Blake Lively Compared Self to Khaleesi in Alleged Texts to Justin Baldoni, Called Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Swift Her Dragons: Complaint

Baldoni’s lawyers claim in their new lawsuit that Lively’s “dragons” … “were not afraid to make things very difficult for him” on their film

From L: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds in New York City on Feb. 28, 2022; Taylor Swift in Los Angeles on Dec. 12, 2019. Photo: Noam Galai/Getty, Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Blake Lively was channeling a Game of Thrones character in a set of alleged text messages to Justin Baldoni during the making of their romantic drama It Ends with Us, his new lawsuit claims.

As part of the 179-page filing in the Southern District of New York on Thursday, Jan. 16, Baldoni and his co-plaintiffs alleged that the actor and director, 40, was “facing Lively’s ‘dragons,’ two of the most influential and wealthy celebrities in the world, who were not afraid to make things very difficult for him” while making their film.

The claim was followed by a series of alleged text messages between Baldoni and Lively, 37, in which they discussed her suggested changes to the rooftop scene in the movie. In his alleged message to Lively, Baldoni told her that he “really love(d) what (she) did,” saying her tweaks “[made] it so much more fun and interesting.”

He also added that he “would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor,” presumably Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds — whom Baldoni is also suing, as well as their publicist Leslie Sloane and Sloane’s PR firm Vision PR, Inc. — and close friend Taylor Swift.

Among the allegations made in his complaint, Baldoni claims that Swift, 35, and Reynolds, 48, pressured him into accepting one of Lively’s rewrites for the film. (Christy Hall is credited as the screenwriter who adapted Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel.)

From L: Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift.John Nacion/Variety via Getty; Taylor Hill/FilmMagic; Kevin Mazur/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Baldoni claimed he was “summoned” to a meeting with Reynolds at their New York City penthouse, where the pop superstar arrived and “began praising Lively’s script. Earlier, the suit claims, Reynolds welcomed him into their home and “launched into enthusiastic praise for Lively’s version of the scene.” Baldoni understood the subtext: he needed to comply with Lively’s direction for the script.”

Per the complaint, Baldoni later texted Lively that while her changes made the scene “so much more fun and interesting,” he “would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor,” adding a playful emoji. Lively allegedly responded by comparing herself to the Game of Thrones character Khaleesi, and calling Reynolds and Swift her two “dragons.”

“I happen to have a few dragons. For better or worse, but usually for better,” Lively’s alleged text read. “Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. [Smiley-face emoji] you will too, I can promise you.”

Another alleged text from Lively included in the filing shows the actress referring to Reynolds, with whom she shares four kids and married in 2012, and Swift as her “most trusted partners” and “Dance Moms level stage moms.”

Attorneys for Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit Thursday on behalf of Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, publicist Jennifer Abel and crisis publicist Melissa Nathan, claiming Lively took measures to gain control of the hit movie It Ends with Us, which was released in theaters in August 2024.

Blake Lively in London on Aug. 8, 2024; Justin Baldoni in New York City on Dec. 13, 2023.Jeff Spicer/Getty; Dia Dipasupil/Getty

The actor-director is suing on claims of civil extortion, defamation, false light invasion of privacy, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, intentional interference with contractual relations, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and negligent interference with prospective economic advantage.

In her initial sexual-harassment complaint filed on Dec. 20, 2024, Lively claimed Baldoni exhibited “disturbing” and “unprofessional” behavior on the set of It Ends with Us that led to a “hostile work environment.”

Her filing included accusations that Baldoni and Heath entered her trailer “uninvited” while she was undressed or “vulnerable,” and alleged Baldoni “suddenly” pressured her to “simulate full nudity” in a birth scene and “improvised physical intimacy that had not been rehearsed, choreographed or discussed with Ms. Lively, with no intimacy coordinator involved.”

Her complaint claimed that in the aftermath of the experience and the alleged smear campaign against her, Lively “has suffered from grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety.”

A rep for Lively has not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment on the new lawsuit.

Kylie Kelce Shares How Eagles Watch Parties Look Very Different Now That Husband Jason Kelce Is Retired

Kylie Kelce revealed on the ‘Not Gonna Lie’ podcast that she and husband Jason now enjoy the Eagles games from the comfort of their home

Jason and Kylie Kelce. Photo: Kylie Kelce/instagram

Jason and Kylie Kelce still show their love and support for the Philadelphia Eagles, even after his retirement in 2024.

