Hulk and Nick Hogan Working Bikini Contest Before Nick's DUI Arrest

Published | Updated
112023-hulk-hogan-nick-hogan-kal
FATHER/SON FESTIVITIES
TMZ.com

Nick Hogan was working a bikini contest at his father Hulk Hogan's restaurant hours before being arrested for DUI in Florida.

TMZ obtained video from Friday's event at Hogan's Hangout in Clearwater ... and you see Nick working from the DJ booth, playing music and introducing some of the winners.

Hulk was one of the judges, and he was also hosting the bikini contest, which featured $5,000 in cash prizes to three winners ... with Nick serving as MC/DJ.

When the contest started, Hulk announced they were giving out free shots ... which is interesting because ... as we first told you, later that night Nick got busted on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Nick's yet to address his DUI bust ... which comes 16 years after a scary car wreck in Clearwater that left a passenger with severe brain damage ... but now we know what he was doing earlier in the night.

Meanwhile, the mother of the Marine who was injured in Nick's '07 incident -- John Graziano -- is ripping Nick ... Debra Graziano says this latest incident shows NH hasn't learned his lesson.

Diddy Cassie's Lawsuit Officially Dismissed

Published | Updated

It's official ... Cassie's lawsuit against Diddy -- where she alleged he raped her and was involved in human trafficking -- has been dismissed.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the case was ended in the eyes of the law Monday in New York. The document reads, "Pursuant to an agreement between the parties, Plaintiff hereby dismisses this action, with prejudice and without costs or fees to either party."

As we reported, it was Friday when both Cassie and Diddy announced they had settled the lawsuit ... Cassie stated, "I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support." Diddy's statement read, "We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love."

The settlement was extremely quick, considering Cassie had only filed her lawsuit Thursday.

However, Diddy's attorney, Ben Brafman, was direct, telling us ... "Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best."

Diddy was seen Saturday outside his Star Island home in Miami looking distressed, to say the least.

The lawsuit was shocking -- with claims of human trafficking, drug use and rape -- including one incident Cassie says happened in 2018 when Diddy allegedly came over to her home after she'd tried to break up with him and forced sex on her.

Cassie also accused Diddy of being physical with her, beating and stomping her several times throughout their long relationship.

We don't know the terms of the settlement, but the dismissal was filed with prejudice ... so she can't file again.

TAYLOR SWIFT & TRAVIS KELCE PARENTS MEETING Now On Hold ... As Tay Makes Up Rio Show

Published | Updated

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's parents are putting their plans to meet for the first time on the back burner, due to a change in the popstar's schedule.

As we expected, Taylor will not be able to attend the Chiefs vs. Eagles game Monday night, which is where the families were going to meet. Instead, she'll be performing the Rio de Janeiro concert that was originally scheduled for Saturday night ... the one she postponed for the "safety and well-being" of fans amid soaring temperatures.

The schedule shift means Taylor can't play "Meet the Fockers" in Kansas City, and sources familiar with the situation tell us it just didn't make sense for the parents to meet with Taylor absent and Travis busy on the field.

Remember, we were told last week the plan was for Andrea and Scott Swift and Donna and Ed Kelce to be under one roof at the same time. The plans weren't set in stone, perhaps because everyone realized Taylor's schedule could change.

It would have been a fitting family get-together with Travis's Chiefs, and his bro Jason Kelce's Eagles meeting in a Super Bowl rematch -- and, of course, the Eagles used to be Taylor's fave team and her dad's too. Both of their loyalty seems to be swaying now that she's dating Travis.

For now, the big family meet-up will have to wait. There's always the upcoming holiday season for them to make it happen.

A$AP Rocky Prosecutors We Got Him ON VIDEO WITH GUN IN HAND ... Before Alleged Shooting

Published | Updated
112023_asap_rocky_court_footage_kal_v2
SHOWING VIDEO EVIDENCE
TMZ.com

update

2:35 PM PT -- The judge just decided there's enough to take Rocky's case to trial. He'll answer to two counts of first-degree assault with a firearm ... arraignment on January 8.

112023_joe_tacopina_kal
"ROCKY WILL BE VINDICATED"
TMZ.com

Potentially huge development in the A$AP Rocky assault case ... prosecutors just showed what they claim is video of him holding a gun before allegedly shooting former fellow Mob member A$AP Relli.

