Honey Boo Boo's Dad To Check Into Lamar's Rehab Facility ... Prescription Drug Addiction
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Mike "Sugar Bear" Thompson is seeking help for an addiction ... and he's turning to one of Lamar Odom's rehab centers for treatment.
Sources close to Sugar Bear tell TMZ ... he reached out to Lamar over the weekend about going to one of his treatment centers, and on Thursday evening he will check into a facility in Kansas to focus on his recovery.
We're told Honey Boo Boo's dad is hooked on prescription drugs he started taking as part of his diabetes treatments, and he also has severe depression and anxiety.
Our sources say Sugar Bear first met Lamar last summer through their manager, and they've since established a friendship, which led him to start rehab at the Gold Bridge Treatment Center in Louisburg -- part of the Odom Recovery Group.
We're told Sugar Bear hasn't had a relationship with Honey Boo Boo for more than a year now, and he was noticeably absent from her graduation. It's unclear if their estrangement is tied to his addiction.
Our sources say Sugar Bear is still hoping he can mend fences with his daughter once he's completed his rehab stint.
As we reported, Sugar Bear underwent an astonishing makeover last year following a cancer scare, but since then he's hit a rough patch -- we're told his most recent girlfriend broke up with him a month ago, and he hasn't been handling it well.
Hopefully, rehab helps him turn things around.
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Disney Star Coco Lee DEAD AT 48 BY SUICIDE
Coco Lee, famous for voicing Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney's "Mulan," has died by suicide.
Coco's sisters, Carol and Nancy, say she attempted suicide at home Sunday and was sent to a hospital, where she slipped into a coma and died on Wednesday despite attempts to save her life.
Coco suffered from depression for years, her family says, and she sought professional help ... but her condition drastically deteriorated over the last few months and she ultimately took her own life.
In addition to her work with Disney, Coco performed an Oscar-nominated song, "A Love Before Time," in the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" as part of a three-decade career as a singer.
Coco was born in Hong Kong but attended middle school and high school in San Francisco, where she was crowned 1991's Miss Teen Chinatown.
She was the first Chinese singer to go big in America, with her song "Do You Want My Love" reaching No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Breakout chart way back in 1999.
Coco's family is remembering her for working "tirelessly to open up a new world for Chinese singers in the international music scene, and she went all out to shine for the Chinese."
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She was 48.
RIP
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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Robert De Niro Grandson Died from Fentanyl-Laced Drugs, Mom Says
Robert De Niro's grandson is one of the latest victims of the fentanyl crisis ... according to his mother.
Leandro De Niro's mother confirms TMZ's story ... police are investigating the 19-year-old's death as a possible overdose, and adds someone consciously sold him tainted drugs.
Drena De Niro said on Instagram, Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him."
She went on ... "So for all these people still f**king around selling and buying this s***, my son is gone forever."
As we reported, police found drugs and drug paraphernalia near his body at a New York City Apartment.
The Medical Examiner has not determined an official cause of death. Toxicology tests could take a while. The Manhattan D.A. is now on the case as well, so it appears authorities are looking for the drug dealer.
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Jackie Chan Viral 'Daughter' Clip Fake Real One Says He's Absentee & Homophobic?!?
Jackie Chan might not be the father social media thinks he is -- after a viral clip with his "daughter" blew up -- cuz it's actually only a scene from a movie ... and his real daughter says he's a nasty homophobe.
The famed martial arts star trended this weekend after a video of him watching his old onscreen stunts -- alongside a woman many believed was his daughter -- made the rounds. And for good reason ... it plays as incredibly touching/sentimental, complete with tears.
The only problem ... this clip isn't actually real, meaning it doesn't depict Jackie next to his real-life flesh and blood. It's actually just a scene from a recent movie of his -- "Ride On" -- in which he plays a famous former stuntman-movie star who just so happens to be watching a Jackie Chan reel. Yes, it's very meta -- so much so, it fooled the Internet.