On the latest episode of Not Gonna Lie on Jan. 16, Kylie, 32, opened up about how she and the former center, 37, watch the games together now that he’s retired from the sport. She revealed they now watch the games “from the living room” and “not in my usual seat” at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa.

“I used to go to the Linc for every home game,” Kylie explained, adding, “We would usually keep [the girls at] home except for one game a year. They’re not really that into it, so it didn’t make sense to drag them down there and have them in a place that was loud and overstimulating.”

Although they don’t attend the games in person anymore, Kylie revealed that she still maintains her superstitions, especially during playoff games.

“Playoff Kylie is different from regular season Kylie because the superstitions take over the whole day,” she said. “From the start of the day to when that game is over, I will not check Twitter and avoid most social media.” She also noted that she wouldn’t even post online on a game day, a superstitious tradition she maintained “when Jason was playing, and still now.”

“I don’t know why we’re posting other things. Life is not happening. Eagles are happening,” she continued. “I have to focus. I don’t know why you think that I could be focused on other things or, entertaining conversation. We have a job to do, and that job is to lock in and send as much power and energy [to the team].”

Kylie and Jason Kelce.Ouzounova / SplashNews

Kylie even said that she wouldn’t even talk smack on the Dallas Cowboys — the Eagles’ rival team — because “I can’t talk s— on them and expect that the universe will still smile upon us the way that it has.”

Kylie’s superstitions have even kicked in while watching her brother-in-law Travis Kelce play for the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024 Super Bowl.

When the Chiefs played against the San Francisco 49ers, Kylie revealed on her Instagram Stories that she couldn’t bear to watch at some points during the game after “my superstition kicked in hard.”

Kylie and Jason Kelce.Gigi Iorio / SplashNews.com

“I refused to watch the game, even via the TVs,” she wrote over the video of herself and added that she kept an eye on her friend Sarah King’s reactions to keep her “in the loop” of what was happening.

King also reposted Kylie’s story and added that “She wasn’t lyin” and set it to Stevie Wonder’s song “Superstition.”

Travis Kelce Jokes He and Taylor Swift’s Mom Andrea Are ‘Tied’ for ‘No. 1 Swiftie’

Taylor Swift will be attending Travis Kelce’s playoff game on Saturday, Jan. 18

Travis Kelce; Taylor Swift; Andrea Swift. Photo: JC Olivera/Getty; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; Kevin Mazur/AMA2019/Getty

Travis Kelce and Andrea Swift are tied for this superlative about his girlfriend, Taylor Swift.

During a Jan. 15 interview with Stephen A. Smith on his eponymous program The Stephen A. Smith Show, Kelce, 35, was asked if it was fair to call him a “Swiftie,” referring to the passionate fanbase Taylor, 35, has amassed.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end agreed, calling himself the “No. 1 Swiftie,” to which Smith, 57, asked if he was a bigger fan than “Mama.”

“You already know,” Kelce said, joking that he and Andrea were “neck-in-neck” and “tied at the top.”

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift in Las Vegas in February 2024.Ezra Shaw/Getty

During their conversation, Kelce also gave Smith an update on their relationship. “I’m enjoying all aspects of life. Me and Taylor are happy,” he raved ahead of the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 18 — which Swift will be attending.

“I couldn’t be happier to have that confidence and that comfort off the field and all the support I could ever ask for in the stadium,” Kelce added.

Smith also asked Kelce about where his “mentality” is “knowing how well everything is going for both [of you] personally and professionally,” referring to him and the 14-time Grammy winner.

“I think personally, that’s the beauty of being in a very strong relationship is that you get that support to be able to come in and focus on your craft, focus on being the best version of you,” Kelce explained.

“That’s why I wanted to be at the concert, supporting her and being there for her, making sure she feels comfortable and supported in everything she’s doing in life.”

Taylor and Kelce began dating in the summer of 2023. Throughout their relationship, she’s attended many of his football games, cheering him on in regular season games, playoff series and the Super Bowl.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in 2024.TheStewartofNY/GC Images

Meanwhile, Kelce has been to several of her shows throughout her record-breaking Eras Tour.

To celebrate the end of her world tour that kicked off in March 2023 and finished in December, Kelce surprised Taylor with an Eras Tour-themed party.

