Family

Kandi Burruss is a boss, and those bagging on her for taking a month off from her son's life to do "Celebrity Big Brother" are a bunch of lame-os ... so says her hubby, Todd Tucker.

We got Todd and his whole brood Wednesday at LAX and he staunchly defended his wife for choosing to take part in the reality show.

If you didn't know ... the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star caught some flak over the weekend when some fans called her out for missing her son, Ace's school recital.

Todd is having none of it ... and wanted to make it perfectly clear that Kandi's decision to join the CBS hit show only came AFTER she sat down and talked to the whole fam. In fact, her daughter, Riley was at the airport, too, and co-signed on that sentiment.

Check it out ... Todd has got a message for the haters.

He's also got a prediction on who is gonna win when the 2-hour finale airs Wednesday night.

Dina Lohan's alleged catfish boyfriend is going to prove he's the real deal, because he's planning to FaceTime Dina as soon as she gets out of the 'Big Brother' house ... TMZ has learned.

Dina's love interest, 53-year-old Jesse Nadler, tells TMZ ... he's going to surprise Dina with a FaceTime call Wednesday night, as soon as she's released from the "Celebrity Big Brother" house.

You'll recall, Dina got dragged by members of the 'CBB' house last week for having an exclusively online relationship for years, and she insisted he was the real deal.

Jesse confirms he's known Dina for 5 years, and they originally met on Facebook ... he says they had mutual friends because they're both from Long Island.

We're told Jesse was asked to fly out to the 'CBB' house, but he couldn't make it because his mother is battling cancer ... so he's going to use his new iPhone for his first ever foray into FaceTime.

Lindsay also got involved in the trolling, commenting about the episode and saying, "So proud of you mommy! But no more weird #catfish please."

Jesse says he's twice spoken to Lindsay over the phone, so he was pretty upset when he learned about her catfish comments ... and says Lindsay has him all wrong, telling us he would never take advantage of a woman and considers being labeled a "catfish" the worst insult imaginable.

Jesse also tells us he's full-steam ahead in his plans to pursue a relationship with Dina.

Forget Rookie of the Year ... Darius Leonard is now the Son of the Year -- 'cause the Colts superstar just bought his mom a new car ... AND SHE FREAKIN' LOVED IT!!!

Leonard surprised his mom with a new Mercedes over the weekend ... and her reaction to the gift was priceless -- doing a FULL SPRINT to the car, followed by celebratory laps in the parking lot.

It's an amazing video.

"Ain't [nothing] like putting a smile on your mother face!" Leonard wrote of the present ... "We've been through so much and now it's like we're on top of the world!"

It's been an incredible year for Darius ... the 2nd-round pick came outta nowhere to become one of the league's best linebackers -- winning Rookie of the Year honors this month.

But, things are about to get WAY better for Leonard and his mom soon ... dude is now just 3 years away from a FAT new contract.

Criss Angel's mind was blown when he heard Make-A-Wish wanted to grant his son his ultimate fantasy after wrapping up cancer treatment.

Criss tells us ... the Foundation granted his 4-year-old son, Johnny Crisstopher, a big wish after battling leukemia over the last 3 years.

Criss says Johnny's now in remission. Awesome news!!!

You see ... the famous illusionist has been granting Make-A-Wish requests for years -- 50 requests and counting, not to mention the boatload of money he's raised for the Foundation. He received the Magical Wish Maker of the Year Award back in 2010.

Fast forward to now ... Make-A-Wish helped arrange for little Johnny to meet Ryan from Ryan ToysReview -- the 7-year-old boy who has amassed 27 BILLION views on YouTube reviewing toys.

The Foundation flew Ryan and his family out to Vegas where the magician was throwing a huge party to celebrate his kid ending cancer treatment. Looks like the kids had a blast in the superhero-themed bash where Johnny looked pretty star-struck meeting Ryan.

Criss -- who has a new show "MINDFREAK" at Planet Hollywood in Vegas -- says he's now planning an event with help from Gary Oldman, Imagine Dragons and other celebs to raise $5M from one of his shows ... with proceeds benefiting the fight against pediatric cancer.

Blac Chyna's response to her mother accusing her of being an unfit parent can be summed up in just 4 words: new number, who dis?

Sources close to Chyna tell TMZ ... BC and her mom, Tokyo, haven't seen each other in at least 2 years so it's impossible for her to have a clue about how she parents Dream ... much less who should have custody.

TMZ broke the story ... Tokyo told us Rob Kardashian deserved to get custody of Dream until BC gets her s*** together. She thinks Chyna's series of bad choices -- as in this, this and this -- show she's not mommy material right now. So much for blood being thicker than water.

Ironically, our sources say Chyna thinks it's Tokyo's bad life decisions that drove a wedge between them years ago -- although they wouldn't say exactly what Tokyo did wrong ... in her daughter's eyes.

