'Tiger King' Star Jeff Lowe Carole's Getting Ghosts with Zoo ... Indian Burial Ground?!?
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Carole Baskin is getting more than she bargained for now that she's won control of Joe Exotic's old zoo -- Jeff Lowe says it's got at least one skeleton in the closet!!! Like, for real.
Jeff and his wife, Lauren, told us Carole's court victory is a little hollow for her, because she won't inherit any of the exotic animals you saw in the 'Tiger King' series -- they're all going to Jeff's new zoo. She's essentially getting a giant dirt lot, with some bamboo shoots, in Wynnewood, OK.
Jeff says the only bonus for Baskin is the remains of a young Native American boy buried on the property, as if Carole hasn't heard enough buzz about buried bodies.
As we reported, Carole won a $1 million judgment against Joe and his mother way back when, but Baskin never got the bread. Now, the judge says Joe's transfer of the zoo land to his mom and Jeff was fraudulent, so the judge granted Carole control of the land to help satisfy the outstanding $1 mil.
Jeff and Lauren aren't ticked about the decision at all. They told us why Carole actually deserves the land, in their opinion.
Now, back to the human remains -- Jeff hinted there's more than one skeleton on the land that used to belong to a Native American tribe. You gotta see what happened when we pressed him for more -- turns out the Lowes have a reality show in the works.
As for what it'll be about ... check out Wednesday's "TMZ Live" (showtimes). We can tease just as well as Lauren and Jeff!
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Actor Fred Willard Cause of Death ... Cardiac Arrest
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Fred Willard died from a heart attack ... according to his death certificate.
According to the doc, obtained by TMZ, the veteran comedic actor's immediate cause of death is a cardiac arrest. The underlying causes are listed as myelodysplastic syndrome and coronary artery disease.
We broke the story ... Fred died May 15, and his daughter Hope told us her father passed away peacefully and made his family "happy until the very end." The doc says he died at his home at 6:45 PM.
The death certificate also notes Fred was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces and had 60 years in the entertainment biz, and it says he was laid to rest at the famous Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
As we reported, at the time of his death, Fred's family said ... "He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end. We loved him so very much. We will miss him forever."
Fred was famous for his role as Ron Burgundy's news director in the 'Anchorman' movies and he starred in countless cult comedies throughout his career, including ... "American Wedding," "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle," "How High," "The Wedding Planner," "WALL-E," "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" and on and on.
He was 86.
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Henry Cejudo Serious Talks To Fight Ryan Garcia ... In Saudi Arabia
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Henry Cejudo is DEAD SERIOUS about boxing Ryan Garcia ... and says there's already been talk about money and a location for the scrap.
TMZ Sports talked to 33-year-old Cejudo -- fresh off his UFC retirement -- and Triple C made it clear his ongoing beef with 21-year-old Garcia ain't just for the Gram ... he legit wants to box the undefeated pugilist.
"I really don't think [Ryan Garcia's] that good. I really don't, and I think with a proper team, the right game plan, I believe I can make him bend the knee in front of Oscar De La Hoya," Cejudo tells us.
"I feel like I have the tools, the power, the strength, the experience and we wanna make this happen."
But, this ain't just a pipe dream ... Cejudo says his team has already been in talks with promoters, and the cash and location are there to make this super fight a reality.
Henry says the fight could go down in Saudi Arabia ... adding, "We got the money guy that's willing to pay both of us. It's just up to little Ryan candy Garcia to sign that contract."
FYI -- Saudi Arabia is becoming a big player in the boxing world ... and even hosted 2019's blockbuster rematch, Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz II.
The trash talk didn't stop there ... Henry also sent a message to King Ry.
"Ryan Garcia, you absolutely make me sick man. I would make you bend the knee so quick, you have no idea. You can throw about 100 punches, but it only takes one of mine to make you bend the knee, so sign the contract baby!"
Remember, Garcia recently told us he too is serious about boxing Cejudo ... and is even interested in an MMA bout with the future Hall of Famer.
Sooooo, let's do this??
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Anya Jenkins On 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' 'Memba Her?!
San Diego native Emma Caulfield (real name Emma Chukker) was only 25 years old when she landed the role of the vengeance demon turned high school student Anya Jenkins -- who sets out to retrieve her powers again in Sunnydale, California -- on the '90s supernatural show, "Buffy The Vampire Slayer."
