Machine Gun Kelly 2 Crew Members Indicted ... For Beatdown of Actor

9/15/18
BEATDOWN FOOTAGE
ATL Police Department

Two members of Machine Gun Kelly's crew are still feeling the sting over their involvement in a 2018 brawl ... 'cause they just got indicted by a grand jury.

MGK crew members Brandon Allen and John Cappelletty have each been slapped with 2 counts of felony aggravated battery for unleashing a can of whoop-ass on the actor Gabriel "G-Rod" Rodriguez ... this according to the Fulton County D.A.'s Office.

The case had been under misdemeanor review by the Fulton County Solicitor General's Office but it got kicked up to the D.A.'s Office for felony review ... and clearly the D.A. felt felony charges could be warranted and got the case to a grand jury.

If convicted, the crew members face up to 20 years in prison.

TMZ broke the story ... Allen and Cappelletty were busted back in October but G-Rod didn't just want justice against them. He also sued MGK claiming the rapper's the one who ordered the attack.

As we've reported ... G-Rod confronted MGK at an Atlanta joint in September 2018 and called him a "p***sy" because he was pissed about Kelly's beef with Eminem. The brutal beatdown went down later that evening in the lobby of a Hampton Inn.

Rudy Giuliani Prez Trump's Right ... Put Pete Rose In Hall of Fame!!!

LET HIM IN ALREADY
TMZSports.com

Pete Rose belongs in the Hall of Fame 'cause he's one of the greatest baseball players ever, and Cooperstown ain't the morality police ... so says Rudy Giuliani.

TMZ Sports talked to the former NYC mayor (and Donald Trump's attorney) in the city on Sunday ... and asked him about the president's Tweet imploring baseball to put Rose in the HOF.

Giuliani doubled down on Trump's message ... saying "Charlie Hustle" has more than paid the price for betting on baseball -- a cardinal sin in MLB -- over 30 years ago.

"I've long believed that Pete Rose has been left out long enough to make up for whatever he did wrong. It is a Hall that's supposed to recognize baseball accomplishments. He's one of the best of his era."

FYI -- Rose was a 17x All-Star, NL MVP, 3x World Series champ and has 4,256 hits -- more than any other MLB'er.

Giuliani went on to say the National Baseball Hall of Fame is full of guys who weren't the best people off the field ... but the HOF is about playing ball, and nothing else.

"I would say the Hall of Fame is to recognize great baseball players. Some of them may be moral, some may be average, some may be immoral. I don't think we're telling children to copy their behavior if we say they're great baseball players."

"So, it gets a little silly when we use it as a justice system."

It's a long shot, but Rose's standing within baseball could be changing ... 'cause just last week, he petitioned MLB commish Rob Manfred and requested reinstatement.

Major League Baseball has not yet ruled on Rose's petition.

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?

Don't let these two almost identical images of Justin Bieber distract you from the task at hand ... keep your focus as you try and find the sneaky switches that have been made to this yummy, yummy pic!

The singer was spotted out in New York City, just before the release of his new album, "Changes" ... and we have made a few of our own changes to this picture! Now it is up to you to see if you can figure out the differences between these two super-similar snaps!

**HINT -- there are THREE differences in the above photographs!**

Kobe & Gigi Bryant 88,000 People Already Registered For Staples Center Memorial

UPDATE

4:10 PM PT -- A source with knowledge tells us more than 88,000 people have already registered for memorial tickets in the first 5 hours. We're told that number is expected to grow to several hundred thousand by Monday's deadline.

UPDATE

Staples Center has a capacity of around 20,000 people -- with many of those tickets to be claimed by friends, family, NBA officials and others -- so there will be a limited number of seats and a lottery to land one.

UPDATE

11:15 AM PT -- The L.A. Lakers just released ticket info for the Kobe/Gigi Celebration of Life. People who want tickets can register online right now at Ticketmaster. The tickets are going for 3 different prices -- $224, 2 for $224, and as we told you, the upper deck seats will go for $24.02. The 24, of course, is Kobe's number, and 2 is Gigi's.

UPDATE

People who register will receive a code Tuesday and on Wednesday at 10 AM the tickets will be released for sale. If the demand exceeds the number of tickets -- which is almost certain -- fans will be selected at random to participate in the sale.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Proceeds will go to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.

