Lennox Lewis Open To Mike Tyson Rematch 'If the People Want It'

FEBRUARY 2021
UP TO THE FANS
TMZSports.com

Lennox Lewis says he'd seriously consider getting back in the ring with Mike Tyson for a long-awaited rematch ... but only if there was a serious demand.

"If the public wanted it then we would probably talk," the former heavyweight champ tells TMZ Sports.

Lewis famously KO'd Tyson in the 8th round when they clashed in June 2002 -- despite Tyson making some wild threats in the build-up to the fight (remember, Tyson said he wanted to "eat" Lennox's children!?).

But, after Tyson's incredible performance against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020, there's definitely an appetite to see "Iron" Mike get back in the ring.

NOVEMBER 2020
SO IT BEGINS
TMZSports.com

Question is ... who will be Mike's next opponent?! 55-year-old Lennox?

Lennox hasn't fought professionally since a 2003 victory over Vitali Klitschko -- but he admitted he'd consider squaring up with Tyson ... but only if the situation was perfect.

"I don't know. I don't really have nothing pushing me in the ring right now. People would love to see that fight but I don't know."

Our photog asked if a poll on TMZ Sports would help sway the boxer ... who admitted he's curious how that would go.

So, VOTE if you want to see the rematch!

Lennox vs. Tyson Rematch:

Grace VanderWaal 'Stargirl' Making Bank ... $325k For Movies!!!

Grace VanderWaal isn't seeing stars, she's seeing dollar signs ... because we've learned she's getting paid a nice chunk of change for her lead role in "Stargirl."

The 17-year-old singer is off to a pretty strong start financially in her acting career after securing top billing in the Disney+ movie, "Stargirl." According to her minor's contract, obtained by TMZ, Grace took home a base salary of $125,000 for the first film, and it looks like she's got a bigger payday on the horizon for the upcoming sequel.

Grace is in line to double her earnings for the second 'Stargirl' movie ... the contract says she'll get paid a cool $250,000 to reprise her role as Stargirl Caraway, and Disney says the sequel is already in development.

We'll do the math for ya ... Grace will earn at least $375,000 just in base pay for both films. And, if there's a third film, she'll rake in $500,000. Yes, it pays well to be a Disney star.

Fat paydays are nothing new for Grace who, at the tender age of 12, banked $1 million for winning "America's Got Talent."

Celebrity Snowbirds Stars Vacationing In Mexico

With the travel bans and mandatory quarantines in full effect around most places, these celebs have been trying to avoid all that by heading south of the US border for a getaway!

With the limited restrictions, it's been hard for stars to resist a trip. Amelia Gray Hamlin, Kylie Jenner, and Lottie Moss are just a few of the stars that have headed down south to social distance!

Even Senator Ted Cruz tried his hand at a trip down to Cancun before having to return early, after facing backlash for leaving the state of Texas in the middle of an ice storm.

Take a look at all the other celebrity snowbirds that have made their way to Mexico by scrolling through our gallery ... safe travels!

Tekashi69 Sued I Got a Bottle Upside My Head!!! Stripper Blames Rapper

Tekashi69's got the wrong idea of what bottle service means in a Miami strip club, according to a dancer who claims he smashed her in the head ... after someone called him out for snitching.

Now Alexis Salaberrios is striking back at the rapper with a lawsuit she filed Friday over what she claims was a bloody incident inside Gold Rush Cabaret on February 20. In the suit, she alleges Tekashi threw a "deadly object with intent to commit serious bodily injury."

Her attorney, David M. Tarlow, tells TMZ the object was a champagne bottle, and he's claiming Tekashi threw it because someone called him a rat. Problem is, the bottle missed his intended target, and Alexis alleges she ended up taking it to the dome.

He tells us her alleged injuries required a trip to the ER where she got several staples to close a head wound.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Alexis is also ripping Gold Rush for its lack of security around Tekashi, considering he's known to have a "propensity for violence."

After she was injured, Alexis alleges club staffers ushered 6ix9ine out of the joint, and immediately pressured her not to call police. Tarlow says Alexis ignored them, and did report the incident to cops.

