Babyface I Had No Problem Playing 2nd Fiddle to Anita Baker!!!
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Babyface is speaking out about the alleged bad blood between Anita Baker and him which led to him getting canned as a supporting act on her Songstress Tour!!!
TMZ Hip Hop obtained the first clip of the R&B maestro's upcoming appearance on "The Jason Lee Show" where he addresses his newfound free time head-on.
Babyface clarified to JL that the tour belonged to Anita, as it celebrated the 40th anniversary of her debut album -- but he did suggest one of his last nights on the tour was far more "complex" than his fans know.
He was referring to the Newark show where technical difficulties drastically shortened the show, meaning only one of the legacy artists could perform -- and, as we reported, that was the headliner ... Ms. Baker.
Anita pulled the plug last week on Babyface's role as her opener ... after what she called cyberbullying from fans upset with his limited stage time. She also accused him of going over his scheduled stage time.
Babyface says he had no issues opening for Anita and enjoyed watching her perform after him.
He'll surely have more to say when the full 'Jason Lee Show' episode drops later today on REVOLT but his unbothered nature won't do anything to appease his angry fans ... who continue painting Anita as the villain in this drama.
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Tyga & Avril Lavigne Splitsville ... But No Hard Feelings
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Tyga and Avril Lavigne aren't a couple anymore, 'cause they've broken up -- but they're still on good terms ... TMZ has learned.
Sources tell us the two musicians -- who went public with their relationship in March -- recently went their separate ways ... having split a couple weeks ago. We're told it was a mutual decision, and that there are no hard feelings -- the romance just ran its course.
Avril just came off her tour, and Tyga's in the middle of making new music.
They were first seen hanging out back in February, this on the heels of AL ending her engagement to Mod Sun. Soon after, they were spotted smooching on camera.
As they say, c'est la vie.
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IMAGINE DRAGONS' DAN REYNOLDS Sings For Teen Beating Cancer ... I'm So Proud of You!!!
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"Imagine Dragons" frontman Dan Reynolds will do whatever it takes to show love to people who are battling cancer ... even if that means an impromptu performance of one of his band's biggest hits.
Dan was at a comedy show over the weekend in Hollywood with his girlfriend, Minka Kelly, when he serenaded 16-year-old cancer survivor Zoe Suder with a special tune ... and TMZ has it all on video.
Zoe's mom, Leslie, tells us her family was celebrating Zoe finishing 8 months of chemotherapy for stage 4 metastatic bone cancer -- they rented out a lounge area Friday night at the Bourbon Room on Hollywood Blvd.
During his set, comedian Anthony Jeselnik shouted out Zoe, and when Dan caught wind of their celebration ... he went over to her group and sang "Whatever It Takes."
As you can see, Dan shocked Zoe when he came over, said he was super proud of her ... and shared how he's lost friends and family to cancer.
Dan helped launch the Tyler Robinson Foundation after the Imagine Dragons super-fan passed away at 16 from a rare form of cancer. The foundation helps families who have children fighting cancer.
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Zoe's got a pretty inspiring story ... she was diagnosed when she was 15, but she's beating the disease and fighting hard to get back to playing soccer, following her dream to one day play in college.
Great stuff, Dan.
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Ric Flair Crashes Magic Johnson's Speech ... Woooooo!!!
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1,500 entrepreneurs in Florida got quite the stylin' and profilin' surprise from WWE legend Ric Flair ... who shocked the audience, crashing longtime friend Magic Johnson's keynote speech to the packed crowd!
63-year-old Johnson spoke about building a billion-dollar empire and the importance of charity at the RiseCon conference in Tampa Friday morning ... but his speech was interrupted by a familiar voice and famous phrase.
"There's only one man at the top," 74-year-old Flair yelled when he hit the stage, as many in the crowd gave their best "woooooo!"
The WWE Hall of Famer continued ... "The limousine ridin', kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin', son of a gun that's having a hard time holding these crocodiles down, woo!"
