Amanda Batula Is Not The Victim (Even If West Wilson Sucks)

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Summer House ended its tenth season with explosive, messy drama.

It drew a lot of eyes to the Bravo series. It drew a lot of condemnation towards the controversial couple who betrayed their friends and kept their entanglement secret for as long as possible.

Actually, West Wilson got most of the blame.

Is Amanda Batula the victim of a manipulative love-bomber? Not really.

Amanda Batula attends Bravo’s “Summer House” Season 10 at 92NY on January 28, 2026. (Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Is she the victim here?

In the bitter aftermath of Summer House Season 10, Batula turned to Lindsay Hubbard — one of the friends still speaking to her — for comfort.

“I’ve made some poor decisions, but … I was in such a s–tty relationship,” Batula insisted.

The relationship in question was her marriage to Kyle Cooke. The two only separated in January, by the way.

“I just wasn’t me anymore,” Batula protested. “And going out [with West], I felt just … fun again.”

Feigning introspection, she claimed: “I think maybe I confused going out with West and falling in love with myself again.”

Batula continued, claiming that West was texting and “pursuing” her to hang out.

She says that she mostly refused … until her separation from Cooke, that is. Then, she went out with him instead of staying at home.

Hubbard was super sympathetic, believing that West manipulated Batula when she was at a low point.

Batula expressed feelings of being overwhelmed and overpowered because West seemed to really care about her, bombarding her with attention when she felt “unloveable.”

Some on the internet have sided with Batula, believing that West love-bombed her. But is that really what happened?

Ciara Miller is the ACTUAL victim, here

Look, there are certainly reasons to believe that Batula wasn’t in a good place, mentally or emotionally.

After all, she and Cooke apparently didn’t have sex during their marriage. They were married for years, by the way.

But the amount of sympathy being channeled by viewers in Batula’s direction is way out of proportion. Especially when compared to how some have chosen to view Ciara Miller.

Ciara has been called “too harsh” and “mean” for confronting her former best friend on the reunion stage.

She showed passion and heartbreak and emotion. Batula also cried, but not over her fallen friendship.

On the stage, Batula cried when she felt humiliated over Wilson being with Meija Moreno when the two of them first hooked up. She even left the stage.

This was about her — her image, her feelings, her sense of worth.

Meanwhile, when anyone, from her castmates to host Andy Cohen, tried to challenge her for being a bad friend, she’d try to wriggle out of the conversation or swap topics or churn out more excuses.

Batula wasn’t friendless when West hit her up. She turned down partying with friends because hooking up with West made her feel good, and because it’s what she wanted to do.

Now she’s, if not friendless, sporting fewer than she was just a few months ago. Betraying your best friend for a man is just not a good look, and it makes you the bad guy.

Yes, even if the man you betrayed her for is even worse.

Amanda Batula Is Not The Victim (Even If West Wilson Sucks) was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Karl-Anthony Towns Says Fiancee Jordyn Woods Was Not Happy About Knicks Owners’s …

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Midtown Manhattan is at a standstill today, thanks to a parade celebrating the New York Knicks’ first championship in 53 years!

For obvious reasons, the team’s biggest stars, including Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, have been anointed the new kings of the city.

But as Towns’ and his fiancee, socialite Jordyn Woods, can attest, the spoils of victory came at a tremendous price.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods attend the “Highest 2 Lowest” New York Premiere at Brooklyn Academy of Music on August 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

In a recent interview, Towns discussed a controversial speech delivered by Knicks owner James Dolan.

Dolan suggested that his players might want to take after the ancient Spartans and abstain from sex during the season.

Not surprisingly, this suggestion didn’t sit well with several members of the Knicks roster.

“I will definitely say, when I came home, and I told my fiancée what he said, she didn’t like to hear that one,” Towns shared on “The Howard Stern Show” this week.

Asked by Stern if he and Jordyn adhered to the new rule, Towns kept things PG, saying, “I would say she’s very happy.”

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A post shared by HEIR JORDYN (@jordynwoods)

Dolan’s … unusual suggestion to his players was first revealed on Brunson and Josh Hart’s “Roommates” podcast.

“You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks, but like Spartans — do you know what Spartans are? They denied themselves so that they could have an edge. Get the edge,” Dolan said, adding:

“Go home, talk to your wives,” Dolan said. “Don’t tell them you’re not going to have sex, and don’t tell them it was my idea.”

“But let them know what this is going to be like, what your commitment is going to be like, and how they’re going to have to sacrifice too.”

Thankfully, Karl didn’t take the advice to heart. He and Jordyn got engaged earlier this year, and she paid loving tribute to her lanky boo after the Knicks polished off the San Antonio Spurs four games to one in the NBA Finals:

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“To my soon-to-be husband and best friend: you did it. I couldn’t be more proud of you,” she wrote, adding:

“Watching the humility you’ve carried through every high and low, the way you put your faith before everything else, the sacrifices you’ve made, and the joy you’ve brought to every moment has been so inspiring. No ego. Just hard work, gratitude, and an unwavering belief.

