NYC Fugitive Nabbed at Disney World!!! Accused Of PPP Loan Fraud
There's no magic at the Magic Kingdom, not for an NYC fugitive who successfully dodged the law for a year ... only to be captured at the so-called happiest place on Earth!!! 😂
Quashon Burton was reportedly kicking it at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom park in October when federal postal inspector Jeff Andre spotted him.
Eagle-eyed Jeff identified Burton by a distinctive "H" tattoo on his neck, and reported him to cops ... who caught up to Burton about an hour later. They reportedly found him with 2 family members while they were sitting at a bus stop in the park.
Cops say Burton wouldn't produce any ID and resisted arrest, so they took him down to the ground ... and later ID him with fingerprints.
Officials say Burton ran from his home in Brooklyn last year after fraudulently obtaining over $150K in forgivable PPP loans from the government, and allegedly used multiple identities to get cash out of an ATM at an NYC post office.
He's being held without bail, as NY prosecutors believe he's an "extreme" flight risk.
The lesson here -- even the mouse house can't protect ya from the feds!!!
related articles
Selena Gomez My Breakup With Justin Bieber ... 'Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me'
Selena Gomez has turned her pain into purpose ... looking back, she's calling her breakup with Justin Bieber the best thing that ever happened to her.
The singer opened up about her heartbreak, following her long-term relationship with JB ... in her new doc "Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me."
Selena admitted it was extremely hard ending her relationship in the public eye, saying ... "I felt haunted by a past relationship that no one wanted to let go of, but then I just moved past it. I wasn't afraid anymore."
She went on ... "I feel like I had to go through the worst possible heartbreak ever and then just forgetting everything at the drop of a hand, it was really confusing ... but I just think that needed to happen and ultimately, it was the best thing that ever happened to me."
Selena and Justin dated on and off from 2011 to 2018. There's been all sorts of drama following their split, especially once he got with Hailey Bieber. Selena fans screamed "overlap!!!"
Hailey called BS on that on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
It seems Hailey and Selena have moved past all the fan-fueled drama ... even flicking it up together at the Academy Museum Gala in L.A. the following month.
Selena told Rolling Stone ... this kinda drama would've set her back in the past, given her mental health struggles ... but she was able to defuse it with kindness.
Selena's hit song "Lose You To Love Me" is yet another way she's turned it all around for the better.
related articles
Diddy I Helped Give Elon the Bird!!!
-
Exclusive
- 6.2K shares
Diddy played a secret role in Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter ... we've learned he was among the investors who helped Elon buy the bird app.
Sources close to Diddy tell TMZ ... the music and fashion mogul invested north of $10 million for the social media service.
Entering Twitter HQ – let that sink in! pic.twitter.com/D68z4K2wq7
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 26, 2022 @elonmusk
Remember ... Elon bought Twitter last month for $44 billion ... with the help of wealthy investors and loans from Wall Street banks. Some of those investors reportedly include Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.
As for Diddy's 8-figure investment, we're told his strategy always revolves around having a seat at the table to represent.
Our sources say Diddy and the rest of Elon's Twitter investors believe in Elon's vision for the bird app. As for what that vision is ... our sources are mum.
Diddy and Elon have been rubbing elbows a lot this year ... they both sat in the front row of Dave Chappelle's show back in May at the Hollywood Bowl ... the show where an attacker ran on stage and assaulted Dave.
French Montana, Elon Musk, Rick Ross, Diddy, and Cordae at the #DONDA2 Experience tonight. pic.twitter.com/6o7fOGFNLS
— yzyupdates (@yzyupdates) February 23, 2022 @yzyupdates
Diddy and Elon were among the celebs hanging out at Kanye West's Donda 2 experience back in February, along with French Montana and Rick Ross.
And in other Diddy business news -- according to The WSJ -- he's supposed to buy cannabis operations in NY and two other states for up to $185 million ... a move that we're told will create the largest black owned company in the world.
Diddy's 53rd birthday is today ... so it'll be interesting to see if Elon wishes him a happy birthday.
related articles
Megan Thee Stallion Claps Back At Drake for Diss On New 'Her Loss' Album
1:57 PM PT -- Although Megan clearly isn't taking it this way, there's another theory about Drake's track -- the verse was simply a slick double entendre, calling out women who lie about getting BBLs.
