Kyle Richards I'll Talk Mauricio, Morgan At Reunion ... They Ask, I Answer!!!

Published | Updated
012324_kyle_richards_kal 1/23/24
PREPARED FOR ANYTHING

Kyle Richards will not shy away from questions about her relationships with estranged husband Mauricio Umansky and singer Morgan Wade ... at least not once cameras start rolling at the 'RHOBH' reunion.

We got the 'Real Housewives' star as she was running errands Monday in Beverly Glen, and asked if she's planning to discuss her separation from Mauricio -- or open up about where things stand with Morgan during Friday's reunion show taping.

Kyle says she's more than willing to answer questions about Mauricio and Morgan ... as long as host Andy Cohen and her 'RHOBH' castmates ask, which they most certainly will.

As Kyle put it, "Have you seen our show?!?"

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Bravo reunion shows are notoriously pointed and direct, so Kyle knows what's coming ... and she says there's been no special request from her about making certain topics off-limits.

As you know, Kyle and Mauricio have been separated for a while now and she's spending a lot of time with Morgan. She says she's been open about the big changes in her life, but there's definitely a lot more to be said ... and it sounds like those answers are coming.

Kyle's also making another statement here ... peep the back of her raincoat, it says "Umansky." 🤔

Tristan Thompson Suspended 25 Games ... For Violating NBA's Anti-Drug Program

Published | Updated

Tristan Thompson will be sidelined from NBA games for the foreseeable future ... the league just slapped him with a huge suspension after it says he violated their anti-drug program.

According to the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers forward tested positive for banned substances ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033 ... and he'll now be barred from playing in the team's next 25 games for it.

Both drugs are considered to be performance enhancers ... ones that help users improve their strength and speed up their recovery.

Thompson has yet to publicly address the positive tests.

The league said Tuesday that Thompson's suspension will begin on Wednesday ... when Cleveland takes on the Milwaukee Bucks.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

The 32-year-old -- Khloe Kardashian's ex -- just joined the Cavs in September ... and he recently seemed fired up about the potential of this season -- after he switched his jersey number from 12 to 13, digits he wore when he first started in Cleveland back in 2011.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"Wearing any other number didn't feel right," he said. "Back together, Number 13 forever."

In 36 games so far this season, Thompson is averaging 3.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest.

MCDONALD'S CUSTOMER PULLS OUT GROSS SURPRISE FROM MCFLURRY!!!

Published | Updated
012324_mcdonalds_mcflurry-kal - Copy JANUARY 2024
Mcplastic Mcflurry

A McDonald's customer is McHatin' after her latest trip to the fast food joint ended with her finding a gag-worthy surprise in her McFlurry!

You'll be repulsed watching the clip yourself ... the woman discovers what appears to be a trash bag or glove left behind in her Oreo-flavored frozen treat -- horror plays out on her face as she continues pulling out the seemingly never-ending item.

Laughter seems to be the best medicine in the situation ... she chuckles awkwardly with her friend in the viral TikTok clip.

"We had no idea what she just found at the bottom of her mc flurry im losing my mind,"  the user @kekebobeke adds in the text overlay.

She claims the item was folded down and left behind on purpose, and she tagged McDonald's on the post, hoping to get some answers.

The fast food chain has yet to publicly respond, but current/former employees attempt to explain what the item is in the comments -- one says it's an ice cream liquid bag -- another says it's the sleeves the cups come in.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Needless to say, the customer's hoping for an apology -- at the very least -- from the fast food joint. We're guessing she wouldn't turn down free McFlurry's for life either! Just sayin' ...

FRANK FARIAN MILLI VANILLI FOUNDER DEAD AT 82

Published | Updated

Frank Farian, the founder of musical groups Milli Vanilli and Boney M. -- both iconic for different reasons -- has died.

The German singer, songwriter, and producer's family confirmed his passing Tuesday ... saying Frank died peacefully at his Miami apartment.

His death comes 2 years after he underwent life-saving heart valve replacement surgery -- he got a pig heart valve inserted in his chest, because his own had shrunk with age.

In his last interview in November 2023, he gushed his new heart valve was working wonderfully and told German newspaper Bild, he was grateful he had a "good pig in me."

Despite his claims of good health, contrasting reports said his condition had deteriorated after the procedure -- he'd lost a lot of weight and had to use a wheelchair and breathing equipment due to lung issues.

Frank was born Franz Reuther in western Germany in 1941 ... kicking things off in the music industry as a solo artist while also training to be a chef.

He made his first big splash in the music world in 1976 ... when he founded the disco vocal group Boney M.

