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The Starcourt Mall from "Stranger Things" is indeed a real place and might look like a fun spot to visit ... but fans who try will be very disappointed.

Yes, the main setting for much of season 3 of the hit Netflix series is Starcourt, which was shot at a real location -- the Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia -- from May to November in 2018.

The fun's all over now, though ... a publicist for the show tells TMZ the Starcourt scenes were all shot within one wing of the mall, and the set is currently being torn down. We're told security is on the scene turning people away if they try to get to the area where 'Stranger' was shot.

The mall was mostly vacant before production started, and the show was able to rent out an entire wing, including the food court, that wasn't being used.

That wing of Gwinnett Place was transformed into a late '80s-looking mall, complete with 40 stores like Sam Goody, Waldenbooks and the Scoops Ahoy ice cream parlor where Steve works.

Now that production's wrapped, we're told there is no plan to return to the location ... so it's business as usual inside the sleepy mall.

Sorry, die-hard fans ... you can still visit the mall, it just won't have that 'Stranger' feel. Almost as devastating as that season finale, right?

Offset will NOT be prosecuted by Georgia for gun possession -- the charges have been dropped, but they were only dropped so the feds could continue an even bigger investigation.

The Clayton County D.A.'s office tells TMZ ... prosecutors dismissed all charges on July 1 against the Migos rapper. However, according to docs, the D.A. decided to stand down at the request of the U.S. Attorney's Office. Turns out the feds are in the middle of an investigation ... and that's the only reason Offset was pulled over in the first place.

In docs, county prosecutors say the feds were concerned if they took Offset to trial for gun possession they'd have to tip their hand about information related to a larger investigation. Prosecutors aren't disclosing what that investigation is about, but say pursuing Offset's case "would alert other potential future parties to the investigation and evidence that may support federal charges against said parties."

TMZ broke the story ... Offset was slapped with a felony gun possession charge back in April. It had been the latest fallout stemming from his arrest last summer in Atlanta. He was also facing 2 separate charges -- possession of weed and making an illegal lane change, both misdemeanors.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, prosecutors say ATF agents contacted officers in Clayton County, asking them to pull over Offset's vehicle, if there was probable cause, and identify all passengers.

Prosecutors say the probable cause was failing to maintain his lane and tinted windows. ATF merely wanted to know who was in the vehicle -- but when Clayton Co. officers smelled weed, they decided to search the car ... leading to Offset's arrest for gun possession.  

As we told you first ... Offset's lawyer said he believes the rapper was targeted because he's rich, successful and black. Based on these new docs, though, Offset might have an even bigger problem ... with the federal government.

Nicki Minaj says she can't in her right conscience perform in Saudi Arabia later this month, so she's dropping out of the event ... due to personal concerns about human rights violations there.

The rapper made the announcement Tuesday, saying ... "After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest."

She added, "While I want nothing more than to bring my show to fans in Saudi Arabia, after better educating myself on the issues, I believe it is important for me to make clear my support for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression."

Nicki was set to hit the stage there on July 18, but groups like the the Human Rights Foundation and others lobbied her to pull out in protest of the country's restrictive laws.

Women were only recently allowed to drive and attend sporting events in stadiums, but gender segregation is still a thing in Saudi Arabia. Same sex relations are also outlawed there.

Ex-Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is begging the scumbags who STOLE HIS DOG during a burglary in L.A. to return his beloved pet ... saying he'll pay ANYTHING to get him back. 

The 29-year-old English soccer star says his adorable Pomeranian named Lucci was taken from his West Hollywood home on Monday night, along with other personal items. 

He posted video of the smashed door where the thieves likely broke in. 

"I want to know who took my sh*t. I want to know what's went on. I want to know why they've took my dog. I want to know why they've took bags from upstairs. I want to know what the f*ck's going on. I'm dead serious."

Sturridge says money is no object -- he's reportedly made more than $40 MILLION in his career -- and he's willing to crack open his wallet to get his 4-legged friend back. 

"Whoever knows who broke into my crib, I'll pay you anything. I'm dead serious," Sturridge says.

We reached out to the LAPD and they told us they're actively investigating the break-in -- but have no leads at this time. 

Hopefully someone in the area has surveillance video. Story developing ... 

Wendy Williams' son is walking out of a New Jersey courthouse with a resolution in his assault case, and it's a very good one for him ... the case has been dismissed.

Prosecutors said they'd reviewed the case and decided to no longer pursue charges against Kevin Hunter Jr. for allegedly punching his father in the face during a parking lot scuffle. 

Kevin Hunter Sr., dressed in a black t-shirt, walked into court with his son and told the judge he agreed with prosecutor's decision not to pursue charges. Jr.'s attorney, Raymond Hamlin, told us father and son are fine now ... "They are laughing, talking and reminiscing. Their relationship is solid." Jr. and Sr. also walked out of court together.

Wendy was not in court ... she's shooting her talk show today. 

TMZ broke the story ... Kevin Jr. and Wendy's estranged husband, Kevin Hunter, got into their altercation back in May, resulting in the 18-year-old getting arrested for assault.

