A status hearing on Britney Spears' conservatorship never went down this week ... because a group of people who had nothing to do with the case refused to get off the Zoom call so the judge could conduct a confidential hearing.
The plan was routine -- every 3 months or so, the judge calls the parties into court to catch up on developments in the conservatorship. There are reports out there that Britney and/or others were trying to end it. Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... no one has EVER filed a motion nor has there ever been a court proceeding to end the permanent conservatorship in the 12 years it's been in effect.
As for the would-be status hearing this week ... we're told the judge was handling a bunch of non-confidential matters on Zoom, but then the judge "closed" the virtual courtroom by ordering everyone off who was not involved in Britney's case. We're told a group of people from the public got off the call, but then rejoined. The judge was ordering them off, but they refused to leave, so after more than 2 hours the judge pulled the plug and rescheduled the hearing.
We've learned Jody Montgomery, the woman who has been working with Britney for a long time and was appointed temporary conservator of Britney the person last year when Jamie Spears fell ill ... well, she's still the temporary conservator. Jamie is still the conservator of Britney's estate -- meaning her business affairs.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are victims in a home burglary -- crooks hit their Montecito estate ... TMZ has learned.
According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office ... the theft went down on July 4, and cops believe their residence was "targeted due to the victim’s celebrity status."
No word on the value of what was taken but cops say some of the stolen items include high-value jewelry and watches.
The Sheriff's Office says it's working with other law enforcement agencies, as part of an extensive investigation, to see if this incident is connected to other recent celeb home burglaries.
It's unclear at this point if Portia and/or Ellen were home at the time of the break-in.
Ellen purchased the massive 8,188-square-foot, Balinese-style home in early 2019 for a whopping $27 million ... and it's easy to see why it comes with that price tag.
Cops offered up some free advice to other residents in the area -- which includes several celebrity estates -- to avoid social media posts about being on vacation and leaving lights and TV on while away.
Kim Kardashian and Larsa Pippen just aren't as close as they used to be ... and that's what triggered a conscious unfollowing between them.
Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... Kim quietly stopped following Larsa on Instagram at the end of last year when she made a decision to unfollow EVERYONE, and bring her following count down to zero.
We're told Kim felt she needed a fresh start, social media-wise, and wanted to start over by following only accounts of her family and childhood friends -- all to reduce her feed, and keep a clear headspace.
Most folks thought Kim and Larsa were still super close -- until they noticed this week they weren't following each other anymore -- but our sources say the ladies' friendship simply grew apart over time because life got in the way.
We're told there was no drama between Kim and Larsa -- and the rumors floating around LP messed around with Kanye West or Tristan Thompson are not true.
Our sources say Kim is focused on getting Kanye healthy, her 4 young kids, law school and juggling her 3 business. Larsa, meanwhile, says she's focused on her kids, her new fitness line and her "relationships in real life."
Our sources say Kim and Larsa are just in a different place in their lives, and while they're not as close as they used to be, they have no ill will and still stay in touch. Case in point ... we're told Larsa recently visited Kim in Los Angeles.
President Trump made a surprising about-face ... canceling the Jacksonville portion of the GOP convention after weeks of insisting he was moving forward with it.
The announcement came Thursday during a White House coronavirus briefing ... with Trump saying the drastic coronavirus spike in Florida forced his hand to pump the brakes on the convention.
Trump -- who just a few days ago said wearing a mask is patriotic but mostly still refuses to wear one in public -- claimed "there's nothing more important in our country than keeping our people safe." He added, "I looked at my team and I said the timing for this event is not right. It's just not right. To have a big convention, it's not the right time."
The GOP convention was initially slated for Charlotte, North Carolina but Trump moved it to Jacksonville after North Carolina officials shut it down citing COVID restriction guidelines limiting large gatherings. The formal nominating process with delegates is still scheduled to take place in Charlotte.
But, the large conventions are a thing of the past, at least this time around. Trump said he'll still give an acceptance speech ... probably in a tele-rally.
Side note ... if it's too dangerous to hold the convention in Florida next month, how's it safe to open schools next month?
12:40 PM PT -- We just got AOC on Capitol Hill and she told our photog she feels good about what happened on the House floor because she was able to stand up against what she sees as a misogynistic culture in Congress, in the GOP and in the world.
