Cierra Ortega Says She's 'Grateful' for “Love Island USA” Experience Following Early Departure: 'So Much More Growing to Do'

Cierra Ortega Says She's 'Grateful' for "Love Island USA" Experience Following Early Departure: 'So Much More Growing to Do'

Ben Symons/Peacock Cierra Ortega looked back at her time onLove Island USAin an Instagram post The reality star exited season 7 following resurfaced social media posts "This journey didn't end the way I hoped, but there was real connection, love and growth in these moments," Cierra said Cierra Ortegais reflecting on herLove Island USAjourney. The 26-year-old reality star suddenly left the show last week, due to what was initially described as a "personal situation." Days later, Cierra addressed her exit with a video and written statement, in which sheissued an apologyover her past use of racial slurs in social media posts that recently resurfaced. Now, as shared a carousel post onInstagrambefore the season 7 finale on Sunday, July 13, Cierra reflected fondly on her time on the Peacock series, recalling the "people, moments and memories" that she'll "cherish forever." "This journey didn't end the way I hoped, but there was real connection, love and growth in these moments," she added. "There's still so much more growing to do. And for that, I'll always be grateful." Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Ben Symons/Peacock Cierra's post featured several snaps of the star and her fellow islanders, including Olandria Carthen,Chelley Bissainthe, Jeremiah Brown,Huda Mustafaand more. In the comments section, Cierra explained that she didn't tag Huda in her post because her Instagram wasn't "allowing tags." She said that Huda is her "SISTER," adding, "The love I have for her is infinite." Fans also commented under the post to point out that Cierra initially referred to Huda's fans as "HudRats," though it had since been edited. Cierra responded and said she was "slowly easing my way back online and genuinely thought this was the name of her fandom/supporters." "Too much info to absorb at once," Cierra continued. "My girl will get a giggle out of this when she sees." Ben Symons/Peacock Cierra also shared her thoughts on Olandria and Nic Vansteenberghe, calling them "two people I care deeply for and absolutely adore." "I've always wanted nothing but happiness for each of them in this experience. that has never & will never change ❤️‍🩹," she added. During the July 6 episode ofLove Island USA, it was revealed that Cierra exited due to a "personal situation," shortly after past racist social media posts — including two that contained slurs offensive to Asian people — resurfaced on the internet. Days later, Cierra spoke out on Instagram. "I want to first start by addressing, not just anyone that I have hurt or deeply offended, but most importantly, the entire Asian community," she said at the time. "I am deeply, truly, honestly, so sorry. I had no idea that the word held as much pain as much harm, and came with the history that it did, or I never would have used it. I had no ill intention when I was using it. But that's absolutely no excuse, because intent doesn't excuse ignorance." Cierra further explained that she was informed of the derogatory and "incredibly hurtful" language by an Instagram follower. She said she was "apologetic" and "immediately deleted the post," and Cierra called her comments "something that deserved punishment, and the punishment has absolutely been received." "My experience in the villa was nothing short of magical. The memories I made and the people I met are ones I'll cherish forever," Cierra wrote in a separate Instagram Stories statement. "While I'm heartbroken my journey had to be cut short, l understand that mistakes, especially ones like this, deserve consequences. Once again, to the Asian community, I am deeply sorry for my thoughtless mistake and the harm it caused." TheLove Island USAseason 7 finale airs on Peacock on Sunday, July 13, at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST. Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

July 13, 2025

Cierra Ortega Says She's 'Grateful' for “Love Island USA” Experience Following Early Departure: 'So Much More Growing to Do'

Cierra Ortega Says She's 'Grateful' for "Love Island USA" Experience Following Early Departure: 'So Much More Grow...

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‘Superman’ and DC Studios fly to a $122 million opening

