A man who was removed from the UK less than a year ago has been arrested again—this time, after police say they caught him dealing drugs in Southend during a routine September operation. Officers identified the suspect as 26-year-old Albanian national Deonald Loka, who had previously been deported in December 2024 following earlier criminal conduct. His unexpected return has intensified concerns about border breaches and repeat offending at a time when local communities are already reporting rising street-level drug activity.
Police moved in after spotting what they believed was an active drug deal unfolding near a busy stretch of the town. Loka was detained at the scene and later charged at Basildon Crown Court, where prosecutors outlined the evidence officers recovered during the arrest. The case has now become a flashpoint in Essex, prompting renewed debate about how deported offenders are able to re-enter the UK without permission.
Who Loka Is and Why His Return Matters
Loka had been removed from the UK under a deportation order and was not permitted to come back without formal Home Office clearance. His reappearance in Essex surprised many involved in the earlier case, especially given how quickly he appears to have resurfaced.
Officers say they found drugs packaged for sale, along with a mobile phone that is now being examined as part of the wider investigation. Those findings are expected to help prosecutors map out his activity in the days leading up to the arrest.
Where Police Say the Offending Took Place
According to police, the incident unfolded in Southend-on-Sea during an afternoon operation targeting drug supply hotspots. Officers observing the area said they saw behaviour consistent with a street-level deal, prompting them to intervene immediately.
The arrest happened in a location known for high foot traffic, increasing public concern about the risk posed by open drug markets in residential and commercial zones.
How He Returned After Deportation
Authorities have long warned that some individuals removed from the UK attempt to come back through irregular means, bypassing normal border checks. While the precise route used in this case has not been detailed publicly, officials emphasise that returning without permission is itself a criminal offence.
The handling of Loka’s return is now expected to involve both criminal proceedings and immigration action, reflecting how the two systems often overlap in cases involving deported offenders.
How Deportation Orders and New Charges Work
How Deportation Orders Function
Once someone is removed under a deportation order, they are legally barred from re-entering the UK unless the order is lifted. Returning without permission is an offence that can lead to imprisonment.
What Prosecutors Must Establish
For the new case, prosecutors must show:
That Loka knowingly returned to the UK despite the existing deportation order.
That he was involved in supplying controlled substances, supported by physical evidence, officer observations, or digital material found on seized devices.
These are standard evidential thresholds in cases involving illegal re-entry and drug supply.
What Happens Next Under UK Law
If convicted, Loka could receive a custodial sentence. After completing that sentence, immigration officers typically review a person’s status and may enforce removal again unless a legal barrier prevents it. This sequence—criminal proceedings followed by immigration action—is common in cases where someone breaches a deportation order.
Why Essex Communities Are Paying Attention
Towns across Essex, including Southend and Basildon, have reported growing frustration over drug dealing near public areas. The arrest of a previously deported offender has sharpened calls from residents for increased patrols, more joint tasking with immigration teams, and stronger disruption of street-level drug networks.
Local officials say that while the courts will handle the case, community safety remains the immediate priority.
He was removed in December 2024 following earlier criminal conduct that led to a deportation order.
Is returning to the UK after deportation illegal?
Yes. Re-entering without permission breaches a deportation order and can result in criminal prosecution.
What will happen after the court case?
If convicted, Loka would serve his sentence and then be referred for immigration action, which may include removal from the UK again.
How are drug-supply cases usually proven?
Evidence can include drugs found, packaging, officer observations, cash, or digital material such as messages linked to dealing.
Tension Erupts After On-Air Clash
Kelly Osbourne has waded into the I’m A Celebrity chaos with a blistering attack on Kelly Brook after a tense jungle moment involving Kelly’s brother, Jack Osbourne. The flare-up unfolded during the camp’s evening meal preparation, when an eel-gutting task turned unexpectedly intense. Brook gagged repeatedly as she attempted to handle the fish, accused Jack of pushing past her, and later described his behaviour as over-the-top.
Within minutes of the episode airing, Kelly Osbourne blasted Brook online, accusing her of exaggerating and acting unfairly toward Jack. The moment instantly became one of the most-viewed clips of the week as fans questioned what really happened, whether Brook overreacted, and why Kelly’s fierce defence of her brother hit such a nerve. Search interest around the incident surged as viewers tried to make sense of the exchange and its fallout.
I'm A Celeb 2025 live: Tearful Kelly Brook sparks backlash
What Triggered the Confrontation in Camp
The incident began when the camp won eel for dinner. Jack offered to help prepare it, stepping forward to handle the difficult task. Brook initially accepted, then changed her mind and insisted on taking over.
Moments later she said she felt Jack had elbowed his way in. Her comments frustrated viewers who believed Jack was simply stepping up to help. The tension deepened when Brook struggled to gut the eel, gagging repeatedly before walking away to be sick.
Why Kelly Osbourne Reacted So Strongly
Kelly Osbourne has long been protective of her siblings, and this moment struck a nerve. She accused Brook of overplaying the scene and treating Jack unfairly. Her criticism spread quickly online, sparking debate about whether Brook’s behaviour crossed a line or whether Kelly’s reaction reflected intense family loyalty.
The clash now sits at the centre of one of the season’s biggest talking points, dividing viewers between those who saw harmless tension and those who felt Brook’s comments misrepresented Jack’s actions.
