Latest news with #Episode6
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cierra Ortega leaves 'Love Island USA' after racial slur posts on social media resurface: Here's everything we know about her shocking exit
Cierra Ortega, a contestant on this summer's season of Love Island USA, has left the villa just one week before the reality television dating show's finale is set to air on Peacock. Ortega's departure was announced on Sunday after resurfaced social media posts in which she allegedly uses a racial slur against Asians began circulating online. The backlash against the L.A.-based influencer hit a fever pitch in recent weeks, with many fans of the show calling for her removal. Iain Stirling, the show's narrator, announced that Ortega had left the villa 'due to a personal situation' in Sunday's episode, though no specific reason was given. This isn't the first time a contestant on this season of Love Island USA has been booted from the villa after using a racial slur on social media. Yulissa Escobar, who appeared in just two episodes, was abruptly removed from the show after clips of her using a racist slur on a podcast resurfaced online. Contestants were also not told why Escobar left. Ortega was introduced on this season of Love Island USA at the end of Episode 2, when she entered the villa as a new bombshell — a potential love interest — for fellow contestants. She eventually went on to form a connection with Nic Vansteenberghe, a registered nurse from Jacksonville, Fla. Here's everything you need to know about the controversy. Ortega's departure comes after weeks of backlash from fans, who uncovered two social media posts in which she used an anti-Asian racial slur. The first instance is an Instagram Story, reportedly from February 2023, in which Ortega appears to speak candidly about why she's getting Botox. Ortega had reportedly written, 'I can also be a little ch***y when I laugh/smile so I love getting a mini brow lift to open up my eyes and get that snatched look.' Another Instagram post, reportedly from 2015, shows Ortega smiling at the top of a hill, presumably after a hike or run, with the caption, 'Still ch***in' even at the top.' Ortega, on a separate occasion, was apparently made aware of the word's racist connotation but continued to use it anyway. One TikTok user posted a screenshot showing that one of Ortega's Instagram followers had sent her a direct message in January 2024, letting her know that the word is 'so derogatory.' Ortega reportedly responded, 'oh man thankfully that's not how I used it.' Several fans immediately called for Ortega's removal, asserting that she should be held accountable for her use of the word. While some fans argued that Ortega may not have known that the word is considered an anti-Asian racial slur, others believe her use of it was intentionally harmful and should be taken seriously. Ortega, prior to her sudden departure, was coupled up with Vansteenberghe. The pair first coupled up in Episode 6 after immediately hitting it off. Vansteenberghe was then momentarily dumped from the island during Casa Amor week — when new female and male contestants are brought in to test the current contestants' existing connections — but later returned to Ortega in a tearful embrace. They recoupled and became 'closed off' — a Love Island term for focusing only on each other — during Episode 25. Following Ortega's departure in Episode 30, Vansteenberghe revealed that it felt 'bittersweet' without her. 'It is bittersweet. I was kind of really excited to feel closed off with somebody,' Vansteenberghe said. 'It took a lot for me to get to that point but it was just not meant to be.' Vansteenberghe is now coupled up with fellow contestant Olandria Carthen. Together, they're affectionately referred to by fans as 'Nicolandria.' Ortega's friend, influencer MJ Hedderman, was in charge of posting on her social media accounts during her time in the villa. Hedderman, in the wake of the controversy, has since announced that she's taking 'a step back.' 'Hi guys, I see your comments concerning someone I love and care about. I want to be clear that I do not condone racism, bigotry or hate in any way shape or form, nor was I aware of the recent screenshots until they were posted,' Hedderman wrote on July 4. 'I discovered it at the same time as all of you did. I cannot speak for anybody or make any statements besides my own and decided to take a step back from running her account.' Ortega's other friend Johnnie Olivia, who is part Filipino, shared a similar statement via Instagram Story. 'I'm sure many of you have noticed that I've refrained from talking about Love Island and have stopped publicly supporting my friend on the show. This was after I saw a post involving a racial slur for the first time,' Olivia also wrote. 