Angelina Jolie Sells Her Churchill Original Painting For $11.5 Million!!!

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Angelina Jolie has parted ways with a very unique painting by one Sir Winston Churchill ... fetching her a whopping $11.5 million at auction.

Christie's in London sold the Moroccan landscape painting Monday for a cool $11,590,715. The actress, who along with Brad Pitt bought it in 2011, had a rare piece of art ... it's believed to be the only wartime painting by the legendary Prime Minister of Great Britain.

The story goes ... Churchill painted the "Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque" after the January 1943 Casablanca Conference, where he and President Franklin D. Roosevelt planned how to defeat Nazi Germany. Churchill gave FDR the painting as a memento.

The painting itself's a beaut ... depicting a 12th-century mosque in Marrakech at sunset. The Atlas Mountains serve as the picturesque backdrop. The painting was later sold by Roosevelt's son after FDR died in 1945. The painting then went through several owners before Brad and Angelina got their hands on it.

It's unclear who bought the painting. BTW ... the $11.5 million price is a new record for a Churchill original ... smashing the previous record of around $2.5 million.

Ellen DeGeneres Unloading Adam's Bev Hills Estate Looking for a Major Profit

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Ellen DeGeneres buy-eth, and Ellen DeGeneres sell-eth ... the daytime talk show host's latest purchase is back on the market ... a home she bought from none other than Adam Levine.

The estate Ellen's trying to sell this time is one she bought from the Maroon 5 frontman back in 2019 -- which sits in a secluded, gated sanctuary in Bev Hills. It's a 2-story monster of a property ... covering about 10,000 square feet and fully loaded.

It's got a resort-style pool, an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven, a fire pit, a sunken tennis court, a built-in bar in the dining room, an indoor gym, a spa and a completely separate guest house.

You'll recall ... EDG and Portia De Rossi snapped up the crib from her good pal, AL, for a cool $45 million ... and is now listing it for a whopping $53.5 mil. If she gets her asking price, that's almost a $10 million profit in just two years!

Of course, this is just the latest real estate investment by Ellen and her wife, Portia, who own several homes. Unclear if they're looking to buy again in the area, but if not ... there's no shortage of places to stay nearby.

The estate is listed by celeb realtor Kurt Rappaport.

Happy hunting ... if you can afford it.

T.I. Sued for Defamation By Woman Claiming He Put Gun to Her Head

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UPDATE

12:18 PM PT -- T.I. and Tiny's attorney, Steve Sadow, tells TMZ ... they "deny in the strongest possible terms these unsubstantiated and baseless allegations."

UPDATE

Sadow adds ... "These allegations are nothing more than the continuation of a sordid shakedown campaign that began on social media." He says the couple "implore everyone not to be taken in by these obvious attempts to manipulate the press and misuse the justice system."

The woman alleging T.I. put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her is now claiming she's getting harassed because the rapper and his wife are smearing her name.

Sabrina Peterson's suing T.I. and Tiny for defamation, because according to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... she says the couple's public statements and social media posts have smeared her good name ever since she made her allegation against T.I.

Peterson claims she got into an altercation with T.I.'s assistant, and T.I. responded by pointing a gun at her head and saying, "Bitch I'll kill you."

According to the docs ... shortly after making her allegation in January, Tiny retaliated by insulting her and posting a photo of Peterson's 8-year-old son to her millions of followers. Peterson says this exposed her son to "vitriol and danger."

T.I. and Tiny subsequently released statements denying a variety of sexual abuse allegations and other claims against them ... including specifically denying the claims made by Peterson.

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Peterson claims being singled out -- along with allegedly being referenced in T.I.'s 8-minute video where he denies allegations and talks about "evil at play" -- has led to her receiving harassing and threatening messages on Instagram.

She's suing the couple for defamation and infliction of emotional distress. We reached out to T.I. ... no word back yet.

Originally Published -- 10:54 AM PT

J.J. Watt Signing with Arizona Cardinals ... In $31 Million Deal

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UPDATE

2:38 PM PT -- We talked to Cardinals legend Aeneas Williams about the Watt signing ... and the Pro Football HOF'er says the 3x NFL Defensive Player of the Year is gonna make a HUGE difference in Arizona -- and not just on the football field.