'Superman' and DC Studios fly to a $122 million opening

NEW YORK (AP) — In a bid to kickoff a new era for DC Studios,James Gunn's "Superman"opened with $122 million in U.S. and Canada ticket sales over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. DC and Warner Bros. had a lot riding on "Superman." While the Walt Disney Co.'s Marvel Studios has had its own share of struggles, the superheroes of DC have recently found mostly kryptonite in theaters. Films like"Joker: Folie à Deux,""The Flash" and "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" all flopped. But "Superman," written and directed by Gunn, is intended as a new start. It's the first release fully steered by Gunn and Peter Safran, co-heads of DC Studios, since they werehanded the keys to DC's superhero cinematic universe. And while Gunn turned "Guardians of the Galaxy" intoa massive success for Marvel, his irreverent, idiosyncratic touch made the director — once a B-movie filmmaker with Troma Entertainment — an unlikely steward for one of the movies' most bankable and beloved brands. The roughly on-target opening was the third largest of 2025, and the first DC title to surpass $100 million in its opening weekend since"Wonder Woman" in 2017. Warner Bros. could also celebrate a unique hot streak: "Superman" is their fifth movie in a row to open over $45 million. "It's quite a win for DC Studios," said Jeffrey Goldstein, chief of distribution for Warner Bros. "We needed to get the trust of the fanbase, and we didn't have it. They were clear to us that we needed to take a step back and reinvent ourselves." Ticket sales were relatively soft for "Superman" overseas. In 78 international markets, it grossed $95 million. In China, it collected just $6.6 million. David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm FranchiseRe, called the international performance the only ding against the otherwise strong "Superman" debut. "Thus far, the foreign openings are not equal to domestic," said Gross. "Superman has always been identified as a quintessentially American character and story, and in some parts of the world, America is currently not enjoying its greatest popularity." As an American icon, "Superman" also attracted political discourse at home. Some right-wing commentators criticized the movie as "woke" after Gunn described the superhero from Krypton as "an immigrant." On X, the White Houseposted an imageofPresident Donald Trumpas Superman. In "Superman," which cost about $225 million to make, Gunn steers the Man of Steel in a drastically different tonal direction than in previous iterations from filmmaker Zack Snyder. Skipping the Kansas origin story, the film instead picks up with Superman (David Corenswet) after his first defeat. Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult is Lex Luthor. The "Superman" debut didn't come close to besting the $166 million launch for Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," in 2016. But it did open higher, not accounting for inflation, than Snyder's "Man of Steel." That film debuted with $116 million in 2013. But while Snyder's films were often unloved by critics, largely good reviews greeted Gunn's "Superman." On Rotten Tomatoes, it scored 82% fresh — the best for the franchise since the first two movies with Christopher Reeve: "Superman" (1978) and "Superman II" (1980). Audiences gave it an "A-" CinemaScore. "Superman" faced sizeable competition too. Last week's top film,"Jurassic World Rebirth,"slid to second place with $40 million. With "Superman" soaking up many large-format screens, Universal Pictures' seventh "Jurassic" film slipped a steep 57% from its opening weekend. Starring Scarlett Johansson, "Jurassic World Rebirth" got off toa thunderous $318.3 million global start. In two weeks, it's amassed $529.5 million worldwide. Also still in the mix is Apple Studios' biggest box-office success yet, "F1." Joseph Kosinski'sFormula One action thriller, starring Brad Pitt, came in third with $13 million in its third weekend. The film, distributed by Warner Bros., has collected $393.4 million globally in three weeks. But it also carries a hefty price tag of roughly $250 million, plus at least $100 million in promotion. Top 10 movies by domestic box office With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. "Superman," $122 million. 2. "Jurassic World Rebirth," $40 million. 3. "F1: The Movie," $13 million. 4. "How to Train Your Dragon," $7.8 million. 5. "Elio," $3.9 million. 6. "28 Years Later," $2.7 million. 7. "Lilo & Stitch," $2.7 million. 8. "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," $1.5 million. 9. "M3gan 2.0," $1.4 million. 10. "Materialists," $720,498.

byLiam Oneel

in

July 13, 2025

‘Superman’ and DC Studios fly to a $122 million opening

'Superman' and DC Studios fly to a $122 million opening NEW YORK (AP) — In a bid to kickoff a new era for DC Studios,James Gunn'...

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Kudermetova and Mertens win women's doubles final at Wimbledon

Kudermetova and Mertens win women's doubles final at Wimbledon

LONDON (AP) — Veronika Kudermetova secured her first Grand Slam title by teaming up with Elise Mertens to win the women's doubles final at Wimbledon on Sunday, rallying to beat Hsieh Su-Wei and Jelena Ostapenko 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Centre Court. Kudermetova and Mertens were on opposite sides in the final in 2021 but were playing at Wimbledon together for the first time this year. They trailed 4-2 in the third set but won the last four games to seal the comeback. It is Mertens' fifth Grand Slam doubles title, and second at Wimbledon. In 2021, she teamed up with Hsieh to win a marathon final where they saved two match points against Kudermetova and Elena Vesnina. "I lost that final and it was so painful," Kudermetova said. "Today I said to myself, I really want it. And it's mine now." Hsieh has won the Wimbledon doubles title four times with three different partners. Ostapenko won the 2017 French Open singles title and was looking for a second major doubles title after winning the U.S. Open last year with Lyudmyla Kichenok. ___ AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

byLiam Oneel

in

July 13, 2025

Kudermetova and Mertens win women's doubles final at Wimbledon

Kudermetova and Mertens win women's doubles final at Wimbledon LONDON (AP) — Veronika Kudermetova secured her first Grand Slam title by ...

