Machine Gun Kelly & Sommer Ray Sunset Strip Concert Hookup ... Proof's in the Video!!!

PARTY FOR TWO
TMZ.com

Machine Gun Kelly and one of the hottest chicks in the Instagram modeling game are dating ... or at least it looked like they were at a Sunset Strip gig.

MGK's been spending a LOT of quality time with IG model Sommer Ray. We got video of them looking very couple-y Sunday night when they hit up Rainbow Bar & Grill. Kelly was performing there, and we're told they looked very much into each other. That looked obvious when they were getting cozy in the crowd, and holding hands while they walked around the crowded club.

That Sunday Funday wasn't their first hangout either. Just last week, they hit up the Bahamas with a few friends ...including IG influencer, Brother Nature.

They actually met a few years ago. MGK and Sommer appeared on Nick Cannon's hit MTV show 'Wild 'n Out' back in December 2017. They were on the same team and it seemed even back then Sommer was smitten ... judging by how she checked him out from head to toe during one part of the show.

BTW ... Sommer has nearly 25 million IG followers. That number significantly dwarfs MGK's following of 5.6 million, but c'mon ... cut the guy some slack. No matter how dope your music is, it's hard to compete with bikini beauties on the Internet.

Neither is stating publicly yet if they're a couple, so for now ... let your eyes be the judge.

Don McLean Loved Tyson Fury's 'American Pie' ... 'A Thrill For Me to See!'

MUSIC TO MY EARS
TMZSports.com

Don McLean says he saw Tyson Fury sing his #1 song, "American Pie," after beating Deontay Wilder in Vegas Saturday night ... and tells TMZ Sports he thought it was AWESOME!!!

After Fury got the TKO against Wilder in the 7th round, he took the mic during the post-fight interview and said, "I said I'd sing a song tonight didn't I?!" ... and delivered his version of McLean's 1971 classic "American Pie!"

"He did very well," McLean tells us, "I would say he's the #1 bar room singer. Excellent job!"

McLean says he was even more ecstatic when the WHOLE CROWD joined the new heavyweight champ ..and they also KILLED IT -- word for word!

"The thing that knocked me out was that everybody, all the old folks, young folks, everybody knew all the words. Kind of a thrill for me to see that!"

And, he hopes Fury does it again 'cause he's down to get in the ring and sing with him ..."That would be fun!"

"I'm looking forward to hear him do it again and winning again!"

McLean is actually on tour right now, so we asked since Fury got some time now, if he can join him ... and ya gotta hear what he says!

Lil Nas X 'Tree House' Music Vid Underway ... Just as Elaborate, Per Usual

Lil Tree House
TMZ.com

Lil Nas X got his week started with what looks to be a brand new music video -- and like he has in the past ... it seems he's about to wow us with a crazy production.

The rapper was filming Monday atop a parking structure in Downtown L.A., where a set had been built resembling an intricate tree house of sorts. It ain't your usual kid-built MacGyver job either ... the "houses" almost look like apartments.

Check it out ... you see people coming in and out of the entrances, including LNX who had an interesting outfit on -- blue coat, brown pants, and polka-dotted shirt underneath. Feels like this thing could get pretty wacky.

Remember, Lil Nas is known for his over-the-top music vids -- which are top-notch and pull out all the stops on visual effects, props, set design, costumes ... and of course, animals.

His most successful song and video to date is "Old Town Road," which has racked up over 440 million views on YouTube. His other videos haven't really come close to that, but they're just as highly produced and elaborate. Based on what we see here, he's keeping that going.

The big question, of course, is what song this could possibly be for. He already did videos for his 3 big singles off his debut EP, "7," and has recently teased "new bangers" in 2020.

Hmmm ... the anticipation is killing us. We see you though, Nas X 👀

Guess Who This Giddy Girl Turned Into!

Before this smiling sweetie in suspenders would grow up to become a television star ... she was raised in L.A. by her parents, who are Hollywood hotshots themselves.

She made her acting debut at the ripe old age of 3 in a movie written and directed by her father, which was his only feature film. She would continue to play parts for her dad on TV, where he was a much bigger player ... and still is.

After years of other relatively small roles, she landed a big one for a TV series in 2009 ... and would go on to star on the show for all 7 of its seasons, winning 2 Teen Choice Awards along the way.