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ALL-AROUND GOOD MOVE

J.J. Watt is landing in Arizona -- the defensive end confirmed the move Monday in a deal reportedly worth $31 MILLION!!

The 31-year-old recently parted ways with the Houston Texans -- the team that selected him in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

But, the Texans are a mess and Watt was clearly looking for an opportunity with a team built for immediate success.

There were rumblings J.J. was interested in signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his two brothers T.J. and Derek Watt are currently playing.

But in the end, Watt has agreed to a 2-year, $31 million deal with the Cardinals with $23 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Cardinals confirmed the move on social media -- "We have agreed to terms with J.J. Watt on a two-year contract."

The move brings J.J. to a team with a high-powered offense led by quarterback Kyler Murray and superstar WR DeAndre Hopkins.

Hopkins and Watt's were teammates in Houston for 7 years before DeAndre was shipped to AZ in one of the most puzzling trades of all time.

Now, Watt will bolster a defense that already includes stars like Chandler Jones and Budda Baker.

J.J. is already showing off his new team colors -- rockin' Cards swag in a gym session Monday morning.

Congrats!

Originally Published -- 10:01 AM PT

Aaron Rodgers Donates $1 Mil to Help Small Businesses ... In CA Hometown

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The King of the Hail Mary is answering prayers in Northern California ... Aaron Rodgers just donated $1 MILLION to help struggling small businesses in the area where he grew up.

80 restaurants and retail businesses in Butte County, CA -- including Chico (Aaron's hometown) -- will receive funds from Aaron's massive 7-figure donation to help cover rent and other operating costs.

The goal is to float the businesses for the next 3 months -- and maybe even longer -- while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on.

"Small, locally owned businesses are the heart and soul of a community," Rodgers said in a statement Monday.

"In the applications and the videos, it was heart-wrenching to hear about all the obstacles facing restaurants and retail establishments. So many of them are struggling just to stay in business but remain hopeful that there’s an end to this."

Rogers made the donation in association with the North Valley Community Foundation -- which says the NFL star initially pledged $500k ... but DOUBLED his contribution "after seeing the need" in the community.

"Aaron is such an incredible person," NVCF President and CEO Alexa Benson-Valavanis said.

"He looked at everything, decided he wanted to do more, and doubled down on his original $500,000 commitment. He is such a champion for his hometown."

Aaron personally called 9 of the businesses to inform them about the donation -- which must have been a thrill in so many ways!!

Rodgers -- who has reportedly banked more than $240 million in contract money in his 16 NFL seasons -- has come through for Butte County in the past.

He donated $1 mil to help recovery efforts after the Camp Fire of 2018 -- and has also been involved in coronavirus and North Complex Fire relief efforts, according to the NVCF.

Salute.

Bobby Shmurda Glowing Bright After Prison!!!

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SHININ' IN THE DARK

Bobby Shmurda just ripped a page out of his pal Rowdy Rebel's playbook ... copping a $100k chain that glows in the dark.

Rowdy Rebel hit up celeb jeweler Eric Da Jeweler to create something special that he could gift Bobby to celebrate finally getting out of prison. Eric came up with this beauty ... a pendant and chain encrusted with a whopping 75 carats of emerald-cut diamonds!!!

Talk about your name in lights ... all that ice spells out SHMURDA, with a glow-in-the-dark border outlining it.

We're told Eric gave it to Bobby right after he got out last week -- 'cause, as everybody knows, the fresh-outta-prison starter pack must include crazy bling.

As you might remember ... Rowdy Rebel's demon chain was waiting for him when he got out back in December. Eric was also the brains behind that chain ... which featured 50 carats of diamonds.

As we reported ... Bobby was sprung last week, getting out 10 months earlier than expected.

Luka Doncic Rare Signed Card Sells for $4.6 Mil ... Most Expensive NBA Card Ever

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You're looking at the most expensive basketball card ever sold -- and it ain't Michael Jordan or LeBron James.

It's an ultra-rare Luka Doncic rookie card -- a 1-of-1 that features the NBA Logoman patch from a game-worn Dallas Mavericks jersey PLUS a perfect signature with blue ink.

And, it just sold for $4.6 MILLION!!!!

