Miya Ponsetto 'SoHo Karen' Charged with Hate Crime ... Family Attorney Reacts

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Keyon's mother, Katty Rodriguez, reacted to the news moments after the indictment. She was flanked by Rev. Al Sharpton and family attorney Ben Crump, who said thank goodness Keyon's father was there at the time of the incident ... because god knows what would have happened.

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NO REMORSE WHATSOEVER

Miya Ponsetto, who's been labeled "SoHo Karen," has just been indicted on a slew of charges -- including 2 hate crimes -- over the infamous iPhone incident in a hotel lobby.

According to court records, a grand jury indicted Ponsetto Wednesday, hitting her with 2 felony counts of unlawful imprisonment in the 2nd degree as a hate crime ... and 2 misdemeanor counts of aggravated harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.

Ponsetto's attorney, Paul D'Emilia, pled not guilty on her behalf. D'Emilia railed on Manhattan D.A. Cy Vance, telling TMZ that "instead of helping to foster a civil and enlightened resolution to an unfortunate incident between two young people, DA Vance chose a craven and opportunistic path in indicting, with felony hate crime charges."

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ATTACKING A 14-YEAR-OLD

D'Emilia believes the charges are an overreach, calling it absurd and shameful.

Remember, the family wanted Miya to be charged with a hate crime ... and now she has been. She's due back in court in October.

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HOTEL RAMPAGE

As we reported ... the indictment stems from a December 2020 incident when Miya's seen on video attacking 14-year-old Keyon Harrold Jr. at the Arlo Hotel in SoHo after falsely claiming he stole her iPhone.

She denied racially profiling Keyon.

Originally published -- 2:06 PM PT

Donald Rumsfeld Prez G.W. Bush's Defense Sec. Dead at 88

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Former Sec. of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who served under President George W. Bush when America was attacked on 9/11, has died.

Rumsfeld's family says he died surrounded by loved ones in Taos, New Mexico. The family released a statement saying, "History may remember him for his extraordinary accomplishments over six decades of public service, but for those who knew him best and whose lives were forever changed as a result, we will remember his unwavering love for his wife Joyce, his family and friends, and the integrity he brought to a life dedicated to country."

Rumsfeld had the distinction of serving as the youngest Defense secretary under President Ford and the oldest under President Bush. He was inside the Pentagon having breakfast on 9/11 when the highjacked plane struck the building.

Immediately following the attack, Rumsfeld was seen outside helping with rescue efforts ... before officials finally convinced him to find shelter.

In the aftermath of 9/11, Rumsfeld spearheaded the attack on al-Qaida in Afghanistan. Then, in 2003, Rumsfeld shifted his focus to Iraq ... invading the country in search of weapons of mass destruction -- there were none -- and the subsequent ousting of Saddam Hussein.

Rumsfeld will also be remembered as a controversial figure who was largely held responsible for the Abu Ghraib torture scandal for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners.

Rumsfeld, a Chicago native, attended Princeton before he was commissioned as a U.S. Navy aviator and flight instructor. He was on active duty for 3 years in the mid to late 1950s.

He was a congressman from Illinois before serving under presidents Richard Nixon and Ford. He'd spend more than 2 decades in the private sector before returning to his old position under Bush.

Rumsfeld was 88.

James Franco Settles Sexual Misconduct Suit ... for $2.235 Million

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Four months after James Franco settled his sexual misconduct lawsuit we're now learning the financial terms of the settlement ... and it cost him a couple million.

The amount was revealed in court docs made public Wednesday ... and it shows Franco, his production company Rabbit Bandini Productions, the film school he founded, Studio 4, and others will shell out $2,235,000 to settle the suit. A judge still needs to sign off on it.

If the settlement gets the green light ... 2 of Franco's former students -- Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal, who filed the class-action suit in October 2020 at the height of the #MeToo movement -- will get $670,500 and $223,500, respectively ... but will have to hand over a chunk of that to their attorneys.

The other students who joined the lawsuit will get a cut of the remaining $1.341 million ... again, less due to attorneys' fees and costs.

As we previously reported ... Franco, who opened the school in 2014 and has since been shut down, was accused by students of putting them in gratuitous and exploitative sexual situations.

The students claimed Franco pushed them into performing intimate and explicit sex scenes in an "orgy type setting" ... something they say went way beyond the pale of shooting such scenes.

Both sides announced the settlement back in February.

