Ex-Laker Star Smush Parker 'I'm Sorry, Kobe' Wish I Coulda Said it Face-to-Face
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Ex-Laker Smush Parker knows exactly what he would have said if he and Kobe Bryant ever crossed paths again -- but now that he can't, it's become a huge regret.
Parker, the starting point guard for the Lakers for from 2005 to 2007, told us ... he wishes they could have officially buried the hatchet, man-to-man, over having said playing with Kobe is an "overrated" experience.
The 2009 interview obviously caused a huge rift, with Kobe eventually responding ... "I tell Steve [Nash], you won MVP, but I was playing with Smush Parker. [Nash's] playing with [Leandro] Barbosa. I'm playing with Smush and Kwame [Brown]. My goodness."
Kobe added, "Smush Parker was the worst. He shouldn't have been in the NBA, but we were too cheap to pay for a point guard. We let him walk on."
Despite the shots fired -- in both directions -- it's obvious Smush is now hurting over Kobe's death. He's even more upset about never getting the chance to square things right with his former teammate face-to-face. Smush says he did apologize in a letter to Kobe, who never responded.
Information Society Singer Kurt Harland 'Memba Him?!?
Minnesota-born Kurt Harland (aka Kurt Harland Larson) was only 25 years old when he gained fame for founding and fronting the '80s experimental synthpop group, Information Society, which released their hit single, "What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)" that was also found on their 1988 self-titled album Information Society.
Fun Fact: In the "What's On Your Mind" song there's a super catchy sample of the words "pure energy" ... which was a soundbite from Leonard Nimoy's "Star Trek" character Spock on a classic 1967 episode titled "Errand Of Mercy."
More 'Memba Thems!
Nikki Bella Eyes Down HERE ... Check Out My Baby Bump!!!
Nikki Bella's not quite at the bulging baby bump stage, but she's still drawing attention to the bun in her oven ... her first!!!
Check out this pic of the WWE superstar doing the classic bump cradle during a walk Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles. She was on her way to visit a friend, and it ain't hard to figure out what they'll be discussing.
It's pretty crazy ... Nikki and her twin, Brie Bella, are both pregnant, and their due dates are only a week and a half apart. That's some serious womb symmetry!!!
As we reported ... Nikki got engaged back in November to her former "Dancing With The Stars" partner, Artem Chigvintsev, and she says they weren't even trying to get pregnant.
Brie says she was also shocked by her second pregnancy with husband -- and fellow WWE superstar -- Daniel Bryan after resigning herself to being a mother of one.
No word on sex or baby names yet. We sense a synchronized gender reveal in the near future. Congrats!!!
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Comedian Ari Shaffir NYC Comedy Club Gets Death Threats Following His Celebration of Kobe's Death
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The comedian who openly celebrated Kobe Bryant's death is triggering a wave of threats aimed at the comedy club where he was supposed to perform ... forcing cancellations.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Ari Shaffir was scheduled to do stand-up at the New York Comedy Club Tuesday night at 9:15 PM, but the club was forced to call cops after getting multiple phoned-in threats.
Our sources say someone called threatening to shoot up the place because a comedian scheduled to perform there made a vile joke about Kobe. We're told the caller didn't mention Shaffir by name, but it's no secret -- he DID stir anger just hours after Kobe's death.
Our law enforcement sources say the shows were canceled by the club due to numerous threatening calls.
The day Kobe died, Shaffir tweeted a selfie video, saying, "Kobe Bryant died 23 years too late today. He got away with rape because all the Hollywood liberals who attack comedy enjoy rooting for the Lakers more than they dislike rape. Big ups to the hero who forgot to gas up his chopper. I hate the Lakers. What a great day!"
Yeah, pretty vile.
Shaffir posted another video later and doubled down, saying Kobe's death was a "good story" because "the guy got away with rape." Shaffir deleted it, but the damage was done.
We're told the club filed a complaint with the NYPD for aggravated harassment 25 minutes before Shaffir's set time. No arrests have been made and the case is still under investigation.
Shaffir, who swiftly got dropped by his talent agency after the Instagram video, later took to Instagram to explain his video in epic failure.
We reached out to the comedy club -- but so far, no word back.