It was a play on words. he didnt diss Meg. Yall need to chill. Drake definitely knew it would stir up controversy though. He is talking about injections/BBL. Yes its a cross reference to her though. #HerLoss pic.twitter.com/I4Ac9kTtgm
— Jacob Ettinger (@JacobEttingerr) November 4, 2022 @JacobEttingerr
Megan Thee Stallion isn't gonna take Drake's insults lyin' down ... because she's firing shots back at the rapper after he called her out on his new album with 21 Savage.
Meg took to Twitter early Friday morning ... soon after Drake and 21's "Her Loss" album dropped -- and it's on the track "Circo Loco" where he blasts the H-Town Hottie.
Drake goes, "This bitch lie 'bout getting shots, but she still a stallion/She don't even get the joke, but she still smiling" ... clearly referring to her getting shot in the foot in 2020 while in a car with Tory Lanez.
Meg quickly responded ... "I know I'm very popular but y'all gotta stop attaching weak ass conspiracy theories in bars to my name lol N***** nor hoes EVER address me or @ me WITH a fact or receipts. I AM CLOUT BITCH keep sucking my p***y."
Not that she needed to say anything more, but she sprayed a slew of follow-up tweets ... one said, "Since when tf is it cool to joke abt women getting shot ! You n***** especially RAP N***** ARE LAME! Ready to boycott bout shoes and clothes but dog pile on a black woman when she say one of y'all homeboys abused her."
12/11/21
FYI -- Drake circled back to Megan later on the track -- referring to her graduation from Texas Southern University with the line, "Shorty say she graduated, she ain't learn enough/Play your album, track onе, 'kay, I heard enough."
She wasn't the only one put on blast on the album, though -- Kanye West was called out, Adidas too and even ... Serena Williams' husband!!!
related articles
Joe Exotic This Prison Is the 'Bottom of Hell!!!'
Joe Exotic's had enough of his living conditions behind bars ... so he's putting the whole place on blast, basically saying Satan is his warden now.
The "Tiger King" star fired off on Instagram Thursday -- yes, while in a federal pen -- and wrote, "I have officially landed at the bottom of hell, at the Federal Prison in Atlanta GA."
He continued "Senator Ossoff, Warnock and Walker are all lying to you Black Voters of Georgia because the Animals at the Atlanta Zoo are living better then [sic] your loved ones are in here I promise. #fixthiss***".
As you know ... the documentary star is serving a 21-year sentence for trying to hire 2 men to murder his nemesis, Carole Baskin.
Even before his transfer to ATL -- he was previously in a Texas federal prison -- Joe's had a rough go of it behind bars ... battling an aggressive cancer. In fact, he's moved a few times in order to get better medical attention.
The Atlanta facility he's in has reportedly been at the center of a monthslong investigation over allegations of drug abuse, violence and unsanitary conditions.
Sounds like Joe would love to testify.
related articles
Brooklyn Nets Suspend Kyrie Irving ... For At Least 5 Games
The Nets have suspended Kyrie Irving for at least 5 games after the team says the NBA superstar repeatedly failed to fully apologize for promoting an antisemitic film, with the org. saying he's "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."
The team released a statement Thursday night announcing the move ... a week after the 30-year-old, 7x NBA All-Star tweeted about a film, "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!"
Kyrie Irving Pushes Back on Antisemitic Labels After Promoting Movie
“Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing antisemitic hate," the Nets said.
"We believed that taking the path of education in this challenging situation would be the right one and thought that we had made progress with our joint commitment to eradicating hate and intolerance.”
The Anti-Defamation League says the "film promotes beliefs commonly found among antisemitic and extremist factions of the BHI movement."
However, despite the joint statement Wednesday night where Irving acknowledged hurting the Jewish community and pledging $1 million ($500K from Kyrie, Nets), many people, including commissioner Adam Silver were unmoved by Kyrie's words.
On Thursday, he met with members of the media, and again refused to directly apologize.
“We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity — but failed — to clarify.”
This morning's media session was clearly the last straw for the franchise ... which has been struggling on the court, as well.
“Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team. Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."
Fans Protest Kyrie Irving Comments With 'Fight Antisemitism' Shirts At Nets Game
FYI, Brooklyn has one of the largest Jewish populations in America.
The Nets continued ... "We have decided that Kyrie will serve a suspension without pay until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures that address the harmful impact of his conduct and the suspension period served is no less than five games.”
The Nets will play the Washington Wizards Friday night in D.C. Irving will not be on the floor. If he serves the minimum suspension, he'd be eligible to return against the Lakers on November 13th in Los Angeles.
But, given Kyrie's hesitation to say sorry, that's a giant IF.
