January
- The world took time to grieve after the sudden passing of Betty White before her 100th birthday celebration.
- “Matrix” star reportedly Keanu Reeves donated 70% of his income from the film to leukemia in honor of his sister who battled the disease for ten years until going into remission in 2001. That rumor was later debunked.
- As the world recovered from her death, reports surfaced that Betty White’s last word was calling out her late husband’s name.
- Actress and talk show host Ricki Lake tied the knot for the third time, this time to Ross Burningham. Lake took to Instagram to celebrate the news.
- Meghan Markle won a "big" victory against the UK’s “Mail On Sunday” for printing a private letter she wrote to her father. Markle’s financial win wasn’t as huge. The Duchess walked away with £1.
- The GRAMMYs announced they were postponing their January date due to the Omicron surge. This marked the second year in a row the awards were pushed due to covid.
- In a twist no one saw coming, heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold drew inspiration from… Kanye West? The rockers admitted Ye “is pulling from such great soul music,” and lead singer M. Shadows wasn’t exposed to that much as a child, he says West’s “chord changes and progressions are eye-opening to us.”
- Oscar-nominated director Peter Bogdanovich passed away at age 82. The “Paper Moon” director was a legend among filmmakers but has a controversial personal life.
- Jennifer Garner joined Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and Cher as a recipient of Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Woman Of The Year. The ceremony featured a parade, followed by a roast and the presentation of the “Pudding Pot.”
- Actor and civil rights pioneer Sidney Poitier died at 94. Poitier was the first Black performer to earn an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964.
- Katy Perry released a non-alcoholic sparkling aperitif with drinkmaker De Soi. Perry announced the line on her Instagram, saying it was “Just in time for SOBERUARY!”
- Amid a tense break-up with Kim Kardashian, Kanye West announced he was planning a trip to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin. West’s goal was to expand his business empire to the country and make it his second home. When asked about the pending sanctions from the US, West’s confidant Ameer Sudan said “This is Ye. Ye is going to get there regardless.”
- While Prince Andrew battled a sexual assault lawsuit stemming from his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, Queen Elizabeth II stripped the Prince of his military titles and royal patronages. This move forced Andrew to face his trial as a private citizen.
- Embattled rapper Kanye West only added to his troubles by punching a man outside a club in Los Angeles. Reports said that the man was trying to take a photo of West, who asked him to stop. The man refused and Kanye threw hands. LAPD confirmed they were investigating Ye for assault.
- “Full House” and “Fuller House” family were in attendance as actor/comedian Bob Saget was laid to rest. The Olsen Twins, Dave Chappelle, John Stamos and Kathy Griffin were among the hundreds of guests who said goodbye to the beloved funnyman.
- The Kanye West vs. Kim Kardashian battle introduced a new villain, according to West. Ye called Kim’s new boyfriend, Pete Davidson, the reason she was keeping West from seeing his kids. Kim responded by asking Kanye to stop airing their business to the world.
- Funny lady Tiffany Haddish wasn’t laughing after being confronted by police for an improper stop in Georgia. Police say Haddish had fallen asleep at the wheel. The actor posted bail not long after being charged with a DUI.
- Rocker Meat Loaf- aka Michael Lee Aday- passed away at age 74. No cause of death was immediately released, but Meat Loaf revealed in 2018 that health issues caused him to essentially retire from performing.
- Proud papa Nick Cannon surprised the world when he revealed he is self-conscious in the bedroom. The father of four (at the time) said “I’ve been skinny my whole life therefore I have never liked to be completely naked.”
- Accused rapist/actor Danny Masterson tried to hide behind his Church Of Scientology to prevent lawsuits aimed at him. A California court, however, ruled that his accusers were not bound to go through an arbitration process with the church.
- Metal rocker Scott Ian of Anthrax paid tribute to the late Meat Loaf. Ian, who is also Meat Loaf’s son-in-law, took to Instagram to praise the rock star. “There are so many stories to tell,” wrote Ian. “And I know they will all be told over time.”
- Celebrity cuties Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra welcomed their first child to the world. The pair didn’t offer many details but did confirm their baby was born via a surrogate.
