InFrame

“Heated Rivalry” Season 2 Expands Its Cast as Kaden Connors Discusses Intimate Scenes

Photo Credit: HBO

by Chris Tremblay 2 hours ago

4 MIN READ

“Heated Rivalry” has added a group of returning first-season performers to its second-season cast, including François Arnaud as Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Christopher “Kip” Grady.

The returning performers also include Sophie Nélisse as Rose, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana, Christina Chang as Yuna, Dylan Walsh as David, Callan Potter as Hayden, Benjamin Roy as JJ and Kamilla Kowal as Jackie.

They will appear alongside Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, who lead the series as Russian hockey player Ilya Rozanov and Canadian hockey player Shane Hollander.

The newly announced returning cast members join previously announced additions Justice Smith as Harris, Charlie Gillespie as Troy, Daniel Diemer as Ryan, Shaheen Jafargholi as Fabian, Emily Hampshire as Vanessa, Edvin Ryding as Luca, Robert Naylor as Wyatt, Sabrina Jalees as Farah and Priyanka as Tarek.

Entertainment industry coverage has independently reported the same September casting developments, identifying Arnaud, G.K., Nélisse, Kharlamova, Chang, Walsh, Potter, Roy and Kowal as returning performers.

Out also reported that Arnaud and G.K. would reprise their roles in the second season and confirmed the participation of Smith and Gillespie in the expanded ensemble.

The September 1 announcement is the most substantial recent development surrounding the series, because it confirms the return of multiple supporting characters while adding further detail about the story’s next chapter.

A sequel to “The Long Game”

The second season is being developed as an adaptation of “The Long Game,” Reid’s novel about Shane and Ilya, with reported elements from “Role Model,” another book in the author’s “Game Changers” series.

“The Long Game” follows Shane and Ilya after they have been involved for a decade while continuing to keep their relationship private.

The central conflict described in coverage of the book concerns Ilya’s desire to make the relationship public and Shane’s fear that coming out could damage his standing in professional hockey.

The first season was based on Reid’s novel “Heated Rivalry,” which introduced the long-running romance between the two hockey players.

Jacob Tierney created the television adaptation and serves as a writer, director and executive producer.

Brendan Brady and Jayme Alter Wilson are also executive producers, while Reid is credited as a consulting producer.

The series is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment in association with Bell Media’s Crave and is distributed internationally by Sphere Abacus, a Bell Media company.

The program is available in more than 130 countries, according to Deadline.

Coverage has placed the second season’s release in spring 2027, although an exact premiere date has not been definitively established in the sources reviewed.

Some reports have referred to April 2027 as the target, but that timing should be treated as unconfirmed unless Crave or HBO Max announces a specific date.

Connors on intimacy and performance

The casting news arrives as Connors reflects on making the first season’s intimate scenes with Storrie.

Connors, who portrayed Sasha, said that professionalism was central to the process.

He described the work as similar to a dance, explaining that the performers know in advance what is supposed to happen while retaining room to respond to the chemistry of the moment.

Connors also credited choreography and an intimacy coordinator with helping the actors remain comfortable while the director captured the scene.

The role of an intimacy coordinator is to help establish boundaries, communicate between performers and the production team, and support agreed choreography during intimate filming.

Chala Hunter, who worked as the series’ intimacy coordinator, has separately described the preparation of intimate sequences as detailed physical choreography designed to protect consent and performer safety.

Hunter said the process includes confirming consent and boundaries, limiting unnecessary people on set and ensuring that previously agreed actions are not changed without discussion.

The production approach described by Connors and Hunter presents the scenes as simulated performances constructed through preparation, communication and camera technique rather than unscripted sexual activity.

Connors has previously spoken about working with an intimacy coordinator on “Heated Rivalry” and about his collaboration with Storrie.

In that earlier interview, Connors said the intimate material was scripted and developed with the creative team, while actors could explore the emotional journey of their characters within that framework.

What is known about Sasha

Connors’ comments do not confirm that Sasha will appear in season two.

Sasha was presented in the first season as a former intimate partner of Ilya.

Reports have noted that Sasha does not appear in “The Long Game,” the principal source material identified for season two.

Connors has expressed interest in returning to the role, but prior interviews have also made clear that he could not confirm Sasha’s participation.

As of September 3, the confirmed season-two announcements identify a broad returning and new ensemble but do not list Connors among the officially announced performers.

The verified development, therefore, is the expansion of the cast and the continued preparation of a sequel centered on Shane and Ilya, while Sasha’s possible return remains unconfirmed.

