'Breaking Bad' Mike Batayeh Dead at 52

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Actor and comedian, Mike Batayeh, who "Breaking Bad" fans came to know as the manager at Gustavo's infamous laundromat has died ... TMZ has learned.

Mike's family tells us Batayeh died June 1 in his sleep of a heart attack while home in Michigan. His sister Diane says his death was very sudden, as he didn't have a history of heart issues.

A family statement about his passing reads, "He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many."

Mike appeared on 3 episodes from 2011 to 2012 on the award-winning AMC hit as Dennis Markowski, the manager of Lavandería Brillante industrial laundromat.

The laundromat, owned by Gustavo Fring served as a disguise for the meth lab where Bryan Cranston's Walter White and Aaron Paul's Jesse Pinkman turned out tons of product.

Apart from his work on "Breaking Bad," Mike was a successful comedian, traveling the globe and did voicework as well as made appearances on "The Bernie Mac Show," "Boy Meets World" and "CSI: Miami."

Mike is survived by 5 sisters, and tons of nephews and nieces ... we're told everyone is devastated.

He was only 52.

RIP

Justin Bieber Dad Clarifies Anti-LGBTQ Comments ... Only Makes It Worse

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Someone might wanna take Justin Bieber's dad's phone -- he's attempting to clear up his previous anti-LGBTQ comment, claiming he's misunderstood ... and really is just making things worse.

Jeremy hopped on Twitter Friday morning to further explain what he meant in posting, "Don't forget to thank a straight person this month for your existence."

Jeremy says, "My post was to acknowledge families, that's it! and before you say I abandoned my son, move on! that's an old narrative pushed! its ridiculous and didn't happen. Now my delivery may have been poor but it was not to be hateful or homophobic."

What Jeremy has clearly failed to learn from the wave of criticism he's received is ... straight people aren't the only ones who have families.

He also played the "some of my best friends are" card in his clarification, tweeting ... "My brother is gay and I adore him, Love whomever you want that’s your business not "mine"  my problem is the hostile takeover of our cities and schools by LGBTQ this is the concern of many. There is a place for everyone, and everyone’s opinion! That does not equal hate!"

Jeremy's reference of a "hostile takeover" screams of someone who's been shooting up cases of Bud Light, and/or tearing down Pride displays in a Target store.

He's claiming he's not anti-LGBTQ, but to say there's been a "takeover" of cities and schools is not only inaccurate, it's the dangerous kind of rhetoric that puts LGBTQ members at risk.

Little advice for Jeremy -- maybe just take the rest of this month off to enjoy your version of a family.

Put the phone down, and wish your brother a happy ... June?

Takeoff's Mom Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Houston Venue Where He Was Shot & Killed

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UPDATE

8:29 AM PT -- Drew Findling, the attorney representing Takeoff's mother, tells TMZ ... "Along with Atlanta attorneys Pete Law and Mike Moran (as Georgia attorneys we will be filing the requisite paperwork to be admitted pro hac vice in this case) and Houston attorney Ron Estefan, it is our honor to represent Ms. Titania Davenport in bringing this necessary lawsuit."

UPDATE

"With great specifics, the petition lays out the reasons for the filing of this lawsuit. Kirshnik was a gentle soul, whose loving nature and incredible musical talents made him not only beloved by his family and friends, but by his fans throughout the world. He is sorely missed, and we are committed to vigorously fighting on behalf of his memory and his loving mother."

Takeoff's mother Titania Davenport has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Houston venue where the Migos rapper was shot and killed on November 1.

According to the court docs, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Davenport claims the companies behind 810 Billiards & Bowling failed to take appropriate security measures to protect guests at the venue ... including her son, Takeoff.

The suit, filed Wednesday in Harris County, Texas also cites the lack of security prechecks while knowing Takeoff's celebrity would draw a huge crowd.

Patrick Xavier Clark, the man police say fired the fatal shot that killed the 28-year-old, isn't named in the suit ... but Davenport alleges 810 should have known there was a risk of violence based on past incidents on the premises and the crime in the surrounding area.

Takeoff had a huge memorial service inside State Farm Arena in his hometown Atlanta and the suit is seeking over a million dollars in damages to cover his funeral expenses, mental anguish, and more.

Rolling Stone was the first to report on Takeoff's mother's lawsuit.