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AOC says colleagues from both sides of the aisle are giving her their support, but she wants Republicans to go one step further and share their message not just with her, but with the women in their lives and around the globe to set an example.
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The congresswoman says the incident is proof there remains an enormous culture of objectifying and demeaning women, particularly minorities, and tells us what Yoho did is no coincidence.
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It's a pretty powerful clip ... AOC's sending a strong message to folks out there, and tells us why Yoho messed with the wrong woman.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez just ripped into a colleague who allegedly called her a "f***ing b*tch" after a heated debate over a crime bill, saying she is someone's daughter and by not squarely apologizing, he is not a decent man.
AOC took to the House floor Thursday with an impassioned speech on the impact the words of Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Florida) had on her, her family and other women.
The congresswoman choked up when she said she's glad her dad, who is not alive, did not hear Yoho's comments. But, she says, her mom did, and what Yoho said cuts to the core.
Yoho offered an apology -- of sorts -- Wednesday, saying he regretted "the abrupt manner of the conversation," but never apologized for the words attributed to him by others. He had earlier denied saying it, but some people on the floor say they heard it, loud and clear.
AOC offered this ... everyone says things they regret from time to time, but when the words go beyond decency, a decent person apologizes, and Yoho did not.
Drake's plans over the last several days of his not-so-quarantined life have been consistent -- ball, beach and boat ... and it looks to be working out wonderfully.
As he slides into his second week of vacation with his entourage down in Barbados ... the rapper and friends were living it up Wednesday onboard a yacht off Nikki Beach.
Drake's summer bod's on full display, and he took a leap off the watercraft to cool off ... before chilling even more.
As we've reported ... Drizzy's been taking a break on the island since last week, when he was first spotted playing hoops and meeting with local fans, and was later seen shirtless on the beach with his buds.
We can't all quarantine with our friends in Barbados ... but it's a good life if you can get it.
Marlon Wayans is remembering his late mother on what would have been her 82nd birthday, and revealing the Wayans family matriarch, Elvira, has died.
We're told Elvira passed away a couple weeks ago, but Marlon waited until her birthday to share the somber news. He posted a touching tribute to his mother Thursday, on what is usually a very special day for them ... they share a birthday, and Marlon says it's hard to celebrate another year knowing his mom is gone forever.
The comedian wrote ... "Losing you shattered me into 1000 pieces. I'm putting my life back together piece by piece. You will always be my glue. Miss you. Today I celebrate for the both of. In the midst of this hurt... i just love you ma."
Marlon adds ... "i accomplished so much, made you so proud... but now i got angel to lift me. #loveofmylife #bdaygotl s*** ma, i gave you all my bdays... wth do i do now 😂 millions of weetahs sugtas and homies #myfirstmylastmyeverything rest well."
Damien Wayans also commented on his uncle's post ... "1,000,000 weetahs Indeed!"
Let's face it, Hollywood owes Elvira a debt of gratitude ... the woman brought 10 Wayans children into the world, giving birth to one of the biggest and most successful families in show biz.
Elvira's kids -- Keenan, Damon, Shawn, Marlon, Dwayne, Kim, Nadia, Elvira, Diedre and Vonnie -- have written, directed, produced and starred in countless movies and TV series, including "The Wayans Bros.," often working together on their content.
Kim Kardashian and Meek Mill's prison reform chat -- along with philanthropist Clara Wu Tsai -- looks like it was exactly that, plus some grub ... based on a photo of the meeting that really upset Kanye West.
Here's the photographic proof ... Kim and Meek really did have a meeting on prison reform in 2018 at the Waldorf Astoria restaurant in L.A.
Kanye tweeted Tuesday he didn't believe the meeting was legit and insinuated Kim was there to hook up with Meek. The photo makes it clear ... this was a meeting, and nothing more.
What's unclear is Kanye saying he's been trying to divorce Kim ever since. Remember, during his off-the-rails campaign rally in South Carolina Sunday ... he raised the issue of divorce several times.
Of course, the photo just backs what we already knew and what Meek himself stated on Twitter when he wrote about Kanye's allegations ... "Sh** is cappp cmon ....." In other words ... it's all BS.
