Regardless of what’s actually going on in their relationship, Ben Affleck and Lindsay Shookus’ romance is moving at breakneck speed in the pages of the world’s most salacious tabloids. It was just last week that we learned Affleck and Shookus are dating , and already, rumors about flying about the couple taking major steps forward together. Of course, it’s been widely reported that Affleck and Shookus dated in secret for several years, but that’s a topic for another time. The big Shookfleck news of today comes from an Australian tabloid called Woman’s Day , and should thus be taken with several grains of salt. The magazine claims that Shookus is pregnant and Ben’s ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, is “devastated by the news.” An insider explains to the outlet that Ben and Lindsay decided to stop being secretive about their relationship after learning they’re expecting. The source says Ben recently broke the news to Jennifer, who was understandably less than thrilled: “Ben told her they’d just had their first doctor’s appointment,” claims the tipster. Now, in all likelihood, this is a load of bull, but a Batfleck baby would explain a lot. The normally secretive and downcast-looking Affleck has been out and about with Lindsay in plain view of the paparazzi in recent weeks, and what’s truly amazing is that he’s often smiling. Of course, the most likely explanation is that he’s simply happy to have found love again after one of the most high-profile celebrity splits in recent memory. Affleck and Garner separated back in 2015, but only finalized their divorce earlier this year. There were rumors that they were trying to sort things out, and the actors were even spotted attending church and couples counseling together. It was a dark time for both, no doubt, but after two years of darkness, it seems they’re both finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Affleck is newly sober after completing a stint in rehab, and friends say they haven’t seen him this happy in years. Both he and Shookus are already parents, but if the relationship is progressing as rapidly as some claim, we wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a baby in their future. We just doubt it’s in their immediate future. View Slideshow: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Photos: A Romantic Rewind
It’s that time again for The Bachelorette ‘s hometown dates — always illuminating and often fateful for contestants. Dean Unglert is a favorite this year, and of course he’s one of the suitors who’s getting a hometown date with Rachel Lindsay. Dean’s family’s come up before, so he’s taken to the interwebs to issue a plea for religious tolerance — because his dad, as you may remember, is a Sikh. If you’re scratching your head for a moment and wondering who takes issue with Sikhs, the issue is a little more complicated than that. Sikhism is, like every faith, complicated, but essentially it’s a panentheistic religion believing in a single God who permeates and transcends every aspect of the universe. Many people minority faiths see discrimination and mockery, particularly when they are poorly understood by the culture in which they live. Unfortunately, two realities of Sikhs have led them to face real violence from bigots. Sikhs wear turbans over their uncut hair as a matter of religious expression. While Sikhism accepts converts (like, say, Dean’s father), they do not actively seek to convert anyone, and because of that there is a powerful ethnic association for Sikhs. The result is that you have brown-skinned people wearing turbans and, well, bigots aren’t generally known for their cultured educations. In the eyes of the ignorant, Sikhs look like Muslims. (And we’re talking about bigots here, so they see Muslims as targets for violence) Horrible hate crimes have been committed against Sikhs, which would be vile enough on its own. But in many cases it seems to be a case of mistaken identity fueled by Islamophobia. Dean Unglert has described his father as “eccentric” in the past, and received criticism for that by Sikh fans of the show. Conscious of bias and prejudice within the culture, Dean took to Instagram to ask people to not be dicks about his dad, basically. “Hometowns are 2 days away! ..and I’m asking for a favor: when I said my father was eccentric, I was not referring to his Sikh faith or the turban he wears on his head.” He’d already clarified that, but it’s good to repeat it again. Someone being of a minority faith shouldn’t be seen as a goofy quirk, you know? “I’m not asking you to spare his feelings (or mine) but instead to be cognizant and accepting of the millions of people that belong to the Sikh community.” That’s so important. Representation