Category: Entertainment

So, you’re seeing everyone talk about Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle and don’t have the bandwidth (or desire) to check it out? It’s cool. There’s a lot of TV out there for you to watch! Or books, if that’s your thing. If you’re not watching, but are remotely curious about the whole thing. We’re here for you.

Warning, spoilers follow!

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
Too Hot to Handle takes a bunch of sexy singles (are there any other kind of singles on reality dating shows?) from around the world and puts them in an exotic locale where they’re encouraged to wear swimsuits and show off their toned bods.

It’s a lot like Love Island, but there’s a twist. Because of course there’s a twist. Every reality show needs a twist now.

While they can see each other and aren’t sequestered in pods and forced to talk to walls like Love Is Blind, and it looks a shocking amount like Love Island, Too Hot to Handle tasks its crop of sexy singles with not touching each other.

THE TWISTED PREMISE
Yes, for the chance to take home $100,000, the Too Hot to Handle contestants cannot touch each other in sexual manner. Kissing? Costs money ($3,000 to be exact). Oral sex? Costs money. Intercourse? Costs a lot of money ($20,000). The contestants have to compete in physical challenges, tempting them along the way. But the A.I. host (yep, she’s a cone or something) Lana tells the contestants they are supposed to be forming meaningful relationships without the physical aspect. Can these people keep the hands to themselves and get to know their potential mates or will they give in to temptation?

SO, WHO WINS?
After a number of folks can’t keep their hands to themselves and lose money—a couple, Harry and Francesca, wins a chunk back by not having sex with each other. With $75,000 in the prize pool, Lana, the host robot thing, decides the 10 remaining contestants get to split the prize. Yep, each person left just got $7,500.

All episodes of season one of Too Hot to Handle are now streaming on Netflix.

Lady Gaga gives us a million reasons to want to get involved with helping the world.

Tonight, the Grammy-winning artist will be performing during the One World: Together at Home concert, an event put on by Global Citizen and the World Health Organization to help educate on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and highlight the frontline healthcare workers.

The Oscar-winner is curating the event, which will feature a star-studded lineup of performances and cameos from stars like Billie Eilish, John Legend, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift and more.

Today’s event isn’t the only time that the singer has gotten involved with giving back, either.

Over the years, we’ve seen the “Born This Way” performer start a foundation that helps youth with mental health, surprise fans and create compelling music with an important message.

She also helped raise $35 million towards the coronavirus situation to help secure more PPE for health workers and provide additional testing resources.

In honor of the event, we’re taking a look back at Lady Gaga’s biggest acts of kindness and giving back.

Check them out below!

Also, be sure to tune into the One World: Together at Home event tonight and head to Global Citizen’s site to see how you can help, with actions like taking quizzes about the coronavirus to educate yourself and pledging to stay home.

Well that was delightful. 

As part of his new YouTube show Some Good News, John Krasinski hosted a virtual prom for high schoolers whose own dances were cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis. Dressed in a spiffy tuxedo, the A-lister called upon celeb pals like the Jonas Brothers, Billie Eilish and Chance the Rapper to recreate prom from the comfort and safety of their own homes. 

John’s The Office co-star Rainn Wilson also joined in for a dance party with Chance before the JoBros took the metaphorical stage for a performance of “Sucker.”

“How about we do one of our songs and since we never went to prom?” Nick Jonas said. “We could do one of our songs and turn this party up a notch.”

Billie and her brother Finneas O’Connell joined next to perform her hit song “Bad Guy.”

After then speaking to some teens (dressed in what they planned to wear to prom), John closed with a touching moment. 

“We are all going through this together,” he shared, “This is a very, very weird time but each and every one of you are missing something and this is the least I could do.”

Consider our heartstrings pulled. 

UPDATE: Chris Brown has privately settled a lawsuit stemming from an alleged sexual assault that took place in 2017, E! News can confirm. 

On Thursday, April 16, the anonymous plaintiff in the case filed court documents requesting its dismissal. Her attorney, Gloria Allred, tells E! News the case was settled. Brown’s attorney declined to comment. 

Get more details on the case below.

_____

A woman is suing Chris Brown claiming she was sexually assaulted at the rapper’s home.

In court documents obtained by E! News, the plaintiff referred to as “Jane Doe” is suing the performer and Lowell Grissom Jr. for negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, battery and assault.

“Our client was invited to attend an ‘after party’ at a recording studio to meet defendant Grissom also known as Young Lo and defendant Brown. When she arrived at the studio, her phone was taken away from her. She was told that Brown did not want anyone to have their phones in the studio. Our client alleges in the lawsuit that she was forced to go to Brown’s home because she perceived that she would only be able to retrieve her phone there,” attorney Gloria Allred alleged in a press conference captured by TMZ. “Brown handed each female guest including plaintiff a clear pill filled with white powder and instructed them to take it to have a ‘good time.’ Plaintiff did not follow these instructions and declined to consume the pill or pills.”

