Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

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Donald Trump's gonna have a hard time convincing anyone, including a jury, he didn't know his election scheme was illegal, and the overturning of Roe vs. Wade will have enormous consequences. So, we gotta ask ...

Shaq DJs In Buffalo ... Donates $50K From Appearance To Shooting Victims

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Shaq's generosity knows no limits -- the NBA legend is donating the $50,000 he was set to make from a DJ'ing gig in Buffalo to the family of one of the shooting victims.

"DJ Diesel" has been making his rounds on tour ... and was naturally reticent about continuing on with his scheduled show in Buffalo in the aftermath of the mass shooting that took place last month, sources tell TMZ Sports.

But, the Hall of Famer and 4X-NBA champ decided to still do the show ... knowing how much the event meant to those who attended.

Before Shaq got busy on the ones-and-twos ... he met with the widow and son of Aaron Salter Jr., the retired police officer who was shot and killed while heroically trying to stop the gunman inside Tops supermarket in Buffalo from killing more innocent people.

We're told ... not only did The Big Aristotle have some one-on-one time with members of the Salter family, but he also agreed to give the money he was going to make to them in wake of the heinous tragedy.

The lives of many in the Buffalo community were altered and affected ... when an armed gunman senselessly executed at least 10 people in a vile hate crime.

We've seen countless people step up -- like the Buffalo Bills org. led by star quarterback Josh Allen -- in the city's time of need ... and Shaq, who's no stranger to charitable deeds, is the latest example.

Back in December, O'Neal raised $2 million in charity for his "Shaquille O'Neal Foundation" -- which provides resources and opportunities to the youth in this country without access to either -- by selling unique NFTs of himself.

Way to go, Shaq!!

'Buckhead Shore' Cops Bust Cast Premiere Party!!!

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The cast of the new MTV series, "Buckhead Shore" is already getting too buck wild ... at least according to the cops who shut down their premiere party.

Sources close tell TMZ ... the cast threw a viewing party Thursday night in Buckhead, so they could watch the premiere with all their friends. That all came to a screeching halt once police got a bunch of noise complaints about the event.

Officers responded around 11:30 PM, and we're told they found a loud party in full swing ... with cars lining both sides of the street and blocking traffic.

Once police told the folks inside about the pissed-off neighbors and parking problems, they shut down the party -- and no one from the cast played the ol' "don't you know who I am" card. Sure sign it's a new show.

The guests removed their vehicles, without incident, and cops didn't have to ticket anyone.

This was not an MTV-sponsored gathering, and we're told the cast was not filming for the show, at the time. Instead, they had hired their own videographer to get behind-the-scenes footage ... just for fun.

June 2022 Hot Shots No Cooling Down Here!

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The hot-meter went from 0 to 100 real quick this month, because celebs were sharing some red-hot selfies left and right ... ensuring you start sweating from head to toe.

Following Megan Thee Stallion's lead and going from hot to real hot, Kylie Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski definitely up'd the degrees! Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa and Camila Cabello also subscribed to delivering a sexy shot, leaving you little to no room for catching your breath or cooling down.

Grab a cold washcloth, dab your forehead and ponder through our gallery of celebs setting the bar real high with their sexy hot shots!

'RHOC' Star Noella Bergener No Co-Parenting with My Ex ... I'm Out Here Grinding On My Own!!!

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The beef's still hot between Noella Bergener and her ex-husband, James, 'cause she says they're not on speaking terms, nor are they "in a great co-parenting place" ... but she's not losing any sleep over the situation.

We caught up with "The Real Housewives of Orange County" star in NYC outside the Baccarat Hotel where she told us things are anything but amicable right now. She sounds hopeful things might change in the future, but for now, she's moving forward professionally and romantically.

Noella's partnering with Seeking -- she was walking into an event for the dating site --  and hoping her own experience inspires other women and men. She says she's single and mingling, but not just looking for fun -- she's actually down to marry again if she finds a Mr. Right.

BTW, she met James on Seeking back in 2015. Interesting, that she's not gun shy even after their split.

We broke the story, James Bergener -- a personal injury attorney known in SoCal as "Sweet James" -- filed for divorce in August 2021. The couple dated for 5 years and were married for one.

The newest member of "RHOC" joined the Bravo show last year, and it sounds like she's anxious to be a current wife again, instead of an ex! 😉

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

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In the words of Ashlee Simpson herself, 'Love Makes The World Go Round' ... and so does solving a mystery in the streets of London. When it comes to power couple Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross, do you have the capability to find the differences in the two images?

