Erin and Ben Napier Divorce Rumors: Are the ‘Home Town’ Stars Headed For Splitsville?

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Of all the renovation teams on HGTV, perhaps none is more beloved than Erin and Ben Napier of Home Town fame.

The married Mississippians, who are parents to daughters Helen and Mae, have been transforming their neighbors’ lives since their show debuted in January of 2016.

Their success has as much to do with their onscreen chemistry as it does with their talent for restoring old homes.

But according to a recent rumor, the Napiers have been dealing with some marital setbacks behind the scenes.

Erin and Ben Napier on their hit HGTV series ‘Home Town.’ (HGTV/YouTube)

Erin Napier addresses persistent divorce rumors

Is there any truth to these reports? Could the college sweethearts actually be moving from Home Town to Splitsville?

Thankfully, we don’t have to wonder, as Erin has taken to social media to clear the air.

“Can’t believe I even have to say this but NO, the click bait articles that we are splitting up are not real, y’all,” she wrote in an Instagram Story (per Realtor).

“They are AI generated in India or something and don’t even make any kind of sense. Y’all are smarter than this.”

Ben Napier and Erin Napier attend The 56th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 09, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Erin added a request that fans not bring up the rumors in front of the Napiers’ daguhters:

“Please don’t ask about it in front of our babies. They don’t understand what ‘online fake news’ means and it’s upsetting,” she wrote.

The ‘Home Town’ love story is still going strong

Erin and Ben met while they were both students at Jones County Junior College, near Laurel, Mississippi.

They later transferred to the University of Mississippi, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

The Napiers married in 2008, and they quickly got to work restoring old houses.

Ben Napier and Erin Napier speak onstage at The 56th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 09, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Their work first caught the attention of regional media outlets, such as Southern Weddings magazine.

HGTV soon came calling, and Erin and Ben have since shot more than 100 episodes of Home Town.

The show also inspired two spinoffs, Home Town: Ben’s Workshop and Home Town Takeover.

So it sounds like the Napiers will continue beautifying their neighborhood for many years to come.

Sadly, rumors are part of the territory when you’ve reached their level of fame.

Thankfully, it seems that Erin and Ben are content to ignore the haters and focus on what really matters — addressing the housing needs of their Mississippi neighbors, and building up their community, one restoration at a time.

Erin and Ben Napier Divorce Rumors: Are the ‘Home Town’ Stars Headed For Splitsville? was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Sydney Sweeney & Scooter Braun Go Instagram Official With Inexplicable Relationship

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2025 was a year of unwanted controversies for Sydney Sweeney.

Many fans were hoping that 2026 would be a calmer time, with more focus on the actress’ craft and clothing brand.

Instead, she has now gone Instagram official with Scooter Braun, one of music’s most controversial figures.

He calls himself a “lucky bastard” over the relationship. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees.

Actress Sydney Sweeney attends the Los Angeles Premiere of HBO’s “Euphoria” Season 3 on April 07, 2026. (Photo Credit: Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

Like it or not, it’s official

For months — the better part of a year, actually — they’ve kept this romance limited to mere rumors.

Some had even briefly believed that it was over.

No such luck.

This month, Scooter and Sydney have relaxed enough to not only canoodle in public, but openly kiss at premieres.

And, as you can see below, she shared an Instagram Story photo of the two snuggled up. And Scooter took it even further.

Sydney Sweeney and controversial music mogul Scooter Braun went 'Instagram Official' this week.

[image or embed]

— fanana hammock (@fananahammock.bsky.social) April 17, 2026 at 1:24 PM

When Scooter shared Sydney’s Story post to his own Stories, he added a little commentary.

“Lucky bastard,” he wrote.

From context and common sense, it is evident that he was writing about himself.

Sydney is one of the most beautiful and widely desired human beings on the planet.

It is possible that Scooter is experiencing something akin to imposter syndrome over this relationship. And, for this, who could blame him?

As a guest on the ‘Question Everything’ podcast, Scott ‘Scooter’ Braun discussed his feud and the wrath of Swifties. (Image Credit: YouTube)

What is she thinking?

Scooter isn’t only controversial among Swifties — though Taylor Swift’s beef with him is the most famous.

Other stars — including Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, and more — have disentangled themselves from the billionaire.

