Legal

The guy who accused Megan Fox of child abuse for letting her kids wear whatever they want is now getting an earful from the paparazzi agency that owns the pic he used to call the actress out ... and they're not happy.

Backgrid -- the agency that owns the rights to the photo in question, showing Megan with her three sons -- fired off a legal letter Tuesday to ex-GOP congressional candidate Robby Starbuck who used the pic this past weekend to claim MF was forcing girl clothes onto her boys.

The correspondence, obtained by TMZ, accuses Starbuck of infringing on their copyright to the picture -- which they say Starbuck did not purchase or license before he published it.

Backgrid shuts down any potential claim to "fair use" ... a legal doctrine that allows third parties to use copyrighted works without permission in certain limited circumstances.

They say Starbuck can't argue the pic was for political purposes, which was clearly his intent here, and does not meet the legal standard to qualify as fair use ... on multiple fronts, in fact. Bottom line -- they say his fair use claim ain't flying.

Backgrid is now demanding Robby comply with their demands -- saying the photo he posted has been viewed by millions of people, without them seeing a dime -- or else.

Things just went from bad to worse for Kroy Biermann … not only is he embroiled in an acrimonious divorce with Kim Zolciak, but he’s now being sued for allegedly missing lease payments on a Rolls-Royce.

According to new court docs, obtained by TMZ, the ex-NFL linebacker hasn’t paid a dime in months to BMW Financial Services to lease the company's 2020 Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

The docs say BMW execs demanded Kroy return their $400,100 luxury SUV, but he thumbed his nose at them and kept it.

The suit also includes the purported lease agreement signed by both parties and goes into detail about Kroy's failures to make his monthly payments.

From July 2020 to July 2023 ... BMW claims Kroy was supposed to turn over $5,297.64 each month for 36 months, totaling $190,715.04.

But Kroy often came up short, the docs say ... and, more recently, he just didn't pay at all. BMW also points out Kroy's last payment was made all the way back in September 2022.

As a result, BMW is asking for a "writ of possession" in the suit ... translation: give us back our damn vehicle, Kroy!! They also want the money they've lost out on.

Meanwhile, Kroy has been battling his estranged wife, Kim Zolciak, in divorce court over their finances and custody of their 4 young kids. In legal docs, the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' alum has accused Kroy of smoking too much weed ... and Kroy has called out Kim for her alleged gambling addiction.

We've reached out to Kroy's attorneys for comment about the lawsuit ... so far, no word back yet.

Boosie Badazz is getting some heat for showing up to support YNW Melly in his double homicide trial from one of the alleged victim's fathers ... accusing Boosie of being a cheerleader for murder.

Christopher Thomas Sr., the father of YNW Juvy, one of the two men Melly is accused of killing, lashed out at Boosie for supporting Melly, someone he doesn't even know!!!

Chris says Boosie should focus his attention on his ex-friend Marlo Mike, who was sentenced to life in Baton Rouge

The trial's getting deeper already. Christopher Sr. has a daughter who's the sister of both YNW Juvy and Melly's alleged co-conspirator ... YNW Bortlen.

Johnny Depp's charitable donations are gonna go a long way in helping the orgs he's vowed to help out ... telling us they can't wait to put the money to work.

A rep for Make-A-Film Foundation, a lucky recipient of $200K from JD calls him "one of the most generous people we've ever worked with." The org grants critically and terminally ill kids the opportunity to make short films and documentaries with actors. We're told, each film costs $25K - $35K and documentaries range from $3K to $5K ... so Depp's donation will go directly to the production costs -- i.e. equipment, props, hair/makeup, insurance.

As we reported, JD is donating his million-dollar lump sum from Amber Heard to Make-A-Film Foundation, The Painted Turtle, Red Feather, Tetiaroa Society and the Amazonia Fund Alliance. You'll recall, AH's insurance company covered the cost as part of her settlement following the U.S. defamation trial.

Joe Seidenberg, executive director of Red Feather, is also super happy to put the money to good use -- telling us the funds will help to address housing disparities for Native Americans ... specifically the Navajo and Hopi tribes.

A rep for Amazonia tells us the money will be transferred to BFUCA (Brazilian National Federation of Associations, Centers, and Clubs) for various projects ... and the org works tirelessly to help preserve the Amazon ecosystem.