Originally Published -- Friday, June 9 8:35 AM PT

John Amos Hospitalized, Daughter Claims Elder Abuse ... John, Rep Say She's Lying

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UPDATE

12:27 PM PT -- We spoke with John Amos, who tells us the details laid out by his daughter Shannon Amos are a lie ... no one is abusing him and he hasn't been fighting for his life. He says he's got no idea as to why Shannon may have started the GoFundMe.

UPDATE

As for the hospitalization, John's rep, Belinda Foster, tells us he's been in the hospital because his lower body was filling with fluid, all the way to his abdomen, and causing issues with his heart. Foster says doctors have been able to drain all of it, and John's recently started to feel 100%.

"Good Times" star and "America's Dad" John Amos was left fighting for his life in the hospital after falling victim to elder abuse and possible financial crimes ... according to his daughter.

Shannon Amos just made the shocking announcement, saying she got a distressing call from her dad last month ... who informed her he was in the hospital in Memphis. Shannon says she was able to get John on a quick FaceTime -- as she was out of the country -- before his pain became unbearable.

Shannon says in the last few weeks, the Amos family has learned the 83-year-old, "Had fallen victim to elder abuse and financial exploitation."

She doesn't give details as to who is involved -- only saying a "caregiver" -- or what exactly happened to Amos, but does note, "His home had been violated, stripped of anything valuable." She also says the family is working with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and cops to get justice.

In an attempt to help her dad's recovery and help bring those allegedly responsible to justice, Shannon's set up a GoFundMe with a $500k goal. Shannon says the money will be used for John's care, legal fees, and aftercare.

While many would say John's biggest role was James in "Good Times," he also starred in "Roots" and was on "The West Wing."

We've reached out to Shannon for additional details ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 11:32 AM PT

DC Young Fly Breaks Silence on Jacky Oh!'s Death 'Greatest Mother I Know'

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DC Young Fly is breaking his silence on the death of his longtime partner, Jacky Oh!, calling her the greatest mother he's ever known ... and promising to tell their kids how amazing she was for the rest of their lives.

DC took to Instagram, posting a series of photos of their family, and writing, "I wasn’t in no rush to post this because I wanted it to be a dream so bad but every hour I’m reminded of realty so I wanna make sure I applaud you in the proper manner."

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He says, "You are the GREATEST MOTHER I KNOW your soul was beautiful Yu always wanted the best for others and I admired how our family love each other!!! Never had to worry about our kids loving each other cause you were on top of Dat!!!"

DC also shared some details of the couple's last convo, revealing he said he'd pray for her -- though it's not exactly clear why he felt the need to do so.

He continues, "LOVE YOU FOREVER jus know we goinn harder than ever and GOD is in control and he got us covered."

TMZ broke the story, Jacky died in Miami last week.

While her cause of death is currently unclear, online reports said she was in the city for some sort of "Mommy Makeover" cosmetic procedure.

We discussed Jacky's passing in a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Leo DiCaprio & Gigi Hadid Arrive To Same Hotel Mins Apart Gigi Rides w/ Leo's Parents!!!

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Leonardo DiCaprio and Gigi Hadid certainly aren't doing anything to quiet the speculation they're dating ... arriving to the same hotel only minutes apart for a possible rendezvous.

Both Leo and Gigi hightailed it back to London's Chiltern Firehouse Hotel Wednesday ... doing their usual routine of pulling up in separate cars. However, their timing wasn't so sneaky ... with Gigi arriving around 1:16 AM and Leo getting there only a couple minutes after.

What's interesting, Gigi hitched a ride with Leo's Dad George DiCaprio and stepmom Peggy Farrar, entering the hotel from the front. Leo went solo through the backdoor.

One source tells us it was all just a coincidence -- both Leo and Gigi had separate groups of friends inside Chiltern ... but the source couldn't answer why Gigi rode in with Leo's dad.

Of course, this event comes only 24 hours after the two hit up a 20-person dinner party at China Tang organized by Leo's pal British Vogue Editor Edward Enninful. Leo's parents also attended that outing.

As we reported, Leo and Gigi ended their night at the same hotel after that dinner as well.

The two were first linked last September, but neither side has confirmed dating rumors.

The more we see, it appears actions are speaking louder than words, anyway.

Tupac Gets Star on Walk of Fame ... Sister Gives Teary Tribute

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FULFILLING HIS DREAM

Late rap icon Tupac Shakur has officially been honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame ... and the occasion brought out his fam, friends and everlasting supporters.

Tupac's sister Sekyiwa Shakur held back tears as she addressed the massive crowd Wednesday while speaking on her brother's accomplishments ... summing up his legacy as one filled with passion and perseverance.

