Men's Journal's Blog, page 91

Tom Cruise’s Chilling Two-Word Focus That Broke His First Marriage

Before Nicole Kidman. Before Katie Holmes. Before the tabloid whirlwind. Tom Cruise, who is currently fresh off another success from the "Mission Impossible" franchise, was married to someone who insiders say "changed everything."

Mimi Rogers, an established actress and practicing Scientologist, became Cruise's first wife in 1987. At the time, he was just 24, fresh off "Top Gun" and rocketing toward superstardom. She was 30, confident, and magnetic. "She had this almost spiritual pull on him," said one former agent, Radar Online reported. “Mimi had the brains, the looks, and the belief system—Tom was hooked.”

But according to friends and former colleagues, the relationship was quietly doomed by Cruise’s growing obsession with two things: purity and discipline.

"He was obsessed," said a former Hollywood executive who worked closely with the couple. "That drove a wedge between them."

Rogers herself later hinted at the strain, telling reporters Cruise was even considering becoming a monk during their marriage. "It looked as though marriage wouldn't fit into his overall spiritual need," she said.

Despite publicly calling Rogers "my best friend" and saying she was "the most important thing in the world," Cruise reportedly blindsided her in 1990. "He basically walked out on her overnight," one source claimed. "It wasn’t about another woman. It was about control, image, and the Church."

Just days later, he began filming "Days of Thunder" and started a romance with co-star Nicole Kidman. He described it as "instant lust" that grew into love.

Cruise has remained tight-lipped about his first marriage. "He doesn’t talk about Mimi—ever," said one longtime associate. But the imprint of that relationship, and the strict ideals that reportedly unraveled it, may still cast a shadow over his current life and relationships.

Recently, as Cruise is linked to "Blonde" star Ana de Armas and marks 45 years in Hollywood, the story of his brief but formative first marriage has resurfaced. Behind the blockbuster success lies a lesser-known tale of obsession, control, and the two words that may have ended it all.

Related: Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Movie Night With Hayley Atwell’s Dogs Took a Hilarious Turn

CDC Sounds the Alarm After Fatal Neti Pot Infection Linked to Tap Water

A 71-year-old Texas woman has died after contracting a rare and almost always fatal brain infection, prompting renewed warnings from the CDC about how to safely use sinus rinse devices like neti pots.

According to a recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the woman developed a brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) after using a nasal irrigation device filled with unboiled tap water from an RV campground. She began experiencing symptoms, including fever, headache, and altered mental status, just four days later. Despite medical intervention, she developed seizures and died eight days after her symptoms began.

The infection was caused by Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled organism commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” While incredibly rare—only 164 reported cases in the U.S. between 1962 and 2023, with just four survivors—PAM is almost always fatal. The organism typically lives in warm freshwater environments like lakes and rivers, but it can also be found in poorly maintained or untreated water systems, including RV hookups and some pools.

Health officials confirmed that the woman did not swim or bathe in freshwater but instead used the RV’s tap water for nasal rinsing, making it the likely source of the deadly exposure.

Experts urge anyone using nasal irrigation devices to follow strict guidelines. The CDC recommends using only water that is sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled. Filtered tap water, including from common brands like Brita, does not meet the safety threshold. “These amoeba infections are rare but not unheard of,” Dr. Travis Stork told People. “Which is why the water must be sterile. Always follow directions.”

As summer travel increases and RV use spikes, this tragic case underscores the importance of water safety and proper hygiene when using neti pots. It’s not just about clearing your sinuses. It could be a matter of life and death.

Howard Stern Shares Hopeful Billy Joel Update After Health Issues

On the June 3 episode of his SiriusXM radio show, Howard Stern shared an update on his friend Billy Joel’s health struggles nearly two weeks after the singer revealed his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

Related: Titan Sub Implosion Widow Breaks Silence in Heartbreaking Update

Stern told his listeners that he’d had dinner with Joel several weeks ago and that the “Uptown Girl” singer is “doing fine.” “He does have issues,” Stern conceded, “but he said, ‘Yeah, you can tell people, I’m not dying,’” the former shock jock added. “He wants people to know that. He’s got to deal with some medical stuff, but he was delightful.”