Depp also made a $200K donation to Marlon Brando’s charity, Tetiaroa Society. The orgs' Executive Director, Frank Murphy, tells us, "Mr. Depp's generosity is overwhelming and we are honored to be among these amazing organizations that he supports. His contribution will help Tetiaroa Society in its work to protect Tetiaroa, support indigenous voices across the Pacific, and advance ocean-based solutions to climate change."

Nick and Aaron Carter's sister, Bobbie Jean, was busted in Florida after allegedly stealing some stickers from a Hobby Lobby … and cops say she had fentanyl.

According to the arrest report, obtained by TMZ, Bobbie was arrested Saturday in Hernando County after allegedly stealing six Hobby Lobby items valued at just over $55.

The Hobby Lobby loss prevention team told sheriff's deputies they observed her taking items off the shelves, putting them in her purse, and walking out of the store without attempting to pay for the goods.

When sheriff's deputies took Bobbie into the store's loss prevention office, they say she grabbed her purse in a panic and tossed a powder blue container under a desk. Deputies say they found the container, which had 1.3 grams of white powder and 0.8 grams of purple powder inside. We're told a field test of the purple powder came back positive for fentanyl.

Bobbie was placed into custody and on her way to jail deputies say she threatened to hurt herself, telling them … "I'm just going to have to kill myself." As a result, we're told she was placed on suicide watch at the jail.

Ultimately, Bobbie was booked on one count of retail theft and one count of possession of fentanyl.

50 Cent and Rémy Martin are no longer beefing ... the famous alcohol brand settled its lawsuit over the rapper's cognac bottle design.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, 50 Cent’s company and Rémy Martin reached a settlement June 1 but asked the court to keep terms of the settlement under seal.

The beef dates back to August 2021, when Rémy Martin sued 50 Cent's Spire Spirits in Manhattan federal court ... claiming the rapper’s Branson cognac brand ripped off their distinctive bottle design.

In the suit, Rémy Martin claimed 50 Cent's cognac copied their famous jewel-shaped glass bottle design. Rémy Martin claimed the design was synonymous with their brand and could cause confusion.

Reps for Rémy Martin tell TMZ ... they're pleased to resolve the trademark and patent dispute, and the brand respects 50 Cent’s entry into the cognac market.

Kevin Costner says his estranged wife Christine is refusing to pack her stuff and leave their home despite the clear terms of their prenup ... claiming he's already given her well over a million bucks to find a new place.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Kevin says according to their prenup, Christine had 30 days to vacate the home he owns when she filed for divorce on May 1, but she still hasn't left.

The docs say Kevin's now asking for the court to get her out, and adds she shouldn't be able to stay in the house ... only using her position as leverage to make Kevin agree to her "various financial demands."

Kevin claims he's already given her a whopping $1.2 million per his obligations under the prenup -- and says overall, the amount he's shelled out has grown to around $1.45 million ... money she now has available to lock down a new place.

The docs even say he'd be open to contributing as part of his child support obligations $30K per month for a rental house and is willing to advance another $10K for her moving costs.

As we reported, Kevin insists he owns all 3 of their homes, and their long-standing prenup -- signed back in 2004 -- specifically stated she had to fully vacate upon filing for divorce.

Amber Heard's million-dollar IOU to Johnny Depp has finally been paid -- and now, we know exactly where the money's going ... different charities near and dear to his heart.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... in light of the million recently making its way to Johnny -- which, as we reported, was covered by Amber's insurance company as part of her settlement following the U.S. defamation trial -- JD is ready to dish out the dough, pronto.

We're told the cash will be split up evenly five different ways for 5 different orgs -- so, $200k each -- that tackle causes Johnny believes in. Those efforts include everything from aiding sick children with life-threatening illnesses and providing housing for historically disenfranchised communities ... to preserving ecosystems/natural environments globally.

Specifically, he'll be donating to the following nonprofits ... Make-A-Film Foundation, The Painted Turtle, Red Feather, Tetiaroa Society and the Amazonia Fund Alliance.

Make-A-Film is similar to Make-A-Wish, but it grants kids' wishes from people within the film world -- actors, directors, etc. We're told Johnny's done a short film with them in the past, so that's why he's selecting them on his short list.

BTW, our sources tell us two other orgs here -- Painted Turtle and Tetiaroa Society -- are actually homages to heroes in Johnny's life ... namely, Paul Newman and Marlon Brando. Each guy was instrumental in these charities' founding and success over the years, and we're told Johnny wants to continue their legacies, respectively, by making these donations.