Bradley Riches Reveals Past Suicide Attempt in Suicide Prevention Month Message

Photo Credit: Netflix

by Chris Tremblay 2 hours ago

3 MIN READ

Bradley Riches has disclosed that he tried to end his life in 2020, sharing the revelation in a social-media post published as September’s Suicide Prevention Month began.

The 24-year-old actor, known for playing James McEwan in Netflix’s Heartstopper and Lewis Copland in ITV’s Emmerdale, said he had been nervous about speaking publicly about his experience.

“I always get nervous talking about my experience and my life, but I want to share this,” Riches wrote, according to reports on the post.

He added: “And hopefully don’t get scared and delete it.”

Riches then stated directly: “In 2020, I tried to end my life.”

“At the time, I couldn’t see a life beyond that moment,” he wrote, adding that he did not know who he was or whether circumstances could feel different.

The disclosure was presented as a reflection on the six years since that crisis, rather than as a report of a current suicide attempt.

A message focused on survival and support

In the post, Riches described the changes in his life since 2020 and listed achievements including writing a bestselling book about autism, receiving awards and marrying his partner earlier in 2026.

He ended the message with a series of affirmations directed at people who may be struggling: “You are loved. You are important. Your story is not finished.”

Riches also wrote that he was “so, so glad” he stayed, and encouraged anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts to tell someone rather than carrying the burden alone.

The actor’s post appeared during a month in which public bodies and organizations place additional emphasis on suicide prevention, awareness and access to support.

The governor of Michigan also formally designated September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month, describing suicide as preventable and calling attention to hope and the treatability of mental illness.

Riches’ wording placed particular emphasis on the difference between a campaign month and the reality of ongoing support.

“September is Suicide Prevention Month,” he wrote, “but trying to stay is a whole year thing.”

Riches’ public profile

Riches became widely known through Heartstopper, the Netflix series centered on the lives and relationships of teenagers Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. He played James McEwan, a student at Truham Grammar School, in the series.Riches later joined the cast of Emmerdale, where he plays Lewis Copland. His work has also included public discussion of autism and his experiences as an autistic performer.

In a 2024 interview with the BBC, Riches discussed how autism affected his experience as a contestant on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother.

The BBC reported that Riches had been non-verbal until around the age of 10.

In 2026, he published Autistically Me: How to Understand and Celebrate Our Autistic Minds, a book described as seeking to elevate neurodivergent voices.

Riches has also spoken publicly about growing up non-verbal and masking both his autism and sexuality during secondary school.

Those earlier comments provide context for his decision to discuss difficult personal experiences publicly, although his September post did not attribute his 2020 suicide attempt to any single cause.

Response to the disclosure

Coverage by The PinkNews, Attitude and Metro independently reported the central details of Riches’ disclosure: that he said he tried to end his life in 2020, that he described feeling unable to see a future at the time, and that he encouraged people experiencing suicidal thoughts to tell someone.

The reports did not identify a specific medical diagnosis, treatment, crisis service or other intervention connected to the 2020 incident.

They also did not report that Riches was in immediate danger at the time of publication.

For readers affected by the subject, Riches’ own message centers on disclosure, connection and seeking help from another person.

His account does not establish that sharing personal stories alone prevents suicide, but it does show why he chose to connect his disclosure with an appeal to people who may be struggling.

The actor’s statement adds a high-profile personal account to September’s wider suicide-prevention conversation while preserving the focus of the message on people currently experiencing distress.

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the US, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In the UK, call 111 to reach the NHS mental health services, or call the Samaritans at 116 123.

Max Balegde Confirms Breakup With Andrew Spann After Five and a Half Years

Photo Credit: Andrew Spann / Instagram

by Chris Tremblay 3 hours ago

3 MIN READ

Max Balegde has confirmed that he and Andrew Spann have ended their relationship after five and a half years together.

Balegde, whose real name is Max Trobe, discussed the breakup in an emotional TikTok video posted on September 2. He said the couple had separated “around two weeks ago” and described the period since the breakup as “a really sad and tough time.”

The creator said he had made the decision to end the relationship for “personal reasons” that he did not want to discuss on the internet. He also said he did not want to elaborate out of respect for Spann.

“There’s so much love there. It’s not hate,” Balegde said in the video. He added that, when a person cannot get everything they need from a relationship, they may have to “face reality,” describing the situation as devastating.

A long public relationship

Balegde and Spann began dating in 2021 after matching on the dating app Hinge, according to reports. The pair celebrated their five-year anniversary in April, when Spann posted photographs from their relationship with the caption, “Half a decade of us, no biggie.” Balegde referred to the relationship as lasting five and a half years in his own account.

The couple had regularly appeared together in social-media content, and Spann also developed a public profile during their relationship. Their separation therefore became visible to followers before Balegde addressed it directly.

