Kids

Mama June is putting in the work to help her daughter Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell following her scary cancer diagnosis, TMZ has learned ... stepping up despite not having much of a relationship for several years.

Family sources tell TMZ ... June and Anna were slowly working on building back their relationship about a year ago, but Anna's recent stage 4 adrenal carcinoma diagnosis has rapidly brought the pair even closer.

You'll recall, Anna spoke out in 2021 about cutting ties with June, saying she started to keep her distance when her mom was romantically involved with Mark McDaniel -- someone Anna claims sexually assaulted her when she was a kid.

We're told June immediately knew she had to be there for her daughter after the diagnosis, and feels the past is simply in the past -- she's now doing whatever she can to help, including watching Anna's kids.

Our sources say June's also been going to Anna's appointments with her ... and wants her daughter to know she has a support system.

TMZ broke the story, Anna was initially complaining about stomachaches -- going through a series of tests in January, which is when the cancer was discovered on her liver, kidney, and lung.

She's been undergoing chemo and has already lost some hair in the process -- regardless, she's still fighting hard.

Anna was present for her mom's wedding with Justin Stroud back in February, just a month after her diagnosis ... so it appears their relationship is mending fast.

Rihanna's learning motherhood is all about multitasking -- something her son reminded her of as she tried squeezing in a workout, with him riding the human equivalent of shotgun.

The singer posted a sweet home video of her at the crib with the kid -- whose name we still don't know ... but whose face we're certainly getting familiar with as time goes on. The 10-month-old was being held by his mama, and it looks like he was a little fussy in her arms.

In the video, you see her boy squirming about as Rihanna cradles him -- but, before long, she's got him distracted with what sounds like a family-friendly TV show of some sort. That seems to have done the trick ... judging by his big smile and cute cooing.

You can also see Rihanna's growing baby bump here as well ... where she's carrying her second child with A$AP Rocky. Just like we saw at the SB, it's pretty noticeable -- although it's hard to say just how far along she might be at this point. Looks like she's in the second trimester.

Gotta hand it to Rihanna ... she seems to be quite the hands-on mother ... even amid her pregnancy. Her son's been tagging along with her wherever she goes these days -- including for an overnight photo shoot she recently did, where Baby Fenty was asleep on mama bear.

Ever since we saw the kid's face in full view in December ... she's been showing off her little man a lot more on social media, and the kid's absolutely adorable. No exception here either.

The Wayans family patriarch, Howell Wayans, has died ... and his children are paying tribute.

Marlon Wayans confirmed the sad news Saturday with a touching post. He threw up a pic of him and Howell together, with the latter kissing his son on the head. MW writes, "Legend. When i was a child I asked my Dad what did you want to be when grew up? He simply said 'I wanted to be a man' I said 'not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?' He said 'just a man.'"

He continued to explain how Howell told not everyone grows up to be a man, elaborating on what it takes to become that ... including owning up to one's responsibilities and taking care of one's family. Marlon says that convo with Howell made him aspire to be just that.

Marlon had more to say about the passing of his father, adding ... "Thank you Pop for being an example of a Man to all your boys. I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you. Baby boy loves you. And if ever i need you i know exactly where to find you… in my Bible that now sits by bed. Rest well. Kiss Ma for me. Tell her her babies miss her."

Omar Epps, a famous actor friend of the family, also sent condolences ... and praised Howell as a second father figure in his life, who took him under his wing as one of his own.

Howell raised 10 of his children in NYC alongside his late wife, Elvira, who died three years ago. That includes several who went on to be incredibly successful in showbiz ... Marlon, Shawn, Damon, Kim and Keenen. Just about all of the siblings have touched entertainment in one way or another ... and have all enjoyed successful careers in their own right.

Howell has been described by his loved ones as a disciplinarian and a hard worker who instilled core tenets and values in all of his kids. He was supportive of their aspirations for comedy, acting and writing ... and it clearly paid off, as the Wayans are a household name.

He's survived by his children and many grandchildren. Howell was 86.

RIP

Reese Witherspoon has officially filed for divorce from Jim Toth, citing irreconcilable differences ... and dividing up the assets won't be a problem.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Reese pulled the plug on her 12-year marriage to Toth in Nashville, Tennessee, where the couple was raising their 10-year-old child.

