Legal

Daddy Long Neck's baby boy is out of the hospital and is on the mend ... this after the BF of the kid's mom was arrested for allegedly abusing the kid so badly he ended up there.

Long Neck tells TMZ ... his 9-month-old son, David Alfredo Samuelson Lopez, was released last Saturday from the hospital and is currently with a foster family -- and we're told the kid's doing way better.

Long Neck says David's off the feeding tube and is eating and drinking on his own ... he's even been giggling more and is a lot more active with his hands. He says doctors still aren't sure if there'll be any lasting effects from the ordeal, but he is improving every day.

As we reported, baby David went to the hospital last month after suffering skull fractures and brain bleeding.

The Montebello Police Department says officers ended up arresting Long Neck's ex's bf, Daemien Obeso, and booked him for child abuse causing great bodily injury. He'll be arraigned September 28.

Two years after Brett Favre allegedly collected millions in welfare money to fund a volleyball arena at Southern Mississippi, a former state official claims the NFL legend wanted more cash for a football facility, new court docs show.

Ex-Mississippi governor Phil Bryant's attorneys say text messages show Favre reached out to Bryant again in 2019 regarding financing a potential indoor practice facility at his alma mater ... this, after already allegedly taking around $5 million for the volleyball arena.

Despite being warned of the serious legal risks, Bryant's legal team claims Favre "continued to press for state funds" ... and wanted up to $2 million for projects, according to ESPN.

The docs state Favre told Bryant via text ... "We obviously need your help big time and time is working against us. And we feel that your name is the perfect choice for this facility and we are not taking No for an answer! You are a Southern Miss Alumni, and folks need to know you are also a supporter of the University."

Bryant responded with caution, saying ... "We are going to get there. This was a great meeting. But we have to follow the law. I am to[o] old for Federal Prison."

Bryant also alleges he spoke with former Southern Miss prez Rodney Bennett, who claimed he "asked Brett not to do the things he's doing to seek funding from state agencies and the legislature."

Favre -- who is listed as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by the state of Mississippi over misspent welfare money -- has previously said through his attorneys he did not know where the funding for the facility came from.

Former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the State of Mississippi out of more than $70 million in federal funds on Thursday.

David Dobrik says he shouldn't be held responsible for any injuries suffered by a YouTuber in a social media stunt gone wrong ... claiming the guy knew what he was signing up for.

The influencer just responded to Jeff Wittek's lawsuit against him, with David claiming Jeff knowingly assumed the risks involved with the stunt and can't collect any damages from David just because he got hurt when it went sideways.

TMZ broke the story ... Jeff sued David back in June for more than $10 million, claiming David should have never been behind the controls of the massive excavator used in the stunt, which saw YouTubers being swung around from a rope attached to the excavator shovel.

Jeff says when it was his turn, David started swinging him around too quickly before abruptly slowing down, causing Wittek to slam into the side of the excavator, resulting in broken and fractured bones, plus a torn ligament.

Jake Paul is being sued by Eddie Hearn -- one of the most powerful people in boxing -- after The Problem Child claimed the promoter paid off a judge in two recent, high-profile bouts.

In a newly filed lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, Hearn and his company, Matchroom Boxing, claim their reputation was damaged after 25-year-old Paul "made outrageously false and baseless allegations" during an interview on Sept. 20.

In the talk, Paul claimed Hearn's Matchroom Boxing paid off judge Glenn Feldman in the August Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua fight. Paul claimed that same judge was also paid off by Matchroom in the April Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano fight.

Taylor won by split decision over Serrano, while Joshua lost by split decision to Usyk.

"Glenn Feldman shows up in Saudi and scores Anthony Joshua to win the fight when everyone who watched the fight said it was not a split decision," Paul said ... before adding, "Clearly, this guy is getting paid money by Matchroom Boxing."

Hearn included Paul's video interview as an exhibit in the lawsuit ... filed by attorney Frank Salzano.

Paul, in the interview, also acknowledged that it was "a bold statement and an accusation that I don't take likely, but it's just blatantly obvious. And they're not even trying to hide it."

Hearn -- who's suing Paul for defamation -- called the comments "outlandishly false."

Johnny Depp and his former attorney, Joelle Rich, have actually been a thing for longer than we first thought ... but there are no plans for the two to settle down as an exclusive couple any time soon.

