NeNe Leakes Not Planning to Sue Bravo ... Despite Apparent Bad Blood

Rumors of a looming discrimination lawsuit against Bravo has absolutely nothing to do with NeNe Leakes whatsoever ... TMZ has learned.

A source close to the reality star tells us ... NeNe is in no way ramping up to file suit or any type of legal action against Bravo at this time, nor is she "teaming up" with other women of color who might be considering such a move. Any notion to the contrary simply isn't true.

We're told NeNe is focused on herself and her own career right now -- specifically, fleshing out her newly announced show with E!, "Glamsquad Showdown," while also trying to work through negotiations with Bravo on potentially coming back for another season of 'RHOA.'

We're also told that NeNe is seeking a larger role in the NBCUniversal TV-sphere, and that those talks take a while. So no, she ain't biting the hand that feeds in the meantime.

As for why folks might've thought something was brewing with NeNe in the first place ... well, that might have to do with her own words and a whole lot of innuendo. NeNe herself has alluded to mistreatment during her tenure there, both explicitly and implicitly.

She recently hopped on her YouTube channel to air some grievances about how she felt some of the showrunners and execs were treating her differently than some of the other ladies come reunion time. Not only that, but she also fueled intrigue when she dropped some suggestive comments about the 'Vaderpump' racism scandal from a few months back.

On top of that, former 'RHOA costars of hers, like Eva Marcille, have also been throwing NeNe's name around when mentioning this supposed lawsuit that's coming down the pike.

She recently did just that while talking on Rickey Smiley's morning show ... and while she didn't exactly connect the dots, one could assume NeNe was in on the suit by the way she was talking.

Fact is, there is no connection ... period. Seems like NeNe still has plans with Bravo on the horizon that she very much wants to keep intact.

A Bravo spokesperson said they were not aware of any lawsuit.

Dallas Cowboys' La'el Collins Complained Of Neck Pain After Crash ... Police Video Shows

pain in my neck
TMZSports.com

New police video obtained by TMZ Sports shows La'el Collins' car accident was more serious than initially believed ... the Cowboys star complained of neck pain while 2 vehicles sat mangled in a street nearby.

The NFL O-lineman was initially described as fine after he was involved in a wreck on Aug. 20 in Little Elm, Texas ... but you can see in the new footage, Collins was definitely aching.

As he and a responding police officer broke down how his 2015 Cadillac Escalade collided with a Volkswagen ... the 6'4", 320-pound Dallas player said his neck wasn't feeling well.

"Should I go to like a hospital or like a, what do you call it? An emergency room?" Collins asked the officer, before adding, "I mean, my neck -- my neck is hurting right here."

Of course, it ain't too difficult to see why Collins was in pain ... the damage on the two vehicles involved in the crash suggests a pretty violent collision took place.

Collins' driver's side quarter panel and front wheel were destroyed -- with one cop describing the rim on video as "broken" with a "complete crack" in it.

The other driver's car, meanwhile, had its whole front bumper ripped off.

According to the accident report, the other driver "failed to yield the right of way" after coming out of a stop sign and turned right into Collins' ride.

As for Collins' neck ... the Cowboys ultimately put him on injured reserve to start this season ... though they claim it's unrelated to the crash -- saying a hip problem he had been previously dealing with was the reason for the move.

Collins -- who will be out at least the first 3 weeks of the season while he's on IR -- is one of the Cowboys' best players and is considered a top-five right tackle in the league.

In 5 seasons with Dallas, he's started 61 total games.

Jussie Smollet FBI Investigation Comes Up Again ... Chicago Wants the Records

The City of Chicago wants a judge to force the FBI to hand over records of the Bureau's probe into the Jussie Smollett case -- especially his claim he was the target of a racist and homophobic threat before the infamous alleged attack.

According to new docs, obtained by TMZ, the City wants to know what the FBI dug up related to a letter that was sent to Fox Studios in Chicago on January 22, 2019 -- a week before Jussie claims he was attacked. The letter contained an "unknown substance" and contained "racist and homophobic imagery and slurs" ... according to Jussie.

The City also wants the FBI records about the "attack" itself ... according to the docs. Basically, Chi-town officials want to know if the FBI uncovered any evidence about Jussie faking the threatening letter or his "attack."

What's interesting here is the docs show the FBI told the City disclosing any of the requested material would "reveal information acquired as part of an ongoing criminal investigation."

Bottom line is ... as of now the FBI is refusing to hand over its investigation results because it still hasn't closed the case.

You'll recall ... in the aftermath of Jussie's "attack," President Trump mentioned the FBI was looking into the situation.

