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Why doubting Bill Cosby's alleged rape victims is the worst thing to do

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During a press conference held by attorney Gloria Allred on Thursday in Los Angeles, California, two former models — Linda Brown and Lise-Lotte Lublin — described their alleged encounters with Cosby.

More: New Bill Cosby accuser tells story of what happened on Cosby Show set

According to Jezebel, Brown opened up about an incident that happened in a hotel room in Toronto, Canada, over 20 years ago.

"I felt like a rag doll and like a real-life blow-up doll for him," she said. "I felt dirty, ashamed and embarrassed," and fooled into believing that Cosby was "nice, trustworthy and honorable.

"I want people to know who Mr. Cosby really is: He has a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality and if you trust him, then he has fooled you as well," she said.

More: Hollywood executive Cindra Ladd pens compelling essay about Bill Cosby abuse

According to ET Online, these latest accusations join at least 20 other woman who claim to have had very similar encounters with the comedian. But there are clearly some people who are doubting Cosby's victims' claims, with comments including, "Still nothing but a bunch of dried up old hags that had very little or no careers that's now trying to get a foot aboard that Cosby money train," and "there is no known drug that after one sip diluted in a soda would do what she claims. She is mistaken or outright lying."

Here's why this is so wrong

There are many women who have come forward who are highly successful in their own right, and it's hard to believe that they have anything to gain by admitting what allegedly happened to them decades ago. But that's not the point. Are some of the accusers lying and jumping on the "money train"? Maybe, but it's not our job to determine who is telling the truth and who is not. What our job should be, however, is to support women who come forward, because shaming rape victims helps no one.

More: Malcolm-Jamal Warner defends Bill Cosby — see what his other costars say

Shrugging off all of these claims as a lie perpetuates the fear other rape victims have when it comes to sharing their story — which is perhaps one of the reasons why it took so long for these women to come forward with their stories. Women who come forward should encourage other victims to speak up, knowing they'll be heard and understood. So stop judging, start supporting. Hopefully, one day, the truth will come out; but until then, keep your negative comments for both parties involved to yourself.


Samantha Harris shares how she celebrates Valentine's Day (VIDEO)

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"We decorate the house, the girls make little heart-shaped art projects, and we have lots of little heart stickers they can add on to their lunchboxes, and we make it not only about love for my husband and I, but love for the whole family."

Alicia Fox: What being a WWE Diva is like when the cameras are off

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More: INTERVIEW: Former wrestler Amy Weber on her life-endangering video shoot

"It's funny because some people kind of think we're just Barbie dolls dressed up in swimsuits, which is totally far from the point," Fox explained during our interview. "Like a lot of my colleagues... my Diva sisters are all very intelligent women. They're strong athletes and really understand we're role models, and we want to push through and also accomplish goals we've set along our journey as well. We're all growing and we're all learning together."

Fox herself is pursuing a degree in fashion law, a subject she is extremely passionate about.

"Education is really big for my parents so they were like, 'Don't forget your school. Don't forget to study,'" Fox said of her family's reaction when she first started training to become a Diva in 2006. "But they were all super-pumped, super-supportive. And it was the best decision I've made so far."

And that decision hasn't limited her from pursuing other aspects of her life. "The only limits out there are the ones I put on myself," Fox explained.

"As long as I've been in WWE I learn and appreciate and respect many more parts of it. It's just such a growing career and, myself, just growing with the things I've learned as a performer." As for her five-year plan, Fox hopes to continue with the WWE while also finishing her degree.

"I love books and reading and learning," Fox added. "And a lot of girls in the locker room are so smart and there's a lot of people who work with us who have masters degrees and doctorates."

More: Celebs 101: 10 Things you didn't know about Total Divas' Bella twins

"There's so many great minds and thinkers that have helped motivate me as a performer and as a woman," Fox said of her time as a Diva.

She wants to share that with other girls, and she says her E! reality show Total Divas helps her do just that. "The show empowers me because in there I can use my voice to help girls that maybe grew up in, like, a single-parent home, or girls that have a lot of drive and ambition [and] they just don't really know how to get started. I would really love to shed some light on how to get there.

"The biggest advice I would give [young girls] is, literally, 'Go with your gut.' Point blank."

Fox also understands the pressures that come with being a female, and isn't shy about admitting that she has her own set of insecurities just like everyone else.

"One thing I'm most insecure about is definitely looking at my facial features," Fox said.

More: INTERVIEW: Total Divas' Bella twins talk drama with Summer

She continued, "Back in high school, I was blind in one of my eyes, so it was swollen shut for at least a year and some change. So regaining strength in some of those muscles has been a challenge for me. In pictures, I'm, like, constantly trying to make sure my eyes are open, so in some of my pictures I'm like, 'Oh, man, that looks a little lopsided or crooked.' And that's just, like, a little insecurity." But Fox recognizes she's her harshest critic.

And despite her insecurities, the WWE has helped her to find her confidence. "The biggest lesson I've learned is definitely finding my voice as a woman and having confidence in myself."

Part of that self-discovery has been her passion for working out and fitness. Fox said a colleague of hers really helped her to discover important lessons about fitness, which "isn't so much about image, it's about building the machine to be prepared for battle. And battle, not just in the ring, but as a woman, feeling strong and empowered."

Total Divas airs Sundays at 9/8c on E!.

Do ideal images of motherhood impact postpartum depression?