'I loved supporting her during her time on the show, but once I came across that post, I felt it was necessary to take a step back. I do not support or condone that kind of language never have, never will.' Since Ortega's use of the anti-Asian racial slur became public knowledge, her popularity on social media has dipped considerably. Ortega reportedly lost more than 120,000 Instagram followers following the July 1 episode of Love Island USA. While Ortega has yet to respond to the backlash herself, her family has shared a statement on her behalf. Ortega's family also revealed that they've received a slew of threats since the social media posts have resurfaced, and are asking that audiences be kind. 'While Cierra is not in the villa anymore, she is still away. She hasn't had the chance to process any of this or speak for herself,' Ortega's family wrote on her Instagram Story. 'But we know our daughter. We know her heart. And when she returns, we believe she'll face this with honesty, growth, and grace.' Jeremiah Brown, who exited the villa in Episode 18, said during a TikTok livestream, 'I don't condone no type of racial slurs, brother. I've been dealing with that my whole life, bro.' Belle-A Walker, a Filipino American who was dumped from the villa in Episode 6, posted a lengthy response to Ortega's reported use of the anti-Asian slur. 'When I first saw what my fellow Islander said on their social media pages, I was incredibly heartbroken,' Walker wrote. 'But I wanted to wait until they left the villa and were able to address the situation, genuinely apologize, and commit to learning from the experience before deciding how our relationship would look moving forward.' Walker continued, 'As screenshots continued to surface, it became clear that I could no longer support this person, and made the decision to unfollow them a couple of days ago.'
Hypebeast
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Xlim: Rising Action
This article originally appeared in Hypebeast Magazine Issue 35: The Wavelength Issue. Founded in 2021 by Dohee Kim as a collective of 'creators,' Seoul-based XLIM uses cinematic terminology like 'Episodes' and 'Synopses' to name its ever-growing breadth of collections. Borrowing from Kim's time studying film at university, the language captures an ethos of continuous change and evolution. Combining technical functionality with distinctive patinated finishes, XLIM's garments straddle the tension between the futuristic and the familiar. In XLIM's recent Episode 7 collection, nylon is weathered with crackled wax coatings, natural fibers like linen coexist with performance fabrics, and gauzy panels are paired with opaque textiles. The brand also began incorporating craft-forward home goods, including Episode 7's rusticated dinnerware and Episode 6's upcycled denim-covered vases. Kim says these tendencies reflect a core philosophy of 'making the familiar feel new and the unfamiliar feel natural.' Proudly citing contemporaries like HYEIN SEO, POST ARCHIVE FACTION, JiyongKim, and JUNTAE KIM, the founder sees XLIM as part of a greater whole, encompassing South Korea's burgeoning creative scene. 'We continue to evolve within this same wave, striving to present fresh work that embodies the essence of Korea while pushing creative boundaries,' he says. More than being merely centered on fashion, Kim says his practice is about 'conveying the essence of XLIM through various mediums.' In a similar vein, Kim emphasizes that rather than being the fruit of his sole efforts, XLIM is a product of the many who contribute to its ongoing story. 'It's never about one person's design or success,' he says. 'It's always about what we've built together.' Can you tell us more about the meaning behind XLIM's name and the brand's creative intentions? Dohee Kim: XLIM is a name created by combining X with LIM — short for limit — to represent the idea of pushing beyond boundaries and exploring endless possibilities. It's not just about fashion, it extends into lifestyle and everyday experiences, all shaped in a way that feels uniquely ours. At the heart of XLIM is the philosophy of 'making the familiar feel new and the unfamiliar feel natural.' Everything we create is built on this idea, offering fresh yet effortlessly-immersive experiences. Rather than placing an individual at the front of the brand, XLIM is self-described as a group of 'creators.' How many members are in the collective, and how does the collective aspect inform the label's approach to design? I don't think of XLIM as solely 'my' company simply because I founded it. I truly believe that both XLIM and I are here today because of the many individuals who have contributed along the way. This belief is fundamental to me. XLIM comprises 12 members, divided into four teams: design, operations, development, and content. While we have these defined roles, we come from different generations and diverse backgrounds. That's why we strongly emphasize open discussions, ensuring that every creation reflects a mix of our perspectives. This collaborative process is something I deeply value. When a project is completed, it's never about one person's design or success. It's always about what we've built together. How have the brand's roots in Seoul influenced XLIM's visual identity? What else has informed the company's aesthetic