Kevin Jr. was in court last month and entered a not guilty plea ... while Wendy and Kevin Sr. waited together in a car outside the courthouse. 

As we've reported ... Kevin Sr. made it clear he didn't not want to press charges against his son, which likely aided the dismissal of the case. 

A routine traffic stop turned into a violent war inside of a gas station ... with a massive NFL player fighting a cop AFTER being hit with a taser and TMZ Sports has the unbelievable video. 

A police officer in Lathrup Village, Michigan pulled over 23-year Malik McDowell -- a 6'6", 300 pound defensive tackle -- on a snowy February night after he witnessed McDowell's Jeep spinning out on the road after speeding. 

During the stop, which took place in front of a gas station, the officer ordered McDowell to stay seated in his car, but Malik disobeyed -- and repeatedly demanded to speak with a supervisor. 

As the officer continues to verbally engage with McDowell, who was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2nd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, he tries to leave his vehicle and walk into the gas station convenient store. 

The cop grabs McDowell and tells him to put his hands behind his back ... but again, McDowell disobeys and begins to fight back against the officer, knocking over shelves of food in the process.

The officer repeatedly warns McDowell to stand down or else he would be tased. Once McDowel's on the ground, the officer instructs him to get on his stomach, but the NFL player refuses ... so the cop deploys his taser. 

Ross Perot, 2-time presidential candidate and self-made billionaire, is dead.

The Texas software pioneer became a billionaire in 1984 when General Motors bought his company, Electronic Data Systems, for $2.5 billion.  

Perot founded EDS in 1962 with a $1,000 loan his wife floated him. 

Perot ran for president in 1992 and 1996 and was famously portrayed on 'SNL' by Dana Carvey. 

Perot famously would break down American politics and the economy using bar graphs and pie graphs, using his handy pointer.

The conventional wisdom is that Perot was the reason Bill Clinton got elected, because he split the Republican vote when he ran as an independent. The Perot spoiler factor in presidential elections lives to this day.

Perot, who amassed $4 billion, donated a total of $90 million to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

EDS was only one of Perot's businesses. In 1988, he founded Perot Systems Corp., which Dell bought in 2009 for $3.9 billion.

Perot died Tuesday after battling leukemia for 5 months.

Perot is survived by wife of 63 years, Margot. They had 5 children and have 16 grandchildren.

Meghan Markle has no time for commoners snapping pics of her at Wimbledon -- her security demanded people to turn their lenses away while she watched Serena Williams.   

British media consultant and former BBC reporter Sally Jones tell TMZ ... she was sitting in the members box, taking pics of Serena Williams when one of Meghan's bodyguards came up and said, "Would you not take photographs of the Duchess? She's here in a private capacity." 

Shocked at the request, Jones says she told the security guard she had no intention of photographing Meghan ... and wasn't even aware she was there before that moment. She says she was simply trying to take a shot of Serena. Jones tells us, she didn't take a single pic of Meghan, before or after she was approached by security.

Jones says it's apparent to her some people at the palace suffer from a feeling of "entitlement." She says the whole thing was ridiculous.

BTW, Jones wasn't the only one shooed away. Several other spectators with phones out were told to beat it. Although, it's certainly worth noting ... her security seemed fine with fans taking photos when Megan was signing an autograph for a little boy. Guess a photo op's still a photo op.  

Craig David's walking away ... from his baller penthouse cause he's ready to sell it, and he wants a pretty penny for it.

The "7 Days" and "Fill Me In" singer is unloading his Miami crib -- Tower Suite 5 at the iconic Mondrian South Beach. The 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom pad sits on 1,895 square feet and is listed at $5.75 million. It features a terrace with sweeping views of downtown Miami ... but it's the epic parties Craig hosted there that truly gave the penthouse its legendary reputation in the 305.

What started out as a 10-person bash with his friends at Craig's penthouse quickly became the premiere destination for Miami's It crowd to pre-party. Craig has previously said he's easily hosted as many a 150 people in the penthouse before bouncing for the club scene around 1 AM.

The pad has 2 master suites, lounge areas and day beds in the terrace, a professional recording studio and special light effects throughout the place to give it a true party vibe.

For the first time in his career, Floyd Mayweather got PUT ON HIS BACK during a major sports event -- and the whole thing was caught on camera!!

The 42-year-old superstar was ballin' out at the $50k Charity Challenge celeb hoops game at UCLA on Monday night where Floyd was trying to play some defense on streetball legend Bone Collector. 

... but things didn't go Floyd's way -- because BC crossed Floyd over so hard, the boxer lost his footing and went tumbling to the ground. 

The crowd went crazy as Bone hit his shot -- and all Floyd could do was smile as he picked himself up. 

When asked why he would even try to cover Bone Collector, Floyd told fans and teammates he simply wanted the challenge ... gotta respect that. 

The event was all for a good cause -- raising money for Teen Cancer America. Huge stars like Rob Gronkowski, Snoop Dogg, Kyle Kuzma, Michael Blackson, Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones and Brian Quick were also in attendance. 

Joseph Gannascoli -- famous for playing Vito Spatafore on "The Sopranos" -- isn't the slightest bit worried about a rash of mysterious tourist deaths in the Dominican Republic ... he says come on down, the booze is fine!!! 

