Prince William and Family Dress Up for a Service at Westminster Abbey, Plus Rhianna, A$AP Rocky, James Cameron and More

Celebrities have been everywhere this week. In London,Prince William,Kate Middleton, and their kids dress up for the fifth annual "Together at Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. Meanwhile, in Paris, husband and wife duo James Cameron and Suzy Amis Cameron attend theAvatar: Fire and AshEuropean premiere. Over in the Middle East,Vin DieselandNina Dobrevpose together at the Women in Cinema event at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025. And back in the United States,Rihannaand Ray-Ban creative directorA$AP Rockyattend his event at Art Basel in Miami.

Here are the best photos of celebs out and about this week. Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings!

Family Fun

Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP via Getty

Prince William and Kate Middleton take their kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, to the fifth annual "Together at Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 5.

Their Hearts Still Go On

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

James Cameron and wife Suzy Amis Cameron smile big at the European premiere ofAvatar: Fire and Ashin Paris on Dec. 5.

You, Take Our Photo

Hoda Davaine/Getty

Vin Diesel and Nina Dobrev catch up at the Women in Cinema event during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5.

Rockin' the Shades

Sansho Scott/BFA.com/Shutterstock

A$AP Rocky and Rihanna have a date night at his Ray-Ban event at Art Basel in Miami on Dec. 4.

New Bestie Alert

Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Jessica AlbaandDakota Johnsonhave a bonding moment at the Women in Cinema event during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5.

Red Like a Rose

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Kate Winsletsteps out in a red power suit for the fifth annual "Together at Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in London on Dec. 5.

Shoulder Details

Dave Benett/Getty

Dame Joan Collinsrocks a statement jacket at The Women in Film and Television Awards 2025 in London on Dec. 5.

Third Wheel Alert

Hoda Davaine/Getty

Rita Ora,Adrien BrodyandGeorgina Chapmansmile for the camera at the Women in Cinema event during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5.

As Long As You're Mine

Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Michael CaineandShakira Cainehave a romantic night out at the Women in Cinema event during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5.

Costar Fun

Courtesy of Sam Balaban

CostarsConnie BrittonandEd Burnswalk the carpet at the special screening ofThe Family McMullenin New York City on Dec. 4.

Holiday Chic

Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Ana de ArmasandKirsten Dunststun in festive looks at the Women in Cinema event during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5.

Black Lace

Zach Hilty/BFA.com

Lori Harveylooks ravishing in black at the Mirage Factory Art Basel event in Miami on Dec. 4.

Parents Night Out

TERESA SUAREZ/EPA/Shutterstock

Beautiful coupleSam WorthingtonandLara Worthingtonhave a night without the kids at the European premiere ofAvatar: Fire and Ashin Paris on Dec. 5.

Bodycon for Days

Zach Hilty/BFA.com

Justine Skyeserves looks on the carpet at the Capital One xNYLONArt Basel event in Miami on Dec. 4.

Documentary Fans

Courtesy of David Coy II for Switchboard Magazine

Executive producersWilmer ValderramaandCara Santana Letopose with co-director Jared Jakins at the screening of his documentary shortRat Rodin New York City on Dec. 3.

Feeling Sentimental

Stephanie Augello

Elle FanningandSofia Coppolareunite at the screening of Fanning's new movieSentimental Valuein New York City on Dec. 3.

Artist Friends

Bre Johnson/BFA.com

Kesha, Alex Prager andQuavoattend the Mirage Factory Art Basel event in Miami on Dec. 4.

Vision in White

Hoda Davaine/Getty

Uma Thurmansports all white at the Women in Cinema event during the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5.

Costars Turned Besties

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

CostarsSigourney WeaverandZoe Saldañaget close and hold hands at the European premiere ofAvatar: Fire and Ashin Paris on Dec. 5.

Husband and Wife

Gordon Hill Peterson Photography

Stephen Amelland wifeCassandra Jeanhave a date night at the Tinselcolor: Holiday Soundtracks Live opening night in Hollywood on Dec. 4.

Stop Bugging Me

Bruce Glikas/Getty

Carrie Coonsmiles big at the Manhattan Theatre Club production of Tracy Letts' playBugin New York City on Dec. 3.

Fiancé Era

PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Newly engagedMiley Cyrusputs her glitzy sparkler on full display while out in Los Angeles on Dec. 4.

Family Ties

Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages

Zooey Deschanelhas a family night out with husbandJonathan Scottand parents Mary Jo and Caleb Deschanel a special screening ofMervin Los Angeles on Dec. 4.

Sexiest Man in Rome

Vincenzo Landi/MDPhoto/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock

Jonathan Baileylooks dapper in a velvet maroon tuxedo for theBrunello, Il Visionario Garbatodocumentary premiere in Rome on Dec. 4.

Woman of the Hour

Rebecca Sapp/Getty

Cynthia Erivostrikes a pose during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where she received the Kirk Douglas Award on Dec. 4.

She Means Business

Tristan Fewings/Getty

Jessica Albasuits up at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 5.

Face Card Holder

Tristan Fewings/Getty

Rita Oradons a black silk gown during the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 5.

Gala Goer

Slaven Vlasic/Getty

Colin Jostgets silly at the 2025 Museum Gala at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City on Dec. 4.

Cha Cha, Real Smooth

Slaven Vlasic/Getty

AlecandHilaria Baldwindress to the nines for the 2025 Museum Gala at New York City's American Museum of Natural History on Dec. 4.

New Yorker State of Mind

Theo Wargo/Getty

Martha Stewartlooks cozy in a soft knit for a screening of Netflix'sThe New Yorker At 100in New York City on Dec. 4.

Serve at the Centennial

Roy Rochlin/Getty

Molly Ringwaldstuns in cream silk dress at a special screening of Netflix'sThe New Yorker at 100documentary in New York City on Dec. 4.

Queen of the Screen

Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Queen Latifahflashes a smile before her conversation at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 4.

Throwback Thursday

Isa Foltin/Getty

The O.C.alumMischa BartonandDesperate Housewives'Marcia Crossserve major early 2000s nostalgia during the annual Mon Cheri Barbara Tag charity event in Munich on Dec. 4.

High Achiever

Michael Buckner/IndieWire via Getty

Jacob Elordisports a chic leather jacket at theIndieWireHonors in Los Angeles on Dec. 4.

Trio for the Win

Adam Sandlerand wifeJackieshare smiles withKristen Stewartat theIndieWireHonors in Los Angeles on Dec. 4.

