Gossip / Rumors

2:45 PM PT -- It appears part of the settlement includes Brandi making a public mea culpa. She just released this statement to TMZ ... "I want to apologize to Joanna Krupa for the statements I have made about her. I regret ever making such statements about Joanna Krupa; I also certainly never intended my statements to be taken so seriously and out of proportion."

She added, "I apologize as I never wanted my statements to affect Joanna Krupa's reputation and I wish her nothing but continued success in life."

The big stink is over -- Joanna Krupa and Brandi Glanville struck a settlement in the infamous smelly vagina lawsuit ... TMZ has learned.

We just got a hold of new docs filed Tuesday confirming both sides have reached a "full and final settlement." Joanna's now officially withdrawing her defamation suit against Brandi.

Sounds like there was a financial settlement, but the terms are confidential.

As we reported ... the beef started in 2013 when Brandi -- while appearing on "Watch What Happens Live" -- claimed she'd heard from a friend that Joanna's lady parts smelled.

Brandi said it a second time ... prompting the defamation suit. Joanna's estranged husband even testified recently ... her vajayjay's "better than any other woman in the world."

Cynthia Bailey and NeNe Leakes are not down with fake news, and they think that's what Kim Zolciak's pushing when it comes to her beef with Kenya Moore.

We got the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' duo at LAX ... and our photog peppered them about what really happened to make Kim charge at Kenya while shooting last week.

You'll recall Kim went nuclear ... thinking Kenya brought up Kim's "injured son" during some intense trash talking. So, was Kim justified? Well, there's Cynthia and NeNe's version of events. And then there's Kim's.

Anyone smell another Kim rant coming?

Joanna Krupa's vagina is in a league of its own when it comes to scent ... according to her estranged husband, who's defending her against Brandi Glanville.

Romain Zago dropped the sweet, sweet compliment earlier this month during a deposition in the now-infamous smelly vagina legal battle between Joanna and Brandi.

According to docs, obtained by TMZ, Romain told Brandi's attorney -- "If you want to know the answer to this stupid comments from your client, (Joanna's) vagina smells amazing. And I swear on God, Jesus, my father, my brothers."

Brandi's lawyer asked Romain if Joanna smells better or the same as the other women -- and he said, "Better than any other woman in the world." Ringing endorsement, for sure.

Romain also accused Brandi of being a horrendous bully who damaged his marriage.

Joanna filed to divorce him just 4 days before the deposition, and he STILL testified pro vajayjay!

Who-ha, indeed!

R. Kelly is finally showing his face -- sort of -- to deny rumors he's running a 'sex cult' in his homes, and he's clearly concerned about his bottom line.

Kelly recorded a video message, telling fans, "Despite all of the crap y'all hearing I will be coming to the East Coast to do my show." He has 3 straight nights of concerts, starting Friday night in Virginia Beach.

It's the first time Kelly's been seen since the family of Joycelyn Savage, one of his girlfriends, came forward to claim the singer was holding their daughter and other women against their will. As we first reported Joycelyn denied, on camera, she's Kelly's captive.

Two things about Kelly's new video: it sounds like he's trying to ensure the allegations don't hurt ticket sales.

And also ... he desperately needs a better camera. And lighting.

"American Idol" is getting closer to assembling a full squad -- the show's zeroing in on finalists to join Katy Perry on the judges' panel.

'Idol' sources tell TMZ ... Lionel Richie's still a favorite to fill one of the 2 remaining seats, and singer Charlie Puth has emerged as a front-runner for the other one. We're told show execs will meet with ABC this week to finalize their choices and make offers.

There could be a country curveball, though ... our sources say Luke Bryan is in the mix because he impressed producers in early discussions. Also, if things don't work out with 2 of those 3 ... we're told Keith Urban is an 'Idol' vet who could slide in as an alternate.

Katy and Ryan are anxiously waiting to see who joins 'em.

LeBron James is channeling his inner Donald Trump -- calling "fake news" on reports he wants to throw down with his teammate, Kyrie Irving.

It's been all over that LeBron is super pissed at Kyrie -- with some reports saying he's so unhappy that Irving wants a trade that, "LeBron James would be tempted to beat his ass."

Well, James has now broken his silence ... saying, "#NotFacts people! Boooo!!"

He added, "Get another source."

So, what's really going down with LeBron and Kyrie? Guess it depends on who ya wanna believe.

John Singleton doesn't see anything wrong, or illegal, about how R. Kelly's leading his personal life, because the women living with him are adults making adult decisions.

We got the famed director out in NYC and he made it clear ... he just doesn't see what all the controversy is about, and told us he thinks the Bill Cosby comparisons are totally unfair to Kelly.

We can always count on John to drop some knowledge -- like when he schooled us on Tupac.

Jada Pinkett Smith is putting a giant Hollywood rumor to bed about her own bed ... she and husband Will Smith don't screw around with other couples.

