In LA Courtroom

    The long-awaited murder trial of the alleged Grim Sleeper serial killer finally commenced in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday after more than three decades since the death of the first victim in 1985.

    The defendant, whose real name is Lonnie David Franklin Jr., is facing multiple murder charges for the deaths of at least nine women and the attempted murder one more in South Los Angeles between the years 1985 and 2007. The victims’ ages ranged from 15 to 35 years old, and were predominantly young African American women who were involved in prostitution and the use of crack cocaine.

    In July of 2010, then-California Attorney General Jerry Brown approved a familial DNA procedure that allowed police to link DNA found the crime scene to convicted criminals on the police database. The connection was made through a partial match of the DNA recovered from a Grim Sleeper crime scene with the suspect’s son, Christopher Franklin, who had a police record for drugs and firearms possession in 2008. After obtaining Lonnie’s DNA by following him in an undercover operation, they were able to facilitate his arrest.

    Authorities also found photos and videos of 180 women after searching Franklin Jr.’s home. The graphic images were published in the hopes of getting more information about the murders and to find out if any of the victims actually survived. One woman named Enietra Washington came forward and claimed that the Grim Sleeper raped her before shooting her in the chest with a .25 caliber pistol.

    Lonnie Franklin Jr. used to work as a sanitation worker and backyard mechanic during the period of the murders. He earned the nickname Grim Sleeper because the killings for which he is charged took place more than a decade apart.

    Pleading not guilty to all of the charges, the Grim Sleeper – who is now 63 years old – is expected to go on trial in front of a jury for two to three months, according to Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman. The prosecution is aiming for the death penalty while the defense promises an aggressive argument backed by testimonies from the defendant’s friends and neighbors.

  • Manny Pacquiao Sparks Firestorm Of Criticism, Calls Gays ‘Worse Than Animals’

    Manny Pacquiao suffered from a serious case of foot-in-mouth when he compared homosexuals to animals during a recent interview by a local Phillipines TV station.

    The former world boxing champion, who is a born again Christian, was asked by the interviewer about his thoughts on same-sex marriage. In a mixture of English and his native language, Pacquiao responded by saying that animals have a much better grasp of “proper” sexual relations than gays.

    “It’s common sense. Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female,” said the Filipino boxer.

    Using this analogy, Manny Pacquiao concluded that gays are “worse than animals” for choosing to have same-sex relations.

    The Philippines has long been considered one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world despite its religiosity, with recent studies claiming that one out of 16 Filipino men is gay. As a result, Pacquiao received huge backlash for his comments, including criticism from several local celebrities.

    One of the country’s most well-known comedians named Vice Ganda started the hashtag #PrayForMannyPacquiao on Twitter and posted several messages addressed to the boxer.

    “The LGBT is a group of people. We are humans. But not animals. Though we’re no saints we will pray for Manny Pacquiao,” said the tweet.

    The video, which was widely shared online as soon as it was released, could not have come at a worse time for Manny Pacquiao as he is vying for a seat in the Philippine Senate in this year’s national elections. In an attempt to do some damage control, he posted a video on his social media pages in which he seeks forgiveness to “those I’ve hurt” and apologizes for “comparing homosexuals to animals.”

    In another post, Manny Pacquiao shares a photo of himself and his wife, Jinkee, along with a Bible verse that condemns same-sex relations.

  • Kelly Marie Tran: New ‘Star Wars’ Cast Member Intrigues Fans

    Kelly Marie Tran was recently named one of the newest members of the Star Wars franchise, and people have being either intrigued or scratching their heads.

    She may not have much experience in film acting, but Kelly Marie Tran is actually one of the most promising young comedians of today. Fans of the website CollegeHumor will probably recognize her from the numerous videos she’s been part of, such as these clever bits entitled, “Philosophical Truth or Dare” and “Are You Asian Enough.”

    Kelly Marie Tran and Friends Giggle to Nietzsche in this Skit

    She then moved on to a few television gigs and became one of the lead roles in the single-camera TV series Ladies Like Us, in which she plays one of two best friends who are also members of an all-girl improv troupe called “Ladies Like Tea.” Prior to that, though, Kelly Marie was cast in the short-lived NBC sitcom About a Boy, in which she played a recurring character named Marguerite.

