January 6th Biden Squarely Blames Trump for Insurrection

TRUMP TRIED TO DESTROY DEMOCRACY
Fox News

President Biden traveled to the U.S. Capitol on the 1st anniversary of the insurrection, and he made it clear ... Donald Trump is a loser who couldn't accept his loss and was willing to destroy democracy to maintain his grasp of power.

Biden painted a picture of his predecessor watching the riot unfold with satisfaction ... a riot fueled by Trump inciting his supporters in an effort to invalidate the election results. It was extraordinary ... the president called the former president a flat-out liar.

1/6/21
CRUSHED BY INSURRECTIONISTS
Storyful

Biden did not mince words ... saying Trump was a loser whose ego went into overdrive as he spread lies about the vote count.

It was possibly Biden's strongest speech ever ... squarely calling Donald Trump a liar who tried to ruin the United States.

1/6/21
CAPITOL CLASH
Storyful

What's interesting ... the Attorney General just spoke out publicly about the investigation into January 6th and made it clear they were looking at everyone involved regardless of their position. Without saying it directly, A.G. Garland was clearly talking about Donald Trump.

Billie Eilish Headlining Coachella ... Travis Scott Almost Certainly Out

Billie Eilish will fill a headliner spot at this year's Coachella -- making her the second out of three names -- and a big question mark for Travis Scott's status with the festival.

A source with knowledge tells us Eilish has signed on as one of the event's big names for 2022. 2020's edition had Frank Ocean, Rage Against the Machine and Travis Scott as the three headliners before it was canceled because of COVID-19.

Frank is now committed to 2023's festival, and Rage Against the Machine is reportedly not headlining 2022's edition ... which left 2 empty spots with Travis.

The first was filled by Swedish House Mafia, who announced their return to music a couple months ago -- and now the 2nd will be Billie.

Of course, it almost seems impossible that Travis will take the Coachella stage in Indio, CA this April ... but no official announcement has been made either way.

Elizabeth Holmes Guilty On 4 Counts in Fraud Trial

Elizabeth Holmes is one huge step closer to doing hard time -- the jury found her guilty on 4 of the 11 charges she was facing in her fraud trial.

The founder of the blood-testing startup Theranos was facing two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and nine counts of wire fraud for deceiving investors, patients and advertisers ... all in search of money and fame.

After a week of deliberation, the jury returned its verdict Monday ... convicting her of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 3 counts of wire fraud.

The jury found Holmes not guilty on 4 counts ... including 3 counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. One charge was also dropped.

The jury remained deadlocked -- unable to reach a verdict -- on 3 counts. Prosecutors could re-charge Holmes on those counts, or just let it go.

During the trial, Holmes testified that she meant well, and trusted the scientists behind the start-up. The jury heard from 32 witnesses in total.

Leading up to the trial and verdict, there's been a documentary, a best-selling book, and a podcast about the company's alleged fraud and deception.

The billion-dollar company made promises it could conduct cheaper and easier blood testing, but, it was later revealed its devices could only perform a mere 12 tests -- instead of Elizabeth's claim of 1,000 -- and the company shut down 3 years later.

Holmes now faces up to 20 years behind bars for each guilty verdict ... although it's unlikely she'd get the maximum without a prior criminal record. Her legal team is vowing to appeal.

Prince Andrew Claims $500k Settlement Bars Giuffre Lawsuit

We now know how much money Jeffrey Epstein paid to the woman who is accusing Prince Andrew of having sex with her when she was a minor.

According to just-released legal docs, Epstein paid Virginia Giuffre $500,000 back in 2009. The money was paid as a settlement of her lawsuit against the now-deceased sexual predator.

The settlement is relevant now because Giuffre is suing Prince Andrew, but he maintains the 2009 settlement in effect blocked her from suing him. Andrew's lawyer points to a clause in the 2009 settlement that extends the release to other, unnamed potential defendants, and Andrew claims that covers him.

Giuffre claims Andrew had sex with her in London, New York and in the Virgin Islands when she was still a minor. He has categorically denied the allegations.

As for the photo of the 2 of them ... he has said he doesn't recall taking it and suggested it might be photoshopped. He says he has no recollection of ever meeting Giuffre.

Prince Andrew's lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss Giuffre's lawsuit, claiming, “... Epstein negotiated for [a] broad release, insisting that it cover any and all persons who Giuffre identified as potential targets of future lawsuits, regardless of the merit—or lack thereof— to any such claims.”

And, Prince Andrew's lawyers say Giuffre got more than the $500k settlement from Epstein ... they claim she got \even more money in exchange for a full release from all potential defendants.

Giuffre's lawyer has called the Epstein settlement "irrelevant" to her lawsuit against Prince Andrew.

Antonio Brown Kicked Off Bucs After Shirtless Tantrum ... Rides Around With NYC Driver

THE GETAWAY DRIVER
@dannyboyhustlehard / Instagram
UPDATE

6:30 AM PT -- 01/03 -- AB didn't bolt off to the airport after his infamous exit from Sunday's game -- instead, he hit up a celebrity driver to come get him ... and the NFLer was clearly in a great mood.

UPDATE

The driver -- Danny Chalet -- posted videos to his Instagram account ... showing AB grinning from ear-to-ear and talking on the phone after getting picked up.

UPDATE

But, it appears that AB was in no rush to leave town ... with Danny hinting at AB staying in the area to party.

UPDATE

As for any sort of official statement from Brown, the receiver posted a short message on Instagram ... saying, "Big MAD (Making A Difference). Thanks for the opportunity"

UPDATE

2:54 PM PT -- AB was spotted outside MetLife Stadium shortly after his exit ... wearing the same clothes he wore when arriving to the game, and his luggage by his side.

UPDATE

It appears he's waiting for a car service to pick him up and presumably take him to the airport ... considering there was no way the team was gonna let him fly home on the Bucs' plane.

UPDATE
UPDATE

1:16 PM PT -- Bucs head coach Bruce Arians just addressed the incident with the media ... saying Antonio Brown's career in Tampa Bay is over.

UPDATE

This is truly bizarre.

Antonio Brown just ripped off his jersey, ran shirtless on the field and headed for the locker room ... right in the middle of the Buccaneers' matchup against the New York Jets.

The incident happened just minutes ago ... with the 33-year-old wide receiver seemingly becoming upset on the sidelines in the third quarter as the Bucs trailed the Jets, 24-10.

Mike Evans appeared to try calming Brown down, but his efforts were unsuccessful ... as AB stripped down to just his pants and cleats and waved to the fans as he trotted through the end zone and off the field.

As it turns out, MetLife Stadium security reportedly thought AB was a streaker at first ... and initially tried to stop him before realizing he was a player.

1/2/22
I'M OUTTA HERE!
Viralhog

AB had 3 catches for 26 yards before leaving the game.

Of course, Brown missed several games this season ... after the NFL said he faked his COVID-19 vaccination card.

No word from the Bucs on what happened Sunday ... but this will certainly be addressed after the game.

Originally Published -- 1/2 12:47 PM PT

Betty White Dead at 99

UPDATE

3:32 PM PT -- Betty's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is drawing a crowd ... and folks are leaving candles, flowers, stuffed animals and other tokens.

UPDATE
UPDATE

12:32 PM PT -- The beginnings of a makeshift memorial outside Betty's house are underway.

UPDATE
UPDATE

One fan has already stopped by to place flowers under a tree at the gate, and pay their respects.

UPDATE

11:44 AM PT -- A source close to Betty tells TMZ ... she didn't have any sudden illness, nor was she battling any particular ailment. We're told she's believed to have died from natural causes.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Emergency responders, including police, showed up at her home Friday morning as a standard procedure. As we told you back in 2020, Betty rarely left her home once the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Beloved actress, comedian and American icon Betty White has died, just weeks before a milestone birthday ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Betty passed away at her home just before 9:30 AM Friday.

A trailblazer and pioneer in media, Betty had the longest running career for any woman in TV prior to her death -- starring in multiple shows over the past 8 decades, starting way back in 1939.

Betty is perhaps most famous for her lead role as Rose Nylund in "The Golden Girls," which ran from 1985 to 1992. She'd been in TONS of other big hits throughout her life though.

Betty got her start in radio in the '40s, making appearances on "Blondie," "The Great Gildersleeve," and "This is Your FBI." She eventually got her own radio program. In 1949, she began working on a TV variety show with Al Jarvis called "Hollywood on Television" -- which she later co-hosted -- before breaking out into more TV roles.

Her breakout comedic role came in 1973 when she played Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" ... which ran until 1977, and then she got her starring role in "The Betty White Show."

With 115 acting credits to her name, Betty had roles in productions like "Life with Elizabeth," "Date with the Angels," "The Love Boat," "Mama's Family," "The Golden Palace," "Ladies Man," "That '70s Show," "Higglytown Heroes," "Boston Legal," "The Bold and the Beautiful," "Pound Puppies," "Hot in Cleveland," and many, many, many other shows and films.