Here's the cold reality of Jackie's familial sitch ... he and his actual kiddo, Etta Ng Chok Lam, are estranged. She's accused him of abandoning her, claiming he hates the fact she's a lesbian.
Jackie had Etta out of wedlock ... and according to her, she hasn't had any contact or help from Jackie for several years -- at times, even, having been left to live on the streets and fend for herself ... despite her famous tie.
What makes this dynamic even more cringe-worthy is the fact that Etta has accused Jackie of homophobia -- suggesting that's part of the reason he wants nothing to do with her.
Many people on Twitter were aware of Jackie's past with Etta, and responded with a ton of harsh words for Jackie as the clip continued to grow in popularity.
It doesn't appear Jackie responded to Etta's most recent public accusation in 2018 -- he also hasn't chimed in on the goodwill he received over the fake daddy-daughter date everyone else enjoyed.
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Kyle Richards & Mauricio Umansky Celebrate Fourth Of July Together ... Amid Reports of a Split
Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky claim to be separated ... but you wouldn't know it from these photos.
"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" stars posted a series of images on Instagram, showing the couple very much together while enjoying the Fourth of July with their family.
In one photo, the couple is all smiles standing next to each other and 2 of their daughters.
Another picture captures Kyle and Mauricio hanging out with their dog on a quaint street in a mountain town. Not only do they seem happy, but Mauricio also has his arm around Kyle -- a sure sign of affection.
'RHOBH' Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky Reportedly Split
Makes you wonder just how serious their split is. Remember, People magazine reported they were separated ... but still living under the same roof as friends.
So, are they just friends and good co-parents, or are they working out their marital issues as husband and wife?
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Well, that brings us to Kyle and Mauricio's IG statement in which they denied rumors they were divorcing while admitting they were working on their 27-year marriage.
Whatever their relationship status is ... seems like things are going smoothly for the moment. Let's hope it stays that way.
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Robert De Niro Filmed Heading To Funeral Home ... After Grandson's Apparent Overdose Death
Robert De Niro was pictured for the first time since news broke of his grandson Leandro's apparent overdose death ... and the images captured him heading to a Manhattan funeral home.
The legendary actor left his Upper East Side townhouse with a newspaper clutched in his hand, before getting into an SUV, which then chauffeured him to the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel nearby, according to photos taken by the Daily Mail.
The footage also showed De Niro walking into the funeral home with Leandro's parents, De Niro's adoptive daughter, Drena, and her ex-husband, Carlos Rodriguez. De Niro then returned to his Manhattan home after making funeral arrangements for Leandro, who was only 19.
As we reported, 19-year-old Leandro was found dead inside an NYC apartment Sunday when a friend went to check on him after not hearing from him for a while. NYPD detectives discovered what appeared to be narcotics and drug paraphernalia at the scene, leading them to believe Leandro's death was an overdose. The medical examiner will make the final determination on how he died.
De Niro issued a statement, mourning Leandro's passing, "I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
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Michael Jordan Hell No I Don't Approve of Son Dating Larsa Pippen
Michael Jordan has never been one to mince his words, and he's sticking true to form when asked about his son, Marcus, dating Larsa Pippen.
The G.O.A.T (to most) was spotted leaving dinner at Matignon in Paris Sunday when he was asked about 32-year-old Marcus' relationship with 48-year-old Pippen.
At first, MJ just laughs -- but the photog doubles down asking if Jordan approves -- to which Michael offers a resounding "No!" The photog asks again, and MJ just shakes his head no.
Obviously, MJ's take is much different than the story Larsa recently told a few months ago on "The Tamron Hall Show." When asked about her dynamic with Marcus' family, she said, "I feel like, we've spent holidays together and it's good. We're in a great place."
Of course, Marcus and Larsa have been dating for quite some time now. Larsa admitted when they first got together she had him saved in her phone under a different name to prevent anyone from finding out about the couple.
