Below Deck Mediterranean's Katie Flood Teases Drama With Her Interior Team

In an exclusive chat with E! News, chief stewardess Katie Flood opened up about her interior team on season six of Below Deck Mediterranean. See what she had to say.

Watch: What We’ve Learned About Yachting From “Below Deck”

It’s never easy being the boss.

In an exclusive chat with E! News, Below Deck Mediterranean‘s Katie Flood, who is the season six chief stewardess, opened up about her interior crew on Lady Michelle, including the drama fans can expect from the new episodes. For those who may’ve missed it, the season six trailer teased plenty of push back from Katie’s team.

Specifically, we saw the chief stew facing off with one of her stewardesses, named Lexi Wilson. In the footage, Katie snapped, “Right now, I’m pissed off with you.”

Yet, as Lexi informed Katie in the trailer, she did not care. “I’m like, leaving,” she said before noting on the phone, “Hey, mom. I’m quitting this boat.”

Although Katie didn’t give too much away about the drama, she did acknowledge that, in the yachting industry, “s–t happens,” adding, “That’s why there’s a show about it.”

As she continued, the New Zealand yachtie reminded us that the job required people with “different personalities,” who have never met, to work together, noting, “It’s like, we’re still learning about each other, still figuring how to work together. In what world would that ever run completely smoothly?”

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Below Deck Mediterranean Season 6: Meet the Cast

Katie said it was “impossible” to avoid any bumps in this job, describing the situation as “a navigational process.”

Thankfully, Katie did find an ally in fellow department head, Malia White. And it seems the chief stew and the returning bosun built a great friendship over the season as Katie revealed that she “would have not survived” without Malia.

Bravo

“She is incredible, she is amazing at her job,” she said of her co-star. “And, you know, I think we worked really well together, which helped blend in the rest of the crew. There wasn’t really [adversity] between us and deck.”

The chief stew further praised Malia for her ability to wrangle the crew and to get them to work as a team. “I think together, we made that happen,” she continued. “And, you know, she saved my ass a lot of the time. You’ll see what I’m talking about. I could’ve not done the season without her.”

Later on, Katie made it clear that there is plenty of drama to expect during season six. Namely, she credited her upcoming “emotional moments” on TV to the pressures that come with being chief stew.

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Craziest Guests on Below Deck

“I sure am not gonna enjoy watching myself cry on TV, I know my mom’s not gonna like that,” she elaborated. “I talk about it on the show, I do struggle with anxiety, and that was a really hard time for me, what I was going through at that particular time.”

While Katie said she isn’t looking forward to reliving those intense moments, she believes viewers “will be able to relate to” them.

Below Deck Mediterranean premieres Monday, June 28 at 9 p.m. on Bravo. All new episodes will be available on Peacock one week early, starting June 21.

(E!, Bravo and Peacock are all part of the NBCUniversal family.)

A Timeline of the Drama Surrounding Britney Spears' Conservatorship and WellBeing

Britney Spears is trying to remove her father Jamie as conservator, a position he has held for more than a decade following her 2008 hospitalization. Find out the latest developments in the case.

Watch: Britney Spears Thanks Fans For Support Amid Conservatorship Battle

Britney Spears legal battle against her father Jamie Spears wages on. 

Back in November 2020, a Los Angeles judge declined her application to suspend her dad as conservator of her estate, according to court documents obtained by E! News. Britney’s attorney stated in court that the singer said she is “afraid of her father” and “will not perform again if her father is in charge of her career,” Variety reported.

At the time, Jamie’s attorney told the judge she doesn’t believe “there is a shred of evidence” to support his suspension and objected to Britney’s lawyer’s statements about the singer’s relationship with her dad as inadmissible hearsay, the Los Angeles Times reported. 

Jamie was given almost full control of Britney’s financial and medical affairs via a court conservatorship in 2008, months after the singer was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment. Since 2019, she has been going through renewed personal turmoil. In January 2019, she canceled a planned Las Vegas residency following a health emergency suffered by her father. Later that year, Britney completed a month-long stint at a mental health treatment facility.

Amid her renewed turmoil, many of Britney’s fans have called for an end to the conservatorship, and a “#FreeBritney” movement has emerged. Jamie has compared such supporters to conspiracy theorists.

