## The Internet's Wildest Creator Just Got Her Act Together

For anyone who has followed Tana Mongeau's career since her early YouTube days, the transformation she's currently living through might feel almost surreal. The woman once synonymous with chaos, controversy, and unfiltered oversharing is now sober, intentional, and — perhaps most surprisingly — a brand's dream collaborator.

At 27 years old, Mongeau is stepping into what she herself describes as an entirely new chapter. With millions of followers spread across every major social platform and a growing reputation as a genuine, relatable voice online, she's launching a solo video podcast called *Brand Safe* — a title that doubles as both a declaration and a little wink at her famously turbulent past.

"This is unlike anything I've ever experienced," Mongeau told THR during a sit-down conversation in early April.

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## From Chaos to Calculated: How a Skincare Mask Went Viral

The moment that crystallized Mongeau's new direction didn't come from a carefully planned campaign. It started with a skincare confession.

During a now-legendary episode of *Cancelled* — the hit podcast she co-hosted with Brooke Schofield — Mongeau was asked what she'd do first if she were married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. After some characteristically NSFW remarks, she got to the real answer: an unlimited lifetime supply of Medicube PDRN pink collagen gel masks.

The clip went viral almost immediately. But there was a catch — other TikTok users began clipping the moment and reposting it with their own affiliate links, effectively profiting off Mongeau's organic endorsement without a single cent going her way.

Months later, after *Cancelled* aired its final episode and Mongeau and Schofield parted ways amid reported creative and business differences, Mongeau decided to reclaim the moment. She posted her own enthusiastic, authentically Tana-style promotion of the Medicube masks directly to her 9 million TikTok followers.

"I stand on everything I said," she declared in the February video, which has since racked up over 23 million views — a number that rivals the monthly ratings of Netflix's hit series *Bridgerton*.

"Did I do it right?????" she asked in the caption. Spoiler: she absolutely did.

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## Building an Empire Across Every Platform

Mongeau's rise began more than a decade ago on YouTube, where she carved out a loyal audience by being the creator who said what everyone else was thinking — loudly, and without hesitation. Beefs, scandals, and behind-the-scenes drama were all fair game. Her willingness to go there, wherever "there" happened to be, made her appointment viewing for a generation of internet-raised fans.

Over the years, as audiences shifted from platform to platform, Mongeau shifted with them. Today, her digital footprint is substantial: 5.5 million YouTube subscribers, 5.5 million Instagram followers, 9 million on TikTok, 2.4 million on X, and 2.1 million on Snapchat. She's hosted multiple podcasts, performed live tours, and built an OnlyFans following that proved her business instincts extended well beyond traditional content creation.

Her self-deprecating catchphrase — "not bad for a 5 with no talent" — has always been part of the charm. But as comedian and friend Chelsea Handler points out, there's real substance beneath the self-roasting.

"She's unfiltered, self-deprecating, and doesn't take herself too seriously," Handler said. "These are important qualities for someone in the public eye. It's refreshing. And she's fun — that's pretty important too. She's fun and funny."

Handler and Mongeau first crossed paths on a flight out of Las Vegas and have since become genuine friends. "She is everything to me," Mongeau says of Handler.

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## Getting Sober: The Decision That Changed Everything

Perhaps the most significant shift in Mongeau's life over the past year has nothing to do with brand deals or podcast launches. It's sobriety.

Mongeau now identifies as "California sober" — meaning she's given up alcohol while still occasionally using marijuana. The journey to get there wasn't linear or easy. She describes years of on-and-off sober stretches, each one teaching her something new about herself.

The turning point came during a tour when the pattern became impossible to ignore. She was drinking heavily every night, waking up to hangovers and heart palpitations, and performing onstage while her body was essentially in withdrawal. Meanwhile, her boyfriend Makoa — who was in Bali at the time — couldn't hide his concern, even through a phone screen.

"I could feel his disappointment through the phone," Mongeau recalled. A moment in the mirror during that tour became the catalyst she needed.

"You're going to lose everything you love if you keep abusing substances," she told herself. "You're living your dream and you can't function in it. You need to wake up and be present or you will regret it for the rest of your life."

She traces her first real wake-up call back even further — to a flight home from Miami where she found herself sweating through her clothes in a middle seat, heart racing, her body clearly telling her something had to change.

"My biggest battle with getting sober was that I couldn't stomach the fact that I might be one of those people that could never be moderate," she admitted. "I eventually got to the point where I realized that that might just not genetically be in my cards, at least at this time in my life."

The withdrawals were brutal. She pushed through them largely on her own — on tour buses, backstage, and in hotel rooms — without checking into a formal program.

"I probably should have been a rehab girlie, and it would have sped up the process," she acknowledged. "But I've always kind of done things on my own."

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## Peace Is Not Boring: A New Relationship With Quiet

For someone who once described her baseline emotional state as being on a roller coaster, learning to embrace calm has been its own kind of work.

"When you're born on a roller coaster, my homeostasis was being on that roller coaster," Mongeau explained. "If things weren't chaotic or lively at all times, I couldn't stand it. I hated the quiet. It would eat me alive."

Sobriety forced her to sit with that discomfort and move through it. Now, she says, she's reached a place where peace doesn't feel like a threat.

"I can't believe that I used to thrive on a roller coaster," she said.

The shift has also changed how people around her respond. Friends and colleagues who have known her for years are treating her differently — inviting her into spaces she was previously deemed too unpredictable to occupy.

"People I've known for years are taking me seriously for the first time and inviting me to events," she said. "I'm not a liability in certain rooms."

And when she attended Justin Bieber's private concert and afterparty — an experience that generated 5 million TikTok views on its own — she chose to share the joy of the evening without spilling a single piece of gossip. It was a deliberate choice, and a meaningful one.

