ICYMI: Celeb news for October 2018

By Mark Gray 8:26am PDT, Oct 29, 2018

Royal baby!

It was only a matter of time: Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are expecting a baby! Amid online speculation that Meghan was pregnant, Kensington Palace announced that the rumors were true on Oct. 15 just as the couple were kicking off a lengthy royal tour Down Under. The child is due in the spring of 2019. "Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public," the palace tweeted. A royals source told People magazine that Meghan had her 12-week scan and was "feeling well." The queen is "delighted for the couple," the royal family said. This will be the first child for Harry and Meghan, who got married in May. The child will be seventh in line to the throne.

Getting political

Taylor Swift had always remained silent about her political views throughout the course of her career, but that all changed in October, and everyone was talking about it. On Oct. 7, Taylor — who's registered to vote in Tennessee — said on Instagram that she would be voting for Democrats in the midterm election and explained why she'd selected certain candidates over others. Her endorsement riled the right. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee tweeted, "So @taylorswift13 has every right to be political but it won't impact election unless we allow 13 yr old girls to vote." President Trump told reporters, "Let's say that I like Taylor's music about 25 percent less now, OK?" Others, however, were elated. In her post, she urged fans to register to vote on vote.org. Well, after Taylor's post, the organization reported that nearly 65,000 people nationwide between the ages of 18 and 29 registered to vote after the post went up. The site also reported more than 40,000 people between the ages of 30 and 70+ registered during that time. To put that into context, vote.org said 190,178 new voters registered nationwide in the entire month of September, while just 56,669 signed on in August.

RELATED: Stars who got engaged in 2018

Married!

After a denial, it turns out that Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin are legally married after all. People magazine had been reporting for several weeks that the two had tied the knot at a New York City courthouse in September while other outlets believed the couple had only secured a marriage license. Hailey even tweeted that reports she was a wife were not true. Well, she is. TMZ reported on Oct. 2 that the couple indeed got married on Sept. 13 and they had a preacher there named Jeffrey Quinn. The couple's witness was Josh Mehl, a friend of Justin's who attends Churchome in Los Angeles. In addition, TMZ noted that the couple tied the knot without a prenuptial agreement in place (Justin is estimated to be worth $250 million while Hailey is reportedly worth a few million). Justin later called Hailey his wife during a visit to a Canadian museum and also told fans they were indeed married. The husband and wife plan to have a big religious ceremony in the future, reports indicate.

RELATED: Celeb weddings of 2018

MS reveal

Selma Blair announced on Instagram on Oct. 20 that she has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. "I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things," she said. " My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps. But we are doing it. And I laugh and I don't know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best." Her diagnosis came on Aug. 16, she said. "I am in the thick of it but I hope to give some hope to others. And even to myself. You can't get help unless you ask. It can be overwhelming in the beginning. You want to sleep. You always want to sleep. So I don't have answers. You see, I want to sleep," she said. "But I am a forthcoming person and I want my life to be full somehow. I want to play with my son again. I want to walk down the street and ride my horse. I have MS and I am ok." She estimated that she has had MS for 15 years. After her reveal, there was an outpouring of support from the entertainment industry. Selma's "Cruel Intentions" co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, wrote, "I love you, I'm proud of you, and there is nothing I wouldn't do for you." Neil Patrick Harris said, "Such a brave and honest thing to write. Sending thoughts and loving support." Shannen Doherty offered, "So proud of you and sending you some warrior strength and fierce love."

Baby joy

Kate Hudson and her boyfriend, Danny Fujikawa, welcomed a baby girl in Los Angeles on Oct. 2. "She's here," Kate wrote on Instagram, adding that they have named her Rani Rose Hudson Fujikawa. "We have decided to name our daughter Rani (pronounced Ronnie) after her grandfather, Ron Fujikawa. Ron was the most special man who we all miss dearly. To name her after him is an honor," Kate explained. "Everyone is doing well and happy as can be. Our family thanks you for all the love and blessings that have been sent our way and we send ours right back." This is Kate's third child though the first she shares with Danny.

