Criminal charges have been dismissed against the man accused of stalking Sabrina Carpenter after a judge ruled him mentally incompetent.
According to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, a judge overruled prosecutors’ objections on Tuesday (Aug. 25) and held that 31-year-old William Applegate is too mentally unwell to stand trial. Applegate is still subject to a restraining order that requires him to stay away from Carpenter for five years.
The pop star alleged in a May legal petition that Applegate, “a complete stranger,” had surveilled her L.A. home for a month before attempting to break in. The singer said Applegate falsely claimed to know her personally, “indicative of a dangerous, delusional and irrational fixation on me.”
“The totality of Applegate’s conduct has caused me significant and ongoing fear for my personal safety and the safety of all individuals residing in my home,” wrote Carpenter in a court declaration. “Applegate has repeatedly and willfully violated the sanctity and security of my private residence. His act of physically attempting to open and enter my front door, without invitation, consent or any lawful basis is among the most disturbing violations of personal safety and privacy I have ever experienced.”
Applegate opposed Carpenter’s requested restraining order, insisting that he and Carpenter are part of the same “classified military-government program.” In June, a judge in downtown L.A. ordered Applegate to stay at least 100 yards away from the singer’s home, car and workplaces until 2031.
The following day, Applegate was criminally charged with eight misdemeanor counts including stalking, disorderly conduct, battery and trespassing. But after a psychiatric evaluation, a different judge in Hollywood threw out those criminal charges due to mental incompetency on Tuesday.
Applegate’s attorneys and reps for Carpenter did not immediately return requests for comment on the matter on Thursday (Aug. 27).
While stalking has long been a disturbing consequence of fame, the problem has worsened in recent years due to social media; fans now interact more directly with their favorite artists, which can lead to unhealthy obsession for those with mental illness. The internet has also made it easier for stalkers to locate their targets.
This has increasingly led artists like Carpenter to seek legal intervention. Multiple individuals have been criminally charged over the last decade with stalking Taylor Swift, who also got a restraining order against another stalker last year.
This past April, a woman named Michelle Dick was charged with physically attacking Fleetwood Mac frontman Lindsey Buckingham after years of threats. Like Applegate, Dick has since been ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Spooky season is finally approaching, which means you have a valid excuse to dress up as Rumi, Mira and Zoey — or, in my case, Derpy. The KPop Demon Hunters Halloween costume lineup is already looking surprisingly stacked, with HUNTR/X looks available in adult, kids and toddler sizes.
There are plenty of ways to take the costumes even further, too, from Nerf swords and demon-slaying weapons to character-inspired wigs. The Saja Boys are also getting in on the action with ensembles for adults and kids, making a group costume almost too easy to pull together.
The little details are also what elevates the costumes. Rumi and Jinu’s demon markings can be recreated with glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoos, while a purple braided wig for your pet lets your cat or dog join the HUNTR/X crew.
Rumi’s “How It’s Done” outfit makes an obvious choice for anyone who wants to look like they walked straight out of KPop Demon Hunters. The costume includes several character-specific details, making it a fairly faithful option at this price point. The costume comes in sizes small through 2XL and includes the jacket, tank top, shorts, boot covers and detachable tassel. Kids and toddler options are also available, as well as Rumi’s iconic “Golden” outfit for ages 6 -13. Add her signature purple braid wig (sold separately for $29.99) and the transformation is complete.
Mira’s “How It’s Done” costume offers considerable value for its price, given the number of pieces and character-specific details included. Its inclusive sizing is also another point in its favor. The costume includes Mira’s yellow mini skirt, graphic tee, boot covers, fingerless gloves and a detachable tassel in adult sizes small through 2XL. Fans can also shop the kids’ and toddler options, or Mira’s “Golden” outfit. The long, pink wig associated with the HUNTR/X member is not included in either costume, but can be purchased separately.
Zoey’s outfit is built around her rapper-meets-demon-hunter style, with a cropped halter top, parachute pants, an armband with a pouch and a detachable tassel. The adult version runs from small through 2XL, and kids and toddler designs mean several members of the family can replicate the look. For a more formal option, Zoey’s “Golden” costume lets kids ages 6 to 13 recreate her iconic stage presence.
Fashion retailer Zara may not be known for its Halloween costumes, but even they couldn’t resist bringing KPop Demon Hunters to life with outfits for fans. This Netflix-approved three-piece “Golden” costume features a collarless jacket, polo shirt and Bermuda shorts.
The Saja Boys get their chance to steal the Halloween spotlight with this officially licensed costume. The adult version includes a long black robe with detailed accents and a wide-brim hat, creating a dramatic silhouette that feels tailor-made for a villainous entrance. Designed for ages 14 and up, the costume also comes in a kids’ version, which includes its own hat. Beyond the demonic look, fans can also channel the Saja Boys’ K-pop alter ego with a costume inspired by Romance’s “Soda Pop” performance.
