Odell Beckham Jr. Judge Denies Nike's Request ... To Dismiss Multi-Mil $ suit

Published

Odell Beckham Jr.'s on a roll ... days after securing a lucrative one-year contract with the Ravens, a judge denied Nike's request to dismiss OBJ's lawsuit against the sportswear giant, ruling the case can go forward.

Nike initially filed docs claiming there were no grounds for the case and asked a judge to throw out the suit on February 28. After reviewing the motion, a circuit court judge in Multnomah County, Oregon (where Nike's headquartered) denied the motion to dismiss, according to court records.

Of course, it doesn't mean OBJ has won the case. A defendant asking the court to throw out a lawsuit is pretty standard, and it's a difficult motion to win, but the bottom line is it's a win for the star WR.

We broke the story in November ... 30-year-old Odell accused the Swoosh of screwing him out of millions of dollars by suppressing shoe sales that would've triggered an automatic lucrative contract extension.

Beckham Jr. also said Nike withheld money he was rightfully owed for what they deemed footwear and glove violations (customizing Nike products).

At the time he filed the lawsuit, Odell issued a statement to us, reading in part ... "Unfortunately, Nike did not honor its commitments. Throughout our partnership, I have kept my promise and fulfilled my obligations to the brand. I am extremely disappointed that I’ve had to take these measures to ensure Nike fulfills their obligations and promises."

Beckham Jr. continued ... "Today, I'm taking a stand not just for me, but to set a precedent for all athletes who have dedicated their life to the sport they love – especially those who don't have the means to stand up for themselves. We are held responsible for fulfilling our obligations under our contracts, but we also have to hold powerful companies like Nike accountable for honoring their commitments too."

All told the Pro Bowler says Nike shorted him around $20 million ... and Odell wants his cash, and now it looks like his attorneys will get their day in court.

On the field, Odell is the newest member of the Baltimore Ravens, signing a contract worth between $15 and $18 million earlier this week.

Assuming he isn't traded, Beckham Jr. and Lamar Jackson will form one of the most dangerous duos in the entire NFL.

Jeremy Meeks My Life Story's Bigger Than Book ... I'm Thinking TV Series Too

Published | Updated
041423-jeremy-meeks-kal
THE STORY OF ME-EEKS

Jeremy Meeks says going from the mean streets to jail to fashion runways and movie sets has been one wild ride, which is why he's written an autobiography ... but he's not stopping there.

We got the actor/model at LAX and he was beaming as he told our photog about his Hollywood success ... telling us he just got back from shooting a Christmas movie and is excited about his upcoming book release.

Jeremy, who first became famous as the "hot felon," says it's surreal to see his life story in book form, and his goal is to get the publication made into a TV series.

We asked why not a feature film, and he said it would be impossible to chop his life down to a couple hours or less ... so, a series makes more sense.

Jeremy's book is called "Model Citizen" and it's coming out October 10 ... and it tells the story of his meteoric rise from poverty to global fame.

Remember ... Jeremy had a long rap sheet before his 2014 arrest and mug shot earned him the "hot felon" and "prison bae" monikers.

Jeremy's mug went viral, sparking a modeling career that blossomed into acting gigs and led to him dating and having a child with Topshop heiress Chloe Green.

There's plenty of content for a book and a series, for sure ... but Jeremy told us there's a big casting decision in his future!!!

'Bel-Air' Star Simone Joy Jones I'd Make A Fun Princess Tiana ... But Rooting for All Black Women

Published | Updated

Simone Joy Jones has her eye on the lead in Disney's live-action version of "The Princess and the Frog," and while she's hoping she scores the role ... she also says any Black woman would be iconic.

We caught up with the "Bel-Air" star and had to ask about her hopes for the remake ... after she posted her very own submission for the highly sought-after role of Princess Tiana.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Simone acknowledged she's up against many talented actresses -- including some of her "Bel-Air" costars -- and says every person auditioning for the role would bring something different. A diplomatic response, for sure, but don't get it twisted ... she's totally confident she'd be a fun fit.

