Travis Scott Hosts Celeb Softball ... Celebrating HBCU Grads!!!
Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Foundation hosted a celebrity softball game yesterday ... and he scored big by carving out loads of opportunities for Historically Black Colleges in honor of Black History Month.
The star-studded game went down Thursday inside Houston's Minute Maid Park -- home to MLB's Astros -- and raised awareness for the Waymon Webster HBCU Scholarship Fund and Cactus Jack HBCU Classic.
LaFlame put out the call and a huge list of famous athletes answered to help in the effort: 9-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, Ken Griffey Jr., Reggie Jackson, Jose Canseco and his daughter Josie, Gary Sheffield, Andre Dawson, Shane Victorino and Nick Swisher. Plus, NFL and NBA greats Terrell Owens, Adrian Peterson, Robert Horry, Vince Young, and Tracy Mcgrady.
Travis' fellow artists came out too ... folks like Scarface, Bun B, Metro Boomin, Slim Thug, Sheck Wes, Trae Tha Truth, Paul Wall, and Dominic Fike.
Following the match (which T.O.'s team won), Travis and his family were presented with the Vanguard award by Daniel Moss, Executive Director of the HBCU Foundation, for their dedication to higher learning within the Black community and the scholarship opportunities they've provided.
To date, Travis' efforts have raised about $1 million for 100 graduating HBCU seniors ... who were all celebrated during Thursday's game.
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Fans in attendance enjoyed seeing Travis in his baseball uni ... but really wanted to know about his delayed "Utopia" album, which he's promised would be dropping soon.
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'Real Housewives' Jen Shah Surrenders to Texas Prison ... Doing Time for Wire Fraud
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"The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Jen Shah is getting processed for intake at the federal prison where she just arrived to serve her sentence for a telemarketing scandal.
Jen surrendered to begin her 6.5 years behind bars ... arriving at FPC Bryan in Bryan, Texas. Her lawyers had previously requested that she report to FPC Bryan, so it all worked out.
As we reported, the reality star pled guilty in July to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. Prosecutors said she was targeting and scamming people out of cash with the scheme.
Feds wanted her locked up for 10 years, listing off numerous reasons why she's the "most culpable person charged in this case."
She was sentenced in January -- along with 6.5 years in the pen, Jen will also do 5 years of supervised release once she gets out.
She got emotional in court, apologizing for what she did, adding ... "With the proper medication I can now see what happened."
Her sentence came with some special conditions post-lockup ... most notably she'll have to participate in a mental health treatment program.
Jen did an interview with White Collar Advice shortly before reporting to FPC Bryan. She talked about why it took her a year to admit she was guilty, what she's going to bring to prison with her and her plans to document everything she experiences.
BTW, Jen got tatted up Wednesday before surrendering ... inking the names of her husband and sons on her arm. Her son Omar also got one -- the Hawaiian word for "child."
Maybe the fresh ink will make her look hard for the clink!
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Mark Wahlberg Sells Bev Hills Estate for $55M
Mark Wahlberg has closed the deal on his beautiful compound in Beverly Hills ... and while the sale came in lower than his OG asking price, he's still walking away with a fat chunk of change.
We've learned Mark's insane property sold Friday for $55 mil ... quite a markdown from his past asking price of $87.5M -- but impressive nonetheless.
As we reported, Mark listed the estate in April of last year with mega-realtor Kurt Rappaport of Westside Estate Agency and Carl Gambino of Compass ... after the actor picked up the land back in 2009 for only $8.25M.
The compound comes with a 12-bed, 20-bath mansion, plus a sweet guest house ... overall it's got 30,500 square feet of living space -- and the amenities are to die for.
The new owners are gonna live the high life with a waterfall pool, grotto, tennis, and basketball courts, and a private spa ... not to mention the movie screening room and 5K-bottle wine cellar!
As for Mark ... he's said he's headed to Vegas, where he plans on creating a new escape for him and his family.
Ginger Glass from Compass repped the buyer ... so congrats to the owners on their new oasis!!!
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Florida Hero Gym Attacker Won't Stop Me!!! Sticking to Her Workouts
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The heroic Florida woman who bravely fought off an alleged sexual predator during her workout is keeping her head up, and not allowing the violent incident to derail her lifestyle ... even in the gym.