Stern explained to his longtime co-host, Robin Quivers, that he and Joel shared a “great conversation” during a celebration of the musician’s 76th birthday back in May. Stern even “brought out a guitar” during the party, but joked that Joel “threw up” after his rendition of “Happy Birthday.” “He didn’t seem real impressed,” Stern admitted.

Related: Iconic Pop Star Jessie J, 37, Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Joel cancelled the remainder of his scheduled tour dates on May 23 following his diagnosis with NPH, a brain condition which leads to an excess buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles that can affect hearing, vision and balance. In the statement, a representative said Joel is “thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”

New episodes of The Howard Stern Show air Monday-Wednesday at 6 a.m. on SiriusXM channel 100.

Related: Marc Maron's 3-Word Response to Ending His 'WTF' Podcast

Iconic Pop Star, 37, Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Iconic British pop artist Jessie J has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The singer announced the update in a video posted June 3 to Instagram.

In the video, Jessie J said she had been “going back and forth” over whether she should reveal her diagnosis, but ultimately decided to be upfront with her followers. "I want to share it with my fans and the people that care about me, and also I'm a sharer,” she said. “I've always shared everything that I go through in my life. Before 'No Secrets' came out [in April], I was diagnosed with early breast cancer," she continued.

Related: Marc Maron's 3-Word Response to Ending His 'WTF' Podcast

"I'm highlighting the word ‘early.’ Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding on to the word ‘early.’ I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period,” the singer explained, adding that she wanted to “be open and share it” rather than run from her diagnosis.

"One, because selfishly, I do not talk about it enough," she said. "I'm not processing it because I'm working so hard. I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support, and also their own stories.

Related: ‘Sixth Sense’ Star Haley Joel Osment Sentenced After April Arrest

"It's a very dramatic way to get a boob job,” Jessie J continued, adding that she was happy she’d be “getting to keep my [real] nipples.” “I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive t--s and more music," she said. The Summertime Ball show is set to take place on June 15.

In the caption of her video, Jessie J wrote that the “last two months” since her diagnosis “have been so amazing, and having this go on alongside it on the sidelines has given me the most incredible perspective.”

Related: Here Are All of the Deals Krispy Kreme Is Running in June

Titan Sub Implosion Widow Breaks Silence in Heartbreaking Update

Christine Dawood, who lost her husband, Shahzada Dawood, and their son, Suleman, in the Titan submarine disaster, has spoken out for the first time about her loss in the new documentary Implosion: The Titan Sub Disaster.

The Titan sub imploded on June 18, 2023, while visiting the wreckage of the Titanic, killing all five people on board. The U.S. Coast Guard is expected to release its final report on the tragedy later this year. However, Dawood said in the documentary that the particulars of her husband and son’s demise bring her little closure.

Related: ‘Sixth Sense’ Star Haley Joel Osment Sentenced After April Arrest

“They’re never going to come back. Their voices are still in the house, their memories are in the house,” Dawood said. “No matter what the investigation is, the rooms are still empty.”

Dawood continued: “This arrogance of the people in charge—when they think they’re above everything, that really gets to me. Like why is ego and arrogance more important than safety? The irony is not lost on me that the Titanic sunk for exactly the same reason. History repeats itself.”

Related: Here Are All of the Deals Krispy Kreme Is Running in June

Dawood previously told the BBC that she was initially expected to go along with Shazada, 48, on the Titan expedition, but allowed Suleman, 19, to go in her place because “he really wanted to go.” Dawood and her 17-year-old daughter, Alina, were present on the Titan’s support vessel when they lost the ability to communicate with the submarine.

“I think I will never be the same,” Dawood said in the documentary. “I don’t think that anybody who goes through loss and such a trauma can ever be the same,” she said.

Related: Marc Maron's 3-Word Response to Ending His 'WTF' Podcast

“One of the most important things that came out for me was when the Coast Guard also assured us as a family that we couldn’t have known. For me that was—yeah, I guess the most important reassurance they could have given me,” Dawood continued.

Implosion: The Titan Sub Disaster is available to stream on Discovery.

Related: College Athlete, Son of NFL Hall of Famer, Dead at 20

Former TSA Agent Issues Warning About Social Media

As we approach the summer travel season on the calendar, one former TSA agent has a pretty important warning that all travelers should pay attention to.

A former TSA agent by the name of Harmony now has a new career as a travel creator, posting various pieces of travel advice online on social media under the name travelwiththeharmony.

