Daniel Prude Death Rochester Cops Won't Face Charges

Published

None of the Rochester police officers suspended over the death of Daniel Prude will face criminal charges ... a grand jury just declined to hand up an indictment.

New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed disappointment in the decision, and slammed the system as a whole saying ... "Current laws on deadly force have created a system that utterly and abjectly failed Mr. Prude."

She claims her office presented the most comprehensive case it possibly could and added ... "I know that the Prude family, the Rochester community and communities across the country will rightfully be disappointed by this outcome."

As we reported, 7 Rochester cops were suspended in September after video was released of the 41-year-old Black man being detained on March 23, having a hood placed over his head, and then pressed down on the ground.

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EXCESSIVE FORCE

Prude was held there for 2 minutes until cops realized he was unconscious. He was taken to the hospital and placed on life support, but died a week later.

The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, caused by "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint" and noted "excited delirium" and PCP intoxication as contributing factors.

NY AG James says on that fateful March day, Prude "was in the throes of a mental health crisis and what he needed was compassion, care, and help from trained professionals. Tragically, he received none of those things."

She adds ... "The criminal justice system has frustrated efforts to hold law enforcement officers accountable for the unjustified killing of unarmed African Americans."

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren also expressed outrage, saying the grand jury decision is "hard for many of us to understand." She says the City needs to work on policy reform to "correct the inequities in the system."

Clive Davis Diagnosed with Bell's Palsy

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Clive Davis -- the music mogul who molded the careers of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson and many others -- has been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy ... TMZ has confirmed.

According to his rep ... Clive is currently being treated with antibiotics and steroids but he is expected to make a full recovery within the next 6 weeks. Bell's palsy, which is muscle weakness that causes part of the face to droop, has so far not affected Clive's speech.

Clive, who is famous for his Grammy parties, had originally planned a pre-Grammy gala party over Zoom slated for next month ... but those plans will now move to later this spring, according to ShowBiz 411, which first reported the news about Clive's diagnosis.

For the young kids out there ... Clive Davis is a HUGE deal in the biz. On top of discovering Whitney, he also founded Bad Boy Records with Sean Combs.

He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 in the non-performers category. And the 200-seat theater at the Grammy Museum is named after him.

Murder Hornets Fight to Kill 'Em Off Ain't Over!!! Beekeeper Braces for Spring

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BEE CAREFUL OUT THERE...

The pesky murder hornets that made it to North America last year are NOT all dead and gone -- in fact, a battle's being waged to contain the danger.

We spoke to renowned Washington state beekeeper Ted McFall Tuesday on "TMZ Live" about the new Discovery Channel documentary, "Attack of the Murder Hornets." He says enough have made it over here now to the point that different nests have developed.

Pros like Ted are addressing the crisis now ... however, he fears if they don't get it under control quickly, the U.S. honeybee population could be in serious jeopardy -- which eventually impacts our food supply too.

You might not realize it, but honeybees are a HUGE part of what keeps a lot of our crops growing at the rate they do. Murder hornets can easily wipe out colonies of bees, and that's why they're such a menace.

You'll recall, scientists in Washington state set out on a weeks-long mission late last year to snatch up as many murder hornets as they could find in one woodsy section of Washington, right on the Canadian border.

They thought they'd gotten them all in that one fell swoop, but had to go back later to retrieve a lot more of these hornets ... including hundreds of queens!

Turns out, those weren't the only ones out there -- and now, a black (and yellow) cloud hangs over the area.

Check out what McFall says this may mean for the average traveler heading to British Columbia, Canada anytime soon. You *should* be fine, but beware ... these things CAN kill you. Yaks too, apparently 😬

Chrissy Teigen Thanks for the Unfollow, Biden ... *&%#@$* I am FREE!!!

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Chrissy Teigen's Twitter dreams came true when she got a follow from President Biden, and now they've come true again ... because he clicked "unfollow."

Let us explain -- the popular supermodel tweeter pleaded for a follow from Biden on his inauguration day, and hours later ... she was one of only 11 accounts @POTUS was following. The rest were all his family and staff.

