Naomi Osaka Responds to $15k fine at French Open Follows Thru on Media Snub

Published | Updated

Naomi Osaka doesn't seem to be sweating a hefty fine she's been issued after following through on her promise to skip the media after her matches at the French Open.

The star tennis player took to Twitter Sunday in response to news that FO officials had dinged her a whopping $15,000 for refusing to hit a post-match press conference after her opening-round win against Patricia Maria Tig ... which is standard practice.

She kept it brief and somewhat cryptic, writing ... "anger is a lack of understanding. change makes people uncomfortable." In our minds, that means she ain't gonna bend.

That's quite a gamble for Naomi ... because organizers of the tourney say if she continues to blow off questions after playing, she risks even more fines ... and, eventually, potentially being disqualified from the French Open altogether. Not just that, but she could even be suspended from future Grand Slam tournaments -- so there's a lot riding on this decision.

As we reported ... Naomi had already given everyone a heads up ahead of the start of this that she wouldn't be participating in any media events, citing mental health concerns.

Some have praised Naomi for standing firm on this issue and speaking out on behalf of pro athletes' well-being, noting that if this is really about the sport (in this case, tennis) ... then what difference does it make if they don't talk to reporters after the fact???

Of course, the other side of that is ... this is part of the package athletes sign up for when they go pro, and refusing to face the media -- for whatever reason -- sets a bad precedent.

COVID in India Body Dumped in River, 2 Arrested ... Post-Virus Death

Published

A body was dumped over a bridge into the water below in northern India -- an unthinkable act that 2 people have been arrested for ... but also, a testament to the siege the country is under during a second wave of COVID-19.

This wild video surfaced over the weekend, which purportedly shows two guys chucking a cadaver into the Rapti River somewhere in Balrampur ... which sits in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Local reports say police have identified the men and arrested them.

In the clip, you see the two people here struggling with what appears to be someone in a body bag ... hoisting them up onto the ledge, and then opening whatever enclosure they're in to unleash what's inside. One of the guys doing the deed is covered in full PPE.

According to India Today, a chief medical officer ID'd the body ... reportedly saying they'd been admitted to a hospital on May 25 after testing positive for COVID, only to die a few days later. The hospital released the body to the man's family for cremation, whom officials now claim are the ones behind him being disposed of in morbid fashion.

Bodies along river banks are sadly becoming a regular thing throughout India lately -- as they continue to battle rising COVID cases and deaths during a crippling second wave that has devastated citizens there. Mass burial sites have been formed in and around the Ganga River of late, with scores of dead people being lined up ... and in some cases, burned at a pyre.

While we seem to be turning a corner here in the States, this is a good reminder that many around the world are not faring well against the virus, even at this point.

Lakewood, CA Viral Mass Shooting Manifesto Found to be Swatting Prank

Published
UPDATE

3:59 PM PT -- The L.A. Sheriff's Dept. says the so-called manifesto appears to have been nothing more than a swatting incident -- adding that the person mentioned in the post is NOT a suspect.

UPDATE

They also say they're going to continue investigating to get to the bottom of what actually happened here.

Somebody posted a promise to kill in the City of Lakewood -- which has put the community, as well as local officials, on high alert ... although it appears to be a freaky hoax.

A user that goes by u/gastonmcwhinnie posted a lengthy message on the Lakewood Reddit thread over the weekend, which stood out as a red flag and caught the attentions of concerned citizens, and at least one City Council member ... not to mention law enforcement.

The message is slugged ... "MASS SHOOTING TODAY IN LAKEWOOD" going on to describe how this individual plans to go out on Sunday and gun down "minorities" at different parts of town with an AR-15 and a Glock 18 they claim to have. The user also posted a photo of a handgun to accompany the troubling open letter, plus a clip of ammo.

It's absolutely terrifying, as the note reads, in part ... "There is only one thing that I'm certain of; I f****** hate minorities." They go on to explain that they don't know where the hatred stems from, but that it's there nonetheless and they want to finally do something about it.

The person adds, "I don't see much of a future for myself, and I have an ongoing case, so I think I'm just going to end with a bang." They go on to explain that they'll be aiming for at least 10 "minorities" ... while sickeningly saying, "the more the better." They also say they'll be targeting Council members, and ends by saying there'll be a lengthier manifesto on his computer. The message ends on an even more ominous tone, with "See you in hell."

