Here’s the Awful Thing Zendaya Fired Her Publicist For

While Zendaya is prepping for her role in the new Spiderman movie (and we’re still wondering who she might be playing), she’s also celebrating her appearance on the cover of June’s Cosmopolitan mag. But things aren’t all spotlights and sleek hair, as she’s revealed why she was forced to fire her former publicist, and the reason is totally SMH-inducing.

Chatting to Cosmo, the 19-year-old singer and actress talked about a previous cover she graced, saying, “I didn’t like my hair and makeup one time on a photo shoot, and my publicist told me, ‘You should just be happy with it — they haven’t had a black girl on the cover since forever.’ She’s no longer my publicist.” Ick!

Although Zendaya was surely grateful for the opportunity, the statement about the lack of WOC on the magazine’s cover was apparently accurate, and with racially insensitive comments still cropping up in the biz, this just shows the ever-lagging attitudes of some unfortunate folks.

Zendaya, being the kickass young lady that she is, obviously hasn’t let her former publicist’s words get into her head… which is probably why she looks so amazing on this month’s Cosmo.

What do you think about Zendaya’s former publicist’s statements? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(h/t Hello Giggles, photos via @zendaya, David Becker/Getty)

Exes Christina Haack and Tarek El Moussa are back at HGTV, but this time they're competing against each other...alongside Tarek's wife Heather El Moussa. And if you think that's a lot to unpack, get ready! The first episode aired last night (January 29), and it's clear the former spouses aren't just in it for the real estate wins — they're finally opening up about their divorce, Christina's most recent divorce, and more. Their tearful confessions simultaneously broke and mending our hearts last night. Here's what they had to say.

Scroll to see what Christina Haack & Tarek El Moussa shared on The Flip Off.

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- YouTube

In the first episode of The Flip Off, Christina shared with Tarek that she and Josh Hall officially split, tearfully admitting that she quickly gets into relationships that "aren't right" for her and noting how "horrible" everything's been for her since their divorce in 2016

As Christina and Tarek opened up to one another, the exes eventually came to forgive each other. Christina said, "I know we’re in a good place now, but yeah, we went through a lot of stuff. I don’t think anyone understands just how much stuff we went through. We met when we were so young."

Christina shared that Tarek was her "best friend" before the divorce, and that afterward she lost that and had to be a full-time mom — both of which "really, really, really hurt" her "really affected" her. Afterwards, Tarek said, "I understand that feeling of being a little bit lost. And I acknowledge that I’m a big part, if not the entire part, of all of this."

In a pivotal moment — for Christina and Tarek, but really all of us as fans — she said, "I’m really sorry for s---. I really am. I just want you to know that." Tarek took her knee during the apology, and Christina then asked, "You forgive me?"

Tarek's response? "A hundred percent, yeah."

And it wasn't just Christina apologizing either. Tarek said that he "did a lot of things" too, noting that he "holds zero against" her. In his confessional, Tarek opened up more about the cause for their split. He said, "I got diagnosed with cancer and then I hurt my back. I lost 60 lbs. because I was taking so many opiates and Vicodin and painkillers. I lost my way, lost who I was. I just wasn’t the best husband. I wasn’t the best father. You know, I own my s---. It wasn’t me, but it was me."

In the emotional conversation, Christina told Tarek, "You’re a great dad. I’m really proud of you. You’ve come a really long way. I can see it, you know. You’re so much calmer, you’re so much wiser, for real."

To see these two grow to love and support each other in a new way is truly beautiful! (And so are the houses they continue to flip. 😉)

You can catch The Flip Off on HGTV every Wednesday at 8pm EST.

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I have a confession to make — I'm obsessed with gothic horror and dark romance books. They're not your typical light-hearted rom-coms where the most drama you'll read about are family secrets or an enemies-to-lovers troupe. You may get some of these elements, but these darker tales of love aren't afraid to explore eery topics that keep you on the edge of your seat. Looking for some sultry page-turners to pick up? Here are the 15 highest-rated reads, based on Goodreads reviews!

