Four Oklahoma Officials Facing Backlash For Lynching Comment ... Governor Demands Their Resignations

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DISGUSTING CONVERSATION

Four white Oklahoma officials were secretly recorded talking about murdering journalists, lynching black people and joking about someone dying -- and now they're all in very hot water.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt called for the immediate resignations of McCurtain County Sheriff Kevin Clardy, Sheriff's Captain Alicia Manning, Jail Administrator Larry Hendrix and District 2 Commissioner Mark Jennings after the recordings were published by a local news outlet.

In addition, the Oklahoma Sheriff's Association held an emergency meeting Tuesday and voted unanimously to suspend the three cops -- Clardy, Manning and Hendrix -- from the membership-only union.

According to the McCurtain Gazette-News, which broke the story, Manning, Jennings and Clardy were the primary culprits captured on various recordings -- obtained by The Oklahoman -- discussing their evil plans, while using racist rhetoric. Little did they know that their conversations were being taped by an anonymous person.

In one recording, they discussed killing reporters Bruce and Chris Willingham, whose family owns the McCurtain newspaper. Jennings allegedly told Clardy and Manning that he knows where "two deep holes are dug if you ever need them." Clardy reportedly responded, 'I've got an excavator." Jennings allegedly added that he's acquainted with "two or three hit men" who would "cut no f***ng mercy."

Manning then reportedly chimed in, saying her dad would have physically assaulted Chris Willingham and "used him for toilet paper" before killing him.

On another recording, the trio allegedly lamented how their jobs have changed and chatted about potential candidates for the sheriff's position.

Jennings allegedly said ... "I'm gonna tell you something. If it was back in the day, when that Alan Marshton would take a damn black guy and whoop their ass and throw him in the cell? I'd run for f****** sheriff." He continued: "Take them down to Mud Creek and hang them up with a d**n rope. But you can't do that anymore. They got more rights than we got."

Another recording purportedly featured Clardy and Hendrix joking about someone who died in a house fire, comparing the victim to a slab of "barbecue meat.

Governor Stitt was so appalled by the recordings that he called for the resignation of all four officials and ordered the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to look into whether any illegal conduct had occurred.

The McCurtain County Sheriff's Office also launched a probe, but the agency appeared to circle the wagons. In a statement, the office said it was a violation of the law to make the secret recordings, which were also illegally obtained by the news agency.

The three officers are still on full active duty. As for District 2 Commissioner Jennings, he, too, remains on the job ... for now.

Stay tuned.

Two-Time 'Survivor' Contestant Keith Nale Dead At 62 ... After Bout With Cancer

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Keith Nale, a two-time contestant on the "Survivor" TV series, has died after a bout with cancer.

His wife, Dana, tells TMZ ... Keith passed away Tuesday in his home in Keithville, Louisiana after he discovered that he had the disease in January. Dana said it was unclear what type of cancer he had.

His presence will definitely be missed. Keith was beloved by his fellow contestants from the "Survivor" franchise, whose producers isolate a group of strangers on an island where they compete in endurance challenges to avoid elimination through voting until one person is left victorious.

Keith and his son, Wes, appeared on 2014's "Survivor: San Juan del Sur," where Keith reached the final four competition before getting the boot. The following year, Keith returned to an alternate version of the show — Survivor: Cambodia — where he nearly made it to the finals again, but he got voted off.

Some of Keith's fellow contestants paid homage to him on social media.

Jeremy Collins, who won "Survivor: Cambodia" in 2015, tweeted his condolences to Keith's family, noting that he and Keith were both firefighters by trade.

Ex-contestant Kelley Wentworth recalled that Keith had the "purest heart" and a good sense of humor when everyone really needed some laughs.

ET was first to report his death.

Keith was 62.

RIP

Draymond Green Suspended 1 Game ... For Stomping On Sabonis

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The Warriors will be without Draymond Green for their crucial playoff game Thursday night ... the NBA announced late Tuesday the Dubs star has been suspended for Golden State's contest against the Kings for stomping on Domantas Sabonis earlier this week.

In revealing their ruling, league execs explained Green was receiving the ban "based in part on Green's history of unsportsmanlike acts."

It did not appear the 33-year-old will be allowed to appeal -- meaning the Warriors will have to try to avoid going down 0-3 in the series with Sacramento without one of their best players.