Your cat or dog may not know that HUNTR/X exists, but this purple braided pet wig makes them part of the cultural phenomenon. The headpiece is designed for small and medium pets and uses an adjustable elastic chin strap to help keep it in place. The purple braid gives it an unmistakable Rumi-inspired look without requiring your pet to wear a full costume. Highly recommended for a group photo.
If you’re dressing up as a KPop Demon Hunters character, you absolutely need to complete the look with this adorable Derpy candy carrier. The officially licensed plush trick-or-treat bucket has soft faux fur fabric and is designed to hold Halloween candy while doubling as a character accessory.
A Rumi Halloween costume isn’t complete without her distinctive demon marks, which are sure to make you stand out at any party — especially a dimly lit one. These temporary tattoos offer an easy way to recreate the HUNTR/X singer’s signature patterns without committing to body paint. They’re also a more practical alternative, as they’re waterproof and can last for several days. The set includes three sheets of purple designs that glow under UV or blacklight.
Inflatable Halloween costumes became all the rage in the 2010s, thanks in large part to the hilarious T-Rex design. Now, Blue Tiger Derpy gets a go at this witty costume trend, bringing a goofy twist to the inflatable look. The oversized design is equal parts ridiculous and eye-catching, making it an easy choice for anyone looking to get laughs.
Skip the full costume and let Derpy do the heavy lifting. This oversized Blue Tiger head delivers the character’s goofy, deadpan look in one instantly recognizable accessory — ideal for a quick, low-effort costume.
The success of KPop Demon Hunters has turned the movie into something much bigger than a one-and-done streaming hit, with its characters, music and songs continuing to fuel fan enthusiasm long after its release. That momentum has translated into a growing wave of merchandise, costumes and accessories, and this Halloween lineup suggests the phenomenon is nowhere near slowing down.
About the Author
Sophie Dunne is an e-commerce writer at Penske Media Corporation, writing across Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, WWD, and Footwear News. Originally from Ireland and based in Los Angeles, she previously worked at Static Media as a writer and editor, covering entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and travel. Her bylines have appeared in Women’s Health, The List, Women.com, Islands, Grunge, WebMD and more. Before beginning her writing career in 2019, Sophie lived in Dubai for four years working as an Emirates cabin crew member. Having traveled to 71 countries with the airline, she began writing for an LA-based publication as a travel writer during her final year. Sophie has a degree in Humanities from Carlow College, St. Patrick’s (now South East Technological University) in her native Ireland. She studied English, history, philosophy, and psychology. Sophie mostly reports on entertainment merchandise and celebrity brand partnerships.
Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper go way back. The two Chicago MCs came up in the rap scene of their hometown as young teenagers and eventually formed the SAVEMONEY rap collective of like-minded local artists. However, the two had a falling-out as both rose to success during the 2010s.
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The two sat down for the premiere episode of The Vic Mensa Show and hashed things out after years of avoiding their personal grievances with each other, which led to a tearful and heartfelt conversation between old friends. Mensa explained his own personal animosity came from being jealous of Chance’s success around the time he dropped his critically acclaimed mixtapes Acid Rap and Coloring Book.
“The intense rivalry of our creative process and then like seeing you in so much success, it grew jealousy in me, you what I’m saying?” he admitted before apologizing.
Chance accepted his apology and stated that he wouldn’t be sitting there if he hadn’t already forgiven him before then apologizing for something himself. “Let me say sorry because there was something that was on my mind while you was just talking that I’ve always wanted to apologize for,” he told Vic. “And I think we talked about it before, but if we didn’t, I still need to apologize.
“One thing that I did that I always felt bad about was — this is around Acid Rap — I don’t even know if the tour ended up happening,” he continued. “But I remember Cara was trying to book me a tour, and she was like, ‘You should have Vic open.’ And I was like, ‘No.’ And I said at the time that I didn’t want to do it ’cause I was like, ‘Vic’s not opening for me. We at the same level. He doesn’t need to be opening.’ But in reality, I was just like, ‘I don’t want to have to split this. I don’t wanna have to share this stage at this point.’ And that was definitely bogus.”
Vin accepted his apology and held back tears as he thought back to how much he needed the money he would’ve gotten from the tour during that particular period of his life and admitted that he was going through couch cushions and his sister’s piggybank looking for some money. “I knew I had motion and I was right there,” a tearful Mensa said. “But that really hurt me, you know, ’cause I was like, ‘Damn, I actually really I need this.’”
You can watch the full conversation between Vic and Chance below.
