'Tiger King' Star Saff Surprise, It's Johnny Tsunami!!! Movie Role, Eh?!?

HERE'S JOHNNY
The Relunchables Podcast

Heeeere's Johnny Tsunami -- the iconic Disney Channel character -- shocking the hell outta 'Tiger King' star Saff Saffery, and it's an awesome moment of mutual fandom!

The surprise celeb encounter went down on "The Relunchables" podcast, while Saff was being interviewed by the host, Jordan Holtzer.

Saff's made no secret about wanting former Disney Channel star Brandon Baker -- star of '90s classics "Johnny Tsunami" and "The Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story" -- to play him on the big screen. As you know, everyone's expecting Joe Exotic's tiger tales to become a feature film.

So, when Saff sat down for the podcast, he got a big surprise -- Jordan hooked it up and got Brandon to join the Zoom call, and Saff went full fanboy. His initial reaction is priceless!

Brandon and Saff chatted for about 20 minutes, and while Saff is clearly a "Johnny Tsunami" superfan -- turns out Brandon's a big 'Tiger King' fan too.

So, yeah ... sounds like he has the inside track for a 'TK' movie role, if it happens. Ya know it's gonna.

'Empire' Star Bryshere Gray You and Your Pooch Were Terrors ... Landlords Claim Thousands in Damages

Bryshere Gray's in the dog house ... his landlord claims the "Empire" star's dog caused tons of damage in his apartment, and now he's suing the actor for the cost of the repairs ... but a rep for the actor says the suit's unnecessary, because he'll take care of it.

Vinod Venugopal and Payal Shah sued the actor -- AKA Yazz, AKA Hakeem Lyon on the FOX show -- in Chicago, claiming Gray and his pooch were terrors in the building.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the landlords say they rented Gray a condo inside their four-unit Chicago complex back in August 2019. They claim Gray, among other things, left his dog inside the condo for extended periods of time. They also claim the dog was left unattended in common areas in the complex and urinated and defecated all over the place.

The landlords claim the urine and feces significantly damaged the hardwood floors, stairs and other parts of the property. What's more ... the landlords claim Gray jumps in and out of windows, clogged the toilets by flushing down condoms, smoked weed in the place when smoking's not allowed under the lease, and engaged in unsanitary activity including, but not limited to, eating breakfast in one of the bathrooms.

There are pictures attached to the lawsuit showing the alleged damages, including the alleged plate of breakfast in the bathroom.

The total cost of repairs ... the landlords claim $26,120. The landlords say they reached out to Gray's team to settle the dispute but claim their demands fell on deaf ears. So, they're now suing for the damages and want $7,000 on top of that to cover their attorneys' fees.

We've reached out to Gray's team and his manager, Charlie Mac, tells TMZ ... Gray was diagnosed with ADHD some years ago "and unfortunately this [is] a result of that." Mac goes on to say, "He's a great person and it will be taken care of. It will be handled."

Mac added, "There is money inside of his security deposit that should rectify whatever issues the landlord has. [It's] sad that the landlord has chosen this way to handle this but we will do what is needed to make sure it is taken care of."

Joe Exotic Donated $$$ to Trump in 2016 ... Lawyers Now Asking Trump for Pardon

UNCEREMONIOUSLY BOOTED

Joe Exotic's legal team is hours away from pulling up to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. with the goal of bending Donald Trump's ear for a pardon, and it turns out this isn't the first time Joe wanted to bend Trump's ear.

Turns out Joe was something of a Donald Trump fan back in 2016, despite the fact Joe himself was running for President. Joe attended a Trump campaign event just outside Oklahoma City and plunked down $1,000 to meet and greet DT.

Joe left the home where the shindig was going down to smoke a cig, and when he tried to go back in he says he was blocked by the Secret Service. He says they told him once anyone left they couldn't get back in, but our sources say Joe was acting "starstruck" and the agents were taken aback by him ... they say he was acting a little odd.

Joe seemed to think the reason he was not let back in was because when he showed his ID, the agents saw he had a concealed-carry permit.

FREE THE KING

So, under the heading -- if you don't succeed, try, try again -- Joe's legal team will be rolling up to The White House Tuesday to ask Trump for a pardon. As you know Joe was convicted of hiring a hitman to kill his archnemesis, Carole Baskin, along with animal-related crimes. Lots of people think Joe didn't get a fair shake at trial, and his legal team is making a full-court press to spring him from the big house.

Stay tuned ... it's gonna get interesting.

