Teyana Taylor Secretly Filed to Divorce Iman ... He's a Jealous Narcissist!!!

Published | Updated

UPDATE

11/24 8:54 AM PT -- Teyana's lawyer Tanya Mitchell Graham released a statement regarding the divorce saying, "Ms. Taylor has tried to resolve this matter amicably and privately in order to protect all parties involved, particularly the parties’ minor children.

"Ms. Taylor requests that the parties’ privacy be respected such that the parties and their minor children are not negatively impacted, and the parties’ divorce can be finalized."

11/23 10:34 AM PT -- Iman's lawyer, Stephen C. Steele tells TMZ, "Mr. Shumpert hopes parties and counsel can work toward a fair resolution, keeping the best interests of the children of paramount concern."

Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert are getting divorced ... she secretly moved to end their marriage nearly a year ago and claims he's been a jealous narcissist during their 7-year marriage.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Teyana filed to divorce the former NBA star way back in January ... more than 8 months before they announced a separation.

In the docs, Teyana details the demise of their marriage ... accusing Iman of being jealous about her fame and feeling insecure about being good enough for her, despite the fact he was earning way more playing basketball than she could ever dream of making in music.

Teyana claims Iman would grow annoyed when they would attend public events together, and photogs would ask for him to step out of frame.

She says when Iman signed a $40 million contract with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015, the same year he was also paid $8 million by the New York Knicks, he remained aggravated by her notoriety, jealous of her acting career and insecure about being her man.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Teyana wanted to keep this private as long as possible, initially choosing to file with their initials. However, Iman's recent filing in the divorce proceedings included full names, thus thrusting everything into the spotlight.

Teyana claims that's when Iman started sending her negative text messages with condescending and manipulative language in response to her being in the spotlight. She claims he would pick fights with her for no reason, even on her birthday, and then apologize.

In the docs, which Teyana filed in Georgia, she says she now feels Iman was "treating her cruelly and displaying extreme narcissistic behavior throughout the majority of their marriage."

She says she "began to intentionally dim her light for her husband to try to have a harmonious and peaceful marriage" as Iman "became more and more angry" about her stardom.

What's more, Teyana says she turned down recording opportunities and acting gigs because Iman "did not want her to work." But she says when she stopped working after giving birth to one of their kids, Iman complained about her not making money.

Teyana says she fought to keep their family together despite Iman "being extremely emotionally and mentally abusive towards her." She says she used her connections to get Iman gigs in Hollywood as his NBA career wound down, but says he "unfortunately insisted on bickering" to the point where in 2021 she began the divorce process.

She says they reconciled but it was short-lived because Iman "remained in an insecure state as his NBA career continued to wind down."

In the docs, Teyana says in 2022 she found herself being manipulated and controlled by Iman and filed for divorce ... only to ask her legal team to withdraw the filing one day later.

Teyana says she finally pulled the trigger in January because she was "unable to handle the emotional rollercoaster."

She claims Iman has been involved in multiple cheating scandals during their marriage and cites his DUI arrest and recalls the time in 2022 when he was arrested for weed possession in an airport. Teyana also alleges Iman once crashed her Rolls Royce and fled the scene to avoid a second DUI arrest.

Teyana says she tried to stay with Iman through thick and thin but says he "reacted with further cruel treatment and selfishness." After she secretly filed for divorce, she says Iman insisted on them getting back together only to be lackadaisical and inconsistent and become involved in another cheating scandal, which she says was embarrassing and humiliating.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As we reported ... Teyana announced their separation in September and said, "To be 1000% clear, 'infidelity' ain’t one of the reasons for our departure." Now, she says was just being graceful towards him.

Teyana says Iman left their family home in October and hasn't spent significant time with their 2 children since then. She's asking for temporary and permanent primary physical custody, plus joint legal custody and child support.

TMZ broke the story ... Teyana and Iman got hitched back in 2016, tying the knot while wearing biker jackets.

102816_teyana_taylor_kal
WE'RE HITCHED
TMZSports.com

Now, she says their marriage is "irretrievably broken" ... which seems painfully obvious based on the litany of issues between them -- at least in her eyes.