Here's the deal ... the card was originally pulled from a box of 2018-2019 Panini National Treasures Basketball in May 2019 during a live pack break at the Layton Sports Cards shop in Altamonte Springs, FL.

The card was later sold to collector Bolillo Lajan San (unclear what he paid, but more than $400k) who had a feeling the card could explode in value.

Well, he was right because on Sunday night, Bolillo confirmed the sale of the card to high-end collector Nick Fiorella for $4.6 million.

Here are the specifics ... it's a 2018-19 National Treasures Luka Doncic rookie autograph with the "Logoman" patch, #127.

The sale is the 2nd highest purchase of a sports trading card EVER -- just behind a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card that recently sold for $5.2 million!

Clocking in at #3 is a 2009 Mike Trout Superfractor that sold for $3.9 mil.

Followed by a Honus Wagner 1909-11 T206 which sold for $3.7 million to real estate mogul Kurt Rappaport back in December.

Prince It's Purple Raining Memorabilia!!! Ruffled Shirt, Custom Guitar Up for Auction

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The classic white, ruffled shirt Prince wore in the climax of "Purple Rain" could be dripping off you ... IF you can pony up tens of thousands of dollars.

The iconic screen-worn wardrobe item is up for grabs, along with the rock legend's personally played and owned bright yellow Cloud Guitar, with a unique series of 18 black Prince symbols to the fretboard and top of the neck.

The guitar was custom-made for him with all the fitting flourishes in 1995. Both items -- the sexy shirt and the sleek guitar -- are expected to haul in at least $60,000 at auction.

There's more stuff fit for a Prince, too -- including the first pressing of "The Black Album," his stage-worn gold outfit from his "Jam of the Year Tour" and his "Essence" magazine photoshoot jacket ... all of which are expected to fetch more than $20k each.

Other auction items include sunglasses, signed letters, signed album covers and lots more clothing and accessories ... and the bidding at RR Auction lasts through March 10.

Kobe Bryant Childhood Basketball Hoop Sells for $37,200!!!

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Kobe Bryant’s childhood basketball hoop has sold for a King's ransom!

The hoop fetched $37,200 at Heritage Auctions, and it's truly prized memorabilia. It was attached to the garage at Kobe's childhood home in Pennsylvania ... it's the hoop Kobe used to help perfect his legendary jump shot.

As TMZ reported, the home sold recently for $810,000, but the seller wanted a premium for the backboard and the rim and the buyer wasn't interested. So, it was dismounted and the home seller just scored a sizable bounty.

Kobe memorabilia is in ultra-high demand since his tragic death a year ago last month ... prices have skyrocketed for signed basketballs, jerseys and, frankly, anything Kobe. For example, a signed piece of the hardwood from Kobe's Staples Center -- where he played his final NBA game -- was auctioned off north of $600k!

Mike Trout MLB Debut Jersey Hits Auction Block Expected To Rake In $1 Mil +

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Mike Trout is the best player of his generation -- and 1 of the greatest baseball players of all-time -- and now you can own the future HOF'ers 1st game-worn MLB jersey!!

Long before the 3x AL MVP was a bonafide baseball great, he made his debut as a teenager playing center field for the Angels in 2011.

The date was July 8, 2011 ... and Trout's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim took on the Seattle Mariners in SoCal.

Trout started in center field, batted 9th in the order and was 0-for-3 at the plate (the Angels won 4-3).

Those game-worn threads ... they just hit the block at the online auction house, Lelands -- and are available for bidding through April 2.

The sports memorabilia and card collecting biz has exploded. A 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Mike Trout Superfractor card sold for $3.93 MILLION last year.

Lelands says don't be surprised if this 1-of-a-kind uni also cracks 7 figures (aka a milli plus) when it ultimately sells to the highest bidder.

And, speaking of baseball cards ... if the jersey wasn't cool enough on its own, it's also the uniform MT was rockin' on his '11 Topps Update rookie card.

Since starting his career with the 0-fer, Trout's blasted 302 HR's with 1,380 hits and 798 RBI's, and has won 3 American League Most Valuable Player awards ... and he's still only 29-years-old.

Happy bidding!!

