Kobe Bryant's Daughter Natalia Granted 3-Year Restraining Order Alleged Stalker Must Surrender Guns
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Natalia Bryant -- Kobe and Vanessa's oldest daughter -- has been granted legal protection from someone she says poses a serious risk to her safety.
Natalia had court in L.A. Wednesday, where she gave some powerful testimony about things she claims 32-year-old Dwayne Kemp has done over the last few months to put her at risk.
Natalia called into the hearing and testified she doesn't know Kemp, but is terrified of what he's capable of -- scared at any moment he could show up. She called his actions "unsettling" and claimed at one point he even contacted her eyebrow beautician, offering to pay for services Natalia had completed.
Natalia's attorney Nick Sanchez tells TMZ ... the judge was convinced Kemp is dangerous enough to warrant a 3-year order of protection. Just as the temporary restraining order required ... Kemp now must continue to stay at least 200 yards away from Natalia, her home, her job, her car, school and sorority house at USC.
As we reported ... the 19-year-old got the TRO last month, claiming he’d been stalking her and was under a delusion they were in a romantic relationship. She says he started contacting her 2 years ago, when she was still only 17.
Under the new 3-year order ... Kemp cannot possess or purchase any firearms, and he has 24 hours to surrender any weapons he currently owns.
In the docs, Natalia claimed Kemp is a gun enthusiast -- her filing including social media pics of him with guns -- who's been arrested and/or convicted of at least 4 crimes, including one involving firearms.
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Reps. Lawson & Torres Weigh In On Celeb Accountability ... Over FTX Crypto Collapse
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The collapse of the famed crypto exchange FTX is spurring lots of finger-pointing, but on the issue of whether its celeb spokespeople are partially to blame ... Congress has different opinions.
We got Rep. Al Lawson Wednesday at Reagan National Airport, where we asked what he made of all the famous folks who served as ambassadors for FTX in its heyday -- which undoubtedly influenced normies to invest, and potentially lose buckets of cash amid its bankruptcy.
The Florida congressman makes no bones about it ... telling us accountability has to be shared by all parties involved, including the rich and famous -- whom he says can survive financial loss way better than your average Joe.
He also offers some advice on any future crypto endorsements ... warning celebs (and everyday laypeople) to proceed with caution, 'cause this biz is a high-risk gamble.
On the flip side ... Rep. Ritchie Torres actually defended FTX celebs when we caught up with him on Capitol Hill -- this amid ongoing congressional hearings on the matter, where lawmakers are trying to make big picture decisions about crypto.
Check out his take -- it's the opposite of Rep. Lawson's ... as he thinks this disaster falls into the lap of one person and one person only. Hint: the dude's in the criminal hot seat now.
Happy HODL'ing!
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UFC's Raul Rosas Jr. 18-Year-Old Fighter ... Wanted To Fight Again This Weekend
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As if making history wasn't enough for Raul Rosas Jr., the youngest UFC fighter ever tells TMZ Sports he wanted to return to the Octagon just 7 days after beating his opponent in the very first round!
Of course, at just 18 years and 63 days, Rosas Jr. etched his name in the record books when he stepped foot in the cage, becoming the youngest fighter to ever scrap in the UFC.
But, he didn't just show up ... Raul won, and needed just half a round to beat Jay Perrin, a 29-year-old full-grown adult.
And, when we asked Rosas Jr. when he wanted to fight again, it'd be an understatement to say he didn't want to wait very long.
"Thank God I was able to come out the same way I stepped in which was with no injuries. Thankfully, I feel good, and hopefully, I'm talking to my manager, seeing if I'm able to get a fight this weekend at the APEX. I know there's a show going on," Raul said.
"Hopefully I can step in there, whether it's 135 or 145. I want to step back in there as soon as possible, so hopefully I can fight this weekend, if not, we'll look at dates next year and see when I can step into the Octagon."
Rosas Jr. signed with the UFC after Dana White offered him a contract following his Contender Series fight in September ... a unanimous decision win over a 25-year-old opponent named Mando Gutierrez.
After his UFC 282 fight, Raul said he wanted to buy his mom a new van so she could drive him around.
We also talked to Raul about the van (he's getting it) and much more ... including how his friends reacted to their buddy winning in the UFC.