We reached out to Iman's camp and a rep for Teyana ... so far no word back.

Originally Published -- 11/22 7:00 PM PT

Taylor Swift Police Launch Investigation ... After Fan Dies at Rio Concert

Published | Updated

Police in Brazil have reportedly opened a probe into the organizers of last Friday’s oppressively hot Taylor Swift concert that left one fan dead and the pop star gasping for air.

A rep for Rio de Janeiro’s Civil Police Department said they launched an investigation into Time4Fun, the company that arranged the event at Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos on November 17, according to NBC News.

Investigators from the consumer delegations department are specifically looking into whether Time4Fun committed the “crime of endangering the life and health” of the show’s attendees, the spokesperson said. The rep added that company execs will also be called to testify.

As you know, Ana Clara Benevides Machado fell unconscious before Taylor hit the stage during the record-breaking heat that night.

Ana later passed away at a hospital, and prosecutors announced they would investigate her cause of death, which has not been disclosed.

111923_taylor_swift_kal 11/19/23
GASPING FOR AIR

As for Taylor, she was filmed seemingly struggling to breathe onstage during her performance. Fans took to social media and expressed their concern for her well-being.

They also demanded Time4Fun supply more water to fans at Taylor’s next 2 shows in Rio, although one was subsequently postponed due to the heat.

112023_taylor_swift_brazil_kal
GOODBYE, GOODBYE, GOODBYE

On Thursday, company execs issued a statement, apologizing to concertgoers and admitting they had made mistakes, saying they “did not economize in our efforts or resources to follow the best global practices in our industry to guarantee the comfort and safety of all.”

The company previously released a statement addressing fans’ concerns over the lack of water, promising to provide more H20 at Taylor’s two specified concerts.

Adele More Evidence of Matrimony ... Check Out the Ginormous Ring!!!

Published | Updated

Adele is engaging in matrimonial shenanigans ... flashing an ENORMOUS rock Wednesday night at the Lakers/Mavericks game.

Adele and Rich Paul were sitting courtside, of course, at L.A.'s Crypto.com Arena, as she clearly leaned into rumors she and Rich are already hitched.

There have been rumors for sure ... as you probably know she's been referring to herself as RP's wife during her residency in Vegas. Once she said she wasn't "the greatest wife when it comes to football."

092423_adele_kal September 2023
NOT A FOOTBALL WIFE
TMZ.com

And just this week there were folks at the Alan Carr comedy show in L.A. who say Adele was there and confirmed the rumored nuptials.

We haven't been able to confirm, but the rock is pretty solid evidence, don't you think?

As you know ... Adele bought a massive estate from Sylvester Stallone for $58 mil and she and Rich have gutted it, so it seems they're putting down stakes.

Congrats!?!

Rainbow Bridge Crash New Video Shows Bentley Airborne, Crashing, Exploding

Published | Updated
112323-rainbow-bridge-crash-kal
FLYING THROUGH THE AIR
X / @CBP

New video has surfaced of the horrific car crash at the U.S.-Canadian border that left 2 people dead and authorities scrambling for answers.

The video provides a clearer look at the Bentley that went airborne ... then crashed and exploded into a guard post at the border, killing both occupants inside -- a husband and wife.

112223_rainbow_bridge_explosion_kal
MOMENT OF EXPLOSION

The car was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed ... and it's unclear why. There have been reports the driver may have suffered a medical emergency.

112223_rainbow_bridge_kal
BURNING AT THE BORDER

The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol released the video. The Agency is investigating the crash, to determine if it was accidental or intentional.

The Bentley crashed on the U.S. side of the bridge crossing. The couple was on their way to the KISS concert in Toronto, but when that concert was canceled they decided to go to a casino instead.

NY Gov Kathy Hochul said Wednesday there's no indication this was a terrorist attack. The U.S. Attorney for NY doubled down, saying the prelim investigation shows terrorism was not involved.

