Fired Minnesota TV meteorologist claims boss ordered her to wear tight-fitting dresses, reprimanded her for changing hair color: lawsuit

August 15, 2025August 15, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Wren Clair, whose legal name is Renee Fox, filed the sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against ABC affiliate KSTP-TV in St. Paul over the alleged misconduct by news director Kirk Varner.

Starting in 2021, Varner regularly spoke “about (Fox’s) body and appearance,” according to the complaint filed Tuesday in Ramsey County District Court.

“(He) voiced his preference for tighter fitting outfits, complained when she wore ‘pants’ instead of a dress … and complained about her decision to switch from blonde to her natural hair color.”

Fox said she was demoted from the evening news to a daytime schedule last year after she complained to the station’s human resources department, the lawsuit alleged.

She was fired in February after seven years at the station.

“In Minnesota, when your boss has allowed in front of people that he wonders what it would be like to sleep with you or wake up next to you, and then makes comments on your appearance on a regular basis — that’s against the law,” Paul Schinner, Fox’s attorney, told The Post on Thursday.

Varner, who had worked at the station since 2019, left the station in March.

“KSTP does not comment on personnel matters or active litigation,” Mike Garber, who replaced Varner as the station’s news director, told The Post.

In a legal filing on Wednesday, KSTP denied the sexual harassment allegations and claimed Fox was fired “as a result of her poor performance, on which she was repeatedly coached.”

KSTP said Varner’s comments on Fox’s appearance were “standard for on-air talent,” according to the filing.

Varner “emphasized the importance of clothing fit, informed (Fox) that wearing certain pants, such as joggers, on-air was unprofessional, and addressed (Fox’s) abrupt hair color change from blonde to brunette by referencing the appearance clause in her employment agreement,” the station said.

KSTP denied those allegations and argued that Fox “could not be trusted with severe weather coverage and … began deflecting and blaming others for her poor performance.”

Fox took over as the primetime weekday meteorologist for the station, which covers the Twin Cities area, in 2020 after chief weatherperson Dave Dahl retired.

Prior to his retirement, Dahl had “commented on (Fox’s) appearance, telling her how ‘great’ and ‘slim’ she looked,” according to the lawsuit.

Fox said she reported the comments to Varner, who “excused Dahl’s conduct in a way that expressly referenced gender.”

KSTP said Dahl had “apologized and agreed to work on it.”

As Dahl was weighing whether to retire, he allegedly told Fox he knew “how (she) wanted to have a baby” and could “cover her maternity leave,” according to the lawsuit.

Fox claimed she had never mentioned wanting to have a child to anyone at KSTP, and that “sex-based presumptions” like these were common at the station.

Varner and Dahl did not immediately respond to The Post’s requests for comment.

Before Fox took over the primetime slot, Varner “repeatedly and vocally doubted that ‘the public can accept a female lead in a scientist role,’” according to her lawsuit.

Fox holds degrees in chemistry and meteorology, according to the lawsuit.

KSTP claimed Varner had “repeatedly coached (Fox) to use less scientific and highly technical jargon in her weather reports, and to instead use basic language that could be readily understood by viewers.”

In the lawsuit, Fox claimed that other male peers at the station “treated her with blatant disrespect” after Dahl retired.

She then started to make frequent, formal complaints to HR, according to the lawsuit.

KSTP said Fox complained to HR about Varner only once, and that her shift to the daytime schedule was not a demotion and her compensation did not change.

Though she was not formally disciplined, she “received repeated performance coaching and warnings up to the date of her termination,” KSTP said.

She was fired from the station with two years left on her contract.

Fox is seeking back pay, attorneys’ fees and damages in an amount to be determined by a jury.

News

King Charles Delivers Urgent Warning In National Speech

August 15, 2025August 15, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Credit: Alamy

King Charles Delivers Urgent Warning In National Speech

King Charles has issued a warning in a nationwide address.

On the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, the King delivered a deeply personal six-minute audio message to the nation, Commonwealth and realms, honoring the sacrifices of those who fought in the Pacific and Far East during World War II’s final chapter.

The King and Queen Camilla attended a national service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and 33 veterans aged 96 to 105, per MailOnline.

The commemoration included a two-minute silence at midday and a flypast by the Red Arrows alongside historic Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft.

Tonight, hundreds of landmarks across the UK and internationally – from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, Cardiff Castle to the White Cliffs of Dover – will be illuminated in tribute to VJ Day veterans.

The monarch’s address, broadcast at 7:30 a.m. on Friday morning from the Morning Room at Clarence House, began by echoing his grandfather King George VI’s historic declaration eight decades ago, the Liverpool Echo reports.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla — King Charles and Queen Camilla have been attending many memorial events. Credit: Alamy

“‘The war is over,’ declared my Grandfather, King George VI, in his address to the nation and Commonwealth on VJ Day 80 years ago today – four short words after six long years of bloodshed, fear and suffering.”

King Charles paid particular tribute to Lord Mountbatten, his great-uncle, who commanded over one million Allied forces in Southeast Asia.

“The war in South East Asia had reached its climax under the leadership of my great uncle, Lord Mountbatten, from whom I learned so much about the particular horrors and heroism witnessed in those farthest fields of combat,” the King said.

The monarch acknowledged the psychological toll on veterans, noting that ‘Twenty-Nine Victoria Crosses bear eloquent testimony to their valour, but I know full well of the toll it took on so many – measured not only in gravestones, but in the mental and physical scars of those who survived.’

