MARK CUBAN EYES UP 'SHARK TANK' REPLACEMENT 'Kardashian Biz Partner Emma Grede Is Brilliant!'

Published | Updated

Mark Cuban is bidding farewell to "Shark Tank" after 16 seasons ... and he's already circling the waters for his ideal successor.

The billionaire businessman tells TMZ that Emma Grede -- the co-founder of the Kardashians' fashion empires SKIMS and Good American - would be "insanely good" as a full-time Shark ... having guest-starred on the show before.

Mark heralds the 41-year-old as a brilliant entrepreneur ... with an extraordinary knack for helping companies grow with her experience.

What's more ... he's impressed with her natural ability to connect with others ... and says her television charisma also makes waves -- though, as of yet, auditions to find his replacement haven't begun.

Mark also gives us a splash of context on departing 'ST' -- which he first announced on the Showtime podcast "All The Smoke" Monday ... telling us his decision is rooted in wanting to hang out with his brood as he usually films every summer during family vacation.

He says at 14, 17, and 20, it's not long before they leave the nest ... so it's understandable he's cutting back.

As we previously reported ... Mark's also selling his majority stake in the NBA's Dallas Mavericks after buying the team in 2000 and overseeing the franchise's most successful run and only NBA title ... so the 'Tank' isn't the only thing Cuban's leaving behind.

Despite "Shark Tank" nibbling away at his personal time, he's cherished every aspect of the show ... from what it represents to the impact it's had on the next generation of entrepreneurs.

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

NFL's Jevon Holland Gets 98-Inch TV, Spokesperson Gig ... For 99-Yard Touchdown

Published
112823_jevon_holland_main_kal_v2
THE NEW TV MVP
TMZSports.com

Jevon Holland didn't just make the Dolphins and their fans happy with his 99-yard touchdown last week ... he also got to upgrade his entertainment room AND line his pockets with some extra cash for the score too!!

The Dolphins safety broke the whole situation down with Michael Babcock on the "TMZ Sports TV Show" on FS1 on Tuesday ... revealing he had no idea what was about to come his way after he scored the improbable TD in a win over the Jets on Black Friday.

It turns out, as part of a preseason promo called the "Ultimate Gameday Upgrade," TCL was offering to hand out a million dollars worth of 98-inch TVs if a player scored a 98-yard-or-longer touchdown during the Friday Night Football contest.

And, after Holland did it ... TCL decided to make him a spokesperson as well as give him one of their 98-inchers -- things he was very clearly thrilled about.

"It was cool!" said the 23-year-old former second-round pick, who's still on his rookie contract. "I was excited."

Holland said all weekend he heard from fans who also received the 98-inch TVs as part of the promo ... and he thought all the love "was awesome."

In even more fortunate news for Holland, he also said he happens to have a wall big enough to fit the TV -- though just barely!!

112823_jevon_holland_main_kal.01_04_41_16
TOP-TIER TACKLER
TMZSports.com

Holland talked with us about the Dolphins' successful year so far as well -- and he had nothing but praise for his head coach Mike McDaniel, who he called a truly authentic leader.

Guess Who This Blue-Eyed Baby Turned Into!

Published

Before this baby in her pajamas turned into a singing superstar with big blue eyes ... she was just a cool kid throwin' on her Donald Duck hat sideways and growing up in Santa Barbara, California.

She's mostly glitz and glam on her Instagram, but you must not forget it all started back in 2008 with just some cherry chapstick. She may be an American Idol but she'll only judge you based on your singing skills.

Need one more hint? She put on a stellar performance once ... complete with a viral dancing shark!

Can you guess who she is?

Mark Cuban Sells Majority Stake In NBA Team ... Keeps Control of Mavs' Basketball Ops

Published | Updated

Big news out of Big D ... Mark Cuban is selling his majority stake in the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, while still holding onto the reigns in basketball operations.

The billionaire is selling his majority stake to Miriam Adelson ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

While Mark is selling a stake reportedly valued at $3.5 billion, he will retain some shares in the team and be the lead decision-maker when it comes to basketball ops.

Cuban bought the team in 2000 for $285 million, so he’s getting a huge return on investment!

Miriam is the billionaire widow and heiress of Sheldon Adelson and his Las Vegas casino empire ... Forbes has her net worth at $32.3 billion, making her the fifth richest woman in the world.

Our sources say Adelson has plans to build a new arena for the Mavs, and, if a gambling bill passes in Texas, we’re told she might also build a casino in Dallas.

