Money

Fat Joe's taking a break from ripping mics to tear into America's healthcare system and the politicians allowing hospitals to essentially steal from patients ... and TMZ Hip Hop's learned he's taking this fight all the way to Washington, DC.

Joey Crack recorded this incredibly powerful message last month in the Bronx, calling out healthcare "crooks" for hiding hospital prices -- something that's actually illegal, but as Joe points out ... no one's policing the system.

Joe teamed up with Power to the Patients to demand change, and you can tell he's feeling this cause as much as any verse he's ever recorded. As he says on the spot, "When we can't see or compare prices, hospitals charge us whatever they want. They robbing us!!!"

The Bronx icon has some A-list companies in the fight for patients' rights. You might recall ... Susan Sarandon and Cynthia Erivo filmed their own PSAs last year for Power to the Patients, which aired during the Oscars.

Susan also joined us on "TMZ Live" to tackle the hot button issue.

We're told Fat Joe's so serious about this campaign, he'll be attending the White House Correspondents' dinner later this month to rep the org, and, hopefully, get some DC powerbrokers onboard with the effort.

MLB star Starling Marte wanted the #6 so badly with his new Mets squad ... his teammate, Jeff McNeil, said the outfielder gave up a pricey watch for it!

McNeil explained the trade to MLB.com writer Anthony DiComo prior to New York's game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday ... saying after he gave away his NY #6 to Marte before the year, Starling returned the favor recently by getting him a Rolex.

McNeil had worn the number since 2019, but switched to #1 after making the deal with Marte, who signed with the Mets this offseason after playing for Oakland and Miami last year.

As for if it was worth it ... McNeil told DiComo, while grinning, that the watch was very nice.

No word on what the timepiece cost ... but most Rolexes come with a hefty four-, five- or even 6-figure price tag.

Of course, Marte signed a 4-year, $78 million contract with the Mets ... so he could certainly afford it.

Trades like these happen fairly often in sports -- but sometimes they can end up disastrous ... you'll recall, Clinton Portis and his former teammate Ifeanyi Ohalete got in such a dispute over payment for a jersey number back in the day that they actually ended up in civil court over it all.

Doesn't seem the Marte/McNeil swap has any shot of reaching that point ... especially 'cause both dudes are off to great starts this season in their new threads.

Kyrie Irving's middle fingers and potty mouth just cost him some serious coin ... the NBA announced it has fined the Nets superstar for flipping off Celtics fans as well as cussin' at some of them at Sunday's playoff game.

The NBA released a statement Tuesday saying the Nets guard has been docked $50K for "making obscene gestures on the playing court and directing profane language toward the spectator stands."

Of course, the gestures the league is referring to came when Irving flashed his middle fingers behind his head while standing in front of a group of Celtics fans who were trolling him.

The other incident occurred when Kyrie was walking in the hallway at TD Garden and a fan shouted, "Kyrie, you suck." Irving responded by yelling, "Suck my d*** bitch."

Unfortunately for Kyrie, this isn't the first time the NBA has come down on him. Earlier this year, KI was hit with a $25,000 fine after he clapped back at a fan in Cleveland who was giving him a hard time.

Irving's relationship with Celtics fans has been contentious ever since he left the team to sign with the Nets ... and Cs fans make sure to let him know they feel whenever he steps foot in TD Garden.

Formula 1 superstar Charles Leclerc reportedly had his $320,000 Richard Mille watch snatched right from his wrist during a photo op with fans in Italy ... but thankfully, the driver was allegedly unharmed.

Leclerc -- who's off to an incredible 2022 for Ferrari and sitting atop the driver standings -- was with his friends and trainer, Andrea Ferrari, in Viareggio on Monday when the incident happened, according to the report.

Motorsport.com says the 24-year-old was walking around Via Salvatori at 10 PM when he was recognized by fans, who asked for a pic.

After posing for a shot with the group, Leclerc realized his watch was taken ... and reported it to police.

Andrea went to social media shortly after the alleged theft to complain about the area being poorly lit ... calling for the street lamps to get fixed.

Of course, Leclerc has had a partnership with RM for years ... and even has his own signature watch. On top of that, Richard Mille became an official sponsor for Leclerc's Ferrari team ... so it won't be too hard to get a replacement.

Leclerc is in Italy for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix ... which is set to go down on Sunday.