- Following a guilty verdict of disorderly conduct, actor Jussie Smollett returned to court to receive a sentencing date. The “Empire” star was convicted of concocting an attack on himself that he claimed was racially and sexually motivated.
- Veteran ska group The Mighty Mighty Bosstones broke up after almost 40 years and 11 albums. The band revealed the news “after decades of brotherhood” on social media, thanking fans for the memories and saying “we could not have done any of it without you.”
February
- Former First Lady Michelle Obama called upon superproducer Shonda Rhimes to join her in the fight for voting rights. In preparation for the 2022 midterm elections, Rhimes joined Obama’s nonpartisan group “When We All Vote.” Others that joined their fight included Steph Curry, Jennifer Lopez and Tom Hanks.
- Friends can laugh about these things. Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker tattooed the name of their upcoming album onto their arms… then MGK changed the album’s title. In an Instagram post, MGK asks “Ok we’re friends no matter what, right?” to Barker… before they both break out in laughter. Whew.
- Elusive music diva Rihanna revealed that she and A$AP Rocky were expecting their first child. Photos snapped of the pair on a walk showed a baby bump. Soon after, Rihanna’s dad confirmed that he was thrilled to be a grandfather-to-be.
- NFL living legend Tom Brady left Tampa Bay fans distraught after announcing his official retirement. The quarterback took to Instagram to call it a day on his pro career after more than two decades. Said Brady: “Now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.”
- NBA superstar Steph Curry’s career took an unexpected turn when he announced he was about to be an author. A children’s book author. The baller revealed “I Have A Superpower” would be out in fall.
- Following a pointed post (since removed) by Alyssa Scott - mother of Nick Cannon’s late child, Zen - the comedian/host apologized to all the mothers of his kids for “lack of sensitivity.” Zen passed away from brain cancer, and Scott seemed to take exception to Cannon’s celebration of child #8 with Bre Triesi.
- Mum’s the word. Kylie Jenner announced she was a mom again with Travis Scott. Jenner confirmed the birth of their second child on Instagram, but kept quiet about all other details. Their first child Stormi turned four years old the day before.
- After more than four months of speculation, funny man Pete Davidson finally confirmed Kim Kardashian is his girlfriend. During an interview in which Pete revealed his life mostly revolved around SNL, the star also revealed he also “chill(s) with his girlfriend.”
- A month after Bob Saget’s death, the official cause was announced. Medical examinations revealed Saget passed away from head trauma. “They have concluded that he accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it and went to sleep,” his family said in a statement. “No drugs or alcohol were involved.”
- Kelly Osbourne found love! The singer revealed that, after more than two decades as friends, she and Slipknot’s Sid Wilson are together. Taking to social media, Osbourne called Wilson “my best friend, my soulmate” before adding she is “so deeply in love with you.”
- Embattled pop star Britney Spears revealed she was held “against my will” after being admitted to a treatment facility. Spears said the incident, which lasted for four months, “amplified my depression” in a since-deleted IG post. Spears’ admission that she suffers from depression was followed by a condemnation of her parents: “You don’t take people out of their homes for that.”
- The roller coaster that was Kim and Kanye took an unexpected turn: a truck of roses. Kanye posted (and then deleted) a pic of the truck with the caption: MY VISION IS KRYSTAL KLEAR.” Kim did not acknowledge either the post or the delivery.
- Brad Pitt took ex Angelina Jolie to court over the winery they bought together. Pitt claimed the pair agreed to clear all sales together but that Jolie went behind his back and sold her shares…. to Russsian oligarch Yuri Shefler.
- Florence & The Machine teased a comeback to live music. The band took to Twitter to reveal “Chapter 1” and announce that they were scheduled to appear at a number of dates in Europe.
- British monarch Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for covid-19. Buckingham Palace confirmed the illness, but said the royal was only experiencing mild symptoms. Earlier Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla had also tested positive, but there was no word on whether they had contact with the Queen.
- Kim Kardashian doubled down on her efforts to separate from Kanye West. In a second court filing, Kim claims “misinformation” from Kanye created “emotional distress” and stated “I very much desire to be divorced.”