Money

Ryan Seacrest is a candidate to take the reins from the outgoing Pat Sajak as the next host of "Wheel of Fortune" ... and we've learned discussions are in the very early stages.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Ryan is an option to replace Pat and he's been talking to Sony about potentially taking over for the retiring host. We're told Ryan has some time in his schedule now to possibly make this work, as he's no longer on "LIVE with Kelly and Ryan."

Sony owns "Wheel of Fortune" and there are reports about a field of unnamed candidates ... though it's unclear who is on the list aside from Ryan. Bloomberg was the first to report Seacrest was a possibility.

What's also interesting ... Ryan was a longtime pal of the late Merv Griffin, who created 'Wheel' -- so you gotta wonder if that factor is helping to propel Ryan's interest.

As we reported ... Pat announced this week he was going to step down as host in 2024 after 41 seasons running point on "Wheel of Fortune." Pat was hired as the host way back in 1981 by Merv.

Ryan, of course, has tons of experience hosting TV shows ... he was the original host of "American Idol" in its heyday and also hosted 'Live' with Kelly Ripa ... so he would make a lot of sense here.

Drake was so floored by the instrumental for his future Toronto Raptors championship anthem "Money In The Grave," he shelled out $20k for the track on the spot, claims producer Lil CC.

The big bag payday rang especially monumental for CC, as the 2019 track was actually her first-ever placement as an artist!!!

Rick Ross wound up hopping on the track and the rest became history -- yet another Top 10 Billboard hit for Drake and a summer anthem to celebrate the Raptors' first chip as a franchise.

CC recalled hearing "Money In The Grave" for the first time during an appearance on "Shirley's Temple." She says she was out in London for a modeling gig and removed from English-speaking friends who would share her excitement.

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.

Jacky Oh's death is propelling her business ... her cosmetics line is seeing a huge spike in sales, and we're told there's talk her young daughter could eventually take over the brand.

A rep for Jacky tells TMZ ... her beauty brand, J Nova Collection, is being flooded with orders in the wake of her shocking and sudden death ... and products are selling out.

We're told the company's received over 2,000 orders since Jacky died two weeks ago ... with lip liner, lip gloss, and eyelashes among the most popular products. At one point, we're told the website had to shut down due to the huge increase in traffic.

Jacky named the brand after her and DC Young Fly's first daughter, Nova, and we're told the plan is to keep the business running and possibly make Nova the face of the brand.

We're told Jacky was super hands-on with the J Nova Collection, running it with her sister Megan, who serves as the brand's creative director ... and her family and friends are all pitching in to run the brand in the interim and get all the orders shipped out.

Nova's only 6 years old, so she's a long way off from taking over the business side of her mom's brand ... but we're told the family plans to sit down soon and figure out who will fill the leadership role moving forward.

Those decisions may be on the back burner ... it's only been two weeks since Jacky died.

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."

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.

The Drake curse may officially be over. The hip-hop superstar hit on two massive bets when the Denver Nuggets secured the 'chip in 5 games, profiting over 800 grand!

The 36-year-old superstar placed two bets on the Denver Nuggets back on June 1, before game 1 was played. The first wager ... risking $1 million on the Nuggets to win the series outright (pays 1.23 mil total). The second ... Drizzy put up $250K on the Nuggets winning the series in 5 games (pays $850K).

All told (assuming Drake isn't holding back any losing tickets), the rapper, minus what he risked, won $830K!

It's a good sign for many of the most popular teams across the sports landscape. Of course, Drake's notorious for rooting for, and betting on teams or athletes ... who have then had a reputation for losing.

Thus, the Drake curse.

The Kentucky Wildcats basketball team fell victim to it, and so did the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Conor McGregor, too (though Khabib probably deserves the credit here).

Not all have fell victim. Drake's beloved Toronto Raptors won the title in 2019, Tyson Fury, who the rapper supported against Deontay Wilder in 2021, also won.

Now, you can add the Nuggets to that list.

Garth Brooks has heard all the noise about him promising to sell Bud Light at his new Nashville bar -- and he's here to put out the fire ... by again vowing BL will be on tap.

The country star hopped on camera Monday to address the "stir" that had been caused by his comments last week -- namely, where he alluded to the fact that he'd be serving the now-controversial Anheuser-Busch brand at his forthcoming Honky Tonk on Broadway.

You'd think his OG remarks were quite clear in his stance -- and, on their face, they certainly were -- but GB wanted to hit the point home further by elaborating on his rationale.

Check out his breakdown on why he's going to sell Bud Light in his establishment -- he says this is all about diversity and inclusiveness, which he wants his business to foster ... and which he says he's always been about as a person. We know, that might be a shocker to folks.

As for those who disagree with him on this issue -- and even those who might choose to boycott his bar -- Garth has a telling response ... hey man, that's okay too. It's a refreshing take.

Now, on top of wanting to host a place where all are welcome ... Garth also says that, as far as his beer selection, it's the people and patrons who actually decide what's going to be served -- and they do so with the use of their dollar. Basically, he says Bud Light is still one of the most popular beers around ... and until it isn't, it's going to have a place there.

Garth's got one final message for anyone who wants to swing by and enjoy themselves -- in short, he says to come in with love and acceptance ... and with an open mind too.

The simplicity in his PSA is actually charming, and it sorta puts this whole "controversy" in perspective. We now live in a time where people are riled up about who's drinking what beer -- and the way Garth explains it, that's all pretty damn silly.

Cheers, y'all...

Put away the celebratory joints ... Snoop Dogg will not be the next owner of the Ottawa Senators after all -- the NHL franchise announced Tuesday it's opted to sell its team to another bidder.