    Watch Kelly Marie Play Kristina’s Best Friend in ‘Ladies Like Us’

    Her film acting credits include a guest role in the Lifetime digital romantic drama Fall Into Me, an appearance in the pilot of truTV’s sketch comedy show Adam Ruins Everything, and a supporting role in the Netflix indie film, XOXO.

    A UCLA graduate, Kelly Marie Tran has shown a deep interest in acting and performing for quite some time. She has trained with some of the best comedic talents in Los Angeles, learning from esteemed improv groups such as iO West, Second City, and Upright Citizens Brigade.

    Being cast in Star Wars is undoubtedly the biggest development in Kelly Marie’s acting career, judging by what it has done for former newcomer Daisy Ridley. The 23-year-old English actress was practically unheard of before she went on to star as Rey in the most recent Star Wars film, The Force Awakens.

    No word has been said about the role that Kelly Marie Tran is going to play in the next Star Wars film, and people are wondering if it’s going to showcase her comedic prowess. Benicio del Toro and Laura Dern have also been officially announced as part of the cast.

  • Denise Matthews A.K.A ‘Vanity’ Dies Of Kidney Failure, Singer Had Prior Addiction To Crack Cocaine

    Singer and actress Denise Matthews, who was known by the stage name “Vanity,” has died of kidney failure at the age of 57.

    According to her GoFundMe page, Matthews had been diagnosed with sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis or SEP, an inflammation of the small intestines, and died at a hospital in Fremont, California. The singer also underwent dialysis in 1994, when her addiction to crack cocaine led to renal failure.

    “So pray for me now for I am believing in complete healing of this body longing to be healed made whole my heart,” Denise Matthews wrote on GoFundMe four months before her passing. “I have my vision, i keep it close. I repent daily my sins, my faults and my shortcomings. He has brought me out of so many fires, oh so many, 23 years alive after the doctors pronounced i would be dead way back then 1992…”

    Denise Matthews began her career in the entertainment industry as a model when she was 17 years old. She met Prince at the American Music Awards in 1980 and soon after became his protégé. Matthews became the lead singer of the girl group Vanity 6, and popularized the dance floor hit “Nasty Girl.”

    Denise “Vanity” Matthews And Vanity 6 Sang This Hit in 1982

    When the group disbanded in 1983, Vanity tried to launch a solo career and appeared in several films. During those years, she developed an addiction to crack cocaine, which led to a drug overdose. She almost died of renal failure in 1994 but was able to recover, and later on claimed that Jesus Christ appeared to her and offered her a second chance at life. Matthews then renounced her sexy Vanity persona and became a born again Christian. She spent the last decades of her life as a Christian evangelist.

    Denise Matthews Shares her Journey to Christianity

    Friends from the entertainment industry paid tribute to Denise Matthews on social media.

  • ‘Hamilton’ Cast Performs Spellbinding Broadway Number For 2016 Grammys

    On Monday night, audience members and TV viewers witnessed why Hamilton deserved to take home a Grammy award. Tickets for the Broadway show sold fast, but the cast treated the audience to an impressive theater performance during the 2016 Grammy Awards.

    Lin Manuel-Miranda and the rest of the Hamilton cast did not disappoint and gave the Grammy audience an impressive performance that was definitely worthy of an award.

    The Late Show host Stephen Colbert introduced the Hamilton cast from the theater. It was the first time the award-giving body stepped away from the Staples Center set to air live from Broadway.

    The Broadway stars performed live from the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City, where the cast of Hamilton perform almost nightly.

    “Prepare to witness something truly special,” Colbert said as he introduced the performers on stage. It truly was special as the performers did not disappoint the viewers with their outstanding presentation. The cast of Hamilton performed “Alexander Hamilton,” the opening number of the hit Broadway show.

    The audience’s applause grew louder once Miranda took center stage as Alexander Hamilton. He performed alongside many talented Broadway stars including Leslie Odom Jr. as well as Christopher Jackson, Daveed Diggs, and Renée Elise Goldsberry.

    Watch the Hamilton Cast Perform for the 2016 Grammys

    “How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean, by providence impoverished, in squalor, grow up to be a hero and a scholar?” Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr began. He wowed the spectators as he started singing the first lines.