"Daddy Cool," "Rasputin," and "Mary's Boy Child" were just a few hits from the group comprised of Marcia Barrett, Liz Mitchell, Maizie Williams and Bobby Farrell.

His most dubious move, though, came in the late '80s ... Frank founded the R&B pop duo Milli Vanilli. He hired Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus as the eye candy, while he enlisted other performers to do the actual singing on hits like "Blame It On The Rain" and "Girl You Know It's True."

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

The group would actually win the Grammy for Best New Artist before the whole lip-synching sham came crashing down during a "live" performance. The Recording Academy took back their Grammy.

Frank also worked with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Meat Loaf ... and reportedly sold an estimated 800 million records worldwide.

He was 82. RIP.

Country Singer Chris Young Arrested At Nashville Bar ... Alleged Confrontation With Official

Published | Updated

Country singer Chris Young went out for a drink in Nashville and ended his night in jail after being arrested following an alleged incident with officials.

According to the arrest affidavit, obtained by TMZ, Chris was drinking at the Tin Roof bar Monday night in midtown Nashville when agents from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission came in to check IDs and license cards ... and things spiraled from there.

The "Gettin' You Home" singer allegedly started questioning the agents after they checked his ID ... and officials say he started recording them and then followed them to the Dawg House, a bar next door where the TABC was doing a routine compliance check.

At the next bar, the officials claim Chris and a group of friends started talking to folks at the bar and the bartender while agents went to the back of the bar to check ABC cards.

The agents say they were walking to the door when Chris blocked their exit, putting his hands on one of the officers to stop the agent from leaving and striking the agent on the shoulder.

The officer says they pushed Chris away and then bar patrons rushed to get between Chris and the agents ... leading to lots of yelling and screaming. The agents say folks who were with Chris followed them out of the bar and made the situation "hostile."

In their report, the officers say Chris' "eyes were bloodshot and watery" and they say he was slurring his speech.

We're told Chris was arrested and booked on 3 charges ... disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and assault on officer offensive contact ... all misdemeanors.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Chris posted $2,500 bond and was released from custody Tuesday morning and is due back in court Feb. 16.

SELENA GOMEZ Talks Body Changes with Old Bikini Pic I Won't Look Like This Again

Published | Updated

Selena Gomez is making significant strides in her body positivity journey ... embracing her physical changes throughout the years, while acknowledging there's no going back.

The actress posted an old photo of herself, in which she looks significantly different -- sharing a bikini snap to her IG Stories Monday from years earlier ... writing that she'd never look like that again. Hard to say if Selena sees that as good or bad, but she's pointing it out.

SG then shared a recent swimsuit snap of herself from behind -- and while she undeniably still looks great ... the star used it as a reminder to practice self-love. Selena says despite not being "perfect," it's OK to be herself ... and she's proud of being who she is.

Worth noting ... Selena has faced body-shamers in the past, so it's interesting she's speaking up on this.

In 2022, she famously said being skinny wasn't worth the hassle of denying yourself your favorite foods ... adding, "Bitch, I am perfect the way I am."

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

BTW, Selena has been diagnosed with lupus, and weight fluctuation is a known side-effect.

Georgia Bulldogs Uga X Dead at 10 ... 'Damn Good Dawg'

Published | Updated

It's a sad day in Athens -- the University of Georgia's beloved live mascot, Uga X, has passed away, the school announced Tuesday. He was 10 years old.

Uga X -- AKA "Que" -- died peacefully in his sleep, according to a statement released minutes ago.

Que's tenure as the live mascot began during the 2015 football season ... and remained the furry face of the program until his retirement in 2022.

During his time with the Bulldogs, Que -- the grandson of Uga IX -- witnessed the most successful run in Georgia history ... a 91-18 record, two national championship wins, two SEC titles and seven New Year's Six bowl appearances.

Que was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2022 ... as well as all his predecessors.

Uga XI -- AKA "Boom" -- took over for Que in April 2023.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Georgia's live mascots have been met with criticism in the past ... with PETA calling on the university to eliminate all four-legged friends from being used on game days.

021023-knowshon-moreno-tavareus-king-kal FEBRUARY 2023
DON'T DOG US

But former Georgia stars like Knowshon Moreno and Tavarres King defended their alma mater ... saying the school treats all Ugas like royalty.

Oscars 2024 Noms Announced, Snubs Galore ... Internet Up in Arms!!!

Published | Updated

This year's Oscar nominations are out, and while a lot of people are happy for those who got the nod -- there were a lot of others left out in the cold ... also known as classic snubs.