He specifically addressed what became known as the ‘Forgotten Army’ – troops who continued fighting in the Far East after Victory in Europe was declared in May 1945.

“Despite the unyielding support of their devoted battlefield commander, General William Slim, the forces on the ground sometimes considered themselves ‘the Forgotten Army,’” King Charles said, before reassuring veterans: “They and their fallen comrades shall never be forgotten.”

The King’s message extended beyond military personnel to acknowledge the broader human cost of the conflict.

He spoke movingly of ‘the prisoners of war who endured years of brutal captivity: the starvation, disease, and cruelty that tested the very limits of human endurance.’

In what is believed to be the most direct reference by a British monarch to the atomic bombings, King Charles acknowledged the Japanese civilian casualties.

He said: “On this landmark anniversary, we should also pause to acknowledge that in the war’s final act, an immense price was paid by the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – a price we pray no nation need ever pay again.”

Despite the remembrance of suffering, the King emphasized the positive legacy of international cooperation that emerged from the conflict.

“Countries and communities that had never before fought together learned to coordinate their efforts across vast distances, faiths, and cultural divides,” he said.

He highlighted this theme of unity with one of the address’s most memorable phrases: “Together they proved that, in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link.”

Concluding his deeply personal tribute to the ‘sadly dwindling band of veterans,’ King Charles delivered a stark warning about the contemporary relevance of wartime lessons.

He reminded the nation that the experiences of prisoners of war and civilian populations during World War II demonstrate that ‘war’s true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life – a tragedy all too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today.’

The King’s message concluded that the sacrifices of VJ Day heroes ‘gave us more than freedom; they left us the example of how it can and must be protected’ – a lesson he described as remaining ‘vital for our times.’

News

Lost man spent 9 days living off dirty pond water until rescuers spotted ‘HELP’ carved into rock

August 15, 2025August 15, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

The trained survivalist — who ironically has “I am still here” tattooed on an arm — was found sheltering under a makeshift mud lean-to next to the signs, rescuers said.

“He sustained some injuries and was severely dehydrated. We found him at the right time,” Staff Sgt. Brad McKinnon of the Williams Lake RCMP told the Vancouver Island Free Daily.

“He was having a hard time standing,” Bob Zimmerman, president of Quesnel Search and Rescue, told the CBC.

“I don’t know that he would have made it another 24 hours without us recovering him.”

It’s not clear why he was in the Cariboo region, a boggy, mostly rural part of the country north of Vancouver that is “beautiful” but “immense,” McKinnon said. He was reported missing on July 31, but was last seen three days before that.

“He was literally slurping unclean pond water to stay hydrated,” McKinnon told the Globe and Mail. “The human body can go a long time without food, but water is a different situation.”

McKinnon said Barber desperately “munched on whatever he could find” as he waited for help to arrive.

Barber was airlifted to Cariboo Memorial Hospital, where he’s expected to make a full recovery.

News

Andy Byron Confirms Dating Kristin Cabot Following Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal!?

August 15, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Andy Byron Confirms Dating Kristin Cabot Following Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal!?

The internet has seen its fair share of corporate scandals, but few have exploded quite like the Coldplay Kiss Cam incident. What started as a painfully awkward moment at Gillette Stadium has now become the most unlikely love story of the year. Andy Byron, the billionaire founder and former CEO of Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, his ex-HR director, have gone from viral infamy to officially confirming their relationship—yes, they’re really dating. Buckle up, because this is the kind of saga that only the 2020s could produce.

Let’s rewind to where it all began: July 17th, Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour, a sold-out crowd of 50,000, and two very conspicuous VIPs in the crowd. Andy Byron, then still married, and Kristin Cabot, both looking uncomfortable as the Kiss Cam zeroed in on them. The moment was pure cringe: Kristin tried to turn away, Andy ducked under the camera, but it was too late. The ten-second clip was captured, posted by a TikTok user, and within 48 hours it racked up over 120 million views. Suddenly, everyone with a phone had an opinion, and the story snowballed into a full-blown media circus.

The aftermath was swift and brutal. Social media detectives quickly identified the pair, and the speculation went into overdrive. Were they having an affair? Was this a one-off mistake or something deeper? Then came the leaks: 47 text messages from Kristin to Andy in a single night after the concert, ranging from anxious to desperate, and even a little threatening. Screenshots circulated everywhere, fueling theories that the relationship was more than just a fleeting mistake. As Astronomer’s board raced to contain the fallout, Andy was quietly placed on leave and resigned days later. Kristin’s LinkedIn vanished, her badge access was revoked, and the company’s valuation plummeted as investors and clients fled.

For weeks, both Andy and Kristin disappeared from public view. Andy reportedly holed up in a penthouse in upstate New York, his net worth taking a $20 million hit, while Kristin was spotted outside her New Hampshire home, watering her garden in sweatpants and an oversized cardigan, minus her wedding ring. The memes were relentless, with TikTok crowning her “the garden snake” and fashion blogs dubbing her look “cardigan crisis couture.” Meanwhile, Andy’s wife Megan made her own statement—a single Instagram story with a champagne glass and the caption, “Sometimes the real snake sits in your husband’s office.” No tears, no drama, just a cold, calculated exit.

But the real twist came months later. Paparazzi photos surfaced of Andy and Kristin together in Boston, laughing over dinner, boarding a private jet, and even sharing hoodies. Multiple outlets soon confirmed what many had suspected: Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot are officially dating. No more hiding, no more awkward denials. They blew up their lives and careers, and now, against all odds, they’re a couple.