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Britney Spears’ Major Moments in the Year 2000

Her legal battle with her father centers over their disagreement over who should permanently fulfill the role. Britney’s attorney requested the singer’s care manager, Jodi Montgomery, take over as conservator of her person in lieu of Jamie. 

Her older brother, Bryan Spears, shared in a rare interview in July that the Spears family is “hoping for the best,” but expressed his concern over what would happen if the conservatorship ended. He questioned, “She’s been surrounded by a team of people since she was 15, so at what level does everyone just walk away or get reduced?”

But he also admitted Britney “always wanted to get out of” the conservatorship.

See a full timeline of Britney’s turmoil in recent years:

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Watch: Britney Spears’ Brother Reveals Details About Her Conservatorship

Jan. 4, 2019: To the dismay of her loyal followers, Britney reveals that she is taking an indefinite work hiatus and canceling her Domination residency in Las Vegas amid her father’s health struggles. In an apologetic Instagram post, the star writes, “I’ve been looking forward to this show and seeing all of you this year, so doing this breaks my heart. However, it’s important to always put your family first… and that’s the decision I had to make.” According to an insider, Jamie’s colon spontaneously ruptured, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

March 4, 2019: For reasons that remain unclear, Britney’s co-conservator Andrew Wallet resigns from his position, leaving Jamie as the sole conservator over the 37-year-old’s life. According to Us Weekly, the lawyer was responsible for monitoring the singer’s financial assets. Because of the importance of his position, he requested that his resignation be accepted “immediately and without delay” so as not to disrupt any ongoing business activities. While he is no longer the conservator or attorney for Spears, he continues to practice law.

J. Merritt/Getty Images for GLAAD

April 3, 2019: The star later reemerges on social media with an Instagram post advocating for self-care, which is swiftly followed by reports that she entered a mental health facility. A source tells E! News at the time, “Britney’s father’s health has been weighing on her, and affecting her emotional well-being.” The source emphasizes that “Britney decided to do this on her own” so that she can be allowed to “rejuvenate and rest.”

April 11, 2019: The singer takes a break from her stay at the wellness facility when she went to a Los Angeles-area salon for a root touch-up. An eyewitness tells E! News, “She seemed fine and content… [She] was definitely excited to her hair done.” Britney later enjoys a relaxing day with her boyfriend Sam Asghari at the Beverly Hills Montage for a low-key Easter celebration. 

April 16, 2019: The #FreeBritney movement kicks off officially, when the Britney’s Gram hosts Tess Barker and Barbara Gray reveal a voicemail they allegedly received as “an anonymous tip from a credible source.” This supposed tipster claims to be a paralegal who formerly worked with an attorney connected to the conservatorship. In the revealing voicemail, he alleges that Britney is essentially being controlled by Jamie.

“What is happening is disturbing, to say the least. Basically, Britney was in rehearsals for Domination. It came to Jamie’s attention that Britney was not taking her medication as prescribed. She was missing a lot of doses and just full-on not taking them,” the unidentified voice claims. “So they got her to the doctor and the doctor said, ‘OK, if you don’t want these medications, let’s get you on a new one.’ She refused to take the new one. Jamie said, ‘Either you take this medication or the show’s off, and I’m pulling my support and you can’t do it.’ Britney did not follow Jamie’s instructions, so he was true to his word—he pulled the show, he verbatim said, ‘Blame it on my illness.’ He even claimed that Britney did not willingly enter the wellness facility.”

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April 16-17, 2019: Britney’s mom, Lynne Spears, appears to weigh in on the drama when she begins liking posts supporting the #FreeBritney movement. One such tweet reads: “I really hope you are supporting Britney in trying to end [her] conservatorship. I really hope your ailing ex husband isn’t keeping your daughter somewhere against her will.” These comments are in response to a particularly cryptic Instagram post depicting one of “God’s warriors” on their knees. 

April 22, 2019: As speculation continues to mount, fans gather in West Hollywood, Calif. to demand action from lawmakers regarding Britney’s ongoing conservatorship. 

April 23, 2019: Britney addresses the rumors surrounding her conservatorship in an enthusiastic Instagram video.

