Back during Golden Globes weekend, Jessica Biel kept showing up at various events, looking either gorgeous or tragic, and always flying solo and without an engagement ring. The rumors/reports/confirmations were flying heavily in the weeks preceding the Globes that Justin Timberlake had proposed to Jessica while they were vacationing in Wyoming. We could endless speculate as to WHY he proposed (to get her to STFU?) or why Jessica said yes (because that’s all she’s got going?), but that’s neither here nor there. I truly believe Jessica and Justin are engaged – his grandma said so, and I believe in Us Weekly’s reporting because they have a history of dealings with Biel’s publicist. So why wasn’t Jessica wearing an engagement ring? Was it because she doesn’t have a lot going on, and she just wants to draw out the speculation for as long as she can? Or is it because Justin cheaped out on a tiny diamond? Survey says…

“Bling it on!” That’s what Jessica Biel told Justin Timberlake after turning up her nose at his skimpy diamond engagement ring, sources say. Biel – who hit the Globes red carpet solo, and with a ringless finger – has ordered Justin to splurge on a new sparkler, where has Justin enlisting his mom’s help!

“When Justin proposed to Jessica, she was disappointed with his choice of ring,” said a source. “Jessica isn’t a fancy girl, but she wanted something stunning – a bigger diamond that would impress her friends. Instead, Justin went more minimal, thinking she’d prefer something less flashy.”

But Biel believes Justin will be her partner for life, and wants a diamond that reflects their lasting love, the insider divulged.

“Jessica told Justin that although she was moved by his proposal, she wanted a ring with more bling,” maintained the source. “He was very understanding, and told her that she deserves to have what she wants. To placate her, Justin has not only enlisted his mom for help with her ring, but he’s going to propose all over again.”

“Justin will tide Jessica over with a ring – one that she’s happy with.”

[From The Enquirer, print edition]

Is it wrong that I see Justin’s frame of mind with the whole “minimal” thing? That is how Jessica puts herself out there, like she’s too busy hiking to care about jewelry. That being said, Jesus, Justin. You have millions of dollars! Buy her a nice, big ring if you really want her to STFU.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

As it turns out, Justin Timberlake’s proposal to Jessica Biel isn’t quite the bonanza of great press that they thought it would be. Us Weekly is calling JT out on this week’s cover – basically saying that Justin is a cheater (true story) and that he’ll totally screw around on Jessica again. As I was looking through the tabloids, I was surprised to see that nearly all of them had similarly negative stories too. The main arc seems to be the nonsensical narrative that JT only proposed to Jessica to get her to STFU, and he doesn’t even want to marry her:

Justin only proposed to Jessica Biel to buy more time as a bachelor!

A source tells The Enquirer, “Justin knew that Jessica would dump him unless he committed to making her his bride, so his proposal was just lip service! He told friends that he has no intention of rushing down the aisle and he only went through with the engagement to get Jessica off his back. Justin says it’ll be at least a year and probably several more before they actually tie the knot.”

“Justin loves Jessica, but he also cherishes his freedom,” continued the source. “He wants to be in a relationship with Jessica, but not necessarily as a married couple. But marriage and kids is the end goal for Jessica, and she told Justin late last year that she’d break up with him for good unless he agreed to settle down with her.”

“Rather than keep dealing with Jessica’s nagging, Justin caved to the marriage pressure.”

Justin reportedly presented Jessica with a custon-designed engagement ring, and she’s already making plans for the big day.

“But Justin fully intends to ride the engagement phase,” the source added. “He wants to remain a single guy as long as possible.”

[From The Enquirer, print edition]

I still don’t understand. What is the thought process here? “My girlfriend is nagging me constantly about getting married but I don’t want to so I’ll just propose and that will shut her up and I never have to marry her”???? Is that it? As I was typing that out, it occurred to me that I know guys who have totally done that… but still. Doesn’t it even enter Justin’s mind – “Hey, maybe I should just break up with her”?