Sean Reed Shooting Cop Shoulda Been Fired for 'Closed Casket' Jab ... So Says Reed Family

5/6/2020
SHOTS FIRED

The punishment doesn't fit the crime. That's what Sean Reed's family's saying about the cop who got suspended for his "closed casket" joke ... saying he deserved to be fired.

You'll recall the Indianapolis detective got suspended and reassigned after he was heard saying, "I think it's going to be a closed casket, homie" moments after Reed was fatally shot during an incident Reed streamed live on Facebook.

BAD TASTE

Well, the Reed family's furious over what they essentially say is a slap on the wrist. Sean's uncle, Tyrell Reed, tells TMZ ... he doesn't think the cop received a harsh enough punishment. In fact, Tyrell tells us, "I feel like [the detective] shouldn't be on the force or allowed to be a police officer."

What's more ... Tyrell says the detective's true colors came out with his distasteful joke, because he had no clue Reed's camera was still streaming live. Tyrell adds, "He thought he was doing things in the dark. Now, those words leave a mark on our family forever. I probably don't think his fellow officers appreciated the comment either."

I WANT JUSTICE
TMZ.com

Tyrell says the Reeds have been shaken to their core with the crack made by the detective, whose identity has not been disclosed because of safety concerns. For what it's worth ... Tyrell says things have slowly gotten better over the last few days, thanks to the overwhelming support the family's been receiving from friends and others in the community.

As we first reported ... Tyrell told us it's a terrible enough situation to have one of your family members shot and killed with a camera filming it ... even worse when a cop makes a quip that will be seared into their memories forever.

Ahmaud Arbery NAACP Raises $100k In One Week ... After Murder Video Surfaces

The Ahmaud Arbery murder is galvanizing folks around the country to join the fight for social justice ... they're sending money to the NAACP and adding to its ranks.

The NAACP received nearly $100,000 in donations in the week after the murder video surfaced, with contributions rolling in from coast to coast ... according to NAACP spokesman Marc Banks.

We're told the national organization will divide the money between the Georgia NAACP and Ahmaud's family ... and the donations will help the NAACP put boots on the ground in Brunswick to help rebuild and unite the community.

The org says people turn to social justice groups like the NAACP when they see injustice, because they want to get involved.

FEBRUARY 2020
IN COLD BLOOD

People across Georgia are also becoming more active in the fight for justice ... according to James Woodall, State President of the Georgia NAACP.

We're told the Georgia NAACP has seen an influx in members since Ahmaud was killed ... there were about 10,000 members before the fatal shooting, but that number is rising exponentially.

Woodall tells us lots of people are reaching out to the Georgia NAACP with the aim of having a presence in their communities after seeing what happened to Ahmaud ... he says they want to do more than complain on social media.

Fighting for social justice is no easy task ... Woodall says NAACP members are pulling 10 to 12 hour days and aren't getting paid a dime.

In Brunswick, we're told NAACP members are meeting with the Sheriff's department to make sure there is not a lasting feeling of mistrust within the community, and organizers are helping plan gatherings and rallies, some of which have drawn about 300 protesters.

NAACP members are also working with city and country officials to unite and rebuild the community ... and the work will continue long after news crews ship out.

Marcus Jordan I Beat Michael Jordan In 1-on-1 ... Lost Immediate Rematch

GOLF IT OUT
TMZSports.com

Michael Jordan's son, Marcus, says he once WHOOPED his dad on the court in a game of 1-on-1 ... and he's telling TMZ Sports all about the huge accomplishment!!!

Marcus -- MJ's 2nd son -- says he used to play a modified version of 1-on-1 called "Cutthroat" with his dad ... and one day, he actually came away with a WIN!!!

"I had a quick victory," Marcus tells us. "I can't remember the score, but I did win."

So ... how did the G.O.A.T handle it?? Exactly like you'd expect.

"He ran it right back and he obviously won on me and it was over," Marcus says. "We really didn't play too much after that."

Of course, Marcus has a TON of insane stories about growing up with MJ ... and we had to ask him about the craziest memories he had.

The dude didn't disappoint.

"When I was a kid, Jay-Z and Beyonce came to our house. My dad and Jay-Z actually really played 'around the world' in our gym."

The moment was even immortalized in a Hov track, "N***a Please" ... where Jay says "I damn near beat Jordan in around the world."

Somehow ... Marcus has another memory that can even top that ... saying he went to the White House when his dad got the Presidential Medal of Freedom ... and got to chop it up with the First Family!!

"But, being who I am, it's just so natural that you kinda interact with people on day to day so there's not a lot of other people other than them."

