CELEBRITY JUSTICE ™

Madonna's concert series in New York City should be a great time for fans of the "Material Girl," but anyone trying to sell rip-off materials -- hats, t-shirts, posters, etc. -- better think twice.

Live Nation -- the company promoting Madge's upcoming shows at Brooklyn's Howard Gilman Opera House -- has filed legal docs as a preemptive strike against "bootleggers" attempting to hawk bootleg Madonna merchandise nearby the venue.

According to the docs ... Live Nation wants folks attempting to sell unauthorized concert gear to be banned at all 17 shows scheduled in September and October. This includes apparel, buttons, tour books and anything else that jacks Madonna's trademarks without permission.

Live Nation claims bootleggers cause huge financial losses, and it's asking the court to order them to turn over any rip-off merch for destruction ... and give cops the power to seize unauthorized items found in the area.

The doctor who was responsible for Britney Spears' medical treatment died suddenly, just weeks before the judge in her conservatorship case will receive a report focusing on whether she was receiving appropriate treatment.

Dr. Timothy Benson died in Santa Monica, CA on August 24. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but sources tell us the 48-year-old psychiatrist died from an aneurysm.

The timing is significant. Sources connected to Britney tell TMZ the judge will receive a report within the next 10 days from a court-appointed evaluator who has spent more than 3 months determining if her medical and other care was appropriate.

Our sources say, during a hearing last spring, questions were raised about Britney's medical care. It's no secret ... Britney's mom, Lynne, has been critical of Jamie Spears handling of the conservatorship and the medical care her daughter has been getting. The questions revolved around the medications Britney was receiving for her serious mental health issues.

The evaluation was ordered after questions were raised over Britney entering a mental health facility earlier this year. Sources connected to Jamie claim the medicine she was taking had lost its efficacy, and doctors were struggling to find a new combination. But, others say they were baffled by what they felt was a sudden turn -- they say Britney was going full steam ahead with a new show, and then suddenly became all but incapacitated.

Some have questioned Dr. Benson's expertise in treating serious mental health issues. He developed a name for himself working with NBA and NFL teams, inspiring athletes to achieve success. He's a board-certified psychiatrist, but we're told some people in Britney's life felt she needed someone who worked full-time on serious mental health issues.

The evaluator's report is just one issue facing the judge. As we reported, Jamie has filed papers and will appear in court Monday asking a judge to temporarily relieve him of conservatorship duties until January, and put her case manager, Jodi Montgomery, in the conservator's role during the interim.

Jamie says he's ill and can't perform the duties, but there's a bigger issue. He's prohibited from having any contact with Britney's kids after allegedly putting his hands on 13-year-old Sean. Kevin Federline filed a police report and cops are investigating.

It seems improbable Jamie could be Britney's conservator until the case is resolved, since the conservator is ultimately responsible for the welfare of the children and that's hard to do when you can't interact with them.

Our sources say Monday's hearing should be non-eventful. We're told there's no real objection to Montgomery stepping in for the short term. But, depending on the evaluator's report and the way the assault investigation goes ... Jamie's long-term prospect for staying conservator is up in the air.

Swae Lee's ex-girlfriend allegedly struck him with her hands and her skull, cops were called ... and she ended up in cuffs.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the Rae Sremmurd rapper and his ex, Marliesia Ortiz, had an argument at Swae's home outside L.A. in early August, and she allegedly began throwing objects at him.

We're told Ortiz then went on the attack -- striking Swae and delivering a headbutt -- before his security kicked her out.

According to our sources ... she actually then called 911 claiming Swae sexually assaulted her, but when cops arrived she changed her story. We're told Marliesia admitted to starting the altercation by breaking items in his house and hitting him, but claimed the rapper also strangled her.

However, we're told neither Swae or Marliesia had any visible marks on them, but based on the evidence ... cops decided to arrest her.

