Dan Brown, the creator of The Da Vinci Code, is engaged to his former mistress. In 2020, Brown’s ex-wife Blythe Newlon filed a lawsuit alleging that Brown, 61, engaged in four expensive affairs during their 21-year marriage, including with his horse trainer, Judith Pietersen. Now, Brown and Pietersen, 34, are set to be married. Brown’s most recent book, The Secret of Secrets, features an acknowledgment message to “my fiancée, Judith Pietersen.” Brown has sold more than 200 million copies of his thrillers, most of which revolve around Robert Langdon, a fictional Harvard professor of symbology. The Da Vinci Code became a 2006 blockbuster film starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard, with the pair collaborating on two more adaptations of Brown’s books in 2009 and 2016. Brown has said that Newlon inspired him to create the series, which has earned him a fortune of more than $100 million. “I probably wouldn’t have written The Da Vinci Code without her,” Brown in 2017 said of Newlon, who he once called “without a doubt the most astonishingly talented woman I have ever known.” The Secret of Secrets is already being developed into a Netflix TV series, with the book due out in September.
Woody Allen is speaking out about his marriage to Mia Farrow’s daughter, Soon-Yi Previn. “If anyone had told me years ago that I would be married to a girl much younger than me with no background in New York, or none of the similar interests growing up, and that she’d be a Korean orphan, I would have said, ‘No chance. I’m going to be married to a New York actress,’” Allen, 89, told the Wall Street Journal. “But it didn’t work out that way.” The director—who met Previn, 54, while in a relationship with her adoptive mother—also described his wife as “disciplined,” “decisive,” a “larger-than-life personality,” and a “wonderful mother” who “finds [his] writing style high-falutin.” Allen was with Farrow from 1980 until 1992, when she discovered his affair with her daughter. He married Previn in 1997, and the couple shares two adopted daughters, Bechet, 26, and Manzie, 25. Allen is also father to three of Previn’s younger siblings: son Ronan, 37, and adopted children Moses, 47, and Dylan, 40. Dylan has accused Allen of sexually abusing her as a child, which he denies. Previn, meanwhile, has accused her mother of physical abuse and of pressuring her sister to make false allegations. Allen told WSJ he has “many regrets,” but they’re all film-related.
Across the wide world of self-help, few names carry as much influence as Tony Robbins, People across all walks of life—executives, entrepreneurs, parents, and students—credit Tony with giving them the tools to create sustainable change. Tony’s teachings are meant to make an impact across all areas, from business and relationships to health and happiness. Now, you can experience his insights firsthand at his flagship Unleash the Power Within event.
From October 9-12th, Tony will be taking over Anaheim, CA in a course that promises to help people break through barriers, harness their personal power, and manifest the life of their dreams. The Unleash the Power Within event is only held once a year in North America, making it a rare chance to see Tony Robbins live in person. Prefer to skip the travel? You can always opt for the fully immersive virtual option that lets you take part in almost all of the same activities from home. (Understandably and unsurprisingly, the firewalk experience requires in-person attendance.)
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If you aren’t able to attend the event or are looking for a more streamlined experience, you can still learn from Tony’s strategies. The Rapid Planning Method (RPM) mini-course helps you improve productivity, sharpen focus, and manage your life more effectively. Act now to access the full course for $150 off—only $47 to change the way you look at your time.
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Taylor Swift announced Friday a theater release party linked to her upcoming 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. “I hereby invite you to a *dazzling* soirée, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl: Oct 3—Oct 5 only in cinemas!” Swift said in an Instagram post. “You’ll get to see the exclusive world premiere of the music video for my new single ‘The Fate of Ophelia’, along with never before seen behind-the-scenes footage of how we made it, cut by cut explanations of what inspired this music, and the brand new lyric videos from my new album The Life of a Showgirl ❤️‍🔥.“ The 89-minute feature will play at 540 AMC Theater locations in the U.S., as well as Cinemark and Regal theaters. An AMC press release added: “While normally prohibited during traditional showtimes, AMC guests are welcome to sing and dance during ‘Taylor Swift| The Official Release Party of a Showgirl.’” The theatrical event will occur over the same period in several other countries like Canada, the U.K., Australia, South Africa and Denmark.
President Donald Trump has been flayed by the American people in a brutal poll portraying widespread frustration with his handling of key issues. The Washington Post-Ipsos questionnaire asked citizens their opinions on six major topics of the day, yielding overall disapproval by double-digit margins in all of them. At the bottom of the pile, with just 34 percent approval, were his far-reaching tariffs, which have stung consumers with increased prices on imported goods. With 64 percent disapproving, it was only four points worse than his handling of the Russia-Ukraine war. Just 38 percent approve, after he promised to end the conflict within a day of his inauguration. Some 40 percent of the 2,513 surveyed backed his management of the economy, 19 points down amid disapproval on inflation and relentless pressure by the administration on the Federal Reserve to cut rates. The White House’s strongest approval ratings came on immigration and crime, with a 44 percent approval rating in two areas Trump has claimed to prioritize.