"Just because it's the truth does not mean that you had to say it," she reflected. "There's something beautiful about holding back a little and using discretion. Not everything needs to make it to the mainframe."

---

## *Brand Safe*: The Podcast That Defines the New Era

Mongeau's upcoming solo video podcast, *Brand Safe*, is designed to put her new identity front and center. The show will follow her journey as an increasingly sought-after brand partner and a businesswoman who is, if not fully serious, at least significantly more strategic than she once was.

Expect fewer personal meltdowns and more genuine product enthusiasm — but still the story times, still the personality, still unmistakably Tana.

"I want to be a person that I'm proud of at all times. I want to be responsible, I want to be respected — all of these things that I just wasn't doing for so long or prioritizing in my life," she said. "I really want to become a different person in a lot of ways."

Beyond the podcast, Mongeau has hinted at the potential launch of her own consumer brand in the near future. She's also spoken openly about a dream of one day having a Las Vegas residency — an ambition that would have seemed purely chaotic years ago but now feels oddly plausible.

She even auditioned for *Euphoria*, the HBO drama known for its unflinching portrayal of teenage excess — a show that, in some ways, could have been written about her own past.

---

## What Comes Next

Mongeau's evolution is a fascinating case study in the longevity of internet fame. Where many creators flame out or fade into irrelevance, she has continuously reinvented herself without ever losing the core authenticity that made her magnetic in the first place.

She's also begun to reckon with the darker side of the digital world she helped build.

"The time spent conspiring and talking about all of these negative things and the consumerism and the endless void of needing some new product to be happy — I'm definitely recognizing the damages of overconsuming social media, comparing yourself to others and all of these things," she said. "Which I never, ever, ever thought I would say."

For a woman who has built her entire career on radical transparency and digital visibility, even spending less time on her phone counts as a revolution.

But perhaps the most radical thing Tana Mongeau has ever done is simply this: choosing to grow up — on her own terms, in her own time, and with the whole internet watching.

Tana Mongeau is sober, brand-safe, and launching a new podcast. Discover how the internet's wildest creator is reinventing herself for her most profitable era.

Tana Mongeau Is Sober and Entering Her Most Lucrative Era

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Tana Mongeau Enters Her Most Profitable Era Yet — and She's Never Been More Ready

## Christopher Nolan Unveils Full Trailer for Epic Blockbuster The Odyssey

Universal Studios has released the first full-length trailer for *The Odyssey*, the eagerly awaited return of director Sir Christopher Nolan following his Oscar-sweeping triumph with *Oppenheimer*. The new footage offers audiences a sweeping, immersive look at one of history's most celebrated adventure tales brought to life on the biggest possible canvas.

### Matt Damon Takes the Helm as Odysseus

At the center of the story is Matt Damon, stepping into the sandals of Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca. Best known for *Good Will Hunting* and the *Bourne* franchise, Damon portrays the battle-worn hero determined to find his way home after the long and devastating Trojan War — fighting his way back to the family he left behind.

Anne Hathaway joins the cast as Penelope, Odysseus's devoted yet embattled wife and Queen of Ithaca, while Tom Holland plays their son Prince Telemachus, who clings to hope that his father will return. In a charming real-life crossover, Holland's partner Zendaya appears in the film as the powerful goddess Athena.

### Robert Pattinson Brings Menace as the Villain Antinous

Robert Pattinson takes on the role of Antinous, the arrogant and ruthless antagonist who sets his sights on Queen Penelope during the king's prolonged absence. The trailer makes clear that Antinous refuses to entertain any notion of Odysseus's return, creating a tense and dangerous power struggle back in Ithaca.

"My dad is coming home," insists a resolute Telemachus, even as the royal household appears to have descended into disorder and chaos after two decades without its king.

### A Vast and Fantastical World Comes to Life

The trailer introduces viewers to a rich and mythologically vibrant world. Charlize Theron appears as the enchanting nymph Calypso, while John Leguizamo portrays Eumaeus, Odysseus's loyal servant. Jon Bernthal steps in as Menelaus, the King of Sparta and brother of Agamemnon — the latter played by Benny Safdie.

The footage also teases the terrifying cyclops Polyphemus, son of the god Poseidon — a creature that promises to be one of the film's most memorable and formidable obstacles. Additional cast members include Himesh Patel as Eurylochus, Mia Goth as Melantho, Jimmy Gonzales as Cepheus, Lupita Nyong'o, and Will Yun Lee.

The trailer blends visceral battle sequences, harrowing sea voyages, and striking flashbacks to the Trojan War — events originally chronicled in Homer's *Iliad* — creating a sense of epic scope that rivals anything Nolan has previously produced.

### Nolan's Most Ambitious Project Yet

Shot entirely on IMAX cameras and carrying a reported budget of $250 million (approximately £185 million), *The Odyssey* represents Nolan's most ambitious and expensive undertaking to date. The director is no stranger to large-scale productions, having previously helmed *Inception*, *Interstellar*, the *Dark Knight* trilogy, and *Dunkirk* — but this ancient Greek adventure appears set to surpass them all in sheer magnitude.

In a recent appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, Nolan reflected on the enduring relevance of Homer's work, drawing a direct line between ancient mythology and modern superhero culture.

"Even comic-book culture, whether you're talking about Marvel or DC, a lot of it comes pretty directly from the Homeric epics," Nolan explained. "Homer is the Marvel of its day. There's this desire for us to feel that gods can walk amongst us, and the modern comic book is our expression of that."

The director revealed that his connection to *The Odyssey* stretches back to childhood, recalling his first encounter with the story through a school play when he was just four or five years old. Despite its familiarity, Nolan says he has crafted the adaptation in a way that allows both devoted fans and newcomers to experience it with fresh eyes.