Reports about the breakup followed after Balegde and Spann unfollowed each other on Instagram. The Sun reported that the two still appeared on each other’s Instagram grids and had posted about each other during August, despite the change in their following status.

Balegde responds to Ibiza reports

At the time he spoke publicly, Balegde was in Ibiza with friends. Earlier reporting described the trip as taking place amid the breakup and said Balegde had been sharing videos from the island on Instagram.

Balegde disputed the impression that he had travelled to Ibiza simply to party after the separation. He said the holiday had been booked and paid for before the breakup.

He explained that Spann had moved in with his family, while Balegde’s own family were away and did not live nearby. Balegde said that, because friends who remained near him were unavailable and other friends were travelling to Ibiza, he decided to join them rather than remain alone.

“I’ve been going to the gym, I’ve been looking after myself,” Balegde said, adding that he had not been going out much or drinking heavily. He described the friends accompanying him as supportive and said their presence had helped him through the immediate aftermath.

Balegde also said he had been posting humorous TikToks as a way of coping with the breakup. He told viewers that he had never experienced a breakup like this before and did not yet know how to navigate it.

Public identity and representation

Balegde is a prominent British social-media creator who rose to fame during the 2020 lockdown for his comedic pop-culture commentary, dramatic storytelling, and viral TikTok videos. He has since parlayed his internet success into a mainstream media career, which included co-hosting the hit podcast The Useless Hotline alongside creator Beau King.

In his video, Balegde addressed the significance of having publicly represented a long-term same-sex relationship... He said that representation mattered to the LGBT community and that the visibility of his relationship had meant a great deal to his followers.

Balegde said he felt as though he was “failing” followers who valued that representation, while also saying he expected happiness in the future. He asked viewers to give him time while he processed the separation.

The available reports do not identify the specific personal reasons behind the breakup, and Balegde has expressly declined to discuss them publicly. Neither the reports reviewed for this article establishes allegations of misconduct by either person.

For now, Balegde has said his focus is on himself and his career. His public statement presents the separation as painful but not rooted in hatred, while leaving the private circumstances of the breakup undisclosed.

'Love Island' USA's Bryce Discusses Zach "Bromance" and Online Discourse

Photo Credit: Peacock

by Chris Tremblay 3 hours ago

3 MIN READ

Following their victory on Love Island USA Season 8, Bryce Alakai has openly discussed his close friendship with co-star Zach Georgiou, a relationship that captured significant viewer attention and sparked widespread online conversation. Alakai addressed the nature of their bond and the subsequent public reaction, including instances of alleged homophobia, in a recent interview with Flaunt . His partner and fellow Islander, Trinity Tatum, also shared her perspective on the fan discourse.

The Depth of the Villa Bromance

Bryce Alakai clarified that his connection with Zach Georgiou was a "bromance" that, while intense, was "blown out of proportion" by some interpretations . The friendship, which featured moments of cuddling, emotional conversations, and a viral "girth check," led some viewers to speculate about a romantic element between the two men .

Alakai recounted that their close bond began on the very first night in the villa, a challenging period for many Islanders . He explained that the unique, isolated environment of the Love Island villa, without phones or outside entertainment, fostered rapid trust and deep friendships among contestants . Alakai likened the camaraderie to that found in a sports locker room, where men engage in "crazy things" to elicit reactions from each other . He specifically recalled sharing a bed with Georgiou during the "Paradise Cove" twist, which further cemented their closeness and shared humor .

Addressing Homophobic Reactions

A significant part of the post-show discussion, as highlighted by Alakai, was the "homophobia in the response" from some viewers . He emphasized that many men can relate to the playful and close interactions seen among friends or sports teammates .

Trinity Tatum, Alakai’s partner, also spoke out against what she perceived as a double standard within the fandom . Tatum pointed out that "nobody said anything about the women-on-women kissing," yet the closeness between Bryce and Zach garnered significant, often negative, attention . She expressed that seeing men comfortable enough to joke around and be close while still being committed to their female partners should be viewed as "a breath of fresh air" . Initially, Tatum admitted she playfully felt like Zach was "taking my man," but ultimately found their friendship "so cute" and beneficial to the overall group dynamic, especially given her own close friendship with Zach's partner, Kayda Bosse .

