Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Published | Updated

Britney Spears had an unexpected visit from cops, thanks to some pesky fans, and Octomom's 8 kiddos proved they're surviving and thriving at the age of 14.

So, we gotta ask ...

Tyre Nichols Screams for His Mom ... As Cops Punch, Kick Him & Beat Him with a Baton

Published | Updated
012723-tyre-nichols-sub-kal 1/07/23
VIEW FROM ABOVE

Memphis police just released the graphic body cam footage from Tyre Nichols' brutal arrest -- and the video is every bit as disturbing as Tyre's family and law enforcement have described it.

012723-tyre-nichols-kal
SAVAGE BEATING

In the clips, pulled from both body cam and overhead cameras, you see officers swarm Tyre -- demanding he get down and give up his hands. Although he's laying on his side with an officer on top of him, he's hesitant to lie flat on his stomach.

012723-tyre-nichols-pullover-kal3
PULLED FROM THE CAR

One officer threatens to deploy his Taser, and after about a minute-long struggle ... Tyre gets up to start running, and one of the cops fires his Taser, but he gets away.

About 7 minutes later, they catch up to Tyre in a residential neighborhood, and this is when it gets brutal. While he's pinned to the ground -- reportedly about 100 yards from his family's home -- Tyre repeatedly yells, "Mom!!!"

Then one officer kicks him twice, and another yells, "Watch out, I'mma baton the f**k out you," and then strikes Tyre twice before they pull him up on his feet.

While 2 officers are holding him with his hands behind his back ... another punches Tyre 5 times with a closed fist, sending him back down to his knees again.

012723-tyre-nichols-sub2-kal
SLUMPED OVER

Eventually, officers get Tyre handcuffed, put him up against a police cruiser and he writhes in pain for nearly 20 minutes before going limp.

As you know, the 5 Memphis PD officers stopped Tyre on Jan. 7 on suspicion of reckless driving ... but from the start, the cops were hyper-aggressive. Even the video does not make it clear why things got violent that quickly.

012723-tyre-nichols-sub3-kal
"GOING FOR MY GUN"

Once other officers show up to the scene, one of the cops involved in the beating says Tyre attempted to grab for another officer's gun -- causing them to unleash on him.

After the vicious beating ... Tyre was rushed to St. Francis Hospital because he was complaining he was short of breath. He was admitted in critical condition, and died in the hospital on January 10.

012623-ben-crump-kal 1/24/23
SEEN IT BEFORE ...

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who's representing Tyre's family, reviewed the body cam footage with the family days before it was released, and likened the horrific scene to the beating of Rodney King in 1991.

The 5 Memphis police officers involved in the traffic stop -- Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith -- have been fired and charged with second-degree murder.

They also face additional charges of official misconduct, official oppression and aggravated kidnapping. Four of the 5 have posted bail and were released as of Friday morning.

Tyre's cause of death has not been released and the incident is being investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Protests have been expected following this release of the footage ... with Memphis Police, Tyre's family, and even President Biden urging for any demonstrations to remain peaceful.

Michael Vick I Expect Greatness From Mahomes Despite Injury ... Here's Why

Published | Updated

Is it possible Patrick Mahomes could play BETTER on his injured ankle this weekend? Michael Vick certainly thinks so ... telling TMZ Sports he believes it could actually help the QB vs. the Bengals!!!

Vick explained ... when he was battling through ailments during big games in his legendary career, it made him focus more on the field -- and, in turn, upped his game a bit.

The former Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller tells us he expects similar results from Mahomes in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.

"I know this from playing at a high level and playing against high-level competition," Vick said, "sometimes when you play hurt, you'll be a little bit more focused. A little bit more dialed in."

Mahomes injured his ankle last Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but finished out the game. Vick says the Chiefs' star's ability to come back despite twisting the limb gives him confidence Mahomes is one of the rare athletes who can step up despite a wound.

"Playing hurt is not a bad thing if you know how to do it," Vick said. "Only certain people can do it -- and the ones that are listening right now, they know what I'm saying. They can relate."

Mahomes hasn't been seen sporting much of a limp at all since the injury -- and is expected to go against Cincinnati.

Of course, if he wins, he'll have a spot in yet another Super Bowl -- and if the Eagles manage to do the same, Jalen Hurts will too ... marking the first-ever Big Game that will feature two Black starting quarterbacks.