How Viewers Are Splitting Over the Drama
Social media erupted with opinions, many questioning why Brook insisted on taking over the fish preparation but then couldn’t stomach the task. Others argued her reaction was completely understandable given the challenge.
The back-and-forth has fuelled wider discussion about how camp dynamics shift under pressure and whether either side misread the moment. With both women trending, the jungle confrontation has turned into one of the show’s standout controversies.
Reality shows operate under strict broadcasting and participant-protection guidelines. Producers must monitor behaviour on set and intervene if something endangers a contestant or crosses into unfair treatment.
How Incidents Are Reviewed by Producers
All footage is monitored in real time. Only behaviour involving safety risks, repeated targeting, or potential harm requires intervention. Personality clashes and awkward moments do not usually meet that threshold.
What Broadcasters Consider “Unfair Treatment”
Broadcasters must follow Ofcom rules ensuring that contestants are not treated unjustly. A single tense exchange is unlikely to qualify. Patterns of repeated, targeted conduct are generally required for further action.
How Viewer Complaints Are Handled
Members of the public can file complaints with Ofcom if they believe a contestant has been treated unfairly. A high volume of complaints may prompt the regulator to request context and footage from the broadcaster. Based on what has aired publicly, the current disagreement does not appear to meet that level of concern.
What Happens Next for the Show
If the tension escalates, producers may address it on-screen or through additional support for participants. For now, it remains a personality clash amplified by public reaction, but further episodes will show whether the disagreement settles or turns into a recurring issue inside the camp.
I’m A Celebrity Clash: Key Questions Answered
Why did Kelly Osbourne call Kelly Brook “performative”?
She felt Brook exaggerated her reaction to the eel preparation and unfairly portrayed Jack as overly forceful or intrusive.
Did Jack Osbourne actually elbow Kelly Brook?
Brook said she felt he pushed past her. Footage shows Jack moving quickly to help, and viewers are divided on whether it appeared intentional or simply enthusiastic.
Does this count as bullying under TV rules?
Not on the available footage. Broadcasters look for repeated or targeted behaviour, not a single tense moment during a stressful task.
Why is this moment trending so widely?
It combines family loyalty, on-air tension, and one of the season’s messiest food tasks, creating a flashpoint that viewers can’t stop debating.
A Record Shift: What Happened and Why It Matters Right Now
The UK has been hit with one of the most dramatic population shocks in recent memory. Newly revised national data confirms that 257,000 British citizens left the country in the year ending December 2024—more than triple what officials originally believed. The scale of the exodus, quietly updated this week, stunned analysts and immediately raised questions about rising taxes, public services under pressure, and why so many Britons are leaving the UK at a pace not previously detected.
The fresh figures land at a moment when the country is already bracing for the departure of a record number of high-net-worth individuals. Wealthy founders, executives, and public figures have cited everything from tax policy to declining public infrastructure as reasons for relocating abroad. Now, with far more ordinary citizens leaving than expected, the stakes for the country’s economic direction have become impossible to ignore.
What the New Data Shows
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revised its work after abandoning older survey tools that captured only a small slice of real travel patterns. Using broader, more robust administrative records linked to National Insurance activity, officials found that both emigration and immigration by British nationals had been consistently underestimated for years.
Key revised figures include:
257,000 Britons emigrated in 2024 (vs. 77,000 previously estimated)
143,000 British citizens returned to the UK (vs. 60,000 previously estimated)
Overall net migration peaked earlier and higher than believed, before dropping more sharply into late 2024
The update suggests older calculations simply could not monitor the volume of British citizens moving across borders for work, retirement, or long-term relocation.
Where People Are Going — and Why So Many Are Leaving
The pull away from the UK has been especially pronounced among high earners and internationally mobile professionals. Countries with lower taxes, smoother business regulations, and more competitive investment incentives have become increasingly attractive.
Private wealth analysts have already warned the UK may lose over 16,000 millionaires in 2025, the largest outflow in the nation’s modern records.
High-profile moves include:
Former England star Rio Ferdinand, who relocated to Dubai and publicly criticised UK tax burdens and public services.
Tech entrepreneur Herman Narula, who has signalled plans to move abroad as new tax measures come into force.
Senior banking and fintech figures who have shifted to international finance hubs.
For many, the calculation reflects a sense that the UK’s economic offerings no longer offset the personal and financial costs of staying.
How the Numbers Were Missed
For years, the UK relied heavily on the International Passenger Survey, which sampled a small number of travellers at ports and airports. The method, designed decades ago, was too limited for today’s complex travel behaviour. Short-term trips, remote work, and repeated cross-border movement blurred categories that once appeared straightforward.
To address this, the ONS shifted to large administrative datasets, including National Insurance and DWP/HMRC records. These sources can legally be used for statistical purposes under the Digital Economy Act 2017, which allows certain departments to share data strictly for producing official statistics. Because British citizens do not need visas to re-enter the UK, this administrative approach provides a clearer picture than border checks alone.
Officials acknowledge the challenge plainly: millions of Brits cross the border each year, and only a fraction are genuine long-term migrants, making precision difficult without modern data tools.