Story developing ...
related articles
Elon Musk Mass Firings At Twitter ... Half of Staff Reportedly Cut
10:52 AM PT -- Reports state Twitter has lost about half it's staff in the cuts ... with some stating around 3,700 people have been let go.
Elon Musk is sharpening his knives at Twitter...'cause he's planning to wipe out half the workforce to put the company on the right path, or so he claims ... but employees have fired back with a preemptive lawsuit.
The new Chief Twit, as Musk anointed himself after his $44 billion purchase of the social media giant, fired off a chilling memo to his 7,500 employees Thursday.
The email -- which was only signed "Twitter" -- informed workers to stay away from all offices Friday as Musk begins to clean house, the New York Times reported. An exact head count was not provided in the email, but the NYT says half the staff is set to be fired.
The email leaves no doubt ... "In an effort to place Twitter on a healthy path, we will go through the difficult process of reducing our global workforce. We recognize that this will impact a number of individuals who have made valuable contributions to Twitter, but this action is unfortunately necessary to ensure the company’s success moving forward."
Twitter staffers read the tea leaves and filed a class action lawsuit late Thursday, asking a judge to declare any firings now would be in violation of California and federal law, in part because there was insufficient notice.
After receiving the ominous note, employees took to Slack -- the company's internal messaging service -- posting heart and salute emojis. Some workers were cut off from the internal computer system -- a sign their heads were on the chopping block.
Musk has already gone on a mini-firing spree after inking the deal to buy San Francisco-based company Oct. 27. As we reported, the world's richest man promptly gave walking papers to several top Twitter executives, including former CEO Parag Agrawal. Since then, Musk has reportedly chosen 50 engineers from his other businesses to pore over layoff lists of Twitter employees.
All sounds pretty ugly. Good luck.
Originally Published -- 6:19 AM PT
related articles
Bhad Bhabie Oxford U. Is Bhadass ... Kids Loved My Speech!!!
-
Exclusive
- 273 shares
Looks like Bhad Bhabie has a future in addressing prestigious debate clubs, because she crushed it at Oxford University, and the student body greeted her with thunderous applause.
Folks at the event tell TMZ ... Bhad Bhabie, aka Danielle Bregoli, chatted it up with a chamber full of students Wednesday night, and it was standing room only. Some kids waited for hours in the rain to get their spot inside.
You can tell the crowd was thrilled to have her. Danielle took part in a Q&A with the president of the Oxford Union, where she spoke about her alleged abusive experience at Turn-About Ranch, what it was like becoming famous so young, making 50 million bucks on OnlyFans ... and her new scholarship fund.
Afterward, they opened up the floor to questions from students and, not shockingly, Ye was a hot topic. Gotta admit, she had a pretty funny response when asked about what she thinks of him -- shouting out the rapper's early 2000s hits, and then keeping it moving.
No, Ye's antisemitic comments didn't come up -- most likely due to the huge applause her answer drew.
Danielle's in pretty elite company -- one night before her, Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai was at Oxford. BTW, similar turnout for both young women.
been too long 🇬🇧 https://t.co/WQXL1Dz5i2
— Bhad Bhabie (@BhadBhabie) September 15, 2022 @BhadBhabie
As we reported, Danielle was invited to speak back in September -- the Oxford Union prez offered the opportunity, saying "It would be an honour to welcome you to continue this fine tradition."
Soak up that Bhad Bhabie knowledge, Oxford!!!
related articles
Nikki Bella Logan Paul Can Be Massive WWE Star ... 'He's The Total Package'
-
Exclusive
- 569 shares
Nikki Bella is convinced Logan Paul can be the next huge thing in the WWE ... telling TMZ Sports she believes the former YouTuber is "the total package" in the ring.
We spoke with Nikki, who was with her sister, Brie, out in LA this week ... and she raved about Paul's potential -- just days before he's slated to fight Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship in Saudi Arabia.
"He's an amazing wrestler," Nikki said of Jake's older bro. "I think he proved that at WrestleMania. He's a good storyteller. He has charisma. He speaks well on the mic."
"Like, he's the total package as a WWE superstar."
Brie cosigned ... adding, "He has all the tools to be a big star there."
Brie did, though, say Logan will have to continue to work hard to reach his sky-high potential ... telling us the biz ain't exactly easy.