Jamie Foxx Sued for Sexual Assault

Published | Updated

Jamie Foxx is being accused of a rooftop sexual assault that allegedly happened 8 years ago in NYC.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Foxx was at Catch NYC & Roof in August 2015, around 11 PM, when the plaintiff arrived to be seated in the rooftop lounge and bar. She says she noticed Jamie one table away.

Around 1 AM, the plaintiff's friend asked Foxx if he'd take a photo with her and the plaintiff. She claims he said, "Sure, baby anything for you" ... and seemed intoxicated at the time. She claims he took more photos and commented, "Wow, you have that supermodel body," "You smell so good" and told her she looked like Gabrielle Union.

Jane Doe claims Foxx pulled her by the arm to the back area of the rooftop, where he allegedly placed both hands on her waist, moved them under her top and started rubbing her breasts. She claims she attempted to step away and noticed a security guard and others who saw what had happened ... but they chose to walk away.

In the docs, the plaintiff claims Foxx then allegedly slid his hand into her pants and put his fingers on and in her vagina and anus. She says her friend came over and saw what was happening, and then Jamie stopped touching her.

She claims she was injured and had to undergo medical treatment, and suffered pain, suffering and emotional distress as a result of the "sexual assault, abuse, assault and battery."

She's suing Foxx, Catch and its employees for compensatory and punitive damages.

We reached out to reps for Jamie ... so far, no word back.

Chrisleys, Lanez, Joe Exotic, R. Kelly Thanksgiving Prison Meals ... No Pardons For These Turkeys!!!

Published | Updated

America's most famous prisoners are chowing down on turkey and gravy this Thanksgiving ... but Tory Lanez, Todd and Julie Chrisley are about to find out what R. Kelly already knows ... the bird is better at home.

TMZ obtained prison menus from across the country, where celebrity convicts are being treated to your typical Thanksgiving staples ... turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Here's a breakdown of their Turkey Day feasts:

Todd at Florida's FPC Pensacola:

-- Roast turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, assorted pies

Julie at Kentucky's FMC Lexington:

-- Roast turkey or baked turkey ham, baked candied yams, cornbread dressing, macaroni and cheese, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, pie

Tory at California Correctional Institution Tehachapi:

-- Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread dressing, diced carrots, dinner roll, green salad, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie

Suge Knight at San Diego's Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility:

-- Same menu as Tory

Harvey Weinstein at New York's Mohawk Correctional Facility

-- Roast turkey, gravy, dressing, whipped potatoes, sliced steamed carrots, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, ice cream sundae

R. Kelly at North Carolina's FCI Butner Medium I

-- Roast turkey, baked candied sweet potatoes, cornbread dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie

Josh Duggar at Texas' FCI Seagoville:

-- Roast turkey, glazed ham, cornbread dressing with turkey gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, assorted pies

Joe Exotic at Texas' FMC Forth Worth:

-- Smoked turkey legs, cornbread stuffing, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, green beans, turkey gravy, dinner roll, pecan or sweet potato pie

In addition to all the traditional food, prisons are offering several activities on Thanksgiving Day.

We're not saying the above inmates deserve special holiday festivities, but card games, relay races, bingo, checkers, chess and team sports will be available to some of 'em.

Jacob Tremblay Voice Work Worth $2,500 Per Session ... For New Animated Movie

Published

Jacob Tremblay is rolling in the DreamWorks dough ... earning a sweet paycheck for lending his voice to an upcoming animated movie.

According to Jacob's minor's contract -- filed in court and obtained by TMZ -- the 17-year-old actor was paid $25,000 for 10 original recording sessions for his starring role in "Orion and the Dark."

Jacob's playing the title character, Orion, in the DreamWorks production ... which is coming out in February only on Netflix.

His contract also calls for him to be paid $2,500 for any additional dialogue sessions ... which include pickups, looping, post-synching and rehearsals.

The flick appears to be going straight to Netflix, but there are additional $25K bonuses built in for each week the movie appears on various Netflix top 10 lists.

Jacob's scored some big movie paydays over the years ... as we first told you, he also earned $100,000 for a gig in the 'Shining' sequel and $900,000 for a starring role in "Good Boys."

