YouTube Star Keenan Cahill Dead at 27
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YouTube powerhouse Keenan Cahill, famous for his lip-synch videos with celebrities, has died.
Keenan's manager, David Graham, tells TMZ ... Keenan had open heart surgery on Dec. 15 but there were complications from the procedure and he was put on life support. We're told Keenan died Thursday afternoon in a Chicago hospital after being taken off life support.
Keenan had a huge following on social media ... we're told he was one of the first YouTube influencers to rack up over 500 million views on his channel.
50 Cent actually helped take Keenan's career to the next level ... they did a surprise collab on the rapper's "Down On Me" song, opening the door for Keenan to work with other celebs.
Keenan's Rolodex was pretty impressive ... he also worked with Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, David Guetta, Britney Spears, Jason Derulo, LMFAO and Tyra Banks, just to name a few.
Keenan was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder when he was a baby, Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome, a progressive condition that causes organs and tissues to enlarge, become scarred or inflamed. Some people who have Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome can also have heart issues, which appears to be the case here.
He was 27.
RIP
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'GMA3' Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Lock Lips in Miami
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes' relationship is getting VERY serious on the heels of T.J. filing for divorce from his wife ... and TMZ has the evidence to prove it.
The lovebirds recently flew down to Miami from NYC for a romantic getaway and were caught locking lips with their hands all over each other.
Check out these photos snapped Wednesday, showing the GMA3 cohosts in the throes of passion under the hot Florida sun.
The couple later had some food and drinks at a seaside restaurant, where they were clearly enjoying each other's company, but were less affectionate. They also spent Christmas together in the cooler climate of Atlanta, but we're sure they kept one another warm.
12/28/22
As we reported ... the couple's affair leaked out in late November while both were still married, but separated from their spouses. ABC execs, who produce GMA 3, were blindsided by the news and removed the two from their cohosting duties, pending an internal investigation into whether they broke any company rules.
TJ filed for divorce Wednesday from his wife Marilee Fiebig, whom he married in 2010. Robach has also reportedly started the process of divorcing actor Andrew Shue.
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Disgraced 'Crypto King' Sam Bankman-Fried Met With Senior White House Aides ... Before His Arrest On Federal Fraud Charges
Sam Bankman-Fried reportedly held 4 meetings with members of President Joe Biden's cabinet in 2022 before his FTX empire collapsed, leading to his arrest on federal fraud charges.
The disgraced "Crypto King," who is at the center of one of the largest financial frauds in U.S. history, sat down with senior White House advisor Steve Ricchetti on September 8, according to a new report by Bloomberg.
Sam allegedly had 2 follow-up meetings with Ricchetti on April 22 and May 12. He also reportedly met with Biden's deputy chief of staff, Bruce Reed. It's not clear what was discussed in any of the get-togethers.
FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Arrested In Bahamas, U.S. Files Criminal Charges
As we reported ... Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas on Dec. 12. He was federally charged in New York with eight counts of wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering and a campaign finance violation. He faces up to 115 years in prison if convicted.
The Bloomberg report is but another example of Bankman-Fried's deep ties with the Washington D.C. establishment before Sam was accused of stealing $1.8 billion from investors in his cryptocurrency scheme. And it's no secret that Sam has donated millions to the campaigns of prominent politicians, including Biden.
But the White House has declined to say whether Biden will return the $5.2 million he received from the FTX founder for his 2020 presidential run.
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Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Sued For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Minor ... And Insisting She Get An Abortion
Steven Tyler sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl decades ago and carried on an illicit affair with her, which ended with him insisting she abort their child, this according to a new lawsuit.
The legendary Aerosmith frontman is not named in the suit, but he's one of 50 defendants identified as a “Doe.” The plaintiff/accuser, Julia Holcomb, has previously gone on record about their relationship and she quotes directly from the singer's 2011 memoir in the suit. Tyler's memoir made a cryptic reference to his time spent with an underage girl, but he maintained they had a "romantic, loving relationship."
According to the docs obtained by Rolling Stone, Holcomb first met Tyler just after her 16th birthday at a 1973 Aerosmith concert in Portland, Oregon. Tyler, who was then around 25, allegedly brought Holcomb back to his hotel room, where they chatted about her age and troubled home life.