The L.A. City Attorney has decided to hold a City Attorney hearing with both parties over the incident, but so far ... no charges have been filed.

Interesting note -- Marliesia told us she was done with Swae back in March, and accused him of cheating and being verbally abusive. Seems like she wasn't done with him for good.

You'd think Lori Loughlin would have something to smile about after Felicity Huffman got away with a relatively light sentencing rec from prosecutors -- but she's not happy here.

The 'Full House' star was seen attempting to hide her face behind a yoga mat Saturday as she left a class in Westwood and strolled  through a parking lot back to her car ... clearly not wanting to give paps a clear shot of her mug. At least not straight-on, anyway.

Well, they got a side profile ... and based on what we see here -- Lori doesn't seem as happy-go-lucky as her daughter, Olivia Jade, was at Disneyland on Friday.

As we reported ... prosecutors this week recommended just 1 month of prison time for Felicity ... this after they'd previously recommended anywhere between 4 and 10 months.

That move could potentially be good news for Lori and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, as it appears the feds are backing down from their tough-guy stance ... which could bode well for Lori and co. Then again, they're fighting the charges -- havin pled not guilty in their case -- so it might backfire. Time will tell if prosecutors go light on her too with a new plea deal.

Felicity Huffman's about to dodge a huge bullet in the college admissions bribery scandal ... that is, if the judge follows federal prosecutors' recommendation.

The U.S. Attorney filed docs Friday saying the actress should do one month in federal prison and pay $20,000 in fines. That's a great deal for Felicity because, back in May, prosecutors were recommending she do somewhere between 4 to 10 months in prison.

As for why the feds softened, prosecutors say in docs, "Some period of incarceration is the only meaningful sanction for these crimes. Not because the defendants' relative wealth has generated public resentment, but because jail is a particularly meaningful response to this kind of offense. For wrongdoing that is predicated on wealth and rationalized by a sense of privilege, incarceration is the only leveler: in prison everyone is treated the same, dressed the same, and intermingle regardless of affluence, position or fame."

Translation: the government wants to scare the rich, privileged and celebs ... so they know misdeeds will result in them going to prison -- even for a little while.

It's interesting ... although the sentencing recommendation is light, the prosecutors' language is tough -- "Huffman's conduct was deliberate and manifestly criminal: it was wrong, she knew it was wrong, and she actively participated in manipulating her daughter's guidance counselor, the testing services and the schools to which her daughter applied."

The prosecutor goes on ... "Her efforts weren't driven by need or desperation, by a sense of entitlement, or at least moral cluelessness, facilitated by wealth and insularity."

And then, the zinger ... "Millions of parents send their kids to college every year. All of them care as much as she does about the children's fortunes. But they don't buy fake SAT scores and joke about ('Ruh ro!') along the way."

The "Ruh ro" references an email -- submitted as evidence -- which Felicity had sent to Rick Singer, the bribery ringleader, when she found out the high school was using its own proctor instead of the one who was supposed to rig the testing.

Felicity did have 27 people submit letters of support ... including her husband William H. Macy and former costar Eva Longoria.

Felicity's attorney submitted their own docs, recommending she get 1 year of probation, 250 hours community service and the $20k fine. According to the docs, prison isn't necessary to deter others because Felicity's already suffering in several ways: she can't get an audition or offer for roles, her daughter Sophia can't get auditions at performing arts colleges ... even ones where SATs aren't required, and both of her daughters are "deeply angry" at her.

Our U.S. Attorney sources say one of the reasons prosecutors softened their recommendation is because the probation department was recommending as little as NO prison time.

Bam Margera's drama following a bizarre hotel lobby incident just went up another notch ... he's been charged with trespassing and is now in danger of having his probation revoked.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... the 'Jackass' star has been charged with 1 count of misdemeanor trespassing following his arrest last month at the Luxe Hotel on Sunset. What's more ... prosecutors are now moving to have Bam's probation revoked following the arrest.

