By Mark Gray
8:35am PDT, Oct 6, 2017
Heartbreaking fertility struggle
Gabrielle Union has been fighting a heartbreaking battle with her body: She's been trying to get pregnant for years. "I have had eight or nine miscarriages," she writes in her new book, "We're Going to Need More Wine," as revealed in an excerpt published by People on Oct. 4. She further explains, "For three years, my body has been a prisoner of trying to get pregnant — I've either been about to go into an IVF cycle, in the middle of an IVF cycle, or coming out of an IVF cycle." The actress has previously spoken about IVF, but she only now revealed the depth of her struggles to start a family with her husband, NBA star Dwyane Wade.
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#VegasStrong
Celebrities from all walks of life stepped up to support Las Vegas all week in the wake of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on Oct. 1 that claimed the lives of 58 people. Country duo Florida Georgia Line, the Chainsmokers and Kid Rock donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe account set up for the victim's families. Hoda Kotb pitched in $1,000. Others like Jennifer Lopez and Ellen DeGeneres urged people to donate blood. Late night host Jimmy Kimmel, a Las Vegas native, used his platform to call for gun control. "Tell your congresspeople to do something," he said. "It's not enough to send your love and prayers." Celine Dion returned to her Las Vegas stage on Oct. 3, less than 48 hours after the attack, and gave a touching tribute to the victims and survivors. "On Sunday we lost too many beautiful, innocent souls, and so many are still suffering. But tonight we're going to let these families know that we are supporting them and that we will help them through their tragic loss," she said, dedicating the show to those affected and the first responders. She donated all the profits from that show to victim's families. Celine stood on stage with #VegasStrong signs on the big screen next to her.
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R.I.P.
Tom Petty, a rock icon whose career spanned five decades, died on Oct. 2. He was 66. There was much confusion throughout the day as several mainstream publications reported that Tom had passed, when he apparently hadn't. In the early afternoon, TMZ said he was "clinging to life," but "not expected to live through the day." That evening, his longtime manager shared the sad news on Tom's official Twitter page. "On behalf of the Tom Petty family, we are devastated to announce the untimely death of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend Tom Petty. He suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu in the early hours of this morning and was taken to UCLA Medical Center but could not be revived. He died peacefully at 8:40 p.m. PT surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends."
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"SATC" feud
Meow! We all know by now that there will not be another installment of "Sex and the City" (at least not one with the original four female stars). Last week, there were reports that Kim Cattrall had all but buried the project because of "diva demands." After that, Sarah Jessica Parker confirmed there would be no three-quel, telling "Extra," "It's over… we're not doing it." Now, Kim is coming after SJP. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Kim said, "It's quite extraordinary to get any kind of negative press about something that I've been saying ['no' to] for almost a year … that I'm demanding or a diva." She added, "And this is really where I take to task the people from 'Sex and the City' and, specifically, Sarah Jessica Parker in that I think she could have been nicer." She then doubled down on her stance, saying she's not interested in another "SATC" film. "The answer was always no, and a respectful, firm, no," she said. "I never asked for any money. I never asked for any projects. To be thought of as some kind of diva is absolutely ridiculous."
Canceled concerts in wake of mass shooting
Jason Aldean canceled three concerts, all in California, following the mass shooting in Las Vegas on Oct. 1. Jason was on stage when the shooting began and he, like so many others, ran for safety. Just after the shooting, he took to social media to tell fans, "Tonight has been beyond horrific." The following day, he again took to Instagram, this time posting a photo of Las Vegas. He wrote, "Over the last 24 hrs I have gone through lots of emotions. Fear, Anger, Heartache, Compassion and many others. I truly don't understand why a person would want to take the life of another. Something has changed in this country and in this world lately that is scary to see. This world is becoming the kind of place i am afraid to raise my children in. At the end of the day we aren't Democrats or Republicans, Whites or Blacks, Men or Women. We are all humans and we are all Americans and it's time to start acting like it and stand together as ONE! That is the only way we will ever get this Country to be better than it has ever been, but we have a long way to go and we have to start now. My heart aches for the Victims and their families of this Senseless act. I am so sorry for the hurt and pain everyone is feeling right now and there are no words i can say to to take that pain away. Just know u all are in my heart and my prayers as we all go through this together. Time to come together and stop the hate! #stopthehate #prayforlasvegas." On Oct. 3, he announced that he was canceling his next three shows. "I feel like out of respect for the victims, their families and our fans, it is the right thing to do," he said.
New romance
Sam Smith has a new love in his life. The singer was photographed kissing Brandon Flynn, one of the stars of "13 Reasons Why," in New York City on Oct. 3. Sam and Brandon also held hands and engaged in PDA as they walked around Greenwich Village. This is the first time they've been spotted in public together.
No blessing from Dad
Things are really heating up between Scott Disick, 34, and his 19-year-old girlfriend, Sofia Richie… and it sure sounds like her famous dad hasn't given the relationship his blessing. Us Weekly asked Lionel Richie how he felt about the romance. "Have I been in shock?! I'm the dad, come on," he said in an Oct. 4 story. "I'm scared to death, are you kidding me?" Last month, Scott and Sofia confirmed their romance. The two have been linked since May, but denied they were dating. But Sofia no longer hides it and often posts images of herself and Scott on Instagram. People magazine said she refers to him as her "boyfriend." A source added, "Scott likes having her around — she isn't a wild party animal."
Divorce
"Hot felon" Jeremy Meeks wants to be single… at least legally speaking. The convict-turned-model has officially filed for divorce from his wife of eight years, Melissa Meeks. He's requesting joint legal and physical custody of their 7-year-old son, Jeremy Jr., TMZ reported on Oct. 5. In July, Jeremy filed for separation after he was photographed kissing Topshop heiress Chloe Green in the ocean in Turkey. He and Chloe have been inseparable ever since.
Baby joy
Jason Biggs is a father again. On Oct. 2, the "American Pie" actor and his wife, Jenny Mollen, welcomed their second son. "Lazlo Biggs coming in hot! #babybiggs," she captioned an Instagram photo of their little one on Oct. 5. Jason posted a different picture. "Lazlo Biggs. He is amazing and @jennyandteets2 is my hero. Sid and Lazlo and I are so lucky she is our mama/wifey," he wrote. The couple are also parents to 3-year-old son Sid.
Neighbor dispute
The feud between Kathy Griffin and her next-door neighbor is continuing and ramping up. Kathy has been battling with Jeffrey Mezger, the CEO of KB Homes, and even requested a restraining order against him last month. On Oct. 4, it was Jeffrey's turn to take legal action, as he filed for a temporary restraining order, and a hearing is set for next week. In late September, the controversial comedian and boyfriend Randy Bick both sought restraining orders against Jeffrey and wife Sandra following a verbally volatile incident: The CEO was recorded screaming obscenities and profanity at the couple on Sept. 16. "I've done enough to be a nice neighbor," he yells at one point, adding that "war's happening."
