TMZ.com Home

Jermaine Jackson feared claims that he raped a woman would tarnish not only his reputation, but also his son Jaafar Jackson's big break in the "Michael" biopic ... TMZ has learned.

In new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Jermaine said he was unaware of Rita Butler Barrett’s lawsuit against him ... or the $6.5 million default judgment she was awarded in May ... until he got blindsided during the press tour for the biopic.

He says the coverage of the default judgment ruined "what should have been a proud and important professional moment for my son and our family." He says he was "shocked and deeply concerned about the effect of those reports on my reputation and on the promotion of my son's motion picture.”

Whitney Houston's estate is pissed about Oprah Winfrey claiming the late singer showed up to her talk show high on drugs, and they say what happened that day is actually Oprah's fault ... TMZ has learned.

Whitney's estate, run by Pat Houston, tells TMZ in a statement ... Pat "emphatically responds to a statement made by Oprah Winfrey at Cannes Lions."

Pat added ... "Whitney absolutely fell off the stage, but it was during a sound check, and it was due to the darkness of the area and her unfamiliarity with the stage. She was absolutely not high."

She acknowledges Whitney's addiction struggles, saying ... "Like many people, she faced personal battles, but it is inaccurate and unfair to attach that struggle to every performance or every chapter of her life. What the studio audience witnessed on stage was the result of discipline, talent, and commitment --- not the assumptions others project."

The only grandson of John F. Kennedy made a huge push to carry on the family's dynamic legacy with his run for Congress ... but that'll have to wait after his first political defeat.

Jack Schlossberg failed to secure the Democratic nomination in New York's 12th District ... and state Assemblyman Micah Lasher is projected to be on the ballot for November's general election.

It didn't help that last month, The New York Times published a blistering story on Jack, alleging he's not a serious candidate ... torpedoing important meetings in favor of naps. The piece also claimed his campaign was in chaos.

This isn't something you see every day ... Madonna, Charli XCX and Connor Storrie hanging out together in a cloud of cigarette smoke during Paris Fashion Week.

Well, that's exactly what a video shows that's floating around social media -- while all three are posing for paparazzi pics.

Check it out ... the celebs are sitting on a bench at Tuesday's Saint Laurent show in Paris, France, with Madonna and Charli puffing on a couple of cigs. 

Taylor Swift has touched down on stage at Tight End University ... performing at the NFL event cofounded by none other than her soon-to-be hubby, Travis Kelce!

Nashville was graced Tuesday night with yet another Taylor spectacle, where she performed her hit track "Love Story" to close out the show for the Tight Ends & Friends Concert -- a part of Tight End University.

There were other performances from Lainey Wilson, Dan + Shay, and Chase Rice.

Takeoff's parents are fighting over how and where to divvy up settlement money from a wrongful death suit over the late Migos member's murder … with his mom arguing his dad was "barely present" in their son's life ... TMZ has learned.

TMZ obtained legal docs revealing the bitter back-and-forth between Takeoff's mom, Titania Davenport, and his dad, Kenneth Ball. The war involves settlement money from a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Takeoff's mom in Texas.

In the docs, Titania said she had a "close, loving and nurturing relationship" with her son for his entire lifetime. She said she cared for and raised him from birth as a single parent. She said she provided him with nearly sole financial support until he became an adult.

Jordyn Woods is already making bank with her "lucky bag" flying off the shelves ... but ex-NBA player John Salley thinks there's another way for Karl-Anthony Towns' fiancée to line her pockets -- sell the original, which only retails for $125, for $200K!!

TMZ Sports caught up with the four-time NBA champ at a launch party for his cover of Beverly Hills Living Magazine over the weekend ... and naturally, we had to talk all things New York Knicks with the Brooklyn native.

First of all, Salley said he called their title back in November ... and Jalen Brunson made him a VERY rich man for putting his money where his mouth was at the time.

TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page.

If your summer plans involve a pool, a playlist and any kind of party, you're gonna want to listen up.

This year, Prime Day has taken it to 11 with major discounts on headphones, portable speakers, and other audio essentials.

Whether you're the resident DJ at your backyard BBQ, want to lay by the beach as you blast your favorite songs or just need to tune out the crying baby on your flight to Italy, Amazon has got you totally covered. 

Want more great finds? Head to TMZ Deals. 

The BET Awards are this weekend, and we've got a throwback pic of this year's host ... Can you guess who he is?!

He's an American actor-comedian who was recently spotted at a Chris Lake DJ set with Travis Kelce during a boys' weekend leading up to his wedding to Taylor Swift.

