Bill Cosby Hollywood Walk Star Will Stay After Sexual Assault Sentencing
Bill Cosby is going away, but his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame isn't going anywhere ... TMZ has learned.
Cosby was sentenced Tuesday to 3 to 10 years in state prison. The comedian was also deemed a "sexually violent predator," meaning he will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
We reached out to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce regarding the status of Cosby's star on the Walk of Fame, and a rep for the organization says it'll stay put.
The rep explained, "Once installed, the stars become part of the historic fabric of the Walk of Fame, a 'designated historic cultural landmark,' and are intended to be permanent. The stars only commemorate the recipient’s professional accomplishments."
The statement continues, "It is regrettable when the personal lives of inductees do not measure up to public standards and expectations; however, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce does not remove stars from the Walk of Fame."
Cosby's star was recently vandalized with the words, "Serial Rapist," but the graffiti was quickly removed.
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Astros' Roberto Osuna Assault Charge Dropped In Domestic Violence Case
Astros closer Roberto Osuna just caught a huge break ... with prosecutors dropping the assault charge in his domestic violence case Tuesday.
As TMZ Sports previously reported ... Osuna was suspended 75 games without pay by the MLB after he was arrested for assault in Toronto after allegedly roughing up his GF.
But, when the 2017 All-Star showed up in court Tuesday, he was let off easy -- getting his charge dropped and entering into a peace bond -- a restraining order-type agreement where he's not allowed to have contact with the alleged victim for the next year.
“I am pleased and relieved by today’s court decision," said the 23-year-old Osuna, who was traded from the Blue Jays to the Astros shortly before being reinstated by the MLB this summer.
"Now I can begin to put these allegations behind me and focus on baseball. I want to thank my family, teammates and fans for believing in me."
The Astros added in a statement, "The Houston Astros look forward to Roberto continuing his commitment to be a productive and caring part of our community."
"The Astros remain committed to increase our support regarding the issues of domestic violence and abuse of any kind."
"We have engaged with a number of local, state and national organizations - and we look forward to working with them in the short term and over the long term.”
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NFL's Everson Griffen Escaped from Ambulance Before Mental Health Evaluation
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen jumped out of an ambulance fearing someone was going to shoot him -- while he was being transported for a mental health evaluation.
It's all in the police report filed by the Minnetrista PD -- which paints a sad picture of an NFL star in a serious mental health crisis.
The situation began early Saturday morning when a Vikings staffer called cops to report the 3-time Pro Bowler was acting bizarrely and the team feared he could either hurt himself or others.
Cops eventually made contact with Everson's wife, Tiffany, who said he had been fighting "demons" in his head -- and acting erratically.
Tiffany told police Everson was not on medication "but should be."
A short time later, Tiffany told police she got a call from the fiancee of Everson's teammate, Trae Waynes, who said Everson "broke into their home and jumped through some bushes" while not wearing a shirt.
Cops went to check it out -- but he was already gone.
Turns out, he went to a nearby gas station where he saw a man he recognized -- but did not know well.
Everson got into the man's passenger seat and ordered him to drive around. The driver freaked out and called Everson's wife. Cops found the car and ultimately called paramedics to treat Everson.
Cops say Everson agreed to be transported to a hospital for a mental health exam -- but during the drive, he got spooked when a few deer ran across the road ... and jumped out of the vehicle.
He told officials "he was in fear that someone was going to shoot him."
Everson was eventually transported to the hospital where he is still being treated.
Vikings GM Rick Spielman said the team was "currently focused on Everson's well-being and providing the appropriate support for him and his family" ... and head coach Mike Zimmer added "it's about him getting better."
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'Southern Charm' Star Arrested for Assault & Battery ... After Forcible Rape Accusation
12:50 PM PT -- We've obtained more docs detailing the alleged incident. The report states Ravenel allegedly grabbed the victim's hand and placed it on his penis. While Thomas allegedly tried to remove her clothing, the victim's shirt got wrapped around her neck, causing her to struggle to breathe.
The docs state Ravenel pulled the victim's pants down and said, "Show me your pu**y," while he allegedly began to grab her genitals. The woman was able to escape and she immediately told her sister and then ex-husband of the assault. Photos were taken of her injuries.