Reactions online have been predictably wild. Some are calling it a PR stunt, a desperate attempt at damage control or a slow play for a Netflix documentary. Others, surprisingly, are rooting for them, calling their romance “the messiest but most romantic thing ever.” The internet is split between those who see trauma bonding and those who see true love blossoming from the ashes of scandal. Reddit threads are vicious, Twitter is feral, and TikTok has moved on to romantic montages set to Coldplay’s “Fix You.” But one thing is clear: people are invested, even if they’re hate-watching.

Insider sources have added new layers to the story, claiming Andy and Megan were already separated before the concert, and that Andy and Kristin were simply trying to keep their relationship quiet until they could leave Astronomer without causing a scene. But after the Kiss Cam fiasco, all bets were off. Both lost their jobs, their marriages, and their reputations, but seem to have found each other in the wreckage.

Now, the rumor mill is spinning again. Kristin is reportedly working on a memoir, tentatively titled “Texts from the Edge,” with publishers circling for the rights. Andy, meanwhile, is said to be quietly building a new startup advisory collective, keeping a low profile but staying in the tech game. There’s even talk of a documentary deal—after all, this story has everything: love, betrayal, corporate intrigue, SEC investigations, and Coldplay.

Whether this is a genuine second chance at love or just round two of a very public train wreck, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: in an age where scandals go viral in seconds and screenshots never die, Andy and Kristin’s story is a reminder that the internet never forgets. Sometimes, it just refreshes the feed and waits for the next act.

So, are Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot meant to be, or are they simply spiraling together in real time? The world is watching, and for now, their story is still being written—one headline, one meme, and one viral moment at a time.

Blackheads

Mom of ‘anti vaxxer’ allegedly ‘interrupted’ paramedics who tried to save daughter from heart attack

August 15, 2025August 15, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Paloma Shemirani shared similar beliefs with her mom about vaccines and medics

An inquest has heard how a mom who shared ‘conspiracy theories’ allegedly ‘interrupted’ medics as they tried to save her daughter from a heart attack.

In December 2023, Paloma Shemirani, from East Sussex, UK, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that has a survival rate of 80 percent with chemotherapy.

However, tragically, just seven months after medics broke the news, Paloma died.

It is believed the 23-year-old ‘anti-vaxxer’ had sought ‘alternative’ treatment, which her siblings, Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani, believe was inspired by their mom, Kate Shemirani.

Kate was struck off as an NHS nurse in 2021 for promoting misinformation about Coronavirus and vaccines.

She then became a prominent figure in spouting conspiracy theories on social media, which included calling the pandemic a hoax, that Covid-19 vaccines were a plan to kill people and branding chemo as toxic and dangerous.

The young woman tragically died after suffering a cardiac arrest (Paloma Shemirani/Facebook)

Now, an inquest into Paloma’s death has heard how the mom-of-three allegedly caused a disruption to paramedics as they tried to save the young woman’s life.

When she collapsed in her mom’s home in July 2024, paramedic Robin Bass said Kate ‘presented a challenge as she kept interrupting while the crews were carrying out care,’ reports BBC News.

The medic told the coroner that Kate had mentioned a mass on Paloma’s chest, but when he passed on the information to colleagues that it could be cancer, the mom reportedly denied it.

Kate then said she believed her daughter was choking on food, the inquest heard. Her daughter later died in hospital after suffering a heart attack caused by a tumor.

Doctor Peter Anderson, who had attended to the sick woman when she arrived in the hospital, also confirmed to the inquest that Paloma appeared to have a large mass in her neck and her chest which was compressing her airways and blood vessels, stating he believes this likely caused her cardiac arrest.

The inquest heard how the mom may have disrupted paramedics (Hollie Adams/Getty Images)

During the inquest, it was her twin brother Gabriel who asked if his mom had made paramedics’ job more difficult that night.

The paramedic replied: “I believe we had to be quite firm at some points… had to ask for quiet while administering care to your sister.”

The coroner also revealed Kate had called a friend, instead of emergency services, when Paloma collapsed.

Gabriel then asked another paramedic if the delay in calling for an ambulance affected her chance of survival.

“It’s difficult to say,” Karen Clarke, Secamb critical care paramedic, said. “You always recommend someone calling 999 straight away.”

Prior to her death, the University of Cambridge graduate had claimed her human rights had been violated by NHS staff, even going so far as to compare their practices to those of the Nazis during the Second World War.

Paloma also denied having cancer and slammed doctors for what she believed was an ‘absurd fantasy, with no proof.’

Gabriel blames his mom for his sister’s death (HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

“I do not want to undergo such a harsh treatment that could even kill me when there is a possibility this is not cancer,” she had said, instead opting for alternative treatments like a strict plant-based diet, juices, supplements and coffee enemas.

There is no scientific evidence that this regime, known as Gerson therapy, helps treat cancer.

Like Paloma’s brothers, a safeguarding report highlights concerns over Paloma’s refusal of cancer treatment and the ‘possible influence’ of Kate.

The pair say their childhood was filled with wild theories from their mom, such as the British Royal Family being lizards, the Sandy Hook school shooting being staged, and 9/11 being an ‘inside job’.

Meanwhile, Kate blames the NHS and ‘medical interventions given without confirmed diagnosis or lawful consent’ as being behind her daughter’s death.

