Legal

The key medic on "Rust" is now taking legal action against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and Dave Halls ... suing them over the fatal shooting that killed Halyna Hutchins.

Cherlyn Schaefer filed suit against the movie's armorer and assistant director -- plus the production company and others -- claiming the defendants' alleged negligence caused her severe emotional distress in the aftermath of it all.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Schaefer claims she was the first one to provide medical assistance to Halyna after the shooting ... desperately fighting to save her life by applying pressure to her wounds, giving her oxygen and checking her vitals.

Schaefer also claims she was the one who called 911 and ordered a medical helicopter to airlift Halyna to the hospital ... where she eventually died.

In the suit, Schaefer claims she's since suffered "tremendous shock, trauma and severe emotional distress" ... and she's blaming the whole ordeal on the production's shortcomings with respect to safety issues.

Schaefer says she was regularly employed as a medic on film sets before "Rust" ... but now she claims she's so shaken she's medically prevented from returning to the profession or any other job.

Schaefer's suing Reed and Halls because she says they were responsible for Alec Baldwin being given the gun with a live round, which killed Halyna. Baldwin is not being sued.

She's also suing the movie's prop master, Sarah Zachry, claiming Zachry knew or should have known the gun contained live ammo.

Zachry's lawyer, William Waggoner, tells TMZ ... Zachry did not load the gun or handle the gun the day of the shooting, and "she did nothing wrong."

Schaefer is asking for unspecified damages.

Tyga just got some more good news in his domestic violence case ... we've learned he will NOT be hit with any criminal charges, as long as he stays out of trouble.

Tyga's case has been set for a hearing with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, where he'll sit down with prosecutors to talk about how to better handle domestic disputes in the future.

That's the educational part of this ... the other caveat is Tyga's got to keep his close nose clean, legally speaking, for the next year. If he doesn't, prosecutors could end up filing misdemeanor charges in the case -- so, they're still dangling that carrot.

TMZ broke the story ... Tyga was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in October after his ex-girlfriend, Camaryn Swanson, accused him of putting his hands on her when they got in an argument at the rapper's home.

Tyga turned himself in to police and his bail was set at $50k.

The allegations haven't stopped Tyga from spending time with Camaryn -- as we previously reported, the exes are easing back into hanging out again.

Nike is distancing itself from soccer star Mason Greenwood ... after the Manchester United forward was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault last week.

20-year-old Greenwood was recently accused on social media of threatening to sexually assault and kill a woman ... and was later suspended from training or playing for his club.

Nike initially paused its deal with Mason at the time ... saying the company was "deeply disturbed by the allegations" and would "closely monitor the situation."

On Monday, the Swoosh took it a step further ... saying, "Mason Greenwood is no longer a Nike athlete."

Man. U said last week the club was aware of the situation with Greenwood and it would launch their own independent investigation into the accusations made against Mason.

"We will not make any further comment until the facts have been established," the club said. "Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind."

Elizabeth Vargas' enraged ex told her she'd be the first, among many, to die as heavily-armed police waited outside and readied the SWAT team for her recovery.

TMZ got this video from inside the former-'RHOC' star's home Tuesday as her ex, Ryan Geraghty, barks at her ... "I'm taking you out, and then everybody else. They can shoot me if they want. I don't give a f**k anymore, I've got nothing to lose."

It's an especially chilling statement because, we're told, armored vehicles and SWAT officers had gathered outside Liz's home Newport Beach home at this point.

Clearly irked that Elizabeth had gotten the police involved, Geraghty says, "Bring the big boys, how f**king dare you."

TMZ broke the story, cops got Vargas out safely, and Geraghty was eventually arrested after an hours-long standoff. Vargas had originally called the cops to report Geraghty for extortion, but things took a turn for the worse when he showed up armed, and made his way inside her house.

We've also obtained footage from after the arrest, showing a police drone making its way through the home to make sure things were clear before SWAT does a final check.