Babe Ruth Card Buyer Worth Every Penny of $760k Price 'It's Part of American History'

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RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE

The man who bid $760,000 on a rare signed Babe Ruth baseball card is revealing his identity ... and he's the most famous video game collector on the planet!

Meet Eric Naierman -- who famously dropped $1 MILLION on rare video games back in 2019, snatching up some of the rarest and most sought-after cartridges in gaming.

Naierman -- who's a dentist by trade -- has always enjoyed baseball cards ... and when he saw the 1933 Babe Ruth Goudey #149 card hit the auction block, he rounded up an investment group to make a play for it.

The card -- from the famous "Uncle Jimmy" collection -- has been widely regarded in the industry as one of the most well-preserved Babe Ruth cards from the 1933 Goudey set.

In the end, Naierman's group paid more than DOUBLE the price of a similar version of the same card which sold at auction in 2020 for $325k. But, they believe it's worth every cent and more.

"This is just a part of American history," Naierman tells TMZ Sports ... "It's a part of world history and it's one of the finest examples of the greatest face in baseball as we know it."

"So, we probably just gonna enjoy for a while and make a business plan years down the line for it. It surreal!"

Naierman says his partners live all over the country -- but the card will be kept in South Florida and there are plans in the works for a giant group trip so they can all enjoy it together.

"We'll have a group picture and I'll get to see it and I'll get to touch it and I'll get to feel it and enjoy it a little bit."

Viral Skateboarder 'Doggface' Rental Car Break-In in San Francisco ... Goes to L.A. in Fear

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Nathan Apodaca -- AKA, Doggface, the skateboarder who went viral to "Dreams" -- is having a nightmare West Coast trip after crooks targeted his family.

Sources close to the internet sensation tell TMZ ... Nate and his fam have been in the Bay Area recently on a getaway to celebrate his daughter's 14th birthday ... and all seemed to be going well until Tuesday, when he says their rental vehicles were broken into and ransacked.

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NIGHTMARE SITUAITON

We got Nathan out on Hollywood Blvd. talking about the ordeal ... and although he doesn't want to let it ruin the trip, he's clearly rattled by what he calls a scary trend in San Fran right now.

We're told they had pulled up to the Twin Peaks Overlook, and ended up parking and locking their rented Suburban and Pathfinder in a garage down below.

When they came back down, our sources say Nathan and co. found windows to both vehicles smashed ... and a number of items missing inside. He filed a police report, but says cops told him there wasn’t much they could do since there were no cameras in the garage.

According to the report, obtained by TMZ, Nathan says they made off with credit cards and checks, sunglasses, reading glasses and some wallets filled with identifying information ... like Social Security cards and driver's licenses.

All in all ... we're told the estimated loss and damage comes out to about $4,000. The worst part is that Nathan and his family were spooked, and quickly got the hell outta Dodge.

Our sources say Nathan returned the damaged vehicles Wednesday and picked up new ones, with plans to then book it down to Los Angeles -- which was NOT a stop in their OG itinerary. They're also changing their return flights to fly out of L.A. instead of SF.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

It's a total bummer for such a nice guy, who's been riding high on good vibes since he blew up from his TikTok video last year -- which has brought so much good fortune and beyond.

Just to leave ya on a good note, here's that old vid that had the world chillin' ... and, best of luck in L.A., Dogg.

NFL's D.J. Chark Honors Future Daughter With Adorable Chain ... Baby Chark!!!

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Jacksonville Jaguars receiver D.J. Chark is celebrating his #GirlDad status 3 months early ... by copping a one-of-a-kind diamond chain with his future daughter's name on it!!

The 24-year-old Pro Bowler and his wife, Chantelle, are expecting their first child, Mackenzie, in May ... and we're told Chark is so excited, he wanted to have a special piece ready in time for the big arrival!!

Ari The Jeweler in Manhattan tells TMZ Sports he came up with a custom pendant and diamond chain for the daddy-to-be ... and it's pretty damn adorable.

The iced-out piece features baby feet with hearts, a bow on top and Mackenzie's name engraved in the gold ring of the pendant.

There's also a touching message on the back of the piece ... which reads, "Mommy and Daddy Love You!" -- how sweet!!!