Keep scrolling for the juiciest dark romance books to sink your teeth into this year!

Amazon

1. Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton

Adeline Reilly's choice to move back to Seattle was supposed to be exciting because her career is doing well and she's just inherited Parson's Manor from her grandmother. But being back there stirs up nightmarish things from Adeline's past. Coupled with spooky messages and other terrible instances, Adeline begins to understand she's being stalked. What's even spookier is that this has happened to Adeline's grandmother before...

She'll have to piece together clues from her grandmother's journals to understand who is stalking her and what the person wants.

Amazon

2.Hookedby Emily McIntire

James is hellbent on destroying his mortal enemy Peter Michaels at all costs and sets his sights on the latter's daughter, Wendy. He's sure he can manipulate her until things start going wrong behind the scenes. Torn between finding the mole in his curated operation and his growing feelings for Wendy, he starts to feel like he's incapable of making the right choices.

And Wendy? She'll have to ask herself if she's genuinely attracted to James or the monstrosity that lives within him.

Amazon

3. The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori

Elena goes from being 'America's sweetheart' to having blood on her hands in The Sweetest Oblivion. It all begins with her sister's arranged marriage to Nicolas Russo, a ruthless figure in the Mafia world. Despite telling herself she doesn't love him, Elena can't help but feel attracted to Nicolas.
The more she tries to ignore her feelings, the more they're pulled closer together.

Amazon

4. Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers

Malachi Vize isn't done with his adopted sister Olivia yet. She's his greatest obsession from the passion he feels for her down to the anger at her betrayal. When she least expects it, Malachi plans to swoop in and reclaim the woman who tried to get away from him.

Amazon

5. Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

Sloane and Rowan may be murderers, but that's what intrigues them about each other. It's not like they're killing innocent people. They travel from city to city, hunting the worst of the worst, and slowly discover they're falling in love with each other. But, revenge is never far behind them and it may destroy their love before it has a chance to blossom.

Amazon

6. God of Malice by Rina Kent

Don't let Killian Carson's good looks fool you because a calculated and terrifying monster lies behind his pretty visage. The only person who sees him for what he is is Glyndon King...and she kind of likes it. Since Killian is the only one who appreciates her, they forsake their worlds to be together. But their desires may drown their desires and engulf everything around them in flames.

Amazon

7. Lights Out by Navessa Allen

Aly Cappellucci is a trauma nurse who has a specific kink — looking at masked men. She even dreams of one sneaking into her bedroom to do unspeakable things to her and when she sends a risky text, she enters the world she's been fantasizing about. On the other side of the text is Josh Hammond, someone who takes pleasure in masquerading as his alter ego after hours.
As Aly and Josh delve into the fantasies, they realize someone wants to genuinely harm Aly. Soon, Josh will have to step into the spotlight to protect the woman he can't get enough of.

Amazon

8. Her Soul to Takeby Harley Laroux

Leon is a part of a cult that delights in harming others, not thinking twice about his victims until he meets Rae. With her belief in the supernatural, she goes as far to summon something terrifying that can't stop stalking her. Something that finally cares enough to spare the poor soul he was meant to eradicate.

Amazon

9. The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe

For reaasons unknown, the Darling women have been under a curse that steals them away when they turn 18. Though they're returned, it's obvious they don't come back the same.
As much as one mom wants to protect her daughter, the latter knows the Never King and the Lost Boys will come for her with the intentions of keeping her forever.

Amazon

10. Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark

The Griffins and the Gallos have been at odds in Chicago for decades. Spanning generations, their war is infamous and reaches a head when Aida Gallo destroys something precious to the Griffins. In order to save them, Aida's father proposes an arranged marriage between Aida and Callum Griffin.
All Callum cares about is bending Aida to his will, but she's not willing to go down without a fight. However, it's hard to harm a rival when you're caught up in how much you want them.