Either way, Simone says she's going to watch the film, pointing to the impact of seeing a live-action Black Disney princess. As she put it, "It always changes the ecosystem of the culture when you see a Black girl being her everything."

BTW, she also gave her stamp of approval on a Princess Tiana-related change coming to Disneyland and Disney World!

As for the movie, it's reportedly in the development stage -- so, we'll have to wait to see who wins the crown!!!

Bradley Cooper Buy My Longtime Venice Pad!!!

Published

Bradley Cooper is making more real estate moves ... now unloading his longtime Venice property, after giving it an interior makeover.

Real estate sources tell TMZ ... The actor listed the pad for $2.4M... which, would leave him with a nice chunk of change after snagging it for $1.19M back in 2004.

The price tag seems to be well worth it ... he's completely transformed the inside of the home, working with renowned designer Santillane de Chanaleille.

The 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home comes with a natural aesthetic ... featuring high vaulted wood ceilings, concrete floors, and accordion doors that lead out to a fire pit and hot tub. There's also a built-in barbecue when you step outside.

There's also a converted garage, which can be used as a bonus room for an office, home gym, or living space.

Bradley already has another beautiful 3-level townhouse in Venice, a $13M townhouse in NYC and purchased a $4.8M pad in the Pacific Palisades in 2021.

Diana Braun of Compass holds the listing.

Drake Bell Threatened Suicide After Falling Out With Wife ... According To 911 Call

Published | Updated

Drake Bell had a falling out with his estranged wife and told his family he was going to get drunk and hang himself ... at least according to the 911 call in which he was reported missing.

TMZ obtained the 911 call, where someone from Orlando PD explains why cops were deeply concerned for Drake's well-being.

The officer is speaking with another department, trying to get a location on Drake's cell phone, characterizing the situation as a "possible attempted suicide" and saying ... "Basically, there is a celebrity who had a falling out with his wife."

Cops in Orlando say they got involved because they were told Drake was in an Orlando hotel room and had been texting family back in California, threatening suicide.

TMZ broke the story ... Drake was reported missing by police in Florida on Thursday, with Daytona Beach police saying he was MIA and was "considered missing and endangered."

Cops said Drake was last seen Wednesday night, driving a 2022 gray BMW ... and we obtained a photo of him with his son Tuesday at SeaWorld in Orlando.

Drake was ultimately found safe and sound Thursday afternoon, and he later addressed the issue on social media, saying ... "You leave your phone in the car and don't answer for the night and this?"

Given the content of the 911 call, and the situation, it seems like cops did the right thing.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

JAMIE FOXX 8 Unfinished Shooting Days for 'Back in Action' ... in Wake of Medical Emergency

Published | Updated

Jamie Foxx's sudden, serious illness has producers scrambling on his movie set and beyond ... and TMZ is getting conflicting information about the movie he was shooting -- "Back in Action."

Multiple sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Jamie still has 8 days of filming for the movie in which he costars with Cameron Diaz. In fact, we're told he was scheduled to shoot this past Tuesday but suffered a medical emergency before going to set.

As we reported, Jamie was rushed to the hospital Tuesday morning with a very serious medical condition ... so serious, family members flew to Atlanta to be with him. We're told doctors still aren't sure exactly what triggered his medical problem and they will be doing tests in the next few days. It's uncertain when Jamie will be released, and they're not even thinking about when he can get back in front of the camera.

Now production sources have told us a very different story ... they are saying the film will wrap next week. We repeatedly asked how they could wrap if Jamie still has 8 days of filming left, but they did not explain.

It's possible they could rewrite the scenes without Jamie, use a stand-in or just cut certain scenes entirely ... we don't know and they're not saying.