Vick, who actually is helping produce an upcoming docuseries on the "Evolution of the Black Quarterback in America," says he's thrilled about the possibility ... telling us, "That's really special."

'Boy Meets World' Maitland Ward Backs Ben Savage ... He's Got my Vote for Congress!!!

Published | Updated

Maitland Ward from "Boy Meets World" says she's in costar Ben Savage's corner as he makes his run for congress ... even if it might be an uphill battle for him.

We got the actress, who played Rachel on the hit show, in Bev Hills and she had nothing but positive things to say about Ben ... adding he's always been into politics, so his drive for a seat in the House of Representatives makes sense.

She does seem kinda doubtful about him getting a W, though ... admitting it's gonna be a very tough fight. However, she has some killer Cory Matthews-themed campaign ideas to give him a leg up on the competition!

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As we reported, Ben filed paperwork this month expressing interest to run for CA's 30th district, which includes parts of Los Angeles and its northern cities.

The filing came after he unsuccessfully ran for West Hollywood City Council back in November.

Maitland, who's famously transitioned into the porn industry, was all for Ben's decision to join that race, but says he might not have had enough brand recognition that time around.

011923_tv_clips_boy_meets_world_kal
CORY MATTHEWS FOR CONGRESS

Here's the question no one's asking ... would Mr. Feeny vote for Cory?!

2023 Hot Shots Not So Dry January!

Published

January may have had a nip to the air but the stars still managed to heat things up and set the stage for 2023 ... the month flooded social media with some thirst-quenching content!

Starting off the New Year right ... Stassi Karanikolaou flaunted her curves and dressed dripped to impress on the beach, while "Little Mermaid" star Halle Bailey showed off her tail-end above the sea ... and you best belieb Hailey Bieber took her booty to Thailand and was so not wrong in an itty bitty thong.

See whose smokin' shots are setting the tone for what's to come in 2023!

Sofi Tukker's Sophie Hawley-Weld 'White Lotus' Theme Song Is The G.O.A.T.

Published

Sophie Hawley-Weld, half of the DJ duo SOFI TUKKER, says the 'White Lotus' theme song will go down as the best in TV history ... and that's exactly why she remixed it.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

We spoke with Sophie at LAX earlier this week who not only shared her love of the show, but the massive success of the theme song as well. If you didn't know, SOFI TUKKER has a super popular remix of the theme song ... that's giving the jam even more life.

Obviously, the remix has become a fan favorite at her shows, and she says they pretty much play it during every set.

Sophie and the other half of SOFI TUKKER, Tucker Halpern, are slated to perform at Coachella this year, and we asked if fans will hear the track at this year's festival ... she was coy with her response, offering up a "maybe" ... but you gotta imagine it's almost a shoo-in.

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

Published

Underneath this not-so-simple image is one funny gal who fled her glitzy zip code and attempted to work in the rural parts of the country. Today, she's either with her kids in her LA.. house (of Harlow) or hanging with her Hall Of Famer-father.

Aside from being a reality TV pioneer, she is one savvy businesswoman who created and founded her own clothing line, and speaking of clothes ... this fashionista pretty much put Juicy tracksuits on the map ... now that's hot!

Given these clues, are you able to identify who this unknown figure is in real life?

TYRE NICHOLS Video Memphis City Councilman in Tears ... 'It's Hard to Watch'

Published

The graphic footage of cops beating Tyre Nichols has Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones at a loss for words, and instead, he was overcome with emotion on live TV.

CNN's Don Lemon interviewed Jones after the brutal police body cam footage was released to the public ... and Jones tells Don the video is especially hard to watch because everyone knows Tyre dies in the end.

012723-tyre-nichols-kal
SAVAGE BEATING

That thought made it impossible for Jones to finish his sentence -- he broke down in tears, and needed a few minutes to compose himself.

012723-tyre-nichols-sub-kal 1/07/23
VIEW FROM ABOVE

As Don points out, lots of folks are having the same reaction to the video ... which shows cops punching, kicking and beating Tyre with a baton after pulling him over.

Tyre ended up in a hospital after the vicious beating ... and he died 3 days later.