🔥 Jon Bon Jovi Shocks Fans: Rolling Up His Sleeves to Wash Dishes and Help the Needy! 💪❤️ (PHOTO)

Jon Bon Jovi has little to prove to anyone. The founder and frontman of the legendary Bon Jovi (which isn’t confusing at all) group, Jovi has earned his musical stripes and has a heck of a discography for everyone to enjoy.

But did you know Jovi established the JBJ Soul Kitchen? Not only that, but an old photo recently went viral showing Jovi doing the hard work we often criticize celebrities for seeing as “beneath them.”

 

Jovi’s JBJ Soul Kitchen is a Community Restaurant serving paying customers and those in need alike. To pluck directly from the website itself: “A Community Restaurant is a place where both individuals and families can come to enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal in a warm and welcoming setting while meeting our neighbors. As a Community Restaurant, our mission is not only to serve healthy meals but also to partner with local organizations to provide additional resources, addressing needs beyond food security.”

In 2020, Jovi went on The Howard Stern Show and further explained the business, as well as his direct involvement with some of the daily goings-on.

As Jovi states, “The in-need still need to eat, especially now. They don’t have a place like the local Y[MCA] to go to the showers. They don’t have other restaurants giving them lunch and breakfast. There’s an in-need population who need to eat.”

Jon Bon Jovi Gives Back To The Community, Proving He’s Not Afraid To Do The Hard Work

Remember the time Kim Kardashian had the audacity to tell people to get up and work? This is the polar opposite of that. Jovi opened a restaurant for those in need at the start of the pandemic. Sure, he didn’t exactly plan for such a global nightmare, but even then, he felt the need to help people. That means something.

https://twitter.com/APadeau/status/1790894190395826265

And it never goes unnoticed. Jovi was there in the trenches during one of the darkest periods worldwide in recent human history. Better yet, Jovi didn’t scream at the top of his lungs about how charitable he was and how much good he was doing. He let his actions speak louder than any empty words could’ve.

Truthfully, if we as the “common folk” must glorify and defend celebrities senselessly and ceaselessly, we should do so for those who actually give back to people. …No, I’m not going to do a cheesy Bon Jovi pun this time.

 Jon Bon Jovi’s Jaw-Dropping Reaction to Touring His Nashville for the First Time with the Band!

Jon Bon Jovi is set to have a big weekend in Nashville.

In addition to opening his long-awaited five-story Broadway bar, JBJ’s Nashville, on Saturday, the band will also release the new Bon Jovi album, “Forever” on June 7, which was recorded at Ocean Way in Nashville.

Bon Jovi and bandmates Tico Torres, David Bryan and Hugh McDonald were on hand Thursday for a media preview of the massive 37,000-square-foot entertainment space and got to see the finished product for the first time.

“It’s like Christmas morning,” he told The Tennessean. “I knew this space as a parking lot. We came once during the construction, but we haven’t seen the finished product until today.”

The five-story space welcomes visitors into its open floor plan with all levels opening up to the three-tiered stage on the ground floor. Walls are wallpapered with Bon Jovi photos that span the band’s decades-long history and lyrics are emblazoned in neon throughout the space. There are two outdoor rooftop patios with views of Broadway and 4th Avenue.

The restrooms are even labeled “Tommy” or “Gina.”

“It’s cool that the space is brand new,” Bryan added. “It has elevators. We didn’t have to try and retrofit anything. It’s like we design it and make it.”

Bon Jovi oversaw the design process and collaborated with developer BPH Hospitality, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nashville-based Big Plan Holdings, on how the space would end up functioning. He also provided all of the memorabilia that lines the walls of the space.

When asked how his space will differentiate itself from his country music neighbors such as Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places next door and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row across the street, he smiled and said “We’re rock and roll.”

JBJs is new to Nashville, but Bon Jovi is not

While JBJ’s is the newest neon sign to light up Lower Broadway, Bon Jovi the man and the band have been coming to Nashville to write, record, visit friends and hang out for 35 years. Bassist McDonald even lives in Nashville.

“I always jokingly say ‘these are my people.’ If Hollywood is known for the acting community, Nashville is known for the musical community. When you go to the Bluebirds and the Exit Ins you see a lot of the rock edge country stuff and I just fell in love with Nashville. Everybody’s a songwriter and they know the most important asset the town has was the song and that drew me in.”

He tells a story of how back in the day the band would stay at The Hermitage Hotel which would leave a legal pad and stack of pens on the desk in the hotel room for one sole purpose.

