'Fiji Water Girl' From Golden Globes Sues Fiji Water for Cardboard Cutouts
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3:04 PM PT -- A rep for FIJI tells TMZ, "This lawsuit is frivolous and entirely without merit. After the Golden Globes social media moment, we negotiated a generous agreement with Ms. Cuthbert that she blatantly violated. We are confident that we will prevail in court. Throughout our history, we have had a sterling reputation working with talent."
The viral sensation that was the "Fiji Water Girl" photobombing every celeb at the Golden Globes is back -- just not in the flesh ... which is why she's suing the water company.
Kelly Steinbach -- who goes by her modeling name, Kelleth Cutbert -- is suing Fiji Water over a cardboard cutout campaign that she says the company launched without her permission. Steinbach claims Fiji used her unauthorized image holding the tray of Fiji water bottles at the award show.
She says they tried coaxing her into signing away her rights, and even though she did a mock video that appeared to be doing just that ... Steinbach claims she never actually put ink to paper on a real deal. It was all for show. Nonetheless, she claims Fiji moved forward.
Steinbach says that cardboard cutouts of herself started to pop up all over L.A., and one of those is pictured in a photo with John Legend from earlier this month.
She says the "Fiji Water Girl" viral moment generated upwards of $12 million in brand exposure, and now she's asking a judge to give her a piece of the pie.
Originally Published -- 2:15 PM PT
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Sean McVay's GF Custom Jacket For Super Bowl ... 4,000 Crystals!!!
Forget diamond Super Bowl rings ... Sean McVay's smokin' hot GF is opting for crystals for Sunday's big game -- 'cause she just got a custom jacket made with 4,000 of 'em in it!!!
TMZ Sports has learned Veronika Khomyn hit up Leah Miller at Bella Artistry to have a one-of-a-kind piece made to cheer on her BF during the Rams-Pats game ... and the fit came out GREAT.
We're told, the satin bomber jacket was hand-cut and hand-sewn ... and had 4,000 Swarovski crystals hand-placed into it.
The jacket also features a "Mob Squad" patch and a whole bunch of Rams logos ... and, in total, took about 14 HOURS to complete.
We're told similar jackets run for around $1,000 ... and Khomyn completed the outfit by adding a custom Rams hat that featured 600 crystals hand-set into it!!!
Veronika won't be the only WAG stuntin' at the Super Bowl ... tons of BOTH Rams and Patriots wives hit up Leah to get their own one-of-a-kind gear made for the game.
So, you be the judge ... who's winning the Rams-Pats swag battle in the box suites this weekend???
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Chicago's Polar Vortex Straw Bins to Rescue 200k Stray Cats!!!
Even 9 lives can't withstand 20 degrees below zero -- which is why Chicagoans are on a mission to save hundreds of thousands of stray cats ... with the help of tons of straw.
A grassroots community in Chi-Town called "Chicago Community Cats" has been bracing for a week for the polar vortex temperatures by prepping makeshift shelters for stray and feral cats. Erica Roewade, who runs the group, says about 200 people have been working around the clock to build straw-stuffed bins to keep the kitties warm.
It's a huge undertaking. Chi-Town reportedly has roughly 200k feral cats roaming its streets and alleys.
Roewade says the group has also purchased about 100 "Snuggle Safe Disks" (which also keep pets warm), heated water bowls and other supplies to distribute throughout the city.
Considering temps are expected to stay in the negative all week -- Roewade says the most important thing is to keep the frigid wind and airflow off the kitties.
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James Ingram Dead at 66 From Brain Cancer
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Grammy-winning R&B singer and songwriter James Ingram has died from a battle with a form of brain cancer ... TMZ has learned.
Sources close to the singer tell us James had been fighting the cancer for an extended period. Actress and choreographer Debbie Allen reacted to the news Tuesday, saying ... "I have lost my dearest friend."
Ingram recorded several chart-toppers in the '80s, including his #1 duet with Patti Austin, "Baby Come to Me" ... as well as "Somewhere Out There" with Linda Ronstadt, "100 Ways" and "Just Once."
He won a Grammy for "Yah Mo B There" -- his duet with Michael McDonald -- and another for "100 Ways." He was nominated for 12 other times for Grammys.
James worked closely Quincy Jones over the years ... recording and writing hits. For instance, he and Q co-wrote Michael Jackson's smash hit, "P.Y.T." from the "Thriller" album.
