NFL Player Suing United Airlines ... You Let Me Get Sexually Assaulted On Plane!!!!

UPDATE

10:32 AM PT -- TMZ Sports has obtained a statement from United ... which says "The safety and well-being of our customers is always our top priority."

UPDATE

"In this instance, the customer involved was moved to a different seat. Because litigation is now pending, we’re unable to provide further comment."

An anonymous NFL player says he was sexually assaulted on a United Airlines plane and claims flight attendants didn't do much to stop it -- and now, he's suing.

The player -- using the alias "John Doe 1" in the new lawsuit obtained by TMZ Sports -- says on Feb. 10, 2020 ... a woman "sexually harassed, assaulted, abused, and violated" him during a flight.

The unidentified footballer says the trip -- a cross-country, red-eye ride from LAX to New Jersey -- was a complete nightmare ... and it was all made worse by United staffers.

In the suit, the man says he took his place in a middle seat ... and when a woman sat in the window seat next to him -- he claims he was immediately harassed over the safety mask he was wearing.

The football player says he told her it was because of the growing coronavirus pandemic ... but claims the woman hit and elbowed him and demanded he move seats nonetheless.

The man says he and his friend, identified as "John Doe 2" in the suit, observed the woman taking pills -- and believed her to be under the influence.

In the suit, the NFL player claims Doe 2 got up to tell flight attendants about the woman harassing Doe 1 ... but says they did nothing about it.

The NFL player claims the woman then sexually assaulted him ... groping and massaging his knees and thighs. He claims Doe 2 got up again to inform flight attendants, but says they still did nothing.

In the suit, the NFLer claims the woman began to "intensify" her sexual assault, "grabbing and groping his quads and then stroking her hand across his lap towards the inside of his leg near his genitals."

He claims he immediately got up and pleaded with a flight attendant to get the woman to stop ... but he says the United employee did nothing more than issue a verbal warning to the woman.

The NFL player then says the woman grabbed his penis and ripped off his face mask -- causing him to jump away and run toward flight attendants.

While he was up, Doe 2 says the woman slid over into the middle seat and began sexually assaulting him as well.

Finally, the NFL player claims United flight attendants came over and moved the woman to another row without passengers.

The NFL player says both he and Doe 2 were given $150 vouchers for their troubles ... but they're now suing and seeking damages for negligence, infliction of emotional distress, and more.

We reached out to the player's attorney in the case -- who would not confirm the NFLer's identity.

The attorney, though, did issue a statement, saying, "Those who report assaults should not be ignored, but believed, their claims investigated and appropriate action taken where warranted."

We reached out to United for comment ... but so far, no word back yet.

Originally Published -- 9:01 AM PT

Jaime King Files for Divorce ... Husband Speaks Out

UPDATE

4:53 PM PT -- 5/19 -- Kyle just broke his silence after Jaime's divorce filing.

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His spokesperson tells TMZ ... “Kyle was deeply saddened by Jaime’s attempt to obtain court orders based solely on false claims without providing him any opportunity to respond. As a result, he was extremely pleased that the judge nevertheless permitted their children to remain in his care."

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The statement continues ... "As Kyle continues to solo parent, as he has done throughout this pandemic, he remains entirely focused on putting the children’s stability and welfare first. Kyle wants nothing but the best for his whole family and hopes that Jaime can find the peace and help she needs.”

Jaime King wants out of her marriage -- she's just filed for divorce, and based on the documents it doesn't appear to be an amicable split.

TMZ's learned the model/actress filed legal docs Monday in L.A. to divorce her husband, director Kyle Newman, to whom she's been married to since 2007. It's unclear what led to the divorce filing, but we know this ... Jaime is also requesting a restraining order against him. The nature of her request or whether it was granted are not known at this time.

Jaime and Kyle have two sons together ... a 6-year-old and 4-year-old, whose godmother is reportedly Taylor Swift. Jaime and Kyle met while working on "Fanboys" which Kyle directed.