Betty won 5 Primetime Emmy Awards -- including 2 for 'Mary Tyler Moore,' 1 for "Golden Girls" and 1 for her 1975 'SNL' appearance -- along with Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Comedy Awards and even a 2012 Grammy.

She's been nominated for several Golden Globes and has also been honored with lots of Lifetime Achievement Awards and celebrations through several organizations.

Betty had just made headlines this week when she told People, "I've heard Ryan [Reynolds] can't get over his thing for me" -- they co-starred in the 2009 movie, "The Proposal."

Ryan jokingly responded on Twitter ... "I'm absolutely sick of the media exploiting past relationships just to drive clicks."

8/21/12
LAST TIME WE SAW HER ...
TMZ.com

The last time we got Betty on camera, she was teasing the launch of her Facebook page back in 2012.

As we've reported ... Betty had been extra cautious during the pandemic, mostly chilling at home and passing the time by reading, watching TV and doing crossword puzzles.

Betty was 99 and she would have celebrated her 100th birthday on January 17.

RIP

Originally Published -- 11:02 AM PT

I-70 Truck Driver Sentence Reduced from 110 to 10 Years Guv. Grants Clemency

UPDATE

4:52 PM PT -- Kim just thanked Governor Polis, writing, "Thank you @GovofCO for taking action to reduce Mr. Aguilera-Mederos sentence! While his new sentence is ten years, he will now have an opportunity to come home in five years and be with his son and wife."

UPDATE

She continues, "This case was a clear example of why mandatory minimums don't work and need to be abolished. I'm grateful to Governor Polis for his empathy and leadership on this case."

The truck driver who caused the crash that killed 4 and whose sentence of 110 years behind bars motivated more than 5 million people, including Kim Kardashian, to get behind his cause has been granted clemency by Colorado's Governor ... and his sentence has been reduced to 10 years.

Rogel Aguilera-Mederos was driving an 18-wheeler in 2019 when the truck's brakes failed, causing the horrific pileup crash. His 110 year sentence was mandatory, but caused public outcry from those who felt it was harsh and unfair given the whole thing was an accident.

In his clemency letter Thursday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis said, "The crimes you were convicted of are serious. Four individuals lost their lives and others were seriously injured because of your bad decisions.”

He continued, "Though your actions have caused immense pain, I am encouraged by your personal reflection and the commercial vehicle safety changes that were made in the wake of this tragedy to ensure this type of event never happens again.”

As we reported, Kim Kardashian was made aware of the case after Rogel's sentencing, and urged the Gov. to get involved to reduce his sentence.

Rogel will be eligible for parole in 2026.

Originally Published 3:51 PM PT

Ghislaine Maxwell Found Guilty of 5 Charges ... In Epstein Sex Trafficking Trial

Ghislaine Maxwell has been found guilty on all but one count in her sex trafficking trial.

Maxwell faced 6 charges ...  accused of soliciting and grooming minors for abuse and sex crimes at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein, which date from 1994 up until 2004. She was convicted on 5 counts, including sex trafficking of a minor. The jury deliberated for 6 days.

During the trial, 4 women testified that they had been sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein when they were all under the age of 18 ... and said Maxwell helped Epstein and sometimes even participated in the abuse.

Maxwell pled not guilty to all charges. Her lawyers insisted she had been a scapegoat for Epstein ... who committed suicide in custody back in 2019 while awaiting trial.

She could face decades behind bars.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of NY Damian Williams released a statement on the verdict saying, "A unanimous jury has found Ghislaine Maxwell guilty of one of the worst crimes imaginable – facilitating and participating in the sexual abuse of children. Crimes that she committed with her long-time partner and co-conspirator, Jeffrey Epstein. The road to justice has been far too long. But, today, justice has been done.  I want to commend the bravery of the girls – now grown women – who stepped out of the shadows and into the courtroom.”

Angie Kukawski Kardashians Business Manager Murdered at 55 ... Boyfriend Charged, D.A. Claims Killing Was 'Sadistic'

UPDATE

1:39 PM PT -- The Kardashian/Jenner Family has released a statement saying ... "Angela was truly the best. She cared about everyone of us and made things happen that were impossible. She will be greatly missed and we send our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones during this most difficult time."

UPDATE

1:11 PM PT -- We've learned the murder weapon was a knife, and the D.A. claims Angie's boyfriend murdered her "with the intent to cause cruel and extreme pain and suffering for the purpose of revenge, extortion, persuasion and for a sadistic purpose."