Nashali Alma joined "TMZ Live" Friday to talk about the terrifying moment she had to fight off the guy in the gym of her Tampa apartment complex.
She says he was a good 6 inches taller than her, but as we've seen in the video ... Nashali gave him all he could handle. She told us exactly what she did to fend him off.
She says she has gotten an outpouring of love and support in the last few days, since cops released the surveillance footage of the January incident -- and it all has her feeling really good.
As we reported, Nashali was working out in her gym when Xavier Thomas-Jones came to the door and she let him in, thinking he forgot his key.
Florida Woman Pummels Attacker Inside Gym, Suspect Arrested
Minutes later, he charged at her, but the nursing school student wound up giving him a major beatdown ... before eventually breaking free.
Xavier was arrested the next day and charged with sexual battery and kidnapping.
As for Nashali, she's staying strong. She tells us, while she has a bit of PTSD from the incident ... it's not stopping her from hitting the gym and doing what she loves.
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Ohio Chemical Disaster Our Health, Home Are Going To Crap ... But We're Stuck In Hell!!!
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A family dealing with the fallout of the toxic chemical disaster in Ohio say their health and their property are in decline with no end in sight ... and they're pissed at the fed's response.
Nathan Izotic, whose family owns a home two miles from the train derailment that unleashed toxic chemicals into the air, water and ground, joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday and shared what life is like for folks in the area ... and it ain't pretty.
Despite getting the green light to go home, Nathan says he and his family are still suffering from headaches, confusion, tiredness, vomiting and difficulty breathing ... he says the air smells like burnt plastic, there's a chemical sheen and rainbow coloration in the creek running through their backyard and everything reeks of chemicals.
In perhaps the most damning sign of what's happening ... Nathan says there's absolutely no sign of wildlife anymore ... and his dog keeps throwing up.
Of course, it's been two weeks since the Feb. 3 train derailment that started the environmental disaster, and Nathan says folks are fed up with a lack of relief from the feds.
The way he sees it ... authorities and the EPA are "pissing down our backs and telling us it's not raining."
Nathan wants to see investigations and accountability from railroad operator, Norfolk Southern ... and he and his wife are planning to take legal action.
With the long-term health effects unknown, and the cleanup in its infancy, Nathan says he doesn't know where things will go from here ... but he's certain the property value on the home he bought last summer is going to tank and his family has nowhere else to go.
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Skip Bayless White Owners Not Comfortable Socializing W/ Black Coaches ... So They Don't Get Hired
The NFL has a real issue with representation in the head coaching ranks ... and Skip Bayless says he knows why -- old, white NFL owners just aren't comfortable socializing with Black coaches and their wives.
"These older white owners just aren’t that comfortable with a Black head coach because they need to interact, they need to go to dinner with the wives or the [significant others] or whatever," Bayless said on FS1's "Undisputed" this week while discussing 53-year-old Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy's failure to land a gig as HC.
"[White owners are] just not that comfortable. When they do have an interview, it’s gonna be a quicker click with a young white hot candidate."
Of course, the NFL only has four Black head coaches ... Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh, Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay, newly hired DeMeco Ryans in Houston and Mike McDaniel in Miami.
Despite a majority of the players in the league being Black, people of color have long had issues getting hired, especially as head coaches.
The NFL has instituted guidelines like the "Rooney Rule" -- dictating front offices must interview a minority candidate before making a hire.
Still, only four of the 32 teams feature a Black man in the top job, and it doesn't appear change is on the horizon.
As for how to fix the glaring issue, Bayless admits it may not be a repairable problem ... 'cause, how do you change how the owners think?
“It’s just culture, it’s just the way life is. And, I don’t know how to defeat it, because each of these guys is an independent owner in the umbrella of the NFL and it’s hard to legislate ‘you must hire a black coach’"
"You can’t unless it’s in the man’s heart to do the right thing, and every once in a while we have the Rooneys in Pittsburgh who did the right thing.”
Skip's co-host, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe didn't appear to take umbrage with anything Bayless said, seemingly nodding his head in agreement as the host laid out the disturbing reasons minorities can't land a job.