Cold Shoulders, Heart Warmed

Tristan Fewings/Getty

Nina Dobrevattends the Red Sea International Film Festival in an off-the-shoulder top Dec. 5 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In da Club

Alexander Tamargo/Getty

50 Centarrives at the E11EVEN nightclub during Miami Art Week on Dec. 4.

Guest with the Best

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Natalia DyerchatsStranger Thingsseason 5 onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonin New York City on Dec. 4.

Walton's World

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Walton Gogginsstops byThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonin New York City on Dec. 4, ahead ofFalloutseason 2's release.

Talented Trio

Bruce Glikas/Getty

AliascostarsVictor GarberandJennifer Garnerreunite to celebrate with theatre directorScott Ellisduring his portrait unveiling at Sardi's in New York City on Dec. 4.

In-nie the Conversation

Manny Carabel/Getty

Adam Scotttalks all thingsSeverancewith the SAG-AFTRA Foundation in New York City on Dec. 4.

Good Tunes, Good Times

Cindy Ord/Getty

Coco Austinand daughter Chanel pose with DJ KB at the premiere ofKIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movieat AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York City on Dec. 4.

Passion for Fashion

Antonio Masiello/WireImage

Chris Pinesuits up for theBrunello, Il Visionario Garbatodocumentary premiere in Rome on Dec. 4.

Cover Girl

Tiffany Rose/Getty

Carmen Electracelebrates the her latest photo feature duringSupermodels Unlimited Magazine's cover release party at Hollywood Vatican in West Hollywood, California, on Dec. 4.

All About Acoustics

Paris Mumpower

"Sue Me" singerAudrey Hobertand Substack host an intimate show in Los Angeles on Dec. 3.

Love Is in the Air

Amy Sussman/Getty

Hilary Duffand husbandMatthew Komabring the holiday cheer for a live holiday Apple Music radio takeover on Dec. 4.

Flying the Coop

SONIC / BACKGRID

Bradley Cooperis all bundled up as he's spotted leavingGigi Hadid's apartment in New York on Dec. 4.

Three Times the Fun

Tim P. Whitby/Getty

Kirsten Dunst,Jessica AlbaandDakota Johnsonpose together during the opening ceremony at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 on Dec. 4 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Shoulder-to-Shoulder

Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Also at the Red Sea International Film Festival,Rita OraandNina Dobrevbring the glam in sexy black ensembles on Dec. 4.

Paired Up

Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Adrien Brodyand girlfriendGeorgina Chapmanlook elegant at the opening night red carpet forGiantat the Red Sea International Film Festival on Dec. 4.

Shaking It Up

The Grosby Group / BACKGRID

Shakira lights up Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay, during a stop on her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Tour on Dec. 3.

Team of Three

Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages

Dacre Montgomery, Gus Van Sant andPatton Oswaltattend aDead Man's Wire screening at Brain Dead Studios on Dec. 3 in Los Angeles.

Men at Work

Arnold Jerocki/Getty

Vin Dieselposes withMichael Caineas they make their way down the red carpet at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Dec. 4 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Forever Lovebirds

Jason LeCras

Ian Somerhalderparties with wifeNikki Reedas he hosts a festive holiday gathering with Brother's Bond Bourbon and 1 Hotel West Hollywood in L.A.

Back at It

Arnold Jerocki/Getty

Ana de Armasrocks a backless shimmering gown at the opening ceremony at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 on Dec. 4 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

All the Right Colors

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty

Tilda Swintonmatches the red hues in a chic ensemble during day seven of the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival on Dec. 4 in Marrakech, Morocco.

Stepping Out

Brendan Fraserweathers the frigid New York temperatures as he exitsThe Drew Barrymore Showon Dec. 4.

Fun Times

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty

Laurence Fishburneand Bronwyn Dannenfelser have a laugh while attending the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival on Dec. 4, in Marrakech, Morocco.

Your Favorite Star

TheImageDirect.com

Lucy Liuis adorable as she steps out in a voluminous skirt while out and about in New York City on Dec. 4.

Jump for Joy

Megan Moroney jumps for joy as she celebrates 821M+ Spotify streams at a Spotify Wrapped pop-up in Nashville on Dec. 4.

In Good Company

Gregg DeGuire/JanuaryImages

Mimi Rogers,Steve Buscemiand Cary Elwes hangout ahead of theDead Man's Wirescreening hosted by the Creative Artists Agency, on Dec. 2 in Los Angeles.

Hugs All Around

Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com

Katie Couric steps out for the grand opening party of Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at The Ritz-Carlton New York on Dec. 3.

Always the Best

Bryan Bedder/Getty

DJ Khaledattends his We The Best Foundation 3rd Annual Golf Classic at Miami Beach Golf Club on Dec. 4 in Miami Beach.

Nom, Nom

Zach Hilty/BFA.com

Lori Harveygets snackie at the Uber x OpenTable Art Basel event in Miami on Dec. 4.

Party People

World Red Eye

Corey Gambleand musical duo Sofi Tukker are pictured at the John Summit performance at Palm Tree Club Miami celebrating the venue's new partnership with Archer Aviation..

'Happy Hours' on Set

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes giggle together while filming their new movieHappy Hoursin New York City on Dec. 3.

White Christmas

Ralph Bavaro/NBC via Getty

Reba McEntire and Kristin Chenoweth sing "Silver Bells" together at the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York City on Dec. 3.

Black as the Night

Nina Westervelt/WWD via Getty

Rachel Zeglerstuns in black at the Michael Kors Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting party in New York City on Dec. 3.

Fan Love

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Gwen Stefaniguest stars onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonin New York City on Dec. 3.

All Eyes on Her

Don Arnold/Getty

Oprah Winfreyrocks a monochrome white outfit at the opening show of her Oprah "In Conversation" tour in Sydney on Dec 4.

The First Snowfall

Scott Kowalchyk/CBS News via Getty

Stephen Colbertand guestPrince Harrychat in a wintery scene onThe Late Show with Stephen Colbertin New York City on Dec. 3.

Tweed For Days

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Sigourney Weaverwaves at the cameras at theAvatar: Fire and Ashphotocall in Paris on Dec. 4.

Avatar Premiere

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Sam WorthingtonandZoe Saldañapose together at theAvatar: Fire and Ashphotocall in Paris on Dec. 4.

Full of 'Gladitude'

Marion Curtis / StarPix for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Drew BarrymoreandMarlo Thomasembrace at the "Gladitude Celebration" for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in New York City on Dec. 3.

Blinged Out

Julia Beverly/Getty

DJ KhaledandJ Balvincatch up at the Third Annual We The Best Foundation Golf Classic in Miami on Dec. 3.