on television is important, and the folks at home can learn a lot that way. But none of that works if people ridicule or fear someone else because they’re different, you know? “Although he and I are not close, I respect my father’s decision to follow his heart and pursue the life he has chosen.” That’s all that you can ask for, you know? “Let us not criticize him for his appearance or his beliefs because by doing so we are disparaging an entire faith and culture that includes millions of people.” That’s such an important statement. “And I know we are all better than that. That is all (for now) #endrant HAPPY SATURDAY PEOPLE” Dean is just so charming, you know? As you might recall, he’s a start-up recruiter who has his mother’s initials tattooed to his chest. So … his job is very Millennial and his personality is more than a little quirky. Honestly, Dean is likable even when he’s shading another contestant . Add to that his boyish good looks that are vaguely ( vaguely !) reminiscent of The Flash ‘s Grant Gustin, and you’ve got a strong contender. Then you throw in this very sensitive plea for people to respect his dad’s faith, which is shared by millions. He’s kind of a dream, right? Of course, sadly, we already know that Rachel isn’t going to choose Dean. Dean Unglert was spotted on set for Bachelor in Paradise , which is amazing for that show but not great news for his role on The Bachelorette . (It also means that he won’t be The Bachelor ) Accidental spoilers, much? You’d think that if this charming guy isn’t Rachel’s pick, she’d be going with the handsome Peter Kraus. But actually we’re pretty sure that we know who Rachel will choose on The Bachelorette . View Slideshow: The Bachelorette Suitors: Meet Rachel Lindsay’s Men!
As the first Black bachelorette, should Rachel Lindsay be expected to give a Black man her final rose? Not if he isn’t her best match. On Tuesday, Rachel sent six suitors packing for various reasons. It was like a Bachelorette fire sale–everyone must go! In the process, four of the five remaining Black men on […]
Peter Kraus is head over heels in love with Rachel Lindsay. Whether or not he wins the final rose (see The Bachelorette spoilers for the latest on that subject) there is simply no doubting this fact. The 31-year-old gap-toothed Wisconsin native has been charming Bachelor Nation since his very first moments on the ABC hit show. Rachel appears to be equally charmed, for her part. With his good looks, instant connection with Lindsay and emotional honesty, it’s no surprise that he’s emerged as a contender in 2017. But what if … you know, it doesn’t work out? There can be only one winner, after all, which means by the end of each Bachelor and Bachelorette season, there will be some heartbreak. Among fans, and the contestants themselves. By the time we get down to the final 3-4, everyone remaining is a pretty strong candidate. And, in turn, the potential next Bachelor star. If you ask Peter about that – and Entertainment Tonight did – he doesn’t sound like a man focused on anything but wooing his true love. “Right now to be completely honest, Rachel’s definitely my focus,” he revealed when pressed about being the 2018 season’s lead. “I haven’t met anybody in my life quite like her, so if I can be that final person with Rachel at the end I will be the happiest man that I can possibly be.” Wow. If that’s not a man in love, what is. And this, despite saying in his high school yearbook that his dream is to be on The Bachelor (yes, he did, and yes, it’s been on that long). So you KNOW he’s serious now! (And also hot. See below.) Again, you can read Bachelorette spoilers if that’s your thing, but some are interpreting this as a sign that he does in fact win this season. Others say he could be playing it close to the vest, knowing he makes it far but not wanting to reveal whether he’s the last man standing. Either way, the bond he has with Rachel is real. “I feel like we’ve had a good connection since the very start,” Kraus said of Lindsay. ” With Rachel’s it’s an instant connection .” “I mean it’s not hard to connect with someone who’s that intelligent, sophisticated, adventurous, outgoing, all that.” “She’s really all those things you kind of look for in a partner, so it was easy to fall for her real quick,” he added. View Slideshow: 20 Hottest Bachelors in ABC History: Who’s #1?! Clearly he’s a man with his eyes on the prize. If Kraus were to become The Bachelor in 2018, he would no doubt be a popular figure, not to mention an attractive candidate. Superficiality does play some role, after all. Where do you think he’d rank among the hottest Bachelors of all time? And who do you think Rachel will choose this summer? Hit the comments below to discuss!