Amazon

11. Twisted Love by Ana Huang

Alex Volkov has good looks, a heart of stone, and a past that would make anyone recoil in fear or disgust. The only person who seems to get through to him is the memory of his best friend's sister — Ava Chen. She's plagued with horrific nightmares, but her heart has always remained opened. She and Alex were never meant to be, but that doesn't change how much they're drawn to each other.
At some point, they'll have to deal with their pasts and the hidden truths found in them.

Amazon

12. Sinners Anonymousby Somme Sketcher

Rory Carter has committed unthinkable acts and often confesses what's been done to a Sinners Anonymous hotline. She thinks marrying someone an older person of the Cosa Nostra will cleanse her soul, but she's losing it under the fake persona she presents. And when Angelo Visconti steps onto the scene, she'll all but lose her nerve.

Amazon

13. Steel Princess by Rina Kent

Elsa knew being with Aiden posed a risk, but she took it anyway. Now that she's sure the only way to destroy their soul tie is by kicking him off his thrown, she'll stop at nothing to bring him down. However, he's watching her every move and won't go down without a fight.

Amazon

14. Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

Erika Fane can't stop looking at her boyfriend's big brother. Though he doesn't seem to care about many people, she's drawn to his stuck up and terrifying demeanor. When Michael Crist finally notices her, he puts in plan in action.

There's something Erika did to his comrades and he wants to make her pay for it.

Amazon

15. The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

Barrington University isn't for the faint of heart because it quickly weeds the weak out. Most men who attend know that blood and violence are as normal as the sun shining on a hot summer day. However, one woman isn't afraid of this world.

She's sure she wants to be with Ryat Alexander Archer after he offered her a taste of freedom. But even he reveals his true nature, leaving her to fight to the death to escape the clutches of those at Barrington University.

In need of something else to read? Find out which new books are releasing in February!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The Super Bowl is the perfect opportunity to dig into your favorite one-bite appetizers. From guacamole to jalapeño poppers and wings to queso, the options really do feel endless. But Super Bowl snacks aren't only about the chips and dip! If you're anything like us, you'll be too wrapped up in the game (and the halftime show, of course) to think about making a whole dinner, so your apps need to be delicious and filling.

These bite-size appetizers know how to rack up *lots* of flavor points, but also boast some health bonuses, too. Whether you're serving up something cheesy or keeping things vegan, make sure to stock up on paper plates, napkins, and themed toothpicks for your Super Bowl appetizer recipes. Then, let everyone dig in!

Even if your team didn’t make it to the finals this year, we know you’ll have a blast at your Super Bowl shindig if you invite a few of these bite-size appetizers along!

The Best Super Bowl Appetizers ​You Can Devour In One Bite

Brit + Co

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

If you and your crowd love sushi, then you can't go wrong with serving these salmon bites. They feature all the best parts of a classic roll (rice, fresh fish, and ripe avocado), with a hands-on approach that doesn't require any utensils. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Cheesy Steak Keto Tacos

Going keto is one way to really cut your carbs quickly, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up all of your guilty pleasures – especially for occasions like the Super Bowl. This simple recipe lets you keep Taco Tuesday alive, even on a specialty diet. Make them mini for a marvelous bite-size snack! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Herb-Stuffed Mushroom Bites

Nothing says bite-size quite like stuffed mushrooms! Make these tiny football-inspired snacks to up your ‘shroom game. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

These one-bite appetizers are as easy as rolling up shredded chicken, cheese, and hot sauce into small tortillas and baking them for 15 minutes. Make sure you have extra ingredients on-hand – these will be done in a flash! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Bacon Pastry Twists With Beer Cheese Dip

Honestly, you may not even need to dip these pastry twists into any sauce. The flaky bacon-and-cheese-stuffed pastries are satisfying enough when eaten solo, but we've included a delightful beer cheese recipe to go with just in case. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Vegan Butter Board

The great thing about this Super Bowl appetizer is that it is completely customizable. Fill it with fruits, dips, and edible flowers, or make it into a sweet board with honey and chocolate chips. This concept is best served with single-bite waffles and crackers! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Tomato Confit Toast