Elizabeth was outside NOBU in Malibu just 24 hours after the ordeal, and told a photog she was happy to be alive ... and was considering buying a gun.

Lil Uzi Vert took a plea deal in an assault case involving his ex-girlfriend and fellow rapper SAINt JHN ... and he's avoiding time behind bars.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office tells us Lil Uzi Vert pleaded no contest in court to one count each of felony assault with a firearm and misdemeanor injury to a girlfriend.

We're told he was sentenced to 3 years of formal probation, 1 year of treatment for mental health and substance abuse, 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling, restitution and a 10-year criminal protective order.

Lil Uzi Vert copped the plea deal after prosecutors charged him with 3 felonies -- assault with a firearm, criminal threats and domestic violence -- plus a misdemeanor charge of carrying a loaded firearm.

TMZ broke the story ... Uzi's ex, Brittany Byrd, filed a police report back in July claiming Uzi put a gun to her stomach and then hit her.

Remember ... the alleged incident went down at Dialog Cafe in West Hollywood, where Lil Uzi Vert jumped out of a Cadillac Escalade and confronted JHN, leading to a physical altercation.

At the time, sources connected to Brittany told us she was discussing a business project with SAINt JHN when Uzi rolled up and confronted everyone at their table before getting into it with JHN.

As we reported, the sources said Uzi threw a punch at JHN but missed ... and when Uzi fell down his gun fell out on the ground. We were told that's when Brittany got up from the table and approached Uzi and he allegedly hit her and pushed the firearm into her stomach.

Prosecutors followed through with criminal charges and Lil Uzi copped a plea.

Actor and "Scandal" star Columbus Short has been arrested once again for domestic violence … law enforcement tells TMZ.

Cops say they were called to a home in the San Fernando Valley Wednesday night around 10:30 PM over a verbal argument between Short and his wife that allegedly became physical.

When police arrived, we're told Columbus claimed his wife punched him in the face ... but he had no marks. Cops say they then spoke to his wife and noticed a minor injury.

Even though we're told the injury did not require medical attention, cops arrested Short for felony domestic violence ... felony because of the injury.

This isn't the first time Columbus has had issues with his wife. Back in 2018, he was arrested for domestic violence and ended up pleading no contest and serving 34 days behind bars.

At the time of that arrest, he was already on probation for a bar fight in 2014. Regarding his latest arrest, Short spent about 12 hours locked up before posting a $50K bond.

He has yet to be charged.

Hank Williams Jr.'s son wants some of what Britney Spears has -- freedom from a conservatorship ... one he alleges his father quietly placed him in 18 months ago.

Sam Williams -- himself a country singer who's worked with the likes of Dolly Parton -- posted an eerily silent video to YouTube earlier this week ... and in it, he holds up handwritten signs explaining his alleged plight.

Sam claims his father and half-sister, Holly Williams, put him under a conservatorship back in August 2020 ... 55 days after his sister, Katie Williams, was killed in a car accident.

In the video, the 24-year-old singer nervously looks around the room before holding up one more sign that reads, "I want out."

The caption on the clip says, "I've been quiet a long time now. I want out of this, and I don't mind people knowing. They took my grief process, my spirit, my money, my car, my home, and everything possible in order to 'protect me.' Well, I need protection from them."

Interestingly, Sam and his father were photographed together in November 2021 at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame -- where they were celebrating Hank's induction -- although, Sam doesn't look all that thrilled to be there.

We've reached out to Hank Jr. and Holly's attorneys and reps multiple times, but haven't gotten any response. However, TMZ has confirmed through court records ... Hank did file a petition for an emergency conservatorship in August 2020, and it was for Sam. We've been unable to confirm the current status of the conservatorship.

Sam released his debut album, "Glasshouse Children," right around the same time the conservatorship docs were filed.

The record features collabs with Dolly and Keith Urban. At the time, he told People it was a difficult record to complete while mourning his sister -- "I definitely broke and went through a really, really, really hard time. I'm still climbing out of it. But, it's the 'still climbing' part that is the most important. That'll just always be a big part of my story."