### Release Date and Box Office Competition

Much like *Oppenheimer* famously went head-to-head with *Barbie* during the summer of 2023, *The Odyssey* is set to share its release date of **July 17** with another major studio tentpole — *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*. Whether history will repeat itself with another cultural box office phenomenon remains to be seen.

As for Odysseus himself, his resolve is crystal clear in the trailer's most defiant moment: *"No one can stand between me and home. Not even the Gods."*

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey full trailer is here. See Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson in the epic Homer adaptation releasing July 17.

Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer: Cast, Plot & Release Date

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First Full Trailer for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Showcases Star-Studded Cast

## BJ Novak Embraces His Role as Fashion's Biggest Offender in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'

When BJ Novak landed a supporting role in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, he did what he always does when joining a new production — he packed a bag of his own clothes and showed up ready to contribute to his own wardrobe. What he wasn't prepared for was walking into a two-story costume warehouse stocked with contributions from virtually every major designer on the planet.

"I showed up to the wardrobe department on my first day having brought my own things," Novak recalls with a laugh. "Then I walk into this two-story warehouse that every designer in the world has been flooding them with requests."

The irony? His character doesn't wear any of it.

## Playing Fashion's Biggest Villain — In Sweatpants

Set two decades after the beloved original film, the sequel revisits the fictional *Runway* magazine at a moment of institutional crisis. Novak plays the publishing house's heir, a tech-obsessed, athleisure-wearing antagonist who finds himself almost immediately at odds with the legendary — and still absolutely terrifying — editor Miranda Priestly, once again brought to life by Meryl Streep.

His character barely looks up from his phone, dresses exclusively in tech-brand gear and athletic wear, and radiates a kind of gleeful disrespect for everything the fashion world holds sacred. "At least it was a very comfortable wardrobe," Novak quips.

For a man who grew up in Boston — a city he lovingly describes as dressing people "like Fisher-Price characters: the dad, the construction worker, the mail person" — the role may have been closer to home than he'd like to admit. "I play a character in the movie who is such an offensively dressed outsider to the fashion world," he says. "So I think that probably was good casting."

He's quick to note that his close friend Mindy Kaling, also a Boston native, took a very different path on the style front.

## An Unexpected Phone Call That Changed Everything

Novak didn't go looking for this role. The opportunity came through screenwriter and producer Aline Brosh McKenna, a friend who sent him a cryptic text that simply read: "Let me know what you think!"

Confused, Novak assumed she had messaged the wrong person — or worse, was trying to offload a troubled pilot script onto him. It wasn't until she called him directly that the full picture came into focus.

"She's like, 'It's *The Devil Wears Prada 2*. You play so-and-so. All of your scenes are with Meryl Streep. Everyone already approved you. We shoot in the summer in New York, Milan and Lake Como,'" Novak recounts. "This is an insane phone call. This is not generally the call you get."

## Holding His Own Opposite the Greatest Actress Alive

For a self-described overthinker, the psychological challenge of playing someone who openly disrespects Miranda Priestly — and therefore Meryl Streep — was considerable.

"I really had to psych myself up," Novak admits. "When I got this role, my first instinct was just to be in awe of the greatest actor of all time, in one of her best roles ever, and enjoy the ride. But that's the wrong approach."

His reframe was rooted in genuine respect: if you truly admire someone of Streep's caliber, you owe it to them to show up as the best possible scene partner, not a starstruck bystander. He shelved the reverence during filming and saved it for after the cameras stopped rolling.

What surprised him most was discovering Streep's comedic sensibility. "Comedy people gravitate towards each other," he says. "On set, I got the sense that she's a comedy person in some way. It was so much fun."

## A Writer First — Everything Else Follows

Despite the high-profile nature of this project, Novak is candid about the fact that acting is not his primary occupation. His 2022 directorial debut, the dark comedy *Vengeance*, remains his most ambitious on-screen undertaking, and he's largely been focused on other creative ventures since — including a growing food business and a string of bestselling children's books, most notably *The Book With No Pictures*, which he acknowledges is probably the single most financially successful project of his career.

"It's the one I thought about money least as I was making it," he says. "Which is a nice lesson."

When asked whether he actively pursues more acting work, Novak is refreshingly unbothered. "What am I supposed to do? Stare at my phone harder? People will call." He cites directors-turned-occasional-actors like Rob Reiner, Sydney Pollack, and Greta Gerwig as his model — creative people who act brilliantly when someone comes calling, but whose identity isn't defined by it.

## Redefining What It Means to Be a Writer

At his core, Novak sees everything through the lens of writing — even directing. "If I'm directing, I'm just writing with the camera, writing with the score, writing with the actors," he explains. He argues that the word "writing" itself deserves a rebrand, stripped of its associations with spelling tests and grammar rules.

"There are so many people that are good at those parts and are really boring," he says. "It has so little to do with spelling or grammar or the things that intimidate people out of writing."

He's equally passionate about expanding his work in children's literature, arguing that comedy for kids remains an underexplored space. "Kids being funny isn't unlocked enough. Not enough people are doing it right," he says, confirming that more books are in the pipeline.

## The Disappearing Act of 'The Premise'

Not everything in Novak's creative catalog has survived the digital age. His FX anthology series *The Premise* quietly vanished from streaming platforms during the wave of content purges that swept through the industry a few years ago — and Novak found out the same way most fans did: through a confused text from an actor, followed by a tweet.

"It just disappeared," he says. "And there are no hard copies of something like that. I don't know where it is or where it went."

Does he have his own digital copy? He pauses. "I don't think so. Maybe they did it for my own good."