The Bachelorette is about to begin its 13th season on ABC. While we’ve yet to see a single episode, Rachel Lindsay’s epic journey for love has just concluded with a final rose ceremony in Spain. Customarily, The Bachelor spoilers have already leaked. Hands in the air if you’re surprised … hello? Anyone?! There are no hands in the air because The Bachelorette spoilers leaking before the season begins, let alone ends, is a foregone conclusion. It’s even more of a given than the winners of the previous season breaking up, which is really saying something given the show’s history! We apologize for the pessimism in what should be an uplifting time, but we tell it like it is, and they’re batting around .070. Just saying. Anyway, back to the lecture at hand, as Snoop would say: Starting Monday night, more than two dozen guys will arrive at the Bachelor mansion to begin their formal courtship with Chris Harrison. Er, sorry. With Rachel Lindsay. Here’s the full lineup” View Slideshow: The Bachelorette Suitors: Meet Rachel Lindsay’s Men! Soon, she will begin to pare down the field until only a few contenders are left and, eventually, a final rose recipient is selected. To the surprise of no one, Reality Steve (a.k.a. the Soothsayer of The Bachelorette spoilers) has already uncovered the scoop. As a result of his sleuthing, we can confirm who Rachel has already gone on hometown dates with, and who gets cut after that. Moreover, we can tell you who among her final three guys walks away from the finale engaged to the beautiful attorney from Dallas. Ready to find out exactly who the final four are, and whose life will be intensely scrutinized as soon as the season finale airs? The four dudes who make it to hometowns are: 1. Dean Unglert (above). He is a startup recruiter who has his mother’s initials tattooed on his chest. Will he add “RL” next?! 2. Bryan Abasolo (above). Dr. Bryan, as he is sometimes referred to, is a chiropractor who has spoken Spanish since he was a child. Talk about a cool and useful skill set. Will it be part of the whole package that lands him in the winner’s circle, or will it be … 3. Eric Bigger (above). This is a personal trainer who considers himself to be somewhat of a neat freak. We all have our neuroses. Also, he is jacked out of his mind. Like, shredded. Do you even lift?! We’re guessing he does … but seriously, is that an eight-pack!? Goodness gracious. 4. Peter Kraus (above). This is a business owner who has a fear of heights, according to his oh-so-revealing ABC biography. A quartet of worthy contenders, to be sure, so you know when it came down to the final three, Rachel had a tough decision. Which three to take on overnight dates (read: take into the Fantasy Suite for sexiness), and which one to send home alone? Dean Unglert, according to Steve, is eliminated, at this stage, but rest assured, he’ll be off to Bachelor in Paradise. Phew. That leaves us with a final three of Eric Bigger, Peter Kraus and Bryan Abasolo, all of whom meet Lindsay’s family in Dallas. So, the million dollar question: Who will win the final rose, and become Rachel’s fiance at season’s end (if she picks one)?! Bryan Abasolo. Rachel is engaged to Bryan Abasolo. It’s still not clear who made the final two, or where the exit of the third-place finisher occurred, but Bryan wins, and proposed in Spain. As always, in Reality Steve’s own words, this is a lock. The man’s track record speaks for itself. Yes, he has been wrong before, but very rarely so, and he’ll cheerfully admit when he is. He’s simply spot-on accurate almost always. So between now and early August, when we expect the season finale will air, expect a whole lot of rumors, half-truths and misdirection. Maybe there will in fact be a mammoth twist that blows The Bachelorette spoilers above to smithereens at the last second. We just wouldn’t bet on it. View Slideshow: Rachel Lindsay: The Bachelorette Star in Photos! Granted, as those who follow this stuff religiously know, Steve initially told us Peter Kraus would take home the final rose, not Bryan. That prediction? Well, it’s now been amended . We’ll have more episodic details, spoilers and specifics about how everything plays out once they become available next week and beyond. We’ll also update this with any twists or inaccuracies that need correcting or addendums. Again, though, we don’t anticipate the former. As for whether love will last for Ms. Lindsay? We would not bet on it, that’s for darn sure. Which is not a knock on Rachel, but simply a commentary on the show and its track record. Please, prove us wrong, Rachel and Bryan! View Slideshow: The Bachelor and Bachelorette Couples: Are They Still Together?