Ric continued, taking a shot at the 5x NBA champs rival, Larry Legend.
"By the way, I hated Larry Bird. You beat him in college. You kicked his ass in the pros. You're the man! You're the man!"
The surprise was arranged by RiseCon CEO Vick Tipnes through agent Darren Prince, who reps both men.
Of course, outside of his incredible accomplishments on the basketball court, Magic is one of the most successful retired athletes turned business tycoons.
Aside from Johnson, the 3-day event, designed to "maximize every area of your life," featured other stars like David Goggins, who may be the toughest man on the face of the Earth, 4x Mr. Olympia winner Jay Cutler, and author, trainer, and motivational speaker Tim Grover, who trained Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, also spoke.
Woooooooooooo!!!!!
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Amanda Bynes PLACED ON PSYCHIATRIC HOLD ... After LAPD Detainment
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Amanda Bynes is a danger to herself and others, according to police officers who detained her over the weekend ... which means she's back on a 5150 psychiatric hold.
Our law enforcement sources tell us Amanda is the one who called LAPD Saturday morning to report a woman in distress.
TMZ broke the story ... Amanda was intercepted by LAPD officers and taken to a police station for a medical evaluation to determine if she needed further treatment.
As it turns out, it was determined Amanda needed to be brought in on a mandatory psychiatric hold -- she can be held for up to 72 hours, by law.
MARCH 2023
It's the latest stumble in the former Nickelodeon star's downward spiral ... and it's the second time this year she's been placed on a psych hold. The first instance happened in March, when she was found naked, roaming the streets of downtown Los Angeles.
Amanda was released from a mental health facility only 2 months ago, but we had heard from people close to her that she was isolated and not doing so well.
Now, she at least has an opportunity to get treatment.
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John Amos Declines $$$ From Kid's Fundraiser ... GoFundMe Shut Down
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"Good Times" star and "America's Dad" John Amos doesn't want any of the money his daughter crowdfunded on his behalf ... and now her GoFundMe has been taken down.
John's daughter, Shannon Amos, had been seeking donations for medical bills and attorney fees in the name of her famous father, who she claims is fighting for his life in a hospital after falling victim to elder abuse and possible financial crimes ... all of which John has called total BS.
As we reported, Shannon started a GoFundMe with a $500,000 goal earlier this month, but it's now been wiped from the internet ... and a spokesperson for GoFundMe tells us it's because John declined the funds.
A rep for GoFundMe tells TMZ ... "Ensuring that donors’ intentions are honored is our top priority. However, upon being informed that Mr. Amos wished to decline the funds raised on his behalf, the GoFundMe was put under review by our Trust & Safety team and then removed from our platform."
Shannon's GoFundMe reportedly brought in $13,000 from 300 people before being shuttered ... and the rep says the money is being refunded to donors.
John was hospitalized in June, but his rep told us he was never fighting for his life ... and he told us he didn't know why his daughter started crowdfunding in the first place.
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Comedian Jocelyn Chia I Might Be Facing Int'l Arrest ... After Malaysia Airlines Joke
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A comedian's relatively mild joke about the missing Malaysia Airlines flight has landed her in hot water -- so much so, in fact, she's now worried about being apprehended internationally.
Jocelyn Chia, who has both Singaporean and American citizenship, is in the crosshairs of the Malaysian government right now ... this following a joke she cracked at a comedy club in NYC way back in April, referencing the doomed 2014 flight that was never found.
April 2023
Her quip about it was honestly not even all that scathing or insensitive -- at least to Americans, but the Malaysian government apparently feels very differently ... to the point where it's now calling for her arrest and extradition to face potential criminal charges.
As insane as that sounds, it's true -- Malaysian officials have asked Interpol to help track down and haul in Chia so she can answer for what they call violations of online content laws they have ... which, for whatever reason, they believe can be applied to her -- even though she's not a Malaysian citizen. On its face, it would seem they don't have jurisdiction.