The pairing is an odd one considering Michael's history with Larsa Pippen's ex-husband Scottie Pippen. The pair won several championships over the years in Chicago, but they've since had a drastic falling-out.
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Robert De Niro Grandson Leandro Dead at 19 ... Possible Overdose
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9:00 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Leandro's death is being investigated as an overdose. We're told the teen was house-sitting, and both drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body.
Robert De Niro released a statement Monday, saying, "I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
De Niro's grandson, actor Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, has died ... TMZ has confirmed.
The 19-year-old was found dead sitting in a chair, inside a New York City apartment Sunday afternoon, law enforcement tells TMZ. We're told there were no obvious signs that led to his death. He was found by a friend who hadn't heard from him in a few days and was checking in on him.
His mother, Drena De Niro, confirmed her son's passing on Instagram Sunday night.
"My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly. You have been my joy my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life. I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you. I don’t know how to live without you but I’ll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama. You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you. 😞 Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy."
Leandro appeared in the 2018 film, "A Star is Born." He played the son of Bradley Cooper's best friend, George "Noodles" Stone, played by Dave Chappelle. Leandro also appeared in "Cabaret Maxime" in 2018.
Drena was adopted by Robert De Niro in 1976, after marrying Diahnne Abbott.
Leandro's dad was artist Carlos Rodriguez.
Leandro was only 19. RIP
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Britney Spears K-Fed Won't Force Sons to See Her Before Move to HI
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Britney Spears hasn't seen her kids in well over a year, a timeline that could grow even longer ... because TMZ has learned Kevin Federline won't force his boys to see their mom before taking off to Hawaii.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Britney and Kevin's boys -- Sean Preston and Jayden -- will make their own decisions on whether they'll say their goodbyes to their mom before the move in August. Our sources say the boys haven't yet decided what they'll do.
As for Kevin, we're told he is encouraging his boys to see Britney ... but he isn't going to make the decision for them, and won't force them to visit Brit if they're not up for it.
TMZ broke the story, Kevin's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan sent a letter to Britney's lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, in May -- asking if she'd be willing to let the boys relocate to Hawaii with Kevin and his wife, Victoria Prince.
Kevin needed Britney's approval to take them off the mainland and even put a deadline on the response. Rosengart answered with a few days to spare, confirming Britney wouldn't fight the relocation ... giving them the green light for the move.
Britney posted about her sons on social media after approving the Hawaii trip -- calling Sean Preston her "first love," and sharing a throwback pic of her carrying a then 4-year-old Jayden ... possibly sending an olive branch before they take off.
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Joey Chestnut Down To M-Eat Up With Gronk Bros!!! ... After Hot Dog Contest
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The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest might not be the toughest competition on Joey Chestnut's radar ... 'cause the greatest eater alive tells TMZ Sports he is down to go head-to-head with the Gronkowski brothers in an epic showdown!!
We spoke with the the 15-time champion ahead of the annual Fourth of July tradition ... and he says he feels healthy and ready to go as he looks to break his own world record of 76 franks.
"The goal is to win, but if the dogs are good, the weather is right, I feel like that record of 76 could definitively go down," Joey tells us.
In fact, Jaws says he's even broken 80 glizzys during preparation for the big event ... but notes that went down in "perfect" conditions, and anything can happen when it all goes down in Coney Island.
The last time we spoke with Chestnut, he said he was interested in taking on a fellow G.O.A.T. -- Tom Brady -- in an eating competition ... and while he didn't hear from the 7-time Super Bowl champ, his former teammate's fam wants to put him to the test.
"The Gronkowski brothers, they reached out," Chestnut tells us. "That might even be better, eating against the Gronk brothers, the Gronk clan. Those guys are beasts and maybe we can make that happen."
When we pitched the idea of Joey going up against Rob, Dan, Gordie, Chris and Glenn all at once ... he seemed 100% in.
"Those are big boys. That would be fun. I think that is gonna happen."