Jones tries to apologize for breaking down during the interview ... but Don tells him it's not necessary, because it's a normal human reaction to such a brutal scene.

T.J. & Amy ABC Tells Staffers About Exit ... 'A Distraction for So Many of Us'

Published | Updated

T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach are officially out at ABC, as we first told you, and now, the network has filled in its entire staff on the decision to let them go.

In a company-wide email sent Friday and obtained by TMZ, ABC News President Kim Godwin told staffers, "I want to share with you that we've reached a decision about T.J. and Amy."

It then includes the statement the network sent wide minutes later, "After several productive conversations with Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes about different options, we all agreed it's best for everyone that they move on from ABC News. We recognize their talent and commitment over the years and are thankful for their contributions."

Godwin informs employees that a decision as to who will co-anchor "GMA3" and "20/20" will come at a later date.

She concludes by saying, "I know that this has been a distraction for so many of us, but let's not forget all the great work that continues to make ABC News the #1 news network in America, and that's because of you. I want to thank you again for your patience and professionalism during this time."

TMZ broke the story, T.J. and Amy came to an exit agreement after an "extremely contentious" mediation went through the night Thursday into Friday morning. Both were given compensation packages.

We're told ABC execs made it clear -- the couple did not handle their romance the right way -- waiting too long to disclose it to higher-ups and that their "behavior on set" was "uncomfortable" to some staffers.

ABC also accused Robach of having liquor in her dressing room -- bottles we're told were gifted by ABC honchos -- and being drunk after attending the National College Football Championship game.

One staffer tells us, "They got what they deserved. It didn’t help that they had few friends in the building to go to bat for either of them.”

BLM Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors My Cousin Was Tasered to Death ... LAPD Needs to Change!!!

Published | Updated
012723-patrisse-cullors-kal
THE DANGERS OF TASERS

Just as Tyre Nichols' death puts a spotlight on Memphis cops, the case of Keenan Anderson is doing the same in L.A. ... where his death has his family demanding changes in the way cops deploy Tasers.

Keenan's cousin happens to be Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, and she joined us Friday on "TMZ Live" to discuss his fatal cardiac arrest ... suffered 4 hours after an LAPD officer tasered him multiple times.

Cops have already released body cam of the January 3rd incident, which Patrisse believes shows an abusive use of the taser -- she says Keenan was shocked by 52,000 volts for 42 seconds.

As an activist, and a concerned family member in this case, Patrisse started researching how many people die after getting zapped by a Taser ... and she says the data is alarming.

The Coroner's Office has yet to issue a cause of death for Keenan -- and while it's unclear if it played a role, LAPD's report on the incident says cocaine was found in his system.

For now, LAPD Chief Michael Moore says he's investigating and looking closely at the use of Tasers. Patrisse says LAPD hasn't had a policy regarding how long or often officers can safely deploy a Taser.

The family has filed a $50 million wrongful death suit against the city of Los Angeles. Ironically, Keenan had actually waved down police to help after he was involved in a car accident -- but Patrisse says armed officers aren't always necessary in cases like that.

Her point is, paramedics would have been more appropriate, because run-ins with cops turn deadly all too often ... especially for Black people.

Matt Barnes Fiancee's Ex Sues ... Over Spitting Incident

Published | Updated

The man who Matt Barnes spit on during the 49ers game last weekend is now suing the former NBA champ ... alleging the ex-hooper caused him injury, emotional distress and more during the incident.

David Patterson Jr. -- the ex of Barnes' current fiancee -- filed the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, in L.A. County Superior Court on Friday.

In the suit, Patterson Jr. claims he had no idea Barnes would be at the much-anticipated Niners vs. Cowboys playoff game in Santa Clara on Sunday ... but said when the two happened to run into each other in a concourse at Levi's Stadium, they began yelling at each other from about 20 feet away.

Patterson Jr. says Barnes then came up to him unprovoked and spat directly in his face. The 37-year-old alleged multiple cell phone cameras captured the incident.

He's suing for battery, assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He's asking for unspecified damages.

Patterson Jr. added in the docs that this was nowhere near the first run-in he's had with his ex-wife's new fiance ... claiming Barnes had harassed him and threatened him repeatedly in the past.

