Evan Ellingson Death Investigated As Possible OD ... Drug Paraphernalia at Scene

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Former child star Evan Ellingson's death is being investigated as a possible overdose ... we're told evidence was found at the scene which might point to drug use.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... drug paraphernalia was found at the San Bernardino County home, where Evan was found dead on Sunday. Right now, cops are continuing to investigate and we're told the case is being looked at as a possible OD.

Sources close to the case tell us the pending results of Ellingson's toxicology report will determine how the investigation will proceed -- if drugs are found to have been the cause, authorities could potentially investigate where they came from, and if there's any criminal culpability.

TMZ broke the story, Ellingson's body was found in his bedroom ... and officials told us there appeared to be no foul play involved.

His father, Michael, told us his son was found at a sober living home ... while Ellingson struggled with drugs in the past, Michael says he was doing better as of late.

Aaron Rodgers Achilles Healing At Record Pace ... Real Chance of Return this Season

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Aaron Rodgers' ruptured Achilles is healing at a pace never before seen in an NFL player ... and there's a real chance the future Hall of Famer returns to the field this season ... sources connected to the QB tell TMZ Sports.

We're told 39-year-old Rodgers is in "no man's land" -- uncharted territory -- when it comes to the speed at which he's healing from the serious injury to his left leg. No player previously has come this far, this fast.

Typically, a ruptured Achilles takes 9+ months to recover. Aaron's injury happened on September 11, just 57 days ago. Using that timeline, Rodgers wouldn't be ready to return until training camp next year.

But, Aaron isn't conventional, and the 4x NFL MVP made up his mind shortly after the injury, he was going to do all he could to return this season.

Doctors, however, need to balance Rodger's eagerness with the danger of reinjuring his leg. They'll only allow him to play if they're confident he isn't at high risk of reinjuring the ligament, according to our sources.

What's interesting ... we're told one of the balancing factors is how much the Jets need Rodgers. If he's game critical, it would offset some of the risk. In other words, the more he's needed, the more risk can be tolerated.

As for why a 39-year-old is healing faster than any football player known to medicine, we're told it's a combination of the top doctors using cutting-edge procedures combined with Aaron's unrelenting approach to physical therapy.

All the talk of a comeback could be moot if the 4-4 Jets aren't in playoff contention. There's no point in rushing a return if Gang Green's playing in meaningless games.

Following the Jets Monday Night Football loss to the Chargers, Derwin James asked Rodgers when he was going to return.

"Give me a few weeks," Aaron answered the Pro Bowl safety.

Timbaland JT Should've Muzzled Britney Over Memoir ... Brit Fans Want Apology!!!

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EVERYBODY WANTS ATTENTION

Timbaland happily came to Justin Timberlake's defense when the topic of Britney Spears' best-selling memoir came up -- but his response has Britney's army of fans declaring war on the superproducer!!!

Fans caught wind Tuesday of the sly remark Tim made during his Oct. 29 live interview with 9th Wonder at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.

In response to Britney's "The Woman In Me" memoir -- in which she says JT got her pregnant back in 2000, and they decided to abort the baby -- Timbaland told the D.C. crowd his "SexyBack" collaborator should've "put a muzzle on that girl."

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Britney Claims She Cheated on Justin Timberlake Too

He also said he doesn't blame Britney for having loose lips, because that's what you have to do to go viral, and that's the name of the game in the current social media era of showbiz.

The audience got a good chuckle over Tim's response but Britney's fans are doing the opposite of laughing -- they're calling for him to apologize, and think he's actually harboring a now decades-old vendetta against Britney.

Back in 2007, Timbaland told MTV that Britney dissed him and JT, and she needed to apologize if they were ever going to work together.

That didn't happen .. Britney went on to drop her "Blackout" album with beats from Timbaland's former protégé Danja, and, clearly, there are still lingering tensions!!!

We covered the drama on a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Katy Perry Parties At Chainsmokers Show ... With Orlando Bloom After Residency Wraps

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KATY CUTS LOOSE

Katy Perry had the time of her life after closing the curtain on her Las Vegas residency ... living it up with her boo, Orlando Bloom, at The Chainsmokers' concert.