She also earned a Vision Fest Award for Best Acting by a Female Lead in a movie called "Consent" ... and starred in an acclaimed sci-fi film in 2018.

It seems like much greater things are on the way for this gal too ... and that's no lie.

Can you guess who she is?

Pete Davidson Louis C.K. is a 'Piece of S**t' ... His Downfall Was Great!!!

Pete Davidson is taking a brand new swipe at Louis C.K., claiming he's a mean dude who treats young comics poorly and adds ... it's been "amazing" to watch his career crumble.

The 'SNL' star spoke with Charlamagne tha God about his upcoming comedy special on Netflix, which includes a pretty vicious shot at Louis -- Pete flat-out calls him a "piece of sh*t."

Now, PD admits his animosity stems from C.K. allegedly trying to get Pete fired from 'SNL' for smoking too much weed. He claims Louis tried to rat him out -- but beyond that, he says Louis is simply "not a nice guy."

Pete thinks his point is supported by how shunned C.K. was in the comedy community after he admitted years of sexual misconduct and abuse of his power.

Interesting to note ... Louis C.K. has been making a comeback of sorts recently, and briefly addressed his #MeToo scandal during a series of shows in Phoenix this past weekend. Not that we think that's gonna change Pete's opinion.

On another note -- although not a positive one -- Pete also talked about possibly leaving 'SNL,' saying ... "I personally think I should be done with that show because they make fun of me on it. I’m like, cold open, political punchlines. I’m like, weekend update jokes."

He says he's outgrown the gig and added, “I have a weird feeling in that building where I don’t know whose team they’re playing for really, if I’m the joke or I’m in on the joke.”

Still, he says Lorne Michaels is a father figure to him and he'll stay "as long as Lorne likes me"

Vanessa Bryant Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit ... Claims Pilot was Reckless

UPDATE

2:47 PM PT -- A rep for Island Express tells us, "This was a tragic accident. We will have no comment on the pending lawsuit." It's interesting the company has referred to the crash as an accident as you must prove negligence to win a lawsuit.

Vanessa Bryant has just sued the company that owned the doomed helicopter that crashed, killing Kobe, Gigi and 7 others ... claiming the aircraft should never have been placed in the peril it was in before the Jan. 26 accident.

The lawsuit alleges Island Express was only allowed to fly under visual flight rules, and the conditions the day of the crash were not conducive for such flying. As we reported, the fog was extremely low and the pilot was in blinding conditions before the mishap.

The lawsuit also says the pilot was going 180 miles per hour in the heavy fog in a steep decline in the moments before it crashed in Calabasas, CA.

The lawsuit claims the pilot failed to properly monitor and assess the weather prior to takeoff, failed to obtain proper weather data prior to the flight, failed to abort the flight when he knew of the cloudy condition, failed to maintain control of the helicopter and failed to avoid "natural obstacles" in the flight path.

The suit says Island Express engaged in unnecessary and needlessly risky means of transportation under the circumstances.

The suit also asks for damages for "pre-impact" terror -- damages for the emotional trauma Kobe and Gigi suffered as the pilot struggled to get out of the clouds before the crash.

The lawsuit also says the pilot, Ara George Zobayan, was disciplined in 2015 for violating the visual flight rule minimums by flying into an airspace of reduced visibility.

The lawsuit also claims the helicopter was not safe, although it doesn't say what was unsafe. It could be the basis for the claim is that the helicopter was not certified to fly in bad weather.

The lawsuit does not list an amount of damages sought, but Vanessa is asking for punitive damages, claiming the pilot and Island Express were reckless, and the damages could be untold millions.

The suit seeks damages for loss of love, affection, care, society, service, comfort, support, right to support, companionship, solace or moral support and expectations of future support and counseling. The suit also seeks money for loss of financial support and for burial and funeral expenses.

Originally Published -- 9:26 AM PT

The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar Sued Over 'Black Panther' Track ... You Stole Our High-Pitched Sounds!!!

The Weekend and Kendrick Lamar might want people to say some prayers for them ... they're being sued for allegedly jacking music for their hit song, "Pray for Me."

A Brooklyn-based rock band called Yeasayer claims the duo lifted material from its 2007 song, "Sunrise," slightly altered it ... and inserted it into their 'Pray' single, which was featured on the "Black Panther" soundtrack.

