T.I. Sued for Defamation By Woman Claiming He Put Gun to Her Head

UPDATE

12:18 PM PT -- T.I. and Tiny's attorney, Steve Sadow, tells TMZ ... they "deny in the strongest possible terms these unsubstantiated and baseless allegations."

UPDATE

Sadow adds ... "These allegations are nothing more than the continuation of a sordid shakedown campaign that began on social media." He says the couple "implore everyone not to be taken in by these obvious attempts to manipulate the press and misuse the justice system."

The woman alleging T.I. put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her is now claiming she's getting harassed because the rapper and his wife are smearing her name.

Sabrina Peterson's suing T.I. and Tiny for defamation, because according to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... she says the couple's public statements and social media posts have smeared her good name ever since she made her allegation against T.I.

Peterson claims she got into an altercation with T.I.'s assistant, and T.I. responded by pointing a gun at her head and saying, "Bitch I'll kill you."

According to the docs ... shortly after making her allegation in January, Tiny retaliated by insulting her and posting a photo of Peterson's 8-year-old son to her millions of followers. Peterson says this exposed her son to "vitriol and danger."

T.I. and Tiny subsequently released statements denying a variety of sexual abuse allegations and other claims against them ... including specifically denying the claims made by Peterson.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Peterson claims being singled out -- along with allegedly being referenced in T.I.'s 8-minute video where he denies allegations and talks about "evil at play" -- has led to her receiving harassing and threatening messages on Instagram.

She's suing the couple for defamation and infliction of emotional distress. We reached out to T.I. ... no word back yet.

Originally Published -- 10:54 AM PT

'I-5 Strangler' Roger Kibbe Found Dead in Prison ... Lying Next to Cellmate

Roger Reece Kibbe -- one of America's most notorious serial killers -- was found dead in the prison cell he shared with another inmate ... and authorities say it could be homicide.

Kibbe, infamously known as the 'I-5 Strangler,' was found lying unresponsive in his California state prison cell around 12:40 AM Sunday ... and law enforcement says his cellmate, Jason Budrow, was standing next to the body.

Kibbe's body was transported to the prison's health care facility, but life-saving measures were unsuccessful and by 1:23 AM he was pronounced dead ... according to authorities, who say they are launching a homicide investigation.

81-year-old Kibbe was serving multiple life sentences at Mule Creek State Prison after pleading guilty to raping and murdering 7 people, with some of the killings dating as far back as the 1970s.

The cellmate is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder.

Lady Gaga Dog Walker Describes Moment After Being Shot Thankful to Be Alive

Lady Gaga's dog walker -- who was shot in the streets before a couple of her pooches were kidnapped in plain sight -- is on the mend and has kind words for his supporters.

Ryan Fischer posted an update on his health Monday, uploading two photos himself from his hospital bed ... one where he's got a breathing tube in his mouth. The second shot is much more reassuring -- it looks like he took the photo himself, and the tube is gone.

Ryan started his posts with a recounting of his near-death experience ... recalling the fact he felt guilty over not being able to protect Gaga's 2 French bulldogs ... while a third, their sister Miss Asia, trotted over to him as he laid on the ground bleeding -- whom he calls his angel.

He remembers calling out for help as calmly as he could, and a wave of people pouring out to attend to him.

RF goes on to say this about his recovery ... "I will write and say more later, but the gratitude for all the love I feel from around this planet is immense and intense. I felt your healing support! Thank you." He adds that he's grateful the police were able to recover the 2 stolen dogs, Koji and Gustav, and prays his would-be murders are brought to justice.

Fischer also had a message for his boss, Lady Gaga, writing ... "And to Elisha, my family at Haüs and @ladygaga: your babies are back and the family is whole… we did it!" He continued, "You have shown so much support throughout this whole crisis to both me and my family. But your support as a friend, despite your own traumatic loss from your kids, was unwavering. I love you and thank you."

It's a miracle he's doing as well as he is -- remember, Ryan was shot at almost point-blank range ... which was captured on surveillance video from a nearby property.

2/24/21
VIOLENT ABDUCTION
TMZ.com

Fortunately, Koji and Gustav have been found unharmed ... but the crooks are still on the loose. Police have released suspect descriptions, but no arrests have been made.

Taylor Swift Hey Netflix, Nice 'Horse S***' Sexist Joke!!!

Taylor Swift is picking up the battle her fans started with Netflix -- ripping one of its hit shows for a sexist and misogynistic joke targeting her dating life.

Taylor fired back Monday morning at the streaming service and the writers of "Ginny and Georgia" over the show's finale which showed Ginny (Antonia Gentry) and her mother Georgia (Brianne Howey) arguing about relationships. Ginny quipped, "What do you care? You go through men faster than Taylor Swift."

