Harry Styles Reportedly Cast as Thanos' Brother ... In Marvel's 'Eternals'

Harry Styles is sharing his watermelon sugar high with the cast of the new "Eternals" movie ... because he's taking on the role of Thanos' brother.

The singer is getting back to acting in a big way -- getting on camera for Marvel, no less, in Chloe Zhao's forthcoming superhero offering -- which just had its world premiere Monday in L.A. Variety's Matt Donnelly broke the news ... and no other outlet has confirmed, which seems to be for a reason. Word is, Variety gave up a huge spoiler here. 😅

Donnelly says Harry has joined the MCU as Thanos' sibling, Eros ... who's younger than the 'Avengers' big bad, and apparently is a mischievous womanizer of sorts in the comics.

Sounds like perfect casting, eh?!?

Strangely enough ... Harry did not appear to be in attendance for the red carpet event -- which makes sense. As you may or may not know, the guy's on tour right now ... and he was halfway across the country doing his show in Cleveland Monday night. Seeing how he isn't part of the main cast ... something tells us his intro might be a surprise at the end.

Now, we know what you might be thinking ... are they gonna have Harry boy in a ton of CGI like they did for Josh Brolin to turn him into Thanos. Not necessary, as it turns out!

Eros, who also doubles as "Starfox" when in hero mode, looks more or less like a human ... so they might not need a full-blown Hollywood transformation for him.

Wazzu's Nick Rolovich Coach Fired For Refusing Vaccine

Washington State football head coach Nick Rolovich has lost his job ... and it's all 'cause he refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The school announced the move late Monday evening ... explaining the coach's vax decision paired with state rules and regulations forced university officials' hands.

The school also said four of Rolovich's assistants -- Ricky Logo, John Richardson, Craig Stutzmann and Mark Weber -- were also being terminated over their refusal to get the shots.

"This is a disheartening day for our football program," said athletics director Pat Chun, who announced the team's defensive coordinator, Jake Dickert, would replace Rolovich. "Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team."

"The leadership on our football team is filled with young men of character, selflessness and resiliency and we are confident these same attributes will help guide this program as we move forward."

Rolovich has publicly been a staunch anti-vaxxer for months ... famously not showing up to Pac-12 media days in July over the conference's vaccine rules and regulations.

Rolovich had said at the time his reasoning for turning down the vax "will remain private" ... though it's since been reported the 42-year-old had been seeking a religious exemption.

Clearly, he didn't get it ... and with Washington mandating that its state employees get the vax -- Rolovich's time at Wazzu ended Monday.

"WSU students, faculty, and staff understand the importance of getting vaccinated and wearing masks so that we can safely return to in-person learning and activities," school president Kirk Schulz said.

"I am proud of all those members of our community who have set the example and taken the steps to protect not just themselves, but their fellow Cougs."

Wazzu is slated to play next on Saturday against BYU.

Katie Couric I Was Devastated and Disgusted by Matt Lauer

LEFT IN THE DARK
NBC

Katie Couric says she never saw the dark side of her former "Today" show co-host Matt Lauer, but she concedes there was gossip surrounding the now-infamous revelations.

Couric was pushing her memoir on "Today" Tuesday and went in hard on Lauer, saying she was devastated and disgusted when the news broke over allegations he was abusive toward women on the staff.

It's almost a mirror of Season 2 of "The Morning Show." Couric says Lauer was a great colleague and she never saw the other side of him. When Savannah Guthrie pressed, Couric acknowledged there were rumors floating around, but she felt it was none of her business.

She went on to say she has no relationship with Lauer and their friendship has fully deteriorated.

10/1/21
YOU RUINED MY CAREER!
TMZ.com

More intriguing ... Couric addressed allegations she derailed Ashleigh Banfield's career -- something we talked to Banfield about on "TMZ Live." Couric's answer was guarded ... she flatly denied the allegation, but then took a shot at Banfield, saying it was hard to be generous when someone was gunning for your job.

Vanessa Bryant Files 'KB24' Trademark Plans Kobe Sports And Entertainment Empire

Kobe Bryant's legacy will live on in the form of media, clothes, trading cards and more ... with Vanessa Bryant filing to trademark "KB24" to create a sports and entertainment empire surrounding her late husband's name.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Vanessa submitted docs earlier this month to lock in the trademark for digital collectible items, websites, training camps, broadcasting platforms, podcasts, TV shows, movies, documentaries and music ... as well as sports cards, food/drink containers and t-shirts.

Kobe, Inc. -- the Lakers legend's company -- is listed as the applicant of the filing ... with Vanessa signing off as the president of the business.

The move almost certainly provides a blueprint for what the Bryant family plans to do in the future ... with the "KB24" brand poised to enter a number of outlets.