She's suing the club for gross negligence, and Tekashi for aggravated battery -- but he feels the lawsuit's just a money grab.

Tekashi's attorney Lance Lazzaro tells TMZ ... his client was not involved in any such incident, and adds, "There are video cameras in the establishment. It’s an attempt to shake him down. If he is served properly, we will immediately move to have it dismissed."

Cardi B & Hennessy Defamation Suit's a Money Grab ... See Right Through It, Judge

Cardi B and her sister say the people suing them over a MAGA dispute on the beach are just looking for an easy payday ... and they want the lawsuit tossed out of court.

The rapper and her sister, Hennessy Carolina, filed a motion to dismiss the defamation suit Peter Caliendo, Pauline Caliendo and Manuel Alarcon filed against them in New York last summer following a squabble in the Hamptons.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Cardi and Hennessy claim their legal foes are only seeking a windfall from them because they are celebrities ... and they're hoping a judge sees it the same way they do.

9/6/20
BERATED AT THE BEACH
@hennessycarolina / Instagram

As we reported ... CB and her sis were sued after allegedly labeling a group of beachgoers as "racist MAGA supporters" while putting them on blast online. But, Cardi and Hennessy say the heated words were just their opinions ... and that doesn't make them liable for defamation.

Video showed both sides engaged in a heated argument at the beach -- but, in their docs, Cardi and Hennessy say "the remedy for thin skin is thicker skin, not a lawsuit."

James Charles I'm Not Grooming 16-Year-Old Boy

James Charles is denying accusations he's grooming a 16-year-old boy ... he claims the person making the accusation told him he was 18 before they started flirting over social media.

James just addressed a video making the rounds on social media where a boy claims JC is "grooming" him. His accuser claims James sent him sexually-explicit messages and pictures on Snapchat.

JC says the boy sent him lewd photos first, and he didn't start "flirting back" until the kid told him he was 18.

The boy posted his accusations in a video, with alleged screengrabs of his back and forth with James.

DISTURBING APPROACH
@Isaiyah13

In hindsight, James says he shoulda confirmed the boy's age before flirting with him. JC says their conversation led him to realize the kid was way younger than he allegedly claimed, and that's when James says he ended the virtual interaction.

James says he's not victim-blaming but just says he's sharing his side of the story ... and he claims he's learned a valuable lesson.

Ice Cube Rips Warner Bros Over 'Friday' ... Let Me Make Sequels!!!

Ice Cube is just as pissed as you are that there hasn't been a "Friday" sequel in nearly 20 years, and he's blaming Warner Bros for blocking the franchise.

Cube just fired a shot at WB on Twitter, claiming the media giant is refusing to hand him the reins on the "Friday" franchise to make more sequels, and thus hijacking the "happiness of the culture."

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Ice Cube has been really pissed off with how he's been treated by Warner Bros through the years, and the dispute over more sequels is just the tip of the iceberg -- no pun intended.

Our sources say WB owns the rights to the 'Friday' franchise, and the studio doesn't seem interested in making any more sequels at the moment. The OG "Friday" was released in 1995, followed by 2000's "Next Friday" and 2002's "Friday After Next."

We're told Cube is pissed because Warner Bros is refusing to release the rights to him so he can produce sequels somewhere else ... and our sources say Cube feels like the 'Friday' franchise is his art, and if WB doesn't want to make more movies they should give him the rights so he can.

We reached out to WB ... so far no word back.

Bryan Cranston Don't Waste Your Energy ... Buy My Eco-Friendly Beach House!!!

"Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston's moving on to new turf, and leaving behind a beachfront property he turned into a home with a net-zero carbon footprint.

The Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actor has listed his super hip, eco-friendly pad in Ventura, CA -- called "Three Palms" -- for just a touch under $5 million ... after paying about half that for it back in 2007.

BC says he put his "heart, soul and blood, sweat and often tears" into renovating the place and turning it into the modernized, unique, sustainable and energy-efficient home it is today.

Completed in 2013, the house now features a 2-story floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2,450 sq. ft of living space. Along with an ocean view, it comes with the option of buying Bryan's custom furniture and personal art collection too.

