Britt McHenry Ups Ante in Sex Harassment Case Against Ex-Cohost Tyrus

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UPDATE

4:49 PM PT -- A FOX News spokesperson tells TMZ, "As we previously said, this matter was immediately and thoroughly investigated by an outside law firm charged with providing independent factual findings and recommendations for action based on the evidence. All protocols were followed; the recommendations we received were appropriate and promptly implemented."

UPDATE

The statement continues, "Since then, we voluntarily engaged a second outside investigator to look at any additional evidence presented, and to review the first investigator’s findings/recommendations in light of any evidence. Again, all protocols were followed and the second set of recommendations fully affirmed the first set."

UPDATE

Finally, "We respect the confidentiality of our employees and their involvement in any HR process and therefore will not comment on the results of either independent investigation. We will, however, defend the administrative charge filed in the New York State Division of Human Rights.”

Fox Nation host Britt McHenry is taking a big step toward filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against her former cohost, Tyrus and Fox.

Britt's beef with Tyrus made headlines earlier this year when she complained to the network about the former pro-wrestler sending her lewd texts -- but now she's raised the stakes by filing a sexual harassment complaint with New York State's Division of Human Rights.

In docs, obtained by TMZ, Britt details those alleged text messages, and several incidents she certainly considered creepy. For instance, in October 2018 she claims her "UN-PC" cohost sent several texts saying how much he loved her hair and legs, and specified sexual acts he wanted to do to her. In November, he allegedly sent one saying, "I'll show you what it mean to be bad Britt McHenry// D**k pic coming in 5 sec!!!!"

Britt says after that she tried to maintain a cordial working relationship with Tyrus ... so they went out to dinner in November 2018, after a taping. She claims he drank excessively and while walking after the meal, he "grabbed my hand in an aggressive and sexual manner." She says she pulled away and went to her hotel room, leaving him in lobby.

Then, a couple months later on New Year's Eve, she says her boyfriend came to NYC and Tyrus flipped out -- allegedly sending her angry texts. She claims the tormenting continued into January 2019, and she finally went to the executive producer of "UN-PC" to report Tyrus ... but she claims nothing changed.

Britt, who's hired celeb attorney Lisa Bloom, says she went back to the EP after an April 12, 2019 incident where Tyrus allegedly screamed at her on set. She claims the EP told her to quit complaining because she was "replaceable" and Fox "never wanted" her in the first place.

She says Tyrus was never disciplined and ended up getting his own show -- while Fox stopped promoting her and stopped inviting her as a guest on other Fox News programs.

All of this is a clear precursor to a lawsuit for 2 reasons. First, the filing with NY State has to be made before filing a lawsuit. Secondly, she's hired Bloom.

We've reached out to Fox News and Tyrus' reps for comment.

Originally Published -- 3:08 PM PT

Rep. Katie Hill Slams D.C. Double Standard ... I'm Leaving, but Bad Men Remain!!!

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Katie Hill -- the California Congresswoman who's resigned amid a nude photos scandal -- says she's leaving because of "gutter politics," and she's taking a parting shot at prominent men in power.

Rep. Hill outlined her reasons Thursday for resigning during her farewell speech on the House floor ... blaming a "misogynistic culture" and right-wing media for stopping at nothing to sabotage her career.

Hill claims since her nude photos surfaced last week, along with allegations of 2 extramarital relationships, she's been holed up at home ... in fear for her life.

She says she's received countless vile messages -- including threats of releasing more of her private info and photos without her consent -- so she's leaving for the well-being of her loved ones and herself.

As we reported ... Hill believes the scandal that's forced her resignation was orchestrated by her allegedly "abusive," and now estranged husband, Kenny Heslep. She's also flat-out accused him of leaking of the photos, and says she's considering taking legal action.

However, during her speech, Hill made it clear there's only one investigation that deserves national attention right now ... and it's the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. The house voted Thursday, as expected, overwhelmingly in favor of going forward with the impeachment inquiry, which will now include open hearings.

Hill drove home her point about a double standard with a direct shot at Trump. She said despite being "credibly accused" of sexual violence, certain men remain "on the Supreme Court, in this very body and, worst of all, in the Oval Office."