As we previously reported, Vanessa decided to cut ties with Kobe's longtime sneaker and clothing partner, Nike, after issues over money and shoe availability.

It appears the "KB24" brand will look to grow without the Swoosh ... naming a large number of clothing items in the application -- although shoes are NOT listed.

However, Vanessa filed for "Mamba and Mambacita" back in March ... with the intent of using it for clothes and shoes, so that might explain why "KB24" may not be focused on sneakers.

"KB24" adds to the growing list of trademarks the Hall of Famer's estate has filed since Kobe and Gigi's tragic deaths back in January 2020 ... including "Mamba Sports Academy," "Mambacita," "Lady Mambas," "Lil Mambas" and more.

Flavor Flav Arrested for Domestic Battery

Flavor Flav landed in jail after being arrested for a domestic violence incident earlier this month in Nevada ... TMZ has learned.

According to law enforcement ... the Public Enemy co-founder was booked on a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery on Oct. 5 by the Henderson PD.

We're told cops responded to a call about a domestic disturbance and when they got there Flav was placed into custody and taken to the Henderson Detention Center.

According to the criminal complaint, obtained by TMZ, Flav allegedly poked his finger on the alleged victim's nose, grabbed her, threw her down and grabbed a phone out her hand.

The City Attorney tells us Flavor Flav is officially charged with misdemeanor battery constituting domestic violence.

Flav's attorney, David Chesnoff, tells TMZ ... "in alleged domestic violence cases, there are often 2 sides to the story and we will explain our side in the courtroom and not in the media."

CURRENT ENEMY
TMZ.com

We recently got Flav out at LAX, where he laid out his demands for Chuck D and what it would take for a Public Enemy reunion.

Meanwhile, Flavor Flav's manager tells us Tuesday will mark one year of sobriety from alcohol for Flav ... and added that it's been 15 months since he quit smoking cigarettes.

Aaron Carter Cops Plea in Georgia DUI Case ... No Jail Time

Aaron Carter can finally close the book on his DUI case from 4 years ago in Georgia -- and he's gotta be pretty happy, because he's walking away without doing a day in jail.

A court clerk from Habersham County tells TMZ ... Aaron struck a deal with prosecutors, agreeing to plea no contest to reckless driving for the 2017 stop where he refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. The DUI charge goes away.

We're told Aaron will be placed on 12 months of probation, while also having to complete 40 hours of community service and take some DUI risk reduction classes ... plus, shell out around $1,500 in court fees and fines. AC will also be subjected to a drug and alcohol evaluation, and has to comply with whatever other treatment is seen as appropriate.

Assuming all goes well during his probation, he won't have to spend any time behind bars -- which was technically on the table as a possibility when he got arrested.

You'll recall ... Aaron got pulled over in Habersham while cruising with his then-girlfriend, Madison Parker, but declined to submit to the breathalyzer when cops suspected he was under the influence.

Now, the case is officially over and done with.

YOU DON'T WANT THESE HANDS
TMZSports.com

So, what's next for Carter? He previously told TMZ Sports he's eyeing another celeb boxing match after losing his first one to Lamar Odom.

Based on that first fight, he should pray Lamar shows as much mercy as prosecutors did on the DUI case!!!

Ernie on 'Hocus Pocus' 'Memba Him?!

California native Larry Bagby was only 19 years old when he landed the role of the candy-hungry bully Ernie -- who terrorizes the streets of Salem and even shaves his nickname "ICE" into the back of his head -- on the classic 1993 Disney family fright film "Hocus Pocus."

The iconic witchy movie is brewed up with some A-list ingredients including Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy and Bette Midler as the sorceress sisters Sarah, Winnie and Mary Sanderson ... and of course Tora Birch as the adorable Halloween lover, Dani Dennison.

Guess what Larry Bagby looks like now at 47 years old!

Megan Thee Stallion Buns Out for 1st Anniv. with My BF ... It's a Party with Pardi!!!

Megan Thee Stallion and her BF are celebrating one year together by looking back, and it's clear her guy is enjoying the rearview ... a lot!!!

MTS just dropped a photo dump on her Instagram to mark her one-year anniversary with rapper Pardi Fontaine -- 10 glorious shots of them grabbing ass and having a blast.

In the first pic, Megan's holding a cocktail with her butt, and Pardi is taking a big ole sip ... yes, they look like one fun couple.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

There's also pics of Megan hugging a shirtless Pardi below the waist, a mirror selfie with his hands all over her butt and a snorkeling photo where he's posing like he's about to take a big ole bite of her ... um, peach.

It's not all hot shots ... Megan also posted some wholesome content of them dressed to the nines, taking selfies in cars and there's even a piggyback ride outside a private jet.

