Buffalo Bills Honor Damar Hamlin ... In 1st Game Since Monday

Published | Updated

The Buffalo Bills were ready to play football again this weekend, but they were also ready to honor their teammate, Damar Hamlin ... and they did both in equal measure.

The squad took the field Sunday against the Patriots, with a ton of players -- including QB Josh Allen -- carrying custom flags that asked people to "Pray for Damar," which also bared his official number, 3. The Bills are at home, so their crowd was completely fired up.

There were several fan-made posters with their own messages for Damar ... bottom line, everyone had the safety on their mind. And everyone paid tribute in their own unique way.

This wasn't the only nod to Damar ... before kickoff, the team acknowledged and thanked the medical staff that worked on DH almost a week ago, who undoubtedly saved his life.

On the football field, itself ... even more magic from Buffalo. Nyheim Hines caught the opening kickoff and sent back a 90-plus-yard return -- running practically all the way down the field, breaking tackles along the way, and scored a touchdown in a miraculous play.

It was a helluva way to start the game ... and you could see and hear the excitement both among his teammates and even in the booth -- where the broadcasters described it as "storybook" type stuff. Damar himself seemed to love it ... tweeting, "OMFG!!!!!!"

Speaking of Damar ... his condition continues to improve, and he was showing his guy support from his hospital bed -- posting a photo of himself with a "Love for Damar" tee, and telling the Bills it was "GAMETIME."

Looks like they heard him loud and clear, because the Bills are here to play.

'Eight is Enough' Star Adam Rich Dead at 54

Published | Updated

Adam Rich, who starred in the enormous hit, "Eight Is Enough" has died ... TMZ has learned.

A family member tells TMZ ... Adam died Saturday at his L.A. area home. The family member would not reveal the cause of death, but a law enforcement source tells TMZ someone came to his home and found him lifeless. The law enforcement source adds ... this was not foul play.

Adam played Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son on "Eight Is Enough." The series ran from 1977-1981.

He had other credits as well, including "Code Red" in 1981 and "Dungeons & Dragons" in 1983.

Adam made VH1's list of the greatest 100 kid stars, coming in at #73.

He retreated from show business in the '80s because he said he did not like the glare of the spotlight or, for that matter, anything celebrity-related.

Adam took up acting at Chatsworth High School in the San Fernando Valley. His drama teacher also taught Kevin Spacey, Val Kilmer and other big actors.

Sadly, Adam had substance abuse issues, which resulted in a 1991 arrest after he smashed a pharmacy window in an effort to obtain drugs. He was bailed out by Dick Van Patten, his TV dad on "Eight Is Enough." He had other legal issues as well.

Adam's mantra -- "Life is for living, and I live my life to the fullest every day."

Adam was 54. RIP

BTK To TMZ Bryan Kohberger Has Serial Killer Traits ... Just Like Me

Published | Updated

The BTK serial killer says Bryan Kohberger shares some of his traits, and that one of his own attacks -- a quadruple homicide -- is eerily similar to the Idaho student slayings.

Dennis Rader -- who gave himself the moniker, "Bind, Torture, Kill," tells TMZ in a new email he believes Kohberger would lie in wait for his victims, stalking them and casing their home. All of this, BTK says, was "much like I did," referencing Kohberger's "dark mind," which he can relate to.

BTK also pointed out chilling parallels between his brutal 1974 murders of the Otero family in Kansas and the four slain University of Idaho students, whom Kohberger has been charged with fatally stabbing in an off-campus home.

"Murder four, much like the Oteros, up close and personal stabbed," BTK wrote, although he asphyxiated four Otero family members after tying them up in their Wichita house.

He went on to mention that Kohberger left DNA at the crime scene just like he did at the Otero house, leaving his semen on one victim's body. It took police years to link BTK to the crimes after advancements in DNA technology. However, Kohberger was soon connected to the Idaho homicides after his DNA was found on a knife sheath, cops said.

Lastly, BTK tells us Kohberger "may have killed by Fantasy Homicide. Which I did!" Of course, BTK was referring to his police confession that he murdered 10 people because of his sexual fantasies. Idaho detectives have not disclosed Kohberger's motive and he denies any wrongdoing.

010322_idaho_murder_livestream_kal_v1 1/3/23
ESCORTED BY POLICE

As we reported, Kohberger -- before the Idaho massacre -- was rumored to have contacted BTK, who said in an earlier email to us that's just not true. But, BTK thinks Kohberger studied him and his crimes. The infamous killer is currently serving ten life terms in prison.