Bridget Marquardt We Contacted Hef During Séance ... Holly's At Peace With Hugh

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Bridget Marquardt and Holly Madison were able to reach Hugh Hefner from the great beyond ... and Bridget says Holly's finally made peace with her famous ex.

Bridget came on "TMZ Live" this Halloween, breaking down her séance at Holly's house -- which she claims is haunted -- and telling us about the girls' paranormal chat with the late Playboy founder.

As we first told you ... the former 'Girls Next Door' stars planned to contact Hef the night before Halloween with the help of "Ghost Adventures" star and Hollywood psychic medium Patti Negri.

Bridget Marquardt, Hugh Heffner Seance
HELLO FROM HEF

The girls accomplished their metaphysical mission, contacting Hef and several other spirits from beyond the grave.

Holly and Hugh had a rocky history before his death -- she claimed he abused her emotionally and verbally while she was in the Playboy Mansion -- but Bridget says Holly was totally okay with getting in touch with Hef's spirit.

It's kinda spooky ... Bridget says during the séance, Holly learned Hef periodically checks in on her from the spirit world, but Holly's happy to know he still cares about her.

Bridget says nothing crazy happened during the ritual -- no chandeliers jingling or curtains billowing in the wind -- but she's got a few ghost stories from Holly's house that will make your skin crawl!!!

YG Denies Kissing Club Chick Still Going Strong with Kehlani!!!

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YG says he did NOT step out on Kehlani while partying in L.A. -- and despite a photo seeming to show that -- he insists they remain a strong couple.

We spoke to someone who was partying with the rapper Wednesday night and they tell us a woman did approach YG outside Poppy Nightclub. We're told she got right up in YG's grill and requested a pic while he was sitting in the passenger seat of his car -- but there was no kiss.

Our source says YG told the woman -- who wasn't partying with him or his friends -- he wasn't in the mood to take a photo but she persisted. Video and photos have surfaced showing that exchange, leading to the report claiming YG cheated.

We're told YG -- who was at Poppy for Todd Gurley's Halloween bash -- was pretty intoxicated, and he regrets putting himself in a situation that's now being misconstrued.

YG Kehlani SEPTEMBER 2019
MAKIN' IT OFFICIAL

As for Kehlani, we're told she's all Gucci with her man -- so, YG's dodged the ultimate bullet.

As we reported last month ... YG and Kehlani confirmed they're dating when they made their first public appearance together at New York Fashion Week.

Travis Scott Can't Make Vegas Festival Gig ... After Nasty Knee Injury

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Travis Scott's pulling out of a big music festival in Las Vegas this weekend ... seemingly because he needs more time to heal his injured knee.

The rapper just announced he won't be able to make it for his headlining gig at Day N Vegas -- which is going down at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds Friday through Sunday.

Scott apologized on Twitter to all the ragers planning on attending, saying he's unable to "pull up" but promises to be back soon.

Trav was set to take the main stage on Saturday, but now that honor goes to Future x Metro Boomin. J Cole's headlining Friday and Kendrick Lamar on Sunday.

We broke the story ... Travis suffered a dislocated knee while performing earlier this month at NYC's Rolling Loud Fest. He landed on his leg awkwardly as he was jumping up and down during a song, but popped up and finished the show nonetheless.

All signs pointed to him having surgery to fix the injury, but it's unclear if he ever did or just needs more time to recoup naturally.

Cuba Gooding Jr. Pleads Not Guilty to New Sexual Abuse Charges

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103019_cuba_gooding_jr-kal-v2 10/24/18
THE ALLEGED GROPING AT MAGIC HOUR
UPDATE

4:23 PM PT -- The D.A.'s office now tells us it was referring to a version of our video that had been edited by another outlet when it said the video was incomplete. Prosecutors have now clarified ... our video shows the complete physical encounter.

UPDATE

12:58 PM PT -- The D.A.'s office released a statement saying, "We’ve provided defense counsel a short clip from one of the incidents and, within 24 hours, that video had been released to the media."

UPDATE

It continues, "We feel that the release is inappropriate and an effort to taint the jury pool. The video released was also incomplete and only shows conduct from immediately after the charged incident."

UPDATE

We've asked the D.A. to specify the incident, as the only other incident mentioned in the indictment is a sexual remark Gooding allegedly made ... but we have not gotten clarification.