If you want to serve something on the lighter side, opt for this tomato confit which features fresh tomatoes cooked in olive oil. Eat a spoonful over crunchy toast for the perfect football season finger food – or just dig into the jar with a spoon! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Greek Stuffed Mushrooms

Pack a bunch of veggies into one bite with these stuffed mushrooms that feature tomatoes, olives, and peppers all in one. This is one of the best Super Bowl appetizers to make since you can customize what you put in each mushroom. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Vegetarian Pigs-In-A-Blanket

Boost the flavor of vegetarian pigs-in-a-blanket by swapping bland tofu-based dogs for some scrumptious meatless sausage links instead! Ketchup and mustard are still encouraged, of course. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Gluten-Free Baked Avocado Fries

Panko breadcrumbs keep these baked avo fries crunchy and satisfying, but yield to a creamy avocado interior to keep your tongue guessing. Bite size appetizers don't get as good as this! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Vegan Potato Skins

Vegans love junk food as much as anyone else, so this dish packed with loaded potato skins should definitely be on your game day menu if you have any meatless guests coming over. But who are we kidding? Your meat-lovers will love this recipe, too. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spanakopita Quesadillas

This one-bite appetizer combines two cuisines we love: Mexican and Greek! Turns out, spinach and phyllo pastry make great alternatives to regular flour tortillas. Once cooked, slice these 'dillas into tiny triangles so everyone gets a taste. (via Brit + Co)

Cabot Creamery

Crispy Cheese Pickle Chips

Here's an easy Super Bowl app to throw together: all you need is some cheese and super-salty pickle chips, and you have a winning appetizer! (via Cabot Creamery)

Pizzazzerie

Shrimp Tostada Bites

Forget about a plain ol’ shrimp cocktail, and opt for these vibrant tostadas for your Super Bowl get-together instead! There are so many different colors, flavors, and textures that your taste buds and your stomach will love you. (via Pizzazzerie)

Diethood

Brown Sugar-Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Each of these marble-size meatballs packs a huge flavor punch. You’ll enjoy sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sensations all at once. Grab a few because you'll *definitely* want more than one of these one-bite appetizers. (via Diethood)

Cabot Creamery

Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Yogurt Dip

These cauliflower wings are a great veggie alternative to chicken wings: just grab one head of cauliflower, some olive oil, and salt. Then, get your wing-like flavor when you dip into the Buffalo-style yogurt dip in this recipe. Yum! (via Cabot Creamery)

Crowded Kitchen

Summer Cracker One-Bite Appetizers

Super Bowl appetizers just got so much more colorful. These healthy cracker bites are easily customizable and make a gorgeous statement using different veggies among your snacky spread. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Two Spoons

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Everyone should be able to enjoy your Super Bowl appetizers, so make sure you prep something for the plant-based eaters in your circle! These tofu "chicken" nuggets are delightfully crispy and super flavorful for chowing down on in between quarters. (via Two Spoons)

Give It Some Thyme

Asian Meatball Sliders

Game day favorites like sliders and meatballs join this recipe to form some truly great Super Bowl appetizers. Adding some spiced pickles on top brings an irresistible tang to each bite! (via Give It Some Thyme)

SweetPhi

Bananas Foster Chex Mix

A lot of Super Bowl appetizers are savory, so aim to bring a little sweetness to the table with this caramelized, nutty Chex mix! Serve it in a big bowl, or spoon some into mini muffin liners for personal portions that you + your guests can snack on throughout the game... if they last that long, that is! (via SweetPhi)

Hello Veggie

Roasted Winter Vegetable Kabobs with Sesame Tahini Dipping Sauce

Football food doesn’t have to be heavy. Colorful roasted veggie skewers do the trick too, especially when served with a silky sesame tahini dip! You can reuse this recipe for different sports games throughout the year — just swap the veggies for what's in season. (via Hello Veggie)

Cabot Creamery

Jalapeño Poppers

Spice things up with these cheesy, crowd-pleasing poppers! These are some of the *best* Super Bowl appetizers since they don't take super long to make and end up tasting oh-so heavenly. (via Cabot Creamery)