The correspondence between the City and the FBI is part of the civil suit Chicago filed against Jussie for allegedly faking the attack. The goal is to force him to pay for the cost of its investigation -- and it's separate from the new criminal charges filed by the special prosecutor.

Ryan Seacrest 'KUWTK' Made Fam Big Biz Tycoons ... And Changed TV Forever!!!

AMAZING RUN
TMZ.com

Ryan Seacrest is reflecting on the lasting impact "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" made on reality TV ... and he's amazed by how Kim and co. turned their slice of show business into BIG business.

We got Ryan leaving ABC studios in New York City Wednesday and our camera guy asked what 'KUWTK' meant to entertainment now that the Kardashians are officially pulling the plug on their show next year.

Ryan, the show's creator and executive producer, told us what the show's lasting impact will be on TV -- but he's even more blown away by the fact every family member used it to create their own brands.

Look no further than BILLIONAIRE Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the OGs, to prove Ryan's point.

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As you know ... Kim shouted out Ryan in announcing the end of the road for 'KUWTK,' sending him a big thanks "for believing in us."

Ryan -- who's grown his own empire over the last 14 years -- tells us the feeling is definitely mutual.

Ice Cube Black Agenda #1 for Me in Election ... Biden & Trump Reached Out

9/9/2020
END THE DISPARITY
TMZ.com

Ice Cube has a list of demands to help Black Americans that he feels needs to be addressed in order to get his vote ... and says both sides of the aisle want to, at least, hear what he's got to say.

We spoke to Cube Wednesday on "TMZ Live" and he elaborated on his "Contract with Black America" that he's been promoting these past few months ahead of the election. Bottom line ... he says he'll vote for whoever implements his ideas, even if it's President Trump.

Check it out ... for Cube, identity politics is gone, and he's only looking out for his people at this point -- telling us that if a candidate doesn't clearly explain what's in it for the Black community if they're elected, he doesn't see a point in voting for them.

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Specifically, he says economics is a huge part of his agenda -- explaining that there needs to be a monumental shift in the wealth gap between Black people and everyone else.

Now, Cube says he's heard from Joe Biden's camp AND Trump's about his 'Contract' ... and insists there's nothing partisan about his demands.

There's also this ... he says Biden should not think for a second he has the Black vote locked up. Fact is, Trump is still in office and could roll some of these things out before November, which would go a long way for Cube, and possibly other voters.

It's a fascinating take, and Cube is determined to hold Trump and Biden's feet to the fire.

Take note, candidates ... voters are talking to ya.

Joe Exotic Underwear Line Flying Off Shelves ... Baskin Briefs Huge Hit!!!

Joe Exotic says he's having a rough go in prison, but his fashion line is doing much better ... his underwear collection is selling like hotcakes, thanks in part to his nemesis, Carole Baskin.

The 'Tiger King' star had another successful fashion drop for his "REVENGE" collection with Odaingerous ... Joe's custom boxer briefs went on sale Labor Day and sold out within hours, raking in $50,000 in online sales!!!

The top seller, we're told, is the limited edition "Casket Baskin" boxer brief ... which depicts blood-red ice cream in a cone reminiscent of Baskin-Robbins.

While the first wave of underwear was cleaned out in a nanosecond, Odaingerous is updating its online store and restocking due to the extra traffic, as folks clamor for all things Exotic.

Joe's boxers are going international too -- the "REVENGE" collection just put up 3 billboards in Mexico, as 'Tiger King' continues to gain popularity beyond President Trump's favorite "wall."

Speaking of Trump, Joe's legal team is trekking back to D.C. to try to get him a Presidential pardon. Joe's laying out myriad reasons why Trump should pardon his 22-year murder-for-hire sentence ... including a claim he was sexually assaulted behind bars -- something the Federal Bureau of Prisons denies.

No word if Team JE's gonna throw in some Exotic underwear swag with its formal pardon request. Couldn't hurt!

FaZe Banks Praises Bronny's Gaming Skills 'He Was Built For This Sh*t!!!'

WELCOME TO THE TEAM
TMZSports.com

Bronny James could be the LeBron James of gaming ... so says FaZe Clan superstar FaZe Banks -- who tells TMZ Sports the King's son is straight-up born for Esports stardom!!!

"Listen," Banks said, "look at him. He was built for this sh*t! Look at him and his dad. He's a competitor, you know?!"

Of course, Bronny just agreed last week to join up with FaZe Clan -- the most famous Esports team on the planet -- and when we got Banks outside of BOA in L.A., he told us he couldn't be happier to have LeBron's kid on the squad.