UPDATE

The event will not be shown on the big screens outside Staples and law enforcement has told us they will block the streets off, but people will be able to watch online and on TV. The Lakers are urging fans not to go to the Staples Center if they don't have a ticket for the event, on Feb. 24.

The plans for Kobe and Gigi Bryant's Staples Center memorial are getting locked down and details for the service will be unveiled Friday.

Sources familiar with the planning tell us event organizers are working closely with Kobe's family to finalize who will speak at the service, and which singers and entertainers will take part.

We're told tickets will be available to the general public, although there will be a number of invited guests who get tickets first, including family, friends, players, NBA officials and, we're told, season ticket holders.

We're told the seats that remain will be sold to the public at a price that reflects the memories of Kobe and Gigi. We're told one of the options being discussed was to sell the upper bowl seats at $24.02 -- 24 representing Kobe's number and 2 representing Gigi's. The net proceeds will go to a charity selected by the family. Whatever the price ends up being, our sources say it will reflect and honor Kobe and Gigi.

We don't know which charity will be the beneficiary, but the Mamba Sports Academy was recently renamed Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. As we reported ... Vanessa Bryant says the decision for the name change -- "Because there is no #24 without #2."

Our sources say there will be extra precautions taken in printing the tickets to make sure they can't be scalped.

The memorial is set to be televised live on multiple networks, and as we told you ... the streets around Staples will be closed for security and traffic control, so law enforcement is encouraging people who don't get tickets to stay home and watch it on TV.

Though the memorial is being held Feb. 24, Kobe and Gigi were buried in a private family service near the family’s Orange County home last week.

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Days later, Vanessa opened up about losing both her husband and her 13-year-old daughter, saying ... "I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me."

She added ... "It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live."

She concluded by saying ... "God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all."

Originally Published -- 1:00 AM PT

Country Singer Daniel Lee Martin Commits Suicide Amid Child Sex Abuse Probe

A country singer under investigation for child sex abuse crimes has committed suicide ... TMZ has learned.

Daniel Lee Martin died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound ... this according to the Pasco Sheriff's Office in Florida.

Martin was arrested January 27th after the alleged victim, a child, told cops Martin exposed himself to them while the 2 were sitting on a sofa. Cops say the victim claimed Martin fondled himself and shared pornographic images. Cops went on to say there were numerous incidents where the victim spent the night at Martin's home.

He was released on $15,000 bail hours after his arrest.

Cops tell us they were attempting to serve a warrant at Martin's home Friday out of Tennessee, for 3-counts of sexual exploitation on a minor, along with aggravated sexual battery and solicitation of a minor to commit rape.

We're told when deputies entered the home, they found Martin dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Martin released several albums, including "All That I Am" in 2003 and "On My Way to You" in 2007.

Martin was 54.

Vegas Police Bartender Wouldn't Serve Our Officers ... We're 'Disgusted'!!!

Two cops walk into a bar, but they're refused service ... this ain't a setup for a joke, it allegedly happened in Vegas ... and now police are PISSED!!!

Here's the deal ... two Las Vegas Metro Police Department graveyard patrol officers say they were refused service from the bartender at The Lodge Cactus in Enterprise, NV when they stopped by Thursday for a bite on duty.

The officers say the bartender started shaking his head "no" as soon as they approached the counter, and motioned his fingers across his neck as if to say, "stop." The officers say they asked to take a seat and order some food, but claim the bartender told them, "We don't serve you guys here any more."

At first, the cops say they thought the bartender was joking ... but when they realized it was for real, they left the establishment without further incident.

Las Vegas Police Protective Association President Steve Grammas tells TMZ ... they are "disgusted" this happened, but believe restaurant management supports law enforcement and they're actively talking with ownership to resolve the issue.

The Lodge tells us folks from the corporate office came to the restaurant Friday, grabbed surveillance video and interviewed the bartender.

LVMPD also tells us ... it's a private restaurant and they can refuse service to who they want.

We're told the police department's been in touch with the restaurant, and they regret the incident, telling the cops the actions of one employee doesn't define the establishment and the bartender has been placed on indefinite suspension, which could become permanent.

Vanessa Bryant Emotional V-Day Message To Kobe ... 'Missing You So Much'

Vanessa Bryant just shared an emotional Valentine's Day message to Kobe ... saying to the Mamba, "To my forever Valentine, I love you so much."