Meanwhile, In Touch Weekly’s story goes even further – sources tell ITW, “Justin’s not giving up his freedom. As much as he loves spending time with her, he likes hanging out with the guys too. He sees no reason why he has to give that up.” Apparently, Jessica thinks Justin is magically going to want to stay home with her all of the time now, and friends are already predicting disaster. Like it’s not already a disaster.

Photos courtesy of Fame, WENN.

Some of you took issue with my claim that Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake are engaged “officially” after Us Weekly ran the story with some unnamed sources confirming. I stand by it, though. Jessica’s tabloids of choice are Us Weekly and People Magazine – her publicist is always dropping stories about how Jessica is so beautiful and how all of the dudes that meet Jessica just fall all over themselves in her presence. So… I believe that they’re engaged. I just don’t know WHY they’re engaged. And Us Weekly doesn’t know either.

After denying Biel and Timberlake’s engagement the cover story last week, Us Weekly decided to give them the cover this week, but it’s not some happy celebration. Us Weekly is just calling Justin Timberlake a cheater, flat-out, and they’re making Jessica sound like… a doormat? A shrew? Whatever it is, it isn’t flattering. What do you make of the cover lines, “Do cheaters ever change” and “It took a bitter breakup and Jessica’s ultimatum before Timberlake finally proposed. Now her friends worry he’ll break her heart.” YIKES.

By the way, Us Weekly was also Olivia Munn’s tabloid of choice when she (I mean, an “unnamed source close to Olivia Munn”) wanted to go public with her affair with JT. I think it was Olivia’s attempt to get Justin and Jessica to breakup, so Justin would be free to be her (Olivia’s) girlfriend – you should totally go back and read those stories, just for a refresher. Jessica has already put up with so much crap from JT. And I’m still mystified as to A) Why Justin even proposed when it seems like he can barely stand to be in the same room with Jessica and B) Why Jessica agreed to this scheme that really doesn’t benefit her in the long run, you know?

Photos courtesy of WENN, cover courtesy of Earsucker.

Well, it happened. There were reports just before Christmas that Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake might have gotten engaged while they were spending their holiday together in Wyoming. There were rumors on Twitter, and all of that good stuff. Now Us Weekly confirms that Biel and Timberlake are definitely official. Sidenote: I wonder what kind of deal Biel’s publicist has with Us Weekly?

After a series of breakups and makeups, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have finally decided to get married!

Several insiders tell the new issue of Us Weekly (on stands Friday) that the couple of four and a half years became engaged in late December.

Timberlake, a six-time Grammy winner, popped the question to Biel, 29, in the mountains of Jackson, Wyoming.

“Justin knows how much she loves snowboarding and the mountains, so it was the perfect place,” one insider explains.

After a brief three-month split in 2011, Biel made it clear that she wanted to spend her life with Timberlake, 30. “When they reunited, they had a conversation about taking the next step.”

Another Timberlake insider adds that he’s “never been happier” with the New Year’s Eve actress. “He knew it was the right time to propose.”

[From Us Weekly]

I don’t even know. I mean, congratulations to the happy couple. I would really, really love to know what the proposal was like. Did Biel demand a certain kind of proposal? Or did it just come out of a “Where are we now, what is the next step in our relationship” conversation? Did Justin have a ring ready? I’d also like to know how all of this works – Justin has cheated on Jessica before, and their relationship has always been on-again, off-again. Are they both settling? Why do they feel the need to make this disaster official? I still don’t understand. Meh.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

LaineyGossip had this yesterday, and now major celebrity news outlets are running with the story as an unconfirmed rumor. Allegedly, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have gotten engaged while vacationing in Wyoming. They have been staying at a luxury resort, and there’s some gossip on Twitter that Justin proposed to her. Of course, all of this could be a figment of the imagination of Jessica’s publicist.

With their five-year anniversary fast approaching, have Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel decided to take the next step?

The rumor mill is a-churning with rumblings that they recently got engaged at a swanky Wyoming resort, although details are scarce to nonexistent (not to mention Twitter-based) and their reps have yet to comment.

The question-popping whispers come nine months after Justin, 30, and Jessica, 29, announced their split.