“I wanted to say hi, because things that are being said have just gotten out of control!!! Wow!!! There’s rumors, death threats to my family and my team, and just so many things crazy things being said,” the star says. “I am trying to take a moment for myself, but everything that’s happening is just making it harder for me.”

She adds that “fake emails” being created by Sam Lutfi are being circulated, but she doesn’t want her fans to “believe everything you read and hear.”

Lutfi tweets, “Britney’s Instagram post has accused me of fabricating e-mails of hers that have been circulating recently. I can unequivocally state that I never wrote nor had access to her e-mail. Her team’s desperate attempt to deflect negative attention onto me (yet again) is a rather ineffective way to overshadow the FreeBritney movement. In addition to making certain people in her camp look bad, the e-mails in question show a woman capable of running her own life, a narrative they apparently want to hide.”

Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock

April 25, 2019: A source confirms to E! News that the singer checked out of the treatment facility and is “very happy to be home.” The source adds, “She’s feeling more stable and a little bit better, but it’s a work in progress.”

As for her father, whose health is said to be a cause of Britney’s stress, he is “doing better,” which has helped to relieve some of the “anxiety surrounding that.” Now that the star is home, the source says she is slowly easing back into her “old routine, working out and being with her kids.” Her boyfriend Sam will help to make sure she doesn’t “overdo” it.

“They are trying to keep her stress level as low as possible and to just have her relax and take small steps…Britney’s feeling happier and healthier, but there’s a ways to go,” the insider shares.

May 6, 2019: According to court documents obtained by E! News, Britney’s mom filed a request asking to be informed of all matters pertaining to the singer and her conservatorship. Sources close to Britney’s conservatorship told The Blast that Lynne spoke with Jamie before filing her documents. The outlet reports that Lynne wants all the information as it officially comes in from the court. Britney’s team has been supportive of Lynne being involved with the ongoing situation and at this time, she has not made a move to become an actual conservator. 

May 7, 2019: “Lynne and Jamie Lynn flew out to LA to try and figure out what’s really going on,” a source tells E! News. “They are staying with Britney and trying to make heads or tails of the situation.”

The insider adds that Lynne is “extremely upset to see Britney in the condition she is and [feels] that she can’t help her” and the singer’s mom “wants to know what’s really going on so that she can sleep at night. The anxiety and worry is taking its toll. She wants to see Britney get better and to be healthy and happy and right now that’s not happening.”

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Jamie Lynn Spears & Britney Spears’ Sister Moments

May 8, 2019: Britney is granted a temporary restraining order against Lufti after he allegedly sent threatening and harassing texts to her family. He is ordered to stay 200 yards away from her, her parents and her sons Sean, 13, and Jayden, 12.

Her lawyers’ court filing against Lufti alleges that “shortly after Ms. Spears checked herself into a mental health facility, Lutfi began a new campaign of harassment against Ms. Spears and her family” and had recently “made dozens of disparaging and threatening comments on social media and in interviews” and “sent threatening texts to Ms. Spears’ family, he has leaked confidential information, and is considering leaking more of Ms. Spears’ (actual and fabricated) private information.”

Lutfi’s attorney responds to the filing in a statement to CNN, saying that he and his client were disappointed that the restraining order had been granted.

 

“We are disappointed in the result, and feel it is overly broad and violates Mr. Lutfi’s constitutional rights,” the statement says. “This order is only temporary, and we look forward to arguing the matter more fully in the upcoming hearing for a regular restraining order.”

Watch: Jamie Lynn Spears Defends Sister Britney From Critic

May 10, 2019: Britney and her mom and dad, as well as her court-appointed lawyer, appear together at a Los Angeles court at her own request to speak to a judge who oversees her conservatorship. Britney’s attorney wants the session to address issues with medical care, minor children and trade secrets. The judge later orders an expert evaluation of the Britney’s situation.

While media was not allowed inside the courtroom during proceedings, photographers spot the singer leaving the courthouse without shoes on.

Meanwhile, her sister Jamie Lynn Spears fires back at a troll who commented on a support post she penned for Britney, accusing her of fearing “losing her allowance.”

May 14, 2019: The judge orders a court investigator’s report on Britney’s conservatorship, due on the date of the next hearing, Sept. 18. The singer is not required to attend. Such investigators typically review personal records and conduct interviews with the people involved in a conservatorship case.

