Britney Spears & Kevin Federline Sons Are Safe in Hawaii ... As Fires Tear Through Maui

Published | Updated

Kevin Federline's family -- including his sons with ex-wife Britney Spears -- is safe in Hawaii amid the devastating Maui fires, but we're told the horrifying scenes in their new home state are upsetting the boys.

Sources close to Kevin tell TMZ ... he and Jayden James and Sean Preston -- along with Kevin's wife, Victoria -- aren't physically affected by the wildfires because they live on one of the neighboring islands, where they moved just 2 weeks ago.

The fam is settling into a new rental home, but we're told it's been traumatic for them to see all the death and devastation on Maui. As you'd expect, it's dominating all the news coverage on Hawaiian TV stations.

At least 36 people have died in Maui since the fires broke out Tuesday, making it the deadliest blaze in the U.S. since 2018 ... and all of the homes, schools and businesses in downtown Lahaina -- a tourism hot spot -- have been wiped off the map.

TMZ broke the story, Kevin and his sons packed their bags at the beginning of this month, flying to Hawaii with the boys, who opted to not say goodbye in-person to Britney.

We covered the story on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Logan Paul Dunks On Prime Energy Critics ... Here Are The Facts!!!

Published | Updated
081023-logan-paul-kal
PRIME COMPARISON

Logan Paul is firing back at the critics of his ultra-popular Prime Energy drink ... saying he and his partners have done nothing wrong when it comes to the beverage -- while insisting its sister product is actually way better for consumers than Gatorade.

The WWE Superstar joined Harvey and Charles on "TMZ Live" to give the 411 on his drinks straight from the horse's mouth ... and he brought along a bevvy of props to make sure his points were heard.

You'll recall ... Paul's energy drink came under fire earlier this year after United States Senator Chuck Schumer questioned whether it should be allowed due to its high caffeine content, but, the Maverick took aim at the critique Wednesday -- saying the bashing just makes no sense.

Paul said at 200 MG of caffeine per can, his Prime Energy drink actually features the same amount as Celsius and Gatorade's Fast Twitch. He also said it comes in with 100 MG less caffeine than Bang's similar energy drink.

As for the allegations that he and his team have been targeting teens with the beverage ... he said that, too, was just simply not true.

While he did say most of the advertising his company does is through social media -- he said those under the age of 18 make up only a small portion of his social media following. He also reiterated that his Prime Energy drinks say specifically on their labels that they're for those 18-years-and-older.

When it comes to the energy drink's sister product -- Prime Hydration -- Paul spoke glowingly about that beverage too ... touting its low sugar content.

"One 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade has 34 grams of sugar in it," he said. "To put that into perspective, one bottle of Prime only has two grams of sugar in it."

Who's thirsty?

'Star Wars' 'E.T.' Producers List Malibu Estate ... $18.5 Million Price Tag!!!

Published

Two of the people behind some of biggest movies in history are selling their Malibu estate ... and the place looks like heaven on earth.

Legendary Hollywood filmmakers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy just put their 4-bedroom pad on the market for $18.5 million ... and it's the house 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' built.

Nearly every room in the 3,989-square-foot-home boasts beach and ocean views, including the primary suite, which features its own fireplace and a spa-style bathroom, plus a walk-in closet.

The estate has all the bells and whistles ... an infinity pool, fire pit, outdoor BBQ and dining area, as well as an outdoor shower.

The chef's kitchen has a center island, full bar, mini bar and a fireplace ... and there's a third fireplace in the living room, which has vaulted ceilings and glass walls opening out to the Pacific.

Whoever buys the home will also get membership to the super exclusive La Costa Beach and Tennis Club, which is just down the block in Carbon Beach.

Kathleen, the president of Lucasfilm, and Frank, who runs the couple's production company Kennedy/Marshall, bought the 2.2-acre property back in March 2015 for $9.75 million ... and homes like these don't hit the market often.

During their illustrious careers in Hollywood, Kathleen and Frank have produced the new 'Star Wars' movies plus the 'Jason Bourne' franchise, as well as timeless classics like "Back To The Future" and "E.T." plus "Jurassic Park" and "Jurassic World."

Stan Richman from Compass holds the listing.