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Tyre Nichols' Mom Cops Who Killed My Son Are Cowards Won't Look Me in The Eye!!!
The mother of Tyre Nichols says the 5 former Memphis police officers on trial for her son's death are clearly afraid to face some hard truths ... 'cause she says they won't look her in the eye.
Tyre's mom, RowVaughn Wells, says she's going to be front and center at every court date as the trial unfolds ... but she says, so far, the ex-cops lack the courage to face her.
Former Memphis PD officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith made their first court appearance Friday ... putting them in the same room as Tyre's mom and stepdad. She says they refused to even look her way.
The fired cops were arrested and indicted last month on a slew of felony charges ... second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression ... and on Friday they each pleaded not guilty.
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Tyre's mom says she's living a nightmare ... but she's vowing to keep showing up to court in support of her late son and see the trial through to the end.
The next court date isn't scheduled until May 1 ... and it will be interesting to see if the officers look RowVaughn in the eye then.
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KIM ZOLCIAK AND KROY BIERMANN GEORGIA HOME IS IN FORECLOSURE ... Heading To Auction Block
Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann are having trouble at home ... as in, their Georgia mansion is in foreclosure ... and the property could soon be sold to the highest bidder.
Kim and Kroy's Alpharetta mansion was heavily featured during her time on "Real Housewives of Atlanta" and the couple's own reality show, "Don't Be Tardy" ... but now, Truist Bank has hired a law firm to handle the foreclosure.
We're told Kim and Kroy's estate, which sits along the 18th hole of the Manor Golf & Country club, will be auctioned off March 7 from the steps of the Fulton County courthouse.
Kim and Kroy, who used to play for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, bought the home way back in 2012 for $880,000 ... and it's 6,900 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms. The place is decked out with a pool, waterfall, spa, basketball court and elevator.
Truist Bank reportedly began foreclosure proceedings on the property back in August after the couple defaulted on their mortgage.
Online realty websites estimate the home is worth between $2.5 million and $2.66 million.
We reached out to Kim's camp ... so far no word back.
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Chris Brown to Kiely Williams How You Dissin' Me ... When You Can't Even Talk Right?!?
Chris Brown is singling out Cheetah Girls/3LW singer Kiely Williams amongst the peanut gallery upset he's collaborating with Chloe Bailey ... but Breezy is busting her chops, almost literally!!!
Following Chloe's ill-fated preview of "How Does It Feel," Kiely went on a tirade over the collab like several fans -- accusing Chris of exploiting female Black artists' talent to mask his past domestic violence case with Rihanna.
Breezy's currently overseas on tour, but took time to respond to Kiely's disses and did so with a mix of pity and humor ... to him anyway.
He deemed Kiely to be broken -- either mentally, financially, or both -- for the unprovoked attacks, and then took the low road by taking aim at her lisp. He joked how she sang "promithis, promithis" on her hit song "No More (Baby I’Ma Do Right)," and again through a meme captioned "thop it!!!"
While Breezy didn't hesitate to fire away at Kiely, Chloe still has to deal with her angered fanbase ahead of the release of their song.
2ND PIECE. HOW DOES IT FEEL @chrisbrown. 2/24 🫀 pic.twitter.com/fjAjW6Sk6f
— Chlöe (@ChloeBailey) February 16, 2023 @ChloeBailey
"How Does It Feel" is scheduled to drop February 24, which may bring further unwanted attention ... to Chloe and Chris.
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Tiger Woods Outdrives Justin Thomas ... Then Hands Him A Tampon!!!
Further proof Tiger Woods is rounding back into form ... the notorious trash-talker outdrove Justin Thomas on a hole Thursday, then pulled a prank that's only gonna start the "cancel him" chants.
The moment went down on the ninth hole of the guys' opening round at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles ... when Tiger brought out his driver, and nuked a ball 323 yards down the fairway.
Yes, Tiger Woods 100% handed Justin Thomas a tampon after he outdrove him. pic.twitter.com/VJbfldyXhw
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) February 17, 2023 @bustedcoverage
Thomas' ensuing drive didn't even come close to the legend's ... falling some 20 yards short of it -- and as the two were walking to their balls, Tiger slyly passed off a Tampax to his good buddy.
