Darnella Frazier Uncle Id'd as Innocent bystander ... Killed by Minneapolis Police

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Darnella Frazier, the teenager whose video of George Floyd being killed went viral, has been left shaken by a death at the hands of police once more -- but this time, it's personal.

The teen's uncle -- 40-year-old Leneal Frazier -- was struck in his car by an oncoming Minneapolis Police squad car early Tuesday morning as the cops were pursuing an armed robbery suspect ... an impact that ended up killing him, and seriously hurting the officer.

Leneal was not involved in the chase whatsoever -- he was simply making his way to his girlfriend's house through what some are saying was a residential area. According to reports, the cop car changed lanes heading northbound, hitting Leneal at an intersection.

Darnella's mother confirmed to local media that it was her brother who was killed -- and Darnella herself took to FB to share the tragic news with a devastating post.

She writes, "I honestly can’t believe I’m making this post right now...I’m so hurt...nothing feels real. I woke up to the most horrible news. MINNEAPOLIS police Killed my uncle MY uncle... Another black man lost his life in the hands of the police! I asked my mom several times “he died??”. I couldn’t accept what I was hearing and still can’t."

Darnella went on to describe how she was still processing Leneal's death, and how she was filled with sadness, adding this as well ... "Minneapolis police has cost my whole family a big loss...today has been a day full of heartbreak and sadness ... It’s not fair how the police can just go around killing people." She's also angrily questioning why cops were engaged in a high speed chase on residential roads.

Of course, Darnella's famous for being one of the few who recorded Floyd's murder under Derek Chauvin's knee last May. Her now-viral video was central to Chauvin's conviction, and also earned her several commendations, including one from the Pulitzer folks.

As we've reported ... observing Floyd's death emotionally scarred Darnella, so losing her uncle in another police-involved incident seems like textbook PTSD.

A state investigation is underway to recreate the crash.

Suzzanne Douglas Veteran Actress Dead at 64

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10:00 AM PT -- A rep for Suzzanne's family tells TMZ, "The industry has lost a truly talented artist with the passing of Suzzanne Douglas.  She touched everyone who knew her and was lovely in every sense of the word.  The family appreciates your support and asks for their privacy during this difficult time."

Suzzanne Douglas -- best known as the matriarch in the WB sitcom "The Parent 'Hood" and who recently appeared in the Netflix series "When They See Us" -- has died, TMZ has confirmed.

The veteran actress' husband tells TMZ ... Suzzanne died Wednesday at her home in Martha's Vineyard from complications of cancer. Her husband said, "Her energy and creativity will be missed by all."

Suzzanne's cousin Angie Tee posted a heartwarming tribute to her on Facebook. Angie said, "She warmed our hearts on movie screens and television sets all over the world."

She added, "I can remember growing up, there weren't very many black actresses who had starring roles but there was my cousin with the lead role in "Tap" starring alongside great dancers such as Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr."

Angie said Suzzanne "also performed with Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg in 'How Stella Got Her Groove Back.' 'The Inkwell,' 'Jason's Lyric' and so much more the list goes on. The world will miss your talent but your soul will live on forever Rest in Paradise my beautiful cousin Suzzane you will be missed RIP."

Suzzanne starred as Jerri Peterson opposite Robert Townsend on "The Parent 'Hood" ... which ran from 1995 to 1999 on the WB.

She earned an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture in 1989 for her lead role in "Tap."

Suzzanne, who earned her master's in music from the Manhattan School of Music, also wowed on Broadway. She appeared in Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" as well as Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera" and "The Tap Dance Kid."

Rihanna Wall-Hopper Breaches L.A. Home ... Doesn't Get Too Comfy

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Rihanna had another unwanted visitor swing by her pad, and this one might have her thinking about digging a moat.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... cops were called to one of Rihanna's L.A.-area homes last week after getting a call reporting a trespasser on the grounds pretty early in the morning -- around 7 AM or so.

Our sources say cops arrived with lights and sirens, but when they showed up to the crib, they were notified the alleged perp was long gone. We're told Rihanna's security informed cops the guy was seen hopping over one of her perimeter walls, but clearly didn't stay too long. The police took a report and are investigating.

RiRi is no stranger to unwanted visitors showing up to her homes -- she's had quite a few run-ins over the years ... enough that her security responds in a flash, and alerts police almost instantly.