Featured Image Credit: Paloma Shemirani/Facebook

Celebrity Hollywood

Pete Davidson makes surprising admission on impact Ariana Grande outing the size of his penis had

August 15, 2025August 15, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Pete Davidson makes surprising admission on impact Ariana Grande outing the size of his penis had

The SNL star has revealed it has a surprising impact on his relationships and even his career

Pete Davidson has made a frank admission on the impact it had when his penis-size became public knowledge.

Back in 2018, the Saturday Night Live actor and superstar singer Ariana Grande shared a bewildering whirlwind romance, even going so far as to get engaged just a few weeks after getting together.

Although by fall that same year, Davidson and the Wicked star split and called off the engagement, Grande had teased fans that she had been working on a song about her then-boyfriend, aptly titled ‘Pete Davidson’.

However, it was here the ‘Thank U Next’ hitmaker went on to change how the public viewed Davidson as a fan asked her: “How long is Pete?”, referring to the length of the track.

Seeing the opportunity, Grande quipped back: “Like 10 inches? …. Oh f**k …. I mean … like a lil over a minute.”

The pair briefly dated in 2018 (Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

While Arianators shared a giggle over her tongue-in-cheek joke, one person who apparently didn’t find it so funny was Davidson himself.

In a Netflix special in 2020, the New Yorker revealed: “I don’t like that she talked all that sh*t for my penis.”

Now, while speaking to The Breakfast Club, the 31-year-old has revealed why he didn’t like the unsolicited attention on his private parts, revealing the comment drastically affected the public’s perception of him and his career and relationships.

Davidson started by telling host Charlamagne tha God that he felt ’embarrassed’ during his stint on SNL, describing how he ‘unintentionally’ brought tabloid-style ‘pop culture’ to the show.

“I was embarrassed by it because, now it’s started to change a little bit, but no one talked about any work I was doing.

“They were like, ‘Oh that’s the f*** stick.’ And that hurt, like so much.

“I think after a year or two, everyone saw how sad I was about it and embarrassed because I was never on Instagram flexing that sort of lifestyle at all, I was very like embarrassed by it.”

Davidson has since found love with his girlfriend Elsie Hewitt (Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

However, he stressed: “No one was ever outrightly mean by any means.”

Charlamagne tha God then interjected: “What were you embarrassed by though? You were banging a lot of hot chicks and you had a 10-inch penis.”

“On paper, that sounds great,” Davidson confessed while laughing. “But it’s embarrassing because, first of all, it’s Hollywood. Everybody f***s everyone. Everybody’s dating everybody. Why are they focusing on me?

“I’m not Glenn-Powell-handsome, you know? I’m just this dude that tells d**k jokes that looks like a drug addict.”

Davidson continued to reveal how it affected his dating life, adding: “It had nothing to do with comedy and also that stuff affects relationships.

“Seeing that and trying to move around and go on dates and just be like a young dude who’s trying to figure out who he is – I don’t want to victimize myself in anyway because I’m cool, but like the sexualisation of me..

“If that was a girl, people would be like, there would be a march for it.”

Kardashian also dated the star (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Tracing back the origins of the not-so-funny gag, Davidson said he believed a news report started it when he was dating ‘someone out of his league’ by describing him as having ‘big d**k energy’.

“And then someone confirmed it,” Davidson said coyly.

“They’ll figure it out,” he joked.

Well, it wasn’t just Grande who appeared to make a crude comment about his manhood, as former ex-girlfriend Kim Kardashian has also said the comedian had ‘big d**k energy’.

During an episode of The Kardashians, the SKIMS founder recalled meeting Davidson after her SNL appearance and asked for his number.

“I was just thinking, ‘Heard about this BDE [big d**k energy], need to get out there, I need to jumpstart my…” the star paused. “I was basically DTF [down to f***].”

Featured Image Credit: Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM/YouTube

News

Sole survivor of plane crash that killed 112 explains her last moments before she was left widowed and paralyzed

August 14, 2025August 14, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Malien Diaz Almaguer is one of just a handful of people in history who have become the sole survivors of fatal commercial airline crashes

Malien Diaz Almaguer was one of 113 people on board a commercial plane that went down in a fiery ball of flames seven years ago, but unlike the other 112 passengers and crew, she survived.

On May 18, 2018, the then 19-year-old was accompanied by her husband when the domestic Cubana de Aviación flight 0972 crashed into a farm on the outskirts of the Cuban capital of Havana, shortly after taking off from José Martí International Airport, less than two miles away.

Malien, now 26, had been visiting the bustling capital, located on the west coast of the Caribbean’s largest island, to complete paperwork with her partner before returning to their hometown of Holguín, a city which is located on the east of Cuba – a 10-hour drive from Havana.

However, her horror unfolded just 40 seconds after takeoff.

The flight was scheduled to depart at 11am local time – but the aircraft was doomed prior to the 113 passengers and crew boarding.

That was due to discrepancies in the weight and balance distribution that had been calculated, compared to the actual configuration of the plane. Due to this, the center of gravity was calculated at 17.4 percent, but in actual fact, it was 28.5 percent – just 0.5 percent off its rear limit.

On top of this, the horizontal stabiliser trim – which allows the pilot to maintain a stable and balanced flight attitude with minimal control input – was set 2.5 units higher than it should have been.

At 12pm, the cockpit was given the green light for the runway. But immediately after lift-off, the plane banked right and left multiple times before losing speed, before going into an uncontrollable descent and crashing, killing everyone but Malien on board.

“For me, the accident and everything that followed has been the greatest test I’ve ever been through. It marked a before and after in my life,” Malien told UNILAD in an exclusive interview.