“What a journey this has been for us. You always said, ‘When I get my ring, I’ll get you yours,’ and somehow it happened exactly that way. Two rings in one year.”

It’s gonna be hard to top 2026. But something tells us Jordyn and Karl will keep trying.

Karl-Anthony Towns Says Fiancee Jordyn Woods Was Not Happy About Knicks Owners’s … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Chrissy Teigen Ignites Backlash with Funeral Pics After Dad Died

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John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are mourning her father.

After his sudden passing earlier this month, she eventually shared a few photos from his funeral.

The backlash and overall discourse has been pretty intense.

Chrissy has shared a lot of low moments before. But why would she post this?

Chrissy Teigen attends the 2026 Gold Gala at The Music Center on May 09, 2026. (Photo Credit: Brianna Bryson/WireImage)

Oversharing or just sharing her grief?

On June 9, Ron Teigen abruptly passed away.

The following week, on June 16, 40-year-old Chrissy shared Instagram Story photos of his funeral.

She and John share four children. Their eldest daughter is named Luna.

One photo showed Chrissy and John and Luna together, seated on the floor in front of the casket, photographed from behind.

The social media influencer did not opt to include audio or text in her pics. She didn’t really have to.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend at her father's funeral.

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— fanana hammock (@fananahammock.bsky.social) June 18, 2026 at 8:48 AM

Critics across social media were quick to slew criticism at the grieving mother of four.

“She has to make every tragic event in her life a photo op. It’s the only way to keep herself relevant,” accused one.

Another evoked Erika Kirk’s performative grief, accusing Chrissy of acting “a little kirky.” That’s really harsh.

“This is a private moment. Why did she post this?” asked another.

“I know that people in the public eye are used to being photographed all the time but something like this should be private,” opined another, more nuanced critic.

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A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen)

Others rode to her defense, however

“People grieve differently & not up to your expectations,” argued a commenter.

Just because most of us do not share Chrissy’s platform or audience doesn’t mean that others don’t relate to her showcasing her low moments.

“If I could’ve taken a photo next my dad’s casket and had a way for the whole world to know his name, know how much he mattered and was loved, I definitely would’ve done it,” the comment continued.

Others have noted that Chrissy has a history of showing her lowest moments.

This has included her sobriety journey, her shame at some of her actions while under the influence, and even simple inconveniences.

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A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen)

What we need to remember in this moment is that Chrissy has a massive audience of social media followers across multiple platforms.

Even though she’s 40 now and obviously strikes a different tone than she did when she was drunk and 30, a lot of people see every post as an invitation to share their “feedback.”

Also, and we apologize if this is news to anyone, but a lot of people on social media are mean and critical for no reason.

It’s trite to say it, but people grieve in their own ways. Some people are very public. Others are private. There’s a broad spectrum.

Chrissy’s just sharing a piece of her grief with the world. Others who have abruptly lost close relatives can likely relate, and know that they are not alone.

Chrissy Teigen Ignites Backlash with Funeral Pics After Dad Died was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Daveigh Chase: Video Shows Actress Emaciated, Homeless Before Death

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On Wednesday, we reported the shocking news that Daveigh Chase had passed away.

The actress — who was best known for her work in films like The Ring, Lilo & Stitch, and Donnie Darko — was just 35 years old.

Little is known about the circumstances of her death, but a man claiming to be Daveigh’s boyfriend (more on that later) says she passed away after battling meningitis and a blood infection.

Actress Daveigh Chase arrives at HBO’s ‘Big Love’ Season 5 premiere at Directors Guild of America on January 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Chase had not appeared in film or on television since 2016.

And after a 2018 arrest for drug possession, she announced that she had decided to quit acting entirely.

In the years since, Daveigh was largely forgotten by the public — but not by her loved ones.

Upon learning that she was homeless and living in Los Angeles’ notorious Skid Row neighborhood, Chase’s manager, John Ryan, and her stepsister, Gaia Brown, hired a private investigator to track her down.

Ryan tells Page Six that he spoke to Chase on the phone, but was unable to locate her.

However, the search did turn up a video of Daveigh in which she appears to be badly emaciated.

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A post shared by Daveigh (@daveighc)

Ryan says the plan was to get Chase to a rehab facility in Costa Rica owned by a friend he knew.

“We were so close to finding her,” he told Page Six. “Daveigh was the sweetest and brightest light in Hollywood. I can’t believe this is real. Her legacy and work will live on forever.”