Kim Kardashian's business manager has been murdered, and the manager's boyfriend has been charged with the crime.

Angie Kukawski repped a bunch of celebs, including Kim. According to the LAPD, Angie had been reported missing and on December 23, police went to an address in Simi Valley where they found her body inside a vehicle.

Her boyfriend, 49-year-old Jason Barker, was arrested and charged with her murder.

Police claim Barker killed Angie at her Sherman Oaks home, put her body in the car and drove it to Simi.

Angie worked for a number of other celebs, including Nicki Minaj and Kanye. She also did work for Tupac's estate.

A member of her firm, Todd Bozick, told Variety, “We are saddened and heartbroken by the loss of our colleague, Angie Kukawski. Angie was a kind, wonderful person, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our deepest condolences go out to all of Angie’s family and friends.”

Angie was 55.  RIP

Originally Published -- 11:57 AM PT

David Koenig MMA Fighter's Remains Found ... Two Years After He Went Missing

Former MMA fighter David Koenig's remains were found in a wooded area of Missouri last week, roughly two years after he went missing ... cops announced on Monday.

According to the Branson Police Department, a man searching for deer antlers on Dec. 22 discovered the skeletal remains ... and an ensuing investigation revealed they belonged to Koenig.

The ex-mixed martial artist had been reported missing back in early 2020 -- after his family and friends say he disappeared from a Peach Tree Inn in Branson and later sent disturbing messages asking for help.

Authorities say they searched for Koenig for "thousands of hours" following his disappearance.

Investigators said Monday Koenig's remains showed no signs of trauma ... adding that it appeared there was no "foul play" involved in his death.

"Nobody killed Dave. Nobody!" Koenig's mother, Tracy, wrote on social media on Monday. "He left the Peachtree on foot and never made it home."

She added, "Why he was in distress, and why he walked through the deep woods…..we most likely will never know. But he is GONE."

Koenig was 25 years old at the time of his disappearance.

"While this is not the ending we hoped for," Branson Police Chief Jeff Matthews said, "we offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Koenig."

Archbishop Desmond Tutu Dead at 90 Anti-Apartheid Leader in South Africa

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a leader in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, has died.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Tutu's death, praising him as "a patriot without equal," adding he was "A man of extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid, and oppressed and downtrodden people around the world."

Tutu was recognized worldwide for his efforts, winning a Nobel Peace Prize ... among many other honors.

Tutu's efforts cannot be overstated ... he was the major force behind the challenge to end racial segregation in South Africa. After Nelson Mandela was released from prison and became President of South Africa, he tapped Tutu for the position of chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said of Tutu ... "He was larger than life, and for so many in South Africa and around the world his life has been a blessing. His contributions to struggles against injustice, locally and globally, are matched only by the depth of his thinking about the making of liberatory futures for human societies."

Tutu received praise from the U.S. for his efforts to end apartheid. Back in 2009, then-President Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tutu.

Tutu's efforts were not without great risk. As you know, the South African government retaliated against many leaders in the movement, including Nelson Mandela ... throwing a number of them in prison and shutting down opposition groups.

The Archbishop of Cape Town announced the church will organize Tutu's funeral and memorial, saying ... "Desmond Tutu's legacy is moral strength, moral courage and clarity. He felt with the people. In public and alone, he cried because he felt people's pain. And he laughed -- no, not just laughed, he cackled with delight when he shared their joy."

Tutu was 90.  RIP

BTS Members RM and Jin Also Test Positive for Covid After Suga Comes Down with 'Rona

Two more BTS members have now tested positive for Covid-19 -- bringing the total to 3 out of 7.

Rapper RM and singer Jin also contracted the virus of late ... this according to their management company, Big Hit Music. The diagnoses came down after the group's return to South Korea after touring the United States.

As far as the contraction timeline ... Reuters reports RM and Jin both received negative tests in early December after touching down in their home country -- but still had to quarantine anyway per S. Korea's Covid rules.

It wasn't long after that RM tested positive ... just as he was about to exit the local 'rona protocols. Jin, meanwhile, tested negative twice upon leaving quarantine ... but soon, he too felt symptoms and was deemed to be positive. They're considered breakthrough cases.

Like we told you ... Suga, another BTS member, tested positive as well. Big Hit Music makes sure to note that none of them have been in contact with their other bandmates ... the remaining 4 who are negative for now.

The news comes as omicron cases are skyrocketing across the U.S. -- with the variant accounting for as high as 90% of 'rona that's active in people right now, per the CDC.

