'B.A.P.S.' & 'Madea' Star Natalie Desselle-Reid Dead at 53 ... Colon Cancer Battle

Published | Updated

Natalie Desselle-Reid -- a prolific actor known for roles in "Eve," a 'Madea' film and 'B*A*P*S' -- has died after a battle with cancer ... one she'd kept private.

The veteran comedic actor passed away Monday morning. A family member tells TMZ she died of colon cancer after having been diagnosed earlier this year. We're told she was in hospice care in her final days, and was surrounded by family when she went.

An official statement reads, "It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beautiful Natalie this morning. She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife."

Actress Holly Robinson Peete also shared the news, writing ... "Just absolutely decimated by this news... Actress Natalie Desselle, a bright shining star passed away this morning. I got to know her when my mom was managing her.  She will be so missed...sending out prayers to her children and husband." She added, "💔🙏🏽😢 Rest In Peace, Sweet Girl🙏🏽"

Natalie was perhaps best known for her sidekick role opposite Halle Berry in the 1997 comedy film "B*A*P*S" in which she played the hilarious role of Mickey. She also starred on the sitcom "Eve" for three years, playing Janie Egins -- as well as having starred in Tyler Perry's "Madea's Big Happy Family" as Tammy.

Her acting credits go well beyond that though -- NDR also played a prominent character on the TV shows "For Your Love," and "Built to Last."

Her other big-screen credits include "How to Be a Player," "Set It Off," "Divas," "Gas" and quite notably ... the made-for-TV movie "Cinderella," featuring Brandy ... in which Natalie played the evil step-sister, Minerva.

Natalie leaves behind her husband, Leonard, and 3 children. She was 53.

RIP

Michael Rapaport COVID Restrictions Flawed & Frustrating ... Just Calling It Like I See It!!!

Published

Michael Rapaport understands the need for coronavirus mitigation, but man, is he fed up with different rules applying to different people and businesses without logical explanations.

The actor joined "TMZ Live" Monday on the heels of his epic rant about a flea market on Melrose Ave. being open this weekend while other outdoor establishments are shut down.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Rapaport says it makes no sense, especially when businesses are taking all the COVID precautions they can to safely keep making money -- so he understands people's frustrations boiling over ... even at that bar in Staten Island.

Michael explained the flea market deepened his empathy for people struggling to make a living amid the pandemic, and he was not knocking the market vendors. His issue is restaurants right across the street not being allowed to be open when their employees are struggling just as much.

Don't get it twisted, though, he's still all about wearing masks and taking steps to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, he just thinks the rules should apply to everyone -- and if they don't, leaders should explain WHY.

For the record, a strict shutdown did go into effect Sunday night in much of California, which limits all restaurants to carry-out, closes indoor and outdoor play areas, hair salons, museums, movie theaters, amusement parks and live-audience sports, and prohibits people from congregating with anyone outside their household.

Kristin Cavallari, Jeff Dye ¡¡¡Besame Mucho!!! Steamy PDA in Cabo

Published | Updated

Kristin Cavallari and Jeff Dye still won't officially say they're dating, but their lips are making it abundantly clear during a Mexican vacay ... they are definitely a thing.

Kristin and the comedian were all over each other in Cabo San Lucas ... kissing, hugging and laughing constantly. The only time they seemed to take a break from the PDA was to sip a drink while hanging with friends down south.

While they're openly enjoying each other's company it still seems like Kristin's trying to keep this unofficial-relationship on the DL.

For starters, she posted a pic on Instagram but didn't tag Jeff ... and did the same when she posted an IG Story with a couple of friends on the trip.

101120_kristin_cavallari_kal 10/10/20
LOVE IS IN THE AIR

BTW ... she's wearing the same pink bikini on her Instagram post as the one she wore while out with her apparent new bae.

Kristin, who back in April announced she and Jay Cutler are getting divorced, was first seen hanging out with Jeff in Chicago in October making out, then in Nashville in November. Before reportedly meeting up again at Craig's in Los Angeles.

Sooo ... they ain't saying it, but their vacay pics are worth a thousand or so words.

White Suspect vs. Cops Standoff Vid White Privilege Looks Like This ... Says Michael Eric Dyson

Published

The wild body cam footage showing a white suspect threatening to shoot a cop -- not once but TWICE -- is a stark illustration of white privilege according to author Michael Eric Dyson.