The hand-in-hand duo recently hit the streets of Mayfair, London -- looking suave and fashion-forward. Stepping aside from the fashion, you may have to scale the buildings of the upscale town, in order to source the differences in these two shots.

**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross photos!*

Gabby Petito First Look From Movie Set ... Heated Scene With Brian

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FILMING THE TRUE STORY

The upcoming movie on the Gabby Petito murder looks super intense ... judging by the scenes being filmed right now, including a heated argument between Gabby and Brian Laundrie.

Lifetime's "The Gabby Petito Story" is shooting scenes just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. This scene, shot Thursday, shows Gabby and Brian's characters squaring off in a screaming match at a campground before Brian storms off in the infamous white van.

It's clearly an emotional scene, with Brian hurling expletives over Gabby being on her phone ... and the actor playing Brian looks like a dead ringer for Gabby's fiancé and murderer.

The timing is eerie ... as we reported, Brian's notebook was just made public ... and he confesses to murdering Gabby and reveals his handwritten excuse as to why he killed her.

In his 8-page confession, Brian admits to taking Gabby's life ... but claims he killed her out of compassion ... after she allegedly suffered an injury while they were on a hike in Wyoming.

As for the Lifetime movie, production will continue in Utah ... and it's set to premiere later this year.

Stay tuned ...

Lizzo & Live Nation $1M to Planned Parenthood ... Response to Roe Overturn

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Lizzo isn’t on board with SCOTUS reversing Roe v. Wade and opening the door for states to ban abortions ... so, the “Grrls” rapper put her money -- a lot of it -- where her emotions are.

In a passionate round of tweets, Lizzo revealed she’s taking $500,000 of her upcoming Special Tour money and donating it to Planned Parenthood.

Tour promoter Live Nation will also match that amount, making for a $1 million donation.

As you know by now ... on Friday, the Supreme Court overturned the 50-year-old Roe v. Wade decision, sparking a wave of protests all across the United States.

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Lizzo’s Special Tour, which counts Latto as its opener, kicks off in September and will undeniably be a pro-choice affair.

Megan Rapinoe Emotional Over Roe V. Wade Reversal It's Dangerous For Women!!!

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1:55 PM PT -- Soccer legend Megan Rapinoe gave a powerful speech about the reversal while meeting with media before the USWNT's match against Colombia ... saying the decision will NOT stop women from having abortions -- it just diminishes their chances at a safe procedure.

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"It will completely exacerbate so many of the existing inequalities that we have in our country," Rapinoe said. "It doesn't keep not one single person safer. It doesn't keep not one single child safer, certainly, and it does not keep one single inclusive term, woman safer."

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"We know that this will disproportionality affect poor women, black women, brown women, immigrants, women in abusive relationships, women who have been raped," Rapinoe added.

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"I would encourage people to understand all of the different aspects that overturning Roe v. Wade will have on so many -- actually, on everyone in the entire country."

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The whole video is moving ... check it out.

NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen says the United States just lost decades of progress in women's rights ... going scorched earth on the Supreme Court for overturning Roe v. Wade on Friday.

The sharp-shooter echoed the statement former First Lady Michelle Obama released shortly after the decision was announced ... saying he, too, is heartbroken over the reversal.

"I just don't understand why a group of people will say that they don't want bigger government, but then want a law passed that gives the government the ability to tell a woman what she can do with her own body," Allen said minutes ago.

"That very same group fought against healthcare for everyone. So, you care about the fetus in the womb but once it's born-no f***s are given!🖕🏾"

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SUPREME PROTESTS

"We have now crossed a threshold in this country where guns are more protected than a woman’s rights are. 😥😤."

Allen's comment comes on the heels of two mass shootings -- in Buffalo and Uvalde -- which have led to many throughout the country calling for stricter gun laws.

Allen says the solution is easy -- if you want to get an abortion, get one ... and if you're against it, don't get one.

Instead, the 46-year-old says the country is moving backward ... and the fight for women's rights must go on.

Originally Published -- 12:00 PM PT

Brian Laundrie Gabby Petito Murder Confession Revealed ... Claimed it Was Mercy Killing

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Brian Laundrie's notebook confession to murdering Gabby Petito is now public for the first time ... revealing his handwritten excuse for why he took her life.

In the 8-page confession, first obtained by Fox News, Laundrie admits killing her, but claims he only did it after Gabby sustained an injury while they were hiking in Wyoming.