Can't relate.

Aaron Sorkin Producing Romantics Now ... Helps Student Pop the Question!!!

NOT MESSIN' AROUND

Aaron Sorkin didn't write or direct "The Proposal" ... but he had his hand all over this proposal ... after helping an aspiring screenwriter propose to his GF.

Spoiler alert ... SHE SAID YES!!!

So, here's how it went down ... the famed writer/producer/director was a guest lecturer Thursday at L.A.'s American Film Institute Conservatory -- a prestigious institution once ranked the No. 1 film school in the world.

Before the Harold Lloyd Master Seminar kicked off, John Graney -- a student studying screenwriting at the Institute -- hit up his professor and asked if there would be any way to get Sorkin to help him propose to his GF, Leticia, who's also a student at the Institute and a HUGE Sorkin fan. Side note: who ISN'T a huge Sorkin fan? "A Few Good Men?!" "Moneyball?!?" "The West Wing."

Anywho ... Aaron was game. Sorkin prefaced the proposal by warning Leticia he's dead serious about what's about to go down. You nearly hear more than 150 students in class hold their collective breaths.

Some of John's buddies cheered for him before he pulled out the engagement ring. John and Leticia officially sealed the proposal with a kiss.

See, a few good men still exist.

Joe Giudice Inks Celebrity Boxing Deal ... Who Wants The Smoke?!?

COMIN' AFTER YOU
TMZ.com

Joe Giudice is in the market for a fight, and he's willing to take on ANYONE.

That's right, the former 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' star has signed a deal with Celebrity Boxing promoter Damon Feldman who tells TMZ ... Joe's slated to fight on October 24th in the Bahamas. The opponent has not yet been determined. Any takers?

The match will consist of three 1 minute, 30-second rounds. Back to Joe's opponent ... Damon tells us he's open to anyone. Be careful what you wish for, Joe.

In any event ... Joe's looking like he's ready to knock someone out. Dude looks JACKED. Check him out in this video ... with the picturesque Italy countryside as the backdrop.

As for what Joe would be paid ... we're told it'll all depend on how many people purchase the Pay-per-view. But, one thing's for sure ... training for an upcoming fight will be a nice distraction. As we reported ... Joe's in the middle of his own legal fight over his deportation case.

Keep your head up, Joe. And, your hands too.

Trisha Paytas Trespasser Leaves Name and Number ... Easiest Arrest Ever?!?

YouTube star Trisha Paytas' alleged trespasser is in the running for dumbest criminal ever ... because he left an easy road map for an arrest if authorities want to press charges.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a fan showed up to Trisha's pad in Los Angeles and tried to profess his love for her. We're told he bounced when cops were called, but not before leaving his name and number with her friend.

Our sources say when the guy first arrived unannounced, he started going up the driveway towards the front door when he was stopped by Trisha's male friend.

We're told Trisha was inside the home while her friend went outside to see what was up, and the trespasser said he was there to confess his love for Paytas.

Our sources say Trisha's friend told the guy to beat it, but he initially refused and that's when cops were called.

We're told police took a trespassing report and the case will be sent to the L.A. City Attorney.

Should be a pretty easy arrest if the City Attorney wants to press charges.

Stay in school kids.

Pop Smoke COVID Slows Murder Investigation

Pop Smoke's murder remains unsolved, and the coronavirus pandemic is doing detectives no favors ... severely hindering progress in the investigation.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... response to COVID-19 and related issues has been LAPD's top priority the past 2 months, meaning less time and resources available to focus on the rapper's killer.

When detectives are able to investigate, we're told they still try to go out and safely speak face-to-face with people in an attempt to gather evidence ... but that's been a challenge already in this case.

As we first told you ... cops were running into witness issues in the case, as people were either refusing to talk about Pop's death or providing unreliable info.

On a more positive note ... our sources say investigators are hoping the rapper's upcoming posthumous debut album will renew interest in the case, get people talking, and drum up tips and new leads.

TMZ broke the story ... Pop Smoke was gunned down in February at a house owned by 'RHOBH' star Teddi Mellencamp.

It appears the murder was a targeted hit and not an armed robbery gone awry, but law enforcement's still puzzled over the motive.

Michael Jordan Game-Worn, Signed Cleats ... Sell For $93,000!!!

Greatness comes at a price, but Michael Jordan greatness? That's more like the cost of a house down payment -- just ask the person who now owns MJ's cleats.