Holcomb says Tyler then “performed various acts of criminal sexual conduct upon.” She claims he continued to have sex with her after illegally flying her as a minor across state lines -- a possible federal crime under the Mann Act -- to Seattle for Aerosmith's next show.
The docs also state Tyler tried to coax Holcomb's mom into turning over guardianship of her daughter to him so he could fully provide for her. But, Holcomb says, Tyler did not follow through with his plans “and instead continued to travel with, assault and provide alcohol and drugs" to her.
By 1975, Holcomb says she was 17 and pregnant with Tyler’s son ... Tyler allegedly ordered her to get an abortion after an apartment fire, insisting the unborn baby was suffering from a lack of oxygen -- an allegation dismissed by a medical professional.
Holcomb says she was torn about terminating the pregnancy ... but ultimately went through with it after Tyler threatened to totally cut her off. After that, she reportedly left Tyler and went back home to Portland to pick up the pieces of her life.
Holcomb's suit accuses Tyler of sexual assault, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
We reached out to Steven's rep ... so far no word back.
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Pele Paid $120K To Tie Shoes Before Match ... Intensified Feud W/ Adidas, Puma
Pele was paid $120K by a major sneaker company to bend down at midfield and tie his shoe before a 1970 World Cup match ... giving birth to a bitter feud between Puma and Adidas!
Pele's death has unearthed all kinds of stories about the soccer legend, who died Thursday at the age of 82, following a lengthy battle with colon cancer ... including when the greatest player ever was paid the equivalent of $1 million (in 2022 w/ inflation) to tie a Puma soccer cleat, according to Joe Pompliano, who told the story.
It all started in 1924 when Adolf and Rudolf Dassler started a shoe company, Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory. The shoemaker was successful, and Jesse Owens even wore their brand during the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, where Owens dominated in front of Hitler, winning 4 gold medals.
Brazilian Soccer Legend Pelé Dead At 82
But, by 1948, the brothers had a falling out and decided to go their own way ... each starting a sneaker company of their own. Adolf created Adidas and Rudolf, Puma. The brothers swore to never do business with one another.
Things changed in the late 60s when the brothers buried the hatchet and began communicating again, all in the interest of self-preservation. Adolf and Rudolf made a "Pele pact," an agreement that both companies would stay away from Pele, the biggest sports star in the world, fearing a sponsorship negotiation could bankrupt both companies.
Unfortunately for Adidas, Puma didn't exactly abide by the pact. Prior to a World Cup quarterfinal match in 1970 between Peru and Pele's Brazil, Puma paid the soccer superstar $120K to walk toward midfield just before the start of the game, bend down, and tie his Puma shoe.
Of course, Puma wanted to capture the moment on video ... so to ensure they didn't miss the moment, the shoewear company reportedly went as far as to pay the cameraman!
Brazil beat Peru ... and ended up winning the entire World Cup. It was Pele's record third.
The Pele-Puma partnership didn't come to an end with the '70 WC ... the deal was a smash success for everyone involved.
In the end, Adidas and Puma became two of the biggest shoe sellers in the world, and Pele, arguably, the greatest soccer player to ever step foot on a pitch.
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'Forrest Gump' Actor Bob Penny Dead at 87 In Alabama
Actor Bob Penny, who scored minor roles in the films "Forrest Gump" and "Sweet Home Alabama," has died.
Bob passed away in Huntsville, Alabama on Christmas Day, according to an online obit from Laughlin Service Funeral Home. His cause of death was not disclosed.
Penny was a bit part actor in dozens of films and TV shows during his long career stretching back to the '80s. Some of his movie credits include, “Mississippi Burning,” “My Cousin Vinny” and “The Legend of Bagger Vance." He played a “crony” in “Forrest Gump,” and a bumbling, small-town lawyer in “Sweet Home Alabama." He also landed a role in the TV series “In the Heat of the Night.”
He began his acting career doing TV commercials for a local department store and ad campaigns for The United Way.
Bob was 87.
RIP
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'GENERAL HOSPITAL'S SONYA EDDY Account Posting Cryptic Horoscope Tweets ... Problem is, She's Dead
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Sonya Eddy's dead, but her Twitter account is still very much alive ... her page is posting cryptic tweets every day, and the company behind it says its hands are tied.