Orlando and Katy were groovin' Saturday night at the DJ duo's residency at the XS Nightclub inside the Wynn Las Vegas ... the "Firework" singer was really feelin' the music, grabbing the mic and singing along to the track -- even if she didn't totally nail the lyrics.

It appears KP had a couple of drinks in her, having some playful fun with 1/2 of the Chainsmokers crew, Drew Taggart -- but hey, she's earned it after closing a big chapter in her musical career.

For those unaware, Katy kicked off her Vegas residency at the end of 2021, putting on 80 shows at Resorts World Theatre. At her final show on Saturday, Katy called Orlando an amazing father and said her 3-year-old daughter, Daisy, was her "best friend."

Katy also teased the crowd after her last show ended -- a screen lowered that read, "See ya next year ..." hinting at more exciting things to come not just for the singer, but for the fans!

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KATY PERRY'S FAMOUS FANS

As we reported, the stars were out for Katy's last show, too ... including Celine Dion, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Cameron Diaz, and Zoe Saldana.

Israel Vs. Palestine Jewish Man Killed At Competing Rallies In CA ... Possible Hate Crime

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A Jewish man was killed at a pro-Palestinian rally in California ... and police are now investigating his death as a possible hate crime.

69-year-old Paul Kessler was attending the Sunday afternoon event in Thousand Oaks, CA, where there was also a competing pro-Israel rally. Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel.

As you know, Israelis and Palestinians -- under the rule of Hamas -- are embroiled in a bloody war in the Middle East. Hamas attacked the Jewish state in October, sparking the conflict.

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THE PROTEST CONTINUES

Law enforcement tells us ... At the gathering in Ventura County, Kessler got into a heated argument with the Palestinian counter-protesters, leading to a physical fight.

Cops say Kessler was knocked backwards, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground.

Video of the incident later surfaced on X. Take a look ... Kessler is sprawled out on the sidewalk after the altercation. He appears to be in agony as two people tend to him.

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PROTEST GETS PHYSICAL

Kessler was rushed to a local hospital, where he died from his head injuries. The L.A. County Coroner determined his death was a homicide.

A rep for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office says they're investigating and have not ruled out "the possibility of a hate crime." No one has been arrested.

Aaron Rodgers 'Few Weeks' Comment Was A Joke ... Gonna Be Longer

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UPDATE

12:22 PM PT -- Aaron Rodgers is clarifying his comment about being back to action in "a few weeks" ... saying the whole conversation was just silly banter with a friend.

The quarterback discussed the popular sound bite on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday ... claiming he didn't expect mics to pick up what he was discussing with James -- and he wasn't stating fact.

Rodgers went on to say the previously stated timeline is pretty unrealistic ... and he is more like "a few fortnights" from suiting up again.

FYI -- a fortnight is 14 days ... so, see you in six weeks, Aaron??

Aaron Rodgers is telling people they won't have to wait long to see him get back on the field -- the New York Jets quarterback was caught on a hot mic saying he's only "a few weeks" from returning from his Achilles injury.

AR8 met up with Los Angeles Chargers star Derwin James on the 50-yard line following his team's 27-6 loss during Monday Night Football ... and when the two embraced, the All-Pro safety asked what everyone wants to know -- "When you coming back, man??"

Rodgers' response will have Jets fans salivating.

"Give me a few weeks," he answered.

Of course, the four-time MVP has been showing strong signs of improvement over the past few weeks -- he has been walking without crutches and throwing the football before games ... claiming he's well ahead of schedule with rehab since suffering the injury on September 11.

Worth noting -- it's entirely possible Rodgers might not have been too serious with his answer ... as he could have been playing it up for the cameras or wanting to keep the real timeline a secret.

Rodgers has made it clear he wants to return this season -- but the quickest Achilles recovery in NFL history belongs to Cam Akers, who returned after 5 1/2 months. If Rodgers takes the same amount of time, it'll be right around the Super Bowl.

Originally Published -- 7:24 AM PT

CFDA Awards Celebs Take Over NYC Fashion Event ... Kim Kardashian, Anne Hathaway, Serena Williams

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Some of Hollywood's hottest stars flew east to the Big Apple to attend the so-called "Oscars of American Fashion" -- squeezing into their tight outfits that were just smokin'.