How Migration Numbers Shape Policy and Why the Method Matters
Understanding how these figures are produced directly shapes policy planning. Here’s what the public should know:
How Migration Data Affects Government Action
Governments rely on migration figures to plan public services, budgets, and labour-market policy. When numbers are underestimated:
Funding for schools, hospitals, and transport can become misaligned
Housing and infrastructure planning can fall behind
Tax strategy may be based on outdated assumptions
Why Methodology Changes Are Important
Administrative datasets create more accurate estimates of real movement patterns. This approach, used in several developed countries, reduces errors and helps lawmakers base decisions on stable, high-quality statistics.
What Happens Next
The new figures do not change anyone’s legal rights. They simply give policymakers a clearer understanding of population movement. Future decisions on taxes, residency rules, public spending, and workforce planning will be shaped by this more accurate data, but no immediate legal consequences fall on individual citizens.
The Big Question: Is Britain Facing a Long-Term Brain Drain?
The updated figures will intensify debate over whether the UK is losing too many skilled workers at a critical economic moment. Rising living costs, political turbulence, and easier global mobility have all contributed to shifting migration patterns.
More Britons left last year than in any comparable period on record. If the trend persists, the UK may face long-term challenges in workforce retention, tax revenues, and global competitiveness. What is clear is that the revised data gives the country a sharper, more honest view of how quickly its demographic landscape is changing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UK Migration Surge
Is the UK losing more people than it gains?
No. Overall net migration is still positive, but British citizens are leaving in far higher numbers than earlier estimates suggested.
Why are wealthy Britons relocating?
Many cite rising taxes, changes to non-dom rules, concerns about public services, and more favourable conditions in locations like the UAE and Singapore.
Did the ONS make an error with previous figures?
It wasn’t an error, but the old survey method was too limited. The updated estimates use more comprehensive administrative data.
Does the new data change anyone’s legal status or tax rules?
No. The change only affects how migration is counted, not the legal rights or obligations of individuals.
Jamie McGrath stared straight ahead in the dock as his former partner told a Manchester court she had once “planned to take [her] own life” because of the violence she endured behind closed doors. The 22-year-old, from Lowland Road, Woodsmoor in Stockport, has now been jailed for three years at Minshull Street Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of false imprisonment, actual bodily harm and coercive and controlling behaviour.
Over the course of a six-year relationship that began when they were both 16, McGrath locked the woman in her flat, broke one of her fingers, punched her in the face and held her head down in a bath of water. Judge Joanne Woodward also imposed an indefinite restraining order, banning him from contacting her, after hearing that she still lives with the fallout of his control and believes he remains a danger.
Who Jamie McGrath Is – and What the Court Heard About His Behaviour
McGrath and his ex-partner met as teenagers and, for a time, appeared to have a typical young relationship. But the court was told that over the years, he created what prosecutors described as an atmosphere of intimidation and fear.
By 2021, he had moved into her home. There were days when he locked her inside her flat, sometimes for up to a day at a time, cutting her off from her phone and the outside world. The jury heard this was used as “punishment” if she did something he didn’t like, such as spending time with friends.
On one occasion, after an argument at a Halloween party, he followed her home, pinned her against a wall and punched her in the face. On another, he bent her fingers back until one broke.
The most terrifying incident came in the bathroom. He grabbed her head and repeatedly forced it under the water in the bath. She later told police she genuinely feared for her life.
What the Victim Told Him Face-to-Face in Court
In a powerful personal statement read in court, the woman set out how the abuse had seeped into every part of her life. Her words were directed straight at McGrath, and the courtroom fell silent as she spoke.
“Every day I was scared at the thought of what mood you might be in when you woke up. I will not forget that fear I lived with every day.
“My family and friends knew there were things they couldn't say for fear of offending you, and that I would be irritable, checking my phone constantly, awaiting the demand from you to come home. Even now, they still ask me if I am allowed to meet up with them.
“I will never be the same person again. I do not trust people and avoid areas we visited together. I even planned to take my own life. The abuse did not end when you were arrested, Jamie. I would say it still hasn't ended.
“I don't sleep well and wake up crying. I can't be in a car that is locked. I get scared when I see the car you drove or hear a loud exhaust. I truly believe if you could have taken my life, you would have, and I feel if you get the chance you will kill me.
“I am starting to heal. I hope you feel guilty, but I do not believe you ever will. I hope I have helped another person from being abused at your hands.”
She explained how friends and family had to tiptoe around certain subjects to avoid triggering his temper. Even now, she said, they still ask whether she is “allowed” to see them.
How the Judge Reached the Sentence – and What the Defence Said
McGrath went on trial in May after denying all wrongdoing. The jury convicted him of false imprisonment, actual bodily harm and coercive and controlling behaviour, offences that reflect both the violence and the sustained pattern of control.
Sentencing him, Judge Joanne Woodward focused on the fear he created and the danger he posed. She said he had “restricted her to her ground-floor flat, locking her in circumstances where – though she did have a means of escaping practically – she was so fearful of the consequences that she chose not to.”
The judge noted a report suggesting he had shown “some remorse” but was still minimising the seriousness of what he had done. She told him he was assessed as a high risk of reoffending and highlighted the moment he squeezed his victim’s neck so hard she struggled to breathe, saying: “She thought that you were going to kill her.”
The defence pointed to McGrath’s age, lack of previous convictions and autism spectrum diagnosis, arguing that it had affected his relationships and ability to reflect on his behaviour. They also said he had experienced bullying in childhood and in custody, had worked before his arrest and is in a relationship with a partner with whom he has a young son he has not yet met.
The judge accepted that these factors did not excuse the harm he caused and imposed a three-year prison sentence alongside an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.
How Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Is Prosecuted in England and Wales
Coercive and controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship has been a specific criminal offence in England and Wales since 2015. It was introduced to recognise that domestic abuse is not just about isolated assaults, but also about patterns of control that slowly strip a victim of freedom.
In cases like McGrath’s, police and prosecutors look at what has happened over time, rather than treating each incident in isolation. Evidence can include messages, social media, witness statements, photos, medical reports and accounts from neighbours, family and friends.
Courts look at:
Whether the behaviour repeatedly or continuously controlled or coerced the victim
Whether it had a serious effect on them, such as causing fear or significantly changing how they lived
Whether the defendant knew, or ought to have known, that what they were doing was abusive
When it comes to sentencing, judges weigh up factors such as how long the behaviour went on, how frightened or isolated the victim became, any physical injury and the risk of further harm. Coercive control is often sentenced alongside other offences, as happened here with false imprisonment and actual bodily harm.
What Happens Next for Public Protection and the Victim
McGrath will now serve his sentence in custody. How long he actually spends behind bars will depend on standard rules for time served, but the conviction and sentence are now recorded against him.
The restraining order imposed by the judge is indefinite, meaning it stays in force unless a court changes or lifts it. It bans him from contacting the victim and can also cover going to particular streets or areas, depending on the specific terms set out by the court.
If he ever breaches that order after his release, it can be treated as a separate criminal offence and brought back before the courts. Police forces and prosecutors across the country increasingly use restraining orders in domestic abuse cases to give victims ongoing protection once a trial is over.
Following the hearing, PC Mel Corrigan from Greater Manchester Police’s domestic abuse team praised the woman’s courage and determination, describing the case as a “horrific abuse of power” and saying she hoped the outcome would encourage other victims to come forward.
FAQs: Coercive Control and Sentencing in Cases Like This
How can someone be convicted if they deny the abuse?
A defendant can be convicted if a jury is sure of their guilt after hearing all the evidence, even if they deny everything. In domestic abuse cases, that evidence can include the victim’s testimony, injuries, photos, messages, witness accounts and medical or police records.
What does a restraining order actually do?
A restraining order is a court order that limits contact between the offender and the victim. It can forbid direct contact, indirect contact through others or approaching certain addresses or areas. Breaking a restraining order can lead to arrest and further criminal charges.
Is coercive and controlling behaviour always treated as a crime?
Coercive and controlling behaviour is a criminal offence when it meets the legal definition, including being repeated or continuous and having a serious effect on the victim. Not every difficult or unhappy relationship will meet that threshold, but the law is designed to cover sustained patterns of abuse and control.
What support is available for people who recognise signs of abuse?
Across the UK there are specialist domestic abuse charities, helplines and support services that can help with safety planning, housing, emotional support and information about legal options. Police also have dedicated domestic abuse teams in many areas.
What Happened in Court at Manchester Crown Court
Carl Benson, 44, is standing trial at Manchester Crown Court after prosecutors alleged he helped move a stolen car linked to the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Kyle Hackland in Withington. The Manchester father is accused of assisting his teenage son in the chaotic hours after the November 2022 attack, in a case that has gripped the city and raised urgent questions about what happens when parents are pulled into a serious criminal investigation.
Carl Benson leaving Manchester Crown Court in July 2024
Prosecutors say Benson helped shift a stolen VW Golf that detectives view as a crucial piece of evidence in the teen stabbing case, allegedly used to carry three youths later convicted of murder. His son Alfie, then 16, has already been found guilty of manslaughter for driving the group to and from the scene. Jurors are now being asked to decide whether the father crossed the line from worried parent to someone who deliberately helped after a serious offence.
Who Is Involved in the Kyle Hackland Stabbing Case
The trial sits on top of an already devastating case that has reshaped a community.
Victim: Kyle Hackland, 17, fatally stabbed in Withington
Convicted of murder: Tafari Smith, Lewis Ludford and Yousef Sesay
Convicted of manslaughter: Alfie Benson, who drove the car
Now on trial: Carl Benson, accused of assisting after the crime
Yousef Sesay, Tafari Smith and Lewis Ludford (GMP)
Prosecutors argue that Benson’s movements, phone activity and his contact with his son shortly after the stabbing show a pattern of involvement in what happened to the Golf. The defence insists he was acting as any parent would under pressure—trying to find his son, get him home and understand what had happened, without knowing the full horror of the stabbing.
How CCTV and Phone Data Are Being Used Against Carl Benson
Jurors have been taken through a detailed timeline of calls, car journeys and digital activity. Benson told the court he was working in Heaton Moor when he received a call alerting him to a stabbing involving a teenager in Burnage. Unable to reach Alfie at first, he eventually heard his son’s voice via another youth’s phone and said he believed Alfie was safe but upset.
Later that day, Benson drove to pick his son up from an address he did not recognise. During that journey, Alfie’s phone dropped off the network. Prosecutors highlighted this moment, while Benson said he could not explain why the device disconnected.
Benson also described briefly stopping his Land Rover after Alfie asked him to let another person get in. He said he assumed the newcomer was linked to his son’s accommodation and did not ask questions. Prosecutors challenged why this detail had only emerged later, pointing to CCTV that appears to show another figure linked to the car movements.
