EXCLUSIVE: WENDY WILLIAMS’ INNER CIRCLE RAISES RED FLAGS — “ONCE AGAIN SURROUNDED BY THE WRONG PEOPLE."
PLUS: KIT HOOVER & BILLY BUSH GET CLOSE AGAIN — WHILE PATRICK SCHWARZENEGGER GETS DROPPED AS BATEMAN
WENDY WILLIAMS SURROUNDED BY 'BAD' PEOPLE AGAIN
Wendy Williams is back in the headlines—but not for the right reasons. Insiders tell #ShuterScoop the talk show legend is once again surrounded by the wrong crowd—a familiar cast of fame-hungry opportunists and whispering enablers who are more interested in headlines than her healing.
“She’s always been a magnet for shady people,” says a former producer from her hit daytime show. “And she’s not safe. These faces around her? They’re not friends—they’re parasites.”
Sources say Wendy is being pulled in by people who tell her exactly what she wants to hear and disappear when the cameras stop rolling. “They’re attracted to her fame, her power, the access she gives them—not Wendy the person,” a friend close to the family confides.
And now there’s a new red flag: one former TV host—who once courted the spotlight himself—is suddenly back in her life, conveniently showing up in staged paparazzi shots. “He’s posing, not protecting,” the source says. “He’s not there for the right reasons. It’s all about visibility and headlines—not Wendy’s well-being.”
Despite recent efforts to get her the care and protection she needs, her defenders say there’s one undeniable truth: “Where is she supposed to meet good people?” One insider adds, “The reality is, decent folks don’t want to be around the constant drama. That’s not judgment—it’s self-preservation.”
And while Wendy’s public appearances spark concern—those closest to her fear what’s happening when the cameras are off.
“She needs real support,” says her former producer. “But the real ones? They’re being pushed out.”
The comeback we all want for Wendy? It can’t happen until the opportunists lose interest—and the vultures stop circling.
#ShuterScoop
KIT HOOVER & BILLY BUSH REKINDLE CLOSE BOND POST-DIVORCE
From co-hosts to confidants — again.
Kit Hoover and Billy Bush are getting very close again, insiders tell #ShuterScoop, now that both are newly single and reconnecting in a major way.
“They’ve always had amazing chemistry, but now that they’re both divorced, it’s like the walls are down,” a source close to the duo dishes. “They’re texting, calling, meeting up — it’s like they’ve slipped right back into their old rhythm.”
Staff at Access Hollywood often whispered about their relationship back in the day, noting the unmistakable tension that turned into something far more personal.
“At first, Billy couldn’t stand her — she annoyed him,” an insider reveals. “But then something shifted. She became his favorite person ever. They were inseparable.”
The pair lit up the set with their natural banter and off-camera closeness, which had many wondering if it was strictly platonic.
“They were a package deal — lunch together, inside jokes, always had each other’s backs,” the source adds. “Then he got the Today show dream job, and it shattered her. He left for New York, and Kit was heartbroken.”
Though they went separate ways, the spark never fully faded — and now, with both navigating life post-divorce, that old bond is roaring back.
“Everyone sees where this could be going,” says a longtime friend. “They’ve always been better together.”
#ShuterScoop
PATRICK SCHWARZENEGGER OUT AS PATRICK BATEMAN — “HE HASN’T PROVEN HIMSELF,” SAYS STUDIO SOURCE
Despite publicly campaigning for the lead role in Luca Guadagnino’s highly anticipated American Psycho reboot, Patrick Schwarzenegger will not be playing Patrick Bateman, sources tell #ShuterScoop — and insiders say the decision wasn’t even close.
“They want a stronger actor for a very tough part,” a high-level studio insider spills. “Patrick just hasn’t proven himself yet. A few scenes in a cable TV show doesn’t make you ready to carry a movie like this.”
The son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Patrick has made no secret of his desire to play the blood-soaked Wall Street sociopath, famously portrayed by Christian Bale in the 2000 cult classic. He’s even taken to X (formerly Twitter) to reply to fans pushing him for the part, writing: “I’d love nothing more.”
But Guadagnino’s team wasn’t moved by the online enthusiasm.
“They took his interest seriously — for a second,” the insider adds. “But ultimately, this role needs serious acting chops, and Patrick’s just not there. Not yet.”
Instead, all eyes remain on Austin Butler, whose name continues to circulate behind the scenes. But interestingly, Kerry Barden, the original film’s casting director, recently suggested Butler might be a better fit for Paul Allen — the role originated by Jared Leto.
That leaves the role of Bateman wide open — but definitely not for Schwarzenegger.
“He may share the same name as the character, but that’s where the similarities end,” laughs one insider. “This version of American Psycho is aiming high — and they’re not interested in stunt casting.”
As for Patrick?
“He’s ambitious and eager, but this was a reach. Maybe next time.”
#ShuterScoop — where your favorite roles get cast and crushed.