The controversial incident happened in the fourth quarter of Game 2 on Monday night ... after Sabonis and Green got tangled up while trying to fight for a rebound.

Sabonis hit the floor, and while he was down, he grabbed Green's right ankle. In response, Draymond stomped on the Sacramento center's chest.

Sabonis was given a technical -- and Green was booted from the game.

While Sabonis was not suspended for Game 3, there is a chance he might miss it after all ... he's dealing with a sternum injury due to Draymond's kick that could force him to sit out.

Tip-off for the pivotal game at Chase Center in San Francisco is slated for 7 PM PT.

Sean Garrett Let's Chill On the AI... Humans Gotta Lead the Charge!!!

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NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING

Sean Garrett is more than a little leery about adopting AI in the studio, because if it comes down to us versus the machines -- as many fear it eventually will -- he's always riding with us.

We caught up with the prolific producer/songwriter Tuesday in NYC, and he admits he's curious about using the artificial software, but not to the point where it overshadows the human contribution.

Sean's been a part of some huge records -- such as Usher's "Yeah," Nelly's "Grillz" and multiple Beyonce jams -- and doesn't think that success could have been duplicated with a ghost in the computer.

Or as he puts it, "If it ain't from the soul, that s**t ain't real."

Universal Music Group recently enacted the takedown of an AI-generated Drake and Weeknd track that had millions of views before its removal from streaming services, but more songs -- several from AI-Drizzy -- keep springing up like weeds!!!

Drake Posts Shirtless Thirst Trap... Fans Suspect Surgically Enhanced Abs!!!

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Drake's latest thirst trap in the wee hours of the night is a hot shot, no doubt -- but it also has many fans questioning the authenticity of his abs, instead of just salivating over them like he probably intended.

Late Tuesday, Drizzy was obviously feeling the mood when he posted a photo to IG wearing nothing but a towel around his waist ... captioning the pic "5 min cold plunge for the soul."

It probably took about 5 minutes for fans to give their opinion on Drake's bod -- and many wondered if he had indeed gotten work done ... as they didn't spot the same muscle definition in his arms.

Drake's got a big tour this summer with 21 Savage, so it shouldn't shock anyway to see him getting in tip-top shape for those all shows, either. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Raquel Leviss Awkwardly Met Tom Sandoval's Mom, and She Knew

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Raquel Leviss had an awkward first encounter with Tom Sandoval's mom, who knew all about their secret affair ... and we're told the meeting wasn't even supposed to go down.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Raquel took another trip to St. Louis -- Tom's hometown -- in January, following her first outing the month before. They were at a bar with his friends when the place abruptly had to close due to an ice storm warning in the area.

The group decided to take shelter at Tom's mom's house, which was nearby ... making it the first time Raquel had ever met her -- and yes, his mom Terri knew all about their affair.

We're told Terri wasn't cool with their situation but was cordial during the quick exchange. Tom didn't introduce Raquel as his GF, despite the fact Terri already knew.

The group ended up spending the night ... and Tom and Raquel ended up in the same room.

TMZ broke the story, Raquel made her first St. Louis trek at the end of December, with Tom giving her a tour of the city ... but we were told his family had no interest in meeting her, especially knowing what was going on behind the scenes.

We got Tom out on Tuesday and he said it's time for people to move on from Scandoval. He also blasted Miraval Resorts and Spas this week after they seemingly implied he'd be staying at one of their Arizona hotels ... and to connect the dots, Raquel checked into a mental health facility last week, with some speculating that's where she went with him in tow.

Ralph Yarl Will Meet Ahmaud Arbery's Mother ... Accepts WH Invite Too

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Ralph Yarl -- the teenager who survived a close-range shooting which may have been racially motivated, is set to meet with the mother of Ahmaud Arbery ... TMZ has learned.

Ahmaud's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, tells us she asked attorney Lee Merritt -- who reps both her and Yarl's family -- if he could broker a face-to-face so that she could lend the Yarls some moral support during this difficult time ... as she went through something similar.

She says Lee thought it was a wonderful idea, and the wheels are already in motion for a sit-down between them in the near future -- although it's unclear exactly when. As you can imagine, Ralph is still recovering from being shot in the head ... allegedly at the hands of Andrew Lester, who was slapped with criminal charges this week and who's been arrested.