Tony Rock On 'Big Brother' Real Brothers Can Say The N-Word ... But Not Luke Valentine!!!

Published | Updated

Tony Rock is ripping the white "Big Brother" houseguest who casually used the n-word in conversation ... setting the record straight on who can and can't use the racial slur.

We got the veteran comedian at LAX on Thursday and our photog asked him about Luke Valentine getting booted from 'BB' for dropping an n-bomb on the live feed.

080923_big_brother_luke_kal AUGUST 2023
"SLIP OF THE TONGUE"

Tony says no one named Luke Valentine should ever say the n-word ... and his rule of thumb is to refrain from using the slur unless you are a person of color.

Chris Rock's brother also finds it interesting Luke was so quick to apologize ... he says that should be a sign Luke should have known better in the first place. He also feels it's a trend whenever people or companies offend Black people.

Tony's fascinated by the reaction from Luke's fellow white houseguests to having the n-word dropped into a conversation ... he says the virtue signaling is in full effect.

We covered the controversy on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Bun B Tory Lanez Sentence a Wake-Up Call For Violence Against Women

Published

Contrary to popular belief, Bun B isn't wishing eternal hell on Tory Lanez amid his 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion -- the UGK legend wants the rapper to become a better man in prison.

TMZ Hip Hop caught up with Bun Thursday in NYC, where he said Tory's case is a lesson for society, in general, and less about hip hop culture ... as he sees Tory's punishment as a wake-up call for domestic violence.

081023-bun-b-sub AUGUST 2020
NOT COOL

Following the shooting in the summer of 2020, Bun was one of the few prominent figures to publicly defend Megan while also calling out Tory, effectively making him a target for Tory's song, "Sorry I Had To" ... a record that later came back to haunt him in court.

Despite that past beef, Bun still offers up OG advice for Tory, telling him to keep his head up and he wants him to return from prison safely after the term is complete.

On a much lighter note, Bun also talked about successfully carving out a niche for his Trill Burgers franchise ... which may be adding Trill Tacos to the menu soon.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

GMA floated Bun the idea of mixing his Smashburger recipe with a taco twist and he'll be letting the customers decide if it's finger-lickin' good -- or too hard to swallow.

Mike Posner Growing Through Spiritual Warpath ... Life Is Challenging Me

Published

Mike Posner says he's going through some challenges in life, but he's using the bad times to work on becoming a better person ... telling us he's embarking on a spiritual warpath.

We got the singer at LAX and he told our photog he's a troubled man these days, though he's determined to spin the curveball life's throwing at him into a positive.

Mike says he knows a lot about darkness and waking up feeling like there's no point to life, but the thing is ... he says challenging times are what make folks grow, and growth doesn't happen when it's smooth sailing.

For Mike, many of his accomplishments have been tough ... just listen, he's absolutely convinced he will come out a stronger person once he navigates this storm.

060821_mike_posner_kal 6/8/21
ONE SMALL STEP FOR MIKE...

Mike's climbed mountains and walked across the freakin' country ... and he says they were both extremely hard and awful journeys, but they made him learn and grow.

The guy's preaching here ... and he's got a good message.

Desiigner On Thin Ice In Masturbation Case ... Admits To Smoking Weed, Not Attending Counseling

Published

Desiigner allegedly admitted to breaking the terms of his pretrial release in the case where he was accused of masturbating on a plane in April ... and now he could land behind bars.

According to docs obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, the "Panda" rapper's probation officer told the court Desiigner admitted to using marijuana and then failed to show up for drug testing in July. The PO is now asking the judge to see if his pretrial release should be revoked.

We broke the story ... Desiigner was charged with indecent exposure and was ordered not to have any contact with any alleged victims, abstain from alcohol, and refrain from using controlled substances.

You'll recall he said the ordeal in the air was caused by some mental health issues.

Desiigner was also supposed to attend counseling sessions ... something the PO also said he's failed to verify he's doing.

The documents also say Desiigner hasn't signed his co-payment agreement for drug testing and failed to supply a P.O. Box address to the probation department.

No ruling yet from the judge, but it could land the troubled rapper behind bars pending his trial.