Cranston says of his decision to sell ... "There’s something lovely about creating something with tremendous pride and effort and turning it over, letting someone else take it to the next level of appreciation."

The listing agent calls it "one of the most remarkable green homes ever built in California."

That's almost as impressive as Walter White cooking 99.1-percent pure meth.

Lady Gaga 'My Heart is Sick' Over Stolen Dogs ... Calls Walker a Hero

UPDATE

1:59 PM PT -- Gaga has spoken out for the first time since her dogs were stolen, saying, "My beloved dogs Koji and Gustav were taken in Hollywood two nights ago. My heart is sick and I am praying my family will be whole again with an act of kindness. I will pay $500,000 for their safe return." Gaga also included KojiandGustav@gmail.com for anyone to write to with info.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Gaga also thanked Ryan, saying, "If you bought or found them unknowingly, the reward is the same. I continue to love you Ryan Fischer, you risked your life to fight for our family. You’re forever a hero."

Lady Gaga's dog walker -- who put his life on the line for her beloved animals -- is expected to make a full recovery ... and his family is thanking Gaga for her support.

The family of Ryan Fischer tells us, "Ryan is receiving extraordinary care in the hospital right now and his doctors expect him to make a full recovery. We cannot possibly say enough to thank all of the first responders, nurses and doctors who have worked so tirelessly to care for Ryan."

They also give a massive thank you to Gaga, saying, "Of course, we also want to thank Lady Gaga who has shown nothing but non-stop love and concern for Ryan and our family right from the outset. Ryan loves Gustavo and Koji as much as Lady Gaga does; so we join in her plea for their safe return."

2/24/21
VIOLENT ABDUCTION
TMZ.com

TMZ broke the story, Fischer was shot while walking Gaga's 3 French bulldog's Wednesday night in Hollywood ... the thieves made off with 2 of the dogs, leaving Ryan begging for help on the sidewalk.

Cops have not yet named any suspects, but our sources say there's reason to believe the attack was a targeted hit on Gaga's dogs for ransom.

Gaga has offered $500,000 for the return of Koji and Gustav, "no questions asked."

Travis Scott Helps Feed 50k People in Houston ... Amid Nasty Winter

Travis Scott's helping 50,000 folks in Houston weather the winter storm they've been dealing with ... by providing them all a hot meal.

The rapper and his Cactus Jack Foundation have teamed up with Mayor Sylvester Turner to launch an emergency food program Friday that will feed 50k residents who've been impacted by Texas' historic freeze.

Travis' foundation's working with local agencies and restaurant owners to get the hot meals to those still recovering from the frigid temperatures and days without water or power ... with the most vulnerable Houstonians at the front of the line.

The deliveries have been ongoing all over the city on Friday, and include truckloads of bottled water.

As you may know ... Travis is a Houston native and is regularly looking out for his hometown, including the huge toy drive he held for the holidays. His Cactus Jack Foundation also recently launched a scholarship program to help teens in furthering their education.

Howard U. Prez Dr. Frederick Doing Work to Raise $$$ ... And Seeking HU's First Female Prez!!!

GETTING RESOURCES WE NEED
TMZ.com

Howard University's President says the money that's been pouring into the school is a testament to its dedication to diversity, and yes ... its connection to famous alums like VP Kamala Harris.

Dr. Wayne Frederick joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday on the heels of receiving a massive $20 million donation from the Marriott Foundation for a hospitality leadership center ... something he tells us has been in the works for a while.

The center will be named the Marriott-Sorenson Center in honor of Marriott's late CEO Arne Sorenson, who Dr. Frederick says was devoted to diversity and shared the same values as Howard U.

Speaking of diversity, Dr. Frederick dropped a huge hint that Howard will be making a huge progressive step when it hires its next president ... at least, it will if he gets his wish.

Seems he's seeking a female candidate to make history -- much like VP Harris, but just at HU. As Dr. Frederick put it ... the time is now, especially considering the makeup of Howard's student body.

