Late bloomer

Anderson Cooper just became a coffee drinker — at 52

One week after revealing that he's now a father, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper has made another confession: At 52, he's finally started drinking coffee.

J. Countess/Getty Images

During a May 4 appearance on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," the host asked the TV journalist if he was getting any sleep with a newborn at home. "It's been a shift," Anderson admitted. "I actually discovered coffee. I only allow myself two a day."

Stephen was shocked. "What do you mean you just discovered coffee — you're 52 years old!"

Anderson admitted it's pretty unusual to not have imbibed the caffeinated beverage all his life. "I can't believe I've gone this long without coffee," he admitted. "I like soda and I figured well there's soda, why have coffee? I don't like hot things so I thought what's the point. I've tried once or twice, on TV, a cup of coffee and I [didn't] see the point. But now I totally get it."

He added, "Now I think I'm addicted because it like, snaps your mind into focus. I wake up thinking, I mean, I think of my son first, but caffeine is a close second," he quipped.

Anderson, who's been on cloud 9 since son Wyatt Morgan Cooper arrived on April 27, went on to explain that he's learned a new trick at the office, where he uses a robotic camera setup to film himself for his daily newscasts. He's one of the few CNN staffers who's still able to go into the network's New York City building due to the coronavirus pandemic, so with no one around to help him, he's had to learn how to use the coffee machine.

"Since I've never made coffee before, since I just started drinking it, I taught myself how to make a nice coffee at the office. It's a revelation," he told the late night host. "Those machines, you just put the packet in. I tried for the longest time to rip it open because I figured you had to pour it, and you don't. Somehow the machine does what I could not do."

Joked Stephen, "You can't be left alone, Anderson Cooper."

View this post on Instagram

I want to share with you some joyful news. On Monday, I became a father. This is Wyatt Cooper. He is three days old. He is named after my father, who died when I was ten. I hope I can be as good a dad as he was. My son's middle name is Morgan. It's a family name on my mom's side. I know my mom and dad liked the name morgan because I recently found a list they made 52 years ago when they were trying to think of names for me. Wyatt Morgan Cooper. My son. He was 7.2 lbs at birth, and he is sweet, and soft, and healthy and I am beyond happy. As a gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child, and I'm grateful for all those who have paved the way, and for the doctors and nurses and everyone involved in my son's birth. Most of all, I am grateful to a remarkable surrogate who carried Wyatt, and watched over him lovingly, and tenderly, and gave birth to him. It is an extraordinary blessing – what she, and all surrogates give to families who cant have children. My surrogate has a beautiful family of her own, a wonderfully supportive husband, and kids, and I am incredibly thankful for all the support they have given Wyatt and me. My family is blessed to have this family in our lives I do wish my mom and dad and my brother, Carter, were alive to meet Wyatt, but I like to believe they can see him. I imagine them all together, arms around each other, smiling and laughing, happy to know that their love is alive in me and in Wyatt, and that our family continues.

A post shared by andersoncooper (@andersoncooper) on

Anderson revealed on CNN's coronavirus town hall on April 30 that he'd become a father. He explained that his son's first name honors Anderson's father, who died when the journalist was 10. "My son's middle name is Morgan, which is a family name on my mom [Gloria Vanderbilt]'s side," Anderson further explained. "I know my mom and dad liked the name Morgan because when I was going through her things recently [following her 2019 death] I found a list they made 52 years ago when they were trying to think of names for me."

As photos of the newborn flashed on the screen, Anderson said, "That's Wyatt Morgan Cooper, my son. He was 7.2 pounds at birth, and he is sweet and soft and healthy, and I am beyond happy. As a gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child and I'm so grateful for those who paved the way." Anderson also shared several photos of his adorable son on Instagram.

Living situation

Bruce Willis' current wife addresses report that Demi Moore is now living with them to help care for the actor after his dementia diagnosis

Demi Moore is sharing the same roof with her ex-husband, Bruce Willis, and his current wife, Emma Heming, according to a new report. A source told RadarOnline.com on March 8, "Demi has moved in, and she is not leaving until the very end."

However, later in the day, Bruce's wife, Emma Heming, denied it. "Let's nip this one in the bud. This is so dumb. Please stop," she wrote on her Instagram Story.

Phil Faraone/Getty Images for Comedy Central

Bruce and Demi, who were married for 13 years and share three children, have had a close relationship for years. 

"At first no one outside the family could understand what Demi was doing living with her ex and his new wife, but now it makes sense," the source told Radar. "Demi has been a rock for the family and is determined to make sure every day Bruce has left on earth will be filled with love."

Last March, Bruce's family announced that the "Pulp Fiction" star was retiring due to Aphasia, a condition that affects a person's ability to communicate — to speak, write and understand language. Then, last month, the family announced that he has been diagnosed with dementia — this in addition to his battle with aphasia. 