Dog the Bounty Hunter Gives Beth's Ashes to Her Fam ... Will Rest with Her Mom

Published | Updated

Dog the Bounty Hunter is making sure his late wife Beth Chapman gets to reunite in the ever after with her beloved mother, who recently passed away.

A rep for Dog tells TMZ … Beth's mom, Bonnie Joan, died in November, and one of her final wishes was to be laid to rest with her daughter. Dog heard about the request and wanted to make it happen.

We're told Dog gave some of Beth's ashes to her sister Melinda, who also has their mom's ashes. The mother-daughter duo had a rocky relationship, but we're told they made sure to mend fences before Beth passed in 2019.

Beth Chapman
ONE LAST RIDE

You'll recall, Beth died at 51, following a long battle with cancer -- and afterward Dog held a ceremony in Hawaii, where the couple lived part-time, to spread her ashes.

We're told he used ceremonial ashes for that ceremony, but some of Beth's actual remains have been spread in other places that were important to her.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As for the ashes he still has, Dog tells us, "I understand now what rest in peace truly means. I'm hopeful Beth can now rest in peace."

RASCAL FLATTS GUITARIST J.D. ROONEY'S NASTY DIVORCE WITH PLAYBOY MODEL ... She's Having An Affair!!!

Published

Joe Don Rooney -- lead guitarist for the country music trio Rascal Flatts -- is in the middle of a contentious divorce from his Playboy model wife ... he says she cheated on him and she says he's a cheater who's hooked on drugs and alcohol.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the musician claims his wife, Tiffany Fallon, is having an affair with her personal trainer. He says the affair started before he filed for divorce in January 2021 and believes the "adulterous relationship" is still going strong.

Tiffany cops to adultery but denies it was the cause of their marital breakdown and says the affair only began after Joe withdrew from the marriage due to "habitual alcoholism and drug abuse." She claims he's guilty of adultery, as well.

As we reported ... Joe was busted for DUI in September 2021, when police in Tennessee said he crashed his car into a tree. Tiffany cites Joe's DUI case in the docs ... saying it's the culmination of ongoing alcohol and drug abuse.

For his part, Joe denies abusing narcotic drugs ... though he admits he's used cocaine a few times. He says he suffers from an alcohol disorder and is getting treatment, but says his boozing isn't the cause of the marriage collapse ... he says she started having an affair in 2020 when he was on the wagon.

Joe and Tiffany, a former Miss Georgia and Playmate of the Year, got hitched back in 2006 and they have three kids together ... and they're also fighting over money and custody.

Aaron Rodgers, Mallory Edens We're Sweet On Each Other!!! Shared Candy At Bucks Game In December

Published
010623-aaron-rodgers-mallory-edens-kal
COURTSIDE SNACK

News of Aaron Rodgers and Mallory Edens' new romance was just confirmed this week, but the clues were there as early as last month ... with the two sharing candy as they watched the Milwaukee Bucks from their courtside seats.

As we reported on Friday -- the Green Bay Packers quarterback and Bucks owner's daughter are, in fact, dating ... with the news coming off as a surprise to many.

But upon further review of Rodgers and Edens' recent public outing ... folks shouldn't be so shocked.

In the short clip from the Dec. 2 matchup against the Lakers, Aaron grabs a handful of what appears to be Mike and Ikes and downs 'em before passing it to Edens, who takes the box from him.

We get it -- it's not much, but it's certainly something a couple would do ... and just goes to show that they were enjoying their time together.

As we previously reported, the rumors had been swirling all week ... with many pointing out Edens recently hit up a Green Bay Packers game decked out in the home team's gear. Turns out all the rumors were right!!

Seeing Rodgers and Edens together at a game isn't out of the ordinary ... but this was the first time they showed any sign of being the real thing.

Celebs Start 2023 With a Shore Thing New Year ... Same Sunny Selfies

Published

While most of the world is back on the grind and working on their resolutions, Hollywood's hottest celebrities just wanna have fun sun. That's right, the stars are hitting tropical beaches like it's their day job, giving them quite the sunny start to 2023.

Alessandra Ambrosio was a total beach babe under the Mexico sunset, and Bella Hadid has been soaking up the new year by reading and lounging beachside. And, as for the gents ... Toddy Smith was hyped AF consuming large doses of vitamin sea, and DJ Khaled opted for anotha' massage right on the Caribbean shore.