In a recent video, Harmony shared a recent clip that he came across on social media showing a woman who made a crucial mistake before her trip.

The woman, who had never flown on a plane before, posted a picture of her boarding pass on her "close friends" list on Instagram. Someone actually used that information to cancel her flight without her knowing.

"The day comes where this girl has to fly. She goes to the airport and realized somebody has canceled her flight," Harmony said in the video. "Somebody canceled that girl's flight. I don't know why she didn't check her emails, but somebody canceled her flight."

Harmony said that the story should be a warning to all travelers not to post confirmation numbers and sensitive information from their boarding passes on social media.

"Let this be a lesson to those people who post everything. If you're going to post something, make sure you cover your confirmation numbers and all your sensitive information is covered," he said.

He also added an additional warning to the woman as he pointed out that someone who she has on her "close friends" list clearly is not a very good friend if they would do something so cruel.

"And, young lady, if you're watching this video, you need to go and delete everybody from your close friends because, if you posted it in your close friends, somebody in there canceled your flight. Girl, go clean that up," he said.

This is an important warning to everyone as peak travel season approaches.

Is Eminem About to Cost Meta Millions? His New Lawsuit Could Change the Game

Eminem is turning up the volume... in the courtroom. The rap icon and his production company, Eight Mile Style, have filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., alleging the tech giant unlawfully distributed his music across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The Wrap reported that the lawsuit, filed May 30 in Michigan, accuses Meta of “knowing, rampant infringement” by allowing millions of users to remix and reuse Eminem’s copyrighted songs — including “Lose Yourself” — without securing valid licenses. Using Meta’s Reels Remix and Original Audio tools, user-generated content featuring Eminem’s music has reportedly been streamed billions of times.

The damages sought could exceed $1 million, with statutory damages requested at up to $150,000 per song, per platform. The suit further alleges that Meta tried to obtain licensing through the digital royalty platform Audiam. However, Eight Mile Style claims that Audiam didn’t have the authority to grant those rights in the first place.

What’s more, the suit claims Meta encouraged this unlicensed use despite knowing it lacked the proper permissions, which potentially strips the company of protection under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s (DMCA) safe harbor clause. Even after removing some content, such as “Lose Yourself,” the complaint states that Meta continues to host unauthorized covers and instrumentals.

Eminem’s legal team is pushing for not only financial compensation, including actual damages and lost profits, but also a permanent injunction to prevent further unauthorized use. A jury trial has been requested.

Meta has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit. But the outcome could have major implications for music licensing in the age of social media, especially when user-generated content and algorithm-driven virality collide with copyright law.

Eminem’s lawsuit isn’t just about one artist defending his catalog. It underscores a growing battle over how music is used, shared, and monetized in the age of user-generated content. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook rely heavily on background music to fuel engagement, especially through short-form video tools like Reels. But as artists and rights holders push back, this case could signal a turning point. 

If courts side with Eminem, it could force tech companies to overhaul how they obtain licenses and share revenue, especially for high-profile tracks. It also raises serious questions about the limits of the DMCA’s safe harbor protections when platforms knowingly host and promote unlicensed content. In short, this lawsuit could reshape how artists protect their work and how platforms profit from it.

Related: Experts Warn of AI’s Self-Preservation Tactics in New Tests

United CEO Calls Out Budget Airlines

United Airlines has never positioned itself as a budget airline. Based on some recent comments from CEO Scott Kirby, it sounds like there is a good reason for that.

Kirby, who became CEO of United Airlines back in 2020, spoke with The Wall Street Journal's Kate Linebaugh about the current state of the airline industry.

During the wide-ranging interview, Kirby was asked about his thoughts on the budget airlines and the budget airline industry as a whole, and he did not hold back his true thoughts as he spoke out against the entire model.

"It's dead," he said of the budget airline model. "It's a crappy model."

Kirby made it clear that he thinks the entire model is focused on trying to "trick people" and get as much money out of a consumer rather than actually meet a consumer's needs.

"The model was screw the customer. I mean, it was. Trick people, get them to buy, get them to come, and charge them a whole bunch of fees they aren't expecting," Kirby said.

While this practice might work once, Kirby points out that passengers rarely want to go back to those budget airlines, so it's hard to build customer loyalty.