Jeremy Lin Tired of Anti-Asian American Hate I've Been Called 'Coronavirus' On Court

Jeremy Lin is fed up with people acting like anti-Asian American racism doesn't exist -- saying he's personally experienced the hatred on the basketball court where he's been called names like "Coronavirus."

The former NBA star -- who currently plays for the Santa Cruz Warriors -- unloaded on social media about the rising numbers of hate incidents directed at Asians in America.

In New York and San Francisco, officials say hate crime incidents are up BIG versus previous years.

The NYPD reported 28 hate crimes against Asian Americans in 2020 ... up from 3 in 2019.

Data out of SF shows 9 hate crimes against Asians in 2020 ... up 33% from the 6 in 2019, according to the Washington Post.

Additionally, the Asian American advocacy group AAPI says it's received more than 2,500 reports of hate incidents in the U.S. directed at Asians since March 2020.

Enter Lin ... who's simply had enough.

"Something is changing in this generation of Asian Americans," 32-year-old Lin said Thursday in an emotionally-charged Facebook post.

"We are tired of being told that we don't experience racism, we are tired of being told to keep our heads down and not make trouble."

"We are tired of Asian American kids growing up and being asked where they're REALLY from, of having our eyes mocked, of being objectified as exotic or being told we're inherently unattractive."

"We are tired of the stereotypes in Hollywood affecting our psyche and limiting who we think we can be. We are tired of being invisible, of being mistaken for our colleague or told our struggles aren't as real."

Lin -- a Taiwanese-American -- says he's motivated to make a difference to make sure future generations are treated equally and respectfully in the U.S.

"I want better for my niece and nephew and future kids. I want better for the next generation of Asian American athletes than to have to work so hard to just be 'deceptively athletic.'"

Lin also noted he's been called names like "coronavirus" on the court -- and doesn't want anyone else to have to experience the same racism.

He ended his post with a simple question -- "So here we are again, sharing how we feel. Is anyone listening?"

Chrishell Stause Splits with Keo

Chrishell Stause is single, like really single ... cuz just around the time her divorce from Justin Hartley was finalized, her relationship with her new boyfriend also came to an end.

Sources close to the former couple tell TMZ ... the "Selling Sunset" star and Keo Motsepe came to a mutual decision to end their relationship after about 3 months of dating.

Our sources say Chrishell's relationship with the 'DWTS' star had simply run its course. They started dating back in December 2020, so it was short and sweet.

2/24/21
KEEPIN' IT HUSH
TMZ.com

We got Chrishell and her "Selling Sunset" co-star, Mary Fitzgerald, Wednesday afternoon at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker in West Hollywood ... and Chrishell was reluctant to say much of anything about Keo. Now it makes sense, they were on the outs.

TMZ broke the story ... Chrishell and Justin finalized their divorce Monday, so it's been an eventful week for her.

Justin's still going strong with his girlfriend, Sofia Pernas, but now Chrishell is flying solo.

Sen. Ted Cruz 'I Love Orlando, But It's No Cancun!!!' Too Soon? Not at CPAC

Ted Cruz is already cracking jokes about his infamous trip to Mexico during the deadly winter storm in Texas, and his audience -- in Florida -- is loving it.

The Senator, who'd been on the PR ropes since jetting to Cancun, took a shot -- at himself and his haters -- by opening his speech at CPAC in Orlando with a shout-out to the host city, but added, "It's not as nice as Cancun." Ba dum tss.

Ted tries to let the punchline sink in and waits a few beats before wrapping up the rest of the joke -- which, btw, didn't exactly kill, even with a conservative crowd. It was definitely mixed applause.

2/18/21
BACK TO TEXAS
BACKGRID

As you know ... Cruz jetted off to warm and sunny Cancun while his constituents were without power, some literally freezing to death. He was shamed into flying back the next day.

Cruz apologized when he was back in the Lone Star State, handing out water and BBQ to his fellow Texans. Gotta wonder if those constituents are ready to laugh at his Cancun jokes.

Lady Gaga Dognappers May Have Targeted Singer for Ransom

Lady Gaga may have been the target of criminals who shot her dog walker and stole 2 of her French Bulldogs ... law enforcement tells TMZ.