Sources connected to the pair tell us ... Johnny and Joelle were very much an item during his nasty trial with Amber Heard back in the summer. In fact, we're told Joelle left her kids and estranged husband in the UK for 2 months while she was in Virginia supporting Johnny.

What's more, we're told Joelle had no role in Johnny's legal defense here in the U.S. ... so her appearance in court was strictly for pleasure, no business.

One thing our sources are adamant about -- Johnny and Joelle are NOT exclusive. In fact, a source connected to Johnny's new movie tells us he's recently been spotted on set getting cozy with a new woman while filming over in France.

Swizz Beatz and Timbaland's $28 million legal war with Triller over their Verzuz payouts has come to a close -- the 2 hip hop superproducers have settled.

TMZ broke the story ... Swizz and Timbaland sued Triller following the sale of their series, accusing Triller of failing to deliver on all the promised payouts -- and although the terms of their settlement are confidential, both guys say they're happy with the outcome.

Tim and Swizz say ... “Verzuz has always been a platform that is by the artists, for the artists and with the people.”

Their joint statement to Rolling Stone continues, “We’re glad to come to an amicable agreement with Triller and continue giving fans the music and community that they’ve come to know and love from the brand.”

Swizz added, "Was I ready to go to war? Yes. Am I used to it? I’m from the South Bronx. But I had to take my emotions out of it. There were too many creatives for me to lock this whole thing in the lawyers’ box.”

Verzuz was a huge draw for hip hop and R&B fans throughout the pandemic ... boasting marquee matchups like Jeezy vs Gucci Mane and Brandy vs Monica.

After news of the lawsuit spread, the hip-hop community rallied around Swizz and Tim and threatened boycotts.

Diddy, Jermaine Dupri and Styles P were just a handful of the rappers of who promised to move on from Triller if the company didn't do right by the Verzuz co-creators.

The brother of slain boxer Isiah Jones has been arrested and charged with murder ... after prosecutors say he shot and killed the fighter following a dispute earlier this week.

According to officials, Timothy Lyman is accused of getting into an argument with Jones at around 6:20 PM on Monday in Detroit ... before shooting him in the face and fleeing the area.

Authorities say Jones was found unresponsive at the scene and was later pronounced dead.

Lyman was arrested on Wednesday -- and, according to prosecutors, he's now been charged with one count of second-degree murder, and one count of felony firearm.

He's due in court for a hearing in the case later Thursday.

According to Roshawn Jones, Isiah's longtime boxing trainer, Isiah was a "very great father" who "provided for his kids."

"He was a hard worker," Roshawn added in an interview with The Ring after the boxer's death. "Everyone is not perfect in life but he was a good human being. He’d make you smile and laugh and was a great role model in the gym."

Isiah -- a National Golden Gloves winner -- turned pro in 2016, and piled up a 9-7 record.

Roshawn has set up a GoFundMe for the fighter, explaining the money will go toward his funeral and his kids.

Todd Chrisley is continuing to spew lies about a woman who investigated him for tax evasion ... this according to a new lawsuit.

The "Chrisley Knows Best" star is being sued for defamation by Amy Doherty-Heinze over remarks she says he made on his popular podcast about the former Georgia Department of Revenue investigator.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Amy claims Todd continues to defame her on his podcast, "Chrisley Confessions," by falsely accusing her of various criminal conduct related to the investigation into his finances.

In a podcast episode last September, ADH claims Todd "maliciously" accused her of breaking laws during the investigation, mentioning her twice by name, calling for her to be prosecuted and making her out to be corrupt and dishonest.

Amy previously sued Todd back in June 2021 for defamation -- that separate lawsuit is still pending -- but she says Todd has not only refused to retract his statements about her but has instead doubled down, prompting her to file another lawsuit.

As we reported ... Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty in June of bank fraud and tax evasion. The couple is awaiting sentencing and are facing up to 30 years in federal prison.

Todd's talked about the case at least a few times on his podcast ... recently asking listeners to send thoughts and prayers.

Brett Favre's alleged involvement in a multi-million dollar welfare scandal may have just gone from bad to worse ... 'cause a key figure in a criminal case has just made a deal to cooperate with the feds that could put the NFL legend in the crosshairs of the Justice Department.

Former Mississippi Department of Human Services director John Davis pled guilty on Thursday to conspiring to defraud the State of Mississippi out of more than $70 million in federal funds, which he was accused of misdirecting from the state's poorest people.