The folks over at Heritage Auctions sold a pair of size 13.5 baseball cleats worn and signed by His Airness when he played for the Chicago White Sox's minor-league affiliate, the Birmingham Barons. The total cost ... a whopping $93,000!!!

MJ signed the cleats in bold silver ink. Legend has it ... the shoes were a gift from Michael to a White Sox announcer. The shoes were then obtained at MLB pitcher Jeff Reardon's Leukemia Charity Golf Tournament in 1995. The shoes come with a handwritten note from Reardon acknowledging the cleats are authentic.

As for the shoes, MJ -- whose first love was actually baseball and not basketball -- wore them during his short-lived campaign to reach the Major Leagues in 1994. You can clearly see the Air Jordan Nike cleats have incredible wear, with dirt and scuffs throughout. The Nike logo inside the heel is nearly worn off.

As we've reported ... tons of MJ memorabilia has hit the auction block, from a game-worn Bulls jersey to a $15k check Jordan signed over to Donald Trump's Indiana casino.

And, to whoever obtained the cleats, we say ... it's definitely the shoes, Money!!!

'90 Day Fiance' Star Jorge Wants to Grow Weed Again ... On Heels of Prison Stint!!!

CHANGED FOR THE BETTER
TMZ.com

Jorge Nava wants to get back to what he knows best, cultivating marijuana ... even though he just did hard time for having nearly 300 pounds of green!!!

The "90 Day Fiance" star tells TMZ ... growing ganja has always been his passion, and he wants to return to his roots. Jorge admits it might be tougher to find work in the medicinal marijuana field being a convicted felon in Arizona.

Still, if opportunity knocks, he tells us he'll jump at the chance to make some money ... with the blessing of his parole officer, of course.

Jorge was busted for allegedly trying to sell 293 pounds of weed and served a 2 and a half year prison sentence.

Jorge did use some of his time behind bars for good ... telling us how he was able to shed a whopping 128 pounds, despite some terrible prison food.

He also fills us in on his first meal outta the joint. No word if it was munchies-inspired.

'Call On Me' DJ Eric Prydz Marriage Comes to Screeching Halt ... Wife Files for Divorce

The record just scratched on Eric Prydz's marriage ... his wife wants a divorce.

The famous Swedish DJ's wife, Sofie, filed for divorce on April 27 in L.A. citing irreconcilable differences. Eric and Sofie were married for nearly 5 years and have 2 kids together ... a 9-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son.

They got married on July 17, 2015 and she lists February 20 as the date of separation ... according to docs obtained by TMZ.

Sophie's asking for joint legal and physical custody. As for spousal support, she's asking for it, and wants the court to enforce the terms of their prenup.

Prydz -- who's known as Pryda and Cirez D professionally -- made headlines in March when he claimed the only solution for the coronavirus pandemic was for all healthy people to get it, and suggested staying at home was misguided.

Yeah, he really said that, and got blasted by health workers. Prydz later apologized

He rose to fame with his 2004 single, "Call on Me," and went on to rack up hits with "Proper Education" and "Pjanoo" in 2008. He released his debut studio album, "Opus," in 2016, and won the Electronic Music Awards DJ of the Year in 2017.

Prydz also owns multiple record labels -- Pryda, Pryda Friends and Mouseville Records ... so splitting up assets in the divorce could get interesting.

WWE Legend Mark Henry Threatens To Sue Wrestler Lio Rush ... Stop Defaming Me!!!

OWN UP TO YOUR MISTAKE
TMZSports.com

Mark Henry has a warning for ex-WWE wrestler Lio Rush ... stop defaming me, or my (Harvard educated) lawyers are going to file a lawsuit against your ass!!

Let's explain ... earlier this week, Rush -- who was recently released by WWE -- fired off a barrage of Tweets attacking the Hall of Famer.

Rush accused Henry of torpedoing black wrestlers' careers, writing ... "This is why African American talent on the biggest platform will continue to not have equal opportunity because people like you constantly tear your own people down. A damn shame honestly.”

TMZ Sports talked to an extremely upset Mark Henry ... who says Rush's comments are straight-up nonsense.

"If you go down to the performance center at NXT, probably 25 I think, people of color in the facility, probably about 80 plus percent of them I helped get them there. I mean, it's completely opposite."

So, if it ain't true, why'd Rush write what he did?

Mark tells us Lio's clout chasing ... using his name and fame to promote his music career.

"He knew that I get a lot of attention. I have a lot of followers and he released the album, or song, or something, and he wanted to use that to get some attention. Get some buzz," Henry says.