Check out the clip!
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Guess Who This Swagged Out Kid Turned Into!
Before this cool kid on her rocking horse turned into an advocate, actress and singer ... she was just riding her toy horse til she couldn't anymore, looking like the coolest kid in her overalls and growing up in the Lone Star state.
After a successful career on Disney Channel, she worked her way into the music industry and has garnered over 364 million followers on Instagram. This A-lister has always killed her haters with kindness and has been recognized globally for her mental health advocacy.
Need one more clue? "Hands To Myself!"
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DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss Checked Into Motel One Day Before Body Found ... No Indication He Was Upset
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We're learning more about the details surrounding the sudden and tragic death of DJ Stephen "tWitch" Boss ... including what those who interacted with him in the hours leading up to his suicide say they observed.
Sources with direct knowledge tell us Stephen checked into a motel less than one mile from his L.A. home Monday morning. We spoke with motel staffers who say he didn't appear to be in any sort of distress and wasn't visibly upset about anything. We're told the 40-year-old only had a small bag with him and had booked the room for only one night.
It was on Tuesday when tWitch missed his checkout and employees went to his room, where they found him deceased in the bathroom from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The staffers we spoke with said no one heard gunfire at any point during tWitch's stay -- which is possible given the motel's layout -- it has separate units, and the structure is in a U-shape.
TMZ broke the story ... Stephen's wife, Allison, was frantic when she reported her husband missing -- saying it was not like him at all, and that he'd left his car at home.
It was around 11:15 AM Tuesday when paramedics were called to the hotel and pronounced tWitch dead at the scene.
In a heartfelt post, Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to her friend, saying, "I'm heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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Gunna Secures Freedom From Prison ... Pleads Guilty To Racketeering Charge, Denounces Gangs
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12/14/22
3:10 PM PT -- Gunna has officially been released. He smiled as he walked out of Fulton County Jail and hugged a woman waiting outside.
Gunna has ended his months-long incarceration by pleading guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge in the YSL RICO case.
The Grammy-nominated rapper entered a pre-negotiated plea known as an Alford plea Wednesday and was sentenced to 5 years -- with one year commuted for the time he's already served. The remaining 4 will be suspended, pending community service and other special conditions.
In a statement, Gunna says he didn’t think of YSL as a gang circa 2016 when his rap career began to pop off, and only focused only on the entertainment aspects … even if it meant an exaggeration of the “Black urban” lifestyle.
He also laid emphasis that his guilty plea didn’t mean any cooperation against any other YSL members … and his Alford plea acknowledges his own association with YSL.
Gunna says he’s looking forward to giving back to his community and wants to youth to know that gangs and violence are gateways to their destruction.
Originally Published -- 1:58 PM PT
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Clipper Darrell KO'ed In Altercation At Clippers Game ... Video Shows
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DECEMBER 2022
Clipper Darrell -- the most famous L.A. Clippers fan -- was knocked out during an altercation at a game on Monday ... new video, obtained by TMZ Sports, shows.
In the footage, you can see Darrell -- real name Darrell Bailey -- in his famous half-red, half-blue suit ... standing with a Crypto.com Arena security guard following the Clippers' game against the Boston Celtics.
The two seem to be in some sort of argument ... where the man wearing a red polo appears to be preventing Clipper Darrell from moving through a concourse at the NBA arena.
At one point, the man can be seen in the video putting his elbow near Darrell's neck in what seems to be an effort to keep him from advancing. Darrell, the footage shows, then swiped at the man's arm to get it off of him.
That's when the man in the red balled up his fist and swung on Clipper Darrell -- connecting straight with the superfan's jaw.
Darrell crashed into a nearby trash receptacle ... and appeared to lose consciousness.
Crypto.com Arena President Lee Zeidman tells us ... the altercation all started after the security officer tried to direct Darrell and other departing fans to nearby exits.
"Clipper Darrell became involved in a verbal and then physical altercation," Zeidman said. "After receiving immediate medical attention, Darryl was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment."
"An investigation of the incident was launched which determined the employee’s behavior to be a direct violation of our training and approved responses resulting in the immediate termination and arrest of the employee by the LAPD."