CCTV footage appears to show Benson’s Land Rover pulling up close to where the stolen VW Golf was parked. A person is seen getting out and running along the street before both vehicles are later seen leaving in different directions. The Golf was subsequently recovered in Salford with false plates, adding to its importance in the investigation.
Why Prosecutors Say the VW Golf Matters So Much
At the centre of the case is the stolen VW Golf, which police say was used to transport the teenagers before and after the stabbing. To prosecutors, the car is not just a vehicle—it is the thread that connects the group to the attack and the movements that followed.
They argue that anyone helping to move or interfere with the Golf after the killing would be interfering with a key piece of evidence. The defence counters that Benson did not appreciate the car’s importance, did not understand the full seriousness of what had happened in Withington and did not set out to obstruct the investigation.
To decide the case, jurors must weigh not only where Benson went and who he met, but what he likely knew at each moment.
Legal Explainer: What “Assisting an Offender” Means in UK Law
The charge Benson faces is not about taking part in the stabbing itself, but about what he allegedly did afterwards. Under UK law, assisting an offender covers situations where someone intentionally helps another person avoid being arrested, charged or prosecuted after a crime has been committed.
For a jury, several questions matter:
Did the person helping know or believe a serious offence had been committed?
Did they take a specific action that made it harder for the authorities to investigate or catch the offender?
Were they acting with that knowledge, rather than by accident or in total ignorance?
Moving or hiding a vehicle, disposing of items, providing transport or shelter, or helping someone travel away from an incident can all fall within this law—but only if the person doing it understood they were helping someone involved in a crime.
In Benson’s case, this is why the timing of phone calls, the point where a phone disconnects from the network, and the movements of the Land Rover and the Golf are being examined so closely. They help the jury decide whether he was acting as an anxious father in the dark, or as someone who realised a serious crime had taken place and chose to help anyway.
What Happens Next in the Carl Benson Trial
The trial is set to continue as the jury hears more evidence from investigators and further questioning of Benson’s account. Digital records, CCTV clips and witness testimony will remain at the heart of the case, as both sides try to persuade jurors how to interpret each movement and each decision made on that day.
Benson has pleaded not guilty. Once all evidence has been heard and closing speeches delivered, the judge will provide legal directions on the meaning of assisting an offender, and the jury will then retire to decide whether the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Carl Benson Trial
Is Carl Benson accused of being involved in the stabbing itself?
No. He is not accused of taking part in the attack on Kyle Hackland. His charge relates to what he allegedly did after the stabbing, particularly in relation to the stolen car.
Why is the stolen VW Golf so important to the case?
Investigators say the Golf was used to take the teenagers to and from the scene of the stabbing. Its movements, the way it was handled afterwards and the fact it was later found with false plates make it a key piece of evidence.
Why does intent matter in an “assisting an offender” charge?
The law requires that the person accused knew or believed a serious offence had already taken place and then chose to help. If someone acts without that knowledge, it is much harder to prove the offence.
What is the current position of Alfie Benson?
Alfie Benson has already been convicted of manslaughter in connection with Kyle Hackland’s death. His case and sentence are separate from his father’s ongoing trial, which focuses solely on whether Carl Benson assisted after the crime.
Ariana Opens Up About Supporting Her Mom
Ariana Biermann’s bond with Kim Zolciak-Biermann is invaluable. During a panel at BravoCon 2025 on Sunday, Nov. 16, the Next Gen NYC star, 24, shared insights on how her decision to publicly disclose that she has been financially supporting her mom, 47, has influenced their relationship — and whether she has received any repayment yet.
"I want to be very authentic and honest and open with people," Ariana expressed. "I started from the ground up, and I was partly doing that right before I arrived in New York. I mean, of course, no one enjoys airing out their family's dirty laundry, but I'm someone who's not really ashamed. This is my life. Share whatever you want. We're really close, and my mom is my best friend, so it didn't change our relationship in a significant way.
From Left: Ariana Biermann, Brielle Biermann and Kim Zolciak via Instagram.
Ariana Reflects on Lost Childhood Earnings
Biermann previously revealed during the premiere of Next Gen NYC that she began earning money from reality TV and social media at the age of 5.
However, she stated that her parents, Kroy Biermann, who legally adopted Ariana and her older sister Brielle in July 2013 and is currently going through a complicated divorce from Zolciak, spent all of it before she turned 18. "I would never drop a bomb like that without informing everyone about what was coming,"
Ariana expressed. "Ultimately, it's my story and what I've experienced. People had a very different view of how I was living my life and the events that transpired, thinking I did nothing and had all this money while I was actually broke. [My parents] took it all." "All that money from the past, I don't expect to see even one dollar from it," she later mentioned, although she clarified that this doesn't apply to the current loans she provides to Zolciak. "If I've ever assisted her with a few things she needs here and there in the recent months, she always pays me back. You can always earn more money. You can't replace a mom. She's my best friend."
Opening Up About Money on Camera
In June, Ariana chatted with PEOPLE about her experience of being vulnerable with her audience and discussing a tough subject on camera. "I think it's a bit nerve-wracking to share the financial situation," she confessed. She elaborated, "Money creates awkwardness, and I dislike the impact it can have on people.
I've really tried to ensure it doesn't affect my relationship with my mom — she's my best friend in the world. It was never anyone's intention for things to turn out this way, and we haven't allowed it to influence us." Ariana then humorously remarked that she’s not “balling” with cash as many might think, but she affirmed that Zolciak “is very good at paying me back.” "She’s done a few shows, which is fantastic, and it takes a little while to get paid for everything," Ariana pointed out. "My mom always pays me back, though, and things have definitely improved. She’s putting in a lot of effort."