    With the cast’s spellbinding performance, the show’s soundtrack won the award for Best Musical Theater Album, which Miranda proudly received in New York City. Expect to see Broadway’s Hamilton bag more trophies and recognition at this year’s Tony Awards, which will be held at New York City’s Beacon Theatre in June.

  • Luke Skywalker Returns As Filming Of ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ Gets Underway

    Star Wars delighted fans with an official announcement confirming that the franchise has started filming the upcoming movie, Star Wars Episode VIII. The franchise made the big announcement on their website and on social media.

    Disney and Lucasfilm confirmed that principal photography for Episode VIII has officially begun at Pinewood Studios in London on February 15, 2016. Disney also revealed a full list of cast members.

    Star Wars teased fans with a short clip that shows shots of a bearded Luke Skywalker meeting Rey for the first time. The preview clip seemed to connect the cliffhanger ending of The Force Awakens and the upcoming episode. Luke Skywalker is played by Mark Hamill and Rey is portrayed by young actress Daisy Ridley.

    The official website of the box-office hit franchise revealed a cast list which includes: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Lupita Nyong’o, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis Anthony Daniels, Domhnall Gleeson, and Gwendoline Christie.

    Academy Award winner Benicio del Toro is reportedly joining the film. His role remains unknown but rumors claim that he is playing a villain. New cast members include Academy Award nominee Laura Dern and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran.

    “Rey took her first steps into a larger world in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and will continue her epic journey with Finn, Poe, and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the continuing Star Wars saga, Star Wars: Episode VIII,” the release stated.

    The upcoming Star Wars Episode VIII is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman. It is executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Tom Karnowski, and Jason McGatlin.

    Star Wars: Episode VIII is slated for release on December 15, 2017. The standalone film, Rogue One, will hit theaters on December 16, 2016.

  • Nelly Furtado Ruins Canada’s National Anthem At All-Star Game, Twitter Reacts

    Nelly Furtado is trending this week on social media for her unique rendition of Canada’s national anthem “O Canada” at the NBA all-star game on February 14. While some fans were amazed by her take on the country’s national anthem, some were clearly not impressed.

    Furtado and Ne-Yo kicked off the NBA all-star game, performing their countries’ national hymn. Furtado, 37, sang a slow version of “O Canada” and was accompanied by Native American flutist Tony Duncan on an instrument made by Saskatoon’s Richard Dube.

    Watch Nelly Furtado’s Rendition of ‘O’ Canada’ at All-Star Game

    Audience at the Air Canada Centre cheered after Furtado sang, but televiewers took to Twitter to slam the singer for her rendition of their national anthem. CBC Toronto asked its Twitter followers for their opinion on Furtado’s performance, and many were upset and disappointed because it seemed the singer was not able to give justice to the song.

    One Twitter follower called it the “worst rendition ever!” while another said he felt “betrayed.” ESPN commentator Michael Wilbon also reacted to the singer’s performance tweeting, “Is Nelly Furtado having a breakdown? That’s about the worst performance of the Canadian Anthem I’ve ever heard…”

    However, some fans were delighted to see Furtado on the court singing “O Canada” and they believe the “I’m Like a Bird” singer did a great job for keeping the melody slow and the accompaniment simple. The Canadian singer has over 20 million albums sold worldwide but she has been quiet on the music scene lately.

    @tresbanging commented: “I love that @NellyFurtado opted for simple accompaniment for her performance.”
    “My girl Nelly Furtado just nailed the national anthem at the NBA Allstar game! #NBAAllStarTO,” Twitter user @docchrisblair wrote.

    Before Furtado showcased her unique vocals, Ne-Yo performed a low-key version of the U.S. national hymn “Star Spangled Banner.”

    Ne-Yo Performs ‘Star Spangled Banner’ at All-Star Game

  • Erik Asla And Tyra Banks Show Off Their Baby Boy

    Tyra Banks and partner Erik Asla are the parents to a bouncing baby boy named York, whom they delivered via surrogate.

    The supermodel and talk show host took to Instagram on Sunday and shared a sweet photo of herself looking serene as their “miracle baby” cozily snuggled close to her.

    “This is the Happiest Valentine’s Day of my life. York, Daddy @erikasla and I send you so much love,” the caption said.

