'Rust' Production Moving To Montana ... Church Similar to Where Shooting Happened
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The production company behind "Rust" has found a new place to call home outside of New Mexico ... with a church that looks incredibly similar to the one cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot in.
A rep for Rust Movie Productions tells TMZ Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana will serve as the new backdrop, adding the production team is all about honoring Halyna's vision.
We're told those running the ranch are also honored to "carry forward her inspiring legacy." Director Joel Souza, who was also shot during the tragic incident, says he's "deeply grateful" for the invite to film at the ranch, calling it a privilege to work with partners like this.
Sources familiar with production plans say March and April have both been discussed as possible start months.
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Worth noting just how much the church set looks like the original one in New Mexico -- likely trying to keep scenes consistent without having to backtrack, but it's still kinda eerie.
As we reported, Alec was charged with involuntary manslaughter last month, for the death of Halnya while shooting the western project back in 2021. Earlier this week, the Santa Fe County D.A. dropped the gun enhancement charge against Alec -- meaning he might not face jail time if convicted, as opposed to a minimum of 5 years if the enhancement charge was enforced.
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Wendy Williams Talks Weight Loss, Health Battle ... I'm a 'Pretty' 138 Lbs.
FEBRUARY 2023
Wendy Williams has a little health update for her fans ... something she's clearly celebrating amid years of battling multiple ailments.
The former talk show host was all smiles as she stepped out Tuesday night in NYC, and as she headed in for a dinner at Fresco by Scotto she announced she'd just visited a doctor ... and found out she's now 138 lbs.
Now, we have no barometer to know if she's losing, gaining or what it means for her health -- doesn't really matter, because you can tell Wendy's definitely happy about it.
While getting snapped by photogs, she added ... "Pretty, right?"
As we reported, Wendy's been battling Graves' disease and lymphedema for a while now ... which all results in stuff like swollen limbs and an overactive thyroid. Graves' can also impact weight loss.
She joined us on "TMZ Live" last year to fill us in on all things Wendy, including a podcast she's working on launching, and how lymphedema's impacting her day-to-day life.
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Don Lemon Final Warning by CNN ... One More Screw Up and He's Out
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Don Lemon is on thin ice at CNN -- although he's being welcomed back for now, TMZ has learned he's a strike away from getting the boot permanently, and he knows it.
Sources with direct knowledge about Don's situation tell us ... when the veteran anchor spoke with upper management this week to discuss his sexist comments and the path forward, he was told this was his final warning on such antics.
We're told it was communicated to Don in no uncertain terms ... the next time he insults his cohosts or creates a toxic environment (on or off-air) will be his last with the network.
Of course, we know Don agreed to these terms in addition to signing off on participating in formal training of some sort. The guy's set to return to his job Wednesday, so he's up to speed on all this.
The reference I made to a woman’s “prime” this morning was inartful and irrelevant, as colleagues and loved ones have pointed out, and I regret it. A woman’s age doesn't define her either personally or professionally. I have countless women in my life who prove that every day.
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) February 16, 2023 @donlemon
It's interesting Don was given this ultimatum, especially since we've heard from people in his world that he's not happy at CNN -- not at all -- so the uneasiness is mutual.
As for why Don was given such a short leash -- well, the fact is ... he's pretty polarizing. DL's racked up negative headlines (for one reason or another) in recent years, and not just from criticism from people on the right.
There's another factor here too that must be on the minds of CNN Worldwide CEO Chris Licht and co. ... ratings. Not only were Don's numbers for his former primetime slot not strong enough to warrant him sticking around there ... ratings on his new gig have tanked.
Plus, we're hearing staffers at CNN are still on edge over Thursday's incident ... with one source saying the anger is real and hasn't died down. It's truly become a distraction.
Eggshell city at the Cable News Network, it seems. 😬
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REV. ROBERT W. LEE Slams MTG Call For 'National Divorce' ... You're a Traitor!!!
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One of the descendants of Confederate General Robert E. Lee is blasting Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for suggesting red and blue states separate ... telling us her idea is "nothing short of treason."
Reverend Robert W. Lee IV, a collateral descendant of General Lee, tells TMZ ... by calling for a "national divorce," MTG is acting no better than the Confederates who fought against the Union during the Civil War.