It took a quick second for Thomas to realize what it was -- and then he immediately dropped it. The guys then shared a huge laugh and a side hug with each other.
That's likely to be the last time they find the wildly offensive stunt funny, because the online backlash has already begun. Considering Tiger's already bounced back from scandal after scandal, you'd think he'd have better PR sense than to pull something like this.
Of course, Tiger and J.T. are very good friends and have both become known for talking smack on the course. In fact, at The Match back in December, the two threw jabs at each other for hours throughout the evening.
Thomas ended up with the last laugh on Tiger, though -- at least, when it came to Thursday's scores -- he shot a 3-under 68, while Woods carded a 2-under 69.
Both dudes will tee it up again in just a few minutes on Friday morning -- and it's a good bet there will be more jokes. Sophomoric and misogynistic ones, though? We'll see.
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Paul Pierce Forking Over $1.4 Million ... After Alleged Improper Crypto Promos
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Paul Pierce's bank account is about to take a huge hit ... the ex-NBA star has agreed to pay $1.4 MILLION after authorities accused him of improperly promoting crypto on his social media page.
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced the settlement on Friday ... after it charged the former Celtics forward over the way he promoted and spoke about EMAX tokens on his Twitter account.
According to the SEC, Pierce touted the EthereumMax products "without disclosing the payment he received for the promotion." It also said Peirce made "false and misleading promotional statements" about the product as well.
Specifically, the SEC said Pierce was paid more than $244K to promote the items ... while claiming he tweeted an image of a bank account with large figures, despite his account having a significantly lower total.
The SEC said Pierce ultimately agreed to fork over $1.409 million "in penalties, disgorgement and interest" to settle the charges.
"This case is yet another reminder to celebrities: The law requires you to disclose to the public from whom and how much you are getting paid to promote investment in securities, and you can’t lie to investors when you tout a security," SEC Chair Gary Gensler said in a statement.
"When celebrities endorse investment opportunities, including crypto asset securities, investors should be careful to research if the investments are right for them, and they should know why celebrities are making those endorsements."
Pierce has yet to publicly comment on the case.
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Don Lemon Jumps on CNN Staff Call ... Hey, Some of My Best Friends are Women
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Don Lemon jumped on a CNN staff call Friday morning to apologize for his sexist on-air comment Thursday that women are not in their prime after their 40s ... but it did not go over well.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Don jumped on for only 90 seconds to address what he said about Nikki Haley and, for that matter, all women.
He said he didn't mean what he said, adding he's going to continue to fight discrimination against women. He essentially said some of his best friends are women, citing his relationships with CNN talent Dana Bash and Erin Burnett, VP for Talent and Content Development for CNN Amy Entelis, and his mom and sister.
We're told some people on the call talked afterward and called Don "tone deaf," with one saying it looks like Don was giving himself kudos for owning his mistake.
The embattled anchor had the day off Friday ... this after enraging his cohost Poppy Harlow with his comment. Although, our sources say his day off had been scheduled beforehand.
As you probably know, Haley said Wednesday she wanted a mandatory mental competency test for politicians over 75 ... something that would target both Biden and Trump. That's when Lemon fired back at Haley, saying, "Nikki Haley isn't in her prime. Sorry. A woman is considered to be in her prime in her 20s and 30s, and maybe 40s."
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Hero Florida Woman Beats Up Attacker On Gym Cam ... Yanks On His Beard!!
A Florida woman fought off an alleged sexual predator and gave him a major beatdown before she escaped to safety ... and it was all caught on dramatic video.
Nashali Alma was working out in the gym at her Tampa apartment complex when trouble came to the door in the form of Xavier Thomas-Jones.
Thinking Xavier had forgotten his key pass to the fitness center, Nashali opened the door to let him in and went right back to lifting weights.
For the next 2 ½ minutes, Xavier strangely stared at a wall before turning to walk toward Nashali. All hell then broke loose.
Check out the surveillance video showing Xavier trying to grab Nashali, who pushed him away and ran off with her cell phone in hand.
But, Xavier chased Nashali around the gym as she tried to no avail to call 911 using her phone. Finally, Xavier caught Nashali, put her in a bear hug and threw her to the ground, attempting to commit a sexual act, cops said.