May 15, 2019: Britney’s longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, talks to TMZ about the singer’s condition and the cancellation of her Domination residency show in Las Vegas, saying it had to be pulled “because her meds stopped working and she was distraught over her dad’s illness.” 

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“Last summer, when she wanted to tour, she called me every day. She was excited. She hasn’t called me in months. Crickets,” he says. “She clearly doesn’t want to perform now.” 

“I don’t want her to work again ’till she’s ready, physically, mentally and passionately,” he adds. “If that time never comes again it will never come again. I have no desire or ability to make her work again. I am only here for her when she wants to work. And, if she ever does want to work again, I’m here to tell her if it’s a good idea or a bad idea.”

May 22, 2019: According to documents obtained by E! News, Britney’s dad has requested to expand her conservatorship outside of California. Jamie intends for his legal control to be acknowledged in Florida, her home state of Louisiana and Hawaii, where she often vacations.

Sept. 3, 2019: Spears and ex-husband Kevin Federline reach a new agreement regarding the custody of their sons. Federline is awarded 70 percent custody, while Spears receives 30 percent. Hours after news of the stipulation breaks, it’s revealed that Federline has filed a police report against Britney’s father over alleged physical altercation that took place between Jamie and his and Britney’s eldest son, Sean. Additionally, Sean and Jayden are granted a restraining order against their grandfather.

Watch: Britney Spears Wants a New Conservator After Father Jamie

Authorities ultimately decide against charging Jamie, citing “insufficient proof that a criminal offense was committed.”

July 10, 2020: Britney addresses critics on her Instagram after she starts sharing more videos and pictures from her day-to-day life. She explains that she understands “how some might not like my posts or even understand them, but this is Me being happy.” The mother of two continues, “This is Me being authentic and as real as it gets !!!!! I want to inspire people to do the same and just be themselves without pleasing others… That’s the key to happiness.”

Sept. 9, 2019: Jamie temporarily steps down from a separate role, the conservator of her person, citing his own “personal health reasons.” He remains the conservator of her estate. Britney’s care manager, Montgomery, is approved to fill in for Jamie as conservator of her person until at least January 31, 2020.

July 23, 2020: Britney’s brother Bryan confirms the singer’s desire to have the conservatorship lifted. He explains the perceived limitations her legal status imposes on her, explaining, “It’s very frustrating to have. Whether someone’s coming in peace to help or coming in with an attitude, having someone constantly tell you to do something has got to be frustrating.”

Jim Smeal/Shutterstock

Aug. 1, 2020: In an unprecedented interview with The New York Post, Jamie condemns the #FreeBritney movement as a “joke.” He adds, “All these conspiracy theorists don’t know anything. The world don’t have a clue. It’s up to the court of California to decide what’s best for my daughter. It’s no one else’s business.”

Aug. 18, 2020: Britney’s legal team files a petition to have Montgomery named her permanent, sole conservator. “Britney is strongly opposed to having James return as conservator of her person. Rather, she strongly prefers to have Ms. Montgomery continue in that role as she has done for nearly a year,” the court documents state.

BACKGRID

Aug. 19, 2020: Jason Alexander, who was married to Britney for a very brief 55 hours in 2004, attends a #FreeBritney protest in Los Angeles. “I wanna see Britney get what she rightly deserves, and from personal conversations, she doesn’t want to be under the conservatorship obviously and it’s affecting her life still to this day in a negative way,” he says in an interview. “And it’s time for it to be over.”

Aug. 21, 2020: A Los Angeles judge rules that Britney’s conservatorship is extended until February 2021. 

Aug. 31, 2020: Britney’s legal team files new court documents, this time requesting that Bessemer Trust Co. be appointed co-conservator of her estate. E! News confirmed through court documents that Britney’s mom also nominated the company. Meanwhile, Jamie files a petition to reappoint Andrew Wallet co-conservator of Britney’s estate. Wallet previously served as co-conservator of the estate from January 2009 to March 2019. 