Cubana de Aviacion aircraft crashed after taking off from Havana’s Jose Marti airport on May 18, 2018 (YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

Following the collision, it was discovered that the plane was a 39-year-old Boeing 737-201 Advanced – the average age of aircrafts in the commercial aviation industry is around 11 to 12 years.

As well as losing her husband in the crash – which occurred due to human error – she also sustained a C6 to C7 spinal cord injury that has left her paralyzed, as well as losing her left leg from the knee down, and was burdened with trauma that only few people in the world understand.

That’s not to mention the survivor’s guilt that came from it.

“Looking at it from different perspectives, I can say that it wasn’t easy to realize one day that your health was very delicate, that you had to face multiple treatments and medical procedures daily to survive,” the defiant Cuban, who has lived in Havana since the accident, explained.

“Being very young at only 19 years old, my plans had literally been destroyed, and now it was time to escape from the seriousness.

While the 26-year-old has no recollection of the flight, she believes the sole reason she survived was due to God’s intervention (Instagram/mailen981223)

“From my point of view, now, after seven years, I don’t see life the same way I did before. I’m grateful for everything that happens in my life, even the things that don’t seem good. I enjoy every detail, no matter how small, and above all, I give thanks and glory to God for everything.”

“I don’t remember anything from that moment,” Malien told UNILAD. “My memories of that day are very limited. I remember some details inside the airport, but I don’t remember anything from when I was on board.”

While she may not be able to recall anything from the collision herself, she chalks her survival down to one thing – the intervention of God.

“God has had and still has plans for my life. He has been my driving force to overcome each of life’s challenges from the moment I met Him.”

Featured Image Credit: YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images / Instagram/@mailen981223

Topics: Travel, World News, Religion

Health Cancer

What to know about dangerous ‘black tumor’ cancer as Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock dies at 48

August 14, 2025August 14, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Kelly Clarkson‘s ex-husband, talent manager Brandon Blackstock, has died after a three-year private battle with melanoma. He was 48.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” Blackstock’s management company, Starstruck, said in a statement on Aug. 7, 2025.

“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,” the statement continued. “He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”

The Post tapped two experts for insight into melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Known as “black tumor,” melanoma sends about 8,000 Americans to the grave each year — here’s what you can do to avoid becoming one of them.

What makes melanoma so dangerous?

“Many skin cancers — for example, basal cell carcinoma — grow only on the skin and do not commonly spread,” Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, CEO of the Dermatology Circle, told The Post.

Melanoma, meanwhile, is a whole different beast.

“Melanoma is considered the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it has a high potential to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early,” said Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, a dermatologist.

This is because melanoma cells act differently than other skin cancer cells, quickly spreading to other organs and tissues via the bloodstream and lymphatic system, Mudgil explained.

The risk of melanoma spreading depends on several factors, Kazlouskaya added, including the size and stage of the tumor, the patient’s age and other medical conditions they might have, such as a suppressed immune system.

”These are all a direct result of my melanoma,” she shared via Instagram in March. Since then, doctors have also found tumors in her lungs.

What does melanoma look like?

“Melanomas can appear as a new mole, a changing mole or a spot with an irregular shape, border or color, often with shades of brown, black, or even pink, red or white,” Mudgil said.

“Things to look for are the ‘ABCDE’s’ of melanoma — asymmetry, border irregularity, color variability, diameter greater than 6 mm (which is the size of a pencil eraser), and last, evolution of an existing mole to exhibit any of the aforementioned qualities,” he recommended.

While it’s helpful to keep an eye on your skin for any changes, Kazlouskaya pointed out that in many cases, you’ll need a professional to evaluate suspicious spots.

“Many common moles can be large or slightly irregular but are not dangerous,” she said. “And vice versa — melanomas are not always very atypical and sometimes don’t even have pigment.”

Who’s at risk for melanoma?

“Melanoma can affect folks of all skin colors and ethnicities,” Mudgil said.

However, lighter skin significantly raises your chances of developing the disease. In fact, the lifetime risk of getting melanoma is 1 in 33 for white people, compared to just 1 in 1,000 for black people, according to the American Cancer Society.

This is because lighter skin contains less melanin, the pigment that protects against UV damage. Among those with lighter skin, the risk is especially higher for people with red or blond hair, blue or green eyes or skin that freckles or burns easily.

The risk of melanoma also increases with age. The average age of Americans diagnosed is 66, but it’s one of the most common cancers in people under 30 — especially young women.

Other risk factors include being male, having several moles, a personal or family history of the disease and a history of blistering sunburns, particularly in childhood. People who spend a lot of time outdoors may also face higher risk due to increased sun exposure.

How can I protect myself from melanoma?

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet rays.

To lower your risk of melanoma, it’s essential to be mindful of how much UV exposure you’re getting.

“Daily sunscreen and protective clothing when the sun is extreme are simple prevention measures,” Kazlouskaya said.

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to avoid being outside during these hours or stay in the shade.

But don’t be fooled by cloudy or cool days — UV rays can still reach you, and they reflect off surfaces like water, cement and snow.

That’s why you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, no matter the weather.

And never, ever step foot in an indoor tanning bed. They emit harmful UV radiation, and studies show that using one before the age of 35 can increase your risk of melanoma by up to 75%.

Finally, prevention is key.

“Yearly skin checks and self-exams may help detect a suspicious spot early on,” Kazlouskaya said.

What are my odds of surviving melanoma?

“Melanoma is among the ‘deadliest’ cancers we know.” Kazlouskaya said. The key to successful treatment is early detection.