Navigating Divorce, Foreclosure, and Family Strain
Zolciak is also currently navigating her divorce from Kroy, 40, after their third filing in two years, and they recently sold their Georgia mansion to avoid foreclosure. "She’s dealing with this intense divorce and is the mother of four kids," Ariana recognized at that moment. "I understand, and I never want money to ruin my relationship with my family, ever."
Legal Insight: What Happens When a Child’s Earnings Are Spent by Parents?
In the U.S., money earned by a minor through acting, modeling or reality TV is typically protected under Coogan laws, which require a portion of the child’s income to be placed in a blocked trust account that parents cannot access. However, Georgia — where Ariana grew up and filmed — does not currently have a Coogan-style statute in place. This legal gap means that parents have far more discretion over a child’s earnings, and there is no automatic requirement for a protected trust.
When a child becomes an adult, recovering spent earnings is extremely difficult unless there is evidence of:
Misappropriation or fraud
Breach of fiduciary duty
A written agreement promising to safeguard funds
Without those elements, courts usually treat parental control of childhood earnings as a family matter rather than a legal dispute, which is why many former child performers never recover lost income.
In Ariana’s case, her public statements suggest she is not pursuing legal remedies and does not expect to recover past earnings, focusing instead on maintaining her relationship with her mother and keeping current loans transparent and repayable.
Marciano Brunette Responds to Demi Engemann’s Allegations
Marciano Brunette is finally addressing the recent accusations from Demi Engemann, a star of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. In a statement given exclusively to PEOPLE via the representative of the Vanderpump Villa personality, he reacted to Engemann's claims that he had participated in "unwanted touch" during the cast's trip to Italy earlier this year.
Demi Engemann attends the world premiere of Hulu's "All's Fair" at DGA Theater Complex on October 16, 2025;
"I want to be completely clear: I am taking this situation very seriously. This is the toughest challenge I have ever encountered, and the accusations against me are not only completely untrue but also deeply harmful. I am dedicated to addressing this matter in a full and transparent manner."
Growing Tension on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
The recently launched third season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives features Demi in conflict with MomTok, as they persist in questioning whether she and Marciano had a physical connection during or after their trip to Italy.
When Marciano reveals to the women that he kissed Demi, it creates further confusion since Demi insists that any interaction between her and Marciano was "unwanted touch." In an Instagram post dated May 30, Marciano shared screenshots of their Instagram exchange, where Demi replied to his Stories, ultimately providing him with her phone number and engaging in a "multiple-hour conversation."
Marciano then accused Demi of making "crazy allegations" against him. "But if that were true, why are you following me? Why are you DMing me? Why are you giving me your phone number and continuing to have multiple hours of conversation and maintaining a relationship after that?" he questioned. "Yeah, it doesn't make any sense to me at all."
Demi Engemann Speaks Out on ‘Unwanted Touch’
In a confessional segment on the show, Demi expressed, "Everyone will respond to these types of situations differently. You should never have to endure unwanted touch. Regardless of how it appears, or what your relationship was like before or after, unwanted touch remains unwanted touch."
The Legal Angle: What “Unwanted Touch” Means Under U.S. Law
Although no lawsuit or police report has been filed at this time, the terminology used in Demi Engemann’s statement—specifically “unwanted touch”—has a clear meaning in U.S. law. In many states, any non-consensual physical contact can fall under the umbrella of civil battery or sexual misconduct, depending on the nature of the allegation.
Civil battery doesn’t require physical injury; the key legal question is whether a person intentionally made physical contact with another without consent. Even brief or non-violent touch can qualify if the person on the receiving end found it offensive or inappropriate.
If a case were to escalate into a civil claim, courts would typically examine the surrounding context: prior communication between the parties, the nature of the relationship, and whether there was any indication of consent—issues that both Marciano and Demi are now publicly disputing. Reality-TV environments often complicate things further, since filmed interactions, social media messages, and production notes can all become evidence in determining what actually happened.
For now, both parties are presenting conflicting narratives, and unless formal legal action is taken, the matter remains one of public perception rather than judicial determination.
Craig Conover Reflects on Southern Charm’s Early Days
Craig Conover feels like he’s stepping back in time as he gears up for season 11 of Southern Charm. The founder of Sewing Down South, who’s 36, has been a part of this beloved reality show since it first aired in 2014, and fans have seen him navigate through various stages of his life.
While chatting with PEOPLE at BravoCon 2025, Conover shared that he has a mix of excitement and nostalgia about the new season. “I’m really excited for the fans,” he says, adding with a laugh, “I might be taking a little trip out of the country, but wow, this season is all about fun and flirtation.
A Complicated Dating Web in Charleston
I think our original fans will really enjoy it because it brings back that classic Southern Charm vibe where we were just getting to know each other and exploring these new chapters in our lives.
Most of the guys are diving into unexpected new adventures. I think newcomers will be thrilled too, because they’ll see just how wild Charleston can be.” “You’ll get to see some of the guys dating a bit,” he playfully hints about himself, Shep Rose, and Austen Kroll. “And you’ll notice that the girls are interested in the same guys, and the guys are into the same girls.”