Sam referenced that pain in his YouTube caption, saying, "I have worked my broken heart to quits since my dear Katie left for Home. I do not deserve this. This is a scary step but I don't see what else to do here. I am ashamed of my family and embarrassed. I am beyond done. I have my spirit back. Get. Me. Out. Please."

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are currently at war in their divorce, with both sides airing out grievances in a very public fashion ... and here are Kim's options to navigate some troubled waters.

The first option -- do nothing. Fact is ... the divorce is on track, and Kim has already asked the judge to restore her single status STAT. That should happen next month, and Kanye's not in a position to stop that.

Once the judge declares them divorced, 2 issues remain -- property distribution and child custody.

As for property -- that one's easy. TMZ broke the story ... Kim and Kanye have a prenup, and it essentially keeps their assets separate from one another. There are some joint interests, but it's already being sorted out and we're told there should be no problem sealing the deal when it comes to property.

Child custody is trickier. Kim said she's the primary caregiver, and from what we've seen, that's simply a true statement. There will almost certainly be issues regarding holidays, making decisions about how the kids are raised, conditions under which the kids can be taken out of state, and on and on. Worst case scenario ... a judge may have to lay down rules if Kim and Kanye can't reach an agreement, but our sources think it's likely they will eventually reach an agreement.

The more likely reason a judge could get involved in the short term all has to do with Kanye. If he keeps going after her on social media, Kim could go to court for a non-disparagement order ... forcing Kanye to zip it when it comes to airing his grievances over Kim. She could go to court now to get such an order, but our sources say so far there are no plans to do so.

Bottom line ... it's not unusual for flare-ups -- even wars -- to surface during divorce proceedings, but most of these settle. The smart money is on this one settling as well.

PETA is not a fan of the new "Jackass Forever" film, and is demanding prosecutors launch a criminal investigation, claiming the production violated animal cruelty laws.

A rep for Peta tells TMZ ... the Paramount Pictures movie, which appears to have been filmed at least partially in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo County, likely broke state animal protection laws with scenes involving all sorts of critters.

PETA says a spider was "provoked" into biting an actor's chest, a turtle "harassed and goaded" to bite an actor's testicles, and a snake "harangued and provoked" into biting someone's nose.

But wait, there's more, allegedly ... a tarantula "trapped" in a tube, and a bull "deliberately agitated" into charging and injuring Johnny Knoxville.

PETA also claims Knoxville and Steve-O provoked honeybees into stinging Steve-O's penis, killing many bees in the process ... and a scorpion was put in the mouth of an unnamed jackass and repeatedly hit until it stung.

The org fired off a couple of letters, obtained by TMZ, to the L.A. City Attorney and San Luis Obispo County D.A. ... urging them to investigate the production and take legal action.

PETA thinks an investigation could lead to charges against Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Eric André, director Jeff Tremaine, producer Spike Jonze ... and others, including those responsible for providing the animals used in the film.

PETA's Senior VP Lisa Lange tells TMZ ... "If Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville want to make a career out of nasty little boy fantasies, they're entitled to, as long as they don't stress, harm, poke, prod, scare, or bother animals who are used as living props for their idiocy."

Lange adds ... "PETA is reminding city and county prosecutors that no one is above the law and that while the rest of the world wants to save bees and recognizes animals as sentient individuals, these jackasses exploit and abuse them for fun."

As we first reported, Steve-O and Pontius are also being sued over a jet ski stunt that allegedly left a man badly injured.

Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber keep parking their luxury cars in handicap spots at their Pilates class ... and despite criticism that it's illegal and wrong, they persist.

There they are again ... in the vast parking lot attached to a bunch of businesses -- including the Pilates studio Hot Pilates -- and their parking spots of choice are feet from their destination. The problem is -- it's reserved for the disabled.

We've seen them do this repeatedly over the last few weeks, but they continue to park there.