Red Feather and Amazonia, meanwhile, are all about helping indigenous communities keep their culture and heritage intact all over the Americas (North and South) ... be it through shelters and sanctuaries for individuals or large-scale infrastructure projects to protect villages.

Lisa Marie Presley's daughter Riley Keough seems to be getting close to the finish line in her winding journey to take over her mother's trust ... she just needs a stamp of approval from the court.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Riley wants the court to approve the settlement confirming she's the sole trustee of Lisa's trust ... which holds the proceeds of a life insurance policy.

As we previously reported, Riley and her grandmother, Priscilla Presley, recently settled their dispute over who would control Lisa's trust ... agreeing to a settlement where Riley got control and Priscilla got a seven-figure payday.

Riley wants the court to approve the settlement the family agreed to ... which also confirms Lisa's ex-husband, Michael Lockwood, as the guardian ad litem regarding these estate matters for their 14-year-old twin girls.

Remember ... when Elvis Presley's only child died back in January, there was a lot of behind-the-scenes family drama ... with Priscilla and Michael squaring off against Riley.

Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey is no longer facing an assault charge ... TMZ Sports has confirmed his criminal case has been dismissed.

According to court records, prosecutors dropped the charge on Friday ... after the 22-year-old completed a pretrial diversion program.

Winfrey was initially arrested back on April 10 ... after officials alleged he got physical during a dispute with a woman whom he was dating.

Authorities claimed in court documents Winfrey pulled the woman's hand, causing her injuries.

Despite the legal case, Winfrey has still been a participant in Browns' offseason workouts this month.

Khloe Kardashian wasn't messing around when her son was born, giving him the Kardashian last name instead of Tristan Thompson's ... but later had a change of heart.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us Tatum Thompson -- as he's now known -- was initially legally a Kardashian. Our sources say Tatum also wasn't his first name, though we're not sure what first name Khloe originally chose for the kiddo.

Eventually, our sources say Khloe decided to drop the Kardashian name for Thompson, and that's now Tatum's legal name moving forward.

As for why Khloe may have made the initial decision to leave Tristan out of things -- it seems pretty clear ... as we reported, Tristan got another woman, Maralee Nichols, pregnant after Khloe and Tristan had decided to go ahead with a surrogate to carry Tatum.

TMZ broke the story about the surrogacy in July of 2022, just a couple months after it was discovered Tristan had gotten Nichols pregnant. It was about a month later when Tatum was born, so you gotta imagine there was still a lot for Khloe and Tristan to figure out ... making it totally understandable Khloe wanted her son to have her last name.

Obviously, things have gotten better since that time, and it's almost certainly the reason Khloe decided to change Tatum's legal name to include Thompson.

As we've reported on multiple occasions, Khloe and Tristan are incredible co-parents ... hitting events together with their daughter True all the time. We were the first to report both Khloe and Tristan were at True's pre-K graduation last week ... along with exes Kylie and Travis Scott and family foe Blac Chyna.

With plenty of milestones and significant happenings for their son for the next several decades, it's nice to see Khloe and TT on the same page.

Rubi Rose's 2021 "TWORK" music video was responsible for the destruction of some very valuable art ... so says the owner of the property next to the rapper's Los Angeles filming location.

According to a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, a renowned contemporary sculptor named Analia Saban's art studio/creative space is suing Rubi, video directors Jay and Georgio Rodriguez, and her label HitCo, claiming the music video shoot involved a high-pressure fire truck hose that ended up causing major damage to the artist's building and art pieces.

Saban claims you can spot the exact moment above when the water from the fire hose breached Analia's studio ... and says the unwelcome water damaged the building, destroyed valuable art, and caused at least six figures in overall damage.

Hollywood Fire Authority, a Los Angeles-based company that rents firefighter equipment, is also named in the suit ... for allegedly failing to properly train Rubi and the crew on using the equipment. After all, the high-pressured fire hoses aren't exactly toys like water guns!!!

Analia says she has undeniable proof the "TWORK" video wrecked her studio and is suing for at least $300K in damages.

President Biden and the rest of the White House celebrated Pride this weekend -- but conservatives are crying foul, claiming JB broke the law in doing so ... flag law, specifically.

Here's the deal ... Joe and co. were hosting a Pride event outside the WH Saturday, where he spoke passionately about protecting individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ ... especially transgender children, whom he said were seen, heard and most definitely belonged.