If they continue on this trend ... we can't imagine what Megan and Pardi's second-anniversary shots are gonna look like!!! But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Kourtney & Travis Engagement No Longer At a Crossroads But Let's Pose on One Anyway!!!

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are all aboard the love train as they prepare to get hitched -- but even after the proposal ... they were still feeling literal about that metaphor.

Check out these pics of the happy couple a day after TB popped the question -- they're still out in Montecito, and as close as ever ... if not more so. KK was flashing her giant rock, while also sporting a hoodie that might as well scream, here's the soon-to-be Mrs. Barker!

Anyway, they were in lockstep, strolling to a railroad crossing ... where they locked lips and posed for photos. The train tracks are actually integrated into the design of the Rosewood Beach Hotel in Montecito where the couple got engaged ... so the photo shoot location isn't totally random.

Seems Kourt might've been having some fun with the paps who were firing away from afar ... apparently getting some shots of her own while standing directly on the train tracks. Probably unintended on everyone's part -- but the shot looks pretty cool from this vantage point.

TMZ broke the story ... Travis got on bended knee Sunday evening at a beach resort hotel in the Santa Barbara area -- where he asked Kourtney to be his wife inside a heart-shaped flower arrangement he put together right there on the sand.

OCTOBER 2021
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
TMZ.com

Of course, Kourtney said yes ... and both of them seem ready for "forever" with one another. This will be the first time she's getting married -- and it'll be Trav's third time down the aisle.

The engagement came relatively fast -- remember, these two just started publicly dating at the beginning of this year ... and have been infatuated since. Then again, they have a lot of history ... as they were friends way before this, and have been for years.

Again, congratulations!

Lakers Co-Owner Jesse Buss Lists L.A. Mansion For $10.9M ... Close To LeBron's Crib

Wanna be LeBron James' neighbor?? Lakers co-owner Jesse Buss just put his L.A. mansion on the market for nearly $11 million ... and while it's got a dope pool and home theater, the best perk is it's close to the NBA superstar's house!!

The 3-floor Brentwood estate is pretty incredible -- it has 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and a chef kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, a home theater, full gym, an illuminated bar and a temperature-controlled wine cellar.

On top of that, there's a luxurious pool with views of the city and canyons.

The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and oversized bathroom ... which comes with a steam shower and bathtub that also has views of the ocean.

As we previously reported, Buss got the pad back in 2018 ... which made it super convenient for him to link up with the 4-time NBA champ for neighborhood meet-ups or bro time. But now, he's looking to part ways with the crib.

The property -- which was just listed with Jennifer Beron of Compass -- is currently listed at $10,950,000 ... but being Bron's neighbor?? Come on, ya can't put a price on that!!

Kanye West Lemme Get in on This COVID Wave ... With 'Ye' Face Masks!!!

Kanye West knows a business opportunity when he sees one -- which is why it looks like he's jumping into the face mask game ... and slapping his new name on it, front and center.

The rapper/producer/designer's company filed legal docs to trademark the "Ye" for use on "sanitary masks for protection against viral infection." However, it sounds like these might be slightly more stylish than the blue medical masks ya find at CVS.

In the docs, there's also a reference to branding "fashion masks" with the same moniker -- and knowing Kanye ... they'll likely be elaborate, and chock-full of the Yeezy aesthetic.

We've seen a lot of Kanye lately in varying types of masks, but more recently, they've looked like they were part of a Halloween costume.

The news comes on the heels of the guy legally changing his name to Ye ... sans any last name or anything else. A judge recently signed off on his request -- which means Kanye Omari West is now a thing of the past ... even though folks will probably continue to call him that.

Sounds like he's got a whole rebranding thing going on now ... and wants to get the ball rolling with something that'll probably be stuck to our mugs for the foreseeable future.

'TIGER KING' ZOOKEEPER Erik Cowie Died From Alcohol Use

Erik Cowie -- one of the zookeepers who appeared on "Tiger King" -- died from drinking too much booze ... TMZ has learned.

According to the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Erik's official cause of death was acute and chronic alcohol use.

The medical examiner also tells us they are classifying the manner of death as natural.

TMZ broke the story ... Erik was found dead last month. He was face down in the bedroom of an apartment in New York City, where he was visiting a friend -- and a large bottle of vodka was found at the scene.

Erik's had documented issues with alcohol use ... earlier this year, he was busted for DUI in Oklahoma following a car accident. He pled guilty but didn't show up to court for his sentencing, and an arrest warrant was issued.

Cowie was famous for making several appearances in the hit Netflix show as one of Joe Exotic's longtime animal caretakers, and was often cited as the head keeper of Exotic's big cats.