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Patrick Mahomes is voted the NFL's top quarterback by AP writers

Patrick Mahomes is voted the NFL's top quarterback by AP writers

Patrick Mahomes still stands on top among NFL quarterbacks. The three-time Super Bowl MVP was voted the NFL's No. 1 quarterback by The Associated Press in a preseason survey. This time, he had more competition for the top spot after being a unanimous choice in 2023 and 2024. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players at quarterback, basing selections on current status entering the 2025 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points. Mahomes, who led theKansas City Chiefsto consecutive Super Bowl titles in the 2022-23 seasons, finished with five first-place votes in the latest poll. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen got two, finishing second. Joe Burrow received the other first-place vote and came in third. Two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson finished fourth and Jalen Hurts, who outplayed Mahomes in Philadelphia's dominant Super Bowl victory over Mahomes and the Chiefs, was fifth. Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud also received votes. 1. PATRICK MAHOMES, Kansas City Chiefs Mahomes had a career-low 3,928 yards passing and tied for his fewest touchdown passes with 26, but still led the Chiefs to their third straight Super Bowl appearance and fifth in his seven years as the starting QB. Mahomes, who turns 30 in September, has a chance to become only the fourth quarterback to win four Super Bowls. He received two second-place votes and one fourth. 2. JOSH ALLEN, Buffalo Bills Allen led Buffalo to a fifth straight AFC East title and edged Jackson for the MVP award last season. But Allen and the Bills again were knocked out of the playoffs by Mahomes and the Chiefs, losing in the AFC title game. Allen threw for 3,731 yards, 28 TDs and had six picks for a 101.4 passer rating. He ran for 531 yards and 12 scores, becoming the first player in NFL history to have five consecutive seasons with at least 40 total touchdowns. He got three second-place votes, one third and two fourths. 3. JOE BURROW, Cincinnati Bengals Burrow set career highs last season in nearly every passing category, including yards (4,918), TD passes (43) and QB rating (108.5). He earned his second AP Comeback Player of the Year award but the Bengals couldn't overcome another slow start and missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record. Burrow, who started 17 games last season for the first time in his career, received a second-place vote, two thirds and three fourths. 4. LAMAR JACKSON, Baltimore Ravens Jackson is coming off his third All-Pro season and the best all-around year of his career. He threw for 4,172 yards, 41 TDs and only four interceptions, and led the NFL with a 119.6 passer rating. He also ran for 915 yards and four scores. But Jackson and the Ravens fell short in the playoffs again, losing to the Bills in the divisional round. Jackson got one second-place vote, four thirds, two fourths and one fifth. 5. JALEN HURTS, Philadelphia Eagles The Super Bowl MVP appeared on just four of eight ballots despite leading the Eagles to their second NFC championship victory in three years. Hurts, who got one second-place vote, one third and two fifths, had 2,903 yards passing, 18 TDs and only five picks last season. He ran for 630 yards and 14 scores. Hurts' seven total touchdowns are the most ever by a quarterback in his first two Super Bowls. ___ AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

byLiam Oneel

in

July 13, 2025

Patrick Mahomes is voted the NFL's top quarterback by AP writers

Patrick Mahomes is voted the NFL's top quarterback by AP writers Patrick Mahomes still stands on top among NFL quarterbacks. The three-t...

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James Brolin Reflects on the Blind Date That Sparked His 27-Year Marriage to Barbra Streisand (Exclusive)

James Brolin Reflects on the Blind Date That Sparked His 27-Year Marriage to Barbra Streisand (Exclusive)

