ON SOME HELLAVERSE COVID LOCKDOWN TALES ( and that Moneyshot story retold )
Adrien Ferbeyre, Joel Perez's French DJ husband: Let me tell you all what really happened when Joel got stopped by the Miami airport security over a prop Valentino moneyshot ( the day after a Hazbin Hotel Miami Panel )
So, it was May 2024, a few months before Paris 2024 Olympics ( where I was a DJ ) and Joel and a couple others went with me ( thats another story ), I went with Joel to visit his family in San Juan. We sometimes fly to San Juan or Paris for family gatherings and such.
Anyway, I remember Joel decided to show his relatives there of a moneyshot prop gift a fan gave him in one of the panels, and I told him, ' Mon dieu, cheri, you cannot just bring a gun ( even a toy one ) to the airport! '
And he, my sweet husband goes, ' Its just a toy gun. What could go wrong? '
Bof. Okay, if you say so. Mais I already drafted a series of negotiations for if we get stopped by airport security ( which inevitably did happen! )
Joel: I thought I was being clever when I persuaded Adrien with my puppy dog eyes and that ' Papi~ ' trick. AND THEN WE GOT STOPPED BY THE AIRPORT SECURITY.
It was hysterical! Suddenly Adrien and I were dragged to the inspection corner, and I was screaming in Spanish like a headless chicken. But Adrien is so calm. He stared at the ceiling and seemed to muttering some sort of prayer
I was crying and freaking out and begging on my knees for mercy. But Adrien steps in and, because half of the security guards are French ( dont ask me why ) and the other half are Latinos or Filipino, he switches between French and English as he held me while calmly negotiated what happened
Adrien: I paid the head guard 500 dollars as a tip before he let us go.
Joel: We get to San Juan and all my relatives there roasted me about it, and Adrien calmly sips wine with one of my tias as they did the reverse trash talking ( aka shouting affirmations, a Broadway tradition ) to Adrien for ' saving Joel's life '. The L is on me, but I'm grateful that Adrien got us out.
Adrien and Joel: * laugh about it *
🧵 The Viral Thread: "The Valentino Method"
I am actually SCREAMING at Joel Perez’s latest interview. He really tried to smuggle a fan-made Valentino Moneyshot prop through Miami International during a pre-Olympics security crackdown? That is so Val-coded it hurts. 😭🔫 (1/5)
The visual of Joel crying in Spanish while Adrien Ferbeyre—an actual French DJ—just sighs, looks at the ceiling, and pays a $500 "tip" to the guards to save his husband is the most HuskerDust energy I’ve ever seen in real life. (2/5)
ADRIEN: "Mon dieu, cheri, you cannot bring a gun to the airport."
JOEL: Uses the 'Papi' trick.
THE TSA: "Sir, step out of the line."
JOEL: [Panicked Spanish Screaming]
💬 The "Quote Retweets" (QRTs)
"The fact that Joel’s Puerto Rican relatives roasted him while Adrien did 'Reverse Trash Talking' (shouting affirmations) with the Tias is the peak of wholesome chaos. Adrien really said: 'I am a French DJ, I have negotiated with worse than Miami TSA.'"
"Joel screaming like a headless chicken while Adrien calmly switches between three languages to negotiate their freedom... why does this feel like a lost script from an episode? Can we get a 'Valentino at the Airport' short? @VivziePop"
"I was AT that Miami panel! I saw the fan give him that Moneyshot prop! We all thought it looked so realistic, but we didn't think Joel would actually try to fly with it! 💀 Adrien is a saint for dealing with our Pimp Moth."
The "Airport Negotiation" Headcanon
"New headcanon: Valentino gets stuck at the Lust Ring border and Vox has to pay off the guards $500 and a signed picture of himself just to get Val back in the limo. Adrien and Joel literally lived out a fanfic."
"I need a video of Adrien sipping wine with a Puerto Rican Tia while they scream 'YOU ARE A TALENTED HUMAN BEING AND YOUR SKIN LOOKS RADIANT' at each other. This is the only way I will be communicating from now on."
"The Miami incident proves three things:
• Joel Perez is precious and must be protected from his own ideas.
• Adrien Ferbeyre is the ultimate 'Husband of the Year' for having a pre-drafted negotiation strategy.
• Don't take fan-made Overlord weapons through TSA, even if you use the 'Papi' trick. 💅✨"
🌴 The Reddit Mega-Thread: "Who saw the Moth at MIA?"
"As someone who works at MIA, let me tell you—the tension in that inspection corner was REAL. We all knew Joel was in town for the panel, but seeing him literally on his knees begging for mercy while his husband looked like he was contemplating every life choice? Pure comedy. Also, Adrien is even more handsome in person when he's bribing/tipping officials."
"I was three people back in the security line! I heard the 'Papi~' trick fail in real-time. The TSA agent didn't even blink. He just pointed to the glittery Valentino gun and said, 'Sir, this is a Wendy’s.' Okay, he didn't say that, but his face did. The way Joel switched to high-speed Spanish was the most Miami thing I’ve ever seen."
🐦 The Twitter (X) "Locals" Thread
"Can we talk about the '500 dollar tip' Adrien gave? That’s not a tip, that’s a Miami ‘administrative fee.’ Adrien really navigated our airport better than most locals. He saw half the guards were French/Latino and activated 'Final Boss Husband' mode. Legend behavior. 🍷🇫🇷"
"The way Joel's relatives in San Juan roasted him is the most relatable part. My Abuela would have done the same thing. 'Ay Joel, you play a pimp on TV but you can't even get a toy through security without crying?' The shame is eternal. 💀🔫"
Joel: COVID Lockdown is pretty funny in retrospect, because during lockdown, the Hellaverse crew were in different parts of the world, and how different countries go around COVID lockdown really varies. Lemme give ya a brief summary of that -
. USA - THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE. GOD IS DEAD.