Though Scooter arguably helped save the singer’s life during some of his darkest times about a decade ago, Justin Bieber’s fans also have some understandable gripes with the man.

There’s also an age gap. She is 28. He is 44. That isn’t “problematic,” but it’s noteworthy.

And many find Scooter off-putting. His post, which some have likened to gloating, isn’t changing that for Sydney’s fans.

Sydney Sweeney greets boyfriend Scooter Braun with a kiss at the ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 premiere pic.twitter.com/73f4JXMcDa

— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) April 8, 2026

During our reporting on the alleged feud between Sydney and Zendaya, we mentioned an eye-popping claim.

It is alleged that Sydney was inappropriately flirty with Tom Holland when he visited the Euphoria set.

We mentioned that, though anything is possible, that doesn’t really sound true.

In the public’s very narrow window of following Sydney’s romantic choices, she hasn’t ever gone for the hottest guy in the room.

She acts alongside some of the most widely desired men — men her own age, at times. But that’s never been who she’s dated. Not publicly, anyway.

A smiling and charming Sydney Sweeney appears as a The Late Show guest. (Image Credit: CBS)

This pairing doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else

We’re not calling Scooter Braun “ugly.” He is certainly a handsome man.

But even if he were not 16 years older than Sydney, it’s never an insult to call someone less handsome than Tom Holland or less desired than Jacob Elordi.

Almost everyone on the planet matches that description. But these two are at different tiers of hotness.

We don’t understand Sydney’s dating choices. But we also don’t have to.

She’s allowed to date anyone she likes. Even if that guy is super controversial. She doesn’t need the permission of her fans.

Sydney Sweeney & Scooter Braun Go Instagram Official With Inexplicable Relationship was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Alex Cooper Pregnant, Expecting First Child With Matt Kaplan!

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After months of rumors, we can now confirm that Alex Cooper is pregnant and expecting her first child with husband Matt Kaplan.

The “Call Her Daddy” host announced the happy news on May 17, revealing that she and Kaplan are officially entering their parent era.

Cooper shared a series of photos showing off her baby bump on Instagram, keeping the caption short and sweet, writing, “Our family 🤍.”

Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan attend Netflix’s XO, Kitty Los Angeles Premiere at Netflix Tudum Theater on May 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Netflix)

Naturally, Alex’s many diehard fans lost their collective minds.

Before the big reveal, Cooper teased the announcement on Instagram Stories, telling followers:

“Daddy Gang, there is something I’ve been waiting to share with you ….” She later posted cozy photos with Kaplan, including one of the producer holding her close as she cradled her growing bump.

And yes, the timing is notable.

The pregnancy announcement arrives amid weeks of online speculation about Cooper and Kaplan’s marriage, with rumors swirling that the couple had been experiencing tension behind the scenes.

But sources close to the pair pushed back on that narrative, insisting the two are excited for this next chapter and very much solid.

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A post shared by Alex Cooper (@alexandracooper)

Cooper, 31, and Kaplan, 42, first connected during a Zoom call in 2020.

She eventually nicknamed him “Mr. Sexy Zoom Man” before revealing his identity to fans.

The pair got engaged in 2023 before tying the knot in an intimate destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico, in April 2024.

Over the years, Cooper has been candid about her evolving thoughts on marriage and motherhood, at times admitting she wasn’t sure either path was for her.

But she has repeatedly credited Kaplan with changing her perspective, describing him as someone who supported her success instead of being intimidated by it.

Now, it looks like the couple’s next major life chapter is officially underway.

No word yet on baby names, nursery themes, or whether the child will someday inherit the “Call Her Daddy” empire.

But Alex is about to have a ton of new experiences to discuss on her wildly popular podcast. Our congrats go out to the happy family.

Alex Cooper Pregnant, Expecting First Child With Matt Kaplan! was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Erika Kirk Slammed For Massive Wealth, ‘Performative’ Tributes to Late Husband

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Erika Kirk is facing renewed scrutiny, and this time, it’s coming from multiple directions.

Amid claims that Erika has been exploiting Charlie Kirk’s memory with “performative” birthday and anniversary tributes, many are now zeroing in on the widow’s growing bank account.

Yes, Erika has found herself at the center of a growing public debate involving her finances, political influence, and recent comments about women and marriage.

Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk speaks during a Turning Point USA event at the Dream City Church on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

According to recent reports, estimates of Kirk’s net worth vary wildly, landing somewhere between $2 million and $20 million.

The wide range appears tied to lingering questions surrounding inherited assets, insurance payouts, and her growing business portfolio since Charlie’s death in 2025.

Following Charlie’s passing, Erika stepped into a major leadership role at Turning Point USA, taking over as CEO and chair of the organization. Alongside that transition, she reportedly expanded into real estate and continued pursuing several business ventures.

But it’s not just the money drawing attention.

Kirk recently sparked controversy following a commencement speech at Hillsdale College, where she encouraged young women to jump right into marriage and family life.

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A post shared by E. (@mrserikakirk)

During the speech, Kirk said women are “called to nurture” and encouraged graduates to consider marrying young. These comments quickly spread online and ignited criticism.

Some detractors questioned whether her advice aligns with economic realities for many young people, while others pointed to the conflict between the message and Erika’s own high-profile career path.

“Charlie would often encourage people to get married young… not rushed, but young,” she told the graduates, before encouraging them to “have more children than [they] can afford.“

The Hillsdale comments landed at precisely the moment when attention around Erika’s public persona was already unusually high.

That overlap has fueled broader debates over wealth, influence and the expectations placed on women in positions of power.

At the same time, Kirk’s public tributes to her late husband have generated sharply divided reactions online.

Posts featuring Charlie and the couple’s children have drawn support from allies and followers, including public figures such as Karoline Leavitt and Savannah Chrisley, who publicly voiced encouragement.

Others, however, have expressed skepticism about Erika’s sincerity.

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A post shared by E. (@mrserikakirk)

“I feel sorry for the babies and Charlie, that’s it,” one commenter wrote in response to Erika’s recent anniversary post, according to Microsoft News.

“Performative grief,” another added.

“I still don’t understand why everything Erika posts and says is so inorganic. This would’ve gone a lot better without that dramatic audio production,” a third chimed in.

“It’s so easy to post an organic memory and message. SO EASY I could fake one 10x better without ever meeting Charlie.”

The backlash highlights a broader divide in how Kirk is viewed publicly.

To supporters, she represents resilience after tragedy and a continuation of Charlie Kirk’s mission. To critics, her rising platform raises uncomfortable questions about branding in the age of the influencer.

Since Charlie’s death, Kirk has expanded her public profile significantly.

In addition to leading Turning Point USA, she has reportedly worked in real estate through The Corcoran Group and expanded her entrepreneurial work through projects such as BIBLEin365 and Proclaim Streetwear.

As a former pageant queen who has appeared on reality TV, Erika has made no secret of her fondness for the spotlight.

But in the wake of Charlie’s murder, many believe that Erika’s time and energy would be better spent at home with her two young children.

Erika Kirk Slammed For Massive Wealth, ‘Performative’ Tributes to Late Husband was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Paige DeSorbo Pregnant? Her Fertility Journey, Explained

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Is Paige DeSorbo pregnant?

In 2024, she and Craig Conover had a quiet and then very loud and public breakup.

They had apparently discussed things like marriage and children before the split.

The reality TV personalities have each moved on. Is Paige moving forward with her plans to become a mom?

At the end of the Season 9 teaser after the ‘Summer House’ premiere, Paige DeSorbo drops a bombshell about her ex. (Image Credit: Bravo)

Paige DeSorbo has opened up about baby plans

On the May 14, 2025 episode of her Giggly Squad podcast, Paige DeSorbo and co-host Hannah Berner discussed her plans for the future.

She clarified that she was not rushing towards maternity.

But, at 32, she knows that her options will narrow in the years to come.

She has her eye on motherhood.

Paige DeSorbo chose a very interesting outfit to survey ongoing construction on Southern Charm Season 9. (Image Credit: Bravo)

Over Mother’s Day weekend that some month, Paige revealed, she had undergone an egg-freezing procedure.

“You wanna know why I felt maternal?” she shared.

“This is how I knew: Walking down the streets of New York City, I was like, ‘If anyone steps to me right now with my eggs just brewing and ready to be taken out, I’ll f—king cut someone.’”

Notably, egg-extraction is an invasive procedure that involves hormonal treatments ahead of time.

These injections can result in a number of dramatic emotional highs and lows.