“The earlier we catch it, the better,” she explained. “At early stages, it can often be cured with just a simple excision and has a wonderful prognosis.”

But once the cancer spreads, those odds change dramatically.

In cases where melanoma hasn’t spread beyond the skin, 99 out of 100 patients will survive for five years after diagnosis, according to the ACS.

That number drops significantly to just 35 out of 100 patients when the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, like the lungs or liver.

In 2025, the ACS estimates that around 104,960 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed in the US, with approximately 8,430 Americans expected to die from the disease.

“If you see something unusual on your skin, get in to see a board certified dermatologist ASAP!” Mudgil said.

Celebrity Hollywood

Taylor Swift refuses to wash one body part in shower and fans don’t know how to feel about it

August 14, 2025August 14, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Taylor Swift refuses to wash one body part in shower and fans don’t know how to feel about it

The 35-year-old ‘Love Story’ star is back in the spotlight after making a major music announcement

It’s fair to say it’s been a very busy week for Taylor Swift after she made a surprise announcement alongside her Kansas City Chiefs boyfriend, Travis Kelce.

In a teaser clip for tomorrow’s episode (13 August) of Travis’ New Heights podcast, Taylor shared the name of her 12th studio album, revealing its title to be The Life of a Showgirl.

The announcement of both the new album and her appearance on the podcast broke the internet as, according to verified Twitter account, Taylor Swift Charts+, the 13-second preview has ‘garnered over 10 million views on social media in 30 minutes’.

While all this exciting new stuff is going on, it’s clear that some fans are still stuck on one particular hygiene habit confession Taylor made years back, where she admitted that she sometimes doesn’t wash one specific body part in the shower.

Taylor Swift is set to appear alongside Travis Kelce in tomorrow’s podcast episode (13 August) (New Heights)

It all started a few years back in 2019, when the ‘Cruel Summer’ singer sat down for an interview on The Ellen Show.

Host Ellen DeGeneres asked her the simple yet slightly odd question: “Do you wash your legs in the shower?”

Taylor then revealed that she does – but only when she shaves her legs.

“I do, because when you shave your legs, the shaving cream is like soap, right?”

The talk show host then agreed: “Yeah, it is. I think that’s the reason that most women wash their legs – because we have to, because we shave our legs.”

A relieved Taylor continued: “So that counts? Good. I’m on the right side of history, then.”

Ellen piped up: “Unless you’re not shaving… then you’re not washing.”

Taylor made the confession way back when in 2019 – and people are STILL talking about it (Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

“No… I don’t think I would say that,” the pop icon hit back, to which Ellen chirped: “It seems like you did just say it!”

Taylor explained: “But, I kind of always shave my legs,” to which Ellen ended the whole ordeal with some much-needed comic relief: “God, you must be hairy!”

After catching light of Taylor’s shower confession, many critics rushed to social media to slam the Grammy award-winning singer for her allegedly bizarre habit.

“How the hell do u not wash ur legs in the shower??? Huh?? U just stop after ur butt and that’s it??” slammed one Twitter user.

A second hit out: “Taylor Swift said she don’t wash her legs but she shaves them girl that is not the same thing wtf.”

Someone else commented: “I’m confused, isn’t the shower supposed to be the place where you wash EVERYTHING?!”

And a final user echoed: “What do you mean does she wash her legs?? Don’t you wash your legs when you shower? Like, washing your legs is part of showering. Is it not to some people?”

I finally answered the most important question on the internet… Does @TaylorSwift13 wash her legs?

Others, however, thought the outrage was a tad too extreme.

“Come on, this is so ridiculous. Leave her alone who cares what she does or doesn’t shower. Really, is this the best we have now in our world?” hit out one person.

A second chimed in: “This could say she has literally never showered in her entire life and it would change absolutely nothing in my life.”

“She said she doesn’t wash her legs because she shaves them every day. To me that’s the same as washing. People are crazy with all this nonsense,” defended another.

And a final fan outlined: “People have different levels of shower. She was talking about quick shower vs everything shower.”

Featured Image Credit: Hector Vivas/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Celebrity Hollywood

Stars Who Love Their Plastic Surgery

August 14, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Meghan Trainor attends the "Now Playing" Creator Day hosted by Spotify at its Los Angeles Campus on November 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California., Meghan Trainor at iHeartRadio's 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango held at Huntington City Beach on May 10, 2025 in Huntington Beach, California.

Credit : Presley Ann/Getty for Spotify; Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

Stars Who Love Their Plastic Surgery

Forget going under the scalpel in secret – these stars are loud and (very) proud about their major makeovers

Body confidence can come in many forms — whether it’s “I woke up like this” total acceptance, the endorphins you feel after hitting the gym, highlighting a favorite feature with clothing choices or, for some, making the decision to undergo plastic surgery to augment (or de-emphasize) certain features.

Celebrities are no stranger to cosmetic procedures, but for these stars — including Meghan Trainor, Jessie James Decker, Kaley Cuoco and more — they’re so happy with the results, they’re sharing that joy with the world, encouraging others to do whatever they need to do to feel like the best version of themselves.

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Meghan Trainor

How much does Meghan Trainor love her new implants? She changed the lyrics of her song “All About That Bass” to be “I guess it’s pretty clear, I got some new boobs!” The singer flaunted her body at the Wango Tango concert in May 2025, after revealing earlier in the year that, after having her two children, she had been losing weight with the help of Mounjaro, and had gotten a breast lift and implants.

