Britney Spears' Conservator Requests Beefed Up Security ... I'm Getting Death Threats!!!
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Britney Spears' personal conservator, Jodi Montgomery, wants increased security measures for herself in the wake of Britney's testimony, because she says she's dealing with threats on her life.
According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Jodi claims she's getting flooded with death threats over social media, text message, email and phone and she wants security guards to start protecting her around the clock.
In the docs, Jodi says the threats of violence picked up after Britney testified in court about the conservatorship ... and she wants Britney's estate to pick up the tab for a 24/7 security detail. That cost would have to be approved by the conservator of Britney's estate ... Brit's father, Jamie Spears, and the judge.
As you know, Britney says the conservatorship has all but ruined her life and her fans are making a renewed push to #FreeBritney ... and now Jodi claims some of those folks are coming after her.
In the docs, Jodi also claims Britney asked her stay on as the co-conservator of her person ... and to help the singer find a new attorney.
TMZ broke the story ... Sam Ingham, the lawyer who represented Britney in her conservatorship, resigned Tuesday and sources told us Ingham was upset Britney told the court she was never advised that she could end the conservatorship.
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Bill Cosby Wants to Do Comedy Tour Again Docuseries in Works
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Bill Cosby is jumping right back into showbiz now that he's out of prison -- not shockingly, he's working on a docuseries about himself, but more surprising is the fact he's plotting a return to standup comedy.
Cosby's rep, Andrew Wyatt, tells TMZ ... the comedian, at 83 years old, wants to hit the road and tell jokes, and his camp's contacted several promoters and comedy clubs who they say are open to the idea.
Despite widespread backlash and outrage over his prison release, Wyatt confidently claims ... "The world wants to see Mr. Cosby."
We're also told Cosby is working on a 5-part docuseries covering his life, legacy, trial and prison experience -- and he'll be sitting down soon to do his interview for the project.
So far, we're told producers of the series have shot interviews with Cosby's family, friends and other celebs.
As you know ... Cosby was released from prison last week after Pennsylvania's high court overturned his sexual assault conviction.
A potential comedy tour isn't the only thing catching Cosby's eye ... we're told he also wants to go around the country making appearances in prisons, schools and neighborhoods, talking to folks about being better citizens and curbing violence.
Cosby's rep says the inspiration for a speaking tour draws from Cosby's own experiences behind bars, where he heard moving stories from other inmates, like a father and son serving time together.
Cosby is also writing a book with novelist Frederick Williams, focusing on Cosby's criminal case and prison experience.
As we first told you, Cosby could still earn thousands in public appearances after his release from prison, similar to O.J. Simpson.
Sounds like Cosby's ready to cash in, but it will be interesting to see the level of public interest.
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Saquon Barkley Buys Stake In Energy Drink Company ... Biz Partners W/ Kawhi Leonard
Red Bull who, Monster what?? Saquon Barkley is entering the energy drink game in a big way ... buying an ownership stake in X2 Performance, TMZ Sports has learned.
We're told 24-year-old Barkley -- who missed most of last season with a torn ACL -- spearheaded a round of funding totaling $15 million ... making Saquon an owner in the growing brand.
Before bringing Barkley on board, X2 wasn't lacking star power ... NBA MVP Kawhi Leonard is also a part-owner of the company.
X2 says they work with over 25 professional sports franchises ... with whom they provide their energy drinks and pre-workout supplements.
As for Barkley, the NY Giants star is one of the most marketable football players in the world.
He previously signed deals with companies like Nike, Pepsi and Visa.
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Kim Kardashian KKW Beauty Brand Will Be No More ... New Look on the Way!!!
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The KKW Beauty brand is getting a makeover ... shutting down its online operations to re-launch with a totally new look.
Sources close to the situation tell TMZ -- Kim Kardashian West's brand continues to be immensely successful, and that alone is sufficient enough a reason why it's not going anywhere, but some major changes are coming.
We're told the plan is to switch out to new packaging, new formulas and, of course, a new brand identity. Kim said as much with Tuesday's announcement ... saying the brand will consist of new formulas that "are more modern, innovative, and packaged in an elevated and sustainable new look."
There was speculation Kim K's plans to shut down the KKW Beauty website was a prelude to her dropping West from her name ... but we're told that's not the case, her name has not changed.
We're told Kim's remaining as involved as ever in the company ... in conjunction with her new partners over at Coty Inc.
As we reported ... Kim's brand hit the billion-dollar mark following a new deal with the cosmetic conglomerate, which forked over $200 million for a 20% stake in KKW's biz.
As for the new biz, Kim says she's excited to continue to develop and expand her product range and "finally be able to experience it the way that I have always envisioned."