Cameras caught Conover navigating the single life again after three years with his ex, Paige DeSorbo. At one point, he even jokes about being caught in a complicated love situation with a few of his castmates. “I can't even describe the shape — it’s definitely not a triangle,” he chuckles. “
There are way more sides to it. Honestly, it’s more than a square. It’s like that meme of Charlie from Always Sunny trying to piece together a map. That’s just Charleston for you. Dating here is such a challenge that it feels like you’re back in college, no matter your age. So here I am, in my 30s, and this season feels like a rerun. What am I even doing?”
He mentions that even though the public split from DeSorbo, 33, and his dating life is being showcased on TV, it doesn’t make him want to keep his relationships under wraps. “I think it's just part of my life,” he shares. “It’s all I’ve known since I started filming at 24. Now, I’m almost 37.
I enjoy sharing my life with people, and honestly, there’s no hard feelings towards the show or filming during the breakup.” He adds, “In a really amusing way, I’m not quite sure what’s next for me. I feel like I’ve finally reached a fun place where I’m not actively searching for anything and just enjoying life. They say that’s when things come to you. Who knows? But this is what you’ll get to see this season. We’ll share the good moments, and I won’t shy away from the bad. You’ll see it all.”
Drama, Real Moments, and a Raw Season Ahead
Conover shares that even with all the drama fans will witness—like the ongoing tension in his friendship with Kroll—he truly values the authenticity of what’s portrayed on the show.
“I think sometimes we get caught up in the idea that things can’t be both fun and dramatic,” he explains. “But it’s actually the opposite. This season was such a blast that we couldn’t help but hang out, whether the cameras were rolling or not. So when the cameras did show up, they were just capturing the real moments of our lives. There’s definitely some drama stemming from Halloween in Charleston.”
“To create a season 11 as amazing as this one, it’s all about the fact that we didn’t force anything,” he reveals, noting that much of the conflict among the group remains “unresolved.” “They just came in and filmed us living our lives, and I found myself navigating this unexpected new chapter. There’s a lot of fun that comes with that.”
The Legal Angle: Reality TV, Breakups, and What Cast Members Can (and Can’t) Control
Though Craig Conover isn’t dealing with any legal dispute in this storyline, his comments touch on a common issue for reality-TV personalities: how much of their personal lives they are legally obligated to share on camera. Under standard reality-TV contracts, cast members typically agree to allow producers broad discretion to film and air relationship developments—including breakups, disputes, and new romances—as long as the footage does not defame or misrepresent them.
Cast members generally cannot prevent producers from airing real events simply because they’re uncomfortable or going through a difficult moment. However, they do retain legal protections against false statements, manipulation that crosses into defamation, or any unauthorized use of private medical or financial information.
In Craig’s case, his willingness to be open about his split and dating life reflects the practical reality: by participating in a long-running docu-series, he’s contractually giving producers the right to explore those storylines on screen.
Actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton recently opened up in a heartfelt interview with rock icon Ann Wilson on her new podcast, After Dinner Thinks.
Their conversation covered a lot of ground, touching on his Hollywood experiences with ex-wife Angelina Jolie, as well as his struggles with OCD, dyslexia, and being on the autism spectrum. They even shared some nostalgic stories about their past adventures with hallucinogens, including a memorable tale from Wilson about watching Rosemary’s Baby on a date while under the influence of acid.
This candid discussion with Wilson coincides with the launch of the second season of Thornton's series, Landman, produced by Taylor Sheridan, which is now streaming on Paramount+. The Nashville interview marks the ninth episode of Wilson’s podcast, where she showcases her rock performances, including a lively rendition of the classic 1963 Lesley Gore hit, “You Don’t Own Me.”
“I Never Really Joined In”: Leaving Hollywood Culture Behind
Thornton told Wilson that even at the height of his fame, he felt out of place in the Hollywood scene.
“You won’t catch me in People magazine or on the red carpet; I just don’t get involved in that,” he said. “People ask me, ‘What’s the secret to your longevity?’ Honestly, I never really joined in. Even when Angelina and I were together, we were always in the spotlight, but I mostly avoided the parties and didn’t mingle with agents and executives.”
Thornton and Jolie were married from 2000 to 2003. He has been married to his current wife, Connie Angland, since 2014.
Living With OCD, Dyslexia, Anxiety — and Autism
Thornton spoke openly about his lifelong struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and dyslexia — conditions he now views as part of what shaped his career as a writer and performer.
“I deal with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and an anxiety disorder. I grew up with dyslexia. All these challenges have shaped me, and I think they’ve actually helped me read in chunks. I don’t read from left to right slowly like most people do.”
He also revealed that he is on the autism spectrum and that one of his daughters shares some of his traits.
“My daughter is attending Cal Poly. She just turned 21. She’s inherited some of my traits — I’m on the spectrum, I stutter, and I have all these quirks. The only thing she didn’t get is dyslexia.”
Thornton said these conversations are part of their everyday life.
“We talk about how society often views these things as weaknesses. But in reality, they can be strengths, especially in the arts. You can’t convince me Van Gogh and those artists weren’t on the spectrum. But hey, I haven’t cut off any body parts yet!”
Revisiting the Past: Psychedelics, Creativity, and Quitting in Time
The conversation eventually turned to psychedelics — specifically acid — and how the drug shaped both Thornton and Wilson’s early lives. Thornton admitted that although he didn’t always enjoy the experience, psychedelics influenced his creative development.
