While martial arts legend Jackie Chan built a glittering empire worth hundreds of millions, his estranged daughter, Etta Ng Chok Lam, once made desperate cries for help online — claiming she was penniless, abandoned, and living in poverty.
Now, questions are swirling about how the man behind “Rush Hour” blockbusters and billions in box office gold could sit back while his only daughter, the child he reportedly never supported, filmed a heartbreaking plea from the streets.
Etta, who is the daughter of Jackie Chan and former Miss Asia winner Elaine Ng, has been estranged from the star since birth. He was never part of her life, and it appears he was never part of her bank account either.
Her mother, Elaine, confirmed what many had long suspected: Jackie had been completely absent from their daughter’s life.
But when Etta posted a startling video online revealing she was broke and identifying her father as Jackie Chan, her mother was quick to strike back. Elaine admitted:
“It’s wrong. I feel if they have no money, they should go find work. They shouldn’t film a clip telling others they are broke and who Etta’s father is.”
The emotional distance between mother and daughter was just as apparent. When asked if she was in contact with Etta, Elaine dismissed the question entirely, saying, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Homeless and Abandoned in New York
Etta has long been vocal about her troubled past. In 2018, she gave a raw interview revealing that she and her partner, Canadian influencer Andi Autumn, were left homeless in New York City — claiming their “homophobic” parents had abandoned them.
They even said they were forced to sleep under a bridge due to their dire circumstances.
It was that desperation, Etta later said, that led her to film the now-infamous video publicly naming Jackie Chan as her father — a plea not just for attention, but for basic survival.
$2.60 to Her Name, and Married at the Time
By December 2018, Etta and Andi had already tied the knot in Canada, as posted on her now-private Instagram profile. Despite being newlyweds, their financial situation was bleak.
A hostel owner in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, reportedly had to confront the couple after they tried to pay for a five-night stay with just 20 Hong Kong dollars — roughly $2.60 USD.
The full cost of their booking? $2,250 HKD, or $290 USD. They were unable to pay it. The couple went to Elaine to ask for help. She was seen driving them to a bank to withdraw money.
‘He Is Not My Dad’: Cutting All Ties
Etta’s feelings toward Jackie have not softened over the years — in fact, they hardened well before she ever spoke his name online.
Back in 2015, three years before outing him in that viral video, she publicly denounced Jackie as her father, stating plainly, “He is not my dad. I have no feelings for him. He is my biological father but he is not in my life.”
She admitted she had grown up watching his movies — but that was the extent of their connection. There was no relationship, no support, no presence.
As for Jackie, he also distanced himself in a 2015 interview. He said:
“Sometimes it is better to not talk about certain things. Let nature take its course.”
Trauma, Therapy, and a Fractured Past
The former beauty queen also divulged that her daughter was battling post-traumatic stress disorder and had seen a doctor in Hong Kong. But since moving away, she claimed Etta had stopped therapy altogether.
It was a rare and raw glimpse into the troubled life of a young woman born into scandal — and seemingly left to fend for herself.
Jackie’s Fortune: From Blockbuster Gold to Generous Goodwill
By 2015, Jackie Chan, the king of kung fu comedy, had amassed a fortune estimated at $350 million after nearly six decades in the entertainment industry.
His films have raked in over $2.6 billion globally. He’s the face of global ad campaigns, a producer, a theater owner — a bona fide cinematic powerhouse.
But as his career reached stratospheric heights, Jackie made a jaw-dropping decision: he gave most of his money away. His fortune has dwindled in recent years, not due to mismanagement or extravagance, but because of his passion for philanthropy.
The Humble Star With Soap in His Suitcase
Despite earning an estimated $40 to $50 million per year, Jackie is legendarily frugal. No flashy cars. No luxury wardrobes. One story stands out: while in Los Angeles, he kept a bar of soap wrapped in a plastic bag from a previous trip to Macau — refusing to throw it away.
Even at 71 years old, he remains more focused on service than stardom. He sees himself not just as a movie icon, but as a guardian of the world.