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The period of time immediately after having a baby — especially if he or she is your first — can be an incredibly fragile one. Hormones are all over the place, you're running on little to no sleep and you have this squirmy little person depending on you for survival. It can be a lot to take on, especially in a country that truly lacks in most types of postpartum or maternal support. It can be even more challenging when faced with images of "ideal" motherhood everywhere you turn. From Facebook pictures and statuses that only show happy, smiling faces, well-dressed kids and beautiful meals and table-scapes, to blogs extolling the beauty and perfection of parenting without shining some light on the actual day-to-day, it can feel overwhelming for any postpartum woman.

Many new moms may experience some form of the "baby blues" — a time of unpredictable mood swings — but an estimated 9 to 16 percent of women in the U.S. will find themselves facing postpartum depression (PPD). The causes of PPD vary, and range from intense changes in hormone levels, previous history of depression and fatigue to emotional and lifestyle factors. So where do idealized representations of maternal perfection fit in with all of this?

While the media we consume isn't a cause of PPD per se, it can certainly exacerbate underlying issues. Dr. Jessica Zucker, a clinical psychologist specializing in women's reproductive and maternal mental health explains the impact that these idealized notions of motherhood can have on the mental health of new mothers. "Cultural ideals surrounding motherhood serve to stimulate shame and secrecy when it comes to postpartum challenges," Dr. Zucker told me. "As a result of media's portrayal of idyllic early motherhood, women who don't fit perfectly into this ubiquitous image often report feeling like "failures" and take their troubles underground."

The notion of stigma surrounding PPD is nothing new and has only been emphasized by what we see — and don't see — of motherhood in the media. Dr. Walker Karraa, author of Transformed by Postpartum Depression: Women's Stories of Trauma and Growth and founder of Stigmama, a site dedicated to supporting women writing about the stigma of mental illness and motherhood, talked to me about the lack of nuance seen in the representation of motherhood, and that it's not just about the "perfect" side. "As mothers, we absorb the negative constructs more than the positive," Dr. Karraa noted. While many women may feel burdened to live up to stereotypical and unrealistic ideals, others may fear being lumped into the "bad" category just as much, if not more. This can then deter getting properly diagnosed or treated.

One way to help combat this range of detrimental representation is to provide safe spaces for mothers to talk without judgment. That's part of what goes on at MotherWoman, a nonprofit that provides postpartum support as well as works toward policy change that support mothers and families. Annette Cycon, licensed clinical social worker and founder of MotherWoman, explained MotherWoman's support groups further: "It is revolutionary because we teach women about the oppressions that they may not even be aware of… awareness leads to choice which allows a mother to define herself, to decide what is best for her, to value herself for her own choices no matter how different she may be from the dominant culture. So much of mothers' oppression comes from being defined by others expectations for us."

Another solution is to provide a much more varied and diverse picture of what motherhood truly is about. "We don't need to necessarily get rid of Pinterest," says Dr. Karraa. "But we need to allow ourselves to have a different Pinterest. To be real and live out loud." Dr. Zucker agrees, suggesting that, "Maternal images that include the full spectrum of lived experiences would better serve women and their burgeoning families." She sums up this issue, and parenting in particular, in one pointed sentence: "Perfection shouldn't be an aspiration, in motherhood or otherwise."

More on motherhood and mental health

Meet mental health pioneer Katherine Stone
I couldn't hide my postpartum depression from my older child
The sad truth about prenatal depression

Fans react to Selena Gomez's reported "weight gain" in the best way ever

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In an article titled "Selena Gomez Gained A Few Pounds Amid Romance Rumors With Zedd!" OK! magazine speaks about how the "Come and Get It" hitmaker has put on a "few pounds recently."

More: 10 Celebrities who've been fat-shamed

The piece goes on to speculate about whether Gomez has put on weight for a role in her new movie, or if her rumored romance with Zedd, whose real name is Anton Zaslavski, that could be the cause.

"Naturally, fans started to speculate online whether Selena packed on the pounds for her new role in the film or if it's love pounds!" the article says.

Firstly, let's just say that Gomez looks healthy. Secondly, the fact that society thinks they have the right to comment on someone's body like this is truly shocking. And so it's not surprising that Gomez's fans have taken to Twitter in droves to condemn the piece about her "weight gain."

More: Lena Dunham says she really messed up her life trying to lose weight

Comments range from simply commenting on how healthy and amazing Gomez looks right now to completely bashing the piece about her alleged weight gain and calling for people to unfollow OK! magazine.

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More: Miley Cyrus bashes Selena Gomez, then reprimands her haters on Instagram

Many fans are repulsed by the comments on Gomez's body, and rightfully so, because it is coverage like this that creates body images issues and eating disorders.

Selma, Belle and the Oscar-Bafta snubs that I'm angry about

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My favourite films of the year — and I hasten to add not entirely because they were directed by women — were Selma, directed by Ava DuVernay; Belle, directed by Amma Asante; and Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie.

Selma is a loving memoir of a time that was both horrible and hopeful. I am old enough to remember the civil rights movement. In the 1930s, my late mother worked for the Department of Public Assistance in Philadelphia, trying to better the appalling conditions suffered by black Americans living in deprived neighbourhoods. How could one forget the image she described of local butchers barking at her that they would give her only rotting meat for her caseload because "they're animals — they don't know the difference." During World War II, my mother served in the U.S. Army at Camp Pickett, Virginia, and was nearly given a dishonourable discharge for insubordination when she protested to her superior officer the treatment of black GIs and WACs. She told my sister and me that the Italian and German POWs were given the run of the camp, but not the African-American soldiers; when the WACs marched, some white locals jeered at the "Waccoons." My London play A Room at Camp Pickett arose from this.