With *The Devil Wears Prada 2* positioning him as one of the season's most talked-about supporting players, it's clear that BJ Novak — writer, director, children's book author, reluctant fashion disaster — is more than comfortable operating on his own terms. Whether Hollywood keeps calling is, by his own philosophy, entirely up to them.

BJ Novak talks about playing fashion's worst-dressed villain in The Devil Wears Prada 2, working with Meryl Streep, and why writing always comes first.

BJ Novak on 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' and Meryl Streep

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BJ Novak on Being the Worst-Dressed Character in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' — And Loving Every Minute

## Kid Cudi Parts Ways With M.I.A. Over Offensive Onstage Comments

Grammy Award-winning rapper Kid Cudi has officially removed British singer-songwriter M.I.A. from his ongoing Rebel Ragers tour, citing offensive remarks she made during a support performance that left his fanbase deeply unsettled.

### What Happened at the Dallas Show?

The incident unfolded on May 2 during a live performance in Dallas, Texas, where M.I.A. was serving as the opening act. Video footage from the show captured the moment the audience turned on the singer, erupting into loud boos after she addressed the crowd.

"I've been cancelled for many reasons. I never thought I would be canceled for being a brown Republican voter," she told the audience. She also commented that she was unable to perform her track *Illygal*, adding ambiguously that "some of you could be in the audience."

Following the backlash, M.I.A. — born Mathangi Arulpragasam — took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that she is not actually eligible to vote in the United States, despite referring to herself as a Republican voter.

### Kid Cudi Responds With a Firm Statement

Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, addressed the situation directly through Instagram, revealing that he had received an overwhelming number of messages from fans disturbed by M.I.A.'s comments.

In his statement, he described the episode as "very disappointing" and disclosed that he had communicated clearly to M.I.A.'s management team ahead of the tour that he did not want any offensive or divisive content during the shows. He added that he had been assured her team fully understood and respected that request.

## Who Is M.I.A.?

London-born M.I.A. first emerged on the music scene in 2003, quickly building a devoted following with her genre-defying sound and politically charged lyrics — themes deeply rooted in her upbringing as the daughter of Sri Lankan parents.

She achieved widespread international recognition with her 2008 hit *Paper Planes*, which climbed to number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. She also received an Oscar nomination for *O... Saya*, a track featured on the acclaimed *Slumdog Millionaire* soundtrack.

### A Pattern of Controversy

In recent years, M.I.A. has repeatedly found herself at the center of public controversy due to a series of provocative stances.

She drew sharp criticism after stating she would "take death" rather than receive a COVID-19 vaccine, a comment that led many to label her an anti-vaxxer. She later attempted to walk back the statement, insisting she opposed profit-driven pharmaceutical companies rather than vaccines themselves.

In 2024, she launched a clothing line featuring designs purportedly capable of shielding wearers from Wi-Fi and 5G signals — claims that have been firmly dismissed by the scientific community as having no credible basis.

She has also publicly voiced support for President Donald Trump in the lead-up to the US elections.

### M.I.A. Fires Back After Being Dropped

Following her removal from the tour, M.I.A. took to social media to defend herself, stating that she wrote *Illygal* "before you thought immigrant rights were cool."

"I've had these battles myself without the help of millions of fans backing me," she wrote. "I don't need this virtue signal era to all of a sudden erase an entire life I've led."

The fallout marks a significant public clash between two prominent artists and raises broader questions about the boundaries of free expression on shared stages.

Kid Cudi has removed M.I.A. from his Rebel Ragers tour after she made controversial comments during a Dallas show that upset his fanbase.

Kid Cudi Drops M.I.A. From Tour Over Offensive Remarks

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Kid Cudi Cuts M.I.A. From Rebel Ragers Tour Following Controversial Onstage Remarks

## Airbnb Bets Big on K-Pop With Immersive Seoul Experience

Airbnb has once again turned to the magnetic pull of K-pop to fuel its growth ambitions, this time through a dazzling two-hour fan experience centered on BigHit Entertainment's popular boy band Cortis. Held in Seoul and bathed in neon light, the event offered fans an intimate, curated encounter with their favorite artists — and served as the latest move in Airbnb's carefully crafted, years-in-the-making Korean playbook.

## A Strategy Years in the Making

This isn't Airbnb's first foray into the world of K-pop. The company has spent several years deliberately weaving itself into the fabric of South Korea's entertainment culture, recognizing that passionate fan communities represent one of the most powerful engines of travel demand in the world today.

By partnering with beloved acts and offering exclusive, money-can't-buy experiences, Airbnb positions itself not just as a place to stay — but as a gateway to the full K-pop lifestyle. For devoted fans willing to travel across continents for a glimpse of their favorite group, the platform becomes an essential part of the journey.

### Why K-Pop Fans Are the Ideal Audience

K-pop fandoms are globally renowned for their dedication, organization, and spending power. These communities routinely coordinate international travel, purchase merchandise en masse, and engage deeply with any brand associated with their favorite artists. For Airbnb, aligning with K-pop culture means tapping into a self-motivated, highly engaged traveler base that actively seeks out experiences beyond the ordinary hotel stay.

## Driving Bookings and Breaking Down Barriers

Beyond the obvious marketing benefits, Airbnb's K-pop strategy carries a more calculated purpose. South Korea maintains some of the most restrictive short-term rental regulations in Asia, creating significant hurdles for platforms like Airbnb to operate freely within the country.

By cultivating goodwill among Korean consumers and demonstrating clear cultural and economic value — through high-profile events that draw international visitors and spotlight Korean entertainment — Airbnb appears to be laying the groundwork for a longer-term effort to influence and potentially reshape those regulatory conditions.

