Controversial S#!T

El personal de la gira de Lizzo está saliendo en defensa de ella en la demanda por acoso sexual presentada por algunas de sus ex bailarinas, diciendo que Lizzo promovió un ambiente positivo y nunca obligó a nadie a ir a shows sexuales a los que no querían asistir.

De acuerdo con nuevos documentos legales obtenidos por TMZ, 18 miembros independientes de la compañía de Lizzo escribieron declaraciones de apoyo a la cantante y están contradiciendo las afirmaciones hechas por tres de sus ex bailarinas contra ella. Las demandantes son Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams y Noelle Rodriguez.

Kiara Mooring, una bailarina de la gira, se está oponiendo a las afirmaciones de que había una regla tácita que castigaba a quien no quisiera salir con Lizzo cuando se le invitaba, como afirman las bailarinas en su demanda.

Dice: "Esta afirmación tampoco tiene sentido porque muchas bailarinas (yo incluida) no fuimos a Bananenbar esa noche y seguimos teniendo nuestro trabajo con Lizzo".

Recuerden, Bananenbar acoge un famoso espectáculo de sexo con plátanos en Ámsterdam, y es donde las bailarinas que demandan a Lizzo afirman que las denigró sexualmente al supuestamente obligarlas a tocar a artistas desnudos.

Melissa Locke, otra bailarina, dice que recuerda haber hablado con dos de las denunciantes, Davis y Rodríguez, a la mañana siguiente del show y "nunca dijeron que se sintieron incómodas o presionadas. Estaban muy entusiasmadas por la gran noche que pasaron".

Melissa añade: "Recuerdo haberles dicho: 'Eso suena muy divertido, ojalá me hubieras despertado para ir contigo'. Estuvieron de acuerdo en que fue una noche divertida y me contaron que después salieron por el Barrio Rojo. No se quejaron ni parecían molestas".

Davis afirma que Lizzo la avergonzó por ganar peso y utilizó el diagnóstico de un trastorno alimentario para justificar su despido, pero otras dos bailarinas dicen que no se lo creen.

Alaini Walker, quien comenzó a bailar en la gira después de que las denunciantes se fueron, dice: "En mi experiencia, no hubo absolutamente ningún body shaming (avergonzar el cuerpo de otro) en la gira. He sufrido discriminación racial, acoso sexual e humillación por mi cuerpo en esta industria, pero nunca mientras trabajaba con Lizzo. De hecho, su gira me pareció lo contrario de muchas experiencias negativas que he tenido como bailarina."

Asia Banks respalda a Alaini, diciendo: "Yo era la mejor bailarina de la gira. Lizzo siempre hizo todo lo posible para que me sintiera segura y confiada con mi cuerpo, incluso asegurándose de que me sintiera cómoda en cada uno de los trajes del espectáculo".

Zuri Appleby, el bajista, dice que Davis nunca se avergonzó de la gordura: "Al contrario, todo el mundo en la gira estaba genuinamente preocupado por Davis, no porque hubiera engordado, sino porque era poco estricta con sus actuaciones, su higiene y su salud."

Chawnta Van, bailarina, dice que nunca experimentó ni presenció racismo en la gira. Dice que Lizzo apoya y empodera a las mujeres negras y "nunca toleraría ningún racismo en su gira".

Las demandantes de Lizzo afirman que tuvieron que rechazar otras actuaciones de baile durante las pausas de la gira, pero Chawnta dice que los bailarines tenían un "retenedor" que les permitía acceder a un porcentaje de su tarifa semanal cuando la gira estaba en pausa, y que se podían agendar otros conciertos cuando Lizzo no tenía un show.

Recuerden, Noelle afirma que temía que Lizzo fuera a agredirla físicamente durante una reunión el 3 de mayo en la que dimitió, pero otra bailarina que dice haber estado allí afirma: "Lizzo nunca se acercó a Rodriguez ni la miró a la cara."

Una asistente de la gira, Molly Gordon, dice que Crystal fue despedida por rendimiento, tardanza y restricciones presupuestarias. Asegura que Crystal le suplicó que la dejaran quedarse después de que le dieron la patada.

El abogado de Britney Spears se está creyendo demasiado el cuento, coronándose a sí mismo incluso como el "Rey de los Litigios de Entretenimiento" durante una acalorada conversación con el abogado de Jamie Spears.

Mathew Rosengart le gritó la frase al abogado de Jamie, Alex Weingarten, cuando los dos estaban en medio de las negociaciones sobre las liquidaciones el verano pasado... o al menos eso cuenta Alex.