Producers used a stand-in for Jamie on Thursday, according to People.

harvey charles jamie foxx
Foxx Has Flown The Coop

The more important news ... we're told Jamie seems to be doing better, even joking with family. Nevertheless, doctors need to get to the bottom of what happened, and Jamie is such a force in Hollywood, it's creating a domino effect for the movies and TV shows in which he's involved.

Ne-Yo On Taylor Swift Breakups Are Good For Writing Songs ... She'll Use It For Next Hit

Published | Updated

Ne-Yo says Taylor Swift has all the inspiration to write her next hit song now that she's broken up with her longtime boyfriend, Joe Alwyn.

We got the "So Sick" singer at LAX and asked him about the silver linings to all the emotions involved in a romantic split ... and Ne-Yo told us some of his best songs are directly tied to heartache.

Ne-Yo says Taylor won't have to suffer through the breakup as much as a regular person ... because talented songwriters like them can take bad energy and turn it into something positive ... like hit records.

As Swifties already know, Taylor's got tons of songs about Joe and past breakups ... and Ne-Yo predicts she's gonna use this split for more tracks.

The timeline of Taylor and Joe's split remains unclear, but the news broke during a break in her Eras Tour ... and Ne-Yo makes his pitch to join her onstage to sing about lost love.

'Top Gun' Star Anthony Edwards Lists $6.5M Beach House ... I Feel the Need to Sell!!!

Published | Updated

Anthony Edwards, who famously played Goose in "Top Gun" and Dr. Mark Greene on "ER," is looking to unload his beautiful O.C. beach house ... with an emphasis on "beach" 'cause the new owner will literally be on it.

Maverick's former flyguy (RIP. 😢) has listed his Dana Point, CA vacation home for $6.5 mil, and for that kinda dough ... it comes with some breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Anthony's place is just a few steps from the sand, and sits on a lot that's more than 10K square feet ... making it one of the sweetest vacation homes in the area. It's well-secured, too, with privacy gates.

The crib was originally home to the family of oil tycoon Edward Doheny, dating back to the 19th century when the development of Dana Point was just taking off.

The Spanish Colonial style is also a great model of what the original homes in that area looked like.

Look, nothing's gonna bring back Goose, but chillin' on his beachfront patio would be the next best thing ... if ya got a few mil to burn!

Justin Alexander from Compass holds the listing.

Fun fact: Anthony was the first actor seen on camera in the long-running (15 seasons) hit TV drama, "ER." Take that, Clooney!

Lolo Jones Angel Reese Isn't LSU's G.O.A.T. ... Shaq Is 'High!'

Published | Updated

Lolo Jones has some strong (albeit playful) words for Shaquille O'Neal after the NBA legend called Angel Reese LSU's G.O.A.T. ... telling TMZ Sports Diesel had to be "high" when he made the statement.

Jones -- who starred for LSU's track team before competing in BOTH the Summer and Winter Olympics -- got wind of O'Neal referring to Reese as the greatest athlete to ever come out of Baton Rouge on his 'Big Podcast' this week, and she vehemently disagreed with her fellow Tigers alum.

In fact, she seemed to think Shaq wasn't in his right mind since undergoing surgery last month.

"Shaq knew what he was doing," Jones said. "Shaq's just bored. He's coming off hip surgery. He's chilling at home. I think Shaq, honestly, is high on some pain medicines. The list is so big with LSU."

Jones -- a decorated hurdler and bobsledder -- feels Shaq was trying to stir the pot by saying Reese is LSU's top-ranked athlete ... knowing that it makes for good "water cooler talk."

"So, for Shaq to have the audacity to say 'she's the best ever,'" Jones continued, "I'm like, 'Bro, chill on the pain meds,' because that list is arduous. So long."

Jones -- who won three NCAA titles and earned 11 All-American honors as an LSU Tiger -- said she wouldn't put herself at the top of the list of the university's G.O.A.T. athletes.