"Now Bruce will leave before [Demi] does," the source claimed. 

Matteo Prandoni/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

On Sunday, March 5, Emma issued a PSA about her husband after seeing paparazzi images of him getting coffee with friends. 

"If you are someone who is looking after someone who has dementia, you know how difficult and how stressful it can be, just to get them out into the world and navigate them safely – even just to get a cup of coffee," she said. "In the spirit of raising awareness for dementia, it's clear that a lot of education needs to be put forth."  

Emma continued by pleading with paparazzi to give Bruce his "space" if they see him out and about. 

"Allow for our family or whoever is with him that day to get him from point A to point B safely," she said. 

Ad issue

Conservative pundit Candace Owens feuds with Christina Applegate over resurfaced ad

In a seemingly outta-left-field feud, Christina Applegate is slamming Candace Owens for her comments about a 2022 SKIMS advertisement.

The "Married… With Children" actress initially called the conservative pundit "f****** gross" before extending an olive brach. 

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Last year, SKIMS released an ad that showed a woman in a wheelchair wearing the clothing line. The ad preached inclusivity. Candace called it "ridiculous."

"I'm just getting tired of this all-inclusivity thing," she said in a 2022 interview. "Look, I assume that people who are in wheelchairs also have to buy bras, also have to buy underwear… I didn't know that we needed to see that in our face."

Christina — who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in early 2021 and now struggles with mobility issues — fired away at Candace on Twitter after being made aware of her comments via a recent Forbes article.

"Yes late tweet. But woke to see the most horrifying thing," she tweeted on Thursday, March 23. "This Candace person making comments about companies who see we need help. It's f****** gross."

The actress then thanked companies like SKIMS for "seeing us." 

In a follow-up tweet, she continued, "Going to try and sleep but my rage is keeping me awake. Candace Owens, do you know when you have seen pictures of me how f****** hard it was to get my clothes on? A team has to help me!!! So I'm excited for accessibility clothing for me and my community."

Shutterstock

Candace defended herself in a YouTube video. 

"Let's debunk the idea that I'm an ableist," she said. "I thought that was really, really interesting, that I somehow wanted to pursue disabled people and I somehow wanted them out of spaces. That is absolute nonsense. I've spent my entire life fighting the idea that, in order for me to feel like I'm allowed to be black or that I'm allowed to be a woman, I need to therefore see black women everywhere. That is the opposite of what it means to actually have confidence. I don't need to see Tyra Banks being a model. I don't need to see Tyra Banks wearing underwear."

Christina eventually had a change of heart regarding her initial reaction to Candace. 

"I thought my last tweet was enough. But then my heart said something else. No rage. If Candace wants to get on the phone with me to be educated on being disabled. I will not come with anger. I will come with love. Because she needs to hear that. I pray for her tonight. Sincerely," she tweeted.

Custody situation

Olivia Wilde accuses Jason Sudeikis of trying to 'litigate her into debt,' of 'intimidation' and 'trickery' and of making legal moves behind her back

The custody battle between Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis is getting more and more contentious. In a new court filing, she accuses him of trying to "litigate her into debt."

Broadimage/Shutterstock

"While Jason can afford to spin his wheels with filing after filing, Olivia cannot," her attorneys wrote in advance of a now-canceled Friday, March 24, hearing in Los Angeles, according to DailyMail.com. "Jason seems intent on throwing whatever he can against the wall to see what will stick, and this Request for Order seeking a stay of the California Parentage action is just the latest example."

Olivia and Jason share son Otis, 8, and daughter Daisy, 6. The "Ted Lasso" star has fought for the children to live primarily in New York City, while Olivia wants them in Los Angeles. TMZ reported that the "Don't Worry Darling" director scored a legal win, as a judge rejected Jason's request to have the case moved to New York.

John Photography/Shutterstock

In addition, her team claimed that Jason is using "intimidation or trickery" to win the case, and they believe he's being "underhanded" and acting "in bad faith" in regard to their children's living arrangement. 

"Jason should not be permitted to litigate Olivia into debt, and then claim she should be deprived of her right to seek a needs-based fee contribution from him," her attorneys said, noting that she is "aware that he is far wealthier than she is."

REX/Shutterstock

Despite the rough start to the custody battle — she was served legal paperwork in front of 4,000 people during CinemaCon in 2022 — the "House" alum added she was surprised things had gotten to this point. 

"We were scheduled to start working with a family therapist in California in mid-January. I thought things were calming down and were going to move forward in a more amicable, respectful fashion," Olivia wrote in the court docs. "Instead I learned … that the entire time I was negotiating the parenting time schedule in California [Jason] was plotting to proceed with the New York Child Support proceeding behind my back."