So fast-forward to the civil rights movement. I remember the fire hoses being turned on demonstrators. I remember all of us at home — including our home-help, Josephine — being made by my indomitable mom to sit down on Aug. 28, 1963 to hear Dr. King's I Have a Dream speech. After the Watts riots, I remember her saying, "Nine million people concentrated with fury and frustration cannot long be contained behind barricades."

Selma, the movie, is a brilliant piece of cinema that gets to the guts of the movement. David Oyelowo's measured performance made me feel I was in the room with Martin Luther King. This was a Best Actor certainty for me. It is truly beyond belief he is not top of the running. Ava DuVernay took a mammoth story and created a great film in its own right whilst expressing the vital message about race in America then and now. Here we are in 2015, dealing with the ugliness of Ferguson, of Trayvon Martin and of Michael Brown, of Eric Garner. To many it seems like Groundhog Day — plus ca change.

But films like Selma, with outstanding performances from even the briefest of cameos, are essential for a wide, new, young audience knowing nothing about the hideous legacy of Jim Crow. It occurred to me when British friends asked me, "But who is Selma? Thelma?" that the word simply did not resonate with people outside the U.S., hence BAFTA's shunning of the production. They simply could not relate to the iconic story. I have lived in the UK for nearly 40 years but was shaken to the core by Selma. But Oscar? How could the American Academy shut this out? It is gratifying that the song by John Legend and Common is nominated, but nothing else?

This is the first year in which I have been at a total loss as to where to place my final votes. I wanted to vote for Selma in every category, including one for Lady O. I wanted to vote for the beautiful costumes and sets of Belle and, most gorgeous of all, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, its lead actress. She was nominated in the BAFTA Rising Star category (it was won by Jack O'Connell), but she and the film ought to have been in major running, including the superb direction by Amma Asante. Oscar has also ignored this stunning film about a West Indian girl adopted by a British nobleman who eventually presides over a case that inspires the anti-slavery movement. The first UK picture to be shot in true 4K, using Sony's F65 CineAlta digital production camera, it was British to the core with a fine score by Rachel Portman, so all the more mystified am I by its absence from the final BAFTA voting.

What does this mean? I agonised over my votes for Best Picture and other categories, wanting so much to vote for Selma, Belle and Unbroken. I did not find Boyhood, Whiplash, Birdman or The Grand Budapest Hotel in any remote way as important to the world as the great films of Amma Asante, Ava DuVernay and Angelina Jolie.

As a woman I am angry, as a film creative I am bewildered, and as a white American I am embittered, truly embittered.

More on the awards shows

#OscarsSoWhite: How this year's nominee diversity compares with last year's
Audience goes wild for Stephen Hawking at the 2015 Baftas
Grammys 2015: 6 Times the women beat the men

How will Kevin Nealon's major health scare affect SNL 40?

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"I can tell you that nobody's told me not to say anything, which is because there's nothing that I know. Nobody's told me anything," Nealon said, adding that he was happy to be a part of the special and will be enjoying seeing all the past guest stars, hosts and musicians get together.

More: Steve Carell and 11 other stars surprisingly rejected from SNL

Nealon will enjoy it as much as anyone else, and he sometimes has to remind himself that he was even part of the groundbreaking series. "I see my name associated with it and I say, 'Wow, I was on that show? For nine years? Wow.'"

It's frightening to think, but there might have been a chance that Nealon wouldn't have been around for the reunion at all. He's been very open about a scary incident he had a few years ago that led to an eye-opening diagnosis of a condition known as AFib, which is an irregular heartbeat.

"For me, I first experienced [AFib] about 13 years ago. I was with my girlfriend at the time, who is now my wife. I was trying to impress her with how active I was because I was older than her. I was swimming in the pool with her and I got out and my heart started beating really fast."

Nealon immediately headed to a local hospital, where doctors tried shocking his heart to correct the issue. When that didn't work, he went home to speak with his own doctor, who advised he start taking a blood thinner to reduce his risk of stroke. Nealon found his first medication didn't fit with his lifestyle as it required a lot of monitoring and diet restrictions, so he and his doctor worked together to find a medication that worked better for him.

After his own struggles, it was important to Nealon to spread the word about the condition and help others who have it or might get it. "A lot of people that have AFib, they don't know it because it's so slight. Or people know that they have it and they don't want to talk about it, which is unfortunate because it's important for other people to hear about it so they're aware of it. Because it could be potentially a problem."

Breaking his silence wasn't a decision Nealon took lightly, fearful that he would lose out on work gigs because of it. But, thanks to working with his doctor and finding the right medication for him, Nealon happily enjoys a regular life.

"It's like people who maybe get migraine headaches," Nealon said. "It didn't really affect my life because I [have] it under control. And I'm perfectly healthy now. I'm not experiencing any of those symptoms."

It's great to hear that Nealon is doing so well and that he will be part of the SNL celebration. He ruled the anchor desk of Weekend Update desk for nine years and has a lot of memories from his time on the show.

More: SNL outdoes itself with this Bilbo Baggins skit (VIDEO)

"Getting to hang out with those incredible musicians that I grew up listening to, like Mick Jagger and James Taylor and Eric Clapton and Paul Simon. The list goes on and on. And those hosts like Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Tom Hanks — it's endless. There were some moments that I remember, like the Chippendales sketch with Chris Farley. And another time [when] Chris Farley got hung up on the Weekend Update lettering when he was supposed to be hoisted up by a cable. Chevy Chase having trouble reading the cue cards when he was co-hosting Weekend Update with me."