Emma Caulfield was cast alongside some slaying stars including Alyson Hannigan as the book-smart BFF, Willow Rosenberg ... and of course, Sarah Michelle Gellar as the stab-happy slayer, Buffy Summers.
Caulfield can be spotted more recently on shows like "Fantasy Hospital" and "Once Upon A Time."
More 'Memba Thems!
George Floyd Daughter's Mother Gets Emotional ... He Won't Get to Walk Gianna Down the Aisle!!!
The mother of George Floyd's daughter is coming to grips with the fact he's going to miss every milestone in their child's life ... and it's heart wrenching to see.
Roxie Washington had tears streaming down her face Tuesday as she stood alongside 6-year-old Gianna at Minneapolis City Hall. Through her sobs, Roxie hammered home the point ... Gianna's father was taken away from her abruptly and brutally.
Referring to Derek Chauvin, and the 3 other ex-cops as yet uncharged ... Roxie said they all get to go home and be with their families, but Gianna will never again go home to her father.
5/25/20
Roxie really broke down when she talked about George never getting to see Gianna grow up, graduate and walk down a wedding aisle.
You can see, feel and hear how the loss is taking a toll on George's loved ones ... and Roxie is still wondering why some of the others have not been arrested and charged.
You'll recall, George's younger brother, Terrence, was in Minneapolis Monday, calling for peace and an end to the riots and looting -- and earlier today, hundreds of Houstonians rallied for George who was from there.
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George Floyd Death Celebs Join Protests In L.A. ... Support #BLM
Hollywood is showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement ... with tons of huge celebs taking to the streets of Los Angeles to protest in the wake of George Floyd's death.
Machine Gun Kelly carried a sign that read, "Stop Arresting Protesters! Arrest Killer Cops!!" as he marched alongside Travis Barker, who had his own sign saying, "NO JUSTICE NO PEACE."
Logan Paul reunited with his ex, Josie Canseco, for the protest through Hollywood ... and Halsey walked alongside her ex, Yungblud, for their second L.A. protest together. As you can see, Logan busted out a "BLACK LIVES MATTER" sign.
Other celebs joining the massive protest included ... Emily Ratajkowski and her husband, Sebastian McClard, plus Mod Sun, Cara Santana, DeRay Davis and Tinashe.
Ana de Armas & Ben Affleck attend a protest for the #BlackLivesMatter movement in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/CnI1g7gIv6
— Ana de Armas Updates (@ArmasUpdates) June 2, 2020 @ArmasUpdates
Ben Affleck and girlfriend Ana De Armas also joined the protest ranks ... with Ben carrying signs in support of #BLM and a Baptist church in Venice.
Check out the gallery ... and see the outpouring of support for Floyd and BLM.
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George Floyd Hometown of Houston Protests ... Bun B Leads the Way
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George Floyd's hometown is honoring him, and joining the national cries for justice by staging a large, peaceful march rally and March on the streets of Houston.
H-town rappers Bun B and Trae tha Truth joined throngs of people flooding Downtown Houston Tuesday for a march that ended at City Hall. George spent most of his life in Houston and still has family there. He hailed from the Third Ward and was an active member of the rap scene there.
Ben Crump, attorney for Floyd's family, announced earlier Tuesday the first memorial service will be Thursday from 1 to 3 PM in Minneapolis with another one scheduled in North Carolina Saturday at 3 PM.
Later, there will be a public viewing in Houston from 12 to 6 PM before he's buried there. Presidential candidate Joe Biden's expected to attend the funeral.
Bun B shortly before the #GeorgeFloyd March pic.twitter.com/KHjs1hxNIF
— Emma Whalen (@_emma_whalen) June 2, 2020 @_emma_whalen
Bun B told a local reporter he was marching because George "was a human being and wasn't treated like one." Former classmates of Floyd from nearby Jack Yates HS also held a vigil over the weekend. People attending the vigil wore school colors and shirts that read, "I can't breathe."
Tuesday's protests also included an urban trail riding club dubbed Nonstop Riders. A reporter there got video of them showing up to the protest and they were met with boisterous applause. One of the riders said, “We’re here representing for all our black brothers and sisters.”