“They know why you are there and they encouraged me to write in these hotel rooms. Many a song has been written at The Hermitage.”

The band recorded several songs and albums in Nashville through the years including the newest one, “Forever” which Bon Jovi calls a “return to joy,” after the last record “2020” was made during Covid.

“We had a blast making this record,” McDonald added. “We usually love every baby that comes out, but this one is something special. We felt like we were at home in the studio and I actually was at home. I got to drive to work, which was really weird for me. I’ve never done that before.”

Jon Bon Jovi working with the city to implement a charitable arm

Bon Jovi also founded the JBJ Soul Foundation with his wife Dorothea and the couple own four JBJ Soul Kitchens in the northeast that operate as non-profit community restaurants that serve both paying customers and those who are in need of a hot meal but cannot pay.

He said he wants to implement some sort of charitable entity in Nashville and has been working with Mayor Freddie O’Connell to come up with the best avenues to continue his generosity towards hunger and homelessness here.

“I’m trying to find some commonalities with the mayor to do something unique,” he said. “The way Garth built the substation for the police, which I think is fabulous… I want to find a charitable aspect because that is always important. I’ve been on it since we broke ground.”

‘Thank You, Goodnight’: The Heartbreaking Proof That Even Jon Bon Jovi Can’t Escape Mortality

Gotham Chopra (the son of Deepak) directs Hulu’s Bon Jovi docuseries in a spirited portrayal of the band—even if you’ll be “Livin’ on a Prayer” that it was so damn long.

Disney/Hulu

“We’re halfway there,” I said to myself at the two-and-a-half-hour mark of Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, a four-part early Christmas gift to hard-core Bon Jovi fans and a ludicrously detailed look at the pop-rock luminary’s career for everyone else.

Like the anthemic songs the platinum-selling New Jersey-born singer is known for, it would take an extra step to actively dislike this very by-the-numbers Hulu documentary, but the excessive length and the overblown manner in which it tries to manufacture drama does get a bit irritating. Put bluntly, there just isn’t much going on in this sanctioned and manicured portrait, yet it still goes on forever.

Bon Jovi at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania in 2013.

David Bergman/Courtesy of Hulu

Jon Bon Jovi is, was, and always shall be an extremely handsome and charismatic fella. That smile! Those eyes! Even in the deepest archive footage, striking a pose in preposterous ’80s hair-band outfits, the guy still looked good. What’s more, you can tell, you can just tell, that he’s a nice guy. Have you ever heard anyone say anything nasty about Jon Bon Jovi? Think a minute. No. The answer is no.

He’s been married for 35 years to a gal he’s known since high school. He became one of the biggest stars in music with his band’s third album, Slippery When Wet, in 1986. And while the more recent stuff hasn’t dominated the charts in the same way, he’s continued to sell out arenas all over the world and hasn’t been out of the public eye since. A Bon Jovi song on the radio is like a side of fries with a meal: not necessary, but always welcome.

The most interesting chapter in the documentary focuses, as is frequently the case, on the early years. Much is made in Thank You, Goodnight about what a hard-working, salt-of-the-earth guy he is, and this is in keeping with the Jersey acts that came before him, like Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and, of course, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Quite frankly, I believe it to be true. But the film can’t hide the fact that Bon Jovi (née Bongiovi before a record exec wisely suggested he follow Van Halen’s naming structure) was second cousins with the producer Tony Bongiovi, who ran the Power Station studio in New York City where a young Jon had a first job.

He was gigging his brains out in the clubs of Asbury Park, but he was also hanging out with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and watching David Bowie and Queen record “Under Pressure.” On off-hours he got to play around in the studio and record his first track, “Runaway.”

“Runaway” found radio airplay and eventually got Jon a record deal. From there he set up his band—a perfect Jersey blend of Italian Americans, Jews, and Hispanics—simply named Bon Jovi. Many, like future Tony winner David Bryan, were already in his orbit, but he recruited others, like the significantly older drummer Tico Torres (who speaks with such blunt Jersey wisdom in this documentary he ought to host Learning Annex sessions) and the eventual Keith to his Mick, guitarist and co-songwriter Richie Sambora.

Their first two albums did OK, but they kept at it, hired a ringer (Desmond Child) to help co-write some tunes, then hit pay dirt just as MTV became arbiters of the monoculture. “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” were the anthems American society needed in 1986, and they followed it up two years later with “Bad Medicine” and “I’ll Be There For You.” As a representative not just of Gen X but also New Jersey—and one whose older sister had her hormones laser-targeted on this group—there was nothing in the world bigger than Bon Jovi at the time.