Michael joined "TMZ Live" Monday and didn't mince words about the body cam video of a tense standoff with cops in Ohio, and as he put it ... "You and I both know that had that been a motorist of color that motorist would have been dead."

ICYMI ... the video shows Merak Burr, who is white, refusing to get out of his car, flaunting a handgun on the seat next to him, and even threatening to shoot the cops!!! And, having done all of that, Burr was still able to defy the cops and drive away ... without getting shot.

120520_ohio_police_standoff_kal December 2020
"I'LL SHOOT YOU!"

Michael told us the incident highlights a point he makes in his new book, "Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America" ... which is that white privilege has little to do with wealth, and everything to do with the color of someone's skin.

Michael makes it clear ... he's glad Burr's confrontation didn't end violently but certainly wishes non-white people also got the same treatment.

It's easy to argue ... had cops given Jacob Blake the same treatment in Kenosha, Wisconsin as Burr got in Ohio, Jacob would not be paralyzed today. Remember, Jacob was shot 7 times in the back as he tried to get into his vehicle. He was unarmed but cops said they recovered a knife from the driver's side floorboard in Jacob's car.

Michael says had Burr been a person of color instead, the outcome would have likely ended in what ultimately would have been determined as a justified shooting ... and that's gotta end.

Pete Buttigieg Vetted for Cabinet Posts ... Commerce, HUD, EPA on the Table

Published | Updated

Joe Biden said the LGBTQ+ community would be represented in his cabinet, and sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ, Pete Buttigieg is actively under consideration for various posts, but we're told he didn't get his first choice.

Sources privy to the selection process tell TMZ, Buttigieg is being vetted for what could be a significant appointment. We're told the possible appointment includes Secretary of Commerce and HUD. We're told he's also under consideration to head the EPA.

Our sources say another post that has been a subject of discussion is Veterans Affairs. As you know, Pete served in Afghanistan and has a strong connection to the military. We're told, although the V.A. remains a possibility for Pete, it's unlikely.

We're told what Buttigieg really wanted was U.N. Ambassador, but obviously, that position has already been filled.

Buttigieg was a strong supporter of Biden's during the campaign, and we're told he will "almost certainly" be offered a significant position in the Biden Administration.

NYPD Cop Shouts Down Trump Supporter ... Who Refuses to Wear Mask

Published
120720_rockefeller_christmas_tree_kal
HEATED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

An NYPD cop went ballistic on a Trump supporter who wouldn't wear a mask in public ... a guy who cussed the cop out ... despite waving a pro-police flag.

The shouting match was captured on video this weekend in NYC at 30 Rock, where Trump supporters came face-to-face with counter-protesters. Of course, many in the Trump crowd weren't masked up -- and eventually, an officer got involved.

The cop was trying to talk over the Trump-er and the other NYC demonstrators, but wasn't getting anywhere ... that is, until she screamed at the top of her lungs.

It's kinda funny, but also pretty shocking ... because she then gets in the face of the main antagonist here (the dude with the red MAGA hat, sans mask) and they start exchanging heated words. She cools down by trying to talk to the other side, which seem more receptive to her words, but then goes right back to jawboning with the Trump supporter.

BTW, the Trump guy is holding a huge black and blue flag -- colloquially known as a Back the Blue symbol -- but he's not showing a whole lot of respect to the badge in person.

The juxtaposition is stunning ... this kind of anger with the backdrop of the Rockefeller Center XMAS tree. 2020, folks.

Pete Davidson Ripped by Staten Island Locals ... For Defiant Bar Jokes on 'SNL'

Published
120720_ny_bar_owner_kal
Come down from the ivory tower, King

Pete Davidson making fun of a bar in his hometown and its stance against COVID restrictions is pissing off a lot of the locals, and they're blasting him for it.

A Staten Island activist named Mr. Tobacco tore the 'SNL' star a new one Monday during a news conference over the watering hole called Mac's Public House -- which has been in the news a lot lately for defying COVID closures.

ICYMI ... one of Mac's co-owners, Danny Presti, was arrested AGAIN this weekend after he allegedly let people inside (against a closure order). Tobacco and co. were addressing that when he referred to Pete's 'Weekend Update' appearance, where he criticized the Staten Island community and Mac's owners for acting like babies.