Jelly Roll isn’t backing down from making jokes at the president’s expense, with the country star once again taking aim at Donald Trump‘s physique during his guest-hosting stint on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
During his monologue on the Wednesday episode of the late-night talk show — where Jelly has been serving as guest host while Kimmel takes a break — the musician brought up the outrage MAGA conservatives and Fox News pundits have expressed in response to his recent jabs at the POTUS. Two nights prior on Kimmel, Jelly had quipped that he’d “lost an entire Donald Trump” when describing his own 300-pound weight loss and at one point joked, “Mr. President, from one fat pig to another, take it from me that physical fitness is very important.”
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In an unserious defense of his previous comments, a grinning Jelly told Kimmel’s audience, “I thought fat-on-fat crime was OK!”
“We can debate whether this president is mentally fit, but I think we can all agree he is certainly not physically fit,” the Grammy winner continued before introducing a parody commercial for a fake weight-loss drug called “Donjaro.”
“Is your obesity making it difficult for you to focus on the things you love?” a narrator says over clips of Trump in the faux ad. “Does your butt bulge in ways that defy the laws of physics?”
After the video was over, Jelly said sarcastically: “Wouldn’t it be nice to see Trump lose something besides the war, his popularity and most of his f–king marbles? I believe in you, Mr. President. With a little hard work, one day your waistline will be just as thin as your skin.”
Billboard has reached out to the White House for comment.
Elsewhere in the monologue, the singer poked fun at Trump’s “ridiculous” trade war with Canada, which has reportedly caused a surge in the prices of toilet paper, amongst other things. “You have to admit, there is something poetic about it being so expensive to wipe our a– just because the president’s full of sh–,” Jelly said, earning laughter and applause.
He also disputed Jesse Watters’ recent suggestion on Fox News that Jelly had taken Ozempic and suffered “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a side effect. “First of all, Jesse, I’ll have you know Ozempic is the only drug I haven’t tried,” the CMA Award winner joked. “I lost weight the old fashioned way: cocaine.”
One reason Jelly’s comments have caused as much of a stir as they have is that the star has largely stayed out of politics throughout his music career. He was asked about his thoughts on speaking up about politics backstage at the 2026 Grammys, where he told reporters, “People shouldn’t care to hear about my opinion, I’m a dumb redneck … I didn’t even know politics were f—ing real until I was in my mid-20s in jail.”
“I have a lot to say about it,” he continued at the time. “And everybody’s going to hear exactly what I have to say in the most loud and clear way I’ve ever spoken in my life. I look forward to it.”
Jelly’s final night as substitute for Kimmel will be Thursday (Aug. 27).
Watch Jelly’s monologue doubling down on his jokes about Trump’s weight above.
“Olivia Rodrigo: the cure unraveled,” an exhibition showcasing the handmade sets, props and artwork created for Rodrigo’s “The Cure” music video, is set to open at the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles on Sept. 2 and run through Feb. 22, 2027.
That means the exhibit will be on view from about six weeks before first-round voting for the 69th annual Grammy Awards begins Oct. 12 until 15 days after the awards will be presented at Crypto.Com Arena, which is also in the L.A. Live complex.
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Will the exhibit give Rodrigo a boost in Grammy voting? It certainly can’t hurt. Rodrigo is regarded as a strong candidate for nominations in the marquee categories. Her third studio album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, seems certain of landing an album of the year nod. She has at least two strong candidates for record and song of the year nods: “The Cure” and “Drop Dead.”
Rodrigo is a Grammy darling, having received three awards from 14 nominations, including best new artist in 2022.
The exhibit, presented by American Express, promises to give fans an intimate look behind the making of Rodrigo’s “The Cure” music video. An expanded version of the exhibit will open in early fall 2026, with additional details to be announced.
The exhibit launches with a special program with Rodrigo on Tuesday (Sept. 1), the evening before it opens to the public. The event includes a conversation moderated by Oscar-winning filmmaker and veteran music journalist Cameron Crowe and live performance.
“I grew up going to the Grammy Museum and their mission is especially important to me, so it’s a full circle moment to be able to work with them on this exhibit,” Rodrigo said in a statement. “It’s the perfect place to feature ‘the cure’ music video pieces that mean so much to me, as well as some incredibly special items from the past decade that we’re later adding that I’ve never shown before. I can’t wait for you all to see them in person!”
Kelsey Goelz, Grammy Museum curator, added, “Olivia is a pop music creative force and the Grammy Museum is thrilled to showcase the special magic behind a fan-favorite video. This exhibition offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of a professional music video, while highlighting the importance of DIY and handcrafted artistry.”
Featuring props from the music video, original storyboards, behind-the-scenes photographs from the shoot, and interactive photo opportunities, Olivia Rodrigo: the cure unraveled invites fans to step directly into Rodrigo’s visual world.