approach? Seoul is the fastest-changing city I've ever experienced. Having traveled to many countries and gained various experiences, I've realized there's no place like Korea — where change happens so quickly, and it doesn't take long to get accustomed to it. This rapid pace is a great source of motivation for me, and I think it's one of the most distinctly Korean cultural traits. That's why, at XLIM, we focus on the main 'Episodes' and use 'Synopses' to continuously release various products, keeping things fresh and providing our audience with a sense of novelty. Could you tell us more about your use of the terms 'Episodes' and 'Synopses' to describe your collections? I studied film before starting the brand, and it was there that I first encountered the terms. They were the most fitting when it came to explaining something in detail. In today's world, we constantly need to offer new experiences because people crave novelty and want to feel continuous change and evolution. Technical gear and workwear are at the core of most of your collections. Can you discuss the brand's interest in exploring this real of design? What makes your approach to workwear distinct from other labels exploring these tropes? Rather than simply following external trends or focusing on aesthetics, we wanted to design practical clothing that brings a new kind of joy and experience to those who wear it. We reinterpret technical gear and workwear in a way unique to XLIM, offering both familiar and refreshing designs. This approach gives people a natural opportunity to blend function and style in their everyday lives. To support this vision, we develop our own fabrics, allowing us to create innovative designs from the ground up. You often combine durable technical fabrics with delicate materials like translucent gauze and mesh. Where does this dynamic approach to materiality stem from, and why does mixing materials like this appeal to you? At XLIM, we wanted to incorporate functional elements like breathability into our designs in a way that feels unique to our brand. The reason that we combine technical fabrics with delicate materials is to create that distinctiveness. When people wear our pieces, the functional aspects may feel familiar, but the combination will give them a sense of something new and unexpected. These elements are what make XLIM's aesthetic stand out. Can you highlight a few favorite designs from the past couple years and explain how they represent XLIM's overall aesthetic and creative mission? The dinner set and vase that we recently released are some of my favorites. I wanted them to blend naturally into people's homes and spaces. Our focus has always been on creating not just fashion, but also items that can be part of everyday life — things that people can see and use in their daily surroundings. This has been a key goal of ours with every new episode we create. How does XLIM balance building upon themes from previous 'Episodes' while drawing from new sources of inspiration? Before creating each episode, we have a lot of discussions with the team. We talk about recent experiences that have left an impression on us, and what we're currently interested in. Through these conversations, we gain new ideas and inspiration. Social and cultural changes, along with personal experiences, have a significant impact on us. While respecting the themes and designs we've created in the past, we also try to reflect new stimuli and the flow of time. Our approach is to preserve the essence of what we've done while slowly introducing new elements to evolve. It's been four years since XLIM was founded, but the brand has garnered fans across the globe and even opened its first store in Seoul in 2024. What qualities make XLIM popular internationally? It's not just about fashion but about conveying the essence of XLIM through various mediums. I'd love to take our store in Seoul further by transforming it into a space that combines fashion with a bar or cafe. It would be more than just a place to shop — it would be a space where people can experience the culture of XLIM firsthand. Is there anything you'd like to add about XLIM, whether its artistic ambitions or the future of the label? One of my main goals is to partner with some of my favorite restaurants, but not only in the traditional sense of creating clothing. I want to collaborate with them on new menus and pair them with XLIM's unique dinner sets, creating a new way for people to engage with our not just about making products; it's about integrating our creations into everyday life and fostering a deeper connection with people. By offering experiences through food and conversation, I hope to share XLIM's philosophy in a more personal way, continuing to expand the brand beyond fashion.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Andor Season 2 MVP Elizabeth Dulau Talks Kleya's ‘Entirely Conflicted' Final Mission, and Her Series-Ending Fate
