By Mark Gray
9:21am PDT, Apr 26, 2019
Her big announcement
Following a mysterious 13-day countdown on social media, Taylor Swift revealed her big news at midnight on April 26 when she dropped a new song titled "ME!" as well as a video for the track, which also features Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco. Hours later, Taylor took to Instagram to confirm something she hints at in the video: She has a new cat! The male furball joins her beloved female felines, Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey.
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Spousal support request
Pay up! Although Nicolas Cage was only married to Erika Koike for four days in March — he's seeking an annulment — she thinks he owes her, and she's asking for spousal support. Erika's request came in her response to the annulment filing, in which she claims her reputation has been damaged by Nic's comments and that she's lost out on career opportunities. Nic claims the marriage was based on fraud, which she says isn't true. She even alleges that the actor wanted to rekindle things with her two weeks after filing for the annulment.
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Hospitalized
"Storage Wars" star Barry Weiss was hospitalized on April 24 after being involved in a serious motorcycle accident. He was taken to the intensive care unit with several broken bones and other internal injuries. TMZ, citing law enforcement officials, said the accident occurred while the reality TV star was out on a motorcycle ride with a friend in Los Angeles. While in a parking lot, a car allegedly pulled out of a parking space without looking and slammed into both Barry and his friend. Both men went down. Police said drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the accident.
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Britney heads home
Britney Spears was released from a mental health facility on April 25 after a 30-day stay. Prior to heading home, the pop star addressed her situation on social media, telling her fans on April 23, "All is well. My family has been going through a lot of stress and anxiety lately, so I just needed time to deal. But don't worry, I'll be back very soon." In her caption, Britney addressed the unsubstantiated rumors that she was in the treatment facility against her will. "Things that are being said have just gotten out of control!!!… I am trying to take a moment for myself, but everything that's happening is just making it harder for me, Don't believe everything you read and hear," she wrote. "My situation is unique, but I promise I'm doing what's best at this moment." Her comments came after her boyfriend, Sam Asghari, says she is doing "amazing."
Moving?
Could Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan really be relocating to Africa? On Easter, Britain's The Sunday Times claimed that plans were afoot that could see the royal couple moving to Africa after the upcoming birth of their first child — for a few years. The move would be part of a "major international role" being devised by the "rock star" royals. Reports also claimed it would put some needed distance between Harry and brother Prince William, whose relationship has been strained. A later report from Harper's Bazaar, however, insisted that there's no chance the pair would move away for a few years. "Britain is their home and where they want to raise their family," a friend of the couple explained. "If they are to work abroad it would be a short stint." As the reports picked up steam, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, "Any future plans for The Duke & Duchess are speculative at his stage. No decisions have been taken about future roles."
In a coma?
Was John Singleton's stroke worse than first reported? The famed director suffered a stroke on April 17, but initial reports claimed it was "mild." However, on April 25, John's mother, Sheila Ward, filed court documents saying that he'd "suffered a major stroke" in an attempt to be named as his conservator so she can "make all medical decisions." She stated in the court filing that John is in a coma and "unable to provide for his personal needs." Sheila added that John would face a "substantial financial loss" if the conservator is not named fast. However, on April 16, John's daughter Cleopatra said her father is recovering and not in a coma. Cleopatra said Sheila is up to no good and wants to liquidate John's assets and leave his four kids with nothing. Cleopatra, a sophomore in college, said her dad is breathing on his own but in a "medically sedated state."
Knowledge is key
In regards to their role in this spring's college admissions cheating scandal, Lori Loughlin and husband Mossimo Giannulli will claim that they didn't know what they were doing was illegal, according to reports. TMZ reported that the couple's team believes they have a solid defense in their claim that Rick Singer, the mastermind of the scandal, did not tell them how he would use the $500,000. Knowledge and intent are key elements to proving bribery. People magazine said the couple believed that their actions were comparable to parents donating to alumni associations or consultants. "You read the complaint and they look like criminal masterminds," a source told the mag. "But they really didn't know the legalities of what was going on. They're not lawyers and they're not experts. They were parents who simply wanted to make sure that their daughters got into a good school."
Lawsuit dropped
Luann de Lesseps' ex-husband and their children have dropped their lawsuit against her. Last summer, Luann's ex, Alexandre de Lesseps, and their two kids, Noel and Victoria, filed a lawsuit claiming she broke a stipulation in her 2009 divorce settlement that called for her to create a trust for their children with money made from the sale of a house. Why the lawsuit was dropped isn't known. While appearing on "Watch What Happens Live" on April 24, Luann said, "Everything's great. Everything's great with my kids."
Baby bliss
Tamron Hall is a mom. The TV news veteran announced on social media on April 25 that she and her husband, music executive Steven Greener, had welcomed a baby boy they named Moses. "Moses & Mama!! I can't wait to introduce y'all to my #sonshine," she captioned a photo of herself cradling her little one. She added, "Photo credit: Dad who can't stop crying tears of joy. Thank y'all for the love and support. It got us here." The 48-year-old former "Today" co-host announced her pregnancy — and secret marriage — in early March. "I've wanted to share this news for many months and now finally my doctor has said I am in a safe place, at 32 weeks, to share my joy with y'all," she wrote on Instagram at the time. "There have been many tears, but today I embrace the smiles."
Dropped after DUI charge
Michael Madsen was formally charged with DUI following his arrest last month after he crashed his Land Rover into a pole. The charge has now affected the veteran actor's pocketbook: He was let go from the upcoming flick "Chronicle of a Serial Killer," a film that would have earned him $100,000. According to TMZ, when the actor was arrested last month, his blood alcohol level was .10, meaning he was legally drunk. Being that this is Michael's second DUI within 10 years, he could face up to a year in jail if he's convicted.