The Bachelorette’s streak of First Impression Rose winners from the premiere going on to win the show remarkably stands at … well, two. But those are the only two to do it! Will this season’s lucky fella make it a threepeat? ( The Bachelorette spoilers have a lot to say on that, but we’ll keep you in suspense.) For a time, this first rose of a new season was more like a kiss of death than a harbinger of success, as its recipients never went anywhere. That’s changed quite a lot since 2014. Nick Viall came close, winning Andi Dorfman’s First Impression Rose in Season 10 before coming oh-so-close to winning the finale. The next season, Shawn Booth became the first recipient of the inaugural rose to capture the final one, as well, from Kaitlyn Bristowe. (Also defeating Nick on the finale.) This had never been accomplished before, someone going wire to wire like that, but last summer, recent history repeated itself. Jordan Rodgers, a consensus frontrunner throughout the journey, garnered the first and last roses on JoJo Fletcher’s season. Can Rachel Lindsay make it three in a row? Or more accurately, can Bryan Abasolo, who caught her eye on last Monday’s premiere? Booth, who remains engaged to Bristowe two summers after their on-air engagement, says he wouldn’t bet on that outcome. “The guy that got the first impression rose … I’m willing to bet a lot of money that he will not be the winner of the season,” he predicted. “Jordan [Rodgers] got the first impression rose on JoJo Fletcher’s season, I got the first impression rose the season before.” “We both went on to ‘win.’ Do you think that there’s any chance that the producers will let that happen again? There’s no way.” Really? There’s no way the show’s producers would allow Rachel Lindsay’s free will to follow through if she found love at first sight? Seems a little extreme. If you feel a connection right away, there’s probably a reason for that. It might not last … but it also might last! It’s unclear why Shawn seems to think producers wouldn’t permit this, especially for a stand-up guy like Bryan Abasolo seems to be. If this were Lucas a.k.a. Whaboom, or DeMario Jackson , that would be one thing, but Bryan could well be who Rachel Lindsay picks . Not that he’s a lock. “I like that guy from Wisconsin … Peter,” says Booth, referring to Peter Kraus, who really stood out from the competition this week. “He was great,” added Bristowe. “That’s because they played the romantic music when he came out, so all of a sudden we’re brainwashed.” On their podcast, Kaitlyn and Shawn admit that watching their love story unfold on TV was awkward … but they love seeing other people’s! Picking and choosing this season’s contenders and pretenders and trying to predict who will win The Bachelorette like we do is just fun. Which category does Lucas fit in? “Whaboom is so happy we’re talking about him,” says Kait. “He is so happy the world is talking about him.” “I feel like that’s why he went there.” “He’s selling t-shirts,” says Booth. “I’ll buy one,” Bristowe adds. They may be onto something there. Going on reality TV for the exposure and a chance to make a living, rather than to find true love? Who would’ve guessed. View Slideshow: The Bachelorette Suitors: Meet Rachel Lindsay’s Men!
Rachel Lindsay did not get Memorial Day off. The first African-American Bachelorette in the history of this beloved TV show was quite busy on Monday night, in fact. Watch The Bachelorette Season 13 Episode 2 Online On the latest installment of The Bachelorette, Rachel took eight very lucky guys to a backyard barbecue in Malibu …where Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis helped with a husband material obstacle course. Wow. We didn’t see those guest stars coming! But it would get even more random… Later, Rachel invited one suitor to a Palm Springs dog festival; while 10 men spent the day with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Now THAT is random! View Slideshow: Rachel Lindsay: Get to Know The Bachelorette! At the cocktail party that evening, an unwelcome guest crashed the event and asked to see Rachel. Who was it? Use the video above to watch The Bachelorette online and find out now!