Among the alleged reasons for the apparently mutual breakup: his wandering eye, her desire to walk down the aisle, and their feeling that the relationship had run its course.
But the romantic breather lasted only until July, when they were spied bike-riding in Toronto. From there, they quietly picked up where they left off.

“She is the single-handedly most significant person in my life,” Timberlake told the July issue of Vanity Fair. “In my 30 years, she is the most special person, OK?”

Jessica, meanwhile, downplayed a possible knot-tying in the December issue of Elle, saying, “I don’t feel pressured. I was never one of those girls who dreamt of my wedding and my prince charming.”

[From Wonderwall]

I don’t think it should count as “five years together” when they have broken up a few times, for months at a time. How about “five years of on-and-off BS with lots of infidelities”? That sounds right.

If this is true and Jessica finally got the ring… congratulations? Sure. I wonder what she really thinks that will accomplish, though. Will she get more scripts as an A-lister’s wife? Ask Katie Holmes. As for Justin… ugh. I just think he’s really screwed up about women, and I don’t really understand it at all. Does he really think that his relationship with Jessica is healthy, and she should be his wife? I don’t mean to be the wet blanket, but this whole thing seems like a disaster in the making.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

This is the weirdest story, and I really mean that. It’s profoundly odd. First, did you know that Jessica Biel has a little brother? She does. His name is Justin. Is it weird to date someone with the same name as your brother? I think that would gross me out. So, Justin Biel worked for his big sister’s boyfriend, Justin Timberlake. Justin Biel was employed at JT’s liquor company, 901 Tequila, but sources suggest Justin Biel no longer works for 901, and hasn’t for a few weeks. Justin Biel recently posted several videos to his Facebook page which… are harsh. Justin Biel calls out JT for not promoting or supporting his own brand of tequila.

At one point, Biel says, “I’ve been waiting for [Timberlake] to do something with this f–king brand — make a song about it, put it in a g–damn video, hold it up, take some pictures, I don’t care — just do something because we’re dying on the motherf–king vine here! Sales dropped drastically from last year … way to go sales team! Our distribution partners still couldn’t give two f–ks about the brand, repping Patron all the way, and giving us the ol’ fist up the ass.” Here’s the video – there’s some NSFW language:

It’s harsh, right? And it seems like a guy who is having a really honest (albeit douchey) rant. So is it for real? TMZ goes on to report that sources claim Justin Biel left 901 on “good terms” and a rep for 901 says, “Justin Biel’s video was intended to be one in a series of videos created by 901 Tequila employees (including the brand owner) as part of a larger viral marketing campaign slated for the end of December. It was released prematurely without our knowledge and prior to the final edit.” But… Justin Biel went on Facebook and wrote, “For all you knuckleheads that haven’t figured it out. This is just a joke. hahah. Got ya.” So… is it a joke or is it a viral marketing campaign? Did JT just order Jessica to shut down her brother? And what of Justin Biel’s claims – I tend to believe them. Who gives a crap about 901 tequila? No one. It’s on no one’s radar. JT doesn’t support his own brand.

Screencaps courtesy of TMZ, additional pics by WENN.

In last week’s Us Weekly issue, there was one of the most absurd items that I’ve ever read, and trust me, I read a lot of absurd tabloid items (and I believe some of them too). The fact that this story came from Us Weekly disturbed me – it’s one of the most obvious publicist-planted pieces I’ve ever seen, and normally you only see that kind of naked PR piece in In Touch Weekly or People Magazine. I expect something different from Us Weekly! Anyway, the claim is that Justin Timberlake is so “desperate” to hold on to Jessica Biel (suppress your laughter, I’m not finished) that JT would “marry” Biel if she threatened to leave him. NO JOKE. This is the claim.

When Justin Timberlake, 30, and Jessica Biel, 29, reconciled in July after a five-month split, friends assumed this time they’d marry. And a source says it’ll be Biel who decides: “Justin thinks marriage would hurt his career, but if Jessica threatened to leave, he’d do it.”

(His rep says he “separates his personal and professional lives.”)

Explains the pal of the couple of four years – “He doesn’t want to lose her.”

