According to the court’s press service, the legal proceedings began after Roskomnadzor’s Volga Federal District office filed an administrative report accusing SarBC of distributing prohibited content about “non‑traditional” relationships on the internet. The contested article, titled “Why Did ‘Heated Rivalry’ Become Popular?,” appeared on SarBC’s website on 6 February 2026 and was later removed, but authorities still pursued the case based on its brief publication.

In addition to the penalty imposed on the outlet, a separate administrative case targeted the agency’s IT director, Andrei Bashkaikin, over a similar article. On 7 April 2026, magistrate judge Vadim Krikunov of Judicial District No. 4 in the Oktyabrsky District fined Bashkaikin 50,000 rubles, underscoring how both organizations and individual staff can face punishment under the same law.

Chilling effect and self‑censorship in Russian media

An employee of SarBC, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, described the article that triggered the case as a “harmless review” of a popular TV series discussing why it had attracted so much attention. Even in that interview, the staff member refused to name the show explicitly, reflecting the climate of fear surrounding any public mention of LGBTQ+ themes.

The employee said the piece came through a link‑exchange arrangement and was taken down quickly, but the brief publication window still resulted in a large fine for the outlet and a separate charge for its IT director. The episode illustrates an expanding pattern in which Russian authorities treat even neutral or culturally focused coverage of queer stories as unlawful “promotion,” prompting newsrooms to remove content and avoid naming LGBTQ+ works outright.

Media advocacy groups and human rights organizations have previously documented how Russia’s anti‑LGBTQ+ laws, including restrictions on so‑called “propaganda,” contribute to widespread self‑censorship and a shrinking space for independent journalism. The SarBC case shows that even local business news agencies can be drawn into this enforcement web simply by covering internationally popular queer media.

‘Heated Rivalry’: a queer hockey drama with a Russian lead

“Heated Rivalry” is a Canadian television series that premiered in November 2025 on streaming platforms Crave and HBO Max, adapted from Rachel Reid’s novel of the same name about a secret romance between two professional hockey players. The story follows Russian player Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by actor Connor Storrie, and Canadian player Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, whose on‑ice rivalry gradually becomes a long‑term, clandestine relationship.

Despite not being officially available on domestic streaming platforms, the series has become a surprise hit among Russian viewers and now ranks among the top three most popular shows on Kinopoisk, the country’s largest film and TV portal. With a rating of 8.6, it even outperforms globally recognized titles like “Stranger Things” and high‑profile Russian dramas linked to the war in Ukraine.

Fans and commentators say the series resonates because it portrays queer athletes navigating both elite sports culture and the pressures of Russian society. One Russian fan, using a pseudonym for safety reasons, described it as “a serious social drama” rather than just a romance, highlighting the emotional weight of a closeted athlete’s story under restrictive laws.

Fans circumvent bans as laws tighten

Because licensed Russian streaming services do not carry “Heated Rivalry,” viewers in Russia access the show through VKontakte, torrent sites, pirated streaming pages, and Telegram channels, where episodes can generate over a million views apiece. On VKontakte alone, the sixth episode reportedly surpassed one million views, indicating substantial domestic interest despite official disapproval.

Telegram has become a central hub for the show’s Russian‑speaking fandom, hosting large channels where subscribers share fan art, memes, discussion threads, and merchandise related to the main couple. The largest Telegram fan channel reportedly has more than 45,000 subscribers, with membership surging around the broadcast of a pivotal episode in which Rozanov discusses how Russia and his family would not accept the pair as an openly gay couple.

On Russian‑language TikTok, thousands of videos under the #HeatedRivalry hashtag blend reaction clips, storytelling, and conversations about LGBTQ+ representation, Russia, and family expectations. Some fans write about the “visceral fear” of disappointing parents or revealing a queer identity, linking their own experiences to Ilya Rozanov’s fictional struggle.

Beyond streaming and social media, Russian‑language fanfic platform Ficbook hosts dozens of stories inspired by the series, ranging from general‑audience material to adult‑rated works, which are harder for authorities to monitor comprehensively. Rachel Reid’s original novel remains available through major Russian online retailer Ozon, where it holds a high user rating and reviews that thank the publisher for making a print edition accessible in the current climate.

Russia’s evolving anti-LGBTQ+ legal framework

Russia first introduced a nationwide ban on “propaganda of non‑traditional sexual relations” in 2013, framing it as a measure to protect minors from exposure to LGBTQ+ content. In 2022, lawmakers expanded the law to cover all age groups and a broad range of public information, allowing authorities to penalize any positive or neutral depiction of queer relationships in media, advertising, literature, and online spaces.

Penalties for alleged propaganda violations can reach hundreds of thousands of rubles for individuals and up to millions of rubles for organizations, especially when authorities deem the content to target minors or to be distributed via mass media or the internet. In late 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court went further by designating what it termed the “international LGBT movement” an extremist organization, a move that effectively criminalized most forms of public LGBTQ+ advocacy under the banner of national security.

Human rights groups have argued that these policies violate fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association, and non‑discrimination, and they have documented raids, fines, and closures involving LGBTQ+ venues, online communities, and publishers. Researchers who study the enforcement of Russia’s “propaganda” laws note that cases often rely on broad and ambiguous definitions of what constitutes “promotion,” leaving media outlets and cultural institutions at heightened risk.

Cultural popularity versus legal repression

The popularity of “Heated Rivalry” among Russian viewers highlights a gap between official policy and audience interests, particularly among younger people who turn to global platforms for queer representation. LGBTQ+ activists and observers say that as more content is formally banned or stigmatized, the demand for stories centering queer characters has not disappeared, but instead has shifted into semi‑private online spaces and fan communities.

Yaroslav Rasputin, a Russian LGBTQ+ activist now living in Georgia, told The Moscow Times that there is a “huge unmet demand for queer content” among Russian‑speaking audiences, including many heterosexual women and girls who follow queer books, films, and series. Rasputin added that the stricter the government’s restrictions, the more intensely the few pieces of LGBTQ+ media that do slip through tend to resonate and circulate.