Fans and friends -- including YG, Mike Epps, Naughty By Nature's Treach, and ceremony MC Big Boy -- completely shut down part of Hollywood Blvd to pay their respects to Tupac, who is still hailed as one of the best rappers of all time.

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Tupac was previously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and has a pair of Diamond albums to go along with his 75 million records sold and the Hollywood star simply dots the "i" in Thug Life!!!

News of Tupac's star traveled all the way to the East Coast -- TMZ Hip Hop caught up with beatboxing legend Doug E. Fresh, who told us the "Dear Mama" rapper was a star on Earth so he deserves the honor tenfold!!!

Attorney Ben Crump Ajike Owens Shooting Was Murder ... Says Manslaughter Charge Too Light

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A TERROR TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The white woman who shot and killed her Black neighbor -- a mother of 4 -- is getting off easy when it comes to charges ... so says attorney Ben Crump and the victim's mother, who both say race is very much a factor.

Crump and Pamela Dias joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live," to reveal everything that led up to Friday's tragedy. Police say 58-year-old Susan Louise Lorincz opened fire through her front door, killing 35-year-old Ajike Owens, who was knocking on the door to defend her kids.

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SUSPECT ARRESTED

Lorincz was arrested Tuesday night, and charged with 2 counts of assault, battery, culpable negligence, and manslaughter. That last charge is offensive to Pamela, as she firmly believes her daughter was murdered.

Crump pointed out prosecutors still have the discretion to upgrade the charges against Lorincz, and he says that's warranted in this case.

Pamela and Ben claim Lorincz has been tormenting neighborhood kids -- including Ajike's -- for years about an open field where they play. They say her anger was completely unwarranted as Lorincz didn't own the land, which is adjacent to her apartment.

Perhaps most tragically, Pamela says 2 of her grandkids witnessed their mother get shot.

And, Crump says he has no doubt racism is a critical factor in this case -- he claims Lorincz has hurled epithets and insults at kids on previous occasions.

Right now, Pamela says she's focused on trying to give her 4 grandchildren as much normalcy as possible, but also realizes her family will never be the same again after the brutal slaying of her daughter, Ajike.

Justin Bieber Dad Posts Offensive LGBTQ Message ... 'Thank a Straight Person'

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UPDATE

9:39 AM PT -- Jeremy Bieber just offered up a half-assed apology, writing, "Acknowledging the nuclear family is offensive? My apologies to those offended. Was not my intent. Not that my opinion matters."

UPDATE

Justin Bieber's dad, Jeremy, is letting everybody know exactly how he feels about Pride Month, posting dismissive messages about the celebrations happening this June.

Jeremy, who has children with 3 different women, took to Twitter Wednesday to post a meme of a Pride flag and the message, "Don't forget to thank a straight person this month for your existence."

The meme comes on the heels of his posting Monday, which read, "We need to celebrate families. U know the reason we’re all here! The things this generation glorifies is unbelievable!"

Jeremy's messaging is pretty clear ... he's not about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, and Justin's fans have certainly let him have it with their responses.

One wrote, "Don't forget to thank Justin Bieber this month for your paid bills" another said, "Yes! thanks straight man, who left your woman at the time raising your child alone. You are definitely the best person to something about family, respect and love."

Jeremy had Justin with Pattie Mallette when the two were 18 and split shortly after. Pattie raised Justin on her own with the help of her own parents ... though Justin and Jeremy maintained a relationship as he got older.

Of course, Jeremy's posts come on the heels of heightened tension and anti-LGBTQ legislation over the past several months. As we reported, a brawl broke out in California last night as a school board met to discuss including LGBTQ curriculum.

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

Originally Published -- 7:21 AM PT

Tupac's Dad 'Dear Mama,' the Song & Docuseries Break My Heart 💔!!!

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Tupac Shakur's biological father Billy Garland is revealing he initially hated his late son's classic tribute "Dear Mama," because Pac labeled him a "coward" ... and told the world he was dead when he's clearly alive.

He's also not a fan of Hulu's record-breaking docuseries "Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur" ... as he claims director Allen Hughes tricked him into doing an interview for the project.

The ex-Black Panther recently voiced a gang of gripes with Tupac tribute channel "The Art of Dialogue," where he explained he'd been attempting to find Tupac for several years after being separated, and realized "someone" had lied to him about his existence.

Billy was able to get over the disses in 'Mama,' and now calls the song "beautiful" ... while also claiming he bumps his son's music daily.