[From Us Weekly, print edition]

I’m beyond understanding Justin and Jessica’s dynamic as a couple, and I am literally clueless as to why they got back together over the summer, but I think it’s safe to say that this story comes from a crack-smoking publicist who is employed by someone whose name rhymes with “Chessica Seil”. If I’m being completely unkind, I think Biel and Timberlake’s dynamic is this: he gets more tail when he has a girlfriend. His game is off when he’s a single guy. And he and Jessica have some kind of “understanding” where he pretty much gets to do whatever and whoever he wants and Jessica gets to be “Justin Timberlake’s girlfriend.” If that dynamic was a bit more cut and dry, I wouldn’t have as big of a problem. But Biel is still trying to convince us that Justin will eventually be her husband? Good God.

Photos courtesy of Fame and WENN.

Well, Justin Timberlake kept his word and attended the Marine Corps Ball on Saturday evening with Corporal Kelsey DeSantis. I believe that Mila Kunis is up next weekend with her date, and she’ll undoubtedly make good on her promise as well. As Kaiser mentioned before, this provides a “bonanza of free, positive publicity” for both JT and Mila, and it truly appears as if JT could use a career boost of some sort because one can only ride on “SNL” goodwill for so long. Musically, he’s done nothing for years, and his last two movies have resulted in rather underwhelming box office results. While Friends With Benefits met with lukewarm reception, In Time was truly a disappointment with a mere $12 million opening weekend. Ouch.

Obviously, Justin Timberlake is no onscreen leading man and can’t really open a movie to save his life. His douchey reputation doesn’t help matters, especially when stories circulate that pin him as a diva who mouths off to restaurant staff. So I really appreciate that JT kept his date with Kelsey DeSantis, but I truly enjoy the fact that, as a combat instructor, she could wipe the floor with his ass if it came down to it. For his part, JT probably secretly dreaded having to attend this event; but he subsequently posted a letter that indicates that he was truly impressed by what he witnessed. In fact, he may have just enjoyed himself and experienced a much needed dose of humility:

To all my family, friends and fans -

I’m writing this out to all of you after attending an event that turned out to be one of the most moving evenings I’ve ever had…

I had the honor and privilege last night of attending The Basic School Instructor Battalion 236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Greater Richmond Convention Center with Corporal Kelsey DeSantis…

I knew I would have an evening that I wouldn’t forget… Something I could tell my friends about. What I didn’t know was how moved I would be by the whole experience.

I’ve always been very vocal about my support of our Armed Forces. I’ve always felt like they offered us the opportunity to live our lives freely without the fear that so many other nations have to endure still to this day. And, they do it without asking for anything in return. I had this very feeling walking into this dinner. So, to say I was stoked to be there would be more than accurate.

As the evening got started, I met Kelsey and we made our way to the ballroom where the Marine Ball was going to be held. I stopped in an area designated as a kind of VIP for some of the officers, I think. I took some photos and shook hands with some of the men and women who take such great care of our freedom. It was nice to be there already.

Then, we moved to the ballroom where the dinner was set up… For a short while, I had the opportunity to sit with Kelsey, get to know her and get a tiny glimpse into what her life as a Marine was like. She talked about her training in mixed martial arts with a passion, a discipline, and a respect. It reminded me of how I hear my favorite athletes talk about their sport or, how I hear my favorites among my peers in music and film talk about their craft.

We sat in this huge ballroom and were the only ones there as, we had beaten the rest of the soldiers who were on their way in. So, we got a decent amount of time to chat before the ceremony started.

She seemed to me to be so humble and honest… Very cool. She also simultaneously seemed like she was nervous about the whole evening and if I was going to enjoy myself. “Are you ok?” she asked 2 or 3 times. “I hope you are having fun. I know you will once my crew of friends get here to the table.” I have to tell you, it’s not every day that I meet a 23 year old girl and she’s more worried about if I’m having fun or if I’m comfortable! It hit me all of a sudden that these were the type of people that look after us and our freedom… Humble, concerned for others before themselves… This was the type of person our Marine Corps was building. I was really blown away.

