Freshly Brewed Entertainment News for Wednesday

Mar 7, 2018 | 5:15 AM

LAUREN BURNHAM DEFENDS ARIE LUYENDYK JR. AGAINST BACKLASH: After the Bachelor finale Monday, fans are furious with Arie Luyendyk Jr. for proposing to Becca Kufrin, then dumping her with the cameras rolling a few weeks later. He broke up with her because he still had feelings for runner-up Lauren Burnham, who is now defending him, and saying that they are meant to be. Ultimately, “It was worth risking getting hurt again to see where it could go,” says Burnham, 26. “We’ve had a lot of conversations about it, and I know he won’t change his mind again.” The pair are engaged now. Think she’s right and this is built to last? Meanwhile, Kufrin will be the next Bachelorette. That season premieres May 28th. (People)

HEATHER LOCKLEAR SAID TO BE IN TREATMENT: After getting arrested for felony domestic violence, the Melrose Place alum Heather Locklear is in treatment, E! reports. After her arrest, the City of Thousand Oaks Police Department executed a search at her home. According to a statement, “Locklear told deputies she would shoot them if they ever came to her house again.” Police were unable to locate and seize a firearm registered in her name. (E! News)

REPORT: BRAD PITT ‘EXCITED ABOUT LIFE’ AGAIN: Splitting up is tough under any circumstances, but in the spotlight it has to be even more challenging. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie parted ways in September of 2016 and after going through a “very dark” period, sources tell People he is “healthier and happier. He seems excited about life.” The estranged pair are still negotiating the divorce and custody of their six children: Maddox, 16, Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 11, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 9. Pitt also recently signed on to star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Quentin Tarantino‘s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. (People)

WILL JOHN MELLENCAMP AND MEG RYAN MARRY? Daufuskie Island, S.C. residents tell Page Six that Meg Ryan and rocker John Mellencamp seem to be planning a wedding there. Mellencamp owns a home on the island and the pair have been spotted all over the island planning a big to-do. The pair started dating in 2011, broke up in 2014 and got back together in July of 2017. A rep for Ryan denies the rumors. (Page Six)