UPDATE

11:51 AM PT -- Cuba's attorney, Mark Jay Heller, just spoke to reporters and went off on prosecutors ... calling them out for "maliciously prosecuting" Cuba. Heller said he's confident this case will not result in any conviction.

UPDATE

As for the TAO video ... Heller describes it this say: "At roughly 4:30 AM at the end of the day, Cuba is exiting the facility and, with the back of his hand -- his fingernail -- he taps the lady in the back and turns around to give her a high-five just as a salutation of goodbye. It's not criminal conduct whatsoever."

UPDATE

11:31 AM PT -- Cuba has just pled not guilty to the new charges. He was seen walking into court in handcuffs for his arraignment. As we reported ... he faces 2 more sexual abuse charges after a third NYC accuser emerged.

UPDATE

Cuba Gooding Jr. definitely made contact with the backside of a TAO nightclub server -- that's clear in this surveillance video, but it could still be key in helping the actor beat the charges.

TMZ's obtained security footage of the alleged butt-touching incident that got Gooding indicted on 2 of the 6 counts he's facing. Natasha Ashworth claims he used his right hand to pinch her right buttock as he was walking past her at TAO in NYC ... around 4:20 AM on Oct. 24, 2018.

Two camera angles back up much of Ashworth's account of what went down. After the initial contact, you can see she's agitated and there's a heated convo. She claims she told Gooding not to touch her butt, and he replied, "Aw, that's no fun, and I didn't, I touched your back."

The video shows Cuba attempting to point out where he claims he touched her. However, as prosecutors said in the indictment ... you see Natasha grab his arm and motion him away.

What's NOT clear from the video is what kind of contact Gooding made with Natasha's backside -- a glancing touch, a pat or the "pinch" she and prosecutors allege. That could help the Oscar winner if this goes before a jury, where prosecutors would have to prove the allegation beyond a reasonable doubt.

On the other hand, Gooding is charged with sexual abuse in the third degree and forcible touching -- and a jury could see the contact constituting the latter.

His attorney, Mark Jay Heller tells us, "This is a bogus butt grope claim. The video proves Cuba is innocent beyond a reasonable doubt."

Gooding will be in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday to be arraigned on counts 5 and 6 -- related to a separate accuser.

061319_cuba_gooding_jr_security_footage_grope_kal_v5 JUNE 2019
THE VIDEO EVIDENCE AT TAO

TMZ broke the story, there's also security footage of the rooftop bar incident from this past June which resulted in the initial indictment. You'll recall, that accuser claims Gooding touched her breast.

He's pleading not guilty to all 6 counts.

As we first reported ... Ashworth is also suing Gooding Jr. for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Her attorney, Joshua Kleiman, declined to comment on the surveillance video.

Originally Published -- 1:00 AM PT

Pittsburgh Football Players Scared Crapless ... By Hilarious Halloween Prank

Published

Wanna see grown-ass college football players cower in fear over a harmless Halloween prank??

Good ... 'cause University of Pittsburgh football staffers scared the crap out of their team with a fake mannequin -- and the video of the players' reactions is HILARIOUS!!

The team's assistant director of player personnel, Karlo Zovko, pretended he was a dummy wearing a Pitt uniform ... and when guys walked by, he pounced.

Ya gotta watch the video ... some of the players hit the deck, some screamed out in fear -- and one of the dudes even threatened to punch Zovko in the face!!!

Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi clearly loved watching it all ... he tweeted out the vid, writing, "Halloween Night, don't get tricked! Hail to Pitt!"

As for the Panthers players ... they better get over the scare quick -- they got a big game against Georgia Tech on Saturday!!

Kim Kardashian Lawyerin' Like Elle Woods!!! Watch My Harvard Video Essay

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103119_kim_k-kal 10/31/19
BEND AND SNAP

Kim Kardashian is an Ivy League-caliber lawyer, at least for Halloween ... because she's recreating Reese Witherspoon's famous scene from "Legally Blonde."

Kim's going as Elle Woods for Halloween this year, and she's going all-out with a spot-on costume AND a carbon copy of the video essay Elle put together to gain admittance to Harvard Law School.