According to Gloria, the plaintiff became “scared and intimated” when she saw the defendants in possession of multiple guns in the house. She also felt “intimidated by the aggressive behavior” of some of Brown’s guests.

“The lawsuit alleges that while she was at Brown’s house, the plaintiff became the victim of horrific sexual assault, which are described in our lawsuit,” Gloria continued in her press conference. “This is one of the most horrific sexual assault cases that I have ever seen and our client Jane Doe has been severely traumatized by what she was forced to suffer.”

E! News has reached out to Chris and Lowell’s teams for comment.

“The fact that they made a demand for $17 million and I told them to go pound sand probably explains why they did the press conference today. Chris didn’t do anything and they know Chris didn’t do anything,” Chris’ attorney Mark Geragos shared with TMZ. “Other than using his name so she can have a press conference, I don’t understand why he’s dragged into anything.”

Lowell’s attorney added in a separate statement to E! News: “Lowell vehemently denies these false and defaming accusations originated last year, ending with no arrests, no proof, an inconclusive rape kit and after a police investigation—no charges filed. This civil lawsuit is a blatant attempt at a money grab and to harm the reputation of my client while encouraging PR noise for Gloria Allred while she exploits this young woman for her own financial gains and public persona. We look forward to sharing our side and additional information with the public and are confident that the justice system will clear Mr. Grissom of these heinous charges.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirms they conducted an investigation at Chris’ residence. The evidence that was gathered has been submitted to the DA who will then decide if charges will be filed or not.

While Chris has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, he took to Twitter earlier in the day to promote his upcoming concerts.

The Heartbreak on a Full Moon Tour kicks off June 19 in Seattle and will feature 6LACK, H.E.R. and Rich the Kid as opening acts on select dates.

(This story was originally published on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 5:09 a.m. PST)

As Stefon would say, this weekend’s binge-watch recommendations list has everything.

Beyoncé? Check. A trashy new reality dating competition series with a twist? Why, of course. A new teen soap for you to obsess her and text your Tik-Tok obsessed cousin about? Duh. 

But the best recommendation we can offer for the weekend of April 18-19 is the epic concert event featuring some of music’s biggest stars coming together for a one-night special to lift your spirits, highlight frontline healthcare workers and help continue the fight against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Truly, what could be better than knowing that we are all together even if we are apart right now through the power of some epic music? 

Still, after that six-hour event, you’ve still got plenty of time left to check some more of our binge picks off your list, including a new comedy special and a 121-episode-long journey, should you choose to accept it. 

If You Want to Prepare for the Finale Everyone Will Be Talking About: Question: Are you caught up on Little Fires Everywhere? Follow-up if you’re answer was no: How dare you?!

The addictive limited series starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington as two very different and head-strong mothers comes to a dramatic finish on Wednesday, April 22, making this weekend the perfect time to get you binge on. Dare we say Witherspoon has never been better? (Where to Watch: Hulu)

If You’ve Finished Every Episode of Love Island UK and Are Having Withdrawals: We’re so glad you took last week’s suggestion to watch one of reality TV’s greatest shows. You’re welcome.

But if you are now looking for your next fix, may we present the latest reality TV dating experiment that everyone will be talking about: Too Hot to Handle.

The eight-episode show finds sexy and very sex-positive singles heading to a gorgeous resort with every intention of hooking up. The catch? They cant engage in any kind of sexual activity: no sex, no kissing, no masturbating. And if they engage, they cost the entire group cash with each indiscretion.

Listen, it’s not going to take over the prime oceanfront real estate that Love Island now occupies in your heart for trashy-yet-compelling reality romance, but it’ll scratch that itch for now. (Where to Watch: Netflix)

If You Are Looking to Watch a Trio of Powerhouse Women: Cate Blanchett. Rose Byrne. Uzo Aduba. That’s the line-up for the first three episodes of Mrs. America, with the stars playing feminist icons Phyllis Schlafly, Gloria Steinem and Shirley Chrisholm, respectively. Why are you still even reading this? Oh, and future installments include Sarah Paulson, Elizabeth Banks, Melanie Lynskey and Jeanne Tripplehorn. We’re not worthy! (Where to Watch: FX on Hulu)

If You Are Looking to Feel a Connection for an Hour or Six: While many are sad to be missing out on Coachella this weekend, you do have a free ticket to Couchella aka the One World: Together at Home event.

The six-hour livestream airs on Saturday, Apr. 18, beginning at 2 p.m. (EST) and will feature performances by artists such as Lady Gaga, who curated The World Health Organization and Global Citizen-backed entertainment special, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Shawn Mendes, John Legend, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder and many more, while Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert will all be co-hosting.