It looks like Kim's mission is to fire up a site that'll serve as a one-stop shopping destination for ALL of her brands. In other words, she's cooking up more greens. 💰
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'Falling' Author T.J. Newman I Overcame 41 Rejections ... Ex-Flight Attendant Gets Air Terror Novel Published
T.J. Newman wrote her first book about a thrilling flight from Los Angeles to New York, but her journey to get the novel published was a turbulent ride ... full of rejection.
The flight attendant turned author joined us on "TMZ Live" Tuesday and shared the personal battles that went into getting her novel off the ground. "Falling" is about an airline pilot whose family is kidnapped right before he takes off -- and if that sounds like a movie, Hollywood thinks the same thing.
There was a bidding war for movie rights, even before the book was released.
T.J. says she wrote more than 30 drafts, and was rejected a whopping 41 times before finally finding an agent to help get her debut published.
Well, it finally dropped today after what T.J. describes as a long and hard road where she didn't know what she was doing ... and naturally she's feeling grateful and overjoyed.
It's a pretty incredible story -- the novel and T.J.'s jump from flight attendant to a 7-figure book deal, and she has some sage advice for anyone dreaming of a better life.
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Magic, LL Cool J, Samuel L. Cruisin' Thru Italy On Pricey Yacht ... $1.1 Milli A Week!!!
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It's that time of year -- when Magic Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J team up to remind us how insanely rich they are ... by cruising on a yacht that costs MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS A WEEK!!!!
Of course, the group of buds gets together every year to celebrate all their accomplishments ... making their way through the Italian waters on expensive ass boats.
The Lakers legend returned to the incredible 281-foot Aquila for this year's bash ... which as we previously reported, is as baller as it gets.
The boat comes with a gym, jacuzzi, movie theater, spa, it's own nightclub ... and reportedly a whopping $1.1 MILLION price tag per WEEK (even higher than its previous rate of $950k a week in 2019).
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete are also along for the ride ... but there's no sign of usual attendee Steve Harvey yet.
LL has been documenting the whole trip -- showing off incredible views of Capri, Porto Cervo and more -- and the gang has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Hey, the guys can afford it -- so party on!!
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L.A. Dodgers Expect Bauer's Paid Leave To Be Extended ... Amid Assault Probe
Don't expect a Trevor Bauer return to this mound this week ... L.A. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he anticipates his pitcher's paid leave to be extended while the assault investigation into the MLB star continues.
The Dodgers head man made the announcement Monday ... saying he does not envision Bauer re-joining the team when the 30-year-old's initial 7-day paid leave period ends Friday.
"I don't see it happening," Roberts told reporters.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred placed Bauer on paid administrative leave last Friday ... in the wake of allegations that Bauer violently punched and choked a woman during two sexual encounters earlier this year.
Per MLB rules, Manfred can extend the administrative leave if the MLB players' union signs off ... and, according to Roberts, that seems likely at this point.
As we previously reported, a woman says Bauer choked her to the point of losing consciousness while having sex with her during two separate incidents in April and May.
The woman -- who in civil court docs says she met Bauer through Instagram -- also claims the baseball player punched her and scratched her repeatedly, leaving her with visible lacerations and bruises.
The woman also claims Bauer had anal sex with her while she was unconscious, something she did not consent to.
Bauer and his reps have strongly denied the allegations ... claiming the incidents were entirely consensual and that the pitcher's accuser had actually enthusiastically encouraged the rough sex.
The Pasadena Police Dept. is currently investigating it all.
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Britney Spears Her Lawyer, Sam Ingham, Will Resign from Conservatorship
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3:54 PM PT -- We've obtained the doc, filed by Ingham, which states he wants out as soon as the judge will allow him, submitting his resignation to take effect when Britney gets new counsel.
Sam Ingham, the lawyer who has represented Britney Spears in her conservatorship, is resigning ... TMZ has learned.
We're told Ingham -- who has repped Britney for 13 years -- will file legal docs as early as today ... asking to be dismissed as Britney's court-appointed lawyer.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ, Ingham is extremely upset at Britney's statement in court ... that she never knew she could end the conservatorship. We're told Ingham regularly gave Britney options, including requesting that the conservatorship should end, but she never wanted to pull the plug.
Our sources say Britney did talk to Ingham about removing Jamie, but she never wanted to end the conservatorship. We're told the last straw was when Britney told the judge Ingham never told her what he's legally required to do ... namely inform her of her options.
We're told Ingham will not go into detail in his filing, because of attorney/client confidentiality.
Ingham will follow Larry Rudolph, Britney's longtime manager, who resigned Monday, saying he was informed Britney was retiring from performing, so there was no reason to continue as her manager. Britney accused Rudolph of forcing her to perform during the 2018 European tour, but as we reported, we're told there were a number of communications, including text messages at the time, in which Britney "begged" to go on the tour.