But, don't get it twisted -- Lolo told us she isn't disrespecting Reese ... saying, "We're not hating on Angel. We love to see it. She's cooking. Let her keep cooking. But I'm telling you, LSU track and field is the powerhouse for that university."

As for if Jones will compete anytime soon ... she tells us she's on the Tom Brady retirement plan and taking it day by day.

Brittney Griner I'll Fight To Bring Home Americans ... Held Captive In Russia

Published | Updated

It's been four months since Brittney Griner was released from a Russian penal camp, but the WNBA star hasn't forgotten about the Americans left behind, vowing to continue to fight for the release of U.S. citizens being held captive in Russia.

32-year-old Griner made a surprise cameo at Al Sharpton's National Action Network's Women's Empowerment Luncheon in NYC on Thursday, where she addressed the crowd.

“I want to continue to fight to bring home every American detained overseas. That means everything to me,” Griner said, flanked by her wife Cherelle Griner and Sharpton.

120922_griner_touchdown_kal 12/09/22
HOME SWEET HOME

Of course, Brittney was sentenced to 9 years behind Russian bars after being found guilty on a drug charge. After 10 months spent in a jail cell and penal colony, she returned home on December 8 in a high-profile prisoner exchange.

After months of negotiations, the U.S. agreed to send Viktor Bout, known as the "Merchant of Death," serving a lengthy prison sentence in the States, back to Russia as part of a trade.

At the time of her release, the government was criticized for not getting back U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who has been locked up in Russia since late December 2018.

On Thursday, Griner made it clear she hasn't forgotten about Whelan and several other Americans who are still overseas.

Brittney's not alone. U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield gave the keynote speech and talked about the importance of bringing back "Every single American who's being unjustly detained."

Drake Bell No Longer Missing, Talking to Cops

Published | Updated
UPDATE

6:44 PM PT -- Drake Bell posted on Twitter saying, "You leave your phone in the car and don't answer for the night and this?"

UPDATE

10:32 AM PT -- Drake Bell has been found ... TMZ has learned.

UPDATE

Law enforcement sources tell us cops are in touch with the actor, and we're told he is safe. It's still unclear where he was, or why exactly cops feared for his safety.

UPDATE

9:46 AM PT -- We've now learned Drake was with his son on Tuesday ... they were together at SeaWorld in Orlando.

UPDATE
UPDATE

A witness in the park tells TMZ ... he approached Drake briefly to tell him he was a fan. He says Drake was nice and soft-spoken, but seemed fine.

Drake Bell has been reported missing, and cops are deeply concerned for his well-being.

Daytona Beach police have declared Drake MIA, saying, "He is considered missing and endangered."

He was last seen driving a 2022 grey BMW Wednesday at around 9 PM, somewhere in the area of Mainland High School. Some people online think this is all a hoax, but cops say it's definitely real.

Drake has had lots of troubles since his time on Nickelodeon's "Drake & Josh." He just completed his probation over an attempted child endangerment case, in which he pled guilty. He allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct in a club where he was scheduled to perform with a girl under 18, with whom he allegedly had an online relationship.

He's faced other accusations over the years, including a 2015 DUI arrest and alleged abuse by a woman who had a 5-year relationship with the actor.

Drake also filed for bankruptcy back in 2014.

Anyone with information about Drake's whereabouts is urged to contact the Daytona Beach Police Dept. at (386) 671-5207.

Originally Published -- 7:24 AM PT

Kristin Cavallari Reunites with 'Laguna Beach' Cast For Throwback Collection!!!

Published | Updated

If you thought the styles from the 2000s were dunzo, you were wrong -- 'cause Kristin Cavallari is bringing 'em back with a splash ... alongside her "Laguna Beach" crew.

The businesswoman is launching a special jewelry line through her Uncommon James brand -- and while it's new -- it's also kinda old in a sense ... or rather, nostalgic. She and her team are calling it the Back to Laguna Collection, and it's chock full of pieces from the aughts.