Weingarten recuerda que después de decirle al abogado de Britney que estaba muy equivocado respecto a que Jamie autorizara la vigilancia ilegal de Britney y de advertirle que el estatuto de limitaciones estaba a punto de expirar, Rosengart comenzó a gritar que él era el "Rey de los litigios de entretenimiento."

Weingarten dice que le dijo a Rosengart que estaba malgastando el dinero de su cliente al presionar con sus demandas. "Rosengart se negó [a llegar a un acuerdo] y dijo que si no le pagaban 7 millones de dólares para cubrir sus honorarios legales, iba a presentar nuevas demandas contra Jamie y otros", dice Weingarten a TMZ.

Weingarten continúa diciendo: "El abogado de Britney ha malgastado más de 7 millones de dólares de su dinero en nada".

TMZ publicó la noticia, ahora Rosengart quiere llegar a un acuerdo con Jamie, pero su gente le está diciendo que no se tome la molestia, pues ya lo arruinó con esperar demasiado tiempo. Weingarten dice que no tenían ninguna vigilancia ilegal, pero incluso si Rosengart quería presionar frente a ese reclamo, ya no puede hacerlo. El plazo de prescripción expiró hace mucho tiempo.

Weingarten también dice que Rosengart está batallando con los documentos, porque "va a ser embarazoso para él personalmente y devastador para las alegaciones de su cliente".

En cuanto a Rosengart, este también le dijo a TMZ lo que piensa de su adversario legal: "Es un conocido matón, se ha comportado vergonzosamente en este asunto, presentando falsas representaciones tras falsas representaciones, incluso en la corte. Su objetivo final es intimidar y acosar a Britney Spears ..."

Britney Spears' lawyer is drinking his own Kool-Aid ... crowning himself the "King of Entertainment Litigation" during a heated conversation with Jamie Spears' attorney.

Mathew Rosengart screamed the phrase at Jamie's attorney, Alex Weingarten, when the two were going back and forth over settlement negotiations last summer ... at least according to Alex.

The way Weingarten recalls the conversation ... after telling Britney's lawyer he was dead wrong about Jamie authorizing illegal surveillance of Britney and warning him the statute of limitations was about to expire, Rosengart started yelling about being the "King of Entertainment Litigation."

Weingarten says he told Rosengart he was wasting his client's money by pressing his claims, but Weingarten tells TMZ, "Rosengart refused [to settle] and said that if he was not paid $7 million to cover his legal fees, that he was going to file new lawsuits against Jamie and others."

Weingarten goes on to tell TMZ, "Britney's lawyer has wasted over $7 million of her money on nothing."

TMZ broke the story ... Rosengart now wants to settle with Jamie, but his camp is telling Rosengart to go pound sand because he blew it by waiting way too long. Weingarten says there was no illegal surveillance, but even if Rosengart wanted to press that claim, he can't anymore ... the statute of limitations has long since expired.

Weingarten also says Rosengart has been fighting turning over documents, because "it will be embarrassing to him personally and devastating to his client's allegations."

As for Rosengart, he tells TMZ what he thinks of his legal adversary ... "A known bully, he has conducted himself disgracefully in this matter, making false representation after false representation including to the court. His entire endgame is to bully and harass Britney Spears ..."

Britney Spears' lawyer has sent an email to the lawyer repping Jamie Spears, hurling numerous allegations against her dad -- opening the door for settlement negotiations -- but we're told Jamie's lawyer wasn't having it, saying he blew it by waiting way too long.

Two sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Mathew Rosengart's email opened with an acknowledgment Jamie was in poor health and this might be an appropriate time to acknowledge his alleged misdeeds during the conservatorship and pay Britney an unspecified sum so the legal dispute could be put to bed.

One of his claims ... Jamie authorized the illegal surveillance of Britney ... specifically her phone. Here's the problem for Rosengart ... he never filed a lawsuit claiming illegal surveillance and the statute of limitations lapsed more than a year ago. Besides that, we're told Jamie's lawyer responded to Rosengart he was dead wrong about illegal surveillance.

Jamie has made a demand for Britney to pay certain attorneys fees he incurred connected with the conservatorship, but Rosengart says that's a no-go. We've learned Jamie's lawyer actually offered a year ago to withdraw that claim if Rosengart withdrew his claims against Jamie, but Rosengart said no. Now, a year later, Rosengart seems ready to talk settlement, but we're told it didn't go over well with Jamie's team because of all the threats and allegations.