Sadly, the controversy surrounding Chase’s final days continues, as there are concerns about a GoFundMe page set up by Hernandez, who claims that he had been in a romantic relationship with Chase since 2019.

According to Page Six, Chase’s family and close friends say they do not know who Hernandez is.

“A man claiming to be Daveigh’s boyfriend has launched a GoFundMe page purportedly on behalf of Daveigh and her family. Neither her family nor her close friends know who this person is.”

“After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA. When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved. Together, we found moments of happiness and hope,” Hernandez wrote on the GoFundMe page, adding:

“All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days.

“I understand we all go through things, but if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything. And if you can only give a prayer, I will take that too. Thank you for considering helping us during this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, details of Chase’s tragically short life continue to resurface, including a heartbreaking interview she gave in 2009.

“I just want to make something that I love and people will respect,” the actress told Interview magazine at the time.

“I want to do things that will change someone’s life, not something they’ll forget about tomorrow.”

Daveigh Chase: Video Shows Actress Emaciated, Homeless Before Death was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Collin Gosselin Shades Kate, Praises ‘Real Mom’ with Memoir News

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Kate Gosselin has been called out by parenting experts, child advocates, animal rights advocates, and more.

Most of all, she’s been exposed by her estranged son, Collin Gosselin.

Now, he’s written a tell-all memoir with a fast-approaching release date.

Alongside the welcome book news, he’s praising his real mom — and shading Kate.

Kate Gosselin of the television show “Kate Plus Date speaks during the HGTV segment of the 2019 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour. (Photo Credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

‘To my real mom’

“This is not a story for entertainment,” Collin announced on Instagram on Wednesday, June 17.

“It is a story to instill responsibility in everyone to advocate and speak up against abuse, injustice, and the exploitation of children,” he emphasized.

“I not only poured my heart into this book for my younger self,” he wrote, “but for ALL who have faced unfair and outright heinous acts as children.”

Collin affirmed: “I am your voice. I stand with you.”

He also had words to share about Colleen Conrad, the woman who was his father’s partner for years — including when he was finally freed from the institution to which Kate had condemned him.

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A post shared by Collin Gosselin (@collingosselin1)

“I didn’t plan this at all,” Collin wrote in a follow-up post. “But coincidentally on the day of the official announcement of my book, it is Colleen’s birthday.”

He praised: “She is the strongest woman I know, who stepped in at the toughest part of my life and CHOSE to be a mother to me.”

Collin continued: “Happy birthday to my wonderful, hardworking, passionate, and I could go on… to my real mom.”

He gushed: “I love you so much.”

Colleen was at Collin’s graduation, even after her split from Jon. She has also defended him publicly after Kate’s vicious statements.

On Instagram, Collin Gosselin and Colleen Conrad shared their familial bond — something that his birth mother likely could never understand. (Image Credit: Instagram)

‘The love you feel for a mom that chose you is something so powerful’

In the comments, Collin continued:

“The love you feel for a mom you were given is incredible. But the love you feel for a mom that CHOSE you is something so powerful,” he wrote.

Collin wrote: “I am so fortunate @colleen.conrad122 I love you so much.”

Colleen herself commented: “This made me cry and yes I would sing it you, Jesse, and Jordan!” This was in reference to Rascal Flats.

“That is my wish!” Colleen gushed. “I’ll always be here for you and you are my son. I love you!”

As Collin Gosselin shares his painful personal story in a memoir, he knows that there are millions of other children who have suffered in their own ways. (Image Credit: Instagram)

“I got the best birthday present today,” Colleen gushed on her own Instagram page.

“Collin’s book finally came out,” she wrote. Okay, that’s a few months premature, but you get the idea.

“His story is finally becoming a reality and I am so incredibly proud of him for all the hard work that he put into this and having the courage to write it,” Colleen praised.

She boosted: “Any one that would like like to read what he went through pre-orders are available.”

It’s wonderful that Collin found actual love and emotional support after his childhood. And it’s great that he’s able to tell his story.

Collin Gosselin Shades Kate, Praises ‘Real Mom’ with Memoir News was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Daveigh Chase Cause of Death: ‘The Ring,’ ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ …

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We have tragic news to report out of Hollywood today:

Daveigh Chase — the gifted actress who wowed audiences in films like The Ring, Donnie Darko, and Lilo & Stitch — has passed away.

She was just 35 years old.

Actress Daveigh Chase arrives at the official launch party for the most anticipated video game of the year, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, at the Belasco Theatre on November 8, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Getty Images for Bethesda)

News of Chase’s death comes courtesy of Chase’s boyfriend, Ray Hernandez, who also confirmed her cause of death in a statement to TMZ:

“Daveigh died Tuesday from meningitis and an infection in her blood, which caused her to have septic issues and led to her body shutting down,” Hernandez told the outlet.