MTG tweeted out the idea Monday, calling for Democratic and Republican voting states to split. While she didn't use the word secession, that's exactly what she's calling for ... and she claims everyone she talks to agrees.
While advocating for the creation of 2 separate governments, she also calls for the federal government to shrink.
Robert admits his ancestor, General Lee, would be totally on board with MTG's suggestion, but adds that's nothing to celebrate. Instead, he says the Congresswoman from Georgia is outing herself as a traitor, and he'd like to see more politicians condemn her statement.
Remember, Rev. Lee famously denounced racism and white supremacy at the 2017 MTV VMAs ... and he's been outspoken about taking down statues of Gen. Lee.
Robert sees a lot of similarities between MTG and the Confederate General, and explains why he thinks her statement is bad for the entire country ... even those who agree with her.
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Dwight Howard Ejected After Wild Skirmish ... In Taiwan League Game
Former NBA star Dwight Howard was ejected from a Taiwan basketball league game over the weekend ... after members from both teams got into a wild skirmish on the court.
It all went down on Sunday ... when Howard's Taoyuan Leopards were playing the Taiwan Beer HeroBears.
As Howard's teammate, Chen Hsiao-Jung, was looking to get separation from HeroBears guard Chiang Yu-an ... he elbowed him in the face -- sparking a big fight.
You can see in broadcast footage of the game, the guys immediately went after each other ... and a flurry of punches ensued. Then, all hell broke loose -- with players from both sides inserting themselves into the mayhem.
At one point, an assistant coach ran onto the court and threw multiple punches at Hsiao-Jung -- before the referees restrained him.
The fracas -- which started near midcourt -- spilled over to the other side of the court, and multiple people ended up on the ground as more punches were thrown near the sideline.
Cameras didn't catch Howard too involved in the melee -- he actually appeared to be playing peacemaker -- but he was eventually ejected nonetheless.
Eleven others in the game were also given the boot ... but Howard's Leopards were still somehow able to come away with the 120-108 win. They're scheduled to play next on Saturday -- here's to hoping everyone's tempers have calmed by then.
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Starbucks Olive Oil with Your Pretentious Coffee Order??? Because ... 🤷🏽♂️
Starbucks baristas must be gluttons for punishment -- because taking orders for things like a venti shaken double espresso oat milk macchiato with extra brown sugar and extra whip isn't painful enough, they're adding a new option ... olive oil!
The coffee giant already launched 'Oleato' range -- which adds about a spoonful of Partanna cold-pressed virgin olive oil to selected drinks -- in Italy, and now that's gonna be coming to the U.S. of A.
Starbucks also plans to add the olive oil option in its UK, Japan and Middle Eastern stores.
Howard Schultz, the company's interim executive officer, said he was inspired by the coffee he had during trips to Italy, and he's hoping this kick starts a new coffee revolution around the world.
The latte, iced shaken espresso and the golden foam cold brew will all be available with olive oil -- and, apparently, select stores will give you the option to add a spoonful of olive oil to any drink.
The company's official take on this new twist is it yields "a velvety smooth, rich texture, with the buttery, round flavors imparted by the olive oil perfectly pairing with the soft, chocolatey notes of the coffee."
Oooookay.
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BTW, we told you Ryan Seacrest is heavy into the olive oil biz -- even entering his own in competitions -- so his life after "Live with Kelly and Ryan" could get interesting if he's got an in at Starbucks.
It might not be everyone's cup o' joe, but hey ... don't knock it until you try it!
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Kristin Cavallari Lots of Guys Want to Date Me ... Problem is, They're Married!!!
Kristin Cavallari says she can't keep the guys away since her split with Jay Cutler -- problem is ... the dudes going after her are married men.
The "Laguna Beach" alum told Rachel Bilson on her "Broad Ideas" podcast she's been getting hit on by a lot of guys who are hitched.
She kinda said it's an omen .... "Clearly, I’m not ready for a relationship because I’m attracting all of these unavailable men." As you know, Kristin filed for divorce from Jay in April 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage and having 3 kids together.