The video was played in an L.A. courtroom Monday afternoon, and prosecutors say that's Rocky in the clip holding a gun during a physical altercation with Relli.

LAPD detective Frank Flores took the stand, and testified cops obtained the video during the course of their investigation. The prosecution also showed still photos from the footage to bolster their claim it's A$AP Rocky with a gun.

Rihanna's baby daddy was in court as prosecutors made their case against him ... wearing a dark blue suit, black glasses and black facemask, remaining stoic throughout the explosive testimony against him.

Prosecutors also played a separate clip of what they say are 2 gunshots ... though there's been no video of the alleged shooting itself. Relli claims Rocky shot his hand.

Police body cam video was also shown in court ... and it shows at least 7 officers arriving at the scene of the alleged shooting and canvassing for evidence ... they never find the weapon.

As we reported... Relli claims he had beef with Rocky leading up to the alleged incident, and he testified Rocky put a gun to his stomach during a heated exchange.

112023_asap_rocky_kal
ASAP'S DAY IN COURT
TMZ.com

Relli previously testified Rocky didn't shoot right then and there, instead claiming the bullets started flying shortly after they separated. He says Rocky took off running and left him on the street after firing about 4 shots.

While cops say they didn't find any shell casings, Relli claims he came back to the scene later that night and recovered a pair of 9mm shells. Rocky's lawyers grilled him over the claim, asking how he could easily find casings when the cops could not.

112123_tmz_live_asap_rocky_kal
TRIAL LOOMING
TMZ.com

Worth noting ... no fingerprints were recovered from the shell casings Relli provided to law enforcement.

We covered the story on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Originally Published -- 1:36 PM PT

USHER WEEPS DURING DRUMMER AARON SPEARS' FUNERAL

Published | Updated

Usher broke down into tears while bidding a public goodbye to his longtime friend and drummer Aaron Spears ... the Grammy-winning musician's life and memory were honored following his untimely death.

Usher weeps while crediting Aaron as an "amazing force" at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Worship Center last week in Maryland ... also thanking his Musical Director Valdez Brantley for introducing and bringing them together.

112023_usher-kal
"HE WAS MY HERO"
FBCG Funerals

Continuing to wipe away tears, the mourning artist adds that Aaron would forever be in his thoughts ... and pledged to love his devastated family members like his own.

Despite his grief, Usher fondly shares a glimpse into his friendship with Aaron ... "He follows me everywhere I go, and I was like, 'Man, you caught that?! ... you cold bro! You the worst'," he says with a touch of humor.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Tear-stricken Usher props his shades back on ... wrapping up his eulogy by reflecting on Aaron's unwavering encouragement, saying, "He would say man you gonna be alright ... he would say tonight is going to be the most incredible night ever!"

103023-justin-bieber-aaron-spears-kal
JAM SESH
Instagram / @justinbieber

As we reported, Aaron's death was announced by his wife on Oct 30 on IG ... and alongside Usher, the likes of Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande left heartbreaking tributes.

Aaron was 47 ... and his cause of death is still unknown.

Donna Kelce Surrounded By Cops In K.C. ... Huge Police Escort Ahead Of Chiefs Vs. Eagles Game

Published | Updated

Donna Kelce is proving yet again she's just as big a celeb as her two NFL star sons ... receiving a police escort in Kansas City on Monday that included FOUR armed officers.

Jason and Travis' mom got the secret-service-like protection just hours before her two boys will square off at Arrowhead Stadium ... as she was doing some promo work at a nearby Raising Cane's restaurant.

Mama Kelce -- rockin' a half green, half red shirt to represent both her sons' teams -- was working the register and the drive-thru at the eatery ... before cops made sure she got out of the joint unscathed.

Donna, however, didn't appear nervous about the attention at all ... in fact, she was seen smiling and waving to a mob of fans -- all while flanked by policemen.

Of course, Donna has got to be used to all the love at this point ... 'cause after bursting onto the scene during last year's Super Bowl -- she's become an even bigger star following her elbow-rubbing sessions with Taylor Swift at Travis' Chiefs games this year.

Kickoff for the Jason vs. Travis game is in just a couple hours, and while Swift won't be there -- you can bet Donna's going to be getting plenty of camera time on the ESPN broadcast ... with or without a throng of security guards in tow.