We have an update on the terrorist attack that killed at least 19 people inside Manchester Arena on Monday night. As previously reported, an explosion rocked this venue shortly after Ariana Grande finished her set and thanked her fans for attending. Just as she made her way off stage, what authorities have described as a “nail bomb” was detonated, around 10:33 p.m. local time. No organization has claimed responsibility for the mass murder, while police are operating under the assumption that this was the act of a suicide bomber. He has not been identified, but it is the working assumption that the bomber is dead. The death count has also now risen to 22 individuals, with 59 other concert goers reported as wounded, 19 of them in critical condition. As a result, this is now the deadliest militant assault in Great Britain since four British Muslims killed 52 people in suicide bombings on London’s transport system in July 2005. British Prime Minister Theresa May called for an emergency Cabinet meeting Tuesday and said the explosion was being treated as an “appalling terrorist attack.” Police do believe there was just one bomber, however. Numerous survivors of the blast have shared their accounts to The BBC and other outlets, with one 19-year old explaining his experience as follows: “We ran and people were screaming around us and pushing on the stairs to go outside and people were falling down, girls were crying, and we saw these women being treated by paramedics having open wounds on their legs … “It was just chaos… It was literally just a minute after it ended, the lights came on and the bomb went off.” Said Donald Trump in a statement on the attack: I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured in this terrorist attack and to the many killed and the families, so many families, of the victims. We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom. So many young beautiful innocent people living and enjoying their lives murdered by evil losers in life. I won’t call them monsters because they would like that term. They would think that’s a great name. I will call them from now on losers because that’s what they are. They’re losers, and we’ll have more of them, but they’re losers, just remember that. This wicked ideology must be obliterated. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, meanwhile, said it “will only strengthen our resolve to…work together with our British friends against those who plan and carry out such inhumane deeds.” Grande has also issued her first statement since the fatal incident. On Twitter last night, the singer – who sources tell TMZ was “in hysterics” following the explosion – wrote a simple message that expressed her shock and grief. “broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words,” Tweeted Grande. Grande had been scheduled to perform on London on Thursday night. Insiders now tell TMZ that she has suspended the entire European tour until an unspecified date, putting on hold future shows in England, Belgium, Poland, Germany and Switzerland. Adds Grande’s manager, Scooter Braun: “We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act. We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in your hearts and prayers.” In the following video, you can see attendees run for the exits after hearing the bomb go off: Ariana Grande Concert: Terrorism Strikes Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said that victims were being taken to eight hospitals and confirmed that children were among the deceased. “We believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated,” he said. “We have been treating this as a terrorist incident and we believe at this stage that the attack was carried out by one man.” An investigation is underway to determine if the attacker was part of a larger plot or terrorist network. Bianca Landrau, the Boston hip-hop star known as Bia, who also performed at the show, Tweeted an update on her status yesterday, writing: “Guys we are okay!!!” And singer Victoria Monét, the opening act at the concert, said in a statement that she was safe but “heartbroken that loved ones who came to have the night of their lives ended up losing them,” adding: “I wish I could say that I am OK, but I am not. Please send all your prayers up high for Manchester.” Many other celebrities have also taken to social media to issue messages of mourning. Here is a sampling of what they’ve said: We join everyone around the globe in sending our condolences to all affected by this heinous act. We’ll continue to provide update on this terrible story as news breaks. May the victims rest in peace.