The probation stems from his DUI case last year. At the time, he pled no contest and was sentenced to 3 years probation.

We broke the story ... Bam was placed under citizen's arrest after refusing to leave the Luxe Hotel ... plopping down in the middle of the lobby in a childishly stubborn standoff with a police officer.

The cop -- who told Bam she had backup on the way -- told the reality star, "This is not a f**king reality TV show. I know you're fresh out of rehab, so let's get your s**t together."

As we reported ... Bam had been talking trash to hotel patrons and refused to leave when staffers tried to toss him. His arrest came on the heels of Dr. Phil telling Bam he needed to go to rehab.

Jamie Spears wants out as his daughter's conservator, at least through January 20, 2020.

According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ, Jamie is asking "to temporarily relinquish the powers of conservatorship ... due to personal health reasons."

Jamie wants a temporary conservator ... Jodi Montgomery, whom he describes as Britney's care manager over the last year ... who he says has the ability to take on the responsibilities.

As we reported, Jamie's team believed Kevin Federline and/or Lynne Spears might try and challenge his conservatorship, in the wake of the criminal investigation regarding Jamie's confrontation with Britney's 13-year-old son, Sean.

According to the docs, Jamie is asking the judge to give Montgomery the same powers he has, which includes --

1. The power to restrict or limit visitors by any means.
2. The power to retain caretakers and security for Britney on a 24-hour basis.
3. The power to prosecute civil harassment restraining orders.
4. The power to communicate with expert medical personnel regarding Britney and to have full access to her medical and psychiatric records.

Montgomery has already consented to act as the temporary conservator.

Jamie wants a hearing expedited to next Monday. He also indicated Britney is "able but unwilling" to attend the hearing. He also says she does not want to contest the proceeding and does not object to temporarily appointing Montgomery as conservator.

Jamie has battled intestinal issues for nearly a year and was in serious condition late last year. His colon had ruptured and he underwent multiple surgeries.

R. Kelly's so-called girlfriends will be visiting him frequently now that he's in his prison's general population, but their visits will be strictly cordial ... NOT conjugal.

The singer's attorney, Steven Greenberg tells TMZ ... Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary plan to go see him soon at the federal prison in Chicago where he's being held. While Kelly's gen pop move came with a bunch of new allowances ... sex with visitors is not one of 'em.

Still, Greenberg says Joycelyn and Azriel will make the trip to see Kelly on a "regular basis" ... just to keep him company. Besides the sex ban, the GFs also can't bring Kelly food or treats from the outside. We're told his only consolation is a hug hello and a hug goodbye will be permitted with each woman.

We broke the story ... Kelly's feeling safe and at ease in federal lockup because he doesn't think he'll have any issues with his hometown inmates, who he believes still consider him a music legend.

Just in case, though ... Greenberg says there are security measures in place to keep Kelly safe.

Nipsey Hussle's estate owes a singer her fair cut of the money the rapper made off his hit song, "Hussle & Motivate" ... according to a claim she just filed.

Tasleema Yasin says she wrote and performed a vocal phrase used throughout the track ... according to the docs filed Thursday in L.A. Superior Court. Tasleema also says her voice is prominently featured in a countermelody, which she sang in her higher register ... and she says can be heard throughout the song's chorus.

She claims she's a coauthor of "Hussle & Motivate" ... which means she's entitled to a big cut of any dough the song earns.

Tasleema doesn't list a specific amount she's due, and wants the estate to provide a proper accounting ... so she can figure out how much.

R. Kelly's far from sleeping with one eye open now that he's back in general population because he feels totally at ease among his hometown inmates ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the singer tell us ... Kelly doesn't anticipate any problems in gen pop at the federal prison where he's being held in Chicago, because he feels he's still considered a "legend" there.

We're told he believes his fellow prisoners all look up to him and wouldn't harm him ... despite facing sordid charges that include sex with minors -- which makes most prisoners a target.