Now the case is set for trial in May, and we're told there is explosive evidence that would not be favorable to Britney. Beyond that, some of the biggest claims Rosengart has made will never go to court because the statute of limitations has run, and the conservatorship judge approved some of the expenditures Rosengart is contesting.

Sounds like an uphill climb.

Chris Brown beat the hell out of a man at a London nightclub, and his injuries were so bad he ended up in a hospital ... this according to a new lawsuit.

The singer is being sued by a man named Abe Diaw, who claims Chris smashed him over the head with a bottle of Don Julio 1942 tequila back in February at TAPE nightclub in England.

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Diaw claims Chris wielded the tequila bottle like a weapon as he pummeled Diaw over the head with "crushing blows."

The guy claims he was knocked unconscious but says that didn't stop Chris from continuing the attack ... he says CB ruthlessly stomped on him as he lay passed out on the club floor.

In the docs, Diaw claims he had to be hospitalized as a result of his alleged injuries ... which he says include cuts on his head and torn ligaments in his leg.

Chris' accuser says there's surveillance footage of the whole thing ... and he says cops in London have the alleged beatdown video. Diaw claims he can identify Chris in the footage and claims CB is a fugitive in the United Kingdom as a result of the alleged incident.

And, get this ... Diaw claims he's known Chris for at least seven years and thought Chris was coming up to hug him at the club when Brown instead allegedly struck him three times with the tequila bottle.

Diaw says his injuries may be permanent and he's suffering serious emotional distress and trauma. He's suing Chris for damages.

Folks in Maine are rushing to stock up on guns to protect themselves in the wake of a mass shooting with a suspect who remains on the loose.

Gun and ammo stores near Lewiston, Maine are seeing a huge surge in folks trying to buy firearms and bullets, with the majority of people coming in to buy handguns.

First Due Firearms tells TMZ ... the phone is ringing off the hook with lots of first-time gun buyers and others looking to add to their firearm collection, with many folks ready to purchase and put money down.

The store says buyers are citing Wednesday's mass shooting, which killed 18 people, as the reason for purchasing guns and ammo.

Over at G3 Firearms, we're told the store's been packed since it opened bright and early at 9 AM ... with people wanting guns for protection. Most of the sales were for handguns, but we're told a few folks bought AR-15s and some even asked for body armor.

Meanwhile, at 3 Cousins Firearms we're told the business is being swamped with calls, emails and Facebook messages from people wanting guns ... and they expect to be super busy the rest of the week.

At another gun store in the area, we're told there was a 50% increase in firearms and while interest was largely for handguns, we're told a couple rifles were sold too.

With multiple counties in Maine in lockdown amid the manhunt for alleged gunman Robert Card, it sounds like people are arming themselves and bracing for the worst.

Joe Budden is pissed with Just Blaze for releasing his old Slaughterhouse music ... even if his diehard fans were rejoicing to hear the tracks.

On the newest episode of "The Joe Budden Podcast," the retired rapper lashed out at Just Blaze's recent actions without cracking a smile.

Just recently took it upon himself to honor the recently deceased Mark The 45 King and leaked a pair of tunes from the defunct group's shelved "Glass House" album of 2014.

Hip hop heads and even Joe's cohosts wholeheartedly approved of the tracks, but Joe argued he's long removed himself from the SH situation and attempted to call Just for a curse-out in real time ... but the superproducer didn't pick up.

The group was supposed to be hip hop saviors but infighting saw them only release one album on Eminem's Shady Records.

Michael Blackson can't wait to get into the ring after inking a deal with Celebrity Boxing ... and, naturally, he's got his eyes on a bout with fellow comedian Kevin Hart.

The actor and comedian just signed his contract with CB founder Damon Feldman, and they're both pumped, and Michael's trash talking is already on point ... as he's calling out other celebs.

Clearly, he wants a piece of Kevin, first and foremost -- they've had beef in the past, which they ultimately squashed a couple years ago, but it sounds like MB may be reversing course.

Other celebs on Michael's radar include DC Young Fly, DeRay Davis and Katt Williams ... and he's got some choice words for all three.

You know Michael's going to promote the hell out of his eventual fight ... and he's already getting his Don King on.

A fitness instructor is being accused of tearing down a poster of kidnapped Israeli kids outside a popular Los Angeles gym  ... and he says he's "proud" to be doing it.

