Gossip / Rumors

Connie Chung just went scorched earth on some huge names in news ... saying working with Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer was "not unlike what Tonya Harding did to Nancy Kerrigan."

Chung was on "The Originals" podcast for L.A. Magazine and dished about her time as an anchor at ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN. She said, "When I got to ABC news, I joined with Both Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer there and I thought, "Oh, this is going to be great. It'll be three women who get along."

Chung says it couldn't have been further from the truth, claiming her fellow anchors big footed her out of the best interviews ... per ABC news execs.

She was famously paired with Dan Rather as co-anchors of the "CBS Evening News," and says teaming up with Rather was right out of "Psycho."

And, there's more. Connie, who's been married to Maury Povich since 1984, frequently appeared on David Letterman's show. There was a lot of chatter they were flirting with each other, although Connie says, "I had this thing for him, and he had a thing for me, and I really think it was inexplicable in that respect." But, then she went on to say, "And yet, I really didn't have a thing for him. Do you know what I mean?" Sorta.

She went on to say Dave's "a dark, unhappy sort of, I don't mean he's unhappy. He is a kvetch ... He's anti-social is what he is."

Chung also had harsh words for Hugh Grant ... she had a cameo in "The Undoing." She says, "He was not very friendly. I had interviewed him right after 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' for his next movie. So when I saw him I said, 'Oh hi. I interviewed you ... do you remember? And he said, 'No."

We reached out to reps for Dan, Diane, Barbara and Dave ... so far, no word back.

Tristan Thompson was recently seen breaking bread with a lady who isn't Khloe Kardashian -- but there was no funny business, just real estate business ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us the mystery blonde Tristan was seen having dinner with in Boston on Sunday is simply his estate manager, who handles his housing affairs ... which she's doing in Beantown, because he's moving there for his new team, the Celtics. They were photographed during their meal, and the Daily Mail pics kicked the rumor mill into high gear.

We're told the estate manager's name is Julia, and we're told she also set up Tristan at his pad in CA. She's looking to do the same for him in Boston.

Our sources say there was nothing romantic about the dinner, and everything about it looked super casual. Julia's wearing a sweater and her hair's up in a bun -- not exactly a date look.

As for Khloe -- who was in California over the weekend while Tristan was away -- we're told she and their daughter, True, are now in Boston with Tristan as he gets established. Mind you, Khloe isn't making a permanent move, as we've previously reported. She plans to make extended visits to Boston, but won't leave L.A. -- so this seems to be one of those trips.

Taylor Swift can admit it ... she went too far with plotting and planting "Easter eggs," and that's why she's now debunking another huge fan theory.

The pop star was on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Monday, and they chopped it up about her new surprise album, "Evermore" -- her second drop of 2020 -- and got into the fervent speculation that she's planning to squeeze in one more album before Jan. 1.

Taylor copped to it ... there is nothing else coming out from her on the music front. She tells Jimmy she's exhausted and doesn't have anything else in the tank for this year, but she understands why fans thought there was another one coming.

TS said, yes ... she did leave a hidden word in the cover art for "Folklore" -- it reads "woodvale" -- and that led fans to believe Tay was trying to tell them something. Watch ... she breaks down the hilarious screw-up/misunderstanding.

As we reported ... the fan theory that Taylor named one of her new songs, "Dorothea," after Gigi Hadid's baby was also not true. So yeah, not everything's as it seems with her, y'all.

Rihanna really does have love on the brain ... and A$AP Rocky close by her side points to all signs they're an item.

The singer was out for a chilly stroll with the rapper Wednesday night in NYC ... both were bundled up in huge winter jackets. They also covered their faces with masks ... but that's more about the pandemic and NYC's mask mandate than the temperature. They probably thought it would help keep them concealed from photogs ... but to no avail.

Anyway ... it seems RiRi and Rocky -- friends since at least 2013 when he opened for her Diamonds World Tour -- started fueling dating rumors after they were seen having dinner together with friends at the Beatrice Inn in NYC over the Thanksgiving weekend.

That they've spent time together's nothing new. Again, they're longtime friends. In fact ... she included him in her Fenty Skin campaign earlier this summer and conducted several interviews together promoting the collab.

But, now that we've seen them out together -- just the two of 'em -- it's certainly all but confirming what they've yet set out to do ... announce they're a new couple.