Chrissy was thrilled, but apparently ... since January 20 she has not felt like she can be her Twitter self with the Prez keeping an eye on her feed. So on Tuesday, she made this request -- "In order for me to flourish as me, I must ask you to please lord unfollow me. I love you!!! It’s not you it’s me!!!!"

Almost immediately afterward, @POTUS was no longer one of her followers, and Chrissy replied ... "b***h f**k s**t suck the d I am FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Hopefully, that was worth the wait for her, but ya gotta think she's used up all of her Presidential favors ... at least on Twitter.

Zachery Ty Bryan Pleads Guilty in Domestic Violence Case

Published

Zachery Ty Bryan struck a plea deal in his domestic violence case ... and it looks like he won’t do any time behind bars.

The "Home Improvement" star pled guilty to 2 misdemeanor counts -- menacing and assault in the fourth degree -- for his arrest in Oregon last year after an altercation with his girlfriend.

According to legal docs ... Bryan's 2 felony charges -- strangulation and coercion -- along with several misdemeanor charges have been dismissed as part of the plea deal.

Bryan's sentence includes 3 years probation during which he must complete a batterers intervention program.

We broke the story ... the actor was arrested in October after allegedly attacking his girlfriend over missing phone charging cables.

Ahmaud Arbery Mother Files Civil Rights Lawsuit ... On 1-Year Death Anniversary

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Ahmaud Arbery's mother just filed a bombshell federal lawsuit, alleging the men charged in her son's death were in cahoots with local law enforcement.

Wanda Cooper is suing Greg and Travis McMichael and William Bryan -- the 3 who've been charged in connection with Ahmaud's killing one year ago Tuesday  ... as well as a number of police officials in Glynn County, and the county itself ... all of whom she says violated Ahmaud's civil rights.

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THIS JUST DOESN'T LOOK GOOD

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Wanda recounts the events of Feb. 23, 2020 ... claiming Ahmaud went out for a jog that day, only to be targeted by the McMichaels and Bryan, who she alleges were deputized by Glynn County PD, and says Greg McMichael even had a police-issued revolver.

With those firearms -- including the revolver and a 12-gauge shotgun carried by Travis McMichael -- Wanda claims the men chased Ahmaud down on a "gut feeling" that he might be involved with recent break-ins in their neighborhood ... and then murdered him in cold blood.

Once Travis McMichael shot at Ahmaud point-blank range with his shotgun, Wanda alleges he uttered the words, "f***ing N***er." The aftermath, she alleges, is just as disturbing.

Wanda claims there were efforts by Glynn County and Brunswick County prosecutors -- as well as other officials involved in the initial investigation -- to sweep the incident under the rug, as she says Gregory McMichael had once been employed by the local police force as well as by the D.A.'s office. She says if it wasn't for the video of Ahmuad's death being leaked, it's possible nobody would've ever known or believed what happened to her son.

Ahmaud's mom alleges multiple causes of action ... including excessive force, conspiracy to violate Ahmaud's civil rights, conspiracy to obstruct justice, a failure to properly train officers, and several others.

She's seeking at least a million dollars in damages.

Dr. Dre Trashes Estranged Wife in New Song ... Calls Her 'Greedy Bitch'

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Dr. Dre seems to be letting out his frustrations over his pending divorce with Nicole Young in his music -- and he's not being very subtle about it either.

A new track was previewed Monday night by DJ Silk, which features Dre and Aftermath pal KXNG Crooked. Dre drops some explicit lyrics about his estranged wife and their nasty divorce proceedings.

Dre raps ... "Trying to kill me with them lies and that perjury // I see you trying to f*** me while I'm in surgery // In ICU death bed on some money s*** // Greedy bitch take a pic // Girl you know how money get."

As we've reported ... Dre went right back to the studio after being released from his recent health scare -- suffering what could've been a fatal brain aneurysm.

Silk only played a few bars, so it's unclear if Dre makes any other references to the divorce or Nicole on the track.

Dre and Nicole's legal war hasn't seen a pause whatsoever since she filed for divorce last summer -- most recently she filed a motion asking for access to their home amid suspicions of a mistress, and was granted temporary spousal support ... a one-time payment of $2 mil.

