Maui Wildfire Victim No Trust in Biden, Feds' Response ... My Family's Lost Everything

Published | Updated

Maui resident and former TV host Peter O'Riordan lost his home, car and belongings in the deadly wildfire, and says President Biden's visit is doing little to raise hope for victims like himself.

Peter, a former TMZ staffer who went on to host an Irish TV show before moving to Lahaina, joined us on Tuesday on "TMZ Live" ... revealing the devastating details of what's happened to his family and countless others just like him.

He says he's lost everything in the blaze, and its aftermath is wreaking havoc on his children's lives ... as they've been uprooted from their home, and have school left to attend.

Peter says his crying children were told to grab what they could, and flee for their lives as the fire advanced -- and it's that kind of lasting trauma that's so negatively impacting all kids in the Lahaina area.

As a business owner who relies on tourism, Peter says folks on Maui are super worried about the future and their island's economy ... and they don't feel like the federal government is a reliable source of help.

POTUS was met with jeers, and even outright chants of "f***k you" and residents flipping the bird, during his Monday tour of the devastation.

082223_biden_hawaii_no_comment_kal 8/14/23
NO COMMENT FOR MAUI

Peter tells us the President's delayed visit -- coming 13 days after the fire -- already pissed off many residents, but he added that Biden made it worse when he said "no comment" to a question about the federal government's reaction.

With Peter's home and belongings reduced to a pile of ash, he's crowdfunding for his snorkel biz, Sea Maui, and he's reminding tourists that most of Maui is open for business.

While they desperately need tourism dollars, he's also asking visitors to be respectful of what locals are going through right now.

Peter's also working with the Maui Pono Foundation and Lahaina Restoration Foundation to help rebuild homes and businesses.

It's a first-hand account of what folks on the island are living through as they attempt to recover.

Titans' Caleb Farley Father Killed In Explosion ... At Cornerback's Home

Published | Updated
UPDATE

10:15 AM PT -- Authorities say Caleb Farley's father, Robert Farley, was the one who was killed in the home explosion.

UPDATE

He was 61 years old.

A massive explosion at a North Carolina home belonging to NFL defensive back Caleb Farley has left one person dead ... and another injured.

The incident happened overnight Monday in Mooresville, N.C. -- leveling a multi-million dollar property that, according to multiple reports, Farley had just purchased recently.

Iredell County Fire Marshal's Office spokesperson Kent Greene tells TMZ Sports ... one person was recovered from the scene deceased -- while another was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Farley was not a victim, Greene added.

An investigation into the matter is ongoing, Greene tells us ... though the current focus of the probe is centering around the home's natural gas lines.

According to local media outlets on the scene, Farley -- a 24-year-old Tennessee Titans corner -- was seen at the site Tuesday morning cooperating with authorities.

Farley is currently on the Titans' physically-unable-to-perform list while dealing with a back injury. Since the team took him with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Farley's played sparingly, seeing action in just 12 total games.

Originally Published -- 8:49 AM PT

Britney Spears Lawyer & Manager Left In Charge of Her Care

Published | Updated

Britney Spears has lost most of her support system to help with the care she desperately needs ... leaving her lawyer and manager essentially in charge of her well-being.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us it isn't necessarily a case of Mathew Rosengart and Cade Hudson taking the reins ... it's more they're the last people standing in Britney's life.

We're told they assist in getting Britney fed, to appointments and manage any potential professional opportunities that may come her way.

Our sources say Rosengart does not believe Britney's mental state is cause for great alarm, and there has been no plan to amp up her medical care and therapy. Some folks in Britney's world don't see it that way and believe she's in desperate straits.

As for her family ... Britney's very publicly shut her dad, Jamie, and sister, Jamie Lynn out of the picture. Her mom, Lynne, flew to L.A. a few months ago to help her daughter, but that relationship has since fallen apart as well.

Our sources say Britney's older brother, Bryan, has occasionally been trying to help Britney since her split with Sam -- going to her house to workout, and offering to do what he can -- but we're told Bryan's walking on eggshells, as Britney's just too volatile.

082123-britney-spears-lick-kal 8/19/23
SINGLE AND READY TO BE LICKED

Britney threw a small divorce party over the weekend. She wore a green dress and surrounded herself by a bunch of shirtless dudes -- including Cade Hudson.