Bon Jovi in concert at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia in 2010.

David Bergman/Courtesy of Hulu

If you’ve paid any attention to the personnel changes of Bon Jovi over the decades (and no shame if you haven’t—you can still call yourself a fan if you only sing along when their songs come on at CVS), you know that at a certain point Jon and Richie parted ways. The band plays on, though, and has a new album coming out just in time for this documentary.

Director Gotham Chopra (son of Deepak Chopra) squeezes as much as he can from this schism but fails to find its root or bang out a conclusion. (This is a far cry from Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky’s Metallica: Some Kind of Monster.) When Sambora makes his first appearance in a current talking-head interview at the end of episode one, he puffs out his chest and asks, “So are we telling the truth here?” The movie ultimately whiffs on this test, I feel.

The other dramatic arc is Jon’s decision to get vocal-cord surgery. He’s a perfectionist, and he knows that his recent shows have been “100 percent of 80 percent.” I do not want to belittle anyone undergoing major surgery, but Thank You, Goodnight drags this decision out like it’s Hamlet. Jon Bon Jovi is facing 60, and this is a reminder that he’s mortal, but the guy still looks like a dream. He’s loaded, he’s got a loving wife, and a zillion gold records on his shelf. If he had to retire, is it really the end of the world? We can always see Def Leppard this summer instead.

Bon Jovi from the Live 2011 Tour at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

David Bergman/Courtesy of Hulu

What’s most strange about this film is how devoted it is to the minutiae of Jon’s work (a whole chapter on forming his own management company! What am I, his accountant?) but there’s so little about anyone’s personal life. He’s got kids, but they aren’t in the movie.

Richie Sambora was married to Heather Locklear, but that’s not mentioned at all. Jon has always been famously drug-free, but the rest of the band wasn’t. There are zero tales of debauchery from the road. Did Jon screw around with groupies before he got married in 1989? You’ll never know from this film. It’s also a miss that there isn’t more footage of the early fans. The Jersey girls of the mid-’80s were like nothing else ever seen, and we only get a glimpse.

But you will know about the time in Mexico that student unrest forced them to perform two shows in one day—this is detailed in two different episodes, to show just how crazy life is on the road, and how hard they toiled. Jon, I love ya, but some people work in uranium mines! You had to sing about the loaded six string on your back at a doubleheader. You’ll live!

OK, clearly I am only a middling Bon Jovi fan. For some, this will all be catnip. But for a group who made it big on radio hits under five minutes, you’d think they’d know how to cut the fat.

Jon Bon Jovi & Dorothea Hurley’s Timeless Love: Rare and Stunning Photos of Their Epic Romance! 

Plus Icon

Jon Bon Jovi & Dorothea HurleyRon Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

While Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley might not be the first couple you think of when thinking of Hollywood power couples, after all, they’ve been quite private over the years, their 35+ marriage is something many of us only dream of. After getting hitched in 1989, the pair have inspired us with their unwavering love for each other and their kids (Stephanie, 30, Jesse, 29, Jake, 21, and Romeo, 20).

Talking to People back in 2020, the “Livin’ on a Prayer” singer revealed the secrets to their decades-long relationship.

“Mutual respect,” he said. “Having grown up together and grown together. And we really like each other. We want to hang out.”

He also went on to remember his first impression of Hurley when they met as only teenagers back in the ’80s. “I was immediately drawn to her from the minute I saw her — and that’s never changed — 40 years ago,” he said. Talk about love at first sight!

In honor of the release of Bon Jovi’s documentary, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, check out some of our favorite pictures of the couple over the years below!

 

Photo : Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Disney+

A Kiss for Good Luck (2024)

The couple’s latest appearance was at the UK premiere of the singer’s new documentary, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story. Of course, they sealed their red carpet appearance with a sweet kiss.

Photo : Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images

Supporting Millie (2024)

Bon Jovi and Hurley’s son, Jake Bongiovi, is engaged to none other than Millie Bobby Brown. Earlier this year, they supported their future daughter-in-law in the premiere of Damsel. So sweet to see them all together!

Photo : Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty Images

Bonding With Their Oldest (2024)

Also this year, the couple attended the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala alongside their oldest kid, 30-year-old Stephanie Rose Bongiovi. Does she look like the perfect blend of her parents?