Clipper Darrell told us on Wednesday morning he's suffering from headaches ... and is still in a lot of pain. He added that he's currently on medication to try to alleviate some of his symptoms.
Sources close to the Clippers, meanwhile, tell us the team is aware of the incident.
JULY 2019
Clipper Darrell has been a Clips season ticket holder for two decades -- and has gained notoriety for loudly leading taunts and cheers throughout L.A. games.
Even though my Cs lost I got to sit next to a legend tonight @clipperdarrell @blakegriffin23 pic.twitter.com/mp5gSf9CPO
— james beard (@beardjam) December 13, 2022 @beardjam
In fact, he was seen at one point on Monday night jeering Blake Griffin during L.A.'s 113-93 win over the Celtics.
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DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss Ellen's DJ Dead at 40 by Suicide ... Ellen 'Heartbroken'
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9:49 AM PT -- Ellen DeGeneres just paid tribute to her friend, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, writing, "I'm heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."
Stephen "tWitch" Boss, the famed DJ on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, is dead ... and TMZ has learned it appears to be a suicide.
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' Wife Told Cops He Left Unexpectedly, Wouldn't Answer Phone
Law enforcement sources tell us Stephen's wife Allison Holker ran into an LAPD station Tuesday, and she was frantic because she said Stephen had left home without his car -- something that was not like him at all.
We're told, a short time later -- around 11:15 AM -- paramedics got a call for a medical emergency at an L.A. hotel ... and they found Stephen there, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
12/11/22
Holker tells TMZ, "Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him."
She continues, "He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans. To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory."
Concluding, "Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you."
Stephen started DJing on Ellen's show in 2014, and was with her until the show ended in May 2022. He had become an executive producer on the show in 2020.
He really got his big break in showbiz in 2008, when he was runner-up on "So You Think Can Dance."
He went on to do some acting, landing several roles where he could show off his dance skills. Stephen played Jason in the 'Step Up' movie franchise, and he was also in "Magic Mike XXL."
The last time our photogs got him out around L.A. was back in September, and he talked to us about life after 'Ellen' ... sounding pretty happy to have more time with his family.
DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss Checked Into Motel One Day Before Body Was Found
Stephen hosted several reality shows, like "The Real Dirty Dancing" -- which aired on FOX earlier this year -- and he and Allison teamed up for "Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings" on Disney+.
A statement from FOX Entertainment, 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions, reads, "We will always remember Stephen “tWitch” Boss for the light and joy he brought into our lives and into the hearts of so many. This tragic, painful loss of such a radiant, inimitable talent and beloved friend is immeasurable beyond words, and we grieve alongside his family, loved ones and fans. “tWitch,” we will miss you dearly.”
tWitch and Allison met on the all-star season of 'SYTYCD' -- they were both competing -- and they got married in 2013. Allison and Stephen had just celebrated their 9-year anniversary this past Saturday.
They had 3 kids. Stephen was 40 years old.
RIP
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Originally Published -- 6:37 AM PT
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Kylian Mbappe Drills Fan In Face With Warm-Up Shot ... Immediately Apologizes
Despite moving on to the World Cup final, not all things went smoothly for Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday -- the France superstar accidentally drilled a fan in the face with a warm-up shot ... and issued an apology immediately afterward.
The incident happened just before France took down Morocco in one of the tournament's semifinal games ... as the 23-year-old phenom was trying to get loose for the important tilt.
Kylian Mbappe apologising to a fan, after hitting him with a ball in the warmup. 💙🇫🇷 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/8mDWkQC14U
— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) December 14, 2022 @adriandelmonte
Mbappe peppered one of his shots over the goal mount -- and it, unfortunately, nailed a France supporter right in the noggin.
Pictures from the stadium in Qatar showed the guy was in a considerable amount of pain ... but, to Mbappe's credit, he ran over to make sure the dude was OK.
He grabbed the man's arm, and appeared to say he was sorry -- before bolting back to warm-ups.
Of course, we're sure the fan was feeling a whole lot better just minutes later -- 'cause France opened the game against Morocco with a goal in the first 300 seconds of the match.
France went on to win 2-0 -- and will now face Argentina in Sunday's finale.
Here's to hopin' all warm-up shots hit their intended targets!