The incident went down Wednesday outside the iconic Gold's Gym in Venice -- the man crumpled up the poster and chucked it in the trash. He's asked about why he ripped it down, telling the man filming he's proud of himself, before adding "Get the f*** away."

The man in question has been identified as model and fitness trainer Zaid Shaat -- his social media profiles say he's a "Lifetime Natural Athlete," and that he loves to "motivate people to live a healthy lifestyle. I am passionate about helping people achieve their goals and dreams."

Worth mentioning that Joe Gold, the founder of Gold's Gym, was Jewish ... and folks online have been letting Shaat have it over what he did outside the L.A. hot spot.

As you know, Hamas first attacked Israel on Oct. 7 killing thousands and taking more than 200 civilians hostage -- all of which sparked war as Israel retaliates.

Chrisean Rock thought she had a real friend in Summer Walker after her baby debacle in Walmart ... but is now second-guessing the "Girls Need Love" singer after being spoofed in a video.

On Thursday, Chrisean went live on IG and called out Summer for DMing her with sweet nothings of support last month ... but says her feelings are now hurt as of result of the video.

A video that made fun of the very same incident Summer reached out for!!! Ouch.

Despite the hurt, the new mother said she wasn't surprised as she's grown used to dealing with cutthroat folks in a cold music industry.

Rock may have a point ... Summer seemed like she was auditioning for Hollywood the way she went all out with her impersonation of Chrisean ... down to the missing tooth and the baby doll with its head dangling!!!

Many fans agreed with Chrisean, they found the skit to be in poor taste, forcing Summer to cite her comedic inspirations -- Dave Chappelle, Bernie Mac, Richard Pryor -- guys who pushed the envelope with their art as her inspiration.

But after seeing Chrisean's response, Summer got defensive and told her to lighten up!!! ... "Sensitive about a tik tok that was viral way before I did it but you aint have no sympathy when you be dragging bitches across the ground."

Un instructor de fitness está siendo acusado por arrancar un póster de  niños israelíes secuestrados afuera de un popular gimnasio de Los Ángeles y dice que está "orgulloso" de haberlo hecho.

El incidente ocurrió el miércoles fuera del icónico Gold's Gym en Venice, cuando el hombre arrugó el cartel y lo tiró a la basura. En el video le preguntan por qué lo hizo, y les dice que está orgulloso de haberlo hecho, antes de añadir "váyanse todos a la mier***".

El hombre en cuestión ha sido identificado como Zaid Shaat, modelo y entrenador físico. Sus perfiles en las redes sociales dicen que es un "atleta natural de toda la vida" y que le encanta motivar a la gente a vivir un estilo de vida saludable. "Me apasiona ayudar a la gente a alcanzar sus metas y sueños".

Vale la pena mencionar que Joe Gold, el fundador de Gold's Gym, era judío y los usuarios en las redes están pidiendo que lo castiguen por lo que hizo.

Como ustedes saben, Hamas atacó por primera vez a Israel el 7 de octubre, causando la muerte de miles de personas y tomando como rehenes a más de 200 civiles, lo cual ha desatado una guerra mientras Israel toma represalias.

Chrisean Rock pensó que Summer Walker era una buena amiga después de su debacle con el bebé en Walmart, pero ahora está dudando de la cantante de "Girls Need Love" luego de ser ridiculizada en un video.

El jueves, Chrisean realizó un live de Instagram y llamó a Summer para agradecerle por el apoyo el mes pasado, sin embargo, ahora está herida luego de ver un video...

¡Un video en el que se burló del mismo incidente! Ouch.

A pesar del daño, la nueva madre dijo que no estaba sorprendida, ya que está acostumbrada a tratar con gente despiadada en una industria musical fría.

Rock puede tener un punto, Summer parecía como si estuviera audicionando para Hollywood por la forma en que llevó a cabo su imitación, ¡se fijo incluso en el diente que le falta y el muñeco con la cabeza colgando!

Muchos fans estuvieron de acuerdo con Chrisean, encontraron el sketch de mal gusto, obligando a Summer a citar sus inspiraciones cómicas —Dave Chappelle, Bernie Mac, Richard Pryor— básicamente, chicos que empujaron los límites.

Pero después de ver la respuesta de Chrisean, Summer se puso a la defensiva y le dijo que se relajara: "Te pones sensible por un TikTok que fue viral mucho antes de que yo lo hiciera, pero no tienes simpatía cuando arrastras perras por el suelo".

The NHL just handed down its first sports betting-related punishment in league history -- suspending Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto 41 games for "activities relating to sports wagering."

