Boy Culture Links: Ilia Malinin Twinks Out, 'Widespread Twerking' Scandal, RIP Bud Cort, Senegal Embarks on Biggest Anti-Gay Sweep in Years + MORE
FEBRUARY 12, 2026
SLATE: Meet U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin, who is “unbeatable” on and off the ice. He tells Cero:
“Being a role model for the future of figure skating is something I respect myself for,” he said. “I’m inspiring a newer generation of skaters to find a new vision of skating.”
TIKTOK: U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn celebrated winning a gold medal and Madonna’s approval (she skates to “Like a Prayer”) — all in a day’s work!
THEM: House Republican wants Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show investigated for “widespread twerking.” Isn’t that how you’re supposed to do it?
HUFFINGTON POST: According to Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland), Trump’s name appears — this is not hyperbole — a million times in the unredacted Epstein Files.
JOE.MY.GOD.: The Department of Homeland Security has hired a 21-year-old potentially white-nationalist troll to run its social media.
KENNETH IN THE (212): Returning to NYC is Fight Back, an immersive theater experience that recreates an ACT UP meeting.
US MAGAZINE: Brandi Glanville stuck up for the newly fired Jill Zarin, but admitted she has a Mrs. Robinson-level crush on Bad Bunny.
NEW YORK TIMES: In Senegal, a slew of people have been arrested for unlawful gay sex — and two of them are national celebrities:
It’s one of the most high-profile anti-gay cases in the history of the country.
TWITTER: Medical student becomes latest Internet heartthrob.
AXIOS: Gallup will end its practice of polling presidential approval ratings after 80+ years. Wonder why?
GR8ERDAYS: RIP Bud Cort, 77 — he was Harold to Ruth Gordon’s Maude.
BC/EFA: Just announced — this year’s Broadway Backwards benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will feature:
“Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin (Chicago), Bryan Terrell Clark(Hamilton), Bradley Dean (Chess), Lea DeLaria (POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive), Tony winner Jennifer Holliday (Dreamgirls), Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Off-Broadway’s Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors), Michael McElroy (Sunday in the Park with George), Tony winner Lauren Patten (Jagged Little Pill), Tony winner Bernadette Peters (Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends), Tony nominee Andrew Rannells (All In: Comedy About Love), violinist Jacob Rienstra and Alexandra Silber (Fiddler on the Roof). The evening will also include the uplifting sounds of Tony-honored and Grammy Award-nominated choir Broadway Inspirational Voices.”
Plus, it’s likely more will be announced since this is the show’s 20th anniversary. Get tickets for the March 23 event here.
NEW YORK TIMES: Susan Collins is running to keep her Senate seat again.
YOUTUBE: Susan Collins says she will only serve two terms in the Senate … 22 years ago.