In fact, Banks is adamant Bronny's addition ain't a publicity stunt ... telling us the 15-year-old can seriously ball on the sticks!!

"He's really good at Fortnite," Banks said. "He plays [Call of Duty] too!"

Banks tells us he sees MASSIVE potential for Bronny in the video game world ... saying Esports are "the f**king future!"

But, don't worry NBA fans ... Banks is still advising Bronny to put most of his focus on the hardwood for now.

Music to LeBron's ears, we're sure!

The White House New Lawn Post-RNC Costs $80k ... Fixing Muddy Aftermath

President Trump not only broke political precedent by holding the Republican National Convention at The White House ... he also ran up a fat landscaping bill by damaging the grounds.

The South Lawn and iconic Rose Garden were getting a makeover Tuesday, almost 2 weeks after the RNC wrapped up there, reportedly leaving the grounds a muddy mess. And, the new landscaping's gonna cost a cool $79,675 ... TMZ has learned.

According to the federal docs we obtained ... the National Park Service hired a lawn servicing company to do the resodding, and they have until the end of the month to get the job done. According to the Washington Post ... the Trump Campaign is picking up the bill.

Makes sense ... Trump became the first president to accept his party's nomination at the WH, and gave his acceptance speech last Thursday night right on the South Lawn in front of about 1,500 supporters.

At the time, the mostly mask-free crowd raised concerns about COVID-19.

Turns out the more tangible damage being done was under the feet off the President's GOP faithful.

You'll recall, the RNC was originally scheduled to go down in Charlotte, before the pandemic forced the GOP to attempt it in Jacksonville. When that fell through, Trump decided to do it in D.C. ... with the White House as his backdrop.

The $80k lawn tab is just the price of doing convention biz in the beltway.

Joe Exotic Please, Mr. President, Pardon Me ... I've Been Sexually Assaulted in Prison

UPDATE

12:27 PM PT -- 9/14 -- A rep for the Grady County Jail -- where Joe claims the sexual assault happened -- had no comment. However, a law enforcement source at the jail denies the allegations, claiming there are cameras all around the facility and saying it's Joe's character to make things up.

UPDATE

7:12 AM PT -- We reached out to our federal prison sources about Joe's claims, who tell us, "there was no such assault."

Joe Exotic has submitted a 257-page case to Donald Trump -- arguing various reasons why he should be pardoned from his 22-year murder-for-hire sentence -- claiming he was sexually assaulted behind bars.

Joe included a letter he sent to Donald Trump Jr. in his documents, in which he claims, "I have been sexually assaulted by jail staff, beat up and tied in a chair to the point the skin came off my arms." He goes on to say, "please be my hero ... my hands are damaged from the abuse in jail so I'm sorry for the soppy (sic) writing and spelling" and adding this ... "#TrumpJr.2024." We reached out to the prison for comment ... so far, no word back.

Joe says he fears he'll die in prison before his scheduled 2037 release, because his health is compromised because of various medical issues, including anemia and common variable immune deficiency.

Joe submitted various character references, including one from Kerri Walker, whose cousin worked at the zoo. She makes an appeal to Trump, saying Joe got a raw deal, just like Trump did with the "grab-'em-by-the-p***y" tape.

Joe goes on to say he never tried to kill Carole Baskin, and that all the so-called threats he made against her were just "hyperbole." His lawyers say in the docs, obtained by TMZ, the "threats" were "simply another aspect of his showmanship ... Joe's jokes, at most, in bad taste, were merely jokes."

Joe also insists he's been "railroaded and betrayed, repeatedly" ... blaming Jeff Lowe, the judge and others. He says the $3k he forked over to the alleged hitman was not to pay for a hit ... it was to get the guy out of his hair.

Joe also believes one of the reasons he was convicted was because of anti-gay sentiments.

He admits to shooting some tigers that were ill, saying that was the humane way of euthanizing them.

And Joe's husband, Dillon Passage, wrote a letter saying Joe saved him from addiction. Passage wrote ... "I see a sweet, big heart man, with good intentions, who took a few steps down a dark road, and he's just waiting to be pulled out of it."

Joe makes his plea to President Trump, saying, "Allow me to make you proud, to make America proud, to make the world proud. Be my hero please."

TMZ broke the story ... Joe's team is flying to D.C. Wednesday where Eric Love, who's leading the charge for Joe, will present the pardon application to someone he knows in The White House.