The news comes almost 8 months after a man who terrorized Jaime for months -- including a bizarre attack in Bev Hills -- was sentenced to nearly 5 years behind bars for felony stalking.

We mention that only to point out ... Jaime's had a rough go of it lately, and now apparently feels she needs court-ordered protection from her estranged husband.

Originally published -- 5/18 11:38 AM PT

'Empire' Star Bryshere Gray You and Your Pooch Were Terrors ... Landlords Claim Thousands in Damages

Bryshere Gray's in the dog house ... his landlord claims the "Empire" star's dog caused tons of damage in his apartment, and now he's suing the actor for the cost of the repairs ... but a rep for the actor says the suit's unnecessary, because he'll take care of it.

Vinod Venugopal and Payal Shah sued the actor -- AKA Yazz, AKA Hakeem Lyon on the FOX show -- in Chicago, claiming Gray and his pooch were terrors in the building.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the landlords say they rented Gray a condo inside their four-unit Chicago complex back in August 2019. They claim Gray, among other things, left his dog inside the condo for extended periods of time. They also claim the dog was left unattended in common areas in the complex and urinated and defecated all over the place.

The landlords claim the urine and feces significantly damaged the hardwood floors, stairs and other parts of the property. What's more ... the landlords claim Gray jumps in and out of windows, clogged the toilets by flushing down condoms, smoked weed in the place when smoking's not allowed under the lease, and engaged in unsanitary activity including, but not limited to, eating breakfast in one of the bathrooms.

There are pictures attached to the lawsuit showing the alleged damages, including the alleged plate of breakfast in the bathroom.

The total cost of repairs ... the landlords claim $26,120. The landlords say they reached out to Gray's team to settle the dispute but claim their demands fell on deaf ears. So, they're now suing for the damages and want $7,000 on top of that to cover their attorneys' fees.

We've reached out to Gray's team and his manager, Charlie Mac, tells TMZ ... Gray was diagnosed with ADHD some years ago "and unfortunately this [is] a result of that." Mac goes on to say, "He's a great person and it will be taken care of. It will be handled."

Mac added, "There is money inside of his security deposit that should rectify whatever issues the landlord has. [It's] sad that the landlord has chosen this way to handle this but we will do what is needed to make sure it is taken care of."

Tristan Thompson The Kid is Not My Son!!! Sues Paternity Accuser

Tristan Thompson is fed up with what he calls out-and-out lies about him fathering a child... so he's followed through with a lawsuit against his accuser.

Tristan just filed the suit against Kimberly Alexander ... the woman who's very publicly claimed the NBA star is the father of her 5-year-old son -- something he's repeatedly denied. In the lawsuit, Tristan says the paternity test he took back in January "definitively concluded that [he] is not the father." Paging, Maury Povich!

According to the suit, obtained by TMZ, after the test results came back ... Kimberly posted the DNA report -- which was supposed to be confidential -- on her Instagram page. In the caption, she accused the lab of sabotage, and insisted, "I know for sure that Tristan Thompson is the father of my child."

As we first told you ... Kimberly's also pissed off Khloe Kardashian by accusing her of paying off people to fix the test results. Khloe and Tristan fired off a cease-and-desist letter, but Kimberly turned around and even posted that on social media.

In the docs, Tristan says Kimberly also publicly lied about him by claiming on social media he had actually taken an "at-home paternity test." Tristan says the reality is the test he took was administered by one of the most reputable labs in the country.

He's even offered to take a second test to appease Kimberly ... provided they use another reputable third party facility.

In fact, the whole matter reminds Tristan's attorney, Marty Singer, of an iconic #1 song. He says in the docs, "To quote Michael Jackson, 'The kid is not [his] son.'"

Tristan further alleges Kimberly "Billie Jean" is only barking about this now -- when the child is 5 -- because she's fallen on hard times, financially. The docs claim Kimberly has been evicted from 5 residences in the last 7 years. They also say that she was recently dropped by her celeb attorney, Lisa Bloom.