Kim Kardashian, Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore and Serena Williams all showed up for Monday night's annual Council of Fashion Designers of America's fashion awards at the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan.

KK was a real head-turner in her black, form-fitting leather dress with silver chains and a cross medallion around her neck.

Hathaway, who hosted the gala, sported a denim corset and full-length denim skirt with classy high heels -- topped off by Bulgari jewels.

Paltrow, Williams and Moore looked just as radiant. Gwyneth chose all-black attire with a stylish dress cut down the center ... Serena also wore all black and appeared ravishing. Moore took the silver route in her flashy gown.

As for the top honorees ... Gwyneth and her Goop brand snagged the CFDA Fashion Award for Innovation, while Serena won the CFDA Fashion Icon Award.

Other celebs also attended the ceremony including ... Martha Stewart, Mary J. Blige, Nina Dobrev, Karlie Kloss, Emma Chamberlain, Winnie Harlow, Nicky Hilton, Naomi Watts, La La Anthony, Lori Harvey and Shay Mitchell.

We covered it all on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

SEN. BOB MENENDEZ Fake Movie Trailer Urges Him to RESIGN ... What About Bob Quitting?

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Embattled U.S. Senator Bob Menendez is hearing renewed calls for his resignation, but this time it's coming with big laughs ... courtesy of a satirical movie trailer-inspired message.

The 2-minute clip uses cinematic voice-over calling out Menendez for his long list of alleged grievances -- federal corruption and bribery, to name a couple -- and also mixes in scenes from the 1991 comedy, "What About Bob?"

The result is hilarious clips of Richard Dreyfuss complaining about Bob ... hammering home New Jersey's frustrations with the fact the Senator won't step down from office amid the ongoing investigation into his alleged crimes.

The trailer also uses actual footage and soundbites from Menendez and his wife Nadine Arslanian Menendez -- including interviews where he's asked directly, "Don't you serve your state better by resigning now?"

Of course, the Senator confidently replies nope!

The clip also mockingly refers to him as "Senator Bob Menendez (D-Egypt)" ... referring to the fact he's accused of monopolizing the Egyptian market for importing halal meat. It also calls him out for threatening the Democratic Party's majority in the Senate.

The senator's enemies are urging folks on X to repost the trailer in order to urge Menendez to resign immediately. Don't hold your breath for that, however, film reviews are pouring in for the trailer.

One user on X gushed, "Wow! The edit. The voiceover. The script. The music. The whole piece is just brilliant…and btw, True‼️🤷‍♀️"

Peyton Manning What The F***?!? ... Shocked As Arnold Feeds Donkey On Air

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SURPRISE GUEST

Peyton Manning must've missed a production meeting ... 'cause the Hall of Famer looked absolutely shocked beyond belief when Arnold Schwarzenegger fed his pet donkey, Lulu, in front of millions during MNF, and the legendary signal caller's reaction was priceless!

The awkward moment went down during Peyton and brother Eli Manning's 'Manningcast' show on ESPN during the NY Jets vs. L.A. Chargers game Monday night.

As always, the famous football bros brought A-list guests to the show ... this time bringing on the one and only Arnold. But, the legendary action movie star wasn't alone.

And, it was Schwarzenegger's special guest that threw Peyton for a loop.

"Oh yes," Schwarzenegger calmly told Lulu as he fed her. The look on Peyton's face was hilarious!

Eli tried to alleviate some of the awkwardness ... by taking a shot at his older brother.

"What is that?!" Eli asked. "That donkey looks like you eating Peyton."

Of course, the 76-year-old actor, bodybuilder, and politician's love for animals is widely known .. and outside of his donkey, Arnold has a pet pony, pig, and some dogs.

Schwarzenegger recently explained how he got the donkey ... he and his GF felt their pony Whiskey needed a bestie, so he got Lulu.

"They were hanging out together, loving each other," Schwarzenegger told HOLA!. "She needed a companion. Look at them, they’re getting along!"

Let's hope Arnold brings Lulu and Whiskey on Manningcast next time!