Photo : Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Jackie Robinson Foundation

Always Laughing (2020)

Hurley showed just how carefree their relationship is as they laughed when she presented Bon Jove the Humanitarian Award during the Jackie Robinson Foundation Robie Awards Dinner in 2020.

Photo : Derek Storm/Everett Collection

Color-Coordinating (2015)

Hurley and Bon Jovi matched in black blazer with shiny lapels at the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary party in 2015.

Fit for Royalty (2013)

Hurley and Bon Jovi were joined by their kids Stephanie, Romeo and Jake at the Winter Whites Gala in aid of Centrepoint at Kensington Palace in 2013. That night, the family met with none other than Prince William.

Shades Activated (2013)

Hurley and Bon Jovi rocked the carpet in statement sunglasses at the Gold Meets Golden Celebration in 2013.

Staying Golden (2013)

The couple looked absolutely breathtaking in black and purple looks at the 70th annual Golden Globe Awards.

Such a Gentleman (2011)

While attending the 20th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2011, Bon Jovi proved how chivalrous he is by giving Hurley his suit when she was cold on the carpet.

Family’s Here! (2011)

At the 2011 premiere of New Year’s Eve, in which Bon Jovi makes a guest appearance, the couple was joined on the carpet by their four kids.

All Eyes on You (2007)

Bon Jovi served some major heart eyes looking at Hurley at the Jon Bon Jovi and Kenneth Cole Team Up For An Unforgettable Night of Fundraising in 2007.

Style Icons (2003)

Bon Jovi and Hurley gave major Zoolander vibes in this sunglasses and straight-face combo at the Nordoff-Robbins Silver Clef Awards in 2003.

Hand in Hand (1997)

Hurley and Bon Jovi walked hand in hand at a 1997 party celebrating a retrospective of Robert Rauschenberg’s artwork.

Quintessential ’90s (1991)

Want to know what ’90s fashion looked like? Look no further than these colorful ensembles Hurley and Bon Jovi wore at the 63rd Academy Awards.

The singer wore a purple velvet suit while his wife, Dorothea Hurley rocked this bright purple sequined fringe dress.

Photo : Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Cool Kids (1991)

Seriously, their ’90s fashion was truly impeccable.

Photo : Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Lovey-Dovey (1990)

These two were all over each other at the 3rd Annual Silver Clef Award back in 1990. Talk about newlywed bliss!

Amazon Shoppers Love That These Nonslip Pet Bowls Are ‘Easy to Clean’ & They’re 50% off Right Now

 

🍽️ Jon Bon Jovi’s Shocking Act of Kindness: The Poor Eat for FREE at His Restaurant! ❤️🔥 (PHOTO)

Rock stars in solidarity: at Jon Bon Jovi’s newly opened restaurant in New Jersey, the poor will eat and not pay.

In the “Soul Kitchen” restaurant, inaugurated by the singer and his wife, Dorothea, in Toms River, on the Atlantic coast destroyed four years ago by Hurricane “Sandy”, the poor will eat and then wash the dishes.

“Because everyone has to eat in a restaurant, especially in a society where one in five families lives in poverty,” declared Jon Bon Jovi, who has sold 120 million albums so far.

The bar is part of the humanitarian plan that Jon and Dorothea support with the “Jon Bon Jovi Soul” foundation.

“All the poor get the same meal,” explains Dorothea.

“There’s no need for science on this,” says the “Livin’ On A Prayer” and “You Give Love A Bad Name” singer.

The singer’s foundation has also built 500 houses and 10 dormitories for thousands of poor people.

With just one sentence, Justin Timberlake destroyed his career comeback.

Picture this: Today is a very big day. The most coveted tickets for a global world tour are on sale. I call in sick for work pretending I’m gripped by a mystery flu. My work friends all do the same thing.

The day might be understaffed, but we have other things to worry about.

Today is all about lining up to secure the best seats for a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza.

The biggest pop star in the world is coming Down Under.

No, I’m not hoping to score Taylor Swift’s Eras tickets.

It’s 2007 and Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveShow tour is coming to Australia.

I’m not kidding.

In the noughties, Timberlake was widely considered “the world’s biggest male pop star”, off the back of multiple Grammy awards and years of consecutive chart-topping singles.

This was a vastly different pop culture landscape. Justin Timberlake was untouchable.