In fact, Erik says before he showed up on Joe's radar he was "at the end of (his) rope" and admitted to a one-time drinking problem.

Evander Kane Suspended 21 Games ... For Breaking NHL COVID Protocol

Evander Kane will not be allowed to play for the Sharks for the first quarter of the season ... the NHL just banned the star forward 21 games for violating the league's COVID-19 protocol.

League officials announced the suspension in a statement Monday ... though they did not specify what rule he broke.

Of course, Kane had been reportedly under investigation for allegedly submitting a fake COVID vaccine card to the NHL ... but the league only said in their statement Monday that Kane was being barred "for an established violation of, and lack of compliance with, the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 Protocol."

The league added that Kane will not be paid during the suspension ... with his forfeited cash going to the league's Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Kane will now not be able to re-join the Sharks on the ice until their Nov. 30 game against the New Jersey Devils.

The NHL also revealed in its statement it could not substantiate the domestic violence claims that his estranged wife, Deanna, had levied against him in recent court docs.

"There will be no further comment," league officials said.

The news comes just 1 month after the NHL announced it found no evidence that Kane had gambled on his own games -- something his ex alleged he had done in the past.

For his part, Kane had vehemently denied those claims before the NHL cleared him.

Dick Vitale Diagnosed With Cancer Again ... 'Say A Prayer'

Legendary college hoops broadcaster Dick Vitale just revealed he has cancer again ... just months after beating another form of the disease in August.

"For the second time in just a few months, I've been diagnosed with a form of cancer," Dickie V said on Monday.

"As a result of some symptoms I've had in recent weeks, I've been undergoing tests and doctors have now confirmed it's lymphoma."

The 82-year-old says medical professionals don't believe the lymphoma is related to the skin cancer he had multiple surgeries on in August.

"What's evident is that the treatment plan for this lymphoma is going to be a lot tougher, and in both cases, early detection played an important role in helping to manage the cancers."

The ESPN great says he will do six months of chemotherapy and treat his lymphoma with steroids -- and, some good news ... "The medical experts tell me it has a 90-percent cure rate," he added.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

"They say I can continue to work so I will have to manage my work schedule around my chemo schedule as they will monitor my test results along the way."

Dickie V says early detection is key to getting treatment for the deadly disease ... something he's learned from working with the V Foundation.

"If you see me, please just give me a fist bump and say a prayer that I can return from being 82 years old to acting like I'm 12. Thanks so much for your love."

Prayers up!!!

Louisiana Black Woman Throttled by Cop ... After Allegedly Being Attacked by Kids

UNNECESSARY FORCE

A Black woman who'd allegedly just been beaten up by a group of kids received even more brutality from a cop -- an interaction that was captured on video ... and is disturbing to the core.

Video appears to show 34-year-old Shantel Arnold getting dragged by a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy last month. The woman had reportedly been attacked by a group of boys in her Louisiana neighborhood beforehand -- but it looks like the cop is roughing her up, instead of helping her.

Video has since gone viral ... it shows the cop trying to pull the woman up off the ground by the arm, which he does -- only to slam her back down by yanking her hair ... allegedly ripping some of her braids out of her scalp in the violent process.

According to witnesses, the deputy was cruising up alongside Arnold as she was walking home from a scuffle with the boys -- whom she claimed were bullying her over her size. She stands at 4'8" ... and often gets this sort of treatment, per reports.

This deputy reportedly asked her what had happened, but Arnold didn't wanna talk to him -- asking that he leave her alone.

Arnold was ultimately taken to the hospital for her injuries, and we're told she wasn't arrested or charged for anything. JPSO's internal affairs office is investigating the incident ... although, it's unclear if the officer has been placed on leave. He has yet to be identified.

Also of note ... we're told the officer wasn't wearing a body cam.

Kanye West My Name Change Is Official ... I'm 'Ye' Now!!!

Goodbye, Kanye Omari West ... hello, Ye.

Kanye's name change is official, a judge just signed off on the mogul's petition to officially change his legal name to "Ye" ... according to new legal docs obtained by TMZ. Ye won't have a middle or last name either, just straight to the point.

The judge's approval comes just under two months after we first reported on Kanye filing legal docs in Los Angeles asking a court to give him a new moniker.

He's gone by "Ye" as a nickname for years and years now ... but now the shortened version of the name that's on his birth certificate is what Uncle Sam, and apparently everyone else, will be calling him going forward.

Kim still has "West" in her own surname ... even using it on her recent "Saturday Night Live" hosting gig ... so it will be interesting to see if she keeps it around as their divorce proceeds. However, our sources had previously told us she'll hang onto the name just like the couple's kids.

Stay tuned ...

Old news is old news!
Be First!

Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser!