Dr. Conrad Murray -- Saved by Secret Benefactors

Dr. Conrad Murray won't lose his Nevada medical license ... because some fat-pocketed friends lent Murray a big chunk of the money he owed in back child support

As we previously reported, Murray was behind on child support and under Nevada law the Medical Board can yank the license of a deadbeat dad.

We're told friends of Dr. Murray's -- fearful he would lose his medical license -- anted up the cash ... we do not know their identity.

Under the terms of the settlement, Murray will have to pay an extra hundred dollars a month to clear up the arrearage, in addition to what he is currently paying -- $1,003.

Sylvester Stallone Partners with Gotti's Son

TMZ has learned Sylvester Stallone is in serious talks with "Junior" John Gotti to make a movie about his mobster icon father, the late John Gotti.

Sources say Sly will play Gotti, who died in prison in 2002. The story is based on "Junior" John's recollections of his tumultuous relationship with his dad.

"The Dapper Don" was the boss of the Gambino crime family -- one of the most powerful mafia families ever.

Gotti was convicted in 1992 of committing 13 murders. "Junior" Gotti was convicted of racketeering and got out of prison in 2005. He was indicted for racketeering and murder conspiracy in 2008 but the case ended in a mistrial ... and then "Junior" wrote a children's book.

As for Sly playing Gotti -- good casting, we might add -- we're told the project is far enough along that he's ready to pick a screenwriter.

Michael Jackson Estate Threatened with Lawsuit

The co-author of a new book on Michael Jackson has threatened to sue the Michael Jackson estate for allegedly trying to discredit the book.

Howard Mann (center, along with Katherine and two others) -- a businessman who has made money on nude online gambling and nude wrestling -- hooked up with Katherine Jackson to create a coffee table book called "Never Can Say Goodbye."

Estate lawyer Howard Weitzman told TMZ earlier this week, Mann had no right "to exploit any estate assets" and would take "whatever action is necessary to prevent him from unlawfully profiting."

Mann's attorney now tells TMZ, "The comments by the lawyers for the Estate of Michael Jackson are designed to create fear and ambiguity and may impede our ability to maximize the profits that Vintage Pop (the publisher) and the beneficiaries of the Estate are entitled to enjoy. These actions are torturous interference and will NOT be accepted and will result [in] litigation to recover the damages against our company."

Weitzman tells TMZ, "The estate will continue to protect its assets when appropriate," adding, "If Mr. Mann or his attorney want to communicate with me, they can contact me directly."

Joe Jackson Linked to Unauthorized MJ Memorial

The Michael Jackson estate and others have been asking ... who's behind an unauthorized MJ memorial set to go down Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton -- now, there's a smoking gun pointed at Joe Jackson.

As we previously reported, the bash is being thrown by a website called VoicePlate.com -- but no one could identify the person responsible for pulling the strings. It's also unclear who convinced Katherine Jackson to record that awkward, scripted promotional video for the tribute.

But now -- a clue ... and it all has to do with the featured entertainment at the MJ tribute ... a band called the Chi-Lites -- they had a couple of hits in the '70s, including "Oh Girl" and "Have You Seen Her."

If you recall, just days after MJ died ... Joe Jackson shamelessly held a news conference to introduce his new business partner, Marshall Thompson ... a member of the Chi-Lites.

Think it's coincidence that the band got a brand new gig ... at an MJ event?

Didn't think so.

Mariah Carey: I Want That God-Awful MJ Sofa!

Mariah Carey wants Michael Jackson's living room set in the worst way -- and we mean worst.

TMZ has learned Mariah has ordered Kenneth Bordewick, her interior designer, to bid on an ornate living room set owned by Michael at Julien's Auctions, which will be held tomorrow in Vegas.

Michael bought the furniture to fill the London mansion he was supposed to live in during the run of the "This Is It" tour.

According to the auction house, the living room set -- which MJ bought for $200,000 -- could fetch $1 million. The open bid -- $150,000. The proceeds -- minus commissions -- will go to Jackson's estate.

You gotta believe Mariah will put old lady plastic covers on the furniture, in case Nick has an accident.

Jackson Compound on Lockdown for Anniversary

The Jackson family compound in Encino is gonna be locked down tighter than Fort Knox on the anniversary of Michael Jackson's death ... because we're told the LAPD is preparing for an onslaught of MJ faithful.

According to the LAPD, there will be 30 to 40 officers -- some uniformed, some undercover -- patrolling a one block area around the Jackson home on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

We're also told other precautions will be taken -- including "no parking" signs around the house and a ban on all MJ merch sales in the area ... the same rules that will be enforced at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The LAPD says 3,000 to 4,000 shirts were confiscated last year after Michael died -- so you've been warned.

Nas Feels the Pain of Home Ownership

It's tough being a rapper trying to eke out a living with an ex-wife, a kid and an out-of-control mortgage ... but Nas may have figured out a way to stay afloat.

TMZ obtained legal docs in which Nas concedes he owes Kelis a skosh less than $300,000 in spousal support. But it seems the most pressing problem is the mortgage for the home Kelis is living in -- Nas is behind $52,989.22.

So Nas' lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan, filed a payment plan with the court, in which the rapper agrees to pay $17,500 up front, and then pretty much double the $7,800 mortgage payment each month to catch up.

It's pretty amazing -- Kelis' lawyer, disso queen Laura Wasser, has claimed Nas raked in $244,826 a month.

According to the docs, the plan is to sell the home stat.

We got this photo of Kelis and her son, Knight, out in Hollywood yesterday.

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand ... bucks.

Pauly D -- Gym, Tan ... Lamborghini

Pauly D must be saving the $10K he gets an episode on "Jersey Shore"... because the fist pumpin' dude is in the market for a $200,000 Lamborghini.

TMZ has learned the tanorexic DJ checked out a souped-up Chopper Edition Lambo at Towbin Automotive in Vegas the other day -- the same dealership featured in the A&E show "King of Cars" -- and while he didn't drive anything off the lot, we're told it's "very likely" he'll buy the car.

Towbin's owner, Chop -- the guy who sold Khloe Kardashian a Rolls-Royce for Lamar Odom -- tells us Pauly liked the hard top Lamborghini but really wants a convertible to make room for his trademark blowout.

David Boreanaz Moves On

David Boreanaz has parted ways ... with his $2.6 million home in the Hollywood Hills.

According to documents filed with L.A. County Recorder, and obtained by TMZ, the Boreanaz family sold their 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3,152 sq. ft. home on May 18.

The badass pad boasts a heated pool, media room, bar and a guest house ... you know, for those times when you need to give the wife a little space.

But don't read between the lines ... we're told David and his family just wanted to trade up to a bigger house, which they moved into a month ago.

Will.i.am -- I Gotta Feeling My Bentley Got Burgled

Will.i.am's ride got boom boom pow'd in the Hollywood Hills Monday night -- according to law enforcement sources, bad guys broke into his Bentley and jacked over $10,000 worth of stuff.

TMZ has learned the Black Eyed Peas star made the shocking discovery himself and called the police to file a report. According to sources, the loot included jewelry and several of the singer's personal items.

We're told cops are hot on the trail of the bad guys -- and some of the stolen property has already been recovered.

Vet to Mariah Carey -- You Owe 30K for Doggy Style

Mariah Carey ran up a $38,000 tab with a veterinarian who claims she cared for MC's pups 24/7 and even delivered one of 'em ... this according to a lawsuit filed by the vet.

Dr. Cindy Bressler sued Mariah in Manhattan yesterday -- and in the suit she says she provided "extraordinary services" for three of Mariah's Jack Russell terriers ... Cha-Cha, Dolomite and JJ. Bressler claims she's only been paid $8,000 of the 38K bill.

Dr. Bressler's attorney tells TMZ the vet was in charge of grooming and feeding the doggy divas while Mariah was in L.A. promoting "Precious." According to the attorney, Bressler also brought tiny Dolomite into this world -- delivering the pup last year.

Mariah's rep says the singer's legal team is unaware of the lawsuit.

Chuck Liddell Sues -- My Image Took a Beating

UFC legend Chuck Liddell is trying to lay the smack down on a clothing company that allegedly sold a bunch of Iceman merchandise without Chuck's blessing.

In a lawsuit filed today in L.A. County Superior Court, Chuck explains that he allowed a company called MMA Authentics to use his image on certain clothing items -- but ONLY if he pre-approved the designs.

However, according to the docs, Liddell discovered that MMA Authentics was selling several "novelty items" bearing Chuck's trademarks ... without first submitting their "samples or artwork" to Chuck for approval.

In the suit, Chuck doesn't specify how much cash he wants to beat out of the company -- but we're guessing it ain't gonna be cheap.

Joan Rivers -- Under Attack in Nasty Lawsuit

Joan Rivers is being sued by a bitter ex-manager -- who claims he was never compensated for resurrecting Joan's "dormant career" ... but it's clear this lawsuit is as much about hurt feelings as lost money.

The guy going after Rivers is Billy Sammeth -- Joan's longtime "personal manager" -- who claims he "took [Joan's] dormant career" ... and found a way to get her more work and more money ... only to be stiffed out of $179k and humiliated in a recent documentary about Joan's life.

In the docs, Sammeth claims he never got his 10% cut from several paydays Joan received -- including a $200,000 check Joan received from winning "Celebrity Apprentice."

Sammeth also claims Joan and the people behind the documentary "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work" -- defamed him by making him appear to be a "disappeared" manager.

Sammeth is suing both Joan and the production company for at least $2.2 million.

UPDATE: A rep for Joan tells us the comedian is, "confident that the judicial system will dispose of Mr. Sammeth's lawsuit in the appropriate manner."

Michael Jackson Neverland Creditor's Claim

TMZ has obtained a new creditor's claim filed in the Michael Jackson estate case, in which a lending company is asking for $4,580,000 for services connected with the refinancing of Neverland.

Jon Divens, the lawyer for the creditor, tells TMZ ... Michael refinanced Neverland in 2007 and got $45,000,000. The lending company -- Genesis Group International -- claimed Jackson agreed to pay the Group 10% of the loan amount plus fees, totaling $4,580,000.

Genesis claims it made a demand for payment this year but never got paid.

There's an interesting history with the guy who owns Genesis -- Kevin Kinsey. In 2008, there were reports that Kinsey had falsely represented himself as a representative of MJJ Productions in an effort to secure funding to get the re-fi.

A source connected with the estate tells TMZ ... without commenting on the merits of the claim, Genesis missed the deadline for filing a creditor's claim.

Mel Gibson -- More Trouble in Malibu

Mel Gibson and his soon-to-be-ex wife Robyn have been joined together again -- for allegedly not paying their bills.

Ramage Construction has filed legal documents -- obtained by TMZ -- claiming the Gibsons owe a combined $6,631.06 for work at the Malibu residence and for drawing up plans for another house.

But the $6,631.06 is a drop in the bucket compared to what could be a larger claim -- sources say the owner of Ramage Construction has been telling people that the Gibsons owe him roughly $200k for various projects.

The owner of Ramage has worked for the Gibsons for nearly 20 years -- on various houses and Mel's mega-church.

Mel Gibson's rep had no comment.

Joe Jackson to Sue Dr. Murray for Wrongful Death

TMZ has obtained a copy of a legal document that Joe Jackson has sent to Dr. Conrad Murray -- a prerequisite to filing a wrongful death lawsuit ... in which Joe claims Dr. Murray had been drinking at a strip club hours before he allegedly administered a fatal dose of Propofol to Michael Jackson.

According to

, "On June 25, 2009, prior to treating Michael Jackson, defendant was at a 'strip club' called 'Sam's Hofbrau' in Los Angeles where he had been 'drinking.'" The doc goes on: "It was reckless for him to 'drink' prior to administering anesthesia to Michael Jackson. He concealed his conduct from Michael Jackson."

The doc, written by attorney Brian Oxman, outlines Murray's treatment and the medical emergency that ended in Michael Jackson's death.

According to the document, Michael had "neurological, pulmonary, and anemia signs over several weeks prior to his death. In May and June, 2009, Michael Jackson was confused, easily frightened, unable to remember, obsessive, and disoriented." Oxman goes on: "He had impaired memory, loss of appetite, and absence of energy. He was cold and shivering during

for his show ..."

Oxman claims these problems were caused by Dr. Murray administering a "polypharmacy" of drugs (multiple meds) to Michael. And Oxman claims, Dr. Murray "ignored the signs of Michael Jackson's pulmonary inflammation, brain swelling, and anemia."

Oxman alleges Murray repeatedly lied about the drugs he administered to Jackson and withheld vital information from EMTs and doctors who were trying to save Jackson's life. He repeated all of the alleged inconsistencies that have been previously reported.

Oxman says of Dr. Murray, "His conduct was inhuman. It was an extreme violation of the standard of care."

We're told Dr. Murray received a copy of the document in March. Dr. Murray's legal team tells TMZ, "The allegations are absolute, utter nonsense."

And people close to Dr. Murray insist he does not drink ... ever.

We're told the document was served on Dr. Murray on March 27, 2010. According to California law, Joe Jackson must wait 90 days from the date the document is delivered before filing an actual wrongful death lawsuit. The 90-day period is up Friday, the anniversary of Michael's death.

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