All in all, 2023 has already been a real beach ... check out our gallery of stars just playing in the sand!

Kenya Moore Still Hashing Out Divorce 2 Years Later ... No Prenup = Big Problems

Published

Kenya Moore is hoping to get things squared away with her divorce soon ... but she makes it clear, there's still one huge roadblock.

We got the "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star out in New York and asked about her split with her estranged husband, Marc Daly ... which she called the world's longest divorce.

Kenya tells us it's been a long time coming because they didn't have a prenup ... and dividing up the spoils of the marriage isn't as easy as it seems.

As we reported, KM and Marc called it quits after 2 years of marriage ... way back in September 2019. She filed for divorce in May 2021.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

At the time of their split she said, "Due to recent and ongoing circumstances, I can no longer continue in the marriage" ... adding that their daughter Brooklyn would be her main focus.

True to form ... she offered motherhood advice to mommy-to-be Keke Palmer, who recently revealed her pregnancy.

As far as when she'll become officially single ... she has high hopes it'll all be done in time for hot girl summer!

Kenya is appearing on FOX's "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test."

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

Published

Underneath this starlike figure is an artistic guy who can dance like no one's watching and own every stage he steps foot on (in a sparkly pair of boots). Aside from his superior singing chops and dynamic dance moves, he definitely knows how to ring in the new year!

He is a true Broadway icon who turned into a fairy in 2021 to help Camila Cabello find Prince Charming. Whenever this guy grabs the mic, it's all ears and eyes on him, and you'll be watching him present an award at this year's Golden Globes.

Can you "wish upon a star" and make the unknown celeb come to life?

'M3GAN' Internet's New Fave Killer Doll ... Chucky Taking 2nd Place?!?

Published | Updated

Chucky the killer doll is trending this weekend -- and the reason is because there's a new silicone-laced slasher in town that's got everyone dying for her ... that'd be 'M3GAN.'

The new horror flick just hit theaters this weekend, and by all accounts ... it's a hit with the young crowd, especially Gen-Zers and TikTok users. Apparently, she's all the rage online right now -- there's tons of memes and whatnot cropping about the movie, which is said to be laced with dark comedy, which is apparently starting to encroach on 'Child's Play' territory.

You can hop into the trend yourself and see the comparisons that are (jokingly) being drawn up between the classic foul-mouthed Good Guy of the '90s and M3GAN ... who's very much so an upgrade in terms of tech, tact and murdering capability in 2022.

If you're unfamiliar, 'M3GAN' is about this toy maker who creates a robotic best friend for children ... and tests it out on her niece, without realizing the doll starts to develop a mind of its own. Eventually, it wants control of raising the girl ... and it goes on a murderous rampage to get it. Pretty familiar territory, but in this case -- it's shaping up to be a hit.

Box office estimates have 'M3GAN' aiming to rake up at least $27 million through the weekend, which is a solid opening to kick off the new year -- especially against 'Avatar 2,' which is still cleaning up since its December release. So far, 'M3GAN' is at $11.7M.

Anyway, while 'M3GAN' might be the talk of the toy town right now -- Chucky's still got a special place in people's hearts ... and that's in large part because of his SYFY/USA show, which has undoubtedly given him a new lease on life in the 21st century.

It's pretty popular and maintains the spirit of the OG franchise. But with M3GAN out here, everyone's one-time favorite killer doll might need to bust out a new trick or two and get even more with the times than he has on TV thus far.

Step it up, Chuck!

Damar Hamlin 1st IG Post ... Since On-Field Collapse

Published | Updated
UPDATE

3:35 PM PT -- Damar Hamlin posted a screengrab of a FaceTime convo he was having with Michael Rubin and Meek Mill.

UPDATE
UPDATE

We're told they were talking about Fanatics -- MR's company -- donating all the money they're making on Hamlin jersey sales to charity.

Damar Hamlin's health has, thankfully, improved dramatically ... so much so, in fact, that the guy is active on social media again ... and his message is one of gratitude and thanks.

The Bills safety -- who's been receiving treatment in a hospital for several days now, following his horrifying on-field collapse -- posted to IG for the first time since the life-threatening incident. He compiled shots of himself, seemingly from the fateful day in question.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The final slide in his 4-pic post shows a quote doctors told him when he was finally awake and talking on his own. It's the "you won" line, which resonated with him.