We need to talk more about Logan Paul and his epic in ring work at #WrestleMania38 pic.twitter.com/voVwLWCuGM
— MJ The BOT✨ Born Pink 🌺 (@TribalPapi) June 20, 2022 @TribalPapi
As for if there's any harboring of ill will toward the 27-year-old receiving a championship opportunity this early into his WWE career -- the "Total Divas" stars told us they certainly wouldn't feel bitter about it at all.
"In the entertainment business, nothing is fair, but that's life," said Brie, before Nikki added, "The crowd reacts to him, and you got to listen to your fans, and the fans want it."
Nikki compared the emergence of Logan to Ronda Rousey, who has a similar story to LP in terms of their paths to WWE ... and the role she played in elevating the women's division.
related articles
American Idol Winner David Cook 'Memba Him?!
American rock singer and songwriter David Cook was 25 years old when he was crowned as the "American Idol" winner of season 7 back in 2008.
Cook's musical talents took him all the way, but his runner-up David Archuleta definitely put up a fight and Syesha Mercado was not too far behind with her exceptional musical chops!
While America had the ultimate say on Cook's big win, judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson did not hold back from putting in their two cents and helping guide the singer to the finish line.
related articles
Mike Tyson Nearly KO'ed In Skateboard Debacle ... With Tony Hawk!!!
Saved by the bell big comfy chair!!!
Mike Tyson is SUPER fortunate his podcast setup is surrounded by fluffy furniture ... 'cause he was nearly KO'ed after jumping on a skateboard with Tony Hawk, but, fortunately, he landed safely on a chair instead.
Iron Mike just posted footage of the almost-disastrous scene ... showing him playing around with Hawk while filming another episode of "Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson."
Hawk appeared to be trying to teach the boxing legend how to skate -- and when the 56-year-old jumped on the board, Tony cheered!
The problem? Tyson couldn't quite dismount properly ... and almost ate it!
Thankfully, after knocking into a wooden chair and a makeshift wall, he parked onto a seat cushion ... and acted like nothing happened.
Of course, Tyson is no stranger to bustin' his ass on boards ... back in 2015, he fell so hard off a hoverboard, he had to be on bed rest for a week.
DECEMBER 2015
Tyson poked fun at it all in a caption on the vid, writing, "Lucky that chair was there or it would have been a repeat of the hoverboard scare."
Be careful, Mike!
related articles
Johnny Depp I Shouldn't Have to Pay Amber $2 Mil ... Appeals Defamation Verdict
Johnny Depp wants total victory over Amber Heard, and he's just filed an appeal trying to get it ... claiming the jury got it wrong when it ruled in favor of his ex-wife on a single count of defamation.
You'll recall, Johnny was the big winner, by far, when the jury came back in their landmark trial, saying Amber had defamed him and had to cough up $10.35 million dollars -- but it also ruled Amber was defamed, and awarded her $2 mil.
In docs filed Wednesday in the Virginia Court of Appeals, Johnny says the jury had erroneously ruled in favor of Amber ... when it said one of Johnny's attorneys, Adam Waldman, defamed Amber by telling a media outlet she had lied while describing a blowout fight that ended their marriage.
Waldman said, "So Amber and her friends spilled a little wine and roughed the place up, got their stories straight under the direction of a lawyer and publicist, and then placed a second call to 911."
In the appeal, Johnny makes the point that his lawyer said that, not him, and he shouldn't be held responsible for Waldman's remarks. He also says Amber's team failed to prove Waldman made those comments with malice ... a requirement to win a defamation claim.
Johnny wants the court to overturn the jury on that single count. Remember, Amber has also filed an appeal of the counts she lost.
So, scoreboard review: Amber's $10.35 mil check to Johnny is on hold and, likewise, his $2 mil check to her is on hold.
related articles
Gabby Petito Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit ... Cops Should've Saved Her!!
The family of Gabby Petito is taking the Moab City Police Department to court, filing a wrongful death suit, claiming officers could've saved her life in the weeks leading up to her death.
Legal docs, obtained by TMZ, say Moab PD failed to protect Gabby when police investigated the reported domestic violence incident roughly 2 weeks before she was killed by Brian Laundrie.
8/12/21
You'll recall, officers interviewed Gabby and Brian on the side of the road with one officer acknowledging she was crying uncontrollably and had cuts on her face and arm.
Still, Brian told officers Gabby had just been under distress -- and officers simply separated them for the day.
New Body Cam Footage of Gabby Petito: She Claims Brian Grabbed Her Face, Scratched Her
The suit claims police didn't probe hard enough on Brian's side of the story ... and even claims the officers treated Brian as if he were the victim, rather than the perpetrator, of domestic violence.