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Grinch Riding Shotgun Woman Hit With Traffic Citation ... Cops Say She Used HOV Lane With Inflatable Pal
A woman in AZ just found out the hard way inflatable green companions don't count for the carpool lane ... even during the holiday season.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety says the driver was spotted in the HOV lane Tuesday morning with a "Seusspicious-looking 'passenger.'"
The dept. says a trooper stopped the woman and discovered the passenger cruising with her was an inflatable Grinch. What's more -- cops snapped a pic of the infamous Whoville resident as proof the woman tried to pull a fast one.
The department continues, "While we appreciate the festive flair, this is illegal & the driver received a citation for the HOV violation." It then goes on to ensure AZ drivers are educated on traffic laws, especially with an increase in cars on the road during the holidays.
Rumor has it the driver's insurance costs grew 3 times that day!
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Kardashians Throw Work Office Christmas Bash ... Celebrating ALL Our Biz!!!
'Tis the season, and the Kardashians threw a lavish workplace Christmas party to toast a year of success, just like your office does. Well, maybe a little more lavish than yours.
The celebration went down Tuesday night at the fam's longtime go-to restaurant, Casa Vega ... and Kylie Jenner made sure we got a glimpse at all their decorations and, of course, a good look at her fit for the night.
The party was all about honoring the Kardashian-Jenner business empire ... partly comprised of Kim Kardashian's shapewear collection SKIMS, Kylie's makeup line, Khloe Kardashian's Good American line and Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila.
Mama Kris made sure to give her daughters a shoutout ... as she boasted about their thriving companies.
Looked like a really good turnout ... not just for the family, but for all the folks who work behind the scenes on their various teams -- including Kim's longtime friend and a brand executive at her company Tracy Romulus.
All the guests were in for major treats -- beyond the open bar -- as the fam prepped huge goodie bags filled with lots of gifts, including some items from Kim's SKIMS line.
Of course, the night had an open bar full of Kendall's 818 Tequila and a very festive menu ... with specialty cocktails like the "Holiday Hibiscus Paloma," the "Mistletoe Margarita" and the "Merry + Bright."
Sounds like a night to remember ... or maybe not! 🍹🎄
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Diddy King Combs Happy About Bad Boy Empire ... Happier About New Baby Sister!!!
Diddy's son Christian "King" Combs was all smiles trekking through West Hollywood, and for good reason ... he's got a new baby sister!!!
Christian was spotted leaving LAVO Ristorante Wednesday, and when asked about shouldering the Bad Boy empire he eagerly replied his hard work was going towards supporting his family.
A fitting statement, as you know, as Christian's family just got a little bigger. His dad just revealed he welcomed a baby girl back in October named Love Sean Combs with 28-year-old cyber security specialist Dana Tran. Christian reveals he's met his new baby sister.
While Lil' Love has a few years before she's able to do the Diddy Bop dance, Christian is steadily laying down the foundation for her to get jiggy with it when she gets older.
His Kodak Black collab "Can't Stop Won't Stop" recently went No. 1 on Billboard's U.S. Urban Radio chart, making for one of the hottest rap songs of the year!!!
Way to set the course, big brother!!!
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'My Unorthodox Life' Julia Haart's Ex Drops Lawsuits Against Her
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Julia Haart is no longer facing the lawsuits her estranged husband, Silvio Scaglia, filed against her -- but she still stands to gain even more of a win in the long term.
Sources familiar with the matter tell us Scaglia dropped his claims against the "My Unorthodox Life" star -- this after they filed dueling lawsuits, accusing the other of malfeasance tied to their fashion talent management org/shared company accounts.
We're told Scaglia and Haart reached a settlement, in which he agreed to dismiss all of his claims -- including his $850k lawsuit against her. In exchange, Hart will no longer go after him to cover her attorney fees associated with his legal action against her.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Julia tells TMZ, "I believe the fact that Silvio withdrew these cases with prejudice, meaning dismissed permanently, on the day discovery was due, speaks volumes. No money was paid by me and I intend to continue to pursue my fraud and defamation litigation against Silvio, and others named in those cases."
BTW, their divorce battle is also ongoing ... and by the looks of it, will be anything but amicable.