Mark's adamant if Rush would've just asked for help, he would've plugged his music -- no problem -- but what he did instead was wayyy out of bounds.

"If he would've called me, I would've done it anyway. We would've just worked it. I would of really talked it up, we would of made world news, but now he said something slanderous."

"And, you can't question my blackness. Like nobody can question my blackness, pull my black card. No, not allowed. Nobody."

Mark's so mad ... he tells us he's seriously considering filing a lawsuit.

"My lawyer went to Harvard. I don't know what kinda lawyers he's dealing with, but I got those Ivy League people around me, and they're pissed!"

But, there is one thing Lio Rush can do before he finds his ass in a courtroom ... say sorry, and really mean it.

"He needs to apologize."

Actor Fred Willard Dead at 86

Fred Willard has died ... TMZ has learned.

The veteran comedic actor passed away late Friday night. His daughter Hope tells TMZ, "My father passed away very peacefully last night at the fantastic age of 86 years old. He kept moving, working and making us happy until the very end. We loved him so very much. We will miss him forever."

Fred had a long career of making people laugh on camera -- whether it be TV or film. He rose to fame in the late '70s with appearances on parody sitcoms like 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' 'Fernwood 2 Night,' 'America 2-Night,' and others like it throughout the '80s.

In the '90s, FW started appearing on a bunch of hit comedy shows on air at the time, like 'Sister, Sister,' 'Roseanne,' 'Access America' and 'The Simpsons,' among others. He later went on to star on 'The Weird Al Show,' 'Maybe It's Me' and a number of mockumentaries -- including 'The History of White People in America,' 'This Is Spinal Tap,' 'Waiting for Guffman,' 'Best in Show,' 'A Mighty Wind,' 'For Your Consideration,' and 'Mascots.'

He's also known for his role as Ron Burgundy's news director in the 'Anchorman' films. Fred often played the straight man in his films, to hilarious effect because of how goody-goody and naive he appeared in whatever ridiculous situation his characters found themselves in.

He's starred in countless cult comedies over the years, such as ... 'American Wedding,' 'How High,' 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,' 'Date Movie,' 'Epic Movie,' 'Roxanne,' 'Monster House,' 'WALL-E,' 'The Wedding Planner,' 'Harold,' 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,' 'Idle Hands,' and so on. He was in even more hits on TV.

Fred appeared in shows like 'King of the Hill,' 'Mad About You,' 'Hercules,' 'Family Matters,' 'Married With Children,' 'Modern Family,' 'Ally McBeal,' 'Family Guy,' 'Hey Arnold!' 'A Minute with Stan Hooper,' 'SNL,' 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' 'MADtv,' 'Kim Possible,' 'Back to You,' and so many other great series. Most recently, he was set to appear in Netflix's forthcoming comedy "Space Force," alongside Steve Carell and other comedic geniuses.

He was married to Mary Willard from 1968 to 2018, when she passed away. He's survived by his daughter, Hope.

Fred was 86. RIP

'Trading Spaces' Frank Bielec Dead at 72

Frank Bielec, one of the stars of "Trading Spaces" has died ... TMZ has learned.

Frank's wife, Judy, tells TMZ, Frank passed away Friday ... a day after suffering a heart attack. He was taken to a hospital in Katy, Texas, and then transferred to a Houston hospital for specialized treatment. Frank died Friday in the Houston hospital.

Judy says the surgical team dissolved into tears when they couldn't save Frank.

Frank was an accomplished designer and appeared on the TLC show every season until 2008 when the show wrapped. He also appeared on the 2018 reboot.

No funeral service. Frank will be cremated -- ashes put inside a round wooden box and placed on top of a fireplace in their home.

Frank was an elementary school teacher back in the day, teaching classes in art and social studies. He got a masters of fine arts but eventually became disenchanted with the educational system -- he felt it focused too much on tests and not enough on what he called experimental learning.

Frank's next adventure was not television ... it was strictly floral. Frank became a florist, creating spectacular arrangements. It wasn't a passing thing ... Frank did it for 20 years.

He was also an artist ... accomplished enough to have his work displayed in galleries. Then, in 1989, he created a business called "Mosey 'n Me" with Judy, specializing in cross-stitches.

Frank had a soft spot for animals ... he rescued a dozen sugar gliders and any wildlife that happened to mosey onto his property ... well, they had a home.

He applied all that he learned over the years to his designs on "Trading Spaces," peppering every room with artistic touches ... stenciling, cross-stitching, drawing -- things like that.

Frank was 72.

RIP

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