### Soft Power Meets Business Strategy

The Cortis fan experience exemplifies how Airbnb is blending cultural soft power with hard business objectives. A neon-lit evening of fan engagement is, on the surface, a gift to devoted followers. Beneath that, it is a strategic statement: Airbnb belongs in Korea, and Korea belongs on Airbnb.

## Looking Ahead

As K-pop continues its relentless global expansion, Airbnb appears committed to riding that wave. With each new partnership and fan-focused event, the platform deepens its roots in a market that is both commercially valuable and notoriously difficult to crack. Whether this approach will ultimately translate into lasting regulatory change remains to be seen — but as a tool for building brand affinity and driving bookings, the K-pop strategy shows every sign of delivering results.

Airbnb's neon-lit Cortis fan experience in Seoul is the latest step in its K-pop strategy to drive bookings and reshape Korea's short-term rental laws.

Airbnb Uses K-Pop Strategy to Boost Seoul Bookings

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How Airbnb Is Using K-Pop's Global Pull to Transform Its Korea Strategy

## Met Gala 2026 Brings Hollywood Royalty to the Metropolitan Museum

New York City's most anticipated fashion event of the year is officially in full swing. The 2026 Met Gala, the annual fundraising celebration for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's prestigious Costume Institute, has drawn a dazzling array of celebrities, designers, and cultural icons to its iconic steps.

### A Power-Packed Co-Chair Lineup

This year's event — not without its share of controversy — is being led by an extraordinary group of co-chairs. Global music icon Beyoncé, acclaimed actress Nicole Kidman, tennis legend Venus Williams, and Vogue's legendary editor-in-chief Anna Wintour have joined forces to headline the fundraiser. The diverse and high-profile quartet brings a unique blend of music, film, sport, and fashion to the evening's leadership.

### Celebrating "Costume Art"

The 2026 Met Gala centers on the theme **"Costume Art"**, inviting attendees to interpret the intersection of fashion and artistic expression through their red carpet looks. Guests have risen to the occasion, arriving in elaborately crafted ensembles that reflect the spirit of the evening's cultural celebration.

Among the notable arrivals, Chloe Malle was spotted making her entrance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2026, adding to the growing list of distinguished guests gracing the event.

### An Evening of Fashion and Philanthropy

Beyond the glamour and spectacle, the Met Gala remains one of the most significant fundraising events in the cultural calendar, with proceeds directly supporting the Costume Institute's exhibitions and acquisitions. This year's gathering continues that storied tradition, blending high fashion with meaningful philanthropic purpose on one of the world's most famous red carpets.

The 2026 Met Gala celebrates Costume Art with co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams & Anna Wintour. See the latest red carpet arrivals.

Met Gala 2026: Red Carpet Arrivals & Co-Chairs

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Met Gala 2026: Star-Studded Red Carpet Arrivals Light Up New York City

## Met Gala 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Fashion's most anticipated evening of the year is finally here. The Met Gala 2026 is set to welcome approximately 450 of the world's biggest celebrities to the steps of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, where glamour, artistry, and haute couture collide for one unforgettable night.

## This Year's Theme and Dress Code

The 2026 Met Gala centers on the theme **Costume Art**, inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's landmark new exhibition. The show brings together an extraordinary collection of 400 garments and objects representing 5,000 years of fashion history.

Guests have been given the dress code **"Fashion Is Art"**, encouraging them to explore the deep relationship between clothing and artistic expression. The theme invites attendees to celebrate how the dressed human body has been depicted and interpreted across art history.

Expect a stunning variety of interpretations on the red carpet. Outfits drawing inspiration from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist movements are all on the table, and some celebrities may even pay direct homage to iconic individual paintings. As is typical with the Met Gala, the theme is broad enough to inspire virtually endless creative possibilities.

## Who Are the 2026 Co-Chairs?

Longtime Met Gala chair **Anna Wintour** has assembled an impressive trio of co-chairs for this year's event:

- **Beyoncé** – Making her long-awaited return to the gala for the first time since 2016, when she dazzled in a futuristic ensemble during that year's technology-themed event.
- **Nicole Kidman** – The Oscar-winning actress and longtime fashion icon joins as a co-chair.
- **Venus Williams** – The tennis legend brings star power from the world of sport to fashion's biggest stage.

Amazon founder **Jeff Bezos** and his wife **Lauren Sanchez Bezos** are also serving as co-chairs and primary sponsors of the event. Their involvement has sparked some controversy, with protest posters appearing near the museum referencing concerns over workers' rights. Bezos stepped down as Amazon's CEO four years ago.

## Host Committee Highlights

This year's host committee is headed by **Anthony Vaccarello** and **Zoë Kravitz**, with a star-studded lineup that includes **Sabrina Carpenter**, **Doja Cat**, **Teyana Taylor**, **Lisa from BLACKPINK**, **Elizabeth Debicki**, and **Lena Dunham**.

## What Happens at the Met Gala?

The Met Gala officially opens the Costume Institute's spring exhibition, which runs through January 2027 and serves as the department's primary source of funding. While the red carpet is a public spectacle watched by millions around the world, the event itself remains strictly private.

Inside, invited guests enjoy an exclusive evening of dinner, cocktails, live music, and a private viewing of the new exhibition. A firm no-selfie rule is enforced within the venue, preserving the event's sense of mystery and exclusivity.

As has become tradition, the gala falls on the **first Monday in May**, with guests beginning to arrive at approximately **6:00 PM EST (11:00 PM BST)**.

## How Much Do Met Gala Tickets Cost?

The Met Gala is one of the most exclusive events on the planet. Individual tickets are reported to cost around **$75,000 (approximately £56,000)**, while full table bookings start at upwards of **$350,000 (approximately £258,000)**.

## How to Watch the Met Gala 2026

Although the public cannot attend the event itself, the red carpet coverage is widely accessible. **Vogue** will host its official livestream across its digital platforms, YouTube, and TikTok.