Ravenel has been released on a $20k personal recognizance bond, but had to surrender his passport, cannot leave the state, and a no contact order is in place for the alleged victim.
10:34 AM PT -- According to a police report -- obtained by TMZ -- the arrest comes on the heels of an accusation made by a woman in May who told cops Ravenel forcibly raped her at his home in 2015.
An article published by People in May stated the woman worked as a nanny for Ravenel. She says Thomas was out with friends and when he returned home he cornered her in a bedroom, undressed himself and proceeded to remove her clothing. The report did not detail much more than that.
"Southern Charm" star Thomas Ravenel has been arrested for assault and battery in South Carolina.
Ravenel was booked Tuesday morning in Charleston County and is currently being held without bond. The 56-year-old's listed charge is for assault and battery in the 2nd degree.
Ravenel -- who was South Carolina's state treasurer in 2007 -- resigned from the position after he was indicted on federal cocaine distribution charges.
He left the Bravo show earlier this year after multiple women came forward and accused Ravenel of sexual assault. In leaving the show, he said, "I'm not doing the show anymore. In the contract they have the right to fictionalize your story. They took advantage of me. I decided I've got too much to lose and informed them I'm not coming back."
It's currently unclear what led to Tuesday's arrest.
Originally Published -- 9/25/2018 8:52 AM PDT
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Bill Cosby Leaves Court ... Sentencing Delayed to Tuesday
12:35 PM PT -- Cosby's sentencing WILL be pushed back to Tuesday. Before the judge announced the delay, prosecutors requested Cosby get 5 to 10 years in prison -- while the defense asked for house arrest.
Prosecutors are strongly opposed to 81-year-old Cosby being placed under house arrest. They pointed out the fact Cosby's wife threw a birthday party for him back in July, complete with a live 5-piece jazz band that started jamming at 7 AM ... according to neighbors.
Point being ... where's the punishment in that?
A defense witness is expected to testify on Tuesday ahead of the judge's decision on his sentencing.
9:50 AM PT -- There's a big debate in court over Cosby being deemed a "violent sexual predator." His attorneys are challenging that label and want a doctor to testify on his behalf, but that might mean delaying sentencing until tomorrow.
The judge isn't happy about it, reportedly, but has yet to rule.
Bill Cosby has just arrived at the Norristown courthouse where he will be sentenced in his sexual assault case ... and he was greeted by angry screams.
Cosby got out of his car as a protester yelled, "We believe the women!" and "Me too!" Still, Cosby was smiling as he walked into the courthouse, and even gave a small wave while one person shouted encouragement to the disgraced comedian. His wife of over 50 years, Camille, was noticeably absent.
Cosby was released on $1 million bail and ordered to remain in his home until sentencing. The 81-year-old is facing a maximum of 10 years in prison for each charge, but could receive nothing more than probation.
As we reported ... Bill was found guilty on all 3 counts of aggravated indecent assault. The jury -- of 7 men and 5 women -- deliberated for a full day before convicting Cosby of drugging and molesting Andrea Constand in 2004 at his home.
The trial lasted 13 days and it included arguments and testimony from Constand and 5 other women who claim they were also drugged and sexually assaulted by Cosby, whose June 2017 trial ended in a mistrial because the jury at the time had 2 not guilty holdouts.
TMZ broke the story ... Cosby, who is blind, could get special treatment in prison because of his special needs. He could also get aid from one or more of the Dept. of Corrections' 500 trained peer support specialists, who serve as guides during the tough acclimation to prison life.
But, not everyone wants to see him easily acclimate in prison.
Originally published -- 6:17 AM PT
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Bill Cosby Lock Him Up Monday After Sentencing ... Prosecutors Say
Bill Cosby better enjoy what little freedom he's got left, 'cause prosecutors in his sexual assault case want him locked behind bars Monday morning.
Authorities connected to the case tell TMZ ... prosecutors will push for the disgraced comedian/felon to be immediately hauled off to prison once the judge sentences him Monday AM.
Remember, prosecutors wanted Cosby behind bars after the guilty verdict back in April. The judge saw it differently and released him on $1 million bail, ordering him to remain at his home until sentencing.
Cosby's legal team will ask the judge to let the 81-year-old remain free on bail while they appeal the conviction, which could take years.
As we reported ... Cosby faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for aggravated indecent assault on Andrea Constand.
Cosby's life is now in the judge's hands ... literally.
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'AGT' Finalist Arrested for Domestic Violence ... Video in Cuffs
2:35 PM PT -- We've obtained video of Ketterer in custody outside of the hotel he was arrested at talking with an officer.
Michael Ketterer -- who finished in 5th place on this season's "America's Got Talent" -- has been arrested for felony domestic violence.
Ketterer was taken into custody Thursday afternoon by the LAPD in Hollywood. Law enforcement sources tell us ... he got into a fight with his wife, and when cops showed up they noticed she had a visible red mark.
We're told he was cuffed and booked for a felony because of the injury. Ketterer was released after posting $50k bail.
Michael tells us ... the arrest was a big "misunderstanding." He admits he and his wife got into an argument in their hotel room and cops were called, but she told them she didn't want to press charges. Ketterer says they arrested him anyway, telling him the law's the law.
Law enforcement sources tell us, the case will be downgraded to a misdemeanor because the injury was so minor. We're told the case will be referred to the L.A. City Attorney.
The 5th place finisher on season 13 of 'AGT' made headlines when Simon Cowell hit the Golden Buzzer during his audition, which advanced him right to the live shows. He later moved Cowell to tears during his quarterfinals performance ... after revealing his wife and daughter almost died during childbirth.
Originally published -- 1:11 PM PT
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Edwin Jackson Drunk Driver Gets 16 Yrs. In Prison For Killing NFL Player
The drunk driver who killed Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson in February just got sentenced to 16 years in prison.
As we previously reported, 26-year-old Jackson and his Uber driver were hit by a pickup truck while they were standing on the shoulder of a highway in Indiana.
37-year-old Manuel Orrego-Zavala pled guilty to 2 counts of "DUI that causes the death of another" in July.
Today, he faced a judge in Indiana ... and was hit with the maximum penalty -- 16 years in state prison.
After his prison sentence, Orrego-Zavala -- who's a Guatemalan citizen in America illegally -- faces deportation.
The case became a national story when President Trump tweeted that it was "disgraceful" that Jackson was killed by a man who was in the U.S. illegally.
Orrego-Zavala is currently locked up ... and ain't goin' anywhere for 16 years.
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Ex-Oregon WR Jalen Hall Charged with Armed Robbery ... Faces Life in Prison
Ex-Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jalen Hall -- one of the top 2018 WR recruits in the country -- was hit with criminal charges after allegedly robbing people at gunpoint earlier this month, TMZ Sports has learned.
The 19-year-old -- who was a star at Long Beach Poly high school -- was a 4-star recruit and touted as one of Oregon's prized freshman players in 2018.
But, he was released from the team earlier this month after he was arrested in L.A. Now, we've learned why ...
According to law enforcement, Jalen Hall and Milard Hill participated in a home invasion robbery in Norwalk, CA on Sept. 10.
Officials say Jalen was armed with a semi-automatic handgun -- and threatened 3 people inside the home before making off with jewelry and other valuables.
They fled the scene -- but cops tracked them down using an airship and arrested both men.
Hall has been charged with 3 counts of home invasion robbery, 2 counts kidnapping to commit robbery and 1 count of 1st-degree burglary.
If convicted on all counts, both men could face up to LIFE in prison.
Bail has been set at more than $2 million for each suspect.
Jalen is listed at 6'4", 190 lbs and was recruited by some of the best school in the country including Alabama, Florida State and LSU.
Hall had 39 TDs during his career at Long Beach Poly and racked up almost 4,000 receiving yards.
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Suge Knight Son Reacts to Plea Deal ... The System's Stacked Against Him
Suge Knight's son believes his old man's being treated unfairly, and the system's set up to keep him locked up for the rest of his life ... but he's holding out hope it doesn't go down like that.
Suge Jacob Knight tells TMZ ... despite his father striking a 28-year plea deal in his murder case Thursday, he's staying positive about the situation. He admits he's incredibly concerned about his dad's health, but says Suge's a fighter ... and he's always going to be alright.