He thought what he was doing was "merciful, that it is what she wanted, but I see now all the mistakes I made. I panicked. I was in shock."

Laundrie also seemed to be ready to take his own life at the point of writing his confession ... saying "From the moment I decided, took away her pain, I knew I couldn't go on without her."

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K-9 ON THE CASE

As you know, the notebook was picked up with the rest of his bag in Florida's Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park by FBI agents back in October when the hunt for him was in full swing.

The pages suffered some significant damage, although his writings remained legible -- it had been underwater for roughly 5 weeks.

Brian wrote about wishing things won't remain difficult for his family ... saying "They lost a son and a daughter. The most wonderful girl in the world. Gabby I'm sorry."

'Black Ink Crew' Ceaser Claims Dog Abuse Video Was a 'Setup' ... I'm Being Portrayed Poorly

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"Black Ink Crew" star Ceaser Emanuel wants to set the record straight about the viral video of him abusing his dog, and he's claiming someone set him up.

Ceaser was out in NYC Thursday night -- hours after TMZ broke the story VH1 fired him over the horrible video of him at home hitting one of his pets with a metal folding chair. He claims the video isn't what it seems, and he was simply breaking up a fight between his dogs -- until one of them went for him.

He does say he wishes he could take it back, but adds, in the moment, he felt like he had to back down his dogs any way he could, and was afraid of what could happen next.

As for the video, Ceaser says the clip came from his home security camera -- and he thinks someone had it out for him, since the video was leaked online.

Of course, none of that is an excuse for abusing an animal.

Ceaser also claims both dogs are fine now, but says he had to give one away ... and get the other into some serious obedience training.

As we first reported, VH1 kicked him off the hit series with a spokesperson telling us, "We have made the decision to cut ties with Ceaser Emanuel from 'Black Ink Crew' New York."

ROE V. WADE PROTESTS Capitol Police on High Alert

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With growing Roe v. Wade protests outside the Supreme Court and Capitol ... police there are taking an all-hands-on-deck approach.

Sources within the Capitol Police tell TMZ ... cops were anticipating the landmark SCOTUS decision and they've been bracing for protests and preparing their response, beefing up security at the Capitol to address any civil unrest.

The Supreme Court does have its own police force, but we're told CPD is currently at the Court to bolster the ranks there, in addition to patrolling the Capitol.

All Capitol Police officers are now working extended duty -- we're told what is typically an 8-hour daily shift is being boosted to 12 to 16 hours on duty.

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Tensions are high after SCOTUS overturned the 50-year-old precedent that legalized abortion nationwide ... and we're told the protests forming outside the Capitol feature both pro-life supporters and pro-choice advocates.

The way Capitol Police sees it ... anytime there are crowds of people on opposing sides, it's a recipe for potential violence.

We're told officers are just monitoring the crowds for now ... but it's clear they are prepared for the worst, some are already suited up in riot gear.

In another sign of the times ... we're told in addition to a security fence around the Supreme Court, there are snipers positioned on the roof of the building.

The Supreme Court's own police force is small, which is why Capitol Police are sending over more manpower.

It goes without saying ... tours of the U.S. Capitol have also been suspended for the time being.

Delonte West Lands Flooring Gig After Panhandling In Streets

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Delonte West said he was looking for a job -- and he found one.

The ex-NBA star landed a flooring gig this week ... after some amazing people heard about his tough situation and decided to help out.

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FEELING THANKFUL

As we previously reported, West -- who has battled mental health and addiction issues -- has been working hard at building a better life for himself ... but said earlier this week he was in between jobs.

We're told the team at the Beyer Subaru car dealership in Alexandria, Virginia saw the stories about West and noticed he had been asking for money nearby ... so they put their heads together to figure out a way to help him earn some dough.

As it turns out, the dealership is currently getting some floor work done ... so they asked the company in charge of the project if West could lend a hand.

We're told the flooring company was thrilled to have the extra help ... and West has been working with them for the past two days -- and doing a great job!!

We're told West has been nothing but polite with the whole crew ... sharing stories and talking with everyone throughout the day.

Awesome stuff ... and keep it up, Delonte.

Roe v. Wade Overturned By Supreme Court

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Author and women's rights attorney Kathryn Kolbert joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday, and she's calling out the Supreme Court Justices for overturning Roe ... saying they've taken away a woman's decision and instead placed it in the hands of politicians.