We broke the story ... friends and family are deeply upset and concerned about Kanye because they believe he's in the grips of a bipolar episode.
Kim broke her silence earlier this week by publicly acknowledging he's in the middle of a serious mental health issue, describing how "incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand" ... but also voiced her continued support of her husband.
Jeffrey Epstein's infamous compound where he sexually assaulted many of his young victims is now on the market ... if anyone actually wants it, at any price.
The late, disgraced financier and convicted sex offender's Palm Beach crib is up for sale at a whopping $21,995,000. The mansion, of course, is heavily featured in the Netflix docuseries, "Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich" ... but not in a good way.
The 6-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom house sits on just a tad over 8,000 square feet. The compound -- which is about a mile away from President Trump's Mar-a-Lago club -- has waterfront views in the prestigious Estate Section on El Brillo Way. The Tarpon and Everglade islands are part of the westerly views.
All that sounds great, if this were a normal real estate listing, but this one comes with a massive dark cloud.
Remember, this is the house where Epstein recruited girls for the sole purpose of sexually assaulting them. He initially pled guilty in 2007 to state prostitution charges, and though he was sentenced to 13 months in jail, critics say he got off easy considering the trove of evidence found at the Palm Beach compound.
That being said ... Corcoran Group's Kerry Warwick, who has the listing, says she doesn't think Epstein's crimes will affect the price. She told The Real Deal, "I believe the past ownership of the property will bear no relationship to its future. The location and what can be done with it is really what matters."
Translation: It's a $22 mil teardown?
As we reported ... the house was recently vandalized when someone painted "Gone but not forgiven" in bold red letters on the front gate. Epstein faced federal charges for sex trafficking when he committed suicide inside his Manhattan jail cell.
On the same day the Palm Beach crib hit the market, Epstein's massive Manhattan townhouse also hit the market for $88 million. Other properties -- including Epstein's ranch in New Mexico, apartment in Paris and even his private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands -- are also reportedly expected to hit the market soon.
A rep told The Real Deal that proceeds from sales of the properties will be subject to claims against Epstein's estate, including those from the alleged victims.
12:46 PM PT -- Mike Tyson has already emerged as a big betting favorite, according to BetOnline.ag.
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The massive sports gambling site tells us ... Tyson is opening up as the -350 favorite -- which means gamblers would need to bet $350 on Tyson to win a $100 profit.
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Roy is the +275 underdog -- which means a $100 bet pays $275.
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11:25 AM PT -- As if this fight couldn't get any crazier ... we now have an undercard -- ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and YouTuber/boxer Jake Paul!!!
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Remember, we spoke with Nate back in May, who called out the social media millionaire, saying, "I'm putting my everything on the line for (Jake). Let's get it done. It's that simple."
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Robinson released a statement to The Athletic's Shams Charania about the fight getting done, saying, "I wanted to show that I'm a world class athlete, I played college football, played in the NBA for 11 years, and I'm excited for this venture into the sport of Boxing. Jake Paul, I want all the smoke.
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Paul added ... "Make no mistake, on September 12th, Nate will meet the canvas early."
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10:36 AM PT -- We just spoke with Mike Tyson and asked him the question everyone wants to know - is this a real-deal fight or more of a goofy, fun show?
Tyson insists he will be going FULL FORCE -- telling "TMZ Live," "Anybody who knows me, I don't know how to [take my foot off the gas]. I just know one way of fighting and that's just what it is."
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In other words, Tyson says it's a REAL FIGHT.
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Tyson also insists he's not doing the fight to get rich -- his cut is all going to charity because he's dedicated his life to helping people.
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The boxing legend admits he's been through hell with cocaine, booze and weight issues -- and is now a completely different person, focused on health and philanthropy.
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We also spoke with Roy Jones Jr. who's very excited for the fight -- telling us he's been ready for this for years!
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Roy knows Tyson will be head-hunting from the opening bell -- but insists he's got a HUGE conditioning advantage over Mike.
The 54-year-old boxing legend has been training his ass off to get back in the ring ... and now, we've learned his first opponent is one of the greatest fighters EVER!