Originally Published -- 9/8 1:00 AM PT

Vince Young Avoids Jail Time In DWI Case ... Charge Dismissed

Vince Young won't have to spend any more time behind bars over his DWI case stemming from a 2019 arrest ... TMZ Sports has learned the case has now been dismissed after the ex-NFL QB completed a diversion program.

We broke the story ... 37-year-old Vince was arrested on Feb. 4 in Fort Bend County, Texas last year after police officers say he was drunk driving at around 4:30 AM.

Cops say Young slurred his speech, bombed field sobriety tests and emitted a strong odor of alcohol during the stop.

Young was initially hit with a DWI charge over the incident ... but prosecutors eventually reduced the charge to misdemeanor obstruction of a highway after Young and his attorney successfully fought it in court.

Still, Young was facing up to 180 days in jail over the Class B misdemeanor ... but court records show the case was dismissed on Aug. 25.

According to court docs ... Young "completed a pretrial intervention program supervised by the probation department," which led to the dismissal.

It's not Young's first drunk driving case ... remember, back in 2016, he pled no contest to a DUI charge and was sentenced to 18 months probation.

We've reached out to Young's attorney for comment on the dismissal ... but so far, no word back yet.

President Trump Autographed Bible for Sale

Here's a shocker for 54 percent of the country ... President Trump opened a Bible (that's not the shocker), signed his name in it, and now the good book could now be worth nearly $40k. There it is.

Yes, as Trump would almost certainly put it, you can now buy your "favorite President's" favorite book ... which our sources tell us he autographed during a very turbulent week in the nation, and particularly in Washington, D.C.

NOT IN MY HOUSE
AP

We're told he signed it at the White House during the first week of June, just a couple of days after he'd ordered federal law enforcement to fire pepper spray and rubber bullets at peaceful George Floyd protesters ... just to clear a path for him to St. John's Episcopal Church.

You'll recall he posed there for a now-infamous photo op with a Bible ... although that's not the one he signed.

The autographed Bible is going up for sale through the memorabilia company, Moments In Time -- and they're hawking this slice of Trump history for a cool $37,500.

Just the way God intended.

We kid, but Trump's critics might be expecting a lightning strike, because although he's often declared the Bible is his favorite book -- he's declined to name a favorite chapter or verse ... or even weigh in on the Old vs. New Testament debate.

Presidents have a long history of signing Bibles, but the practice has historically been done when presenting it as a gift with a spiritual message written inside.

Then again, Trump is far from your typical Prez.

'Eco-Challenge' Team Onyx Wants Redemption in '21 ... Better Helmets Next Time!!!

Clifton Lyles and Team Onyx want another shot at the 'World's Toughest Race' ... they're seeking redemption next year in Patagonia, and they've got a plan to finish what they started.

Here's the deal ... Team Onyx represented the United States in the reality racing show reboot on Amazon, 'Eco-Challenge Fiji,' winning over viewers as the first team comprised entirely of African-Americans and LGBTQ allies. The Bear Grylls hosted show saw 66 teams from 30 countries racing to the finish.

But, about halfway through the grueling race -- which requires paddling, sailing, climbing, swimming, mountain biking, canyoning, rafting and more -- Team Onyx was forced to drop out after team captain Clifton fell off his mountain bike and into a ditch, cracking his helmet and ending up in the hospital with a concussion.

MAKIN' A COMEBACK
TMZ.com

Clifton tells TMZ ... Team Onyx already applied for 'Eco-Challenge' season 2, which is set to film sometime next year in Patagonia, and they've got their eyes on a top 25 finish.

Clifton's already got his team training hard, adding a mountain guide to give them an edge ... and he says they're taking extra precautions to avoid another mountain biking accident by wearing special helmets to guard against concussions.

Team Onyx feels like it left a lot on the table in season 1, Clifton says they were just about to hit their stride when he had his accident, and they've got a lot to prove in Patagonia as they seek redemption.

Joe Exotic's Tiger Team Back to D.C. ... To Hand-Deliver Pardon Request

Joe Exotic's team is heading back to our nation's capital for another shot at getting the Tiger King pardoned by President Trump ... and this time, they got an in at the White House.

Sources tell TMZ ... Joe's squad of attorneys and advocates will be flying to Washington D.C. Wednesday to hand-deliver a copy of their official pardon request to a contact they have at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The hope it seems ... to get the pardon request in front of Trump, and we're told Eric Love -- who's leading the team -- has a contact within the White House, so it would seem this might be their best chance yet to get DT to listen.