Miriam is reportedly selling $2 billion of her shares in Las Vegas Sands Group to make the Mavs purchase.

Under Cuban, the Mavericks have been perennial contenders in the NBA's Western Conference, winning the franchise's first and only NBA championship in 2011, defeating LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

Earlier this week, Cuban revealed he's leaving ABC's "Shark Tank" after the upcoming 16th season.

Lots going on in Mark’s world … including cohosting “TMZ’s Merry Elfin’ Christmas” special, premiering Dec. 5 in primetime on Fox!

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

Nardo Wick Breaks Silence on Fan Attack ... I Can't Control My Friends' Actions!!!

Published | Updated

update

2:35 PM PT -- A spokesperson for Tampa PD tells us "detectives reached out to the performer" ... though a source close to Nardo Wick says the two sides have not yet spoken.

Nardo Wick is finally speaking out after members of his entourage were seen brutally attacking a fan who simply wanted a photo ... saying the whole thing left him upset, but claiming there was nothing he could have done to stop it.

112823_nardo_wick_fan_kal_v2 11/27/23
KNOCKED OUT COLD
TMZ.com

NW just took to Instagram to post an explanation of how he says he handled things immediately following the disgusting sucker punch. The rapper says he doesn't condone what happened, and reached out to the fan's mom to express how sorry and concerned he was over what went down.

Then he gets into the cowardly members of his team, writing, "I cant control another grown man actions, I ain't know that was gone happen, and I was mad when it happened."

Nardo goes on, "I tried to stop it as u can see in the video, and if somebody got the longer video you can see how mad I was, I love and appreciate all my fans and don't condone what happened at all dat s*** ain't gangsta or cool in no type of way."

TMZ broke the story, George Obregon Jr., a 20-year-old fan of Nardo, approached the rapper after his show in Tampa Sunday night to ask for a photo.

In video, obtained by TMZ, you see one member of NW's entourage punch George from the side while another punches him straight on ... we're told George suffered a severe concussion and brain bleed.

We've obtained Instagram messages from Nardo to George's mom as well as directly to George following the attack, you can see the rapper's upset over what happened.

Nardo's mom, who also works as his manager, was also in touch with George's mom ... getting updates on his medical condition.

A spokesperson from the Tampa Police Department tells us they're asking for help identifying the men who punched George.

112823-michelle-obregon-connor-villa-kal 11/28/23
UNWARRANTED ATTACK
TMZ.com

In his social media post, Nardo Wick does not mention the men by name, nor clarify if he's been speaking with the police to identify the men to help bring justice to his fan who only wanted a photo.

112923_tmz_live_nardo_kal
NARDO SPEAKS OUT
TMZ.com

Originally Published -- 2:02 PM PT

NBA's Josh Giddey Subject of Police Inquiry ... Over Potential Underage Relationship

Published | Updated

UPDATE

4:00 PM -- Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was just asked about our report prior to Tuesday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves ... and while he stated he will not comment on Josh Giddey's off-court situation, he reaffirmed Giddey will be available for the game.

Police are doing their due diligence on the recent troubling allegations surrounding Oklahoma City Thunder player Josh Giddey ... with officials opening an inquiry into whether he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports ... Newport Beach PD is currently investigating the allegations involving Giddey made on social media over the past week ... to see if there is any validity to the claims and if any laws were broken.

As we previously reported, anonymous X accounts accused the 21-year-old Australian athlete of having an intimate relationship with a minor based in California ... and pictures and videos of Giddey with an alleged underage girl quickly spread online.

The NBA announced on Friday it was "looking into" the matter ... but so far, Giddey -- who has remained active with the Thunder following the allegations -- has declined to speak on it.

Of course, Giddey could be in trouble both criminally and professionally -- the age of consent in California is 18, while it is 16 in Oklahoma.

Giddey is currently averaging 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 16 games this season.

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

Originally Published -- 1:53 PM PT

EVAN ELLINGSON DIED FROM FENTANYL OVERDOSE ... Death Ruled Accidental

Published

Former child star Evan Ellingson's official cause of death has been revealed ... and fentanyl is to blame.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department finished its investigation, telling TMZ the late actor died from an accidental fentanyl overdose.

We broke the story ... Evan was found dead Nov. 5 at a sober-living home in San Bernardino County, officials said there was no foul play involved and law enforcement found drug paraphernalia at the scene.

Cops looked at the case as a possible OD ... and Ellingson's autopsy and toxicology report revealed fentanyl as the culprit.