At the same time, conservative activists have mobilized against the series, with Andrei Soldatov of the Orthodox movement Sorok Sorokov condemning “Heated Rivalry” in January as containing “sodomite scenes” and what he described as propaganda of “unnatural depravity.” Soldatov said his group planned to file complaints with the Prosecutor General’s Office and Roskomnadzor to seek further restrictions on the show’s availability.

For many LGBTQ+ people and allies in Russia, the story of a closeted hockey star in “Heated Rivalry” mirrors real‑world experiences of secrecy and fear under the current political environment. A gay man identified as Alexei told The Moscow Times that the divide between “a world of restrictions” and an informal “open world of the internet and Western culture” makes such series especially meaningful to younger audiences who have grown up with tighter state controls.

In this context, the fine against SarBC for a now‑deleted review underscores how Russian authorities are extending the reach of anti‑LGBTQ+ laws from streaming platforms and activist groups to mainstream media outlets, even when they engage with queer stories as part of routine cultural coverage. The case signals that, under current regulations, simply explaining why a queer series has become popular can be enough to trigger a costly legal penalty.

In announcing the casting, “General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini praised Bennett as “a tremendous talent” and said the production team is “so excited” to welcome him to Port Charles, calling him “a fantastic addition” to the daytime drama. The show and Bennett’s representatives have not yet released storyline specifics, and outlets note that it remains unclear how Joe Fitzpatrick will connect to existing families or whether he will arrive as a romantic interest, an antagonist, or something in between.

Return to daytime roots

For Bennett, the casting represents a return to the medium where he first gained a foothold in television, after having previously appeared on another ABC daytime drama. Both TV Insider and Parade report that Bennett played J.R. Chandler on “All My Children” between 2001 and 2002, taking over the role after Jesse McCartney departed.

In a recent interview described by Parade, Bennett said that returning to soaps felt natural because he began his career in daytime, and that the opportunity to play a “really fun” new character on “General Hospital” made the decision “a no‑brainer.” This latest role positions him back on ABC in a high‑profile scripted series more than two decades after his first major soap appearance, underscoring the enduring crossover between daytime dramas and other corners of television and film.

From ‘Mean Girls’ to Hallmark mainstay

Bennett remains widely recognized for portraying Aaron Samuels in the 2004 teen comedy “Mean Girls,” a breakout role that paired him with co‑star Lacey Chabert, who has also become a familiar face to Hallmark audiences. Since then, he has built an extensive résumé with Hallmark, leading holiday‑themed projects such as “Christmas on Cherry Lane,” “A Keller Christmas Vacation,” and “The Groomsmen” trilogy, where he co‑starred with Tyler Hynes and B.J. Britt.

Beyond acting, Bennett cocreated, executive produced, and hosted the reality series “Finding Mr. Christmas,” which set out to identify the next leading man for Hallmark holiday programming. He also serves as host of Food Network’s “Halloween Wars,” showcasing his versatility in unscripted and competition‑style television in parallel with his scripted work.

Fan response and industry reaction

The casting news first surfaced publicly on April 16, when entertainment outlets reported that Bennett had signed on to “General Hospital” and would begin appearing in episodes airing in May. Coverage notes that the announcement was initially highlighted in industry trade reporting, before being picked up by fan‑focused and mainstream entertainment publications.

After the casting became public, Bennett amplified the news on his Instagram account, prompting a wave of congratulatory messages from fellow Hallmark performers and fans. Lacey Chabert commented “Congratulations!!,” while actor Sarah Drew responded that she was “sooo excited,” and Janel Parrish added “Yessss congrats baby,” reflecting support from across the television community.

Tyler Hynes, Bennett’s co‑star in “The Groomsmen” trilogy, reacted with a crown emoji, and B.J. Britt wrote that he was “already in front of the TV waiting patiently,” emphasizing the enthusiasm among collaborators who have worked closely with Bennett on recent Hallmark projects. Fan comments highlighted in coverage framed the casting as another milestone in Bennett’s trajectory, with one person quoted as telling him to “keep striving,” suggesting viewers see the move as part of his broader career progression rather than a departure from previous work.

Balancing Hallmark projects and soap work

Entertainment outlets stress that Bennett’s move to “General Hospital” does not appear to signal an end to his relationship with Hallmark programming, which has been central to his on‑screen presence for several years. Parade notes that “there are no signs he’s leaving the network,” adding that Hallmark fans will likely continue to see him in seasonal movies even as he takes on the new daytime role.

This dual‑track career echoes patterns seen with other performers who straddle the worlds of feel‑good cable movies and daytime serials, including Alison Sweeney, who has alternated between “Days of Our Lives” and Hallmark projects, and Cameron Mathison, who currently portrays Drew Cain on “General Hospital” while also working on films for other family‑oriented networks. Ryan Paevey, another actor with experience in Hallmark‑style movies, has likewise blended soap roles with made‑for‑TV film work, illustrating how performers navigate overlapping audiences across genres.

Connections to LGBTQ+ media and representation

In addition to his Hallmark and network television roles, Bennett has maintained a visible presence in LGBTQ+ media spaces, including hosting duties at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards. That event, which honors fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ+ people in media, underscores his ongoing engagement with queer audiences and advocacy‑oriented programming.

While “General Hospital” and ABC have not specified whether Joe Fitzpatrick will be written as an LGBTQ+ character, Bennett’s visibility as an out gay actor and his work with organizations like GLAAD place his casting in a broader context of inclusion within daytime television. Coverage to date focuses primarily on his career résumé and fan response rather than on specific representation storylines, and no outlet has yet reported concrete details about how his character’s personal life or identity will be depicted on screen.

What comes next in Port Charles

For now, both TV Insider and Parade emphasize that “little is known” about Joe Fitzpatrick beyond his name and Bennett’s upcoming debut window, with questions remaining about whether he will shake up existing romances, business rivalries, or family relationships in Port Charles. Writers note that the soap is keeping the character’s motives “under lock and key,” leaving viewers to speculate about whether he might arrive as a love interest, a disruptor, or part of a longer‑term narrative arc.