Indeed, those who were not nominated for an Academy Award this year are getting just as much chatter as those who did -- and right off the bat, there are some standouts on who was excluded as a nominee, especially on the acting front -- y'know ... the actual stars.

For example, Leo DiCaprio missed out on a Best Actor nod ... even though some assumed he was a shoo-in for 'Killers of the Flower Moon.' Charles Melton, Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman were also kept at bay, despite some stellar acting in 'May December.'

Other snubs being discussed ... Zac Efron ('Iron Claw'), Dominic Sessa ('The Holdovers'), Taraji P. Henson ('The Color Purple'), Rachel McAdams ('Are You There God?'), Barry Keoghan ('Saltburn'), Cailee Spaeny ('Priscilla') and Teyana Taylor ('A Thousand and One').

Of course, there's also the Margot Robbie snub ... which is glaring compared to Ryan Gosling's nod. BTW, Greta Gerwig was also left off the Best Director nomination list.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

There's lots of other snubs in non-acting categories -- but these are the ones people are up in arms about the most on Twitter (er, X). Granted, this indignation goes down each year ... and it's even been happening since the old days, dating back decades at this point.

Hey, you can't win 'em all ... better luck next year!

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

'Star Trek' Star Gary Graham Dead at 73 ... 'Alien Nation,' 'JAG'

Published

Gary Graham -- famous from 'Star Trek: Enterprise' -- has died ... according to his loved ones.

The veteran TV actor passed away Monday -- an announcement that was delivered by his ex-wife, Susan Lavelle, who didn't offer a cause of death or any other details about the circumstances. She did, however, have a touching remembrance for her husband.

She noted his current wife, Becky, was by his side and added -- "Gary was funny, sarcastic sense of humor but kind, fought for what he believed in, a devout Christian and was so proud of his daughter, Haylee. This was sudden so please pray for our daughter as she navigates through this thing called grief. Fly high into the heavens Gar!"

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Gary is perhaps most recognizable from his time on 'STE' ... where he played Ambassador Soval from 2001 to 2005 for a total of 12 episodes. However, another major claim to fame of his came from the late '80s show 'Alien Nation' ... on which he was the co-lead.

Other shows he's been on for a significant amount of time ... 'M.A.N.T.I.S.,' 'JAG,' 'Universal Dead' and others. He's also guest starred on 'Renegades,' 'Work Related,' 'Nip/Tuck,' 'Nash Bridges,' 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' 'Ally McBeal' ... and more.

GG had some films on his resume as well -- including roles in 'The Spy Within,' 'The Last Warrior,' 'The Arrogant,' 'All the Right Moves,' 'Robot Jox,' 'Steel' and lots of others.

He's survived by his daughter, Haylee. Gary was 73.

RIP

YFN Lucci Gets ATL Murder Charge Dropped ... Still Facing Prison Time in Plea Deal

Published

YFN Lucci is suddenly in the clear for the felony murder case he's been facing for nearly 3 years -- and, while he will be going to prison, his attorney believes it won't be for long.

On Tuesday morning, prosecutors dropped 12 of the 13 counts the rapper had been facing, including felony murder, for the death of James Adams ... who was killed during a shootout with a rival Atlanta gang back in December 2020.

Cops didn't suspect Lucci of pulling the trigger, but he was the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the shootout, and he eventually surrendered to cops in January 2021.

Lucci, whose real name is Rayshawn Bennett, pleaded guilty to one count of violating the street gang terrorism and prevention act ... and will have to do time for that. As part of the plea deal, he was hit with a 10-year sentence, plus 10 years probation.

He is getting credit for time served -- Lucci's been jailed awaiting his trial since the spring of 2021, when he violated his release on bond by going to a strip club.

However, his attorney Drew Findling believes his client will only be locked up for a few months. He tells TMZ, "As he has maintained for three years now, Mr. Bennett will NOT cooperate in any other case. By entering into this resolution, he will be eligible for parole in as early as four months from now. The prosecution has also agreed that he should be released early on parole and this will allow him to get back to his children, family and career."

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Findling's math breaks down like this -- Lucci got 10 years, but he's eligible for parole after 40 months ... and since he's been locked up for about 36 months (that's the time served), he's predicting Lucci's release in 4 months, as long as he keeps his nose clean.

Lucci's case was about to go to trial -- jury selection had begun a couple of weeks ago -- but now he's gotten a pretty huge break in the 11th hour.

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Argue on Podcast ... Talk 'Pressure' of Relationship

Published | Updated
012324-Amy-Robach-4-getty- 01/23/24
FEELING THE PRESSURE

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes got to bickering about their love life on their podcast -- where they talked about the "pressure" in their relationship ... and boy was it awkward!