Cheers rose up from the crowd as these dudes rolled up. Clip-clip-clip-clop. pic.twitter.com/x1h8UpmyQy
— Mike Hixenbaugh (@Mike_Hixenbaugh) June 2, 2020 @Mike_Hixenbaugh
The protests in Houston come in the wake of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announcing the launch of a civil rights investigation ... which will not only look at the 4 officers involved in Floyd's fatal arrest, but also examine the department's behavior, in general, over the last decade.
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Trump Hotel Vegas Ex-Employee Sues ... And the Lord Said, No Sunday Shifts!!!
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A housekeeping employee who used to work for the Trump Hotel in Vegas claims she was kept out of church (and on the clock) for years, despite being a devout Christian ... now, she's suing.
The woman's name is Sonia Torres, and according to a lawsuit she just filed against her former bosses in Sin City ... she'd been working in the hotel's housekeeping division without issue for years. That's until a new housekeeping regime came in, and allegedly screwed up her Sunday appointments with God by switching up her schedule.
In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Torres claims she was hired in 2010 with an explicit understanding she would not work Sundays, so she could observe her faith. Torres says management, at the time, said no problemo ... and hired her.
Fast-forward to 2015, and Ms. Torres alleges a new boss started giving her Sundays off to a dude who had less seniority than her. Torres says she complained to her superiors and HR, but nothing changed.
Eventually, she says the issue came to a head, and after talking it out with union reps ... they suggested she go on call for Sundays, but she refused. Torres says she just stopped showing up on Sundays, which got her fired in 2018.
Now, she's suing for religious discrimination and hostile work environment, demanding damages and back pay.
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NYPD Scanner Calls for Violence Against Protesters ... 'Shoot Motherf*****s' Heard, But Who Said It?
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NYPD officers allegedly urged police to shoot and run over protesters -- at least that's what was heard over the citywide police scanner ... but the question now is whether those words came from a cop or someone who stole a radio.
As protesters marched toward the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn, you could hear someone on the scanner calling in to describe the scene before another voice urges cops to, "Shoot those motherf*****s."
Later in the evening, the scanner picked up what sounded like officers saying they were surrounded by protesters near the intersection of Albany and Dean Streets in Crown Heights. A voice on the scanner responds, "Run them over."
Obviously, the scanner broadcasts are beyond alarming IF they really came from police officers. NYPD tells us ... they're aware of the comments and are looking into it.
TMZ independently found the radio transmissions on a website that records police scanners -- so the audio is legit. However, law enforcement sources tell us ... during this latest wave of civil unrest, police radios have gone missing, and there is a possibility the transmissions on the scanner did not originate from police.
“NY’s Finest”. Disgusting. #BlackLivesMatter #riots2020 #JusticeForGeorgeFlyod pic.twitter.com/GP5vcXRlqy
— Marco Francesco (@chieffymac11) May 31, 2020 @chieffymac11
As you know ... NYPD officers have been physically clashing with protesters for days, with an officer appearing to pull a gun on demonstrators, and cops appearing to drive a police car into a crowd of protesters behind a barricade.
Additionally, 2 NYPD officers were injured -- one of them seriously -- Monday night in separate incidents in the Bronx.
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo has also ripped Mayor Bill de Blasio and the NYPD for their response to protests.
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Minneapolis PD Now Investigated for Floyd Death ... And Other Cases
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The Minnesota Department of Human Rights has filed a complaint against the Minneapolis PD in the wake of George Floyd's killing.
Governor Tim Walz announced the launch of the civil rights investigation, which will look into last week's incident involving the 4 officers who arrested Floyd ... in which one of them, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee on George's neck for nearly 9 minutes, and long after he became unresponsive.
All 4 officers have been fired and Chauvin's been arrested and charged with third-degree murder ... but the other ex-cops have not been charged yet.
The investigation will not only focus on the Floyd incident, though. Gov. Walz says it will examine the practices, policies and patterns of the department over the past 10 years to determine if police have engaged in systemic violations of human and civil rights.
The Minneapolis PD has faced allegations of brutality, discrimination and unfair treatment of minorities for years, but clearly ... Floyd's death could be the catalyst to finally do something about it.