    This is the Happiest Valentine’s Day of my life. York, Daddy @erikasla and I send you so much love.

    A photo posted by Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) on

    Meanwhile, her photographer boyfriend of two years, Erik Asla, posted the same photo on his Instagram page with the caption, “Mother and Son.”

    The 42-year-old TV personality had been candid about her struggles to conceive. For years, Banks has claimed to have tried just about everything that modern fertility methods have to offer, including repeated IVF sessions that never reached fruition.

    In an episode of the lifestyle talk show FABLife – which Tyra Banks co-hosts and produces – she broke down in tears as she described the many painful IVF treatments she has gone through and the constant judgment that she faces for being childless in her forties.

    Fortunately, using a surrogate mother to carry their embryos proved successful, as they now have baby York.

    While fans are happy about the baby news, a lot of people have also gotten quite curious about Tyra Banks’ other half, Erik Asla. Not much has been published about her partner, even though they’ve actually been together for more than two years now. ET managed to gather a few interesting details about the guy, the first of which is that he’s a 50-year-old professional photographer from Norway, who relocated to Los Angeles.

    Upon arriving in the U.S., Erik Asla scored a job as a photo assistant to esteemed fashion photographer Herb Ritts. He and Tyra Banks reportedly met on the set of the Norwegian version of Next Top Model, where he worked as one of the show’s photographers.

  • Leonardo DiCaprio Wins Big At BAFTAs 2016, Makes Touching Tribute To His Mom

    Leonardo DiCaprio is clearly on a mission to earn his first Oscar with the modern western, The Revenant, and he’s earned another accolade along the way.

    On Valentine’s Day, DiCaprio and other people behind the film collected multiple honors at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts or BAFTA Award, which was held at the historic Royal Opera House in London.

    The BAFTAs – considered by many to be the UK version of the Oscars – not only named Leonardo DiCaprio as Best Actor, but also named The Revenant as the Best Film of the Year. Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu also received an award for Best Director.

    Prior to the BAFTAs, the 41-year-old Titanic star also nabbed Best Actor honors from the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild. Critics are already predicting that he will go on to take the much-coveted Oscar, judging by the film’s critical and commercial success.

    Other big winners at the BAFTAs include Brie Larson, who won Best Actress for her performance in the Canadian-Irish drama Room; Mark Rylance as Best Supporting Actor for his role in Bridge of Spies; and Kate Winslet as Best Supporting Actress for her role in Steve Jobs.

    Leonardo DiCaprio, who has never won a BAFTA before, acknowledged his fellow actors and thanked the people who inspired him to endure the arduous film-making process.

    He also paid tribute to his mother, who was celebrating her birthday on the night of the awarding ceremony.

    “I didn’t grow up in a life of privilege, I grew up in a very rough neighborhood in East Los Angeles. This woman drove me three hours a day to a different school to show me a different opportunity,” DiCaprio said. “It’s her birthday today, mom happy birthday. I love you very much.”

    Leonardo DiCaprio Honors His Mom in this Touching Speech

    Apart from racking up awards, Leonardo DiCaprio also won a bid to participate in a Mongolian expedition with Swedish “environmental explorer” Johan Ernst Nilson. The actor dropped an impressive $95,000 to embark on a 10-day journey in which he and other adventurers will explore Lake Hovsgol, the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia.

  • Ashley Graham, Ronda Rousey And Hailey Clauson’s Sexy Bikini Pics Make Sports Illustrated History

    Ashley Graham, Ronda Rousey And Hailey Clauson’s Sexy Bikini Pics Make Sports Illustrated History

    Ashley Graham just made history by being the first ever plus-size model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. In an announcement made on Saturday, the well-known sports media magazine stated this year’s issue will be having not one, but three covers – also a first for the publication – and that Graham will be joined by UFC star Ronda Rousey and fashion model Hailey Clauson.

    A first in the magazine’s 52 years of existence, the three covers showcase the ladies in different sexy looks. Ashley Graham, who is a size 16, is shown posing on the beach wearing a purple-and-yellow string bikini. Rousey’s cover, on the other hand, shows the former UFC champion wearing nothing but an intricate body paint swimsuit, and Clauson sports only a tiny pair of bikini bottoms.