Cleaned Up Nice

Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty

Sara FosterandPatrick Schwarzeneggermatch in black at the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City on Dec. 3.

Play It Cool

Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty

Pusha TandPharrell Williamspose for a photo at the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City on Dec. 3.

Mother-Daughter Date

Dominik Bindl/Getty

Christie BrinkleyandSailor Brinkley-Cookhave a mother-daughter night out at the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City on Dec. 3.

Bestie Alert

Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty

Michael StrahanandGayle Kingembrace at the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City on Dec. 3.

Silver Details

John Nacion/WWD via Getty

Nicky Hilton Rothschildattends the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City on Dec. 3.

Powerful Panel

Paras Griffin/Getty

Jennifer Hudsonspeaks in a Future Proofing Opportunity and Access panel at the 2025 HOPE Global Forum in Atlanta on Dec. 3.

Broadway, Baby

Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Mark Strong,Robert De Niro,Lesley Manvillepose backstage atOedipuson Broadway in New York City on Dec. 3.

All That Glitters

Nina Westervelt/WWD via Getty

Emma RobertsandFrancesca Scorseseshine in sparkles at the Michael Kors Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting party in New York City on Dec. 3.

Red Hot

Stefanie Keenan/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Rachel Sennottradiates in red atThe Hollywood Reporter's100 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment event in Beverly Hills, California, on Dec. 3.

Hold the Door, Please

Aeon/GC Images

Sydney Sweeneyis spotted on the streets of New York City on Dec. 3, following the premiere of her new moveThe Housemaid.

Hey Girl Hey

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Toni Collettewalks the red carpet at the premiere ofGoodbye Junein London on Dec. 3.

Bigger the Bow, the Better

Aeon/GC Images

Parker Poseysteps out for a night on the town as the host ofNew Yorkmagazine's Culturati 50 Party in New York City on Dec. 3.

Thumbs Up

Mario Lopezand Benjamin Prelvukaj stop for a quick meal at Benjamin Steakhouse in New York City before attending the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3.

Buns and Bangs

Santiago Felipe/Getty

Kristen StewartandImogen Pootstwin in bangs at theThe Chronology Of WaterNew York City screening on Dec. 3.

Make It Schnappy

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Noah Schnapp poses backstage before guest starring onThe Tonight Show StarringJimmy Fallonin New York on Dec 3.

Costars on the Carpet

Unique Nicole/FilmMagic

Gillian AndersonandLena Headeyhit the brown carpet at Netflix'sThe Abandonspremiere in Los Angeles on Dec. 3.

Speak Now

Marla Aufmuth/Getty

Simone Bilesspeaks on stage at the 2025 Massachusetts Conference for Women in Boston on Dec. 3.

Poolside Pics

Getty Images for W Magazine

Amber Vallettaand Erin Wasson pose by the pool at the ICA Art Basel kickoff party in Miami on Dec 1.

Grand Arrival

Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP via Getty

Prince WilliamandKate Middletonmake a grand entrance at a State Banquet at Windsor Castle during a visit by the German president on Dec. 3.

New York Girls Stand Up

Stefanie Keenan/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Gwyneth PaltrowandJennifer Lopezpose together after receiving the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award and the Equity in Entertainment Award atThe Hollywood ReporterWomen in Entertainment event on Dec. 3.

The Brothers Jonas

Rob Latour/Shutterstock

TheJonas Brotherslook suave in cool tones at their Handprint Footprint Ceremony in Los Angeles on Dec. 3.

Mother-Son Night

James Veysey/Shutterstock

Kate Winsletwalks theGoodbye Junepremiere with herson, Joe Anders, in London on Dec. 3.

Straight Vision

Lewis Merritt for David Yurman

Michael B. Jordanshows off his David Yurman jewels at the 57th Street Boutique in New York on December 3.

Getting Chilly

XNY/Star Max/GC Images

Sydney Sweeneyappears to catch a chill while out and about in New York on December 3.

Serious Faces On

Matt Winkelmeyer/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Sarah PaulsonandDakota Johnsonget close for a photo atThe Hollywood ReporterWomen in Entertainment presented by Lifetime event at the Beverly Hills Hotel on December 3.

Celebrating Women

Stefanie Keenan/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Andie MacDowellandLake Bellare suited up atThe Hollywood ReporterWomen in Entertainment event presented by Lifetime at The Beverly Hills Hotel on December 3.

Hollywood Royalty

Michael Kovac/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Goldie Hawnstrikes a pose while atThe Hollywood ReporterWomen in Entertainment event presented by Lifetime at The Beverly Hills Hotel on December 3.

Music Man

John Nacion/Getty

Mark Ronsoncelebrates Spotify Wrapped 2025 with an Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony on December 3 in New York City.

Lady in Red

Aeon/GC Images

Amanda Seyfriedis seasonally appropriate in a red ensemble while in Midtown Manhattan on December 3.

Master of Ceremonies

Kevin Winter/Getty

Ryan Seacresthonors The Jonas Brothers at their Hand and Footprint Ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre on December 3 in Hollywood.

Theater Man

Jason Mendez / StarPix for Bleecker Street

Tom Feltonmakes an appearance at the New York premiere of Bleecker Street and Legion M'sFackham Hallon December 2.

Three's Company

Stefanie Keenan/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Jimmy Kimmeland his wife Molly McNearney, hang out withOlivia MunnatThe Hollywood ReporterWomen in Entertainment event in Beverly Hills.

Heaven Sent

Stefanie Keenan/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Regina Hallis angelic in white atTheHollywood ReporterWomen in Entertainment presented by Lifetime on December 3 in Beverly Hills.

Addressing the Masses

David Dee Delgado/Getty

Halle Berryspeaks onstage duringThe New York TimesDealBook Summit 2025 at Jazz at Lincoln Center on December 3 in New York City.

Simple Elegance

Stefanie Keenan/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Mamie Gummerkeeps it chic and simple in a bright red flowy dress at The Hollywood ReporterWomen in Entertainment presented by Lifetime on December 3 in Beverly Hills.

New York's Finest

Luisanna Tejada

Mr. & Mrs Met celebrate as Chef Marcus Samuelsson and more raised $447,000 t Why Hunger's 2nd Annual Hungerthon Hustle 4.7K on December 2.

Powerhouse Actresses

Phillip Faraone/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Karen PittmanandKerry Washingtonare all smiles atThe Hollywood Reporter Womenin Entertainment event presented by Lifetime on December 3.