Friends forever

Jennifer Aniston reunites with former child star from fan-favorite 1996 episode of 'Friends'

Jennifer Aniston had a brief reunion in New York City with the actress who appeared on a fan-favorite episode of "Friends" when she was just 8 years old.

Back in 1996, Mae Whitman played Sarah, a Girl Scout whom Ross accidentally knocks down a flight of stairs. The episode, which aired during the sitcom's third season, was titled "The One Where Rachel Quits."

Laurent Vu/SIPA/Shutterstock

Although Jen and Mae, who's now 34, didn't share screen time, the "Morning Show" star made a memorable impression on the former child actress.

As luck would have it, both women appeared on "Live with Kelly And Ryan" on March 22 to promote their latest projects: Jen's action-comedy "Murder Mystery 2" and Mae's Hulu series "Up Here."  At first, it seemed as though Jen wasn't aware that she and Mae had previously crossed paths on "Friends."

"I was on 'Friends.' I played the girl that gets knocked down the stairs with the Girl Scout cookies," Mae said.

Jennifer grabbed Mae's arms and replied, "Oh my God!"

"I just wanted to say hi because you were so kind to me. It was my favorite show and you really made me feel like I was a part of the cast," Mae continued. "And you were so kind and you hugged me. Thank you. It's always stayed with me."

Clearly moved, Jen said, "I'm so glad you're good." As they hugged, Mae added, "It's so nice to see you. You're amazing."

Mae took to Instagram to share a video and a photo from the reunion. In the caption, she shared a memory from her "Friends" stint: "I wept hysterically when I wrapped the episode and made [Jen] a Christmas ornament anyway," she wrote. 

On her Instagram Story, she noted, "Jennifer Aniston changed my life."

Ambushed

Gym staff hid controversial music star following sauna ambush

Controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was swept away to safety after a group of men ambushed him in the sauna at a Florida gym. 

According to a new TMZ report, the beating he sustained might have been much worse if it weren't for the quick thinking of gym staff members who rushed in to help him.

Thaddaeus McAdams/Shutterstock

The rapper — who famously testified for the prosecution against his former gang members in a famous RICO case — was assaulted in a Florida gym on Tuesday, March 21. He did not have security with him at the time. 

After he was rushed to safety in a nearby room, the rapper was transported to a hospital by ambulance. He was treated for injuries to his jaw, ribs and back.

Shortly after he was released from prison and off of home confinement in the summer of 2020, there was concern that gang members might seek revenge on Tekashi for cooperating with authorities. During that time, he wasn't exactly staying under the radar. In fact, he frequented the LA Fitness where the attack occurred. 

There were never any issues at the gym before, TMZ notes, adding that Tekashi was often recognized and was usually accommodating and willing to pose with fans.

Minor injuries

Injuries revealed after legendary 'Mary Poppins' actor crashes car

Dick Van Dyke suffered bumps, bruises and a possible concussion during a minor car crash in Los Angeles. 

Kevin Wolf/AP/Shutterstock

The 97-year-old acting legend was driving when he crashed his 2018 Lexus LS 500 into a gate last week. According to TMZ, the "Mary Poppins" star told police that the car slid and he lost control before plowing into the gate. The rainy weather battering Southern California of late has made the roads wet and slippery.

In the aftermath of the accident, Dick was bleeding from the nose and mouth. He was treated at the scene by paramedics but did not go to the hospital. In addition, Dick did not drive home, but was rather picked up by someone else.

In its March 22 report, TMZ was quick to point out that drugs and alcohol were not involved. Police, however, have submitted paperwork to the DMV requesting that Dick take a new driving test. The request is not uncommon for someone of the actor's age. 

The four-time Emmy winner broke into the film industry in 1957 and he's continued to find work. Earlier this year, he appeared as the gnome on the "Masked Singer."

Bynes latest

New disturbing details emerge in Amanda Bynes psychiatric episode

Amanda Bynes was likely living on the streets for days before she recognized she was in trouble and was subsequently put on psychiatric hold. 

While it's unclear what exactly went down in the days leading up to her recent mental health crisis, a timeline is beginning to materialize. According to TMZ, the "Easy A" star's car was towed in Long Beach, California — about 40 miles from her home in the Los Angeles area — on March 15. Sources tell the webloid that after that, she either hitchhiked or took public transportation to make her way around the city. 

@amandabynesreal /Instagram

On Saint Patrick's Day, she was seen out and about in Hollywood — a security camera caught her walking around with another woman. From there, she reportedly asked a stranger to give her a ride to Beverly Hills and then return her to Hollywood.