The late "General Hospital" actress has an app linked to her Twitter account that automatically posts her horoscope every day ... and it's still churning out tweets despite her recent death, with confused fans replying to her tweets in droves.
Some of the horoscopes are pretty creepy, like this one from three days after her death ... "Today could reveal some unexpected rewards."
The app Sonya's official Twitter account is using is called Twittascope ... and honchos at the company that owns Twittascope say they can't do anything to stop the tweets.
For Sonya's account to stop posting daily horoscopes, we're told someone with access to her page will have to manually go in and disable the Twittascope app in her account settings.
As we reported ... Sonya died Dec. 19 after being hospitalized with a serious infection.
We reached out to Sonya's reps ... so far no word back.
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Celebrity Deaths In 2022 Bob Saget, Aaron Carter, Takeoff ... Shootings, Crashes & Cancer Kills Others
The past year will be remembered for many shocking events ... but this time, we remember celebrities who tragically died in the year 2022.
The Hip Hop world took a huge hit when Takeoff was shot dead ... same with PnB Rock, who was gunned down earlier this year. Coolio's death also came as shock to many.
Aaron Carter left the world too soon, when he was found dead in his bathtub ... and the death of actress Anne Heche rocked all of Hollywood and beyond, when she crashed her car into a home, causing a massive fire and trapping her inside.
Leslie Jordan also died behind the wheel, after investigators believe he suffered some sort of medical emergency ... leaving a huge hole in all of comedy. As did Louie Anderson and Bob Saget, who was found dead in his hotel room.
The list, unfortunately, continues with Olivia Newton-John, who died after losing her battle with cancer ... ditto for Kirstie Alley and Tom Parker.
Hollywood also suffered a huge loss when Stephen "tWitch" Boss died by suicide.
Others who are gone but not forgotten include ... Naomi Judd, Ray Liotta, "Friends" actor Mike Hagerty, "Toddlers & Tiaras" star Kailia Posey, Ivana Trump, André Leon Talley and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Of course, the longest-serving monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II, left her legacy behind when she died, this year, at the age of 96.
RIP
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Rulon Gardner, Wrestling Legend Gunning To Return To Olympics ... At 51 Years Old
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Rulon Gardner won gold in wrestling in arguably the biggest upset in Olympics history ... and now the American hero, who's 51 years old, tells TMZ Sports he's making a comeback, and the goal is the Summer Games!
"I still wanna give more back to the sport, the sport that I love and that's wrestling. When you have a goal like wrestling it makes you get into shape so I've lost a substantial amount of weight, getting healthy again, getting back after it, and now it's getting on the mat," Gardner said.
"Every day it hurts like heck but it's so fun to be able to get out there and throw with these young kids. It's crazy 'cause I'm wrestling kids half my age."
If you don't know Rulon's story ... he won a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling during the 2000 Games in Sydney. But, that doesn't even begin to tell the story ... 'cause Gardner beat the most dominant and feared wrestler of all time, 6'3", 286 lb. Aleksandr Karelin.
"The Russian Bear" was thought to be unbeatable. He'd won the previous 3 gold medals. He hadn't lost a match since entering the international competition in 1988. For crying out loud, he hadn't given up a single point in 6 years. To this day he's regarded by most as the greatest amateur wrestler ever.
But, somehow, someway ... David slayed Goliath. And now, Rulon wants to do something perhaps equally hard -- compete at a world-class level in his 50s.
The journey started as a way for Rulon to lose weight ... and he tells us he's down about 150 lbs. An incredible achievement, but not his goal.
"Our goal is to go out there and show we can still compete with the top-level wrestlers of the world. I know I can compete with the guys in the U.S., the question is do I have what it takes in my 50s to get back to the Olympic games?"
If he can complete the comeback, we asked Rulon where the achievement would rank in the history of Olympic competition.
"Dara Torres, she did it a few years ago as a swimmer in her 40s and nobody has ever thought about doing it in your 50s and especially a combat sport. It's not easy on the body. Your talking about getting hit in the head, you're talking about getting hit in the body, shoulder, and knees. There's just so many body parts."