Dating

Channing Tatum has a new woman in his life. The actor has been dating singer Jessie J for a couple months, Us Weekly reported in October. He was even recently spotted at her concerts in Seattle and Salt Lake City. A source told E! News that Channing and Jessie have been "hanging out a lot lately and he's excited about seeing her. She's on the road, but he is very interested in getting to know her and doesn't mind tagging along." A source told People magazine the relationship is "very new." Channing and Jenna Dewan announced their separation in April after nearly nine years of marriage. Jenna, People reported the same month, has been "on a few dates" since the separation. On Oct. 26, Jenna formally filed for divorce. Channing filed his response he same day, indicating that they are on the same page as they privately work out settlement details. Later that night, she was spotted kissing and dancing with a mystery man Us Weekly described as her "super handsome" new boyfriend.

Out of treatment, single again

After Ben Affleck completed a 40-day rehab stint, he headed to Montana for a getaway with 22-year-old model Shauna Sexton, who he'd been dating since August. Just days after the vacation, though, reports claimed that the two had split. On Oct. 10, People magazine said Ben and Shauna were no longer seeing each other. "There was nothing to split from as it has been casual," a source said. "He enjoyed being with her but is working on himself, and being together with her at this time is not something that works. He will date in the future, but for now his focus is on his sobriety, family and his next project." Shauna denied a split to other outlets but it appears they two are indeed done. Also in October, Ben and Jennifer Garner met with a private judge to finalize the details of their divorce. They're now just waiting for the court to sign off.

A boyfriend!

Jennifer Garner has finally moved on from Ben Affleck: On Oct. 24, Us Weekly reported that the actress has been dating businessman John Miller, the 40-year-old CEO of Cali Group, which owns Miso Robotics and a chain of about 50 CaliBurger restaurants. The father of two is also in the final stages of a divorce. "They've been together six months — and it's getting pretty serious," a source told Us. "Jen brings out the best in John, and he is the happiest he has probably ever been. It's a loving, healthy relationship," said a second insider. Another source insisted to People magazine that Jen and John are only "casually dating," that their relationship is "not serious" and that "he hasn't met her kids."

Getting deported

"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Joe Giudice will be deported back to his native Italy when his prison sentence is completed next year. On Oct. 10, a judge ruled that Joe, who was brought to America when he was a baby, can no longer stay in the United States following his incarceration for federal fraud crimes. He's currently serving a 41-month prison sentence. Wife Teresa Giudice was not in court when the judge handed down the decision. Joe has until Nov. 10 to appeal. Multiple reports indicated that Joe begged the judge to let him stay in America for the sake of his four kids, but the judge didn't go along with it. On Instagram, Joe's eldest daughter Gia urged her dad to "fight" while Teresa and others have vowed to support his appeal.

Dunzo

It's over. Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson broke up and called off their engagement. TMZ reported on Oct. 14 although the decision to split was mutual, Ariana was the one who ultimately decided to end things. The couple famously got engaged in June just after a few weeks of dating. "It was way too much too soon," a source told People. "It's not shocking to anyone." TMZ reported that the death of Mac Miller, Ariana's ex, was a "life-changing fork in the road" for the duo and "the tipping point that led to their split." Ariana, the website said, "was in an incredibly dark place following her ex-boyfriend's apparent fatal overdose. She didn't blame herself — she feels she did everything she could to get him sober — but it left her an emotional wreck." After the death, Ariana realized that "she couldn't be fully invested in her relationship with Pete, and she had rushed into a looming marriage way too fast by getting engaged," the report indicated. Interestingly enough, just hours before the split report, Ariana was spotted at "Saturday Night Live" supporting Pete. Pete reportedly still hopes they might reconcile.

Seeking treatment

Selena Gomez is receiving mental health treatment after suffering from an "emotional breakdown" following two hospitalizations related to her 2017 kidney transplant, TMZ reported on Oct. 10. TMZ reported that Selena was hospitalized first in late September after she had an "alarmingly low white blood cell count." Then, during the first week of October, she was again hospitalized for the same reason. During that stay, she had "a meltdown" and "freaked out" and "tried ripping the IVs out of her arm," TMZ claimed. The singer then went to a psychiatric facility where she's receiving dialectical behavior therapy, the report said. A source told People magazine that Selena has had a "tough" few weeks.