He's filed the libel suit seeking damages from Kimberly.

NFL's Deandre Baker Runs Out Of Jail After Posting Bond ... Dunbar Apologizes

UPDATE

6:01 AM PT -- 5/18 -- Both Baker and Dunbar were met by a swarm of reporters after bonding out of jail ... with Deandre breaking out in a full sprint to avoid the media's questions.

UPDATE

The wild scene was all captured on video ... with both the NFL players wearing masks and hoodies on their way out of Broward County Jail late Sunday, this after the two had spent Saturday night behind bars for their alleged roles in an armed robbery.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Dunbar was pounded with questions while he walked toward his ride away from the facility ... but he remained quiet.

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UPDATE

Baker, meanwhile, took off running when reporters turned their attention toward him.

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Both players -- through their attorneys -- have denied the charges ... with Dunbar issuing an apology on social media after his release.

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"I would like to thank all my fans for their support and apologize to the Seattle Seahawks organization for any unnecessary distractions that these allegations against me may have caused," Dunbar said.

UPDATE

"In addition, I am very grateful to be a part of a team that supports one another and uphold the credibility of each of its members through adverse situations. Moving forward, this entire situation has taught me how to not associate myself with environments that may mischaracterize my values and who I am."

UPDATE

As part of their bond agreements, neither player can travel outside of Florida.

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3:30 PM PT -- 5/17 -- Both Quinton Dunbar and Deandre Baker are out on bond after appearing in front of a judge Sunday during a hearing over Zoom.

UPDATE

10:42 AM PT -- Baker's bond was set at $200,000 -- $25k per count. Dunbar's bond was at $100,000.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Dunbar and Baker were still in custody during the hearing -- but officials allowed the proceeding to take place over video chat.

UPDATE

As part of his bond, Baker must remain in the state of Florida unless he receives special permission from the court to leave for something like work (like if he needs to play in an NFL game in another state).

UPDATE

Baker's attorney, Patrick G. Patel, tells TMZ Sports, "We sincerely thank all law enforcement for their diligent efforts to uncover the truth herein and sincerely apologize for the distractions that this event has caused to Deandre’s team, teammates and the NFL community during this difficult time in everyone’s life!"

UPDATE

1:13 PM PT -- Quinton Dunbar has also surrendered to officials, both cops and his attorney confirmed.

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Dunbar's lawyer, Michael Grieco, issued a statement once again claiming his client is innocent.

UPDATE

"Today our client Quintin Dunbar [sic] voluntarily surrendered at the Broward County jail pursuant to a bogus arrest warrant based solely on uncorroborated witness statements that have since been recanted. As I write this an innocent man sits in jail, facing charges that hold no water."

NY Giants cornerback Deandre Baker has surrendered to officials in Florida in his armed robbery case, his attorney Bradford Cohen tells TMZ Sports.

Baker is facing multiple charges including armed robbery and aggravated assault for his alleged role in a May 13 incident at a cookout.

Officials say Baker along with Seattle Seahawks corner Quinton Dunbar -- along with a 3rd masked man -- robbed several partygoers during a cookout, taking cash and jewelry before escaping in exotic getaway cars.

Cops say Baker brandished a gun during the robbery -- though Baker's attorney insists his client is innocent and he has multiple witnesses to back up his story.

Dunbar has also denied the allegations against him and like Baker, he also claims to have witness statements which back his story.

Originally Published -- 5/16 7:31 AM PT

Virginia Shoplifters Getaway w/ Hollowed-Out Melon Masks ... Cops Make an Arrest

UPDATE

5:38 PM PT -- TMZ spoke to the police chief in Louisa, Tom Leary, and he tells us the one suspect in custody thus far is 20-year-old Justin Rogers ... who was booked on three charges -- misdemeanor larceny of alcohol, misdemeanor possession of alcohol by an underage person and felony prohibition of wearing a mask/face covering in public. Yep, that's super illegal there.