Not just that, but it would appear the Joe Exotic squad has more Trump allies than just one -- here's a photo of Eric with Brad Parscale, 45's head of digital operations for his campaign. Eric and the team met Brad in Texas recently, but also ... he's not the contact they have at the White House. Still, knowing BP can't hurt their odds!

FREE THE KING

Remember, Love and co. rolled up to D.C. a few months ago in a huge bus with a 'Pardon Joe Exotic' wrap. It doesn't appear that venture was all that successful -- Trump hasn't pardoned the guy after all -- but we know Joe's on Trump's radar.

He actually brought up Joe's name recently in a press conference, and said he'd look into his case. No better time than now, right?!?

Tiffany Haddish I'm Ready To Start My Own Studio ... Tyler Perry's Teaching Me!!!

SHE READY
TMZ.com

Tiffany Haddish wants to be just like Tyler Perry ... because she's ready to start her own production studio!!!

The actress and comedian joined us on "TMZ Live" and we asked her if she's got aspirations to be like Tyler and one day start a movie studio in her name.

Tiffany says she would love to follow Tyler's lead and tells us he's actually been teaching her how to start a studio from scratch. Tiffany's already got a name picked out, and it's pretty catchy and appropriate.

As you know ... Tyler just officially reached billionaire status, thanks in large part to owning Tyler Perry Studios, so his words of wisdom carry serious weight.

Speaking of billionaires, Tiffany tells us she's been hanging with other members of the triple comma club, and picking their brains about business. Smart woman.

It's an interesting and fun conversation ... and Tiffany tells us why the eyes never lie at Dave Chappelle's socially-distanced comedy shows, and why she wants to give her acceptance speech for her Emmy nom for her Netflix special, "Black Mitzvah" another take.

Chasten Buttigieg Rough Start Coming Out as Gay

AN EMOTIONAL JOURNEY
TMZ.com

Chasten Buttigieg's coming out experience didn't get off to a good start, but thanks to his parents it turned out well, and speaking of things working out ... he's focused on the bright side of his husband's unsuccessful presidential bid.

Mayor Pete's husband joined "TMZ Live" to tell his story about confiding in his family that he was gay, the difficulty and pain that followed ... and the life-changing call from his Mom that helped them heal.

Chasten tells us he's thankful for his parents' allyship, and describes what has to be done to make sure people like him are protected and supported ... something he says he's striving to do for others.

As for his famous hubby and the disappointment of not becoming the Democratic nominee for Prez ... Chasten says it was a bummer, but it's not all bad.

He points out that they've been able to regain a little anonymity in their lives while still focusing on their dreams and goals, and reminds us that they are both still very young ... and the future is bright.

Of course, Chasten believes the outlook will be much better if a certain person is elected president in November ... you can probably guess who, but watch the clip anyway.

Chasten's releasing a memoir this week titled 'I Have Something to Tell You,' in which he opens up about his upbringing, politics, and his relationship with Pete.

T.J. Dillashaw Better Fighter After Suspension ... Says MMA Star Training Partner

SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED
TMZSports.com

T.J. Dillashaw was caught cheating and hasn't fought in years, but his training partner, Bellator star Juan Archuleta, says T.J.'s back, better than ever, and ready to whoop ass!!

Remember, 34-year-old Dillashaw -- the former UFC bantamweight champ -- was popped for taking PED's before fighting Henry Cejudo in 2019 ... and was suspended 2 years.

Many people in the MMA world thought Dillashaw's reign at the top was done.

But, Archuleta -- T.J.'s longtime training partner -- says that's flat out fake news.

"I honestly think he'll be a lot better, ya know? You get that time off, and you get to rest the brain, rest the body. That guy's always pedal to the metal," Archuleta tells TMZ Sports.

"He gets to recover his whole body. People don't know he was dealing with 2 shoulder surgeries going into that [Cejudo] fight."

Dillashaw is scary ... an "a lot better" Dillashaw is downright frightening ... considering the guy has beaten up beasts like Cody Garbrandt (twice) and Renan Barao.

Dillashaw -- who admitted to using the banned substance, EPO -- is eligible to return to the Octagon in January 2021 ... and Juan says he'll immediately be ready to challenge for the title.

"T.J.'s doing well, man. He's getting big, strong, recovering from his double surgery, the shoulder surgery that he had. Of course, his suspension is coming to an end, so we're getting him ready so that way when his suspension is lifted he's gonna be ready to be in the title mix."

Speaking of titles ... 32-year-old Archuleta -- who also trains with Brian Ortega and Cub Swanson -- has a HUGE fight coming up. He's taking on Patrick Mix for the 135 lb. title at Bellator 246 on September 12.

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