The actor is down in Punta Cana enjoying the final days of his vacation with his wife, daughter and family friends ... and he tells us there have been no signs of trouble in paradise. 

As we've reported ... at least 10 Americans have died while either staying at resorts in D.R. or shortly upon returning to the U.S. -- some from respiratory complications and many from heart attacks. 

Joseph tells us his resort, Royalton Bavaro, is PACKED with tourists on summer vacations ... but he says no one is walking around on eggshells. 

They might be stumbling, though, because Joseph says everyone is taking full advantage of the all-inclusive alcohol. Fears about tainted booze be damned.

Nike's stocks going up ever so slightly -- which just so happened on the heels of the Betsy Ross controversy -- has absolutely nothing to do with Colin Kaepernick ... so says Ted Cruz.

The Texas senator shut down any notion that Kap sent Nike's market value soaring in the wake of the footwear company yanking its planned Betsy Ross shoe at the ex-QB's behest, because he says there's a much simpler explanation ... a booming economy. 

There's no way of knowing for sure what effect, if any, Kap's involvement might've had -- but we do know anytime his name gets brought up next to the Swoosh ... they do well. 

As far as what Ted makes of the whole situation, he elaborates on what he tweeted this weekend ... when he said he wouldn't buy anymore of the only tennis shoe he's ever owned.

Check it out ... doesn't sound like Teddy's ready to start burning his Nikes quite yet, but he does bemoan the fact the great American company has become politicized .... and in a direction opposite his own views.

Shannon Purser shot to stardom for her role as the missing best friend, Barb -- who gets taken into the Upside Down by the face-splitting demogorgon -- in season one of Netflix's smash sci-fi show, "Stranger Things." 

Shannon Purser was surrounded by the now iconic castmates including Natalia Dyer as the BFF, Nancy Wheeler, Charlie Heaton as the snap-happy Jonathan Byers, Joe Keery as the jock Steve "The Hair" Harrington ... and even Millie Bobby Brown as the powerful Eleven.

Fun Fact: Purser now has a recurring role on "Riverdale" playing the Jughead obsessed Ethel Muggs.

Cardi's rep tells TMZ, "Tasha K's counterclaims are completely frivolous and have no merit. Tasha K clearly seems to think that this lawsuit and the courts are her social media channel where she thinks that she can say anything she wants, without regard for the truth, harassing Cardi and her friends to try to gain reader to her blog at the expense of Cardi. 

This is failing -- Tasha's own words in interviews and documents show that her claims are completely false. Cardi fully expects that Tasha K's claims will be dismissed, and that at the end of this case, Cardi will be victorious and Tasha K will be held accountable for the blatantly false things she has said, written and posted about Cardi, that Tasha K knew were false."

Cardi B's sworn legal enemy is turning up the pressure by claiming the rapper assaulted her -- even though they were never in the same room -- and by dragging the FBI into their battle.

Latasha K is the blogger Cardi sued earlier this year for accusing Cardi of being a drug abusing prostitute with an STD. Tasha countersued Cardi for slander, but now she just amended that lawsuit to claim Cardi caused harm to her unborn child.

Tasha's new claim of assault centers on alleged threats made by Cardi and Skeemo ... Cardi's former roommate and BFF. In the suit, Tasha says Skeemo posted "violent messages" about her on social media. 

As for Cardi ... Tasha claims the MC encouraged gang members to "handle" her ... which Tasha took as a violent threat. If that wasn't enough, in the suit, Tasha says Cardi referred to her as a "dumb ass b*tch" and a "hoe" multiple times on IG.

According to docs, obtained by TMZ, Tasha was in the first trimester of a "high-risk pregnancy" at the time of the alleged threats, and she says doctors put her on mandatory bed rest.

Although she's not suing Skeemo, Tasha says his alleged violent threats scared her enough to call in the FBI ... but according to her, the agency simply told her to move if she was so concerned.

Tasha says she took their advice and moved -- which is why she's suing Cardi for moving expenses as part of her $3 million lawsuit.

We've reached out to Cardi's camp for their response to the new allegations ... no word back yet.

HERE'S THE RUNDOWN

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello are looking like they're more than just friends, cuddling together in a booth during some late-night eats ... images that will add more fuel to the dating rumor fire.

We're told Shawn and Camila hit up Kitchen24 in West Hollywood around 5 AM Sunday morning, and as you can see, they sat on the same side of the table ... ya know, the type of thing clingy couples do. 

Check it out ... Shawn's got his arm around Camila, caressing her and planting a little kiss on her forehead. Super cute. 

As you know ... dating rumors have surrounded the two pop stars for weeks, ever since they put out their new duet, "Senorita," but they've been pretty tight-lipped about what's brewing between them.

As we reported ... Shawn and Camila were spotted leaving Sunday brunch together in WeHo holding hands, smiling and at the very least LOOKING like boyfriend and girlfriend.

Sources close to Shawn tell TMZ ... he's not putting on a show for the cameras, and his relationship with Camila is genuine and not a publicity stunt.