A couple of real-life melon heads thought it'd be a great idea to walk into a store wearing these homemade masks to jack some s*** -- luckily, cops might've already cracked the case.

Check out these two bozos out of Louisa, Virginia -- not too far from Washington D.C. -- walking into a gas station convenience store called Sheetz about a week or so ago and making off with some goodies inside -- with watermelon bandit disguises in tow, no less.

The Louisa Police Department was asking for the public's help in identifying the two larceny suspects -- who were caught on surveillance video before hopping in their getaway vehicle. The department wrote ... "On May 6, 2020, at 2135 hours, two subjects arrived at the Sheetz in a LIFTED 2006 Black Toyota Tacoma wearing hollowed-out watermelon rinds with holes cut out for the eyes into the store where they proceeded to commit a larceny."

Looks like their local citizenry recognized the seedless perps, 'cause an arrest was recently made and the cops thanked their community for the assistance.

Unclear what these boys might've taken, but it doesn't sound like weapons were used in the alleged grab and snatch. We're guessing they left their bananas at home for this heist.

Originally Published -- 2:47 PM PT

Martin Shkreli Judge Shoots Down Early Release ... Unnecessary, Pharma Bro!!!

Martin Shkreli will have to finish out the rest of his sentence behind bars -- despite wanting out over coronavirus concerns -- 'cause he's a picture of health, and letting him out would make zero sense ... so says a judge.

The incarcerated pharma bro just had his petition for a compassionate release due to COVID-19 shot down by a NYC court, which basically told him every criteria he technically needed to possibly get sprung early just didn't fit his situation whatsoever, and obviously so.

In court docs, obtained by TMZ, the judge says his correctional facility -- FCI Allenwood Low in Pennsylvania -- has zero confirmed cases between the inmates and staff. So, right off the bat ... the court says Shkreli has no reason to be concerned about contracting it yet, and more importantly ... no reason to ask for a premature release -- as it's just not there.

Furthermore, the judge says he doesn't have any underlying conditions that warrant him being released early, despite recent claims that he does. The court notes he takes Claritin for seasonal allergies, but that's about it. Shkreli recently tried alleging he had asthma and that made him more susceptible, but the judge calls BS ... saying that's likely a lie.

Then comes the nail in the coffin, with the court saying even though Shkreli has claimed he wants out to help find a cure for COVID-19 -- he worked in pharmaceuticals, so sure ... Hail Mary -- the court seems to agree with the Probation Dept.'s scathing rebuke.

They wrote of his claim of finding a cure that has "so far eluded the best medical and scientific minds in the world working around the clock" is the type of "delusional self-aggrandizing behavior" that precipitated the offenses was convicted for, per legal docs. The court didn't refute that, adding his altruistic intentions aren't enough to cut him loose.

Long story short, Shkreli ain't going nowhere.

Redskins WR Cody Latimer Arrested on Assault/Gun Charges ... Already Bailed Out

UPDATE

11:02 AM PT -- Cops say they got a call on possible shots fired from inside an apartment early Saturday, and when they arrived ... they found Latimer and two other people inside -- one of whom had minor injuries unrelated to a gunshot. All of them were detained, but only Latimer was ultimately arrested. No other info is available at the moment.

Washington Redskins star Cody Latimer was hauled off to jail this weekend after cops say he was involved in assaulting someone and illegally using a firearm.

The wide receiver was arrested early Saturday morning just after midnight in Englewood, Colorado, where cops were summoned to an apartment complex Cody was at. It's unclear what led up to the arrest or why police were called -- but Cody was taken into custody.

He was booked on several charges ... assault in the second degree, illegal discharge of a firearm, prohibited use of a weapon, reckless endangerment and menacing. He was processed at the Douglas County Detention Facility -- and has reportedly already bailed out on a $25,000 bond.

The Redskins have responded to Latimer's arrest, saying ... "We are aware of the situation and have informed the NFL League Office. We will continue to gather more information and have no further comment at this time."