Hosting this year's Vogue coverage are **Ashley Graham**, **Cara Delevingne**, and **La La Anthony**, with fan-favorite **Emma Chamberlain** returning as red carpet correspondent.

Beyond Vogue, numerous media outlets will run their own live coverage across Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms. The BBC News website will also feature a dedicated live page tracking celebrity arrivals throughout the evening.

## A Note on the Cultural Moment

The Met Gala never exists in isolation. This year, the release of **The Devil Wears Prada 2** was strategically timed to coincide with the event's weekend — a nod to the original film, which famously offered a satirical look at the fashion world and was loosely inspired by Anna Wintour's tenure at *Vogue*.

It's worth noting that the Met Gala was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — the only year in recent memory the event did not take place.

Everything you need to know about the Met Gala 2026 — from Beyoncé's return as co-chair to ticket prices, the Fashion Is Art theme, and how to watch live.

Met Gala 2026: Theme, Tickets, Co-Chairs & How to Watch

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Met Gala 2026: Theme, Ticket Prices, Co-Chairs, and How to Watch the Big Night

## Hollywood Royalty Meets Prestige Television

Some actors spend years clawing their way toward a breakout role. For Anna Van Patten, the journey has been shaped by decades of Hollywood history flowing through her family's blood — but make no mistake, she's earning every moment of her spotlight on her own terms.

The 27-year-old actress recently made her debut on HBO's boundary-pushing drama *Euphoria*, and the role is about as far removed from wholesome family television as you can get. That distinction is particularly striking when you consider that her uncle, the late Dick Van Patten, spent years playing the warm and dependable patriarch Tom Bradford on ABC's beloved family series *Eight Is Enough* — a show Anna, somewhat sheepishly, admits she has never fully watched.

"I've never actually seen an episode of *Eight Is Enough*," she confessed. "I mean, I've seen small clips. I know, it's embarrassing."

## A Bold Introduction to 'Euphoria'

Anna's *Euphoria* debut aired on May 3, and it wasted no time establishing her as a performer willing to take on challenging material. She portrays Kitty, a new dancer at a desert strip club called the Silver Slipper, whose deeply unsettling encounter with three customers in a private lap-dance room adds yet another layer of darkness to the show's already provocative narrative.

Shooting the scene was no small undertaking. "It's sad and it's dark, but it serves a purpose in the greater story," Anna explained. "Luckily, I had so many people there to support me through it. There was an intimacy coordinator, and everyone was being very delicate. So I felt like I could go to a darker place and put myself in Kitty's shoes. Then I went home and took a shower and washed it off."

To prepare for the role, Anna threw herself into research with genuine dedication. Having never set foot inside a strip club, she began taking pole-dancing lessons as soon as she received a callback — convinced, in hindsight, that the commitment helped her land the part. While shooting another project in Budapest, she visited a local club to observe and gather inspiration, navigating a language barrier to connect with performers there.

## A Family Steeped in Television History

The Van Patten name carries considerable weight in the entertainment industry, and Anna grew up surrounded by the craft at its highest level. Her father, Tim Van Patten, is one of the most celebrated directors in the history of prestige television — a man who helmed more episodes of *The Sopranos* than anyone else, directed the pilot of *Game of Thrones*, and left his fingerprints on landmark productions including *The Wire*, *Rome*, and *Boardwalk Empire*.

Growing up, Anna and her older sister Grace were frequent visitors to her father's sets. "He would bring us and say, 'Go explore, do your thing,'" she recalled. "We'd go on these sets of ancient Rome or the 1920s and just kind of play around."

Those experiences were formative in more ways than one. Tim Van Patten has become an informal mentor for his daughter's acting career, helping her with audition tapes and enthusiastically weighing in on camera angles — sometimes to her mild frustration. "He'll be like, 'Look directly into the lens,' and I'm like, 'No, they tell you not to do that!'" she laughed.

Anna even auditioned for a role on *Boardwalk Empire*, though she didn't land the part. Perhaps the most memorable near-miss, however, came years earlier. As a 10-year-old, she was nearly cast as a deceased child in the *Game of Thrones* pilot — a hanging scene that her father ultimately decided was too disturbing for both of them. Her consolation prize? Being allowed to arrange the placement of dismembered body parts in a subsequent woodland scene involving the White Walkers. "I'm still mad about it," she said of missing the original role.

## Sister Act and Screen Time

Anna's career has already brought her into orbit with her sibling in memorable ways. Last year, she appeared alongside her older sister Grace in Hulu's *The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox*, in which Grace portrayed the title role and Anna played her younger sister. The casting was fitting, though Anna noted that the on-screen dynamic differed significantly from their real-life relationship.

"We had that big fight scene where I had to yell at Grace and it felt so surreal," she said. "Growing up, we just fist-fought it out." Asked who typically won those childhood scuffles, Anna offered a practical analysis: "Grace has a very strong upper body. I have a strong lower body. So it really depended."

Beyond the Knox project, Anna has built a steady résumé that includes a recurring role on *Gossip Girl*, a part in the 2022 prestige horror film *Master*, and guest appearances on procedural staples like *Law & Order: SVU* and *FBI: Most Wanted*.

## Lessons from Uncle Dickie

Among Anna's most treasured memories are those involving her late uncle, Dick Van Patten, who passed away in 2015. As Tim Van Patten's much older half-brother, Dick was a Hollywood institution in his own right — and apparently a superb guide to an afternoon at the racetrack.

"Being around Uncle Dickie was the best," Anna said warmly. "Some of my favorite memories are going to the racetrack with him." Dick apparently schooled his young niece in the art of picking horses — a process Anna approached by evaluating each animal's color and name for maximum cuteness. The perks didn't stop there. "Afterwards we'd get to meet the jockeys. He was kind of treated like royalty at the racetrack. He was just so fun. Larger than life."

