Dallas Restaurant Owner Biz is Good After Twerking Controversy ... I'm Not Changing a Thing

REAL TALK

The old adage "There's no such thing as bad publicity" is ringing true for TRUE Kitchen + Kocktails ... because all's very well after its recent twerking controversy.

The Dallas restaurant's owner, Kevin Kelley, tells TMZ ... the joint's been inundated with requests to dine there since he gained some notoriety for his anti-twerking speech earlier this week.

He says TRUE's been a reservation-only business since they opened 5 months ago, and they're all booked up now for the foreseeable future. More importantly, Kelley says sales have remained strong in wake of what went down ... and he has no plans to change anything up.

The owner tells us ... "I'm glad the public has had a chance to decide what they do and don’t want in their restaurants. The effect on our restaurant has been overwhelmingly positive."

He adds that former Dallas Cowboy Dez Bryant's been a supporter, and says ... "We’ve received an outpouring of support that we did not anticipate online and in person. This lets us know the public believes in our vision for the restaurant and they will support a concept working to fill a void in our communities."

KEEP IT "CLASSY"
TMZ.com

In case you missed it ... Kelley received both praise and backlash for his stance against twerking in his restaurant, and doubled down -- it's just something he doesn't want at his establishment.

It's not the only thing about TRUE that has sparked disagreement. The latest controversy is over the restaurant's dress code, but once again ... we urge you to take a look and judge for yourself.

Cris Collinsworth Sorry For Comment About Female Fans ... 'I'm Sick'

Cris Collinsworth says he's "sick" that a comment he made about female NFL fans on-air Wednesday offended so many ... and now, the long-time announcer is apologizing.

During the Steelers vs. Ravens game, Collinsworth was praising Pittsburgh fans ... when he made a remark about some women he had run into during the lead-up to the game.

"They had really specific questions about the game," Collinsworth said of the women. "And I'm like, 'Wow.' You're just blown away about how strong the fans are here in this town."

The comment was immediately met with backlash ... as many perceived it to be sexist -- with Collinsworth implying he was surprised that females had intricate questions about football.

Collinsworth clearly saw the criticism, because not long after the game ended ... he issued a lengthy apology.

"Today on our broadcast I made reference to a couple of women that I met in Pittsburgh who so impressed me with their football knowledge that I wanted to tell their story on the air," Cris said. "I know the way I phrased it insulted many. I'm so sorry."

"What I intended as a compliment to the fans of Pittsburgh, became an insult. I'm sick about insulting any fan, but especially female fans and journalists."

Cris added, "I know first hand how much harder they have to work than any of us in this industry. I was wrong and I deeply apologize."

The 61-year-old -- who played wide receiver in the NFL in the 1980s -- has been announcing and analyzing NFL games for several networks for decades.

It's unclear if NBC is planning any discipline over Wednesday's comments.

Casanova Surrenders in Racketeering Case ... Facing Life in Prison

BEFORE HIS SURRENDER
UPDATE

11:48 AM PT -- Casanova posted a video proclaiming his innocence and says he plans to fight the charges.

UPDATE

Casanova is now in federal custody following his indictment in a gang-related racketeering conspiracy case ... TMZ has confirmed.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the Brooklyn rapper surrendered at NYPD's Midtown South Precinct Wednesday night at around 11:15 PM. We're told his attorney was with him, and the FBI quickly swooped in to take him into custody.

According to docs, Casanova and 17 others are part of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation gang that's "committed murder, shootings, robberies, and assaults against their rivals and against fellow members of Gorilla Stone." According to the indictment, the gang's also accused of selling crack, coke in NYC and surrounding suburbs.

And, get this ... federal prosecutors allege the gang "engaged in brazen fraud by exploiting benefits programs meant to provide assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic."

Casanova -- who was the last alleged gang member still at large -- was hit with one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm for drug-trafficking. If convicted, he could get life in prison.

Originally published -- 7:06 AM PT

Billie Lourd Cops Rush To Her Home Shots Fired

An argument between construction workers led to a shooting at Billie Lourd's home ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... cops responded to a shots fired call at the 'Star Wars' star's L.A. property, where there's currently a bunch of renovations underway.