Damar adds, "When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much.. 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾 The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me!"

010523-uc-health-kal
MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

His message comes on the heels of his team providing yet another encouraging update on his condition. They said he was making continued progress, but remained in critical care --noting he was breathing without assistance and that his neurological function was excellent.

This turnaround is nothing short of miraculous, considering we now know that his heart gave out ... requiring immediate resuscitation on the gridiron during Monday Night Football.

Since his injury, Damar's been receiving an outpouring of support in several different forms -- including on the charity front ... which has amounted to millions of dollars being donated to a GFM endeavor he was hosting for the holidays.

Seems he's taken notice of that and all the other well-wishes sent his way. A good sign.

Originally Published -- 2:25 PM PT

Report: Prince Harry 'Written Out' of Coronation ... Willy 'Burning w/ Anger'

Published | Updated

Prince Harry's been making a lot of claims about his brother lately -- and the repercussions for going against the family, as they say, is apparently not all that bad ... per a new report.

The Times published a story Saturday that claims to have some inside knowledge on how the Royals are digesting Harry's bombshells ... which have been leaking out via excerpts from his forthcoming book, "Spare," due to release next week.

According to the outlet, the only thing PH faces at this point for spilling his guts is being "written out of the script" for King Charles' coronation ceremony in May -- when he's officially crowned and all that jazz. That doesn't mean the Duke can't attend, though.

The Times' Royal Editor, Roya Nikkhah, tweeted this tidbit as a follow-up to her post ... "I can also reveal that Prince Harry has been written out of the script for the Coronation, with no official role in the service if he attends. Breaking with tradition, Charles will scrap royal dukes kneeling and paying homage to the monarch. Only William will perform that role."

So, it sounds like Harry can, in fact, roll through if he wants ... but will have to sit in the peanut gallery with all the others, while Prince William takes center stage next to Dad. All things considered, that's mild. Some speculated Harry would be uninvited altogether.

As for Willy ... The Times claims, through Royal sources, that he's "burning with anger" over Harry's assertions -- namely, that he allegedly attacked his brother, insulted his wife, Meghan Markle, and encouraged him to wear that Nazi costume all those years ago.

And yet, he's staying silent through it all ... which he apparently plans to continue doing for the foreseeable future. Time will tell if even more nuggets emerge when the book comes out.

As we know, Harry's on a full-blown press run right now to promote this thing. Word is, Penguin -- which reportedly paid him $20M for "Spare" -- needs around 1.7 million copies to be sold just to break even. Here's hoping the best deets are still under wraps.

Joker New DC Comic Sees Him Preggo ... Outrage Re: Trans Theory

Published | Updated

The Joker gets pregnant in a new comic series they just rolled out -- which is, expectedly, drawing some outrage and backlash among a certain demographic ... can you guess who?

The latest story about the Clown Prince of Darkness comes from DC's 'The Man Who Stopped Laughing' series, which explores different plots and subplots for the Joker ... and some aren't even canonical, including this one about him growing a baby bump.

It dropped a few days ago, and people immediately noticed that writer Matthew Rosenberg and cartoonist Carmine Di Giandomenico concocted a tale about Joker wanting an heir, but one that was of his DNA. So, he starts to pursue female super wizardress Zatanna.

Of course, she wants nothing to do with the Joker ... so she casts a spell on him that guarantees no one else will ever bare his offspring, but it backfires -- making it so Joker gives birth all by himself, via vomiting as readers eventually find out. Along the way, the comic strip depicts him with a huge belly and getting checked on gynecologically.

In the end, the Joker's "baby" is a mutated version of himself ... and they're both enamored with one another. That's about all there is to the entry, and yet -- it's caused a lot of feathers to be ruffled in conservative circles, per usual.

Some on Twitter are accusing DC of trying to push LGBT-friendly narratives onto their base ... which they say has been going on for a while, through decisions like making Robin and Superman gay in some of their newer comics. Others, of course, saw that as progress.

BTW, the word "trans" is never mentioned in this latest iteration ... but that doesn't seem to have clicked with this crowd. They see what they wanna see, and they see trans Joker.

Get those forehead veins throbbing, y'all.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Here Are the ABCs of the Dem Party!!!

Published | Updated

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries was feeling musical on the House floor after being elected House Minority Leader for the Democratic Party ... and he let his song be heard by all, from A to Z.