Patterson Jr. says he's got text messages that show the former Golden State Warriors forward called him a "bitch," "clown," "fat f***" and more. He also says at one point in 2022, Barnes told him, "Pull up & get your ass whooped in front of your kids. I'm done talking."

For his part, Barnes said in an application for a temporary restraining order against Patterson Jr. earlier this week that his fiancee's ex was the one who had been harassing him and making threats against him over the past few months.

Barnes also said Patterson Jr. was the aggressor in the altercation at Levi's Stadium.

Barnes was granted the TRO earlier this week. The parties are now expected to meet in court over it all at a hearing on Feb. 16.

T.J. Holmes & Amy Robach Out at ABC ... Officially Sign Exit Agreements

Published | Updated
UPDATE

2:55 PM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell us both T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach have officially signed their exit agreements -- which include compensation packages -- though we don't yet know the amount.

T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach are both out at ABC ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the network tell us, after a marathon mediation session Thursday, ABC and the 2 'GMA3' anchors have severed ties, and both will receive payouts per their contracts.

We're told the mediation was "extremely contentious," with ABC reps accusing both Amy and T.J. of various forms of misconduct, which one source characterized as "a witch hunt."

We're told one of the accusations is that Amy had liquor in her dressing room, which the ABC folks said was a violation of policy. One source called the accusation "ridiculous," noting some of the bottles were sent from top ABC News execs. The source said those execs sent other on-air talent liquor as well, so this just looked like a way to justify getting rid of her.

We're told another accusation was that Amy went to the College Football National Championship game a year ago, and came to work the next day drunk. One source called that "insane," adding she was simply tired.

As for Amy and T.J., we're told it became clear in mediation they did not handle their romance appropriately ... waiting too long to disclose it to ABC execs. ABC also made it clear ... their "behavior on set" was "uncomfortable" for some ABC staff.

Our sources say the mediation will continue as both sides negotiate the fine points of Amy and T.J.'s exit.

It's a stunning change from what the network initially said when the relationship was made public -- stating the two had not broken any rules -- as they were essentially considered equals at the show in position.

It was December 2 when both T.J. and Amy were last together on "GMA3" desk. ABC honchos pulled them as they investigated whether the couple's relationship had violated company rules -- or if company resources had been used in keeping it a secret.

We don't yet know what the two will do career-wise moving forward ... but they certainly haven't slowed anything down in the relationship department, our sources say they've remained a united front throughout the entire ordeal.

Originally Published -- 8:05 AM PT

Jay Leno I Won't Stop Riding Motorcycles ... Despite Bone-Breaking Crash

Published | Updated
UPDATE

2:29 PM PT -- We got this footage of Jay picking up food from Philly's Best in Burbank one day after the accident. He's wearing a sling.

UPDATE

Jay Leno isn't letting a few broken bones stop him from getting back on his motorcycle ... telling us he's got no plans to quit riding despite a recent scary accident.

Jay tells TMZ ... everyone's telling him to stop riding motorcycles, but "when you're 72, crashing a motorcycle is better than slipping in a walk-in bathtub."

As we reported ... Jay recently revealed he crashed his vintage motorbike January 17, suffering a broken collarbone, two fractured ribs and two cracked kneecaps during the accident -- an incident that flew under the radar.

Jay tells us he still plans on riding motorcycles despite the accident, because ... "Once men get past the age of 40 you can't teach them anything!"

The TV host says he didn't even realize how badly injured he was after flying off his motorcycle when he was clotheslined by an unmarked wire stretching across a parking lot ... he says he actually drove himself to the doctor, where he was diagnosed with broken bones.

As for the bike, Jay says it kept going after he was knocked off ... crashing into a building. He tells us the bike is at his famous Burbank garage and he plans on fixing it.

Jay's shouldering the blame for the incident ... telling us he's not going to sue whoever strung up the wire without hanging a flag from it, because he's not a "lawsuit guy."

121322_jay_leno_kal DECEMBER 2022
THE SCARY SITUATION

The former 'Tonight Show' host is having some pretty scary accidents of late ... back in November, he sustained severe facial burns and other injuries in a car fire at his garage.

012723_jay_leno_kal
IN GOOD SPIRITS

Jay insists he's fine, though ... telling us he plans to perform Sunday night at The Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, CA for a sold-out crowd.