It's the perfect costume for Kim. As you know, she's setting her sights on becoming a lawyer, just like Reese's character in the super-popular romantic comedy.

Ya gotta see the video, Kim's pulling out all the stops to follow in Elle's footsteps ... with a couple wardrobe changes, some movie extras, multiple sets and some high-quality production value.

Gotta admire Kim's Halloween spirit!!!

For those unfamiliar with "Legally Blonde" ... Reese plays a sorority queen with an eye for fashion who wants to win back her ex-boyfriend by getting a law degree from Harvard.

And, unlike Blac Chyna, Kim's only pretending to apply to Harvard ... not posting fake acceptance letters.

Jenelle Evans Files for Divorce ... David's Screwing Up My Business

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Jenelle Evans has thrown in the towel on her marriage ... because she's filed for divorce from David Eason.

The former 'Teen Mom' star said, "Nobody gets into a marriage expecting it to end but i know that's what is best for me, and for my kids. Today I've filed papers to start that process."

She doesn't say what caused her to end the marriage, but our sources tell us Jenelle believes she will not have a career in any field if she stays with David. She says she's looking out for her kids, knowing that she must provide for them.

We're told she also has come to realize her marriage to David was anything but healthy. As we extensively reported, David shot and killed the family dog after it nipped at their 2-year-old child, Ensley.

Children's Services investigated, the kids were temporarily removed from the home and there were challenges to custody in court. They eventually got the kids back, but MTV dropped Jenelle and she's had a hard time making her next business move ... in part because of her relationship with David.

They married in Sept. 2017 and were together 2 years before that.

Jenelle says, "I appreciate the support from everybody who has asked how I am. me and the kids are doing great. We need some time to be together. But you'll hear from us again soon."

This will be Jenelle's second divorce.

Amber Portwood Cops Plea Deal in Machete Case

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Amber Portwood has a chance to avoid jail time in her domestic violence case after striking a plea deal ... TMZ has learned.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... the "Teen Mom OG" star has agreed to plead guilty to 2 felonies -- domestic battery and intimidation. As part of the deal, she'll get 906 days of probation and if she successfully completes it ... the domestic battery charge will be dismissed and the intimidation charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor.

Amber must also take 26 weeks of a Batterers' Intervention Program, submit to random urine and breath testing. She's also been ordered not to contact her ex-BF, Andrew Glennon, EXCEPT for arranging custody exchanges of their 1-year-old son, James.

TMZ broke the story ... Amber was busted back in July in Indianapolis after Andrew claimed she attacked him while he was holding their son. Andrew said she came after him with a machete during the attack.

At the time ... Amber temporarily lost custody of James -- and she's still locked in a custody battle with with Andrew, who wants to move to Malibu ... with their son. Amber's trying to pump the breaks on that.

TMZ's Halloween 2019 Pop Culture, Movies and More ... It's a Beautiful Day for Costumes!!!

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Another Halloween, another spooktacular day at the office for the TMZ staff!!!

We brought our A-game once again on October 31, with a wide variety of costumes honoring -- or poking fun at -- some of the year's biggest stories and the most notable names.

Robert Kraft, R. Kelly, Tekashi 6ix9ine, Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift and many more celebs were all fair game ... along with the college admissions scandal and the chicken sandwich wars.

Of course, there's gotta be some movie love, and we didn't disappoint with characters new and old like Mr. Rogers, the Genie from "Aladdin," Harley Quinn, Jack Torrance, the dog from "Legally Blonde" and the entire main cast of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

Happy Halloween, everyone!!

LeBron and Savannah Bring In 'Project Runway' Star ... for Halloween Costumes

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LeBron James and his wife, Savannah, went ALL-OUT for their Halloween costumes -- bringing in some of the top hair, makeup and fashion people in the country ... and the results are AWESOME!

Check out Edward Scissorhands and Medusa ... and no, these ain't your typical Halloween store purchases.

Savannah's dress was custom-made by former "Project Runway" star Michael Costello -- one of the top designers in the country. In other words, dude doesn't come cheap!

The makeup -- which was done by Alex Faction, a YouTube superstar who specializes in recreating famous Hollywood movie characters like The Joker and Freddy Krueger.