Bill Cosby ACCUSERS Claim HE'S Still DANGEROUS ... After Overturned Conviction

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Two of Bill Cosby's accusers are afraid he didn't learn any lessons in prison ... with his conviction overturned and release in the works, they still think he is dangerous.

Sammie Mays, who claims Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her in the 1980s, tells TMZ ... his release is "disrespectful and despicable" for Andrea Constand -- the accuser in his trial.

Mays thinks Cosby is anything but reformed after serving more than 2 years of a 10-year sentence.

Sarita Butterfield, a former Playboy model who claims Cosby groped her, echoes that sentiment -- while another accuser, Angela Leslie, tells TMZ, "I'm surprised and shocked with today's news of Cosby's release. It seems the justice system served the criminal, in this case, as opposed to the victims."

Angela continues, "At this point, I just hope that he took time to reflect on the pain and anguish his actions caused so many women. And, also puts in the work towards becoming a better person."

As we reported ... the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Wednesday Cosby's conviction had to be overturned and he couldn't be retried due to a deal Cosby had made with a former prosecutor ... who guaranteed him immunity if he gave a deposition for Constand's civil lawsuit.

As a result, Cosby is expected to walk free from prison at some point Wednesday.

Mays says she feels the ruling "shows that women do not have the respect of men." She says Cosby's release should be especially frightening for women.

Butterfield and Mays are also worried about Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell walking free too ... and Mays is planning to protest outside the prison when Cosby's released.

Gloria Allred, who represented several Cosby accusers who testified against him, says ... the court's decision must be devastating for Cosby's accusers and the overturned conviction "should not be interpreted as a statement or a finding that he did not engage in the acts of which he has been accused."

Ex-'Smallville' Star Allison Mack Gets 3 Yrs in Prison in Sex Cult Case

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12:07 PM PT -- The terms of Mack's supervised release are laid out in new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... and the docs say she will need to undergo a mental health evaluation.

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The docs also say Mack will need to disclose her financial information to the probation department to assess her ability to contribute to payments for any mental health treatment, and she also must complete 1,000 hours of community service.

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9:42 AM PT -- Federal law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Mack has just been sentenced to 3 years in prison and a $20k fine. She'll also be on supervised release for 3 years.

Former "Smallville" star Allison Mack has just shown up to court to face the music -- and by that, we mean she's about to be sentenced in her sex cult case.

Mack was bum-rushed by a crowd of photogs and reporters Wednesday as she made her into a NYC courthouse -- with several of them asking what sort of sentence she was hoping to get.

She was mum on all of that ... keeping her mask on tight and taking cover behind her team, who escorted her in amid all the chaos. Still, the questions are valid -- especially considering she recently made it clear she wants serious leniency.

Mack's judgment day comes shortly after writing a letter to address "those who have been harmed by my actions." In the letter, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Mack said, "it is now of paramount importance for me to say, from the bottom of my heart, I am sorry."

She also wrote she threw herself "into the teachings of Keith Raniere with everything" she had and "believed, whole-heartedly, that his mentorship was leading me to a better, more enlightened version of myself."

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THE ARREST

Mack -- who was with Raniere in Mexico when he got busted in 2018 -- called devoting her loyalty, resources and life to him "the biggest mistake and regret of my life."

In a memo filed in court ... Mack's attorneys had asked for no jail time given she has publicly denounced Raniere, who in October was sentenced to 120 years in prison.

As we reported ... Mack pled guilty in April 2019 to 2 counts ... racketeering conspiracy and racketeering. Prosecutors essentially alleged she was the pimp for the NXIVM sex cult that garnered headlines around the world. She faces up to 40 years behind bars ... 20 for each count.

Originally Published -- 8:24 AM PT

Serena Williams Withdraws From Wimbledon After Leg Injury ... Tearful Exit From Court

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2:42 PM PT -- Serena just issued a statement on the withdrawal ... saying her early, unplanned exit was "heartbreaking."

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"I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg," Williams said on social media. "My love and gratitude are with the fans and the team who make being on centre court so meaningful."

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"Feeling the extraordinary warmth and support of the crowd today when I walked on - and off - the court meant the world to me."

Serena Williams will not add another Wimbledon trophy to her collection this year ... she just withdrew from the tournament due to a leg injury -- and her exit was VERY emotional.

Williams was competing in her first-round match in London against Aliaksandra Sasnovich ... but at one point during the contest, she slipped and injured her leg.

