Maria Menounos thinks work stress may have contributed to her brain tumor
Did Maria Menounos' career choice cause her to develop a brain tumor? In a recent interview with "Access Hollywood," the star — who had a golf ball-sized tumor removed over the summer as her mother was battling stage 4 brain cancer — said she believed the pressure she's endured in the entertainment industry may have contributed to her condition. "I think the chronic stress on the body is really bad," Maria explained (via Us Weekly). "I think the industry, I think that there's a lot of bullying, a lot of toxicity. I think it's just a rough journey. You know, there's the glitz and the glam that everybody sees — and yes, I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of it — but there have been some tough times and I'm sure you guys have not been immune to those tough times." Maria went on to admit she put off getting an MRI for months after developing symptoms of a tumor because she thought she was being "paranoid" and wanted to focus on her mother's health, not her own. "I mean, as women, you know, we put ourselves last, we put our health last," she said. Maria's mom isn't the only family member whose health she's currently worried about. Last month, the TV and SiriusXM Radio host revealed her vet thought her dog, Benjamin, might have a brain tumor as well. "Now wouldn't that be crazy …," she wrote on Instagram. "Praying my baby feels better."
Taylor Swift used to 'hunch over' at the mention of her ex's name
With her new album "Reputation" still soaring on the charts and her relationship with Joe Alwyn going strong, Taylor Swift has plenty to be happy about as she says "goodbye" to 2017. She was in a different place a year ago, though — when she was involved with someone else. Taylor's friend Todrick Hall couldn't help gushing about the change in the singer on the Thursday, Dec. 14 edition of "The Kid Kraddick Morning Show." "I think she's the happiest I've ever seen her," Todrick told listeners, according to Us Weekly. "There was a time last year — I don't know if I'm supposed to say anything — she was dating someone. I'd actually never met this person, but I could I could just tell every time I would talk to her, she would hunch over," he continued. "I sent her this picture of her as Quasimodo that I edited. Because I was like, 'You cannot turn into Quasimodo for this guy. Every time you say his name, you hunch over.'" Todrick didn't elaborate on who the hunch-inducing guy was (Taylor split from Calvin Harris in the spring; she later dated and called it quits with Tom Hiddleston), but he did suggest her posture has improved now that she's with Joe. "Now she's so happy, standing up completely straight and so tall and so confident …," Todrick marveled. "I'm so, so happy for her." As things continue to heat up between Taylor and Joe, the actor is expected to join her on a few of her tour dates next year.
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Pals Justin Timberlake and Will Smith are already teasing each other on Instagram
Will Smith finally joined the land of photo- sharing love this week, announcing on "Ellen" he'd started using Instagram. If he went into the process as a newbie, he's quickly becoming a pro thanks to some tongue-in-cheek educational efforts from Will's friends. First, Ellen DeGeneres forced the former "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" to dress like his old TV character so she could explain how Throwback Thursday works. Soon after the segment aired, Justin Timberlake hopped on Instagram and tagged Will. "Welcome to Instagram @willsmith," JT captioned a photo of the pair from the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. "This is called a #TBT. Which means Throwback Thursday. Which is a photo you post on Thursdays that you like, that was taken in the past," he jokingly explained. "I like this photo because it's a photo of you and me. And we look like we are having a serious conversation about something very important. And that makes me feel important," Justin added. Will quickly retaliated with a little educational post of his own. In a video, Will thanked Justin for helping to show him the ropes on Instagram before telling the singer, "but I know what Throwback Thursday is, man." He then said he'd heard Justin was performing at the Super Bowl and Will wanted to return the Instagram tutorial favor by sharing a key Super Bowl tip. With a chuckle, Will advised, "Just avoid … that." He then lifted his shirt and zoomed in on his nipple.
The Beyhive thinks Destiny's Child will perform at Coachella
Coachella fans headed to the desert next year could find themselves treated to a trip in the wayback machine, courtesy of Destiny's Child. According to E! News, the Beyhive seems to think Beyonce's old-school R&B group could be reuniting at the 2018 festival, which Beyonce is scheduled to headline. None of the online hints and clues social media users have cited have nailed down any kind of actual proof the ensemble could perform, but it does seem odd that two former members have posted mysterious messages on Twitter recently. In October, LeToya Luckett shared a Destiny's Child pic with the caption "Mood [heart] #TBT." Not long after that, LaTavia Roberson tweeted, "I have so much to tell you guys! All I'm allowed to say right now is…never mind." Finally, Michelle Williams recently shared a photo of part of the outfit the group wore for their Super Bowl reunion. Hmm …
Carrie Fisher honored at 'Last Jedi' opening
When "Star Wars" first opened in Los Angeles, the TCL Chinese Theatre was inundated with huge lines — a surefire sign for George Lucas that his new film would be a hit. It would also make Carrie Fisher a star and Hollywood icon. Four decades later, Carrie, who died on Dec. 27, 2016, is on the theater's big screen once more, appearing in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." Hours before "The Last Jedi" opened to throngs of costumed "Star Wars" fans on Thursday, Dec. 14, Carrie's brother unveiled a plaque in his late sister's honor meant to keep her memory alive at the venue long after the movie closes. "Dedicated to Carrie by the TCL Chinese Theatre, her 'Star Wars' home since 1977," the plaque reads, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "We love you Carrie." The actress and writer's adorable pooch Gary, who has a small cameo in the film, was also on hand for the screening. "He sat on Fisher's former assistant's lap during the film," ABC reporter Veronica Miracle tweeted. "She said his ears perked up every time she was on screen."