It seemed like all of a sudden I was surrounded by her great friends and fellow Marines as the closest ones to her made their way to our table. She again assured me that I was going to love all of her friends–that they were a “kick-ass” group of people.

She couldn’t have been more right. I laughed and laughed with all of them almost immediately and felt very close to them… They reminded me of my friends (the ones I like, at least). Cool, un-affected, and real. This was going to be a fun night.

What happened then took me by such surprise that I was almost brought to tears. In fact, our whole table was…

They started the ceremony. And, the next thing I knew I was watching a video about Pearl Harbor/WW2 and the September 11 terrorist attacks… It was a video with some first-hand accounts from some Marines who were there… Telling their stories of the sights and sounds of war and rescue. So vivid and real. So honest but, so filled with a sense of compassion and adoration for this wonderful country. They spoke with a pride that only they could have acquired through their experience as a US Marine. There was a common theme that I began to notice as well… No matter what the situation. No matter how dire…

They were there FIRST.

There on the front lines.

No questions… Just reaction.

While this tribute was playing, you could hear a pin drop. It was a surreal moment to be in that room with so many of our great Marines who have such a different type of connection to those stories. One that we who don’t serve will NEVER understand. It was familial. It was like they were listening to their own blood brothers. I glanced around the room at young men and women, spouses and soldiers… At kids way beyond their years, really… All so deeply entwined. Not just by battle, even though we who have never endured anything remotely close to those experiences and have NO position to comment on… But, by having such life changing experiences through them and to not ever waver in their love and respect for our homeland. That’s what I saw. A faith in us that has been tested time and time again. And, through it all, NEVER a drop of doubt.

I was truly moved.

The evening went on and we ate and took photos and drank and made jokes.

There were some speeches that prompted many “huahs” and applause. There was laughs. We even danced a little.

I felt so proud to be there. I felt like I was getting a chance to be among my heroes. It’s funny too because a lot of them are SO younger than me.

The evening wound down for me as, I had to catch a plane. But, I have to say that I had so much fun with Kelsey and her crew of friends. They were just really nice people… Classy Marines but, not without a great sense of humor. Real individuals but, not without a sense of community.

I said my goodbyes to them but, not before I got a chance to tell them how much the evening had meant to me. They made me feel so welcome to be there and I’ll never forget it.

We all have our own individual views on war… But, doesn’t that speak to just another thing that makes this country so special?? The fact that we can all wake up every morning and BE individual with a pure sense of freedom..? But, one thing that can’t be argued is that it’s because of the people who VOLUNTEER their lives to make sure that it’s protected at all times. And, like I said before, doing so while asking for nothing in return…

To all of you that serve every day for us… Ensuring our freedom, I say: My deepest gratitude to you. I’ve met so many of my heroes… From Michael Jordan to Michael Jackson. And, nothing makes me feel more honor and pride than when I get to meet one of you. Last night changed my life and I will never forget it.

To people like me who get to benefit from this type of person… One with character and courage. With strength and bravery. With humility and honor… I say: Send your thanks. Do it however you can. Write a letter, type an email… Hell, buy ‘em a beer next time you run into someone from our Armed Forces in a bar. When they say thank you for that drink that cost you 3 bucks, they’ll mean it. They won’t take it for granted and, they won’t forget it.

Thank you Corporal Kelsey DeSantis. Thank you for inviting me. And, thank you for being my hero.

- Justin Timberlake

[From JustinTimberlake.com]

The boy really loves his ellipses to a point of overkill, but this letter seems completely genuine, right? Perhaps JT realized that it really was he who should feel honored to attend a Marine Corps Ball and not the other way around. He’s an entertainer (cry me a river), and these people put their lives on the line for our freedom as a matter of course. Somehow, I think he gets it now, and it looks like he felt a bit awkward and inadequate (as he should) in the below photo. This letter, however, wins him some points and shows that he was honestly engaged in the evening and didn’t just default to his usual douche mode. At least for one weekend.

