Tyler Perry claims his male sexual assault accuser, Mario Rodriguez, is working overtime to pressure him into a settlement … but the famed director says he won't cave.
In new legal docs, filed by Tyler's legal team and obtained by TMZ, the movie mogul fires back at Mario's claim he won't sit for a deposition unless Mario agrees not to ask about his sexual orientation. Mario asked that Tyler be sanctioned for not appearing at a deposition, where he says he planned to ask Tyler if he was attracted to men.
In his new filing, Tyler scoffs at Mario's claims about the deposition and says he already agreed to sit for one.
He claims Mario holds the "backwards belief" that he should "be embarrassed to answer questions about his sexual orientation." Tyler insists he's not embarrassed and says Mario's motion was filed to pressure him into settling the case -- and it's not working.
The Nolan Wells police probe will not be rushed as investigators are now working with prosecutors to figure out what exactly happened in the mysterious death of the teen, this according to the Mississippi sheriff in charge of the case.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told ABC News on Monday that it's essential for his investigators to not be put on a timetable and rushed by people who are clamoring for answers.
Ledbetter also called for anyone with information to provide it to his investigators so they can get to the bottom of the puzzling case.
Joe Amabile — the popular "Bachelor in Paradise" alum — is speaking out about being diagnosed with an apparent brain tumor.
On Monday, Amabile posted a video to Instagram, detailing his frightening diagnoses, which he says was totally unexpected.
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Amabile, or "Grocery Store Joe" as he's known to his many fans, said doctors performed an MRI and found a blueberry-sized lesion in his brain that appears to be a tumor.
Michael Beasley says everyone needs to chill out over Bam Adebayoand Tyler Herro heated altercation in Las Vegas ... 'cause the former NBA hooper says teammates scrappin' ain't anything new!
TMZ Sports caught up with the former number 2 overall pick at LAX on Monday, and we asked him about the biggest story in the NBA.
"Brothers wrastle all the time. Sometimes it goes too far," MB told us.
But, doesn't (allegedly) throwing punches go too far, we asked.
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TikTok has a way of making the most random products feel like absolute necessities.
From sweat-control picks like Carpe and peel-off lip stains to heatless curls, pimple patches, viral water bottles and home gadgets, these Amazon finds have earned a spot on everyone's FYP.
Before you keep scrolling past another "you need this" video, check out the products that might actually be worth trying for yourself.
Waffle House better give Rockstar Riley a raise and a lifetime supply of waffles ... because the guy going viral for rapping his Waffle House-themed song says a seven-figure recording contract isn't enough to make him quit his day job.
The viral rapper tells TMZ ... he would still work at Waffle House if a record label came to him with a $1 million deal.
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While it may sounds crazy, Rockstar Riley says he loves his Waffle House so much, he wouldn't walk away ... telling us the work environment feels like a community.
The dude says he's seen servers and cooks put their families through college and pay off medical expenses, all while working at the famous chain restaurant.
Tommy Tuberville says he has complete faith in President Donald Trump to handle the nuclear codes ... even as Trump threatens devastating military action against Iran.
Jacob caught up with the Alabama senator Monday on Capitol Hill, and TT made it crystal clear he isn't losing any sleep over Trump's rhetoric. In fact, he says he's fully behind it.
Check out the clip ... when Jacob asks whether Trump's threats could have dangerous consequences for the world, Tuberville doesn't back down one bit.
Can you guess which Hollywood hottie put her hot summer bod on full display in this eye-popping selfie?! We got you covered with a few clues then it's on you to score!
She's most known for playing Alex Dunphy on "Modern Family," but you may recall her voicing Princess Sofia in "Sofia the First."
Justin Baldoni is firing back at Blake Lively's request that he pay a seven-figure sum to cover her legal bills in their "It Ends With Us" battle ... TMZ has learned.
According to court docs obtained by TMZ, Baldoni and his Wayfarer team argue the amount Lively is seeking is wildly overinflated. They claim Blake has failed to present credible evidence showing she's entitled to the fees and are asking the judge to deny her request outright.
The motion, filed by attorney Bryan Freedman, states ... "Lively's fee request is so over-inclusive that it sweeps in fees for researching her own liability for perjury arising from her California CRD claim and her Rule 11 motion for which the Court has already denied fees!"
The 2026 ESPSYs are goin' down tomorrow, so we're throwin' it back to this ESPY winner, soccer legend Mia Hamm!
Hamm's soccer reign peaked from the 1990s through the early 2000s, cementing her status as one of the sport's all-time greats. Some of her standout accomplishments include winning two FIFA Women's World Cups, two Olympic gold medals, and five ESPY Awards.
Lindsay Clancy's husband will testify in her defense, even though she's on trial for murdering their 3 young children.
According to a copy of the witness list, obtained by People, Patrick Clancy will take the stand for the defense. The witness list was filed Monday, during her final pretrial hearing.
Lindsay's lawyers are expected to make a case for insanity, intending to argue the Massachusetts mom was experiencing postpartum psychosis when she allegedly brutally killed her kids.
Rep. Thomas Massie says his "prison sentence" -- i.e., serving in the House of Reps -- has been commuted (he's been voted out), and he has no interested in changing prison cells by becoming a senator.
The Kentucky Congressman was upbeat Monday with Charlie, who asked him if he would consider running for Senator Mitch McConnell's seat if he resigns. Massie was pretty clear -- not interested, taking a shot at geriatric senators who belong in nursing homes.
Charlie was also interested in Massie's glow up ... a cool beard, a suitable suit, etc. Massie is quick to attribute his fresh look to the women in his life.
One small gripe -- Massie thinks just because Charlie is Australian, he's into a certain steakhouse. That's a bloomin' stereotype!
Amanda Batula and West Wilson are already fueling fresh "Summer House" buzz before Season 11 even gets underway ... because the Bravo stars were spotted hanging out together at a Montana bar during a wedding weekend.
Witnesses tell TMZ ... Amanda and West were at a small bar in Bigfork, Montana, on Friday night for a wedding welcome party ahead of Saturday's ceremony. We obtained photos of the couple during their night on the town.
We're told the wedding was for Ty Okada -- a former Montana State football player who was teammates with West in college -- Okada now plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
Daveigh Chase's mom revealed her daughter, who was living in an RV near Skid Row when she died, left behind a massive amount of money ... TMZ has learned.
According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Cathy Chase asked the court to appoint her as the administrator of the late actress' estate. She said Daveigh had no children and was never married.
She said her daughter left behind $400K in personal property. Cathy said Daveigh’s dad, John Schwailler, lives in Vegas and in the Philippines, but she doesn’t know his address overseas.
Jason Tartickis officially off the market ... 'cause the former 'Bachelorette' star is engaged to girlfriend Kathryn Hurley.
Jason shared the big news Monday on Instagram, posting a carousel of professional photos capturing the moment he got down on one knee during a breathtaking European getaway. He kept the caption simple, writing, "Right where we belong 💍."
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The photos show Kathryn beaming as Jason proposed before the newly engaged couple celebrated with hugs, kisses and plenty of ring shots against the picturesque backdrop.
Tom Segura and Christina P.are going their separate ways after nearly two decades as husband and wife ... TMZ has learned.
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... the comedians and podcast hosts recently separated after 18 years of marriage. We're told the split happened within the last couple of months and is completely amicable.
TMZ also is told ... "They had a special and productive relationship, creating one of the most successful comedy podcast networks in the industry and, more importantly, two kids. They are taking different paths moving forward while remaining devoted to their children."