"Iron" Mike will take on Roy Jones Jr. on Sept. 12 in an 8-round exhibition being called Frontline Battle -- available on Pay-per-view and on the social media platform, Triller.
We're told the fight will take place in California -- and will be sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission.
The event will include an undercard and live musical performances from top artists -- and since Triller is backed by big stars like Snoop, Lil Wayne, Future, The Weeknd, Pitbull, Marshmello and more -- the entertainment should be pretty solid!
FYI, Triller is a rapidly growing social media platform that's gunning to take over the TikTok crowd -- and while it's previously focused on music (including partnerships with major labels) it's now making a concentrated foray into live events including sports.
Tyson has been talking about a comeback for months and got some massive offers -- so, we're guessing Triller shelled out some big bucks to land the rights to his first comeback fight.
There's more ... we've also learned Triller locked up the rights to a 10-part docuseries featuring Mike and Roy preparing for their fight ... with 2 episodes dropping every week until fight night, streaming on the platform.
As for the combatants, RJJ is 51 -- and held titles in 4 different weight classes ... middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.
Roy most recently fought in Feb. 2018 -- but he's been training constantly and feels he can compete with Tyson.
Of course, Tyson hasn't had a pro fight since June 2005 ... and battled substance abuse and weight issues after he stepped away.
But now, Tyson says he's made health and fitness a priority again -- and wants to get back into the ring to help raise money for charity.
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Tyson had previously told us his sights were set on Evander Holyfield in a comeback fight ... and we're told that's still a possibility down the road -- but first up is Roy.
Snoop Dogg and DMX brought some much-needed 1990s nostalgia to the horror show that is 2020 with a couple hours worth of sick rap battles that became an instant classic.
The rappers went head-to-head Wednesday night in the latest Verzuz battle that drew a whopping 500,000 viewers on Instagram Live. If ya forgot what Verzuz is here's a refresher ... Swizz Beatz and Timbaland created the music battle show, originally on IG Live, that's drawn millions upon millions of fans and strong interest from Hollywood execs.
Back to Snoop and X ... the rappers complemented each other as they spit some of their most iconic tracks, like when DMX hopped on and joined Snoop for "Ain't No Fun." Snoop also got down with "Drop It Like It's Hot" and "Gin and Juice" while DMX spit "Where My Dogs At" and "X Gon' Give It To Ya," which brought Snoop out of his seat.
They also, quite literally, complimented each other. Snoop -- donning some kid PJs -- told DMX, "New York has always been the Mecca of rap to us in the West Coast." This prompted DMX to respond, "Something I love about you, Snoop, is we can always count on you to kick some gangsta s**t."
8:43 AM PT -- Brian's not letting his breakup keep him down in the dumps ... instead he's spending some quality time with his kids.
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BAG spent his Wednesday afternoon on the beaches of Malibu, playing in the sand with his children. Seems he's taking Tina's message to heart, and focusing on himself and his fam.
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Check out the gallery ... unconditional love.
Brian Austin Green's first legit post-Megan Fox rebound is over and done ... we've learned he's split from Australian Maxim model Tina Louise.
Sources close to Tina tell TMZ ... the short-lived relationship officially ended this week, when she broke things off with the '90210' star.
Several factors spelled doom for the former couple ... we're told Tina was getting a lot of social media hate from Megan and BAG fans. Sources say the bullying was disheartening and really affected her and definitely played a part in the breakup.
The timing wasn't right for Brian and Tina either ... we're told she realized he doesn't want to settle down after separating from his wife, and Tina's looking for something more serious.
As we reported ... Brian and Tina started seeing each other last month, with a Taco Tuesday lunch date helping him try and move on from Megan.
Our sources say Brian had Tina over at his home and introduced her to his best friends, but things just didn't work out.
We're told Tina still thinks BAG's a great guy going through a tough time who needs to focus on himself ... and while they're still friendly, they're taking a huge step back.
Demi Lovato said "yes" to her boyfriend's romantic beach proposal, and she's gushing that she's finally found a "partner."
The "I Love Me" singer's BF, actor Max Ehrich, is now her fiance ... about 4 months after we all found out they were dating. Max popped the question on the sand in Malibu, and he came well-prepared ... with some major bling for her finger.