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Turn your holiday countdown this year into something a little naughtier (and more fun) with Lovehoney’s Advent calendars. A spicy spin on the class tradition, these calendars are an erotic journey of passion, play, and connection. Choose from five tantalizing options, each loaded with toys and treats to keep things steamy all winter long. The ultimate pick? The Couples Calendar. With 24 luxe goodies—think card games, blindfolds, and whips—it’s full of ways to turn everyday into a new adventure with your partner.
Lovehoney Couple’s Advent Calendar (24 Day)
The standouts are definitely the Womanizer Classic 2 and the We-Vibe Sync Lite—worth $260 alone. The Womanizer Classic 2 is a clitoral stimulator that uses air to deliver a sucking sensation. The We-Vibe Sync excels at couples play. Hands-free, wearable, and flexible, it delivers pleasure to both partners all at once. Plus, with the app, you (or your partner) can get even naughtier, whether you’re in the same room or across the house. As always, Lovehoney ships its items in discreet packaging to keep your purchase confidential.
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to block a judge’s order and mandate that passports list only “biological sex at birth” as the sex marker. At the beginning of his term, President Donald Trump signed an executive order for the federal government to recognize “male and female” as the only two sexes, ending a policy adopted by the Biden administration that allowed citizens to self-select their gender and choose X as a marker on identity documents. The policy affected transgender and nonbinary Americans, including actress Hunter Schafer, who applied for a passport as “female” but received one listing her as “male.” In February, a group of transgender and nonbinary people sued the administration, and in April U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick partially blocked the ban for the six plaintiffs, allowing them to obtain passports with their self-selected gender identity. The Massachusetts federal judge expanded the preliminary injunction in June, pausing the enforcement of the policy for all transgender, nonbinary, and intersex citizens. The Trump administration appealed the decision and asked for emergency relief so that the policy could be enforced, but the appeal was denied by U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. The Justice Department’s Friday emergency appeal to the Supreme Court is the latest in a series of appeals made by the Trump administration. In May, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.
Conan O’Brien called out the Trump administration on Friday for spearheading the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show. The former late-night host said President Donald Trump’s rhetoric around FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s successful attack on ABC to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air “should disturb” people of all political affiliations. O’Brien, who previously hosted Late Night with Conan O’Brien, wrote in a post on X, “The suspension of [Jimmy Kimmel] and the promise to silence other Late Night hosts for criticizing the administration should disturb everyone on the Right, Left, and Center.” He added, “It’s wrong and anyone with a conscience knows it’s wrong.” On Thursday, Trump said “97 percent” of networks are against him and suggested the FCC should pull more licenses. “They’re getting a license,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I think maybe their license should be taken away.” The communications chief affirmed Trump’s view on Thursday in an interview with CNBC. Host Carl Quintanilla asked Carr if he supports Trump’s wish to have NBC pull Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers off the air. “We’re in the midst of a massive shift in dynamics in the media ecosystem for lots of reasons, including the permission structure that President Trump’s election has provided,” Carr said. “I would simply say we’re not done yet with seeing the consequences of that shift.”
Tim Burton and Monica Bellucci have called it quits after nearly three years together, the former couple confirmed in a joint statement to Elle France on Friday. “It is with much respect and deep care for each other that Monica Bellucci and Tim Burton have decided to part ways,” the statement read. Burton, 67, and Bellucci, 60, were first linked in Feb. 2023 when they were spotted kissing during a Valentine’s Day stroll in Santa Monica. The pair reportedly began dating in October that year but kept their romance mostly private. Bellucci eventually confirmed the relationship in June 2023, telling Elle France: “I’m glad I met the man… I know the man, I love him, and now I’m going to meet the director.” That professional collaboration came in 2024 when Burton directed Bellucci in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, their first and only film together. The duo made their final public appearance on June 14 at the 71st Taormina Film Festival, where Burton was photographed planting a kiss on Bellucci’s cheek. Burton was with Helena Bonham Carter for 13 years from 2001 until their separation in Dec. 2014. The couple has two children together, Billy, 22, and Nell, 18.