Millions Given, But Not to His Own Child?
Jackie has donated millions to children’s hospitals, disaster relief, and educational causes. As early as 1988, he founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation, offering scholarships and aid to the underprivileged across China.
In 2004, he launched the Dragon’s Heart Foundation, focusing on building schools and improving education in rural, impoverished regions.
For Jackie, it all traces back to his own struggles. “When I was young, I didn’t have much,” he once said. “I didn’t go to school. That’s why I always tell young people, ‘Study hard. Learn as much as you can,’ because I wish I had that chance.”
But while the world benefitted from Jackie’s generosity, it appears his own daughter was left behind — unseen, unsupported, and crying out to strangers on the internet.
‘Face the Nation’ Anchor John Dickerson to Leave CBS News After 16 Years — Details
The 57-year-old veteran political journalist is leaving the network he served for years, prompting interest in what his next chapter might hold.
John Dickerson announced on Monday, October 27, 2025, that he will leave CBS News at the end of the year, marking the conclusion of a 16-year career with the iconic network.
A netizen’s comment on John Dickerson’s announcement about leaving the CBS network, posted on October 27, 2025 | Source: Facebook/The Hill
The announcement, shared in a heartfelt post on his Facebook page, reflected on a journey that saw him rise from respected correspondent to a household name in American broadcast journalism.
John Dickerson reports live from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 19, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Dickerson thanked CBS for the work that shaped him, the audience who listened, and the rare privilege of contributing to the network’s storied history. But perhaps most moving was his tribute to the colleagues who, he said, made him not just a stronger journalist, but a better human being.
As word of Dickerson’s departure spread, some aimed their criticism at his most recent on-air work and his pairing with colleague Maurice DuBois.
“He deserves to go,” one remarked bluntly. Another observed, “Unfortunate. But the pairing of him and Maurice was not working. Very dull news program. CBSs [sic] standing as a news leader is falling.”
John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois co-anchor “CBS Evening News” | Source: Getty Images
Speculation about who might replace Dickerson quickly gained traction, with some pointing to familiar names from rival networks. “I heard they are considering Bret Baier. That has to be a joke, right?” one suggested, referring to the Fox News anchor.
“Maybe Alex Jones can take his spot?” someone quipped. Another person noted, “DuBois is next. Put Jericka Duncan in there. She can read a teleprompter, too.”
Bret Baier hosts “Democracy 2024: Election Night” at Fox News Channel Studios in New York City on November 5, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Still, not all reactions were critical. Several praised Dickerson’s principles and professionalism. “Because he has morals and integrity,” one comment praised.
Another added, “Of course, he an honest reporter who won’t put up with nonsense that is coming [sic].” And one supporter simply stated, “He has ethics, honor & integrity as a person and journalist.”
Behind the scenes at CBS, the mood turned quietly grim. According to The Independent, news of Dickerson’s departure was first delivered during a 10 a.m. editorial call on Monday, catching many staffers off guard.
Inside the newsroom, the response was immediate and emotional. Multiple sources at CBS News reportedly voiced their disappointment. “He is a true journalist,” one network reporter said.
A senior staff member reportedly described Dickerson’s departure as a “huge, huge loss” to the network. Another employee was even more blunt, suggesting there was a belief inside the newsroom that the network had set him up to fail.
The timing of Dickerson’s exit comes as CBS News undergoes a major shakeup in leadership. The newly installed editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, is looking to redefine the network’s primetime identity.
Bari Weiss speaks during a live taping of “Honestly” in Washington, D.C., on January 18, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
In just her first few weeks, she has reportedly floated the idea of bringing in big names to lead evening news coverage, including Baier and CNN’s Anderson Cooper, who already contributes to “60 Minutes.”
Anderson Cooper attends the 15th Annual CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute in New York City on December 12, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Sources familiar with internal discussions say Weiss wants to make a bold move, and that Cooper is high on her list. As CBS looks ahead, Dickerson’s farewell leaves a clear gap in the newsroom.