Welp, Mr. Tobacco says Pete's words are a betrayal, considering people in town know him and his fam. He got very personal and even referenced Pete's father ... a firefighter who died on 9/11 in the Twin Towers.

You'll have to watch the video to see how he frames it ... but it's pretty clear that Tobacco and some of the other Mac members were hurt by Pete, who Tobacco calls someone with a huge platform putting the little guy down.

Mr. Tobacco also evokes Pete's nickname -- the King of Staten Island, which was turned into a Judd Apatow movie starring Pete.

Jenelle Evans Taking Care of Litter of Puppies ... Claims Cops Called

Published | Updated

Jenelle Evans' pet family just got a whole lot bigger ... but it seems a lot of people have a problem with that.

The reality TV star shared a cute video of her 9 new pitbull puppies nursing on their mama. Jenelle says she found the mother a couple weeks ago chained outside in the cold and took her home after attempts to locate the owner were unsuccessful.

Now she's given birth to the litter, and that means Jenelle -- and most notably, her husband, David Eason -- are caring for 10 new puppies ... something that doesn't sit well with a lot of animal lovers.

Jenelle says people keep calling the cops once they see what's going on in her house. Jenelle posted photos and videos of the newborn pups.

Of course, that's because David snapped and killed their family dog in April 2019 after it nipped at their baby ... which they'd foolishly left too close to the dog. The disturbing ordeal led to their kids being temporarily taken away and a brief breakup of their marriage.

They've gotten the kids back and reconciled, though ... and already welcomed a new puppy earlier this year, along with 2 other dogs and a goat.

Still, people clearly haven't gotten over what David did -- or, they're worried about more examples of his troubling behavior -- and don't like the idea of Jenelle and him having more pets.

Jenelle insists she's done nothing worthy of having the cops called on her in this case, though ... she simply saved a dog and her puppies.

Spectacular Blue Smith Disney Says No More Mouse Ears!!! Banned for Alleged Punch

Published | Updated

Spectacular Blue Smith won't be having a spectacular time, or any kinda time, inside Disney World -- the mouse folk are pissed the rapper allegedly socked one of its employees.

Sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell TMZ ... the Pretty Ricky member is now prohibited from entering all of the Walt Disney World Resort properties in Florida following his Monday night battery arrest at the park.

As we reported ... the rapper allegedly fake sneezed and said "coronavirus," presumably as a joke, while standing in a line for a ride. A park employee overheard and said something to Smith about his bad humor, and they got into an argument.

When the staffer asked him to step out of the line, and blocked Smith with his arm ... the rapper allegedly punched him on the right side of his jaw/temple area.

Cops say Smith's son claimed his dad only hit the man accidentally as he lost his balance. Not shockingly, that excuse didn't fly and Spectacular got arrested.

Disney's not waiting to see how his case plays out in court ... we're told Smith's ban is effective immediately. We've reached out to SBS for comment, but so far no word back.

Daisy Coleman Mom Melinda Dead by Suicide at 58 ... 4 Months After Daisy's Suicide

Published | Updated

The mother of Daisy Coleman -- who was one of the teenage girls featured in "Audrie & Daisy," the Netflix documentary about her rape as a teenager -- has taken her own life just months after Daisy's suicide.

Melinda Coleman was found dead Sunday night ... according to SafeBAE, the sexual assault prevention and recovery organization co-founded by Daisy following her rape case.

The group says it's in "shock and disbelief" over her suicide, adding ... "The bottomless grief of losing her husband, Tristan and Daisy was more than she could face most days."

SafeBAE called Melinda a "gifted veterinarian, devoted mother and wife, and talented body builder," adding ... "More than anything, she loved and believed in her children."

We broke the story ... Daisy took her own life in August, which was discovered after her mom called the police to do a welfare check. Melinda wrote at the time, "She was my best friend and amazing daughter. I think she had to make it seem like I could live without her. I can’t. I wish I could have taken the pain from her!"

Daisy was 14 years old in January 2012 when she was allegedly raped at a Missouri house party after being plied with alcohol. Nobody was ever convicted for it, and the 2016 Netflix doc followed Daisy and her family as they dealt with the trauma of her alleged assault, and the hostile reaction of their community.

"Audrie & Daisy" also focused on the sexual assault of Audrie Pott in September 2012 in California and her subsequent suicide.