“I feel so girly and I love it, and it makes me so much more confident and it’s like the best decision I ever made,” she told PEOPLE after the surgery. “I smile every time I shower.”

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Lindsay Arnold

In January 2025, the former Dancing with the Star pro shared that she had undergone a breast lift and augmentation and was “sooo happy with the results already,” showing fans the before and after shots.

“I appreciate the respect that this is something that I wanted to do for myself,” she added.

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Kaitlyn Bristowe

Former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe is an open book to fans, sharing the before and after details of all her procedures (including a recent blepharoplasty that had an unfortunate encounter with her dog, to recently welcoming “twins” — breast implants – and telling all her friends). And most of all, she’s open about the fact that she’s doing it for herself, and not looking for any input from the internet.

“Believe it or not I’ve done more work on the inside. You can’t physically see that, but I’ve never felt it more,” she said on Instagram in December 2024. “To the people who always wanna comment, ‘You were so much prettier before all the work you’ve had done,’ I suggest you do the important work on the inside before judging what’s on the outside.”

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Lily Allen

Following her divorce from David Harbour, Lily Allen got “some additions to the family,” as she joked of her implants on her Miss Me? podcast.

“They look really incredible when I take my top off and my bra off, but there’s definitely a contrast in age between my breasts and my face,” she joked, elaborating that when it comes to the difference between the two. “I’m like, 40 [facially], 18 [on her torso].”

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Sami Sheen

The eldest daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards cried tears of happiness upon seeing the results of her nose job, as captured on Denise Richards & Her Wild Things in March 2025.

“I’ve wanted this for so long. Oh, my God, it looks so good,” she said. “I feel so pretty now. Now I feel like I can finally get my headshots done to start modeling. This was the one thing holding me back. Now I got a good nose.”

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Jana Kramer

In March, the singer shared that she was going to get a breast augmentation “because I want to,” she said, adding, “bottom line, I’m choosing myself, I’m choosing my size, I’m doing what’s right for me. I know a woman’s body is beautiful no matter what shape or size but I want this.”

Months later, the star posted another Instagram confirming that she was thrilled with the choice and the way she feels in her body now. “Since my breast augmentation I have felt more empowered about my decision. I’m proud that I have made choices for me.”

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Teresa Giudice

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star got a nose job in February 2021 and “no one even noticed,” she said on Watch What Happens Live. According to The Sun, she had previously discussed the procedure at an event in New Jersey, saying fiancé Luis Ruelas supported her decision.

“I asked Louie, I’m, like, ‘Babe, should I get my nose done?’ ” she said. “And he’s like, ‘Is it going to make you feel better?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ So he said, ‘Do it.'”

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Jessie James Decker

The singer and Kittenish designer shared with fans that she decided to “go big or go home” after she and husband Eric Decker were done having kids, opting for a breast augmentation.

“They were so big and perky before children and I wanted them back … plus some,” she explained. “I feel great; I’m super happy with them.”

The star, who often shuts down critics on her Instagram, went on to say “it’s not for everybody but it was certainly for me! I always say, you do you and do what makes you feel confident and sexy.”

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Iggy Azalea

“It s hard to be a woman in 2015 with social media … There’s a lot more pressure to look beautiful,” the rapper told Seventeen at the time about her decision to get a nose job, shortly after admitting to Vogue she’d gotten breast implants. But her number one rule for cosmetic surgery: come clean. “I’m not denying it. Denying it is lame,” she said.

In 2023, Azalea revisited the conversation around plastic surgery on Emily Ratajkowski’s podcast, saying she was happy to show off her body because she was in control of the narrative — and proud of the way she looked.

“I like my breasts. They’re fake and they look f—ing good and I like them. I’m happy with them and I like my body,” she said. “I liked my body before. I liked my face before and I like it now. I like myself, I never didn’t. I never hated myself.”

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Delores Catania

Fellow Real Housewives of New Jersey star Delores Catania said that another procedure of Teresa’s, her breast implants, inspired her to go under the knife herself.

“I was looking around at boobs all the time, to see which ones I liked best, and I really felt that Teresa Giudice‘s were best,” she said. “My breasts weren’t really on my priority list until I saw how good hers looked and realized how much of an improvement I could have. It really lit a fire under my ass because I knew that I could get a better result with different implants.”

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Madison LeCroy

Two weeks after sharing a photo of herself about to undergo breast augmentation surgery, the Southern Charm star showed off the results in a baby-blue crop top, captioning the Instagram post “blooming.”

The star had opened up about her desire for a bust boost before the surgery, writing “If life gives you lemons 🍋 , Dr O’Neill can turn them to melons. Thanks to his excellent team for making this momma feel like herself again,” and then clarifying, “Just because I’m having an implant does not mean that I’m coming with boobs as big as my head … we are going to stay as natural as possible.”

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Angelina Pivarnick

Just how happy was the former Jersey Shore star with her decision to get a breast augmentation? So happy, it warranted an Instagram post and several Instagram Stories segments about her new look.

“My boobies are my fave part of my body now,” she wrote. “I never had one surgery in my life until this and let me tell you I would do it again because [Dr. John Paul Tutela] is that amazing.”

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Chrissy Teigen

The multi-hyphenate star always keeps it real, and that includes uncovering the “big secret” that celebrities get liposuction in their armpits. But she only has good things to say about that now decade-old decision.

“I had an armpit sucked out, which was one of the best things,” the model told Refinery 29 in 2017. “It was so easy. It made me feel better in dresses; I felt more confident. It was the dumbest, stupidest thing I’ve ever done. The dumbest, but I like it, whatever. I have no regrets, honestly.”

