Miss Universe New Owner Accused of Rigging ... Pageant for Miss USA

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No Steve Harvey, but still a lot of controversy -- the new owner of Miss Universe has been accused of rigging the pageant for Miss USA ... despite some other clear favorites.

Anne Jakrajutatip -- who's the chief of JKN Global Group, which owns both Miss Universe and Miss USA -- is being called out by dissatisfied fans online, who feel like the fact that she literally controls both competitions is a little suspect ... not to mention where this was held.

For starters, Miss Universe was hosted in New Orleans -- airing on Roku -- and some claim the fix was in from the get-go to make sure R'Bonney Gabriel was crowned by the show's ending ... which did, in fact, happen. The runner-up was Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel.

Dudamel impressed throughout the broadcast, especially with her heartfelt answers on certain questions. Her outfits were also less ridiculed than the ones Gabriel wore, particularly in the costume category ... when she walked onstage with a WILD moon landing getup.

All this aside, many are pointing to what seems to be an obvious conflict of interest from Jakrajutatip and co. Her corporation bought Miss Universe this past fall for a reported $20 million, and with it came the rights to Miss USA ... which falls under the same umbrella.

Even before this pageant, there were already gripes about how Gabriel came to be Miss USA in the first place ... dating back to October, when JKN Global came onboard as the new shot-callers. Some have claimed there was favoritism afoot in that competition as well ... and there've even been suspensions in the top ranks as a result of investigations into it.

Of course, another curve ball here is the fact Jakrajutatip is transgender -- something that caught the attention of many when she delivered a powerful speech at one point in the broadcast ... where she said Miss Universe was now owned by women, for women.

Bottom line ... Miss Universe is still as dramatic as ever, with or without any faux pas.

Gunna Lil Baby Unfollows Him ... Lil Durk Takes a Swipe in New Song

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The hits keep coming for Gunna -- not only is he on the outs with YSL, but big-time rappers are now turning their backs on him too ... including Lil Baby and Lil Durk.

First, LB has officially unfollowed the embattled rapper -- as of Saturday, it appears Gunna no longer shows up as one of the 970 people Lil Baby is paying attention to on Instagram ... which might seem petty, but carries weight considering he *was* following until recently.

An unfollow in 2023 is the equivalent of telling someone ... I don't wanna be your friend anymore. That's where things seem to be between LB and Gunna, which is a big deal -- these two have been incredibly close for years. They put out a mixtape together once, and have rapped on each other's songs back and forth ... plus, they're both from Atlanta.

Now, on to the more transparent falling out ... Lil Durk clearly called out Gunna in a new track he previewed -- which features a line that alludes to a joint song they were on.

The video shows Durk and co. vibing out to the unnamed song, which features a quick line toward the beginning that goes ... "What happened to Virgil // he probably gonna tell." That's a reference to a song Durk did with Gunna of the same name ... so yeah, it's a shot.

As we reported ... Gunna's already under fire from a lot of people in hip-hop, including YSL members and associates -- who made it clear online that they're not messing with him.

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This, of course, comes after Gunna was released from custody when he copped a plea deal with state prosecutors in the sweeping RICO case that saw not only him arrested ... but Young Thug as well. YT's on trial right now, and Gunna seems to be perceived as a snitch.

It's pretty wild to see this play out. While 6ix9ine went through something similar a few years ago, he was nowhere near as popular or beloved in mainstream hip-hop as Gunna was, which makes this cold-shoulder treatment all the more dramatic and eye-popping. 👀

'The Wire' Al Brown Dead at 83

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Al Brown -- famous from "The Wire" -- has died ... this according to his loved ones.

The actor's daughter, Jenny, tells TMZ ... Al passed away Friday in Las Vegas as a result of his Alzheimer's battle. She tells us that before he got into acting in the '90s, he was a 29-year-old Air Force vet who served two tours in Vietnam ... so he served honorably.

