By Mark Gray
8:09am PDT, May 22, 2020
Video fallout
Hannah Brown sparked controversy after uttering the N-word in a social media video. The former "The Bachelorette" star was trying to remember a TikTok dance to DaBaby's "Rockstar" and sang a few words from the track, including the N-word. She apparently didn't realize it until followers started calling her out. She initially maintained that she didn't use the word, adding, "Even if I did accidentally say it, I'm very sorry, I was singing a song and not even thinking." On May 17, she issued a formal apology, telling fans, "There is no excuse and I will not justify what I said. I have read your messages and seen the hurt I have caused. I own it all. I am terribly sorry and know that whether in public or private, this language is unacceptable. I promise to do better" — but the damage was done in the eyes of many. Many Bachelor Nation stars sounded off. Former "The Bachelorette" Rachel Lindsay urged Hannah to "do yourself a favor and educate yourself on that word…" Ex-turned-friend Tyler Cameron wrote that "Rachel hit the nail on the head" but also insisted "this is not about dragging HB." Mike Johnson, who was on Hannah's season of the ABC show, said her use of the word was "unacceptable."
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Guilty pleas
Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli have admitted guilt in the college admissions scandal that's hung over their heads for more than a year. On May 21, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced that the couple had struck a deal with prosecutors and agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud (Mossimo also agree to plead guilty to honest services wire and mail fraud). They were scheduled to formally enter their pleas via videoconference on May 22. It's a major switch for the former "Full House" actress and her designer husband, who pleaded not guilty last year after they were arrested and accused of paying a $500,000 bribe to get their daughters into the University of Southern California as crew team recruits despite neither girl participating in the sport. Under the terms of the deal, which is subject to a judge's approval, Lori will serve two months in prison, pay a $150,000 fine and serve two years of supervised release as well as do 100 hours of community service. Mossimo, however, will serve five months behind bars, pay a $250,000 fine, serve two years of supervised release and complete 250 hours of community service. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there is a chance they could get house arrest.
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Health concern
Ryan Seacrest had fans worried after some speculated that he was suffering a stroke during the virtual season finale of "American Idol" on May 17. His rep quickly insisted that Ryan was fine and simply tired and overworked. Video from "Idol" seemed to show Ryan with one smaller and one swollen eye, and he was also slightly slurring his words — both can be signs of a stroke. Adding to the concern, Ryan did not appear on his show "Live With Kelly and Ryan" on May 18. But he was back to his morning routine on May 19 and subtly nodding to the concern, thanking his fans. "I want to thank Mark [Consuelos] for filling in yesterday," he said. "He's so good at it, also, all the very kind well-wishes for my exhaustion, working around the clock."
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Baby news
Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix are reportedly bound for parenthood. Page Six reported on May 18 that the couple is expecting a child in a few months. Although Rooney and Joaquin haven't confirmed the news, a recently snapped photo of the actress seems to show a growing baby bump.
Splitsville
Stick a fork in Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox's marriage. On May 18, Brian confirmed on his "…With Brian Austin Green" podcast that he and the actress have split after nearly 10 years of marriage and 15 years as a couple. The news came after she was pictured getting cozy with her "Midnight in the Switchgrass" co-star Machine Gun Kelly. Brian said there was a distance growing between him and his wife, with whom he shares three sons, and it only grew when she went off to film the movie last fall. When she returned, they voiced their concerns. "She said, 'I realized when I was out of the country working alone that I feel more like myself and I liked myself better during that experience and I think that might be something worth trying for me,'" he recalled. "We talked about it a little more and said, 'Let's separate for a bit…' and so we did." He later added, "Since the end of [2019], we've really been trying to be apart and figure out what life is now. It's a big change for both of us." Brian did leave the door open for a reconciliation, something that can't be ruled out based on their history: Meghan filed for divorce in 2015 only to reconcile with Brian the following year after falling pregnant with their third child.
Reality bites
And that's a wrap for Kristin Cavallari's latest reality TV show. In the midst of her divorce from former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler, Kristin announced that her E! show, "Very Cavallari," is ending. In an Instagram post on May 19, she wrote, "As I start this new chapter in my life, I have decided not to continue with 'Very Cavallari.' I've absolutely loved my time filming and am so grateful to E! Entertainment for making this journey possible. To the fans: I can't thank you enough for all your support and for keeping up with me all of these years. I love you guys." Incidentally, the same day as Kristin's announcement, her ex-BFF set the record straight on rumors that she and Jay had an affair. "I'm just gonna go ahead and put this out there, there was never an affair, I have nothing to do with their divorce and I am not dating Jay Cutler," Kelly Henderson said on celebrity divorce attorney Laura Wasser's "All's Fair" podcast, adding that she has a boyfriend.
"Downhill," but still fighting
Broadway star Nick Cordero's health appeared to be rebounding last week, as he'd finally woken up after being unconscious for nearly six weeks as he battled COVID-19 and related complications. However, on May 20, his wife, Amanda Kloots, shared an unfortunate update. "Nick has had a bad morning. Unfortunately things are going a little downhill at the moment so I am asking again for all the prayers, mega prayers right now," Amanda said in an emotional video in which she fought back tears. "Please cheer and please pray for Nick today, and I know that this virus is not going to get him down." She defiantly added, "It's not how his story ends, so just keep us in your thoughts and prayers today." The Tony-nominated actor has dealt with a slew of issues since arriving at the hospital on March 30 (including a leg amputation due to blood clots). Amanda didn't specify what his latest health complication was, but earlier in the day she said his left lung was having issues getting clear. On May 22, Amanda took to her Instagram Story to share the latest news on Nick's health "roller coaster" ride, saying that "it looks like we're on a step forward again."
On a break
Scott Disick and Sofia Richie are no longer together… at least for the time being. The news comes a few weeks after the reality TV star briefly checked himself into a Colorado rehab facility. "Scott and Sofia are on a break until Scott straightens himself out more," a source told Us Weekly in a story published May 21. "Scott is in an OK place right now and is trying to get better and focus on work, but he has to prove himself." There had been speculation that the duo split after the 21-year-old model was spotted with another man.
Food critic support
Chrissy Teigen is advocating for a woman who just weeks ago blasted her Cravings cooking brand. The New York Times food columnist Alison Roman was placed "on leave" on May 19 after criticizing Chrissy and Netflix star Marie Kondo in an interview. The comments, Chrissy said at the time, were "a huge bummer and hit me hard." Alison issued two public and at least one private apology to the model-cookbook author and Chrissy accepted the mea culpa and made it clear she wanted to move on in a series of tweets. But after Alison's column was shelved, some blamed Chrissy. "I very publicly forgave Alison and that was real," the model tweeted on May 20. "When I said I don't believe in being cancelled for your honest opinion, that was very real. I don't agree with what the NYT has done, I am not them. I didn't call them, I didn't write, and most of all, I'd like her back."
Winner, winner!
On May 20, former "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kandi Burruss became the first female winner of "The Masked Singer." For months, the former Xscape singer and songwriter secretly belted out tunes while disguised as Night Angel. Her identity was unmasked (literally) after she bested Turtle (Jesse McCartney) and Frog (Shad "Bow Wow" Moss). "For a long time, I really stopped singing by myself because you get negative feedback and so it kind of messes with your head," Kandi said after she took off her purple mask. "But thank you. So I had really stopped. And I just really appreciate you guys for helping me build my confidence back." Two of the four panelists correctly guessed it was Kandi before the unveiling. The finale is believed to have been taped in mid-March. "I finally can stop keeping secrets!!!!!" Kandi wrote on Instagram.