Royal Family Armed Intruder Arrested at Windsor Castle ... Where Queen is Spending Xmas

Scary Xmas over at Windsor Castle ... an armed dude somehow penetrated the grounds before getting nabbed by cops.

The intruder is 19, carrying what British authorities call an "offensive weapon." That, folks, is British to the core.

Here's the thing ... it's scary because the Queen was at Windsor with Charles and Camilla.  Edward, Sophie and their 2 kids were also on hand to celebrate.

The armed trespasser did not make it inside any of the buildings, but still, getting on the grounds is crazy!

Queen Elizabeth skipped Xmas service ... staying indoors -- presumably because of COVID.

The suspect was busted on suspicion of trespass of a protected site, and possession of an offensive weapon. He's still in custody.  Police said, "We can confirm security processes were triggered within moments of the man entering the grounds and he did not enter any buildings. Members of the Royal Family have been informed about the incident. We do not believe there is a wider danger to the public."

The Queen paid tribute to her late husband Prince Philip during her Christmas address. Rough year for her, for sure.

Outta This World!!! Most Powerful Telescope Launched ... Gimme Some Space!!!

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
NASA

There's gonna be less space in space, because the newest clutter is the most powerful telescope ever hurled into the heavens, and it promises a new, never-before-seen look that could alter the way earthlings live.

We're talkin' The James Webb Space Telescope, which lifted off early Xmas morning from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

NASA described the launch this way ...  "At 7:20am ET (12:20 UTC), the beginning of a new, exciting decade of science climbed to the sky. Webb’s mission to #UnfoldTheUniverse will change our understanding of space as we know it."

That may not be an overstatement ... the telescope is the most powerful and most complex ... a space observatory that will study exoplanets -- those are planets outside our solar system.

Thing is ... scientists think some of the exoplanets could be habitable, and that means 1) is there existing life on any of them? And 2) could we live there either by choice or necessity?

There have been years of delay in launching the scope for various reasons. As for specs -- its mirror can extend more than 21 feet, which gives it the ability to capture more light from the objects it's photographing ... and that will enhance the details scientists will study.

The mirror has 18 hexagonal, gold-coated segments ... fancy!

Bottom line ... scientists should be able to see things, including planets, they've never seen before.

BTW ... to give you an idea of the effort that went into this ... for the last 17 years, scientists and engineers from 14 countries have invested 40 million hours getting the telescope up and running.

BTS' Suga Tests Positive for Covid-19

BTS's Suga has joined the ever-growing crowd, testing positive for COVID ... and that makes him the second major K-pop star to catch the virus in the last month.

Suga tested positive Friday ... according to his management team. It seems he was flying back from the U.S. to Korea Thursday and tested negative before getting on the plane, but that's a test given 72 hours before flying.

He took the test in Korea Thursday and got the positive results the next day. So, it's possible/almost certain he flew with COVID.

Suga was quarantined after getting tested and even before he got his results -- this per Korean guidelines. According to his team, he was not in contact with other BTS band members, although the time frame here is unclear.

Suga's been fully vaccinated since August, so this was clearly a breakthrough infection. Also unclear if it's Delta or Omicron. His team says he's experiencing no symptoms.

Last month, the group performed a bunch of shows in California ... and Suga stayed on for "personal engagements" and has been working on side projects, according to Big Hit Music.

Speedy recovery, Suga!!

Georgia H.S. Football Star QB Dead At 18 ... After Complications From Surgery

Robbie Roper -- a star high school quarterback from the 2022 class in Georgia -- tragically died on Wednesday after complications from surgery.

He was only 18.

Roper's family made the devastating announcement via Twitter ... saying, "We just wanted to update everyone on Robbie. Robbie just passed."

"He was the biggest joy to our family. We are proud of the young man he has become."

"He will be missed by his friends and family dearly."

Roswell High School football coach, Chris Prewett, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Roper was in the hospital on Sunday after suffering complications from a routine surgery.

"Robbie fought hard," Coach Prewett said, "and battled until the very end like he did everything else."

Roper was a dual-threat QB who had 3,010 yards and 37 touchdowns this season -- in one of those games, he had 447 yards and 6 TDs.

The 6'4", 215 pound QB led Roswell High to a 10-3 winning record and was named Georgia's Region 5 Class 7A Player Of The Year.

Roper received several college offers including Massachusetts, Morehead State and recently the Florida Gators who were informed of the terrible news.

"During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Roper family," the Florida team said.

Roper was also a great student and earned a 3.9 GPA.

#RIP

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