During his time at the network, he was a familiar presence in election coverage and major interviews. According to his website, he currently holds several key roles: co-anchor of “CBS Evening News,” chief political analyst, and senior national correspondent.
He also hosted “The Daily Report with John Dickerson,” a streaming show known for in-depth news and extended interviews.
Beyond CBS, his voice has echoed across multiple platforms. He co-hosts “Slate’s Political Gabfest,” contributes to The Atlantic, and created the “Whistlestop podcast,” which explores presidential history through a rich personal lens.
Dickerson’s writing life has been just as prolific. His latest release, “Navel Gazing,” compiles 35 years of handwritten notes into a deeply personal collection of essays.
Before CBS, he was already a heavyweight, serving as White House and congressional correspondent for Time magazine, as well as chief political correspondent for Slate magazine.
Over the course of nine presidential campaigns, he earned multiple honors, including the Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency and the David Broder Award.
He is also the author of several books, including “On Her Trail,” a memoir of his mother Nancy Dickerson, CBS News’ first female correspondent, as well as “Whistlestop” and “The Hardest Job in the World.”
Dickerson’s exit came amid a wave of high-profile shake-ups in broadcast journalism, including Hoda Kotb’s headline-making decision to step away from NBC’s “Today” show.
Hoda Kotb speaks on stage at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women in Philadelphia on September 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Kotb’s departure in January 2025 closed the curtain on one of the most recognizable roles in morning television, but it also marked the start of something far more personal.
After stepping, Kotb retreated from the spotlight and embraced a quieter life centered on motherhood, personal wellness, and a renewed sense of inner peace. Only recently did she reveal the deeper, more emotional reasons behind her decision to walk away.
In recent months, Hoda Kotb has shifted to a different lifestyle. Her demanding TV schedule has been replaced by early mornings that start at 4:30 a.m., with journaling, meditation, and quiet time to herself.
She now walks her daughters, Haley, 9, and Hope, 5, to school, enjoys new hobbies like tennis, and has even launched a new business called Joy 101. The wellness company includes an app, a subscription newsletter, and live events—all focused on joy, mindfulness, and meditation.
Yet Kotb says it’s the quiet, everyday moments that have changed her the most, like watching her daughter sing “What a Wonderful World” at exactly 9:15 a.m., a memory she recalled with unmistakable warmth
“It’s really cool to just realize that there’s so much more to life,” she said. “I wasn’t able to bear witness to my kids’ daily lives because of what I was doing.”
The decision to leave her television role was deeply rooted in her desire to be more available for her family, especially after Hope’s serious health scare in early 2023. When Hope was hospitalized for more than a week with undisclosed symptoms, Kotb took a temporary leave from “Today” to be by her side.
After returning to her hosting duties, she told viewers, “My youngest, Hope, was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week. I’m so grateful she’s home.” She also revealed that the experience was “really scary” while speaking to co-host Savannah Guthrie.
Now, the truth has finally come to light. Speaking to People, Kotb revealed that doctors diagnosed little Hope with type 1 diabetes, a chronic and life-altering condition that demands round-the-clock care and daily insulin injections.
Since receiving the diagnosis, Kotb has stepped fully into caregiver mode, often waking multiple times each night to check Hope’s blood sugar. “It’s kind of constant care for Hope. We’re monitoring her 24/7,” she said.
The family initially endured up to five injections a day, a grueling routine that has since eased thanks to improved treatment methods.
Despite the challenges, Kotb paints a picture of resilience and joy. She is a happy, healthy, rambunctious, amazing kid,” she said. “Diabetes is a part of her, but not all of her. I hope it shapes her but never defines her.”
Kotb also revealed that while her daughter’s medical needs played a major role, they weren’t the only reason behind her departure. The decision, she hinted, had been building for some time.
Kotb announced her plans to leave the show in September 2024, shortly after her birthday. During an emotional on-air segment, she explained, “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new.”