Serena got it all checked out by trainers ... and tried to continue -- but the injury became too much, and she eventually crumpled to the grass in extreme pain.

Williams didn't try to compete after that ... she pulled herself from the event -- and broke down in tears while doing so.

The crowd in attendance made it known they appreciated her effort -- giving her a standing ovation -- and before Williams left for the locker room area, she waved to everybody.

39-year-old Williams doesn't withdraw from Grand Slams due to injury much ... in fact, this is only the second time it's EVER happened to her (she had to withdraw from Wimbledon in 1998).

Serena currently holds 23 major titles, just one shy of the record 24 mark set by Margaret Court.

Get well soon!

Originally Published -- 12:46 PM PT

OG 'All My Children' Star Ray MacDonnell Dead at 93

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Ray MacDonnell -- one of the original cast members of "All My Children" -- has died ... TMZ has confirmed.

According to the Westchester County Medical Examiner ... the veteran stage and TV actor died on June 9 while in hospice care at his home in Chappaqua, NY. The cause of death is unknown.

Ray's long run on TV started after having already established a distinguished career for himself in stage productions. He attended London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts as a Fulbright Scholar.

His TV career kicked off in 1953, and he would appear on programs like "Robert Montgomery Presents," "The Jack Benny Program," "Producers' Showcase" and "Armstrong Circle Theatre."

Then he landed his first soap role in 1961 as Phillip Capice on "The Edge of Night" -- and in 1970 he found his TV home at "All My Children," playing Joe Martin, a patriarch for one of the show's central families.

Talk about longevity ... Ray remained on 'AMC' until 2013, and he received a Daytime Emmy for Lifetime Achievement in 2004.

While he was primarily a soap star, Ray still made time for Broadway -- from 1966 to 1979 he appeared opposite Angela Lansbury and Ann Miller in the Tony-winning musical "Mame."

He's survived by his wife, Patricia, and his children Kyle, Daniel and Sarah.

Ray was 93.

RIP

Stephen Jackson Gets Emotional Talking George Floyd ...'The Tears Will Never Go Away'

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"I LOST A FRIEND"

Stephen Jackson says "the tears will never go away" when it comes to George Floyd ... with the ex-NBAer breaking down as he opened up about his close friend's death.

Of course, Jackson and Floyd grew up together in Houston, TX ... and Stak often referred to him as his "twin."

Jackson -- who has been at the forefront of the social justice movement since Floyd's death in May 2020 -- described his emotions a year later ... and it's heartbreaking.

"The tears will never go away because I really lost family," Stak said on Portal A's "Charges With Rex Chapman" podcast.

"My momma will tell you. She even thought that was her son at times when she saw him. That's how much we looked alike."

"It just took me back to that place for a second, man. These tears are not fake. They're real, so when I feel it, they come out."

Jackson's "All The Smoke" podcast co-host Matt Barnes reflected on the protests that broke out throughout the country following the tragedy ... and said it's time to keep pushing the message even further.

"It's not white vs. Black, Black vs. Asian, white vs. Mexican," Barnes said. "It's love vs. hate because again, hate comes in all shapes, forms and colors."

"We fought, we rioted, we burned things down and that's got a little bit of attention. But, now that they're actually listening, what are we gonna do with our minds to help better, not only us but our kids' future."

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Derek Chauvin -- the Minneapolis cop who kept his knee on Floyd's neck during the incident -- was just sentenced to 22.5 years in prison ... but as Jackson said last week, it won't bring his friend back.

Stak also gives Barnes his flowers during the powerful moment ... saying the ex-NBAer continues to help him fight for Floyd -- with or without the cameras around.

"That's why I love Matt so much because those people are nowhere around now. I'm still doing the work."

California Surfer Viciously Attacked By Shark ... Gashed By 10 Teeth

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A California surfer was viciously attacked by a shark in ocean waters Saturday ... and the bite was so bad, authorities say the animal ripped TEN teeth marks into the man's leg.

The attack went down at Gray Whale Cove State Beach in San Mateo County near S.F. ... when authorities say a white shark, approximately 6-to-8 feet long, bit into the 39-year-old surfer.

"The patient suffered severe injuries," fire official Brian Ham told KTVU, adding, thankfully, bystanders were able to bring the surfer to shore just after the attack.

Authorities say the man needed to be "treated with advanced life support measures" following the bite ... and say he was transported to a nearby hospital in "serious condition."