Broader Context and Reality TV's Portrayal of Queerness

The discussion around Bryce and Zach's connection mirrors broader conversations about the representation of queer relationships on reality television. Love Island, particularly its USA iteration, primarily operates within a heterosexual coupling format . Frankie Grande, a gay alumnus of Big Brother, previously commented on the "bromance" between Zach and Bryce, drawing parallels to his own "showmance" with Zach Rance on Big Brother 16 . Grande expressed concern about the potential negative impact of public perception on the mental health of reality TV contestants when their relationships are intensely scrutinized, particularly in a way that implies or questions their sexual orientation without their explicit statements . He also voiced hope that if such connections were to be further explored or revealed, the individuals involved would not resort to homophobic sentiments .

While Love Island USA Season 8 concluded with Alakai and Tatum as the winning couple, the ongoing conversation surrounding Alakai and Georgiou's friendship underscores the evolving landscape of how platonic male intimacy is perceived and discussed in popular culture, particularly within the often hyper-sexualized context of reality dating shows .

Dave Bautista Shows Off His Kratos Bod In Prep For "God Of War"

Photo Credit: Dave Bautista Instagram / Sony

by Chris Tremblay 3 hours ago

3 MIN READ

Dave Bautista has offered an early look at his physical preparation to play Kratos in Prime Video’s live-action adaptation of God of War, posting a gym video in which he removes his shirt, flexes and gives a roar toward the camera.

“Third week in to weight training again,” Bautista wrote in the caption. “Two more months to get to where I need to be. Like ridin’ a bike!”

The approximately 40-second Instagram reel shows the actor displaying his muscular build and tattoos while continuing the training process required for the role.

Bautista’s post arrived shortly after Prime Video confirmed that he would take over as Kratos, the central character in the God of War television project.

A Change in the Lead Role

Bautista replaced actor Ryan Hurst, who had originally been cast as Kratos. Hurst reportedly suffered a torn biceps while performing a stunt during production.

According to reports, the injury required surgery and a recovery period that would have delayed the production schedule. Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television therefore recast the role rather than wait for Hurst’s return.

IGN reported that Hurst’s recovery timeline was considered too long for the production, while Variety reported that restarting with Hurst could have pushed filming into 2027.

The casting change means scenes filmed with Hurst will need to be reshot with Bautista. Variety also reported that the series received a two-season order, with the seasons planned to film back-to-back.

The Physical Demands of Kratos

Kratos is the protagonist of the most recent God of War games, which shifted the character’s setting from ancient Greece to the Norse world. The television series is expected to draw on the two latest games and follow Kratos as he raises his son, Atreus, while confronting gods from the Norse pantheon.

The story described by Prime Video centers on Kratos and Atreus as they travel to spread the ashes of Faye, Atreus’s mother and Kratos’s wife. The journey is also framed as an attempt by Kratos to teach his son how to become a better god while Atreus challenges his father to become a better human being.

Bautista is a former professional wrestler and mixed martial artist who has played physically imposing characters in major film franchises. His previous roles include Drax the Destroyer in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers films.

His casting consequently connects the role with the muscular screen image he developed through professional wrestling and action-oriented film work. However, Bautista’s own caption makes clear that the physical preparation shown in the video is still underway rather than complete.

Production and Public Reaction

The training video drew attention because Bautista’s casting had prompted online discussion about how closely his current physique matched the appearance associated with Kratos. Gizmodo described the video as a direct response to criticism of Bautista’s body and reported that the actor used the post to demonstrate his current build.

That discussion has focused on the expectations placed on performers portraying established video-game characters, particularly characters whose visual identities are closely associated with strength and combat. The available reports document the online conversation and Bautista’s response, but they do not establish a final target weight, measurement or completed physical transformation.

Bautista’s post indicates that he expects to continue weight training for approximately two additional months. It does not provide a detailed workout plan, diet, body-weight goal or medical information about the preparation.

The project’s production circumstances add urgency to that timeline. With Hurst’s previously filmed material requiring replacement and the production seeking to continue its planned schedule, Bautista is preparing for the role while the series undergoes a significant recast.

What the Video Confirms — and What It Does Not

The footage confirms that Bautista has resumed weight training for the Kratos role and that he expects the process to continue for at least two more months.

It does not confirm when filming with Bautista will begin, the final appearance of Kratos in the series, or whether the actor will match the character’s exact video-game design. Those details have not been specified in the reports reviewed for this article.

For now, the clearest update is Bautista’s own: three weeks into training, he says he has two more months to reach the condition he wants for the role.

Andrew Scott’s 'Elsinore' Brings Ian Charleson’s Final 'Hamlet' to the Screen

Photo Credit: Studio Canal

by Chris Tremblay Sep 2

3 MIN READ

Andrew Scott’s portrayal of Ian Charleson in Elsinore has become the focus of fresh entertainment coverage ahead of the film’s festival premieres and theatrical release.