Melinda is survived by her 2 sons, Logan and Charlie.

She was 58.

RIP

Tom Brady & Gisele Home Intruder Was Laying On QB's Couch ... Cops Release Mug Shot

Published | Updated
UPDATE

8:06 AM PT -- THE BREAK-IN SUSPECT HAS A HISTORY OF TOM BRADY-RELATED CRIME!!!

UPDATE

Just last year, Cineus was arrested for stealing a Tom Brady jersey from the New England Patriots Hall of Fame exhibit in Foxboro.

UPDATE

Officials said at the time Cineus allegedly tried to stuff the uniform under his shirt -- along with a glove from the exhibit -- and make a break for it.

UPDATE
UPDATE

But, cops busted the man when he SLIPPED during the attempted theft -- giving police time to move in and apprehend him.

UPDATE

Cops say Cineus was wearing the stolen jersey under his jacket when they found him.

UPDATE

7:53 AM PT -- More info from the cops ... who have identified the suspect as Zanini Cineus, a 34-year-old homeless man.

UPDATE

Officials say officers located Cineus in the basement of the home -- where he was "laying on the couch in the middle of the room."

UPDATE
UPDATE

Cineus is facing multiple criminal charges -- including breaking and entering, entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, attempted larceny and trespassing.

UPDATE

Officials also say Cineus has "several active warrants out of Wrentham District Court stemming from incidents that occurred in Foxboro, MA late last year."

UPDATE

One last thing ... in a press release issued by police, they refer to Brady as "our forever New England Patriot."

Cops in Massachusetts arrested a man who allegedly broke into a mansion owned by Tom Brady and Gisele ... but the superstars haven't lived there for months.

The Brookline Police Dept. tells TMZ Sports ... 1 suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of breaking and entering at 5:55 AM.

Cops say the suspect set off multiple house alarms -- plus, private security spotted the intruder ... so police raced over.

We're told responding units were given an access code and located the suspect in the basement area. He was arrested without incident.

The suspect, whose name hasn't been released, is scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning.

Tom and Gisele reportedly bought the property back in 2013 -- and built the home from the ground up. It was completed in 2015.

The 12,000-square-foot estate is sick -- 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms with a rec room, gym, wine room, spa AND an outdoor organic herb/vegetable garden.

The couple put the place up on the market in late 2019 for $39.5 million -- but then cut the price to $33.9.

They reportedly took it off the market for a while -- but recently decided to try their luck again privately, off-market ... so, it's currently up for grabs.

Of course, Tom and Gisele have moved to Tampa Bay, Florida -- since TB12 left New England to play for the Bucs.

Originally Published -- 7:08 AM PT

Election Analyst Steve Kornacki Pivots to Football Crunches NFL Playoff Numbers on 'SNF'

Published

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME ... Kornacki?!

That's what football fans got on Sunday night -- when MSNBC's lord of the big board took his talents to the NFL!

Kornacki -- who became a viral sensation in November for his election updates -- was called on to break down the NFL playoff picture on NBC's "Football Night in America" ... and stayed true to form.

Fast talking, lots of numbers, some hypothesizing ... and, of course, the trademark khaki pants!

Among the highlights, Kornacki pointed out the NY Giants' playoff chances jumped from 30% to 45% with a win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday ... and he expects that number to grow further.

Over in the AFC, Kornacki was impressed with the Cleveland Browns -- pointing out they have a 97% shot at making the post-season.

"it's not quite 100% ... but they are 97% away to the first one (playoff appearance) in 18 years," he said with a smile.

Kornacki tweeted about the move to football -- saying, "Been a fan for years and it’s incredibly exciting to get a chance to take part in Sunday Night Football."

'RHOC' Braunwyn Windham-Burke I Can't Stop Kissing My Girlfriend!!!

Published

Braunwyn Windham-Burke is beyond happy in her new relationship -- and totally down for major PDA -- after becoming the first real housewife to come out as lesbian.

Sources close to Braunwyn tell TMZ ... the 'Real Housewives of Orange County' star met her girlfriend, Kris, on a dating app back in September and instantly hit it off, and they have been seeing each other romantically ever since.

We got pics of Braunwyn and Kris on a date last month, before Cali went back into lockdown, and they were all over each other during a lunch date at Conservatory in West Hollywood.