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Harry Styles Melons and Models ... Life's Sweet as Sugar!!!
Here's Harry Styles frolicking with sexy bikini models on a beach in Malibu for a music video shoot, and he can't keep his hands off ... the props.
We know what you're thinking, but it's all good, clean fun. Harry's shooting the vid for his new single, "Watermelon Sugar" ... so, naturally there are plenty of melons on set.
Harry sure looks like he's having the time of his life. Most likely because he's surrounded by waves and babes, and looking fly in a yellow Hawaiian shirt and matching trunks.
Not to worry ... no melons were harmed in the making of the video. Harry's got extremely soft hands. Well, that's what we imagine, anyway. Like you don't?!?
As we reported ... Harry debuted his new album, "Fine Line," last month during a show at The Forum in Inglewood, CA and his fans freaked out. "Watermelon Sugar" is one of the new tracks from that record.
His fans have a sweet tooth, and so does Harry. Check out the gallery if ya don't believe us!!!
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L.A. High-Rise Fire Residents Hanging on for Life ... Daring Rescues by Land & Air
Firefighters are pulling off daring rescues from a 25-story high-rise inferno in Los Angeles ... where several residents are trapped by the smoke and flames.
Helicopters and fire trucks are swarming around the building near L.A.'s Brentwood neighborhood. Flames are billowing out of the 6th floor, and at least one man was clinging to the side of the building ... waiting for firefighters to reach him.
They eventually did get to him as they extended a rescue ladder up to the 6th floor. Other residents made it to the roof, where rescuers dangling from helicopters were able to airlift them to safety.
The fire is raging in the apartment building that was reportedly constructed in 1961, and does NOT have a sprinkler system. It also has a dangerous track record ... another fire broke out there in 2013, and 5 people were hospitalized with injuries back then.
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Beyonce Popeyes Getting in Formation!!! Very Familiar Fashion Line
Beyonce might want a word with Popeyes honchos -- not about their chicken sandwich, but about their new fashion line. Yes, that's a real thing, and yes ... it looks like a total Bey copy.
The fast-food chicken chain just unveiled new employee uniforms, which are surprisingly chic ... and very much look like Queen Bey's new Adidas x Ivy Park activewear collection.
Take a look ... the resemblance is uncanny, from the maroon and orange color scheme to the casual and comfortable clothing options.
Popeyes says ... "Nothing new here. Just the uniforms we wear every day." It also includes a link to its online store, where fans can buy the items from its fashionable uniform lineup ... which includes the tagline, "That Look From Popeyes."
As for which came first -- the chicken or the Bey? Well, they might go hand in hand. Beyonce DID choose Popeyes colors for the new Ivy Park designs, after all. But, then again, Popeyes sure seems to have swiped her style.
Next step for the chicken joint -- ship a bunch of free gear to celebrities!!! Worked for Bey, but then again ... everything does.
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Dog the Bounty Hunter Proposes to Beth's Friend on 'Dr. Oz' ... But NO Engagement
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Dog the Bounty Hunter -- who's been reeling after the death of his wife -- has a new woman he wants to marry, or at least he did for a moment while he was on 'Dr. Oz.'
The other shock is the alleged bride-to-be is one of Beth Chapman's friends ... Moon Angell. Dog's been rumored to be dating her for a few weeks, pissing off his daughters, who have claimed he's lying about the relationship. It's caused a rift in the Chapman family.
Regardless, Dog and Moon -- who was once Beth's assistant along with her BFF -- appeared on "The Dr. Oz Show" together ... and Dog shocked everyone by proposing to her.
A marriage proposal?
— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) January 29, 2020 @DrOz
After weeks of family turmoil, @DogBountyHunter and Moon Angell join me to set the record straight.
Airs 2/3. pic.twitter.com/kUsE7zBPRQ
Sources connected to the show tell TMZ ... he also told Moon he loved her and revealed he was talking to God in the bathroom during a break, and God told him he should propose.
However, sources close to the family tell us ... the TV proposal, recorded last week, was NOT legit -- he was overly emotional and got caught up in the moment. We're told he did not give her a ring during the taping, and they are not engaged.