While Ellingson struggled with drugs in the past, his father Michael told us he was doing better as of late.

Evan is best remembered starring opposite Cameron Diaz in the 2009 movie, "My Sister's Keeper," where he plays her teenage son. Ellingson was also famous for his recurring role as Kyle Harmon on "CSI: Miami" ... appearing in 18 episodes over 3 years.

Despite getting his Hollywood career started at 13, Evan died at 35 and did not have any acting credits since 2010.

Tina Knowles Beyoncé's Not Trying to Look White ... Stop Attacking Her!!!

Published | Updated

Tina Knowles is defending Beyoncé in the face of accusations the singer is lightening her skin and hair to look white ... saying she's had enough of the negative narratives.

Beyoncé's mom sounded off Tuesday on social media, reacting to scores of online fan comments questioning her daughter's look at Saturday's premiere of her "Renaissance" movie.

Tina's referencing fan comments on Beyoncé's platinum blonde hair and skin color -- some comments even accused her of bleaching her skin.

Tina says those accusations are stupid, ignorant, self-hating and racist ... and she says it's sad that some Black people "continue with the stupid narrative with hate and jealousy."

Beyoncé's mom says her daughter "wore silver hair to match her silver dress as a fashion statement" ... pointing out the theme for the movie premiere, and the whole "Renaissance" tour, was silver.

Tina says the folks accusing Beyoncé of trying to look white are nothing but clowns, losers, bozos and "sad little haters" who are just jealous.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

She even mentions she's upset with TMZ because we reached out to Beyoncé's hairstylist to see if they had a comment about what fans were saying about her look at the premiere.

Tina says Black celebrities have been wearing platinum hair since Etta James way back in the day, adding ... "I just went and looked at all the beautiful talented black celebrities who have worn platinum hair and it has been just about everyone of them at one time or another. Are they all trying to be white?"

Bottom line ... Ms. Tina is sick and tired of people attacking her daughter, and reached her boiling point -- feeling the need to speak out despite knowing Beyoncé "is going to be pissed at me for doing this."

We covered it all on a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Brielle Biermann Not Pregnant, Despite Mom's Post ... Kim Zolciak Posts Clickbait For $$$

Published | Updated

Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann's financial situation is so dire the family is turning to trick pregnancy announcements involving Brielle Biermann as a way to make money.

Here's the deal ... in a social media post, Kim strongly suggested daughter Brielle was pregnant, sharing a sonogram and saying she was "SO EXCITED TO BE A GRANDMA."

Kim turned comments off on the post and it links back to a clickbait news article reading, "Oh baby! Brielle Biermann spilled to us about having kids and how she feels about her mom Kim Zolciak becoming a grandma."

Turns out, it's all bogus and just a way for Kim to make a quick buck.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Brielle isn't actually pregnant despite Kim's post suggesting otherwise, and Kim is getting a financial kickback from the clickbait article.

Kim and Kroy's financial struggles have been well documented ... starting with the alleged $1 million they owe the IRS and various lawsuits against them for unpaid bills.

As we first told you ... earlier this month Kim was sued by Bank of America for over $50K in credit card debt. Kim was also sued in August by SAKS/CAPITAL ONE for failing to pay a $156K credit card bill.

112923_tv_clips_kim_zolciak_fake_pregnancy.01_00_05_05.Still001
BABY BAIT
TMZ.com

We reached out to reps for Kim and Brielle ... so far no word back.

NARDO WICK FAN BEATDOWN DEVASTATED MOTHER AND PAL SPEAK OUT

Published | Updated

The mother and friend of George Obregon Jr., the Nardo Wick fan hospitalized following a disgusting attack carried out by Nardo's entourage, saying the whole thing has left them sick and almost speechless.

112823-michelle-obregon-connor-villa-kal 11/28/23
UNWARRANTED ATTACK
TMZ.com

Michelle Obregon, George's mom, gave an update on her 20-year-old son's condition -- telling TMZ he's currently stable -- but doctors are fully monitoring him to assess if there'll be any long-term damage.

George's pal Connor Villa, who also attended the concert, tells us he was just a few feet behind his buddy when the vicious attack occurred.

112823_nardo_wick_fan_kal_v2 11/27/23
KNOCKED OUT COLD
TMZ.com

He says Nardo's team gave them a peculiar look as they walked over with their phones up after exiting the club ... before unleashing the assault "out of nowhere" when George asked for a snap together.