Hot and heavy as they are ... our sources say you won't see the relationship covered in season 15 of 'RHOC,' because Kris came into the picture after they were done filming.

As you know ... Braunwyn came out this week, telling GLAAD she's finally feeling comfortable with her truth.

Braunwyn's still married to her husband, Sean Burke, and says they have no plans to divorce after 20 years of marriage. They have 7 children together, including 20-year-old Bella, 18-year-old Rowan, 15-year-old Jacob, 7-year-old twins Caden and Curran, 4-year-old Koa and 2-year-old Hazel.

Our sources say Braunwyn's younger kids don't really understand she's dating Kris, and think she's just Mom's friend -- but the older kids know the deal.

As for Sean ... we're told he's met Kris, and they've even had a few dinners together with all of the kids. How's that for a modern family?

Evander Holyfield On Mike Tyson Fight ... 'Looks Like It's Gonna Happen'

Published | Updated
120420_evander_holyfield_kal
LET'S DO IT, BABY

Evander Holyfield says his team has been in contact with Mike Tyson's camp -- and he strongly believes they're VERY close to inking a deal for a 3rd fight.

"I'm a very confident person," Evander tells TMZ Sports ... "I think it's gonna happen."

Remember, after Mike fought Roy Jones Jr. -- Tyson revealed his team had been in touch with the Holyfield camp, but they weren't able to make a deal.

But, Evander says there's been movement -- and it's heading in the right direction.

Evander is 58. Tyson is 54.

Of course, the two first clashed back in 1996 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas -- where Evander dominated Mike before securing a win via TKO in the 11th round.

The Tyson vs. Holyfield rematch went down in 1997 -- and that's when Mike famously feasted on Evander's ears. Tyson was disqualified in the 3rd round.

Evander's last sanctioned fight took place in 2011 when he was nearly 48 years old -- defeating 46-year-old Danish heavyweight Brian Nielsen.

Holyfield has been back in the gym training like crazy -- but does he have what it takes to beat Mike Tyson, who looked phenomenal against Roy Jones Jr.?

The Real Deal is hoping to find out ... sending this message to his old rival.

"Let's do it, baby! Simple as that. Let's do it!"

'Child's Play' Zak Bagans Shells Out for Chucky ... $11k for a Creepy Doll!!!

Published

Zak Bagans has all the makings of the dollhouse from hell ... he just threw down more cash for one of the famous Chucky dolls from "Child's Play."

The "Ghost Adventures" star tells TMZ ... he dropped a cool $11,000 at an auction, and scored one of the creepy dolls used in the first installment of the slasher film series.

Zak says original Chucky dolls from the movies are extremely rare, and he was expecting to have to bid six figures for this little guy. If ya look at it that way, $11k for a doll could be a steal. We guess.

Zak's Chucky is a carrying-prop from the classic 1988 horror movie, and it was used on screen before Chucky's psychopathic metamorphosis. Still pretty creepy though.

The doll's already home with Zak, and it looks like his dog, Gracie, doesn't like their new addition very much.

Zak seems to be a horror film doll collector now ... as we first told you, he recently snagged the famous clown doll from "Poltergeist" and is keeping it in his bedroom.

We're guessing these ain't the dolls Zak's GF, Holly Madison, is used to playing with.

Teen Artist Janelle Monae Orders Portrait ... After His Kamala Success

Published

Business is booming for the young artist whose Kamala Harris portrait made a big splash -- he just wrapped up a special order from Janelle Monae!!!

Tyler Gordon is the Bay Area teen who wowed Kamala and the country with his portrait of the Vice President-elect ... and his reps tell us his latest work of art is a custom piece for Janelle.

We're told the singer/actress requested a portrait of herself after Tyler's Kamala painting went viral. As you can see, he painted Janelle's in black and white, but went with a green background this time -- a twist from his Kamala piece.

He hasn't delivered it to Janelle yet, and we're told he's giving her a special celeb price ... $0.

Janelle's just the latest big name to hit up Tyler ... he's also painted for Kevin Hart, Missy Elliott, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson and NBA superstar Kevin Durant.

KD actually got 2 paintings from Tyler -- one for him and one for his mother -- and Janet liked hers so much, she flew him to one of her concerts and brought him on stage.

Tyler's only 14, but he's already putting together a pretty impressive Rolodex.