As May episodes approach, “General Hospital” continues to promote its weekday ABC broadcasts while leveraging casting news like Bennett’s arrival to generate anticipation among existing viewers and potential new audiences, including fans who know him from “Mean Girls” or Hallmark projects. Until additional information about Joe Fitzpatrick’s storyline is revealed on air, coverage indicates that viewers and Bennett’s supporters will have to tune in to see how the newest Port Charles arrival fits into the soap’s long‑running tapestry.

The two went on to become co‑showrunners of "Girls", sharing writing and producing duties through the series’ six‑season run on HBO, while also building out their joint production company, A Casual Romance, and co‑founding the feminist newsletter Lenny Letter. Their partnership was widely described as close‑knit and creatively symbiotic, with Konner once characterizing her role as protecting Dunham, whom she called a “rare orchid” early in the younger creator’s career.

The 2018 Break and Aftermath

In July 2018, Dunham and Konner announced that they were dissolving their production partnership, saying in a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter that they had chosen to split before the expiration of their overall deal with HBO. At the time, the move surprised many observers, because the pair had positioned themselves as long‑term collaborators who were already developing multiple projects beyond "Girls".

Publicly, both women framed the decision as a mutual and respectful end to a successful chapter, emphasizing the importance of their relationship and their continued support for each other’s choices. However, later reporting indicated that contact between the two had effectively ceased, with one source telling WHO that Konner had privately expressed relief at being free from what she allegedly described as Dunham’s “never‑ending circus of public drama.”

Dunham’s New Memoir and Fresh Details

In April 2026, Dunham’s memoir "Famesick" was released, offering the most detailed public account to date of how the relationship with Konner flourished and ultimately fractured. The book devotes multiple sections to what Dunham characterizes as an unhealthy and, at times, “toxic” friendship and working partnership with Konner, set against the backdrop of Dunham’s chronic health struggles and rapid ascent to fame.

According to Variety’s summary of the memoir, Dunham recalls moments in which she felt scrutinized rather than supported, including an incident during "Girls" production when Konner allegedly told her she was “too thin” for her character to seem funny and urged her to “just put food in mouth.” Dunham writes that this was the first time she fully perceived the “fundamentally transactional” nature of a relationship she had experienced as almost familial, casting Konner in her mind as an omnipresent supervisor whose gaze felt inescapable.

Health Crises, Addiction and a Final Break

The breakdown of the relationship unfolded alongside a series of overlapping health and personal crises for Dunham, including severe endometriosis, a hysterectomy, and a period of opioid addiction that she later sought treatment for in rehab. In "Famesick", Dunham writes that Konner allegedly expressed confusion to Dunham’s mother after the surgery, questioning why Dunham still struggled when, in Konner’s view, the “excuse” of the hysterectomy had been “erased,” unaware that addiction had become a central factor in Dunham’s life.

After leaving rehab, Dunham describes telling Konner that she had reached 62 days of sobriety and that she did not feel “safe or proud” in the friendship, saying she could not speak to her former collaborator again unless they were in front of a therapist. During the eventual therapy session, Dunham recalls breaking down in tears and emphasizing how meaningful the relationship remained to her, only for Konner to respond by asking her not to write about the experience immediately and then leaving the room minutes into the session.

Dunham writes that the therapy appointment would become the last time the two women saw each other, with no subsequent reconciliation or sustained contact. She explains that it took “many drafts” before she was even able to type Konner’s name into the manuscript, framing the choice to write about the fallout as a painful but necessary trade‑off between honesty and silence.

Are They in Touch Today?

In new promotional interviews for "Famesick", Dunham has been asked directly about where things stand with Konner today and whether they are back in communication. Speaking to Hollywood Entertainment News in a video interview posted on April 13, Dunham reflected on the “necessary break” she made not only from Konner but from several relationships during that period, and she indicated that the distance created then has not been bridged.

In that conversation, Dunham described how deeply intertwined creative, financial and emotional ties had become with Konner and suggested that their entanglement made a clean separation feel essential as she tried to recover and redefine her boundaries. She characterized her younger self as “naive” about the limits of professional relationships, saying she sought the kind of unconditional support from colleagues that is more typical of family or long‑term partners, a mismatch that ultimately contributed to the rupture.

In a separate profile with ELLE, Dunham calls her relationship with Konner “the most important relationship of young life” and “the love story of young life,” underscoring the emotional weight of the split. Asked whether she still cares what Konner thinks of her, Dunham answers that she will “never stop,” explaining that, for her, loving someone means loving them forever, even if that love must now exist at a distance.

Neither the memoir nor Dunham’s recent interviews indicate that the two are currently in regular contact, and the book explicitly frames their last meeting as that short‑lived therapy session several years ago. Public reporting since the book’s release has not documented any reconciliation or renewed collaboration between them, suggesting that the estrangement remains in place.

Fame, Accountability and Narrative Control

"Famesick" also revisits a major controversy that shadowed the end of Dunham and Konner’s public partnership: their 2017 joint statement defending "Girls" writer Murray Miller against sexual assault allegations, a statement Dunham later admitted was based on a false claim of having “insider knowledge.” Dunham has since apologized for the statement and acknowledged that she and Konner did not have the information they suggested, while Konner has not issued a separate public apology as of the most recent updates to her record.

Although Dunham’s new book primarily focuses on her own choices and vulnerabilities, the fresh attention to that episode has reignited questions about how power, loyalty and accountability intersected in the former collaborators’ public lives. For many observers, including LGBTQ+ audiences who followed "Girls" as part of a broader wave of millennial storytelling about gender and sexuality, the memoir’s account of the partnership’s end adds another layer of complexity to the show’s legacy, though Dunham herself does not frame the narrative in specifically queer terms.

In her recent interviews, Dunham emphasizes that one of the lessons she has taken from the fallout with Konner is a clearer understanding of boundaries between work and intimacy, particularly in industries where collaborators often share deeply personal stories, including those related to gender, bodies and sexuality. She notes that she now tries to build what she calls “understanding teams” around her, arranging productions in ways that support her physical needs, such as directing from a massage table or insisting on ground‑floor locations, signaling a shift toward self‑advocacy that contrasts with the period when she felt “nobody protected” her.