Looks like Michael B. Jordan and his new sexiest man alive crown will be breaking bread with Lori Harvey ... 'cause they arrived together in her hometown just in time for turkey.

Lori and the 'Black Panther' star touched down in Atlanta Wednesday onboard a Delta flight from L.A., but it looks like they got the celeb treatment, as they exited down a staircase to the tarmac. No crowded jetways for this duo.

They both had their face masks on and hoodies up, but photogs saw enough of their faces to know it's them. Lori does live in the ATL, so makes sense they'd head there on Thanksgiving eve.

They threw their luggage in a waiting car and rolled away together ... leaving us all to wonder if Michael and Lori are a hot new couple.

This is the first time the celebs have been linked together one-on-one like this -- there were reports they crossed paths at Nobu earlier this year while in a large group of friends. Lori was still with Future back then, but he's been out of the picture since August.

Marc Colombo did NOT beat the hell out of Joe Judge in a fistfight this week ... so say the NY Giants, who tell TMZ Sports an alleged brawl between the coaches NEVER happened.

Colombo -- a former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman who's been coaching OL in the league for the past few years -- was abruptly fired from the Giants' staff on Wednesday.

And, according to FOX Sports' Jason McIntyre, it's all 'cause the assistant got in a scrap with the head coach.

"I'm told NY Giants coaches Joe Judge and Marc Colombo got into a fistfight this morning," McIntyre reported. "Punches thrown. I'm told Colombo got the better of him, and Judge fired him instantly."

The story is WILD ... considering Colombo is 6-foot-8 and played offensive tackle in the NFL for a decade.

But, when we reached out to the Giants for comment ... a rep told us straight-up, "There is absolutely no truth to that."

Giants reporter Ralph Vacchiano says the firing actually all stemmed from Colombo being unhappy with Judge's decision to bring in former Patriots offensive line guru Dave DeGuglielmo to help Colombo with the unit.

"It was clear that a Colombo-DeGuglielmo pairing wasn't going to work," Vacchiano said, "so Judge decided to fire Colombo instead."

Lil Wayne is single once again -- his GF, model Denise Bidot, is moving on ... and it sounds like his endorsement of President Trump was the last straw.

Denise deleted her IG account Tuesday, but before she went dark, there were a bunch of signs of trouble spotted by Internet sleuths. For starters, folks noticed at some point that Mr. Carter and Ms. Bidot stopped following each other.

Then there was Denise's not-so-cryptic meme post that read, "Sometimes love just isn't enough." However, blogger Love B. Scott is reporting Weezy's love for Trump was the problem -- specifically, last week's meeting/photo-op with DT was the last straw for Denise.

Weirdly, Wayne hasn't scrubbed old pics of Denise from his IG feed just yet -- a go-to move of famous exes.

It's not entirely clear how long they've been an item, but they've only been Instagram official since the summer -- and have been very open with their PDA, sometimes to the chagrin of Wayne's kids.

Meghan Markle talked openly about a distinction of hers she would clearly rather do without -- being last year's most trolled person in the entire world.

Meghan and Harry sat down with 3 high school students for their "Teenage Therapy" podcast, to mark Saturday's World Mental Health Day.

Meghan talked about what could be the biggest problem facing teens ... online bullying. Check out the podcast at 4 minutes and 49 seconds. You hear the emotion in Meghan's voice as she says, "I can speak personally, too. I'm told that in 2019 I was the most trolled person in the entire world, male or female."

She went on to say ... "Now 8 months of that [when she was pregnant] I wasn't even visible. I was on maternity leave or with a baby. But, what was able to be manufactured and churned out, it's almost unsurvivable."

As for Harry ... he talked about loss and grief -- something he knows all too well. He also obliquely talked politics, saying, "Vulnerability is not a weakness. Showing vulnerability in today's world especially is a strength." And, then he said this ... "We can certainly see that more from some of our global leaders." A slam at Trump perhaps ... a President who views masks as a sign of weakness and calls coronavirus "a gift from God."

Larsa Pippen is dating again, and it looks like she's bagged herself a young Netflix reality TV star ... who's also an Australian snack.

The estranged wife of NBA star Scottie Pippen hit up Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills Wednesday night with none other than Harry Jowsey from "Too Hot to Handle." They seemed pretty damn cozy ... snuggling up for selfies and leaving the joint together -- hence the dating rumors.