During a heated dinner scene on ‘Summer House’ Season 9, Paige DeSorbo absolutely heard what you said about her. (Image Credit: Bravo)

She had a positive experience with her egg retrieval

Paige DeSorbo raved over Dr. Joshua Klein, the reproductive endocrinologist who performed her egg retrieval. Dr. Klein is also the co-founder of New York City’s Extend Fertility clinic.

“He was amazing,” she praised. “I felt smarter after being around him. Every time he said, ‘Good question’ to me, I was like, ‘I’m a good student.’” (And is that not, at the end of the day, what we all crave?)

Paige detailed that she received her hormone injection on May 7 and underwent the retrieval on May 9.

Extracting more than two dozen eggs, she shared, took only around 20 minutes.

On the Wednesday, April 23 episode of ‘Watch What Happens Live,’ Paige DeSorbo cleared the air months after her breakup. (Image Credit: Bravo)

“My mom came down with me,” Paige dished. “They retrieved a total of 28 eggs … I only had 13 survive. So I have 13 frozen now… That’s a really good amount of eggs.”

The hormonal treatment and procedure takes a toll on the human body.

By comparison, sperm collection is much easier. With that in mind, she’s unsure if she’d do it again — and, if she did, it would not be for several months.

“I need to give my body a break,” Paige reasoned.

“I’m very proud of myself for like doing the whole process… It felt very serendipitous that I did it over Mother’s Day weekend. I truly do feel less pressure. It’s like, OK, and even if I only have one child, that is what is meant for the world.”

On ‘Summer House’ Season 9, Paige DeSorbo makes quite the face at her then-boyfriend. (Image Credit: Bravo)

Is Paige DeSorbo currently pregnant?

She has spoken on her podcast in the past about how she had, at one time, imagined becoming a mother around this age. But she is not a mother, or even pregnant yet.

Now, she is focusing on her career.

But she would love the option of having children when she’s 39 or 40. Wisely, she would like to keep the door open.

Most fertility clinics recommend using frozen eggs within a decade of retrieval.

That sounds like it fits with Paige DeSorbo’s current plans to become pregnant just fine.

Paige DeSorbo Pregnant? Her Fertility Journey, Explained was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Janet Jackson Divorced: Her History of Marriage, Explained

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Janet Jackson has been married and divorced multiple times during her legendary career.

There’s more than one way to end a marriage.

Not all of Janet’s husbands departed through the divorce process.

Here’s a look at her complex personal history — and where things stand today.

Singer and actress Janet Jackson poses in the press room during the 51st American Music Awards at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 26, 2025. (Photo Credit: MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Janet Jackson was 18 when she eloped with James DeBarge

When Janet Jackson was 16, she began dating 19-year-old singer James DeBarge.

(That is a large age gap and may not be legal in some jurisdictions, but it’s probably fine in and of itself)

Two years later, on September 7, 1984, the two eloped.

Janet had confided only in sister LaToya Jackson about her plans.

In 1985, she and James received an annulment. According to Janet, this was due to James’ alleged substance abuse.

Inductee Janet Jackson attends the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on March 29, 2019. (Image Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

Her second marriage was a secret until it ended

The following year, in 1986, Janet began dating René Elizondo Jr.

She and the dancer, songwriter, and director married — in secret — in March of 1991.

Despite Janet being part of one of the 1990s’ most famous families, they managed to keep their marriage secret until 2000.

In January 1999, they separated. Only the divorce made their marriage public knowledge.

René filed a lawsuit, seeking a a massive multimillion dollar settlement. In October 2003, he and Janet Jackson were officially divorced, and reached a settlement. According to Forbes, it was to the tune of $10 million in spousal support.

Producer and rapper Jermaine Dupri and singer and actress Janet Jackson arrive to the “We Own The Night” after-party presented by The Cinema Society at The Bowery Hotel on October 9, 2007. (Photo Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri never married, but it was a long-term and significant relationship

During that contentious divorce process, Janet Jackson dated Jermaine Dupri.

They apparently met backstage at one of her shows.

Jermaine, too, was a music producer, rapper, and songwriter — continuing her pattern of serious relationships within the entertainment industry.

Reports vary on the precise timeline, but they began dating in 2002, and split in either 2008 or as late as 2009.