KISS Star Gene Simmons Has Been Hospitalized – Details
Gene Simmons, the legendary bassist of KISS, was rushed to the hospital earlier this week after a sudden incident in Malibu, prompting concern from fans and a response from his family.
KISS musician Gene Simmons is currently recovering at home after being hospitalized on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
His wife, Shannon Tweed, assured fans that he is on the road to recovery. She added that doctors changed his medications and insisted he drink more water, something he’s not exactly a fan of.
His hospitalization followed an accident along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu at around 1 p.m. During the incident, Simmons’ Lincoln Navigator crashed into a parked car.
Simmons’ SUV careened through several lanes of traffic, and he ultimately passed out. While speaking to first responders, the 76-year-old musician admitted that he had fainted and then hit the parked car as a result. This was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
After the incident, Simmons left a voicemail message to NBC4 Investigates, insisting that he is doing fine.
The musician also took to X to update his fans on his situation. He thanked them for their well wishes, saying, “I’m completely fine. I had a slight fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us who are horrible drivers. And that’s me. All is well.”
The accident occurred just days after Simmons’ wedding anniversary with Tweed, which she marked with a sweet post on Instagram. “Better together,” she wrote as her post caption.
The accident also comes almost a month before the scheduled three-day “KISS Kruise Land Locked In Vegas” event, which runs from November 14–16, 2025, at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
The shows will feature unmasked acoustic and electric shows with each Kiss band member, and will also include special performances by the likes of School of Rock, Bruce Kulick, Pearcy Demartini, Sebastian Bach, and more.
The concerts came as a surprise to many after the band announced its return to the live stage with a one-off “unmasked concert.” The intention of the “unmasked concert” is to perform a makeup-free show.
Meanwhile, Simmons’ former bandmate Ace Frehley has also been dealing with health struggles of his own. He announced through his official social media pages that he had a minor fall in his studio, which resulted in a trip to the hospital.
This forced him to cancel his performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California, on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Despite the setback, he stated that he looked forward to continuing the rest of his tour and working on his album, “Origins Vol. 3.”
However, after first assuring fans he’d be back on tour, he posted on October 6, 2025, that due to ongoing medical issues, he would need to cancel the remainder of his 2025 concerts.
It’s clear that Frehley will not be joining his former KISS bandmates for the upcoming Las Vegas shows, as his name does not appear on the official poster. He officially left the band in 2002 after co-founding it and has since focused on his solo career.
Fans continue to send support to both Simmons and Frehley as they focus on their health and recovery.
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Melania Trump’s Dating History: Who Were the Men Linked to the First Lady Before Donald Trump?
Before she became one of the most photographed women in the world, the First Lady of the United States led a quiet, private life — one that included a handful of flings far from the spotlight.
Through the years, Melania Trump has remained guarded about her private life. However, some reports have offered a glimpse into her dating history before marrying President Donald Trump.
She has said that she prefers to keep her life private, though she’s not afraid of public attention. “I’m not shy of the media. I’m not shy about the camera. That’s my business. That’s my modeling career. But it sometimes could be very tricky and unpleasant, unfair,” she once admitted.
Melania’s Quiet Life in New York
During her single years in New York, Melania lived a low-key lifestyle, focusing on health and discipline. She reportedly walked with ankle weights, ate at least seven pieces of fruit daily, and maintained a strict skincare routine.
She wasn’t into the party scene and skipped out on nightclubs. A typical night out would involve dinner at Cipriani at 10 p.m., followed by a return home by 1 a.m.
Her taste in men leaned toward wealthy, industrious Europeans. According to those close to her, she occasionally dated Italian men and playboys, but their outings were usually just dinner, and she would be home soon after.
Melania’s daily routine included working out, swimming, and using the sauna. Unless she had errands or modeling work, she preferred to stay in. Back then, her style was more understated. Now, with access to high fashion, she’s elevated her wardrobe and is often seen in her signature Manolo Blahnik heels.