"Last year, I started throwing people and I'm like oh my gosh, I was throwing guys and my body is saying, 'what are you doing?' It still says that but it's like getting back on the bike and it feels normal again."
The next Summer Olympics go down in Paris in 2024. Will Rulon Gardner be part of the team? It's a lofty goal, but are you gonna bet against the guy who slayed The Russian Bear?!
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Michael Lohan Estranged Wife Busted for 3rd DWI ... New State, Same Charge
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Kate Major just hit a trifecta no one wants to hit -- Michael Lohan's estranged wife has been arrested and charged with her third DWI.
TMZ has learned Kate was busted in Shenandoah, TX -- law enforcement sources tell us cops spotted her behind the wheel of her parked car last month. She stood out like a sore thumb because it was 2 AM, and her car was in the parking lot of a shopping center where all the stores were closed.
We're told the officers said Kate reeked of booze as she sat alone in her idling car -- and she told them she was driving around to find a friend with whom she'd had an argument.
Our sources say she went through field sobriety testing, failed and was arrested for felony DWI. This one was a felony due to 2 prior convictions for driving while intoxicated.
As we've reported, Kate's other arrests happened in 2020 in New York and in 2014 in Florida.
Michael and Kate are still married despite tons of bumps in the road ... but they've been estranged for a couple of years, and she's been battling alcohol issues for a while.
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'Pokemon' Ash & Pikachu's Upcoming Exit ... 'Hit Hard,' Says Original Voice Actor
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Ash Ketchum's 25-year arc in "Pokemon" is coming to an end ... and while it seems like a shock, maybe it's something we all should've seen coming -- at least according to Veronica Taylor, who originally provided the voice for the titular trainer.
Veronica tells TMZ ... she was hit pretty hard by the recent news that the popular anime was leaving Ash and Pikachu behind, but after the character was finally named top trainer in the world on the show, the exit kinda tracks.
She says an ending for Ash seemed so distant, but points out how "Pokemon" has taught us so many lessons, one of which is letting go ... and a departure like this would be another great example of that.
For those unaware, Taylor voiced Ash for the first 8 seasons of the show ... and it was announced this month that the new season will introduce 2 new main characters -- but not before 11 special episodes in 2023 to wrap up Ash and Pikachu's journey.
Taylor thinks a cameo in the future is possible, though ... and hopes longtime fans will be just as attached to this new generation.
It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years. No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. I'll keep him present for all of us in every way I can. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UZxPO4xD6E
— Sarah Natochenny (@sarahnatochenny) December 16, 2022 @sarahnatochenny
BTW -- Sarah Natochenny, who is the current voice of Ash, wrote about her character's exit ... saying she'll "keep him present for all of us in every way I can. ❤️"
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Limo Driver In 'The Holiday' 'Memba Him?!
English actor Jay Simpson was 39 years old when he was cast as the limo driver -- who is professional yet stoic, always looking sharp and constantly confused by Amanda Woods' erratic behavior -- in the romance/comedy classic "The Holiday" back in 2006.
Jay shared the big screen with A-listers Cameron Diaz as the successful movie trailer business owner, Amanda, Jude Law as the sensitive and romantic book editor and widower, Graham, Kate Winslet as the intelligent society columnist for The Daily Telegraph in London, Iris and Jack Black as the loyal movie composer, Miles.
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Andrew Tate Arrested on Human Trafficking Allegations ... Romanian Report
Controversial and provocative influencer Andrew Tate and his brother have been arrested in Romania on human sex-trafficking allegations ... according to a report.
The publication Libertatea reports the two have been brought in on kidnapping and rape charges -- though the specifics of the allegations are not yet known. A video circulating on social media from a Romanian news outlet shows both Tate and his brother being led out of a building in handcuffs by police and into a waiting vehicle.
Tate became the a huge focus on Twitter earlier this week after he tweeted at environmental activist Greta Thunberg, mocking her efforts by listing off his collection of cars.
yes, please do enlighten me. email me at smalldickenergy@getalife.com https://t.co/V8geeVvEvg
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) December 28, 2022 @GretaThunberg
Thunberg responded with a burn of her own, writing, "yes, please do enlighten me. email me at smalldickenergy@getalife.com" and Twitter went wild.