Photos courtesy of JustinTimberlake.com

It’s always interesting to me to see which stars in an ensemble get chosen to represent their film overseas. At the New York premiere of In Time, Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried shared the red carpet with Olivia Wilde and Matt Bomer, two of the other “names” in the film. And now In Time premiered in London last night – and suddenly there’s no Olivia or Bomer. For why? Did JT and Amanda not want to share? Or was it because In Time kind of bombed in the domestic box office and Olivia and Matt Bomer didn’t even feel like traveling to promote the damn thing?

Regardless, here are some of the photos from the premiere. Amanda wore this electric blue H&M tuxedo-shorts ensemble. I really, really dislike it. Well… I’ll give her some credit for trying something different, for wearing a bold color, and for having an amazing figure. But I will not give her credit for these shorts. These things do NOT belong on a red carpet. At all. Look at how her ass is hanging out (and don’t even start yelling at me – I’m looking at ass cheek shadow, and that shouldn’t happen on a red carpet).

Also: Amanda’s eyes look really druggy to me.

For some reason, little Saoirse Ronan was at the UK premiere too. She’s not in the film or anything, so I guess she just wanted to see the movie. I love her little outfit. Perfect for a teenager on a red carpet for a film that isn’t hers.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

Star Magazine has an interesting/odd story this week about Cameron Diaz wanting Justin Timberlake back, and how JT’s current girlfriend Jessica Biel is worried about it. Yes, the BS Factor is high with this one, for several reasons. First of all, Cameron just bought a home in England, and my take on Camy’s post-A-Rod love life is that she’s looking for new, fresh meat, and it’s probably going to be an Englishman. Second of all, the stories about Cameron and Justin have been going on ever since they broke up, but especially when they worked together on Bad Teacher. Camy might have gone crazy over A-Rod, but I have to give her credit for behaving professionally around her ex, and he behaved too. Now, all that being said, I bet Biel is worried about Cameron Diaz. But I believe that because Biel should be worried about Cameron and pretty much every chick Justin encounters.

While taking in Paris Fashion week solo in in early October, just days after a romantic Las Vegas getaway with her back-on-beau Justin Timberlake, a glowing Jessica Biel looked like a woman who has fallen in love all over again. But she might not have been so blissful if she’d been aware of the trouble brewing back home. Star has learned that Jessica’s bitter rival for Justin’s heart, his ex Cameron Diaz, wants him back!

“She’s determined to make it happen,” an insider says of Cameron, who broke up with N.Y. Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez in early September. “Cam’s been calling Justin regularly, telling him how much she misses spending time with him and stroking his ego big time. She’s aware that there is still a strong sexual spark between them, plus she makes him laugh a lot. Justin always says that girls who can make him laugh are a big turn-on!”

Cameron, 39, never stopped loving Justin, even after they announced they were ending their three-and-a-half-year romance in late 2006, the insider explains. “When the relationship ended, they said they were just taking a break. It was never meant to be permanent – but then Jessica swooped in.”

Cameron infamously confronted Justin, 30, when she found him flirting with Jessica, 29, at a Golden Globes after party in 2007. She publicly shouted, “What is she, your new f***ing girlfriend?” at him before locking him into a 40 minute argument. But the exes… have long since smoothed things over. And Cam is aware that he is still having problems with Jessica.

“Cameron has told pals that she went wrong the last time, pressuring Justin to marry her,” says the insider. “Jessica is doing that with him now, so Cam’s been saying that marriage is old fashioned and the idea no longer interests her…

“She’s suggested that they meet for dinner again, and Justin has agreed,” an insider says of the pair, who quietly shared a meal in September, around the time of Cameron’s split from A-Rod. “After a few drinks, anything could happen.”

[From Star Magazine, print edition, October 24, 2011]

Well, if there’s one thing that JT loves, it’s cheating on Jessica Biel. So maybe this is on – but I doubt it. I think JT might (will) go for the next girl, the next Olivia Munn or the next Mila Kunis, some cute little thing and he play his “Jessica and I are already broken up, sort of” game. I should also give Camy some credit too – I don’t think she’s going to go back for seconds on Justin. At least, I hope she won’t.

Photos courtesy of WENN.