Cody's had a run-in with the law before in Colorado -- he was arrested in 2016 during a domestic disturbance call he made on his GF ... back when he was a Bronco. Later, it was revealed Cody was only taken in on an outstanding warrant for a failure to appear in court from a traffic ticket.

Originally Published -- 10:35 AM PT

Joe Exotic's Legal Team They Didn't Hire Helicopter To Buzz Jeff Lowe's Zoo

'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic and his new legal team had nothing to do with a helicopter flying over his old zoo ... according to sources close to the FAA investigation.

We broke the story ... Joe's former business partner, Jeff Lowe, filed a complaint over a chopper illegally flying near his Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park last week in Oklahoma.

Jeff suspected Exotic's legal team was involved because the aircraft's tail number matched the one they used in a promo video for Joe ... but TMZ's learned that's not the case.

5/10/20
EYE IN THE SKY
TMZ.com

Sources close to the investigation tell us a chopper did fly over the zoo on the afternoon of May 10, but the pilot told investigators he was simply taking his daughter and her friend on a ride to check it out ... and he thought the zoo was closed.

We're told the pilot claims he did a few orbits outside the zoo's boundaries and maintained a safe level of altitude ... and says his flight tracker logs will prove it.

Our sources say the pilot also made it clear to the FAA he was not hired by Joe's legal team to spy on Lowe's zoo or upset the animals ... the trip was just something to do during quarantine boredom.

FREE THE KING

However, the pilot was hired by Exotic's Team Tiger for its video to push for Joe's Presidential pardon. A source close to the pilot says he owns it and has been flying for 30 years ... but absolutely was not hired by the team to fly to the zoo.

The investigation's still ongoing.

YouTube Star Vitaly Alleged Victim's Brutal Injury Photos ... Assault Lawsuit Filed

A woman claims an unprovoked attack by YouTube star Vitaly Zdorovetskiy left her with seriously painful facial and head injuries -- including a bloody, swollen eye -- and the photos are sickening.

We broke the story ... Vitaly was arrested April 12 for allegedly assaulting a woman in Miami Beach while she was jogging by herself. She told cops he jumped out and tackled her, then proceeded to punch her in the head and chest. As far as we can tell, they didn't know each other.

Photos of the alleged victim, Lily Jensen -- obtained by TMZ from her attorney, Dan Dolan -- show the extent of her injuries after the alleged attack. She required stitches above her right eye, her eyeball was bloodied, and the area around her eye socket was badly bruised and swollen.

Vitaly's facing a criminal charge of felony aggravated battery for the incident, and now, he's also facing a lawsuit from Jensen. She's suing him for battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress claiming she was ambushed without provocation.

According to the suit ... Vitaly "jumped out from behind bushes and punched her from behind, tackled her to the ground and while straddling her, savagely punched and beat her mercilessly with a closed fist about the head, face and body until her screams for help were heard by neighbors."

MAKIN' THE ARREST
Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein

Jensen's seeking damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, loss of earnings and mental anguish.

Dolan adds ... "Ms. Jensen was the subject of an unprovoked and savage attack on Easter Sunday by somebody who seems proud of behaving in this fashion. This can't happen in Miami or anywhere and we hope that he faces the justice he deserves."

We reached out to Vitaly ... no word back, so far.

Vince McMahon Claims XFL Commish 'Abandoned' Job After COVID-19 Began

Vince McMahon claims ex-XFL commissioner Oliver Luck "abandoned" his duties when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in March ... and that's one of the main reasons Vince fired him, according to court documents.

Remember, Oliver Luck sued Vince McMahon back in April, claiming he was wrongfully terminated from his role as the commish and CEO of the XFL on April 9.

In his initial court docs, Luck redacted many of the details behind his allegations.

But now, Vince's attorney has filed his own court docs spelling out the reasons McMahon axed Luck. The details have now been made public.