We're told the LAPD is seriously looking at the possibility the shooter/thieves knew the dogs were owned by Gaga, and the video obtained by TMZ more than supports that theory.

2/24/21
VIOLENT ABDUCTION
TMZ.com

If you look closely, the car that comes upon dog walker Ryan Fischer clearly was headed for him. The car stops and two people immediately jump out and attack the dog walker. There's no way they would have instantly known these dogs were a valuable breed ... they're small and it was dark outside. The dogs could have easily been rescues, mixed breeds, a less valuable breed ... fact is, these criminals knew.

What's more ... our law enforcement sources tell us, Ryan Fischer told numerous people in the neighborhood he was walking Gaga's dogs, so lots of people knew.

From what we know, this was supposed to be a short walk -- 10 PM at night, so the dogs could go poop and pee. It's not like the robbers were able to follow Ryan a long distance ... if they were indeed targeting Gaga's dogs, they could have scoped him out in the days before to determine his walking schedule.

As for the $500,000 ransom Gaga is offering ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ no one has been in touch with the singer or her reps so far demanding payment.

What makes matters even more difficult ... we're told the dogs were not chipped.

Renee Montgomery & Group Buy WNBA's Atlanta Dream ... from Sen. Kelly Loeffler

BIG MOVES
TMZSports.com
UPDATE

9:58 AM PT -- LeBron James is showing some serious love to his "More Than A Vote" initiative partner ... congratulating Montgomery on Twitter.

UPDATE

"So proud of this Queen," James said Friday." This is everything we are about!"

UPDATE

Remember, the Lakers superstar previously expressed interest in putting together a group to buy the Dream ... but it's safe to say he's thrilled with the new ownership.

Renee Montgomery has gone from the WNBA court to the owner's box -- she's part of an ownership group that just bought the Atlanta Dream from Sen. Kelly Loeffler.

The exact financial terms of the deal are unclear -- but we're told the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors both unanimously approved the sale.

The move makes Montgomery -- who recently retired after 11 seasons -- the first former WNBA player to have an ownership stake in a WNBA team.

Montgomery's 3-person ownership group is comprised of 2 big wigs from the Northland real estate firm -- chairman Larry Gottesdiener and President and COO Suzanne Abair.

"My dream has come true," Montgomery said in a statement to TMZ Sports.

"Breaking barriers for minorities and women by being the first former WNBA player to have both a stake in ownership and a leadership role with the ownership team is an opportunity that I take very seriously. I invite you to join me as the Dream builds momentum in Atlanta!"

Montgomery played 2 seasons with the Atlanta Dream before opting out of the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice initiatives.

In fact, the 2-time WNBA champion was an outspoken supporter of the WNBA and its players for pushing Black Lives Matter messaging during games -- despite pushback from Sen. Loeffler.

Loeffler was loudly against the WNBA promoting the Black Lives Matter movement during the 2020 season -- claiming it "promoted violence and destruction across the country."

Montgomery publicly disagreed and questioned why Loeffler "wants to be involved with a brand that just doesn't align with her views."

Loeffler and her former Dream co-owner Mary Brock issued a statement on the deal -- saying, "10 years ago we stepped up to keep the Dream in Atlanta, as an important asset for a vibrant and diverse city."

"It was also important to us to help level the playing field for women’s professional sports. We are proud of what we accomplished and wish the team well in their next chapter."

"We will always value the hard work and dedication, and the memories, fans and friendships that sustained our commitment to the Atlanta Dream over the last decade."

Renee and her team have their work cut out for them -- the Dream was 7-15 in 2020 and didn't make the playoffs.

However, there are bright spots on the roster including rising stars like Chennedy Carter, who made the WNBA's All-Rookie Team after an impressive 2020 season.

Montgomery has been super busy off-the-court -- she recently teamed up with Marshawn Lynch as a co-owner of Team Beasts in the new Fan Controlled Football League.

Plus, she also co-hosts the "TMZ Sports" TV show, which airs nightly on FS1.

Congrats!!!

Originally Published -- 9:02 AM PT

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