The following contains spoilers from Season 2, Episodes 10, 11 and 12 (aka the series finale) of , now streaming on Disney+. Andor Season 2 not only elevated Kleya Marki's presence as Luthen Rael's assistant, it fleshed out, via flashbacks, the complicated backstory that first brought these two individuals together. More from TVLine Andor Is Over, and Denise Gough Is Cheering Dedra's Fate: 'I'm So Happy' Daredevil: Born Again: Krysten Ritter to Return as Jessica Jones in Season 2 Andor Star Hopes Mon Mothma's 'Death of Truth' Speech Resonates During Today's Times In short, as detailed in Season 2, Episode 10: Seventeen years prior, a Sergeant Lear (Luthen) found a wee Kleya hiding in his ship, amidst what sounded like a brutal ground war. Clearly repulsed by the ravages of war, Lear kept the girl a secret, presumably went AWOL, and created new identities for them. In their travels, Kleya was witness to assorted atrocities as Luthen steeled her for what would be required of a rebel. Adult Kleya entertained these memories as she craftily infiltrated the Coruscant hospital where Luthen, who'd attempted to end his life after being found by ISB supervisor Dedra Meero, was in ICU. Kleya handily wielded a blaster and ultimately triggered explosions on nearby landing pads, to draw the stormtroopers and guards from the path to Luthen's room. Once inside his room, she detached her father figure's life support — and shed a tear before planting a tender kiss on his forehead. Afterward, Kleya retreated to the Coruscant safe house and used a hidden radio to reach out. It was then a race against time as Cassian, Melshi and K-2SO flew from Yavin to Coruscant, while ISB Officer Heert and his people closed in on the radio signal's origin. Cassian & Co. just barely managed to exfiltrate Kleya, then brought her, wounded by a stun grenade, to Yavin for medical care. Cassian and Kleya also did their best to alert Mon Mothma, Bail Organa et al to the 'super weapon' intel that Luthen had relayed to Kleya, though they were met with skepticism. But as the series finale drew to a close, Cassian and K-2SO were cleared to meet up with a source, Tivik, on Kafrene — as in, one of the very first scenes from Rogue One. TVLine spoke with Elizabeth Dulau, who played Kleya, about her Season 2 ascendance, that nail-biter of an Episode 6 sequence, and the superspy's ultimate fate. TVLINE | Were you prepared for how wonderfully active and fleshed-out a character Kleya became in Season 2?I mean, I was hoping that she would become that, that her role would expand and that you'd get to know her a bit more. But what's brilliant about [Andor creator] Tony [Gilroy]'s writing is that you really never know where it's going to go. So, no, I wasn't prepared for exactly where he was going to take her — but I love where she went in the end. TVLINE | Do you have any fun anecdotes from Episode 6's super-tense Great Transistor Removal scene? I mean, I do, but… I won't be sharing it online. [Laughs] But this scene was so fun to shoot because I had quite a long time to prepare for it. The script didn't change too much, a month or two in the lead up to the day, so I could learn my lines really far in advance, which was great because this scene was incredibly technical. Kleya's focus is on four different things. She's focusing on [removing] the bug underneath the artifact; she's focusing on pretending to seem like she's flirting with Lonnie; she's also focusing on Lonnie to make sure he doesn't freak out; and she's focusing on the other group in the room to make sure they don't see what she's doing. Having my lines learned so far in advance meant that I didn't have to think about them on the day, and I could just pick each moment in the script to throw my attention to the different the different parts of that machine. TVLINE | Talk about any conflicted feelings Kleya had in Episode 11, during her mission at the hospital. The key to Kleya's mindset in that episode with the mission at the hospital is that she is entirely conflicted. Luthen, when she first met him 17 years prior, he was part of something that was horrifying to her, and pulled apart her whole life. So there's a lot of resentment towards him ,and hate and fear towards Luthen, and then she doesn't forget that. It was so horrific, she can't forgive him and move on from that, but love grows for him unintentionally over the years. And so I think Claire uses the hate that she's felt for him to help her do what she needs to do, but the love that she feels for him gets in the way. So shooting that scene, I really wanted to connect with those both those conflicting feelings as intensely as I could, because I think it's the tension between those two feelings that eventually pulls her apart. In Episode 11 and 12, she's a broken person because she's pulled apart by those two warring emotions. TVLINE | What did you think of her ultimate fate at the end of the series? Well, her ultimate fate at the end of the series is actually the beginning of something new for Kleya — and that's what's so exciting. That this really complicated and heartbreaking and immense chapter in her life with Luthen has come to a close. And I suppose the obvious question then is, 'What's next?' Want scoop on , or for any other Star Wars TV show? Shoot an email to , and your question may be answered via Matt's Inside Line! Best of TVLine Yellowjackets' Tawny Cypress Talks Episode 4's Tai/Van Reunion: 'We're All Worried About Taissa' Vampire Diaries Turns 10: How Real-Life Plot Twists Shaped Everything From the Love Triangle to the Final Death Vampire Diaries' Biggest Twists Revisited (and Explained)