And we’re off! With The Bachelorette Season 13 Episode 1, another season of this beloved competition is underway, with Rachel Lindsay representing the first-ever African-American star in show history. On Monday evening, the Texas attorney received advice from some close friends who appeared with her on last season of The Bachelor, prior to meeting the 31 suitors eager to impress her and receive the coveted first impression rose. Yes, 31 suitors! That is a lot to choose from! View Slideshow: The Bachelorette Suitors: Meet Rachel Lindsay’s Men! How did Rachel narrow them all down? Who did she send home and why? Click on the video featured here to watch The Bachelorette online and find out now! Watch The Bachelorette Season 13 Episode 1 Online
After nearly a year and a half together, The Bachelor ‘s Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell have broken up, according to a reliable source. Them. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce our decision to go our separate ways,” the couple said in a statement just moments ago. “We feel fortunate for all the time that we had together, and we will remain friends with much love and respect for one another.” “We wish nothing but the best for each other, and ask for your support and understanding at this time,” Ben and Lauren said . And so it goes. Another Bachelor franchise couple bites the dust … raise your hand if you’re surprised. Anyone? Hello? No? The couple’s season, in which she outlasted JoJo Fletcher (who went on to be The Bachelorette ) premiered in January 2016. Higgins, 29, proposed to Bushnell, 27, after telling Fletcher, 26, that he was in love with her as well on her Fantasy Suite date. Despite that controversy, the engaged couple weathered the PR storm and seemed genuinely happy … for awhile, at least. Bushnell moved to Higgins’ hometown of Denver, where she said “post-filming was more of an emotional roller coaster than the show.” “I fall more in love with Ben every day and it’s hard to separate what happened long ago and my current feelings,” she said. “It’s confusing.” “It does wear on me. It hurts,” she added, describing how she would watch The Bachelor online and see him profess his love. To JoJo. “It’s like, why did I have to go through that hurt? It’s already a few months of confusion and tears and then to have to deal with it again.” “It’s hard.” Higgins added that “it hasn’t always been easy,” but said that “it’s added a whole new level to our relationship,” for what that’s worth. “[The Bachelor] led me to this woman who I love deeply,” Higgins said of Bushnell. “She’s the only woman I’ll love from now on.” So much for that. Six months later, Higgins and Bushnell returned to TV for the hilariously titled Freeform reality show Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After? Turns out that question mark was prescient. Ahead of the premiere, the two revealed they were undergoing couples counseling at church. “We’re not the perfect couple. Far from it” Higgins said, but again he insisted, “we are trying really hard and we love each other a lot.” “We’ve gotten in arguments like any other couple, but about some things that other couples wouldn’t have to fight about,” Lauren said. “Like the fact that we met when he was dating other women. You can say that’s what I signed up for, but it’s still real life and it’s still hard.” In the end, overcoming trust issues is a challenge for couples under the best of circumstances … and these circumstances were not the best. “For a long time, I was really angry for being blindsided,” said Bushnell. “And that resentment and anger affected our relationship.” “Much longer than it should have.” The two always maintained they were “not in any rush” to tie the knot, which many observers also interpreted as something of a red flag. Lauren explained that as such: “We’re both ready to get married, but we haven’t set a date because we want to make sure we’re not doing it for anyone but ourselves.” “We just want to do it on our own terms,” Ben said. “I just want to look over at Lauren and know that she is completely filled with joy.” View Slideshow: The Bachelor and Bachelorette Couples: Are They Still Together? “Love is what life is all about.” And yet the rumors persisted … and yet her went out of his way to deny a recent report from Us Weekly via an oft-overused phrase. Higgins wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of his arms around Bushnell, in response to the tabloid reporting that they broke up: “No need to respond often to rumors or ‘fake news’ but the feeling I have in this picture is the same feeling I have for this girl today.” “We have entered into a world where rumors will exist, we know, but … I am still extremely lucky to be able to share life with her and be by her side.” No official word on why they split, nor do we expect it, but we wish both parties the best in what must be an excruciatingly hard time. Bring on Bachelor Pad! View Slideshow: The Bachelor Stars: Ranked By Relationship Length!