"Missing you so much on your favorite holiday," she said in the social media post. "Te amo per sempre."

Along with the emotional message to the Lakers legend ... Vanessa also posted a throwback photo of the two, with Lauryn Hill's famous love song "Tell Him" playing in the background.

"Kisses to you and Gigi in heaven," Vanessa said. "Happy Valentine’s Day, my babies. With all my love, your boo-boo."

Kobe -- who passed away along with his daughter, Gianna, less than 3 weeks ago in a tragic helicopter crash -- would have surely loved the message.

Remember, Bryant is a HUGE Lauryn Hill fan ... even posting a picture with the Grammy winner and Vanessa back in 2018.

"@vanessabryant surprised me with a date night to see my sister Lauryn Hill at The Hollywood Bowl," Bryant wrote at the time. "Loved catching up with her. My wife is winning the battle of best date night ideas.. FOR NOW"

A public memorial for Bryant and his daughter is set to take place at Staples Center on Feb. 24. Vanessa is expected to attend.

Harriet Tubman Bank Prez Stands by Debit Card Design 'We Are Unapologetically Black'

UPDATE

1:45 PM PT -- OneUnited Bank prez and chief operating officer Teri Williams is doubling down and standing firm behind the Harriet Tubman debit card. She tells TMZ the bank is "unapologetically black." What's more ... Williams says the debit card design had been in the works since 2016.

UPDATE
ALL ABOUT LOVE
TMZ.com

Harriet Tubman's image on a debit card would stir plenty of debate -- but Harriet Tubman doing the "Wakanda Forever" pose on that card is really pissing off a lot of people.

OneUnited Bank -- which says it's America's largest black-owned bank -- announced the limited edition card Thursday ... in honor of Black History Month. The image on the card shows Harriet making fists, with her arms crossed over her chest.

It's the pose that was popularized in the movie, "Black Panther" a couple years ago. Y'know ... the gesture of solidarity for all citizens of the fictional African nation of Wakanda.

Despite the fact OneUnited is black-owned, the bank got dragged online, almost immediately after announcing the card. Most of the hate ripped the bank for making a buck off Tubman's image and pandering to black customers.

There's just one problem with all the outrage -- Harriet's NOT shouting out King T'Challa on the card. Not according to OneUnited Bank ... which says the gesture is American Sign Language for love.

They ain't lying ... that is ASL for love, although that fact is probably lost on millions of Marvel movie fans. Of course, that doesn't address the "cashing in" criticism.

MISLEADIN' SIGNS
TMZ.com

We got "Dear White People" actor Obba Babatunde to weigh in on the issue, and his take is interesting. He tells us it very much seems like good intentions, but in this day and age ... it's easy for the message to misconstrued.

Originally Published -- 7:15 AM PT

Jenelle Evans I'm Living With David Again ... And We Got A New Goat, Too

UPDATE

1:54 PM PT -- E! says Jenelle told them she and David were not living together again, but we know they are ... and as we reported, she splits time between her place in Nashville and the former family home in North Carolina. The two continue to co-parent their daughter Ensley.

Jenelle Evans and David Eason are once again living under the same roof ... and they've got a new pet that doesn't bite.

Sources close to Jenelle and David tell TMZ ... they've been living together off and on for several weeks at their home in North Carolina, and while they're taking things slowly the second time around, things are going smoothly and their time apart is what they needed.

It's a big change, of course, for Jenelle ... this after David shot and killed the family dog, her children were taken away, she got canned from "Teen Mom" and on and on.

As you know, Jenelle even threatened divorce ... but it sounds like that's off the table now because North Carolina law says a couple must be separate and apart for one year before you can file. She's also dropped the restraining order against David.

Jenelle and David are also giving pet ownership another shot ... they both posted videos Wednesday of the same baby goat, and we're told the animal is living with them in NC.

The rekindled relationship is even crossing state lines.

As we first told you ... Jenelle and David were seen walking side by side with their daughter, Ensley, in Nashville in January, and just last week they were spotted again in the Music City at Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar.

Our sources say Jenelle's been splitting her time between NC and Nashville, and David often comes to visit.

While Jenelle and David are working on repairing their relationship, we're told they're not looking to return to MTV in any capacity.