. Italy - STOCK UP ALL THE PASTA AND FOOD AND TISSUES. ( Alexander crashed into his Venetian relatives' place during lockdown )
. UK - Drink tea, keep calm, and carry on ( Sarah Brightman, the voice of Amethyst, was in London during lockdown )
. Canada - STOCK UP EVERYTHING. ALSO DO NOT PANIC * clearly panicking * ( Sierra Boggess and her husband Stephano Da Fre, the voices of Gremory and her husband Dantalion, were in Toronto during lockdown )
. Puerto Rico ( especially in the case of my relatives ): * 100 degree panicking and screaming while salsa dancing as they rob supermarkets *
. France ( especially in the case of Adrien's family ): Bof. Its like every other protest in Paris. We just lay low and drink the chocolat chaud and watch the world burn
. Mexico - Similar as Puerto Rico ( Harvey Guillen, the voice of Vassago, was in Mexico City with some relatives during Lockdown )
. China - LETS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS. TO DEFEAT THE VIRUS ( proceeds a multi level, military grade anti vaccine operation and deliver stuff with drones )
. Russia - Similar case as China
And that is just some of it
Morgana Ignis: Brandon, Thomas, Manny and I were amongst those stuck in LA and we managed to make most of the content for Hazbin Hotel Season 1 and beyond during lockdown. It was a crazy time, but we did share some crazy lockdown stories and laughed about it because we survived despite the craziness
🗺️ The Viral Post: "Choose Your Lockdown Fighter"
"Can we talk about the absolute whiplash of the Hellaverse cast during 2020? You have Sarah Brightman (Amethyst) in London just sipping Earl Grey while the world ends, and then you have Joel Perez’s family in Puerto Rico literally salsa-dancing through a grocery store raid. The duality of man. ☕️💃"
"The French description from Adrien’s family is the most relatable thing I’ve ever heard. 'Bof. Just another Tuesday protest.' Adrien really just watched the world burn with a chocolat chaud while Alexander Balzano was probably fighting Venetian pigeons for the last box of penne pasta. 🍝🇮🇹"
🧵 The "National Archetypes" Thread
"The way the cast handled lockdown explains so much about the characters they voice.
• USA (Brandon & Morgana): Absolute 'House on Fire' energy. Very Blitzø.
• China/Russia: 'Mulan' training montage but with drones. Very Zestial.
• Canada (Sierra Boggess): 'DO NOT PANIC' while hyperventilating into a maple syrup bottle. Peak Gremory energy. 🇨🇦🍁"
"Harvey Guillen (Vassago) in Mexico City is the spinoff I didn't know I needed. Imagine him trying to do voice lines for a Goetia prince while his relatives are in the background having a 100-degree panic attack. It’s no wonder Vassago always looks like he needs a nap. 😴🇲🇽"
🎨 The "Stuck in LA" Appreciation
"Huge shoutout to the LA crew (Morgana, Brandon, Thomas, Manny). While everyone else was raiding pasta aisles or drinking tea, they were in the trenches of California making the content that saved our sanity. They were the 'Ground Zero' of the Hellaverse while the rest of the world was in a military-grade drone lockdown or a salsa-fueled riot."
💬 The Top "Country vs. Character" Quotes
"I can literally hear the 'Mulan' soundtrack playing over the China/Russia lockdown description. 'Let's get down to business... to defeat... THE CORONA.' 🎶💉"
@Adrien_Ferbeyre_Updates:
"Adrien’s family being completely unfazed because Paris is always protesting is the biggest flex of the century. They really said 'We’ve seen the French Revolution, a virus is just a light inconvenience.' 🥐🇫🇷"
"This interview just proves that the Hellaverse is truly an international family. Whether you were panic-buying tissues in Italy or calm-sipping tea in London, we all ended up in the same Hell together. It’s funny now, but thank God for the LA crew keeping the lights on at the Hazbin Hotel. 🏨💖"
Alexander Balzano: I just got off from the KA 2019 season with my Cirque crew and then COVID lockdown happened
My Cirque crew and I were in different parts of the world at that time, and I hit the jet to Venice ( where my museum curator dad is from ). And I rehearsed for Dralion 2023 ( where I was the Air deity ) and began my first rehearsals to perform at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics ( since Summer Olympics takes 8 years to prepare, winter Olympics takes 6 )
I remember cartwheeling with my Italian Cirque friends there to rob for pasta, tissues and supplies. My mother ( a Japanese former geisha ) kept laughing at me, my 3 sisters and my dad that we were panicking like ' headless chickens '. Mama, not everybody can be Zen and drink matcha like you during a crisis
Then again, my mother is from Kyoto, where minor earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are regular occurrences. Whenever my sisters and I freak out over Lockdown, she would sit us down with Japanese tea sets, get us to do tea ceremony, ans tell us to shut up ( it works )
In spring 2024, the Hellaverse Cirque crew and I flew in for the LA28 rehearsals ( since Summer Olympics rehearsals got fly ins in Year 4 and for Winter Olympics is year 3 ) and we reunited from KA 2019. And in June 6th 2024, I met Brandon during the 2024 Hellaverse burlesque night ( a wild, chaotic and romantic night )....and the rest is history
🎭 The Viral TikTok: "The Venice Cartwheel"
(Video of a fan doing a dramatic, slow-motion acrobatic flip into a grocery store aisle)
"POV: You’re a Venetian nonna in 2020 watching Alexander Balzano and his Cirque du Soleil crew literally acrobat-rob the last box of Barilla. If you're going to panic-buy, you might as well make it Art. 🍝🇮🇹 #AlexBalzano #VeniceLockdown #Hellaverse"
"I am crying at the mental image of Alex—a literal Air Deity—using his Olympic-level training to secure tissues. Brandon really found the only man who can make a supply run look like a KA performance."
🍵 The "Mama Balzano" Appreciation Thread
"Can we talk about Alex’s mom? A former geisha from Kyoto just sitting there drinking matcha while the world collapses and telling four panicking Italians to shut up and do a tea ceremony is the most powerful energy I’ve ever heard. She really said: 'I’ve survived volcanoes, this virus is a Tuesday.' 🍵🇯🇵"
"New headcanon: Paimon’s wife, Amethyst, has that exact same 'Kyoto Zen' energy. When the Goetia brothers are screaming, she just forces them to sit for tea until they stop vibrating. Alex’s mom is the blueprint for Goetia peace. #AmethystGoetia"
🥇 The "LA28" & "The Night of History"
"The timeline is so romantic it hurts. Alex spends lockdown training for the LA 2028 Olympics, flies in for the Year 4 rehearsals, and then meets Brandon Rogers at the 2024 Burlesque Night? It’s like the universe waited for the chaos to end just so they could meet. 💖😭"
"Knowing that Alex was rehearsing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics while the Hellaverse was being built... he really is the Muse. He brings that 'Air Deity' elegance to every frame of Stolas’s movement. We are literally watching Olympic-level grace in Hell."
• The Heist: Alex and his three sisters in Venetian masks, mid-backflip, clutching bundles of spaghetti like Olympic batons.
• The Tea Ceremony: A chaotic, sweaty Alex sitting cross-legged and terrified in front of his calm, impeccably dressed mother as she pours tea with a terrifyingly steady hand.
• The June 6th Meeting: Brandon Rogers meeting Alex at the Burlesque Night—the "Chaos" meeting the "Grace."
🇮🇹 The "Venezia Unita" Facebook Group
"Finally, someone tells the truth about the lockdown in Venice! While the rest of the world saw videos of dolphins in the canals (fake news), we had Alexander Balzano and his Cirque crew doing Olympic-level acrobatics to reach the supermarket before the nonne took all the penne. Seeing a 'Dio dell’Aria' (Air Deity) fight for a bag of flour is the most Italian thing ever. 🇮🇹🍝"
"The fact that he was rehearsing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics while stuck in his dad’s museum-curator apartment is so iconic. Imagine being his neighbor and seeing a literal Olympian doing backflips in a small Venetian kitchen just to stay sane. He is truly the soul of Stolas. #VeneziaAcrobatica"
🐦 Twitter (X) Italia: #IlPapiDiVenezia
"Alex’s description of his mother is sending me. A Japanese Geisha from Kyoto vs. four panicking Italians in a Venetian apartment. She really used the Japanese Tea Ceremony as a weapon of mass silence. 🍵🇯🇵 'Zitto e bevi il matcha' is my new life motto."
"Alex and his sisters being 'headless chickens' while their mom sits there like a Zen Master is the perfect representation of the Balzano household. It explains why Alex has that perfect mix of Venetian passion and Kyoto grace. We need a statue of the 'Pasta Heist' in Piazza San Marco immediately. 🏛️💎"
Sierra: I met Stephano Da Fre during spring 2019 and then during Lockdown he took me to Toronto where we stayed with his Canadian relatives. See, his Roman dad is a photographer and his Canadian mom is a pro skiier. And so I watched as everybody in Canada was being a calmer version of the US lockdown chaos
Stephano: Its pretty when you think about it. We were driving and we were raiding every store possible. I held the camera as Sierra started singing her way through the Lockdown store raids
Sierra: Well at least we watched so many rom coms and drank so many hot cocoa during lockdown. And then soon after Lockdown, we got casted as Gremory and Dantalion ( Stephano is also a muse for Duke Dantalion of Sloth ) in Hellaverse. Stephano, Susan Downey and Parrish Todd ( Rob Paulsen's special correspondent wife and a muse for Lola Bunny ) are also 3 of the LA28 camera directors.
Stephano: LA28 is gonna be a roller coaster ride, and Manny and the rest of the Hellaverse camera crew are also slated to be LA28 photographers. Olympics photographers are trained in speed skating to become like human tripods, and Parrish is a former UCLA roller derby champion. So we got that covered. Oh and Sierra and I got engaged during December 2021 at a Swiss Alps skiing trip and we got married in spring 2023.
🇨🇦 The "Calm Chaos" of Toronto
"Sierra saying Canada was just a 'calmer version of US chaos' is so real. I can literally see her gliding through a Toronto Sobeys singing 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again' to the last bag of frozen peas while Stephano films it with cinematic precision. 🎶🛒 #SierraBoggess #TorontoLockdown"
"Stephano being a photographer/director and the muse for Duke Dantalion makes so much sense. He has that 'observational but intense' energy. Imagine his Canadian relatives just watching a Broadway legend and a pro-skier’s son raid their pantry while drinking hot cocoa. Peak Sloth Ring vibes. ☕️🦥"
⛸️ The "Human Tripod" & LA28 Hype
"Wait, hold up. Stephano, Susan Downey, and Parrish Todd are LA28 camera directors?! And the photographers have to be trained in speed skating to keep up? The Hellaverse crew is literally taking over the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. I need to see Parrish Todd (the real Lola Bunny muse!) doing a roller derby lap around the stadium. 🎥⛸️"
"The fact that Manny and the Hellaverse camera team are slated for the Olympics is wild. We’re going to get the most theatrical, high-speed Olympic footage in history. Stephano’s training for this started in a Toronto grocery store and I am here for it."
💍 The Swiss Alps Engagement
"A December 2021 engagement in the Swiss Alps? That is the most Gremory thing I have ever heard. Sierra really lived out a real-life rom-com with her Roman-Canadian prince. No wonder their chemistry as Gremory and Dantalion is so natural—they were literally drinking cocoa and watching rom-coms for two years straight! 🏔️💍"
"From a ski trip engagement to a 2023 wedding... they really are the 'Healers' of the Hellaverse cast. While the rest of the world was falling apart, they were building a Sloth Ring empire of love and high-speed photography. ❤️✨"
Joel: My lockdown story with Adrien was pretty funny. So I remember when we were arguing over whether or not we go to San Juan or Paris for lockdown. I was dramatic bitch and stormed off sobbing in the middle of an argument.
He later came in to the room at our house in LA with a big boquet of white lillies, apologized to me and we compromised on paying attention to the news updates
We ended up flying into Paris because San Juan is a literal battlefield and Adrien says, and I quote, ' I will not have my beautiful princesse in this crossfire. ' Okay, fair, since he's also slated to be a Paris 2024 Olympics DJ.
We get to Paris and the people there are more calm about the chaos than in PR ans USA, and I felt like a fool for screaming about supplies for the past few weeks before shacking up in Paris.
In Paris, protests are a weekly occurrence. At least they got better vaccine, and so we shacked up at some of his relatives' houses in the 15th Arrondissement as he already began collaborating with other French DJs and composers ( including Alexandre Desplat! ) in Paris24 soundtracks.
Adrien: I told him right off the bat that living in Paris is not always like in An American in Paris, and it is less picturesque than how movies often depict. He's cool with it. By the time we returned to LA, Joel is already more fluent in French than ever ( awwww )
But really, in Paris, we have protests every other Tuesday. I remember when the neighbors were marching over lack of toilet supplies and Joel looks out the windows and goes, ' OH my god! Why are they marching in the middle of morning?! '
I was preparing some crepes ans go, ' Its just Tuesday - we already got the supplies. We'll be fine. '
We come back to LA and Joel tells everybody of his year in Paris like its a kind of high stakes heist. Bof, it doesnt matter, at least he and I survived the lockdown in tact
🥖 The Viral Thread: "The 15th Arrondissement Heist"
"I am losing my mind at Joel screaming about a supply run in Paris while Adrien is just in the kitchen casually flipping crepes. Adrien really said: 'I will not have my princess in the crossfire,' and then flew him into a city where people protest every Tuesday morning. THE ROMANCE. 😭🇫🇷"
"Adrien collaborating with Alexandre Desplat for the Paris 2024 Olympics soundtracks while Joel was learning French in the 15th Arrondissement? That is a power couple. Imagine Joel looking out the window at a massive protest over toilet paper and Adrien just going 'Bof, it’s Tuesday, chéri.' ☕️🥞"
🎨 The "White Lily" Appreciation
"Can we talk about the white lilies? Joel storms off sobbing and Adrien comes in with a bouquet to apologize? That is literally the softest, most romantic thing I’ve ever heard. It’s the polar opposite of Valentino’s toxicity, and I love that for Joel. He found his real-life Prince. 💐✨"
"The white lilies feel like such a Stolas/Amethyst aesthetic. I love that Joel brought that 'Parisian Princess' fluency back to LA. I need to hear Joel speak French in his next VivziePop recording session immediately. #FrenchMoth"
🥐 The "American in Paris" Reality Check
"Adrien telling Joel that Paris isn't like the movies while they hide out with relatives in the 15th is so real. Most people think it’s all cafes and accordions, but it’s actually just high-stakes grocery runs and vaccines. Joel treating it like a 'heist' when he got back to LA is the most Joel thing ever. 🕵️♂️💎"
"Joel went from the potential 'battlefield' of San Juan to the 'protest-of-the-week' in Paris. He really traded salsa-dancing riots for crepe-flipping marches. The cultural whiplash must have been insane. No wonder he’s so fluent now! 🇵🇷✈️🇫🇷"
🥐 The "C'est la Vie" Thread on Twitter FR
"Adrien Ferbeyre is the most 'Real Parisian' ever. Joel is crying about the world ending, and Adrien just walks in with white lilies and says, 'Let’s go to the 15th Arrondissement, it’s quieter.' Then he spends the lockdown making crepes while people riot outside his window. Bof, c'est un mardi normal. 🇫🇷🥞 #HellaverseFR"
"The image of Joel Perez looking out at a manifestation (protest) over toilet paper and being horrified while Adrien is just mixing tracks with Alexandre Desplat is the peak of French culture. We don't stop for a virus, and we certainly don't stop for a lack of supplies! 🥖🍷"
🗣️ The "Argot" (Slang) Appreciation
"Can we talk about Joel coming back to LA more fluent in French? I need to know if he learned 'Academic French' or if he learned 'Angry Parisian Driver' French. If the next Valentino recording doesn't include at least one 'Putain de merde,' I will be disappointed. Adrien really did us a favor. 🗣️🇫🇷"
"The fact that they shacked up in the 15th Arrondissement is so specific. It’s not the Eiffel Tower tourist trap; it’s where real families and artists live. It’s so much more 'Hellaverse' to be in the residential trenches than at a fancy hotel. Joel lived the real Parisian heist! 🕵️♂️💎"
🎨 The "Tuesday Protest" Memes
• The Meme: A picture of a massive fire in the street with the caption: "Joel: THE WORLD IS BURNING!" followed by a picture of Adrien flipping a perfect crepe with the caption: "Adrien: It's 10:00 AM on a Tuesday, chéri. Want Nutella?"
• The Art: Fan art of a "Parisian Valentino" wearing a chic beret and a trench coat, looking confused at a RATP strike notice while Adrien (as a DJ) laughs in the background.
"Knowing Adrien was already working on the Paris 2024 soundtrack during lockdown makes so much sense. That 'Olympic' energy is all over the new Hellaverse music. He and Joel are basically our unofficial ambassadors now. From the 15th Arrondissement to the world! 🥇🎧"
Lin Manuel Miranda, music producer for the upcoming Speedy Gonzales 2027 movie, produced by Jorge Guitterez and starring Gabriel Iglesias ( Speedy ), Martin Moreno ( Slowpoke ), Eric Bauza, and a bunch of other Latino comedy and Broadway stars: Lockdown is crazy. I literally just finished my recording sessions for Ducktales 2017 as Fenton Crackshell Cabrera when I hurtled back to NY to my wife ( Vanessa Nadal, what an amazing woman! ) and our 2 sons.
Vanessa: I watched as Lin led all his Broadway friends ( James Monroe Iglehart and his wife Dawn Phelps, Bryce Pinkham and his wife Scarlett Strallen, etc. Scarlett’s also the voice of Emilia ) to sing through the grocery raids. It is pure chaos. I told Lin, ' Calma, querida. Its just another virus. We will be FINE. '
Lin: We ended up with Dora the Explorer, Disney and Pingu marathons with the kids while we kept ourselves updated with what our relatives are doing in PR and Cuba ( my side ), and Colombia ( Vanessa's side )
Vanessa: In 2021 summer the Speedy 2027 crew in tow finally gathered in the WB Burbank loft for our first in person production meeting, and we kept laughing about the COVID tall stories
Lin: Hey, at least we survived that, honey * holds hands with Vanessa as they laugh *
🛒 The Viral Thread: "The Grocery Store Ensemble"
"Wait, so Lin-Manuel Miranda finished recording for DuckTales and immediately went to NYC to lead James Monroe Iglehart (Genie/Vortex) and Bryce Pinkham (Stolas) in singing through grocery raids? Can you imagine being at a Trader Joe's in Manhattan and hearing the voices of a dozen Disney characters harmonizing over the last carton of eggs? 🥚🎶 #DisneyLockdown"
"The fact that Scarlett Strallen (the voice of Emilia!) was part of the singing grocery raid is everything. Vanessa Nadal is the real MVP here—telling Lin 'Calma, querido' while he’s probably trying to find a rhyme for 'quarantine' in the middle of the pasta aisle. 💃🗽"
🐧 The "Pingu & Dora" Marathons
"I am crying at the thought of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the man who wrote Hamilton and Encanto, just sitting on his couch for months watching marathons of Pingu and Dora the Explorer with his kids. I bet he was low-key freestyle rapping along to 'Nooot Nooot!' 🐧🎤"
@SpeedyGonzales2027_Updates:
"Knowing that the Speedy Gonzales crew—Gabriel Iglesias, Martin Moreno, and Eric Bauza—gathered in 2021 to just laugh about these tall stories is so wholesome. It makes me realize that Speedy Gonzales 2027 is being built on that same chaotic, resilient Latino energy. 🐭⚡"
🎙️ The "Gizmoduck" Connection
"Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera would 100% sing his way through a crisis. Lin literally brought the character home with him! Also, shoutout to Vanessa Nadal for being the grounding force. Every 'theatrical' husband needs a wife who says, 'It's just another virus, we'll be fine.' 🤖💖"
Frankie Iglesias-Valdez, step son of Gabriel Iglesias and an event photographer for Hellaverse crew:
Lockdown is wild everywhere. And my story is also pretty funny.