Our sources say there will be more resignations this week as well. We're also told at the next court hearing later this month, members of the conservatorship team will present evidence to the judge disputing many of the things Britney said in court.
As you know, Britney says the conservatorship has all but ruined her life.
Originally published -- 8:41 AM PT
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Lakers Star, Fashion Nova CEO Cops Looking Into Robberies, Shooting ... Possibly Part of a Ring
The violent robbery of NBA's Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, as well as the attempted robbery of Fashion Nova CEO Richard Saghian that turned into a deadly shoot-out, could be connected ... according to our law enforcement sources.
TMZ's learned police are investigating the 2 June incidents -- along with multiple others that have been reported in L.A. lately -- to determine if they're part of a larger crime ring.
We're told in both cases and other similar cases, it's believed the victims were followed home after a night out and once they arrived ... they were approached by the suspects and robbed of their valuables at gunpoint.
6/25/21
As we reported ... one such incident went down in the Hollywood Hills in the early morning hours of June 25, where cops say 3 suspects tailed a Rolls-Royce taking the Fashion Nova boss home.
After Saghian went inside, we're told the suspects ordered 2 men who were traveling with Richard to the ground and took jewelry ... but then Richard's security responded and a shootout ensued.
Security and the suspects exchanged fire, and one of the suspects was shot and killed. Another suspect was critically injured. The security guard was shot as well. The third suspect was unharmed.
A week earlier -- as TMZ Sports first reported -- the Lakers guard was robbed at gunpoint by 3 suspects while he was in his driveway around 4 AM talking with friends. We're told the thieves made off with about $150,000 worth of loot, including a Rolex, jewelry and an iPhone.
It's unclear if the two cases are connected in any way, but our sources say that's exactly what cops are looking into ... and the investigation is ongoing.
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'Mighty Joe Young' 1949 Oscar Hitting Auction Block ... Could Fetch $500,000!!!
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There's a rare piece of movie history going up for auction ... the 1949 Oscar trophy for Best Special Effects for "Mighty Joe Young" ... and it's expected to fetch a fortune.
It's not often you see Oscars on the auction block ... the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences loathes seeing its trophies sold, but this one falls outside of the rules preventing the sale because it's neither personalized nor engraved.
Willis O'Brien won this vintage Oscar trophy for his groundbreaking special effects work in the original "Mighty Joe Young," when he transformed a bunch of wood, tar paper and old toupees into an 80-foot gorilla.
Willis famously turned down the first Oscar the Academy offered him for his work on "King Kong" in 1933 -- he wanted a trophy for everyone in his crew.
When 'Mighty Joe' won for special effects, Academy rules called for the producer, Merian C. Cooper, to receive the statuette and he did. However, Merian never got his name engraved on it, because he really wanted Willis to have the Oscar.
So, he essentially slipped him the award under the table, and since it's not personalized and the award was given before the 1951 rule ... it's able to go up for sale.
The statuette is hitting the auction block July 16 as part of Heritage Auctions' Entertainment Memorabilia sale ... and we're told the Oscar is expected to fetch $500,000.
There are lots of other big-ticket items going up for auction too ... including a "King Kong" plaster head from 1933, Elton John's Steinway Model D grand piano, Evel Knievel's motorcycle from "Stratocycle" and Marilyn Monroe's dress from "The Seven Year Itch."
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Will Smith Donates $100k to NOLA ... Picks up firework Tab, Show back on
New Orleans will have fireworks once again this year -- this after almost having to scrap the show because of a lack of dough ... and it's all thanks to Will Smith, who threw down big time.
The actor -- who's filming his latest movie, "Emancipation," down in NOLA right now -- caught wind of the city planning on skipping this year's big firework show due to a lack of funding ... and, of course, they had to refrain from last year's show as well -- due to COVID.
A fireworks display produced by "Go 4th on the River" will take place in New Orleans along the Mississippi Riverfront at 9pm Sunday, July 4, 2021🎆🎉
— Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) July 2, 2021 @mayorcantrell
The gift of city fireworks was made possible by actor and producer Will Smith, along with his company Westbrook👏⚜️ pic.twitter.com/oWI8b8YOap
He wasn't about to let that happen though, it seems ... the dude ponied up a whopping a $100,000 -- with the help of his company, Westbrook -- to help pay for the fireworks and for the festivities to carry on as originally planned -- which will come to fruition later tonight.
So, basically ... he's the local hero for this 4th of July, and the gesture didn't go unnoticed. He got tons of thanks from city officials, as well as locals who are more than happy to have their firework display back. The big boom will go down over the Mississippi River at 9 PM ET.
BTW, this movie that Will's working on right now sounds like classic Oscar bait. It tells the story of a slave named Peter on a Louisiana plantation, who escapes and ends up fighting for the Union in the Civil War. It's based on a true story too -- you've probably seen the photo.