Timbaland I'm Gonna Drop Nearly 200 lbs. ... After Kicking Opioids!!!

BEST ME I CAN BE
TMZ.com

Timbaland's body is damn near unrecognizable from where he was a couple years ago -- and he's crediting his will power ... for keeping him in the gym, and off prescription pills.

Justin Timberlake's fave mega-producer was on "TMZ Live" Friday, rocking a muscle tee, no less, and showing off his brand new physique. Seriously ... the guy's looking ripped after losing more than 130 pounds.

Tim told us he knew he had to "hit the reset button" when he kept having dreams about how his body should look. He'd also gotten a pre-diabetes diagnosis from doctors ... not to mention his addiction to Oxycontin and Percocet.

He got hooked when the pills were prescribed following a root canal. After his experience, Tim says doctors gotta find a better way to help patients cope with pain.

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As for his weight loss goals? Tim says he's still pushing for another 30 to 40 pounds. As he put it, "I wanna be a better me."

Just watch ... it's a great dose of weekend motivation!

Celebrity Nutritionist Insane Double Murder 911 Call 'I Shot Them' In Self Defense!!!

COPS AT THE SCENE
WDTN

A celeb nutritionist who once appeared on "The Dr. Oz Show" and "The View" to hawk a weight loss product shot and killed his ex-wife and her husband ... according to the 911 call.

Robert Lindsey Duncan can be heard on the call -- obtained by TMZ -- telling the dispatcher 2 people tried to shoot him and his wife as they pulled into their driveway in Yellow Springs, Ohio ... but he shot them instead.

Duncan says ... "I shot them. They came up to our window and had a gun pointed at my wife’s head. The other one got out of the car, went over to the car -- they tried to shoot my wife."

911 AUDIO

He then says he shot both of them and "both are down." Duncan's wife reveals one of the victims is her husband's ex-wife and claims she's been "trying to kill us for years now."

Duncan tells the dispatcher he believes the man he shot is still alive, but the woman is dead.

According to law enforcement, who were heavy on the scene ... the alleged attack by Duncan's ex-wife, Cheryl Sanders, and her husband, Robert R. Sanders, may have been planned because the 2 arrived in separate vehicles and one of them had a counterfeit Ohio temporary tag.

Cops say Duncan and his wife were confronted by Robert with a gun as they arrived at their home and a shootout ensued ... because Duncan has a concealed carry permit and was also armed.

Duncan allegedly fired at Robert in self-defense and hit him, and around the same time ... Cheryl pulled up and pointed a gun at his wife, who was still sitting in the car. Duncan says he then shot and killed his ex.

Another wild note ... the Sheriff's office says Duncan reached out to them about 5 years ago claiming his ex-wife was trying to hire someone to murder him.

Duncan is known for his appearances on both "The Dr. Oz Show" and "The View" years ago to sell a product he claimed resulted in unbelievable weight loss. However, the FTC and Texas attorney general went after him ... claiming he was simply a marketer who couldn't make such medical claims.

Ultimately, the Genesis Today founder settled for $9 million in 2015 after being charged with deceiving the public.

President Obama Teams Up W/ Zion Williamson ... For All-Star Charity Event

How's this for an All-Star squad ... Barack Obama, Zion Williamson, Trae Young, and Luka Doncic teamed up with volunteers to pack 500 kits full of school supplies and food.

44 and the NBA superstars linked up with over 400 volunteers on Friday in Chicago ... as part of the 13th NBA Cares All-Star Day Of Service.

The goal is to "empower under-resourced Chicago Public Schools' students to reach their highest potential" by providing food donations and school supplies to local Chi-town students and teachers.

Nike, SAP, and State Farm also contributed resources that made the event possible.

19-year-old Williamson was asked about working side-by-side with President Obama ... and it was clear even hoop icons get star struck.

“He said I was playing great. I kind of zoned out after that. That’s all I needed to hear, to be honest,” Zion said.

This isn't the first time Obama and Zion have been in the same building. Last year the former Prez was in the house at Cameron Indoor on Duke's campus when Williamson's Nike shoe blew out during the opening minutes of the Blue Devils vs. Tar Heels game.

But this time ... no one go hurt, but a whole lotta people were helped.