Christian Bale shows off his Dick Cheney-esque weight gain at 'Hostiles' premiere
Welp, at least there's more to love. A nearly bald and decidedly heavier looking Christian Bale hit the red carpet for his new film "Hostiles" this week in Los Angeles. Joined by his wife, Sibi Blazic, the actor appeared to still be wearing most if not all of the 40 pounds he reportedly gained for his forthcoming role as Dick Cheney in "Backseat." His eyebrows were bleached for the role, as well. Christian's no stranger to transforming his body for his job, though. He famously whittled himself down by more than 60 pounds from his usual weight for "The Machinist," got super cut for "American Psycho" and gave himself a paunch for "American Hustle." Asked how he gained the weight this time around, he told press at the Toronto International Film Festival, "I've just been eating a lot of pies."
Blac Chyna gets Dream's name tattooed on her hand
Goodbye, Future, hello Dream! Blac Chyna finally got rid of the tattoo tribute to her former boyfriend she had inked on her hand when they started dating in 2015. According to TMZ, she replaced the rapper's name — which she had lasered off last year — with a swirly black cursive version of "Dream," the 1-year-old daughter she shares with another ex, Rob Kardshian. The model's son, King Cairo, already has a shout-out on his mom's other hand.
Celebrities react to the repeal of net neutrality
The FCC voted to repeal net neutrality protections this week in a move that axes the guarantee of equal Internet access to all Americans. The decision came despite polls showing 83 percent of voters support net neutrality, according to EW, and a slew of celebs were among those who spoke out against the change on social media on Thursday, Dec. 14. "The FCC is handing the keys to the internet to a handful of multi-billion corporations." -Commissioner Clybourn #NetNeutrality #SAVENETNEUTRALITY #TrumpBrokeTheInternet #AjitBrokeTheInternet," Alyssa Milano tweeted. Chris Evans urged Twitter followers to pay attention to the decision. "EVERYONE should care about this," he posted. "It benefits no one unless you're a faceless, mega corporation. NOBODY is asking for it." Mark Ruffalo chimed in as well, writing: "What we have come to know by this move from the FCC is that @AjitPaiFCC is a rogue player. He has acted against the will of a major majority of the American people, left, right and center. He has financial conflicts of interest. He has flouted due process. He's lost credibility." Chance the Rapper, meanwhile, predicted FCC Chairman Ajit Pai "will go to prison for obstruction of justice in the NY attorney general's investigation of millions of fake comments that were published on the FCC website." The issue surfaced on late-night TV, as well. "Internet service providers will be allowed to slow down or block web traffic to any website or streaming service they like, which benefits the big telecom companies, and does the opposite for all of us," Jimmy Kimmel explained. "I just want to say, thank you, President Trump. Thanks to you and this jackhole you appointed to run the FCC [chairman Ajit Pai], big corporations are about to take full control of the internet. So Merry Christmas, everybody."
Did James Corden name his daughter Beyonce?
How many Beyonces can one world handle? James Corden returned to host "The Late Late Show" on Thursday, Dec. 14 after welcoming his third child with his wife, Julia Carey. Sharing the baby news with the audience, he explained that both he and Julia were emotional after their little girl arrived — in fact, they were so moved, he suggested they bestow the name of a certain musical queen on the little girl. "We still haven't chosen a name for her yet," James said (via Us Weekly). "After the baby was born, I was crying, my wife was crying her eyes out, the baby's crying, and the doctor asked about a name. I don't know why I said it, but I looked at the doctor and said, 'We're going to call her 'Beyonce.'" Alas, it seems Beyonce will probably not stick. "My wife did not think that was funny," James noted. The nurse apparently tried to go ahead with "Beyonce" anyway on the hospital paperwork. Said James: "I had to go over to her and say, 'Excuse me, there is only one Beyonce.'"
Jemima Kirke debuts her third solo exhibition at NYC gallery
Before her tenure on "Girls" began, Jemima Kirke was pursuing a career as an artist. She jumped back into New York City's art world this week with the opening of her third solo show, "The Ceremony," at New York City's Sargeants and Daughter's gallery, where the Rhode Island School of Design grad showed off a new collection of oil paintings. Inspired by her questions about the institution of marriage following her divorce, the pieces show subjects, including Jemima, posing in their wedding dresses, according to the gallery's website. "I got divorced and I attribute that to acting. And just asking myself, 'Is this really me?'" Jemima told ES magazine earlier this year of her split from Michael Mosberg. "So much of my life has been about reaction, just following the flow rather than making a strong choice," she explained. "In acting you are always asking yourself why you do things, why you make the choices you make. Everything means something. And so then you start looking at your own life in that way. I've learnt a lot more about myself and started to figure out what I really want." The star's pal Lena Dunham, along with her sisters, actress Lola Kirke and singer Domino Kirke, joined Jemima to help celebrate the show's opening on Wednesday, Dec. 13, according to the New York Post.