While Konner has not publicly responded in detail to the latest revelations from "Famesick" as of mid‑April 2026, the memoir and Dunham’s press tour collectively paint a picture of a relationship that remains unresolved but firmly in the past, with admiration and hurt coexisting in what Dunham describes as a permanent sort of emotional attachment. For now, Dunham’s answer to whether she is in touch with Konner appears to be no, even as she continues to center the former partnership in the story she tells about fame, recovery and the limits of creative intimacy.

Background and context

The Recording Industry Association of America’s Gold and Platinum program tracks cumulative sales and streaming equivalents for songs and albums in the U.S. market, with one “Platinum” certification corresponding to 1 million units. Rihanna’s newly reported 200.5 million singles units reflect the sum of her certified digital downloads and on-demand streams, measured in line with RIAA’s standard formula, which counts 150 on-demand streams as the equivalent of one song download.

While the RIAA website’s searchable database lists Rihanna’s extensive certifications, recent coverage of updated counts draws on internal tallies and historic announcements to frame her latest threshold. In previous years, RIAA statements celebrated the singer as the first artist to cross 100 million cumulative digital singles awards, a benchmark she passed in 2015, illustrating how her totals have effectively doubled over the past decade.

Details of the new milestone

Coverage from entertainment outlets reports that newly upgraded certifications for several of Rihanna’s catalog singles helped push her cumulative U.S. singles tally over the 200-million-unit line. Among the updates highlighted, early hit “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want” reportedly reached Platinum status—representing at least 1 million units—more than 20 years after its original release, contributing to the final push past the threshold.

According to That Grape Juice, which analyzed recent certification changes, Rihanna’s singles total now stands at around 200.5 million units in the U.S. market alone. The same report notes that this sum is calculated strictly from songs where she is credited as a lead artist, aligning with the RIAA’s practice of assigning certifications based on lead credits only, and excluding tracks where she appears solely as a featured performer.

In global rankings compiled from RIAA data, Rihanna’s new total places her third overall for certified singles units, behind Drake at an estimated 277.5 million units and Morgan Wallen at about 215 million units. Despite not having released a full studio album since “Anti” in 2016, she continues to accumulate significant new certifications as listeners stream her catalog and older songs reach new commercial milestones.

A decade of record-setting certifications

Rihanna’s relationship with RIAA records stretches back at least a decade, when the association declared in July 2015 that she was the first artist ever to surpass 100 million cumulative Digital Single Awards. At that time, RIAA’s then-chairman and CEO Cary Sherman described her achievement as “historic” and emphasized the breadth of her catalog success across multiple eras of digital music.

Subsequent updates have consistently reinforced her leading status among women in the digital singles space. In 2018, RIAA’s awards account highlighted that Rihanna had amassed 124 million song awards across 44 songs, affirming her as the top-certified artist for digital songs at that time.

More recently, a wave of new Diamond certifications—denoting 10 million units each—has strengthened her position at the very top of the RIAA hierarchy for singles. By mid-2024, Rihanna held at least seven Diamond-certified singles, including “Umbrella,” “Stay,” “Work,” and “Needed Me,” making her the female artist with the most Diamond singles in RIAA history. These high-tier awards laid the groundwork for her eventual rise over the 200-million-unit mark by combining sustained streaming with enduring download sales.

Position among top-selling artists

The new milestone further consolidates Rihanna’s reputation as one of the most commercially successful singles artists of the digital era. Her singles discography includes chart-topping tracks across pop, R&B, dance, and Caribbean-influenced styles, which collectively have generated hundreds of millions of units in the U.S. alone, alongside extensive international sales and streams.

In terms of RIAA-certified singles units, Rihanna now sits behind only Drake and Morgan Wallen, both of whom have benefited from the streaming-focused environment of the mid- and late-2010s into the 2020s. Drake’s reported 277.5 million units underscore his prolific output, while Wallen’s roughly 215 million units reflect a rapid rise primarily anchored in country and crossover streaming audiences.

Rihanna’s accomplishment is particularly notable given her relatively sparse release schedule over the last decade compared with some of her peers. With “Anti” still her most recent studio album and only select singles and features arriving in the years since, her catalog-driven growth highlights how older hits continue to resonate with new audiences across streaming platforms.

Impact on representation and industry benchmarks

Rihanna’s ascent to more than 200 million RIAA-certified singles units adds another benchmark to the growing list of records held by women and Black artists in the global music industry. Entertainment reports emphasize that she is not only the first woman but also the first Black vocalist and overall female performer to reach this specific U.S. singles milestone in the 73-year history of the RIAA program.

Her achievement arrives in an era when industry bodies, streaming services, and advocacy organizations continue to discuss disparities in recognition, pay, and visibility for women and artists of color across genres. As a globally recognized pop and R&B figure, her sustained commercial success contributes to broader conversations about representation at the highest levels of commercial acclaim, including platinum and Diamond certifications.

While certification data does not directly account for listeners’ identities, Rihanna’s catalog has long been embraced across diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ audiences who have connected with her dance, pop, and R&B releases in club and festival spaces. Her growing list of awards and sales milestones illustrates how cross-genre and cross-demographic reach can sustain an artist’s impact well beyond traditional album cycles.

Looking ahead for Rihanna’s career

The latest certifications arrive amid continued speculation from fans and commentators about whether and when Rihanna might release a new studio album, something she has not done since “Anti” in 2016. While reports cover her various business ventures, including her work in fashion and beauty, the new RIAA-related coverage focuses squarely on the performance of her existing musical catalog rather than any unannounced projects.

Neither RIAA nor Rihanna’s representatives have released a detailed public breakdown of the updated 200-million-plus figure by individual song, leaving entertainment outlets to summarize the totals based on visible certification changes and historical statements. Nonetheless, the convergence of multiple independent reports and RIAA’s longstanding recognition of her as a record-setting digital singles artist provides a consistent picture of her position at the top of female RIAA singles rankings.

For listeners and industry observers alike, Rihanna’s 200-million-unit milestone underscores how a long-established catalog can continue to shape charts, certifications, and historical rankings, even during periods without new studio albums. As streaming-era metrics evolve and certification thresholds expand, the artist’s latest achievement sets a prominent benchmark for future women in music who aim to reach similar levels of singles success.