James was one of the featured soloists for the all-star choir that gathered to record the smash charity song, "We Are the World" in 1985 -- singing parts between Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner and Ray Charles.
He started his professional singing career in the 70s when he joined the group, Revelation Funk, and even played for Ray Charles' band at one point.
AUGUST 2007
During a Quincy tribute concert in L.A. last September, James was noticeably absent when Patti performed their hit song. It was not clear at the time why he soldiered on without him, doing her best impression of her dear friend while singing his parts.
James was 66.
RIP
Originally Published -- 12:33 PM PST
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Barstool Sports Stars Banned From Super Bowl ... Over Fake Press Passes
8:33 AM PT -- New information about the Barstool Sports incident at the Super Bowl Opening Day event in Atlanta -- cops say PFT Commenter was NOT arrested -- but he was issued a criminal trespass warning.
A spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Dept. tells TMZ Sports ... both PFT and Barstool president Dave Portnoy were "in possession of fake Super Bowl LIII media credentials."
"The individuals ... were issued criminal trespass warnings by APD officers at the request of State Farm Arena security staff."
"Neither man was arrested or cited. Both had the fake credentials taken away and were advised they would be arrested for criminal trespass if they attempted to enter either State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, or Mercedes Benz Stadium property again."
We spoke with Portnoy who tells us the trespass warning means he's not allowed to attend the Super Bowl, even though he has a ticket.
Portnoy also delivered a message to NFL Commish Roger Goodell.
PFT Commenter -- the cohost of the "Pardon My Take" podcast on Barstool Sports -- says he was arrested at the NFL's Super Bowl Opening Night event in Atlanta on Monday night.
The Barstool star -- real name Eric Sollenberger -- had been having a pretty successful night, firing off questions to everyone from Rob Gronkowski to Todd Gurley ... even Bill Belichick.
But at some point during the evening, event organizers decided they wanted PFT Commenter out -- and they sent security to escort him off the property.
Eventually, PFT says the Atlanta Police Dept. got involved and arrested him for criminal trespassing.
PFT says officials even called in the FBI to question him.
PFT's boss -- Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy was also escorted out of the event. Portnoy says he was not arrested.
Barstool and the NFL have a rocky relationship -- Portnoy and his team have attacked NFL Commish Roger Goodell on several occasions ... and it's clear they're not welcome at official NFL events.
Story developing ...
The powers that be just gave @PFTCommenter the boot from media night. pic.twitter.com/UbKzqnyB39
@ZackCoxNESN
Originally Published -- 6:02 AM PST
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Josie Canseco Mike Stud's Not Cheating On Me ... We Broke Up
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Ya can't cheat on someone if you're not together anymore ... that's what Victoria's Secret model Josie Canseco is saying after getting tips about Mike Stud hooking up with chicks behind her back.
Here's what we know ... Josie began dating Stud in 2015. He put her in one of his music videos (wearing nothing but a bra and panties, straight FIRE!).
Josie's dad, Jose Canseco, famously threatened to shoot Mike if he mistreated his daughter -- but they eventually all hung out and got along.
But, the couple hit a rough patch in 2018 and after trying to work things out, they eventually decided it was best to part ways.
The split was pretty quiet -- so when people saw Mike getting close with other women, they started messaging Josie, thinking the rapper was being unfaithful.
But, Josie says that's just not the case -- explaining to her fans, "We've been split for a while now n to not worry!"
"Nothing but love for him always."
Meanwhile, Josie is 22-years-old and one of the top models in the world.
She won't have any issues finding a new guy ... if and when she chooses to do so.
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Detroit Lions LB Trevor Bates Arrested for Stiffing Cab Driver ... Then Punches Cop!!!
11:00 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us ... Bates hailed a cab in Manhattan and was taken to his hotel in Queens, and the fare totaled $32.06. We're told, he told the driver he didn't have cash or a card and took off ... so the driver called the police.
We're also told before Bates attacked the sergeant at the station, he said, "I want to punch you in the face" ... then did exactly that.
Our sources say Bates has now officially been charged with assault on a police officer and resisting arrest, along with theft of services.
A relatively unknown NFL linebacker just made a name for himself in the worst way ... by allegedly flying off the handle and punching a cop in the face!
According to law enforcement sources ... Lions LB Trevor Bates was arrested around 3 AM Saturday morning at a Hampton Inn in Queens, NY for refusing to pay his cab fare. Cops were called to the hotel and took him into custody for theft of services.