It's unclear what exactly Pinto did to draw the ban, but the league stated an investigation determined there was "no evidence" he bet on any NHL games.

Shane addressed the punishment on Thursday ... saying, "I want to apologize to the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators, my teammates, the fans and city of Ottawa and most importantly my family."

"I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team."

According to the league's collective bargaining agreement, players are prohibited from betting on any NHL games, but are free to throw money on other sports.

22-year-old Pinto -- the 32nd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft -- had 35 points in 82 games for the Senators last season ... but has not suited up for the squad yet this year.

The Sens also addressed the league's decision ... adding, "Shane is a valued member of our hockey club; an engaging, intelligent young man who made poor decisions that have resulted in a suspension by the National Hockey League. We know he is remorseful for his mistakes."

"The Ottawa Senators fully support the NHL’s rules on gambling. While saddened to learn of this issue, the entire organization remains committed to Shane and will work together to do what is necessary to help provide the support to allow him to address his issues and become a strong contributor to our community."

The NFL has also handed down betting bans recently ... suspending players like Jameson Williams, Calvin Ridley and Isaiah Rodgers.

Ex-NFL linebacker Blake Martinez -- who retired from the sport at 28 to pursue a career in Pokémon card collecting -- is looking to get back on the gridiron ... this after getting caught up in a major scandal.

Martinez made headlines last year for hitting big and selling a rare Illustrator Pikachu card for $672,000 ... and walking away from football just days later to pursue collecting and trading full-time.

The decision worked out for the linebacker -- he claimed to have made $11.5 million in less than a year in the industry ... but then s*** hit the fan.

Martinez was banned from the popular WhatNot card-selling marketplace for "misconduct" in August ... after an investigation into consumers' claims he wasn't acting in good faith.

Now, the former Giants and Packers star is looking to pick back up where he left off in his first career ... working out for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.

Martinez  -- who raked in nearly $29 million over seven seasons -- was solid in his initial stint in the league ... earning over 700 tackles and 13 sacks.

Justin Timberlake is feelin' the heat amid Britney Spears' new book release -- and all the spilled secrets about their relationship -- but we're told his *NSYNC bros still have his back.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and JC Chasez have nothing but love for Justin, and they're supporting him through all the harsh criticism due to "The Woman in Me."

We're told they've all known him for 25 years, and would be more than happy to be back performing with him ... despite all the negative energy Britney and her loyal fans are aiming at JT.

Remember, in her book Brit blames him for talking her into an abortion, accuses him of cheating and claims a run-in with Justin triggered a panic attack that ruined her 2007 VMA performance.

While *NSYNC fans and RCA Records would love another Reunion, it isn't in the cards right now -- we're told Justin's focused on his new solo single, album and a tour next year.

BTW, our sources say the hate JT's been getting isn't impacting his career plans. The single and tour for next summer are a full go -- however, we're told he's quietly removed some club appearances that were set for early next year, tied to the release of his single and album.

As we reported, there are no current talks about *NSYNC doing more together -- Justin said recording "Better Place" would just be a special thing for his 'Trolls' sequel.

Justin Timberlake está en el ojo del huracán debido al nuevo libro de Britney Spears. La cantante ha revelado muchos secretos y los compañeros de *NSYNC apoyan a Justin a pesar de todo.

Fuentes familiarizadas con la situación le dicen a TMZ que Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, y JC Chasez no tienen nada más que amor por Justin y lo están apoyando debido a todo el ruido que están haciendo las memorias de Britney, "The Woman in Me".

Nos dicen que la energía negativa que está recibiendo Justin no interfiere en nada con las ganas trabajar con él de nuevo, añadiendo que todos lo conocen desde hace 25 años y estarían más que felices de estar de vuelta en el escenario juntos.

A los fans y RCA Records les encantaría otra reunión *NSYNC, pero no está en los planes de Justin en este momento. Nos informan que está centrado en su nuevo single, álbum y una gira el próximo año.

Por cierto, nuestras fuentes dicen que el hate que Justin ha estado recibiendo no va a interferir en el lanzamiento del próximo single y gira programada para el próximo verano. Sin embargo, nos dicen que ha retirado discretamente algunas apariciones en discotecas para principios del próximo año relacionadas con el lanzamiento del single y el álbum.

Como informamos, no hay conversaciones actuales sobre hacer algo más en el futuro. Nos informan que Justin dijo que "Better Place" (para la película 'Trolls') es un caso especial.