Even as hilarious as things got on the set, Nealon was one of the few who rarely, if ever, broke character or cracked up. There was a very important reason for that. "When I was on the show, Lorne Michaels was of the mind that that was kind of hacky, to break up," he said. "Because you weren't getting a laugh for the material that was written, you were getting a laugh because you were laughing and it was more like a Carol Burnett episode. He really discouraged that. So out of fear, I did not break up. There's been a lot of breaking up in the last couple of decades. It's almost like they knew that was a way to get a laugh, so they would do that."

In addition to everything else on his plate right now, Nealon is also still touring and doing his stand-up. He has even spent some time recently out on the road with Dana Carvey and Dennis Miller, two previous SNL cast members who will be joining him at the 40-year anniversary.

Nealon has also been working hard on Laugh Lessons, an AOL original series where legendary comedians teach little kids how to be funny. It's as hilarious as you imagine, and the idea came to Nealon from watching his own son play with friend Garry Shandling.

"[Shandling] was over at my house and my son was about 4 years old at the time. Gary was kind of teaching him prat falls. He was hitting him in the back of the head softly with a pillow and he would say, 'Gabriel, pretend I hit you hard and then fall.'"

The rest, as they say, is history. Nealon thought the idea would make for a good show, and he soon had Ellen DeGeneres on board as a producer. The series is heading into its second season and can be seen on AOL and YouTube.

More: James Franco and Nicki Minaj on SNL — See the best moments (VIDEO)

When he's not making people laugh, Nealon works hard to keep raising awareness for people who have AFib and other conditions that put them at high risk for blood clots. He and some other celebrities, including legendary golfer Arnold Palmer and NASCAR racer Brian Vickers, have posted their stories on Drive4Clots.com. For every person who visits the site and watches one of the video stories, Janssen Pharmaceuticals will make a contribution to Mended Hearts, a nonprofit organization that helps patients who suffer from heart disease and blood clots as well as their families and caregivers.

Be sure to check out the site to learn more about Nealon's story, then catch the SNL 40th Anniversary Special when it airs on Sunday at 8/7c on NBC.

Jimmy Fallon's #WhyImSingle went from funny to feminist real quick

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Valentine's Day is a manufactured holiday designed to line the pockets of florists and greeting card companies, blah blah blah — we hear it every year from all the singletons who are forced to feel inferior on the lovers' holiday. But these women are not having the romance BS pushed on them, and their responses to Fallon's call for the reasons behind their relationship status are a lesson in feminism.

#whyimsingle tweets

#whyimsingle tweets

But our faves came from this tweeter:

ADA #whyimsingle tweets

ADA #whyimsingle tweets

Hell yes, lady.

Tell us: What's your reason #WhyImSingle?


Angelina Jolie and Amal Alamuddin have 7 surprising things in common

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On the surface, Clooney and Pitt's spouses, Amal Alamuddin and Angelina Jolie, seem to be worlds apart. Alamuddin is a lawyer at Doughty Street Chambers in London, her father is a professor and her mother is a news correspondent; Jolie is an actress who was raised under the bright lights of Hollywood.

If you dig a little deeper, however, you'd be surprised to find how much these two women have in common.

More: How Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are being great examples for all parents

1. Red carpet/awards criticism

At the Golden Globes this year, the newlywed Alamuddin caught some flack for appearing bored and uninterested in the glitz and glamour of the awards, despite the fact that her husband received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille honor. Jolie is no stranger to being slammed for award show behavior, either. She's received more than her fair share of criticism for everything ranging from her attire to wearing a vial of blood around her neck to PDA with her brother.

2. Appearance

Alamuddin and Jolie are far from identical twins, but there's no denying the similarities in their appearance. Both have a classic, yet exotic beauty about them, and it also looks like they might employ the same hair stylist.

Angelina Jolie

Image: FayesVision/WENN

Amal Clooney

Image: WENN

3. Style

Jolie's personal style has evolved quite a bit over the years, but her fashion sense has definitely gelled into a clean, classic, timeless look. Alamuddin has adopted a similar style and has even been lauded as a new style icon for her sophisticated look.

Angelina Jolie

Image: Joe Alvarez/WENN

amal alamuddin

Image: KIKA/WENN

4. Humanitarian efforts

Alamuddin is a human rights lawyer who is currently representing 10 men who claim they were tortured by the British army in northern Ireland back in 1971, according to People magazine. While it should be noted that Alamuddin obviously receives pay for her work, it takes a special kind of person to take on these cases, and she has also been appointed to numerous United Nations commissions. Meanwhile, Jolie has become almost as famous for her humanitarian efforts as her entertainment career. The mother of six has been extremely active as an advocate for refugees for nearly 15 years, according to Time, and acts as an ambassador for UNICEF. Her most recent cause has been eliminating sexual violence as a weapon of war.

5. Work ethic

Both Alamuddin and Jolie have forged their way as women in power in their respective fields, both of which are historically dominated by men. Alamuddin has taken on numerous cases in which the workload was undoubtedly immense. Jolie has managed to balance the crushing responsibilities of a large family, an acting career and philanthropy, and she even struck out to direct and produce her own films as well.

6. They worked their way up, despite privilege

Perhaps the best illustration of Alamuddin and Jolie's work ethic is the fact that they dug in their nails and earned respect in their careers, rather than relying too much on the help of their parents. Alamuddin studied at Oxford before moving on to the New York School of Law, where she worked as a student law clerk as she studied, according to People. After graduating from NYU, she spent three years practicing U.S. and international law in New York. Despite Jolie's father being a well-known actor, she refused to bow to nepotism and instead worked her way up, appearing in several short films and straight-to-video movies throughout the early '90s.