What's more ... Tate then created a video response to Thunberg's tweet which featured pizza boxes from Jerry's Pizza -- a company with locations in Romania -- there's speculations the pizza boxes helped Romanian authorities track Tate down.
The Daily Mirror says a spokesperson for Tate stated, "We cannot provide any details at the moment regarding alleged reports that they have been detained; however, Andrew and Tristan Tate have the utmost respect for the Romanian authorities and will always assist and help in any way they can."
College Admissions Scandal Rick Singer Should Get Years Behind Bars Prosecutors tell Judge
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The person who concocted, recruited and ultimately turned on scores of parents who tried bribing their children's way into good colleges is about to get sentenced, and prosecutors say he's the worst of all and should be sentenced to 6 years.
Rick Singer will be formally sentenced next week, and TMZ has obtained a copy of document prosecutors just filed, saying Singer "was the architect of a massive, decades-long scheme to use fraud and bribery to secure admission of high school students to elite colleges and universities across the country."
Prosecutors say Singer profited from the scheme more than anyone and therefore deserves a much harsher sentence than the parents, coaches and others received.
As for comparisons ... more than 50 parents, coaches and associates of Singer's received sentences ranging from probation to 30 months.
Lori Loughlin received 2 months, and Felicity Huffman 14 days.
Prosecutors want an additional 36 months of supervised release, and restitution to the IRS in the amount of $10,668,841. They want millions more in other penalties.
Here's the thing ... 6 years ain't so bad, because the max was 65 years behind bars.
As for why the relatively light sentence ... Singer cooperated and was the key to convicting the parents and others. The docs refer to Singer making hundreds of recorded calls at the government's direction. He wore a wire as well to nail the targets. Prosecutors say if it wasn't for Singer, most of the parents who were convicted would have gotten off.
Happy ending?
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Vivienne Westwood Dead at 81
Vivienne Westwood -- whose fashion designs are largely credited for bringing punk styles to the mainstream -- has died.
A statement from Westwood's team announced she died Thursday peacefully and surrounded by loved ones in South London. The statement reads, "Vivienne continued to do the things she loved, up until the last moment, designing, working on her art, writing her book, and changing the world for the better."
It continues, "She led an amazing life. Her innovation and impact over the last 60 years has been immense and will continue into the future."
The statement says, "Vivienne considered herself a Taoist. She wrote, "Tao spiritual system. There was never more need for the Tao today. Tao gives you a feeling that you belong to the cosmos and gives purpose to your life; it gives you such a sense of identity and strength to know you're living the life you can live and therefore ought to be living: make full use of your character and full use of your life on earth."
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Finally stating, "The world needs people like Vivienne to make a change for the better."
Westwood got her first recognition thanks to a boutique she and Malcolm McLaren, who managed the Sex Pistols, ran in the UK called SEX. From there, she continued to open shops in London and then around the world.
Later on in her career, she collabed with Pharrell Williams, wedding looks for Princess Eugenie and even designed uniforms for Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic crew.
Westwood was 81.
RIP
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Winter Storm Father of 7 Misses Chance at Heart Transplant ... After Weather Cancels Flight
A father from Alaska missed a lifesaving opportunity to receive a new heart after his Alaska Airlines flight was canceled due to the historic U.S. winter storm.
Patrick Holland, who is battling congestive heart failure, was contacted by the University of Washington Medical Center on Dec. 22 saying he was next in line for a heart transplant.
The 56-year-old was given an 8-hour window to fly to Seattle for the heart transplant -- rushing to the Fairbanks, AK airport for an overnight flight -- according to CNN.
However, when he got to the airport, it was announced his flight was canceled due to weather. Alaska Airlines' staff tried to get him on the next flight, but it had to be rerouted. Unfortunately for Holland, that meant he'd miss the 8-hour window ... and the heart was given to someone else.
Holland spoke with King 5, saying, "I think I cried more that day than I have in my life, and exerted every emotion that I've never had. To get out of that funk, I immediately said, 'Thank God, there's going to be a family that is saving someone's dad, saving someone's brother, saving someone's, someone's uncle, you know.'"
Holland says he'll remain in Seattle for a bit in hopes another heart will become available ... one that will help him keep up with his wife of 17 years and his 7 kids.