The film, directed by Simon Stone, dramatizes the final chapter of Charleson’s career, centring on his preparation for and performance as Hamlet at the National Theatre in London.

The recent attention follows an interview with Scott published by The Hollywood Reporter on August 31 and the British Film Institute’s announcement on September 1 of the 2026 London Film Festival’s Screen Talks programme, which will include Scott discussing his work, including Elsinore.

Charleson’s Hamlet

Charleson was a Scottish actor known internationally for playing Eric Liddell in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.

He was also a gay actor working during the AIDS pandemic, a period when public discussion of HIV and AIDS was frequently shaped by stigma and discrimination.

In the film’s central story, Charleson prepares to play Hamlet while seriously ill with AIDS, confronting the physical demands of the role as his health deteriorates.

The National Theatre performance became Charleson’s final stage role, and he died in January 1990 at the age of 40 from AIDS-related illness.

The title Elsinore refers to the Danish setting of Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*, while the film itself focuses on the real-life circumstances surrounding Charleson’s late-career performance.

Scott’s approach to the role

Scott is an openly gay actor who plays Charleson, an openly gay actor whose sexuality and illness form part of the historical context of the story.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Scott said Charleson’s decision to perform Hamlet while facing a terminal illness remained “completely mind-blowing” to him.

Scott also connected Hamlet’s famous question—“to be or not to be”—with Charleson’s circumstances, while distinguishing the character’s existential dilemma from the actor’s real-life medical condition.

The production marks Scott’s first credited producing role, in addition to his lead performance.

Olivia Colman co-stars as Charleson’s doctor, and the ensemble also includes Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, Joe Locke, Juliet Stevenson and Peter Mullan.

The screenplay was written by Stephen Beresford, whose previous work includes Pride, and Stone directs the project.

Festival premiere and release plans

Elsinore will open the 70th BFI London Film Festival on October 7, 2026, with its European premiere at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.

The festival will run from October 7 through October 18 and will present a programme of 251 titles from 88 countries.

The BFI said cast members are expected to attend the opening-night event, although the available announcement does not specify which members will appear.

Scott is also scheduled to take part in a BFI Screen Talk examining his career and his performance as Charleson in Elsinore.

The film is scheduled to receive its North American release in select United States theatres on November 20, 2026, through Focus Features.

STUDIOCANAL is scheduled to release the film in UK cinemas on January 29, 2027.

The film is also set to appear at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, where Scott is scheduled to participate in an on-stage conversation about his career and the new film.

A story shaped by queer history

The project places a gay actor at the centre of a major historical drama without separating his professional achievements from the conditions under which he worked.

Charleson’s story is situated in the history of the AIDS crisis, when many people living with HIV or AIDS faced widespread fear, misinformation and social prejudice.

By focusing on Charleson’s work on Hamlet, Elsinore links a canonical theatrical role with the lived experience of a gay performer whose illness was not publicly known to everyone around him at the time.

The film’s release arrives as contemporary audiences continue to reassess the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists whose careers unfolded during the AIDS crisis.

Its festival rollout will therefore give audiences in Toronto and London an early opportunity to encounter Scott’s interpretation of Charleson before the film reaches cinemas more widely.

Elliot Page Says He Has Received No New Role Offers After 'The Odyssey'

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 14: Elliot Page attends "The Odyssey" New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on July 14, 2026 in New York City. Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy

by Chris Tremblay Sep 2

3 MIN READ

Elliot Page says he currently has no new acting projects lined up, despite appearing in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, one of the year’s most prominent studio releases.

Page discussed his employment prospects during an appearance on On Film…With Kevin McCarthy, a film interview podcast hosted by journalist Kevin McCarthy.

McCarthy suggested that Page might be receiving numerous offers after The Odyssey’s success, but Page rejected that assumption. “No, Kevin, I’m not,” Page said, according to published accounts of the interview.

Page said he would like to continue working, adding, “I’d really love to do ideally good work. That’s what I’d love to do.”

He also said that getting cast is “a little tricky” for him at present and described the reasons as “pretty obvious,” without identifying a specific casting decision, studio, producer or project as responsible.

Page’s Explanation

Page connected the difficulty to a change in how he is perceived by the entertainment industry. “I was seen in a certain way before, and it’s different now,” he said, according to coverage of the interview.

Page came out as transgender in December 2020 and has since continued working as an actor, writer and producer.

In the podcast discussion, Page suggested that he might need to take a more proactive approach to developing professional relationships and creating projects rather than waiting for conventional casting offers. “Maybe there is something to reaching out to people and then trying to create connections and projects that way,” he said.

Page also joked that his Canadian background might be affecting his prospects, saying, “I get some pushback for being Canadian. I don’t know what it’s about.”