We're told there was a conflict between 2 workers -- one of whom had been fired -- cops say the fired worker pulled out a rifle.

Our sources say he aimed at the worker, fired at the ground and took off. Nobody was hurt. Billie wasn't home at the time of the incident.

We're told the shooter has not been arrested, but cops are on the hunt.

Regarding all the construction ... Billie now owns the former Bev Hills homes of her late mother, Carrie Fisher, and her late grandmother, Debbie Reynolds -- which were contiguous -- and she's making one massive estate.

The mother-daughter duo lived right next to each other for 15 years before Carrie died in December 2016 and Debbie died the very next day.

Billie's rep tells us, "I can confirm that there was an incident today at the property involving a disgruntled ex-employee of the construction company working at the site, who had an issue with his former employer. The owners were not on site and had nothing to do with the dispute. Nobody was harmed and the situation has since resolved."

The 3.5-acre combined properties are reportedly worth $18 million, though with all of the construction going on ... seems likely that figure might go way up.

SoCal MAGA Caravan Family in Crash Traumatized ... Planning Legal Action

ROAD RAGE
TMZ.com

The family whose car got flipped in a road rage incident with Trump supporters says they're suffering PTSD from the crash, and it's a good bet someone's about to get sued.

The husband and wife were in the black Mustang that went belly up during the crash in Hermosa Beach, CA -- and through their attorney, they tell TMZ ... what felt like a near-death experience is forcing them to seek professional help.

Alex Megeredchian of Megeredchian Law is repping the couple -- who want to remain anonymous for now -- and says the wife is especially traumatized. He says she's breaking down in tears whenever she has to talk about the accident ... which is why they're seeing a therapist.

Megeredchian says both of his clients suffered significant bruises and cuts ... plus, their baby was in the car and has a big bump on his head.

As we first reported ... the scary confrontation happened Saturday in the tiny beachside community, when 2 drivers in a mini-Trump caravan started beefing with the Mustang driver. As they pulled away from a stop sign, video shows the Mustang lose control, crash into parked cars and flip.

A Jeep involved in the feud did seem to cut off the Mustang.

The couple and their baby were taken to a hospital by ambulance to get treatment, and Hermosa Beach PD says it's still investigating.

Moving forward, we're told the family plans to file a lawsuit claiming the other drivers are responsible for the accident that left them traumatized and injured. The family's attorney tells us he plans to talk to the District Attorney about potential criminal charges.

Elvis Presley Honeymoon Crib Hits Market (Again) This Time for $2.5 Million!!!

Wanna live like the King of Rock and Roll? It's possible for whoever snatches up the home where Elvis and Priscilla Presley enjoyed their honeymoon ... but it'll cost a pretty penny.

The so-called Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway in Palm Springs has hit the market again for a cool $2.5 million. The crib's famous because Elvis leased the pad in 1966 for a year for $21,000, which sounds like an incredible deal ... but in '66 that was a handsome sum.

It's the same house where Elvis and Priscilla were supposed to get married on May 1, 1967 ... but the press got wind of the plan so they jettisoned that plan and had a quickie-wedding in Vegas.

The newlyweds certainly kept busy in the house ... exactly 9 months after beginning their honeymoon in Palm Springs, on February 1, 1968, Lisa Marie Presley was born.

The house was really futuristic ... dubbed the "House of Tomorrow."

The home was restored in the '90s ... though it maintains clean mid-century elements like rock walls, a floating fireplace and terrazzo flooring. The 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom pad has 5,000 square feet of living space ... not to mention tons of outdoor space that includes a cool pool.

This house was on the market a year ago for $3.2 million ... and the price has dropped roughly a dozen times since it first hit the market with a $9.5 million price tag in 2014. Turns out the house was in escrow several times but none actually closed.

Scott Histed of Bennion Deville Homes holds the listing.

BTW, another fun fact ... it's believed Elvis' '1968 Comeback Special' that aired on NBC was planned during the many months the singer spent there.

Goes without saying ... whoever gets this will own a piece of history.

George Foreman Mike Tyson Could Make a Serious Title Run ... Right Now!!!