041223_back_to_laguna_kal
BLAST FROM THE PAST

Here's the best part ... Kristin actually got together with former 'LB' co-stars to shoot a promo for this retro campaign, which features all your fave personalities from the show. Yes, that includes  ... Talan Torriero, Jason Wahler, Alex Murrel, Jessica Smith and Alex Hooser.

Not just that -- but KC's ex-boyfriend, Stephen Colletti, is also in this thing. How about that?!

Indeed ... it's a welcome stroll down memory lane -- and you can see it on the 'LB' stars' faces here. FWIW, we're told they had a helluva time filming this as well ... they reunited in December at Pacific Palisades High School, where the good times (and cameras) were rolling.

Sources tell us that in between takes and during breaks, Kristin and co. were yakking it up like the old days -- as many of them hadn't seen each other in years. Pretty darn neat.

Now, as for what's included in this new Back to Laguna collection ... well, it's good stuff. A lot of these jewelry items are things you might've seen -- or even worn -- back in 2004 ... like the iconic black cord choker, gold rings (for all your fingers), earrings, bracelets and necklaces that reflect the aesthetic from back in those days.

In other words ... all the accessories you used to love as a teen and/or early twentysomething are back and for sale -- all courtesy of Kristin and Uncommon James -- plus a little help from her old friends.

It doesn't get more Orange County than this, folks.

'Bachelorette' Alum Will Urena Emotionally Recalls Colombian Attack ... I Was Fighting For My Life

Published

Former 'Bachelorette' contestant Will Urena says there's a good chance he could've been killed recently in Colombia ... and he chokes up recounting the gruesome details of what went down during the attack.

Will, who appeared on Michelle Young's season, tells TMZ ... he was at a bar in Medellín over the weekend when he met two women who proceeded to drug him. He says they led him out to the street, which is when he briefly blacked out.

While going in and out of consciousness, Will remembers being horrifically beaten, stabbed and spit on by a group of men.

The injuries are no joke, BTW ... Will says he was stripped down to his underwear and robbed of his belongings and jewelry. Luckily, a taxi driver found him covered in blood several hours later and took him to a hospital.

Will says his local friend, who he was in town visiting, filed a missing persons report after losing him at the bar ... and cops put two and two together once he showed up at the hospital.

Will tells us he had to stay in Colombia an extra day after those spine-chilling events because he was still drugged the next day. Thankfully, his passport was in his room when he was attacked, and he was able to fly home Tuesday.

As you know, Will told fans about his terrifying trip once he got back stateside ... saying the past few days were "something I could've never imagined."

Bottom line -- Will's extremely grateful to be alive, considering he thought death was a real possibility during the beating.

Famous Dex 11 Months Drug-Free & Healthy!!! Sobriety's the Wave Now 🌊

Published

Famous Dex is looking like a changed man these days ... and he swears he feels just as great now that he's been clean for nearly a year!!!

The "JAPAN" rapper linked with TMZ Hip Hop Wednesday at LAX, and he gleefully shared the good news he was indeed healthy, drug-free for 11 months and couldn't be any happier ... ankle monitor and all.

Dex even removed his stunna shades to show fans how clear his eyes had gotten -- a complete 180° from last September when we broke the news he reentered rehab following a stint in jail.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Dex's health isn't the only thing on the up ... he recently disclosed he re-signed with 300 Entertainment for several million dollars and tells us "Rich Forever 5" -- his long-running album series with Rich The Kid and Jay Critch -- is up next!!!!

It's been several years since Dex dropped a project, but he's been warming up ... recently connecting with his homie Warhol.SS for their "Wave Bros Pt. 2" duet.

He also shared a message to any fans also battling addiction: "Keep God first, never forget where you come from and stay humble."

Sound advice from a survivor.