Now THAT is something we'd love to see. Pick up the phone, Gronk bros!!
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Vegas Financier Jay Bloom Here's Why My Son & I Skipped Titan Sub ... Too Many Red Flags
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Jay Bloom and his son, Sean, dodged death by skipping a ride on the doomed Titan submersible at the last minute -- and, now they're explaining why ... red flags galore.
The multimillionaire Vegas tycoon -- who recently disclosed he and his boy were on the verge of being passengers themselves -- were out in Bev Hills and he further explained what he and Sean saw that gave them major pause.
It sounds like it was the younger Bloom in this instance that might've saved his old man -- based on what he describes here ... common sense and good judgment kicked in.
Take a listen for yourself ... Sean says there were a few things that stood out to him when he did his research -- including the fact that OceanGate's CEO, Stockton Rush, was literally piloting this thing with nothing more than a Logitech video game controller.
That spelled trouble to Sean ... as did the actual construction/makeup of the vessel itself, which Sean wisely surmised would not be able to withstand the ocean's immense pressure at those far-down depths. While Titan had completed successful voyages up until that point, something in Sean's gut told him to steer clear ... and they obviously chose correctly.
As we all know ... the five people aboard, including Rush, perished after the sub imploded. Their spots were given to another father-son duo (Shahzada and Suleman Dawood) which is something that, as Jay and Sean explain, lingers. As they say, it could've been them.
Jay believes that Stockton's decision-making did not come from a bad place... but he was just so passionate about his project that it clouded his judgment.
Now, here's the kicker ... Jay and Sean say their prospective Titanic exploration days are NOT behind them, despite everything that's unfolded. In fact, they're down to go down there ... but with the right person.
Take a guess at who they have in mind.
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France In Flames Riots Hit Paris 'Burb and Other Cities After Police Kill Teen
France was roiled by riots for a fourth night Friday after police killed a 17-year-old as the country's leader, Emmanuel Macron, blasted the protesters.
Mobs of people went on an evening rampage through the streets of a Paris suburb, where the teen, identified as Nahel M, was fatally shot by cops during a traffic stop Tuesday.
The crowds expressed their fury over Nahel's death by smashing windows and setting cars and buildings ablaze. They also violently clashed with cops in riot gear as more than 1,300 demonstrators were arrested and detained overnight all across France.
France's Interior Ministry said 2,560 fires were reported on public roads, 1,350 cars were burned, and there were 234 incidents involving damaged or charred buildings.
In addition, police were attacked 58 times by militants and 79 officers suffered injuries. A total of 45,000 cops were dispatched Friday to quell the chaos in the Paris suburb and other towns and cities like Marseille.
President Macron condemned the combatants, accusing them of justifying their anarchy by "unacceptable exploitation of the adolescent's death."
But the boy's mother, Mounia, sees it differently, blaming the police for killing her son and taking part in the protests while screaming, "Justice for Nahel."
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'1000-LB Sisters' Tammy Slaton Husband Caleb Willingham Dead At 40
10:41 AM PT -- Tammy just released a statement regarding Caleb's passing, writing, "I am devastated to share the news of my husband’s passing. He was my best friend and I loved him dearly.
"When I met Caleb he became my guardian angel and now he really is watching over me. Our families appreciate everyone’s sympathy and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Caleb Willingham, best known as the husband of "1000-Lb. Sisters" star Tammy Slaton, has died.
His stepmom, Shirley Willingham, confirmed the sad news to TMZ ... but couldn’t provide further details or a cause of death.
As you might know, Caleb -- nicknamed "Killa K" or "Double K," was an infrequent, yet much-beloved character on the reality show alongside Tammy chronicling their constant battle with weight. In 2022, the two met at a rehab facility in Ohio, where they underwent treatment for obesity and they tied the knot that same year.
Weeks later, Slaton told People mag, "Our wedding day was perfect, there was so much love in the room. I literally married my best friend."