Meanwhile, Dre's accused her of siphoning funds from one of their business accounts -- which is being investigated by law enforcement. Safe to say, it's been nasty, and you can hear it in Dre's verse.

Miracle Puppy 'Skipper' Born with 6 Legs Doing Surprisingly Well!!!

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Here's a verrrry good girl with a little extra pep in her steps ... she was born with 6 legs but veterinarians say the pooch is miraculously beating the odds.

This newborn Aussie-border collie mix named Miracle but who also goes by Skipper was born in Oklahoma City and taken to a vet after she was rejected by her mom. Vets at Neel Veterinary Hospital say she's nothing short of a miracle because she's survived longer than expected. The pup was 4 days old at the time the pic was taken.

And get this ... the vets say Skipper has duplicate organs basically from her waist down, and they're all functioning. There's no published research showing another dog with this condition born alive.

FIRST STEPS

Skipper has congenital conjoining disorders called ... monocephalus dipygus and monocephalus rachipagus dibrachius tetrapus ... that's science talk for 1 head and chest cavity but 2 pelvic regions, 2 lower urinary tracts, 2 reproductive systems, 2 tails and 6 legs, among other things.

All things considered ... Skipper does have some positive signs going for her. The vets say her organs appear to be in great condition and she's peeing and pooping like a normal doggy, She's also very strong and growing appropriately so far.

It looks like Skipper's going to need physical therapy and assistance with mobility down the road ... but if she continues to improve as she has so far, there's a good chance she'll be pain-free and live a very comfortable life.

El Chapo Wife Arrested for Drug Trafficking!!! Being Held Without Bond

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UPDATE

10:39 AM PT -- 2/23/21 -- El Chapo's wife, Emma Coronel Aispuro, isn't gonna be getting sprung anytime soon amid new criminal charges she's facing here in the U.S. ... a judge just denied her bond.

UPDATE

Coronel Aispuro appeared in federal court Tuesday on a slew of drug charges, and was ordered to remain in custody pending trial after prosecutors argued -- and the court agreed, for now -- that she was a serious flight risk based on the counts she's facing.

UPDATE

In addition to claims of helping her cartel hubby escape from prison at least once before, the charges against her include conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 1 kilogram or more of heroin, 500 grams or more of meth and 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana for importation into the U.S. ... plus, aiding and abetting.

UPDATE

The judge left the door open for the defense to file for her release at a later date, and also ordered the prosecution to turn over the goods they say they have in a timely manner.

El Chapo's wife is apparently really keeping up with the family biz -- at least according to the feds who just busted her for international drug trafficking.

Emma Coronel Aispuro was arrested Monday at Dulles International Airport, and is facing a charge of participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana for importation to the U.S.

And, get this -- the feds are also claiming she conspired with others to help El Chapo make his July 11, 2015 prison escape in Mexico, and tried to help him do it again after he was recaptured. He was extradited to the U.S. in January 2017 ... before he could make that second escape.

As we reported, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman -- leader of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel -- was sentenced to life in prison in July 2019.

When we last heard from Emma, she was about to appear on the reality TV show "Cartel Crew" -- which she did for Season 2 -- but now it looks highly unlikely she'll be back.

Originally Published -- 2/22 2:55 PM PT

Bobby Shmurda He's Free!!! Calls Mom After Early Prison Release

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UPDATE

8:45 AM PT -- Quavo just posted video of himself with Shmurda hopping out of the private jet that he picked him up in.

UPDATE
UPDATE

7:07 AM PT -- Bobby looks ecstatic to be a free man, as he's celebrating with loved ones and blowing kisses to his mother ... who he'll be seeing in person soon.

Bobby Shmurda has reason to bust out the Shmurda Dance ... he's no longer behind bars after getting sprung early.

The rapper was released from New York's infamous Clinton Correctional Facility just before 8:30 Tuesday morning, which is about 10 months earlier than expected.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Shmurda will now be under parole supervision for the next 5 years until Feb. 23, 2026.

As we reported ... Bobby got his conditional release date bumped up by the prison's Time Allowance Committee, which made the call after reviewing his behavior and participation in prison programs. It looks like Shmurda got early release for essentially staying out of trouble in the prison.