We got into some of that strange rationale with Chia Monday on "TMZ Live," and she told us she's genuinely concerned about law enforcement snatching her overseas and dragging her to Malaysia.
While Chia normally just worries about her material being funny, she now says she has another thing to consider while performing comedy -- especially internationally -- and that would be ... potential capture. Indeed, it's the stuff of nightmares and movies.
Sounds like she's consulting the right people to make sure she's protected -- and, as you can imagine, other Americans are rallying around her right to free speech ... offensive or not.
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Jay-Z & Beyoncé Bidet, Doors & More from Former Home Sellin' On eBay!!!!
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If you've ever wanted to use the same bidet Jay-Z and Beyoncé perhaps did, look no further ... because unique items from one of their swanky former homes have made their way to eBay.
Eric from "Eric’s Architectural Salvage LA" tells TMZ … he has some sweet items up on the site, all from a pad they rented -- in addition to the bidet, which has an asking price of $2,400, Eric's selling some sconces, exterior lights, and a huge, arched metal door frame.
There are also some beautiful French doors, which could actually be spotted inside the home before the whole place was redone.
As we reported, the Carters signed a one-year lease for a Holmby Hills mansion back in 2015, and the owner sold the place after they moved out.
Eric says the new owners of the spot wanted to do a complete renovation, resulting in the scrapped items making their way to Eric in 2017.
He says his company purchases all types of items that demolition companies and developers are looking to ditch.
So if you're crazy in love with these pieces -- ya better go grab 'em!
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'DAYS OF OUR LIVES' Actor Cody Longo Died of Chronic Drinking ... Cause of Death Determined
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Former "Days of Our Lives" star Cody Longo died from years of hard drinking ... according to the medical examiner.
Cody's autopsy report, obtained by TMZ, says the late actor's cause of death was "chronic ethanol abuse" ... and the report also notes the manner of death was natural.
What's more, the autopsy says Cody's body was decomposing when he was found dead ... and the death scene was littered with alcohol bottles.
TMZ broke the story ... in February, 34-year-old Cody was found dead in a bed at a residence in Austin, Texas.
Sadly, the autopsy results will not come as a shock to those who knew Cody -- his family previously told us he had struggled with alcohol abuse for years and went to rehab in the summer of 2022.
They already believed he had relapsed and that alcoholism ultimately killed him.
As we reported, Cody was busted for a DUI in L.A. back in 2013, and ultimately copped a plea deal requiring him to attend alcohol education classes.
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Tom Petty Fam Files Police Report ... OVER 'Stolen' AUCTION ITEMS
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8:33 PM PT -- Mark S. Zaid, the attorney for RR, tells us, "We have been attempting to work with the Petty family for weeks to verify the lawful title of the late Tom Petty's items. As a reputable auction house for half-a-century, we obviously can't simply accept blanket statements of theft without presentation of even the slightest proof. We have asked numerous questions of the Petty family and received few answers. Despite our ongoing investigative efforts, the Petty family has gone radio silent since May 30th. It seems every new detail - such as the claim a police report has been filed - we unprofessionally learn of through the media. Although we have not heard from the police, we welcome cooperation from law enforcement authorities. RR Auction takes these matters incredibly seriously, which is why we withdrew the consigned items from auction until proper ownership can be determined."
Tom Petty's family has cops taking a closer look at his wardrobe, at least the items that ended up on an auction block ... and we've learned it's a grand theft investigation.
Law enforcement tells TMZ ... the late singer's family members filed the report last week after discovering Tom's belongings were up for auction. They're pissed because, according to them, the items were last seen getting loaded into an L.A. storage unit.
We're told LAPD took a grand theft report and will now investigate the matter.
TMZ broke the story ... Tom's jackets, shoes, hats and clothes showed up in an RR Auction lot last month ... but then the family called foul, claiming Tom's gear was actually stolen.
The auction house says Tom's stuff was consigned by a third party to be auctioned starting June 22 ... and they say the gear is from Tom's former home in Encino, CA.