This started spreading like wildfire, with many warning residents of Lakewood and surrounding areas to be on the lookout. Lakewood Council Member Todd Rogers responded, writing ... "We are aware of the threat against Lakewood and city officials posted on social media. Law enforcement does not believe they are credible but an investigation is underway."

There doesn't appear to be any developments from this so far, so hopefully what Rogers insists here is true. Still, even if this is a prank -- it's absolutely diabolical, to say the least.

Originally Published -- 12:32 PM PT

'Tarzan: The Epic Adventures' Star Joe Lara Dead at 58 Plane Crashes in TN Lake

Published | Updated

Joe Lara -- the star of "Tarzan: The Epic Adventures" -- has died after a small plane he, his wife and a few others were on crashed into a lake this weekend.

The private jet -- said to be a Cessna 501 -- took off Saturday from Smyrna Airport, just outside of Nashville, and was reportedly headed toward Palm Beach, FL ... but somehow plunged into Percy Priest Lake not too long after takeoff.

Fire and other rescue crews were dispatched to the scene -- but, after an all-night operation -- authorities say the passengers were found to be deceased ... and their families were notified. An investigation is underway to determine what might've caused the crash.

Lara was one of seven people who were killed. The others are his spouse -- Christian diet guru Gwen Lara -- Jennifer J. Martin, David L. Martin, Jessica Walters, Jonathan Walters, and Brandon Hannah, all of whom are locals and reported to be part of the same church.

JL is famous from his TV days, when he played the king of the jungle between 1996 and 2000 ... starring as Tarzan for a total of 22 episodes, including a TV movie that came out years prior called "Tarzan in Manhattan" -- which catapulted him into the role.

He'd been in other action/fantasy projects over the years -- including "Steel Frontier," "Sunset Heat," "Gunsmoke: The Last Apache," "American Cyborg: Steel Warrior" "The Magnificent Seven," "Baywatch" and "Tropical Heat," among several others. Lara had 28 acting credits to his name.

Lara married Gwen Shamblin in 2018 -- who's famous for founding the Remnant Fellowship Church as well as the Weigh Down Workshop ... a weight loss program that was big in the '80s and '90s among churchgoers and others.

Gwen and Joe leave behind three children. He was 58 and she was 66.

RIP

'Gorilla Glue Girl' Sends Cease & Desists ... 'Bad Idea' to Use This Song W/O Permission!!!

Published

Tessica Brown -- aka, 'Gorilla Glue Girl' -- is having another moment on the internet -- only this time, she isn't the one who kicked it off ... which is a huge problem for her and lawyers.

TB, through her attorney Jeffrey R. Klein, has fired off cease and desist letters to several different people/entities over a now-viral song called "Bad Idea" ... which rips her voice from her infamous Gorilla Glue video and remixes it into a song, using her own voice/lines.

The "remix" was taken off social media -- including on TikTok, IG Reels and even on streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify ... which all seems to have been started by someone named Cocoa Brown, whom posted the track -- helping it spread like wildfire.

Welp, Tessica and co. aren't too amused by the stunt -- even if everyone seems to love it -- because, frankly, she had no part in making the track ... nor is she getting any dough from it.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

That's why she sent Cocoa -- and every other platform that's using the song -- to STOP immediately, and to take down the content ... as Tessica claims it's good old-fashioned copyright infringement -- both by using her image and likeness, as well as her vocals.

The letter to Cocoa, obtained by TMZ, is worded firmly. It reads, in part, "To the extent it becomes necessary, Tessica intends to seek the recovery of all penalties, statutory damages and punitive damages for such knowing infringement as applicable." So, yeah ... she ain't playing.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Now, we will say this ... the tune IS catchy, which is exactly why folks like Aniya Wayans -- Damon Wayans Jr.'s daughter -- and even Cardi B's daughter, Kulture, have posted it or recited it online ... not to mention countless other accounts who've made their own "Bad Idea" videos.

People might think it's all in good fun -- but, in reality, if Tessica's not in on it herself ... you can see why she'd be pissed. Time will tell if others wanna heed her legal demands.