Jada was promoting her new flick, "Girls Trip," on 'Watch What Happens Live' when a caller asked what the craziest rumor is that Jada's ever heard about herself. It took a second before Jada laughed off that it was one about her and Will being Hollywood's notorious swingers.

Funny thing is ... Jada made it sound like the door to the bedroom could be open to other couples in the future.

One thing she did come clean on though ... how she and Will have remained together for 23 years, which is no easy feat in Hollywood.

Tyga knew the deal and even threw up smoke signals for Rob Kardashian about hooking up with Blac Chyna ... but thinks Rob was ultimately blinded by love.

Tyga went on "The Breakfast Club" Thursday morning and talked about his breakup with Kylie Jenner, and her brother's relationship with Chyna ... Tyga's baby mama. He says the overlapping relationships did NOT create an awkward situation, but he also knew Rob couldn't handle Chyna -- for a bunch of reasons.

On the biz side ... the rapper says he had to pay a million dollars to end his contract with Cash Money -- but also claims his old label still owes him $12 mil.

Caitlyn Jenner better reconsider making a run for the U.S. Senate ... at least according to her ex-wife, Linda Thompson.

We got Linda, who was married to Caitlyn for 5 years, outside their son Brandon's Tuesday night gig at L.A.'s Belasco Theater -- and asked her about the political buzz.

Caitlyn said this week she's been mulling over a Senate run, but it's clear Linda won't be voting for her if she does.

She'll happily give CJ a good hearty laugh though!

NBA champ John Salley ain't buying into the rumors that LeBron James is unhappy with the Cavs ... but if the King decides to bail on Cleveland again, he's got the perfect destination in mind -- L.A.!!

We spoke with the ex-Laker about the news of LBJ's frustration with the Cavs' lack of off-season moves ... and, although Salley doesn't believe it, he still makes a pitch to get Bron to join the Purple & Gold in 2018.

It's been rumored that King James would end up in La La Land, especially since he owns a home in Brentwood ... and Salley says it would be an "unbelievable plan."

Kid Rock's getting a big endorsement, and a big thumbs down, even before he officially runs for a Michigan Senate seat -- in other words ... welcome to politics, Kid!

We got former U.S. Senator and New York Governor George Pataki in NYC, and he thinks the rock star is exactly the kinda candidate the GOP needs now. Ditto for Caitlyn Jenner, who's made some noise about possibly entering politics.

Rock launched KidRockforSenate.com Monday and posted campaign signs all over social media.

However, another staunch Republican, Herman Cain, crapped all over Candidate Kid and Caitlyn. Interesting ... the guy who backs Donald Trump clearly doesn't think all celebs are fit for office.

Joycelyn Savage -- the woman whose father claims she's being held captive in an R. Kelly run "cult" -- has a direct message for her fam -- SHUT THE HELL UP!!!

In a video obtained by TMZ, Joycelyn slams her father, Tim Savage, for going to the media with his allegations. She reiterates she's happy where she is, and also strongly hints her father knows more than he's letting on ... regarding her relationship with Kelly.

Joycelyn insists her dad is embarrassing her, and she can't believe he's taken things this far. Although, she's outdoors in this video she still won't give up her location -- she says for "safety reasons."

R. Kelly's been challenged to a showdown in court ... from the father of one of Kelly's alleged captives, Joycelyn Savage.

Tim Savage responded to the video TMZ posted of his daughter. As we first reported ... Joycelyn insists she is not being held against her will, and wants her family to stop contacting her.

But Savage says the video proves his point ... especially because Joycelyn would not say where she is currently. In denying the allegations, Kelly's camp said they would go after his accusers -- but Savage says bring it on.

As for Joycelyn's claim she's just fine -- her father told us, "I'm praying for you, baby."

Floyd Mayweather says he ain't buyin' the rumors that Conor McGregor got knocked out during a sparring session ... essentially saying he won't believe it until he sees video.

The rumors were perpetuated this week by boxer Jessie Vargas -- who says he heard from a trustworthy source that McGregor got put on the mat with 14 ounce gloves.

He says the boxing world is a small world and everyone knows everything about what's going on.

But Mayweather says he needs proof or it doesn't matter -- telling FightHype.com, "If I ain't seen no footage, I don't believe it."

The Red Hot Chili Peppers aren't retiring anytime soon, at least not according to Flea -- but it might depend on who you ask in the band.

The legendary bassist was in Switzerland -- where RHCP's headlining the Paleo Festival -- and we asked him about the big rumor that this could be their last tour. Flea says that would be news to him, and anyone else in the band, because they've made no plans to hang it up.

The retirement buzz started after drummer Chad Smith went on the 'Eddie Trunk Podcast,' and revealed a convo he and Flea had about life on the road. Sounds like Flea's laughing that off now, 'cause he's clearly still about the music ... even at 54.