First, McMahon claims Luck "effectively abandoned his responsibilities" on March 13 by shutting down the XFL offices in Connecticut ... and instead, working from home in Indiana.

McMahon claims Luck failed to "devote substantially all of his business time to his XFL duties as required by the contract."

Second, McMahon claims Luck approved signing ex-NFL receiver Antonio Callaway without first getting approval from Vince.

By the way, Callaway had previously been suspended by the NFL for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. McMahon claims he ordered Luck to cut Callaway immediately -- but Luck refused.

Luck's argument, according to court docs, is that Callaway didn't violate the XFL's personal conduct policy.

Third, McMahon claims Luck misused an XFL-issued iPhone -- using the phone for personal reasons when it was supposed to be exclusively used for work.

For his part, Luck claims McMahon's allegations are bogus and he's digging in his heels on the argument he was wrongfully terminated.

As for the COVID-19 allegation, Luck claims he simply couldn't return to Connecticut because the state had implemented a stay-at-home order on March 20, and he adhered by the mandate.

Luck claims he did everything he could to continue doing his job while sheltering-in-place.

Luck is demanding $23.8 million in salary and damages. He had signed a 5-year contract in 2018 with a $5 million annual salary and a $2 million bonus.

As we previously reported, the XFL closed its doors on April 10, laid off staff and filed for bankruptcy ... claiming the COVID-19 pandemic essentially killed the business.

Dog Choked Cam Catches Man in Disgusting Act ... Attacking Ex-GF's Pet

THE HORRIBLE FOOTAGE
Ring

A guy was caught on camera choking his ex-girlfriend's dog -- and now ... he's facing criminal charges for the sickeningly evil deed.

30-year-old Shane Mitchell allegedly took his ex's pup -- a Doberman named Rubyjean -- without permission, and when he showed up at the owner's front door with Rubyjean, the owner threatened him with a call to the cops. That set Mitchell off, and what happened next is disturbing.

While his ex remained behind her front door during the argument, her Ring doorbell cam recorded Mitchell angrily reaching down and yanking up the dog by its leash, suffocating it, and letting it dangle in front of the camera. The owner shrieks from inside, pleading for him to stop -- then, the video ends.

Cops in Slidell, Louisiana say Mitchell was eventually arrested and booked on animal cruelty charges after the clip made the rounds online, and even better news ... Rubyjean is okay.

She's back in her home and doesn't seem to have suffered any permanent damage as a result of the choking. The city's police chief issued a strong statement of the heinous act, saying ... "I was sick to my stomach watching that video." He added, "How someone can hurt a defenseless animal is beyond me."

The police say their investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and more charges could be brought against Mitchell.

Ahmaud Arbery Alleged Killers Aren't in Gen Pop Isolated While Behind Bars

The father and son accused of murdering Ahmaud Arbery are sitting ducks in the jail as they await prosecution -- and because of that ... the men are being isolated behind bars.

Glynn County Undersheriff Ron Corbett tells TMZ ... Travis and Gregory McMichael are being housed in a separate wing of the Glynn County Detention Center away from the general population ... for their own safety. In other words, they're in protective custody.

Because of the high-profile nature of the case -- and tensions enormously high in the community -- Corbett says both of the McMichaels are siloed off in separate cells -- telling us the cells are not close enough for them to communicate with each other.

What they can do, we're told, is eat alone, periodically leave their units under a secure setting -- but only among themselves -- and that's about it, really. We're told there are no TVs in the section of the jail where they're being housed, so they can't follow the case in the news.

For security reasons, Corbett refused to say whether the men were on suicide watch or whether threats have been made on their lives.

FEBRUARY 2020
IN COLD BLOOD

TMZ broke the story ... Ahmaud's mother tells us she wants prosecutors to seek the death penalty.

Ahmaud's mother and the family attorney are also calling for William Bryan, the man who recorded video of Ahmaud's slaying to be prosecuted as well. They believe he was involved in the killing and videotaped the incident to create a self-defense argument. Bryan denies any involvement.

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