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

Tori Spelling Leaves Hospital After 4-Day Stay ... Bruises On Face, Arm

Published

Tori Spelling is out of the hospital where she's been getting treatment for several days ... but she had some bruises as she exited in a wheelchair.

The actress was spotted leaving an L.A. hospital Sunday, the same day she posted a photo, revealing to the public that she was there. Of course, the wheels are usually standard ops when leaving a hospital after 4 days ... but we're told she needed a bit of help getting out of the chair and into her SUV.

She also has some bruising on her face, but we still don't know what landed her in the hospital last Thursday.

As we reported, Tori posted a pic from inside the facility, showing an IV in her hand -- and while she didn't reveal why she was there ... she made it clear her kids have been supportive.

Tori said she was missing her children, while also being extremely grateful for how strong and brave they've been.

Of course, the mysterious health scare comes a couple of months after she and Dean McDermott called it quits after nearly 2 decades of marriage.

There was also concern surrounding Tori when she and her kids were spotted outside an RV, sparking speculation that they were living in the vehicle after the breakup.

Lonzo Ball Talks Knee Injury, Return To NBA In Sitdown W/ Trae Young

Published
082123-lonzo-ball-kal
LOST THE LOVE

Lonzo Ball hasn't played an NBA game since January 2022 -- and with no return in sight -- the #2 overall draft pick sat down with Trae Young and opened up about the serious knee injury that's threatened his career, and the guilt he feels over not being on the court for the Bulls.

"I feel bad just for the GM's, because I feel like they made the perfect team around me," Zo told Trae on his "From the Point," podcast on Monday.

"I finally got the perfect team that I felt could fit my game and play my way, and really just do what I wanted to do. That injury, I'm still going through it right now, but that one messed me up early just because I felt like we really had a chance, and we never got to see what it really was," Ball told the All-Star shooting guard.

Of course, 25-year-old Ball has undergone three surgeries on his left knee since the beginning of 2022 (cartilage transplant, torn meniscus repair, arthroscopic debridement) ... and it's totally derailed his career.

Lonzo only played 35 games during the 21-22 season and missed all of the 22-23 season. Despite the procedures, the Bulls, who initially acquired Lonzo in 2021, said they don't believe he'll be on the court for the 23-24 season.

"Going into the offseason, our expectation is that he’s not coming back next season,” Chicago exec Arturas Karnišovas recently told reporters.

When he has played, Ball's averaged 13 points, over 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

As for when he does return to the court, Ball's clearly in good spirits and believes he will once again play on the United Center's hardwood ... whenever that may be.

"I've always loved playing basketball, it's just basically something that got taken away from me. It's gonna be a whole new joy again. I'm gonna be hella happy to be back out there. I never took the game for granted, so for me, it's just getting your love back."

The entire interview is interesting ... injury talk aside, Ball also discusses his brothers LaMelo and LiAngelo, and their dad LaVar. The guys also chop it up over the Big Baller Brand, and where BBB went wrong.

Get healthy soon, Lonzo!

Britney Spears Throws Wild Divorce Bash ... Sam Who?!?

Published | Updated
082123-britney-spears-lick-kal 8/19/23
SINGLE AND READY TO BE LICKED

Britney Spears is working fast to put Sam Asghari behind her … surrounding herself with a ton of shirtless men, all vying for Brit's attention.

The pop star posted the racy video on Instagram, showing one guy trying to lick Brit’s leg all the way up to her thigh. You can hear the cameraman order him to, “Start at the boot, bro..”

The video then jumps to Brit being hoisted up by 5 bare-chested men around a pool. Brit seems more than satisfied, punctuating the moment with “Okay cool!"

Brit wrote in her caption, 'When you go to meet up with a so called "friend" and drive an hour for chicken! Then you have to wait in the car and need to use the bathroom.”

tmz gilgo special 30 Hulu.mov.00_00_29_16.Still001
TMZ INVESTIGATES

She continued. “So what does a b**** like me do?! I put my green dress on and show up at my friends! I invited my [favorite] boys over and played all night!”

082123-britney-spears-kal 8/21/23
BARING IT ALL

On Sunday, Britney also posted a topless video on Instagram. Of course, this all followed last week’s drama when Sam Asghari filed for divorce from Britney, citing irreconcilable differences.

Since then, it’s been all downhill for the exes, who are no longer talking to one another.