We're told while he was at the local station preparing for fingerprinting, Bates became irate and declared he didn't like one of the officers in the room. He then allegedly punched a sergeant ... causing a laceration above the cop's left eye.
Our sources say the sergeant received 3 stitches and was treated for a concussion at the hospital before being released.
Bates was taken to the hospital, as well, for a psych eval. We're told he has not formally been charged yet for assaulting an officer.
The linebacker played in 9 games this season for Detroit, recording one solo tackle.
Michael Jackson Documentary Accusers Arrive for Screening ... Get Standing Ovation
1/26 1:00 PM PT -- Michael Jackson's estate has responded to the "Leaving Neverland" premiere by slamming it once more, saying, it "isn't a documentary, it is the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death."
The estate claims the director intentionally avoided interviewing people who could attest that Jackson treated children with respect and never harmed them "so he could craft a narrative so blatantly one-sided that viewers never get anything close to a balanced portrait."
Jackson's estate refers to Robson and Safechuck as "admitted liars" and accuses them of trying to "achieve notoriety and a payday by smearing" Jackson.
For what it's worth ... Wade and James have claimed they were not paid for "Leaving Neverland."
1/ 25 1:15 PM PT -- Emotional Robson and Safechuck took the stage after the film and were given a standing ovation. They did a brief Q&A, and let the audience know just how important getting everything out was to them.
12:40 PM PT -- We're told there's a lot of emotional testimony from Wade and James in part 2, especially talking about coming to terms with their abuse and revealing it to their families.
At one point, Wade breaks down in tears describing having visions of Michael abusing his own kid. He talks about going to therapy and telling his family the truth. We're told some members of Wade's family has contempt for his mother for allowing the abuse to happen. James' mom also appears on camera and talks about her guilt.
Some of the evidence in the film used to support the allegations against Michael include "love notes" to both boys along with voice messages. We're told despite the upsetting nature of the film, the audience applauded at the end.
12:05 PM PT -- Part 2 heavily focuses on Jackson's case and trial, and how he allegedly treated Wade and James in the process. Both claim Jackson made legal threats, and Wade eventually decided to testify in Jackson's defense because he says he was scared of the repercussions if he told the truth.
James says he refused to testify and Jackson got mad and threatened him, but that was the last time they spoke.
11:30 AM PT -- We're told the second part of the documentary opens with Jackson's allegations surfacing publicly for the first time in the '90s, and later moves on to his 2003 arrest for child molestation.
It also details the lives of both James and Wade after their time with Jackson, and how they dealt with his arrest and their connection to the case.
11:10 AM PT -- Someone watching the preview tells TMZ ... the doc is airing in 2 parts. The first hour of part 1 features Safechuck's testimony, including his story about how Jackson befriended him and his family before the alleged sexual abuse began.
We're told Safechuck gives very graphic details of the abuse and sex acts, which he claims happened at Neverland and Jackson's home in Century City. He says the abuse started when Jackson taught him to masturbate in a hotel room in Paris.
There's also a lot of footage of James and Michael together, and we're told James shows the jewelry MJ allegedly bought him as rewards for sex acts.
The second hour of part 1 features Robson's account of how he won a dance contest to meet Michael, who then convinced him and his mom to move to L.A. to be closer to him.
We're told both James and Wade claim the abuse felt normal to them because Jackson coached them on how to keep a secret. He allegedly had drills with them, and had alarms go off so the boys knew to put clothes on when people would approach at Neverland.
Both men say the abuse got worse as they got older and Jackson introduced them to pornography. They claim that's when he began having anal sex with them.
The mothers of both men are also featured in the doc and talk about how they trusted the pop singer, but were blinded by his fame. We're told there's also mention of Macaulay Culkin -- allegedly, Michael would tell the other boys he was his favorite.
We're told part 2 just began ... opening up with when allegations first started surfacing about Jackson.
The explosive Michael Jackson documentary is about to be unveiled, and the 2 accusers at the center of the doc -- Wade Robson and James Safechuck -- just entered the theater for the premiere of "Leaving Neverland."
Both men say MJ molested them when they were kids. The Michael Jackson Estate has come out swinging, calling both men liars and even excoriating HBO for agreeing to run the documentary.
Police were out in force in Sundance for the premiere, but only a handful of protesters were present.
We got Robson -- who has become a famous choreographer with credits that include directing Britney Spears music videos -- Thursday on his way to Sundance, and he did not necessarily endorse a mute Michael Jackson movement. He said his participation in the movement goes way beyond MJ.