Wayne Brady Car Accident Leads to Fight with Other Driver

Published | Updated

Double whammy for Wayne Brady ... he got into a car accident in Malibu, and then ended up in a heated argument that turned physical, and now cops are involved.

Law enforcement tells TMZ ... Wayne was driving down Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu Sunday night when another car hit him.

We're told Wayne and the other driver, a 51-year-old man, pulled over and things got heated ... in the form of an intense argument escalating into a physical altercation.

Cops say Wayne called 911 after the fight, and the other driver got back in his car and took off down PCH. We're told Sheriff deputies ultimately found the guy and ended up arresting him for battery, DUI and hit-and-run.

Wayne's got a rep for being one of the nicest guys in Hollywood -- outside of that hilarious "Chappelle Show" skit -- so it's pretty incredible someone allegedly got physical with him.

We're told the fire department responded to the scene, but Wayne was OK and didn't need to be taken to a hospital.

Sources close to Wayne tell TMZ ... he's banged up and sore the day after the incident, and will be taking it easy for the time being.

Snoop Dogg GOTCHA! I Quit Smoke ... To Sell Smokeless Fire Pits!!!

Published | Updated

Snoop Dogg shocked everyone with his declaration he's quitting "smoke" ... and turns out his choice of wording was the marketing ploy many suspected it to be -- he's now promoting a smokeless stove!!!

On Monday, Snoop made the grand reveal his announcement had zilch to do with quitting marijuana, and everything to do with Solo Stove, an outdoor fire pit that brings the blaze without the puff, puff, pass.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

The new Death Row Records CEO addressed tarnishing his brand in the ad, but promised he was "done with the coughing and my clothes smelling all sticky-icky."

Yep, Snoop loves a double entendre almost as much as weed.

Keen eyes noticed Snoop said he was quitting "smoke" and not "smoking" -- but not everyone was paying attention.

Both Meek Mill and Coi Leray jumped out the gate with several unfounded claims about cannabis, but vowed they were quitting soon.

We'll see if they hold true to their word now that we know Snoop's just peddling stoves.

As far as blunts, we're guessing it's still "smoke 'em if ya got 'em" for Uncle Snoop!!!

Travis Kelce Taylor Swift Is A 'Genius' ... 'F***ing Mind-Blowing'

Published | Updated

Travis Kelce's love for Taylor Swift is much deeper than her looks and musical talent ... the NFL superstar says he's fascinated by her brain and learning new things from her every day.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end opened up on his relationship with the pop icon in an interview with the Wall Street Journal this week ... where he detailed how he's personally growing from their one-on-one time together.

"I've never been a man of words," Kelce said. "Being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, has been f***ing mind-blowing. I'm learning every day."

Kelce also praised Swift's ability to turn her own experiences into words ... specifically pointing out his love for a line in her hit song, "Blank Space" -- when she sings, "I could make a bad guy good for the weekend."

Kelce -- who referred to Swift as "hilarious" and a "genius" -- added the two are on the same page with their views ... especially when it comes to family.

"Everybody knows I'm a family guy. Her team is her family. Her family does a lot of stuff in terms of the tour, the marketing, being around, so I think she has a lot of those values as well, which is right up my alley."

As for how they first linked up, the two-time Super Bowl champion said someone in Taylor's circle played Cupid after he publicly shot his shot on his podcast ... and eventually, Taylor reached out directly.

Another interesting point -- Travis claims his mother, Donna, is upset with herself to this day about how she downplayed meeting Taylor for the first time during her appearance on the "Today" show ... when she famously said it was just "okay."

Kelce says his mom was just trying to play it cool ... but he reassured her she handled the question perfectly.

Taylor has been in Brazil for her "Eras" tour, so she won't be in attendance for Travis' big game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday ... but we take it she'll be cheering him on from thousands of miles away.

AEW's Adam Page Staples Swerve Strickland's Face, Drinks His Blood ... In Gruesome Match!!!

Published
11023_hangman_adam_page_kal
BLOODTHIRSTY
All Elite Wrestling

AEW's Full Gear went down at The Forum in L.A. on Saturday, but the match was better suited for the Staples Center ... after "Hangman" Adam Page busted out a Swingline and drove a staple into Swerve Strickland's face, before drinking his blood!

It was as nasty as it sounds ... and the thousands in the building loved it!

If you're a wrestling fan, you know the history ... Page and Strickland HATE each other, and the Texas Deathmatch format (and lack of rules) was the perfect setting for the match.