It certainly didn't play out that way on the 'Dr. Oz' set though. People involved in the production tell us everyone in the studio thought Dog meant it. You can see the full interview and judge for yourself Monday on Dr. Oz's show.
Our sources say he's grown close to Moon -- who was maid of honor at his and Beth's wedding -- because she's helped him through the grieving process, which she's going through too.
However, there is no wedding or even engagement plans for them as of now.
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Kobe Bryant Memorabilia Prices Soar After Death ... Scumbags Pushing Fakes
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Demand for Kobe Bryant memorabilia is surging like crazy in the wake of his death -- with collectors paying INSANE prices to scoop up valuable items, TMZ Sports has learned.
But, with the high demand comes scam artists looking to push fakes ... and the market is already on high alert.
We spoke with multiple high-end collectible dealers who are all saying the same thing ... people are clamoring for anything Kobe ... and they're paying anywhere from 2x to 20x the price Kobe stuff was fetching before his death.
For example, a game-worn and signed Kobe jersey from the 2004-2005 season was expected to hit $6,000 before his death ... but pre-bidders have already bumped the price to a starting $6,500 and the auction still runs for another month!
Another high-end dealer who didn't want to be mentioned by name says an extremely rare Kobe basketball card (which was originally expected to sell around the $2,500 range) has sold in the private market after Kobe's death for nearly $50,000.
Other dealers have told us straight-up they're pressing pause on selling Kobe items because it doesn't feel right to capitalize on emotional fans.
As for the fakes, multiple dealers have told us it's not uncommon for forgers to push out fake items and fake signatures on eBay and other platforms.
Our experts are advising fans to only buy merchandise that's been authenticated from reputable sellers.
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Billy Joel 12 Motorcycles Trashed by Burglar ... You May Be Right, He's Pissed!!!
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Some crook thought he'd be a big shot breaking into Billy Joel's house -- which would've been bad enough -- but trashing the piano man's beloved motorbikes too ... just makes him a heartless prick.
Nassau County PD tells TMZ ... a burglary took place sometime between Saturday and Monday morning at a Long Island home, which sources tell us belongs to Billy. The cops say 12 motorcycles and a home office on the property had been vandalized.
The extent of the damage is unclear, but even a little is gonna sting Billy badly ... 'cause the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer absolutely LOVES his motorcycles.
He's a notorious gear head and owns a local bike shop with even more vintage motorcycles on hand. So, it's no secret around his native Long Island that he's got crazy love for his street machines.
Cops say it appears the burglar or burglars smashed through a glass door leading into the garage.
We don't know if Billy was home during the break-in, but we know he discovered the damage Monday morning and called cops.
The police took a statement and are investigating. For now, Billy's keeping the faith the boys in blue can track down the suspect(s).
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Selena Gomez Strikes Gold at Video Shoot ... No Dwelling on Justin
Selena Gomez is out to prove all that glitters is gold ... because she looks relaxed and radiant on the set of a new music video.
The "Lose You To Love Me" singer was all smiles Monday afternoon as she walked up to the shoot in downtown L.A. ... rocking a disco queen look in a golden, backless dress and knee-high boots.
We're told she was likely shooting a vid for something off her new album, "Rare" ... possibly the title track.
As we've reported, Selena's third studio album features songs about relationships and breakups -- including hers with Justin Bieber -- but has an overarching theme of mental health.
Gomez recently revealed in an interview she experienced emotional abuse with Bieber, but says she's dealt with it and adds ... "I am really proud that I can say I feel the strongest I've ever felt, and I've found a way to just walk through it with as much grace as possible."
Those boots -- made for walking the walk.
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Aaron Hernandez's Fiancee If He Was Gay I Wish He Would Have Told Me!!!
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Aaron Hernandez's fiancee says she doesn't know if the ex-NFL star was gay -- as suggested in a new Netflix docuseries -- but she wouldn't have cared if he was.
"I wouldn't have loved him any differently," Shayanna Jenkins said on "Good Morning America" ... "I would have understood."
The fiancee of the late Aaron Hernandez is speaking out for the first time since the release of a Netflix new docuseries on the life of the football-star turned-convicted killer. @arobach reports. https://t.co/fu296hhrc3 pic.twitter.com/KuQtG0ctWI
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 29, 2020 @GMA
The Netflix series, "Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez" features claims from Aaron's high school teammate, Dennis SanSoucie, who said the two had a sexual relationship before going to college.