Arrested

Rapper Cardi B was arrested on Oct. 1 and charged in connection with an assault at a strip club in August. Police allege that Cardi was involved in an incident at Angels New York City. She's alleged to have ordered an attack on two bartenders, one of whom Cardi apparently believed slept with her husband, Offset. Cardi was charged with two misdemeanors, assault and reckless endangerment. The bartenders' attorney, Joe Tacopina, said, "She continues to threaten them and clearly thinks her celebrity status is going to get her out of this. But it doesn't matter if her name is Cardi B or Carl B… if she commits violent assaults, she will be brought to justice."

Not so "Super"

Rihanna decided to stay on the sidelines after a call from the NFL. Reports surfaced on Oct. 18 claiming that RiRi declined an offer to headline the Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show because she "supports Colin Kaepernick," a source told Us Weekly. "The NFL and CBS really wanted Rihanna to be next year's performer in Atlanta," the source said. "They offered it to her, but she said no because of the kneeling controversy. She doesn't agree with the NFL's stance." Colin, of course, was the first player to kneel during a national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. Because of that, Colin has become a lightning rod of controversy and remains out of work in the NFL, despite nearly all football experts agreeing that he's talented enough to be on a pro roster again. Pink also reportedly turned down the gig after negotiations broke down. The halftime gig has reportedly been offered to Maroon 5.

Assault or alcohol?

"Teen Mom 2" star Jenelle Evans was hospitalized in mid-October, but the events that led to her needing medical treatment aren't totally clear. A website called The Ashley's Reality Roundup reported that two deputies and an ambulance responded to the home that Jenelle shares with her husband, David Eason, on Oct. 13. Authorities said the 911 call was called in "as an assault," and, although they initially didn't confirm that Jenelle actually made the call, police said the caller was female. When cops arrived at her North Carolina home, Jenelle allegedly canceled the ambulance and no legal action was taken. Jenelle's rep said the TV star tripped and fell near a bonfire that they had put together for a party. On Oct. 19, a recording of the 911 call was released, which confirmed Jenelle was the caller. She claimed David assaulted her and pinned her to the ground. She also indicated that her collarbone was injured. A few hours after the call was released, Jenelle told E! News the whole thing was a "drunk and dramatic misunderstanding." She added, "Everything is great… We are totally fine… We are feeling fine. Just taking time off social media… time to focus on ourselves and our family."

Assault allegations

In her new book released in October, Busy Philipps claimed that James Franco was a "bully" who assaulted her on the set of their show "Freaks and Geeks" when they were teenagers. The actress, who detailed the incident in "This Will Only Hurt a Little," has since said she's "bummed" the media turned it into clickbait since she's repeatedly said she and the actor have worked through their issues. The incident happened when they were supposed to film a scene in which Busy nudged him in the chest. She did, but rather than James acting out the rest of the scene, he got angry, she said. "He grabbed both my arms and screamed in my face, 'DON'T EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN!'" she wrote in the book, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "And he threw me to the ground. Flat on my back. Wind knocked out of me." She told Andy Cohen in 2016 that the two have spoken over the years and have since made amends.

Behind bars

Former rap mogul Suge Knight will be locked up for long time. On Oct. 4, the Death Row Records legend was formally sentenced in a Los Angeles courtroom for fatally driving over a man named Terry Carter in 2015. Before a judge handed down the 28-year sentence — which didn't come as a surprise given a plea deal Suge struck last month — Terry's family read victim impact statements. While he was being led away, Suge stared at the court's gallery. He got credit for time served and, due to overcrowding, there are reports that suggest Suge, 53, could be out in about 10 years.

Splitsville

Diddy and longtime girlfriend Cassie have split up after 11 years together, and a report alleged that the rapper and business mogul had already moved on with a young model. The Shade Room quoted a source on Oct. 17 indicating that Diddy and Cassie "have been broken up for months now." As word spread, Diddy was linked to 26-year-old model Jocelyn Chew.