Justin Timberlake wins at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards. Image: Getty. 

Timberlake burst into music as one of two lead singers (I don’t know what the other three actually did?!) in ’90s boy band ‘NSYNC.

Timberlake was the clear breakout star of the group, in small part for his looks, charisma, and talent but arguably in a much larger part because of his 1999 to 2002 relationship with pop superstar, Britney Spears.

By 2002, ‘NSYNC had disbanded, Timberlake had gone solo and broken up with Spears (via text, the ‘Stronger’ singer later claimed).

In the following years, Timberlake would spin a narrative about their split by releasing ‘Cry Me a River’, a biting revenge song assumedly about Spears that accused a woman of cheating on her partner.

Britney became publicly hated, a scarring experience she documented in her 2023 memoir, The Woman In Me. “In the news media, I was described as a harlot who’d broken the heart of America’s golden boy,” she wrote. Spears was famously left in tears when Diane Sawyer told the singer on national TV “You broke his heart.”

Britney Spears breaks down. Image: ABC. 

Then came a little incident in 2004 when he was headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show with Janet Jackson. During a performance of ‘Rock Your Body’, Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson’s costume, exposing her right breast.

And who was to blame? Janet Jackson, of course.

Jackson was banned from attending the following 2004 Grammy Awards. Timberlake was permitted to attend if he apologised, which he did when he won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

In 2018, Timberlake was invited back to headline the Super Bowl Halftime — this time solo with no special guests, an honour awarded to only a handful of pop stars.

For instance, even Beyoncé was joined by Destiny’s Child during her slot.

The show didn’t get good reviews. As a spectacle, it was predictable and uninspired— an Entertainment Weekly review called it “dutiful and empty” — and provided a stark reminder to punters of how Jackson’s career never recovered yet Timberlake’s was comparatively thriving.

This marked the beginning of the public tide of opinion turning on the former boy band member.

Of course, there were early signs. In 2016, Justin tweeted a tone-deaf response to Black Lives Matter activist Jesse Williams’ speech about police brutality, remarking that “we are the human race” which left online critics cringing.

The tweet spurred people to take a retrospective look at how Timberlake had profited off the cultural appropriation of Black music, dance moves, and fashion for decades. Spears wrote in her memoir that she recalled Timberlake speaking with a blaccent during their relationship.

Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake in 2003. Image: Getty. 

Meanwhile, a more sinister light was being cast over JT’s treatment of Spears as the ‘Free Britney’ movement to end the singer’s conservatorship was at its peak. After the Framing Britney Spears documentary premiered, the singer felt urged to release a sanitised public apology in 2021.

“The industry is flawed. It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It’s designed this way. As a man in a privileged position, I have to be vocal about this,” he wrote in a statement.

“Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognise it for all that it was while it was happening.”

Go boy, give us nothing!

Since releasing this statement, Timberlake kept out of the headlines until Spears released her memoir in 2023 where she alleged the former boy band member pressured her to have an abortion and cheated on her regularly when they were together.

This brings us to 2024. Timberlake is releasing a new album and preparing to embark on a world tour.

And it’s not going particularly well!

Listen to The Spill hosts discuss the Justin Timberlake story that will never be told. 

JT’s first song released off the album Everything I Thought It Was has already been tainted by controversy.

The track titled ‘Selfish’ is a song name shared with his ex-girlfriend from 2011. After news of the song’s release, Spears’ fans rushed to buy the 13-year-old Spears track, with both songs charting in the top five of iTunes.

The ‘Senorita’ singer has since come out swinging against Spears. As he performed in New York City this week, he told the crowd “I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to absolutely f**king nobody.”

He said this before singing the 2002 hit ‘Cry Me a River’, which made the person he was directing the jibe at blatantly obvious to onlookers.

Spears had initially attempted a ceasefire by posting to Instagram that she was “in love” with Timberlake’s new track. But then following his recent comment, she posted an Instagram post that sounded a lot like it was directed at her ex.

“Someone told me someone was talking shit about me on the streets !!!,” Spears wrote in a caption of an image of a basketball hoop. “Do you want to bring it to the court or will you go home crying to your mama like you did last time ???”

The bizarre outburst from Timberlake has been met with venom online — especially from Spears’ vocal and active fan base. With just one sentence, it looks like he swiftly ended his comeback, before it had even really begun.

This is just one of many moments from Timberlake’s comeback attempt that have fallen flat.