Johnny Hardwick 'King Of The Hill' Star Dead At 64

Published | Updated
UPDATE

3:17 PM PT -- Mike Judge, co-creator of "King of the Hill" and voice of Hank Hill, tells TMZ ... "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Johnny Hardwick. He was a great writer, actor and comedian, and he will be deeply missed."

UPDATE

Johnny Hardwick, known for playing Dale Gribble on "King of the Hill," has died.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they were called to Hardwick's Texas home Tuesday for a welfare check and discovered his body. We're told Hardwick was pronounced dead at the scene ... and no foul play is suspected. We don't yet know the cause of death.

Johnny started performing stand-up comedy in 1990 in Texas, eventually landing his first stand-up appearance on "The Jon Stewart Show" a few years later.

Most remember Johnny from his work on the long-running animated sitcom, "King of the Hill" ... playing Dale, the conspiracy theory-obsessed friend of the show's lead, Hank Hill.

Dale took on just about every job imaginable -- tackling gigs like exterminator, camp counselor, bounty hunter, and, of course, propane salesman.

Johnny lent his voice to a whopping 258 episodes of the series. FYI, "King of the Hill" aired 259 episodes in total.

Johnny was with the show from the beginning, portraying Dale on the first episode that aired in January 1997 ... and stuck with the series until its final episode in 2010. He was also listed as returning for a revival of the show, although it's unclear if he ever recorded for it.

Apart from the show, Johnny would cover songs on his YouTube channel ... donning his character's signature orange hat and shades, performing just like Dale would on the show -- and making references to the character's "pocket sand" attack move.

Johnny was 64.

RIP

Originally Published -- 8:47 AM PT

Tory Lanez Feeling Down, But Not Totally Out ... After Getting 10 Years

Published | Updated

Tory Lanez is starting to feel the gravity of his 10-year prison sentence -- after believing the system would do right by him, he's now turning to God to for strength.

Tory's defense attorney, Jose Baez, tells TMZ his client is feeling pretty low right now after having the book thrown at him. We're told Tory is having a hard time processing the sentence, but Baez also says despite that ... Tory's made it clear to him he's going to remain strong and deal with his time behind bars as best as he can.

Jose says Tory is leaning on his faith in God, the support of his friends/family and the indignation his supporters around the world are expressing -- many of whom are loudly lamenting the stiff punishment.

Baez says Tory was hoping the judge would show mercy -- especially with the number of people who went to bat for him in court, including some celebs. We're told the reason there's so much outcry for Tory is because he was genuinely loved in the community ... as he'd done a lot to give back over the years.

In the meantime, Baez insists an appeal is coming.

121322_tory_lanez_exit_kal 12/13/22
LEAVING THE COURTHOUSE

One last thing ... we asked Baez how Tory plans to navigate fatherhood with his young son, but the attorney wouldn't comment. He also addressed the prospect of deportation that Tory faces, but told us there were other priorities ahead of that (namely, the appeal).

Jeff Lewis Kyle Richards 'Lesbian on Ozempic' Was a Joke ... But Now She's Not Texting Me Back!!!

Published | Updated

Jeff Lewis wants to let everyone know he was just havin' some fun when he called his pal Kyle Richards a "lesbian on Ozempic" ... unclear if she's realized that though, because she's leaving his messages on read!

We got Jeff at the Rockefeller Center in NYC Wednesday after he caused some buzz on Andy Cohen's "Watch What Happens Live" with the comment.

Jeff makes it clear, he was only joking, and tells us he wanted to poke fun at the rumors about Kyle and country singer Morgan Wade dating -- something Kyle's denied quite a bit.

Despite it obviously being a goof, Jeff fills us in on some potentially troubled waters -- he shot her a text and she still hasn't responded. 👀

As we reported, Jeff drew some big laughs when he cracked wise about his friend ... Heather McDonald also jumped in, saying being gay is a side effect of the medication.

Hopefully, all is well between Kyle and Jeff -- just text him back, girl!!!

Bam Margera ESTRANGED WIFE GETS TEMPORARY CUSTODY OF SON

Published

Bam Margera's got an avenue to maintain a relationship with his son ... but it looks like the former "Jackass" star will have to settle for FaceTime calls with Phoenix, at least for now.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Bam's estranged wife Nikki is getting sole legal and physical custody of their 5-year-old boy for the time being, while Bam's being limited to FaceTime visits.