    Say hello ?? to 2016 #SISwim cover model @rondarousey! The best part, she’s one of three.

    A photo posted by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@si_swimsuit) on

    Meet our third 2016 #SISwim cover model @haileyclauson! ?

    A photo posted by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@si_swimsuit) on

    The three lovely ladies attended a Sports Illustrated cover reveal special, which was hosted by Nick Cannon and Rebecca Romjin. Ashley Graham was visibly shocked by the announcement and couldn’t contain her emotions as the three magazine covers were unfolded on stage.

    Ashley Graham, Ronda Rousey, Hailey Clauson Cover SI

    Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, Ashley Graham is not only a model but also a body activist who has publicly spoken multiple times on body image issues that dominate Hollywood and mainstream media. Because of her natural beauty and advocacy, the 28-year-old model was selected to promote Lane Bryant’s #PlusIsEqual movement and walk on the runway for Addition Elle’s Modern Boudoir line of lingerie.

    In an interview with People magazine, Graham talked about the revolutionary move by Sports Illustrated to explore female physiques other than their usual slender and sometimes skinny models.

    “I thought Sports Illustrated was taking a risk by putting a girl my size in the pages,” said Ashley Graham. “But putting me on the cover? They aren’t just breaking barriers. They are the standard now. This is beyond epic.”

  • Melissa McCarthy Hosts SNL For The Fourth – Not Fifth – Time

    Melissa McCarthy thought that she was finally part of the illustrious five-timers club of Saturday Night Live when she celebrated a little too early during her opening monologue last Saturday. The comedienne launched into a song-and-dance number with background dancers hoisting her up as a huge number “5” was brought on stage. Unfortunately, cast member Kenan Thompson burst her bubble and reminded her that it’s only been four times since she’s hosted the famous NBC sketch show.

    The Mike & Molly star showcased her unique brand of physical comedy in several sketches, and a handful of them were pretty strong in the laughs department. In the sketch called “Test Screening,” Melissa McCarthy plays a cinema audience member whose over-the-top reactions are captured on camera while watching a horror film.

    Melissa McCarthy Cannot Handle a Horror Film

    In another sketch entitled “Whiskers R We,” McCarthy joined SNL cast member Kate McKinnon as quirky cat ladies who star in their own ad for their cat rescue center. In this clip, McCarthy’s character tells the audience about the rather sinister back stories of their cats while not-so-subtly coming on to McKinnon’s character.

    McCarthy Plays a Sexually Fluid Cat Lady

    With the diversity debate in Hollywood being such a hot issue nowadays, an SNL episode would not be complete without a sketch about race. Melissa McCarthy played a clueless white woman seated next to a black woman (played by Leslie Jones) who rambles on and on about how she loves black film, especially Roots. Her politically incorrect musings puts Jones’ character – who tried desperately to get off the bus – on edge.

    Melissa McCarthy Plays an Oblivious Racist White Woman

    SNL also tackled the infamous and quite ridiculous “pick-up culture” that has been growing in popularity in the last couple of years. In this sketch, Melissa McCarthy played another awkward character named Rhonda, who joins a female pick-up class and tries – without success – to apply the teachings of her pick-up mentor, played by Cecily Strong. Her constant attempts at pursuing the same guy by shoving her fingers in her mouth was hardly attractive but she definitely got their attention.

    Melissa McCarthy Shows Us the Art of the Pick-up

  • Camille Cosby Forced To Testify Against Her Husband In Civil Suit

    On Thursday, a federal judge upheld a prior ruling made by a Massachusetts court to compel Camille Cosby to sit for a deposition in one of the civil cases filed against her husband, comedy icon Bill Cosby.

    Camille Cosby had previously filed a “complete avoidance” appeal that allows her to steer clear of the depositions demanded by several of her husband’s accusers.

    U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni rejected her bid, but gave her permission to decline answering certain questions that fall under the state’s marital disqualification rule. This means that she is not obligated to respond to inquiries that relate to private communications she had with Bill Cosby.

    In a 13-page decision authored by Mastroianni, he ruled that Camille Cosby “may possess a good deal of relevant, non-protected information which can be uncovered in a deposition. This is not simply a ‘fishing expedition.’”