That's when Nashali went all Mike Tyson on Xavier, pummeling him with right and left hooks. She also grabbed Xavier in a headlock and continued to use his head as a punching bag.
The two wrestled on the ground as Nashali allegedly pulled on Xavier's beard, causing him severe pain. She then broke free and dashed out of the gym to contact the police.
Xavier was arrested the next day and charged with sexual battery and kidnapping. Cops said the attack occurred on January 22, but they only recently released the surveillance footage.
As for Nashali, she has been hailed as a hero. She thanked everyone who has reached out and supported her.
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Bruce Willis 2018 Speech Resurfaces ... 'Nothing Can Keep Me Down'
An incredible clip of Bruce Willis has come back to light after his recent dementia diagnosis ... one where he says there's nothing in this world that can keep him down.
The video comes from his 2018 Comedy Central roast ... hilariously digging at everything that's "attacked him" over the years -- from terrorists to male pattern baldness and divorce lawyers, but nothing's stopped him because he's "Bruce f***ing Willis."
He also settled the score on whether "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie -- thank God.
It's a fantastic speech ... one his adoring fans started sharing on social media shortly after his daughter Rumer broke the news his aphasia has progressed to frontotemporal dementia ... commonly known as FTD.
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As we reported, she said the diagnosis was a painful one, but called it "a relief" for the family to finally have some sort of answer ... adding "challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces."
Bruce's other daughter Scout shared her feelings Thursday night after the news broke -- saying she's "emotionally tired and a bit overwhelmed," but thankful for everyone who has shown support.
It's unclear what the next steps are for the beloved actor -- currently, there's no treatment for FTD -- but in his own words ... he's still Bruce f***ing Willis.
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Bam Margera Non-Sober Visit with Son Was Last Straw ... So Claims Estranged Wife
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Bam Margera's wife says a specific incident triggered her to file for separation ... and we're told it was Bam spending time with their son while, she believes, he was under the influence.
Nikki Margera's attorney David Glass tells TMZ ... her recent filing came after the 'Jackass' star visited their 5-year-old, Phoenix, while Nikki was present.
We're told she thinks Bam wasn't sober -- despite him claiming he was -- and she says he was acting inappropriately.
David says after the visit she made the hard choice, after years of trying to help Bam, that she needed to protect herself and their son.
TMZ broke the story ... Nicole filed Wednesday, citing irreconcilable differences. She's asking for legal and physical custody over Phoenix, as well as spousal support.
As you know, Bam's been publicly battling substance abuse ... with Steve-O, his friend and 'Jackass' castmate, bracing for his death.
Bam also caused some controversy after claiming Priscilla Presley gifted him items from Elvis' wardrobe -- something Priscilla's denying.
We reached out to Bam's attorneys for comment ... so far, no word back.
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Paris Hilton I Questioned My Sexuality For Years ... Before I Met My Hubby
Paris Hilton has opened up more about her dating life before finally finding the one ... revealing that she thought she was asexual before meeting her husband, Carter Reum.
The reality star/entrepreneur got candid in an interview with Harper's Bazaar, saying she spent a good amount of time in her 20s questioning her sexuality. She said, "I was known as a sex symbol, but anything sexual terrified me."
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Paris has been known to date some pretty famous guys in the past ... but says she often struggled. She continued, "I called myself the ‘kissing bandit’ because I only liked to make out. A lot of my relationships didn’t work out because of that."
She says that all changed in 2019, when she met her now hubby at a friend's Thanksgiving shindig and realized they had chemistry like no other.... "It wasn’t until Carter that I finally am not that way ... I enjoy hooking up with my husband."
Of course, Paris totally glossed over her 3 previous engagements to be married before finally making it down the aisle with Carter.
One way to look at it -- if Chris Zylka, Paris Latsis and Jason Shaw didn't know why their relationships didn't work out with Paris ... they do now.
As we reported, Paris and her Carter announced they had a brand new baby last month ... after tying the knot during a luxury wedding weekend back in 2021.
Paris says Mr. Reum is finally what she deserves, and they are even hoping to add to their little family.