Billy Masters 02.05.26

"I know how to handle a stick!"

— Gus Kenworthy campaigns for a role in season two of "Heated Rivalry". But he's got other fish to fry. The ever-ambitious athlete secured a spot on Team GB for the upcoming Olympics.


Sometimes you've just got to be patient. An event 50 years in the making was just announced—a reunion of "Charlie's Angels". Obviously since the death of Farrah Fawcett (Majors), it isn't a reunion of the original cast. But it's the next best thing. On April 6, 2026, Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd will attend a 50th anniversary celebration at the PaleyFest LA. You'd think the fact that they got Kate to show up (likely in a face mask) would be cause to celebrate, but there's a fly in the ointment. I never thought I'd say these words, but people are clamoring for Shelley Hack. The least popular Angel in captivity is also the only living Angel not invited. Of course, she still could show up. Nobody's saying she can't buy a ticket.

Vying for second place in hot stories is this: "Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards." That's the statement from Lemon's lawyer. This stems from Lemon's interviews of protesters and the pastor at an anti-ICE rally at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 18th. El Presidente took umbrage at the coverage, and the Department of Justice twice attempted to get an arrest warrant. A Minnesota Federal District Court judge denied both requests. Lemon and four others were charged with "Conspiracy Against Right of Religious Freedom at Place of Worship" and "Injure, Intimidate, and Interfere with Exercise of Right of Religious Freedom at a Place of Worship". That's a whole lotta religious mumbo jumbo from someone who previously quoted Two Corinthians!

I don't watch "Traitors". There, I said it. Not that I don't like it—I've never seen it. I'm absolutely convinced I'd love it if I bothered to turn it on. That said, I have been following this Colton Underwood situation, and I know a thing or two about him. What you have to understand is that most reality contestants are driven by one thing—the desire to be famous. Colton is driven by this. Not a criticism—in fact, something I admire. But when you go on THREE seasons of "Bachelor" shows without interest in women (whatever degree of "questioning" he may have had), there is one thing for certain—he knows how to keep a secret. Yes, many people will argue that he had issues, he had questions, he needed therapy. Absolutely. But what he needed even more was to be on TV. So, stop the bashing of Michael Rapaport, who simply said of Colton that he's "better at holding a secret than anyone I know."

Then there's the situation with Lisa Rinna, who I also have enormous affection for. She claims she playfully called Colton a "stalker". Then she found out he actually had been accused of stalking Cassie Randolph, one of his many "Bachelor" exes (oh, those silly questioning boys). Cassie even got a restraining order against him. That's why Rinna took back her accusation. "It's come to my attention that my post that I responded to in my 'housewife mode' is taking on a life of its own and it's causing real problems for Colton. I do not want this because Colton and I are great. He was a great and is a great nemesis for me on the show and in the game...The fact that the backlash is happening, I feel horrible about because I don't want to hurt anybody. I'm here to play the game and have fun. We had so much fun. I've only always had a great time with him. So, please guys be gentle. It's a game, it's a TV show. We're all doing the best we can. Don't send death threats or do anything to jeopardize somebody's family."

Chris Noth is going public about his relationship with Sarah Jessica Parker. The former Mister Big was killed off "And Just Like That..." in the premiere episode, which was always the plan. Then three women from his past came forward with claims of sexual assault. It should be noted that no charges were ever filed and no investigation ever happened. Noth had already wrapped "AJLT" by the time Parker and co-stars released this statement: "We are deeply saddened to hear the allegations against Chris Noth. We support the women who have come forward and shared their painful experiences. We know it must be a very difficult thing to do and we commend them for it." Noth says, "The statement that they put out—which was nothing more than brand management, really—I don't know, it was sad, it was disappointing, it was surprising. Because you need to call me and hear my side of this. You've known me for many years, and we've worked for many years...And that didn't happen, and that was too bad." Asked where things stand with Parker now, Chris replied, "We're not friends, I think that's pretty obvious."

To add fuel to the fire, both Kristin Davis and Mario Cantone believe the sequel series ended too soon—and certainly not in a tasteful fashion. Mario was a guest on Davis' podcast and said, "I just wanted one more season." Kristin responded, "I agree, I absolutely wanted one more season too." Mario added, "I don't care what anybody says. That was not a series finale. It was a season finale, but that wasn't a series finale." Frankly, I think an overflowing toilet was the perfect visual metaphor for this ill-advised venture.

Last week, we discussed Hudson Williams walking the runway of Milan's Fashion Week for Dsquared2. Turns out, he wasn't the only one—he was just first. Connor Storrie did the same for Saint Laurent. And then Vogue UK did something I didn't expect. After talking about Storrie's modeling debut, they said, "with a leather-trenched Francois Arnaud never straying too far from his side. The co-stars, who are believed to be dating, but could, of course, be best friends, or flatmates, were also seen leaving Hotel Costes together earlier that evening with the casual intimacy of two people who have shared each other's bodies (on screen, I mean, with the viewing public)." Except they are not connected at all on "Heated Rivalry". They ended the piece with this tantalizing quip: "And what does every great leading man in Hollywood have? A rumoured boyfriend." Throw the words "Could it be" at the beginning, and you might as well be reading a Billy Masters item. Surely I don't mean to imply Vogue UK isn't any more reputable than whatever publication you are reading this in. Progress? Perhaps. The jury's out. But the official videos of each lad getting dressed (in separate hotel rooms, by the by) can be found on BillyMasters.com.

Every day, performers have little triumphs in changing the world's perception of marginalized people. Last week, Bob the Drag Queen made a splash when he joined the cast of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical!" as Harold Zidler. Of course, not a total revolution as Bob and Harold are both males. It's worth noting that while the role was originally played by Danny Burstein, it was eventually portrayed by Tituss Burgess—as much a drag queen as Bob. But why quibble? I'm told Bob got a great reception on his entrance, and received a standing ovation at his curtain call. The producers even added a little of his "Purse First" for the finale megamix. Congrats.

Things are not coming up roses in Japan. An upcoming production of "Gypsy" in Tokyo will be retitled "Rose". Why? "The original title, "Gypsy", is a discriminatory term given to the Roma and Sinti people...The Japanese title has been changed to "Rose" out of consideration for this term." Here's a better idea—don't do the show. Nobody calls her "Gypsy" because she's banging a tambourine and reading people's palms. She adopted that as her name. This is a work of art—either you do it as written or not at all. Even the last Broadway revival was faithful to that. How will that scene in the Chinese restaurant go over in Japan? Or the notorious eggroll for Mr. Goldstone? Or the Salute to Uncle Sam? Aren't those problematic? I can't believe the estates of Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents are allowing this to happen. Dim the lights on Broadway—theatre is officially dead.

This week's "Ask Billy" question from Oscar in Florida: "Who is the hot papi in 'Beauty in Black'? The one who plays the stripper?"

That would be fitness model Rodrigo Aburto—who is probably better known as the spouse of Matteo Lane. You'll be happy to know that he'll be back for season three. "It's been very cool. I was really excited to use my dancing skills in the show. I'm a stripper on the show, and they decided to grow my character." I think parts of you will grow when you check him out on BillyMasters.com.

When I'm boycotting the Tokyo "Rose", it's definitely time to end another column. Should you be interested, you can even hear this leading lady sing. Just head on over to www.BillyMasters.com—the site that has never said no to a foreign tongue. Should I be able to give you a hand with anything else, feel free to drop a note to [email protected] and I promise to get back to you before I tell you about my night with two Corinthians in the back of a Chrysler Cordoba! So, until next time, remember, one man's filth is another man's bible.