    The 71-year-old wife and business manager of Bill Cosby is scheduled to be deposed on February 22 by counsels of seven women who charged the comedian for defamation in 2014. They are also alleging that the Cosby Show star sexually assaulted them with the aid of drugs, but the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims has long since passed.

    The Cosby camp filed another motion to delay Camille’s upcoming deposition until the federal judge decides on her prior appeal of a ruling ordering her to testify.

    According to the 12-page document that her lawyers submitted to the court, “without a stay of her deposition, both Mrs. Cosby’s privacy and freedom will be put at issue in a case to which she is not a party, and for which she is not alleged to have any personal, first-hand knowledge.”

    Meanwhile, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Joseph Cammarata, said that his clients remain hopeful that Camille Cosby – Bill’s wife of more than five decades – will still be ordered to appear at the deposition in the next couple of weeks.

    “Despite the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Cosby to prevent us from asking her questions the court said that we are entitled to do so because she likely has important information to provide,” he said.

  • Oregon Standoff Comes To An End As Last Protesters Surrender

    The Oregon standoff finally came to a conclusion after 41 days of occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Following a rather dramatic exchange between the militants and FBI agents, the last four protesters surrendered Thursday morning.

    At one point, one of the four holdouts refused to follow his comrades and continued conducting the Oregon standoff by his lonesome.

    The last holdout named David Fry initially insisted that he would not leave before airing his grievances about religion, occupation, America, and even marijuana.

    “I declare war against federal government,” said Fry from inside the refuge. “There’s no way to beat this anymore. Liberty or death.”

    After more than an hour speaking with negotiators, Fry emerged from the refuge and entered the custody of authorities.

    “I heard hallelujahs from the SWAT team. I heard hallelujahs in unison from an entire building that was watching that, hoping to God they could get everybody out alive,” said Harney County sheriff Dave Ward.

    A video of the surrender has been uploaded on YouTube, and shows supporters of the protest coaxing Fry to come out of the refuge and give up to the police.

    Just hours before the protesters emptied the refuge, Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy was arrested in Portland. The 69-year-old Bundy, whose son Ammon spearheaded the Oregon standoff over cattle grazing rights, previously announced on Facebook that he was heading over to Burns, Oregon to join the militiamen.

    As a result of the Oregon standoff, the elder Bundy was charged with a slew of offenses, including assault on a federal officer, conspiracy, and other weapons-related counts.

    Before his Oregon standoff surrender, 27-year-old Fry admitted to authorities that he was having suicidal thoughts and allegedly even held a gun to his head. He was also said to have demanded pizza and marijuana, both of which were not granted.

  • Jodie Sweetin And The Struggles She Faced After ‘Full House’

    Jodie Sweetin, who is known for playing Stephanie Tanner in the beloved ‘90s sitcom Full House, is set to reprise her role in Netflix’s Fuller House.

    It has been more than 20 years since Sweetin appeared as Stephanie Tanner, and fans are wondering what happened to her after the classic sitcom ended. When Full House ended in 1995, Sweetin had just entered high school, but she continued to act in several TV shows and did voice acting as well.

    During those times, Sweetin had also faced alcohol and drug addiction. She chronicled her journey towards sobriety in her 2010 memoir unSweetined. Fortunately, she was able to clear her head after realizing that she was headed in the wrong path.

    “I got sober for good on December 7, 2008,” Jodie Sweetin wrote in her memoir. “From that day forward, I threw myself into going to AA … But life is good [now]. I’m happier than I can remember.”

    Since then, the actress has been able to focus again, and she is set to appear in the pilot episode of an upcoming TV series titled Strange Ones. She is also rumored to showcase her dancing skills on Dancing with the Stars Season 22.

    Speaking to Wetpaint about the Full House reboot, Candace Cameron Bure hinted that the younger Tanner is definitely prepping for the dance competition. Bure said she advised Jodie Sweetin to just “enjoy every minute” of the competition. She is confident that her co-star, whom she described as “not only a good dancer, but also a great person,” will win the hearts of the audience.

    The actress has been open about her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, in the past. Now that she is back on track, Jodie Sweetin is scheduled to speak on alcohol and drug recovery at the Nebraska Union Centennial Room on Thursday, February 11.