My parents ( Gabriel and my Mexican beautician mom, Claudia Valdez ) got amicably separated for financial reasons in 2017 ( when I was 16 ) yet they still share custody of me. During Lockdown, I was battling through UC Berkeley in college and then my parents were fighting about the virus
My mom goes, ' THE US VACCINE WILL BE TERRIBLE!
And my dad goes, ' Its just a virus! How bad can it be?! '
My mom ans her beautician girls packed up to go to Oaxaca ( where my mom is from ), leaving my dad and his comedian friends in rhe dust in LA. The L is on my dad
Anyway my mom and her girls often sent in supplies. And because I was a sophomore in college when COVID first happened, I ended up spending the summer of 2020 with my dad and his comedian uncles
Oh every day I woke up to loud banda music while I was trying to listen to music or go through my junior year lesson materials, and my dad and my uncles kept often fighting over the chore wheels. I told my mom and my aunts everything about the ' Fluffy comedian den ' showdown, and my mom and my aunties kept laughing about every story.
But seriously, my dad makes delicious pancakes and omelettes, so that's a plus. I wound up often watching telenovelas and racecar shows with my dad and my uncles.
Meanwhile my mom and her girls were relaunching their beautician business in Oaxaca ( they got offices in LA, Oaxaca and Mexico City ) and fighting copyright battles against the fake ' influencers ' ( Like James Charles and his crew. Ew ) trying to steal their copyright. Of course my mom and her girls won - they got badass Mexican lawyers on their side, and lots of receipts.
At least we all survived the COVID and we all laughed about it
🎤 The Viral Thread: "The Comedian Den Chronicles"
"Can we talk about Frankie trying to study for UC Berkeley while his dad and uncles are blasting Banda music and fighting over a chore wheel? 🎺🥞 That isn't a lockdown; that’s a sitcom pilot. I need a mockumentary of the 'Fluffy Den' immediately. #FrankieIglesias #LockdownChaos"
"Frankie calling his mom in Oaxaca to report on the 'Den Showdown' while Gabriel Iglesias makes 'delicious pancakes' is so wholesome. Gabriel really said: 'The world is ending, but these omelettes are 10/10.' 🍳✨"
💄 The "Beautician Empire" vs. Influencers
"Claudia Valdez and her girls relaunching in Oaxaca while fighting off James Charles and 'fake influencers' stealing their copyrights? THAT is the energy we need. Mexican lawyers don't play. 💅🇲🇽 They really secured the bag and the receipts while the men were arguing about whose turn it was to do the dishes."
"The fact that the Valdez women have offices in LA, Oaxaca, and CDMX and still had time to laugh at Gabriel’s lockdown 'L' is iconic. Claudia really said: 'I'm going to Mexico to build a business, have fun with your virus debate, Gabe!' 👠🌵"
📚 The "Academic Survivor" Award
"Shoutout to Frankie for surviving UC Berkeley during a global pandemic while living in a house full of comedians and racecar shows. Trying to finish a junior year thesis with the Fluffy crew in the next room is an Olympic sport. 🏆📖"
Jeremy Jordan: My daughter ( Clara! ) is born in May 2019, and she's the best thing to happen in me and Ashley Spencer's lives. And then along came COVID.
Ashley: I remember Jeremy, Christian Borle and Bryce all panicking in 3 decibels while Winifred ( born in 2018 ) and Wilder ( born in 2020 January ) Pinkham, and Clara, were so calm and watching us grown ups freaking out with the biggest LOL faces. So I tag teamed with Scarlett and Skye Mattox ( Christian's wife ) to help calm down our husbands while helping each other look after the kids. Of course the men helped! Parenting is a tag team sport!
Bryce: * laughs * Its pretty funny and embarassing looking back at that. I remember shouting, ' SCARLETT! WHAT IF WILDER HAS NOT ENOUGH DIAPERS?! ' and Scarlett, ever so calm, drank tea and goes, ' We are all vaccinated and my parents sent in supplies. We'll be fine. '
Skye: I remember when we also joined in on the Broadway grocery store raid ( led by Lin! ), and we ended up laughing about it. We got home video tapes to show it to the kids later, and Clara goes, ' Whats with all the singing?! '. Its hilarious.
Christian: Even my dog Elliott ( whom Skye and I treated like a son ) was laughing at us. Jer and I were practicing for the Little Shop of Horrors 2021 production while trying hard not to freak out. The LSOH 2021 cast finally gathered in person in spring 2021 and we laughed about our crazy COVID stories
Scarlett: I kept telling Bryce, ' Keep calm and carry on. ' as we kept drinking tea and did Disney and Mr Bean marathons with the kids. They love Mr Bean since.