What Friends Said About Melania Trump
“She was reserved; the first party she ever came to with me was the one she met Donald [Trump] at,” said her friend Edit Molnar. Paolo Zampolli, president of ID Models — the agency that discovered her and brought her to New York in 1996 — also described her as a “homebody.”
“She never dated anyone in New York before Donald. She only went to movies by herself and to the gym,” he added. Still, a few men have claimed to be part of Melania’s romantic past before Donald. Here’s what we know about them.
The Alleged First Boyfriend, Peter Butoln
A man named Peter Butoln once said he was Melania’s first boyfriend. He shared stories of her teenage years in Slovenia, including how they met. “It was my first love,” Peter admitted to Inside Edition. “My first real love.”
Melania, born in the small town of Sevnica with a population of 5,000, reportedly met Peter after moving to Ljubljana at 17 to attend an elite high school.
He said he approached her after spotting her walking in the city center, as he was instantly smitten with Melania’s stunning beauty. However, their relationship ended when he left for military service, and they never saw each other again.
The last contact Peter had with Melania was through a postcard she sent in 1987, shortly after their split. “I send you this postcard with nice warm regards from the seaside,” she reportedly wrote on the card. He kept it with him through the years.
Despite his sweet memories with Melania, a spokesperson for the First Lady clarified that Peter was never her boyfriend.
Her Last Slovenian Boyfriend, Jure Zorcic
Melania’s former boyfriend, Jure Zorcic, also spoke publicly about their past, telling ABC News that she stood out even as a young woman. “She wanted to live abroad, in Italy, France, a life of fashion,” he said. “She was very fashionable.”
Jure Zorcic answers an interview on his ex-girlfriend, Melania Trump, dated February 25, 2016. | Source: YouTube/Top TV Slovenija
The two met in 1991 in Slovenia. At the time, Jure was riding a motorbike and noticed her walking down the street. “I had a moment and thought, ‘Wow, who is this girl? She is so beautiful, I must turn back and follow her,'” he described the first time they met, as if it were straight out of a Hollywood movie.
After stopping to talk, he took her out for coffee. They dated for several months and often spent time along the Croatian coast with their friends.
Jure Zorcic speaks about Melania Trump during an interview dated February 25, 2016. | Source: YouTube/Top TV Slovenija
Jure said he was surprised when she suddenly left Slovenia to pursue her modeling career. She went on to live in Paris and Milan before eventually settling in New York.
The two crossed paths again in 2000. He recalled being surprised that she was speaking English and asked if she had forgotten she was Slovenian. Melania eventually married Donald in 2005.
“I think her marriage to Trump was fate,” Jure shared. “Nobody believed 20 years ago that she would live at the top of the world, on Fifth Avenue in Trump Tower — even her!”
Apart from Peter and Jure, Melania’s friend, author Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, revealed in her book “Melania and Me” that the model had a boyfriend during her time abroad in Paris and Milan, but did not disclose more. She also went on a few casual dates here and there.
Why Her Marriage to Donald Trump Works
Ultimately, Melania found what she called the perfect partner in Donald. According to Vladimira Tomsic, a woman who attended the same school and is close to her parents, the reason their marriage works is rooted in the First Lady’s upbringing. Melania is the ideal wife for Donald, and they are the perfect match who complement and support one another.
During one interview, Melania herself pushed back on claims that she dated her 53-year-old businessman boyfriend at the time for financial gain, saying you can’t “talk with” or “hug” beautiful things.
Melania also once joked that the secret to her lasting marriage with Donald was having separate bathrooms. She has also addressed her critics. “They don’t know me,” she said while describing Donald as “very kind” and “very charming.”
Melania’s journey from a quiet life in Slovenia to becoming the First Lady of the United States is a story of discipline, ambition, and mystery. Though much has been said about her past, she has remained steadfast in protecting her privacy, allowing only glimpses of the woman behind the public image.
She has consistently shown focus and restraint — qualities that continue to define her today. Whether admired for her elegance or questioned for her silence, Melania’s story remains one of quiet strength and unwavering control over her own narrative.