Scary situation ... but the guy was back to meeting with fans just hours later -- posing for pics, although it's unclear if he was wearing any extra jewelry.

We've reached out to Ferrari for comment ... so far, no word back.

Michelle Obama's brother has major beef with a private school in Wisconsin that he claims booted his two sons after complaints of racial bias in their curriculum.

According to reports, Craig Robinson and his wife, Kelly, are suing the University School of Milwaukee -- a private pre-K-through-12 institution -- saying the honchos excused their boys last year without merit ... and in complete retaliation for something their parents brought to their attention.

The Robinsons allege that in 2021, while their kids were doing virtual learning, they filed two reports to school administrators detailing what they felt were examples of racist stereotypes and bias embedded into their lessons and homework assignments.

It's not entirely clear what exactly they felt was problematic -- beyond use of the word "plantation" and an apparent insensitivity to socio-economic status, as Craig explained on 'GMA' -- but in any case, the Robinsons felt strongly enough to flag it to USM.

Shortly thereafter, the Robinsons claim the school sent a letter notifying them that their sons -- who were 11 and 9 -- were being dismissed ... because of what the school felt was a hostile attitude and "complete breakdown in your family's trust of and respect for USM," per the suit.

The Robinsons say they're shocked, as they felt their kids were "model students" and that they'd taken the proper steps to address what they genuinely believed was a problem.

Now, they're pissed and want some justice -- suing for breach of contract and racial discrimination. BTW, looks like this school ain't cheap by any means ... tuition for each kid ran the parents more than $20k each. So, you can understand why they're fuming.

Aaron Donald's Calabasas mansion sold faster than he can chase down a quarterback -- the NFL superstar parted ways with the pad for $6.258 million ... after just 2 WEEKS.

TMZ Sports has learned ... Donald -- who listed the six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom home for $6,250,000 on April 4 -- closed the deal on Monday ... and made some extra dough in the process.

The buyer will now enjoy a 7,036 square-foot home with a massive kitchen, infinity pool, game room, hoops court, outdoor party area and 4-car garage.

As we previously reported, the place -- listed with Jordan Cohen of RE/MAX -- also has a personal barbershop with a massive Donald painting on the wall ... but the room might get a makeover if the buyer is a Niners fan.

Of course, the timing of the sale comes amid rumors the 3-time Defensive Player of the Year could retire this season ... although Matthew Stafford previously told us he's trying like hell to get Donald to return in 2022.

Jake Paul flipped men's boxing on it's head ... and now he's doing the same for the women, telling TMZ Sports stars Amanda Serrano AND Katie Taylor will both make OVER $1 MILLION when they fight next month, and the Problem Child believes it could be the "biggest fight of the year," man or woman.

"The history that this is making. First time women have ever headlined Madison Square Garden, which is massive, and two of the pound-for-pound best going at it, this is what boxing needs more of. I am counting down the days," Jake told us.

Serrano -- who fights for Jake's Most Valuable Promotions -- is 42-1-1. Taylor is 20-0. The women, along with Claressa Shields, are considered the three best active female boxers alive.

Typically, women's boxing hasn't received anywhere near the interest the men have ... but that's something Jake sees changing.

"I think it will shine a light that women boxing is just as good as men boxing. I think that's been a stigma for so long. 'Oh we don't wanna see that, we don't wanna see it. It's not as fun.' No! These women are awesome, they're legit, they are savages and you're gonna see a war April 30, and I think this is gonna open up a lot of doors for women's boxing in general."

It's not just eyeballs and media attention that are sometimes lacking when it comes to women's boxing ... there's also a pay disparity. But, Paul says Amanda and Katie are gettin' PAAIIIID.

"They're both getting 7-figure payday which is unprecedented and will knock down so many doors for the women that deserve this pay over the next couple of years. This is just historic for the sport in general."

And, JP's prediction for the scrap?

Tekashi 6ix9ine is all flash and no cash ... at least that's what he wants a judge to believe, because he's claiming to be broke at the same time he's flaunting $2 mil on camera.

Hip-hop's most infamous heel was on "TMZ Live" Monday when he copped to using "prop money" in a recent video where he boasted he has more cash on hand than a rival rapper's net worth. Most people took it as a subliminal shot at Fivio Foreign, though 6ix9ine never says his name.