He's collaborated with big stars like Jack Harlow and Drake.

Bonnie Rotten's legal troubles with Jesse James aren't staying in the garage ... prosecutors have officially moved forward with criminal charges in her domestic violence case.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Bonnie -- whose real name is Alaina Antoinnette James -- has been formally charged in Texas with assault causing bodily injury-family violence ... a misdemeanor offense that carries a maximum punishment of up to one year in jail, if she's convicted.

The charge stems from a March incident involving her husband ... the famed motorcycle builder and reality TV star. Prosecutors allege Bonnie caused bodily injury to Jesse by punching him, scratching his face and eye area, and/or biting his thumb, hand or finger.

Dustin Poirier says quitting fighting hasn't been easy, admitting he's struggling with booze ... after police video showed the former UFC champ belligerently cursing airport employees out before being arrested on Sunday.

"Im at the point where I need some help, walking away from fighting hasn't been easy on me and alcohol isn't the answer. It has ruined my father's life and I will not allow it to ruin mine, my family deserves me at 100%," Poirier wrote Tuesday night on Instagram.

He ended his message to fans with a vow to get help.

"I'm trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps."

TMZ Sports broke the story earlier this week ... the 37-year-old fighter, who retired in July, was arrested on Father's Day around 4PM at the Hartsfield-Jackson airport near Atlanta.

It's unclear exactly what went down on the airplane before taking off, but Poirier was removed from the aircraft, and he flipped out.

Police body camera shows Dustin acting aggressively with airport staff and a police officer who was attempting to de-escalate the situation.

"Let's go, big dog. Let's go, big dog. What's up? Buncha hos. Let's go. Let's go. F***in' lying motherf****r. Yeah, pulled me off the plane, all my boys went to the f***in' crib. Now, what the f***?" Poirier said.

"Man, f*** you and f*** her and f*** her. I'll fight you right now," Poirier said, squaring up with the man, who retreated and called for help.

Dustin ultimately went peacefully with the cops and even dapped up the officer he initially cussed out.

Poirier was arrested for "Public Drunk" -- a misdemeanor that can carry up to one year in jail with a conviction.

More importantly than the criminal case he now faces, Dustin, known as one of the best and most charitable fighters in MMA, says he needs help.

Jack White’s wife, Olivia Jean, slapped him with divorce papers claiming he is guilty of inappropriate marital conduct ... TMZ has learned. 

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Olivia filed her petition for divorce on June 3. 

The estranged couple wed in December 2022 and said the split date was the date of her filing. 

Before cops slapped Drake Von in handcuffs following his DUI crash, the adult film star insisted he hadn't been drinking or using any substances behind the wheel ... and the exchange was all captured on police body camera footage obtained by TMZ.

The video shows Las Vegas Metro officers questioning Drake in an emergency room waiting area after Saturday's crash.

During the conversation, Drake tells officers he had not consumed alcohol or any substances before driving. He says he recently purchased the Tesla and explains the last time he drank was about a week earlier at a party, where he had wine.

Blueface's daughter Journey keeps going viral for what comes out of her mouth ... but her grandma says that's exactly what makes her a star.

Karlissa Saffold stopped by "The TMZ Podcast" this week and gave us an update on the youngster many fans know as "Pinkface" ... and who is famous for swearing on camera.

Karlissa admits the family has probably gotten a little too comfortable cussing around the kid. She explains that Journey's mother, Jaidyn Alexis, has bad road rage and often curses when Journey is in the back seat of the car -- and like most kids ... they repeat what they hear.

Soap star Marcy Walker -- best known as Liza Colby on "All My Children" is in need of "serious medical care" ... this according to her former costar.

Word of Marcy's health issues first got out back in May, when her "Santa Barbara" costar, A Martinez, addressed why they were charging for their June 7 live stream.

Martinez said in an Instagram video ... "Marcy has been ill and is working hard to get well."

He explained Marcy "has come face-to-face with the financial challenges that so often plague those of us unlucky enough to need serious medical care in our country."

Big Tigger landed in legal trouble after authorities arrested him on battery and cruelty to children charges ... and now we're learning it's all stemming from an alleged altercation with his wife.

According to documents, the incident traces back to a dispute in May between Tigger and his wife, Alicia Brown, at their Sandy Springs home.

Brown told investigators the argument erupted over text messages Tigger allegedly exchanged with a female co-worker over several weeks ... according to local outlet WSB-TV.

We broke the story ... the radio host was taken into custody Saturday and later released after posting a $10,000 bond.