Miles Teller Fumes After Being Punched in Face ... Alleged Attacker Claims Actor Owes Money for Wedding

Published | Updated
052821_miles_teller_kal_v2 5/28/2021
the guys who punched me are losers!

Miles Teller says the guys who pounced on him and punched him in the bathroom at a Maui restaurant were strangers, but we've learned there's a connection he may not know.

Check out the video we obtained ... it shows the aftermath of the fight as Miles is held back after getting punched. He says several times the guys who hit him are losers.

One of the men who allegedly put hands on Miles is married to a wedding planner, and the wedding planner seems to have history with Miles and his wife, Keleigh. Keleigh mentioned in a Vogue article she worked with the company to plan the nuptials.

Sources connected to the couple tell TMZ -- they claim Miles and Keleigh didn't pay their bill.

We're told the husband of the wedding planner has already spoken to cops and a criminal investigation into the incident is underway.

The couple's lawyer, Tre Lovell, tells TMZ, "It is my understanding that the altercation was a dispute over money pertaining to the couple's wedding. We are currently evaluating my clients' legal claims that may exist surrounding the incident, statements made about the incident and the parties previous business dealings."

TMZ broke the story ... Miles and Keleigh were at the Monkeypod Kitchen on Maui Wednesday eating dinner when Miles was confronted and punched.

Miles did not appear seriously injured. They left the restaurant without further incident. Witnesses said the man claimed Miles owed him and his wife $60,000 for services connected to the 2019 wedding.

Miles tweeted after our report ... "I got jumped by two guys in a bathroom. Never met them before in my life ..."

Keleigh said after we broke the story ... "The story reported about Miles being punched in the face by @TMZ over "MONEY" is completely false. Miles was jumped by 2 men we have never met after they trapped him in a bathroom." She goes on ... "It seems these same men have done this to many people and we appreciate your support Maui. This is now a criminal investigation."

Boosie Badazz Video Shoot Erupts in Gunfire ... Suspect Arrested for Murder

Published
UPDATE

10:43 AM PT -- 5/30 -- Huntsville PD has arrested and charged 22-year-old Christopher Kwan Freeman with murder -- noting the victim, 20-year-old Randall Strong Jr., died at the hospital from his injuries.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Cops say an altercation between the two men is what led up to the shooting, and after scouring the area for him ... they say Freeman ended up turning himself in Sunday morning.

Boosie Badazz has found himself right in the middle of gun violence once again -- a shooting occurred on the set of a music video of his ... which has left one person seriously injured.

Check out this video of the moment that shots were fired while the rapper was filming Saturday in Huntsville, AL -- and you can see Boosie and everyone else around him scatter and run for their lives.

Unclear from which direction the gun was shot -- different people on set were carrying what appeared to be firearms -- but in any case ... somebody unloaded at least one round for real.

Huntsville PD tells TMZ ... cops responded to a report of shots fired around 4:30 PM, and when they arrived on the scene -- we're told they came across between 50 and 100 people making a run for it, either by foot or in vehicles. HPD says hardly anybody wanted to talk.

We're told the police found one man who was in 20s laid out on the ground with a gunshot wound. EMTs arrived and he was transported to a hospital -- we're told he's listed in critical condition. HPD says there are no suspects in custody at this time ... no motive either.

120320_boosie_badazz_kal2 12/3/20
BATTERED BOOSIE

We should note ... Boosie was NOT the one was shot, nor is suspected of carrying out the shooting. Considering his recent history with public shootings like this, though, he's lucky to have dodged any direct harm this time around. Be safe out there, man.

Originally Published -- 5/29 5:41 PM PT

Teaching Kids Sex Stuff Parents Angry 1st Graders Taught Masturbation And Don't Let Parents Touch You Without Consent!!!

Published

Some parents from a ritzy New York City private school are fuming mad after learning first graders were learning about masturbation and also told their parents and grandparents should not touch them without their consent.

A teacher at The Dalton School reportedly showed students a video from the cartoon series, "AMAZE." A little boy in the video asks about erections ... "Hey, how come sometimes my penis gets big sometimes and points in the air." The boy adds, "Sometimes I touch my penis because it feels good." Then a little girl chimes in ... "Sometimes when I'm in my bath or when mom puts me to bed, I like to touch my vulva too."

Some parents were bent out of shape over this, according to the New York Post, but the real anger was triggered over consent. The students reportedly are taught not to let their parents or grandparents touch them without asking for permission first.

A mother told the Post, "I'm paying $50,000 to these a-holes to tell my kid not to let her grandfather hug her when he sees her?" Another mother groused if she fought back she'd get canceled.

A School spokesperson said, "As part of Dalton’s comprehensive Health curriculum for students, a lesson on Gender & Bodies included two evidence-based and age-appropriate videos approved for students 4 years and older. These videos align with nationally recognized methodologies and standards. We consistently review our Health curriculum, making sure that the content is developmentally appropriate and, if necessary, we adapt our curriculum accordingly."

Moto3 Rider Jason Dupasquier Dead at 19 ... After Fatal Crash

Published

Jason Dupasquier, a 19-year-old Swiss Moto3 rider, died after a terrible accident during a qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix.

Dupasquier and several other riders crashed into each other between turns 9 and 10. The accident was horrifying, as riders flew off their bikes with the momentum propelling one of them a long distance. EMTs immediately descended on the scene.

Officials explained, "FIM Medical Intervention Vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the Swiss rider was attended to on track before being transferred by medical helicopter, in a stable state, to Careggi Hospital in Florence."

The statement goes on ... "Despite the best efforts of circuit medical staff and all those subsequently attending to the Swiss rider, the hospital has announced that Dupasquier has sadly succumbed to his injuries."

Dupasquier was ranked 12th in the standing.

He was 19.

RIP

YouTuber Austin McBroom I Shut Down Rodeo Drive!!! And I'm Gonna Bash Bryce Hall's Face In!!!

Published | Updated

YouTube star Austin McBroom staged a wild event in Bev Hills Saturday ... and he had a target in mind -- fellow TikToker Bryce Hall.

Austin told his fans on social he'd meet up with them on Rodeo Drive at around 4 PM. There was no question hundreds of fans would flock to the pricey stretch of road ... and that's exactly what they did.

The scene was crazy ... Austin displayed a piñata with Bryce Hall's face on it ... and there's a reason. Austin and Bryce are going to square off in a fight June 12 in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium, and it's clear they're both out for blood.

051821-mcbroom-hall-fight-kal 5/18/21
TIK TOK TUSSLE

You may have seen ... the 2 got into it in what turned into a massive brawl earlier this month at Fred Segal's in L.A.

As for Rodeo Drive ... they hoisted the pinata with a rope, but before they could go to town cops showed up ... because the crowd had essentially shut Rodeo Drive down. The crowd dispersed without incident.

Boxing has taken a hard left ... and gotta say, it's kinda interesting.

'Rugrats' Star E.G. Daily We Always Sensed Betty Was Gay ... Now She Can Be Out!!!

Published

The "Rugrats" reboot features an openly gay character and the actor who voiced Tommy Pickles tells us the OG cast always sensed Betty DeVille was lesbian, but it was hush hush.

We got E.G. Daily at SunLife Organics in Malibu and asked her if Betty's sexual orientation was a bit of an open secret back in the show's '90s heyday.

E.G. says the cast and crew didn't really talk openly about Betty being gay, even though many thought the writers were basically implying that. She says everyone could kind of tell back then, but now society's progressed to where a kids' show can have an openly gay character.

In the reboot, Betty owns a café, loves football and jokes about her ex-girlfriends ... and E.G. says the whole cast is embracing the character's newfound freedom to truly be herself.

The OG "Rugrats" ran from 1991 to 2004, and E.G. tells us the reboot is changing with the times in other ways too. Pay attention to Grandpa Lou ... sounds like he knows his way around the internet now.

Viewers are in for a lot of changes, but there's at least one constant -- E.G. still has her Tommy Pickles voice down pat!!!

Teresa Giudice's BF Hell Yeah, I'll Pop the Question!!!

Published
052521_teresa_giudice_luis_ruelas_kal MAY 2021
BRING ON THE RING

Teresa Giudice tried like hell to shut down wedding talk in front of her BF -- maybe she's superstitious -- but he's not the least bit shy to talk rings!!!

We got the "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star and her man, Luis Ruelas, out in Bev Hills where our guy didn't waste any time getting straight to the point -- y'all getting married, or nah? He specifically posed it to Luis.

Check it out ... to our surprise it was Teresa who wanted Luis to keep his trap shut, but dude was more than down to spill the beans about his plans.

Luis said "yes" 3 times when asked about vows being in their future! We also asked if a double-date with Teresa's ex, Joe Giudice, was a real possibility. Pretty surprising answer to that too.

You gotta see the energy they're both giving off here -- Luis seems super down-to-earth, but Teresa seems super nervous. We guess some topics are just taboo for a woman in love. #nojinx

TMZ broke the story ... Teresa and Luis bought a mansion in NJ for $3.35 million. Palatial digs for sure, and a solid place to host a wedding. Just sayin' 🤷🏽‍♂️

Sylvester Stallone Poirier Has 'Big Time Advantage' Over McGregor ... In Trilogy Fight

Published

Sylvester Stallone says Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier III is gonna be one helluva fight ... but says Conor will be at a MAJOR disadvantage when he steps back into the octagon.

"Poirier has the big-time advantage," Sly told us outside of Giuseppe Franco Hair Salon in Bev Hills.

So, why does Stallone feel that way?

"You got a really hungry, young guy (Poirier) and then you got a guy who's made a lot of money but he's also sorta hungry (McGregor)."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The two UFC stars are set to fight for the third time at UFC 264 on July 10.

Conor famously KO'd Dustin in the 1st round of their 1st fight back in 2014.

Dustin won the rematch with a 2nd round TKO at UFC 257 in January 2021.

Stallone says both guys are killers -- and have demonstrated the ability to end the fight quickly and violently ... which is why he won't make a definitive fight prediction.

"That one I swear you really flip a coin on. It's like who hits first."

Stallone isn't just a huge UFC fan -- he also got a small ownership stake of the company back in 2016.

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

Published

Hidden within this stretched-out snap is an actress known for her scandalous television show!

This famous female grew up in New York City and later got her big start in Hollywood through commercial work.

She has since starred in a number of films and television shows including, "Little Fires Everywhere," "Little Man," "American Son" and "Scandal." She currently has several upcoming projects currently in production.

Use the clues above and take another look at the photo before putting your celeb skills to the test and seeing if you can uncover which celeb has been hiding in this warped photo!

Rapper Metro Marrs Gonna Make It Rain With $20k Next Year At My Bro's Graduation!!!

Published

Metro Marrs vows to pull off the same stunt next year and make it rain at his brother's HS graduation ... but the forecast will call for twice as much rain.

The budding rapper tells TMZ ... he plans to throw $20k in the air next year when he hits up his bro's ceremony at Langston Hughes High in nearby Atlanta. But, now that the cat's out of the bag, how does he plan on pulling off the stunt if he's giving school officials a heads up?

Don't fret ... Marrs says the school's cool with him and, even though he was detained by police for the stunt, he says it's totally worth it because in his eyes he's giving back.

And, to show the school's got no hard feelings ... Marrs tells us he actually visited his principal's office the day after graduation, and they pretty much dapped it up.

As we reported ... the "Bye Felicia" rapper was busted for throwing $10k after crossing stage at his own HS graduation. The crowd went nuts ... but the stunt ultimately led to him being detained for inciting a riot and disorderly conduct. He also got ticketed. 😑

As for the school officials who tried to get him off the stage ... Marrs, whose family had no clue he was going to make it rain, says he can see why teachers were mad. His reasoning might be a low blow ... but where's the lie? Watch.

James Harden Good Genes or Good Docs?!

Published

James Harden's good looks are just as good as the skills he's bringing to the court!

Here is a fresh-faced version of the baller focused on the game during a competition in New Jersey back in 2005 (left). This was four years prior to him getting drafted by Oklahoma City.

And, 16 years later ... the now 31-year-old is now playing for the Brooklyn Nets rockin' his now-iconic beard, earlier this week, during game two in New York (right).

Although he ended his run with Oklahoma back in 2012 and went on to play for the Houston Rockets until making the switch this year -- the famous athlete's face fuzz has become a game-changer.

His beard is on point (guard).

The question is ...