The judge's ruling came down Tuesday ... Nikki was physically in court and Bam appeared via video conference, a foreshadowing of his upcoming interactions with Phoenix.

Remember ... Bam was requesting joint legal and physical custody of Phoenix, asking for overnight stays with his son every other weekend and accusing Nikki of doing everything she can to keep the boy away from him.

For now, Bam's only being allowed to see Phoenix over FaceTime via 20-minute calls on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, plus 30-minute calls on Sundays. Nikki's not allowed to monitor the calls.

Bam and Nikki are due back in court in a few months, so it seems this will be the status quo until then. As we reported, Bam was taken into custody Wednesday morning in a suburb just outside of Philly, being cited for public intoxication.

Sources told us officers saw him arguing loudly with a woman outside a hotel, and claimed he smelled like booze and was slurring his speech.

071123_bam_margera_kal 7/11/23
SO CLOSE, BUT SO FAR

Nikki's attorney, David Glass, tells us the court refused to institute drug and alcohol testing as a requirement for Bam's FaceTime visitations ... but he thinks Tuesday's incident backs up their "continuing claims that Mr. Margera's behavior is inconsistent, erratic, and his contact with the minor child needs to be monitored."

NBA's Caris LeVert $93,000 Watch Allegedly Stolen ... Cops Investigating

Published | Updated

Caris LeVert's super rare watch was allegedly stolen at a party earlier this month ... and now, TMZ Sports has learned the Cleveland Cavaliers forward is asking cops for help in getting it back.

Law enforcement tells us ... LeVert told cops it all went down on Aug. 1 during a bash at his Los Angeles-area home.

According to cops, someone was seen in LeVert's bedroom during the festivities ... and when the hooper went to check out the situation, he noticed his watch case was open and his $93,000 Peugeot was missing.

We're told LeVert went to the LAPD and filed a grand theft report ... and while no arrests have been made -- the case is currently under investigation.

LeVert -- the No. 20 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft -- began his career with Brooklyn ... though he's been on Cleveland's roster since the 2021-22 season, averaging 12.4 points per game.

He just signed a 2-year, $32 million deal to remain a Cav this offseason.

'Botched' Star Terry Dubrow My Wife Saved My Life!!!

Published | Updated

Dr. Terry Dubrow gets emotional thinking about how his wife, Heather, sounded the alarm when he suffered subtle, stroke-like symptoms, and were it not for an argument and her persistence, Terry might not be here today.

The "Botched" star was on "TMZ Live" Wednesday to give us the blow-by-blow on what went down last Thursday at L.A.'s famed restaurant, The Ivy. Terry says he briefly started to slur his speech, which deeply concerned his spouse.

080923-terry-heather-dubrow-kal-v2 8/8/23
HEATHER TO THE RESCUE

As Terry explains, Heather insisted on calling 911, which infuriated Terry -- he didn't think it was a big deal. An ambulance came, checked him out and said he was ok, but that wasn't good enough for Heather ... she insisted he get checked out at a hospital.

He made a rash decision to head home alone, but Heather didn't stop pestering him, and even got their circle of doctor friends to hound Terry and convince him to get to a hospital.

As we reported ... Terry was diagnosed with having suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) which can be a precursor to a full-blown stroke.

Not just that, but doctors found a patent foramen ovale (PFO) -- a heart condition which can be incredibly dangerous. So, long story short, it was well worth his while to seek immediate medical treatment.

This is not lost on Terry whatsoever ... in fact, he's incredibly grateful to Heather -- and says she quite literally saved his life that night, despite his protests and insistence he was fine.

080923-heather-dubrow-terry-kal 8/9/23
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

He's giving her major props in this interview, and it sounds like she deserves all the credit in the world. Terry also tells us the lesson he learned -- it's pretty fascinating.

BTW, we got Heather, too, Wednesday in NYC ... and she addressed the video of Terry and her arguing in front of The Ivy on that fateful day. She has no regrets, pointing out that when it's life or death ... appearances go out the window.

Southwest Airlines Mom Suing Over Child Trafficking Claim ... Says It Was Racial Profiling, No Need for Cops

Published

The mom suing Southwest Airlines for accusing her of child trafficking says it's really a case of racial profiling ... and adds, there's a better way to protect kids if the airline would train its employees better.