Jenny also says Al loved fans of his and was happy to stop and chat with anyone who might've recognized him from the show over the years -- noting, he loved his job.

Al will best be remembered for playing Col. Stan Valchek in the hit HBO show from the 2000s. In the series, he was a high-ranking Baltimore PD official, often portrayed as somewhat corrupt ... who'd give the main character cops a hard time in their investigations.

Valchek was a recurring character in all five seasons of "The Wire," but played a major part in Season 2 ... when he was dealing with dock workers who'd gotten mixed up with the Greek mob. His character was portrayed as a proud Polish-American -- a running gag throughout.

Great role, and Brown played it well for years. In addition to his work on HBO ... he also guest starred in other shows like "Rescue Me," "Forensic Files," "Law & Order: SVU," "Commander in Chief," "Maron," "The Hustler" and others.

Al even had a few notable movies in his repertoire ... playing small roles in "The Replacements," "12 Monkeys," "Lay the Favorite," "Red Dragon," "Liberty Heights," and more. He had a knack for playing hardboiled cops and law enforcement types ... and he did 'em justice every time.

He's survived by his children and extended family. Al was 83.

RIP

Nepal Plane Crash Kills At Least 68 ... Passenger Video of Final Moments

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A plane crash in Nepal has killed dozens ... but the most harrowing aspect, perhaps, is the fact the final moments from inside were captured by a truly unsuspecting passenger.

The tragedy occurred Sunday during a 27-minute Yeti Airlines flight from Kathmandu to the town of Pokhara -- carrying 72 onboard, including crew members. The plane was in touch with the airport it was headed to, but reportedly lost contact shortly before it went down.

When the plane smacked into the ground, it immediately erupted into flames ... and townspeople rushed out to the crash site. First responders descended onto the scene and attempted to transport as many victims as they could to the hospital. Thus far 68 people are reported as dead, and an additional 4 are still missing ... with search efforts underway.

At this point, it's unclear what caused the aircraft to nosedive -- the matter is under investigation. However, footage taken from the ground seems to show the the last few seconds the plane was in the air before it collided into a gorge ... and it's terrifying.

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DOOMED FLIGHT

Even more disturbing footage was taken from the cabin itself. An unidentified man who was in the plane right before it torpedoed was actually going live on Facebook, and as you can see in his clip -- which has since gone viral -- he has no clue they're about to crash.

Before long, he's filming some other passengers in front start to tilt to their right ... and suddenly, the plane hits the ground -- with flames taking up the entire view of the camera.

It sounds like the man recording might've survived the incident, but it's unclear what his status is now. YA has canceled all flights for Monday to mourn the deceased.

Marvin Gaye III Arrested for Domestic Violence, Assault with Deadly Weapon

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Marvin Gaye III, son of Motown Icon Marvin Gaye, was arrested late Friday afternoon a day after he allegedly pointed a gun at his wife and cousin.

TMZ broke the story ... cops surrounded the home and called for him to come out, but Gaye had already left in his Corvette.

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HOUSE SURROUNDED

Sources connected to the matter tell TMZ, Gaye allegedly physically assaulted both women after an argument over a previous assault. Marvin and his wife have had ongoing issues for a while now.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Gaye came to the Sheriff's station the next day around 5:00 PM and turned himself in. Gaye was booked on misdemeanor domestic violence and felony assault with a deadly weapon charge. He posted $50,000 bond and was released.

An emergency protective order was issued to keep Gaye away from the home and family.

Deputies also went back to the home and recovered two firearms.

Gil Arbel, the lawyer for both alleged victims, tells TMZ his clients are still distraught and intend to cooperate fully with law enforcement in pressing charges ... and ask the public to respect their privacy at this time.

UGA OL Devin Willock, Staffer Killed In Car Crash ... Hours After Championship Parade

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Devin Willock, a redshirt sophomore and offensive lineman for the University of Georgia died in a car crash early Sunday morning, along with a UGA staffer ... just hours after the team's national championship parade.