Still, Suge Jr. seems pretty upset over the outcome of his dad's case ... and thinks it's time someone gives him a break.
We broke the story ... the 53-year-old former rap mogul pled no contest to voluntary manslaughter in the killing of Terry Carter. Suge will get 28 years in prison but he'll get credit for time served, and due to prison overcrowding, he could get out in just over 10 years.
That's still a long time, considering Suge's health issues, but his son's trying to keep the faith.
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Suge Knight Strikes 28-Year Plea Deal in Murder Case
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2:00 PM PT -- The plea deal was just unveiled in court, and Suge will get 28 years in prison after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter. The 53-year-old will get credit for time served -- he's been in jail awaiting trial for around 3 1/2 years. He'll also be on parole for 3 years after serving his prison sentence.
Suge's sentence is stiffer than a typical voluntarily manslaughter because he had a prior felony conviction in 1997. He also got an extra 5 years because the Carter killing was deemed a "serious and violent" felony. He got an additional year due to his truck being a deadly weapon.
Knight cracked a joke ... of sorts. Part of the judge's instructions to the defendant include a phrase about the possibility of deportation following conviction, to which Suge said, "So, ICE can come and get me." There was a smattering of laughter.
Suge Knight has struck a plea deal in his murder case ... TMZ has learned.
Several sources tell us the former Death Row Records exec will be in L.A. County Superior Court Thursday afternoon to enter a plea in the murder of Terry Carter. Knight had been facing the possibility of life in prison, and his trial was scheduled to begin Monday with jury selection.
We broke the story ... Suge ran over Terry back in January 2015 as he fled the Tam's Burgers parking lot in Compton. TMZ posted the surveillance video that showed Knight throw his truck in reverse, knock over one man, then drive forward over Terry ... killing him.
Knight had claimed he was not trying to run over either of the men he hit -- but merely trying to escape because he thought both men were about to shoot him.
Suge was arrested shortly after the incident and has been in jail ever since then, awaiting trial.
Originally published -- 1:26 PM PT
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Jermall Charlo Bag Thief Suspect Catches Break ... After Officials Find She Helps Sick Kids
The woman who stole a Louis Vuitton bag filled with cash and jewelry from pro boxer Jermall Charlo just caught a huge break ... in part 'cause officials say she's a pediatric nurse!!
TMZ Sports broke the story ... Charlo was partying at Jay-Z's 40/40 Club in Manhattan last March when he got into a fight with another group of people ... and left his bag unattended.
Sources say the bag had a $15,000 diamond bracelet, a $75,000 championship ring, a $10,000 Cartier ring and more in it ... and held around $40,000 in cash as well.
A 40-year-old Connecticut woman, Sarah Morin, nabbed the bag ... and after police asked the public for help identifying her -- she turned herself in.
She was facing felony charges of grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property ... but officials say they cut a deal with her on Thursday to let her off easy because the whole thing appeared to be a misunderstanding -- and because she's a nurse.
Officials say Morin was given the bag to watch by an associate of Charlo's ... and while she bolted from the club with the bag -- she did return it with the jewelry ... and appeared to try to do so even prior to being contacted by police.
Officials say even though no cash was returned ... they were unable to verify if there was even any in the bag.
Officials also say her status as a pediatric nurse who works with children with cancer influenced their decision to let her walk with just a disorderly conduct charge.
Bottom line ... as long as Sarah keeps her nose clean for a year -- the case will be dismissed.
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Elizabeth Smart Kidnapper Barzee Goes Wild 1st Night Out of Prison
11:31 AM PT -- A spokesperson for the South Salt Lake City Police department tells us there was a mix-up in reporting the calls to the hotel Wednesday night. We're told there was a disturbance on the property involving an individual banging on doors through the hotel, but they do not believe it had to do with Wanda.
The hotel guest we spoke with who told us Barzee was shouting scripture and praising Joseph Smith into the early hours of the night stands by their story.
Elizabeth Smart's kidnapper who was just released spent her first night of freedom going off the rails ... so much so, cops were called ... TMZ has learned.