## Directing Ambitions and the Next Generation

With her father's legacy as both actor and director in mind, Anna hasn't ruled out stepping behind the camera herself someday. She studied directing during her time at the New School in Greenwich Village and finds herself instinctively analyzing technique whenever she works with different directors on set. "It's definitely a dream for the future," she acknowledged. "But right now I don't know what story I'd want to tell."

As for whether the Van Patten Hollywood tradition will continue into yet another generation, the answer may lie with Anna's 14-year-old sister — though the family seems to be steering her in a different direction for now. "She's kind of going through this thing — 'Do I want to be an actress, or do I want to play basketball?'" Anna explained. "We're pushing basketball. We're telling her, 'Go to the WNBA first and then think about becoming an actress after.'"

Anna Van Patten, daughter of director Tim and niece of Dick Van Patten, opens up about her bold Euphoria role, family legacy, and Hollywood ambitions.

Anna Van Patten Makes Her Euphoria Debut

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Anna Van Patten Steps Into the Spotlight: Hollywood's Newest Generation Makes Her 'Euphoria' Debut

## Celebrated Irish Actor Gary Lydon Dies at 61

Gary Lydon, widely regarded as one of Ireland's most gifted actors, has passed away at the age of 61. Known for his memorable performances in acclaimed films including *The Banshees of Inisherin*, *Calvary*, and *The Guard*, Lydon leaves behind an extraordinary legacy both on stage and screen — and, most importantly to those who knew him best, as a devoted father.

## From London Roots to Wexford Upbringing

Born Gary O'Brien in London in 1964 to Irish parents, Lydon moved back to Wexford as a young child, where he was raised and where his deep connection to Irish culture took hold. He later chose to use his mother's maiden name professionally — a decision that would become synonymous with decades of outstanding theatrical and cinematic work.

## A Career Built on the Stage

Lydon's rise to prominence began in the mid-1980s when he took on leading roles in Billy Roche's celebrated Wexford Trilogy of plays. Those early performances laid the foundation for a career that would span the breadth of Irish and British theatre and film.

Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director of Wexford Arts Centre, expressed profound grief at the news of his passing.

"Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche's plays," she said. "He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland and the UK."

Whyte also noted the poignant significance of Lydon's final stage appearance at the venue, which saw him perform alongside his own son, James Doherty O'Brien. "Though heartbreaking, it is fitting that his final role on our stage was performed alongside his son," she added. "The lights in the theatre world are dimmer due to the loss of Gary, but we will cherish the memories of his performances with reverence."

## Community Ties and GAA Connections

Beyond the world of performance, Lydon remained deeply connected to his local community. His former Gaelic Athletic Association club, St Michael's, paid tribute on social media, recalling how he would turn out to play for them whenever his demanding schedule permitted. In later years, he became a familiar and beloved face on the sidelines, cheering on his son James during matches.

## Family Pays Tribute

In a heartfelt statement issued through Irish broadcaster RTÉ, Lydon's son James Doherty O'Brien spoke on behalf of the family, describing the loss as "a huge shock and deep loss for us all."

"He will be sorely missed by me and my brother Seanluke, our mother Kara, his beloved partner Paula and her daughter Aoife, and all his brothers and extended family," James said.

"Despite all his success and achievements, his greatest pride was being a father. We will miss the many ways he loved and protected us. We will carry all our amazing memories with him forever in our hearts."

## A Legacy That Endures

Gary Lydon's contribution to Irish arts and culture is immeasurable. From his early days treading the boards in Wexford to his scene-stealing appearances in internationally acclaimed films, he brought authenticity, depth, and humanity to every role he inhabited. He is survived by his sons, family, and a community of colleagues and admirers whose lives he touched profoundly.

Gary Lydon, celebrated Irish actor known for The Banshees of Inisherin and Calvary, has passed away at 61, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in film and theatr

Irish Actor Gary Lydon, Banshees Star, Dies Aged 61

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Beloved Irish Actor Gary Lydon, Star of Banshees of Inisherin, Passes Away at 61

## Shakira Rocks Rio de Janeiro in Front of Massive Crowd

Colombian pop icon Shakira delivered an unforgettable performance on the world-famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night, drawing an enormous audience to her free open-air concert.

### Record-Breaking Attendance Claims

According to a social media announcement from Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere, approximately two million people gathered along the iconic shoreline to watch Shakira perform her catalog of greatest hits. However, it is worth noting that BBC Verify's analysis of a similar large-scale concert held on Copacabana beach by Lady Gaga earlier in 2025 suggested that such crowd estimates are often significantly overstated.

### A Star-Studded Legacy on Copacabana's Shores

Shakira's performance adds her name to a prestigious list of global music legends who have graced the Copacabana stage. Both Lady Gaga and Madonna have previously headlined free concerts at the same iconic location, cementing the beach as one of the world's premier outdoor entertainment venues.

### Economic Boost Behind the 'Todo Mundo no Rio' Concert

The spectacular event was organized under the banner of 'Todo Mundo no Rio' — meaning 'Everyone in Rio' — and was fully funded by the city government as part of a broader strategy to stimulate and revitalize the local economy. City officials projected that the mega-concert would inject an estimated R$800 million, equivalent to approximately £118 million, directly into Brazil's economy through tourism, hospitality, and related industries.

The concert underscores Rio de Janeiro's ongoing commitment to leveraging world-class entertainment as a powerful economic and cultural driver on the global stage.

Shakira performed her greatest hits to an estimated two million fans at a free concert on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach, boosting Brazil's economy.