“Changing that” after decades in Hollywood

Elizabeth told People magazine, in comments quoted by Variety, that she has “spent my entire career working in Hollywood, where other people controlled the narrative and the outcome of my career.” She described OnlyFans as a “new chapter” that is “about changing that, showing off a more sexy side no one has seen, and being closer to my fans.”

She said she is choosing OnlyFans because “it allows me to connect directly with my audience, create on my own terms, and just be free,” adding, “I really do think this is the future.” In a parallel statement reported by TMZ, Elizabeth characterized the platform as the “perfect” space for a direct creator‑to‑fan relationship and underscored that she is seeking a “behind the scenes, unfiltered” relationship with supporters who have followed her since her early film roles.

A career shaped by ‘American Pie’

Elizabeth’s portrayal of Nadia in the 1999 comedy “American Pie” – a role that included a widely discussed nude scene – made her an instantly recognizable figure worldwide and cemented her image within a particular era’s teen‑sex‑comedy landscape. TMZ notes that she later appeared in the horror spoof “Scary Movie,” ensemble holiday film “Love Actually,” Kevin Smith’s “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” and several other projects across film and television over the following years.

Variety describes her as “one of Hollywood’s biggest sex symbols in the early 2000s,” a label that underlines how studio‑driven marketing centered her sexuality in the public eye even as she pursued a range of roles. In recent years, Elizabeth has stepped away from the mainstream Hollywood spotlight, focusing more heavily on philanthropy and life outside the United States while making occasional returns to screen work.

OnlyFans as a tool for control and connection

Both Variety and TMZ report that Elizabeth frames OnlyFans as a way to reset the terms of engagement between her and her audience, with an emphasis on autonomy over creative direction and image. She says reconnecting with fans at recent appearances reminded her “just how much their support has meant” throughout her career and how much she has “missed that energy,” suggesting that direct audience relationships are a central motivation behind the new account.

In a statement shared with Variety, Elizabeth explained that her OnlyFans page will offer “a behind the scenes, unfiltered look at my life and a genuine connection that no other platform allows.” She added that this is “also where I’ll be sharing exclusive content that you simply won’t find anywhere else,” emphasizing that the material is “for the people who have always shown up for me” and that she wants those fans “to feel that” closeness.

TMZ similarly quotes her saying that OnlyFans lets her provide “a behind the scenes, unfiltered look at my life and a genuine connection that no other platform allows,” highlighting that she intends to share exclusive content with a “real personal feel” on the subscription service. The outlet reports that Elizabeth explicitly connects the move to changing “the power dynamics” of her career, describing the platform’s model as a way to take control after years in a system where others determined how she was presented.

An evolving creator economy

Elizabeth’s manager, Andy Bachman, who is also CEO of Creators Inc., praised the decision in comments to Variety, saying she “has always been someone who genuinely enjoys connecting with and giving back to her fans.” Bachman argued that OnlyFans offers a “powerful model” for this connection and, at present, “there’s nothing more effective at facilitating that connection than OnlyFans,” underscoring the platform’s positioning as a mainstream tool for performers and content creators.

TMZ additionally quotes Bachman as saying that many people “don’t realize how much power and control” OnlyFans can provide and that creators have the potential to earn substantial income by monetizing their work directly through the service. His comments position Elizabeth’s move within a broader shift where actors, musicians, and influencers explore subscription platforms as alternatives or complements to traditional studio systems and advertiser‑funded social media.

Variety notes that Elizabeth joins a roster of high‑profile OnlyFans creators that includes actor Carmen Electra, rapper Bhad Bhabie, media personality Mia Khalifa, “The Sopranos” actor Drea de Matteo, and creator Sophia Rain. The outlet adds that OnlyFans has actively recruited non‑porn creators in recent years, including comedian Whitney Cummings, and launched a “safe‑for‑work” free streaming service, OFTV, in 2021 to expand beyond adult‑oriented content.

Variety further situates Elizabeth’s entry into OnlyFans alongside Drea de Matteo’s widely reported experience, noting that de Matteo launched an account in August 2025 and later said the income allowed her to prevent her home from going into foreclosure while supporting her two children and funding her streetwear brand, Ultrafree. De Matteo told DailyMail.com that “OnlyFans saved my life, 100%,” highlighting how some performers see the platform as a financial and creative lifeline amid dwindling Hollywood opportunities.

Balancing sex‑positive branding with philanthropy

Both outlets stress that Elizabeth is not abandoning her philanthropic work in the process of rebranding her public persona through OnlyFans. Variety reports that she remains based in South Africa and continues to prioritize her charity work, which she describes as “incredibly close to my heart,” signaling that the new subscription content will be one aspect of a multi‑faceted career rather than a total shift in focus.

TMZ similarly notes that Elizabeth is “actively involved with her own foundation” and is still living in South Africa, quoting her as saying that her philanthropy remains important even as “this just feels like the right time to open up her world to fans.” In her statements, Elizabeth positions the OnlyFans launch as a way to invite fans into that broader life, offering a mix of personal, possibly sex‑forward content and glimpses of her day‑to‑day experiences beyond the film sets that first made her famous.

Throughout her comments, Elizabeth frames the move less as a departure from mainstream entertainment and more as a continuation of long‑standing themes in her career: navigating sexuality in public, responding to the expectations placed on women in Hollywood, and seeking avenues where she can define herself on her own terms. With the launch of her OnlyFans account, she joins a growing number of performers who view the creator‑economy platforms as a way to reclaim agency over their bodies, images, and relationships with fans amid an evolving media landscape.

Her remarks come as the romantic Regency-era drama continues to expand its universe and audience, with new seasons shifting focus to different Bridgerton siblings and their love stories. The comments also arrive amid ongoing social conversation about representation and continuity in long-running series, as viewers track which characters — including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ characters — remain part of the evolving on-screen community.