As you can see from the pics, they walked pretty close and appeared to be having a blast. Larsa explained their night out by saying this on social media -- "So, I decided I need dance lessons so I called my friend Harry." Harry chimed in with ... "We're going to be doing salsa lessons. Stay tuned."

Larsa and Harry also appeared to be at the restaurant with some friends. Either way, both are pretty much single and ready to mingle. Remember, Larsa split from Scottie in late 2018 and she most recently threw cold water on rumors she was banging NBA star, Ben Simmons. As for Harry ... some of his co-stars have gone on the record to say he was only dating fellow co-star Francesca Farago for clout.

For what it's worth ... Harry is half Larsa's age. So, good for her!

SZA confirms Drake's claim they used to date, but she also wants to set the record straight -- it didn't happen in 2008 ... 'cause that woulda been creepy.

The singer issued an important correction to what Drake raps about on the new 21 Savage track, "Mr. Right Now" ... where he says, "Yeah, said she wanna f**k to some SZA, wait / 'Cause I used to date SZA back in '08."

After people pointed out that SZA would most likely have been 17 at the time, if Drake's timeline of their dating history is accurate ... she took to Twitter to clarify.

SZA tweeted they actually dated in 2009 and explained ... "lol I think he jus innocently rhymed 08 w wait . Anybody who really knows me and was around during this time can confirm."

She added, "I just didn’t want anybody thinking anything underage or creepy was happening . Completely innocent . Lifetimes ago ."

It's interesting, because fans noticed SZA unfollowed Drake on Instagram shortly after "Mr. Right Now" dropped ... suggesting she wasn't happy about his lyric.

Ryan Dorsey's struggling to help his son adjust to life without his mother, Naya Rivera ... and 2 months after her death the stress and some hateful rumors are taking a toll on him.

He says he can't sleep, has lost 20 pounds and wakes up immensely sad at the thought of his son growing up without a mother in his life ... all while dealing with hatred and death wishes upon them.

Ryan poured his heart out in a 12-minute video about Naya's death ... and about people on social media sending "terrible messages wishing death upon strangers they truly know next to zero about."

He says explaining the loss of Naya to Josey is the hardest part -- "You tell him she's an angel now and she’s with God and she’s in heaven, and he says 'I wanna go there. How do I get there?' I wouldn’t wish that upon any of your ears to have to hear that. To hear those words come out of the sweetest soul you know."

Ryan also addressed "ill-advised, illogical, misinformed tabloid" rumors that he and Naya's sister, Nickayla, are in a relationship ... explaining she's been a rock for Josey, who calls her Titi. He says Josey wants his Titi "to live with us forever" because she's now the closest thing he has to a mom."

Ryan says he was at Target with Nickayla looking to buy some items for Josey's birthday party when 2 girls followed them taking pictures. He called out the girls and several tabloids for "creating a false narrative based on an angle of a photo of 2 people grieving who have been living their life out of suitcases, and just trying to get settled into a new place."

Nickayla also took to Instagram to clear the air about the nature of her relationship with her ex-brother-in-law ... saying she's not concerned with the way things look "because no one can see each agonizing moment we all endure." She added, "What matters most I've learned is to show compassion, not to judge others, & never take a moment of life for granted."

Demi Lovato's ex-fiance is defying reality claiming they haven't broken up ... because it ain't over 'till they say the words to one and other.

Max Ehrich went on a ramble Sunday night, saying, "Up to this moment we haven't spoken over the phone ... we haven't even officially ended anything to each other." He actually posted several messages on his Instagram story ... which he has since deleted.

The "Young and the Restless" actor makes it pretty clear he doesn't want to end the relationship ... professing his love to Demi ... "If you're reading this ... I love you always.... unconditionally... no matter what." He went on ... "I'm here in real time with y'all. I love Demetria and just want her to be healthy and safe."

Max also lobbied for Demi to get the Grammy she deserves, adding "Demetria is THEE best female vocalist alive. And everyone should know it."

As we reported ... Max, who also directed his fans to stream Demi's songs, claimed over the weekend he learned about their break-up when he read about it in the tabloids while filming on set ... insisting "this is the God's honest truth." Demi reportedly disputes Max's account ... her people say she and Max spoke, she told him it was over and about to come out in the media.

The Instagram stories came just days after Demi posted a picture without her engagement ring. The split comes just 2 months after he popped the question.

Kaia Gerber and Jacob Elordi keep sending signs they're a thing, and the latest is a tandem workout session ... in a gym. Relax.