KYLE RICHARDS & MAURICIO UMANSKY NO PRENUP ... No Immediate Divorce Plan

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Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky have no immediate plans to go down the road of divorce, but it's worth noting -- they do not have a prenup in place ... TMZ has learned.

With Kyle recently referring to their separation as a straight-up divorce -- there's a fortune on the table if that apparent slip of the tongue becomes reality ... although sources with direct knowledge tell us neither Kyle nor Mauricio has lawyered up.

Multiple sources tell TMZ ... Kyle and Mauricio are not directly talking about ending their marriage, but we're told the thought is certainly present ... so division of assets is something to consider, assuming they decide to cross that bridge.

Kyle has made her mark on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and scored millions of dollars, and Mauricio has acquired a net worth of $100M with nearly $5B in real estate sales.

When he married Kyle, he wasn't even working in real estate. He was making peanuts while working in fashion before going into real estate, working for Kyle's brother-in-law Rick Hilton and then opening The Agency in 2011.

The pair's decision to separate wasn't an easy one -- Kyle broke down in tears this past weekend when asked where things stood between them during a Q&A at BravoCon.

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JUST FRIENDS???

It looks like Mauricio is having an easier time, enjoying the single life with some cozy sightings with his 'DWTS' partner, Emma Slater.

As of now, the exes are playing friendly ... so if they do decide to end their marriage, some accountants and lawyers are going to have a busy time dividing the spoils of their marriage.

KIM KARDASHIAN Attends ODELL BECKHAM JR.'s BDAY

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Kim Kardashian had a busy trip to NYC, also stopping in at Odell Beckham Jr.'s 31st birthday bash ...  after TMZ confirmed they had started "hanging out" thanks to mutual friends.

Making her way to the party following the 2023 CFDA Awards, busy bee Kim stole the spotlight in her black, figure-hugging lace-up gown.

Kim was in good company, with other attendees such as Lil Baby, Saquon Barkley, Saweetie, Stefon Diggs, James Harden, Ashley Graham, Justine Skye and more.

We were previously told Kim and Odell have run in the same circle for years ... but it's only recently that the SKIMS queen fueled romance speculation with the NFL athlete.

It's not clear who KK and OBJ's mutual friends are ... but this isn't the first time she has shown up for Odell's personal extravaganzas. Last November, she rocked up to his milestone 30th at Mother Wolf in L.A., and both attended Michael Rubin's July 4th White Party earlier this year.

Kim has been single since she split from former 'SNL' star Pete Davidson in August 2022 following a whirlwind 9-month romance. Meanwhile, OBJ and his longtime GF, Lauren Wood, split early this year.

While our sources divulged that Kim isn't serious about dating, it was added that she's absolutely open to finding love again if she finds the right person ... so what we're trying to say is that for Odell ... this may be the calm before the score.

Alan Ruck Crash Told Cops, Hey Man ... IDK!!! They Buy It, Chalk It Up to Techy Mishap

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Alan Ruck's car crash last week is still a mystery in terms of cause -- but cops do have a theory they're running with for now ... they think technology got the better of a human.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... investigators believe they know what caused the "Succession" star's wreck at a pizza parlor in Hollywood, and from the sounds of it -- the police are buying Alan's story here.

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SERIOUS DAMAGE

Our sources say Alan told officers he simply didn't know what caused the accident.

We're told those who were on the scene believed him -- as they saw no evidence he was under the influence, distracted or otherwise impaired during the accident ... so, as far as they're concerned, they believe it was, in fact, just an accident.

Our sources also tell us the LAPD thinks this was just a mishap arising from the fact that Alan's truck, a Rivian R1T, is brand-spanking new and super high-tech.

Indeed, it is an electric truck ... and it certainly looks fancy from the inside out. It also features three all-wheel drive systems -- Dual Motor, Performance Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor ... and depending on which one you're on, it can go from 0-60 MPH reeeal fast.

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STOPPING FOR NOTHING

We have no idea if or how any of this played a part in Alan's sitch -- but it sounds like the police think he might've just been in over his head handling this machine ... and that it just got away from him. As a result, we're told they're closing the book on this case ... and leaving it to insurance.

Fortunately, nobody was harmed in this freak incident.