You might've heard ... Ralph was apparently fired upon last week after he rang Lester's doorbell -- mistakenly thinking it was the house his younger siblings were at. His family and family attorneys believe race was a factor ... something investigators are looking into now.

In any case ... Wanda says she thinks she can offer some good advice to both Ralph and his loved ones right now -- telling us that the loss of her son, Ahmaud, came under very similar circumstances ... which, sadly, had a much more tragic result.

She says she wants to let them know that they have her support and that they can get through this trying time ... a road she herself has obviously gone down of late. Wanda tells us she'll be praying for the Yarls through all this too ... and hopes they receive justice.

BTW, Ralph's story is already getting national attention ... including from the White House, which we're told has already reached out to invite him for an in-person visit once he's ready.

Lee Merritt says Ralph is shocked by all the interest and well-wishes he's receiving -- especially from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. We're told President Biden gave him a ring personally ... and that Ralph couldn't believe he was talking to POTUS. He's accepted the warm welcome to the People's House ... but still needs to be cleared by docs before going.

Chrisean Rock New Smile, Who Dis?!? Fills Dental Gap, Sets Giveaway for Moms

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Chrisean Rock has another reason to smile on top of her pregnancy ... the "Baddies" reality TV star recently filled in the famous gap in her grill!!!

Dr. Trevor J. Thomas tells TMZ Hip Hop he consulted with Chrisean for weeks before they collectively made the decision to get a permanent, lasting solution for her smile.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

He says the process was quick and painless, and, importantly, he didn't need to take X-rays to get the job done -- a legit concern, because she's expecting.

Chrisean immediately loved her new smile and felt inspired ... so she and Dr. Thomas are going halfsies on a Mother's Day giveaway. The duo's giving one mom a free mouth makeover!!!

All fans have to do is follow the 7 people Dr. Thomas is following on his @teethbytrav IG page, and leave a comment on his post about Chrisean's makeover.

They say they'll pick a winner on Mother's Day weekend, and a smiling Chrisean will greet the lucky mom on-site.

'Smallville' Star Erica Durance Separates From Actor Husband

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"Smallville" star Erica Durance is leaving her Clark Kent ... because she and her husband, actor David Palffy, have split.

A rep for Erica, who played Lois Lane on the superhero TV show, tells TMZ ... "David and Erica have decided to amicably separate."

The date of separation is unclear ... ditto for the reason behind the split ... but it doesn't appear Erica or David have filed divorce docs, at least not yet.

In a joint statement, Erica and David say ... "Out of respect for our children that's all that will be conveyed at this time. Thank you in advance for your understanding as we navigate the next chapter in our lives."

The relationship has been the subject of fan speculation recently ... it's been a while since Erica's posted with David on social media, and she was spotted not wearing her wedding ring last week at the Canadian Screen Awards, all while making cryptic posts online.

Erica and David started dating way back in 2001, and in 2005 they tied the knot. They have two sons together, an 8-year-old and a 6-year-old.

Before, Erica was married to Wesley Parker from 1996 to 1999 ... but it ended in divorce.

Besides "Smallville," Erica played Dr. Alex Reid in "Saving Hope" from 2012-2017 and Alura Zor-El in "Supergirl."

NFL Draft's Michael Jefferson Hit By Suspected Impaired Driver ... Cops Say In Crash Report

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UPDATE

5:43 AM PT -- 5/4 -- Cops in Alabama say their initial report of Michael Jefferson's car crash was wrong ... telling TMZ Sports on May 2 they believe the 2023 NFL Draft prospect was the one who was impaired on the night of the tragic wreck -- not Charles Dunn. Click here for the full story.

The car wreck that left NFL draft prospect Michael Jefferson with significant injuries earlier this month appeared to be caused by an under the influence driver ... this according to the crash report obtained by TMZ Sports.

In the docs, authorities say Charles Dunn, the 55-year-old man who died after slamming head-on into Jefferson's Chevrolet Impala on April 9 in Mobile County, AL, was suspected of having both alcohol and drugs in his system at the time of the accident.

It's unclear why officials believe that ... they said in the docs blood was taken from Dunn, but the results have not come back yet.

Jefferson, meanwhile, was not suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash, authorities said in the docs.