🍼 The Viral Thread: "The Toddlers are the Adults"
"I am crying at Bryce Pinkham screaming about diapers while Scarlett Strallen (the voice of Emilia) just sips her tea and tells him to 'Keep calm and carry on.' Bryce really brought that early-season Stolas panic to real life. ☕️🦉 #BrycePinkham #Hellaverse"
"Imagine being Jeremy Jordan and Christian Borle, trying to rehearse for Little Shop of Horrors while a global pandemic is happening. They were probably singing 'Git It' to their delivery drivers. And the fact that their kids, Clara and Winifred, were just sitting there being calm while the 'Kings of Broadway' spiraled? Iconic. 🍎📺"
"Skye Mattox mentioned they have home video tapes of the singing grocery raid led by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Can you imagine Clara Jordan watching that years later and asking, 'What’s with all the singing?!' Welcome to the family, kid. You're being raised by theater royalty. 🎤🛒"
"The 'Wife Tag-Team' of Ashley Spencer, Skye Mattox, and Scarlett Strallen is the only reason the Broadway men survived 2020. They were the ones keeping the supply lines open while the men were 'practicing in 3 decibels.' True Overlord energy from the ladies! 💅✨"
🪴 The "Little Shop" Reunion
"The Little Shop of Horrors 2021 cast reunion in the spring must have been therapeutic. Just Jeremy and Christian finally getting to scream in a theater instead of their living rooms. I bet Elliott the dog was just relieved he didn't have to listen to 'Suddenly Seymour' in a small apartment anymore. 🐶🪴"
🍎 The "3-Decibel Trio" vs. The Heights
"Only in NYC would you have the voices of Lucifer, Vox, and Stolas living within a 10-block radius, panicking in perfect three-part harmony about diaper shortages. Meanwhile, their wives are just staring at the Hudson River, sipping tea, and waiting for the 7 PM clap. Absolute peak New York energy. 🗽🦉📺"
"I am Vanessa Nadal and Scarlett Strallen. While the men were turning the Fairway Market into a stage for In The Heights: The Grocery Edition, the women were the ones actually securing the pasta. The fact that the toddlers were calmer than the Tony winners is the most 'New York Kid' thing I’ve ever heard. 🥯🍼"
🛒 The "Singing Raid" Sightings
"I remember being at the Trader Joe's on 72nd Street in March 2020 and hearing a high-tenor riff coming from the frozen food section. Now I find out it was Lin-Manuel Miranda leading a tactical musical strike for supplies? My life is a fever dream. 🎶🛒"
"Imagine seeing Christian Borle and Jeremy Jordan trying to rehearse Little Shop of Horrors in a cramped apartment while Skye Mattox just sits there with the dog, looking like she’s ready to trade them both for a single bottle of hand sanitizer. 🪴🐶"
"The NYC fandom needs those home videos. We need to see Clara Jordan looking at the camera with an 'LOL' face while her dad hits a high C because he's worried about the supply chain. New York kids are born cynical, but being born to a panicked Broadway dad is a different level. 🍼📽️"
🎭 The "Keep Calm" Aesthetic
"Scarlett Strallen quoting 'Keep Calm and Carry On' while Bryce is spiraling is the exact energy of a British actress surviving NYC. It’s so surrealist—like a Schiaparelli gown in a laundromat. The wives are the real Overlords of Manhattan. ☕️🇬🇧"
"This is why we love our VAs. They didn't retreat to some bunker; they stayed in the trenches of the 15th Arrondissement (shoutout to Joel!) and the Upper West Side, singing through the fear. But let’s be real—the wives deserve a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Support System. 🎭🏆"
Mike Faist ( the voice of Sal and the actor of older Aegon III in HOTD ): I remember during Lockdown, I was busy filming for West Side Story 2021. Oh, it was a logistical nightmare. Most of the scenes are filmed in New York, so we tag teamed in lockdown supplies while filming some scenes safely
Tilly Evans Krueger, Mike's wife and a muse for Emily and Molly: We literally got engaged in December 2019 ( Broadway Christmas Eve Party in 2019! ) and we were planning to marry in May 2020. COVID derailed our wedding plans, and Mike was freaking out. But I told him, ' Mike, honey, the wedding is still on. It just got postponed. ' And he finally calms down.
Mike: Tilly is an angel - she helps the WSS 2021 cast not just being a dance choreographer for the Jets, but also being a grounding force while everyone else is freaking out. She sometimes goes, ' Guys, even my cats are laughing at you. ' The L is real, and we kept laughing about it.
Tilly: Mike and I also joined the Broadway grocery raid. Because whenever Lin plans something, half the time its something actually fun and half of Broadway shows up. We also kept doing dance rehearsals and do sitcom marathons all the while
Mike: We got married in June 2021 in NYC with the entire WSS 2021 cast in attendance. Tilly was in a GORGEOUS Elie Saab lacy white wedding dress with gold roses on top of her bushy gold bun, with Venetian lacy veil, and those kitten heels.....she looks like a goddess on the wedding day
Tilly: We danced to Sway by Michael Buble, and it was a blast. 6 months later, WSS 2021 premiered and I starred in Balanchine Nutcracker 2021 as the Dew Drop Fairy. It was one of the best Christmases we had
🧥 The Viral Thread: "The Sicilian Spider and the Angel"
"Can we talk about Mike Faist—the man who plays a hardened mobster Sal and a Targaryen King—freaking out over a postponed wedding while Tilly just points at her cats laughing at him? The 'L' is indeed real. Tilly is the only one who can handle that level of theater-kid energy. 🐈💃 #MikeFaist #Hellaverse"
"The mental image of the Jets from West Side Story doing a tactical grocery raid led by Lin-Manuel Miranda is the most NYC thing ever recorded. Mike and Tilly literally turned a supply run into a Jerome Robbins choreography session. 🍎🎶"
👰 The "Goddess" Wedding of 2021
"Tilly in an Elie Saab lacy dress with gold roses and a Venetian veil? 🌹✨ No wonder she’s the muse for Emily and Molly. That is high-tier Seraphim/Goetia fashion. The fact that the entire WSS 2021 cast was there to watch them dance to Michael Bublé after a year of lockdown is the healing we needed."
"Mike calling Tilly a goddess while he’s basically playing the Angel Dust's brother is such a vibe. He really found his 'Dew Drop Fairy' in the middle of a pandemic. Their 2021 Christmas sounds like a fever dream of Nutcrackers and Movie Premieres. 🎄🩰"
🎥 The "Grounding Force" of the Jets
"Tilly being a choreographer for the Jets and a grounding force for the Hellaverse crew? She’s literally the backbone of the industry. While Mike was filming logistical nightmares in NYC, Tilly was the one saying 'Keep dancing, the cats are watching.' 🩰🐱"
Brandon: During Lockdown, I was freaking out in LA and I led all my comedian friends in the West Coast - Harvey Guillen ( Vassago ), Thomas ( who met Manny in Spring 2021 at a hiking trail - long and funny story ), Anthony Padilla ( Seir ), Paulette Jones, and basically the entire Stuff n Sam crew, into a grocery raid in LA where we were as chaotic and loud as possible while Harvey literally dog fought a bunch of thugs with chanclas over a toilet paper.