Jennifer Hudson Asking For Some Respect ... I'm Aretha Franklin

What you want? Baby, Jennifer Hudson's got it ... especially if you're looking for someone to nail the role of Aretha Franklin!!!

Jennifer and Forest Whitaker were filming the upcoming biopic -- aptly titled "Respect" -- Friday in Manhattan's Washington Square Park. Props to the wardrobe and hair department too ... 'cause Jennifer's got the Queen of Soul down pat.

Forest is playing the role of Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin, a Baptist minister and civil rights activist also known as the man with the "Million-Dollar Voice."

As you know ... Jennifer was reportedly hand-picked for this role by Aretha before she died in 2018. Seeing the Oscar winner on set ... we gotta say, Franklin couldn't have chosen better.

We've already seen Jennifer as a young Aretha, kissing her onscreen husband, Marlon Wayans, in November ... and now we've got another look.

Bottom line ... Jennifer ain't gonna do you wrong when "Respect" hits theaters this summer.

Mya I Married Myself

UPDATE

11:34 AM PT -- 2/14 -- Mya told us she'd reveal her wedding partner on Valentine's Day ... turns out it was herself! She just dropped a music video for "The Truth" where she plays the bride x2.

Mya's been holding a big secret for months ... we've learned she said "I Do" in a super-secret wedding down in Seychelles.

Sources close to the singer tell TMZ ... Mya walked down the aisle back in December in a very intimate ceremony on the island nation off the African coast. We obtained these pics of her on the beach in her gown ... looking absolutely stunning.

If the wedding seems like a shock to you, it is to us too. It's unclear who Mya's spouse is -- and she hasn't publicly dated anyone in years.

In the past, she's been linked to NFL stars DeSean Jackson and Larry Johnson, plus rappers Jay-Z and The Game. So, her partner's got big shoes to fill.

This was Mya's first walk down the aisle. As for the 40-year-old singer's mystery ball and chain? We've got a call in to her people.

We know this ... they had killer weather! Always a toss-up with beach weddings.

Congrats!!!

Originally Published -- 2/12 9:52 AM PT

Wendy's Kitchen Sink Bath Kids Fired ... Took 'Fresh' Slogan Way Too Far!!!

CLEAN UP CREW
TikTok

A Michigan Wendy's employee is out of a job after "power" soaking in a kitchen sink full of suds ... and so are his coworkers who helped post video of the bath on TikTok.

Several workers of the Greenville Wendy's location have been canned  ... after a young male who, at the very least is shirtless, was bathing in the fast-food joint's sink while yukking it up with other employees.

He certainly looks "fresh, never frozen" ... but ya gotta think that's not what Wendy's corporate had in mind with the slogan.

According to the franchise owner of the location ... the restaurant has been cleaned and inspected since the video was posted on social media earlier this week and racked up tens of thousands of views.

The Wendy's store says ... "This egregious behavior is completely unacceptable and counter to our safety, training and operational standards. Upon learning of this situation, all employees in the video were terminated immediately and the restaurant has been completely sanitized. The health department visited the restaurant today and no violations were reported."

No word on how many times Dave Thomas spun in his grave.

Wendy Williams Apologizes to LGBTQ+ Community ... I Was Out of Touch!!!

I WILL DO BETTER

Wendy Williams is saying sorry for comments she made on her Thursday show, which were hurtful to the LGBTQ+ community ... and vows to do better.

The talk show host has been taking heat after she did a segment on Galentine's Day that turned controversial when she went off on gay men planning to celebrate the unofficial holiday ... because she felt it's a women-only occasion.

2/13/20
NOT FOR YOU!!!
Wendy Williams Show

Wendy said, "I don’t care if you’re gay. You don’t get a [menstruation] every 28 days ... you can do a lot that we do, but I get offended by the idea that we go through something you will never go through."

That was contentious enough, but then she added ... "And stop wearing our skirts and our heels" and suggested women don't have anything for themselves anymore.

Wendy's taking it back now, saying she didn't realize how she came across until she re-watched herself ... but promises she didn't mean to cause any harm, and never does the show in a place of malice.

Williams says she was just trying to have a conversation, but she understands now she may have been "out of touch" Thursday and says she will learn from it.

Aside from a failed attempt at using "bon vivant" in her apology, it's pretty clear she wants to make it up to the community and move forward.

Old news is old news!
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