BTW, Rihanna wasn't home during the incident -- while she owns it, we're told she actually rents out the property.

Tyreek Hill Fiancee Shows Off Engagement Ring ... It's Bigger Than My Super Bowl Bling!!!

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Tyreek Hill's Super Bowl bling is no longer the most impressive ice in his household ... 'cause he tells TMZ Sports the massive ring he got his fiancee dwarves his Chiefs treasure!!!

The NFL superstar broke it all down for us just two days after his longtime GF, Keeta Vaccaro, agreed to marry him ... explaining he put in SERIOUS effort to make sure his future wife's ring finger shined brighter than his.

"She's definitely got the most diamonds, man" the 27-year-old wide receiver said. "We made sure of that, you know what I'm saying?!"

Added Keeta, "I love it. Honestly. It's perfect!"

Hill dropped down to one knee with the ring at a 4th of July party on Sunday ... and Keeta (whose brother is NFL star Kenny Vaccaro) says she was shocked to see him pop the question in that way.

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Keeta says she and Tyreek planned the whole party -- though she had no idea Hill's secret intention behind the bash was to propose!!

"It was perfect, you know?" Tyreek told us. "I had her thinking the whole time like she was planning the whole party and she was in contact with the event planner and I was going behind her back and talking to him like, 'Hey, we're going to do this and that. Just go with it.'"

The two say they don't have a date yet for the wedding ... but Tyreek says he's been in touch with Patrick Mahomes to make sure the QB's upcoming wedding day doesn't fall on the same date.

Clearly, great teammates both on AND off the field!

Little Bobby on 'All Of Us' 'Memba Him?!

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California actor Khamani Griffin was only 5 years old when he got his first taste of fame after he was cast as the adorable Robert "Bobby" James Jr. -- who goes back and forth between his divorced parents -- in the 2003 family sitcom "All of Us."

Griffin was cast alongside Duane Martin as the hard-working father, Robert James Sr., Elise Neal as the fiancee, Tia Jewel and LisaRaye McCoy as the loving mom, Neesee James.

The same year that Khamani starred in The CW television show he also made his big-screen debut as Ben in "Daddy Day Care" opposite Eddie Murphy.

Guess what he looks like now in his twenties!

Ben and Jen Trade Hollywood for The Hamptons

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The Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunion tour is making a brand new stop ... this time they're hanging at her place in the Hamptons with her kids.

J Lo and Ben -- now fully rekindled -- were out and about Tuesday, with Ben behind the wheel while they drove around New York's summer vacation hot spot.

In addition to driving Ms. Lopez, BA looked very comfy in potential-future-stepdad mode as the couple took Jen's daughter, Emme, out for a shopping excursion.

East Coast Bennifer's picking up where they left off right before the July 4 holiday ... remember, we last saw them out together Friday at Universal Studios theme park in Hollywood.

J Lo's got a pad mansion in the Hamptons, and as we reported ... her ex, Alex Rodriguez, is renting a $200,000 a month pad about a mile down the road from Jennifer's crib.

It's unclear if A-Rod's out there right now, but if he is, that part of the Hamptons isn't exactly a one-horse town -- but it's small enough for dinner reservations to get very interesting.

Chris Brown Sued Your dog mauled me to shreds ... You Tried to Cover It Up!!!

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Chris Brown's dog viciously mauled a woman on his property, and then he attempted to cover it up when 911 was called ... at least according to the former housekeeper who's suing him.

The housekeeper, suing as a Jane Doe, claims Chris is responsible for injuries she suffered when his Caucasian Shepherd Ovcharka, Hades, attacked her back in December while she was working at his Tarzana home.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, the woman says she was emptying the trash somewhere outside, when out of nowhere ... the massive canine appeared and began tearing into her skin -- allegedly ripping chunks of flesh off her face, arms and body and leaving her a bloody mess.

It's a brutal account -- one her sister also detailed in a separate lawsuit she filed a few months ago -- but that's not even the weirdest part of her story. The alleged victim claims that even though Chris and co. were home, no one came out to help her -- despite her cries.

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She alleges once the attack was over ... she was literally lying in a pool of her own blood -- when Chris came upon her, and then started directing his team to snatch up the pooches and scram before the cops and paramedics came.

Eventually, she says the 911 cavalry showed and rushed her off in an ambulance. She claims that later, the authorities attempted to get to the bottom of what happened, but she says Chris was evasive and misleading ... allegedly telling cops he didn't know what happened, or who took the dogs. In the suit, she claims Hades was euthanized, weeks later, by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Animal Shelter after finding the dog to be dangerous.

It's unclear why the dog was in Humboldt ... a Northern California county, several hours away from Chris' home.

The anonymous housekeeper goes on to say she had to undergo extensive surgery to save her life -- and that the injuries she sustained have permanently scarred her. Her husband is also suing for loss of the ability to have the love and companionship of his wife.

As you can imagine, she's suing for major damages. We've reached out to Chris' legal team ... so far, no word back.

George Lopez Car Careens into His Restaurant ... Multiple Injuries

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George Lopez's Chingon Kitchen turned into George Lopez's Car Crash Kitchen ... when a pickup truck smashed into the comedian's restaurant, leaving behind a huge mess!!!

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a driver ran a stop sign Tuesday outside The Brews Hall in Torrance, CA, hitting another car, causing it to spin out of control and sending it crashing into George's joint.

We're told the drivers of the 2 cars were injured, as well as a passenger and a pedestrian ... all 4 were taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries. No one inside the restaurant was hurt.

As you can see, there's lots of broken glass, busted frames and smashed-up storage racks from where the car crashed into the front entrance, making for a pretty big cleanup job.

Sounds like George and the restaurant's other investors, including Colin Cowherd, dodged a bullet here ... we're told the building was not red-tagged and the biz will remain open.

Sha'Carri Richardson Won't Run In Tokyo Olympics ... Left Off Relay Team

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Sha'Carri Richardson's Olympic dreams are officially crushed following her failed drug test ... 'cause U.S. Track & Field officials left the fastest woman in America off the 4 x 100m squad.

... this despite the fact that her 30-day suspension will end BEFORE the relay race is scheduled to begin.

Of course, 21-year-old Richardson recently tested positive for marijuana after the Olympic Trials last month ... and accepted the 1-month ban.

Despite a ton of outrage (weed is still illegal?), USOC officials stood by the punishment.

But, not all hope was lost ... Sha'Carri was going to miss the 100-meter race, but still could've been included on the 4 x 100-meter relay team.

That is until today when track officials announced Richardson would be left off the team ... meaning she will NOT be running in a single race at the Tokyo games.

As for the test she flunked ... Richardson says she recently found out her biological mother died, and she used marijuana as a way to cope with the stress and pressure.

For what it's worth, use of recreational pot is legal in Oregon -- where the trials were run.

USATF released a statement on the decision Tuesday afternoon ... saying it's "incredibly sympathetic" towards Richardson's situation ... but it would be "detrimental to the integrity" of the organization to bend the rules a week before the Games.

"All USATF athletes are equally aware of and must adhere to the current anti-doping code, and our credibility as the National Governing Body would be lost if rules were only enforced under certain circumstances," the statement read.

USATF praised Richardson for owning up to her actions and agrees that the World Anti-Doping Agency's guidelines need a makeover ... but until then, athletes gotta play by the rules.

Originally Published -- 3:15 PM PT

Kim Kardashian KKW Beauty Brand Will Be No More ... New Look on the Way!!!

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The KKW Beauty brand is getting a makeover ... shutting down its online operations to re-launch with a totally new look.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ -- Kim Kardashian West's brand continues to be immensely successful, and that alone is sufficient enough a reason why it's not going anywhere, but some major changes are coming.

We're told the plan is to switch out to new packaging, new formulas and, of course, a new brand identity. Kim said as much with Tuesday's announcement ... saying the brand will consist of new formulas that "are more modern, innovative, and packaged in an elevated and sustainable new look."

There was speculation Kim K's plans to shut down the KKW Beauty website was a prelude to her dropping West from her name ... but we're told that's not the case, her name has not changed.

We're told Kim's remaining as involved as ever in the company ... in conjunction with her new partners over at Coty Inc.

As we reported ... Kim's brand hit the billion-dollar mark following a new deal with the cosmetic conglomerate, which forked over $200 million for a 20% stake in KKW's biz.

As for the new biz, Kim says she's excited to continue to develop and expand her product range and "finally be able to experience it the way that I have always envisioned."

It looks like Kim's mission is to fire up a site that'll serve as a one-stop shopping destination for ALL of her brands. In other words, she's cooking up more greens. 💰

Swae Lee Declares Covid 'officially over' ... Crowd Isn't So Convinced

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SWAE'S STATEMENT

Swae Lee's jumping the gun with a COVID prognosis for the country ... proclaiming, during an indoor concert, the pandemic is effectively dunzo, but he might wanna slow his roll.

The Rae Sremmurd rapper was performing at Vendome Nightclub in Miami Monday night when he took a brief pause to celebrate what he perceives as the coronavirus being "officially over."

His rationale seems to be ... everyone is "outside" (of the home) and close together again, so there's no danger -- but the audience didn't appear to be fully buying what he was selling. Watch for yourself ... major mixed reactions.

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Of course ... he oughta be cautious despite declining rates compared to, say, last year. Florida COVID cases are somewhat on the rise again with the Delta variant going around ... reports say they're actually #5 across the nation with the quickest spread of the virus.

Ever the showman, Swae didn't linger on the topic for too long -- pivoting to a performance of his and his brother's hit, "Black Beatles," and the crowd unanimously loved that.

In his defense ... while COVID-19 cases spiked around 42% just last week, vaccinated folks are largely not needing hospitalization. In other words, science is working.

Like we've always said, Dr. Fauci and Dr. Swae ... separated at birth!!!

'Falling' Author T.J. Newman I Overcame 41 Rejections ... Ex-Flight Attendant Gets Air Terror Novel Published

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T.J. Newman wrote her first book about a thrilling flight from Los Angeles to New York, but her journey to get the novel published was a turbulent ride ... full of rejection.

The flight attendant turned author joined us on "TMZ Live" Tuesday and shared the personal battles that went into getting her novel off the ground. "Falling" is about an airline pilot whose family is kidnapped right before he takes off -- and if that sounds like a movie, Hollywood thinks the same thing.

There was a bidding war for movie rights, even before the book was released.

T.J. says she wrote more than 30 drafts, and was rejected a whopping 41 times before finally finding an agent to help get her debut published.

Well, it finally dropped today after what T.J. describes as a long and hard road where she didn't know what she was doing ... and naturally she's feeling grateful and overjoyed.

It's a pretty incredible story -- the novel and T.J.'s jump from flight attendant to a 7-figure book deal, and she has some sage advice for anyone dreaming of a better life.

Britney Spears Personal Conservator ... No Plans to Resign

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Britney Spears' personal conservator, Jodi Montgomery, will not be following the singer's longtime manager and lawyer out the door ... 'cause she has zero plans to resign.

Jodi issued a statement Tuesday confirming her plans are to continue supporting Britney in her role as personal conservator ... that is unless Britney states she wants Jodi out of that role. While Brit expressed some dissatisfaction with Jodi ... the statement reads, "Ms. Spears as recently as yesterday has asked Ms. Montgomery to continue to serve."

The news comes directly on the heels of Britney's longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, resigning after claiming he heard Britney intended to officially retire. Britney's lawyer, Sam Ingham, is also leaving his job. Bessemer Trust has already bowed out as co-conservator of her estate.

As we reported ... Jamie Spears handpicked Jodi, Brit's care manager, to replace him as temporary conservator of her person. The judge signed off on the request back in September 2019 after Jamie requested to relinquish his powers as her personal conservator due to personal health reasons.

Then, just last March, Britney requested Jodi remain in the role on a permanent basis. It should be noted ... when the court docs were filed in Britney's conservatorship case the singer also asked for Jamie to resign from his position for good.

Our sources connected to the case told us at the time Jamie had no objections to the change. But, that was then and this is now ... when there's tension between Jamie and Jodi, to say the least.

As we reported ... Jamie put Jodi on blast following Britney's claims he has taken away her freedom and even her right to marry. He says if there's anyone to blame ... it's Jodi.

Jodi didn't wait long to respond to Jamie's finger-pointing ... saying Britney's desire to get married and have a baby has never been impacted by the conservatorship while Jodi's been conservator of the person.

Jodi's adamant she's always been there to honor Britney's wishes and look out for her best interests.

Rachel Nichols Booted From NBA Finals Sideline Gig After Maria Taylor Comments

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1:29 PM PT -- ESPN has taken more screen time away from Nichols -- the network did not air Tuesday's episode of "The Jump" as originally planned ... going with "Jalen & Jacoby" instead.