Ultimately, Swerve pinned Hangman, defeating him ... after some help from Prince Nana and Brian Cage. But, it's what happened before the pin that has fans talking.

Hangman, holding a heavy-duty staple gun, stapled a drawing done by his son to Swerve's face, instantly drawing blood. Page then grabbed the drawing and ripped it, staple and all, out of Strickland's face.

As Swerve writhed in pain, Adam dove to the ground, grabbed Strickland's head, and actually began drinking his blood.

The entire match was brutal ... and Hangman wasn't alone in resorting to the use of weapons. In fact, Swerve used a barbed-wire-wrapped chair to hit Page. Hangman also slammed Strickland through a barbed wire-wrapped table.

The men did everything short of killing each other in the squared circle.

Beef now over? No chance!

L.A. Lakers Fan Injures Himself At Game ... Grasps At Leg During Shooting Contest

Published | Updated

An L.A. Lakers fan not only lost out on $55,000 during a shooting contest at Sunday's game ... he also might have seriously injured his leg in the process.

The wild scene happened during a break in the action at Crytpo.com Arena ... when Lakers officials set up a game where a fan named Anthony could've scored a ton of cash if he hit a half-court shot.

Anthony initially seemed super confident he'd get the job done ... telling an in-arena host, "This is what I do."

A short time later, however, everyone in the building quickly learned this is not what Anthony does.

Check out footage from the contest ... as Anthony released the ball, he somehow hurt his left leg -- and he was hurting so much, he ultimately crumpled to the floor.

While the in-arena host attempted to get him to come back to make another attempt at earning money ... Anthony was in simply too much pain to continue.

"Let's put our hands together for the attempt," the host said as officials walked Anthony off the court.

It's unclear how badly the fan was injured ... although he at least got to go home somewhat happy -- as his team was able to finish off the Rockets, 105-104, later in the evening.

Thanksgiving Meal Idea I'd Like Mustard on my Turkey ... Pretzel!!!

Published

A couple of Philly brothers are flipping the bird this Thanksgiving ... and possibly sparing some of the dumbest creatures on earth from a death sentence!

Brian and Shaun Kean, who run the Philly Pretzel Factory, have created a soft pretzel version of the Thanksgiving foul of choice. With a pound-and-a-half of dough, they can replicate the bird in the finest detail.

They've already made 80 cooked/bald/dead pretzel turkeys and they're continuing to fill orders right up until the big day.

The turkeys are hollowed out and often served as an appetizer with the help of some dip. They're also a great centerpiece.

The Philly bros have also an Eagles logo pretzel ... a popular item, for sure.

They've also done custom pretzels for Valentine's Day, St. Patty's Day and then a little Philly history ... a salty Ben Franklin.

So now, it's not just relatives who make Thanksgiving salty!

Shakira Settles Tax Fraud Case with Spain Pays Fine, Avoids Prison

Published | Updated

Shakira decided not to fight the fight in a courtroom in Spain ... she has settled her tax fraud case with the government and agreed to pay millions in fines.

She cut a plea deal in the case after failing to pay $15.8 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014 -- the singer is set to receive a suspended 3-year sentence and a fine of $7.6 million ... as well as the taxes, plus interest. All told, she's in for about $19 million now.

Shakira showed up for the trial Monday in Barcelona, but before anything official happened the parties announced a settlement.

The fine is actually somewhat of a victory for the singer ... prosecutors wanted more than double that. Also, she can certainly afford it ... her net worth is significantly north of $200 million.

112023_shakira_kal_v2 11/20/23
SHAKIRA IN COURT
AP

Shakira seemed upbeat when she entered the courthouse ... blowing kisses to her fans.

As for why she settled, she said in a statement it was "to spare my children seeing their mother sacrifice her well-being."

She went on ... 'I admire tremendously those who have fought these injustices to the end, but for me, today, winning is getting my time back for my kids and my career."

She's still pissed, going after the Spanish government for targeting athletes and other high-profile folks.

The judge asked her if she accepted the charges against her and she simply said, "I do." The judge said the fine would end the case ... i.e., no prison time.

112023_tmz_live_shakira_kal
SETTLING IN SPAIN
TMZ.com

Case closed.

JARED LETO Twinning with SCOTT DISICK ... 'We Might Be Related!!!'