Wanda Barzee spent Wednesday night at a Salt Lake City hotel and, according to a guest staying in an adjacent room, Barzee went on a religious tirade. We're told she was wailing religious scripture at the top of her lungs.
The guest also says Barzee was loudly praising Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism.
A law enforcement source tells us a call came in to dispatch from a guest at the hotel, but when officers tried to call the complainant back, no one responded. They did not send a unit to check it out.
We're told there was also a call to police for a media disturbance outside the hotel -- and officers did respond to that -- asking reporters to back away from the property.
Barzee was released from prison Wednesday after serving 15 years.
Not long after Barzee's release, Elizabeth reacted on Instagram saying, "Without [a] doubt the past few weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotion ... May we all remain vigilant in watching over our families, friends, and community from anyone who would seek to hurt or take advantage."
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Elizabeth Smart Kidnapper Released from Prison ... Gets Taste of Freedom
Elizabeth Smart's kidnapper is a free woman again -- Wanda Barzee got out of a Utah state prison, and was spotted chowing down shortly thereafter.
Barzee was carrying a salad and a banana on Wednesday as she walked into a halfway house. She was convicted for aiding Brian David Mitchell in kidnapping Elizabeth in 2002, and spent 15 years behind bars. Elizabeth says Barzee stood by and watched as Mitchell repeatedly raped her.
Not long after Barzee's release, Elizabeth reacted on Instagram saying, "Without [a] doubt the past few weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotion ... May we all remain vigilant in watching over our families, friends, and community from anyone who would seek to hurt or take advantage."
Despite the Utah parole board deeming she was unfit for release, there was nothing it could do to keep Barzee off the streets because state law requires her release by the time her sentence is complete. She got credit for time served in the federal system.
As we reported, Barzee is on supervised release, and one term of her release includes ZERO contact, of any form, with Elizabeth.
We're told the requirement that Barzee stay away from Smart will be for the full 5 years of her supervised release. When that ends, Elizabeth can file for a protective order.
The feds will also be in contact with Elizabeth to make sure Wanda hasn't tried to contact her. If she does, Barzee will almost certainly punch an express ticket back to prison.
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Suge Knight Murder Trial in Fatal Hit & Run Case FINALLY Set to Begin
Suge Knight's murder trial for fatally running over a man with his truck nearly 4 years ago is finally going to begin ... which has got to be good news for the famous defendant who has been waiting in jail for years.
Jury selection will begin Monday. The jurors will be tasked with determining if Knight was trying to run over Terry Carter back in January 2015 or if he was trying to flee.
Video of the incident shows Suge's red truck pulling into Tam's Burgers in Compton -- where Dr. Dre was filming footage connected with the NWA biopic, "Straight Outta Compton" -- and he's almost immediately confronted by Cle "Bone" Sloan ... who did security for the film.
Suge guns it in reverse and clips Sloan, knocking him to the ground, then floors it forward ... running over Sloan again and mowing down Carter, killing him.
Suge claims he was not trying to run either man over but instead was trying to escape out of fear he would be killed. Suge's legal team has claimed Bone and Terry both had guns.
Since this all went down ... there have been countless developments in the case. Firstly, Suge was arrested and has been in jail awaiting trial ever since. He's been to the hospital for blood clots. His former attorneys were arrested for attempting to bribe witnesses.
On top of that, he was indicted for making death threats against director F. Gary Gray and pled not guilty in that case ... and recently his mother died.
But, the focus starting next week will be whether or not Suge intentionally killed Carter. If history is any indication, though ... the trial won't be quick.
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Columbus Short Arrest Warrant Issued
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9/24 -- Short appeared in court Friday and the warrant was recalled. He'll have his next hearing for the case in October.
Columbus Short could soon be sporting a pair of handcuffs -- there's a warrant out for the actor's arrest -- TMZ has learned.
The ex-"Scandal" star failed to appear in court as part of his divorce proceedings with Tanee Short Tuesday ... so the judge issued a warrant as it's the second time Columbus has no-showed in as many months.
The point of the hearing was for a judgment debtor exam where the actor was to be grilled about his finances.
CS is no stranger to legal issues ... he was released from jail earlier this year after serving just 34 days of a 1-year sentence for beating his newest wife, Aida, who he got engaged to in 2016.