“I really think it opened my mind and made me a better artist,” he said. “Psychedelics played a big role in my growth as a writer and overall artist. I’m thankful I quit when I did. I was this skinny, long-haired hippie roadie, and one night I looked in the mirror of an Airstream trailer and thought, ‘You’re going to die if you don’t stop.’”
Wilson shared her own story, recalling a date during which she took acid and watched Rosemary’s Baby at a drive-in theater.
“Everything about that movie was off,” she said. “That was the worst trip I’ve ever had. I got home to my parents’ house — where I was still living — and spent the whole night tossing and turning, completely freaked out.”
A Career Still Evolving
Though best known for Sling Blade — which earned him an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and two additional acting nominations — Thornton has maintained a dual career in acting and music. He has released four solo albums as well as 19 records with his band, The Boxmasters, formed in the mid-1990s with Grammy-winning engineer J.D. Andrew.
He has also collaborated with the Coen Brothers (The Man Who Wasn’t There, Intolerable Cruelty), directed several films (All the Pretty Horses, Jayne Mansfield’s Car), and became an unlikely holiday icon with Bad Santa.
On Wilson’s podcast, Thornton described his decades-long Hollywood journey as something that “just kind of happened,” crediting his unique quirks and challenges with giving him the creative perspective that fuels his work today — including his newest series, Landman, now streaming.
The Legal Angle: When Personal Confessions Stay Legally Safe
Thornton’s candid talk about OCD, dyslexia, anxiety, autism, and past psychedelic use raises little legal concern because he’s speaking only about himself. Privacy laws protect medical information from third-party disclosure, not from individuals choosing to share their own stories publicly.
Podcasts also enjoy strong First Amendment protection, meaning guests can discuss past drug use or personal struggles without legal fallout—as long as they don’t falsely accuse others or describe current illegal conduct. In this case, Thornton’s reflections are voluntary, personal, and well within legally safe territory for both him and the show.
Rumer Willis opened up to her followers this week, sharing an emotional moment as she shed tears while discussing the challenges of raising her 2-year-old daughter, Louetta, all on her own. The 37-year-old actress, who co-parents her little one with ex Derek Richard Thomas, shared a heartfelt Instagram Story on Wednesday. In the video, she can be seen wiping away tears while taking a solitary walk through the woods.
“Just had a good cry in the woods… some days being a single mom is hard,” she captioned the clip.
On Wednesday, the actress who shares the 2-year-old with ex Derek Richard Thomas, took to her Instagram Stories to share a video of herself wiping her tears away while taking a stroll in the woods.
Willis made it clear that her daughter is never the cause of her struggles. “She’s not difficult (ever), but some days, handling everything on my own can be,” she shared. The “House Bunny” star even had a laugh at her own expense, admitting she had food stuck in her teeth during that emotional moment. “Really winning today,” she quipped.
A Look Back at Rumer’s Journey Into Motherhood
Rumer welcomed Louetta at home in April 2023, calling her baby girl “pure magic” in an emotional Instagram post announcing the birth.
“Born at home on Tuesday April 18th. You are more than we ever dreamed of,” she wrote at the time.
More than a year later, in August 2024, Willis confirmed she and Thomas had ended their relationship. During an Instagram AMA, a fan asked whether they were still together, and she didn’t hesitate: “Nope — I am single momming it and co-parenting.”
Despite the breakup, Willis said she remains deeply grateful for the relationship that brought her daughter into the world.
“She is the best thing in my life,” Willis told a fan. “I am forever grateful I had the time in that relationship for her to come into my life.”
Rumer Willis broke down in tears as she detailed how “hard” it is to be a single mom to her daughter, Louetta. On Wednesday, the actress, who shares the 2-year-old with ex Derek Richard Thomas, took to her Instagram Stories to share a video of herself wiping her tears away while taking a stroll in the woods. (Instagram/rumerwillis)
Post-Breakup Life and a New Romance?
Just weeks after confirming the split, Rumer was spotted kissing a mystery man outside a Los Angeles fire station — her first public romantic moment since the breakup.
A Family Navigating Public and Private Pain
Willis’ emotional post also comes as her family continues to navigate her father Bruce Willis’ widely publicized battle with dementia. Rumer and her sisters have shared multiple heartfelt updates over the past year, including a “deep ache” she described on Father’s Day.
Her latest vulnerable moment struck a chord with fans who praised her honesty about single motherhood, especially under the weight of caring for a young child while managing intense family challenges.
The Legal Angle: Co-Parenting, Custody, and Sharing Struggles Online
Rumer Willis’ emotional post touches on a reality many single parents face — but legally, her situation is straightforward. Because she and ex-partner Derek Richard Thomas share joint custody, Willis is fully within her rights to speak openly about the challenges of solo day-to-day parenting, as long as she doesn’t violate any court-ordered privacy terms (and there’s no indication such terms exist).
Family courts generally encourage parents to communicate respectfully online, but personal expressions about stress, exhaustion, or emotional moments do not jeopardize custody unless they involve disparaging the other parent or exposing a child to harm. Willis’ posts do neither — she makes clear her daughter is never the source of her struggle, which aligns with what courts look for in cooperative co-parenting.
Her public vulnerability is legally safe territory: she’s sharing her own experience, not making allegations, and not revealing protected information about her child or ex.
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