There's a Q&A session after the screening, and it's possible opposing sides may face off. We're there, so stay tuned.
Originally Published -- 9:57 AM PST
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Ronda Rousey Not Leaving WWE
Ronda Rousey is NOT parting ways with WWE -- despite reports she's on her way out, TMZ Sports has learned.
A report by wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer sparked hysteria -- with some jumping to the conclusion she's ending her pro wrestling career after 1 year with Vince McMahon's company.
And why? Meltzer's report says there's a "very good chance" she could wrap up with WWE after Wrestlemania in April so she can focus on starting a family with husband, Travis Browne.
But, what people are skipping over ... Meltzer also reports she will "probably remain affiliated with the company" after Wrestlemania.
ProWrestlingSheet added more clarity ... describing the situation as a planned "break" -- but it's not set in stone.
Multiple sources connected to Ronda tell TMZ Sports she's "super happy" in her new career and isn't ready to pull the plug just yet.
What we also know ... Ronda is serious about starting a family soon -- and she's been vocal about it for months. In fact, back in May 2018 she said the plan was to get pregnant "someday soon." So, babies have been on her brain.
Also, a WWE spokesperson tells us, "Ronda Rousey is under contract with WWE until April 10, 2021. Whether she wants to start a family is a private matter."
Bottom line ... even if she does step away, don't count her out for good.
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Chris Brown No Reason for Me to Flee Paris ... I'm Putting in Work!!!
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Chris Brown is NOT getting the hell outta Dodge after cops released him ... instead he's hanging around Paris for one good reason -- money, and lots of it.
TMZ's learned the singer is right in the middle of shooting a music video. He was seen performing Wednesday on a Paris street. We're told he's honoring his commitment to the project before he takes off Thursday.
We're told Chris dropped 6 figures on the music vid -- for an upcoming song called "Back to Love" -- so it's pretty important to make it happen. Our sources say in addition to the video, he's also working on another project with a dance studio.
Earlier in the day, Brown was seen publicly for the first time since his arrest as he left the Mandarin Oriental Hotel -- the same place where the alleged rape went down. He had nothing but love for everybody.
As we reported ... he was arrested Monday night by French police on possible rape and narcotics charges, but got released the same day without conditions. Chris was allowed to keep his passport and return home, but he's clearly not in a hurry to flee.
He's denied any wrongdoing and says he's going to sue his accuser for defamation.
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Ezekiel Elliott Alleged Altercation w/ Celeb DJ ... Dak Played Peacemaker
Ezekiel Elliott was involved in an altercation with a HUGE celebrity DJ in Vegas early Monday morning -- with the DJ going off about the incident on video after the fact ... and it's intense.
But, sources connected to Zeke tell us ... the Cowboys star is adamant he wasn't the one in the wrong.
Here's what we know for sure ... Zeke and Dak Prescott were partying at Drai's After Hours at The Cromwell Hotel and Casino where DJ Franzen was hanging out.
DJ Franzen is a huge force in hip-hop -- he's tight with guys like Jay-Z, T.I. and Big Sean ... and Drake even gave him TWO shout-outs in TWO different songs ("The Motto" and "Elevate").
Sources connected to Franzen tell us ... he walked over to say hi and that's when Elliott and some of his crew got aggressive and things started to pop off.
One Franzen source tells us ... Dak walked over to the DJ and attempted to smooth things over -- but it was already too late ... Franzen felt disrespected and decided to go off on social media.
"Can you believe Ezekiel Elliott tried to pick a fight with me?!" Franzen said in an IG video first spotted by SportsGossip.com ... "Man, F*CK THE COWBOYS!!!"
"Get the f*ck up out of Vegas man," he added ... "You are never allowed in my section again, you little bitch."
He finished with this message -- "If y'all know Ezekiel Elliott, you tell em DJ Franzen said 'F*ck you ... you little bitch ass motherf*cker.'"
Our Zeke sources tell a different story ... claiming Franzen came over in an aggressive manner and was talking trash about the Cowboys.
One source put it this way, "He was trying to provoke Zeke."
Whoever was at fault, one thing's for sure -- don't expect these guys to be hanging out in Vegas together any time soon.
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United Airlines Sued Passenger Smells Cover-Up Over Shattered 767 Windshield
United Airlines pilots had to deal with a shattered windshield at 40,000 feet, and although the airline said bird strike caused the emergency ... one passenger claims there was a massive cover-up.