7. Age

Jolie was born in 1975 and Alamuddin was born in 1978, so the two are not the exact same age, but they definitely experienced their formative years during the same era. They've also both married men who are over a decade their senior.

ABC to air Chris Harrison's "brutal" interview with Andi Dorfman (VIDEO)

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Fans were shocked to learn that Dorfman and her final rose man, Josh Murray, had split just days after they appeared on the red carpet together for The Bachelor's premiere this season.

More: Was The Bachelor's Ashley S. faking her craziness?

Harrison even admitted he definitely didn't see the split coming. "I got a lot of crap because everyone assumes I know all," Harrison told People of the breakup. He continued, "The worst part is I asked them about their wedding date and all that stuff. I wish she had pulled me aside and I told her. I was like, [you could have] just said, 'Don't ask me about the wedding.'"

It sounds like the interview's going to be a rough one, too. "It is the most gut-wrenching, emotional interview. It's probably one of the most emotional interviews I've done on the show in 13 years. She is absolutely devastated. I mean, this was the man of her dreams, who she really was going to marry."

When asked how she's holding up now, Harrison didn't hesitate in his reply: "Not well."

More: The Bachelor Week 4: Did Jillian seriously just ask Soules that?

We can't help but wonder what went wrong if they were that in love with one another. I almost feel guilty about my curiosity because I know what a trying time a breakup is, and to have the public so invested with you just has to be such a weight for both Dorfman and Murray. Maybe there's hope of a reconciliation?

Harrison said it was actually the red carpet that really made the couple realize things weren't working. "Sadly, being in LA and being around the show kind of convinced them it wasn't happening," he said.

Chris Harrison People Interview

Chris Harrison People Interview

Sunday night's special episode will serve as a "Chris Tells All" segment, but current Bachelor Chris Soules and former Bachelorette Dorfman aren't the only one who will be pouring their hearts out.

More: The Bachelor exercise game to burn calories while you watch

Maybe most excruciatingly (but really), crazy Kelsey will be sitting down after she went home on last week's two-on-one date. I have a feeling this interview will only serve a poor-me party for the spurned widow with an "amazing story." Gag!

The Bachelor special, "Chris Tells All," airs Sunday at 8/7c on ABC. The show will also air at its normal time with a new episode on Monday.

What do you think was the real reason Murray and Dorfman decided to call off their engagement?

Is Benedict Cumberbatch's Valentine's Day wedding a publicity stunt?

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Inside sources say that the Sherlock star and his pregnant fiancée, Sophie Hunter, will marry in an intimate ceremony on Valentine's Day this weekend on the Isle of Wight in England.

If true, the couple moves fast: They dated just five months before announcing their engagement in The Times of London in November.

"Mr B.T. Cumberbatch and Miss S.I. Hunter," the clipping read. "The engagement is announced between Benedict, son of Wanda and Timothy Cumberbatch of London, and Sophie, daughter of Katharine Hunter of Edinburgh and Charles Hunter of London."

More: 5 Things about Benedict Cumberbatch's fiancée Sophie Hunter you never knew

Hunter set tongues wagging in January when she appeared on the 2015 Palm Springs Film Festival Gala red carpet at Cumberbatch's side sporting what definitely looked like a baby bump, which we now know was definitely the case.

Now, just a month after that, the couple is supposedly tying the knot. Quite a year for the actor, who is also nominated for his first Oscar as Best Actor for his work in The Imitation Game. Convenient that all of these happy things all occurred at the same time!

More: SK Confessional: I'm obsessed with Benedict Cumberbatch and here's why

A little too convenient, one might say, if one were a Cumberbitch.

The actor has a fiercely loyal legion of Belieber-level fans who think this whole "relationship" is all just a little too hasty, a little too public, and a little too unbelievable. Hoping against hope, they think he does not actually love the woman carrying his child — if she is even really pregnant at all — but that the opportunity for publicity was too tempting, especially during such an important award season in the midst of the hottest period of his career so far. The gallant Brit does the right thing by his lady and marries her when she's "in trouble," despite his heart not being in it. This fantasy, of course, leaves room for one of the Cumberbitches to actually be The One.

The problem with this theory is that it makes their idol a really horrible person — the kind of person who uses a woman in a vulnerable position for career advancement. Doesn't exactly inspire lust, does it?

We wish Benedict and Sophie every happiness as they begin their new life together.

Prince Jackson pens touching letter to family, but is he really OK?

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Michael Jackson's oldest son turned 18 today, and he posted a very mature missive to the family members who have meant the most to him over the years: His late father, Michael; his uncle TJ, who has done the brunt of the parenting since Michael died and his grandmother Katherine.

More: Prince Jackson testifies that Michael cried in fear AEG would kill him

Prince Jackson birthday tweet

Prince Jackson birthday tweet

More: Why people attacking Prince Jackson is not OK

But those mature words belie a still childish and troubled boy, sources tell Radar Online.

An insider said that family and friends are "worried about his rebellious behavior," especially because he has been hanging out with the worst of the worst: Justin Bieber.

"No one in his family seems to be able to control him, and… like any typical misguided teenager, Prince resents anyone telling him what to do and does the opposite of whatever Katherine and Joe say," the source said. "Because of who his father is, Prince considers himself an A-list celebrity and he gets very upset when he's not treated like one."

Kinda surprising intel about a kid who just likes to build snake cages and make jewelry, then post them on his Twitter feed. But anything is possible, especially for a kid raised in such crazy circumstances as he was.

10 Times Taylor Swift's copied Lana Del Rey (VIDEO)

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Swift debuted the new video on Friday, and with its moody feel and smoky beach aesthetic, it's hard not to be reminded of "Summertime Sadness" from Del Rey. But it seems that Swift has taken a few more pages from her fellow pop crooner, and we've catalogued them all here.