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Seriously ... look at the rock.
Demi shared the big news late Wednesday night, saying ... "When I was a little girl, my birth dad always called me his 'little partner' -- something that might've sounded strange without his southern cowboy like accent. To me it made perfect sense. And today that word makes perfect sense again but today I'm officially going to be someone else's partner."
She says of Max -- "I knew I loved you the moment I met you," and adds ... "I’m ecstatic to start a family and life with you. I love you forever my baby. My partner. Here’s to our future!!!!"
Max dropped some poetry of his own, saying ... "You are every love song, every film, every lyric, every poem, everything I could ever dream of and then some in a partner in life. Words cannot express how infinitely in love with you I am forever and always and then some."
After the engagement ... the 2 hit up Nobu for a celebratory dinner.
Demi and Max started dating in March, right before stay-at-home orders went into effect for the coronavirus pandemic, and were spotted out a few times in masks grocery shopping.
They also had an isolated getaway last month in one of America's coolest vacation homes -- the "invisible house." It seems quarantining together has proven their relationship is the real deal.
Somebody get Liam Neeson ... 'cause it's time to release the Kraken!!!
Seattle's new NHL team just revealed it's new name and look on Thursday ... officially going with the legendary sea monster.
FYI, a "kraken" is like a giant, angry octopus.
Other options were thrown around -- including the Sockeyes -- but the org. says it listened to the fans and gave them what they wanted.
"215,000 fan votes, 50+ fan forums & speaking engagements and over 12 months of social media listening have supported this phenomenon," the team said on the site.
The Kraken name pays homage to the city ... "Our maritime city with a proud history of adventure is deserving of a hockey club as untamed as the sea herself. The Kraken represents the fiercest beast in all the world," the team says.
It's also fitting because the largest octopus on planet Earth allegedly lives in nearby Puget Sound!!!
The Kraken also showed off its new threads ... and we gotta say, they look sharp.
The team's official colors are 4(!!) different shades of blue -- deep sea blue, ice blue, boundless blue and shadow blue -- and red alert.
Seattle has a rich history in hockey -- the Metropolitans were the first American team to win the Stanley Cup as part of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association ... but they folded way back in 1924.
The Kraken will be the first Seattle-based team in the NHL ... and fans are stoked to welcome in the new squad.
Give her pizza or give her death! This no mask-wearing "Karen" blasted the staff at a Papa Murphy's pizza joint for refusing her service, insisting the founding fathers would back her up.
Of course they wouldn't, but that didn't stop her from throwing a fit at the pizza shop in Kennewick, WA when she was told, earlier this week, to get out because she didn't have a face covering.
This "Karen" believes -- as so many others do for some reason -- that the law is on her side. So, she spews a bunch of BS about how it's her right to go maskless due to the "American Disability Act" ... something that's just blatantly false.
She took it a step further by claiming she's hard of hearing, adding ... "I have a right to speak my mind, and I have a right to see your lips." So not only is she maskless, but she wants the workers to remove their masks too!
Fortunately, the cashier was steadfast in refusing service, as the woman continued to spout off make-believe rights ... including a Constitutional right to pizza.
"Karen" finally retreated when an employee offered to bring the pizza out to her truck -- and, naturally, her husband was out there offering free First Amendment lessons.
"Keeping Up with the Kardashians" is NOT documenting any of Kanye West's current bipolar episode -- and the order came down from Kim herself ... TMZ has learned.
Production sources tell us ... as soon as Kanye went off the rails, Kim made the decision none of it would be used as a storyline on the show. We're told the series had just recently started shooting again after a lengthy hiatus because of COVID.
Our sources say Kim takes her husband's mental health very seriously and doesn't want it exploited for ratings or good TV drama -- some things are off the table, and this is one of them. That policy extends to her kids too ... we're told production was told not to profile any of them during this ordeal because she wants them to avoid seeing it down the road.
With that said, we're told she and other family members are still filming ... but they're simply following other storylines right now. We're told they were out in Malibu Wednesday shooting for the show.
Here's another thing ... our Kardashian sources tell us online speculation about Ye going seemingly berserk just for publicity for his new album is completely bogus. We're told NOTHING he's doing right now is for attention -- it's all too real.