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fire Force season 3 episode 6 sets a new gold standard for anime battles
Shinra vs. Burns raises the bar for anime action with breathtaking animation and a surprising depth of emotion. Fire Force Season 3 just released a bombshell episode that's causing shockwaves throughout the anime community. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Whether you've been following Fire Force since the manga debut in 2015 or enjoyed the big blast Fire Force anime brought with it last summer, Episode 6 brought the highly-anticipated battle between Shinra Kusakabe and Captain Leonard Burns home and with it an intensity expected from such a legendary duel. With stunning animation, brutal choreography, and heartbreaking flashbacks, audiences are already declaring it the best anime fight of 2025 . Don't worry, my fellow non-anime lovers, this episode is for you too. Action-packed and heartwarming, dramatic yet epic, it's this blend of imaginative storytelling and blockbuster craftsmanship that transports everyone to a galaxy far, far away and captivates anyone with an appreciation for grand spectacle and intimate character work. What is the Fire Force about? Fire Force is a brand new anime series based on the blockbuster manga by Atsushi Ohkubo , who brought you Soul Eater. In a world where most humans can randomly combust into flame-beings known as Infernals, specially trained human fire-wielding squads known as Fire Forces are the last line of defense against the Infernals. At the center of this narrative is Shinra Kusakabe, a 3rd Gen pyrokinetic hell-bent on discovering the truth behind his family's fiery demise and the secrets of the Adolla Burst. Why Shinra vs Burns is a must-watch Episode 6 featured Shinra's epic battle with his ex-mentor, Captain Burns. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The fight for their freedom is not only physical — it's emotional. So Burns, who understands truths about Shinra's past The fight, both physically and mentally, is driven by emotional turmoil, psychological tactics, and improbable stakes. Build America Bureau's Tony Rader on a panel with USDOT's Asad A. Awan, left-personal investment in 1. Jaw-dropping animation : Studio David Production raises the bar with isa-cream-inducing fight choreography, mind-blowing pyrotechnics, and slow-mo drips so fresh you'll double-take at 'em. Flashbacks intersperse the fight, illustrating Shinra's inner conflict, development, and the burden upon him. The introduction of Sho Kusakabe and Burns' doppelgänger foreshadow huge changes yet to come. The acclaim has fans excited. Social media is blowing up with reactions such as: 'They absolutely COOKED with this fight. That emotion, that action, that animation — that's just cinema. 'Best fight of the year. Period.' Faithful to the Manga — and more so In particular, longtime manga readers were thrilled with the episode's fidelity to the original source material while extending things beyond what it completely offers. The anime complemented each emotional beat perfectly, making the fight all the more powerful than it already was on the page. From impactful impact frames to pointed allegorical visual storytelling, the battle pretty much encapsulated the spirit of Fire Force — the fight between duty, identity, and destiny. What's Fire Force next Now with Sho back in the mix, the Evangelist still being a shady presence, and Adolla's secrets being revealed, Season 3 is only getting hotter. If Episode 6 is an indication, we're in for a season filled with cliffhanger-worthy showdowns, gut-wrenching character development, and shocking reveals. Where to watch Fire Force Season 3 is streaming now on Crunchyroll and other platforms. New viewers can binge-watch Seasons 1 and 2 to catch up before jumping into the action. Final thoughts Shinra vs. Burns isn't just a fight — it's a turning point for the series. With breathtaking animation, layered storytelling, and unforgettable visuals, Fire Force Season 3 Episode 6 isn't just the best anime fight of the year — it's a moment that redefines what anime action can be.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The Four Seasons' cast calls Colman Domingo's directing 'perfection'