“I have not received a call”: What Dynevor is actually saying

In the April 13, 2026 report, Dynevor emphasized that she did not walk away from the show, telling Collider that the decision about her presence lies with the production team. She underscored that her connection to Daphne remains strong, saying she “would be open to returning” and would show up “if I can” once contacted, positioning herself as ready and willing rather than reluctant.

These clarifications build on an earlier interview with outlet The Direct, highlighted by ELLE UK, in which Dynevor noted that she had not yet been approached to appear in the in‑production fourth season. “I mean, they've not called me yet. And I think they're shooting season four right now. So, I'm still waiting for that call,” she said at the time, echoing the same central point that her absence is not due to a definitive choice to quit the series.

In her more recent remarks, Dynevor also reflected on how the early success of the show influenced how her storyline was handled. She is quoted as saying that when the first season debuted, the creative team “didn't know what they needed to put in play,” suggesting that the breakout popularity of Daphne and Simon may have complicated long‑term planning for their continued presence in later seasons.

Showrunner and series structure: Why Daphne can disappear without an on‑screen goodbye

While Dynevor speaks from the performer’s side, "Bridgerton" showrunner Jess Brownell has previously explained why the character is not explicitly accounted for in season 3’s storyline. In a June 2024 interview with Variety, quoted by ELLE UK, Brownell said the writers initially drafted lines referencing Daphne at Penelope and Colin’s wedding — including ideas like having characters say she was pregnant again or seated elsewhere in the room — but ultimately chose to cut them.

Brownell explained that invoking Daphne and Simon without showing them “gets a little wonky,” stressing instead that “in my brain, they are still a part of the universe” even if the camera simply is not on them at the moment. She noted that viewers are not seeing “every part of these people’s lives,” suggesting that within the fiction, Daphne and Simon are still visiting family and participating in the ton’s social world, even if they are not visible in the episodes that make it to screen.

The larger structure of the show also helps explain Dynevor’s absence without implying a creative break-up. *Bridgerton* adapts Julia Quinn’s romance novels, with each season centering on a different Bridgerton sibling’s love story, which means earlier leads naturally step back as the spotlight moves to other couples and arcs.

Where the story is now: Seasons 3, 4 and beyond

Daphne’s storyline dominated season 1, which followed her relationship and eventual “happily ever after” with the Duke of Hastings, portrayed by Regé‑Jean Page, while season 2 refocused on her older brother Anthony and his romance with newcomer Kate Sharma. By season 3, the narrative shifted again to Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, answering a long‑running will‑they‑won’t‑they question and further widening the ensemble focus.

As of ELLE UK’s January 2025 report, the fourth season is in production and is set to focus on Benedict Bridgerton, drawing from Quinn’s third novel "An Offer From a Gentleman". That same report reiterates that Dynevor had not been asked to participate in season 4, aligning with her ongoing comments that she is “still waiting for that call” from producers and reinforcing that her continued absence is tied to casting and story choices rather than an announced permanent exit.

The NewsBytes piece also notes that the show is expected to keep moving through the Bridgerton siblings, with an upcoming fifth season planned to center Francesca Bridgerton and a new love interest, Michaela Stirling. While those future seasons introduce new couples and dynamics — including queer storylines such as Francesca and Michaela’s relationship — earlier characters like Daphne remain part of the series’ emotional fabric for many fans, even when they are not physically on screen.

“We were the ones that got away”: How Dynevor views her and Regé‑Jean Page’s absence

In the April 2026 coverage, Dynevor reflects not only on her own missing presence, but also on how both her character and Regé‑Jean Page’s Duke of Hastings became, in her words, “the ones that got away.” She suggests that the creative team could not fully anticipate how central Daphne and Simon would become in the early response to the show, given that the original plan always involved shifting the romantic focus each season.

That framing complicates earlier fan narratives that treated Dynevor’s absence as a sharp break following her first two seasons. It aligns more closely with the showrunner’s remarks that characters can remain active off‑screen within the story world, while production realities — including scheduling, contracts, and the need to foreground other leads — drive who appears in any given season.

The way Dynevor describes her and Page’s position also reflects broader industry patterns, where breakout performers from ensemble shows often pursue other projects as their careers expand. At the same time, Dynevor’s consistent message that she would “always come back if I was asked” indicates that, for now, there is no public disagreement between her and the producers, only a question of timing and story.

What it means for fans hoping to see Daphne again

Taken together, Dynevor’s April 2026 comments and earlier interviews suggest that Daphne’s continued absence is the result of narrative structure and production choices, not a firm, irreversible departure. Dynevor has been clear that she is open to a cameo or fuller return, while Brownell has left the door open in the show’s internal universe by insisting that Daphne and Simon are still living their lives just off camera.

For viewers who saw themselves in the show’s richly diverse cast — including women, queer viewers, and LGBTQ+ people who connected with its inclusive spin on Regency romance — the question of which characters return is also a question of ongoing representation and continuity. As "Bridgerton" expands to focus on other siblings, including Francesca’s queer love story with Michaela, Dynevor’s stance leaves space for Daphne to re‑enter that evolving landscape in a way that honors both her earlier arc and the broader, more inclusive world the series continues to build.

Background and Motivation

In a video announcing his campaign, Gulbranson directly addressed his past in reality television, stating, "Yeah, I've been on reality TV. But that's drama for show. What's happening in D.C. is real drama with real consequences and the stakes couldn't be higher" . He emphasized his deep connection to Minnesota, particularly the Iron Range where he grew up, and articulated concerns about rising costs, threats to healthcare, and job losses in his home state . Gulbranson recalled his childhood experiences, stating, "I didn't grow up with much. I know what it's like to get the power turned off a few times, to need food assistance or go hungry, to need Medicaid or couldn't see a doctor" . He also highlighted the importance of "good-paying union jobs" and expressed a desire to "fix problems, not cause them," advocating for representation with integrity .

Gulbranson's campaign platform is centered on lowering costs for families, protecting essential social programs, and expanding access to affordable healthcare . He articulated a belief that Congress should "work for the people again — not special interests, not party politics, and not the President" . His campaign aims to resonate with the experiences of everyday Minnesotans, drawing from his background as a hockey coach, businessman, and actor .

