Entertainment
Jennette McCurdy reflects on ‘creepy’ relationship at young age
Jennette McCurdy is speaking out with new detail about a troubling relationship she had as a teenager with a much older man, one she now calls “creepy” and emotionally draining.
The former iCarly star, 33, opened up during a recent episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, linking the experience to themes in her upcoming debut novel Half His Age, which is due to be published on January 20.
McCurdy said she was around 18 when she first got into the relationship with a man in his 30s whom she met through work during her time on the Nickelodeon set.
She described how he would show her films and music he assumed she’d enjoy, even though she didn’t, and how she pretended to like them to please him.
The dynamic wasn’t just mismatched in age, it also carried a sense of power imbalance, with the man already in a long-term relationship and living with his girlfriend.
“It was just exhausting,” McCurdy recalled, reflecting on the way she felt caught in a cycle that was difficult to break.
In conversation, she highlighted how uncomfortable some encounters became, including moments when he showed up intoxicated and pushed for intimacy that conflicted with her own beliefs and upbringing, which emphasised waiting until marriage.
Looking back, she said the whole situation now feels “creepy.”
The relationship took place during a difficult period in McCurdy’s life, shortly before her mother’s death in 2013, adding emotional strain to an already confusing situation.
Although the romance eventually tapered off, McCurdy later revisited the experience while writing her novel, finding that it stirred up unresolved anger she hadn’t fully processed until putting it into words.
McCurdy has been candid about her past in previous work as well, including her bestselling memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, where she first mentioned the age-gap relationship.
Her newest project is expected to dig even deeper into how desire, power and vulnerability intersected in that and other experiences from her youth.
By sharing these reflections, McCurdy hopes to spark broader conversations about unhealthy relationships, power dynamics and the emotional journey of coming to terms with one’s history.
As her novel’s release nears, audiences can expect more insight into how she has transformed difficult personal experiences into creative expression.
Princess Kate is being celebrated for her “quiet strength” as she marks her 44th birthday.
In a touching tribute shared on Friday, January 9, the Welsh Guards praised the Princess of Wales for her enduring support of the Armed Forces community, highlighting the impact she continues to have as Colonel-in-Chief.
The regiment honoured Kate’s “warmth, dedication and quiet strength,” noting that these qualities “continue to inspire countless people across the country.”
In their message, they underscored her long-standing commitment to those who serve, writing: “Through her support of service families, veterans, and causes close to our hearts, she consistently demonstrates compassion, resilience and a deep understanding of duty.”
The tribute closed with birthday wishes and gratitude “for her continued support of the nation and those who serve it,” signed off with the Welsh motto “Cymru Am Byth.”
The message comes amid a busy period for the Welsh Guards, who remain closely linked to Prince William. The Prince of Wales, who serves as colonel of the regiment, attended their Christmas celebrations at Windsor Barracks last month. During the visit, he personally helped serve dinner to members of the First Battalion and spent time socialising with troops in the Sergeants’ Mess, catching up on their work since his previous visit.
In recent years, the regiment has played a prominent role in major royal milestones, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the Coronation of King Charles III, and Trooping the Colour in 2023. Their tribute to Kate reflects a bond rooted in service, respect, and shared duty.
Meghan Trainor’s husband, Daryl Sabara, seems to have a surprising response to the Ashley Tisdale mom group fiasco, as he shared a neutral opinion.
The 33-year-old actor cleared the air by saying, “No drama over here, just trying to keep the kids happy,” soon after Trainor herself appeared to mock Tisdale in a TikTok video.
The Spy Kids star even expressed concern for the High School Musical star, after her essay in The Cut went viral, which detailed her experience of alienation in a group of fellow moms.
“I don’t really know what’s going on. I hope she’s okay though,” Sabara told TMZ on Thursday, January 8.
This comes after the singer shared a video clip on TikTok with the text, “Me finding out about the apparent mom group drama,” which showed her sitting at a desk while her song, Still Don’t Care played in the background.
Trainor concluded her shady response with three tea emojis in the caption.
The Made You Look hitmaker is not the only alleged mom involved in the mom group drama, but Mandy Moore and Hilary Duff are also among Tisdale’s former friends, whom she recently unfollowed.
Bruno Mars has officially kicked off his romantic era, leaving fans guessing if he is hinting at a new possible romance.
In the early hours of Friday, January 9, the 16-time Grammy Award winner sent his fans into a frenzy by dropping his first solo single, I Just Might, in over a decade.
In the lead single of his upcoming album, The Romantic, the 40-year-old seemingly serenaded about a new love.
The lyrics of the newly-released track center on him seeing a captivating woman in a club and the possibility of a new romance.
In the chorus, he sings, “Hey, Mr. DJ, play a song for this pretty little lady. ‘Cause if she dance as good as she look right now, I just might, I just might make her my baby”.
So, does Bruno have a new love in his life? There were rumors in the past year that he had split from longtime girlfriend Jessica Caban after more than a decade together, but that was never confirmed.
While neither he nor his long-time girlfriend Jessica Caban has officially confirmed their current relationship status, the lyrical content of “I Just Might” has fueled speculation among fans that he might be single and exploring a new relationship.
Bruno Mars’ The Romantic Tour dates:
The forthcoming fourth solo album is set for release on February 27, 2026, giving fans a full access into the romantic theme of his new music era.
Following the album release a world tour has already been announced, which will be performed in stadiums.
While Bruno has released hit collabs like “Die With a Smile” with Lady Gaga and “APT” with Blackpink star Rose in recent years, this marks his return to solo music.
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