Jenkins didn't dispute the claim -- but said it's unfair to discuss someone's sexuality when that person isn't around to have a say.
"Although I had a child with Aaron, I can't tell you how he was feeling inside," Jenkins said.
"If he did feel that way, or if he felt the urge, I wish that I was told. I wish that he would have told me because I wouldn't have loved him any differently. I would have understood. It's not shameful."
She continued, "I think it's a beautiful thing. I just wish I was able to tell him that."
Of course, Hernandez took his own life in his prison cell back in 2017 -- where he was serving time for the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd.
When asked if she believes Hernandez was innocent, Jenkins replied, "Yes. Of course I do."
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DJ Khaled Newborn Son is Ready to Earn ... 2 Days After Birth!!!
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That didn't take long ... DJ Khaled's clearly a believer in carrying your own weight, 'cause he's already making his newborn son bring home the bacon.
The mega-producer and his wife, Nicole Tuck, filed to trademark their newborn son Aalam Tuck Khaled's name through a Florida-based company called ATK Entertainment so they can slap it on just about everything ... this according to new legal docs obtained by TMZ.
In docs, Nicole signed over consent for the company to trademark the name on January 22 ... just TWO DAYS after Aalam was born at 8 pounds, 4 ounces. Healthy and ready to work!
If the application gets approved, the kiddo's name can be used on fragrances, cosmetics, skin creams, baby products, DVDs, CDs, jewelry, watches, children's books, tote bags, clothing and sporting goods.
This is all part of family planning ... for Khaled and Nicole, anyway. As we first reported back in April 2018, the couple did the same for their first son, Asahd, when hew was just 18 months old.
Startin' em young -- standard ops for junior hip-hop moguls.
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Ryan Seacrest, Mark Cuban Harry & Meghan Could Strike It Rich ... Take it From Us Titans!!!
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry aren't going to be left penniless -- FAR from it actually, according to Ryan Seacrest and Mark Cuban ... so long as they follow this advice.
The two titans of industry -- who've successfully forged their own paths in entertainment and sports, and branded themselves masterfully -- sat down for the new, TMZ/FOX special, "Harry & Meghan: The Royals In Crisis," to share their thoughts on PH and MM's financial future in entertainment.
As you might've heard, the former Royals are kinda on their own now. And, life ain't free!!!
The question ... can they make an honest buck, and if so, how? Seacrest says it all depends on what they have to offer, which may come as a surprise to both the public and maybe even themselves, especially Harry. Bottom line, RS thinks there's untapped potential there.
Mark Cuban is right there with him ... saying, if Har and Meg play their cards right, they could be just as successful and wealthy as the Obamas, if not more so.
FOX's one-hour special gets into more than just what lies ahead for them though ... it's also a deep dive into what got them here to begin with. Piers Morgan has thoughts on that.
Check it out ... he makes no bones about how he believes Meghan manipulated her way to the top, only to strip his country's Prince away from his people and family. Oof, harsh!
Renowned writer Afua Hirsch has a different take, however, with which many others agree.
Get ready for fireworks! 'The Royals in Crisis' airs on FOX Wednesday at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT.
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Shaquille O'Neal Donating Proceeds From SB Party ... To Kobe's Charity
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10:43 AM PT -- 1/29 -- Shaq says after much debate, he WILL go forward with his "Fun House" Super Bowl party Friday in Miami ... saying ALL of the proceeds will go toward Kobe's charity.
"Part of me wanted to stay to myself as I reflect what my brother and his family mean to me and my family," the Diesel said. "But, in thinking what would Kobe want, what would he do?"
"Kobe would want us to push through and celebrate life. So, let's do just that."
Shaq added, "Together we will celebrate all those who lost their lives in Sunday's tragedy. RIP my brother, my friend and my homie, The Black Mamba. Until we meet again."
FYI, Bryant's charity -- the "Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation" -- was established in 2007 and is dedicated to helping youth and families in need across the world.
