This week has brought triumph and tears to some of your favorite celebrities. We’ve gathered some of the top entertainment news stories from December 13 – 18, 2021, to keep you updated on all the celebrity happenings.
Entertainment News: Love and Family
Kathie Lee Gifford is going to be a grandma! The former host of Live with Regis and Kathie Lee and TODAY announced her son, Cody Gifford, and his wife, Erika Brown, are expecting their first child together. She celebrated the news with an Instagram post honoring the parents-to-be.
It’s baby #2 for Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger. The couple took to social media to share their pregnancy news. This is their second baby together but a third for Pratt who also shares a son with his ex, Anna Faris (Mom).
Gold Star Accomplishments
Kim Kardashian shared good news with her fans. She passed the baby bar and is well on her way to becoming a full-fledged lawyer. The budding legal eagle admitted it took a few tries to pass the test but she’s confident moving forward.
Meghan Thee Stallion has a reason to celebrate. The Grammy-winning rapper donned a gown and cap and walked across the stage to accept her college degree. She attended Texas Southern University and now has a Bachelor of Science degree in health administration. She plans to fund an assisted living facility in her mother’s honor.
Also graduating is NFL receiver, Andrew Hawkins. He claimed his Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Columbia University. Hawkins was at the top of his class with a 4.0 GPA.
Crime and Punishment
The victims of Larry Nassar reached a settlement with the USA Gymnastics, the Olympic Committee, and their insurers. The bombshell 380 million dollar compensation plan has left USAG reeling. Reports state USAG is expected to claim bankruptcy as a result of the massive scandal. Read the details here.
A controversial ruling came down in the Ghislaine Maxwell trial. The courts decided against releasing the contents of the alleged child sex trafficker’s little black book and naming names. The case is still moving forward with the prosecution starting to call their witnesses on December 16.
Entertainment News: Illness and Injury
Sherri Shepherd (formerly of The View) was hospitalized this week. The star underwent emergency surgery after an appendicitis diagnosis. According to her reps, she is recovering and doing well. However, she did have to step away from her guest-hosting duties at The Wendy William’s show.
It’s a triple threat of Covid over at RHOBH. Production for the new season came to a screeching halt after Lisa Rinna, Erika Jayne, and Garcelle Beauvais tested positive for the illness. TMZ reports a crew member also fell ill. Thankfully everyone was vaccinated so the symptoms were mild and everyone is on the mend.
Celebrity Scandals
The Duggar family scandals proved to be too much for Jim Bob Duggar’s election campaign. The reality star dad lost his run for Arkansas State Senate during the primaries. In the past week his son, Josh Duggar was convicted of procuring and possessing child pornography and news broke of his daughter, Jana’s, September arrest for child endangerment.
Ben Affleck nearly broke the Internet after making headlines blaming his marriage to Jennifer Garner for his alcoholism. The actor claimed he felt trapped in the union and it led to him taking a dark and boozy path. Fans, foes, and the rest of the public gave him a harsh reality check about taking accountability for his own actions.
Home Alone star, Devin Ratray, who played Buzz McCallister in the films, is under scrutiny for his role in a domestic assault. He allegedly struck and attempted to strangle a woman during an altercation at Hyatt Hotel in Oklahoma City. Police are not pressing charges.
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Chris Noth made headlines several times this week. First when Mr. Big met an unfortunate end on the Sex and the City revival, ‘And Just Like That’, and again when his character was spotted in a Peloton commercial. Then, once more when sexual assault allegations came out against him. Two women came forward citing incidents stemming from 2004 and 2015. People Magazine has all the details.
Also in the news for bad behaving is Jeff Garlin. He was ousted from his role as Murry Goldberg on his hit show ‘The Goldbergs’ following several HR complaints about his conduct. According to reports, ABC and Garlin agreed to cut ties effective immediately.
Casting About
Shakira is taking her talents to NBC. The award-winning singer is partnering with the network for a new competition series ‘Dancing with Myself.’ Contestants will go through a series of weekly dance challenges until there is only one left dancing. Variety has all the details.
Wilmer Valderrama is set to become Don Diego de la Vega in ‘Zorro’. The series is in development at Disney branded Television and is a reimagining of the 1950’s show of the same name.
Entertainment News: In Memoriam
Iconic author Anne Rice passed away on December 11th. She rose to fame with her debut novel, ‘Interview with a Vampire’, and gained notoriety when the bestseller spawned the iconic film starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. She went on to write 35 other novels during her decades-long career.
The ‘King of Rancheras’ has died. Legendary Mexican entertainer, Vicente Fernández passed away on December 12th at 81 years old. The star rose to fame in a long career spanning decades and brought him three Grammy Awards, eight Latin Grammys, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A mystery was solved this week when Frank “Frankie” Little Jr’s remains were identified. The former O’Jay’s guitarist went missing almost 40 years ago — around the same time a body was found wrapped in a garbage bag after being stabbed to death. Sadly, it took nearly 40 years for the DNA match. TMZ has the full story.
Famed celebrity manager, Ken Kragen, passed away at 85 years old on December 14. He is well known for his time as Kenny Roger’s manager and was the person to organize the “We Are the World” charity single. He died of natural causes.
Critically acclaimed author bell hooks has passed away. The groundbreaking feminist writer, born Gloria Jean Watkins, was 69 at the time of her death. Her works include over 40 novels, numerous films, and a handful of praised children’s books.
90-Day Fiancé star Jason Hitch died on December 14 due to complications from Covid-19. He passed with family by his side in a Florida hospital ICU. His family reported he was not vaccinated and did not have pre-existing conditions. Jason was part of season 2 of the reality show.
Celebrated music producer, Flow La Movie and his family met a tragic end this week. Flow, his parent Debbie Von Marie Jiménez Garcia, and their four-year-old son, Jayden Hernandez, perished after their jet crashed. Eight others also lost their lives in the crash.
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