His remarks were embraced by the LGBTQ+ community and their allies -- but, of course, they also came under fire by right-wingers who felt he was playing a dangerous game.

Eventually, they found something on the grounds to pin their outrage to ... a flag display hanging from the White House itself, with the Pride rainbow flag slotted in between two U.S. flags.

You see, some were citing a certain part of the U.S. Flag Code -- which, yes, is indeed real -- and asserted JB was in violation of section 7, article (e) ... which discusses how U.S. flags should be displayed in public. There are 15 articles dissecting this whole topic, BTW.

Article (e) reads, "The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs." Basically, the red, white and blue oughta take precedent and be most prominent among an assortment of flags -- that's the "rule."

In response to how the WH arranged the flags here, one conservative -- echoing many others -- writes, "To advance revolutionary transgender agenda targeting children, Biden violates basic tenet of US Flag Code and disrespects every American service member buried under its colors." Some are even calling on Biden to apologize and/or be held to account.

The reality ... nobody is going to do squat about this -- because, frankly, it's not a big deal. More importantly, though, the U.S. Flag Code (while technically a federal law) is not enforced at all ... and operates more as a recommendation on proper decorum/custom than anything.

Donald Trump thought he could use Matt Damon's voice to help raise some dough for his campaign, but the famous actor and his buddy Ben Affleck aren't gonna let it fly.

Trump pushed out a fundraising video on Truth Social last week which was almost entirely centered around a monologue from Damon's character in the film "Air." Among some of the lines from Damon, “Money can buy you almost anything, but it can’t buy you immortality."

Turns out, Trump didn't have permission to use the Damon audio, and Artists Equity, the company co-founded by Damon and Affleck that produced "Air" didn't hold back.

AE released a statement, saying, "We had no foreknowledge of, did not consent to and do not endorse or approve any footage or audio from Air being repurposed by the Trump campaign as a political advertisement or for any other use.”

The statement continues, “Specifically in terms of any & all rights available to us under U.S. copyright and intellectual property law, we hereby, expressly give notice that in the case of any use of material from Air by the Trump campaign where approval or consent is required, we do not grant such consent.”

"Air" is a film about the rise of Nike, and highlights the company's pursuit of Michael Jordan in what became the biggest footwear deal of all-time. Damon plays Nike exec Sonny Vaccaro.

Of course, it's not the first time Trump's gotten in trouble for using material he didn't get permission for in promoting himself ... he's gotten hammered for using songs like "Hallelujah," Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It" and Tom Petty's "I Wont' Back Down."

Most recently, he was scolded for using the song and image of The Village People's "Macho Man" during an event at Mar-a-Lago.

A Colorado cop socked an unruly woman in the face while she was in handcuffs ... and the assault was caught on video, leading to the officer's firing.

Loveland Police Chief Tim Doran released the body cam footage Friday, which showed Russell Maranto and his fellow officers escorting Angelia Hall into a hospital room on May 20. Hall was taken to the medical center for evaluation after she was placed in protective custody for wandering in traffic and mumbling to herself.

The clip begins with Hall parking herself in a chair with her hands cuffed behind her back and getting belligerent with the cops, shouting and cursing at them.

Maranto rips a piece of paper out of Hall's hand and walks away with it. As a result, Hall goes berserk, demanding her paper back as Maranto returns to try to calm her down.

But Hall can't contain her anger and hocks a loogie at Maranto, who then slams his fist into her face, causing minor injuries.

YFN Lucci is rejecting a plea deal Georgia prosecutors offered him in his racketeering case ... we've learned Lucci's instead opting to go to trial to clear his name.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ Hop Hop, Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis recommended a 20-year sentence, 17 of them in prison ... and in exchange, Lucci would have to plead guilty to multiple charges -- including felony murder, racketeering, aggravated assault and violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act.

Lucci, whose real name is Rayshawn Bennett, is not interested in the offer. His attorneys, Drew Findling and Gabe Banks, tell us the plea offer is "absurd," and they strongly hinted the D.A. is intentionally dragging her feet -- they point out Lucci is still waiting to go to trial after 2.5 years in custody.

The attorneys also slammed Willis for focusing instead on "newer, high-profile cases that have completely monopolized the Court’s resources" and pointed out her "utter inability to prosecute complex cases."

They went on to say ... "Despite the obstacles consistently placed in the way of Mr. Bennett’s constitutional right to a speedy and fair trial, we continue to be ready and prepared to defend these false allegations."