During the podcast, Kristin got a little more serious when she talked about who she's been dating. "I've gotten a lot of 29-year-olds. I’ve dated a lot of kids in their 20s and I’m like, 'This is silly. I need someone who’s established."
Not exactly true ... she also dated comedian Jeff Dye, who's in his late 30s who'll be hosting a new show on Fox stations called "Who the Bleep is That?!?" which debuts March 6th.
She admits, "It’s hard to find people who have the same goals -- especially when they’re younger and want to start a family."
Kristin was adamant about not having more kids unless she met the "love of my freaking life and he wanted one and didn’t have any, maybe, but like, I don’t think so."
She says she's been dating a bit, but nothing serious. "I’m just not in a place for it right now, which is fine.”
In addition to Dye, Kristin's been linked to country singer Chase Rice and 'Bachelorette' star Tyler Cameron.
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Don Lemon Returns to CNN Gig ... No On-Air Mea Culpa For Sexist Remarks
Don Lemon returned to his CNN morning gig Wednesday and, if you tuned in to see some fireworks on set or an apology from the anchor, you were very disappointed.
Instead, Lemon tweeted an apology about 30 minutes before appearing on CNN This Morning, nearly a week after he made sexist on-air remarks.
Lemon tweeted, "I appreciate the opportunity to be back on @CNNThisMorning today. To my network, my colleagues and our incredible audience — I’m sorry. “I’ve heard you, I’m learning from you, and I’m committed to doing better. See you soon."
Then Lemon opened the show with a rather dull segment alongside cohost Poppy Harlow in the studio while Kaitlan Collins was reporting from Warsaw, Poland, where she's covering President Biden.
Don commented on Biden's speech about Kyiv standing strong one year after Ukraine was invaded by Russia. He turned to Harlow and said, "Very powerful speech from the President."
Harlow responded, "Very powerful and juxtaposed to what we heard from Putin in the morning," referring to the Russian President's speech in opposition to Biden's.
Harlow then turned to Lemon and cheerfully added, "What a day. Good morning everyone, Don and I are here in New York. And Kaitlin is live again in Warsaw Poland."
There was no mention of Don's sexist on-air remarks from last week -- nor was there an on-air apology from Lemon. It seemed like they were playing the role of a happy family on set or, at least, that's how the hosts were trying to portray it.
Don Lemon Given Final Warning By CNN, One More Screw Up & He's Out
But, behind the scenes, there's much tension. As we reported ... Don is one strike away from being canned by the network. Our sources say if he screws up again, he's out!
We're told senior CNN executives gave the final warning to Don when they spoke to him this week. Don might not be so sad if he leaves. We're told he's not happy at CNN anyway.
And last week's debacle only ratcheted up the tensions. As you know, Lemon made sexist comments on air about 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley calling her past her prime at 51.
His cohosts, Harlow and Collins, were shocked and offended as were most of the CNN staff. Don tried to apologize, but his coworkers gave him the cold shoulder.
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Morgan Evans Calls Out Ex-Wife Kelsea Ballerini ... Relationship Claims Are BS
Morgan Evans is pointin' fingers at his ex-wife Kelsea Ballerini, claiming what she's been saying about their relationship as it crumbled is far from the truth.
The Australian county singer shared his concerns Tuesday night, saying the things Kelsea has been touting "aren't reality" ... and adding she left out "what really happened."
He doesn't go too much into detail about his side of the story, but notes "If this is what she needs to heal, I hope it helps." He then asks fans to not be mean to him, Kelsea, or each other.
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For those unaware, Morgan's post came soon after the trailer dropped for Kelsea's episode on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast ... which highlights the lead-up to their divorce from her perspective, and she calls it a nasty split.
The interview follows the Valentine's Day release of her new EP, "Rolling Up the Welcome Mat," which digs deeper into the collapse of their marriage. To be fair, Morgan dropped a breakup song of his own last year, too.
As you know, the 2 announced the end of their 5-year marriage back in August ... and she's been hangin' out with "Outer Banks" star Chase Stokes quite a bit since then, giving serious relationship vibes. Chase even told us what he loves most about Kelsea.
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'RHOC' Tamra Judge Donates to Gretchen's Late Stepson ... Charitable Jab???