According to the report, the Louisiana wide receiver -- who was projected to be taken in next week's NFL draft prior to the accident -- was going 75 MPH in the 65 MPH zone before the collision. Dunn's speed was listed as "unknown."

Officials included a diagram of the crash in the docs -- which showed Dunn's Dodge Charger (labeled Unit 1) had been traveling southbound but moved into Jefferson's northbound lane before they hit head-on. Jefferson's car (labeled Unit 2) was then hit by a third vehicle after spinning out from the initial impact, the diagram shows.

Jefferson's agent, Jon Perzley of Sportstars, said after the accident the 23-year-old sustained injuries that "required multiple surgeries." It's not yet clear how they'll impact his football future.

Jefferson was a star at Louisiana last year, and some pundits had considered him one of the 30 best available receivers in the 2023 NFL draft class.

Originally Published -- 4/19 12:10 AM PT

Neil Kellerman In 'Dirty Dancing' 'Memba Him?!

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American director and former actor Lonny Price was 28 years old when he played the role of Neil Kellerman -- the smart, nerdy and cocky nephew of the Kellerman's Lake Lodge owner -- in the 1987 dance and romance film "Dirty Dancing."

Price shared the big screen with Jennifer Grey playing "Baby" -- the curly-haired gal, trying to fall out of the "daddy's girl" image and into the arms of Johnny Castle -- the studly dancer trying to find his place in life -- played by the late Patrick Swayze.

Lonny has directed numerous musicals and originated the role of Charley in the Broadway play "Merrily We Roll Along." He also appeared in "The Golden Girls" alongside Betty White.

Guess what he looks like now!

Tom Sandoval 'Really Happy' Ariana's Moving On ... Ready to End 'Scandoval'

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TIME TO MOVE ON

Tom Sandoval claims a few of his cast members keep stoking the fire sparked by his affair with Raquel Leviss, and he's calling 'em out for it -- but he also says he's thrilled his ex Ariana Madix has a new man.

We got Tom Tuesday at LAX, and it's obvious he's feeling drained by the whole 'Scandoval.' Of course, most fans won't feel sorry for him, and what he told us probably won't help his case either.

He clearly has beef with some unnamed female "Vanderpump Rules" costars for "perpetuating" all the drama, at least that's how he sees it.

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MADIX MAKEOUT

We also asked him about Ariana hooking up with a guy at Coachella over the weekend -- a guy she also drove to LAX for a farewell make out session. Tom, believe it or not, says he's totally cool with it ... and even seems genuinely thrilled for her.

He says all he wants is for Ariana to be happy. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Tom also doubled down on his frustration with Miraval Resorts and Spas in AZ.

As we reported, the company strongly hinted Sandoval was going to be staying there ... which sparked speculation Raquel was also staying there while getting mental health treatment. Sandoval says he expected better from such a ritzy destination.

Illinois Youth Wrestler Sucker Punched After Match ... Police Investigating

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SUCKER PUNCHED

A youth wrestler in Illinois was socked in the face while trying to shake hands with his opponent following a match earlier this month ... and the blow was so violent, police are now investigating.

The altercation went down at the "Beat The Streets" tournament on April 8 at Oak Park River Forest H.S. in Oak Park, Ill., where kids from ages 8-to-18 were participating in a wrestling competition.

In video of the incident shot by The Wrestling Spot at the event, you can see an 8th grader from SPAR Academy and his opponent finishing up on the mat during a 125-128 pound freestyle third-place match -- when things suddenly took a disturbing turn.

The video shows as the SPAR wrestler -- who won the match 14-2 -- looked to shake hands with his opponent ... he was leveled by a cheap shot to the face.

The strike connected flush, and the SPAR wrestler -- wearing an orange and tan singlet -- crumpled to the floor.

TMZ Sports has learned he suffered a nose injury and has since been forced to wear a face mask at events while it heals ... but, fortunately, we're told he's somehow doing OK.

"He is making the best of the situation and is already back to training," SPAR Academy founder Justin Pearch told us Tuesday.

"As you may know, wrestling matches can get heated but nothing leading up to the punch would give cause to such bad decision-making on the opponent's part."

"It’s not tolerated in our sport and Spar Wrestling will never condone that behavior," Pearch added.