In the docs, Reese says she and Jim signed a prenup in March 2011, adding the agreement is valid, providing "adequate and sufficient provisions" for their assets and debts.

The actress says she will submit the prenup and a permanent parenting plan for the care of their child to the judge for approval.

Side note ... like all Davidson County divorce cases involving a child, Reese and James will now have to enroll in a mandatory parenting class. They have 60 days to submit a certificate of completion to the court.

As we reported ... Reese announced the split with her actor/producer husband on Instagram last week, saying they thought long and hard about the difficult decision to divorce. She also went down memory lane a bit, talking about their mutual love and respect, before mentioning their biggest priority was their son.

Gwyneth Paltrow's attorney was getting superstar treatment after his big victory in court this week ... and even Katie Couric was taking notice of his Clark Kent-like appearance.

Paltrow's lawyer, James Egan, was being compared to the bespectacled heartthrob protagonist, better known as Superman, by Couric and many others on social media.

As you know, Egan scored a major win for Paltrow in her civil case against retired optometrist Terry Sanderson after their 2016 ski collision in Deer Valley, Utah. A jury voted in favor of the actress and awarded her $1, as well as full reimbursement of her legal expenses. Both parties sued each other over the ski crash.

Couric, the former "Today" host, took to Instagram to reveal she had the hots for Egan. She wrote, “He’s cute,” accompanied by a photo of Egan wearing his Clark Kent glasses.

Her company, Katie Couric Media, also posted a dramatic reaction to Egan's handsome looks: “Good GOD.” But it wasn't clear if Couric had made the remark or one of her workers.

Fashion columnist Evan Ross Katz was also enamored by Egan, sharing a picture of the lawyer on Instagram with the caption: "Gwyneth's attorney James Egan? I think we should have that conversation."

After the trial, Extra's Billy Bush asked Egan how he felt about his fans falling head over heels for him. Egan responded, "I have heard that. It's weird." He added that he was headed home for quality time with his one-year-old son.

Social media users called Egan “law daddy,”  “hottie” and “smoke show." One person asked, “Can he be held against me in a court of law?” Another said: “I’d let him ski directly into my effing back.”

The girlfriend of Spencer Webb -- the former football star who tragically passed away in July -- gave birth to their son on Thursday ... sharing the news in an emotional post.

Kelly Kay published several Instagram photos of their son covered in an Oregon Ducks blanket on Friday ... featuring the caption, "Spider Webb 🕷️🕸️ 3/30/23."

The date of their son's birth is a week before Spencer's birthday -- April 7.

As we previously reported, Webb fell to his death during a cliff-diving accident at Triangle Lake in Oregon on July 13, 2022.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office said the 22-year-old tight end hit his head and despite the efforts of bystanders and first responders, they were unable to save him.

This was an emotional pregnancy for Kay ... who said Webb always wanted to be a father.

"I know you'll be the best one from up above," Kay said last August.

"Can't believe I have to do it without you but knowing I'll have a piece of you keeps me going. I can't wait to meet the person that's half you, half me. I love you forever, both of you."

Bam Margera's wife Nikki Margera is looking at possibly filing for some legal protection against him ... this after his recent arrest for public intoxication, TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Nikki's considering filing for a restraining order against the former "Jackass" star, which she hopes would protect her and their 5-year-old son, Phoenix.

Meanwhile, Nikki tells us Wednesday's incident "was scary for me and even more scary for Phoenix," calling it a shame because "the visitation that Bam had with Phoenix the prior day in Hollywood went reasonably well."

She claims Bam arrived Wednesday intoxicated and belligerent -- adding "This is the umpteenth time that Bam takes one step forward and ten steps back."

Nikki's attorney, David Glass, tells TMZ ... they've been trying to work with Bam on setting up regular visitation. However, Glass says that's all contingent on Bam staying sober and treating Nikki with respect -- something he says just hasn't happened.

Bam Margera went on a tear, screaming at his estranged wife in a Burbank restaurant as she ate with their child ... minutes before his public intoxication arrest.

The video shows a clearly agitated Bam going nuclear Wednesday on Nikki Boyd, and it appears he's upset because she's not allowing him to spend time with their 5-year-old son, Phoenix.