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Kim Zolciak-Biermann

Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen - Season 14 — Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

While Zolciak-Biermann and her daughter Brielle Biermann‘s lip injections are a frequent topic of discussion, Biermann revealed a different type of injections that her mom has gotten: ear lobe fillers.

The 21-year-old star tweeted about her mom’s treatment on on Twitter, “My mom gets filler in her ears because her diamond earrings are too heavy….. #richpeopleproblems.”

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Anna Faris

The actress initially thought that getting a breast augmentation would be “caving into the man,” but was delighted with the “f—ing awesome” results after deciding to undergo the procedure after her 30th birthday, she told Women’s Health. “It came down to a really simple thing: I wanted to fill out a bikini.”

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Tamra Judge

To celebrate her 10th season on the Real Housewives of Orange County, the 49-year-old TV star revealed that she got a lower facelift and eye tuck – and showed off the results just two weeks after undergoing surgery on Watch What Happens Live. She wrote on Instagram that she got an “overwhelming amount of messages” after the news broke and decided to share photos of the healing process. “I’m open and honest about it because I want women to know that everyone gets old even people on TV and there is nothing wrong with growing old gracefully if that’s what you want…… It’s jut not for me! 😂. I like to keep it real!” She’s keeping it so real, she even provided her email address for women to reach out to her directly with questions.

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Jacqueline Laurita

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star revealed exclusively to PeopleStyle in February that she got her fourth boob job – a cup size reduction and breast tissue reduction in December 2016. She opted for Ideal Implants, which she explained to us were safer than silicone, and two months later, she confirmed on a Best Products Facebook live that she’s still thrilled with the results. “They have the softness and naturalness of silicone but don’t ripple or slosh around,” she told PeopleStyle. “You don’t have to do MRIs anymore, and if it ruptures you know immediately because it will collapse.”

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MElissa Gorga

Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga came clean about getting a nose job after co-star Jacqueline Laurita called her out for having the procedure done four times. “Let’s be honest, it’s the worst-kept secret that I’ve had a nose job, but it’s my secret to tell, not hers,” Gorga told The Daily Dish. But she’s not ashamed of the procedure – and she’d like to set the record straight about Laurita’s accusation while she’s at it: “Four nose jobs? I would look pretty deranged.”

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Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi

The former Jersey Store star has a reputation for being totally candid with fans about her weight, personal life and more – and that extends to any facial modifications she might undergo, including her lips, which she wrote about on Instagram in August. “First session of lip plumps and it’s just fabulous. I’ve always hated my thin lips and never thought I had the balls to get needles in my lip to perfect them but I did! Trust me girls, I was terrified to get my first ‘procedure’ ever done, but it wasn’t terrible at all! And I hate needles! I love my ‘natural beauty’ but being able to enhance my lips to make me feel better about myself is life.”

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Kaley Cuoco

The actress has called the implants she got during her run on 8 Simple Rules “the best decision I ever made,” and she told Redbook why: “I had no boobs! I always felt ill-proportioned. My implants made me feel more confident in my body. It wasn’t about trying to be a porn star or wanting to look hot and sexy.”

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Kelly Rowland

The star got a breast augmentation in 2008 after really thinking about the decision – and she never looked back. “I’m so happy. I feel complete,” she told PEOPLE. “I was hesitant about talking about it … I was sick of not fitting into my tops … It is a decision I made for myself. I like it, and that’s all that counts.”

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Jillian Michaels

At 16, the trainer decided to undergo rhinoplasty after being bullied for her nose in her youth. “I’ll be honest, it did change my life,” she told PEOPLE. “Not to say you should let your physicality define you, but there are some things that can make people feel really insecure. So, if there is something you want to fix that allows you to feel a little bit more confident, I support it.”

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Bethenny Frankel

Another star who learned the art of being super-candid from her reality show, Bethenny opened up on her short-lived talk show about her fluctuating cup size, which she said stemmed from implants she didn’t like and had removed. “I went again like a couple of years ago when I could afford it to get them taken out and then lifted and I did feel much better,” she said. “I felt like I was a little hotter, you know, a little perkier.”

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Nene Leakes

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star told PEOPLE in 2010 that she used time off between seasons to undergo a breast lift, liposuction and nose job. “I’m very comfortable and confident in myself. I just wanted a tune up,” she said. “I still wanted to look like NeNe, the black woman that I am, but a better version.”

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Lisa Kudrow

Another star who tweaked her nose as a teen, Kudrow says she’s thrilled with the decision. “I went from, in my mind, hideous, to not hideous,” she has said. “I did it the summer before going to a new high school. So there were plenty of people who wouldn’t know how hideous I looked before. That was a good, good, good change.”

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Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley

JWoww was never one to try to hide her breast augmentation (literally or figuratively), and a few months after having her daughter, the star was back on social media to discuss her new implants. “Ten years later and with the birth of my angel baby Meilani, [my implants] had changed a bit, especially with breastfeeding. I wanted them really badly,” she wrote. “They are so amazing right now and still have a soft, natural look to them thanks to my amazing doctor.”

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Patricia Heaton

The Middle actress opted for a breast reduction and tummy tuck in 2002, and told PEOPLE it all came down to one thing: “Vanity. I mean it. Vanity,” she said. “I had four C-sections and my stomach looked like the map of the world. My breasts were hanging down to here from breastfeeding those babies, and my nipples were like platters. I wanted to fit into the gowns that I finally got to wear.”