The 8th Congressional District Race

Minnesota's 8th Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Pete Stauber. Gulbranson's announcement places him in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary . His entry into the race comes after the 8th District's DFL endorsing convention . The campaign website and social media channels are expected to serve as key communication platforms for his message .

Gulbranson emphasized his commitment to the local community, stating his desire "to help the family doing math at the kitchen table and coming up short, to protect the land, the water, and the hardworking people who deserve better, to give more opportunities to the kid skating on the outdoor rink until the lights go out" . This message aims to draw a clear distinction from the political narratives he criticizes as detached from the lives of ordinary citizens .

A Political Landscape Shaped by Personal Experience

Gulbranson's narrative strongly features his personal journey, from his early life centered around hockey in Minnesota to his later career in acting and entrepreneurship . He has spoken about how hockey provided an escape during challenging times at home, a theme he now carries into his political aspirations . A significant head injury at 19 ended his professional hockey career, leading him to pursue other avenues such as acting and modeling, before eventually becoming a real estate agent and small business owner, including a syrup brand . This diverse professional background is being presented as evidence of his connection to various facets of American life beyond the entertainment industry .

His announcement also included criticisms of the current political environment, specifically mentioning "ICE agents wreaking havoc to our communities," Congress voting to "take away people's healthcare," and substantial spending on foreign conflicts rather than domestic needs . Gulbranson expressed a sentiment of being unable to "look away" from "what's happening to our country," underscoring his motivation to enter the political arena .

The Road Ahead for the Campaign

Gulbranson's decision to run as a Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate means he will face a primary challenge before potentially confronting Representative Stauber in the general election. While details regarding his campaign structure and funding are still emerging, his public announcement has generated significant media attention due to his prior visibility in entertainment . The focus for his campaign will be to translate this initial public interest into tangible support and votes within Minnesota's 8th District. The district, which covers a significant portion of northern Minnesota, includes a diverse range of communities with varying economic and social priorities. Gulbranson's emphasis on local issues and working-class struggles aims to resonate with the electorate .

The campaign's success will depend on its ability to articulate a clear vision for the district, mobilize grassroots support, and effectively communicate his platform to voters across the expansive region. Gulbranson's unconventional path to politics, transitioning from popular culture to congressional aspirations, introduces a unique dynamic to the upcoming election cycle in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District.

In the essay, Swift describes Johnson’s career as “wide‑ranging and eclectic” and suggests that audiences are still in the process of fully discovering who the actor is, adding that “the more they learn, the more there is to fall in love with.” Entertainment coverage of the piece has emphasized how Swift uses the format of a professional tribute to foreground Johnson’s personality traits—especially her honesty and empathy—alongside her artistic work.

‘Refreshing honesty’ and a world of media‑trained answers

One of the most quoted passages from Swift’s essay centers on Johnson’s candor in an industry that often prizes polished, rehearsed responses. Swift writes that in recent years, “the name Dakota Johnson has become synonymous with refreshing honesty in a world of media‑trained answers,” framing Johnson’s interview style as an emblem of authenticity.

Swift goes on to speculate, in a characteristically playful tone, that perhaps it is Johnson’s “sing‑song vocal delivery” and calm demeanor when answering questions that make it feel “like maybe this girl just…can’t lie.” Coverage in outlets such as E! News and entertainment sites has highlighted this description as both a humorous and sincere encapsulation of how Johnson has come to be perceived in the public eye through viral interviews and press appearances.

Swift also stresses that Johnson’s honesty is not merely performative, saying that as her friend she “can vouch for her realness,” and then broadens that assessment by calling Johnson “one of the most empathetic people I’ve ever known.” In the tribute, Swift notes that Johnson “can’t stop asking people questions about their lives,” describing an almost insatiable curiosity about others’ experiences that frames the actor as a listener as much as a storyteller.

Nearly a decade of mostly private friendship

Although Swift and Johnson have been photographed together at events and dinners for years, both have tended to keep their relationship relatively low‑key compared with some of Swift’s more public friendships. E! News notes that Swift’s TIME essay mentions their “nearly decade‑long” friendship, aligning with public sightings of the pair at gatherings and dinners dating back to around 2016, often alongside friends such as Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse and Zoë Kravitz.

Past coverage has documented the way Johnson has spoken supportively about Swift, including a 2025 interview in which Johnson described Swift as “radical” and praised her work ethic and relationship with fans, though that earlier interview is not referenced in the new TIME tribute. The new essay instead focuses on Johnson’s qualities as Swift has observed them over many years of friendship, underscoring a sense of long‑term mutual respect that predates Johnson’s latest projects or Swift’s current album cycle.

Reporting on the tribute also notes that Swift situates Johnson’s empathetic nature in a broader context, suggesting that her curiosity about other people’s lives informs the kinds of stories she chooses to tell on screen and through her production work. That framing reinforces an image of their friendship as one grounded not only in shared celebrity circles but also in a shared interest in narrative, character and the emotional lives of others.

Johnson’s evolving career and influence

TIME’s decision to include Johnson on its 2026 list of influential people reflects what the magazine and commentators describe as a significant evolution in her career, from breakout roles to more deliberate, curated choices as both an actor and producer. Swift’s essay references projects like “The Materialists” and the series “Splitsville” in connection with Johnson’s production company, TeaTime Pictures, portraying her not just as a performer but as a creative force shaping the stories she tells.

In the piece, Swift describes Johnson as “captivating in front of the lens and deeply inquisitive behind it,” language that underscores Johnson’s dual role as an actor and behind‑the‑scenes collaborator. The essay concludes by suggesting that Johnson’s commitment to truth in her work renders her storytelling “as timeless as she is,” a line that many outlets have highlighted as emblematic of the admiration underpinning the friendship.

Coverage has also contextualized Johnson’s presence on the TIME100 list by noting earlier milestones, including her rise to international prominence with the “Fifty Shades of Grey” films and later shifts toward more independent and character‑driven projects. In that earlier franchise, Swift’s music intersected with Johnson’s work through the soundtrack collaboration “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” recorded with Zayn Malik, but the new tribute focuses less on that commercial connection and more on Johnson’s current creative direction.