The former 'GMA3' anchors-turned-lovers trotted out a new episode of "Amy & T.J." Monday which was aptly called 'Things Ain't Right' ... and during the course of their 47-minute long convo, they touched on a number of issues -- including how they're doing personally.

Can't even lie, this is pretty cringeworthy to listen to ... 'cause you can tell there's tension here between the couple, and ya might even say they argue a little bit in their chat.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

The whole thing stems from Amy going on this rant about "choosing love" as it pertains to her career -- and the way it comes out seems to rub T.J. the wrong way ... as he asks her to elaborate, especially when discussing pressure she feels in their situation.

She attempts to clear up what she means ... ultimately landing on something to the effect of -- she feels like she's had her career taken from her, and that it's unfair since she chose him.

012324-TJ-Holmes---getty 01/23/24
SOMETHING WAS UP

Eventually, T.J. himself chimes in ... and notes, she obviously feels some type of way -- explaining that he'd been sensing passive-aggressiveness from her even earlier that day. T.J. basically says ... as long as we're good, I'm good. He seems more at ease than she does.

Take a listen for yourself, because from what we can tell ... this for sure sounds like the first signs of trouble in paradise between them that we've seen or heard. Up until now, they've come across as two peas in a pod with no issues at all. But something's bubbling up here.

RIHANNA FANGIRLS OVER NATALIE PORTMAN 'Hottest Bitch In H'wood!!'

Published

Rihanna and Natalie Portman are the duo we didn't know we needed ... until now, that is -- 'cause they came together in the most epic of ways, with mutual adoration for the other.

Check out this clip that's making the rounds ... you see RiRI fangirling hard after running into Natalie in Paris -- where she tells her she's the "hottest bitch in Hollywood." NP ain't shy about dishing out the compliments either ... 'cause she's clearly a fan of Rihanna as well.

Rihanna shamelessly makes it crystal clear she's well acquainted with ALL of Natalie's acting resume ... in particular, commending her abilities for pulling off the perfect innocent impression. Yeah, she's not kidding about being a fan -- you know she's seen her work.

Natalie, for her part, is pretty taken aback that RiRi is star-struck ... saying she may faint by all the love being poured on her. Like we said, she's certainly familiar with Rihanna too.

It's pretty funny to watch -- usually, Rihanna has a cool, calm, collected demeanor about herself in just about everything she does ... but here, she's like a kid in a candy store!

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

The exchange doesn't end there ... Rihanna asks someone to take a snap of them, to which they happily obliged. The two mega stars posed for a pic ... flashing big smiles.

Yeah, she's probably gonna frame that one ... maybe ditto for Natalie.

'GMA' HOST MICHAEL STRAHAN DAUGHTER ISABELLA ENJOYS VACAY R&R ... Amid Brain Tumor Battle

Published | Updated

Michael Strahan's daughter Isabella is finally kicking back for a much-needed pool day ... after wrapping up her last radiation treatment to tackle her brain cancer.

The 19-year-old posed away with her twin sister Sophia in a series of bikini-clad IG snaps Monday from their sunny vacation ... captioning it, "In good company."

Isabella also enjoyed some R&R at the beach ... smiling wide as she made the most of the break before starting chemotherapy next month.

She said she was excited to be done with radiation during a candid YouTube video last week ... nearly 3 months after doctors found a malignant brain tumor.

She explained on 'GMA' earlier this month her cancer is known as medulloblastoma -- noting docs discovered a tumor as big as a golf ball lodged toward the base of her skull.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Upon the discovery, Isabella underwent emergency surgery at Cedars-Sinai in L.A. ... where she's attending college at USC. The procedure to remove the mass appears to have been a success.

Her dad dropped everything in NYC at the time ... booking a flight to the West Coast to be by his daughter's side -- which explained why Michael had been off the air so much back in the fall.

Isabella will begin chemotherapy at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center in Durham, NC, in February.

Dwayne Johnson Joins New WWE Board Gets Ownership of 'The Rock'

Published

We can definitely smell what The Rock is cooking now -- dude's whipped up a mogul souffle ... 'cause he's now on the new WWE board, and he's got exclusive rights to his stage name.

Dwayne Johnson was announced as the newest board of directors member for TKO -- which now owns WWE and UFC as a new one-stop shop entity. As one of the shot-callers of the org, DJ will not only get some executive decision-making power ... but other perks too.

For starters, he's getting some stock options -- which are valued at $30 million, and which will vest over time. More importantly, he's being granted the full trademark to 'The Rock' ... which he has pretty much gone by his entire career, dating back to when he was in the ring.