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She, as well as millions across the country, see this as erasing 50 years of progress -- and Kathryn's worried this could only be the beginning of serious backpedaling.

Justice Alito's written opinion says the Constitution makes no reference to abortion, making it unprotected in their eyes ... Kathryn believes that logic could trigger the removal of a laundry list of rights.

A huge crowd has gathered outside the Supreme Court. Several people in the crowd have signs protesting the decision.

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The U.S. Supreme Court has officially overturned Roe v. Wade ... reversing the 50-year-old precedent that legalized abortion nationwide.

Justice Samuel Alito -- the conservative justice who has sat on the Court since 2006 -- wrote the opinion and didn't mince words, writing, "We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any Constitutional provision ... It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people's elected representatives."

Four justices signed on to Alito's opinion. Chief Justice Roberts wrote a separate, concurring opinion.

Alito added, "Roe was egregiously wrong from the start."

Put simply, a majority of the justices ruled there was no right under the U.S. Constitution for a woman to have an abortion ... so a Mississippi law that banned most abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy was not unconstitutional.

The three liberal justices -- Breyer, Kagan and Sotomayor -- wrote a joint dissent, harshly criticizing the majority's reasoning and lamenting the public-health risks of overturning Roe for women across the country. The dissenters note the majority made no exceptions for rape, incest, the health of the mother or physical abnormalities of the fetus.

The reversal doesn't mean that abortion automatically becomes illegal in the country ... the issue will now be left to the states, but 13 states have trigger laws that outlaw abortions as soon as the Court overturned Roe. Nine other states have laws on the books that, if enforced, will severely restrict or outlaw the right to an abortion.

Many other states are expected to severely restrict abortion rights in response to the ruling. Abortion has been a hot-button issue for decades ... and it's very likely this decision will only stoke the flames.

The leaked draft opinion caused a huge stir at the time. It was an enormous breach of protocol for the nation's highest court and prompted an immediate investigation to determine the source of the leak. Chief Justice Roberts called it "absolutely appalling" but vowed that the leak would have no effect on the justices' decision process. The results of that investigation have not been released.

The Court issued the ruling along with a host of other opinions in advance of its summer recess … but it's clear that everyone is focused on Roe.

Originally Published -- 7:21 AM PT

Lynne Spears 'I Just Want to See Britney Happy'

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Britney Spears' blood feud with her parents and sister isn't stopping Lynne Spears from wishing her daughter well ... and hoping against hope they can patch things up.

Brit's mom was at LAX Thursday night when a photog asked about the state of the Spears family from Lynne's perspective. We already know exactly how Britney feels.

So, could the family ever get back together? Lynne makes it clear she's not giving up on that yet ... although, it's unclear how she could possibly make that happen right now.

Mama Spears says she just wants to see her daughter happy ... and she absolutely meant those sentimental words she shared on Instagram right after the wedding.

You'll recall, Britney tied the knot with her hubby Sam Asghari, earlier this month but she didn't invite her parents or her sister, Jamie. But, that didn't stop Lynne from publicly showing her support.

Lynne kept a close watch on her daughter's big day via social media.

In an IG comment, she wrote, "You look radiant and so happy! Your wedding is the 'Dream' wedding! And having it at your home makes it so sentimental and special! I am soooo happy for you! I love you!"

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Of course, Britney has been open about her ill feelings toward her fam, following her conservatorship, which lasted nearly 14 years. As of now though, Britney seems to be living her best-newlywed life in her new mansion with Sam. She told her followers, "life is good".

Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard Judge Says Sure Amber, You Can Appeal ... But It's Gonna Cost You!!!

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Amber Heard is now officially on the hook for $8.35 million, and she could be on the hook for even more if she appeals the defamation verdict.

As you know, a jury awarded Johnny Depp the $8.35M after an explosive trial. The judge Friday officially entered the judgment into the court record, and there's a string attached if Amber decides to go forward with an appeal.

The judge said if Amber appeals she must post a bond in the full amount of Johnny's judgment PLUS 6% -- that's an additional $621k. Presumably, the 6% is an interest penalty for a delay in collection.

As for Amber, her rep released a statement invoking, of all things, the January 6th House hearings, stating ... she will indeed appeal, saying, "As stated in yesterday's congressional hearings, you don't ask for a pardon if you are innocent.  And, you don't decline to appeal if you know you are right."

The reality is ... appealing a jury verdict is a big uphill climb, and it could be she's throwing good money after bad.