Directed by Cat Solen and Jaime Gerin, the video for “The Cure” follows Rodrigo as she explores the complexities of love and, in the process, finds herself unraveling. The finished video is crafted almost entirely by hand, incorporating miniatures, animatronic heart puppets, and stop-motion animation. Production designer Liam Moore transformed nearly every surface and object with cardboard and hand-painted details.
Rodrigo has two nominations for the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards – best pop for “Drop Dead” and best alternative for “The Cure.”
Exhibit highlights include:
- Rodrigo’s nurse costume, worn during the filming of “The Cure” music video
- Handmade props from “The Cure,” including the miniature “OR” and beating felt heart
- Handwritten and hand-stitched artwork used for the you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love album art and packaging
- Never-before-seen artifacts from Rodrigo’s career, to be announced at a later date as part of the expanded exhibit
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Music lovers have a new obsession: the Mini Brands Really Works vinyl playset, a tiny record player that actually spins and plays music. The set is part of Zuru’s first Mini Brands music-focused collection and has quickly become a standout among miniature collectibles. More than 50 units were bought from Walmart yesterday alone, while Amazon sold over 7,000 in the past month.
So, what does it do? The rechargeable player uses miniature records to play roughly 20-to-30-second song clips and comes with an exclusive mini “APT.” vinyl by Rosé and Bruno Mars. After purchasing the record player, fans can buy the blind balls to collect all 45 vinyls, spanning current hits and older favorites. While many online reviews say the mini record players are a big hit with kids, adult collectors are loving them just as much as well.
MINI RECORD PLAYER
Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Playset Series 1
No. 1 New Release
The Zuru Mini Brands Really Works vinyl playset series 1 is a functional miniature record player that spins and plays short music clips. It includes the player, a display stand and an exclusive “APT.” vinyl by Rosé and Bruno Mars.
The record player works with the separately sold mini vinyl capsules, letting collectors expand their music lineup. Each record plays a short clip rather than a complete song, and a USB charging cable is included whenever the battery is low, although you don’t need to plug the playset in to turn it on. Amazon customer feedback is largely positive about the novelty item, with one reviewer praising the little details, writing, “I love that they include the actual record sound before the music [starts].”
COLLECT ALL VINYLS
Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl Capsule Series 1 (2 Pack)
7K Bought This Month
This Mini Brands Really Works vinyl capsule series 1 includes two blind balls, with four playable mini vinyl records and one surprise accessory in each capsule.
Each blind ball contains four randomly selected records featuring licensed artists such as Katy Perry, Kendrick Lamar, Fall Out Boy and Chappell Roan. The records work only with the compatible Mini Brands Really Works vinyl player, sold separately, not to be confused with other mini record brands like MGA Miniverse. The full series 1 collection includes 45 records, including rare gold versions. Because the capsules are blind-packed, shoppers should expect the possibility of duplicates while building a collection.
Collectors are drawn to the Mini Brands vinyls because they combine recognizable music with the satisfaction of miniature collecting. Online discussions often praise the detailed records and album sleeves, with some collectors finding them more realistic than competing MGA Miniverse versions. The rechargeable Mini Brands player is another talking point, with users liking the USB charging. Collectors also appreciate the broader mix of newer and nostalgic artists, as well as its surprisingly loud volume for such a tiny toy.
Zuru’s Mini Brands line extends far beyond music, with collections covering food, fashion, toys, books, Disney, home products and buildable Mini Brands Create sets. The company also makes other “Really Works” products, including a miniature kitchen line with working appliances.
Ray Davies sabe cómo escribir canciones. Lejos de estar completamente cegado por sus logros, el exlíder de The Kinks puede reconocer la grandeza de otros, especialmente en lo que respecta a sus habilidades para volcar pensamientos, emociones e ideas en una pista musical. Y así lo hizo durante una entrevista de 2023. En un diálogo […]
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Elton John es, sin lugar a dudas, uno de los artistas más icónicos de la música pop-rock global. Amalgamando virtuosismo frente al piano, melodías inolvidables y la lírica introspectiva que supo dar a luz junto a Bernie Taupin, el músico británico logró confeccionar obras que trascendieron décadas. Con más de 300 millones de discos vendidos […]
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La muerte de Rubén Rada resulta una oportunidad para acercarse a su obra, repasar sus mejores canciones y conocer las temáticas y sonidos que caracterizaron su música. El músico, compositor, cantante y actor uruguayo está asociado con la alegría, el humor, la denuncia política y, por supuesto, con el candombe. Y estos aspectos quedan en […]
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Los fans de Oasis no se conforman con haber visto a la banda nuevamente en los escenarios: también quieren un nuevo disco. Y ahora se supo que Noel Gallagher estuvo escribiendo canciones, aunque no se sabe con qué fin. Quizás, si nos dejamos guiar por las palabras de Johnny Marr, hay que creer que solo […]
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