1. The white crop top

Lana Del Rey

2. The profile fog

Lana Del Rey Music Video

3. The sexy car drives

Lana Del Rey Music Video

4. The silhouettes

Lana Del Rey Music Video

5. The image overlay

Lana Del Rey Music Video

Images: Vevo/Lana Del Rey

6. Swift's chorus for "Wildest Dreams" sounds a lot like Del Rey's "Without You"

It's also weirdly coincidental, since many fans are pointing out that the "Style" music video would fit better with "Wildest Dreams".

Lana Del Rey's Without You

Lana Del Rey's Without You

7. They both love talking about bad boys

Taylor Swift Style

8. The filters

Taylor Swift Style

9. The vintage lace and red lipstick

Taylor Swift Style

10. The moody forest

Taylor Swift Style

Images: Vevo/Taylor Swift

Not that we blame Swift for taking some notes from Del Rey. The ladies both have that '50s lovesick thing going for them, so it definitely works.

Watch Swift's latest video for "Style" below.

Taylor Swift's Style music video

Taylor Swift's Style music video

What do you think of Swift's new "Style" music video? Do you agree with the comparisons?

More on Taylor Swift

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Taylor Swift pens beautiful open letter to fan about bullying
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Sports Illustrated models dish on Leonardo DiCaprio's personal life

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The sexy ladies seemed to all agree that if you're in New York City and you're a model, you're bound to run into DiCaprio at some point.

More: Sports Illustrated swimsuit models' fitness routines

Portugese model Sara Sampaio said that while she's been out with DiCaprio "a lot of times" in NYC, he's never hit on her. "He likes blondes," the brunette beauty admitted.

But blonde 2014 SI swimsuit cover girl Nina Agdad has had different experiences with DiCaprio. "Of course I've met him," she said, "but Leonardo just goes out with the same group of people as everybody. So I hate that people, like, start stirring stuff up, because he's just in the same area." And he hasn't hit on her: "He's a nice guy, but no."

Other ladies had different experiences.

More: Behind the scenes with SI model Kate Upton

Ashley Smith said she's never met him but has seen him around and encountered him. "When I was at the Cannes Film Festival, I saw him at a party," she said. "And he literally showed up, like, the most dressed-down [person]. He was in a baseball cap. Everyone else was in a tuxedo, he came in a baseball cap, he was there for five minutes, found a girl, and left. You go, Leonardo! I wanted to give him a high five, but I didn't know him, so I didn't."

Smith said she didn't know the girl he left with and wasn't sure if she was a model, but "she was hot."

Chanel Iman was more reserved when the magazine asked her about her DiCaprio experiences. Iman admitted she sees him a lot at parties, but declined to answer when Cosmo asked if the other models talk about the actor: "You're going to get me in trouble!"

Gigi Hadid was more candid, confirming that DiCaprio's reputation is well-deserved. "He does have a lot of models around," she spilled. "I'm not one of them."

More: Kate Upton scores cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue

As for whether it's a thing to talk about him, "Yeah, kind of," she confirmed with a laugh.

Chrissy Teigen said she and her husband John Legend haven't met DiCaprio yet, but she understands why he dates so many models. In fact, she and Legend have had conversations about it. "I mean, we always wondered why models are with musicians. You kind of date your coworkers, and in a way, we were coworkers. Yeah, I never thought anything of that stuff," Teigen said of DiCaprio's reputation. "Good for all of them. Good for the girls, good for Leo."

DiCaprio was most recently dating 22-year-old model Toni Garrn, but the two called it quits in December.

Check out the interview over on Cosmo for all of the dirty deets on Leo's love life.

Do you think DiCaprio's "modelizer" ways should be embraced?

Ramen pot pie is real, and you should make it immediately

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One intrepid writer over at Foodbeast decided two quintessential comfort foods — noodles and pie — should be combined into one hot, savory pile-o-carby goodness. The results? Stunning, obviously.

Foodbeast Ramen Pot Pie

Image: Foodbeast

The recipe is pretty simple, but like instant ramen itself, you could take the pie in almost any direction.

As it stands, all you'll need is ramen, pork belly, a soft-boiled egg, a double pie crust, some canned goods and some aromatics to make the pie of your dreams come true.

If you let the pie cool after cooking, the noodles will likely hold together enough to allow you to cut the pie into wedges. But I rather like the way the recipe creator decided to feast upon his ungodly creation — with half the top crust removed, like this was some sort of jumbo noodle pie bread bowl.

If you're like me and just reading about this insane meal has you feeling peckish, check out the video tutorial below. You'll be snacking on ramen pot pie in no time.

ramen pot pie

ramen pot pie

More righteous ramen

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Ramen noodle grilled cheese is man food at its best
Toasted ramen noodle salad


15 Super-fluffy kitty-cats you can't help but want to cuddle

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1. This kitty may not look happy, but I'll bet she'd purr her head off with cuddles

Happy

Happy

2. This kitten likes play with his cuddles

Play

Play

3. It's true what they say: Once you cuddle with a black kitty, you never go back

Black

Black

4. How can you even resist a cuddle session with these baby blues?

Baby blues

Baby blues

5. Once the belly is up, it's time to get serious

Belly up

Belly up

6. Whoever said only fat cats make good cuddle buddies has never met this guy

Skinny cat

Skinny cat

7. A human baby ain't got nothing on this

Baby

Baby

8. Rub this little cutie's belly, give him some sweet cuddles and he'll do anything you please

Belly rub

Belly rub

9. Is it cuddle o'clock?

o'clock

o'clock

10. All of this ginger fur is for you

Ginger

Ginger

11. Black, white and cuddly all over

Black

Black

12. I doubt Grumpy Cat would cuddle like this pretty kitty

Grumpy

Grumpy

13. Will meow for cuddles

meow

meow

14. If you can resist this charming sleeper, you've got no heart

heart

heart

15. As enticing as this pair looks, we may have a hard time getting in between this intense cuddle session

pair

pair

More in cat cuteness

12 Kitty-cat Valentine's Day cards that will make you aww
13 Cats that wish you'd stop treating them like toys
This cat-powered Barbie chariot is the best thing that ever happened

Will 16 and Pregnant star Valerie Fairman lose custody after her arrest?