According to the legal docs -- obtained by TMZ -- the part allegedly stolen from "Sunrise" is a "distinctive choral performance" the band recorded using their own voices. Yeasayer describes it as "comprised of male voices singing in their highest registers, with animated, pulsing vibrato."

The band claims Weeknd and Kendrick slightly modified a recording of its song with "intent to conceal the infringement" ... and used it in "Pray for Me" up to 8 different times throughout the track.

Yeasayer claims the allegedly stolen material is "immediately recognizable" as theirs. The band is asking for all the "Pray for Me" profits and damages. It also wants an injunction blocking further sales and airplay of 'Pray.'

We reached out to both The Weekend and Kendrick Lamar ... no word back, so far.

Kobe & Gianna Bryant Vanessa, MJ & Shaq Share Touching Memories at Memorial

UPDATE

12:24 PM PT -- Shaq just spoke about Kobe, and his eulogy was full of levity and laughter as he recounted stories about him and Kobe when they dominated the NBA for years.

UPDATE

One memorable moment he recalled ... Shaq said some of the other Lakers players had complained to him about Kobe not passing -- and Shaq said he'd talk to him. He told the crowd that he reminded Kobe there's no "I" in team, and said Kobe responded, "Yeah, but there's a 'ME' in that motherf***er." The crowd howled with laughter.

UPDATE

Ending on a serious note, Shaq said he knew Kobe was in heaven with Gianna teaching her new moves ... and that they'd meet again one day. Shaq called Kobe his little brother and got a standing O from inside STAPLES.

UPDATE

12:09 PM PT -- Michael Jordan choked back tears while talking about his relationship with Kobe, detailing how the Lakers superstar would seek advice in all aspects of life ... and not just basketball.

UPDATE

MJ says Kobe could be a "pain in the ass" ... but admired his passion. Jordan said he felt like a big brother to Bryant.

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Jordan even joked that he wasn't trying to get too emotional during his speech ... saying he didn't want another Crying Jordan meme taking over the internet.

UPDATE

11:58 AM PT -- Kobe's longtime agent, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, just gave a heartfelt speech about his best friend, and actually made a pretty stunning revelation ... KB was actually texting him from the chopper before he and the rest of the passengers perished.

UPDATE

Rob says Kobe was asking if Rob knew a baseball agent in Southern California who might be able to help a friend's daughter get an internship with a team. That kid, as it turned out, was Lexi Altobelli -- the surviving daughter of the Altobelli family. Her father, John, mother Keri and sister Alyssa, were three of the 9 people total who were killed.

UPDATE

He made it clear one of Kobe's final acts on this Earth was attempting to help someone achieve something great, and he only had others' best interest at heart up until the end.

UPDATE

11:11 AM PT -- Vanessa Bryant just gave an incredible speech -- remembering Gianna as an amazing daughter who would have changed the landscape of womens pro sports in America.

UPDATE

Vanessa says Gianna was laser-focused on making the WNBA and being the best player in league history.

UPDATE

She also remembered Kobe as a loving father and devoted husband who took pride in doing all of his daddy duties after his NBA career wrapped up.

UPDATE

After her speech, Michael Jordan helped walk her off the stage while the crowd gave her a passionate standing ovation.

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10:45 AM PT -- Jimmy Kimmel is making the opening remarks at the memorial -- fighting back tears while remembering his friend.

UPDATE

10:33 AM PT -- Beyonce sang the opening number at the Kobe tribute .. performing her song, "XO." She followed that up with "Halo." It's a very emotional scene at Staples.

UPDATE

10:28 AM PT -- The stars have begun to arrive to the memorial ... Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Kris Jenner, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Magic Johnson and others are on hand. As are Michael Phelps, Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez, G-Eazy, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry and more.

UPDATE

6:33 AM PT -- Michael Jordan is in town -- clearly here to honor Kobe at Monday's memorial -- and on Sunday night, he had dinner with fellow NBA legend Jerry West at Craig's in L.A.

UPDATE
UPDATE

No word as to what role MJ will have at the memorial -- but his friendship/competitive rivalry with Kobe was legendary. MJ was Kobe's idol growing up -- and the two grew to be close friends.

UPDATE

When Kobe passed away, Jordan said, "I loved Kobe -- he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much."