All that money flew in the face of Tekashi telling a judge he's broke.

He still owes $1 million to robbery victims in the criminal case where he snitched on ex-friends to get a reduced sentence.

Claiming he's faking his riches because, "I'm an entertainer," won't help Tekashi's street cred -- but, to that point, he also told us he doesn't get why everyone blames him for ongoing beefs with Fivio, Lil Durk and others.

In his new music video for "Gine," 6ix9ine calls out Durk over the murder of King Von -- one of Durk's closest friends. It's a brazen and cold-hearted line, for sure.

Sometimes it pays to be fired ... a Kentucky man who claims he was canned after suffering a panic attack over an unwanted office birthday party sued and a jury awarded him $450,000!

The jury awarded the loot to Kevin Berling ... who sued his employer for disability discrimination, claiming he was fired 10 months into his job over a birthday party gone wrong.

In his suit, Berling claimed he told his office manager NOT to throw him a BD party because he suffers from an anxiety disorder and a celebration would trigger bad childhood memories of his parents' divorce.

But, Berling says the company, Gravity Diagnostics, forgot his request and threw him an office birthday party anyway on Aug. 7, 2019 ... causing Berling to have a panic attack and spend his lunch hour in his car.

Berling claimed he was called into a meeting with company brass the next day, which he says triggered another panic attack ... and he says 3 days later he was fired via email. The company claimed they were worried about Berling being angry and possibly violent.

A few months after being fired, Berling sued ... and there was a two-day trial last month where a Kentucky jury awarded him $450k ... including $300k for emotional distress and $150k for lost wages.

Elon Musk might be the richest man on Earth, but he isn't consuming an absurdly large amount of stuff for himself -- in fact, it's the opposite ... because he's kinda homeless.

The Tesla chief made the startling revelation in TED interview that surfaced over the weekend -- in which he defended his many billions of dollars by arguing it actually isn't as problematic as some make it seem, because he isn't using any of that wealth on or for himself.

Watch ... EM says if he was spending upwards of a bil on himself with frivolous (and environmentally harmful) toys like a yacht or whatever -- sure, the criticism would be warranted. But, he says that's simply not what he uses his money for ... pointing out he doesn't even own a home at the moment.

That's absolutely shocking, but even more surprising is where he says he sleeps at night -- according to Elon, the dude bums it and couch surfs with his friends from all over the world.

He says he often stays in spare bedrooms of theirs rather than in any one house of his. This is a bit of a 180 from where he said he was living last year while discussing his Texas SpaceX headquarters ... where he was proud to shows off his 375-sq.-foot 1 bed.

Based on what he's saying here and now, Elon might've ditched that modest pad and opted for an even more stripped-down lifestyle ... AKA, no property at all.

Moneybagg Yo kept his word to ice-out Ja Morant with a Bread Gang Chain ... and gave it to the Memphis Grizzlies star after Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs!

As we previously reported, the Memphis rapper and Morant have been cool since last season ... and Moneybagg Yo copped a diamond BGC chain last week for the NBA All-Star.

"Come get yo trophy" Moneybagg Yo said last week. "Proud of ya bra #Big12."

It seems Ja didn't have much time to go get his gift with the playoffs starting ... so Big Bagg pulled up.

You can see the "Time Today" rapper sitting courtside at the Timberwolves-Grizzlies game on Saturday at FedExForum ... and Yo gave Morant the BGC pendant right on the court after the game.

FYI, the Grizzlies actually lost after the T'Wolves beat them 130-117 ... and one fan questioned Moneybagg why he would still give Morant the new bling if he took a L.

"U have to except yo losses like u do yo winnings," the 30-year-old rapper said.

"Either way, it go he a champ to me. He been putting on for our city regardless."

The 22-year-old guard did go off in Game 1 with 32 points and the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 draft has led the Grizzlies to their second consecutive playoff appearance.

There's a famous piece of horror movie history going up for sale ... the axe from the Stanley Kubrick masterpiece "The Shining" ... but you're gonna need some crazy deep pockets.

The axe is remembered for the scenes towards the end of the film, including the one where Jack Nicholson's character uses it to break through a wooden door ... leading up to his famous line, "Here's Johnny!!!"

The Kubrick film, based on the Stephen King novel, also features Nicholson's character, Jack Torrance, carrying the axe with him into the maze at the end of the film as he trudges through the snow to find his son, Danny.