Our sources say this is strictly a Chicago thing, though -- Kelly would not be so fearless if he were to be placed in gen pop in one of the other jurisdictions where he's facing sex crime charges ... like New York federal court or Minnesota state court. He's just not as confident in his clout that far from home.

Also, Kelly's lawyer, Steven Greenberg, reminds us ... even in Illinois, security measures are in place to keep his client safe -- but he confirms Kelly's not sweating his safety, anyway.

Mac Miller was supplied deadly, fentanyl-laced pills that directly contributed to his death -- according to federal prosecutors, who just filed charges against his alleged dealer.

Charges came down Wednesday against 28-year-old Cameron James Pettit, whom the feds allege supplied the rapper with counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl in a new 42-page criminal complaint out of the Central District of California.

Per the docs, prosecutors claim Mac had asked Pettit for "percs" -- short for percocet, a prescribed painkiller full of oxycodone -- and that the dealer ended up supplying the pills that contributed to Mac's overdose death last year. The AP was first to report the story.

TMZ broke the story ... Mac Miller was found unresponsive in his Studio City home. His death was later ruled an accidental overdose from alcohol, cocaine and fentanyl.

According to the charging docs, authorities served search warrants at multiple locations while investigating Mac's death. They say that two days before his death on Sep. 7, Mac received two deliveries of drugs -- one from Pettit, who allegedly supplied the fentanyl-laced oxy pills, cocaine and Xanax -- and another from a prostitute, who allegedly gave him pure oxy, hydrocodone, amphetamine, Xanax and coke on top of what Pettit had dropped off.

Prosecutors say that the prostitute works for a madam, whom is allegedly associated with Pettit. They claim that when Pettit had not immediately responded to Mac for a second delivery, he hit up the madam, who sent the prostitute to leave him the additional drugs.

There's more -- prosecutors allege that Pettit directly messaged about Mac's death shortly afterward on Instagram, allegedly telling friends that he probably shouldn't post anything as a reaction "just to be smart." Prosecutors say he later wrote, "I am not great ... Most likely I will die in jail" when someone asked how he was doing.

The criminal complaint that Pettit was one of three people who supplied Mac with the counterfeit drugs. It's unclear if the two others -- presumably the madam and the prostitute -- have been charged yet.

Pettit was taken into custody Wednesday morning.

Originally Published -- 11:39 AM PT

R. Kelly is finally out of solitary confinement and will join the general population, even though prosecutors called BS on his isolation woes.

The singer's attorney, Steven Greenberg, tells TMZ ... Kelly was moved Tuesday and claims the singer was only kept in solitary by prison officials as a form of punishment -- due to his celebrity and the prurient nature of his alleged crimes.

Greenberg tells us that although R. Kelly will be in gen pop -- which is normally considered more dangerous, especially for high-profile inmates -- he claims there are going to be security measures in place that should keep his client safe.

We're told R. Kelly will now be allowed 10 non-attorney visits instead of the previously allowed one. He'll also have a longer leash for phone calls and emails.

Perhaps most important -- for R. Kelly it seems -- is the fresh air he'll be able to experience now with other prisoners during rec time. He'll get to hit the yard if he wants.

Now, prosecutors confirmed R. Kelly was being moved to gen pop in a court filing of their own -- but added he was only in solitary briefly and at his request.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, state prosecutors say R. Kelly had previously asked to be placed in a secluded wing of the prison called the Special Housing Unit with no cellmates, at first. They say he eventually did get cellmates.

Ariana Grande said thank u, but no thank u to Forever 21 when they pitched her an endorsement deal, but the clothing store went and launched a ripoff Ariana ad campaign anyway ... according to a new suit.

The singer alleges Forever 21 and her team were in talks for a deal in December 2018 into January, but the company wouldn't pony up enough dough to use her name and likeness.