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More: Are we glamorizing teen moms?

Fairman, who appeared on the hit MTV show's second season, was arrested Thursday in Newcastle, Delaware, along with seven other women as part of a prostitution sting executed by multiple law enforcement agencies, E! News reports.

Image: New Castle County

Delaware State Police issued a statement about the operation, saying that one neighborhood, where Fairman and the other seven women were picked up, was targeted "in response to numerous citizen complaints about prostitution and other quality of life crimes that have been occurring." The site reports that the arrests were carried out in a joint effort by Delaware State Police New Castle County Governor's Task Force, Delaware State Police New Castle County Drug Unit, the New Castle County Police Department and the Wilmington Police Department.

More: Chelsea Handler's not-so-secret secret teen abortion

Fairman, now 21, was the youngest of the eight women arrested — the others were in their 20s or 30s, and one, the oldest, was 54.

According to police, each woman was given a criminal summons for a court date scheduled later. According to TMZ, Fairman remained in police custody Friday afternoon.

The arrest itself is bad news, but there's no word on whether it will affect the young mom's custody of her daughter, Nevaeh Lynn.

According to E! News, Fairman was particularly popular on her season of 16 and Pregnant because of the drama she had with her baby daddy, Matt — especially one explosive fight in which she had to convince him the baby was actually his. She ended up ending the relationship, but by the time Nevaeh was born, Matt was seen on the show working on the relationship, seemingly ready to commit to fatherhood.

More: Is MTV reality TV bad for children?

What do you think? Should Fairman be able to keep custody of her daughter, despite her legal troubles? Head down to the comments and tell us your take!

4 Delicious ways to use up your leftover chili

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Chili and melted cheese, anyone? Count me in on that one for sure. I love dishes made with chili and cheese. How about starting off your day with an omelet generously topped with chili and cheese? This is truly one of my favorite things to make for breakfast.

1 chili omelet

And if you want to make the recipe even easier, just scramble the eggs and pile the chili and cheese on top. A great way to get your day off to a good start.

2 chili omelet

Chili and cheese omelet recipe

A heavenly chili omelet with melted cheese inside and out and topped with fresh-cut tomatoes is a wonderful way to get your day off to a good start.

Serves 2

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 6 eggs, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 3 teaspoons butter
  • 3 dashes salt
  • 4 dashes ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 cups leftover chili, heated
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish

Directions:

  1. To a medium-size bowl, add the eggs and milk. Whisk together.
  2. Heat a large-size skillet on low to medium heat, and add the butter.
  3. Tilt the skillet to move the melted butter around the bottom of the pan, and then add the eggs.
  4. As the eggs are slowly cooking, use a spatula to gently move the eggs cooking on the outside edges of the pan toward the middle of the pan so that some of the uncooked egg can flow to the outside edges to cook. After this has been done a couple of times, turn the heat to low, and cover the pan.
  5. Let the eggs cook with the lid on for about 3 or 4 minutes, then top the eggs evenly with 1/2 the cheese.
  6. Using a spatula, carefully flip 1 side of the eggs in toward the other to form an omelet.
  7. Cover the pan with a lid, and continue to cook until the eggs are thoroughly cooked.
  8. Serve while hot. Top with the heated chili and remaining cheese. The cheese should melt from the warmth of the chili, or the serving plates can be put in the microwave for just enough time to melt the cheese.
  9. Garnish with tomatoes and green onion.

1 chili spaghetti

For those times when you can't decide what to make — chili or pasta — why not make them both into one delicious dish. It couldn't be easier to make. Just boil the spaghetti, and serve it with chili piled high on top. And since it's a semi-Italian dish, sprinkle some grated Parm on top. Then dig in.

2 chili spaghetti

Chili spaghetti recipe

Spaghetti topped with chili and served with Parmesan cheese is a delicious way to change up pasta for a hearty dinner.

Serves 2

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked spaghetti noodles
  • 3 cups leftover chili, heated
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 small sprigs fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Add the spaghetti noodles to the serving dishes, and top with the heated chili.
  2. Drizzle olive oil evenly on top of the pasta dish.
  3. Top with Parmesan cheese.
  4. Garnish with basil.
  5. Serve while hot.

chili size

Now here's a chili size that will fill you up and please your taste buds. The best part is taking big-enough bites to make sure you get all the goodies into your mouth at the same time, because they taste so good together. I think the turkey burger is really enjoying itself hanging out with the chili and melted cheese.

Chili size with avocado recipe

A chili size (also known as a chili burger) made with turkey and with piled-high chili, melted cheese, salsa and lots of avocado makes a meal you'll have to dig into and eat with your fork.