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Britney Spears’ Cutest Family Photos

Sept. 3, 2020: Britney’s attorney fights back against Jamie’s request to seal the case, writing in a court filing, “Britney strongly believes it is consistent not only with her personal best interests but also with good public policy generally that the decision to appoint a new conservator of her estate be made in as open and transparent a manner as possible,” the documents stated. “The sealing motion is supposedly being brought by her father to ‘protect’ Britney’s interests, but she is adamantly opposed to it.”

Oct. 5, 2020: According to documents obtained by E! News, Jamie withdraws his petition requesting Wallet be appointed co-conservator of Britney’s estate. That same day, Wallet breaks his silence in an interview with The Daily Mail, during which he states, “It is not in Britney’s best interests to be outside the conservatorship but there’s a lot of politics involved… Protecting her assets is very important and for that the conservatorship has to stay in place because she is susceptible to undue influences.”

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Oct. 14, 2020: A judge grants Britney’s request to expand the legal team representing her in the ongoing conservatorship battle, according to court documents obtained by E! News. Her father, Jamie, previously filed an objection to the request, arguing that expanding her team would be a “significant drain on estate finances.”

Nov. 10, 2020: A Los Angeles judge declines Britney’s application to suspend Jamie as conservator of her estate. However, financial company Bessemer Trust is appointed as a co-conservator, court documents showed.

Dec. 16, 2020: According to court documents obtained by E! News, Britney’s conservatorship is extended to September 2021.

Feb. 11, 2021: Amid renewed interest in the case thanks to a new documentary about Britney’s quest for autonomy, a virtual court hearing is held. A judge overrules Jamie’s objection to sharing his role with Bessemer Trust and no changes are made to the conservatorship. The next hearing is scheduled for March 17. 

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March 10, 2021: In a statement to People, Jamie’s lawyer Vivian L. Thoreen states the pop star can get out of the conservatorship. “Any time Britney wants to end her conservatorship, she can ask her lawyer to file a petition to terminate it; she has always had this right but in 13 years has never exercised it,” Thoreen explained. “Britney knows that her Daddy loves her, and that he will be there for her whenever and if she needs him, just as he always has been—conservatorship or not.”

April 2, 2021: The pop star’s former makeup artist Billy Brasfield claims Britney told him she isn’t in control of her social media profiles, prompting a swift denial from the “Toxic” singer. She reportedly tells TMZ, “No, I’m not talking to him at all. I write my posts. I’m not sure who he is talking to, but I am not talking to Billy B.”

April 25, 2021: After receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, Britney joins her boyfriend Sam at his best friend’s wedding. A source tells E! News the ongoing coronavirus pandemic “restrictions” and her father’s strict rules kept her from outings, but she “finally had an opportunity to get out and she took it.”

April 27, 2021: Britney’s attorney Samuel Ingham asks the court to set a status hearing on an “expedited basis,” saying the mother of two would like to “address the court directly.” A hearing is set for June 23.

May 3, 2021: Two months after The New York Times releases “Framing Britney Spears,” the 39-year-old singer speaks out about its portrayal of her struggles. She writes on Instagram that she is “deeply flattered” people care about her so much, but says, “I’m thrilled to remind you all that although I’ve had some pretty tough times in my life … I’ve had waaaayyyy more amazing times in my life.”

“unfortunately my friends… I think the world is more interested in the negative!!!!” she continues. “I mean … isn’t this supposed to be a business and society about THE FUTURE???? Why highlight the most negative and traumatizing times in my life from forever ago ???? I mean DAMN.”

June 22, 2021: The New York Times sheds new light on Britney’s battle with her father in a report detailing confidential court records. According to a court investigator’s report reviewed by the newspaper, Britney told the court Jamie had “too much control” of her personal life, saying he decided who she dated and became friends with. The NYT reports the court investigator wrote, “She articulated she feels the conservatorship has become an oppressive and controlling tool against her.”

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Lynne Spears’ Bond With Britney Spears

“She is ‘sick of being taken advantage of’ and she said she is the one working and earning her money but everyone around her is on her payroll,” they additionally stated, adding the pop star was “very angry” at the time.

According to the NYT, the court investigator recommended Britney remain under the conservatorship citing her “complex finances, susceptibility to undue influence and ‘intermittent’ drug issues.”