The interview accounts do not establish whether Page’s lack of offers is the result of discrimination, ordinary fluctuations in film production, the timing of the interview, his choice of roles or other factors.

The Odyssey Role

Page plays Sinon in The Odyssey, Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic.

The film also reunites Page with Nolan, who directed him in the 2010 science-fiction thriller Inception.

Nolan previously praised the decision to work with Page again, saying that Page brought something “really special” to the role and that the character helped represent the consequences of war.

The film’s release drew online criticism from some people opposed to Page’s casting, while other public figures defended the actor and the production.

Page’s appearance in The Odyssey marks his return to a major studio film after his role in Flatliners, which was released in 2017.

A Continuing Career

Although Page said he has not received new offers, he expressed gratitude for his career and for being invited back to work with Nolan.

Page’s comments concern his current work situation, not an announcement that he is leaving acting.

He said he feels more comfortable performing now than during some earlier projects and believes he may be capable of doing some of his best work at this point in his life.

Page has not publicly named a specific upcoming film or television role in connection with the interview.

The remarks therefore document Page’s account of his current lack of offers, but they do not provide evidence that he will remain without work or that a particular future project has been ruled out.

For now, Page’s most recent reported major screen role is Sinon in The Odyssey, while his next acting project remains publicly unannounced.

Caleb Shomo Details Homophobic Backlash After Coming Out as Gay

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Caleb Shomo attends City of Hope's 2022 Spirit of Life Gala at Pacific Design Center on October 27, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. Photo Credit: Leon Bennett

by Chris Tremblay Sep 2

3 MIN READ

Caleb Shomo, vocalist and founding member of the metalcore band Beartooth, has described receiving “a lot of homophobia” after publicly expressing himself in ways that challenged some listeners’ expectations of him.

Shomo discussed the experience in an interview with The Break Down with Nath & Johnny, released on August 27, 2026. The conversation came after several months of public attention surrounding his appearance, Beartooth’s music and his May announcement that he is gay.

“I mean, a lot of the day I’d be in a really, really bad place,” Shomo said while describing the period surrounding his coming out and the public reaction to it. He said he had been trying to live and perform with greater freedom, including choosing how he dressed, sang and presented himself.

“I’m going to just do what I wanna do,” Shomo said in the interview. “I’m gonna wear what I wanna wear. I’m gonna sing how I wanna sing. I’m gonna look how I wanna look and just enjoy being an artist that’s allowed to do that, and that has the freedom to do that.”

He said that freedom was met with “a lot of opposition” and “really, just a lot of homophobia,” adding that some people were not comfortable with the way he was presenting himself or with his creative choices.

The controversy began before his coming out

The backlash described by Shomo followed the February release of Beartooth’s single “Free” and its accompanying music video. The video presented him in a more flamboyant style, including makeup and fashion choices that differed from the image associated with some of the band’s earlier work.

The response included criticism of the song’s sound and mockery of Shomo’s appearance. Some of the online comments were explicitly homophobic, according to reporting by NME, USA TODAY and other music publications.

Shomo subsequently removed his personal Instagram account after the reaction to “Free,” although early reports noted that he did not publicly give a definitive explanation for the deletion. In a later interview, however, he linked the broader period to the pressure and hostility he was experiencing while his personal life and creative direction were under public scrutiny.

The controversy also drew attention after Chris Fronzak, frontman of the band Attila, posted a joke about Shomo’s appearance on X, formerly known as Twitter. Fronzak later deleted the post and apologized.

Coming out and continued scrutiny

Shomo publicly came out as gay in an Instagram statement on May 23, 2026, describing himself as “a proudly gay man.” In that statement, he addressed speculation about his personal life and connected the announcement to a period of significant personal change.

The announcement followed months of public discussion about Shomo’s changing appearance and Beartooth’s evolving musical direction. Reporting has also connected the period to the end of Shomo’s marriage to Fleur Shomo, whom he had married in 2012.

Shomo told The Break Down with Nath & Johnny that coming out did not end the hostility. “It didn’t really change as we kept releasing more songs, and the very vocal opposition continued and still continues,” he said. He added, “And me coming out didn’t help that, and just being honest with people about who I am and what’s been going on.”

The singer characterized the experience as “sad,” according to a report summarizing the interview. He also said he temporarily withdrew from the internet because he was going through an especially difficult period.

Music as a response

The discussion took place as Beartooth promoted The Surface? No—rather, the band’s album Pure Ecstasy, which was released on August 28, 2026, through Fearless Records.

Shomo has said that the new music reflects a more open and liberated approach to his identity and creativity. In the interview, he described learning to feel more comfortable in his own skin and finding the strength to pursue joy rather than continuing to conceal parts of himself.