Published | Updated

Jared Leto is so here for people comparing him to Scott Disick ... he's practically crossing his fingers and hoping they're long-lost relatives, because who wouldn't want a dose of Kardashian drama in their life?

The Oscar winner finally responded to the long-standing familial rumors while he was on  Sirius XM’s TikTok Radio, and host Davis Burleson held up side-by-side images of Scott and Jared ... prompting the actor to gush, "Wow, Really? Lucky me. Thank you."

112023_jared_leto-kal
TWINS!!!
Sirius XM TikTok Radio

Davis asked Jared if he, too, saw his uncanny resemblance to the 'KUWTK' star ... but Jared wasn't entirely convinced -- "It’s hard when you look at yourself. But they do say that people who look alike actually share a lot of DNA, sometimes."

Getting deep, the spiritual guru continued: "You know, if there’s someone like, 'Oh my god, you look exactly like this guy,' you actually might be related somehow."

Perhaps overestimating Lord Disick's net worth compared to his, Jared said it "would be nice" to have a rich relative!

112023_tv_clips_jared_leto_scott_disick_twins.01_00_24_13.Still021
TWINNING!
TMZ.com

Jared has actually crossed paths with members of the Kardashian-Jenner family before, even Scott's ex, Kourtney Kardashian -- but he's never met the man himself.

Hopefully, they'll link up soon -- and then we can move on to another look-alike mystery: the late, great Gene Wilder and "The Bear" star Jeremy Allen White! Seriously. What's the deal?

Kim Zolciak Sued By B of A I Got Credit and Credit Was Due

Published | Updated

Kim Zolciak has been sued yet again for not paying her bills ... this time by Bank of America, which claims she's delinquent on more than $50,000.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Kim had a $50,000 line of credit over at B of A, and then racked up a bill that reached the limit. B of A claims it sent periodic notices, demanding payment, but got zippo.

With interest and penalties, the balance is now $56,224.07 and growing. So B of A is now the latest in a long line of creditors who have resorted to the legal system to get Kim and Kroy to fork over cash.

BMW just won a case against Kroy over non-payment of a Rolls-Royce. A judge ordered this month that he return the $400,100 SUV to the car company.

Kim and Kroy have also been ordered to pay Simmons Bank approximately $230,000 for defaulting on a home equity line of credit.

Kim was sued back in August by SAKS/CAPITAL ONE for $156,080 ... again, failing to pay her credit card bill.

And Kim was also sued by Target for $2,400 for failing to make good on her credit card bill.

Kroy was sued by Sky Warrior over a gambling debt -- $52,500 -- over a bad run at a casino in the Bahamas.

They've also teetered on the edge of foreclosure.

112023_tmz_live_kim_kroy_kal
DÉJÀ VU
TMZ.com

Short story ... B of A, get in line.

Taylor Swift Delivers Emotional Performance In Brazil ... Days After Fan’s Death

Published | Updated
112023_taylor_swift_brazil_kal
GOODBYE, GOODBYE, GOODBYE

Taylor Swift returned to the stage in Brazil after a hiatus due to the sizzling heat -- and seemingly paid tribute to a fan who recently died at one of her shows.

The pop superstar put on an emotional performance Sunday at Estadio Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where just two nights earlier Ana Clara Benevides passed away during a heat wave before Taylor’s Friday show began.

Ana was feeling ill before she was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her cause of death has not been disclosed.

On Sunday, Taylor hit the stage again in Rio, but this time the temps were much lower than the previous two nights, which forced her to postpone Saturday’s concert.

During last night’s performance, Taylor sat at her piano and poured out her heart, playing her song, “Bigger Than the Whole Sky.”

Some of her “Swifties” jumped on X, speculating Taylor chose that tune to honor Ana and giving her major props.

One fan wrote, “singing #biggerthanthewholesky was a beautiful way to honor Ana and we can know it by hearing Taylor’s voice.”

Another fan posted a series of photos, including one of Ana, and pointed out, @taylorswift13 did a beautiful job honoring all Swifties taken too soon.”

112023_tmz_live_taylor_kal
TAKING A TOLL
TMZ.com

A third Swiftie said, “I already have immense respect for @taylorswift13 but after tonight’s surprise song, it’s tripled.”

The surprises didn’t end there. After Taylor performed "Champagne Problems!," she got emotional again, seemingly wiping away tears as the crowd cheered her name.