Thousands of Kobe and Gianna Bryant mourners are just hours away from packing Staples Center for a ceremony celebrating the Mamba and Mambacita's lives ... and TMZ Sports will live stream all of it.

The event is expected to be incredibly moving and emotional. As we reported, the demand to attend the memorial was unprecedented.

THOUSANDS of people applied for tickets -- more than 88,000 just in the first 5 hours.

The Staples Center only holds 20,000 ... and many of those tickets had already been accounted for with Kobe's family, friends and the NBA community.

We're told officials wrestled with the idea of moving the event to the L.A. Coliseum -- which seats closer to 80,000 people -- before ultimately settling on Staples. After all, it's where Kobe played for 20 years and became a beloved figure in Los Angeles and around the world.

Tributes are popping up all over the city. Check out this mural in the Hollywood-area near The Grove.

We're told just like Michael Jackson and Nipsey Hussle's memorials -- which were also held at Staples -- streets around the building will be closed off for security and traffic control.

Law enforcement is urging fans without tickets to stay home and watch the broadcast on TV or online. The ceremony will NOT be broadcast on the screens outside Staples.

It's unclear who will speak at the memorial ... with dozens of people close to Kobe and Gigi wanting to take the mic to say kind words about the Lakers legend and his daughter.

We broke the story, Bryant and his daughter were 2 of 9 people who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26.

Vanessa Bryant, who is expected to attend the event, said of the losses just days after the tragedy, "We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe -- the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna -- a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri."

The memorial stream will begin at 9:00 AM PT.

Originally Published -- 1:00 AM PT

Warren Buffett Yep, Finally Got Myself an iPhone!!! Use It Like a Flip Though

FLIPPIN' OUT
MSNBC

Warren Buffett is getting with the times at the ripe age of 89 -- FINALLY buying himself a nifty smartphone ... but still using it like the flip phone he's left behind.

The billionaire Berkshire Hathaway CEO was chatting with CNBC Monday, talking about Apple and how great of a company it's turned out to be ... speculating about its stock value and that sorta thing. During the convo, he dropped a bombshell ... new phone, who dis?

Yep, ol' Warren says he's caved at last and purchased himself the latest edition of Apple's iPhone, which has apparently become his go-to mobile device. RIP to his notorious $20 Samsung flip phone, which he'd been using for at least the past several years.

Warren had some pretty good things to say about his new celly -- which he affectionately seems to think is called the one and only "Smartphone." Anyway, the guy says iPhones have permeated just about everyone's lives in modern society ... and are revolutionary.

He even likens it to when the original telephone was created way back when, explaining the iPhone has had that same sorta cultural impact ... perhaps even more so.

As for how he uses his cool new gadget, Warren says he's still basic AF ... just utilizing the lone the phone call function. Nice ... never change, WB!!!

Harvey Weinstein Guilty of Criminal Sexual Act and Rape ... Acquitted on 3 Other Charges

UPDATE

5:22 PM PT -- Harvey Weinstein was taken to a hospital shortly after being taken into custody because of chest pains. He's expected to be transferred to Rikers Island once he's treated.

UPDATE

11:16 AM PT -- Rotunno and Weinstein's attorney Damon Cheronis tell us, "While he was not convicted on the most serious charges, we are disappointed in the verdict and will be filing an appeal. There are issues in this trial that were extremely troubling, and they prejudiced Mr. Weinstein's ability to have his case fairly judged. These will be addressed to a higher court."

UPDATE

They continue, "In the meantime, we are working on assuring that Mr. Weinstein is brought to Rikers' Island's North infirmary unit at the Anna M Kross center complex or in protective custody so that he can get the best medical supervision and care possible.

UPDATE

9:58 AM PT -- Weinstein's attorney, Donna Rotunno, tells TMZ, "We knew going in it was an uphill battle from the beginning. The verdict is bitter sweet. An appeal will be filed, this fight is not over."

UPDATE

Rotunno also says they requested that Weinstein be placed in a medical facility inside the jail while he awaits sentencing. However, it is ultimately up to the Dept. of Corrections where he ends up.

UPDATE

9:39 AM PT -- Manhattan D.A. Cyrus Vance just spoke to the media and made it very clear ... Weinstein's convictions -- even on just 2 out of 5 counts -- are absolutely a success in his eyes, and not a failure by any stretch of the imagination.