Officials tell TMZ Sports the man has since been released.

The beach, meanwhile, was later closed to all visitors while authorities investigated the incident.

A shark attack in CA waters is very rare ... according to marine biologist David McGuire, "The relative risk is 1-in-17 million to encountering a shark in California waters."

As for why the shark might have attacked ... officials say it may have confused the man for an animal due to his wetsuit.

Serena Williams I Won't Be Havin' a Ball in Tokyo ... Passes on Olympics

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Serena Williams will not be Tokyo-bound this Summer ... because she just said she's not heading to the Olympics.

It's a big blow for the games losing that kind of star power -- Serena snagged 4 gold medals in prior years, most recently in 2012.

She said Sunday at Wimbledon, "I'm actually not on the Olympic list, not that I'm aware of," adding, "If so, then I shouldn't be on it."

If that sounds a little vague, Serena cleared it up with this ... "There's a lot of reasons that I made my Olympic decision. I don't really want to. I don't feel like going into them today. Maybe another day. Sorry."

Still not enough? Well, she ended with this ... "I have not thought about it. In the past [the Olympics] has been a wonderful place for me. I really haven't thought about it, so I'm going to keep not thinking about it."

As for her Olympic hardware, in the 2000 games in Sydney she beat Maria Sharapova in singles and won doubles as well, in 2008 she won in Beijing and 2012 won doubles with her sister, Venus.

As for the present ... Serena's eying her 8th win at Wimbledon. She's up against Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus Tuesday.

Serena isn't the first to bow out of tournaments recently. Naomi Osaka passed for mental health reasons and Simona Halep was sidelined as a result of injuries.

Miami Building Collapse Majority of 12-Story Condo Structure Gone ... 1 Person Dead, Many More Feared

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A terrifying and devastating scene unfolded in Miami early Thursday, as a 12-story oceanside condo building partially collapsed ... and a massive emergency effort is underway to find people who may have survived.

More than half of the complex unexpectedly went down in the early morning hours in South Florida in what residents describe as feeling like an earthquake.

The building reportedly has more than 100 units, and at least 70 of them are damaged or destroyed following the collapse that left a massive pile of rubble.

So far, one person has died and at least 10 have been treated for injuries, while 35 people have been pulled from the partially collapsed building and 2 more pulled from the debris.

Fifteen families have walked out of the building on their own, but sadly ... countless people are missing as the search and rescue mission continues.

Authorities are unclear what led to the collapse, but say it is perplexing because the structure is not old -- it was built in 1981 -- and there's no logical reason why it should have gone down like this.

Drake Bell Pleads Guilty in Endangering Children Case

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Drake Bell just pled guilty in his endangering children case ... but it's not clear yet whether he'll do any time behind bars.

The "Drake & Josh" star was in court for a hearing Wednesday in Ohio where he appeared via Zoom and pled guilty to attempted endangering children (a 4th-degree felony) and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles (a 1st-degree misdemeanor).

The judge accepted Drake's plea. He could face up to 18 months in prison on the felony charge. He's slated to be sentenced in July. As we reported ... Drake was in hot water in Ohio for an alleged incident from back in December 2017.

According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office ... a female juvenile filed a report with her local police department in Canada back in October 2018 regarding an alleged incident that she says occurred between her and Drake the previous year at a Cleveland nightclub.

We're told Canadian authorities contacted Cleveland PD ... and its probe revealed that the 15-year-old had established a relationship with Drake several years prior to the alleged incident.

Prosecutors say that, while at the concert, Drake "violated his duty of care and, in doing so, created a risk of harm to the victim." Prosecutors also say the probe revealed that, months leading up to the concert, Drake sent her inappropriate social media messages.

At this point, it's unclear what messages Drake's accused of sending via social media.

Billie Eilish Apologizes for, Clarifies Use of Asian Slur ... I'm Not That Person

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Billie Eilish is both apologizing for and clarifying a recent video that surfaced of the singer using an Asian slur and seemingly mocking Asian accents ... saying the clip isn't entirely as it appears.

Eilish came under fire last week after a TikTok showed her mouthing the Asian slur "c***k" as she sang along to Tyler, the Creator's song, "Fish." The song's entire verse is, "Slip it in her drink and in the blink, of an eye, I can make a white girl look c***k."

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The mashed-up video then shows Eilish speaking gibberish, which many believed to be her mocking an Asian accent.