Holiday Cheer

Raising Cane's

Raising Canes owner and founder Todd Graves teamed up with Peter Billingsley, famously to launch the holiday season in Times Square by donating 500 new bikes to kids from Boys & Girls Club of Harlem.

Dude with a Sign

John Nacion/Getty

Social media star Seth Phillips celebrates Spotify's Wrapped 2025 with an Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony on December 3 in New York City.

Mother-Daughter Date

Monica Schipper/WireImage

Kendall and Kris Jennerspend quality mother-daughter time at the L'Oréal's Women of Worth event in Los Angeles on Dec. 2.

Friendship Goals

Steven/AFF-USA/Shutterstock

Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeneyare all smiles at a special screening ofThe Housemaidin New York City on Dec. 2.

Royal Bling

Hannah McKay - Pool/Getty

Kate Middleton and Prince Williamvisit the Royal Collection exhibition in Windsor, England on Dec. 3.

Hoods Up

Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages

Timothée Chalametembraces Gwyneth Paltrow and Odessa A'Zion at a special screening of A24'sMarty Supremein Los Angeles on Dec. 2.

Shades for the Show

Chris Haston/WBTV via Getty

Tyler James Williamsappears onThe Jennifer Hudson Showin Burbank, California, in an episode airing Dec. 3.

Beauty in Tulle

John Nacion/Variety via Getty

Gwen Stefanidresses up for Amazon MGM Studios'Oh. What. Fun.premiere in New York City on Dec. 2.

Read the original article onPeople

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in

December 06, 2025

Prince William and Family Dress Up for a Service at Westminster Abbey, Plus Rhianna, A$AP Rocky, James Cameron and More

Celebrities have been everywhere this week. In London,Prince William,Kate Middleton, and their kids dress up for the fift...

Read More

Sharna Burgess Shuts Down Rumors of BTS 'Toxicity' on “DWTS”, Says It's 'Certainly Not the Show Itself or the People on It'

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Sharna Burgess is shutting down rumors of behind-the-scenes "toxicity" on Dancing with the Stars

• Burgess answered a fan's question about the show in a Q&A on her Instagram Stories

• "It's certainly not the show itself or the people on it," said Burgess, who joined the show in season 16, and departed in season 30

Sharna Burgessis shutting down rumors of behind-the-scenes "toxicity" onDancing with the Stars.

Burgess, 40, who joinedDWTSas a pro in season 16, answered a fan's question in a Q&A on herInstagram Stories.

When a fan wrote in, "What do you think DWTS toxic means?," Burgess replied, "I've never heard this but l'm gonna have to assume The fandom (some not all obvi)."

"It's certainly not the show itself or the people on it," she went on. "Gosh I hate even seeing those two words together it's so sad but yeah the online hate is just another level these days. On the flip side so is the online love and adoration. It's the ying and yang.. the balance I guess. Where there are more people that love something there will also be more people that don't."

Burgess added that the show's popularity has inspired "every man and his dog [who] wants to go viral with their 'hot takes' " to leave hurtful comments online, even though "most of them would cry for a photo with any of the people that they speak so portly of if given the chance."

Sharna Burgess/Instagram

The former pro notably competed asBobby Bones' partner in season 27 — whose Mirrorball win was controversial among fans, and with formerDWTShost Tom Bergeron.

The podcast host, 45, recently shared that he sent his Mirrorball trophy "back to ABC" following criticism of his win, while addressing "hurtful" commentsformerDWTShostBergeron, 70, recently made toParade.

In aTikTokposted on Nov. 12, Bones responded to Bergeron tellingParadethe win that "shocked" him the most was Bobby Bones' victory. "Bobby Bones was the first time I kind of — it was like ouch," Bergeron said.

In his response, Bones shared, "I try not to get my feelings hurt, especially about stuff like this, but this was hurtful." He added that it wasn't "because of what was said, but really who said it."

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Bones asked his followers what he was supposed to do in his situation, saying, "I didn't even wanna be on the show. I had no intention of being onDancing with the Stars. I was working on a different show at the network, they asked me to go on the show to promote. Am I supposed to not show up and work hard?"

Bones called the "amount of hate" he still gets years later "crazy," and said people he respects — like "Tom Bergeron" and "Julianne Hough," who also "strongly disagreed" with his win — continue to bring up his time on the series.

Read the original article onPeople

byAdministrator

in

December 06, 2025

Sharna Burgess Shuts Down Rumors of BTS 'Toxicity' on “DWTS”, Says It's 'Certainly Not the Show Itself or the People on It'

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty NEED TO KNOW Sharna Burgess is shutting down rumors of behind-the-scenes "toxicity" on Dancing with the S...

Read More

What to Watch This Weekend (Dec. 6-7): 8 Best New Movies and Shows to Stream Now (Including a Damning Docuseries on a Controversial Figure)

Diyah Pera/Netflix ; Peter Mountain/Netflix ; Alisha Wetherill/Prime

The weeks betweenThanksgivingandChristmasare unforgiving, whether you are a student, working adult or just a holiday lover. Thankfully, studios know that too.

This weekend, Dec. 6-7, two new Christmas movies are hitting streamers to tide you over until the big day. But the holiday spirit doesn't stop the true crime or horror content — Netflix has a damning new documentary about a disgraced music mogul that has already skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot of their daily Top 10, beating out the wildly popularStranger Things.

On the lighter side, two reality shows are back as well, from anotherHousewivesinstallation to the second season of a real estate series.

And there's more! Here's a list of the eight best new movies and shows to watch this weekend and where to stream them.

Five Nights at Freddy's 2

It's been one year since the horrific nightmare (read: animatronic toys coming to life and slaughtering people) that took place at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, and the town has turned the tale into a campy legend.

But when former security guard Mike's (Josh Hutcherson) little sister Abby (Piper Rubio) reconnects with the murderous beings, the horror comes back to life.

Five Nights at Freddy's 2releases in theaters Dec. 5.

Sean Combs: The Reckoning

Few moguls in the music industry were more known, and perhaps more revered, thanSean "Diddy" Combs. But when his ex, singerCasandra "Cassie" Ventura,accused him of abuse and sexual assaultin 2023 (allegations the rapper denied), the carefully stacked walls protecting Diddy started falling down, and his image was destroyed.

A year later, he wasarrestedon charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. In July 2025, he wasacquittedof the former two and found guilty of two counts of the latter. Now, a documentary — produced by the outspokenly anti-Diddy rapper50 Cent— delves further.

WatchSean Combs: The ReckoningonNetflix.