Serves 2

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 thick ground turkey patties
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 hamburger bun, sliced in half
  • 2 cups leftover chili, heated
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1 avocado, seeded and chopped
  • 1 green onion, chopped

Directions:

  1. Add the garlic powder, pepper and salt to both sides of the turkey patties.
  2. Heat a medium-size skillet on medium heat, and add the olive oil.
  3. Add the ground turkey patties, and let cook until the bottom sides start to brown (about 8 minutes).
  4. Flip the patties, and let the other sides cook until they start to brown.
  5. Cover, and cook until the burgers are thoroughly cooked.
  6. While the burgers are cooking, toast the buns.
  7. Set 1/2 a bun cut side up on each serving plate.
  8. Add a turkey patty to each half, and top with the heated chili.
  9. Top with the cheddar cheese. The chili should be hot enough to melt the cheese, but if not, then warm in the microwave just long enough to melt the cheese.
  10. Top with salsa, Jack cheese, avocado and green onion.
  11. Serve while hot.

1 chili fries

Now you're talkin' — baked steak fries topped with chili and cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I like to start out eating these as a finger food, but then I usually finish them off with a fork to get as much of the chili and toppings as I can in each heavenly potato bite.

2 chili fries

Chili and baked steak fries recipe

Just when you thought steak fries couldn't get better, they do with piled-high chili topped with melted cheese, onion and tomato. It's the ultimate finger food.

Serves 2

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-size russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 dashes ground black pepper
  • 4 dashes salt
  • 2 cups leftover chili, heated
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. With the skins on, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into thirds, lengthwise.
  3. To a large bowl, add the potatoes, olive oil, pepper and salt. Mix together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
  4. Onto a large cookie sheet, lay the potatoes facedown (on one side of the potatoes).
  5. Bake until the potatoes are cooked through and turn a golden color (about 25 to 30 minutes).
  6. Using a spatula, carefully remove the potatoes from the cookie sheet, and transfer them to ovenproof, single-serving pans or dishes. Leave the oven on.
  7. Top the fries with heated chili and cheddar cheese.
  8. Put them back into the oven just long enough to melt the cheese.
  9. Top with sour cream, Cotija cheese, green onion and bell pepper.
  10. Serve hot.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

More chili recipes

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Will Gary Busey face charges after hitting a woman with his car?

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More: Gary Busey fired from new film

The Daily Mail reports that Busey was pulling out of a parking space in a Malibu grocery store when he struck a woman with his car. According to TMZ, the woman was older. Busey allegedly didn't see her as he backed up the car, and she had her back to the vehicle and so couldn't see it coming. Luckily, the woman, who was knocked to the ground, had only minor injuries — she was treated by paramedics and then left by herself, the Mail reports.

Busey, who just won the most recent season of Celebrity Big Brother UK, suffered permanent brain damage when he crashed on a motorcycle without a helmet on in 1988. This latest accident comes just a week after Bruce Jenner was involved in a fatal car accident in California that killed one and injured seven. Jenner was not harmed.

According to The Daily Mail, Busey's career has been marked by controversy. In 1995, he was arrested for cocaine possession after a near-lethal double overdose of the drug and GHB. The charges were later dismissed.

More: Katherine Jackson and other "celebs" who aren't missing

He was also arrested twice for alleged abuse of his ex-wife, Tiana Warden, in 1999 and 2004.

Amid his brushes with the law, Busey has turned to religion — he became a practicing minister and served as a counselor for contestants on the popular show Celebrity Rehab in 2008, including Guns 'n' Roses drummer Steven Adler and Rod Stewart's son Sean.

As of Friday, there was no information available about whether Busey would be charged for his latest accident. Since no one was seriously injured, the actor likely won't face legal action unless the woman presses charges.

More: Gary Busey swapping wives with Ted Haggard

What's your take on this scary situation? Should Gary Busey face legal action for the accident? Or, since everyone was OK, do you think charges would be unnecessary? Head to the comments and let us know what you think.

Rosamund Pike may rock a terrifying yet genius Oscar dress (VIDEO)

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More: Paul Giamatti and Rosamund Pike explore Barney’s Version

The Gone Girl actress explained to Ellen DeGeneres that she totes her 9-week-old newborn around with her to award shows — the baby was even backstage on Ellen's show, being looked after by Rosamund's hairdresser, she said.

And, since she's breastfeeding, Rosamund explained that her dress at the BAFTAs made for what could have been an awkward run-in — she stripped down completely while backstage at the show in order to use her breast pump.

"It started off very organized... I'd bring a robe and I'd bring all the kind of gear and I'd change into slippers," Rosamund dished. "At the BAFTAS on Sunday night, I was like 'Oh, sod it,' and I just [went] up into the chairman of the Royal Opera House's office and just tried to put on the robe and it just wasn't... I couldn't do the buttons and I, like, whipped it off. I was just sitting there butt-naked with the double breast pump," she added, cracking up as she recalled the scene. "If this guy had seen the kind of scene, it was as underhand as if we’d been taking drugs or something. But it was the most innocent, pure kind of [thing]."

More: Rosamund Pike may star with Ben Affleck

So, in order to avoid a similar situation at the Oscars, Ellen had a solution at the ready.

"We got you something for the Oscars, because it's a long night. You can wear a shawl, if you want, to cover it up," the host said as the surprise emerged from backstage: a floor-length, lacy beige gown… with breast pumps built right in.

"I can't believe it," Rosamund gushed. "That is what I need. You think this is a joke. It's actually very, very close to the truth."

All we have to say is, way to go mama Rosamund for putting the baby first during a very busy award season.

More: We can't stop staring at Rosamund Pike's lingerie-inspired gown

Check out the full, hilarious clip below.

Rosamund Pike on Ellen

Rosamund Pike on Ellen

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