UPDATE
THIS IS A SUCCESS
Fox News
UPDATE

Vance praised all of the women who testified in the case, saying they changed the course of history with their participation and stories ... and helped bring the criminal justice system into the 21st century in the fight against sexual violence.

UPDATE

He went on to say what was made clear is that rape is rape, and sexual assault is sexual assault -- whether someone reports it in an hour, a year or never ... and despite the relationship a victim may have with his or her attacker.

UPDATE

Bottom line for Vance ... he says there's a new landscape on how to look at these cases, and it's all because the women in this case were heroic enough to take the stand and speak. He says Weinstein will be behind bars for a minimum of 5 years, and his office will take that as a victory ... even though life in prison was potentially on the line on the more serious counts.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Vance's hope with this case is that victims of sexual abuse will come forward and report, and know they will be believed ... and that justice will be pursued on their behalf. It doesn't appear Weinstein's legal team took the opportunity to address the press Monday.

UPDATE

9:14 AM PT -- Weinstein was remanded into custody following the announcement of the verdicts. He will remain behind bars until his March 11 sentencing hearing.

Harvey Weinstein is guilty of 2 of the 5 charges he faced in his NYC criminal trial -- but he was found not guilty on the charges that could have put him in prison for life.

The jury found Weinstein guilty of 1st-degree criminal sexual act and 3rd-degree rape. He could get up to 25 years in prison just for the criminal sexual act. However, the jury found him not guilty on 2 counts of predatory sexual assault charges. Those carried a possible life sentence. He was also acquitted of 1st-degree rape.

A jury of 12 people -- 7 men and 5 women -- finally reached their verdict after 5 days and about 22 hours of deliberations. This comes after an interesting turn on Friday ... when the jurors sent a note to the judge asking if they could be hung on 2 counts of predatory sexual assault and unanimous on the others.

The judge told them to go back deliberations, and they worked it out by Monday morning.

As we reported ... Weinstein pled not guilty to 5 felony charges relating to sexual misconduct. The charges were based on the accounts of 2 women ... Miriam Haley, a TV and film production assistant who worked on "Project Runway," and former actress Jessica Mann.

The prosecution rested its case 2 weeks ago after 12 days of witness testimony. In total, 6 women testified against Weinstein, including Haley and Mann. Last Tuesday marked the start of jury deliberations.

As we reported ... Mann testified under oath that Weinstein began manipulating her as soon as he met her, allegedly forcing himself on her multiple times and raping her at a hotel in Manhattan.

Weinstein's defense argued he had a consensual relationship with Mann lasting for years after the alleged sexual assault. He maintained all sexual conduct was consensual.

During closing arguments, Weinstein's lawyer, Donna Rotunno, ripped into the prosecution, saying prosecutors, "created a universe that strips adult women of common sense, autonomy and responsibility," arguing Weinstein's accusers acquiesced to sex because they thought it would advance their careers.

However, Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi-Orbon countered in her closing argument, saying Weinstein's accusers “were merely ants that he could step on without consequences.”

The disgraced Hollywood mogul felt he couldn't get a fair trial in New York, claiming the jury pool was tainted ... but the case proceeded.

Originally published -- 8:53 AM PT

Jussie Smollett Chaotic Return to Court!!! Pleads Not Guilty on New Charges of Lying to Cops

CLEAR THE WAY!!!
TMZ.com
UPDATE

1:52 PM PT -- TMZ has obtained a copy of Jussie Smollett's motion to dismiss his new criminal case in Chicago, and he's basically arguing with a judge that he can't be tried again ... because he's already been penalized once before, which he thinks triggers double jeopardy.

UPDATE

In the docs, Jussie says when he forfeited his $10k bond as restitution to the city of Chicago a year ago when the OG charges were initially dropped ... that served as his official punishment. And, because it was recorded as his penalty, he believes he can't be tried again for the same alleged offenses.

UPDATE

A judge still needs to rule on his request.

UPDATE

9:11 AM PT -- The Osundairo brothers' attorney, Gloria Schmidt, just spoke to reporters apologizing for the brothers' involvement in the whole ordeal. She added the brothers are also willing to testify in the case.