Willock was just 20 years old.

The recruiting staffer, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition with Willock and two other passengers south of campus when the vehicle somehow left the road around 2:45 AM Eastern and collided with two poles and several trees, according to police.

Devin was pronounced dead on the scene. LeCroy was transported to the hospital, where she later died as a result of her injuries.

The two other passengers were injured ... one seriously.

"The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy," the University of Georgia said in a statement.

"Devin and Chandler were two special people who meant so much to the University of Georgia, our football program, and our athletic department. We ask that everyone keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time."

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart also released a statement ... "We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy. Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, was a great teammate, and was a joy to coach."

"Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an incredible attitude and energy every single day. We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible."

6'7", 335 lbs. Willock, from New Millford, NJ, played in all of Georgia's games this season, including two starts at right guard.

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BEFORE THE CRASH

UGA had been celebrating their second consecutive national championship, which they won Monday night after defeating TCU, 65-7, in the title game.

R.I.P.

Britney Spears Bizarre Behavior Continues After 'Manic Episode' In Restaurant

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CUTTING UP THE FLOOR

Britney Spears has apparently responded to reports about her public meltdown ... but it's as confusing as her erratic behavior in the restaurant.

The pop star took to Instagram Saturday and posted an illustration of a sexy woman in sunglasses, sitting at a small table with her purse on top. The caption reads, "They told me I couldn't that's why I did!"

A few hours later, Britney posted an IG video of herself dancing to music while repeatedly flipping the bird.

TMZ broke the story ... Britney and her husband, Sam Asghari, had dinner Friday night at JOEY restaurant in the San Fernando Valley.

Patrons immediately recognized her and started filming, which drove her over the edge. Eyewitnesses say Britney started acting "manic" and began yelling and talking incoherently.

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DINNER DISASTER

Sam couldn't take it anymore and stormed out of the restaurant. Video obtained by TMZ shows Britney seated alone at the table, as she talked what people described as "jiberish."

Britney left the restaurant with her bodyguard, who had to return to pay the bill.

PA Family Dog Killed Hunters Thought It Was Coyote ... Shot It By Mistake

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A family's dog tragically lost its life while out in the woods with its owner ... because we're told a hunter accidentally mistook it for a coyote and shot it.

Jennifer Heller, owner of 8-year-old malamute Hunter, shared the loss of her pup on Facebook ... saying her husband Chris put reflective collars and harnesses on their dogs and took them to a "very commonly used walking path by our house" in Berks County, PA.

While there, she says Chris unleashed Hunter but kept him close -- eventually coming across a group of hunters. After finding out there was an extension on hunting season, she says Chris went to go leash up their dog ... but claims it was shot before he could get to him.

Jennifer says her husband yelled for help and they loaded Hunter in a truck and drove like crazy to get him to a vet, but he died before they could even get to a highway. She's now asking authorities to revoke the shooter's hunting privileges.

Northern Berks Regional Police Chief James Keiser tells TMZ ... the dog wasn't under the control of the owner and was shot by hunters who thought it was a coyote -- adding it should've been on a leash. He says there were no arrests and no charges were filed.

A rep for the Game Commission tells us the hunters were in full compliance with PA hunting laws -- saying it seems the dog was simply shot by mistake.

Jennifer tells us she met with the Game Commissioner and they spoke about ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future. The family has started a GoFundMe to raise money to hire an attorney, so they can file a lawsuit against the parties they feel has swept the incident under the rug.

'REAL HOUSEWIVES' JEN SHAH Mental Health Treatment Ordered On Top of Prison Time

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Jen Shah's going to get her head checked once she finishes her stint in the big house ... and it's all Uncle Sam's idea.

It's a few years in her future, but the "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star has a couple special conditions for her eventual prison release -- and, according to new docs we obtained, chief among them is a requirement to participate in a mental health treatment program.

Remember ... Jen was recently sentenced to 6.5 years behind bars in her wire fraud case, and she's supposed to surrender to authorities on February 17 to start serving her sentence at a federal penitentiary in Texas.