Instead, Forever 21 allegedly stole it from Grande for a campaign across their website and social media ... and also hired a look-alike model to make it seem even more like the real deal.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, F21 published at least 30 unauthorized images and videos misappropriating Ariana's name and likeness, and did so by piggybacking off of the huge success of her "Thank U, Next" album.

Grande claims the company stole imagery from her album to create a false perception Ariana was backing the Forever 21 brand. The suit alleges F21's look-alike model also reenacted scenes and shots from the album's singles and music videos ... specifically "7 Rings."

The store Riley Rose, which was launched by the daughters of Forever 21's founders, was also allegedly involved in the ripoff campaign.

Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary have a master plan to help get R. Kelly the powerhouse defense team he says he needs ... but it's still a work in progress.

Sources close to Kelly's girlfriends/alleged sex slaves tell TMZ ... they're joining forces to help Kelly scrounge up the funds to hire the attorney who got Michael Jackson acquitted in his child molestation trial -- Tom Mesereau.

We're told the ladies have a couple potential projects in the works that could land them a big payday -- including a book deal -- and their plan is to put that money toward the Mesereau fund ... along with Kelly's general defense fund.

Our sources say Joycelyn and Azriel have just hired reps who are reaching out to media outlets to score some paid interviews. None are scheduled yet ... but we're told there's some interest.

The bad news -- our sources say Kelly's GFs haven't had any luck acquiring big-time talent management for their more ambitious goal of launching Hollywood careers.

Welcome to the club.

Unfortunately for Kelly and his gals, it seems he'll need a fortune just to land Mesereau, and that doesn't include the full cost of defense in his multiple sex crimes cases.

As we told you, his New York federal case will require forensic experts, experts in sex trafficking, P.I.'s and on and on. That alone will easily cost a million bucks to defend ... and he's got cases in 3 other jurisdictions -- Illinois State, Illinois Federal and Minnesota State.

Robert F. Kennedy's assassin appears to be okay after being stabbed in prison, 'cause the guy's already back behind bars -- and as for his attacker ... likely no one you might know.

The California Department of Corrections tells TMZ ... Sirhan Sirhan has been released from the hospital he was transported to and treated at, after being stabbed Friday, and is currently back at the Richard J. Donovan State Prison in San Diego. Home sweet home.

As for how he's doing ... we're told Sirhan is in "good condition." It's unclear where he was stabbed in the initial attack ... but it sounds like it wasn't life-threatening.

Now, regarding the man who assaulted him -- our law enforcement sources are staying pretty tight-lipped about who exactly it was. We have been able to confirm, though, that it was NOT any of the prominent inmates you'd probably recognize right away.

Those who've been ruled out as the assailant -- Suge Knight, both of the Menendez brothers, Jesse James Hollywood, and Tex Watson of the Manson Family.

There are other notable prisoners being housed at RJD, of course, but these guys are easily the most infamous, and our sources tell us it wasn't any of them. Like we told you, whoever did do it has been placed in isolation. No word on whether charges will be filed.

Sirhan killed RFK in 1968 during a campaign rally in L.A. -- he was running for President, and was seen as a highly-favored candidate in the Democratic Party after winning the California Primary. Sirhan fired off shots from a .22 caliber revolver moments after Kennedy's remarks.

Orlando Bloom was allegedly hauling ass through a quiet neighborhood when he got busted for speeding ... and he had his young son in the car.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Orlando was caught going over 60 MPH in a 25 MPH zone around 9:30 PM last Friday night in his Porsche in the flats of Beverly Hills.

We're told Orlando zoomed past a motor unit, so police lit him up and pulled him over ... the 'Pirates of The Caribbean' star was not happy about getting cited, but he was cordial with cops throughout the stop and then sent on his way.

Orlando was with the 8-year-old son he shares with ex-wife Miranda Kerr. We're told his fiancee, Katy Perry, was not in the whip.

It still rings true ... motor cops don't care who you are -- generally.