"Their problem is that they got big enough that they needed repeat customers. They don't get them," Kirby said.

Clearly, Kirby wants United to take a different approach. Rather than luring in customers with cheap prices and hidden fees, he wants to provide a good service that results in customers returning for the future.

That said, he did point out that United will have some of the lowest fares for the foreseeable future this summer, and customers should take advantage.

Doctor Explains Billy Joel Health Diagnosis

Last month, legendary singer Billy Joel abruptly canceled his tour amid a battle with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). Now, a prominent doctor has offered an explanation of the legendary artist's health diagnosis, offering perhaps a bit of optimism.

During the most recent episode of his podcast "Chasing Life" with CNN, prominent neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta provided a bit of an explanation about the condition that Billy Joel is currently dealing with.

"So imagine your brain and your spinal cord and you got this fluid that is constantly bathing it. That's the cerebrospinal fluid," Dr. Gupta explained on the podcast. "And we are continuously making this cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF. It bathes the brain and the spinal cord and then it gets reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Hydrocephalus is basically an abnormal buildup of that fluid."

"So there's these normal fluid-filled spaces in the brain called ventricles. When you get a CT scan or some sort of brain imaging, you see what normal ventricle size looks like, and then you see hydrocephalus, where those normal ventricles look plump, look swollen, look filled with fluid."

Dr. Gupta explained that the type of hydrocephalus that Billy Joel has is called "normal pressure hydrocephalus," in large part because the pressure has built up over time. But there's no clear answer as to what causes it.

"Why does it happen? Well, sometimes we just don't know. Sometimes it's because the surrounding brain shrinks a bit and this fluid is sort of filling in that space. Sometimes it is because there is old head trauma, infection, tumors, perhaps a complication from surgery. But again, a lot of times we don't now," Dr. Gupta said.

However, there are a few notable symptoms of hydrocephalus that Billy Joel has dealt with.

"We do know that it can cause specific symptoms. In fact, classic, what we call triad of symptoms, three symptoms, which are difficulty with walking, difficulty with cognition, and difficulty with bladder control. And these are some of the symptoms that Billy Joel has," Dr. Gupta told CNN.

Gupta also explained that because of the rarity of normal pressure hydrocephalus and the symptoms, it often gets confused with other diseases or disorders like dementia or Parkinson's.

Though Gupta did share a telling message about Billy Joel's diagnosis as he revealed that unlike some of those other disorders, normal pressure hydrocephalus is potentially treatable.

"Now, one thing I will tell you is that normal pressure hydrocephalus is not a common condition, but it's a mimic of other conditions. Someone comes into the office with cognition problems. A lot of times you may think, well, this is dementia. You get a brain scan, and you find, in fact, that the patient has normal pressure hydrocephalus, potentially treatable," Gupta said. "Sometimes patients come in with questionable Parkinson's disease. They get a brain scan and they're found to have normal pressure hydrocephalus, potentially treatable. You can see the pattern here. So again, not common, but potentially a treatable condition that mimics other existing conditions."

Obviously, we all wish Billy Joel a quick and thorough recovery.

Whitney Decker Shared New Details in Horrific Murders of 3 Daughters

Whitney Decker is enduring an unimaginable nightmare. Her three daughters were discovered deceased near a campsite, and their father - her ex-husband Travis Decker - is on the run, authorities say.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Department has labeled Decker a murder suspect and confirmed the discovery of the Deckers' three daughters: Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, of Wenatchee, Washington.

Disturbing details are emerging in the horrific case. Whitney Decker has shared new information with authorities as they engage in a massive manhunt to find Travis Decker, an ex-military member who was homeless, according to Fox13.

The Fox13 television station reported that interviews with the girls' mom revealed "a possible decline in (Travis) Decker's mental health" before the deaths.

Whitney Decker told authorities "he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which she believes he does not take medications for," Fox13 reported.

A GoFundMe page set up to help Whitney Decker has raised more than $267,000 as the community rallies around the young mother, who is beloved by many, including friends in a sewing circle.

The likely cause of death was asphyxiation, the television station reported. Be forewarned that additional details on their likely causes of death are extremely disturbing.