June 23, 2021: Britney virtually attends a court hearing, where she tells the judge she wants “to end the conservatorship without being evaluated” by a therapist. She adds, “After I’ve lied and told the whole world I’m OK and I’m happy … I’m not OK, I’m not happy, I can’t sleep.”

The pop star highlights her discontent with her current medical plan and requests a therapist visit her at her home, stating, “I’m not willing to go to Westlake and be embarrassed by all these paparazzi.”

(This story was originally published on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 4:33 p.m. PST.)

Tati Westbrook Returns to YouTube With Stunning Revelations on Her Marriage, Legal Drama & Death Threats

In a new video, Tati Westbrook opened up about the scandals, legal battles and marriage turmoil she experienced during her year-long break from YouTube's beauty community.

Watch: Scott Disick Defends Khloe Kardashian After IG User Asks Who She Is

YouTube’s OG beauty vlogger Tati Westbrook has returned to the spotlight after more than a year in the shadows.

The Tati Beauty co-founder uploaded her first video of 2021 on Thursday, June 17, announcing she’s back to using her channel after a “terrible time in my life.”

“Obviously, I was so super stressed out, but I’m going to stop right there. I don’t want to talk about it,” she said, alluding to her very public falling out with fellow YouTube stars James Charles, Jeffree Star and Shane Dawson. “That past event seems to want to follow me everywhere I go.”

Out of transparency, however, Tati admitted she’s ready to explain what really transpired during her time away. “When I pulled back I stopped communication with everyone in the beauty community,” she shared. “I haven’t talked to anyone in over a year. I really took a break and I needed to for my peace of mind.”

Moreover, Tati stated she’s not involved in any legal battles with James, Jeffree or Shane. In her last video shared in June 2020, the vlogger accused Jeffree and Shane of “defamatory” actions and warned that she was “still well within the statute of limitations for bringing a civil action to seek recovery for my damages.”

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James Charles vs. Tati Westbrook: A Complete Timeline of the Drama

Jeffree and Shane have not publicly responded to Tati’s comments.

Though Tati decided not to move forward with a lawsuit against them, she acknowledged acknowledged her and husband James Westbrook‘s other legal battles.

In the fall of last year, Tati began preparing for her comeback because she wanted to spend her life doing what made her happy. But then, what she described as “the unthinkable” happened, and she and James were sued by their Halo Beauty partner Clark Swanson. 

As E! News reported last October, Clark accused Tati and James of breach of contract, gross negligence and fraudulent inducement in connection to their vitamin line, Halo Beauty.

Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic

“This was just really mind-blowing to have happen,” she explained, adding the ongoing litigation is the reason she did not resume her makeup reviews earlier. “It was not a great environment for me to come back to… There was just no way.”

She further revealed she and James sold their home in Los Angeles, as well as her condo, and “downsized my life in a major way,” so they can afford to pay for their attorneys.

Though it was a difficult process, she said, “Material items are not the most important thing, my integrity is more important and I’ll leave it at that.”

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In addition, Tati said as all this was going on, she began receiving “explicit and detailed” death threats. She claimed, “There were things that were happening that were so appalling. And when you feel violated of your privacy, like you’re being spied on and you’re blackmailed and there are people harassing you in this really graphic nature and there’s a barrage of detailed death threats—let me tell you, you lose sleep.”

“It just felt like my world was coming to a halt, so that’s what was going on in spring/summer of last year,” Tati shared, “but I really felt that if I pulled back and just took a time out, that I could regroup and stand strong and come back.”

The YouTuber admitted her mental health took a hit last year, sharing, “It came to a point where I almost, in a weird way, accepted—and this sounds really sad—but I was like, ‘Well, if it’s my time to die, then it’s my time to die. I can’t live in fear.'”

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YouTube’s Biggest Scandals

Then, in an effort to “take my power back” and share what’s going on so “no one can hold it over” her, Tati disclosed that she and James nearly split. She explained, “During this very, very stressful time in my life, James and I almost got divorced. We could not be around each other; he got his own place, we were separated during the holidays. It was a sad time.”

Now, they’re back together and she’s hoping to have her “happy ending,” after it truly reached the point where she had “no hope” of a future together.

“I for real thought I had lost everything,” Tati said. “I remember being alone and thinking, ‘This is it for me.'”