The props -- from Savannah's headpiece to Bron's scissor hands -- were made by Ellimacs SFX.

The couple LOVED the final product -- with LeBron posting, "Happy Halloween folks from LeDward Scissorhands ⚔️ & Sadusa."

Hey, beats that weak-ass Luigi mask from the other day!!

Bottom line -- it's good to be rich, famous and powerful ... especially on Halloween!

Military Dog Belgian Malinois In High Demand ... Breeder Fielding Tons Of Calls

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President Trump's got people scrambling to bring home a Belgian Malinois after praising the K9 that hunted down ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi ... and a breeder who supplies the dogs to the U.S. military say they're being flooded with calls from interested buyers.

Remember ... Conan is the Belgian Malinois being hailed an American hero for a stealth operation in Syria, and now she's heading to the White House to be honored by Trump.

Ruidoso Malinois is the kennel supplying U.S. Special Ops with dogs -- its the largest exclusive Malinois kennel in the country -- and owner Irene Howcroft tells us she's been flooded with calls from people looking to take home a Belgian Malinois.

Irene says the surge in interest comes on the heels of Trump introducing Conan to the world, and one man even offered her $85,000 for a Malinois. Irene, who has 73 dogs on-site, tells us she typically sells full-grown Malinois for between $16k and $25k, while puppies go for $2k.

Pups aren't the flavor of the month, though ... Irene says buyers are hitting her up for her biggest dogs.

No word if Conan O'Brien is among the interested parties.

Jeff Bezos & Lauren Sanchez Party Hard with Newlywed Pals ... Models & Billionaires Too!!!

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Jeff Bezos may have just proved to GF Lauren Sanchez he's definitely hubby material -- in case she's not already convinced -- by playing the perfect host for their famous friends.

Amazon's head honcho gathered some serious power players Wednesday night at his NYC pad for a celebratory dinner in honor of his friend and designer Misha Nonoo's recent wedding. Misha -- who btw is BFFs with Meghan Markle -- recently tied the knot with entrepreneur Michael Hess in Rome, and Jeff's party seems like the cherry on top of their marital bashes.

The event was filled with power couples, including Hollywood mogul Barry Diller and fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg, mega TV producer Mark Burnett and actress Roma Downey ... and model Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner ... brother of President Trump's son-in-law, Jared.

After dinner, the entire gang headed over to another crib on the upper east side to continue the celebration ... something Jeff likes to call prime time.

Halloween 2019 Celebs Get Spooky, Sexy & Satirical!!!

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Halloween's a lot like all the other holidays in one major way ... celebrities seem to have more fun doing it.

Huge stars like Drake, Kylie Jenner, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Megan Thee Stallion, Jordyn Woods, Sofia Richie, Kyle Kuzma and a bunch more went all out with their costume selections ... which range from hot Disney princesses to Edward Scissorhands.

Of course, it wouldn't be Halloween if some famous folks didn't dress up as other famous folks, which is why Hart went as his pal, The Rock (in his infamous '90s fanny pack look), Kuzma rocked a Blueface costume ... and Drake got done up like his dad.

Click through the gallery ... 'cause you gotta see Chris Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky's commitment to creepy.

Happy Halloween!!!

Washington Nationals Rage After World Series Win Booze, Lightsabers & Fat Guys!!!

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Nats Locker Room
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

It was absolute PANDEMONIUM after the Washington Nationals won the World Series on Wednesday ... from the locker room to the streets -- and the video is WILD!!

The players RAGED with a booze-filled celebration ... chugging beer and champagne, while dancing around to Latin music, hip-hop and of course, Queen's "We Are the Champions."

Max Scherzer and Juan Soto passed around the Commissioner's Trophy. While Sean Doolittle busted out a blue lightsaber and did his best Jedi impression. It was awesome!

Nationals Celebration
TAKIN' TO THE STREETS

Out on the streets of D.C., thousands and thousands of people were celebrating Washington's first-ever championship -- climbing street signs, dancing and just partying their faces off.

The best celebration went down at Nationals Park in D.C. (where fans gathered just to watch the game on the big screen). It was pouring rain over there but it didn't stop one diehard fat guy from slip and sliding all over the dugout.

Congrats to the Nationals -- helluva series!!