After Tom's family raised concerns, RR Auction pulled the items and told us they were "aggressively investigating the situation."
We reached out to the auction house regarding the new police report ... so far no word back.
As the man himself once sang, the waiting is the hardest part!
Stay tuned ...
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Ronda Rousey Tears Up During Call W/ Daughter ... On 'Stars On Mars'
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Ronda Rousey was brought back to earth for an emotional moment during her time on "Mars" ... with the UFC legend breaking down in tears during a video conversation with her daughter.
Ronda and other big names were completely separated from the real world for weeks as they competed on the Fox show, "Stars on Mars" ... and in the latest episode of the series, all the remaining contestants appear to be struggling with their living conditions.
In an emotional clip, Ronda is shown FaceTiming with her 1-year-old, La'akea, and her husband, Travis Browne ... and she can't help but cry as she looks at her daughter's smiling face.
"Hi, my beautiful angel!!" Ronda said ... with Travis replying, "We love ya."
Ex-NFL star Richard Sherman also shared his issues with being away from his loved ones ... admitting he felt like he was experiencing "space madness."
Lance Armstrong said the competition is no joke ... adding, "The long game here is brutal. The mental side of this is torture."
The whole episode airs Monday night at 8 PM ... and for those with big hearts, get a box of tissues ready.
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Hollywood Bowl Jazz Fest Fan Crashes Through Canopy!!! Just Inches from Singer
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Jazz music is all about improvisation, and one eager Jazz Festival fan proved it when her big moment at the famed Hollywood Bowl came crashing down in spectacular fashion!!!
So, the Bowl's annual Jazz Festival is going down this weekend, and on Saturday evening St. Paul and the Broken Bones had the crowd all fired up ... especially one fan who saw her chance to get close to lead singer Paul Janeway.
As Paul was walking through the crowd, she jumped onto the ledge where he was standing ... not realizing it was very narrow, and immediately plummeted through a canopy!
The crowd gasped, and it sure looked like she would be injured -- remember the band's name, too -- but as quickly as she went down, the woman bounced right back up, aided by Paul and security.
Wild moment, and hard to tell what's more impressive -- her rebound move after the fall, or the fact Paul and the band never missed a beat!
Security escorted the fan away, but, miraculously, there was no call for an ambulance.
Don't believe it when people say jazz is boring!
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Kim & Kroy No Chance of Working Things Out ... 'Hate Each Other'
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Anyone holding out hope that Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann might find some common ground during their nasty divorce should just give up ... cuz it just ain't happening.
Sources with direct knowledge tell us the estranged couple has stopped all direct communication ... only having a back and forth using their lawyers.
What's more -- the two still live under the same roof, but in separate wings of the house, while still sharing their 4 young kids between the two of them. Our sources says there's absolutely zero chance the pair will ever get along again, things are just that bad.
When speaking of their relationship, our source says, "They hate each other. It's very contentious." We're told the whole thing has been messy for their family, and will continue at least until the divorce is finalized and Kim and Kroy can legally go their separate ways.
TMZ broke the story, Kim filed docs earlier this week defending herself as a mother and accusing Kroy of being mentally and emotionally abusive over the years.
Kroy's taken his own jabs at Kim, too, accusing her of having a serious gambling addiction and asking the judge for sole physical and legal custody of the couple's children.
Of course, the divorce has been nasty from the beginning ... both filed separate divorce petitions on the heels of TMZ learning the couple is in the hole with the IRS for more than $1 million.
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'DAVE' STAR GaTa Drake, Dicky Might Cook In-Studio ... But Brad Pitt Can Rap For Real!!!
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Lil Dicky's "Dave" series recently finished Season 3 with a big bang -- A-list cameos from Drake, Rachel McAdams and Brad Pitt, who's apparently a good rapper, so claims series star GaTa!!!
We caught up with GaTa at LAX, where he revealed fans might be getting more from Dicky and Drake ... like IRL. The scripted finale ended with Drizzy pump-faking like they were going to collab on a track.