Connor adds he was stunned when another member of the entourage continued to strike George after the first swing left him knocked out, leaning against the wall and unresponsive.

Connor tells us resorting to physical violence over a simple request for a picture was utterly ridiculous and should never have happened.

While George is now alert and talking ... Michelle says he hasn't gone into too much detail about the incident and doesn't remember much.

The devastated mother adds she had "no words to say" when watching the clip of the attack ... with her main priority being her son's health -- and ensuring that no other parents have to receive the devastating phone call she experienced.

The incident is currently under police investigation ... with a Tampa Police spokesperson telling us they're asking the public to help identify the attackers. Anyone with information is urged to reach out to Tampa Police.

Taylor Swift Harvard Course Will Cover Kelce ... So Says English Professor

Published | Updated

There's a new Harvard course covering all things Taylor Swift -- and yes, that means her relationships, including her Mr. Right Now, Travis Kelce ... so says the professor who's teaching the class.

112823_stephanie_burt_kal
SWIFT 101
TMZ.com

One of Harvard's English professors, Stephanie Burt, joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live" to discuss the class she'll be heading up next semester called 'Taylor Swift and Her World' -- which she made very clear will put an emphasis on the literary merit behind T-Swift's art.

It's obvious from the video, but Prof. Burt is a self-professed Swiftie, but says that's not the reason she's teaching this course. As she explains to us, Taylor's work/fandom are very much worthy of study.

In fact, because her personal life is so tied into her songwriting, that means who she dates will get some attention in this class. However, Prof. Burt notes they probably won't spend so much time on Trav ... mostly because she hasn't written a song about him just yet.

If history's any indication ... she might have to break up with him first for that to happen. 😅

Anyway, Harvard ain't the only higher-ed institution that's doing this for TayTay, for what it's worth ... the University of Florida is also introducing a Taylor-centric course of their own very soon -- and Arizona State already has one too. Indeed, academia hearts Taylor!

And, if it wasn't obvious already ... there's a ton of interest in this new Harvard course. As Professor Burt tells us, there are already hundreds of people who've signed up for the Spring.

Taylor Swift ... coming to a big lecture hall near you.

Pacino's GF NOOR ALFALLAH I Love Al, But We're Never Tying Knot ... 'I'm Not the Marrying Type'

Published | Updated
11282_noor_alfallah_kal NOVEMBER 2023
ALL GOOD WITH AL
TMZ.com

Al Pacino's getting zero pressure to get hitched to the mother of his infant son -- not from her, anyway -- because Noor Alfallah tells us she's just not big on the institution of marriage.

We got the legendary actor's girlfriend in Bevy Hills and asked how things are going with Al.

Noor says she loves him, but they're not discussing holy matrimony on the heels of having a baby boy together -- she explains it's not a hot topic for the couple because, "I'm not the marrying type."

TMZ broke the story ... Al and Noor are still together after hammering out a child support and child custody agreement for their baby boy, Roman, which calls for Al to fork over $30k per month.

Al's a father again at 83 years old, Noor is about to turn 30 and Roman was just born in June -- but, according to Noor, none of those numbers add up to Pacino's first marriage.

112823_tv_clips_noor_alfallah_marriage.01_00_23_00.Still002
NO WEDDING BELLS
TMZ.com

As for Roman's first Christmas ... Noor tells us if the family's planning to spend the holidays together.

Nardo Wick Fan Attacked, Knocked Out Cold By Rapper's Entourage

Published | Updated
112823_nardo_wick_fan_kal_v2 11/27/23
KNOCKED OUT COLD
TMZ.com

update

9:51 AM PT -- A spokesperson for Tampa Police tells us they're asking the public to help identify the attackers ... adding the victim is in critical, but stable condition. Anyone with info is asked to reach out to Tampa Police.

A Nardo Wick fan got much more than he bargained for after asking for a photo with the rapper, as Nardo's entourage unleashed a brutal attack ... leaving the fan hospitalized and the incident under police investigation.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ the 20-year-old fan attended the NW show Sunday night at Club Skye in Tampa, and spotted Nardo leaving the venue around 1:15 AM.

That's where video, obtained by TMZ, picks up ... you can see the fan approach Nardo and his team for what we're told was to get a photo. Then, without warning, a member of Nardo's team sucker punches the young fan ... knocking his head against a concrete wall.