Swerve Strickland Talks Bloody Match Vs. Adam Page Here's What Hurt The Most!

Published
112223_swerve_strickland_kal
FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
TMZSports.com

Swerve Stickland and "Hangman" Adam Page used everything from a barbed wire-wrapped chair to a heavy-duty staple gun to beat the s*** out of each other during last weekend's AEW match. We asked Swerve how he felt after the bloody match, and what part was most painful.

Swerve joined Mojo Muhtadi on "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs nightly on FS1) ... and talked about the Texas Deathmatch at AEW's Full Gear, which Strickland ultimately won. But, he paid a price.

"It was that Hangman Moonsault with the chair and barbed wire. Hangman is a deceptively massive man in itself. Receiving a Moonsault from him at that height and that weight and that speed and velocity already takes a lot out of you," Swerve told us.

"Add in a metal chair wrapped in like probably hundreds of yards of barbed wire wrapped in a spool around it, it just scraped across me, along with Hangman landing across me. Out of all the brutal stuff we did in that match, that was probably the one that stuck out."

With the big match under his belt and Strickland's stock being at an all-time high, we asked him what was next.

Swerve mentioned competing in the upcoming Continental Classic tournament ... but also has his sights set on something more historic.

"I feel like I catapulted myself as one of the top guys in the industry. And I said this before, earlier in the year, I really feel I can be the first African American AEW world champion."

Great matches require two wrestlers putting in work ... and Strickland spoke very highly of his opponent. In fact, he thinks "Hangman" Adam Page could be this generation's Mick Foley.

Check out the full conversation between Swerve and Mojo!

NFL WAGs Serving Looks For Turkey Day Games

Published | Updated

Thanksgiving is all about food, football and being grateful AF ... and we got ya covered where it matters in at least one department -- the lovely wives and girlfriends of the NFL's turkey day games!!

The first game of the holiday is Packers vs. Lions ... and anyone who follows WAGs knows that means Sports Illustrated model Christen Harper will be cheering on her fiancé, Detroit quarterback Jared Goff, in the stands.

Taylor Decker's wife, Kyndra, and Penei Sewell's lady, Isabelle, will also be rooting for the home team ... and who knows, maybe the latter will bring her baby boy, Malakai, who recently turned 1!!

When it comes to the Packers, of course, Ronika Stone will have her eyes on her Packers QB boyfriend Jordan Love during his first Thanksgiving appearance.

A.J. Dillion's wife, Gabrielle, also deserves a special shoutout after giving birth to their first child this past summer ... and there's a good chance Christian Watson's fiancée, Lakyn, will be there to give her wide receiver a pregame good luck kiss!!

The next matchup is an NFC East rivalry matchup between the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys ... and Demarcus Lawrence's wife, Sasha, will be rooting for America's Team per usual.

It will be a new holiday tradition for Dak Prescott's girlfriend, Sarah Jane, and Stephon Gilmore's wife, Gabrielle ... as it's their first Turkey Day game as WAGs.

Victoria Taylor -- who said "yes" to Washington running back Antonio Gibson's proposal in July --- will be easy to spot if she's at the game ... thanks to her shiny, new engagement ring!!

To round out the slate of games, the Seahawks are taking on the 49ers in San Francisco ... and Olivia Culpo will certainly be pulling for her fiancé, Christian McCaffrey.

And don't be surprised if Dr. Mindy Armstead -- who married defensive end Arik Armstead in 2020 -- and Brock Purdy's fiancée, Jenna, also show face at Levi's Stadium for the contest.

Singer Normani might also catch the action ... considering she's dating Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf.

Seattle cornerback Quandre Diggs' wife, Abby, and receiver Tyler Lockett's partner, Lauren, are regulars at games as well ... and we take it they won't be missing this contest, either.

Hopefully, all the players and WAGs will have time to stuff their faces after games.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

ISRAELI-AMERICAN RAPPER KOSHA DILLZ SPEAKS ON CONFLICT ... 'Show Empathy, You're Not Directly Affected!'