Raja Jackson has been arrested on felony assault charges after attacking pro-wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith at an Aug. 23 wrestling event. Jackson, 25, an MMA fighter and the son of former UFC light-heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, jumped into the ring during Smith’s match, tackled the wrestler, and punched him in the face about 23 times before four other wrestlers pulled him away. Smith, 39, was transported unconscious to a nearby hospital, where he remained until Sept. 2. His family later said he suffered severe head trauma, including injuries to both jaws. KnokX Pro Entertainment & Academy, which hosted the match, later called the incident “a planned and agreed-upon wrestling spot turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence.” Witnesses told the Los Angeles Times that Jackson had been invited to livestream the event, but grew angry after an unexpected run-in with Smith backstage. Resurfaced footage from the livestream shows Smith smashing a can on Jackson’s head and later apologizing, explaining he’d mistaken Jackson for a fellow wrestler. Another wrestler, Andre Joel Hudson, can then be heard encouraging Jackson to give Smith a “receipt”—a wrestling term for payback—by jumping in the ring. Jackson responds, “This s— isn’t going to be scripted.” After the incident, KnokX removed all WWE branding from its social media pages and website, while WWE removed KnokX from its online list of affiliated wrestling schools. Representatives from KnokX and WWE did not immediately respond to the Daily Beast’s requests for comment. Jackson was arrested in Los Angeles on Thursday and is now being held on a $50,000 bond.
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Sleep can be hard to come by these days. From city noise and snoring partners to late-night scrolling and spiraling thoughts, there’s a lot that can get in the way of a good night’s rest. In fact, research suggests that one in three adults doesn’t get enough sleep. (Hello, fellow insomniacs!) Luckily, you don’t have to accept exhaustion as your default—Ozlo Sleepbuds can help improve sleep hygiene sans habit-forming treatments or sleeping in separate rooms (aka ‘sleep divorce’).
Developed by former Bose engineers, Ozlo Sleepbuds are a science-backed wearable engineered to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer every night. Unlike earplugs or other sleep aid gadgets, Ozlo doesn’t just block sound. Instead, these earbuds are specifically designed to support a restful sleeping experience.
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In addition to premium noise-masking capabilities, the buds feature biometric sleep detection that senses when you fall asleep and transitions from whatever audio you were listening to—yes, you can stream from all your favorite apps—into built-in soundscapes engineered for rest. Plus, the side sleeper-friendly Sleepbuds are designed for all-night comfort, so you can drift off without distraction until the gentle in-ear alarm wakes you (not your partner) up in the morning.
From now through the end of Sept., you can elevate your sleeping experience for less with a perk. Save $50 on your pair of Ozlo Sleepbuds and unlock a year of free access to Calm Sleep Premium, a mindfulness-focused app featuring more than 300 hours of sleep content from leading experts. Dreams really do come true.
Oscar nominee Gary Busey has been sentenced to two years of probation after admitting to groping a fan at a 2022 horror convention in New Jersey. The 81-year-old actor appeared virtually before a Camden County judge, where he was formally sentenced on one count of criminal sexual contact. Busey pleaded guilty in August, acknowledging he touched a woman’s buttocks “over clothing during an 8-10 second photo op,” according to his manager. Several women had accused Busey of inappropriate touching at the Monster Mania Convention held at the Doubletree Hotel in Cherry Hill, just outside Philadelphia. Bodycam footage from responding officers showed them questioning Busey after receiving multiple complaints. Convention organizers later said on Facebook that they were cooperating with police and had removed a guest from the event after complaints were made. During sentencing, Busey’s attorney cited his client’s declining health, including early dementia and mobility issues, while requesting only a monetary penalty. Judge Gwendolyn Blue instead handed down a probationary sentence. Busey, an Oscar nominee, is best known for his lead role in The Buddy Holly Story and supporting turns in Lethal Weapon and Predator 2.
NASA has revealed what space sushi looks like with a picture of the dish aboard the International Space Station. The image of pale meats atop the beloved Japanese dish’s nori and asteroids of rice appears features famously non-perishable spam. Astronauts cooped up for months aboard the ISS also get to chow down on alarmingly orange “shrimp cocktail” as well as pizza using tortillas. The space agency’s Instagram post lifted the lid on how astronauts prepare food from “around the world,” incorporating non-perishable, space-efficient ingredients. “Almost all of our astronauts’ food currently has to blast off from Earth in jam-packed spacecraft, and it has to be shelf-stable and mess-free,” NASA wrote. “That doesn’t mean it has to be *boring*, though. Our orbiting crew chows down on meals from around the world, special space pizzas made with tortillas instead of pizza dough, and finger foods.” Describing the offering, NASA said the piles consisted of “shrimp cocktail on whole grain wheat crackers, while the other holds sushi made with seaweed, spam, tuna, and rice. The shrimp and crackers are held in place by condiments, while the sushi stays put thanks to surface tension from its moisture.”