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"Real Housewives of Orange County" rivals Tamra Judge and Gretchen Rossi never saw eye-to-eye on the show, and their feud only seems to have strengthened with time -- because we've learned Tamra has donated money to help honor Gretchen's late stepson.
Tamra put $500 towards the GoFundMe for 22-year-old Grayson's memorial and medical expenses ... inching the campaign closer to the halfway mark of $70k.
"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum Teddi Mellencamp also put $500 in the pot -- and more than 400 people have donated so far.
As we reported, the campaign was set up by the family of Michelle Arroyo -- Grayson's biological mother, and ex of Gretchen's fiancé Slade Smiley -- after her son passed this month from brain cancer.
There's no love lost between Michelle and Slade and Gretchen, which might have played a factor in Tamra's decision to financially back Michelle.
The donations will help with the cost of a memorial to honor Grayson, as well as outstanding medical expenses -- of which Slade is responsible for half, but allegedly never paid ... according to Michelle.
She told us Gretchen pretended to have a relationship with Grayson to gain sympathy online, and claimed Slade hasn't made child support payments since 2019. Sources close to the couple told us Michelle's accusations are absurd and need to stop.
Both Tamra and Teddi encouraged listeners on their iHeart podcast "Two T's in a Pod' to donate to Michelle's GoFundMe. Tamra pointed out how Gretchen just got a nice chunk of money for going on Ultimate Girl's Trip while Michelle is having to go through a GoFundMe to raise money for Grayson's memorial.
In any event, Tamra's showing support for Grayson's mom. That ol' saying comes to mind -- the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
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LAFC Star Kellyn Acosta Rolexes Stolen In Home Burglary ... Cops Say
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LAFC star Kellyn Acosta's home was broken into last week ... and three of his pricey watches were taken in the burglary -- this according to law enforcement sources.
Cops tell TMZ Sports ... the incident happened at Acosta's Los Angeles-area home after thieves made their way into the residence through a door and allegedly rummaged through the house, before making off with three of the 27-year-old soccer player's Rolexes.
As of now, our sources say the watches appear to be the only thing taken.
No arrests have been made ... but we're told police are not ruling out the possibility that it was an inside job. An investigation remains ongoing.
Acosta, who initially began his MLS career with FC Dallas, joined LAFC last season -- and started 28 games ... scoring two goals.
Acosta was also part of the 2022 U.S. World Cup team that advanced to the Round of 16.
We've reached out to the footballer for comment, but so far, no word back yet.
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Peyton Hillis Breaks Silence On Ocean Accident ... 'Should Make A 100% Recovery'
Speaking for the first time since he nearly drowned in an ocean accident last month, Peyton Hillis says he's now, thankfully, doing fine ... and expects to eventually be at "100%."
The former NFL star almost died on Pensacola Beach in Florida back on Jan. 4 -- after he jumped into the water to save his children who had been caught in riptides.
Hillis required immediate attention from first responders on the sand -- and then needed to be put on a ventilator at a nearby hospital as his family said he was dealing with significant kidney and lung damage.
But, Hillis made a slow and steady recovery -- even receiving an uplifting visit from NFL legend Emmitt Smith at the hospital -- and on Tuesday night, he revealed everything in his life is now nearly back to normal.
Peyton Hillis Rescue Pics Show Ex-NFL Star Receive Emergency Treatment On Beach
"I left the hospital with no worries and concerns and should make a 100% recovery," the Madden 12 video game cover athlete said in a statement on his Twitter page. "I'm a very lucky and blessed man."
Hillis went on to thank his family, friends, fans and doctors who helped him get through the terrifying incident.
"I haven't taken any interviews on this because I'd like to keep my family out of the public eye because it was a very traumatic time for us," he said. "But I did want to come on here and show my appreciation for everyone who helped save my life and for all of your prayers and love and support."
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The 'Boomkack' Choreographer On MTV's 'Making The Band' 'Memba Her?!