***WANTED*** WENATCHEE, WA
Three young Wenatchee girls reported missing last week were found deceased on Monday, June 2, 2025, according to the Wenatchee Police Department. Authorities are now searching for their father, Travis Decker, 32, who is wanted for three counts of… pic.twitter.com/cz3b00E6CM

— The AWARE Foundation (@aware_the) June 3, 2025

"A joint operation including regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies continues in Chelan County in search of Travis Decker. Travis is suspected of kidnapping and murdering his three young daughters this past weekend," the Chelan County Sheriff's Department wrote in a statement.

According to Fox13, Whitney and Travis Decker divorced several years ago and there was a parenting plan in place that allowed him to see the girls "during specific hours every other weekend." Sheriff's officials confirm he was a former military member.

Fox13 reported that he was "known to stay at motels or local campgrounds after losing housing."

He is accused of refusing to sign and follow the parenting plan, which required him to seek mental health and anger management treatment, Fox13 reported.

Fox13 reported that Travis Decker was described as "quieter than usual" when he picked up the girls on May 30, and was talking about "getting rid of his dog due to housing and financial struggles."

Travis Decker.

Chelan Co. Sheriff

Whitney Decker's Facebook page is listed as the admin on a group devoted to remembering the three girls with positive stories.

Before the girls' bodies were found, Whitney Decker made a plea for her daughters' return.

“I just want the girls back home safe and sound — that is the most important thing to me,” she said to NCWLIFE.

“I am concerned about the safety and well-being of my girls and their dad. This is an unimaginable situation.” I am pleading for everyone to look out for them,” she said then, according to the television station.

That site reported that the mother contacted police 90 minutes after Travis Decker did not return the girls following a three-hour visitation.

PLEASE SHARE - GoFundMe for the mother of the three sisters who were missing from Wenatchee and later found dead. Investigators are now searching for their father who is wanted for murder and kidnapping. @KING5Seattle @gofundme https://t.co/SKukorDFWC

— Madison Wade (@madisoncwade) June 3, 2025

"This fundraiser is to support Whitney Decker with expenses and legal costs following the tragic loss of her three daughters, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia," the GoFundMe page to help Whitney Decker says.

"On May 30th, the girls were reported missing after a scheduled visitation with their father. We are heartbroken to share that the girls have since passed. Their light touched so many, and the pain of this loss is immeasurable," it adds.

"I’ve known Whitney for years, we're both dance moms and theater friends. We originally met through Short Shakespeareans, where I serve as the music director and had the privilege of teaching Whitney’s girls over the past few years. We’ve spent this year as dance moms together, with my daughter Maisy and Whitney’s daughter Evelyn both performing on the Fabulous Feet Dance Rockstars team."

There are many tributes flowing for the girls on the Facebook page devoted to remembering them. "Whitney, the girls' mom would love to hear/read things you loved about the girls or hear/read stories about them," an admin wrote.

"I met Whitney through sewing, I still have the pattern weights she made me one year for Christmas I always loved seeing what Whitney made for her girls, their smiles could make any day brighter," a woman wrote on that page.

"I was always a little intimidated by Whitney as a mom, but in the good way. Her and those girls could have changed the world I have no doubt in that. She’s a phenomenal mom who I secretly looked up to," another woman wrote on the page.

Heartbreaking developments regarding 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia.

The three missing sisters were found deceased at a campground west of Leavenworth, Washington.

Their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, is wanted on charges of murder. pic.twitter.com/vebGqHafdf

— True crime - Seeking justice (@downtothewoods) June 3, 2025

"I know Whitney and the girls from our time at Fort Benning together. Our kids were much younger then but I remember, vividly, Evelyn’s sweet sass! She was such a funny personality already. Paityn was the most protective older sister. Even just holding Olivia she would be there looking over your shoulder to make sure her baby was okay," a woman added.

There is a $20,000 reward. Sheriff's officials wrote that the girls disappeared during a planned visitation but have now been found deceased.

"Around 3:45 p.m. yesterday (June 2), a CCSO Forest Service Deputy, conducting patrol on his motorcycle, located Mr. Decker’s vehicle in a remote area, approximately 17 miles up the road, ultimately discovering the three deceased children and Mr. Decker was nowhere to be found," Sheriff's officials wrote.

Related: The Likely Cause of Death for Travis Decker's 3 Daughters Was Revealed. It's Chilling