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

Chrisean Rock Smoking While Preggo!!! Sparks Furious Fan Debate

Published | Updated

Chrisean Rock is setting the internet ablaze, because she blazed up while pregnant ... and while many fans are up in arms about the baby's safety, others are actually supporting her right to light up.

On Sunday, social media users debated a recent clip from Chrisean and Blueface's reality show "Crazy In Love" ... where the two are having a mild disagreement as Chrisean blows billows of smoke in the kitchen.

Blueface seemed more concerned about money, informing Chrisean she did not accumulate $10 million in her last round of paydays -- but plenty of viewers expressed concern for the unborn child, and launched into anti-Chrisean tirades.

The CDC strongly advises against smoking while pregnant, but her actions aren't illegal and Chrisean still had some folks supporting her.

As fans argued amongst themselves, Blueface and Chrisean were able to squash their immediate differences to attend Jason Lee's birthday party Sunday night in Los Angeles.

082123-chrisean-rock-kal 8/19/23
PARTYING PARENTS

No one will ever accuse these 2 of being boring ... but a lot of people also wouldn't call them smart.

Jimmy Graham 'Shook Up' After Arrest, Medical Episode ... Coach Says

Published | Updated
082123-dennis-allen-kal
AWAITING MORE TESTNG

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen gave a positive update on Jimmy Graham after his recent "medical episode" that led to his arrest ... saying the tight end is a bit "shook up" over Friday's incident -- but overall, he's doing better.

Coach provided the info to reporters after the Saints beat the Los Angeles Chargers in their preseason matchup on Sunday ... and even though Graham did not suit up for the game, Allen said things are going in the right direction.

"Jimmy's with us," Allen said. "He's healthy, he'll have some more testing to go on, but look, he's a little shook up, but yet overall, he's doing OK."

Prior to kickoff, Allen said the team is thankful the situation wasn't more serious medically.

"I think he's in a good spot, but we're going to rest him tonight."

TMZ Sports broke the story -- Graham was arrested after cops say he was wandering in traffic near a Newport Beach resort. He was booked on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and resisting, delaying and obstructing a police officer.

Video prior to Graham's arrest shows the Pro Bowler evading hotel security ... with witnesses saying he hid in bushes prior to making a run for it.

The team said in a statement Graham experienced a "medical episode," which resulted in him becoming disoriented. The team added he likely suffered a seizure.

Tori Spelling Hospitalized Amid Split with Dean

Published | Updated

The troubles keep piling up for Tori Spelling -- but this time, it's her health at risk -- as she's been hospitalized in the wake of her split with Dean McDermott.

Tori kept the details vague in a post Sunday where she said, "4th day here and I’m missing my kiddos so much." Tori included a photo of her hand with an IV in the photo.

She continued, “Grateful and so proud of my strong, brave, resilient and kind to the core children who remain positive no matter what comes my way." Tori didn't reveal why she was in the hospital, but her hospital band revealed she was first admitted on August 17.

Of course, things have been seemingly tough for Tori and family over the last few months, but there was serious concern only a couple weeks ago when Tori and kids were spotted outside an RV, with speculation they were living in the mobile home.

While it seemed only temporary, many speculated why Tori's mother, Candy Spelling, who is super rich hadn't come to her daughter's aid. We spoke to Candy back in July who said she was willing to help ... but unclear if Tori ever reached out or if Candy came through.

tmz gilgo special 30 Hulu.mov.00_00_29_16.Still001
TMZ INVESTIGATES

We should note ... Tori revealed earlier this year, when she and Dean were still together that they'd experienced issues with mold in their home. It's possible her health issues could still be stemming from the mold problem ... though she hasn't clarified anything.

LeBron James Dodgers Game with Bronny & Bryce All Happy and Healthy!!!

Published | Updated

All seems to be back to normal in the James' household -- as Lebron, Bronny and Bryce all hit Dodgers Stadium to honor LeBron -- about a month after Bronny's scary health emergency.

It was LeBron bobble-head night Saturday in L.A. and fans packed the stadium to get their hands on one of the free souvenirs. Even more special -- LeBron was there in person to show his gratitude while also accepting a $100k check for his LeBron James Family Foundation.

Of course, it was even more special to see Bronny with Dad considering it was less than 2 months ago when he collapsed at a USC basketball practice.