We're told the pendant features 15 carats of VS diamonds and 80 grams of gold ... and the accompanying Cuban chain has 150 grams of gold and 20 carats of diamonds -- altogether estimated to be worth $50,000.

No word on what DJ paid, but the dude's made $3.3 million so far in his young career ... so he can splurge a bit.

Congrats on Baby Chark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo! (Sorry, we had to.)

Lada Gaga Dogs Found Tied to Pole in Alley ... Finder to Get $500,000 Reward

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Lady Gaga's 2 French Bulldogs that were stolen this week were tied to a pole in an alley, miles from where they were dognapped, and the finder is in for a big reward ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... they believe the woman who found the dogs is a Good Samaritan who happened upon the dogs and recognized them from all the media attention. We're told the woman saw the email address we posted from Gaga and said she found the dogs, and she was advised to take them to a nearby police station. The dogs are fine.

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VIOLENT ABDUCTION

As we reported, police believe the woman has no involvement in the dognapping so she deposited the dogs at the PD and left.

As for the reward, sources directly connected to Gaga tell TMZ she will "gladly" pay the $500,000 reward to the finder and we're told tears of joy are still flowing in Rome.

As for the dognappers and, in particular, the person who shot her dog walker ... they are still at large, although we're told cops are combing the area for surveillance video.

Lady Gaga Stolen Bulldogs Back Home Safe ... Shooting Suspects Still at Large

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Lady Gaga's beloved French bulldogs, Koji and Gustav have been returned ... after her dog walker was shot in the chest trying to save the dogs in Hollywood.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ a woman turned the dogs in Friday night to an LAPD station. We're told the dogs were unharmed and have been reunited with Gaga's team.

Our sources say the woman appears to be a good samaritan and claims she found the dogs and brought them in. The LAPD is continuing to investigate, and the shooters are still on the loose.

Sources close to Gaga tell us she cried "tears of joy" when she got the news.

It's currently unclear if and when the woman will be rewarded the $500,000 offered by Gaga for the return of the dogs.

TMZ broke the story ... 2 of Gaga's pups were abducted Wednesday night, when thieves confronted her dog walker on the street and shot him. Lady Gaga, who was in Rome working on a new movie at the time, offered $500,000 for the dogs' return, no questions asked.

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VIOLENT ABDUCTION

Surveillance video from a neighboring home showed the brazen attack ... and you hear one of the thieves cock a gun and tell Gaga's dog walker, Ryan Fischer, to "give it up" before a struggle ensues and the gun goes off.

Fischer, who was shot in the chest, was walking 3 of Gaga's French bulldogs when he was attacked ... and one pooch, Asia, was able to run away from the thieves before coming back to the injured dog walker.

Our sources told us Lady Gaga was extremely upset by the scary incident ... but now all 3 dogs are safe and sound.

French Bulldogs Thefts On The Rise ... Get 'Em Microchipped!!!

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Lady Gaga's stolen pups are part of an alarming trend ... French bulldog thefts are on the rise, but breeders say there are a few things folks can do to keep the dogs safe.

Honchos at Francoeur French Bulldogs, a breeder in California, tell TMZ ... stealing Frenchies has recently become a thing -- it's happening in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix -- and they're advising French bulldog owners not to walk their dogs at night.

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VIOLENT ABDUCTION

TMZ broke the story ... dognappers abducted 2 of Lady Gaga's Frenchies at gunpoint this week in Hollywood, stealing them from her dog walker as he was taking them down the street around 10 PM.

Folks at French Bulldog Puppies Los Angeles say they're telling their celebrity clients to be extra careful with the dogs, because thieves know Frenchies are in demand and expensive. We're told puppies can be worth up to $20,000 and older dogs could still fetch $2,500.

Lucky for Gaga, her dogs were returned unharmed Friday night when a woman dropped them off at a LAPD station. Remember ... Gaga offered a $500,000 reward for her dogs' return, no questions asked.

French Bulldog Puppies has a message ... the most important precaution folks can take is microchipping their Frenchies so they can be identified if they're taken to a vet.

Frenchies are small, in-demand and worth a lot of money, which puts a target on their back ... and the owner of French Bulldogs LA says the problem's compounded by the fact the dogs are so friendly they would hop into a stranger's car with no problem.

Stay safe out there, Frenchie folks.