Shakira Free Concert at Copacabana Beach Draws Millions

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Millions Pack Copacabana Beach for Shakira's Massive Free Concert in Rio

## Tucker Carlson Speaks Candidly About Trump, Past Regrets, and Where He Stands Today

Former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson has broken his silence on several pressing personal and political matters in a candid new interview with The New York Times. From his evolving relationship with President Donald Trump to a surprising admission about a past interview he wishes never happened, Carlson held little back.

### A Complicated Bond With Trump

Carlson described Trump as possessing a nearly magnetic, almost "spellbinding" quality — an acknowledgment of the former and current president's undeniable hold on those around him. However, that admiration has not been without friction. The two men reportedly parted ways over a significant policy disagreement centered on Iran, signaling that even one of Trump's most prominent media allies has limits when it comes to loyalty versus principle.

Despite their falling out, Carlson's remarks suggested a relationship that remains nuanced rather than entirely severed — complicated by years of mutual influence and shared political territory.

### Regretting the Nick Fuentes Interview

One of the more striking moments in the interview came when Carlson addressed his past decision to sit down with far-right commentator Nick Fuentes. Without hesitation, Carlson stated plainly that he regrets the encounter.

"I wish I hadn't done that interview," Carlson admitted — a rare moment of public self-reflection from a media personality not typically known for walking back his choices. The comment signals a possible recalibration of who Carlson chooses to platform as he continues building his independent media presence.

### Clarifying the 'Antichrist' Remark

Carlson also took time to address a previously circulated and widely discussed comment in which he appeared to suggest that Trump could be the "Antichrist." In the Times interview, he moved to clarify the context and intent behind those remarks, which had raised eyebrows across both political and religious communities.

While the full nuance of his clarification was telling, it underscored just how loaded and scrutinized every word from Carlson has become in the post-Fox News chapter of his career.

### His Current Standing With Turning Point and Erika Kirk

Beyond Trump and political controversies, Carlson also shed light on where things currently stand between him and Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization led by Charlie Kirk. Additionally, he addressed his relationship with Erika Kirk, providing followers and political observers with a clearer picture of his present personal and professional landscape.

### A Media Personality in Transition

This interview paints a portrait of Tucker Carlson at a crossroads — still influential, still provocative, but increasingly willing to examine his own decisions with a critical eye. Whether this marks a genuine evolution or simply a strategic repositioning remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Carlson continues to be one of the most closely watched figures in American media and politics.

Tucker Carlson opens up to the NYT about his fallout with Trump over Iran, regretting the Nick Fuentes interview, and clarifying his Antichrist remark.

Tucker Carlson on Trump Split, Nick Fuentes Regret & More

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Tucker Carlson Opens Up About Trump Fallout, Iran Disagreement, and Nick Fuentes Regret

## Rare David Bowie Photo Discovered After 56 Years

A remarkable piece of rock-and-roll history has come to light after spending more than half a century buried in a loft. A long-lost photograph capturing a young David Bowie backstage at a small Stockport venue in 1970 has finally been rediscovered — and the story behind it is just as fascinating as the image itself.

### The Man Behind the Discovery

David Maynard, now 74 years old, was just a teenager when he helped organize one of Bowie's early live performances. As a member of the Stockport Schools' Student Union, Maynard and his fellow sixth formers managed to book the rising rock star for a performance at the Poco A Poco Club in Heaton Chapel. The photograph, which shows Bowie in his stage outfit surrounded by seven members of the student union, had been missing for decades — until a household mishap forced Maynard to dig through years of stored belongings.

"I was relieved to find it because I had been going on about this photograph for several years," Maynard explained. "I think people thought I was just making it up, but I knew I had it — and now it's available for everybody to see."

### A Water Leak Leads to a Historic Find

The photo only came to light after a water leak in Maynard's loft forced him to sort through stacks of old boxes. While many of his other photographs suffered water damage, this particular image survived completely intact.

"I had a lot of photographs damaged by the water leak, but not this one," he said. The photo has since been digitally recolourised, bringing the moment vividly back to life.

### A Night to Remember in Stockport

By the time Bowie performed at the Poco A Poco Club, he had already achieved mainstream recognition with his top-five hit *Space Oddity*. Despite this, the gig was organized entirely by a group of enthusiastic local teenagers with limited event experience.

Maynard recalled the night as "very hectic," admitting the venue was packed well beyond its usual capacity. "We knew roughly what we were doing, but it was a great big step up," he said. "The Poco A Poco on the night had a bit over what it should have had inside — it was rammed full, and they must have made a lot of money on the bar."

As for Bowie himself, Maynard described the late music icon as quiet yet approachable. "He had a serious, studious air about him. He looked competent — he knew what he was doing."

### Bowie's Legacy in Stockport

This wasn't the first time Bowie's connection to Stockport had been celebrated. The town's train station already features a commemorative plaque marking the occasion when Bowie missed his train home after the gig and was forced to spend the night in the area.

John Barratt of Stockport Music Story, the organization that installed the plaque, shared news of the rediscovered photograph on social media. The post quickly gained traction and was subsequently reshared by Bowie's official Instagram account, which boasts an audience of three million followers.

### A Call to Find the Original Photographer

Maynard also revealed that several photographs from that evening were originally taken by a press photographer named Derek Martin, who worked for the *Stockport Express* at the time. He expressed hope that Martin, or anyone who knows him, would come forward upon hearing about the discovery and reach out to Stockport Music Story.

The resurfacing of this image serves as a timely reminder of just how extraordinary Bowie's journey was — and how even the smallest local venues played a role in shaping one of music's greatest legends.

A rare 1970 backstage photo of David Bowie at a Stockport gig has resurfaced after 56 years, discovered during a loft clear-out after a water leak.