Canadian choreographer Laurieann Gibson was 34 years old when she first appeared on MTV's "Making The Band" starring P Diddy back in 2005. She rose to fame with the making of girl group Danity Kane, which consisted of Aubrey O'Day, Dawn Richard, Shannon Bex, and D. Woods
Today -- although she tends to stay out of the limelight -- she has built up quite the resume working with some of Hollywood's hottest stars including Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Dua lipa, and she's appeared on competition shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dance Moms."
"Boomkack!"
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Brittney Griner All Smiles in WNBA Return ... First Look On Practice Court
Brittney Griner looks thrilled to be back on a basketball court with her WNBA team ... judging by this glimpse the Phoenix Mercury's providing of her shoot-around sesh.
32-year-old Griner was all smiles Tuesday as she got some work in on the practice court ... just a couple days after she inked a one-year deal to return to her former team.
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Remember ... Brittney hasn't played in the WNBA since the 2021 season, when she averaged 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds to lead the Mercury to the WNBA Finals.
BG went overseas last year to play basketball in Russia, but as you know ... she was arrested at an airport just outside Moscow in February 2022 after Russia claimed she was caught attempting to smuggle vape cartridges into the country.
Brittney was detained in Russia for 10 months until December 2022, when she came home in a swap for high-value Russian prisoner Viktor Bout.
BG vowed to return to the WNBA as soon as she got home ... and over the weekend she agreed to a deal with the Mercury, the team that originally drafted her with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft.
Found a note in the locker room, my friends 🤗 pic.twitter.com/OwA5IwxuSZ
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 21, 2023 @PhoenixMercury
The season doesn't start until May, but it sounds like Brittney is ready to make a statement this year -- she already left her mark on a whiteboard in the Mercury locker room, writing "I'M BACK MF!!"
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Britney Spears Posts Bizarre, Animated Video ... Fans Concerned
2/21/23
Britney Spears just took to her Instagram to post a very animated, bizarre video where she talks about everything from fashion to fans calling the cops for deleting her Instagram.
The whole thing is just under a minute long, and Britney talks in a semi-Australian/British accent. It starts out with Britney talking about a dress she made, getting help from a friend to sew it -- but then changes things up, and she talks about a dress that was shipped to her by a company.
Britney poses and dances with the dress -- moving it toward and then away from the camera several times.
She then shifts focus to a story TMZ broke, when fans called the cops to her house for a well-being check after she deleted her Instagram, saying, "So guys, I just want you to know if I shut down my Instagram, do not call the cops."
The next cut of the video shifts, with Britney exclaiming, "Don't ever be a roller coaster!" before darting off screen and running back across before disappearing again.
It ends with Britney yelling, "Never be a roller coaster!!!"
TMZ broke the story, those closest to Britney have become very alarmed by her recent behavior, even planning an intervention to get her help for both her mental health struggles and substance abuse. That intervention was then called off by someone in her camp.
2/15/23
We asked Britney's attorney, Mathew Rosengart, outside the courthouse last week who it was who decided to call the intervention off ... but he was uncharacteristically silent.
Our sources tell us she's taking meds that "hype her up" and she's been "flying off the handle" at various times through the week ... one source told us, "I'm afraid she's gonna die."
Britney, her husband Sam Asghari and manager Cade Hudson all hit NOBU for dinner Sunday night -- Britney appeared to be just fine leaving the restaurant ... though it's unclear when she recorded the video posted Tuesday.
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Kanye West & Bianca Censori Fueling Up On Love!!!
Kanye West is all gassed up with his new wife by his side, making a pit stop at a local gas station to fuel up and grab a quick drink.
Kanye and Bianca Censori were out and about Monday in L.A. -- Kanye was dressed in a brown leather jacket -- a change from his usual all-black look. Bianca on the other hand, went with black spandex and her signature bleach-blonde short hair.
Kanye grabbed a Red Bull inside before fueling up his Maybach SUV, unclear why they both got out of the whip, but maybe they're just that inseparable.
As we reported, it was last week when Ye popped into the L.A. County Sheriff's West Hollywood Station after a heated argument with paparazzi, informing deputies he was being harassed ... but it looks like the exchange was without drama.
We've seen the two out more and more as of late -- they recently had date night at Beauty & Essex in Hollywood, despite Kanye seemingly trying to keep a low profile and covering his face.