She also addressed the rumor that she left YouTube to become a mom, a dream the vlogger previously spoke about in her videos. Tati shared, “I would love that but that was not my journey over the last year.”

Youtube

In her final message, Tati said people are allowed to have their “opinion” on her video, but asked tarot readers and psychics to “not be used in any way, shape or form in videos involving divination.”

“Please do not. This is an intense request from my heart, I’m not meaning to shame you but I’m tapped out, done, goodbye, not for me,” she explained. “It feels really violating to have someone read your future without your permission and speak words of death over your life… It only breeds negativity and anxiousness and it’s not something I’m involved in anymore.”

Numerous YouTubers and beauty vloggers celebrated Tati’s return to the platform after her extended break. Vlogger Manny MUA wrote on Twitter, “genuinely very very happy for Tati, so happy she is finding peace and moving forward.”

Untangling the Sticky Drama Between TikTok Beekeepers

TikTok is buzzing after one beekeeper accused another of faking her bee hive removals with the help of her husband. Read on for why Erika Thompson is involved in this sticky drama.

Watch: Alicia Silverstone’s Iconic “Clueless” TikTok With Son Bear Blu

The beekeeping community is abuzz with drama.

Though TikTok has been dominated by the likes of Addison Rae and Charli D’Amelio, there are those whose For You page is full of videos from BeeTok. Some of the short clips include footage of people harvesting honey, while others reveal how beekeepers remove hives from homes and other places occupied by humans.

Erika Thompson, who owns the business Texas Bee Works, is one content creator who has thrived thanks to the TikTok algorithm, garnering more than 6 million followers since launching her account last summer. The videos of Thompson scooping bees into boxes and saving the queen bee in her jeans and denim button-up shirts get millions of views, and have led to collaborations with stars like Jason Derulo.

She’s so successful, in fact, The Washington Post profiled her in March. She told the newspaper, “It’s something I’ve been into my entire life.”

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21 TikTok Stars to Follow in 2021

TikTok user @lahoneybeerescue, however, argues that Thompson is not the expert she claims to be. According to since-deleted videos from May, which were captured by Twitter users, @lahoneybeerescue claims it’s “dangerous” for Thompson to work with bees while “opening hives with her hair down [and] wearing dark clothes with exposed skin.”

Bees are aggravated by dark colors, which is why beekeepers wear white suits instead of other colors. The suit is also meant to protect people from stings, whereas Thompson’s casual outfits are ineffective at preventing injuries on the job.

@lahoneybeerescue also accuses Thompson of not actually rescuing the bees, claiming, “She shows herself removing comb which her husband has pre-cut for her very courteously—like I don’t see her using power tools. I don’t see her using ladders. Her husband goes in, cuts everything up for her.”

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“She looks really pretty doing it and that’s because it’s faked,” the user explains. “I hate to say that because y’all are going to say I’m coming for her, but it’s not.”

However, Vice writes that Thompson began Texas Bee Works five years before she married her husband, Andrew Hollister. The outlet also reports Hollister’s background is in real estate and investing, causing some doubt about whether he is really helping out Thompson behind the scenes.

Regarding Thompson’s choice of clothing, Vice shares some insight into her decision making. She recently told the outlet, “The removals that went viral, those are some cases where I’m not wearing gear… But, you know, there are other cases where I am wearing gear. One of the things you don’t see, maybe, in the one-minute TikTok videos—I’m in Texas, and it’s incredibly hot. Sometimes these removals take 30 minutes; sometimes they take three hours or more. Beekeeping gear in general, it’s big and it’s bulky… It makes it a little bit more difficult to work with these tiny creatures who are very delicate.”

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On Saturday, June 5, Thompson addressed the “untrue and hurtful attacks” on her Instagram, calling the controversy a “false narrative.”

“It’s a sad day when people see a woman doing something that’s so outside of the norm, they assume there’s no way she can actually be doing those things, and if she is, she must be getting help from a man,” she said. “Thank you to the mass of experienced beekeepers, leaders of the beekeeping community, and all of the beekeeping associations who were quick to come to my defense.”

Thompson then acknowledged bees are dangerous creatures, writing, “Experienced beekeepers are the only ones who should be handling bees in these situations, because sometimes… bees need a helping hand.”

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