SHOTS AT TAYLOR
Netflix

Well, Taylor ain't laughing. She says, "2010 called and it wants its lazy, deeply sexist joke back. How about we stop degrading hard working women by defining this horse s**t as fuNny."

Swift's fans are also peeved ... #RespectTaylor started trending overnight, and one fan tweeted, "It's not sitting right with me [that] Netflix has two Taylor Swift projects on their platform and they are okay with treating her like this!!! RESPECT TAYLOR SWIFT."

Yeah, Taylor remembers that too, and her tweet even referenced her "Miss Americana" special on Netflix. Suffice to say, Netflix has an unhappy partner in Taylor and a slew of pissed-off viewers ... AKA the Swifties.

James Corden Definitely Watching His Weight ... New Year, Whole New Him

James Corden looks unrecognizable these days -- which, we suppose, can be credited to his new gig with Weight Watchers ... something he's clearly taking seriously.

Check out these photos of "The Late Late Show" host Sunday, where he's out making an ice run for his at-home party for the virtual Golden Globes ... which he later beamed into via Zoom, like all the other nominees.

No, that's not Zac Efron ... it's just JC, who was rocking some basketball shorts, tennis shoes, a hoodie and a face covering. The dude looks to be in really good shape right about now -- check out those calves!

James has said he's down around 16 pounds since the start of the year -- when he made a resolution to lose weight ... this on the heels of inking a deal to be the new face of WW right at the start of 2021. Yeah, we'd say he's living up to the brand name and then some.

James has always been known as a heavier guy, but recently he opened up to say he wasn't all that happy with the way he looked. He's credited his wife, Julia Carey, for keeping him on the straight and narrow with his diet and exercise.

Whatever the heck he's doing in the lab, we can only say ... keep at it, bud. Today it's 'Cats' and 'The Prom' ... tomorrow it's the new '007' movie (maybe). Congrats!!!

Kim Kardashian Alleged Trespasser Crashes Into Gate Told Cops He Wanted To See Her

Kim Kardashian's got more headaches to deal with ... cops say a man crashed through the gate to her Hidden Hills community and said he was trying to pay her a visit.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the incident happened around 6:30 PM Wednesday, when a 24-year-old man breached the main entrance gate in an effort to track down Kim at her Hidden Hills home.

We're told security managed to stop the guy before he could get anywhere near Kim's place, and the Sheriff was called.

Our sources say the man told law enforcement he was going to see Kim, and at one point even claimed she was his wife. We're told the Sheriff cited the guy for trespassing and he was released.

It sounds like Kim's still safe in Hidden Hills ... but the gate needs a little help.

Bobby Shmurda Glowing Bright After Prison!!!

SHININ' IN THE DARK
@ericdajewler / Instagram

Bobby Shmurda just ripped a page out of his pal Rowdy Rebel's playbook ... copping a $100k chain that glows in the dark.

Rowdy Rebel hit up celeb jeweler Eric Da Jeweler to create something special that he could gift Bobby to celebrate finally getting out of prison. Eric came up with this beauty ... a pendant and chain encrusted with a whopping 75 carats of emerald-cut diamonds!!!

Talk about your name in lights ... all that ice spells out SHMURDA, with a glow-in-the-dark border outlining it.

We're told Eric gave it to Bobby right after he got out last week -- 'cause, as everybody knows, the fresh-outta-prison starter pack must include crazy bling.

As you might remember ... Rowdy Rebel's demon chain was waiting for him when he got out back in December. Eric was also the brains behind that chain ... which featured 50 carats of diamonds.

As we reported ... Bobby was sprung last week, getting out 10 months earlier than expected.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle 'Shocking' Reveals Forthcoming ... In Interview with Oprah

A SIT-DOWN WITH OPRAH
CBS

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle are about to drop some bombshells about their Royal lives ... at least that's how Oprah's teasing her sit-down with the couple.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex apparently allowed O to broach any topic she wanted for their upcoming 2-hour primetime TV special, "Oprah with Meghan & Harry," which hints at some "shocking" revelations ... including a suggestion Meghan's been "silenced" by Queen Elizabeth and the Palace.

As for Harry ... both promo clips show him talking about his late mother, Princess Diana, and expressing his concern that his life would tragically end up like hers if he didn't do something about it.

As we reported, Harry recently confided in James Corden that he stepped away from his senior Royal responsibilities and left the UK with his family to protect them ... and his own mental health.

Oprah's interview airs Sunday and is already being heralded by her friend, Gayle King, as the best she's ever done in her career. King says the chat was filmed in the yard of a friend's house ... not at Harry and Meghan's or Oprah's Montecito pad.