TMZ broke the story -- Bronny was rushed to Cedars Sinai Hospital after he went into cardiac arrest. At the time, the family told us, "Yesterday while practicing Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest. Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU."

We've seen Bronny out and about since the incident, but the guys seemed totally carefree while taking in Friday night's game.

080823_lebron_bronny_james_KAL_v2 AUGUST 2023
BRONNY IN MINNESOTA

We also got video of LeBron and Bronny in Minnesota a couple weeks back visiting the Mayo Clinic -- one of the top medical heart facilities in the world -- safe to say the family's been doing all they can to get to the cause of the scary issue.

tmz gilgo special 30 Hulu.mov.00_00_29_16.Still001
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Famous Meme Dog Cheems Dead at 12

Published | Updated

Cheems, one of the most famous dogs on the internet, is dead after a battle with cancer.

The viral meme dog died Friday during a surgical procedure ... according to his owners, who say he fell asleep during surgery and never woke up.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Cheems shot to fame way back in 2017 when an awkward photo of him went viral ... sparking a meme that is still shared to this day.

Also known as Pup Balltze or just Balltze, the shiba inu was famous for his love of cheeseburgers ... and he's got his own meme character, Cheemsburger.

tmz gilgo special 30 Hulu.mov.00_00_29_16.Still001
TMZ INVESTIGATES

The pup's owners say ... "Don't be sad, please remember the joy that Balltze brought to the world. A Shiba Inu with a round smiling face connecting you and me, he has helped many people during the pandemic and brought a lot of joy to many of you, but now his mission has completed."

Cheem's family believes he's in a better place now ... "running freely in the sky and having a lot of delicious food with his new friends."

Naturally, Cheems is getting a grand send-off on social media ... with the meme getting posted all over the place.

Cheems was 12.

RIP

Dominick Cruz Breaks Down Sterling V. O'Malley ... UFC 292 Main Event

Published | Updated
081823-dominick-cruz-kal
TWO ENTER, ONE LEAVES

The bantamweights are anchoring UFC 292 Saturday night -- with Aljamain Sterling and rival "Suga" Sean O'Malley fighting -- and the greatest 135er of all-time is breaking down the matchup!

"You're looking at pure dominance in grappling as a specialist or a knockout artist in Sean O'Malley, so that's a fun fight," UFC legend Dominick Cruz told Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1).

"There's no way that this can't be fun!"

To make the fight even better, outside of the guy's incredible talents, there's also been a lot of trash talk.

"Especially because of the talking on the line. All the things O'Malley is saying, 'You're not gonna be able to hold me down. I'm gonna knock you down first,'" Dom explained.

"Well, now he has to prove that, we've all heard it. And Sterling has to prove he can get in there and not get knocked out. I mean they've all talked so much, that's what builds this thing. That's what makes this fun, and gets me excited about it."

Of course, 34-year-old Sterling is the champion, and 28-year-old O'Malley is the #2 contender, behind Merab Dvalishvili. Aljo and Suga have been talking trash to each other for years.

Sterling is in the midst of a 9-fight win streak and has beaten the likes of Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, TJ Dillashaw and Cory Sandhagen. Some of the best fighters in the world.

Sean has only lost once in his career -- to Marlon "Chito" Vera in 2020 -- and last defeated Yan.

We also asked Dom about his future. He's injured, but not retired ... not at all. In fact, Cruz is still the 9th-ranked bantamweight and is eyeing another run at the belt once he gets healthy.

UFC 292 goes down Saturday in Beantown!

Shawn Stockman Britney Spears Needs Help Healing ... From Family, Fans Should Butt Out!!!

Published
081823-shawn-stockman-kal 8/18/23
GET BRITNEY BACK

Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman says he's concerned about Britney Spears as her marriage with Sam Asghari comes to an end ... and he thinks something like a conservatorship could help.

We got Shawn at LAX, where he opened up about his concerns for a fellow artist, saying it's clear to him she's been in need of assistance for some time -- but it's more crucial now that she's going to be on her own.

He harkened back to the end of Britney's conservatorship -- which shut down in November 2021 -- with her dad, Jamie, getting bashed by the fan-fueled "Free Britney" movement ... but in Shawn's eyes, a conservatorship might be what she really needs.