The New York congressman -- who was the clear favorite among his peers for House Speaker as 15 rounds of voting were held -- delivered his speech early Saturday morning after Rep. Kevin McCarthy finally won the gavel among a divided Republican party.

We'll get to him in a minute, but first ... listen to Jeffries' ABCs of red, white and blue. He went through the entire alphabet to compare and contrast the core tenets of his caucus.

It starts with American Values over Autocracy, Benevolence over Bigotry, the Constitution over the Cult ... and finally ends with Zealous Representation over Zero Sum Confrontation, covering every letter in between. It's got good rhythm to it, much like the real alphabet song!

Jeffries got huge applause throughout, and what sounds like a standing O at the end.

You could argue there was just as much enthusiasm within the GOP, when now-House Speaker McCarthy delivered his remarks to cap off the long night ... when he promised to push a strong conservative agenda and to reign in a lot of Pres. Biden's policies.

McCarthy's win came after an excruciating 15 rounds of voting over 4 full days ... during which he slowly started to flip enough Republican votes in his favor among holdouts.

He reportedly gave away the farm in securing the speakership, conceding to a ton of concessions that weaken his position. But hey, he's got the title now ... and on we roll.

BTK Serial Killer Shoots Down Daughter's Claims ... Tells TMZ Bryan Kohberger Never Contacted Him

Published | Updated

The notorious BTK serial killer is pouring cold water on the idea -- floated by his own daughter -- that he has a link to Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger.

BTK fired off an email to TMZ from prison after we reached out to him about a recent NewsNation article ... claiming Kohberger may have communicated with him through DeSales University professor Katherine Ramsland.

Kohberger, a Washington State University grad student, had previously studied at DeSales under Ramsland, who's also a famous true crime author and penned a book about the BTK killer.

In his January 5 message to us, BTK says, "No on Kohberger all around," in response to his daughter, Kerri Rawson, telling NN reporter Brian Entin she was "pretty shocked" there was "potentially a connection to my father."

010523_bryan_kohberger_hearing_kal_v3 1/5/23
HEARING THE CHARGES

Rawson also said she thought Bryan was likely influenced by BTK since he studied under Ramsland.

On this point, BTK agreed, stating, "I had thought some one may have study me." He also gave props to the Idaho investigators for nabbing a suspect, meaning Kohberger.

BTK went on to share his personal torment about not connecting with his family. "My family don't communicate with me at all. I love them all very much and [would] be happy if one did."

As you know ... BTK (real name: Dennis Rader) killed ten people during his sexually motivated, sadomasochistic rampage in Wichita, Kansas, from 1974 to 1991. He wrote taunting letters to the media, giving himself the moniker, "Bind, Torture, Kill."

He was finally captured in 2005 and confessed to the slayings, leading to his conviction. He is currently serving ten life sentences -- one for each of his murders.

We've reached out to Ramsland, who declined to comment.

Bryan Kohberger Ex-FBI Agent Thinks He Talked About Student Murders ... In Online Chat Groups

Published | Updated

The man charged with slaughtering 4 Idaho college students may have joined online chat groups to discuss some of the facts of the brutal slayings with Internet sleuths.

Bryan Kohberger might have been the person or persons making claims about the quadruple homicide case, using the Facebook and Redditor handles "Pappa Rodger" and "InsideLooking," respectively, according to former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer.

Coffindaffer, who was tracking both accounts, says many of the allegations made by the individual(s) turned out to be factually accurate, causing her to think it could have been Bryan.

In two of the postings, the person/persons offered a correct timeline for the murders and mentioned the knife sheath left at the crime scene BEFORE police publicly released those details.

One spot-on message read: "Committed murders and exited sliding door. One knife according to corners [sic] statement. Time of murder approximately 3:20am - 3:40 am according to car fleeing scene and on camera on highway 8 approximately 3:45am. Vehicle left skid marks upon exit."

In another factual post, the user wrote: "Of the evidence released, the murder weapon has been consistent as a large fixed blade knife. This leads me to believe they found the sheath." Other members in the chat group were so alarmed they accused the person of talking "like a serial killer."

010523_bryan_kohberger_hearing_kal_v3 1/5/23
HEARING THE CHARGES

As we reported ... Kohberger was arrested Dec. 30 and charged with the fatal stabbings of 4 University of Idaho students: Kaylee Gonclaves, Maddie Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. Kohberger, a graduate student at Washington State University, denies any wrongdoing and is fighting the charges.