Insiders report that Chase had been hospitalized earlier this month for malnutrition.

In addition to her work on screen, Chase was also one of Hollywood’s most highly regarded voice actors.

In addition to voicing one of the title characters in Lilo & Stitch, she starred as Chihiro in the English-language version of the Japanese animated classic Spirited Away.

Chase also racked up dozens of television credits over the course of her career, appearing on hit shows like ER and Big Love, where she played Rhonda Volmer in 32 episodes.

Across social media today, family, friends, and a legion of adoring fans are paying tribute to a star taken much, much too soon:

“I hope her family finds peace knowing that she isn’t suffering now. Meningitis and blood infection isn’t easy. Sending positive vibes,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

“If this heartbreaking news is true, may Daveigh Chase be remembered not just for the characters she brought to life, but for the impact her work had on millions who grew up watching it,” another chimed in, adding:

“Life is painfully fragile. Cherish the people you love while you still can.”

A third user referenced the recent deaths of singer Oliver Tree and Love Island producer James Barker, noting that June has been an unusually tragic month in the entertainment industry:

“Seems like we lost a lot of stars this month. Gaspi and Oliver, the Brazil girl, James Barker and so on. So sad about this. May her soul rest in peace and her family comforted,” they wrote.

Our condolences go out to Daveigh Chase’s loved ones during this enormously difficult time.

We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.

Daveigh Chase Cause of Death: ‘The Ring,’ ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Luigi Mangione Pursing ‘Extreme Emotional Disturbance’ Defense: What Does It …

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Accused murderer and confirmed folk hero Luigi Mangione appeared in court again this week.

His attorneys revealed that they intend to put forward an affirmative defense: Extreme Emotional Disturbance.

If successful, Luigi could potentially be convicted and get out in his early 30s.

But it’s possible that this is a gambit to put UnitedHealthCare on trial. If so, he might get out even sooner.

Luigi Mangione departs Manhattan Criminal Court on December 23, 2024. (Photo Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

What is Extreme Emotional Disturbance?

On Wednesday, June 17, Luigi appeared in court alongside his attorneys.

There, his lawyers told the judge that he hopes to use an unusual but familiar defense at his trial: Extreme Emotional Disturbance.

Simply put, an EED defense is an affirmative defense, in which a defendant says that they committed an act during an altered state of consciousness.

This would mean that Luigi (allegedly) committed an act of voluntary manslaughter.

If the jury agrees with the defense’s case, this would mean a conviction — and a minimum sentence of five years. (The maximum sentence would be more like 25 years.)

Assuming that the judge permits this defense strategy, this would play out in court by effectively putting UnitedHealthCare on trial.

The core argument would be that the company’s egregious conduct prompted Luigi to have a psychological break.

In court, they would have to show that Luigi had a plausible yet extreme emotional reaction to denied healthcare claims alongside his lasting pain.

However, Luigi will also be facing murder charges in federal court — where the Extreme Emotional Disturbance defense is unavailable.

Nothing about his attorneys’ comments in court on Wednesday suggested what their planned defensive strategy would be in federal court.

What is the broader strategy here?

If successful, Extreme Emotional Disturbance arguments could get Luigi anywhere from 5 to 25 years behind bars. (That’s what First Degree Manslaughter will land you in New York.)

So why, some ask, would he try this defense first instead of simply saying that he’s been framed by a bloodthirsty police force under intense political pressure?

Is the prosecution’s case airtight in proving that he did the deed? That would be surprising, considering.

It is also possible that his team hopes that his affirmative defense will end, not with the jury siding with him, but with jury nullification.

Simply put, someone sitting there hearing how awful UnitedHealthCare is might just vote to acquit him, no matter what evidence is presented.

THE COURTROOM SKETCH ARTIST DREW THE MOMENT THEY REALIZED THEY FORGOT LUIGI

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— 💚 24 / 7 Luigi Mangione Posts (@werlyloveluigi.bsky.social) June 16, 2026 at 10:52 PM

At this point, we should acknowledge that Extreme Emotional Disturbance defense strategies do have a partially ugly history.

Yes, they can apply to sympathetic situations, such as someone who sees a loved one being attacked and then kills the attacker. But EED has also been used in “gay panic” and “trans panic” defenses, as well as in racist and other bigoted ways.

Those instances are problematic because the victims of those crimes were innocent, the only “emotional disturbance” being the perpetrator’s bigotry.

Luigi isn’t accused of killing an innocent person, however, but a for-profit healthcare CEO. That’s arguably as far from an innocent person as you can get.

Tens of millions of Americans view Luigi favorably. Finding jurors who haven’t already formed a strong opinion on this young man will be an unenviable task.

Luigi Mangione Pursing ‘Extreme Emotional Disturbance’ Defense: What Does It … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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