My Secret Santa

Ideas for Christmas movies never run short: put in a Santa, a sweet love story and a small town and you've got a sure formula that'll hit. And that's exactly the case inMy Secret Santa, a story about a single mom (Alexandra Breckenridge) desperate to get a job to pay for her daughter's snowboarding lessons.

She disguises herself as a man to play Santa at a fancy ski resort, but when she starts to fall in love with the manager, things get a little trickier...

WatchMy Secret SantaonNetflix.

Oh. What. Fun.

More often than not, moms are at the center of Yuletide festivities, from buying presents to cooking the feast. And what do they get in return? Ungrateful children, distracted husbands and messes to clean up. At least that's how Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) feels inOh. What. Fun.

So when her family literally leaves her behind as they're getting ready to go see a show, Claire decides to give herself a break and rediscover the holiday spirit without her pestering family by her side.

WatchOh. What. Fun.onPrime Video.

Jay Kelly

George Clooneyis a movie star playing a movie star inJay Kelly,which follows the actor of the same name as he goes on a journey confronting his past and present after his daughter leaves during their last summer together, forcing Jay to reckon with his life choices. Or maybe he just needs to touch grass.

By his side is his devoted manager Ron, played byAdam Sandler, who has stirred Oscar buzz with his performance.

WatchJay KellyonNetflix.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

You may not think ofDiary of a Wimpy Kidas a Christmas movie, but Disney+ is here to prove you wrong as everyone's favorite wimpy kid, Greg Heffley (voiced by Aaron Harris), struggles to meet his dad's expectations.

When he's threatened with military school, Greg hatches a plan to shape up — and take on a trip to wilderness camp with his dad.

WatchDiary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last StrawonDisney+.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsseason 15

The ladies of Beverly Hills are back (sansGarcelle Beauvais,drama that will surely be unpackedthroughout the season), but signs aren't pointing to better than ever.

WhileKyle Richardsis figuring out what's next for her amid her split fromMauricio Umansky, her former best friendDorit Kemsleyseems to still be on the outs with both her and her estranged husband,P.K. Kemsley. Meanwhile, two new women join the group, including former Bravolebrity, fashion designerRachel Zoe.

WatchThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsseason 15 on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, next day onPeacock.

Owning Manhattanseason 2

Ryan Serhantmay have gotten his start on Bravo'sMillion Dollar Listing New Yorkalongside his peers in the New York City market, but as the title of his Netflix show suggests, he's ready to take over on his own.

But, not quite. Joining him at Serhant, his agency, is a team of ambitious and ruthless brokers. With competing deals, massive egos and strong personalities threatening their workspace, can they band together to reach Serhant's goal of becoming the biggest agency in the world?

Watch season 2 ofOwning ManhattanonNetflix.

Read the original article onPeople

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What to Watch This Weekend (Dec. 6-7): 8 Best New Movies and Shows to Stream Now (Including a Damning Docuseries on a Controversial Figure)

Diyah Pera/Netflix ; Peter Mountain/Netflix ; Alisha Wetherill/Prime The weeks betweenThanksgivingandChristmasare unforgiving, whether you...

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Exclusive-Pilots' union blocks Allegiant Air bid to get US residency for foreign hires​

NEW YORK, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Allegiant Air's pilots' union is blocking the airline's attempt to secure permanent residency for dozens of foreign pilots from Chile, Australia and Singapore, leaving their immigration status - and the company's staffing - in limbo.

The union has refused to certify to the ​U.S. Department of Labor that the pilot positions, which start at about $50,000 a year, about half of what pilots at other regional airlines earn, ‌meet "prevailing wage" standards. That certification is a crucial bureaucratic step and a requirement for the pilots' green card applications.

Instead of hiring foreign pilots, the Teamsters Local 2118 has asked Allegiant to offer industry-standard compensation ‌and improvements to scheduling to retain pilots who are leaving for rivals.

Allegiant said it, like most U.S. carriers, faced significant workforce challenges when travel surged after the pandemic. The carrier has also struggled to retain pilots in part due to low pay levels. To stabilize staffing, the carrier expanded recruitment to hire pilots under employment-based visa programs.

The union alleges the airline misrepresented its intentions to permanently hire these pilots and that there is no longer a shortage in the U.S., making the move to pursue permanent residency ⁠for the pilots unnecessary.

"They had such a hard time in ‌2023 finding pilots, they actually started hiring visa pilots out of Chile on an H-1B1 because they promised them citizenship, a green card verbally to come fly in America for 50,000 bucks a year," Gregory Unterseher, director of the Airline Division of ‍the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, told Reuters.

"Because they're having such a hard time keeping and maintaining pilots at such a low wage."

Allegiant said it currently employs approximately 62 pilots from Chile, Australia, and Singapore through H-1B1 and E-3 visa programs, or about 4% of its overall pilot count of 1,345.

An Allegiant spokesperson said hiring pilots through visa programs is a small ​supplement to its broader workforce strategy, not a replacement for U.S. hires.

The union declined to provide the letter needed for the permanent labor certification application submitted ‌by the airline. A Labor Department-issued permanent labor certification allows employers to hire foreign workers to work permanently in the U.S.

In a letter to pilots seen by Reuters, Allegiant wrote "as a result of the union's failure to provide that information, we understand that the time to obtain your green card may be delayed."

"The company condemns the union's decision to harm you by refusing to provide the updated letter requested by the Department of Labor," the letter said.

In a statement to Reuters, Allegiant said that "all of our hiring practices fully comply with federal labor laws, FAA regulations, and the collective bargaining agreements in place with our pilot union."

The status of ⁠many of the foreign pilots hangs in limbo with some instructed not to leave the country ​as President Donald Trump cracks down on foreign-born workers, the union said.

"My heart goes out to ​them. They were told, I think recently that they shouldn't even leave the country, right? Because they might not be able to get back in," said Unterseher.

ATTRITION ON THE RISE

Attrition is on the rise at Allegiant, according to pilots, as some leave due to ‍industry-low pay, frustrations with scheduling and a ⁠near-10-year-old labor contract.

"First officers at Allegiant in their first year in most cases are making less than flight attendants at other major airlines or TSA agents," one pilot who recently left Allegiant told Reuters, on the condition of anonymity.

The carrier has expressed interest in expanding its operations, at one ⁠point discussing 1,400 more destinations it can add. But lack of staffing remains a sticky point, pilots told Reuters.

"For the last 18 months, there was nowhere to go. Now that people have options, ‌you are seeing people leaving. I've got five or six friends just in my little small group of people that I know ‌that are leaving," the pilot added.

(Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by David Gregorio)

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Exclusive-Pilots' union blocks Allegiant Air bid to get US residency for foreign hires​

NEW YORK, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Allegiant Air's pilots' union is blocking the airline's attempt to secure permane...

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A 'volcano' of controversy has hit the Minnesota Somali community

ST. CLOUD, Minn. ‒ The day afterPresident Donald Trumpcalled Somali immigrants in Minnesota "garbage," more than 100 residents and elected officials gathered at a library to reassure their Somali neighbors they were still welcomed in St. Cloud, a regional hub roughly an hour drive north of Minneapolis.

Farhiya Iman was among them. Iman, 36, was born in Somalia andnow calls St. Cloud home. The social worker and married mother of two told the St. Cloud Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, that the city made her who she is today.

Even amid tensions, she knows there are people there who will support her.

Still, Iman said, anti-Somali hate has found a home in central Minnesota, lurking in the comment section of news articles and on social media.Racial and religious tensionshave sometimes boiled over intoviolent threats,vandalismandefforts to stoprefugee resettlement.

"[It's] really comforting to know that we have allies that are checking on us," Iman said. "But there's also quite a few that have the same thinking as the president."

Fear and anxiety among the nation's largest Somali population in Minnesota reached new heights afterTrump's comments, in which he pointed toa massive fraud investigation.Some advocates say that investigation is being used as an excuse to target the entire community.

The controversy comes amid big changes in immigration enforcement. Trump hasthreatened to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programfor Somali refugees in Minnesota and theU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Serviceshas halted all immigration applications from Somalia and 18 other countriesin the wake of an attack ontwo National Guard members. The suspected shooter was an Afghan national.

Though the attacks and rhetoric aren't new, Somali Minnesotans say the pressure mounting on the community is worse than ever.

"It's a different temperature now," saidAhmed Samatar,a professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, who is a Somali expert. "It's quite ferocious. And really quite intimidating for people."

Pressure mounts on deeply rooted Somali community in Minnesota

Minnesota is the state with the largest population of people with Somali ancestry, according to theCensus Bureau. The population is estimated to be between 60,000 and 80,000.

It's a hub that has grown since many arrived amid the country's civil war and famine dating back to the early 1990s. The state was an attractive location in part because of its success resettling Hmong refugees in the 1970s and 1980s, theStar Tribunereported.

A community formed in Minnesota as new arrivals joined relatives who had been assigned to be resettled in a place many found welcoming. Under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, now largely curtailed by Trump, refugees are resettled in various cities across the country by local affiliate agencies but are free to move to be closer to relatives or friends.

Today, many are U.S. citizens, permanent residents and second-generation residents who never knew life in Somalia, Samatar said. They include police officers, doctors, academics or business people, and more have become involved in politics.

Trump criticized Somali immigrants in Minnesota when he first ran for president in 2016, saying they were "joining ISIS and spreading their extremist views,"the Guardianreported. His comments came after three Somali Americanswere found guiltyof trying to join the terror group and the Islamic State took credit fora knife attack at a Minnesota mall.

Trump has also frequently criticized the community's most high-profile elected official –U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.Shortly after Trump began his first term, his rhetoric trickled down into local politics.

In 2017, former St. Cloud City Council member Jeff Johnson proposed a moratorium to temporarily halt refugee resettlement in the city. The proposal failed but garnered national attention.

Trump said he wanted to terminatetemporary deportation protections for Somalisliving in Minnesota because "Somali gangs" were terrorizing the state, without offering evidence or details. There were about 430 recipients of that status in Minnesota in 2023, according to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.

The Trump administration also vowed to review green cards from 19 countries including Somalia, following the shooting of two National Guard members in the nation's capital.

During a recent Cabinet meeting, Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric about Somalis, saying they had contributed nothing to the U.S.

"I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you," Trump said. "Their country is no good for a reason. Their country stinks."

Trump's comments closing out his Dec. 2 Cabinet meeting came afterreports that dozens of Somaliimmigrants had beencharged with fraud for allegedly stealing $1 billionfrom Minnesota programs such as COVID-19 pandemic relief.

Minnesota leaders support Somali community

Trump's comments brought out local officials to defend the larger community, saying Somalis have been an economic and cultural boon to the area.

"Minneapolis is proud to be home to the largest Somali community in the country," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said at anews conference. "They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family – and they are welcome in our city. NothingDonald Trumpdoes will ever change that."

Leaders in the state have a history of countering Trump's moves on immigration.

When Trump signedan executive order in 2019allowing state and local governments more power to reject incoming refugees, Democratic Gov.Tim Walzapproved continued resettlements.  Walz, who Trump has called "grossly incompetent," also expanded upon policies that made the state attractive to refugees andapproved programs providingdrivers licenses, free college tuition and health insurance to undocumented immigrants.

On Dec. 2, Walz welcomed support investigating and prosecuting crimeon social mediabut said "indiscriminately targeting immigrants is not a real solution to a problem."

Meanwhile, advocates and Somalis say they are feeling the effects of politicians' words. For Suleiman Adan, who is a second-generation Somali American, the recent attacks have felt "inescapable."

"The pressure is worse than ever. I think we're past escalation," said Adan, deputy director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN). "I think the volcano has erupted."

That pressure comes amid high-profile fraud cases involving some accused Somali residents. The scope has been difficult for many in the community, said Samatar, the Macalester College professor.

"In a state that has treated Somalis with enormous graciousness and generosity and respect and help, that's painful," he told USA TODAY.

Fraud cases sow more distrust

Trump and other elected officials, like U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., have sought to associate the Somali community with fraud, pointing to a series of criminal cases.

Since 2022, federal prosecutors have charged78 peoplefor their suspected roles in a $250 million fraud scheme involving federal nutrition aid that expanded during the pandemic.

The scheme was tied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Federal Child Nutrition Program, which provides meals to children in need. The program, which expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed wider food distribution sites if sponsored by a nonprofit.

Prosecutors saythe Minnesota nonprofit Feeding Our Future and its partners operated sham sponsor distribution sites, claiming to have helped distribute millions of meals while spending money on items including luxury cars, houses, jewelry, and resort property abroad.

The case drew further attention in 2024 whenfive people were chargedwith conspiring to bribe a juror with abag of $120,000. Several dozen have pleaded guilty or been convicted, according tonews reports.

In another case, eight defendants were charged in September for their roles in what prosecutors said was a fraud scheme involving Housing Stabilization Services, a program designed to help people with disabilities, mental illnesses or substance use disorders.