Published
112223-kosha-dillz-kal
EMPATHY FIRST
TMZ.com

Israeli-American rapper Kosha Dillz has urged those determined to take a public stand on the Israel-Palestine conflict to show empathy for those suffering -- namely, Israelis, Palestinians, Jews, and Muslims.

Kosha tells TMZ ... Susan Sarandon and "Scream" star Melissa Barrera losing Hollywood gigs as a consequence of speaking out about the turmoil is nothing compared to those directly affected by the war.

As we reported, Melissa joined Susan as the latest Hollywood casualty ... being 86'd from "Scream VII" after sharing controversial statements, including an IG Story where she seemingly alluded to a longstanding trope about Jews controlling the media.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

As per the celeb examples ... Kosha adds: "It goes to show some of the people saying things don't have any skin in the conflict ... because they feel the need to say something, but they're not directly involved."

However, Kosha notes that society has made it acceptable for people to praise the terrorist organization Hamas as "freedom fighters," ... adding he was shocked at the opinions of those he interviewed at both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine rallies.

He met someone who was actually from Gaza ... praising him as the "kindest person" he had encountered.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

"We need a voice for the voiceless ... but not all voices are for the voiceless," he says.

Kosha regularly uses his platform to highlight stories from the war ... denouncing antisemitism and calling for the return of hostages in his single, "Bring The Family Home" ... released days after the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Doobie In 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' 'Memba Him?!

Published

American actor Larry Hankin was 49 years old when he was cast to play Doobie -- the creepy rock and roll Taxi driver who had a fully decked out cab in Wichita, Kansas -- in the comedy classic film "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" back in 1987.

Hankin was part of a dynamic cast aiding to get the principal characters home in time for Thanksgiving including ... Steve Martin as the unfriendly and wealthy businessman, Neal Page and John Candy as the kind and sly salesman, Del Griffith.

Kevin Bacon, Matthew Lawrence and Ben Stein were also in the film!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Guess what he looks like now at 85 years old!

Melissa Barrera 'Scream' Firing Response ... I Won't Be Silent On Israel-Hamas War!!!

Published | Updated

Melissa Barrera says her firing from the 'Scream' franchise won't silence her ... and she says she's not antisemitic.

The actress responded to her "Scream 7" ouster with a statement on her Instagram story, explaining why she's been so vocal about the war in the Middle East.

Of course, it was Melissa's IG stories that got her booted from the movie in the first place ... after the production company behind "Scream 7" deemed her comments hate-inciting and antisemitic.

In response, Melissa says ... "Silence is not an option for me."

She starts out by condemning antisemitism and Islamaphobia ... and speaks out against hate and prejudice against all people.

Melissa says her Mexican heritage makes her feel a responsibility to use her platform to "raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need."

She adds ... "I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism."

Remember ... Melissa got fired from "Scream 7" for her posts about Israel and Palestine, including one where she seemingly alluded to a long-standing trope about Jewish people controlling the media. In another post, Melissa compared Gaza to a concentration camp.

Spyglass Media Group, the production company behind her firing, says it showed her the door because ... "We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech."

Melissa says she wasn't being antisemitic ... and it sounds like she won't sit back and shut up now that she's lost a lucrative movie role over her views.

'Will & Grace' Star Eric McCormack Wife Files For Divorce

Published

Eric McCormack's wife is pulling the plug on their union after more than two decades together ... because she just filed for divorce.

Hollywood director Janet Holden beelined it to court Wednesday and filed to divorce the "Will & Grace" star after more than 26 years of marriage.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Janet is going with the boilerplate "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split ... and she does not list a date of separation.

Janet is seeking spousal support ... and she wants to end the court's ability to award Eric spousal support. They do not have any minor children together ... as their only son is 21 years old.

Eric and Janet first met in 1994 on the set of the "Lonesome Dove" TV show ... where he was an actor and she was the assistant director. They got hitched in August 1997.

We reached out to Eric's camp ... so far no word back.

MACY'S THANKSGIVING PARADE FLOATS AND BALLOONS READY ... Take A Look!

Published | Updated

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is only hours away ... and we have some behind-the-scenes pics of several floats and balloons inflating our expectations for the main event.