Two days later — in the early morning hours of March 19 — the "Hairspray" alum was found naked and alone while roaming the streets of downtown Los Angeles. According to reports, Amanda waved down a car and informed the driver that she was coming off of a psychotic episode. She then called police herself. 

In the wake of the odd incident, Amanda was placed on a 72-hour psychiatric hold. It's likely the hold will be extended for another week. The former actress has "started to make improvements" following her hospitalization, TMZ reports.

@amandabynesreal /Instagram

Back in 2014, Amanda was placed in a conservatorship, helmed by her mother, following a string of troubling behavior. Since then, Amanda has largely cleaned up her life, and a judge terminated her conservatorship on March 22, 2022. Although a second conservatorship is unlikely on the heels of the latest episode, it's not completely off the table.

Amanda's parents are reportedly taking solace in the fact that the former actress recognized she was in trouble when she flagged down a car and contacted police herself.

Prior to the new incident, Amanda had been living independently in her own house and taking cosmetology classes. She was not hurt during the latest episode.

Money matters

Jewel claims her mother stole an unbelievable amount of money from her

Jewel claims that her now-estranged mother stole millions upon millions of dollars from her as her career skyrocketed. 

On the "Verywell Mind" podcast, the singer opened up about her financial struggles and the huge debt with which she was saddled after her mom's alleged embezzlement. 

KCR/REX/Shutterstock

"I didn't really realize what my mom was until I was 30-something. I woke up and realized she embezzled all of my money, over $100 million," Jewel said. "And then as I started investigating the truth about what my mom had told me in my life versus what was true, I had realized that pretty much everything I formed my reality on was fiction."

By the time she was 34, the singer-songwriter was deeply in debt.

"I realized I'm $3 million in debt, realize my mom stole it, realize everything I thought my mom was, isn't what she was, [it is a] very difficult psychological thing to come to terms with," she said, according to Us Weekly

Jewel never gave a timeline detailing when exactly the alleged embezzlement took place.

Photo Image Press/Shutterstock

According to reports, Jewel and her mother, Leandra Carroll, have been estranged since the early 2000s. The two, however, weren't always on the outs. In fact, Leandra previously served as Jewel's business manager.

"I mean, it's a complex issue, but my mom used to [be] this heroic figure. My mom and dad got divorced when I was 8, and we went to live with my dad," Jewel said. "Nobody told me it's because my mom didn't want to be a mom."

The "You Were Meant for Me" singer recalls hitchhiking hundreds of miles to see her mom. 

"She was the opposite of my dad. My dad was this volatile alcoholic that hit me, very easy to identify [as a] 'bad guy.' My mom seemed like the opposite. She was calm, she was soft, she never yelled, obviously never hit me. I didn't realize I was being abused in another way at the time," she said. "Looking back, what was actually happening is my mom, let's say when I would show up on her doorstep, she would say, 'Your mind is so powerful. Our minds are only tap, we use like 10% of our brain power. Our minds are so powerful and I think you, Jewel, are so powerful that I think you could sit here and stare at this light bulb and you might be able to get it to turn off with your mind.' That is such an abusive, effed up thing to say, but I felt so loved." 

"What it actually was was my mom didn't want to stay there and be with me, and she babysat me by having me watch light bulbs," Jewel said. "So, sometimes the appearance of an attached figure isn't what it seems."

Daddy-daughter drama

Tom Cruise hasn't seen Suri 'in a very long time and is not a part of her life': Report

Tom Cruise doesn't appear to be on a mission to see his youngest daughter, a new report suggests. 

A source told Page Six that the "Top Gun: Maverick" star has not seen Suri Cruise, 16, "in a very long time and is not a part of her life."

ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Tom's relationship with his daughter began growing estranged after his 2011 split from Suri's mom, Katie Holmes. Their relationship has only grown more distant, the report alleges.

There has been speculation — and, to an extent, confirmation — for over a decade that Scientology, Tom's preferred religion, played a role in the estrangement. In his 2012 defamation lawsuit against Bauer Media, Tom was asked if the "Dawson's Creek" actress left him "in part to protect Suri from Scientology." He replied, "That was one of the assertions, yes."

Fernando Ramales / BACKGRID

Scientology has strict rules against members associating with non-members. Katie and Suri are not Scientologists.

"This is his loss, his issue, his problem," a source told Page Six in 2016. "He must be really brainwashed."

Even without the day-to-day support of her father, Suri appears to live a fairly normal teenage life in New York City, and she's fiercely close with her mother.

Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock

In 2017, Katie told Town & Country, "My child is the most important person to me, and her upbringing is paramount to my work right now.

"It's very important that I'm present and she has a stable, innocent childhood," she added. "I feel so blessed to do what I do, but there's nothing in the world better than watching your child succeed."