Mary MacCarthy joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live," telling us why she feels her daughter's race was the only reason Southwest reported her, back in 2021, to Denver PD.

For those unaware, Mary and her child, Moira -- who was 10 at the time -- were flying to Colorado because Mary's brother had died, but cops greeted them as soon as they landed.

Southwest employees suspected Mary was trafficking Moira.

Mary insists the airline's only red flag was skin color -- she is white, while her daughter is biracial -- and she told us the misunderstanding could've been cleared up, if a crew member had spoken to them instead of calling police.

She also claims she never got a proper apology from the airline and is still waiting for it to admit fault for racially profiling them.

She's also hoping the airline's employees will undergo more training to prevent this from happening again.

MONTGOMERY RIVERBOAT BRAWL White Men Said N-Word, Threatened to Go & Get Gun ... Boat Employee Told Cops

Published | Updated
080623-riverboat-fight-across-river-kal 8/6/23
BRAWL ON THE RIVER

The Alabama riverfront brawl now includes allegations of white men dropping the n-word and threatening to use a gun.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, a woman who says she was working on the riverboat told police one of the white men who attacked a Black deckhand yelled, "F*** that n*****" before coming down the dock to fight him.

The woman, Crystal Warren, claims the alleged n-bomb dropped after the Black deckhand moved a couple of smaller boats that were taking up space on the dock and preventing the riverboat from docking.

080623_riverboat_fight_woman_kal 8/6/23
THE FIGHTING CONTINUES...

Warren told police the riverboat captain initially asked the boat owners to move their boat, which she said drew middle fingers and curses from the white men on the boat. She says the riverboat was stuck waiting for 17 minutes until a smaller commercial boat picked up a deckhand and her 16-year-old son from the riverboat and dropped them off on the dock.

From there, Warren claims the deckhand and her son Daniel moved the boats that were blocking the dock and tied them back up, and she says she heard at least one of the men yell the n-word.

080623_riverboat_fight_close_up_kal 8/6/23
MONTGOMERY MADNESS

Warren also claims one of the white men threatened to go and get a gun during the fight on the dock ... a brawl that was captured on video and has already led to at least one arrest.

The viral video appears to show Daniel trying to pull the white men off the Black deckhand, and his mother says he was punched in the chest while trying to break up the fight, suffering bruised ribs and going to a hospital for a diagnosis.

Richard Roberts is the man accused of punching Daniel ... and he's been arrested and charged with 3rd-degree assault

080823_montgomery_presser_kal 8/8/23
CONSULTING ON HATE CRIME CHARGES

It's unclear who allegedly used the n-word and who allegedly threatened to bring a gun to the fight.

'Big Brother' White Contestant Drops N-Word

Published | Updated
080923_big_brother_luke_kal AUGUST 2023
"SLIP OF THE TONGUE"

'Big Brother 25' contestant Luke Valentine created a pretty tense situation after dropping the N-word mid-conversation with some fellow houseguests.

Luke was seen chatting on the live feeds early Wednesday morning with contestants Jared, Cory, and Hisam when he said, "We were in the f****** (inaudible) room, n****." Realizing his mistake immediately, Luke tries to correct himself by saying "dude" ... and laughs it off.

Cory and Hisam immediately tense up, and rightfully so ... Luke looks over to Jared, who's Black, before apologizing. It seemed to tick off Cory and Hisam, who definitely didn't laugh with him -- instead, they step out, leaving Luke alone with Jared.

Surprisingly, Jared doesn't seem all that concerned with the apparent slip-up -- it's possible he wanted to keep his cool for gameplay purposes -- later telling Luke, "I don't give a f***," in response to the slur.

070618_big_brother_kal JULY 2018
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK ...

White folks dropping the N-word on 'BB' has become a reoccurring theme ... it's happened quite a bit over the years, especially in 2018 when houseguest Kaitlyn said it while quoting Drake's "0 to 100."

BTW, producers just warned the cast about their language after 2 contestants were worried their tans would make them look "ghetto."

CBS has threatened to kick people off the show for situations just like Luke's ... but it's unclear if he'll be forced to pack his bags anytime soon.

We've reached out to CBS, so far no word back.