Allen Hughes isn't getting the same pardon from Billy, who says he feels FX's 'Dear Mama' blindsided him. He says he didn't know his testimony would be leveraged against the legacy of Afeni.

Billy says had he known Allen's true intentions, he wouldn't have sat done for the interview. He also takes issue with the project's insinuation Tupac suffered from bipolar disorder.

Despite Billy's personal bag of rotten tomatoes, FX boasts 'Dear Mama' is its most-watched premiere for an unscripted series ever.

Leo DiCaprio & Gigi Hadid Meet His Parents ... For Dinner in London!!!

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Just when ya thought it was over, Leonardo DiCaprio and Gigi Hadid are still spending time together ... and even took their situationship to another level by hanging with his dad and stepmom!!

Here's the deal ... Leo and Gigi both ended their Tuesday nights at London's Chiltern Firehouse, but did their usual routine of arriving a few minutes apart.

She was with another model pal, and Leo was with his father George DiCaprio and stepmom Peggy Farrar. Coincidence? Maybe.

But, earlier in the evening -- after Leo took a stroll with his folks -- they'd ended up at yet another restaurant, China Tang, at about the same time. Fool us once ...

Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... Leo and Gigi attended a dinner party at China Tang, but it wasn't just them and his folks. We're told it was a 20-person event organized by Leo's pal British Vogue Editor Edward Enninful.

So, not a cozy, romantic, meet-the-parents type of deal, but they were all there -- and the night out comes after several months of Gigi and Leo "running into" each other several times in different cities around the world.

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ONE AFTER ANOTHER

Just last month, the two were spotted leaving the same event at Cipriani SoHo in NYC ... just minutes apart. And, they pulled a similar move before that at a Met Gala after-party.

All of that has fueled dating rumors ever since they were first linked last September, but neither has confirmed anything.

We're guessing Leo's parents had a lot of the same questions -- for him and Gigi -- that you do.

Zion Williamson Epic Firework Gender Reveal ... Gonna Be A 'Girl Dad!'

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Add "Girl Dad" to Zion Williamson's resume ... the former number one overall draft pick, who is expecting a child with his girlfriend, just learned they're having a baby daughter!!

The 22-year-old and his pregnant GF Ahkeema invited some of their closest family and friends over for the gender reveal, and did it in a pretty awesome way ... courtesy of a fireworks show!

After the catered food, baby games, and presents were opened, it was time to get down to business. Zion and Ahkeema stood a few feet away from a sign that read "Boy or Girl," as the fireworks show began.

Then, poof ... pink confetti shot into the air, and the couple lost it!

"My baby, you’re going to see this at some point," Williamson said. "I don’t know what the future holds, but mommy and daddy love you."

"If you don’t know nothin' else in this world, know that mommy and daddy love you -- for life."

The Pelicans star signed a 5-year rookie extension worth $193 million with New Orleans in July ... and fans desperately hope the 2-time All-Star's on the court for the start of the '23-'24 season after missing more than 50 games this year.

Congrats and happy early Father's Day, Zion! 👶

Pete Davidson Leaves PETA Unhinged Voice Mail ... 'F*** You, Suck My D***'

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Pete Davidson is going to war with PETA over the new dog he bought, and he fired the latest shot via a profanity-laced voice mail for the animal rights group -- a move he doesn't regret, but says came from a place of grief.

PETA says the actor left the heated message Monday for the org's Senior VP of Cruelty Investigations, Daphna Nachminovitch. He got her name because she'd issued a statement to TMZ, expressing PETA's collective disappointment in Pete buying a puppy at an NYC pet store instead of adopting from a shelter.

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PUPPY PICKUP

On the voice mail, Pete announces himself and says he's responding to Daphna's statement, which he calls uneducated and premature. He notes he's allergic to dogs -- as his rep told us -- and that's why he had to get a cavapoo, a nearly hypoallergenic breed because they don't shed.

He also says the dog is for his mother, whose previous pup just died.

Then comes an expletive-laced diatribe that might rival Christian Bale (not really, though) ... in which he angrily tells Daphna to do her research before talking to media, drops an F-bomb and makes a vulgar suggestion involving his penis.

PETA isn't backing down, though, telling TMZ, "If Pete had done his research, he would know that there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, that at least a quarter of dogs in shelters are purebreds, and that Petfinder has listings for homeless dogs of every breed under the sun, including the one he purchased."

We contacted Pete about his furious voice mail, and he admits he was unaware he could "adopt a specific hypoallergenic dog." He says he was told "it wasn't an option, and if it was, it was rare."