ONE THRILLER WAS ENOUGH
TMZSports.com

George Foreman was so impressed with Mike Tyson's performance against Roy Jones Jr. -- he thinks the 54-year-old could still make a serious run at a heavyweight title RIGHT NOW.

Yes, he's dead serious.

"If he gets 3 more exhibitions like that, at that level, I would even back him in challenging any title contender, even a champion," Foreman told TMZ Sports.

"If the right situation arrived, Mike Tyson could be in for a good title shot ... and [with 3 more] of these exhibitions, he can beat some of these guys who can be champion out there."

In fact, Foreman says he'd pick Tyson to beat guys like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder ... under the right circumstances.

"If you go 8 two-minute rounds, I'd back Tyson," Foreman said ... "10 two-minute rounds, I'd back Tyson!"

Foreman said he didn't expect to feel so charged up about Tyson -- but he says his feelings are genuine, he was extremely impressed.

"I was on the edge of my seat," Foreman says ... "I did exhibitions with Sonny Liston, I've seen [Muhammad Ali] do exhibitions, but I've never seen one that exciting, never."

Lisa in 'Sugar & Spice' 'Memba Her?!

Los Angeles local Marla Sokoloff was only 20 years old when she took on the role of the high school cheerleader-turned-armed robber, Lisa "The Informer" Janusch -- who teams up with her tight-knit cheer squad to stickup local businesses -- in the 2001 teen-comedy "Sugar & Spice."

Marla wasn't the only gun-totting betty doll  ... she was joined by other up-and-coming actors including Mena Suvari as, Kansas "The Rebel" Hill, Marley Shelton as, Diane "The Mastermind" Weston ... and of course James Marsden as the dreamy quarterback, Jack.

Sokoloff was also in "Dude, Where's My Car?" and "True Crime."

Guess what Marla looks like now!

COVID Vaccines Mafia Aiming to Snatch Meds ... Cops Bracing Worldwide

Get ready to see COVID-19 vaccines on the black market, probably even before you can get it legally, because organized crime's already gunning for the precious medication ... according to Interpol.

The international agency issued the red alert (they call it an "Orange Notice") Wednesday to law enforcement around the world ... warning that as vaccines are getting approved, bad guys are "planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains."

Translation: Interpol has some intel about crime figures attempting to intercept shipments of the vaccines -- which are set for distribution to the public in the UK as soon as next week, and later this month in the United States.

International 5-0 is also warning the public not to fall for the inevitable flood of phony knockoff vaccines and treatments on the Internet ... not to mention bogus testing kits.

It should go without saying, but cops are simply reminding you -- don't fall for the "it fell off a truck" line when it comes to protecting yourself from the coronavirus.

Newsom, Lightfoot, Cuomo NYU Professor Says ... Blame Hypocrite Leaders for COVID Failures

Way too many politicians are setting a terrible example of how to act during the coronavirus pandemic, which is why the U.S. is failing so badly at containing it ... according to NYU's Director of the Division of Medical Ethics.

NO DOUBLE STANDARDS
TMZ.com

Dr. Arthur Caplan is laying much of the blame for surging COVID-19 cases and deaths at the feet of elected officials who have been caught flouting their own health orders, restrictions and guidelines.

Donald Trump has been spewing misinformation about the pandemic for months, and the most effective people to push back are the governors and mayors who were promoting mask wearing, social distancing, etc. Around 40% of the country won't take the vaccine, and these governors and mayors are critical in changing minds. But, a number of those elected officials have crossed their own lines, and Dr. Caplan says it does lots of damage.

11/23/20
CUOMO'S THANKSGIVING PLANS
WAMC

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo's been the national counterpoint to Trump's misinformation campaign and a strong proponent of wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding indoor gatherings, but recently planned on having his mother visit for Thanksgiving after traveling.

Cuomo canceled that plan after being called out for it, but he's far from the only politician to go counter to the advice they give the public ... and Caplan says that's a major factor in regular U.S. citizens rejecting proper COVID precautions.

Dr. Caplan tells us we can't just allow politicians to get away with a "Do as I say, not as I do" approach to governing ... because it creates a dangerous double standard.