But The Sun reported the couple split in May because Caleb was not following his diet, and Tammy was reportedly getting set to file for divorce.
Caleb was 40.
RIP
Originally Published -- 6:05 AM PT
JOSEPH BAENA Delivers Arnold's Famous Line in New Flick ... 'I'll Be Back!!!'
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Joseph Baena's upcoming action film includes a nod to his famous dad ... Arnold Schwarzenegger's most famous one-liner.
TMZ obtained this clip from Joseph's new action flick, "Called to Duty," where he puts his spin on Arnold's famous line from "The Terminator."
Joseph's character, a Navy pilot, is flying a fighter jet into battle and he tells his fellow pilots ... "In 1984, there was an actor who gave one of the greatest lines of all-time ... I'll be back!!!"
After delivering the warning, Joseph's jet peels off from the group.
It's pretty cool to hear Joseph channel his inner Arnold ... the movie, which came out Saturday, is Joseph's first foray into action flicks ... and it seems he's truly following in his father's footsteps.
As we've shown you ... Joseph looks super jacked, just like his pops ... even shooting a scene in a gym.
The plot for "Called to Duty" sounds a lot like "Top Gun" ... it's about Navy air show pilots who are called into battle ... a story loosely based on real events between North Korea and the United States.
Arnold's gotta be one proud papa!!!
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Alan Arkin Dead At 89
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Alan Arkin, the Oscar and Tony-winning actor, most famous for playing Edwin the grandfather in "Little Miss Sunshine, has died.
Alan's sons confirmed the actor died Friday morning at his home, telling People, “Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man. A loving husband, father, grand and great grandfather, he was adored and will be deeply missed.”
The legendary actor started as a stage performer, joining Chicago's Second City comedy troupe as an early member before making his Broadway debut in 1961 in "From the Second City" ... picking up a Tony 2 years later for his work in "Enter Laughing."
Alan's worked consistently through the decades -- most notably in films like "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," receiving an Oscar nomination for his performance ... as well as other projects like "The In-Laws," "Argo," and "Little Miss Sunshine," for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
His lengthy list of credits also includes projects like "The Kominsky Method," "Inspector Clouseau," "Edward Scissorhands," "The Rocketeer," "Will & Grace," and "Glengarry Glen Ross."
TMZ broke the story, he suffered a stroke in 2015, although there was no major damage.
He was 89.
RIP
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Nike Relaunching Kobe Bryant Line ... By Kobe Day on 8/24!
Nike is gearing up to relaunch Kobe Bryant's line with the Swoosh, the sportswear giant's CEO announced to investors on Thursday ... and fans won't have to wait long, products are expected to drop before the end of August!
CEO John Donahue spoke on an earnings call this week, where he announced some seriously awesome news ... "It's going to be an exciting summer as we set the stage to relaunch the Kobe brand in advance of Kobe Day on 8.24," JD said.
Donahue, nor Nike, expounded further, so specifics surrounding Kobe's brand are still unclear.
A relaunch wasn't always a foregone conclusion. The longtime partnership between Nike and Kobe/KB's estate came to an end in April 2021 when a new contract could not be agreed upon.
Fast forward to March 2022 ... when Vanessa Bryant announced the estate reached a new deal with Nike, restoring one of the most successful partnerships in shoewear history.
At the time, Vanessa said of the new agreement ... "We're excited to announce our partnership with Nike is going to continue! I am so proud that my husband's shoes are still the most worn by players on NBA courts and that the demand for his shoes remains so desired by his fans around the world."
Bryant continued ... "With this new partnership, fans will soon be able to have access to Kobe and Gigi Nike products for years to come and with Nike donating 100% of the net proceeds yearly for Gianna’s shoes to our Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation."
Since the reunion, the releases from Nike have been sparse. There were Kobe 4 and 6's released on a limited basis, but there haven't been any major drops.
If you listen to Donahue, it sounds like it's only a matter of time ... Kobe Day (8/24) is just 55 days away.