Once Jen serves her time, she's going to be under 5 years of supervised release ... during which she's got to do her mental health treatments.

At her sentencing, Jen got emotional as she apologized ... saying, "With the proper medication I can now see what happened."

The docs say Jen must continue to take her prescribed meds when she gets out of prison, unless her health care provider decides otherwise.

Jen's probation officer has to sign off on the mental health program she chooses ... and she may be subject to testing to see whether she's reverting to drug and alcohol use.

Prison figures to be a huge culture shock to the reality TV star, and reentry to society might be the same. So, a little checkup from the neck up couldn't hurt ... that's how the feds see it, anyway.

Cheryl Burke Wins Custody of Dog, Ysabella ... Post-Lawrence Divorce

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Cheryl Burke is dancing off with a W in the fallout from her divorce with Matthew Lawrence -- instead of going to court over custody of their dog ... he's waived the white flag.

New court docs, obtained by TMZ, show the 'DWTS' star and her now-ex-husband have struck a deal regarding the battle over who'll be the primary caretaker of their French bulldog, Ysabella ... something they'd been fighting about throughout the proceedings.

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As of now ... it looks like Cheryl is going to play dog mom to the pooch, as she was awarded all ownership rights -- with ML agreeing to give up all docs/data pertaining to Ysabella, including the title of "pet parent" for their once-shared Home Again service.

There was a trial that was scheduled to take place soon if they didn't squash this, and it looks like they did that just in the nick of time -- with all discovery now being withdrawn.

While Matthew and Cheryl finalized their divorce in September, this was one of the final points of contention ... which Cheryl had even addressed publicly, calling Matt's insistence on fighting her over it "cruel." As she said in interviews, she always saw it as *her* dog.

Cheryl says she got Ysabella from an ex, and felt entitled to it. In the end, it seems he saw it that way too. Of course, he's on to new horizons ... now in a relationship with Chilli.

While Cheryl and Matt are on the same page over Ysabella, a judge has yet to sign off.

Mike Tyson On Tank Davis ... He Can Be A Boxing Legend!!!

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BOXING BANTER

Gervonta Davis is going to love this ...

Mike Tyson just heaped some huge praise onto the star boxer ... saying if the 28-year-old continues fighting at the level he's currently at, he can without a doubt become a legend in the sport.

Iron Mike threw out the massive compliment in Beverly Hills on Friday afternoon ... while talking with TMZ Sports about people comparing Tank to a younger version of himself.

"Tank is a great fighter," Tyson said of the comp ... before adding, "He'll be [a legend] too if he keeps fighting."

Of course, Tyson has never been shy about his affinity for Davis ... calling the 28-0 boxer "probably the greatest fighter around now" after he beat Mario Barrios in 2021.

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THE GREATEST AROUND

Others in the fight world, too, have shown big love for Tank's fighting skills ... comparing him to Tyson often due to his compact frame and propensity to end fights with one punch.

The biggest fight of Davis' career could very well happen at some point this year -- as he and Ryan Garcia appear to be on a collision course.

Will Davis be fighting for a belt AND "legend" status when the opening bell rings? Seems like Tyson certainly thinks so.

Stars In The Snow Celebs Enjoying The Cold Weather! ❄

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Even on a cold winter's day ... these celebrities are always ready to strike a pose and still manage to look hot showing off that winter glow! Check out some of your favorite stars snapping pics in the snow!

Five-time Olympic snowboarder Shaun White is used to those freezing temps, as if the bare feet weren't proof enough ... and model Jordyn Woods is bundled up, posin' for the camera in her snow gear.

Kylie Jenner might not be that close with Jordyn anymore, but that ain't gonna stop the billionaire from getting dolled up for a frozen outing, too.

Soccer star Romeo Beckham isn't just into the international sport like his pops ... because it looks like he's taken up snowball chucking as a hobby!