5:52 AM PT -- 1/29 -- Amazing moment outside Staples Center after Shaq's emotional appearance on "Inside the NBA" ... he led a "KOBE!" chant for the dozens of Bryant mourners, and it was awesome.
Only right for @SHAQ to lead a chant for Kobe in LA ✊
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 29, 2020 @NBAonTNT
(via omerdrinks/IG) pic.twitter.com/Tn0ImG0Jmo
Shaq walked outside the building to a ton of screaming fans ... but he silenced them all to kick off an epic nod to his former teammate.
The video is incredible ... Shaq tells them "one more time!" and jumps up and down to the "KO-BE!" chants.
5:21 PM PT -- Jerry West -- who made the deal to make Kobe a Laker -- joined the show to discuss his feelings since the tragedy ... and he says his memories go far beyond the court.
"To watch this incredible family grow and prosper, and now to see not one, but 2, but 3 families gone ... saddest day of my life."
“He always talked about this Mamba mentality. He didn’t have to create that, it was already there.”
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 29, 2020 @NBAonTNT
Jerry West on Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/sjIed4rBfy
4:20 PM PT -- A powerfully emotional Shaq spoke more about the loss of his beloved teammate on TNT's "Inside The NBA" on Tuesday ... and it's heartbreaking.
"I haven't felt a pain that sharp in a while," Shaq said on Kobe's death.
“I haven’t felt a pain that sharp in a while.. it definitely changes me.”’@SHAQ on the loss of his brother, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/dM5i0DDgGK
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 29, 2020 @NBAonTNT
"The fact that we're not gonna be able to joke at his Hall of Fame ceremony, we're not gonna be able to say, 'Haha, I got 5 (championships), you got 4,' the fact that we're not gonna be able to say, 'If we would've stayed together, we could've got 10' ... those were the things you can't get back."
O'Neal choked back tears while the show's hosts intro'd the episode from the Staples Center court ... with all the guys sharing their special memories with Bryant.
Shaq says he wishes he had invested more time in maintaining his friendship with Kobe ... saying, "I wish I could say something to him again."
"I’m not doing well. I’m sick."
That's Shaquille O'Neal admitting he's really struggling after the death of his "brother" Kobe Bryant -- saying he hasn't eaten or slept since finding out the horrible news.
"It just hurts," Shaq said on his "The Big Podcast with Shaq" show ... noting that he was already in bad shape because his sister, Ayesha, also passed away recently.
"I’m just getting over the death of my sister. You guys told me the other day when I came in, I looked like I needed some rest. And I haven’t been sleeping after Ayesha’s death."
Shaq opened up and talked all about his relationship with Kobe -- the good times and the bad times -- saying despite the way it looked in public, it was all love behind-the-scenes.
"All the stuff that is documented between us .. this is what brothers do."
"I love Kobe Bryant. I'm the first to say ... I've got 4 rings ... I couldn't have gotten 3 without him."
Shaq says he's glad the two became closer in recent years -- but wishes they would have communicated more because he really loved and respected KB.
'Mighty Ducks' Goalie Shocking Mug Shot ... After Meth, Burglary Bust
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Shaun Weiss -- famous for playing Goldberg in "The Mighty Ducks" -- was just arrested again ... another chapter in a tragic downward spiral.
Police in Marysville, CA say Weiss was busted for residential burglary and being under the influence of methamphetamine Sunday around 7 AM.
Cops say they responded to a call for a burglary in progress and when they arrived on the scene, found Weiss ransacking a car in the home's garage.
During the arrest, cops say Weiss displayed symptoms of being under the influence of meth and told officers he did not live in the home and the car wasn't his. Weiss was booked into Yuba County Jail, and his bail has been set at $52,500.
You'll recall ... Weiss posed for a sad mug shot back in August 2018 when he was arrested for public intoxication, also in Northern California. He spent a few hours in the drunk tank and was released but not cited.
As we've reported, Weiss has been stuck in a downward spiral in recent years ... he was busted for petty theft in 2017 before being busted for meth possession days after his release from jail. He checked into a rehab facility after his drunken bust, and then was busted in December 2018 for shoplifting.
Weiss' friends have been trying to get him help ... and it looks like he needs it now more than ever.