We're told Chyna's not the least bit worried about her mother's opinions, because she provides for her 2 kids, protects them and hires round-the-clock nannies to help care for them.

Chris Cornell won a Grammy Sunday nearly two years after his death ... and his children accepted it on his behalf with a heartfelt message about their father.

Cornell's two kids -- his son, Christopher, and his daughter, Toni -- took to the stage at Staples Center after their dad had been awarded the Grammy for Best Rock Performance for his song, "When Bad Does Good" ... his third Grammy win ever.

Christopher spoke first, reading from a statement that read in part ... "I never thought we'd be standing here without my dad. I'm sure he would be proud and honored. He was known for many things. He was a rock icon, the godfather of grunge and the creator of a movement."

Christopher added ... "While he touched the hearts of millions, most importantly he is known for to us is for being the greatest father in our ear."

His sister finished up the speech, saying ... "His voice was his vision and his music was his peace," adding ... "This is for you daddy and we love you so much." Chris' family walked the red carpet together before the show, and put on a united front for the cameras.

TMZ broke the story ... Chris was found dead in Detroit in 2017. A coroner ruled his death as a suicide by hanging.

He was 52.

Brandon Moore -- the man who created the viral "what are those" meme -- died after a night of ingesting a bunch of drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy ... TMZ has learned.

According to the Contra Costa County Coroner's report ... the exact cause of death was polypharmacy -- meaning he died as a result of ingesting multiple drugs. The coroner says Moore's blood tested positive for cocaine, morphine, codeine, methamphetamines and ecstasy.

What's more ... the report says Moore's wife, Noonie, told authorities he drank and possibly ingested cocaine the night before he was found dead. According to the report, there's no evidence to suggest Moore ingested the drugs with the intent to harm himself ... and lists the death as an accidental overdose.

As we reported ... Brandon's wife told us his heart stopped while he was sleeping in their Northern California home ... and now we know why.

The internet comedian, known as Young Busco, made a huge splash in 2015 after mocking a police officer's shoes as a joke. You'll recall, while his friend was being arrested, Brandon joked about the cop's clunky boots, saying, "What are those?"

The meme caught fire online ... and the catchphrase even appeared in "Black Panther." Michael Jordan was also jokingly asked, "What are those?" during a Q&A session at a basketball camp.

Brandon, who was a father of 9, was 31.

Kristoff St. John will be laid to rest next to his late son ... sources close to the family tell TMZ.

"The Young and the Restless" star will be buried at Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, California ... in a plot right beside the grave of Julian St. John, who tragically died by suicide in 2014.

We're told Kristoff's autopsy has been performed and his body's been released to the family, but it's unclear when his funeral will be held. His cause of death is still unknown.

We broke the story ... one of the actor's friends found his body at his San Fernando Valley home Sunday. Paramedics pronounced St. John dead at the scene but said there was no foul play ... though one source tells us alcohol may have been a factor.

We were also told Kristoff had checked himself into UCLA Medical Center in January for depression issues ... and had just been released a few days before his death.

His depression was linked in part to his son's suicide. Kristoff was hospitalized and placed under psychiatric evaluation after allegedly threatening to kill himself with a gun in 2017, right around the 2-year anniversary of Julian's death.

Kristoff was 52.

The wife of the retired soccer player who has been locked in a bitter divorce just got a restraining order against her estranged husband, after claiming he's been stalking and harassing her.

Sarah Jones claims in legal docs Jermaine Jones has been following her around town, despite an agreement they struck last December to stay away from each other.

Sarah filed for divorce last month ... this after he accused her of having a sexual relationship with David Charvet. David denies they had such a relationship, saying they were just friends.

Sarah claims in the docs, Jermaine has followed her to a market where she was shopping and then followed her car after she left, showed up at the Soho House where she was having lunch and sent her numerous "inappropriate, antagonistic and degrading messages."

Sarah says in the docs, "I believe Jermaine has acted this way to harass me, control me, intimidate me and disturb my peace of mind. I am scared of Jermaine's stalking behavior, Jermaine's monitoring my movements, Jermaine's harassing messages and Jermaine showing up at locations right when I am there."

You barely EVER see a Mayweather get knocked down in a boxing ring -- but that's what happened when Floyd's 66-year-old dad strapped on the gloves this week ... and it was all caught on video.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. -- a former pro boxer who became one of the top trainers in the world -- was at his son's TMT boxing gym in Vegas this week, where he decided to spar with one of the younger guys.

It started off great ... with Floyd Sr. stickin' and movin' and throwing some pretty quick shots -- but, when the other guy started to fight back, it didn't go well for the old man.

Floyd took a few clean shots to the head -- sending him flying backward ... and ended with the elder Mayweather lying flat on his back with his feet up in the air.