The album’s release places the backlash within a broader artistic transition for Beartooth, whose “Free” video and recent public presentation represented a visible departure from expectations some fans had formed around the band. Shomo’s account indicates that the criticism was not limited to musical disagreement but included attacks directed at his perceived gender expression and sexual orientation.

Shomo said he is taking “baby steps” while continuing to process the experience and write future material. He also indicated that he still has personal experiences to work through.

The late-August interview is the most detailed recent account from Shomo about the backlash connected to his coming out and his changing artistic image. His comments make clear that the hostility began before his public announcement and continued afterward, while his public work has increasingly centered on self-expression and personal honesty.

'Drag Race' Star Denali Marries Alexander Montgomery in Chicago Wedding

Photo Credit: Alexander Montgomery / Instagram

by Chris Tremblay Sep 2

3 MIN READ

Denali, the drag name of performer and professional figure skater Cordero Zuckerman, married Alexander Montgomery in Chicago on Saturday, August 29, according to wedding details published after the ceremony.

The couple’s ceremony took place at The Joinery in Chicago, where they were joined by 125 friends and family members.

The date and location were also listed on the couple’s wedding website, which identifies the event as the wedding of Cordero Zuckerman and Alexander Montgomery in Chicago on August 29, 2026.

The wedding marked a major personal milestone for Denali, who has built a public career across drag performance, television and figure skating.

A Nearly Decade-Long Relationship

People reported that Zuckerman and Montgomery celebrated nearly a decade together at the wedding.

The couple met in 2017 at Berlin Nightclub, a Chicago venue associated with the city’s queer nightlife and performance communities.

Their relationship had already been publicly documented before the wedding announcement. In November 2023, Denali announced an engagement to Alexander in a social-media post describing the couple’s relationship as having begun six years earlier, after Alexander asked Denali to dance at Berlin.

The couple’s wedding therefore returned to the Chicago setting where their relationship began, according to PinkNews.

Family and Drag Community Gathered

The guest list included members of Denali’s Drag Race community, including Shea Couleé, Kandy Muse, Laila McQueen, Utica Queen, Willow Pill and Kahmora Hall.

PinkNews also identified Couleé, Muse, Pill and Hall among the Drag Race performers who attended the wedding.

The ceremony included contributions from members of the couple’s family and chosen community. Denali’s 90-year-old grandmother served as the flower girl, while drag performer Aunty Chan officiated the ceremony, according to People.

The roles reflected the couple’s decision to incorporate both family and drag-world relationships into the celebration.

Two Wedding Looks

Denali wore two looks during the wedding celebrations, according to PinkNews.

The outlet reported that the couple walked down the aisle to “Pulsaki At Night” by Andrew Bird, which it identified as their favorite folk song.

People described the ceremony as an intimate celebration honoring the couple’s history in Chicago and the community they have built together.

The available reports do not provide a complete account of the wedding’s schedule, reception or other vendors.

Denali’s Career in Drag and Skating

Denali became widely known after competing on the 13th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

The performer is also a professional figure skater and choreographer.

U.S. Figure Skating previously profiled Zuckerman’s transition between skating and drag, reporting that the performer adopted the name Denali after considering the identity and its connection to North America’s highest peak.

Denali later returned to the franchise for the 10th season of *RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars*, according to a 2025 profile by Latinitas Magazine.

The performer’s television profile has been closely connected to a broader career involving skating, choreography and live performance.

Why the Announcement Matters

Denali’s marriage is the latest publicly reported milestone in the performer’s long-running relationship with Montgomery.

The ceremony also brought together relatives, friends and LGBTQ+ performers from the Drag Race community in a celebration rooted in Chicago, where the couple first met.

The reporting identifies Montgomery as Denali’s husband and describes the couple as having married in an intimate ceremony at The Joinery.

The wedding was held less than two weeks before this article’s publication date, making it the most recent documented news event concerning Denali as of September 2, 2026.

Menudo Reunites for 50th Anniversary Tour: 'We’re Proud to Be Pioneers'

Members of the music group "Menudo," from left, Robby Rosa (Draco Rosa), Ray Reyes, Roy Roselló, Charlie Massó and Ricky Meléndez pose during a reception in their honor in New York on Feb. 10, 1984. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File

by Maria Sherman Sep 2

4 MIN READ

Menudo, widely considered one of the most popular Latino boy bands of all time, will reunite for a six-day run this fall in celebration of their 50th anniversary. That's a major milestone for any act, but a particularly remarkable one for the group established in Puerto Rico in the late '70s — and not just because it was in Menudo where performers like Ricky Martin and Draco Rosa got their start.