Created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield, The Four Seasons Netflix series is based on the 1981 Alan Alda film. It follows six friends, three couples, as they go on vacations together throughout each season. Stars Marco Calvani, Kerri Kenney and Colman Domingo spoke to Yahoo Canada about the show, including Domingo stepping in to director Episode 6 of the show. Domingo's cast were quick to praise his directing as "perfection." Where should we go for our next trip? I want to go someplace warm. Vacation has a fish eye started. I hate this place. You want to get a drink? What happened in dry fall? Dry fall. Colin, you actually directed Episode 6, which, you know, as someone who can wear multiple hats and you are so talented, what was it like to direct that? So because it is a particularly juicy one in the series. I think so too, and I feel like I was very blessed to get that episode because I felt like it had even more depth for the characters, you know, that where things are, people are unpacking deeper emotions, things that they didn't know was there, and I knew that I just wanted to attack it in a way of like really sort of like a sleight of hand and really letting The comedy happened but also let people slide into these deeply emotional moments and so for me it was really about the character study because it was written that way so I wanted to lean into that and not sort of like impress upon a directorial style but really just really framed the work to make sure that the character and story was paramount and they they trusted me so beautifully because by then, you know, we've been working together in an extraordinary way and I, and I was really happy that they, they were able to embrace me. To help guide performance and and the aesthetics of it. So it was a real blessing and it was a blessing to be directed by him, I mean. You think he's an amazing actor. His directing is just perfection, especially feeling like, oh, do I deserve to be in this space, and then having him right there, trusting him because I know the kind of acting work he would be doing in this scene and him just going, come on, just try this, try this, and just, I just melted in his arms like like. I'll do whatever you want me to do because I know you're gonna take me in the in the right direction. Yeah, thank you. There's one scene in particular that your expression has stuck with me since I watched the episode. It's when you are singing the song at the vow renewal and you realize that it was not. And we and the look you give Coleman in that moment is like just one of my favorites of realization. Can you tell me a little bit about being able to, to film that moment? First of all, I, I was terrified of singing it was the first scene that we shot with so many other extras, so it wasn't just in front of my cast members but in front of a lot of people I've never seen before and I don't sing normally. I mean besides in the shower when I'm extremely happy, um, so there was that that element. And then it's such a beautiful moment for the character because that is the confirmation that my husband is keeping things away from me. We went through, I'm sorry it's true, so there've been seats in the episodes and but then it's, it's, it's pretty huge although. The nature of the lie is kind of silly if you may just a song for a wedding, but it's just like the final confirmation and it's keeping things away from me and it's the beginning when you start seeing the crack and when I accept that there is one. So it was, it was really a dance. It was really a dance to keep being happy for this for Ann and Nick. I'm the only one also that doesn't know that this couple is not is not gonna last long, um, and so I had to balance that joy with the revelation while I was singing. It was in the end it was. In a way it was uh funnier and easier than I thought. The song itself helped me navigate all those emotions. Um, yeah, and it's only my face, it's true. But the second I got to the end of the season, I was like, I need to know what happens to Anne. I need to know what Anne's next step is after this amazing cliffhanger. Anything that you'd like to see happen. Well, I think it's a really beautiful connection that she ends up making at the end, and it's not an obvious one. But I think Anne at her core wants to be needed. And I think once she wasn't needed by her daughter anymore because she's an empty nester, then she turns to her husband and realizes he's not there either. So all of these decades spent caretaking and helping to build the scaffolding for everyone else's life when no when they're not there anymore, what does that mean? And now I look in the mirror and And I have this body and I'm looked at this way by society, and I have these skills that don't equal the skills I had going in. Um, I think it's terrifying. So I think, I think for me in that moment when she's told, it's like, oh no, you're still in the family, and it can look all different ways and I think once she realized that Ginny is, is not a threat, that Ginny really truly did love him too, and that did not negate your 25 years of marriage. It's Justin also, um, maybe I'll be needed there and maybe I can be, be part of, uh, just intrinsically by the nature of it's all in the family. Um, I think that's what she's thinking and um maybe now that her 25 year marriage has been given some validity. She has more confidence to go on and find her, her next partner.