Rachel Nichols has been AXED from covering the NBA Finals ... with the ESPN reporter losing her sideline gig following her controversial comments regarding Maria Taylor.

Nichols sparked outrage after leaked audio from 2020 went public over the weekend ... when she claimed the decision to have Taylor host Finals coverage was due to ESPN "feeling pressure" about adding more diversity among on-air talent.

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JUST NOT AT MY EXPENSE

In the audio -- which was leaked by an ESPN employee to the New York Times -- Nichols is heard saying, "If you need to give [Taylor] more things to do because you are feeling pressure about your crappy longtime record on diversity -- which, by the way, I know personally from the female side of it -- like, go for it."

"Just find it somewhere else. You are not going to find it from me or taking my thing away."

While Nichols apologized for her comments and praised Taylor on Monday, ESPN has decided to keep her on the bench for the 2021 Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.

The network announced rising star Malika Andrews -- who's been an NBA insider since 2018 -- will take over the mic starting Tuesday night ... saying, "We believe this is the best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals."

It's unclear if the move is permanent, but ESPN says Nichols will continue to host "The Jump."

Originally Published -- 9:49 AM PT

Sofia Vergara, Joe Manganiello Under-Construction Home Vandalized ... Painted Note to 'Mom'

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Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello had an unwanted visitor swing by a pad of theirs that's under construction, and he had a message for Sof -- whom he considers "mom" ... so say, cops.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the police were called early Monday morning to the site of Sofia and her hubby's L.A.-area property -- one which we're told is being worked on with major renovations ... including a new paint job that had just been completed.

The once-over of their home was absolutely ruined, we're told, by a guy cops say was on-site when officers arrived ... whom our sources say fessed up to some major vandalism on the exterior ... which he told the police he'd just completed prior to their arrival.

Our sources say the dude used orange paint to write AND etch his social media handles all over and into the walls, plus what we're told were messages for SV ... whom, like we mentioned, this guy believes is his actual mother, and wants to get a hold of her via IG or something.

There doesn't appear to be any truth to the man's claim ... Sofia's only got one kid from a previous marriage, and this person does not seem to have any connection to her. Of course, the police arrested him and hauled him off to jail. It's unclear what charges he's facing.

As for what this mess will end up costing Sofia and Joe (or their insurance company) ... our sources say it was estimated to be well over $100k in damages that the man had left behind. The couple was not home at the time, and Joe showed up later to deal with cops.

This is not the first time they've had to deal with weirdos showing up at their crib, BTW -- Joe and Sofia have had run-ins with alleged stalkers on at least 2 occasions, where the police were also involved. Scary stuff, indeed.

We've reached out to the couple's reps for further comment ... so far, no word back.

Britney Spears Retires from Music Manager Larry Rudolph Says in Resignation Letter

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Britney Spears is hangin' up the mic and intends to retire from the music business ... so says her longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, who just submitted his resignation.

Rudolph sent an email Sunday night to Britney's personal conservator, Jodi Montgomery, and the conservator of her estate, Jamie Spears, saying, "It has been over 2 1/2 years since Britney and I last communicated, at which time she informed me she wanted to take an indefinite work hiatus. Earlier today, I became aware that Britney had been voicing her intention to officially retire."

Rudolph went on to say he's not part of the conservatorship and in the dark regarding lots of details, adding, "I was originally hired at Britney's request to help manage and assist her with her career. And as her manager, I believe it is in Britney's best interest for me to resign from her team as my professional services are no longer needed."

Rudolph's resignation comes on the heels of Britney's testimony in which she said she was forced to perform and never wanted to do the European tour.  TMZ broke the story ... sources connected to the conservatorship say it's the opposite -- she begged to go on the tour and there are allegedly emails and other communications to support that.

Nevertheless, if Britney is really retiring, there's no need for a music manager.

Rudolph ended his email with this ... "I will always be incredibly proud of what we accomplished over our 25 years together. I wish Britney all the health and happiness in the world, and I'll be there for her if she ever needs me again, just as I always have been."

Britney had said she would never perform as long as her dad was part of her conservatorship. As we reported, Jamie continues to be the sole conservator of her estate ... Bessemer Trust just bowed out as it was about to become co-conservator with Jamie.