Dragon Ball hero "Goku" clearly looks to be a showstopper when he takes to the streets of the Big Apple Thursday, and the dynamic "Dino" duo will undoubtedly work to roar its way into everyone's hearts.

There's also some Hollywood making its way into the parade, with the "Good Burger" mobile serving as the perfect appetizer to honor the movie sequel hitting Paramount streaming.

From the "Deliciously Detectable World of Wonka" to the "Igniting Memories" and the enchanting "Palace of Sweets" ... these floats are also set to turn NYC into a festive treat.

Of course, there's also the return of classic crowd favorites with "Mutant Mayhem" and the beloved "Sesame Street" ... proving that some traditions just don't let go.

Jim Irsay On 2014 Arrest ... Cops Targeted Me 'Because I'm A Rich, White Billionaire'

Published | Updated

Jim Irsay says he was targeted by police during his 2014 arrest ... emphatically believing cops were prejudiced against him because he's "a rich, white billionaire."

The Indianapolis Colts owner made the eyebrow-raising statements to Andrea Kremer during an interview with HBO Sports that aired earlier this week.

In their chat, Kremer asked Irsay if his DUI arrest in Carmel, Ind. some nine years ago was a "low point" for him ... and a few seconds later, he sounded off.

"I am prejudiced against because I'm a rich, white billionaire," Irsay told her. "If I'm just the average guy down the block, they're not pulling me in, of course not."

Carmel police had said at the time of the arrest they stopped Irsay for, among other things, driving too slowly as well as failing to use his turn signal. They eventually put him in cuffs after they claimed he failed their sobriety tests.

112223_jim_irsay_dui_2014_kal MARCH 2014
THE 2014 DUI

Dashcam footage from the scene appeared to show Irsay having trouble walking while talking with cops outside of his car. Cops say toxicology results, meanwhile, showed he had multiple painkillers in his system, including oxycodone and hydrocodone.

Irsay, however, still told Kremer, "The arrest was wrong."

"I had just had hip surgery, and had been in the car for 45 minutes," he said. "And what -- they asked me to walk the line? Are you kidding me? I can barely walk at all."

Irsay eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated ... and was sentenced to 1 year probation. He told Kremer he only cut the deal with prosecutors because he wanted to get the case "over with."

For the Carmel Police Department's part, it said in a statement to The Indianapolis Star on Tuesday regarding Irsay's allegations, "We are very sorry to hear that comment about our officers and our department."

"We have a very professional agency consisting of officers that strive to protect our community with integrity and professionalism."

Ludacris Manager Chaka Zulu Prosecutors Drop Murder Charges

Published

Chaka Zulu won't be charged for the fatal shooting in June 2022 that left one man dead outside an Atlanta restaurant -- prosecutors are dropping the case after Chaka insisted he fired in self-defense.

On Wednesday, Fulton County prosecutors released a statement to WSB-TV outlining their decision not to indict Chaka, who is Ludacris' manager, over the incident.

092122_chaka_zulu_slow_graphic_kal
THE SLOW MOTION
TMZ.com

"The Atlanta Police Department made an arrest on charges determined at a standard of probable cause, which is their duty in this and all cases The District Attorney’s office investigates cases to determine what can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial ... Our investigation of the facts and analysis of applicable law indicates that this is an appropriate resolution of this case based on the standard of proof required. Because the defendant is now involved in a pre-indictment diversion program, we will not comment further about the matter at this time.”

092122_chaka_zulu_graphic_kal
THE FULL ALTERCATION
TMZ.com

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... surveillance video we obtained showed Chaka and a group of several men, including the slain Artez Benton get into a skirmish outside Chaka's Apt4B restaurant and not too long after, fists were thrown and shots were fired.

Chaka's lawyer Gabe Banks also sent a statement to the local pub ... thanking D.A. Fani Will and her team for their thorough investigation and saying the music industry vet would be focusing on the "nurturing of his family" while also expressing sadness for the loss of life.

In addition to the murder charge, Chaka was facing potential charges of aggravated assault, simple battery and possession of a firearm -- but that's all off the table now.