Prosecutors saysome providers acquired the names of eligible beneficiaries from facilities like addiction treatment centers, then used their information to submit inflated and fake reimbursement claims. The program, which cost $21 million in its first year in 2021, ballooned to $104 million in 2024.

"What we see are schemes stacked upon schemes, draining resources meant for those in need.  It feels never ending.  I have spent my career as a fraud prosecutor and the depth of the fraud in Minnesota takes my breath away," Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompsonsaid in a statement.

In a third case, prosecutors in September charged Asha Farhan Hassan, 28, for her role in a $14 million fraud scheme involving therapy for autistic children.Prosecutorsalleged that providers recruited children from parents in the Somali community, paying kickbacks, and submitted reimbursements that were inflated or fraudulent.

TheNew York Times, citing prosecutors, reportedthat all but eight of the 86 people charged in those three cases involving meals, housing and autism therapy were of Somali ancestry, with a vast majority being American citizens by birth or naturalization. Federal prosecutors did not respond to USA TODAY's request for those figures.

The U.S. Treasury Department is also investigating allegations that tax dollars from Minnesota may have been diverted to the Al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Dec. 1.

That followed Trump calling Minnesota a "hub of fraudulent money laundering activity" under Walz, an apparent response to unverified media reports shared by several Republican lawmakers that Al-Shabaab had benefited from fraud committed in Minnesota. The Star-Tribune reported thatthere was scant evidence to substantiate it.

Walz has faced fierce criticism over the fraud schemes, and the state has since worked to strengthen oversight.

Kayseh Magan, a Somali American who formerly worked as a fraud investigator for the Minnesota attorney general's office,wrote in an opinion column last yearthat Minnesota's public programs were more geared to flag recipient fraud, instead of organized provider fraud.

But he added that fraudsters, many of whom came from his own community, also sought to exploit the "feckless fear that establishment politicians and state agencies show when confronted with charges of racism or Islamophobia."

In court filings, Feeding Our Future accused the state's Department of Education of discriminating against the organization because it served minority communities, and the threat of legal consequences and negative media attention affected state officials' decisions about taking regulatory actions against Feeding Our Future, according to areportfrom Minnesota's Legislative Auditor.

The fraud allegations have had a far-reaching impact, according to Sara Greenberg-Hassan, executive director of Feeding Area Children Together. The St. Cloud organization is supported in part by people of Somali heritage who volunteer and have a place on the nonprofit's board. Greenberg-Hassan said a member of FACT's board tried to resign amid the Feeding Our Future scandal.

"As a Somali man, he was afraid people would lose trust in our organization because (of) their own prejudices of Somali Americans," she said. "I refused his resignation and asked him to stay and show our community that those fraudsters are not representative of Somali Americans."

'Déjà vu' for a community that fled crisis

As tensions continue to rise, Adan and the rest of CAIR-MN's small staff, have been scrambling to wade through an influx of calls from frantic community members.

Adan said he's heard from imams who have received threatening phone calls, families wondering if they will be safe attending Friday prayers, and educators concerned about students being stopped by ICE on their way to school. He said ICE agents have been spotted in areas with a high density of Somali residents like Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, nicknamed "Little Mogadishu," and the area surrounding the Karmel Mall, wherehundreds gathered in support of the community.

"We've seen people be arrested - citizen and not and residents alike - asked for their papers and being detained in the cars by these ICE agents so they're able to confirm their identities," he said. "So far, we have three cases of mistaken identity, given that some people have similar names."

Erin Bultje, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, told USA TODAY that characterization is "not accurate" and pointed to a news releasetouting the arrests of a dozen people, including five from Somalia, since the launch of Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis on Dec. 1. ICE says it aims to capture "the worst of the worst."

"What makes someone a target of ICE is not their race or ethnicity, but the fact that they are in the country illegally. Those who are not here illegally and are not breaking other laws have nothing to fear," said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, who confirmed that a deportation surge has started, according to Reuters.

The fear Somali American leaders told USA TODAY they've observed over the presence of ICE agents has evoked painful memories for those who fled the civil war. They are residents like Jamal Osman.

"It feels like we live in a dictatorship. It feels like people are having déjà vu with the crisis they went through, the civil war. We know authoritarianism," said Osman, a city council member who represents a ward in central Minneapolis. "I feel like I'm living what my parents lived through in Somalia."

What's worse, Osman said, is that it feels as though there's little city or state officials can do to protect residents. The mayor has issued an order prohibiting the use of city-owned parking lots, ramps, garages, or vacant lots for civil immigration enforcement operations. But Osman said that hasn't stopped the flow of messages from his constituents saying they've been targeted.

The use of "dehumanizing language" against the community is particularly dangerousamid an uptick in political violence, said Hamse Warfa, a Somali Minnesotan who previously worked in state government for the Walz administration and at the State Department under former President Joe Biden.

June 24:Slain Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, husband and dog to lie in state

"It's language that should never be used by any political leader, let alone the most powerful president in the world," Warfa said. "And that undoubtedly is having a profound, profound impact both on the safety and the security of people."

Warfa said Trump's comments mirrordisparaging remarks he made about Haitiansearlier this year and its unlikely Somalis will be the last community targeted. "It's just the next iteration, the next scapegoated group, and I don't know who will be next," he said.

But for many, including Iman, the social worker at the gathering in St. Cloud, Trump's comments and the threats of deportation don't mean the generations of Somali Americans in Minnesota are going to leave.

"We're not undocumented," Iman said. "We're not going anywhere."

Contributing:Riley BegginandBart Jansen, USA TODAY; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Minnesota Somali community faces 'volcano' of controversy

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A 'volcano' of controversy has hit the Minnesota Somali community

ST. CLOUD, Minn. ‒ The day afterPresident Donald Trumpcalled Somali immigrants in Minnesota "garbage," more tha...

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You might soon be able to study UFOs at college

A group of researchers say it's time for academia to get serious about studying UFOs.

The movement, championed by the Society for UAP Studies, is wrapping up an international conference aimed at establishing a new discipline dedicated to studying unidentified anomalous phenomena (or UAPs, the more formal term for UFOs).

Michael Cifone, the society's co-founder and president, said he's interested in what he calls "the empirical weird."

His catch-all phrase encompasses things that blur the lines between the real and the possible, phenomena that defy easy explanation: the spiritual, the paranormal, the parapsychological and UAPs.

Cifone, who holds a Ph.D. in the philosophy of science from the University of Maryland, College Park, is hoping the study of UAPs can become the subject of serious, rigorous academic study, with the same scientific objectivity of any discipline.