Bobby had been in custody since December 2014, and was initially sentenced to 6 to 7 years in prison after copping a plea deal back in September 2016 to conspiracy to possess weapons and possession of a weapon. He got credit for around 2 years of time served before the sentence.

Shmurda had an eventful time in lockup, racking up 11 violations, including allegedly having a shank, drug possession and fighting ... but it looks like he turned things around recently to score his early release.

Originally Published -- 5:55 AM PT

Ted Cruz To Neighbors Who Leaked Texts ... How 'Bout Not Being 'A-Holes'?!?

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LOVE THY NEIGHBOR?

Ted Cruz thinks those who leaked his wife's texts about their Cancun plans are a bunch of "assholes," but we wonder ... did he stop and look in the mirror before saying this?

The Senator from Texas aired his grievances during an appearance on a political podcast called 'Ruthless.'

Anyway, he was asked right out the gate about the fallout after being caught fleeing his freezing home state to vacay south of the border. Instead of apologizing and copping to the bad decision ... TC was back to playing the blame game -- this time going after the neighbors who were part of the OG group chat.

He says his wife, Heidi, is "pretty pissed" about those text messages she sent to friends and neighbors that leaked to the media. Ted even describes her confronting some of them upon her return ... a little witch-hunting after some fun in the sun.

Then comes his analysis of the whole thing ... in which he describes them as politicized meanies who lack tact -- only his language is much more blunt, of course.

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BACK TO TEXAS

Cruz made a crack about the Zodiac killer -- a running gag he leaned into and which was pretty funny ... or would be, anyway, under different circumstances. He also touched on their dog, Snowflake, whom they abandoned ... even though he insists it was fine, saying it had heat/care at the ready. Interesting, since Heidi had complained the house was an icebox.

There's also an interesting anecdote about Heidi's beach photos.

Lots of good stuff to unpack ... you can check it out in full here. By the way, it's a conservative-leaning podcast which launched days after Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death. Hence the name, "Ruthless." 😟

Vanessa Bryant Rips Meek Mill Over Kobe Lyric 'Extremely Insensitive, Disrespectful'

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UPDATE

5:46 AM PT -- Meek Mill says he has apologized to Vanessa.

UPDATE

"I apologized to her in private earlier today not to the public," Meek early Tuesday morning. "Nothing I say on my page directed to a internet viral moment or the family of a grieving woman! If you care about someone grieving change the subject!"

Vanessa Bryant is NOT HAPPY with Meek Mill over a lyric referencing Kobe's helicopter crash ... calling it straight-up "disrespectful."

The Philadelphia rapper has been under serious fire over the past week for one particular lyric in his new collab with Lil Baby which says:

"This b**ch I'm f**kin' always tell me that she love me, but she ain't ever showed me // Yeah, and if I ever lack, I'm goin' out with my chopper, it be another Kobe."

The clip ultimately got to Vanessa Bryant who sounded off on Meek -- and explained why she's so offended.

"Dear @meekmill, I find this line to be extremely insensitive and disrespectful. Period," Vanessa posted on IG ... "I am not familiar with any of your music, but I believe you can do better than this."

Bryant continued, "If you are a fan, fine, there's a better way to show your admiration for my husband. This lacks respect and tact."

WNBA star Candace Parker -- who's extremely close with the Bryant family -- immediately posted a statement supporting Vanessa.

"I'm sorry YOU and your GIRLS have to continually deal; with S**T like this," Parker said ... "It's not fair and it's not right."

"We love you and I am continually in awe in your ability to take the high [road]."

Vanessa lost her husband and her daughter, Gianna, in the Jan. 26, 2020 helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA. Seven other people also perished in the crash, all of whom had a close connection to the Bryant family.

RIP

Originally Published -- 5:40 AM PT

Ted Cruz Mariachis Played for Discount Rate ... Shame on Ted!!!

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The mariachi band that made Ted Cruz's stoop a stage performed at a discount, saying the Senator's actions were so despicable, they would've played it for free if they could.

TMZ spoke to Jose Antonio Solis of Mariachi Mi Mexico -- the group that brought their song and dance to Cruz's front door Sunday -- and he says they took nearly $100 less than normal for the gig in Ted's well-to-do Houston neighborhood.