(2009 was the year when Janet’s infamous brother died, but without a clear grasp on the timeline it’s hard to say what life events impacted others)

Janet Jackson attends the inaugural British Museum Ball at The British Museum on October 18, 2025. (Photo Credit: Lia Toby/Getty Images)

Her marriage to Wissam Al Mana was not a secret, but the wedding was

In October 2006, Janet Jackson had her first introduction to Wissam Al Mana, a Qatari businessman.

However, they did not begin dating until years later — in 2010.

They remained a fairly private couple, becoming engaged and marrying in 2012 without the usual media circus.

That doesn’t mean that it was a small or private ceremony.

Wissam spent a reported $20 million on the nuptials, flying in 500 guests to the ceremony in Doha, Qatar.

Wissam al Mana and Janet Jackson attend the Giorgio Armani fashion show during Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2013/14 on February 25, 2013. (Photo Credit: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Today, Janet Jackson is divorced

In January of 2017, five years after their high-end (yet secret) wedding, then 50-year-old Janet Jackson gave birth to the couple’s son, Eissa Al Mana.

Unfortunately, the marriage itself soon broke down.

In April — just a few months after they welcomed Eissa — reports shared that Janet and Wissam had separated.

The following month, Janet confirmed that the marriage was over.

Janet Jackson and Wissam Al Mana went through a contentious split, but are now officially divorced.

Janet Jackson Divorced: Her History of Marriage, Explained was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Taylor Frankie Paul Blames Herself for Not Leaving Dakota Mortensen Sooner, Says He Made …

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Taylor Frankie Paul is set to return to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives despite a tumultuous news cycle and some fallen friendships.

After everything that the public has learned, Dakota Mortensen will not be joining her.

Thinking back on her relationship, she accuses him of gaslighting her — but still blames herself for not leaving him sooner.

Her reflections are really resonating with commenters, many of whom find her story chillingly familiar to their own.

Taylor Frankie Paul attends Hulu’s Get Real House at Casa Lago on April 22, 2025. (Photo Credit: Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

‘You don’t even realize … what’s happening psychologically for a long time’

In a lengthy Instagram post, Taylor says that she blames herself for not leaving her toxic and abusive relationship with Dakota Mortensen much sooner.

She and Dakota share a child, 2-year-old Ever.

Taylor admits to having kept quiet about many of her private struggles.

This, she says, is how Dakota was able to take “advantage” of her situation and continue to allegedly mistreat her.

“What people aren’t understanding is you don’t even realize you’re in it and what’s happening psychologically for a long time,” Taylor wrote.

In this lengthy text post to Instagram, Taylor Frankie Paul expressed her feelings after reflecting upon her erstwhile toxic relationship. (Image Credit: Instagram)

“You solely believe you’re the only insane one,” Taylor said, speaking from experience.

She explained that this is “because they twist everything that you eventually feel insane.”

Taylor went on to alleged that Dakota had been “gaslighting” her into staying with him.

She expressed that it feels “twisted” that this went on for so long, again blaming herself.

Some folks use gaslighting when they really mean lying, particularly in a political sense. But actual gaslighting can and does take place within abusive relationships.

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A post shared by Taylor Paul (@taylorfrankiepaul)

Eventually, of course, the relationship did end

Taylor wrote that, when she finally left Dakota, she was “manipulated,” then “threatened,” then “physically hurt.”

And that was not the end of it.

She had the police called on her. A years-old video was released in an attempt to sabotage her relationship and personal success as The Bachelorette.

She lost her friends. Her reality TV series went on hiatus for over a month.

And Taylor has also ended up in court, fighting desperately for custody of Ever.

In the caption of her post, Taylor Frankie Paul had still more to say. (Image Credit: Instagram)

“The difference between us, my love was real for him without gaining anything, and people know that,” Taylor wrote about her ex.

She admitted that she is “not sure it was the same in return.”

Taylor went on to characterize that she and Dakota are “both in the wrong” in multiple ways, but she’s calling him out for trying to take her child from her on top of everything else.

She also addressed her recent rift with Mikayla Matthews. And no, it isn’t to apologize.

“She can go kick rocks instead of kicking me right now,” Taylor announced.

Taylor Frankie Paul Blames Herself for Not Leaving Dakota Mortensen Sooner, Says He Made … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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