Shawn acknowledges Brit's fans do love her, but adds, that's not enough to help her through mental illness -- he says that's where her family could be essential. Unfortunately, we know she currently has no relationship with her mother, father or siblings.

tmz gilgo special 30 Hulu.mov.00_00_29_16.Still001
TMZ INVESTIGATES

As we reported ... Sam beelined to court Wednesday to file for divorce ... and we learned he believes she was cheating on him with a staff member in their home. Sources told us Sam claims there's a video of Britney and the staffer in a compromising position.

BTW, Shawn also told us Brit can use feelings about her divorce, and turn it into some great breakup songs. While that's never failed Taylor Swift, Taylor doesn't have the same challenges as Britney. Not even close.

Shareef O'Neal On Bronny's Health Scare ... It Won't Affect His Hoops Career 'At All'

Published | Updated

Shareef O'Neal just dropped some great news ... telling TMZ Sports Bronny James is doing well following his health scare -- and all signs seem to indicate the medical emergency won't affect his basketball career "at all."

Shaq's son -- who famously battled his own heart problems in 2018 -- provided the positive update while out at LAX on Friday ... saying he's been in contact with his good pal and LeBron James' kid since the 18-year-old returned from the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest.

"He's good," O'Neal said.

As for the recovery process and how he anticipates all of it impacting Bronny's future goals on the hardwood ... Shareef said he believes the young James should be just fine moving forward.

"I don't think it'll affect anything," he said.

Of course, Shareef knows a thing or two about it all ... after he had open-heart surgery five years ago -- he went on to make a full recovery and returned to the court without issue.

080823_lebron_bronny_james_KAL_v2 AUGUST 2023
BRONNY IN MINNESOTA

It's still not yet known publicly what exactly caused Bronny's ailment or if it's even remotely similar to O'Neal's ... but we learned earlier this month he hit up doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. to try to pinpoint the exact problem.

tmz gilgo special 30 Hulu.mov.00_00_29_16.Still001
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Meanwhile, Bronny's USC team has been in Greece and Croatia the last few days without him for exhibition games ... though the Trojans are making their way back to L.A. this week to prepare for the start of the season in the fall.

Jamie Foxx Makin' A Splash In Tulum ... Vacay After Health Crisis

Published | Updated

Jamie Foxx clearly isn't taking life for granted after his life-threatening medical emergency ... because he's havin' a blast on vacation, and looking as healthy as ever.

The actor was spotted living it up Wednesday in Tulum, Mexico where he enjoyed a dip in a cenote -- ya know, those natural water pits in caves that put your backyard pool to shame!

081823-jamie-foxx-kal
JAMIE IN PARADISE

Safe to say the guy's getting better every day after April's health scare, which required months of treatment, and rehab and recovery. We finally started seeing him last month, out and about in the Chicago area.

Jamie gave his fans a very promising update Wednesday, saying he's "finally startin to feel like myself ... it's been an unexpected dark journey ... but I can see the light."

He said he's someone that's incredibly grateful -- and offered up his thanks to everyone that was wishing him well in his uncertain time.

tmz gilgo special 30 Hulu.mov.00_00_29_16.Still001
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Jamie's got the right idea, BTW ... after a frightful couple of months, ya probably should follow it up with some serious R&R!!!

Rachel Leviss I'm Poolside In Scottsdale ... Far Away From 'VPR' Drama

Published | Updated

Rachel Leviss is reemerging way outside the "Vanderpump Rules" orbit ... soaking up the Arizona sun in a bikini.

The 'VPR' star was poolside in Scottsdale Wednesday, the day before Lisa Vanderpump told us she was not coming back to the Bravo show for season 11 ... and looking absolutely unbothered.

Rachel lounged around in a daybed and took a dip in the water ... rocking a palm leaf bikini set and sunglasses.

It looks like Rachel has the entire pool area to herself, a much different situation than what she'd face on set of the popular reality show.

060723-ariana-madix-raquel-leviss-kal 6/7/23
NO HOLDING BACK

Rachel's been back in her home state since the 'VPR' reunion, where things got heated and emotional as a result of her role in the Scandoval.

080723-rachel-leviss-kal 8/8/23
OUT IN THE WILD

She spent around 100 days in a mental health facility, and she surfaced earlier this month at a Massage Envy in Tucson.

tmz gilgo special 30 Hulu.mov.00_00_29_16.Still001
TMZ INVESTIGATES

So, the pampering continues here for Rachel ... far away from the reality TV drama.