UPDATE
WE'RE HERE FOR A REASON
FOX 32
UPDATE

8:40 AM PT -- Jussie pled not guilty and his legal team filed a motion for the case to be dismissed. He's scheduled to be back in court March 18.

Jussie Smollett is back in a Chicago courtroom, and you've gotta see the ruckus his arrival created outside ... as his supporters made sure they were heard.

Jussie was flanked Monday morning by an entourage of about 10 people -- some of them family members -- as he made his way into his arraignment on 6 new felony counts of lying to cops. At least one photog went down in a heap at Jussie's feet while he tried to get into the courthouse.

In the video, you can hear Jussie's backers chanting, "What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!!!"

We're expecting the ex-"Empire" star to enter not guilty pleas to all 6 charges in the new indictment, which calls the 6 charges "disorderly conduct," but all involve allegations of lying to cops.

READY FOR COURT
FOX 32

Interestingly, Abel and Ola Osundairo also showed up at court this morning. There's no reason for them to be at his arraignment -- we know they'll be testifying against Jussie, but that's weeks down the road.

As we reported ... the special prosecutor, Dan Webb, said Jussie "planned and participated in a staged hate crime attack, and thereafter made numerous false statements to Chicago Police Dept. officers."

You'll recall, Jussie claimed he was attacked in Chicago by 2 white men ... alleging the men put a rope around his neck and doused him with bleach. He claimed they also yelled racial and homophobic slurs. As the investigation unfolded, 2 black men -- brothers Abel and Ola Osundario -- were detained and they told police Jussie paid them to stage the attack.

1/29/2019
BODY CAM FOOTAGE

The special prosecutor effectively re-opened the controversial case nearly a year after Cook County prosecutors dropped all 16 felony counts against Smollett in March 2019. At the time, they called it a "just disposition and appropriate resolution," but not an exoneration.

Jussie's attorney, Tina Glandian, questioned the timing of the indictment. State Attorney Kim Foxx also questioned the timing. Jussie maintains he's innocent. If convicted, he faces up to 3 years in state prison.

Originally Published -- 7:29 AM PT

'RHONY' Star Jules Wainstein Busted for Domestic Battery Allegedly 'Smacked Him'

UPDATE

10:12 AM PT -- According to the police affidavit, obtained by TMZ, cops say Michael told them Jules punched and scratched him in the face ... all while Michael recorded the encounter on his phone. Cops say they reviewed Michael's footage and say it backs up his claims. Cops also said they noticed a reddish mark on his left cheek and a small scratch on his nose.

UPDATE

The incident went down Sunday morning in what was supposed to be a simple custody exchange. Michael was dropping off the kids with Jules. Cops say Michael told them he started recording Jules because he felt threatened from a previous argument over the phone about child support payments.

UPDATE

Then there's this ... cops say Michael told them when Jules got out of her car, she pulled a baseball bat from her backseat but immediately placed it on the floor. Cops say when they talked to Jules she admitted to pulling the bat and putting it down on the ground before approaching him, telling them "I was angry" and "I smacked him."

'Real Housewives of New York' star Jules Wainstein is in hot water down in Florida ... and we ain't talking hot tub.

According to docs, obtained by TMZ, Jules was busted Sunday in Boca Raton for domestic battery. It's unclear at the moment who the alleged victim is. Jules spent the night in jail and was released Monday under her own recognizance.

She's scheduled to return to court Tuesday. In docs, Jules was found indigent ... which means she can't afford a lawyer. A public defender will be assigned to her case.

Jules is no stranger to domestic disturbances. As we reported back in 2016, Jules called 911 after getting into an angry argument with her estranged hubby, Michael. Their divorce case was pretty nasty.

Originally published -- 9:11 AM PT

Real 'Hidden Figures' Math Genius Katherine Johnson Dead at 101

UPDATE

8:52 AM PT -- Taraji just posted about Katherine's death, saying, "Thank you QUEEN for sharing your intelligence, poise, grace and beauty with the world! Because of your hard work little girls EVERYWHERE can dream as big as the MOON!!!"

UPDATE

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Katherine Johnson -- the mathematician portrayed by Taraji P. Henson in the Oscar-nominated film "Hidden Figures" -- has died.