As part of his agreement with prosecutors, officials say Davis agreed to tell everything he knows about the massive scheme ... which could be problematic for Favre.

The former Green Bay QB has been under fire after he allegedly worked with Davis and other government officials to obtain $5 million from Mississippi welfare funds to help his alma mater, the Univ. of Southern Miss., build a new volleyball facility. Favre's daughter played the sport at the Univ. at the time Favre was accused of getting the money for the project.

Favre sent a text in 2017 to the woman who ran the nonprofit, seemingly acknowledging it was wrong to take the money ... "If you were to pay me is there any way the media can find out where it came from and how much?"  She responded, "No we never have had that information publicized."

A few hours later, the woman who runs the nonprofit texted Favre back, saying "Wow, just got off the phone with [then Mississippi Governor] Phil Bryant! He is on board with us! We will get this done!" Favre responded, "Awesome. I needed to hear that for sure."

Despite facing 15 years behind bars, Davis is being seen as an essential component in the ongoing federal investigation into the misdirection of the funds, as well as a corresponding state case. Prosecutors on both sides are eager to obtain information on other possible co-conspirators, including those connected to Davis.

DeMario Jackson, a former "Bachelor in Paradise" contestant, says the rape allegations against him are costing him six figures in brand deals ... and he's vowing to clear his name.

The reality TV star tells TMZ ... the day after he was sued for sexual assault by two women, he lost 10 deals worth $25,000 ... with brands he's worked with for years quickly severing ties.

DeMario straight up says it "sucks" to be dealing with another sex scandal -- back in 2017 'BIP' production shut down after he and Corinne Olympios hooked up in a swimming pool -- and he says his life's been a living hell since the lawsuit.

DJ tells us he feels like it's his 2017 nightmare all over again ... saying he hasn't been able to sleep and feels trapped in his home.

TMZ broke the story ... DeMario was sued Tuesday by two different women, who claim they went on dates with him that both ended with DeMario forcing them into nonconsensual sex.

DeMario's attorney, Walter Mosley Jr., says LAPD already investigated the alleged incidents and the investigations did not lead to criminal charges ... and he says DJ has evidence that will exonerate him in court.

For his part, DeMario claims he maintained a good relationship with his accusers over the years -- he says they even had plans to meet up the day after they went to the police with their allegations. His attorney characterizes the suit as a shakedown.

Donald Trump's legal headaches keep piling up and now he has another one ... the special master in his classified documents case just ordered 45 to prove his assertion FBI agents may have planted evidence at Mar-a-Lago.

Court-appointed Special Master Raymond Dearie has requested that DT put his money where his mouth is. In a filing Thursday, Judge Dearie ordered Trump to submit a sworn declaration itemizing “inventory” of materials seized from his Palm Beach, FL estate that were NOT actually recovered during the FBI search. In other words, Dearie is calling DT's bluff about the FBI's alleged shenanigans.

You may recall Trump went ballistic after the feds raided Mar-a-Lago on August 8 and carted off more than 11,000 sensitive government docs the former president had allegedly swiped from the White House.

Trump fired off a message on his social media platform, suggesting FBI agents did something sketchy during their Mar-a-Lago search. "Planting information anyone?," Trump asked. He also went on Sean Hannity's show this week and insinuated the feds had dropped evidence "into those piles" of secret documents taken from his resort. Even his lawyers have gotten into the action by hinting the feds were up to no good that day.

But, not one of them has coughed up a shred of evidence to support their incendiary claims.

Speaking of unsubstantiated claims ... Trump told Hannity that as President he had the ability to declassify the sensitive docs just by thinking about it -- and that's just plain ridiculous.

Ryan Grantham, known for playing Jeffery Augustine in "Riverdale," has been sentenced to life behind bars for killing his own mother.

The 24-year-old was sentenced Wednesday in British Columbia, Canada Supreme Court -- approximately 6 months after pleading guilty to a second-degree murder charge for the death of his mom, Barbara Waite, back in 2020.

Prosecutors say the disgraced actor recorded his confession and the aftermath of the tragic ordeal with his own camera at the time -- in the clip, he admitted, “I shot her in the back of the head. In the moments after, she would have known it was me.”

Justice Kathleen Ker described the case as heartbreaking, tragic, and life-shattering while giving him the sentence.

According to prosecutors, Grantham shot his mother in the back of the head while she was playing the piano at home -- the following day he loaded his car with guns, ammo, Molotov cocktails, and directions to Rideau Cottage -- where Canadian PM Justin Trudeau lives.

Detectives investigating the case say Grantham later confessed he was attempting to kill Trudeau and wrote about his goal in a journal.

Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin are moving towards a settlement in their ugly divorce, putting a hold on court proceedings to hammer out a deal in private ... and shockingly, we're told there was no prenup in place.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Sly and Jennifer both requested an order of abatement -- which the court granted -- in their divorce down in Florida. This means filings have been put on hold, however, sources connected to the case say the divorce is still happening ... they just don't want the negotiations made public.

The docs state, "The Parties agree that is in the best interests of each of them individually, and more importantly collectively as a family, to resolve all issues attendant to the dissolution of their marriage in a dignified, amicable, and private manner out-of-court."

What's more, we're told the two did NOT have a prenup when they got hitched back in 1997, seemingly leaving hundreds of millions of dollars up for grabs as the earnings of both are community property.

Of course, Jennifer has her popular Serious Skincare cosmetic line, and Stallone's got a string of Hollywood blockbusters including the "Rocky" franchise.

Remember, Jennifer filed for divorce from Sly last month following 25 years of marriage, saying their relationship was "irretrievably broken." She also accused him of moving marital assets, something he's denied.

Donald Trump doesn't have a leg to stand on when it comes to pilfering classified documents from the United States government -- the Special Master has already made that pretty clear -- so he's resorting to an almost unbelievable fallback -- a President can declassify docs just by thinking about it.

Trump was on Sean Hannity's show Wednesday and said, almost unbelievably, "If you're the President of the United States, you can declassify just by saying, 'It's declassified," even by thinking about it." The absurdity continued ... "There doesn't have to be a process, there can be a process, but there doesn't have to be," adding, "You're the President, you make that decision."

As you know, Trump took around 100 classified docs to Mar-a-Lago where they sat in a basement and other unsecured places. The FBI raided the joint in August and seized 11,000 documents.

Trump's been trying to block the Justice Department's criminal investigation and insisted on having a Special Master appointed to determine what is fair game for prosecutors. However, the federal court of appeals has ruled the government can have access to the documents immediately, and will not have to wait for the Special Master to finish his review.

BTW ... the Special Master has already made it clear, Trump's argument over classified documents is ridiculous.

If Trump's last stand is the "I thought to declassify it and that makes it so" ... his case will go down in flames.

It was only after the raid that the former president said he had declassified them.

Turns out Johnny Depp is indeed dating one of his lawyers in his defamation case, but it's NOT Camille Vasquez.

Johnny is dating an attorney named Joelle Rich, who repped him in the UK trial that he lost. Apparently, Johnny didn't hold that defeat against her, because TMZ has confirmed they are indeed together.

Rich is married but now in the process of getting divorced. She and her estranged husband share 2 kids.

Rich was not part of the Virginia trial team that beat Amber Heard, but she was present in court for "support," this according to Us Weekly which broke the story.

Lots of folks who followed the Virginia trial were convinced ... Johnny and Camille were together, something that angered Camille who called the speculation "sexist."

As for Rich, she's a UK lawyer. Her bio says she "works to defend [clients'] reputations against false and defamatory allegations in print, online, and on social media." It goes on to say she has "particular expertise in protecting individuals' privacy from unwarranted intrusion and media attention."

The grocery store clerk charged with smacking Rudy Giuliani on the back won't even receive a slap on the wrist ... if he keeps his nose clean for the next 6 months.

Daniel Gill appeared in an NYC courtroom Wednesday for allegedly roughing up ol' Rudy in a ShopRite on Staten Island, where Gill was working at the time in June. He was charged with felony assault, menacing and harassment.

Prosecutors recommended an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, and Gill gladly took it. The ACD only requires him to stay out of trouble for 6 months for his case to be dismissed and expunged from his record. Gill must also steer clear of Rudy per a protection order issued by the judge, but he will NOT have to plead guilty to a crime as a part of a deal.

The D.A.'s Office said they would have had a tough time proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Gill had intended to physically harm Rudy, so the ACD was their best option.

As we reported, Gill spotted Rudy milling about the ShopRite and came up behind him, calling him a "scumbag" and slapping him on the back. Video of the alleged assault surfaced, sparking an online debate over whether Donald Trump's former attorney was really smacked.

Rudy complained he was almost knocked over by the blow and could have been killed, but many were skeptical, including some in law enforcement.