Our Kendall sources say the owner of the Pilates studio asked them to park in the handicapped spaces because their presence was causing a scene with photogs. Problem is -- the studio owner doesn't control the space -- it's for all the businesses in the parking lot.

We're also told on most days, their security teams will move the cars after Kendall and Hailey get into class -- and bring them after. If the cars aren't moved, security stands by and can get them out of the way if needed.

Our Hailey sources say there are other celebs who've been instructed to do the same thing when they're at the gym.

Former NFL DB Captain Munnerlyn -- who started 85 games in his 10-year career -- was arrested last month ... after he was accused of getting violent with a woman.

According to court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, Munnerlyn allegedly roughed up a woman in North Carolina back on Jan. 3.

In the docs, officials say Munnerlyn struck a female in the face with his foot. They also say the ex-Carolina Panthers cornerback strangled her, resulting in bruises and scratches.

Further details surrounding the alleged incident were not made immediately available ... but the docs show Munnerlyn was arrested and bonded out of jail just days after the allegations were made.

The documents show Munnerlyn was hit with two charges, assault on a female and assault by strangulation. He's due in court for a hearing on the matter on March 1, the docs show.

We reached out to Munnerlyn for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

33-year-old Munnerlyn had an excellent career in the NFL after being picked in the 7th round of the 2009 draft. He played in 154 career games for the Panthers and Minnesota Vikings, logging 12 total interceptions, before he left the league following the 2018 season.

The family of 'Walking Dead' actor Moses J. Moseley does not think he committed suicide ... they believe he was kidnapped and murdered.

Moses' sister, Teerea Kimbro, tells TMZ ... everyone who was close to Moses knew he loved life and she believes with all her heart he was kidnapped and then killed 3 days later.

We broke the story ... law enforcement sources told us Moses' body was found in Georgia Wednesday and cops were investigating his death as a possible suicide.

But, Moses' sister says he'd booked a taping for the Monday before his body was found but never showed up ... something she says he would never do. She went on to say he loved where his career was heading and they were planning big things in the near future.

Cops say they found Moses' body in his car with the doors locked, a gun in his lap and a facial bullet wound.

His sister says investigators told her the gun in question was one of hers -- she says she and Moses liked to go to the gun range and that he had a license to carry.

The family says cops told them they're looking at possible foul play, and Henry County Police Captain Randy Lee tells TMZ ... "It is being investigated as a possible suicide, however, detectives are following any and all available avenues and not ruling anything out."

Rebel Wilson is getting court-ordered protection from a man she claims keeps showing up at her home, imagining they have a son together and leaving gifts and letters.

Rebel's lawyer, Susan Haber, beelined it to court for a temporary restraining order ... to protect the singer from a 39-year-old man she claims has been harassing her for months.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Rebel claims the guy somehow found her secluded Los Angeles home and dropped off a handwritten note falsely claiming they have a 20-year-old son together.

Rebel says the note described how they met at a club in 2001 and conversed, kissed and "we both know what happened thereafter" ... but Rebel says it's complete BS because she's never even met the guy.

In the docs, Rebel says the guy's also showed up at the home to leave behind handwritten notes to their fictional son ... as well as some strange gifts.

Rebel claims one of those gifts was a small, stuffed penguin with a card that says "love."

In the docs, Rebel says the man is "delusional by creating in his mind a fictitious history of a relationship he had, and wants to continue to have" with her ... and she fears for her safety, claiming he won't stop harassing her unless a court intervenes.

There's new alleged video proof that supports a man's claim he was injured during a Jet Ski stunt gone wrong involving "Jackass" stars Steve-O and Chris Pontius.

TMZ broke the story, Michael Vicens-Segura is suing the veteran stuntmen for an incident he says, left him badly injured, suffering a gash on the side of his head.

In the video, you can see Vicens-Segura in the water between the vessels just before they take off, once the Jet-skis moved, Vicens-Segura was allegedly struck by the cable connecting the two when it snapped.

The aftermath is intense, and Michael is clearly in a lot of pain.