Mario Lopez L.A. Villa Estate Sells for $4.5 Mil

Published

Mario Lopez was finally able to unload his L.A.-area mansion after putting it on the market last year -- but he's had to chisel at the price tag to do it ... to the tune of $2 million.

Real estate sources tell TMZ ... the longtime TV host and actor just closed the sale of his Glendale estate this week for a total of $4.55 million. The reason he was looking to get rid of it, we're told, is because he bought another mansion in L.A. last year for way more -- worth around $9.4 mil.

You'll recall ... ML's been working to get this Glendale property off his hands for a minute. He first listed it back in August for $6.5M ... but then took it off the market around the holidays, as there didn't appear to be many takers at the time. In January, he relisted the place ... only then, for a little cheaper.

Two things to take away from that ... one, it speaks to the real estate environment right now. Properties simply aren't selling like they were a few years ago during the pandemic -- when interest rates were super low -- and potential buyers were running around snapping up homes. Now, things have slowed down quite a bit ... and buyers are more picky.

The second thing is that this is a great deal for whoever purchased Mario's pad -- because, obviously, it's a beaut. BTW, Mario's not stressin' about a couple million ... he's loaded and bought the house in 2010 for just under $2M.

We've told you about this house before. It's an 8-bed, 8-bath palace that's on the outskirts of L.A. -- away from all the madness -- but with all the same luxury. There's an old Spanish aesthetic built into the architecture ... but the inside is about as modern as you can get.

The main house -- and its two-bedroom guest house -- sits on over half an acre and comes with its own private gym, dance studio, pool, outdoor kitchen, cabana and bocce ball court.

The listing was held by Daniel Sanchez of Dilbeck Real Estate. Congrats to all involved.

Jorge Masvidal Cops Gave Colby Covington Special Treatment ... During '22 Altercation

Published | Updated

Jorge Masvidal says he ain't getting a fair shake in his aggravated battery case ... claiming in new court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, that Colby Covington received preferential treatment from cops during their altercation in Miami last year.

In the docs, Masvidal says he has evidence that on several occasions during their confrontation on March 21, 2022, outside of a popular restaurant ... Covington was treated with "favoritism" by the Miami Beach Police Department.

Specifically, Masvidal says after the alleged attack ... Covington did not call 911 -- but instead phoned a high-ranking MBPD sergeant who was the UFC star's "pal and training partner ... so he could receive concierge police intervention."

Masvidal claims after Covington called the sergeant, the officer then radioed the matter into the station as a "Code 3" -- which, according to Masvidal, is "reserved for shooting and active dangerous felonies." Masvidal also says the sergeant "made additional calls to individual officers to 'get over immediately' to the scene" -- while also diverting "over 20 officers from their duties and responsibilities" to make sure they got Covington help.

In addition, Masvidal says Covington made a statement during a podcast interview prior to the street encounter that he "rolls with the Miami Beach Police Department" -- which Masvidal claims further proves he may have gotten special treatment on the night of the alleged attack.

Masvidal's attorney, Bradford Cohen, now wants several things -- including Covington's podcast comment -- to be admitted into evidence for the UFC fighter's impending trial in the case ... believing it will help prove his client is getting a raw deal.

"From our investigation and witness depositions it's clear that protocol was not followed that evening and Mr. Covington received preferential treatment," Cohen said in a statement this week. "Sadly, the people of Miami Beach that needed an officer that night, at that time probably suffered due to over 15 officers responding to a misdemeanor offense."

We've reached out to the Miami Beach Police Department for comment -- but so far no word back yet.

As we previously reported, Masvidal is facing serious jail time in the case after he was hit with charges of felony aggravated battery and felony criminal mischief following allegations that he punched Covington twice in an ambush outside of Papi Steak.

Meanwhile, Covington -- who claims to have suffered a brain injury, a chipped tooth, and a damaged Rolex watch in the attack -- appears to have recovered from the altercation ... as he's been rumored to be the next opponent for UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

The next hearing in Masvidal's case has been set for early May.