He was once a beloved celebrity on Saturday Night Live — he’s hosted five times and found a cult following for his ‘Dick in a Box’ skit — but his recent appearance as a musical guest on Dakota Johnson’s episode was met with a lukewarm response.

This is no longer the Justin Timberlake that can do no wrong in the public’s eye.

The Atlantic described his return to the SNL stage as having “an air of desperation” while one post on X wrote that “the only people that like Justin Timberlake’s music is Justin Timberlake and his wife [Jessica Biel].”

The reviews for Timberlake’s first solo single in six years have not been… great.

Forbes described the song as “low-energy and “lacklustre” while a particularly savage review from Consequence said the track was a ‘treacly schlock turd’. Ooft.

Timberlake obviously disagrees. “I think every artist probably says this, but it is my best work,” Timberlake told Zane Lowe for Apple Music about his new album.

It’s unclear if Timberlake’s latest album tour will reach Australia, but if he schedules a show near me, I can safely assure my boss (reading this now, hello!) that unlike 2007, I won’t be chucking a sickie to rush to buy tickets.

The Justin Timberlake comment that has come back to haunt him.

An old clip of Justin Timberlake has been cast in a different light following the pop singer’s arrest.

ICYMI, overnight Timberlake was arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving in the Hamptons area of Long Island. Despite claiming he only had “one martini”, the NSYNC singer failed a sobriety test before refusing to do a breathalyzer examination.

The 43-year-old was seen by police driving through a stop sign and swerving on the road before he was arrested and detained for nine hours.

According to the criminal complaint, the ‘Jealous’ singer was “operating said vehicle in an intoxicated condition in that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath, he was unable to divide attention, he had slowed speech, he was unsteady afoot, and he performed poorly on all standardised field sobriety tests.”

The musician’s mugshot has since traveled to every corner of the internet. It’s all very 2000s.

Since the news broke, an old comment Timberlake made back in 2007 has gained traction on X.

In a speech accepting a Brit Award, fans assumed the singer made a cruel taunt towards ex, Britney Spears.

“Stop drinking! You know who you are,” he said in the clip. “You are going to get sloppy. OK! magazine is going to say something bad about you.” Woah, yikes.

“Stop drinking. You know who you are, I’m speaking to you. Stop drinking, you’re gonna get sloppy, OK is gonna say something bad about you,” Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) said to @BritneySpears in 2007.

Looks like his words are coming back to haunt him now. pic.twitter.com/vKjKYyI3t0

— #FreeBritney Live (@FreeBritneyLive) June 18, 2024

Timberlake doesn’t name Spears in the speech but his words came during a year when the pop star was arguably at the lowest point in her life. Back in 2007, Spears was charged with a hit-and-run and was ordered to turn over custody of her two children to ex-husband, Kevin Federline, after allegedly missing a drug and alcohol test.

At the time, Timberlake denied that the remark was directed at his ex, with his representation saying he was merely referencing “people in the crowd, no one in particular,” as relayed to Fox News.

Hmm. Yeah, you’re right, saying “I’m speaking to you,” does sound super vague…

Following Justin’s arrest, Britney’s army of fans have hilariously campaigned to drive the singer’s song ‘Criminal’ back up the charts.

Justin and Britney were the ‘It Couple’ in the late-90s and early-00s, dating between 1999 and 2002 after meeting as kids on the set of The Mickey Mouse Club. 

In Spears’ 2023 memoir The Woman in Me, she claimed that Timberlake repeatedly cheated on her and pressured her to get an abortion during their relationship.

Spears has since apologised on her Instagram for offending anyone with her memoir, adding that she loved Timberlake’s latest single ‘Jealous’. A few days later at a show in New York City, Timberlake said he’d “like to take this opportunity to apologise — to absolutely fu**ing nobody”, before singing ‘Cry Me A River’. Charming.

Timberlake is currently on tour for his ‘The Forget Tomorrow World Tour’ and is set to play two Chicago shows this week before playing Madison Square Garden in New York City next week.

In a report from Page Six, the tabloid site claimed that Timberlake moaned about his arrest affecting his upcoming shows, however, the officer who pulled Timberlake over “was so young that he didn’t even know” who he was.

An insider said that the ‘Rock Your Body’ singer said under his breath “This is going to ruin the tour.”

To this, the cop replied, “What tour?”

Justin allegedly said back “The world tour.’”

Oh boy.