Michael says the whole thing happened in Puerto Rico in 2018 when the two guys and movie producers planned to do some kind of "Jet Ski Tug of War" ... which basically meant two guys would operate the jet ski in opposite directions.

Michael's attorney, John Phillips, now says ... "We provide this video looking for witnesses and people who know about the creation and execution of this stunt. If you have information, please contact us."

Vicens-Segura says he had to get a metal plate in his head and his life has been completely changed by the incident ... he is asking for more than $12 mil in damages.

NFL player Damon Arnette allegedly pointed a semi-automatic pistol at a valet in Las Vegas and demanded his Mercedes SUV keys, yelling "give me my mother f***ing keys," according to a police report obtained by TMZ Sports.

25-year-old Arnette -- a 1st round draft pick -- was arrested on Friday, January 28 on Las Vegas Blvd. after cops received a call about a man who allegedly pulled a gun after becoming irate with a valet at the Park MGM resort.

Las Vegas Metro PD say they located Arnette driving a black G-Wagon around 6 PM on Las Vegas Blvd. When they pulled him over, they say they located two guns in the car. One of the weapons was found on a passenger (a Glock 36), and the other was found next to where Damon was seated.

As for the incident that led to the arrest ... a Park MGM employee said he retrieved a prompt to retrieve the Benz. However, when the valet delivered the car, he asked to see Arnette's ticket -- which he said he'd lost. That's when Damon allegedly lost it, yelling "give me my mother f***ing keys!"

Shortly after the valet says things took a turn for the worst. The male employee claims he heard a gun cock, and when he looked up, Arnette was pointing the firearm at him, and again demanded his car.

Arnette eventually got his keys and left ... and police were called. Damon was pulled over and arrested shortly after.

Police say they viewed surveillance video from the casino ... and the video shows Arnette "took a handgun that was concealed from his pants and placed it in the drivers side interior door."

Police say "it appears that Arnette gets irritated and starts yelling at the attendant."

The argument continued, and LVMPD says "Arnette then appears to reach down and charge his pistol using both hands."

FYI, to charge a handgun is to cock the handle.

It gets worse for Damon. Police say they found 3 baggies of cocaine -- totaling 1.8 grams -- in his pocket. They asked Arnette about the powder, and he told them it was ketamine, but that it was not his.

Cops say they also located 13.5 ounces of what appeared to be marijuana (the alleged weed hasn't yet been tested). LVMPD says Damon admitted to having a large amount of pot in his car for personal consumption.

Arnette was eventually booked on 4 felony charges including carrying a concealed weapon, assault and drug possession.

It's not the first time he's been in trouble. Arnette was cut by the Raiders after a video surfaced where he appeared to threaten someone with a weapon.

Arnette is also being sued for an alleged hit and run where someone was seriously injured.

Michael K. Williams' overdose death was caused by drug dealers who sold him dope laced with fentanyl ... according to the feds who are announcing arrests in the case.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of NY broke the news Wednesday ... saying they had 4 individuals in custody who've been charged in connection with Williams' death last year in Brooklyn.

According to the feds ... a man named Irvin Cartagena made a hand-to-hand transaction with Williams on Sept. 5, 2021 -- allegedly taking cash from the actor and giving him heroin the authorities claim was laced with fentanyl ... which later caused Williams' fatal OD. Law enforcement nabbed Cartagena in Puerto Rico.

Prosecutors allege the exchange between Williams and Cartagena was captured on surveillance video, and posted screenshots they claim show the drug deal going down.

Cartagena is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl analogue, fentanyl and heroin. He's also being charged with causing Williams' death in connection with the narcotics conspiracy.

All told, he could get life in prison if convicted on all charges.

There's more though ... 3 other guys were also arrested and charged -- Hector Robles, Luis Cruz and Carlos Macci, who the feds allege are part of the same drug trafficking org in Brooklyn.

As we reported, Williams was found dead in his Brooklyn home, and his death was later ruled an accidental OD.