In an apology Monday, Billie said the video was from when she was 13 or 14, "I mouthed a word from a song that at the time I didn't know was a derogatory term used against members of the Asian community. I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word."

She says the song was the only time she had ever heard that word, and it was never used by a member of her family or anyone else around her.

As for the second part of the clip, Billie says she was absolutely in no way mocking Asian accents, and it was simply a language she made up -- using it with pets, friends and family -- she says, "Regardless of how it was interpreted, I did not mean for any of my actions to have caused hurt to others and it absolutely breaks my heart that it is being labeled now in a way that might cause pain to people hearing it."

The Tyler, the Creator song was released in 2011 ... and from what we can see, he never received serious backlash for using the slur.

Jenn Harley Arrested for Domestic Battery, Assault with Deadly Weapon

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More trouble for Jenn Harley ... she's been arrested again.

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro's ex was taken into custody in Vegas Saturday night and booked for domestic battery and assault with a deadly weapon.

She remains in custody at the Clark County Detention Center. Bond was set at 5k. A court hearing is set for later today.

Jenn and Ronnie have had a violent post-breakup relationship, complicated by the fact they have a child together.

Authorities are not saying who the alleged victim is, however, they are co-owners of a home in the area.

Both Jenn and Ronnie have been arrested for allegedly engaging in violence toward each other. Jenn was taken into custody in 2019 after she allegedly threw a glass ashtray at Ronnie.

He was arrested this past April for domestic violence, and he was already on probation. However, he was not charged for the incident.

Ronnie was arrested for kidnapping back in October 2019 after allegedly striking Jenn, wielding a knife, taking their daughter from her and then locking himself inside an Airbnb they were renting in L.A.

When cops arrived, Ronnie allegedly refused to come out so they had to bust in and tase him before placing him under arrest.

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THE SECURITY FOOTAGE

Harley allegedly suffered bruises and scrapes in the altercation, and a neighbor's surveillance footage shows her looking scared as she held Ariana and hid behind a car.

He struck a plea deal and avoided jail time for this.

It's a sad and dangerous situation for the entire family, especially for their 3-year-old daughter, Ariana.

Prince Charles Reportedly Wants to Deny Archie 'Prince' Title

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Prince Charles has reportedly drawn a line in the sand in the brewing war between him and Prince Harry ... by allegedly refusing to make his grandson, Archie, a prince once Charles ascends to the throne.

The son of Harry and Meghan Markle is now 7th in line to the throne, but according to the Daily Mail, the inside word is Charles wants to limit the number of critical royals, partly because it's an expensive proposition and the public wants a more streamlined monarchy.

Daily Mail notes members with titles such as Prince or Princess are entitled to financial support and security ... all paid for by commoners. As you know, Harry and Meghan have said publicly Buckingham Palace already refused to pay for Archie's security.

Although this sounds on the surface like a belt-tightening move, there's way more to the story.

As we reported, the Royals are angry at Harry and Meghan for torching them ... even accusing them of racism. Although they didn't say who made the comments about Archie's skin color, the finger seems pointed at either Charles or William, both of whom are reportedly estranged from Harry and Meghan.

BTW ... the tension isn't limited to Archie. Prince Andrew has apparently been complaining about the perks his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, will receive.

Brett Favre On Packers QB Drama & Jordan Love Don't Press Panic Button Yet!!!

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Brett Favre isn't freaking out about the GB Packers QB situation just yet -- telling everyone why they should hold off on pressing the "panic button" ... at least for now!

Favre's speaking his mind on everything from Aaron Rodgers missing mandatory mini-camp to how the coaching staff should prepare the offense with Jordan Love at the helm.

"It's not the first time someone's missed a mini-camp or an OTA," Brett said on "Bolling with Favre" on PodcastOne.

Favre says he has no idea how the Rodgers situation will play out -- but implores the Packers to start preparing as if Love will be the guy.

What that means is the coaches need to figure out a Plan B offense custom fit for Jordan Love -- and they need to figure it out fast.

"Now, you're really kinda studying what Jordan does best, what he does similar to Aaron, how that relates to how I call the game in the future," Favre said.

"Do I do certain formations and plays that Aaron ran well because Jordan seems to run these well, or is he a totally different quarterback?"

"That's a question that they gotta answer and answer very quickly."

As for that "panic button" -- Brett says hold off on pushing it until they know whether or not Aaron will report to training camp this month.