Across five decades, Menudo transformed to meet the current cultural moment. When its members turned 16, most were replaced, making way for newer, junior performers to match its perpetually youthful and increasingly global audience. It worked. And across their run, the group featured over 40 performers.

So, how was the reunion lineup determined? That decision was made by businessperson Paul Tarnopol, who acquired the Menudo brand name and selected the seven who will hit the road later this year: Rene Farrait (who was in the band from 1979-1982), Roy Rossello (1983-1986), Raymond Acevedo (1985-1988), Sergio Gonzales (1986-1990), Ralphy Rodriguez (1987), Ruben Gomez (1987-1990) and Robert Avellanet (1988-1991).

The tour kicks off on Oct. 10 at Los Angeles' YouTube Theater before hitting Chicago's Rosemont Theatre on Oct. 17, New York's United Palace on Nov. 7, Mexico City's Metropolitan Theatre on Nov. 28 and Hollywood, Florida's Hard Rock Live on Dec. 4. It will conclude at San Juan, Puerto Rico's Coca-Cola Music Hall on Dec. 12.

During an interview in Miami, the band told The Associated Press they didn't want to spoil the setlist, but assured that “There's going be motorcycles in the production, for sure,” in reference to their 1981 single “Súbete A Mi Moto.”

“It’s going to be hits,” Avellanet jumped in.

Below, the septet discussed rehearsals, choreography, Puerto Rico and how Menudo has continued to resonate across generations.

Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity.

AP: This lineup spans generations of Menudo. It's like a new band.

ACEVEDO: It's been quite an exciting time to be able to come together again after all these years, even though some of us have been together on stage on other projects. … But, for example, I’ve never been on stage with René and it’s an honor. He is like, you now, one of the OGs. … We have a lot of chemistry.

AP: How have rehearsals gone? Are you relearning old choreography?

AVELLANET: We’re rehearsing a lot. A lot. It’s been like three weeks so far, a lot of muscle ache, you know, we are recovering still. No, it’s coming out super, super great. I've learned stuff that I didn’t learn in Menudo, that I didn’t sing … but it’s fine. We’re all professionals and we’ve done it before.

AP: And what about the songs — do you have to adjust them for your matured voices?

RODRIGUEZ: Some of the songs, especially the earlier songs, the voices were a lot higher and maybe you go down like three steps, or something like that. But then there are other songs throughout the generations where we’re only going, like, one step down. So, it’s actually not that different, which is kind of cool. But either way, whether it’s the older ones or the middle ones or the newer ones, there’s still that freshness. There’s still that Menudo magic because it’s us who’s singing it. And because we still have that child, that inner child in us that’s coming out while we’re singing.

ACEVEDO: We’re not going to name names of songs because it’s a surprise, but it’s super cool to be able to do that. And it just takes you in this journey. … It’s going to be very visual as well. And it’s going bring back all that nostalgic feeling, definitely.

GOMEZ: It’s a visual time, you know, traveling through time.

AP: The last Menudo album was in 1996, 30 years ago. Are you working on new music?

GONZALES: We’re concentrating on the anniversary. But who knows what could happen in the future?

ACEVEDO: We are just, like, full force. So, who knows what’s gonna happen after? Go to these shows and you tell us.

AP: Fifty years on, and Menudo is still viewed as the biggest Latino boy band of all time. What is it about this group that people continue to love and connect with?

GOMEZ: I think it’s the music. … The formula of the songs, in conjunction with the dancing, the music really speaks for itself. When you hear a Menudo song, before the song ends, you already know the lyrics. And that’s a real song. And they were just written by incredible writers. They were from Spain. Carlos Villa, Alejandro Monroy. They were the ones who actually created that whole sound and the songs. I think the songs are what keeps it going.

ACEVEDO: The songs and then the visual obviously. Menudo, the dances, in sync with the music — and you know, the time Menudo came out, there was just there was nothing like it.

AP: Menudo is also hitting the road at a time where people all over the world are thinking about, looking toward and celebrating Puerto Rico — especially musically. Is there something special about bringing this group back now?

ACEVEDO: Historically, yes, we are in a great moment to be part of this Menudo 50 anniversary because it’s like you said, Latin music has evolved to the point where it’s super international now. And in the States, in the majority of places, you’re hearing Latino music. And we’re proud. We’re proud to be pioneers in this whole thing — especially from Puerto Rico, and all our artist friends from Puerto Rico that have been successful, like Ricky (Martin,) now Bad Bunny and all that stuff. We’re super proud of all that. And to do it again at this level, it’s just a blessing.