Good thing these celebs properly layered up for the cold -- frostbite ain't worth it, ya snow bunnies!!! ❄

Theresa Caputo Good Genes Or Good Docs?!

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Theresa Caputo's looks ... and hair ... have always been big!

Here is a 44-year-old version of the psychic medium bringing her iconic look to The Grove in Los Angeles back in 2012 (left). This was just one year after the debut of her show "Long Island Medium," which had an 8-year run.

And, 11 years later -- now 55 years old -- Theresa is still sticking to her her signature poof and recently showed up with a glowing smile to the Sirius XM studios in New York City (right).

Although she knows the answer to the question, we'll ask it anyway ...

Susan Lucci Helping Others with Heart Health After My Scary Situation

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Soap legend Susan Lucci is on a mission to make sure others don't have to go through the same ordeal she did to survive a massive heart blockage.

We got the "All My Children" star out in NYC, where she downloaded us on her upcoming collaboration with the American Heart Association.

You'll recall, Susan underwent emergency surgery back in 2019 after having a 90% heart blockage. That saved her from a massive and likely fatal heart attack.

Now, she calls herself lucky to be alive and points to the "wonderful" doctors who acted fast.

Susan tells us, she was motivated to help others after her medical crisis ... saying she almost ignored it until it was too late, but thankfully she didn't. She says she had no idea her dad's side of the family actually had a history related to her condition.

Her hope is to spread awareness about heart disease and, most importantly, getting tested. As for the signs, she keeps it simple -- pay attention to your family history and changes with your body.

She didn't spill too many deetz on what the collab will look like, but it's clear the project is coming from Susan's heart ... pardon the pun. She says she'll be ready to reveal more in early February, which is American Heart Month.

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

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Underneath this dramatic diamond is a woman about town who landed on your TV screens and brought all of the hashtags, and considering she was born and raised in the 9-0-2-1-0 ... there's no question this rich kid knows her way around Beverly Hills.

Yes, she comes from a billionaire father, but she has started an empire of her own ... and she's proud of her jewelry line ... so much bling! As an honorary member of the rich and popular, she can show you a thing or two about the high life.

Can you cut into this rock and identify the mashed-up star?

Phoebe Bridgers Apparent Date w/ Bo Burnham ... Nearly Two Months Ago

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Phoebe Bridgers and Bo Burnham have set the internet ablaze after seemingly confirming dating rumors -- but we've learned they were getting cozy nearly 2 whole months ago.

Here's the deal ... Phoebe and Bo were seen at LAX together Friday, trying to be low key -- but no doubt fueling speculation they're an item now, this after at least a month of fans' theories in the wake of hints that she and one-time BF Paul Mescal split up late last year.

With this outing ... PB's followers are having a virtual meltdown on Twitter, as they loved her and Paul as a couple -- and can't seem to handle the idea that she's moved on with another dude ... even it is the widely beloved Bo.

Of course, word of Phoebe and BB (potentially) being a thing has been floating around since before the holidays ... especially after The 1975's Matty Healy posted a photo of himself kissing Phoebe, with Bo standing behind them. As it turns out, the theories were likely true.

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This new pic, obtained by TMZ, shows what we're told is Bo and Phoebe at a restaurant in Malibu, CA on Nov. 17, just before noon. Eyewitnesses tell us they were in there for some grub to go, and that they were sitting off in the corner while waiting for their food.

We're told they appeared to be in matching black hiking outfits ... and that they could even be heard talking about how they're seen more as an image than actual people in the public.

One eyewitness tells us they also talked about their mutual musicianship ... getting into the feeling of walking onstage under bright lights. Eventually, their order was ready and they left in the same vehicle. No sign of PDA, but our sources say it looked like a classic day date.

While Bo and Phoebe make a good match, it seems Twitter is still mourning the apparent ending of her and Paul -- whom she'd been tied at the hip with since 2020. There were even engagement rumors circulating for a while ... but alas, Bo's got the inside track now.