NASA announced the pioneering figure died Monday. It was her groundbreaking math work that helped calculate the trajectories for Alan Shepard's history-making journey in space. She was also the one who gave the go-ahead for John Glenn's mission into orbit.

Johnson, who was initially rejected by NASA when she first applied, was tasked by Glenn to check the computer's work by redoing all the math done by a computer that had been programmed with the orbital equations that would control the trajectory of the capsule in Glenn's Friendship 7 mission.

And, as part of the pre-flight checklist, Glenn asked engineers to "get the girl" to run the same numbers through the same equations that had been programmed into the computer ... by hand. Glenn famously said, "If she says they're good then I'm ready to go." The mission went on without a hitch.

HONORING A LEGEND
OSCARS

"Hidden Figures" was released in 2016 to much acclaim. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Octavia Spencer was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Johnson was honored at the 2017 Oscars.

Johnson, who retired in 1986 from NASA, authored or co-authored 26 research projects. She recalled her greatest contribution to space exploration the calculations that helped with Project Apollo's Lunar Lander -- the moon-orbiting Command Service Module.

She was born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. She was famous before even her NASA days ... she was one of 3 black students handpicked to integrate West Virginia's graduate school. Johnson graduated from West Virginia State College in 1937 ... earning degrees in mathematics and French.

Johnson arrived at NASA before it was known by those letters. She started at NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) in 1953. It became NASA five years later.

In 2015 and at 97 years of age, President Barack Obama awarded Johnson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

She was 101.

RIP

Originally published -- 7:25 AM PT

Drew Carey Emotional Tribute to Amie Harwick ... 'I Loved Her Very Much'

Drew Carey's still reeling over the murder of his ex-fiancee, Amie Harwick, who he's calling a "beautiful person who didn't deserve to die like she did" ... in his first heartbreaking public tribute to her.

Carey opened up about Harwick on his weekly SiriusXM show, calling his engagement to her the "best relationship of my life." "The Price is Right" host got very emotional talking about his love for Amie -- even after their breakup -- and the special connection they had over music.

He shared a special setlist for his radio show ... one he'd made specifically for her. It included "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "Dedicated to the One I Love."

Drew also touched on Amie's alleged murderer, saying she was killed by an ex-boyfriend who had been stalking her for about 10 years ... even when she was in a relationship with Carey. He says Harwick's ex "finally got her."

As you know ... Gareth Pursehouse has been arrested and charged with Harwick's murder. Cops say he attacked her in her home, causing her to fall to her death from a third-story balcony. Harwick had filed for restraining orders against him nearly a decade ago, but it's believed he may have had contact with her at a recent work event.

Carey ended his tribute to Harwick by thanking musicians who touch people like him and Amie, and saying "I loved her very much." He then played his setlist for her and says he might not be back on the radio program for a while as he recovers from the tragedy.

Colombo Crime Boss John 'Sonny' Franzese Sr. Dead at 103

John 'Sonny' Franzese, Sr., an Italian-American mobster who served as a Colombo crime family underboss and even had his finger in the movie biz ... is dead.

Franzese was an organized crime wheeler and dealer for decades, but he also dabbled in film. Franzese helped finance the '72 iconic porn flick, "Deep Throat." BTW ... it cost $22k to produce and grossed as much as $50 million. He also helped finance "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre."

Sonny served as an underboss of the Colombo family from 1964 to 1967, when he was sentenced to 50 years for bank robbery. He was paroled in '78 but prison became a revolving door. He went back and forth 6 times for crimes that included extortion.

He may have done worse ... in 2006, he talked about techniques for mob murders with a man who turned out to be a secret government informant who was wired. One of the things he said ... he put nail polish on his fingertips before murdering someone to avoid leaving fingerprints at the scene of the crime ... of course, to blunt DNA testing.

Interesting fact ... His son, John Franzese, Jr., testified against him in one of the trials. It marked the first time the son of a New York mobster turned state's evidence on his dad.

Sonny died in a nursing home in upstate New York. One of his daughters was by his side when he passed. We're told he died of natural causes.

Sonny was dubbed "The nodfather" for falling asleep during one of his trials.

When he was released for the last time in June 2017, he was the oldest federal inmate in the U.S. at age 100.

Franzese was born in Naples, Italy in 1917. He and his family moved to NYC when he was a child. He had 8 kids and 18 grandchildren.

Sonny was 103.

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