Oh and don't forget the moment where Jack uses the axe to kill Scatman Crothers' character, Dick Hallorann, striking him in the chest in the bowels of the haunted hotel.

The axe is going up for sale through Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction house ... and we're told the prop is expected to fetch at least $100,000.

The auction house says the axe prop is still in very good condition and it's displayed in a shadow box frame, along with some photos of it in action in the movie.

Actor Wyatt Russell has just sealed the deal and unloaded his Studio City home.

Wyatt, the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, sold his Spanish home for just under $2.9M ... making quite a big profit since snagging it, back in 2019.

The hockey player turned actor and his actress wife, Meredith Hagner, purchased the pad for just under $1.7M ... 6 months before they got hitched.

The 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom pad is full of color and charm. It has cool features ... including a pink arched gate, beamed ceilings and 3 fireplaces.

And, of course, an abundance of light!

If you step outdoors, there's a pool and spa, veggie garden and covered outdoor dining ... so, lots for the next resident to enjoy.

The Hollywood couple won't be too far away, either. They reportedly scooped up a slightly bigger home in Santa Monica for $5.4 million earlier this year ... after welcoming their first child last March.

The TikToker who claims his face was left with splotches all over after a facial gone wrong is taking the spa that did it to court ... because he just sued, like he said he would.

Neyo White filed suit against Diamond Facez Skin Care Bar for what he says was a botched chemical peel that burned his mug ... leaving discoloration and peeling behind that he claims were incredibly painful and distressing.

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, White describes how he got this done in February. At the time, he was told the burning was normal and not to worry. However, he claims it was anything but ... and has pictures he says show the severe burns left by the peel.

He says he suffered skin disfigurement and possibly permanent scarring from the burns. He also claims he's suffered pain and suffering over the alleged injuries ... including shock, fear, mental anguish, etc.

As we previously told you ... this whole thing might've been averted if the spa had just refunded what he paid for the chemical peel -- a mere $150 he claims the establishment refused to hand back.

Now, he's asking for compensatory and punitive damages of at least $500,000.

Joseline Hernandez beat the crap out of a bunch of dancers behind the scenes of her reality TV show's reunion show ... at least that's what the dancers claim in a massive $25 million lawsuit.

Four women who say they were dancers on "Joseline's Cabaret" are accusing her of ambushing them on set, and violently opening a can of whoop-ass. In docs obtained by TMZ, the dancers claim they showed up in high heels for the reunion show taping, but JH was waiting for them with hard-bottom boots and launched an attack.

One woman claims Joseline violently kicked her in the ribs, while another claims Joseline dragged her by her hair and kicked her in the back ... while the third dancer alleges Joseline grabbed her by the neck and shoved her to the ground.

According to the suit, the fourth woman got off relatively easy -- she claims Joseline shoved her, but only threatened to do more harm. They also claim Joseline even boldly bragged about the beatdown on social media.

During the alleged incident, they say she repeatedly yelled, "Gucci gang" -- which they believe was a signal for the planned attack. They point out Joseline used the phrase again in a post with an image of the shoes she wore during the alleged attack.

Russell Wilson and Ciara are officially making Denver their new home -- 'cause the Broncos QB just plunked down $25 million on a gorgeous mansion ... an all-time high for a single-family home in the area!

The 33-year-old copped the new crib -- which sits on 5.34 acres -- earlier this month in Englewood, CO ... a 24-minute drive from the Empower Field at Mile High stadium.

The 20,060 square foot estate has plenty of room for Russ, Ciara and their three children. The house features four bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a nine-car garage and a large fireplace for those cold Rocky mountain nights.

There's also a 2,590-square-foot indoor pool, game room, home theater and full basketball court.

The Wilsons bought the place (in an off-market deal) for a record-breaking $26 million -- the most expensive price tag for a single family home in the Denver area.

The previous record was a penthouse at the Four Seasons building that sold for $16M in 2020 ... and former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan's mansion which sold for $15.7M.

It's definitely an upgrade in size for the Wilson family ... their Washington home -- that just went on the market for $36 million -- was a little over 11,000 square feet.

Of course, the recent real estate moves happened due to the Seattle Seahawks trading the 9x Pro Bowler to the Broncos last month.