As for cops, an Oak Park Police Dept. spokesperson said Tuesday the incident is under investigation ... and the parents of both minors are cooperating.

Angela Lansbury Family Sells Her Longtime Estate

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Angela Lansbury's Los Angeles estate of nearly 40 years has a brand new owner ... we've learned her family has sold the place the late actress called home for several decades.

Real estate sources tell TMZ ... Angela's family closed the deal Tuesday on the home in Brentwood, CA for $4.9 million. The legendary actress and her husband, Peter Shaw, snagged the property back in 1985 for $925k.

The home was her main residence up until she died in October 2022. You'll recall, Angela -- famous for "Murder, She Wrote" and as the voice of Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast" -- died in her sleep at the age of 96.

The 3,708-square-foot home which has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms radiates Angela's timeless charm on nearly a 1/2 acre lot.

The skylights and large windows in the home provide lots of natural light. The backyard is surrounded by lush greenery and is perfect for entertaining with a pool that's surrounded by a massive patio, a terraced garden area with a small greenhouse.

Aside from all the charm of the home ... one can only imagine the Hollywood legend's name was a huge selling point.

Mick Partridge of The Beverly Hills Estates and Maksym Khomin of Coldwell Banker held the listing.

Imagine Dragons Dan Reynolds' Wife Files For Divorce

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The wife of Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds is officially divorcing him ... after the estranged couple announced their separation last year.

According to court records, Dan's wife Aja Volkman filed Tuesday in L.A., pulling the plug on a marriage that lasted over a decade. They have four kids together.

As we reported, the soon-to-be exes called it quits in September, and a couple months later Dan was linked to his new GF Minka Kelly.

We've seen them on a handful of dates since then -- from grabbing dinner to holding hands on a walk to some lunchtime PDA.

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IMAGINE DANCIN'

Dan's been in pretty good spirits since his split from Aja ... and not only because of Minka. We recently saw him dancing up a storm on a cruise to Mexico last month.

FYI ... Aja and Dan initially announced a split way back in 2018 but, appeared to be rekindling their relationship -- that is, until last year.

Aaron Carter Drowned After Taking Xanax, Huffing ... Autopsy Reveals

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UPDATE

2:36 PM PT -- Aaron Carter's ex-fiancée and mother of his child tells TMZ ... "The results of the autopsy are not closure for me. It claims death is by drowning but also adds he was wearing a t-shirt and necklace in the bathtub which doesn't make sense, why would he be in a bathtub with clothes on? I am still in shock and still miss Aaron every day. I don’t understand the chain of events and this report only has us asking more questions."

Aaron Carter took prescription pills and huffed before his death, according to the autopsy results ... TMZ has learned.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner says its findings show Aaron drowned in the bathtub of his Lancaster home, but he took alprazolam -- generic Xanax -- and inhaled compressed difluoroethane ... which is the propellant used in cans of compressed air.

The report says he became "incapacitated while in the bathtub due to the effects" of the drugs and the huffing ... and, ultimately, he slipped under the water and drowned. Aaron's death is officially ruled accidental.

TMZ broke the story -- Aaron was found dead last November. Aaron's family claimed the coroner had told them there was no water found in his lungs, and they believed he had died of a drug overdose.

According to the autopsy report, there were multiple cans of Surf Onn compressed air found in A bathroom and bedroom. Additionally, authorities found several prescription bottles in the home.

Several clothing items were found near the bathtub -- including a beanie, sweatshirt and pants. A nozzle tip to one of the compressed air cans was found in a front pocket of that sweatshirt.

Aaron's fiancée, Melanie Martin, told us she thought drugs were what killed him -- you'll recall, he had a serious substance abuse problem in the years leading up to his death. As we previously reported, cops found cans of compressed air and prescription pills in Aaron's bedroom and bathroom.

Melanie told us there was a text exchange on Aaron's phone, saying he owed someone $800 for an unknown substance ... submitting the exchange to authorities for further investigation.

His mom, Jane, revealed a series of photos in early March from Aaron's bathroom the day he was found, believing it wasn't an overdose -- instead, calling it a crime scene and speculating that her son may have been a victim of foul play.

Jane said she had support from Aaron's family and friends to put the pics out there, wanting to bring the spotlight back to the case.

We covered it all in the recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms!

Originally Published -- 2:16 PM PT