At one point, Bam tells Nikki, "Phoenix has his own mind." Bam says his son wants to see him and yells at his estranged wife, "Let him have his own mind," punctuating his claim by stomping on the ground.

Before storming out of the restaurant, Bam screams at Nikki, "Why are you making me wait f****** five days? F****** f***!!!"

Remember ... when Nikki filed for legal separation from Bam back in February, she asked for both legal and physical custody of their son ... because she says Bam was not sober during a previous visit with Phoenix.

Folks inside the restaurant tell us Bam came in by himself and approached the table where Nikki and Phoenix were sitting ... speaking with her for a little while before losing his cool.

TMZ broke the story ... cops in Burbank responded Wednesday to a call for a disturbance at a Thai food restaurant, and when they got there they found Bam arguing with his wife. Bam was arrested for public intoxication.

The former "Jackass" star recently vowed to be a more present father, even getting Phoenix's name tattooed on his face.

Mama June's daughter Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell is battling for her life but remains optimistic in her fight against stage 4 cancer, but as you see from the photos, the struggle is real.

Family sources tell TMZ ... 28-year-old Anna recently underwent her first round of chemo and her hair's coming out in chunks. Her hair, however, is almost beside the point, as she battles adrenal carcinoma cancer that has spread to her lungs, kidney and liver.

Despite the diagnosis, we're told Anna has a positive outlook ... she's dealing with the hair loss by shopping for a wig. Again, it's not her primary focus.

Anna's taking steps in every way, including changing her diet -- cutting out sugars and eating more protein. She's having difficulty eating because of numbness in her tongue.

It sounds like the chemo is also changing Anna's sleep pattern ... we're told she's exhausted and sleeping throughout the day but is having trouble sleeping at night.

TLC singer Chilli isn't afraid to put it out there publicly ... telling us she wants to get hitched to "Boy Meets World" star Matthew Lawrence.

We got Chilli Thursday at LAX, and when our photog asked if she thinks she and Matthew will tie the knot in the future she boldly told us, "I hope so."

TMZ broke the story ... Chilli and Matthew officially started dating right before Thanksgiving, and then they spent the holidays together in Atlanta, where he met her family.

She's also met his family, and they keep getting closer.

Matthew recently made it seem like he and Chilli were trying to have a child together, but they've since clarified his comments. In fact, she reiterated to us at LAX ... her man's words were taken out of context.

Regardless, their relationship is clearly going strong ... when Matthew picked up Chilli at LAX earlier this month, they engaged in some full-on PDA.

Bottom line for Chilli ... Matthew's no scrub and she could definitely see them being husband and wife.

Conor McGregor believes the shooter in Tennessee could've been stopped before anyone was hurt IF the building was better protected ... and that's why the UFC superstar believes armed guards are necessary in American schools.

"I would like to see armed protection at each school," 34-year-old McGregor wrote on social media.

Of course, six people -- three children (9-year-olds) and three adults -- were shot and killed on Monday at The Covenant School when a 28-year-old entered the building and went on a murderous rampage before police heroically stopped the shooter, who died at the scene.

McGregor, a dad of three who spends a lot of time in the States and is currently in Orlando, says "I have had my children at school here while stateside and have had my own armed guard present at the school. This was prior to the most recent school shooting also."

Conor continued ... "If she shot her way in to that school from the outside, my guard, who is tucked away, armed and unseen, would have seen her and taken her down. Saving those children’s lives."

Many schools have Resource Officers -- typically retired cops -- stationed at schools, but not always. There have also been fatal shootings at schools where armed security was present.

The Covenant shooting is simply the latest in a long line of horrific attacks ... and has sparked debate among Americans -- how do we protect our kids?

There are a lot of different proposed solutions ... from banning guns to arming teachers. Conor believes the answer is armed guards.

Rihanna's doing it all ... embracing motherhood while also working overtime on her career -- no easy feat when you consider the hours she's putting in, but her son's along for the ride.

Mama Rih was cradling her baby boy Thursday morning, fresh out of a photo shoot that lasted from 7 PM to 7 AM ... according to a photo agency. We're told she arrived the exact same way she left, with her sleeping child in her arms.