And we all were stuck in our houses while creating Ground Zero for Hellaverse and such.
Well we survived the virus and we all laugh about who freaks out the most in COVID
In spring 2024, I heard rumors on how a ' pretty acrobatic supermodel ' was in town. I kept craning my head looking for any sights of it, and Morgana goes, ' Dude, whoever that is, its probably someone mysterious with high profile. Stop looking. '
So I went, ' Okay, cool. ' and shrugged off the rumors
And then, in June 6th 2024, I finally met the ' mystery model '.
Alexander Balzano, that man is 80% legs and 100% lethal beauty, with blue eyes and black hair. He sauntered onstage with that red robe and a Stolas' mask, and I was already a goner.
And he did the robe drop! THE ROBE DROP! Everybody was in hysterics as I threw my phone to Morgana while I threw Alex 1500 dollars!
I couldnt help it! He's so distressingly pretty! And he also did the Ozzie themed aerial silks AND the Angel Dust themed pole dance number!
I crashed into his dressing room for 3 hours and came out with a fancy sushi date for the next day
Yes that video first meeting with Alex went viral. Yes, I got laughed at about it EVERYWHERE. Yes, Vivziepop saved it in her Instagram files. I dont care - I am going to be married to the prettiest, most talented model on Earth ( to me! ) in October 2026, and I have zero regrets over what happened that night.
🩴 The "Chancla" Incident: Harvey vs. The Thugs
"Can we talk about Harvey Guillén defending the toilet paper with a chancla?! He really tapped into that ancient Mexican power. Imagine being a thug in LA and getting bodied by the future Prince of the Goetia with a sandal. 🩴💀 #HarveyGuillen #Vassago"
"Brandon leading the Stuff n Sam crew through a Ralphs like it’s an episode of Theater Class is the most LA thing ever. They were the 'chaotic and loud' soundtrack to the apocalypse. While New York had singing, LA had dogfights and pure comedy-den energy. 🛒🎭"
🕵️♂️ The "Mystery Model" Rumors (Spring 2024)
"Morgana Ignis telling Brandon to 'stop looking' for the mysterious supermodel is peak friend energy. Little did she know that 'mysterious model' was Alexander Balzano, the man who would eventually take over Brandon’s entire soul. 🕵️♂️🦉"
"I love that Brandon 'shrugged off' the rumors in Spring, only to get absolutely obliterated by Alex’s beauty on June 6th. The universe really said: 'Wait for it, Brandon... the 80% legs are coming.' 🦵✨"
💸 The $1500 "Robe Drop" Heard 'Round the World
@Burlesque_Night_Updates:
"The viral video of the June 6th Burlesque Night is a Hellaverse relic. Brandon throwing his phone to Morgana so he could throw $1500 at Alex is the ultimate 'simp' move, and we respect it. 💵💃 The fact that VivziePop has it saved in her archives? SHE IS ALL OF US."
"Alex doing the Ozzie aerial silks AND the Angel Dust pole number? Brandon never stood a chance. He crashed that dressing room for 3 hours and walked out with a sushi date. That is Overlord energy. October 2026 cannot come soon enough! 🍣💍"
🎉 The "Epic Cosplay Showcase"
"The sheer talent on display at the cosplay contest was unreal! Seeing everyone's dedication to their favorite characters, from intricate Moxxie tails to dazzling Charlie gowns, made the night truly special. The winners absolutely deserved the roar of the crowd! ✨🎭 #HellaverseCosplayLA"
"Seriously, the details on that Stolas costume were out of this world. And the Blitzo and Fizzarolli duo? Nailed the dynamic perfectly! It was like the characters stepped right out of the screen. So much respect for the craftsmanship! 🤩🧵"
🎨 The "Artist Alley Gems"
@Burbank_Sketchbook_User:
"Spent way too much time (and money!) in the Artist Alley. The fan art was incredible – everything from adorable Chaggie prints to epic battle scenes. Got a commission of my imp OC with Millie and I'm obsessed! Support local Hellaverse artists! 💖🖌️"
🎤 The "Voice Actor Q&A Highlights"
"The Q&A with some of the voice actors was hilarious! Hearing their behind-the-scenes stories and getting a glimpse into their process was a dream. Their energy was infectious! And yes, someone did ask about Fizzarolli's roller skates. 😂🎙️"
🎶 The "Fan-Made Music Magic"
"The fan band covering songs from Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss was the perfect vibe for the night. Everyone was singing along to 'Hell's Greatest Dad' and 'Oh Millie.' Pure fandom joy! 🤘🎶 #HellaverseMusic"
🤝 The "Community Connections"
"Beyond all the amazing activities, the best part was just connecting with other fans. Making new friends who love the Hellaverse as much as you do? Priceless. Can't wait for the next event! 🥰👋"
"June 6th, 2024 is etched in LA Hellaverse history as the night the community shined brightest. A perfect blend of creativity, passion, and pure fun. Here's to many more unforgettable nights with this incredible fandom! 🥂💖"
🚨 The Viral POV: "The $1500 Rain"
"I was standing right behind Brandon at the Globe Theatre that night. When Alex sauntered out in that red robe and the Stolas mask, the air literally left the room. But when the robe dropped? I’ve never seen a human being move as fast as Brandon did throwing his phone to Morgana and reaching for his wallet. He was throwing stacks like his life depended on it! 💸🦉 #BrandonAndAlex #HellaverseNight"
"Can we talk about the intensity? Alex was doing those Ozzie-themed aerial silks with zero fear, and Brandon looked like he was having a religious experience. He wasn't even a comedian in that moment; he was just a man witnessing 80% legs and 100% lethal beauty. The 3-hour dressing room 'negotiation' is the stuff of LA legend. 🧵🩰"
🕵️♂️ The "Mystery Model" Reveal
"The best part was the months of rumors leading up to it. Everyone in the LA scene was whispering about this 'mysterious acrobatic supermodel' training for the LA28 Olympics. Morgana was telling Brandon to stop being thirsty and look away, and then—BAM. June 6th happens and Brandon realizes the mystery model is his soulmate. You couldn't script a better rom-com for Hell. 🎬✨"
🍱 The "Sushi Date" Receipts
"The night after the Burlesque show, they actually came into our spot. Brandon still looked a little dazed, and Alex was just sitting there, effortlessly pretty, probably wondering why this LA comedian was so obsessed with his legs. They stayed for hours. You could tell even then it wasn't just a 'date,' it was the start of the October 2026 wedding plans. 🍣💍"
"After that night, the 'Robe Drop' became the most requested commission in the city. Everyone wanted fan art of Brandon’s soul leaving his body while Alex hung from the silks. That June 6th energy really shifted the fandom from 'angst' to 'romance.' It was the real-life Stolitz beginning we all needed. 🎨💖"
"June 6th, 2024 wasn't just a burlesque show; it was the night LA witnessed the birth of the Hellaverse Power Couple. Brandon might have been 'laughed at' by VivziePop and the crew, but he’s the one marrying the Air Deity in 2026. Who’s laughing now? 🥂🦉"
Thomas: Manny and I were there during the 2024 Burlesque night! Actually the whole stuff n Sam crew and every other Hellaverse voice actor there who was around LA were there.