(Where to Watch: E! Online to watch the six-hour livestream when it starts or catch it on other platforms like Alibaba, Amazon Prime Video, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, LiveXLive, Tencent, Tencent Music Entertainment Group, TIDAL, TuneIn, Twitch, Twitter, Yahoo, and YouTube. Plus, NBC, ABC and CBS will air the two-hour broadcast starting at 8:00 p.m. EST and PST, 7 p.m. Central, followed by a reairing of the program at 11:00 p.m. on networks like E! and Bravo.)

If You Have Been Missing Beyoncé as Much as You’ve Been Missing Your Parents: Queen Bey finally graced us with her presence, unexpectedly popping up during this week’s The Disney Family Singalong, ABC’s special that featured celebrities virtually performing a concert of some of most beloved Disney songs. ICYMI the delightful affair, other stars that performed included Ariana Grande, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, the reunited cast of High School Musical with an intro from Zac Efron himself, and did we mention Beyoncé appeared?!

Once you watch, you can check out our story about how Disney got Beyoncé to make the buzzed-about appearance. (Where to Watch: Hulu)

If You Are Looking for a Throwback to the Good Ol’ WB Days: Dawson’s Creek + The Goonies = Outerbanks, Netflix’s new glossy teen drama that’ll provide a really shallow-but-entertaining distraction/have you Googling the leads’ ages before tweeting anything. (Where to Watch: Netflix)

If You Are Running Out of Stuff to Talk to Your Dad About: Good news, the sixth season of Bosch just dropped. Say hi to you dad for us! (Where to Watch: Amazon Prime)

If You Are in Desperate Need of a Good Laugh: Fresh off his stint on You season two, Chris D’Elia is back in action on Netflix with his latest stand-up comedy special, No Pain. But warning: you will probably have all the stomach pain from how hard you’ll be laughing. Alright, we know that was super-lame, that sucked, but we’re not stand-up comedians, ‘kay? (Where to Watch: Netflix)

If You Are in Desperate Need of a Good Cry: Who knew John Krasinski would emerge as the No. 1 daytime host, thanks to his new YouTube show, Some Good News? In its first three episodes, The Office star has made us cry about 47 times, so we highly suggest giving yourself to feel all the feelings while burning through SGN’s delightful run thus far. (Where to Watch: YouTube)

If You Are Looking For a Month-Long Journey: Can you believe Lost will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its not-at-all polarizing universally beloved series finale next month? (OK but seriously, what did the numbers mean? WTF polar bears? What did ANY of it mean?!)

The ABC hit’s time on the island came to an end on May 23, 2010, making now the perfect time for a re-watch or to watch the series for the first time. Just think of all the think pieces waiting for you and how you’ll finally understand why every mystery show that has debuted since Lost aired has been desperate to be dubbed “the next Lost“! (Where to Watch: Hulu)

If You Are Need of Some Friends: Can you believe TBS is airing every episode of Friends ever beginning on Monday, April 20 at 10 a.m.?! Pivot! We were on a break! Smelly cat! Insert every other Friends reference here! (Where to Watch: TBS)

Jim Edmonds has a new lady in his life, and estranged wife Meghan King Edmonds knows her rather… intimately. 

Several months after the former Real Housewives star claimed Jim was dating a woman they once had a threesome with, he’s gone public with their romance. In photos shared to the former MLB player’s Instagram Stories this week, he and Kortnie O’Connor were working out together at his home gym in Missouri. 

Edmonds’ attorney has since confirmed the pair is dating, telling E! News, “Jim and Kortnie are involved and in quarantine together.”

Back in January, Meghan aired the former couple’s dirty laundry on her podcast, Intimate Knowledge. Meghan said that as newlyweds, she and Jim decided to have a threesome with a woman she described as her “friend.”

“I felt very comfortable with her,” the reality TV personality recalled, explaining that the trio had sex together only once and remained cordial as time went on.

The woman, who was ultimately identified as Kortnie, traveled to Cabo with Jim after their split, which Meghan slammed as “hurtful.”

“They are in Cabo right now,” Meghan remarked. “This girl, who I thought was my friend. I cast aside my uncomfortability with threesomes. And then this girl.”

In light of Meghan’s claims, Jim fired back in an exclusive statement to E! News. 

“I was invited to a surprise birthday party this weekend for one of my best friends and decided to bring a date,” Jim said at the time. “There is no affair going on here. It has been a plus one for the weekend. The woman I am in Cabo with is not her friend. They have not spoken in over three years.”

Last October, Meghan and Jim split after five years of marriage. Jim was accused of cheating on Meghan with their kids’ nanny, which he adamantly denied. 

Meghan has yet to address Jim and Kortnie’s public displays of affection on Instagram.