In the family's eyes -- all signs pointed to Brian, and they say the cops "egregiously misinterpreted" the situation.
Her family also calls out the department for failing to train its cops for situations like this -- characterizing this case as a "vehicle for systemic change and a reckoning about how the police enforce the State's domestic abuse laws." They are seeking $50 million in damages.
The city of Moab tells TMZ ... "We feel profound sympathy for the Petito and Schmidt families and the painful loss they have endured. At the same time, it is clear that Moab City Police Department officers are not responsible for Gabrielle Petito’s eventual murder."
The city says it will defend itself against the suit.
As we reported, Gabby's family filed a notice of complaint in August, informing police they were planning to sue.
related articles
Jay-Z, Jeff Bezos Interested In Buying Commanders ... Amid Sales Exploration
Jay-Z and Jeff Bezos, two of the most successful men in America, are interested in buying the Washington Commanders, in light of owner Dan Snyder's interest in selling the NFL team, sources tell TMZ Sports.
And, we're told a partnership between the men is on the table.
On Wednesday, the team issued a statement announcing Snyder hired a major bank to investigate a possible opportunity to sell the team ... but made it clear he hadn't yet made a final decision.
Still, the move provided hope to droves of Washington football fans ... who after controversy after controversy and endless losing have long wished Snyder would sell.
We're told Jay, worth an estimated $1.3 billion by Forbes, has expressed serious interest in acquiring the team ... valued at $5.6 billion this summer.
Despite the rap legend and businessman's incredible fortune, we're told he'd look for a strategic partner.
Bezos, one of the world's richest people ($114 billion net worth), is also interested in the team.
Bezos has ties to the area ... he owns the Washington Post newspaper.
Amazon also owns Prime Video ... which recently inked a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal to broadcast Thursday Night Football.
Jay-Z and Roc Nation Partner with NFL for Music, Social Justice Campaign
Jay-Z is in business with the NFL ... signing a partnership deal in 2019 which gave Hov power over the halftime show, as well as social justice initiatives.
He also previously owned an NBA team, the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets ... before being forced to sell when he opened his sports and marketing agency, Roc Nation Sports, over a potential conflict of interest.
Byron Allen and Robert Griffin III, amongst many more, have also expressed interest in the team.
There's no shortage of suitors, but topping Bezos and Jay-Z would be a monumental task.
Story developing ...
related articles
Denzel Washington Movie On-Set Movie Caterers Arrested In Cocaine Bust
There's apparently a cocaine problem amongst employees working on a new Denzel Washington movie ... two caterers working on set were arrested after cops in Italy say they seized a bunch of coke following a man's death.
Italian paramilitary police say they seized 120 grams of cocaine during a Tuesday afternoon raid at a hotel on the Amalfi coast, near where Denzel and Dakota Fanning are filming "The Equalizer 3."
Cops say the drug bust was in response to the sudden death of the movie production's head of catering, a 55-year-old man who reportedly collapsed leaving a bar and died of a heart attack. Police say they found several bags of cocaine in the man's pockets, leading to suspicion of more drugs on the 'Equalizer' set.
A couple of catering workers from Italy were placed under house arrest on suspicion of drug dealing after cops say they seized cocaine from their hotel room during Tuesday's raid. They were reportedly detained by police away from the movie set.
And, get this ... a different caterer was allegedly in possession of a small amount of cocaine, reportedly for personal use.
Italian police say they also searched for drugs at a local port, which is serving as the main staging area for the movie Antoine Fuqua is directing ... but the sweep didn't turn up any cocaine.
A rep for Denzel said there will be no delay in production.
related articles
Quavo Assistant Shot in Melee That Killed Takeoff
-
Exclusive
- 417 shares
There were two other people shot in the gunfire that killed Takeoff -- and one of those people is Quavo's assistant -- TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us Joshua "Wash" Washington is the 23-year-old male who was shot and rushed to a local hospital by someone at the scene in the minutes following the melee ... cops described his injuries as non-life threatening.
Wash has been close with Quavo for years, and describes himself as Quavo's assistant and part of operations management at Huncho Records on his social media profile.
As we reported, there was also a 24-year-old female who was shot ... she was also taken to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
While the shooter (or shooters) have yet to be publicly named, the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office says Takeoff was shot in both the head and torso early Monday morning.
In video obtained by TMZ from the scene, you can see Quavo in an argument and then start to walk away as shots ring out. There's also video showing one man holding a gun to his side ... police have named that man as a person of interest in Takeoff's death.