Fan reaction and broader cultural resonance

Within hours of publication, the essay generated discussion among fans of both Swift and Johnson, many of whom shared excerpts across social platforms and in fan communities that closely track Swift’s public comments about her personal relationships. Entertainment outlets framed the tribute as offering a notable glimpse into Swift’s inner circle, especially given the relative quiet around this friendship compared with other high‑profile connections often discussed in media coverage.

The timing of the piece has also been noted, arriving as Swift continues to occupy a central place in pop culture conversations around music, touring and public advocacy, and as Johnson further consolidates her role as a multi‑hyphenate creative figure. While the essay does not explicitly address LGBTQ+ themes, observers from inclusive and queer‑affirming spaces have often pointed to the broader significance of public, affirming friendships between high‑profile women and gender‑expansive fans who see themselves reflected in their work, though this dimension has not been a central focus of the current round of reporting.

For now, the TIME tribute functions as both a professional endorsement and an unusually candid portrait of a friendship that has largely unfolded away from constant public documentation, emphasizing honesty, curiosity and empathy as defining traits. As Swift’s words continue to circulate, the essay adds another layer to public understandings of both women, spotlighting the personal qualities that, in Swift’s telling, underpin Johnson’s growing cultural influence.

Kardashian told listeners she was approached by Odom’s team and Netflix to participate, with producers stressing that her testimony was essential to completing the story because of her central role in his life during and after his active NBA career. She said she initially hesitated to revisit what she described as “traumatic” experiences, but agreed on the condition that the project would ultimately be a positive, recovery‑focused piece centering Odom’s growth rather than simply re‑opening old wounds.

Regret over doing it ‘as a favor’

On her podcast, Kardashian emphasized that she did not receive any financial compensation for her role in the Netflix project, saying, “I’m not paid a cent” and that her only involvement was “sitting down and giving an interview.” She framed her participation as an act of support for Odom’s effort to tell his story, stating that she joined solely because he and his team asked, and because she wanted to ensure the portrayal would be constructive rather than purely sensational.

Kardashian said she now believes that trust was misplaced, telling listeners she feels “played” by Odom in light of comments he has made during the publicity push for the documentary. In a clip widely circulated by entertainment outlets, she said, “I feel so dumb” and expressed anger that, after she agreed to participate and revisited painful chapters of her life, Odom has allegedly “insinuat that I’m a liar” when discussing her role in his recovery.

The Netflix documentary and Odom’s perspective

“Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom” explores the former NBA star’s high‑profile basketball career, his struggles with substance use, and the 2015 near‑fatal overdose in Nevada that led to multiple strokes, heart attacks, and a coma. The film includes interviews with Kardashian, who recounts what she describes as “absolute hell” during that period, including emergency hospitalizations and years of crisis management around Odom’s addiction.

In interviews tied to the documentary’s release, Odom has repeatedly credited his faith with saving his life, telling NBC’s Today that God—not any one individual—was ultimately responsible for his survival after his overdose and extensive medical complications. During that same appearance, when hosts referenced Kardashian’s widely reported role in rushing to his side and making medical decisions, Odom downplayed individual credit, a framing Kardashian later interpreted as discrediting her efforts.

Some coverage of the documentary has also highlighted Odom’s comment that he married Kardashian in part for “fame,” a remark Kardashian called out directly on her podcast and which entertainment news outlets have framed as a “brutal diss.” Kardashian said she was stunned to hear Odom and others in the film discuss their relationship in those terms after she had agreed to participate on the assumption that the project would treat both of them with respect.

Feeling ‘discredited’ over her role in his recovery

On “Khloé in Wonderland,” Kardashian said she was frustrated not only by Odom’s framing in the press but also by what she sees as omissions in the documentary’s final act, including limited focus on Odom’s sustained sobriety and her ongoing support during his recovery. She questioned why the film did not show more of Odom’s current life in recovery, reportedly asking, “You couldn’t show after the last 11 years your sobriety journey? If there was nothing positive to show at the end, that’s on you.”

Kardashian also accused Odom of “insinuating that I’m a liar,” saying she feels he is now “annoyed” with her for what she shared on camera, even though she says she only told the story that his team asked her to tell. She said she had deliberately held back certain painful details for years and again in the documentary out of respect for Odom and his family, adding that she had kept many aspects of his substance use and infidelity private for more than a decade.

In the wake of Odom’s media appearances, Kardashian said she felt that the narrative being promoted in interviews—particularly around who helped during his overdose and recovery—ran counter to what she experienced and to what viewers saw in the film. She described the situation as “crazy,” saying she does not enjoy discussing the most painful chapters of their relationship “all day long” and only did so because Odom and his team asked her to participate in the documentary.

The emotional toll and boundaries going forward

Kardashian has said repeatedly that the period surrounding Odom’s overdose and subsequent health crisis still affects her deeply, with nightmares and trauma related to hospital scenes and life‑support decisions. She said on her podcast that revisiting those events for the documentary was emotionally draining, describing the choice to participate as a difficult step she took in part for her own sense of closure as well as out of care for Odom.

Now, Kardashian says she is “beyond done” with revisiting her marriage to Odom in public projects, explaining on the podcast that she does not plan to participate in any future content centered on their relationship. She added that she had resolved not to do “another Lamar thing again” even before the latest round of press, and that her recent experience reaffirmed her decision to set firmer boundaries about which parts of her past she is willing to re‑open on camera.

During his own interviews, Odom has described the documentary as an honest look at addiction, fame, and personal accountability, telling Today that he hopes sharing his story can help others facing similar struggles. He also said he dreams of coaching and of maintaining his recovery, indicating that his focus now is on faith, family, and long‑term well‑being following years of instability.

While neither Kardashian nor Odom has explicitly framed the dispute in terms broader than their own relationship, the tensions around the documentary touch on recurring questions about how reality‑TV figures and public personalities navigate consent, narrative control, and emotional safety when participating in deeply personal nonfiction projects. Kardashian’s comments underscore that even people who have long lived in the public eye, including members of prominent entertainment families and their partners, may still struggle to balance transparency with protection of their own mental health when telling stories that involve addiction, betrayal, and survival.