Unable to move, the fan seems stunned ... and that's when another member of NW's entourage punches the fan again, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

The attack is cowardly, and Nardo -- wearing the white shirt near the rear of the SUV -- appears to try to get his guys to relax ... but the effort proves useless.

As for the fan, we're told he was taken to a local hospital where he was allegedly treated for a severe concussion, and there's some spots where he's hemorrhaging. Our sources say it's currently unclear if there will be any long-term damage ... only time will tell.

We reached out to a rep for Nardo Wick ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 8:25 AM PT

Post Malone Drops New Dallas Cowboys Merch ... After Partnering With Beloved Team

Published | Updated

Step aside beer bongs and Bentleys ... Post Malone just combined two more of his favorite things -- the Dallas Cowboys and cool clothes -- into a winning combination ... helping his beloved squad with a sweet, new merch line!!

The "Better Now" crooner officially debuted the Cowboys-approved items this week ... after collabing with Cheatin Snakes designer Grant Kratzer.

The clothing line features 22 pieces in total ... and includes tees, jackets, sweatshirts, shorts and more.

All of the items have a unique blend of Dallas Cowboys logos as well as imagery associated with Post -- and fans will be able to officially get their hands on them later this week through live stream platform NTWRK.

Cowboys players, of course, already got an early look at the swag ... and Dak Prescott -- as well as some of his other high-profile teammates -- were clearly fans of it all.

The gear will range from $40 to $168 ... and when Post -- who's already partnered with his favorite team earlier this year to make a Cowboys-themed Raising Cane's restaurant -- was asked for his opinion on it all, he fittingly had just one quote ...

"How ‘bout them Cowboys!"

'Bachelorette' Alum Tyler Cameron Older Women Might Be the Ticket ... I See You, 'Golden' Gerry!!!

Published | Updated
112823-tyler-cameron-kal 11/28/23
THE GOLD STANDARD
TMZ.com

Tyler Cameron knows a thing or 2 about dating -- his 'Bachelorette' run proved that -- and based on how popular the 'Golden Bachelor' is, he now seems open to trying his luck with older women.

We talked to the reality TV star at LAX, and asked what he made of the fact so many people are taken by Gerry Turner's TV journey as a senior citizen trying to find love in his sunset years ... and Tyler tells us it's a reflection of dating trends these days.

Watch ... he says there's been an upswing of young bachelors dating up in age lately, and he thinks it's great ABC is finally putting a spotlight on that for the mainstream.

He doesn't really indicate whether he would necessarily be interested in wooing an older woman, but he does appear to be cosigning on the value of seeking wisdom/experience beyond mere beauty -- something to which the 'Bachelor' franchises have been known to fall victim.

That's not to say the seniors can't be fun themselves ... Tyler even says 'Bachelor in Paradise' producers should consider inviting some of the more "seasoned" set to the beach soon!

We'll see if that ends up happening. One arthritic step at a time.

Diddy Steps Aside as Chairman of Revolt ... In Temporary Move

Published | Updated

Diddy isn't about to let issues in his personal life take down the successes in his professional life, making the difficult decision to temporarily step aside from his role as Chairman at Revolt.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ Diddy decided last week he'd make the temporary move. We're told his goal in making the decision was to not allow the accusations he's facing distract from Revolt's mission or success.

Revolt is currently celebrating its 10-year anniversary, and doing well under the leadership of CEO Detavio Samuels and Chief Brand Officer Deon Graham. We're told Diddy is not involved in the company's day-to-day.

As we reported, Diddy was quick to settle a lawsuit brought by Cassie with an amicable resolution where she accused him of sexual assault, abuse and human trafficking.

112823_tmz_live_diddy
DIDDY'S BIG MOVE
TMZ.com

There have since been two additional lawsuits filed against Diddy ... Joi Dickerson-Neal says Diddy sexually assaulted her on camera when she was a college student back in 1991, and a Jane Doe says Diddy and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall took turns raping her and friends in either 1990 or 1991.

A rep for Diddy addressed the 2 additional lawsuits by saying, "The claims involving alleged misconduct against Mr. Combs from over 30 years ago and filed at the last minute are all completely denied and rejected by him. He recognizes this as a money grab. Because of Mr. Combs’ fame and success, he is an easy target for accusers who will falsify the truth, without conscience or consequence, for financial benefit."

The statement continues, "The New York Legislature surely did not intend or expect the Adult Survivors Act to be exploited for improper purposes. The public should be skeptical and not rush to accept these unsubstantiated allegations."

It's currently unclear when Diddy plans to step back into his role with Revolt.