The Society for UAP Studies knows it's a tall order that requires an open mind and an unusual amount of collaboration. Studying UAPs should be scientific, but can't be done in a lab — so researchers would have to collaborate in a study of the physical and theoretical.

Are aliens real? Researchers aren't sure.

Cifone spoke with USA TODAY one day before the Dec. 4 start of the international conference of theSociety for UAP Studies. He's the nonprofit's executive director and co-founder along with Michael Silberstein, a philosophy professor at Elizabethtown College. Cifone is currently a research fellow at the Center for Alternative Rationalities in Global Perspectives at Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany.

TheSociety for UAP Studies' board of advisors, advisory council and leaders include dozens of academics from all over the world, representing a variety of disciplines including philosophy, law, the sciences and humanities.

"We're not necessarily taking a position" on whether UAPs are evidence of extraterrestrial life, or what their existence could mean for humanity's understanding of its place in the universe, he said. "But we are interested in taking on these topics that don't fit neatly anywhere. As academics, our skill is in establishing a framework so we're not simply speculating, but situating it within historical, cultural and scientific frameworks."

From YouTube to UAPs

Cifone wasn't initially interested much in the celestial or the supernatural, he said, beyond watching "The X Files" and having a passing curiosity. But when the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself watching a YouTube video featuringKevin Knuth, a professor and former NASA research scientist and physicist who's studied quantum information, robotics, planets and UAPs.

Intrigued and realizing that their academic circles often overlapped, Cifone set out to learn more about Knuth's work, reading his writings in scientific and academic journals.

At some point, he realized that "while (the study of UAPs) was a topic of ridicule, there was still something strange and odd for which there seemed to be some good anecdotal evidence and witness evidence, evidence that was not easily dismissible by conventional analysis."

In search of 'enduring and rigorous understanding'

It wasn't just Knuth, and it wasn't just ordinary people reporting strange, unexplained sights. In 2004, U.S. Navy pilots and radar operators aboard the U.S.S. Nimitz and the U.S.S. Princetonreported seeing "anomalous aerial vehicles,"or AAVs high above where commercial and military craft can fly, performing maneuvers that seemed impossible to their trained eyes. In 2024,Congress conducted hearingson the issue, and the Pentagon, while saying it found no definitive evidence of extraterrestrial beings,also said there were "definitely anomalies."

Congress held additional hearings earlier in 2025based on hundreds of reports of UAPs. The Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Officedetermined the data instead showa "continued geographic collection bias based on locations near U.S. military assets and sensors operating globally."

During the Society for UAP Studies' conference (its second), keynote speakerSteve Fuller, an author and professor at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, said that he is "completely agnostic about whether (extraterrestrial) creatures are already here or if these blips on the screen" are evidence of intelligent life. But, he said, we (the global "we") should prepare for and be open to the possibility. Fuller discussed the nature of humanity, and how we might fit into a galactic or universal collective.

Cifone, in his interview with USA TODAY, said the society's goals are to bring scientific and academic rigor to phenomena that to many is still a fringe idea. They're not trying to convince anyone, including themselves.

"We like to emphasize positional neutrality," he said, "the methodology and standards of evidence" that would be a part of any other academic pursuit.

He acknowledged the challenges — starting an entirely new higher education discipline requires not just the professionals willing to do it, but also resources and institutional backing. The society is funded now through private and philanthropic donations and receives no government backing (he declined to name any funders, explaining he didn't ask permission to name them publicly).

He's taking a long-term view, and said thus far, he's encountered little resistance.

"It's a self-selecting group," he said. "People who interact with me are already interested and they like that it's science, scholarship and research first. The subject is the thing we do. We're the people doing the work. We're focused on the research for an enduring and rigorous understanding of the phenomena in all its aspects."

Contributing: Eric Lagatta, George Petras, Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:You might soon be able to study UFOs, UAPs at college

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December 06, 2025

You might soon be able to study UFOs at college

A group of researchers say it's time for academia to get serious about studying UFOs. The movement, champion...

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No. 11 Gonzaga rebounds with blowout of No. 18 Kentucky

Graham Ike dominated with 28 points and 10 rebounds, Braden Huff added 20 points and No. 11 Gonzaga overwhelmed No. 18 Kentucky in a 94-59 victory on Friday night as part of the Music City Madness in Nashville, Tenn.

Gonzaga (8-1), which bounced back from a 40-point loss to then-No. 7 Michigan on Nov. 26, enjoyed a wire-to-wire victory. Huff scored the game's first points 12 seconds in and the Bulldogs never looked back. They jumped out to a 19-2 lead, led 43-20 by halftime and extended it to 37 points in the second half.

Rounding out the Bulldogs' double-digit scorers were Adam Miller and Braeden Smith, who both finished with 11 points off the bench. Smith also had six rebounds and six assists. Gonzaga shot 57.1% from the field and made half of its 3-point attempts (9 of 18).

The 35-point loss for Kentucky (5-4) was its first by 30 or more since a 118-84 loss to Duke on Nov. 6, 2018. The Wildcats have lost all four of their games against ranked opponents this season.

Otega Oweh led Kentucky with 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Collin Chandler finished with 11 points for the Wildcats, who shot 26.7% from the field and 20.6% from 3-point range.

Gonzaga's fast start featured 3-pointers by Mario Saint-Supery and Steele Venters and an old-fashioned three-point play by Huff. A jumper by Miller at the 12:12 mark made it 19-2.

Kentucky missed its first 10 field-goal attempts and had five turnovers before Denzel Aberdeen knocked down a corner 3. But the Wildcats never cut significantly into the lead.

The Bulldogs had another 7-0 spurt later in the half, taking a 30-11 lead on a putback by Ike at the 5:44 mark. By halftime, Gonzaga had made 50% (17 of 34) of its shots from the field compared to Kentucky's 16.1% (5 of 31). The Bulldogs had a 22-4 advantage in points in the paint, thanks in part to Ike's 17 first-half points.

Kentucky, which rallied back from a 16-point halftime deficit against Gonzaga last season, didn't fare any better in the second half.

The Bulldogs extended their lead to 61-30 with just under 13 minutes left after a 7-0 run, started with a 3 by Emmanuel Innocenti.

Gonzaga leads the all-time series 3-2. Up next, Gonzaga returns home to face North Florida on Sunday. Kentucky hosts North Carolina Central on Tuesday.

--Field Level Media

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No. 11 Gonzaga rebounds with blowout of No. 18 Kentucky

Graham Ike dominated with 28 points and 10 rebounds, Braden Huff added 20 points and No. 11 Gonzaga overwhelmed No. 18...

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