Don't worry ... he's tough -- he'll be fine.

Chill out Lakers fans ... no matter what came out of LaVar Ball's mouth, he ain't wreckin' your season ... so says Kenny Smith.

Remember ... LaVar said Luke Walton was the worst coach Zo's ever had ... and that their relationship was beyond repair.

So, what's that mean for the Lake show? Absolutely nothing, according to The Jet.

"It's not about dads and uncles and cousins in the NBA. It's not like high school," Smith told us ... "The relationship is only your agent and player. As long as the agent and the player doesn't say anything, you're fine."

In other words, LaVar can say whatever the hell he wants in the media ... and it won't mean a damn thing for the Lakers on the court.

In fact, Kenny's guaranteeing they make the playoffs.

Katherine Schwarzenegger's praise for fiance Chris Pratt is obviously something their fans are here for, but one "like" in particular stands out among tens of thousands -- the one from Joseph Baena.

Katherine's brother from another mother made it clear he's a fan of her engagement to Chris Friday, with a double-tap on her IG post. Kat was shouting out Pratt and encouraging fans to go check out his new film, 'The Lego Movie 2.'

Joseph's "like" could signal a big shift in the House of Schwarzenegger. As far as we know, Arnold's kids with Maria Shriver -- Katherine, Christopher and Patrick -- have never had a relationship with Joe ... whose mom is the housekeeper with whom Arnold had an affair.

It's possible they've connected away from the spotlight -- or it could just be that Joseph's using social media to extend an olive branch.

Kourtney Kardashian's dialing her fashion all the way back to the Renaissance period ... a shout out to Leonardo da Vinci that may or may not have him rolling in his grave.

The reality star stepped out Friday in NYC wearing this catsuit with the famous image of Mona Lisa plastered from neck to toe. She also flaunted some old-school Doc Martens. So, maybe she's going for a grunge look ... elevated even further by a trench coat.

Meghan Markle's dad is forcefully pushing back against claims he's refusing to reach out to his daughter ... TMZ has learned.

A close friend of Thomas Markle tells TMZ ... all the claims made by Meghan's friends about his relationship with his daughter are "bulls***" ... and Thomas can prove it.

In a recent People story, Meghan's friends claimed Thomas refused to call or text his daughter since she entered the British Royal Family ... but we're told Thomas says that's complete "nonsense."

We're told Meghan's dad texted a loving message on her wedding day, and they spoke over the phone the day before the royal wedding -- with Meghan expressing worry for her dad's health issues, and Prince Harry wishing him well.

However, our sources say things drastically changed after Meghan and Harry tied the knot ... because we're told the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stopped communicating with Thomas and went radio silent.

We're told Thomas tried reaching Meghan multiple times by text ... to no avail.

Bottom line ... Thomas hasn't heard from Meghan for months.

LaVar Ball just issued a stern warning to Magic Johnson and the Lakers' brass ... saying if they trade Lonzo -- they will NEVER win another championship.

And he clarified ... LeBron James NEEDS Lonzo if he wants another ring. Period.

It all went down on FS1's 'Undisputed' just moments ago ... when the Big Baller guaranteed L.A. will never have another title parade if Zo is shipped off.

"I told the Lakers a long time ago, 'If you trade my son, it'll be the worst thing you ever did.' And I guarantee, if they trade my son, they will NEVER get a championship."

Lonzo, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac are all reportedly part of a trade package the Lakers have offered the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis.

LaVar says the trade package is a mistake -- saying, the Lakers are trying to become a "one hitter quitter" to try to get a ring and it's a total mistake.

Ball warned the Lakers and LeBron James ... if you ship out Lonzo, you lose your best chance at a title.

In fact, the BBB honcho was so pissed about hearing the latest reports -- he went on an Arizona radio show this week and RIPPED Luke Walton, calling him, "the worst coach ever for Lonzo."

Melvin Upton's wife likes "B.J." ... so now his name is B.J.

For real.

The ex-MLB star used to go by the initials -- it was an homage to his father, whose nickname was "Bossman" ... and therefore made him "Bossman Jr."

But, B.J. switched his name back to his birth name Melvin in 2015 -- 'cause it was his real name and what almost everyone close to him called him.

But now, Upton is back to B.J. ... and tells TMZ Sports it really wasn't his decision.

"My wife. She said Melvin didn't sound right."

She's kinda got a point ... Melvin Upton Jr. is a mouthful to say for a guy who's retired and is now trying to make a name for himself as a baseball analyst on television.

Plus ... when he was "B.J." -- the dude was a superstar ... hitting around 20 home runs and stealing around 40 bags with ease during seasons.

AND, as they say -- happy wife, happy life ... right, B.J.??

There's more ... Mr. Upton also tells us why he's retired FOR GOOD and won't attempt a comeback (his back's all jacked up).