GaTa says there's a strong possibility they'll create something down the line, as Dicky is currently working on music in between "Dave" seasons.
He can't confirm Season 4 is happening just yet, but if the fan who wanted to give him props in the middle of our interview is any indication, it'll return soon enough ... that is if the Writers' strike gets hammered out.
Brad Pitt's rap scene on the show also made trending topic waves and GaTa swears Mr. Fight Club can spit for real!!!
He says Hollywood elites all have dual and hidden talents, and BP -- like himself -- is no exception.
GaTa's currently pumping his new single "Too Many Women" which premiered on the show last season.
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Michael Jackson Neverland Statues Back Up For Sale ... No Longer Package Deal
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Dozens of statues Michael Jackson displayed at his Neverland Ranch are going back up for grabs ... but instead of a package deal this time, the art is up for sale individually.
Noble Art Lovers tells TMZ ... the private collector who owns 28 pieces from the singer's infamous California estate is still trying to sell the art, and is no longer seeking $2.5 million for the collection as a whole.
Instead, the entire collection is being sold separately, with most of the statues going for five figures ... shipping not included.
Michael's bronze statues include several images of children ... one such art piece is called "Kids and Tree Swing," and it's going for $150,000. Ditto for another one depicting kids, called "Follow the Leader."
TMZ broke the story ... Noble Art Lovers put the statues up for sale back in April 2021 as a package deal for $2.5 million ... and we're told some affluent potential buyers showed interest, but no one closed the deal.
Noble Art Lovers, based out of Dubai, hopes the separately priced statues will give more folks a chance to own a piece of Neverland.
There is one exception here ... we're told the Malachite Candelabra which is being sold for $500k and the Gloria Victis statues will only be sold as a pairs ... because MJ acquired them as a set.
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Master P + Mercy Miller H.S. Hoops Star Son ... Here's Why I Chose Univ. Of Houston!
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Mercy Miller, the high school hoops star of rap legend Master P, was convinced he wanted to be a Duke Blue Devil ... that is until he met with University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson.
17-year-old Mercy, a star at Notre Dame High School (they won a state title last season), committed to play at Houston (a #1 seed in this year's NCAA Tourney) a few months back, in part because Sampson, one of the best coaches in college hoops, told the Miller family he saw something special in their son.
"[Coach Sampson] recognized Mercy's talent from 9th-grade summer and he said he's been around a lot of special players, some of the top players in the world and he said the way he felt about Mercy was only like three other players that he felt like that about when he seen him," P told Babcock.
Those players ... "It was Lebron James, Westbrook and then Derrick Rose," according to the mogul.
"It was between Houston and Duke for me when I was growing up. When I went to Houston, I really fell in love with it. When they offered me, Coach Kelvin Sampson -- he's a great guy and the connection was there so I just felt might as well just wrap it up and get this over with," Mercy told us.
"I was shocked because he always wanted to go to Duke but when the coach left Duke and then he was like 'Dad I'm ready, I made up my mind' and coach Kelvin Sampson, he's a straight guy," Mercy's dad said.
FYI, Mercy will go to Houston in 2024, after his senior high school season at the Sherman Oaks school.
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We also talked to Mercy about the advantages (and possible disadvantages) of having a famous dad.
"I feel like there's really no disadvantage to it like that. I'm blessed to be in this position with the family I have, the dad I have. Sometimes, I guess, people can say I do this and I had the opportunity I had just because my dad is who he is, but I put the work in."
"Everything is not given. Nothing is given in this world so I take it for what it is," Mercy said.
Of course, players who come from famous families sometimes face unfair criticism. Just look at Bronny James, whose game is constantly picked apart online by people yelling nepotism!
We also talked to P about his partnership with friend and fellow legend, Snoop Dogg, and how the men have shaken up the breakfast industry with their Black-owned, family cereal business, and their vision for disrupting the status quo!