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Killer Mike Grassroots Leaders Speak Up ... Here's How We're Battling Racism
12:13 PM PT -- Killer Mike's call with the community leaders and grassroots organizers has wrapped up, and his mission was accomplished ... they had a large platform to inform the public of vital work being done to end racism, and how people can help.
Among the main talking points were the importance of voting out politicians who don't support the cause, supporting black businesses, and striving to end police brutality ... but there was so much more. The speakers also included Gary Davis and Latonya Gates, along with the others below.
Killer Mike's hosting a virtual meeting with grassroots leaders to highlight all the ways they're working to address systemic racism ... and TMZ's live streaming it.
The rapper and activist's media call comes as the U.S. just experienced the 7th straight night of protests and unrest over the brutal killing of George Floyd and the mistreatment of black people in America.
The discussion will include the following grassroots organizers -- Judith Browne Dianis of the Advancement Project National Office, Pastor Michael McBride of Black Church PAC and LIVE FREE gun violence prevention campaign, Nse Ufot of the New Georgia Project, Zakiya Sankara-Jabar of Racial Justice NOW, and Desmond Meade of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
Mike mesmerized the country a few days back -- as violent riots broke out in Atlanta and across the country -- with an impassioned speech at a news conference with Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
He made it clear he empathized with the rage being demonstrated but urged people to work toward a solution without violence ... advising them to "plot, plan, strategize, organize and mobilize."
Mike's call with the grassroots leaders is intended to elevate that message even more. The Zoom call's scheduled to begin at 2 PM ET.
Originally published -- 10:30 AM PT
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Colin Kaepernick The Weeknd Donates $200k To Legal Defense Initiative
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The Weeknd just stepped up BIG for Colin Kaepernick -- shelling out $200,000 to the QB's campaign to cover legal costs for people who get arrested while protesting for George Floyd.
Just last week, Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp launched a "legal defense initiative" aiming to cover legal bills for the "freedom fighters" on the ground in Minnesota.
Kap says he's already put together a team of "top" defense attorneys to help out -- but they also asked for donations from outside supporters.
Well, Weeknd -- real name Abel Tesfaye -- has answered the call with a HUGE donation ... and Team Kap couldn't be happier.
"A HUGE thank you to @theweeknd for donating $200,000 to our Legal Defense Initiative to support Freedom Fighters on the ground!"
"This is amazing."
The donation to Kap's initiative is part of The Weekend's $500k contribution to several Black Lives Matter campaigns ... including the BLM Global Network and National Bail Out.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
"Keep supporting our brothers and sisters out there risking everything to push for actual change for our black lives," Abel said when announcing his donation.
"Urging everyone with big pockets to give and give big and if you have less please give what you can even if it's a small amount."
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George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery Lawyers Urge Nation to 'Take a Breath for Peace' ... Details on Floyd's Funeral Services
9:38 AM PT -- Crump and Merritt just spoke and briefly offered some opinions and updates regarding Floyd and Arbery's cases. Crump talked about both autopsies and compared each one's findings. He also said the Minnesota AG confirmed he'll look at the independent autopsy as part of his case building. What's more ... Crump said, "What [Floyd] needed was a breath. The family's [now] asking for everyone to take a breath for peace, take a break for justice, take a breath to heal our country and take a breath for George."
Crump also offered some details about Floyd's upcoming memorial and funeral services slated to begin Thursday in Minneapolis and culminate with his burial in Houston. Crump said former VP Joe Biden plans to attend.
Merritt announced the three suspects charged with Arbery's murder will have a bond hearing Thursday morning in Georgia. Merritt said it's appalling that a bond hearing will take place, adding, "We don’t think any bond is reasonable for these brutal suspects." He says he's assured the family "we're confident they will not get bond. We believe in the rule of law." Merritt confirmed the family will attend Thursday's hearing.
The attorneys representing the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery are holding a news conference to discuss getting justice in the courts AND the United Nations ... and TMZ's streaming live.
Attorneys Ben Crump and Lee Merritt will speak Tuesday morning -- along with criminal justice advocate and CNN analyst, Van Jones -- in an online forum set up by Team Roc.
We're told Crump and Merritt will take questions from reporters and hit topics including the upcoming bond hearing for Ahmaud's alleged murderers, Minnesota AG Keith Ellison taking on George Floyd's case and the next steps for bringing the 3 cases to the United Nations. Presumably, they want the U.N. to deem all three killings human rights violations.