Golden Globes Background Pics ... Take a Look Behind the Stars!!!

I spy a globe, a piano, butterfly artwork, a dog, 3 pipes and yes -- a dinosaur on a sled ... all behind the celebs who appeared on the 78th annual Golden Globe Awards.

Ranging from Jeff Daniels' hilariously basic background to lavish living rooms to Sandra Oh's snowy landscape, all the actors up for awards put on a show behind the show Sunday night ... and it's a lot of fun to have a look at their homes.

Of course, just as wide-ranging as their Zoom backdrops were their outfits, with many opting for traditionally formal and fancy ... and others going with flannel.

And, Jason Sudeikis in a hoodie.

All-in-all, the Globes never fail to entertain ... even during a pandemic.

George Floyd Murder Trial Courthouse Barricaded ... Barbed Wire, Fencing, Etc.

The courthouse where Derek Chauvin will be tried for murdering George Floyd looks like the same fortress that's around The U.S. Capitol right now ... heavily reinforced to block out the general public.

Construction crews have been hard at work over the past week fortifying downtown Minneapolis with de facto forcefields, including areas where protests and unrest are expected as Chauvin's murder trial gets underway in the coming weeks.

The blockade's going up around the Hennepin County Courthouse, the Minneapolis City Hall building and the Hennepin County Jail -- and it includes concrete barriers, non-scalable fencing and barbed wire down below.

The precautions aren't too surprising considering the City Council just carved out a piece of their budget to hire 6 social media influencers to help spread their message during the trial as well.

City Council members say it's only meant to help spread information more readily and to as many people as possible, but many see it as a PR tactic to help control the narrative.

As for the new exterior look -- we know that's not the only thing that'll be different in this case. The inside of the courthouse got a COVID-safety facelift that includes lots of plexiglass installments.

Jury selection is set to begin March 8, and opening arguments are expected toward the end of the month.

Chadwick Boseman Wife Accepts His Golden Globe Award In Emotional Speech

2/28/21
ON BEHALF OF CHADWICK
NBC

Chadwick Boseman won a Golden Globe, and his wife gave a touching and emotional acceptance speech on behalf of the late actor.

Taylor Simone Ledward accepted Boseman's Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama Sunday night during the COVID-cautious ceremony. Ledward was emotional and ran through a list of everyone her husband would have thanked if he was still alive to accept the honor.

Ledward opened her speech saying Chadwick would thank God and his parents ... she also mentioned Boseman's team, both on and off the set of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." In closing, Taylor said, "We have to take all the moments to celebrate those we love, so thank you HFPA for this opportunity to do exactly that."

Chadwick died in August of last year after a very private battle with colon cancer. He was only 43.

Prince It's Purple Raining Memorabilia!!! Ruffled Shirt, Custom Guitar Up for Auction

The classic white, ruffled shirt Prince wore in the climax of "Purple Rain" could be dripping off you ... IF you can pony up tens of thousands of dollars.

The iconic screen-worn wardrobe item is up for grabs, along with the rock legend's personally played and owned bright yellow Cloud Guitar, with a unique series of 18 black Prince symbols to the fretboard and top of the neck.

The guitar was custom-made for him with all the fitting flourishes in 1995. Both items -- the sexy shirt and the sleek guitar -- are expected to haul in at least $60,000 at auction.

There's more stuff fit for a Prince, too -- including the first pressing of "The Black Album," his stage-worn gold outfit from his "Jam of the Year Tour" and his "Essence" magazine photoshoot jacket ... all of which are expected to fetch more than $20k each.

Other auction items include sunglasses, signed letters, signed album covers and lots more clothing and accessories ... and the bidding at RR Auction lasts through March 10.

Max Holloway McGregor Rematch Unlikely 'I Don't Wanna Kick A Dog When He's Down'

ALL ABOUT TIMING
TMZSports.com

Max Holloway says a rematch with Conor McGregor was a real possibility just 1 month ago ... but after The Notorious took an L from Dustin Poirier, he's shifted his focus away from the Irish star.

"[Holloway vs. McGregor] was on a very short list for UFC if everything went well in [Conor's] last fight and it didn't," the 29-year-old Hawaiian told TMZ Sports in L.A.

"And I don't wanna kick a dog when it's down. At the end of the day, we'll see what happens."

McGregor defeated Holloway in a 3 round unanimous decision when they first clashed back in 2013 -- but Max has developed into one of the best fighters in the UFC and currently seems to be at the height of his powers.

He's coming off a DOMINANT victory over respect UFC feather Calvin Kattar in January where Max set a record for most significant strikes landed in a fight with 445!!!