The 19-year-old model and the "Euphoria" star went to the gym as a pair Wednesday in New York City, walking the streets in lockstep and adding more fuel to the dating rumors fire.

Kaia and Jacob have been linked together in recent weeks and now they're officially partners in fitness, at the very least.

Before getting closer and closer with Jacob, Kaia dated Pete Davidson -- and Jacob's been linked to his "Euphoria" co-star, Zendaya. They were reportedly dating back in February, but have since split.

No matter their relationship status, Kaia and Jacob better take extra care at their workout ... Jillian Michaels just warned folks about the dangers of going back to public gyms.

At least they're wearing masks. Smart kids.

Scott Disick has more time on his hands following his split from Sofia Richie, and he's spending a lot of it with Kourtney Kardashian ... but the exes aren't getting back together.

Sources close to Scott and Kourtney tell TMZ ... they're NOT a couple, even though they've been hanging out more since his breakup with Sofia.

We broke the story ... Scott and Sofia called it quits last month ... this time for good.

As you know ... Scott and Kourtney hit up Nobu in Malibu over the weekend, where they ate under the same roof as Sofia. Sushi by the ocean is a hot date for a lot of folks, but we're told not so for Scott and Kourtney.

Our sources tell us Scott and Kourtney still consider themselves a family and co-parenting their 3 children is a priority for both. Hence, the time they spend together, even when the kids aren't there, is still all about fam.

Consider their recent trip to Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho. We're told the kids had a blast, and Scott and Kourtney realized it's good for the fam and they want to do more of it.

These family outings were rare when Scott was dating Sofia.

WE KNEW IT!!!

Mariah Carey is finally admitting what fans have suspected for decades ... two songs from her classic '97 album "Butterfly" are about her fling with Derek Jeter!!!

Yep, Carey says both "The Roof" and "My All" were all about the NY Yankees legend ... who she began seeing back in 1997 after meeting him at a dinner party.

Carey was married to music mogul Tommy Mottola at the time, but the marriage was on the rocks ... and Carey was clearly infatuated with Jeter.

In her upcoming memoir, "The Meaning of Mariah Carey" (by way of Vulture) set to come out later this month ... the singer says "The Roof" was about her first kiss with Jeter, which took place on the roof of his apartment building.

Here are some of the lyrics, in case you need a refresher ...

"It wasn't raining yet.
But it was definitely a little misty on
That warm November night
And my heart was pounding (pounding)
My inner voice resounding
Begging me to turn away
But I just had to see your face to feel alive
And then you casually walked in the room
And I was twisted in the web of my desire for you
(And I was twisted)
My apprehension blew away
I only wanted you to taste my sadness
As you kissed me in the dark."

As for "My All" ... that one was about how she risked it all to meet up with Jeter in Puerto Rico, while she was still technically married to Mottola.

Again ... the lyrics:

"I am thinking of you
In my sleepless solitude tonight
If it's wrong to love you
Then my heart just won't let me be right
'Cause I've drowned in you
And I won't pull through
Without you by my side

I'd give my all to have
Just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
'Cause I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for your love tonight."

Carey and Mottola officially divorced in 1998. Things didn't work out with Jeter though. They went their separate ways too.

But, Mariah went on to marry and have kids with Nick Cannon. Jeter is now happily married with children to model Hannah Jeter.

Francesca Farago has moved on from her "Too Hot to Handle" fling with Harry Jowsey and linked up with another hot TV bachelor ... Jef Holm.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... the 'THTH' star is now dating Jef, who was a star on Emily Maynard's season of "The Bachelorette" back in 2012 and, very briefly, her fiance.

We're told Francesca and Jef met about a month ago through her friend, Casey Boonstra, instantly bonded over their reality show backgrounds and sense of humor ... and have been pretty inseparable ever since.

They are currently on a vacation together along with a group of friends in Utah -- Jef's home state -- and partying in his parents' boat. We're told they haven't yet discussed labels, though -- no one's saying bf or gf just yet.

Francesca's heading back to see family in Canada in a few weeks, so they'll get their first taste of a long-distance relationship ... but then she'll be back in L.A. where they both live.

As we told you ... Francesca's dating life became the subject of rumors last week when she was seen out with "Love is Blind" star Damian Powers, but we learned it was strictly a friendly business dinner. Damian is still with his GF, Giannina Gibelli.