Instead, he says we desperately need our leaders to be role models during the pandemic ... especially with the crisis escalating and the all-important vaccine on the horizon.

Obviously, that means politicians like California Gov. Gavin Newsom should stop ignoring his own COVID guidelines by attending a restaurant birthday party with a bunch of people. The same goes for San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who attended a different party a day later at the same restaurant.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's been criticized for both getting a haircut during early lockdown days and joining a street party when Joe Biden won the election.

Sheila Kuehl, a member of L.A. County's powerful Board of Supervisors, voted to temporarily stop restaurant dining, but hours later she was chowing down at her favorite restaurant .. in fairness, before the restriction took effect, but still, it sends a bad message.

According to Caplan, these are the types of actions that make people think ... if government officials don't have to follow the rules, I don't either.

The good news -- the NYU professor believes politicians all across the country can garner public trust by supporting the COVID vaccine and showing they support it by getting vaccinated themselves ... and we'll all start doing the right thing.

'RHOBH' Kyle, Kathy & Dorit All Have COVID

The COVID concerns pausing production on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" run way deeper than an infected crew member ... we've learned several cast members also have the virus.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Kyle Richards, Kathy Hilton and Dorit Kemsley have also tested positive for COVID-19. We're told they are all recovering at home and none of the women had serious symptoms.

The series started filming its new season toward the end of October, and our sources say there were safety protocols in place including testing and temperature checks ... but that couldn't stop a COVID outbreak from impacting production.

As you know ... 'RHOBH' shut down production last week after a crew member tested positive for the virus. Turns out even if the crew member was COVID-free, production would have shut down because nearly half the stars contracted the virus.

Our sources say Kyle, Kathy and Dorit did not contract COVID on set, but Kathy and Kyle were hanging out together -- after all, they're sisters -- and Dorit was along for the ride.

We're told all 3 ladies are in the end stages of the virus, and should be ok.

NBA 48 Players Test Positive For COVID At Start Of 2020-21 Season

No bubble, mo' problems.

The NBA says 48 out of 546 players have tested positive for COVID-19 in its first round of testing for the 2020-21 season.

Yeah ... not great.

But, NBA officials aren't panicked just yet -- insisting they expected higher numbers off the bat as players leave their homes to rejoin their teams, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The NBA says players were tested in their team's home market between Nov. 24 and Nov. 30 -- which the league has dubbed "the initial return to market testing phase."

NBA officials did not name names as to who tested positive so far -- but a spokesperson says all COVID positive players have been instructed to isolate in their team's city "until they are cleared for leaving isolation under the rules established by the NBA and the Players Association in accordance with CDC guidance."

Of course, the NBA does NOT plan on playing the 2020-21 season in the bubble environment at Walt Disney World in Orlando this time around ... despite the massive success it enjoyed earlier this year.

The move to host games in various cities isn't going over well with some players and execs including Philadelphia 76ers coach, Doc Rivers, who said he's "very concerned" about a bubble-free season.

Just look at the NFL ... they're not in a bubble and the 2020 season has been a mess -- with a bunch of players, coaches, execs and others testing positive on a fairly regular basis.

NFL games have been pushed, the quality of the play has been questioned ... and several top players have opted out.

The bubble-less NBA season kicks off on Dec. 22 -- let's hope everyone stays safe.

Phoenix PD Apparently Suicidal Man Shot by Cops ... Body Cam Released

THE HORRIFIC MOMENT
Arizona Police Department

Newly released body cam footage shows cops in Arizona chasing an armed man -- who appeared to be suicidal -- and then gunning him down.

The intense video shows cops running after the man who was allegedly assaulting a woman when Phoenix PD showed up. During the Nov. 13 incident, the 2 officers noticed he had a handgun and repeatedly yelled for him to stop and drop the weapon.

The man continued running away from cops, and pointed his gun at his own head as he fled. Things finally came to a critical point as he walked quickly toward a busy street while still brandishing the gun. The officers fired 3 shots and he instantly hit the deck before being taken into custody.

He reportedly suffered gunshot wounds to his back and leg and his father claims cops shot him twice when he was already down. You can judge for yourself by watching the video.