Remember, Scaglia accused Haart of misappropriating funds -- in this case, allegedly withdrawing that $850k without prior authorization -- shortly after getting removed as CEO from their joint venture.
Scaglia claimed Haart had only been given permission to use $250k -- but suggested she yanked out way more in retaliation for getting fired. Oh, and she immediately filed for divorce too.
He's now dropped all claims of misappropriation of funds against Julia.
Of course, she countersued ... claiming Scaglia and Freedom had actually screwed her out of hundreds of millions of dollars she claimed she was owed via stock options.
Julia says, "Now my focus and priority is to heal through the strength and support of my family and to continue to build businesses that will empower others."
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Offset Enjoyin' 31st Bday Jamaican Style ... With Cardi, Huge Lobsters!!!
Offset is finding reasons to smile again ... hanging with his wife Cardi B, her sister Hennessy and other friends and fam during his 31st celebration in Jamaica.
The Migos rapper puffed on a massive J Wednesday as he was serenaded with Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" song ... capping off a feast of giant lobsters and other various seafood at the Lobster Dave Seafood Restaurant and Sports Bar in Ocho Rios.
Cardi hypnotized Offset with sexy looks all night ... and the group took shots and danced the night away in the Jamaican moonlight!!!
Offset's had a rough 2022 due to the untimely death of his Migos brother Takeoff ... with Cardi even admitting she was in a hopeless bind attempting to cheer up her hubby.
Grief doesn't end overnight ... but at least Offset is feeling the love today!!!
HBD!!! 🎂
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R. Kelly Master Recordings Allegedly Stolen ... Related to Unauthorized Album?!?
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R. Kelly's team called police claiming hundreds of his master recordings were stolen ... and now his camp thinks that could be behind the unauthorized release of the new "I Admit It" album.
According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, the Kelly master recordings were reported missing back in February ... swiped from an Illinois storage facility.
Cops say a man named Keith Calbert called to report a theft, telling officers he oversees the Kelly property being stored in the warehouse. Calbert told police several hundred of Kelly's recordings were missing, and he valued them in the millions of dollars.
It's interesting ... cops say Calbert told them 2 roadies removed the masters from the warehouse 9 months prior, and took them to California. Police say Calbert also told them he had advised one of the roadies to bring back the recordings ... but was told he needed to pay $160,000 for their return.
Police say Calbert showed them 10 empty shelves he said used to be completely full, and estimated between 300 to 500 missing recordings.
It's unclear why Kelly's team waited so long to make the report. In any event, cops say they investigated but it didn't go anywhere, so the case was closed with no arrests.
TMZ broke the story ... R. Kelly claims he had nothing to do with the recently released, 13-track "I Admit It" album.
His legal team says they're trying to find out who uploaded the music to Spotify and Apple Music, and those 2 roadies are high on their list of people to contact.
Now, Kelly's camp believes the alleged master recording theft may be tied to the unauthorized 13-track album.
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L.A. Sheriff's Dept. Rookie's Open Mic Captures Sex Romp ... 'You're Gonna Rip My Underwear!!!'
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A Los Angeles Sheriff's deputy is under investigation for, apparently, having sex on the job ... or at least that's what it sounds like on the radio broadcast that picked up some of the nitty-gritty.
The audio, obtained by TMZ, could be heard over LASD airwaves this past weekend, and we're told it came from a rookie female deputy working at the Men's Central Jail that night. It sounds like, during a break in her shift, she got into some risky business.
Take a listen ... you can hear a woman giggling and warning her partner that he's going to rip her underwear, to which he responds playfully.
Now, law enforcement sources tell us this deputy went out to a parking structure that night, and her bosses believe she accidentally engaged her radio while getting into it. She eventually realized the microphone was open and shut it down, but, as you can hear, the damage was done.
LASD tells TMZ the agency has launched an internal investigation to find out more about the incident -- not to mention whether the man heard on the audio was also a member of the force ... and if he, too, was on the clock. We're told potential punishments could range from a suspension to a firing.
This isn't the first time LASD deputies have been caught doing the deed on duty -- you'll recall ... something similar happened 2 years ago at Universal Studios, and that was also caught in a radio broadcast.
Save it for the bedroom, folks ... or at least turn off your radio first!