Averie Cooks

Cheesy Garlic Bread

And the crowd goes wild! For this ooey-gooey garlic bread, of course. When it comes to one-bite Super Bowl appetizers, garlic bread just can't be beat. Everyone loves a carb! (via Averie Cooks)

Eclectic Recipes

Bacon-Wrapped Hearts of Palm

Crispy, smoky bacon wrapped around tangy hearts of palm is an elegant Super Bowl appetizer that’s even better when served with a dip made from caramelized shallots and olives. We're salivating already! (via Eclectic Recipes)

The Cookie Rookie

Sweet Potato Chorizo Cheese Balls

These cheese balls have everything a famished sports fan could want: biscuit mix, cheese, sweet potatoes, and sausage. Consider your search for one-bite appetizers over! (via The Cookie Rookie)

The View From Great Island

Rainbow Crudité with Fire Feta

Spicy feta cheese and a carefully selected variety of veggies prove that crudité doesn’t have to be boring. Your vegetarian party guests will thank you for this one! (via The View From Great Island)

Cotter Crunch

Air Fryer Cajun Sausage Bites

Fiery homemade sausage bites are more flavorful than what you can buy in a plastic tube, and you can cook them in the air fryer to reduce the amount of oil needed to cook them until crispy on the outside. (via Cotter Crunch)

The Original Dish

Cornmeal Popovers with Herb Honey Butter

The herby honey butter that partners up with these one-bite appetizers is so good. It really elevates the snack to a higher level. Score! (via The Original Dish)

Give it Some Thyme

Marinated Tortellini Skewers

Transform tortellini from entrée to appetizer by marinating the cooked pasta in an herb-infused olive oil mix and threading it onto skewers along with mozzarella, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. This is one of the best Super Bowl appetizers that's giving elegance. (via Give it Some Thyme)

My Food Story

Sticky Thai Meatballs

Keep the grape jelly and ketchup where they belong — far away from your meatballs. Instead, opt for a recipe that uses dynamic flavors like Thai curry paste, ginger, and fish sauce to season the meal. This one also combines chili flakes, soy, rice vinegar, and honey for the sticky-sweet sauce. (via My Food Story)

Savory Tooth

Low-Carb Parmesan Crisps

Impress your friends with a batch of homemade Parmesan crisps that'll use up that bag of shredded cheese in your fridge. They’re low-carb, which means you can eat… all of them, right?! (via Savory Tooth)

Half Baked Harvest

Ginger Sesame Chicken Potstickers

There are two things that set these juicy chicken potstickers apart. First, they’re encrusted with sesame seeds, so the bottoms are extra-crunchy. And second, they’re dunked into a sticky pomegranate sauce for an unexpected burst of fruity flavor with each bite! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Skinny Taste

Instant Pot Deviled Eggs

Every Super Bowl party needs a tray of deviled eggs, which are usually still the first thing to go from the snack bar! Make a big batch in your Instant Pot and keep the stovetop free for whipping up a pot of your famous game day chili. (via Skinny Taste)

This Wife Cooks

Dill Pickle Pinwheels

Pinwheels are the ultimate Super Bowl appetizer because they're full of flavor that you can enjoy in one bite. All you need to make these easy Super Bowl appetizers are dill pickles, flour tortillas, scallions, garlic powder, vegan cream cheese, and dill seasoning. (via This Wife Cooks)

Half Baked Harvest

Fried Goat Cheese Balls with Spicy Sage Honey

Instead of baking the usual fried mozzarella sticks this year, try this fried goat cheese recipe instead! The spicy sage honey sauce makes it a perfect mix of sweet and savory. Your guests won't be able to get enough! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Stuffed Mushrooms

This stuffed mushroom recipe is so good, it should be in the hall of fame for one-bite appetizers! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

What kinds of Super Bowl appetizers will you be making this year? Let us know in the comments and check out our Pinterest for the latest food content!

This post has been updated.