Cops say they gave the man medical aid right after shooting him and transported him to a hospital, where he remains hospitalized and will be booked on multiple felony charges when he's released from care.

Police say they've opened an internal investigation.

Ex-Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh $840 Mil Net Worth & No Will?!? So Claims His Family

The death of ex-Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh was tragic enough, but now his family is shocked because they believe he might not have written a will for his reported $840 million net worth.

Tony's father, Richard, and brother, Andrew, are asking a Clark County, Nevada judge to appoint them special administrators of Tony's estate. No shocker there, but in the docs, obtained by TMZ, they claim he didn't have a will in place when he died the day after Thanksgiving.

Tony's fam says they're "unaware of the existence of a fully executed estate plan" and "have a good faith belief" that Tony, who was unmarried and had no kids, died without leaving a will. The family's asking for access to Tony's accounts and safe deposit box to see if there are any estate planning docs in them.

The family also says a special administrator is needed to tend to Tony's "business obligations and commitments that require funding from assets that are presently frozen."

Forbes estimated Tony had a net worth of $840 million before he retired as Zappos' CEO earlier this summer. Tony, who made his initial fortune after selling his internet advertising company to Microsoft in 1998, died last week after sustaining injuries suffered during a house fire in Connecticut.

He was 46.

'Mad Max' Star Hugh Keays-Byrne Dead at 73

Hugh Keays-Byrne -- the actor who impressively played the bad guy in both the original "Mad Max" and "Mad Max: Fury Road" 36 years later -- has died.

Filmmaker Ted Geoghegan announced the Australian actor's passing and hailed him as "an unsung hero of Aussie cinema" -- adding he's "continually floored" Hugh played the main villain in both 'Mad Max' movies.

It's true -- Hugh became famous for starring opposite Mel Gibson in the 1979 film as the central antagonist, Toecutter ... then returned to face off against Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy as Immortan Joe in 2015.

As you'd imagine ... he's the only actor to appear in both flicks, and he and director George Miller had a very good working relationship over the decades. Miller also cast Hugh in the scrapped DC movie, "Justice League: Mortal."

That's not all he's known for though -- Keays-Byrne also starred in several British and Australian projects, including "Stone," "The Chain Reaction" and "Resistance."

He had more than 50 acting credits to his name spanning nearly 5 decades.

So far, Hugh's cause of death is unknown. He was 73.

RIP

Rafer Johnson Dead at 86 Olympic Legend and American Hero

Rafer Johnson -- a decorated Olympian and American hero -- has died, TMZ Sports has confirmed. He was 86.

Johnson passed away Wednesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, CA surrounded by his family.

Johnson lived such an amazing life as an athlete, actor, philanthropist and hero -- it's hard to pick where to start when telling his story ...

How about this ... he was one of the brave men who tackled and subdued gunman Sirhan Sirhan seconds after Robert Kennedy was assassinated back in 1968 at the Ambassador Hotel in L.A.

In fact, Johnson ripped the gun away from Sirhan and hid it in his own pocket to prevent any more violence.

As an athlete, Rafer won a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Olympics in Rome ... four years after he won silver in the same event at the 1956 Olympic Games.

He was a 2-sport athlete at UCLA -- running track and playing basketball.

And get this ... he was such an insane athlete, the L.A. Rams selected him in the 28th round of the 1959 NFL Draft as a running back despite never playing a single down of college football!

After his storied career as an athlete, Johnson became an actor -- appearing in a bunch of movies including "Wild in the Country" with Elvis Presley, "Pirates of Tortuga" and even the 1989 James Bond flick, "A License to Kill."

Rafer was also a key figure in launching the Special Olympics in 1968 -- and co-founded the California Special Olympics in 1969.

Johnson served on the CSO board of directors for 2 decades before joining the Board of Governors.

Oh, and he also worked for the Peace Corps!

Johnson married his wife Betsy in 1971 and they had 2 children together -- daughter Jennifer Ann Johnson and son Joshua Ray Johnson.

Both kids were also star athletes at UCLA!

For those interested in making a donation in Rafer's honor, the family asks to go through The Special Olympics Southern California Rafer Johnson Tribute Fund -- which can be accessed here.

RIP

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