Normally, Solis says their hourly rate runs $475, but they agreed to $400 flat. Solis says he understands Ted and the fam wanting to get away from the cold, but not when the people Ted represents are dying.

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Solis says they would've played the gig for free, but lost out on recent money because of the storm.

Mariachi Mi Mexico was hired by a fella named Bryan Hlavinka ... whom Solis says told them there was a GoFundMe account set up specifically to pay them to play.

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BRINGIN' IT HOME

Hlavinka posted a walk-up video of him leading everyone up to Cruz's Houston home. We're told the Senator wasn't there, but his security did come out at one point.

'Jeopardy!' EP Mike Richards Stands in to Host ... Absolutely Crushes It!!!

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'Jeopardy!' was short on guest hosts after Ken Jennings' stint expired -- so a chief showrunner had to lace up himself and get on the field ... which turned out to be a beaut of a decision.

Executive producer Mike Richards stepped in Monday to serve as host of the quiz program -- kicking off the broadcast by introducing himself and explaining to viewers at home why there wasn't a more well-known face on their TV sets ... like a celeb, or a 'Jeopardy!' alum.

Long story short ... the team behind the scenes had a hard time booking someone -- which he explains was, in part, due to COVID fears -- so he decided to take up the mantle himself and present answers to this week's contestants. He says it best ... the show must go on.

As the rest of the half-hour played out ... it became clear Richards was a natural, and the reviews online were stellar. People loved him -- his style, his wit and humor ... all very reminiscent of the late, great Alex Trebek.

The show went off without a hitch -- and Richards says he'll be doing hosting duty for the next 2 weeks.

As we reported, the show's already announced a slew of celeb guest hosts in coming months, but folks seem to really like Mike!

Maybe an in-house promotion oughta be considered??? Seriously, he was great.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Rap Beefs Could Hurt Daughter ... Baby Mama Fears

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Tekashi 6ix9ine's free to run his mouth because he has bodyguards, but his baby mama says she doesn't ... and fears his escalating beefs are putting their little girl in harm's way.

Sara Molina tells TMZ ... she thinks the rapper's been unhinged lately, going off on Instagram Live tirades and trading barbs with Chicago rappers like Lil Reese and 600 Breezy.

Sara says unlike 6ix9ine -- who can afford hired muscle to keep him safe while he stokes feuds with other rappers -- she and their 5-year-old, Saraiyah, are much more exposed ... and she's concerned they might become a target for his enemies.

6ix9ine's baby mama also claims he hasn't made any attempt to rekindle his relationship with Saraiyah -- so he's oblivious to the potential danger to her.

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LOUD IN THE LOT

Sara tells us she doesn't want anything from Tekashi other than to think about their daughter's safety and stop provoking possible violence, stay inside, and stay away from them.

6ix9ine's attorney, Lance Lazzaro, is pointing the finger right back at Sara though, telling us ... "What she says is all BS." He adds that everything the rapper does is for a reason and he's as "sharp as can be.”

Rush Limbaugh FL Agriculture Commish Won't Honor Him ... My Flags Stay Up!!!

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Florida's Agriculture Commissioner says she will not follow the Governor's order to lower flags to honor Rush Limbaugh ... because she doesn't think he deserves it.

Nikki Fried, a Democrat, is directing all of the state offices she runs to defy Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, who says he wants flags to be flown at half-staff to pay tribute to the late conservative radio show host ... who died last week of lung cancer.

Fried says, "Lowering to half-staff the flag of the United States of America is a sacred honor that pays respect to fallen heroes and patriots." She clearly doesn't put Limbaugh in that bucket, because she added ... "We will not celebrate hate speech, bigotry, and division."

She also called the Governor's call to honor Limbaugh a "partisan political tool."

Fried's agency -- the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services -- also shared the state's official flag protocol, which says ... "the flag is to be lowered primarily for federal officials including the President, Vice President, Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, Speaker of the U.S. House, members of Congress from Florida, prominent State of Florida officials, and Florida law enforcement officers, firefighters, and members of the Armed Forces from Florida who have died in the line of duty."

It's widely believed Fried will take on DeSantis in the next race for governor. Looks like it's already heating up.