Travis Barker Returns to Hospital Where Kourtney Gave Birth

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Travis Barker showed up at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. Monday, nearly a week after Kourtney gave birth to their baby boy.

Travis rolled up in his Range Rover in the late afternoon, presumably to visit Kourtney and their newborn baby, Rocky.

As we reported, Travis and Kourtney wanted a Halloween baby ... and according to our sources, the baby was due last week so it may well be Rocky was born last Tuesday.

We have not seen much of the Kardashian brood at the hospital over the last week. Kylie showed up last Thursday, but other than her there have been no other sightings.

This is 47-year-old Travis' 3rd child and it's 44-year-old Kourtney's 4th.

It's unclear why Kourtney and Rocky are still in the hospital ... we wish them good health.

Las Vegas Strip Club Free Lap Dances For Military Members ... Our Veterans Day Special!!!

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A famous strip club in Sin City is saluting active-duty military and veterans ... with free lap dances on Veterans Day!!!

Crazy Horse 3 in Las Vegas is offering one complimentary lap dance to folks who've served our country ... but the club tells us the deal is only good between noon and 6 PM this coming Saturday ... so don't procrastinate.

The gentlemen's club, located just down the street from Allegiant Stadium where the Las Vegas Raiders play, also has a Veterans Day deal for folks who didn't join the military ... we're told anyone over 21 years old with a Nevada identification can get in for free.

For military and veterans who haven't been to CH3 before ... it's been named one of the best strip clubs in Las Vegas by multiple news outlets, winning local awards for Best Bachelor Party Stop and Best Gentleman's Club.

In other words ... this is the Sin City version of the G.I. Bill -- and Crazy Horse 3 is here to take care of our vets.

What a country!!!

Francis Ngannou I'm Down To Wait For Fury Rematch ... Until After Usyk Bout

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Francis Ngannou isn't sending mixed signals ... he wants a rematch with Tyson Fury next, and if that means waiting a few months until The Gypsy King fights Oleksandr Usyk, he tells TMZ Sports that's exactly what he'll do!

The 37-year-old combat sports superstar joined Michael Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" show (airs weeknights on FS1) ... where the guys talked about Francis' future in the ring now that he's the hottest commodity in the sport.

"I would be willing to wait [for Fury to fight Usyk]. I know that they are going to fight, they had a contract already, so they are going to fight sometime in February instead of December 23, which is my fault," Ngannou said smiling ... "I shouldn't have cut him. He would've fought December 23, and maybe we would've run it back early next year."

Of course, Francis is referring to the cut he opened up on Tyson's head ... a big reason he won't be able to turn around and fight in less than 2 months. The cut has to heal.

So, a fight with Fury, barring the Usyk bout completely falling apart, will not happen until, at earliest, mid-2024.

In the meantime, Anthony Joshua, through his promoter Eddie Hearn, has said he's down to fight The Predator in Saudi Arabia on December 28. We asked Ngannou if he was interested.

"First of all, it's too soon. Secondly, my focus, as boxing is concerned, is a rematch with Tyson. That's the most important thing for me right now, everything else for boxing comes after."

In addition to AJ, Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker are names that have been thrown out as possible future opponents for Ngannou.

All this doesn't necessarily mean Francis won't fight before Fury ... he just won't box. Remember, Ngannou is signed to PFL (as a fighter and Chairman of PFL Africa).

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CREATING NEW RULES

Last week we spoke to PFL CEO Peter Murray ... who previewed some of the promotion's plans for their superstar fighter.

There's also much more with Francis ... from whether he believes Fury trained for him to how his life has changed since the epic performance.

Check out the full interview! 👊

Jovie In 'Elf' 'Memba Her?!

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20 years ago today, American actress Zooey Deschanel was 23 years old when she played Jovie -- the Macy's store elf employee who is high-key NOT a fan of Christmas -- in the holiday comedy film "Elf" back in 2003.

Zooey was part of an iconic cast including Will Ferrell as the productive elf who does not understand how the human world works, Buddy, James Caan as Buddy's money-driven father and the executive for a book publishing company, Walter and Daniel Tay as Buddy's smart 12-year-old half-brother, Michael.

Guess what she looks like now at 43 years old!