United's flight 931 left Chicago bound for London on Oct. 27, 2018, and about 3 hours into the trip the pilot announced the windshield was splintered and they had to land immediately ... according to a passenger named Theodore Liaw.
In his lawsuit against United, Theodore says he and the other passengers aboard the damaged 767 had to "white knuckle" it for 30 minutes ... while the pilot and co-pilot rapidly went from cruising altitude to Goose Bay Airport in Newfoundland, Canada.
Theodore claims United's customer support agents told them a "bird hit the windshield," but he calls that a big fat lie, and claims he got the truth straight from the pilot during 8 hours on the ground. According to the suit, he asked the pilot and co-pilot if they'd hit something, and they "chuckled" and said that was impossible because "there's nothing alive at 40,000 feet."
In docs, obtained by TMZ, Theodore says the pilots openly confessed it was most likely caused by a mechanic over-tightening windshield bolts. They also admitted 2 of 3 layers of the glass were destroyed and they were nearly sucked out of the cockpit ... according to the suit.
Theodore is suing United for negligence. He says he hurt his back in the emergency landing and he's suffered horrible plane crash nightmares ever since the flight.
United tells us, "Safety is our top priority and we diverted the aircraft due to an issue with the cockpit window. The aircraft landed safely, and we are continuing to investigate this matter. Due to the pending litigation, we’re unable to comment further.”
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Saints' P.J. Williams Arrested for Drunk Driving ... In New Orleans
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6:48 AM PT -- Officials tell TMZ Sports ... Williams was initially pulled over for going 80 in a 50 on the Crescent City Connection Bridge.
During the stop, cops suspected he was intoxicated and tried to administer a breath test but Williams refused ... so he was arrested.
We're told he was booked for driving while intoxicated, speeding, improper lane usage and failure to use a turn signal.
A bad week just got worse for New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams -- who was arrested early Wednesday morning when cops say he was driving drunk in the Big Easy.
The 25-year-old -- a key player on the Saints defense -- was booked for drunk driving and careless driving at 1:10 AM, according to The Advocate.
After posing for a mug shot, Williams was released roughly 3 hours after his arrest. We're working on the details.
It's not the first time Williams has been arrested for drunk driving -- he was popped for DUI in Florida back in 2015 but the case was thrown out because police dash cam video failed to capture key moments from that arrest.
Williams was a stud back in college where he helped Florida State win the national championship playing with Jameis Winston back in 2013.
He later entered the NFL Draft in 2015 where he was selected by the Saints in the 3rd round.
Since turning pro, he's been a pretty solid player -- even picking off Kirk Cousins for a Pick 6 in the Week 8 battle this season against the Minnesota Vikings.
Williams played in 15 games in 2018 for the Saints -- posting 53 tackles, 1 interception and 1 sack.
He started in the NFC championship game against the L.A. Rams last weekend -- and had 8 tackles and broke up 1 pass in the 26 to 23 loss.
Story developing ...
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Chris Brown Released in Paris Rape Case Free to Leave France
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1:20 PM PT -- French prosecutors tell TMZ Brown is free to leave France. He was released on his own recognizance, without bail.
1:08 PM PT -- We've confirmed Brown and the other 2 men who were detained have been released. The prosecutor's office tells TMZ, "The investigations, which are not closed at this stage, will continue under the authority of the Paris prosecutor's office."
12:33 PM PT -- A source close to Chris tells us he and his team were just released from police custody. Chris just took to Instagram to seemingly address the situation, saying, "This Bitch Lyin'." He continues, " I WANNA MAKE IT PERFECTLY CLEAR...... THIS IS FALSE AND A WHOLE LOT OF CAP! NNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEERRRRRR!!!!!!"
"FOR MY DAUGHTER AND MY FAMILY THIS IS SO DISPRESPECTFUL AND IS AGAINST MY CHARACTER AND MORALS!!!!!"
Chris Brown allegedly raped a woman in a hotel dressing room for 25-30 minutes and it was "brutal and violent" -- so says Closer Magazine, which posted an article claiming to have interviewed the alleged victim.
Closer, which broke the story Brown was being investigated for rape, calls the woman by a pseudonym -- Karima -- a 24-year-old model who told the mag she met Brown at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Paris on January 15 at around 10:30 PM and then went to a nightclub.
Karima told Closer at 4 AM Brown and his crew wanted to return to the hotel, and she said she was tired but they convinced her to go back to the Mandarin with a group of people.