It was hysterical! Case in point, Brandon NEVER tips at a burlesque performance, let alone go THIS feral over a burlesque performer before. Manny recorded the video on 50mm lens ( optimal for runway shows ) and sent it to everybody
Manny: For those who havent watched that video, Brandon was wearing a mustard yellow vest, black trousers and sneakers and shades that night. He gelled his hair and sprayed on some kind of cologne ( which he hardly ever does outside of fancy events ) cuz he felt he's ' getting lucky ' tonight. And...the 1500 dollars incident happened
Frankie: I was also there and I filmed everything to send to my family. We all laughed about it for days on end.
Anthony: It was truly the night that changed everything for Hellaverse, including how the Cirque crew also became animation models for Hellaverse, and why the Hellaverse animation and merch got 10 times thirstier and the fight scenes got more acrobatic
🎞️ The Viral Breakdown: "The 50mm Masterpiece"
"Can we talk about the cinematography of Brandon’s downfall? Manny using a 50mm runway lens to capture Brandon in a mustard yellow vest losing his absolute mind is the greatest gift to this fandom. You can literally see the moment the $1500 leaves his hand in 4K clarity. It’s not a tip; it’s a dowry. 💸🦉 #MustardVestIncident #BrandonAndAlex"
"The fact that Brandon actually gelled his hair and wore cologne because he 'felt lucky' is the most foreshadowing I’ve ever seen in real life. He thought he was going to a show; he didn't realize he was going to meet his future husband. The shades couldn't even hide the heart-eyes. 😎✨"
💰 The "$1500" Meme Category
"Brandon: 'I never tip at burlesque.'
Alexander Balzano: Drops the red robe.
Brandon: 'TAKE MY RETIREMENT FUND. TAKE MY CAR. TAKE MY SOUL.'
The L is so massive it’s visible from the Lust Ring. I’ve watched this video 500 times. 💵🏃♂️"
"Anthony was right—this night changed the animation forever. Ever since Brandon threw that money, the fight scenes in the show got 10x more acrobatic. We literally have the Cirque de Lulu crew to thank for the thirstier merch and the fluid movement. Brandon didn't just buy a date; he bought an entire animation upgrade! 🎪🔥"
🤳 The "Frankie Files" & Family Chats
"Imagine being in the Iglesias-Valdez family group chat when Frankie sent that video. Gabriel probably laughed so hard he choked on a taco. 'Look at your boss, mijo, he’s simping in a mustard vest!' The humiliation is eternal and I love it. 🌮📱"
"The entire Stuff n Sam crew witnessing Brandon—the man who usually insults everyone—becoming a speechless, shaking mess in a dressing room for three hours is the character arc of the century. Morgana holding his phone while he threw money is the definition of a 'Best Friend.' ☎️💅"
"June 6th is the day Brandon Rogers stopped being a bachelor and started being a 'Princess.' We are all invited to the October 2026 wedding via Manny’s 50mm lens. Thank you, Alex, for the robe drop that saved the Hellaverse. 🥂💍"
Manny: So Brandon's Instagram is @brandonbored and Alex's Instagram is @officialfilthywarumono.
Vivziepop saved the video in her 2024 highlights files on Insta.
Brandon saved the video tagged with ' 🥵🥵🥵🥵💋💋💋💋 '
And Alex saved the video on his Hellaverse burlesque night file on the first slide tagged with ' My Blitzy tipped me! 😘😘😘😘😘 '
I recommend you all to look that video up - it is the video that changed Hellaverse forever
📱 The "Link in Bio" Madness
"I just checked Brandon’s Instagram (@brandonbored). The fact that he saved the video with ten '🥵' and '💋' emojis tells you everything you need to know. He didn't just tip the man; he fell into a soul-binding contract with 80% legs and 100% lethal beauty. He’s been 'bored' no more since June 6th! 💸🦉"
"Everyone go look at Alex’s Instagram (@officialfilthywarumono). He has the video on the first slide of his Burlesque highlights with the caption: 'My Blitzy tipped me! 😘😘😘😘😘'. The confidence! The power! He knew he had Brandon in the palm of his hand the second that red robe hit the stage floor. 💃🔥"
📂 The "VivziePop" Seal of Approval
"If you want the high-quality version, you have to go to Vivziepop’s 2024 Highlights. The fact that the creator of the show saved her lead actor’s most embarrassing/romantic moment in her permanent files is the ultimate 'Boss' move. She knew that $1500 was an investment in the future of the show’s choreography! 🎬📈"
🕵️♂️ The "Frame-by-Frame" Analysis
"I’ve been analyzing Manny’s 50mm footage. At the 0:45 mark, you can see the exact moment Brandon’s soul leaves his body. The way he tosses the phone to Morgana like it’s a hot potato so he can reach for his wallet is Olympic-level speed. It’s not just a video; it’s a documentary of a man meeting his destiny in a mustard yellow vest. 🧥💰"