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty James Brolin and Barbra Streisand celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on July 1, 2025 Speaking with PEOPLE just after the milestone, the actor reveals how they spent the special day Brolin also reflects on the blind date that kicked off a love story that's lasted nearly three decades James Brolinis looking back on the moment he fell in love withBarbra Streisand. In a recent catch-up with PEOPLE, the actor opened up about their romance, which began with a blind date on July 1, 1996. "That night was something. It was like somebody called and said, 'Would you be interested in a date with her?' And what I said was, 'I like what she says between songs,' and I was a real nut for women singers — especially jazz and bar singers and romantic singers at the time. So that got my interest," Brolin, 84, shares. "I had been out of a marriage for three years and really saying, 'Who needs that again?' But we both agreed to go. We're on our way and halfway there, we both picked up the phone to cancel and something told us, 'No. Let's just do it.'" Before meeting in the '90s, Streisand, 83, had previously been married to Elliott Gould between 1963 and 1971. Brolin was previously married to Jan Smithers from 1986 to 19995, and before that, Jane Cameron Agee. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. By saying no to their doubts, neither knew they were saying yes to a deep and genuine love. "We met there. I didn't look at all like she had thought I would because I'd been, for seven years all bearded and curly-haired inHotel.She saw me and went, 'That's not the guy I came to see.' I had cut off all my hair. She finally came up to sit with all the people at the table and came behind me and said, 'Who f----- up your hair?'" he laughs. "Well, that's when I fell in love. I thought, 'This girl tells the truth right from the beginning. I'm crazy about her,'" Brolin continues. "And then we've really been pretty much together ever since then." To mark their anniversary this year, the two enjoyed the day "in the pool and sitting in the sun and in the shade." "We look out at almost 180 degrees of water, but we're 90 feet up, so it's pretty nice and relaxing. Then we went off to dinner at the invite of some friends and did a fusion Japanese dinner, and they brought flowers. They must have carried stuff. They brought two cakes," he shares. "It was just overkill for six people, but that's good friends," he continued, noting they finished the night at home with a movie. Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Brolin appreciates that his wife has been "very giving," respecting the time it takes to explore creative endeavors like acting and filmmaking. "One thing that she does that some women have a terrible time with is, 'Where were you? Oh, that only takes 20 minutes. You've been two hours.' Those kind of questions just destroy things. She never asked me anything," he shares. "And I just feel this incredible loyalty, because of it, and so that it brings you together. With her, I love everything she does. I love her choices. People argue with her about her choices and then in the end, when given enough time, they find out she was right in the first sentence." Giulio Marcocchi/Getty The actor also says that their differences bring out the best in each other. "She's very much a perfectionist and takes her time working things out and being sure. And me, I make very quick decisions. I'm a great problem solver when trouble comes up at the last minute," he explains. He concludes, "We don't work the same way and yet, we love the way the other one works." Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

July 13, 2025

James Brolin Reflects on the Blind Date That Sparked His 27-Year Marriage to Barbra Streisand (Exclusive)

James Brolin Reflects on the Blind Date That Sparked His 27-Year Marriage to Barbra Streisand (Exclusive) Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection...

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Jeff Lynne 'heartbroken' to cancel final ELO show amid health worries

Jeff Lynne 'heartbroken' to cancel final ELO show amid health worries

Jeff LynneofElectric Light Orchestrahas canceled the rock band's final farewell performance amid health concerns. In a statementshared to Instagram Storieson Saturday, July 12, the 77-year-old musician said he's "heartbroken" he won't be able to perform with ELO at BST Hyde Park in London on July 13. The performance will not be rescheduled. It's unclear whether a different final show will be planned for a later date. ELO had previously canceled a July 10 performance in Manchester. Lynne was unable to play guitar during the band's recent shows in Birmingham, England, after suffering a hand injury,according to Rolling StoneandUltimate Classic Rock. USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Lynne for more information. "Jeff has been battling a systemic infection and is currently in the care of a team of doctors who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time, nor will he be able to reschedule," the announcement read. "The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff's mind today − and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time," the statement concluded. Review:Is there a better live sonic feast than Jeff Lynne's ELO? Not a chance. Lynne founded ELO in 1970 with Roy Wood and Bev Bevan. The group behind songs like "Mr. Blue Sky" kicked off its Over and Out tour, which was described as a farewell tour, in August 2024. The BST Hyde Park gig was expected to be ELO's last-ever show. "My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014," Lynne said last year when the performance was announced,per Billboard. "It seems like the perfect place to do our final show." Following Lynne's statement, BST Hyde Park posted that the July 13 event"will sadly be cancelled"and ticket holders "will be refunded and contacted directly by their ticket agent with further details." Speaking toMojo last year, Lynne said that ELO's final performance "will certainly be an emotional show for me." At the same time, he stressed, "This is not a farewell to music. I am excited to return to the studio full-time, which is what I love!" This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jeff Lynne health concerns cancel ELO's final show

byLiam Oneel

in

July 13, 2025

Jeff Lynne 'heartbroken' to cancel final ELO show amid health worries

Jeff Lynne 'heartbroken' to cancel final ELO show amid health worries Jeff LynneofElectric Light Orchestrahas canceled the rock band...

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