Originally Published -- 12:31 PM PT

Paul Pelosi Chilling 911 Call ... After Intruder Smashed in Back Door

Published | Updated
012723_pelosi_break_in_kal 10/28/22
FORCEFUL ENTRY

Paul Pelosi's attacker cased the family's home before making a move inside, leading to a chilling 911 call from Paul where he subtly relayed to the operator he was in danger.

We've obtained additional footage from outside the Pelosi home in San Francisco from the night of the attack when David DePape broke in and struck Paul with a hammer. At first, DePape checks around the house, possibly looking for a way in.

A few minutes pass, and he returns with a bag ... pulling out a hammer and gloves. DePape doesn't waste a lot of time smashing the back door with his weapon and climbing inside.

0127-paul-pelosi-TMZ-audio-art-desktop-01 10/28/22
PAUL'S 911 CALL

The 911 call Paul made is equally as terrifying, you hear him try to stay calm -- without outright saying there was a problem -- it's clearly an attempt to keep DePape at bay.

He tells the operator his name, and states his friend is there but he doesn't know the "friend" as you can also hear DePape in the background. Paul then tells the operator he has to go, and that his "friend" really wants him to get off the phone.

In additional footage released Friday, you see cops find Pelosi and DePape at the door, Pelosi tries to wrestle the hammer away from the intruder -- but he strikes him in the head -- knocking Paul out cold before cops intervene.

DePape has been charged with attempted murder, residential burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, false imprisonment of an elder, and threats to a public official and their family.

Priscilla Presley Challenges Lisa Marie's Trust ... Claims Amendment May Be Fraudulent

Published | Updated

Things have gotten almost immediately contentious in the wake of Lisa Marie Presley's death. Turns out there's apparent beef between Lisa's mom and her oldest daughter.

WATCH-NOW-HULU-KAL
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Priscilla Presley has filed legal docs, asking a judge to set aside an amendment to Lisa's 2010 trust, and money is on the line. Priscilla was named trustee, along with Lisa's former business manager, Barry Siegel, to run things.

Priscilla says she discovered what appears to be an amendment to the trust, eliminating both her and Siegel as trustees and appointing Riley and Benjamin Keough as trustees.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Priscilla is questioning the validity and authenticity of the amendment, claiming it was never delivered to Priscilla, the date on the document is suspicious, the document misspells Priscilla's name, and Lisa Marie's signature "appears inconsistent with her usual and customary signature."

As you know, Benjamin died by suicide in 2020, and Lisa broke ties with Siegel after claiming he gutted her assets. Since Benjamin has passed, the amendment would leave Riley as the sole trustee.

Priscilla wants the amendment declared invalid. This squarely puts Priscilla at odds with her granddaughter.

Paul Pelosi Bludgeoned by Hammer Police Body Cam Shows

Published | Updated

Police body cam footage from Paul Pelosi's hammer-wielding home burglar attack has been released ... showing the 82-year-old getting struck in the head by a hammer.

The footage, released Friday, shows officers approach Paul and Nancy's home. Paul opens the door, standing next to his attacker, both men have their hands on the hammer in an effort to control it.

The attacker breaks away, holding the hammer, and immediately strikes Paul in the head with the weapon. Both men fall to the ground as police move into the house and take the attacker into custody. Paul is totally out cold from the impact.

As we reported, Paul was asleep at his San Francisco home in October when suspect David DePape broke in ... later telling the FBI he was planning on shattering the then-House Speaker's kneecaps because he thought she was a liar.

DePape allegedly brought zip ties, tape and rope for Nancy -- who was in D.C. during the attack.

1029-paul-pelosi-TMZ-audio-art-desktop-01 OCTOBER 2022
DISPATCH AUDIO

Pelosi made a 911 call, reportedly speaking in codes to the operator while alerting them something was wrong. Cops said they saw Pelosi fighting with DePape over a hammer when they arrived, which is when he got hit in the head.

The suspect's been charged with attempted murder, residential burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, false imprisonment of an elder, and threats to a public official and their family -- and, if convicted, he faces 13 years to life.

Since the attack, Paul's had successful brain surgery, and attended a few public events where he seemed to be well on his way to making a full recovery.

As for the Pelosi home ... Nancy recently revealed she hired priests to perform an exorcism in the house after the attack.