McGregor, on the other hand, seems to be a shell of when he used to be. He's coming off a 2 round knockout at the hands of Dustin Poirier.

Max and Conor seem to be on 2 different trajectories -- and Holloway seems to be more focused on fighting for a title than settling an old score.

So, who's next for Max? Most likely the winner of the Brian Ortega vs. Alex Volkanovski fight at UFC 260.

Volkanovski is the reigning featherweight champ -- and has already chalked up 2 victories over Holloway in the past few years.

Guessing Holloway wants a 3rd crack at Alex -- considering he already beat down Brian Ortega in 2018.

Bottom line ... we're down to watch Holloway fight any of these guys. Dude is unreal.

LAPD's RHD Sex Crimes Unit Cops Pissed Over Its Elimination ... Huge Hit to High-Profile Investigations

The elimination of LAPD's Sex Crimes Unit is going to make investigating high-profile cases -- like Harvey Weinstein and Ron Jeremy -- much more challenging, if not nearly impossible ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

Due to budget cuts and the movement to defund the police department, the LAPD says its Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD) was forced to disband its 'SVU'-esque division in the last 2 weeks, and we're told high-ranking LAPD officers are upset ... and think this is a horrible mistake.

Our sources say this special unit was made up of detectives with expertise and special training, and their work will now be spread out to other LAPD divisions that some cops think aren't equipped to handle them properly ... which they believe will be a major disservice to the community.

We're also told RHD's Sex Crimes Unit logged a ton of hours talking to witnesses and working cases -- including serial rapes -- and there's no way that manpower can be made up among the other LAPD divisions ... which are already managing full caseloads.

Overall, our sources say investigating sexual assaults requires special skill, and RHD had a valuable resource pool it could pull from when diving into these kinds of cases which, like we said, helped in the prosecution of Weinstein, Jeremy and so many other alleged offenders.

Cops aren't the only ones concerned either. Famed attorney Gloria Allred -- who reps many alleged victims of rape, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse -- has called out the LAPD for eliminating the Sex Crimes Unit, saying ... "the safety of the community is at risk when sex crimes against women and children no longer appears to be a priority."

Judy Foster in 'A Date With Judy' 'Memba Her?!

Oregon born artist Jane Powell gained fame in the 1940s as one of Tinseltown's blue-eyed beauties in the golden age of film and made it big with her breakout role as the love-lusting high school student Judy Foster in the classic 1948 film "A Date With Judy."

The multi-talented Jane Powell shared the big screen with some of Hollywood's hottest talent including Scotty Beckett as the boy-crush Ogden "Oogie" Pringle, Robert Stack as the more mature cutie, Stephen Andrews ... and of course a 16-year-old Elizabeth Taylor as Judy's best friend, Carol Pringle.

Guess what she looks like now!

Tiger Woods Thanks Golfers for Red Shirt Tribute 'Helping Me Get Through This Tough Time'

UPDATE

5:45 PM PT -- Tiger Woods just tweeted for the first time since his accident -- thanking the golf community for Sunday's red shirt tribute .. and admitting it's helping him through his recovery.

UPDATE

"It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the tv and saw all the red shirts," Tiger tweeted from Sunday evening,

UPDATE

"To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time."

UPDATE

As we previously reported, Tiger was moved from Harbor-UCLA hospital to Cedars Sinai in L.A. to continue his medical treatment.

UPDATE

Tiger Woods was top of mind in the professional golf world this weekend, and you could tell as much by what everyone on the green was wearing ... Big Cat's colors themselves.

There are a few different tournaments underway Sunday, but at just about all of them ... a majority of the players -- especially the stars -- were decked out in red and black getups ... all just to honor their hero, Tiger, as he recovers from his horrific car crash.

Among some of the players who opted for TW's signature pairing -- Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed, Andrew Putnam, Jason Day, Angel Yin, Nelson Ledesma, Tommy Fleetwood, Tony Finau, Min Woo Lee, Sebastian Munoz, Stacy Lewis and others.

The golfers are participating in competitions like the WGC-Workday Championship, the Gainbridge LPGA and the Puerto Rico Open.

Of course, even before the accident ... Tiger wasn't golfing quite yet, as he'd just undergone his fifth back surgery in January -- and was speculating he could miss the Masters in April as rehabbed. He'd partaken in the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie, in December.

As we reported ... Tiger has been transferred to Cedars-Sinai after intensive surgery on his right leg, which was essentially torn apart in the accident by comminuted open fractures.  He's expected to have several more surgeries.

2/23/21
THE MANGLED CAR
BACKGRID

Tiger told investigators he has no recollection of the crash.

Originally Published -- 10:44 AM PT

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