As we previously reported ... the attorneys held a similar virtual news conference last week and not only touched on Floyd and Arbery's murders, but also discussed the tragic killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville. Merritt also suggested it was time for economic boycotts and sanctions in the communities where these events had unfolded in hopes of conveying their message that racism and police brutality will no longer be tolerated.
The lawyers are also representing Taylor's family and pursuing justice after police killed her in a case of mistaken identity. The virtual news conference begins at 9 AM PT.
Originally published -- 8:41 AM PT
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George Floyd Protests Army Helicopters Used to Disperse Crowds at White House
President Donald Trump has declared war on peaceful protests, doubling down Monday night with military helicopters buzzing a crowd of protesters after soldiers pepper sprayed them and shot them with rubber bullets.
It was a shocking scene ... first, as Trump was delivering his law-and-order speech -- preparing for his bizarre walk across the street from The White House -- the military outside the gates began attacking the crowd. It was violent and swift, and mind it, this was BEFORE the D.C. curfew went into effect.
Trump then walked across the street to St. John's Episcopal Church, which was partially set on fire the night before. He stood there with a bible ... and there's not much doubt why he did it. Trump was reportedly ticked off when reports surfaced he was taken to a bunker for his safety over the weekend.
The bishop of the church is appalled at Trump's stunt, saying it's antithetical to the bible.
As for the military helicopters ... they were flying so low the rotors were kicking up dirt, which made the crowd disperse. This is a tactic usually used by military jets in war zones.
BTW ... as for Trump's claim he can call in the military to cities and states where there's violence. No, he can't. He needs the permission of the governors, and some have already said no thank you.
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NYPD Sergeant Struck by Car and Hurled in Air
An NYPD officer was hit by a car and propelled in the air during disturbances early Tuesday morning in the Bronx.
An unmarked police car was responding to a commercial burglary at around 12:45 AM when cops saw a bunch of people at the location. A sergeant got out of his car and just as he stepped out a black sedan peeled off, striking the Sgt. ... hurling him into the air.
The sergeant -- a 30-year veteran of the NYPD -- was taken to the hospital where he's in serious but stable condition. Cops are looking for the sedan and the occupants.
Also in the Bronx Monday night ... another NYPD officer was beaten by at least 3 different attackers who smashed him in the head with what looks to be a trash can. Unclear what the officer's condition is ... he was able to stand under his own power as his assailants fled the scene.
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LeBron James Rips Social Media Clout Chasers ... Using L.A. Chaos For Content
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"They’ll Do ANYTHING for Clout!! Cardi and Offset tried to tell y’all."
That's LeBron James taking aim at two women who used the chaos in L.A. as photo opportunities ... and yeah, the King is BIG MAD over it all!!
Here's the deal ... rioters and looters wreaked havoc on stores and shops in Santa Monica all day and night Sunday -- and on Monday, two women showed up to take pics with the rubble.
While citizens aided in the rebuilding effort ... one woman faked the use of a power tool on storefront plywood and then bolted off.
This lady stopped someone boarding up a store in Santa Monica so she could hold the drill for a picture, then drove away. Please don’t do this. #santamonicaprotest #BlackLivesMatter #BlackLivesMatterLA pic.twitter.com/lgt2rZogk9
— ewu (@ewufortheloss) June 1, 2020 @ewufortheloss
"This lady stopped someone boarding up a store in Santa Monica so she could hold the drill for a picture, then drove away," one witness said of the scene. "Please don’t do this."
Another woman posed in front of a store that had been ransacked just hours earlier ... with a witness there saying, "This girl is making her boyfriend take a picture of her in front of a smashed T-Mobile. Oh my God!"
White women continue to disappoint. These protesters are not a content opportunity for you. This is in Santa Monica. pic.twitter.com/4Q357tTvXN
— Nicole Baio (@nicolebaio) June 1, 2020 @nicolebaio
Both scenes were blasted HARD on social media ... with LeBron calling them out as clout chasers -- and P!nk lashing out at the fake power drill woman as well.
"What is wrong with these entitled a**holes?!" the "What About Us" singer said. "Who the f*ck are you and who are your parents you horrible person. How can anyone defend this???!!!"
For their part, the alleged women in both videos have yet to go public explaining their sides of the story.