As for his anger, he addressed that by emphasizing his family was really going through it after his mother's dog died -- "I haven't seen my mom and sister cry like that in over 20 years. I was trying to cheer up my family. I was already upset that the store had filmed me without my permission or acknowledgement. Then this organization (PETA) made a public example of us, making our grieving situation worse. I am upset. It was a poor choice of words. I shouldn't have said what I said, but I am not sorry for standing up for myself and my family."

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Prior to Pete offering that explanation, PETA told us ... "Our hearts go out to the Davidson family for the loss of their dog, but Pete must know in his heart that there's no excuse for buying a dog and propping up the puppy mill industry when millions of dogs await loving homes in shelters, and we hope he'll do the right thing and adopt next time."

It's clear neither side is blinking in the shop vs. adopt a dog debate.

Britney Spears Sean Preston's 'My First Love' ... Olive Branch Amid Sons' Hawaii Move?

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Britney Spears is in the mood for reconciliation with her children as they prepare to leave California later this summer ... at least that's the vibe she's giving with a new IG post dedicated to her firstborn.

Britney showed her emotions Monday, posting a throwback photo of Sean Preston, and captioning it, "My first love!!!"

This post comes 2 days after she shared a nostalgic pic of her youngest, Jayden. That shot was from when he was only 4-years-old, and still being carried around by his mom.

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Britney turned off the IG comments on her Sean Preston post ... just as she did over the weekend with the Jayden photo, which she simply captioned with 2 rose emojis 🌷🌷 and no words.

Britney's posts are interesting because her relationship with her sons has been strained ... and as we first reported, their father Kevin Federline plans to move to Hawaii this summer with the boys and his wife, Victoria.

K-Fed asked Britney to sign off on the relocation plan, and last week she did through her attorney, Mathew Rosengart.

Remember, she hasn't seen Jayden and Sean Preston in more than a year, so her posts feel like a sign she's open to reconciling before they move to the islands.

Britney's recently sat down with her mother, Lynne Spears, to repair that relationship ... so there's some recent precedent here. 🤞🏽

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

President Biden Moment Of Silence For Norma Hunt ... During Chiefs' W.H. Visit

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President Biden paid homage to the late Norma Hunt, mother of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, who passed away on Sunday ... holding a moment of silence during the team's White House visit to celebrate their Super Bowl LVII win.

The Chiefs visited 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Monday with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of their matriarch, Norma, wife of late Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, who died at 85.

The Commander-in-Chief called Norma, who attended all 57 Super Bowls, "one of the most loyal Chiefs fans there ever was," adding her presence was missed during the celebration.

POTUS sent condolences to the entire Hunt family and the Chiefs' organization on his and First Lady Jill Biden's behalf (FLOTUS was in the Middle East.)

The Prez mentioned his wife, a diehard Eagles fan, is still upset the Eagles lost ... and refuses to believe James Bradberry was called for holding Juju Smith-Schuster (even though Bradberry admitted to it). 😅

Nevertheless, #46 commended the Chiefs' dynasty for their dominance under head coach Andy Reid ... signaling out the players for their great work ethic.

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce presented the Prez with a custom Chiefs Biden #46 jersey ... and as Trav went to say a few words, Mahomes stepped in and shut it down.

The Chiefs didn't visit the White House after defeating the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV in 2020 due to COVID restrictions, so this visit meant a lot to the organization ... and that showed during the ceremony.

Bam Margera Placed on 5150 Hold

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Bam Margera is a danger to himself and others, according to the police officers who located him in L.A., and promptly put him on a 5150 psychiatric hold ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... LAPD officers tracked down Bam Sunday afternoon by tracking his phone, and they eventually found him at Trejo's Tacos -- the L.A. hot spot owned by Danny Trejo.

We're told they made contact with Bam and found his erratic speech and behavior -- combined with recent suicidal threats he's made -- enough reason to call in a psychiatric evaluation team. Once they met with Bam, they determined he needed to be 5150'd.

Our sources say Bam was taken to a mental health facility, where, by law, he can be held for up to 72 hours. It's unclear if he's still getting treatment.

As we reported, Bam's latest spiral started last week when he threatened to smoke crack until he died if he doesn't get to see his son.

The former "Jackass" star is in the middle of a divorce from his estranged wife, Nikki ... and he says she won't let him see their boy.

On Sunday, Bam's brother, Jess Margera, fired off a desperate tweet, asking if anyone had information on Bam's whereabouts. Jess says Bam sent a text to family members that made them fear he was suicidal.