Snoop had been a part of the group that L.A.-based entrepreneur Neko Sparks had put together in an effort to buy the hockey team ... but the Sens revealed they ultimately chose to go with the offer that Toronto billionaire Michael Andlauer had made instead.

Reportedly, Andlauer and his backers will fork over right around $1 BILLION for the team as part of the sale.

Snoop has yet to comment on the matter ... but it's no doubt got to be disappointing for the rapper -- you'll recall, back when he initially became a part of Sparks' group, he said in an Instagram post that he desperately wanted the squad.

Andlauer, meanwhile, said Tuesday he was fired up to have beaten out the rest to become the team's next owner.

"I believe that the Senators' fanbase is one of the most passionate in the league," he said, "and I'm excited to take the franchise's success both on and off the ice to the next level."

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.

Jeff Bezos isn't too rich to be a good Instagram photog for his hot fiancée, Lauren Sanchez ... proving as much during an impromptu photo shoot on his superyacht.

The Amazon founder/multi-billionaire was kinda playing the role of head-over-heels simp Monday while aboard his new nautical plaything -- and by that ... we mean he was snapping sexy shots of LS, who was posing for him on the deck of his boat, wearing just a bikini.

When you got a lady as smoking hot as Lauren ... sometimes a gig like this just comes with the territory. At a certain point, ya gotta play photog for your girl -- and Jeff did his part.

As for the shoot itself ... well, it looks like JB was getting Lauren from the front, back, side and just about every other angle as she worked the camera for him. He was just using his camera phone for the pics -- and they might even end up on the 'Gram if we're lucky.

BTW, the soon-to-be-married couple was sailing Jeff's massive $500 million vessel -- which is 417 feet in length, complete with 3 masts -- out in Italy ... off the coast of Portofino, specifically. They landed on the boat via helicopter ... and eventually went jet-skiing.

It's just the latest homage Jeff has made to Lauren ... remember, there's a carved figurehead at the front of this yacht here that's sculpted in the shape of a beautiful woman -- and some see a resemblance to Lauren. Basically, it's possible/likely she was his muse in the art piece.

Now, with him proving to be a reliable partner for social media purposes ... it's full circle.

Usain Bolt's speed certainly isn't limited to the track ... 'cause the Jamaican sprinter flew past his opponents to score an impressive goal in a charity soccer match on Sunday!!

The 8-time Olympic gold medalist ditched his running spikes for some cleats at the Soccer Aid for UNICEF event ... and he wasn't just there to show face -- he balled out!!

Bolt -- fittingly rocking a No. 9.58 jersey to represent his world-record 100-meter dash time -- broke things open 23 minutes into the competition ... zooming past the last line of defense to put the ball in the back of the net for team World XI.

The best part of the highlight came when Bolt celebrated the goal -- first, he did English soccer star Marcus Rashford's signature move ... before switching up to his famous "To Di World" point alongside former French pro Patrice Evra.

Bolt's teammate Tommy Fury was the first to run up and congratulate him ... and it was smooth sailing for their squad the rest of the match, thanks to Robbie Keane's pair of goals.

Former One Direction member Liam Payne wasn't all upset about England's 4-2 loss to World XI ... considering the game raised more than $14 MILLION for the humanitarian organization.

Bolt previously flirted with the idea of playing soccer in the States -- remember, he told us back in 2018 he'd listen to offers from MLS teams if they came with the money.

Wilt Chamberlain was arguably the most dominant basketball player to ever grace the hardwood ... and now the uniform worn by "The Big Dipper" for around 50 games during his '59-'60 rookie season is available at auction, and is expected to sell for millions!

The white Philadelphia Warriors home jersey features "PHILA" on the front and Wilt's iconic #13 on the back, both in red tackle twill. The jersey contains what appears to be a blood stain. The white shorts have a thick blue waistband and are trimmed in red and gold.

Both jersey and shorts are on the auction block at SCP Auctions ... where they already have a bid of $1.37 million.

The uniform was worn for nearly every home regular season and playoff game (approximately 50 games) during the season, according to SCP, who had the uni photo matched by MeiGray, MEARS, and Sports Investors Authentication (SIA).

Of the games Wilt wore the jersey and shorts, he rocked them during his 47-point and 36-rebound performance against the Boston Celtics on January 2, 1960. He also wore them three days later against the Minneapolis Lakers (they moved to L.A. the following year) when he dropped 52 points and 20 rebounds in a win.

7'1" Chamberlain, one of the greatest athletes ever, also wore the jersey when his squad lost in 6 games to the Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals playoff series.

Of course, despite how dominant he was, it was just Wilt's rookie season. Still, he won the first of his 4 league MVPs and averaged an unprecedented 37.6 points and 27 rebounds a game, both NBA records. He also won Rookie of the Year in the most anti-climatic ROY vote to ever take place.

Chamberlain entered the NBA in 1959, signing with the Philly Warriors, after starring for three seasons at the University of Kansas (where he looked like a man amongst children) and one with the Harlem Globetrotters.

WC went on to play for 14 seasons, averaging over 30 points and nearly 23 rebounds. He was a 13x All-Star, 11 rebounding champ, and 7x scoring champ. Wilt scored 100 points in 1962, a record, along with 71 other records, still stands in the NBA record books.

The uniform auction ends on the evening of June 17.

Past game-worn jerseys have sold for huge prices. Take the jersey Michael Jordan wore for game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals which sold for $10.1 million in September 2022. Just a few months ago in February, a Kobe Bryant game-worn jersey from his lone MVP season sold for nearly $6 million.

The Wilt jersey and shorts, the holy grail of vintage basketball uniforms, according to experts, could be in the same neighborhood.