As part of this new move, Dwayne will get to capitalize on his moniker -- specifically, as it pertains to merchandising/royalties the WWE might make by using 'The Rock' in business.

THR reports that part of the deal between DJ and TKO regarding 'The Rock' rights sees that TKO gets an exclusive licensing deal for 10 years to use the brand for certain products ... and during that time, Dwayne can't go and license it to other companies competitive with them. In other words, he receives the trademark ... but WWE gets a decade to milk it.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

The Rock said of the news ... "My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come."

He adds, "Which is why I’m very humbled to have a seat at the table that has decades of history and family legacy for me. A table that my family helped to build. Being on the TKO Board of Directors, and taking full ownership of my name, ‘The Rock’, is not only unprecedented, but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life is coming full circle."

Kanye West Hey Paparazzi, This Is How Ya Shoot Me ... All About These Angles!!!

Published | Updated

Kanye West is getting hands on with the paparazzi ... directing photographers on how to shoot him and his wife Bianca Censori's stroll through a parking lot, and the exchange is hilarious.

TMZ obtained video of Yeezy yelling at multiple paps, telling them the proper angles -- in his mind, at least -- to use while photographing the couple leaving a Melrose Place tanning salon.

You can hear Kanye directing photogs where to stand, as he attempts to turn the back alley parking lot into his own personal set. The takeaway -- don't dare to shoot Ye at a 45-degree angle!!!

The funny interaction between Kanye and the paparazzi went down at the same time a homeless man appeared, and started screaming at Ye and Bianca in a bizarre rant.

As we reported, Kanye and his wife seemed pretty alarmed when the guy got near their car and blocked their path.

Guess this ain't a closed set.

Anyway, it's interesting to see Kanye working closely with the paps here ... seeing as how he's frequently been at odds with them.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Seems Kanye and photogs are starting off 2024 on the right foot -- but we'll see how long that lasts.

Taylor Swift Man Busted Near Her NYC Townhouse ... Twice In Three Days!!!

Published | Updated

update

1/23 -- 7:54 AM PT -- The NYPD says the guy who got dragged away in a police car Monday has been arrested and booked on stalking and harassment charges.

The department says, "Officers were approached by multiple complainants who pointed out an emotionally disturbed male acting erratically at the location. Once officers observed the male harassing multiple complainants, they took him to custody without further incidents; no injuries were reported." The dude's name is David Crowe -- and he's apparently from Seattle.

Taylor Swift had the same dude who was busted at her place this weekend show up on her doorstep AGAIN this week -- and best believe ... cops showed up to handle it.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the man who was cuffed and hauled away Saturday while trying to access Taylor's NYC townhouse had the gall to swing by her pad yet again on Monday, something her security team and surrounding neighbors immediately noticed.

012224-taylor-swift-stalker-kal 1/22/24
TAKEN BY COPS

We're told the head of Taylor's security immediately called cops when the dude arrived, and our sources say everyone reported the same thing ... namely, that he was just lurking.

Of course, considering what just happened a couple days ago with this fella ... that's a huge problem. We're told NYPD officers eventually arrived to the scene, but couldn't immediately find the man -- however, it didn't take long to track him down ... he was around the corner.

Our sources say they found less than a block away from Taylor's residence -- and that's where this interaction with the cops went down, with officers once again throwing him in handcuffs and into the back of one of their police cruisers.

No question about it ... we're told this is, in fact, the same dude from Saturday-- but we're not sure at this point what's gonna happen to him, or if charges are being pressed either.

You'll recall ... when he was originally picked up, cops say they found him fiddling with Taylor's front door, in what police perceived as an attempt to enter without authorization.

When they ran him in their system, they found there was an open warrant for his arrest -- this pertaining to a separate case from 2017 when he failed to show up to court.

It goes without saying ... him coming back to the scene so soon after all that is troubling, to say the least -- and ya gotta figure law enforcement will be a little stricter this time around.

012324_tmz_live_taylor_stalker_kal
THE GROWING STALKER CRISIS

Then again, we know celebs have had a hard time achieving successful deterrents from these sorts of people who appear to be obsessed with them ... with the criminal justice system often failing to protect them from potential danger.

Stalkers-Landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

As you know ... Taylor has had a long, documented history with stalkers in her own career ... including one who was previously arrested for trying to get into her Manhattan pad a few years back. Unclear if this guy is that, but already ... he's not setting a good precedent.

Our new documentary, "TMZ Investigates: Obsessed and Dangerous: Hollywood's Stalker Crisis," airs Monday at 9/8c on FOX ... and we break down Taylor's stories and more.

Originally Published -- 1/22/24 5:31 PM PT