We don't know what the shoot was for, but it's possible the baby was included.

RiRi, who is expecting her second child, was also accompanied by another pal and her bestie Melissa ... so, looks like she might have some childcare assistance while on set.

TMZ broke the story ... Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed their first child in May of 2022.

You'll recall, she made a surprising reveal for baby #2 during her Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.

She's had a busy year, professionally ... in addition to the Super Bowl, she recently performed her Oscar-nominated song from 'Wakanda Forever' during the 95th Academy Award.

Damar Hamlin's trip to the nation's capital resulted in some one-on-one time with the biggest VIP in the city -- President Joe Biden, who welcomed the Buffalo Bills safety for a sit-down chat at the White House!!

Hamlin was in D.C. to support the Access to AEDs Act this week ... and after meeting with politicians at Capitol Hill on Wednesday, he got a few minutes to hang with POTUS on Thursday!!

"Damar Hamlin’s courage, resilience, and spirit inspired the American people," #46 said on Twitter.

"And what's more: he turned recovery into action – and our country is better for it. It was my honor to have him and his family here today."

And, just like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, it looks like Hamlin brought a gift for Biden ... as he's seen holding a Bills jersey in his lap during the meeting.

Remember, Biden called Damar's family shortly after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during Monday Night Football in January ... sending his well wishes to the Hamlins as he faced a long road to recovery.

A friend of the Nashville school shooter called police as Audrey Hale unleashed a murderous attack at a Christian school ... pleading for someone to go check on Hale.

In 911 audio released Thursday, the shooter's friend, Averianna Patton, tells the dispatcher Hale sent her a string of ominous messages on social media before Monday's shooting.

Patton says she's called different departments and then tells the dispatcher ... "I'm just trying to see can anybody ... I just don't want it on my conscious ... if somebody can go check on her."

Before the call, Hale sent Patton several suicidal messages on Instagram, saying ... "I'm planning to die today" and "You'll probably hear about me on the news after I die."

Hale sent the messages at 9:57 AM ... and about 15 minutes later went on a deadly rampage at the Covenant School in Nashville, shooting and killing three 9-year-old students and three employees in their 60s.

Patton made the 911 call around 10:20 AM ... just as armed officers were arriving at the private school to take down Hale.

Mama June's daughter Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell has been diagnosed with cancer, TMZ has learned ... and we're told the family has come together to help in any way they can.

Family sources tell TMZ ... 28-year-old Anna was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma in January. She initially was complaining about stomachaches and a series of tests were conducted, which is when the cancer was discovered in her liver, kidney and lung.

We're told she underwent her first round of chemotherapy last month, already losing hair as a result. Doctors are waiting to see how she reacts to the treatment before they make further decisions. Her family is "very hopeful" she'll pull through.

Anna's fam has been stepping up during the uncertainty ... we're told they've pulled together to help take care of Anna and her two kids, 10-year-old Kaitlyn and 7-year-old Kylee.

Joshua Tylerbest -- a contestant on Katie Thurston's season of "The Bachelorette," who actually went pretty far -- has been arrested and charged with having child pornography on him ... TMZ has learned.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the IT consultant was busted last month in Miami -- law enforcement says a Google account registered to him was flagged for allegedly uploading approximately 50 images/videos showing child sexual abuse.

The cops got a search warrant of the Google account and claim they found evidence of Tylerbest interacting with the child pornography images.

Law enforcement says they then searched his residence and seized several electronic items, including his iPhone -- which they claim contained 15 files that fit the bill for child porn. Cops claim the clips include videos of kids -- some of whom are under 10 -- involved in graphic sex acts with adults.

He's now been formally charged with 15 felony counts of possession of materials showing a sexual performance by a child ... to which he has pled not guilty. Tylerbest is due back in court in June.

Like we said earlier, Tylerbest had a little bit of a run during Katie's time as the 'Bachelorette' in 2021. He made it through four weeks but was eliminated after that. There was nothing particularly scandalous about his time on TV and, at the time, he was relatively well-regarded.

He's continued to fraternize with fellow 'Bachelorette' stars, as documented on his social media -- he's hit the town with other contestants who were on the show.