She says once inside his suite, she went to the bathroom, Brown followed her and "catches me by the right arm. He makes me enter a sort of dressing room. He closed the door ... it lasted 25-30 minutes."
She describes the alleged rape as "brutal and violent." She says she was then "abused" by one of Brown's friends and a bodyguard.
Karima says she went to cops 2 days later, adding she was scared but ultimately decided she didn't want Brown to "be able to do the same things to other girls."
Someone connected to Brown tells us the singer was never alone with the alleged victim and says Chris' girlfriend, Ammika Harris, was in the hotel room the whole time. He says there were more than 20 people in the room "hanging out" and listening to music Brown was playing on his iPhone.
We have reached out to Brown's U.S. lawyer for a response, but so far no word back.
Originally Published -- 11:04 AM PT
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R. Kelly Chicago Studio Hit With 66 Violations ... Facing Heavy Fines!!!
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12:20 PM PT -- According to R. Kelly's attorney Melvin L. Sims III ... despite the violations, the judge sided with the singer and rejected the City of Chicago's motion to shut the building down completely.
Kelly's legal team argued the problems with the studio did not mount to an "Emergency" situation, so instead, repairs were ordered along with the removal of personal items. Sims says the studio is still open for business as a studio during normal working hours.
R. Kelly is in serious trouble with Chicago officials because the city is going after him for a laundry list of building violations at his studio ... and it could end up costing the singer a ton of cash!!!
The Chicago studio, heavily featured in "Surviving R. Kelly" was slammed with 66 building code violations, most notably for using the place as a residence and not obtaining permits to build a sauna, steam room and a bar ... this according to legal docs.
In the docs, each violation comes with a fine ranging between $500 to $1,000 for each day the violation goes unaddressed ... and with 66 violations, R. Kelly could be looking at a fine between $33k to $66k per day!
The court has already ordered R. Kelly to remove all personal items from the premises and he can only use the space as a recording studio from 9 AM to 5 PM.
1/16/19
As you know ... R. Kelly's studio was swarmed last week by Chicago cops and the Cook County Building and Zoning Department -- and they ended up filing a complaint against R. Kelly.
Sources close to R. Kelly deny he's ever lived in the studio and R. Kelly believes the space is exactly as it was when he first started renting it 3-4 years ago.
Originally Published -- 11:46 AM PT
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CBS Smokes Plans for SB Weed Ad ... Company's CEO Responds
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10:50 AM PT -- Acreage's founder and CEO, Kevin P. Murphy, tells TMZ ... the Super Bowl spot was going to be a PSA, not an ad for his company. He says the message was going to be a positive one, emphasizing the benefits of cannabis with testimonials about how it has saved lives ... including the child suffering constant seizures and a man addicted to opiates.
Murphy says his company was set to spend more than $5 mil on the PSA ... but to no avail.
7:40 AM PT -- Sources connected to the network tell TMZ, CBS does not accept any cannabis-related advertising. The sources add they are not aware of any broadcasters who will air such ads.
It's the Super Bowl ... not the Smoke-a-Bowl -- that's the message CBS gave to a marijuana company that wanted to run a pro-weed ad during the big game.
The company behind the ad is Acreage Holdings -- which has a license to grow and distribute marijuana in several states.
In fact, former Speaker of the House John Boehner is on the board -- and has been promoting the company heavily for months. Boehner is a huge proponent of medical marijuana.
Acreage claims it submitted a proposal to CBS to air a commercial during the Super Bowl on Feb. 3 -- but they were rejected after seeing a rough outline of the spot, according to Bloomberg.com.
We've learned Acreage already produced the ad and among the message points -- there's a story about a woman who lived in Oklahoma whose son suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy.
The woman had to move to Colorado with her son because she couldn't get medical marijuana in OKC due to the laws at the time, despite the fact doctors recommended weed to help him out.
The message is that not allowing medical marijuana is not just bad politics, but it's cruel to people who need it since there's medical proof that it alleviates pain and suffering.
FYI, medical pot is now legal in more than 30 states -- but it's still outlawed federally ... which may have factored into CBS's decision to put the kibosh on the ad.
Acreage president George Allen told Bloomberg the ad was meant to "create an advocacy campaign for constituents who are being lost in the dialogue."
Allen says the company was serious about spending the money on a Super Bowl ad because "It’s hard to compete with the amount of attention something gets when it airs during the Super Bowl."
Originally Published -- 7:27 AM PT