"Peter" is also known as Gordon ... and he's the slave who posed for that iconic photo, showing off the whipping scars on his back -- which shed a light on the brutality of slavery.
Sounds like Will is ramping up to play the lead role ... and considering his chops and the source material, something tells us we'll be talking about it again next award season.
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Fourth of July in D.C. Back to Basics ... National Mall Fireworks Show Costs $280k
With everyday life trending back toward normalcy in America, the country's turning to a long-standing tradition to demonstrate that -- dropping hundreds of thousands of dollars on fireworks.
According to federal financial records, obtained by TMZ ... the upcoming aerial fireworks display at the National Mall in Washington D.C. will be put on by the National Park Service at a cost of $278,500.
The company cashing the check is Garden State Fireworks, and though it may sound pricey ... it's actually par for the course.
As we previously reported, the same fireworks company was paid $270k in 2018, but got a bump to $320k in 2019 when President Trump wanted to make the show an even bigger extravaganza.
Last year, amid the pandemic, the event was moved to Mount Rushmore ... where a company called Pyro Spectaculars received $350k to put on the fireworks display.
Garden State Fireworks is back at it this July 4 though ... they recently did President Biden's inauguration as well.
Of course, the total cost of the Fourth of July event in D.C. is likely much more than the $280k figure ... because expenses like security, planning, and yes -- toilets -- need to be factored in.
God bless America!!!
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Kiefer Sutherland Gardener's Gear Stolen ... He Needs a Good Wacker!!!
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Kiefer Sutherland might have the urge to reprise his role as Jack Bauer to catch some bad guys ... because cops say thieves jacked his gardener's equipment.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the perps likely didn't know who they were messing with last month when the '24' star was getting some landscaping done on his L.A. area home.
We're told at some point while Sutherland's gardener was doing his job, the suspects made off with his tools and other gear -- a weed whacker and hedge trimmer specifically -- valued at more than $1,500.
Our sources say Kiefer was home at the time and there's surveillance footage of the theft in progress, but no arrests have been made so far. Cops are still investigating.
Meanwhile, imagine Kiefer growing more and more furious over the incident ... and plotting a way to get justice, JB style.
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Kamaru Usman Covington, Diaz & Edwards Don't Deserve Title Shot Says Manager Ali Abdelaziz
"Kamaru can fight a can, a Monster can, a Coca-Cola bottle. It doesn't matter. He smashed everybody. Violated everybody. Nobody deserve nothing."
That's Kamaru Usman's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, answering the question ... who's next for the UFC welterweight champ??
The 34-year-old Usman has run thru almost all his competition at 170 lbs.
Colby Covington, TKO, 2019
Jorge Masvidal, Unanimous Decision, 2019
Gilbert Burns, TKO, 2021
Jorge Masvidal (again), KO, 2021
Ali did throw out a name -- a big name -- as a possible opponent for the Nigerian Nightmare.
"At least Nate brings something to the table. The only thing Colby brings to the table is a broken jaw. He humiliated him."
Of course, Diaz is arguably the most beloved fighter in the UFC ... but he's lost his last 2 fights (including to Leon Edwards), so we asked Ali if Nate really deserved to fight for the belt.
"Masvidal didn't deserve it too. Masvidal, he brought something to the table. He brought entertainment, excitement. People believed Masvidal was one of the baddest dudes on the planet," Ali says.
"But, in reality, he was not. He got beat at his own game, knocked out cold. Slept. He was slept. No disrespect to nobody."
Abdelaziz says regardless of who it is ... Kamaru's opponents have no hope of beating him.
"Every one of those guys have a price on their head. Kamaru is the new bounty hunter of the UFC. He chase people down and put a hit on them and get paid."
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Declaration of Independence Copy Found in Attic Auctioned for $4.42 Million!!!
One of the few copies of the Declaration of Independence, which was found in an attic in Scotland, has sold for a whopping $4,420,000!
It's an incredible story ... a woman named Cathy Marsden who works for Lyon & Turnbull discovered the document proclaiming independence while rooting through a bunch of papers in a Scottish ancestral home. When she first eyed it was folded up. When she unfolded it, she was stunned, saying, "When I got back to the office and started doing some research I became really excited as its significance became clearer."
There were only 201 copies made, but only 48 are known to still exist. The copies were made so they could be distributed and read to people who lived in the 13 colonies.
As for the document Cathy found, it was initially given to Charles Carroll, a Catholic Founding Father, who was a signer on the document. He later became a U.S. Senator.
Only 6 copies are currently in private hands. As for this one ... the name of the highest bidder has not been disclosed.
The document -- which is known as America's Birth Certificate, includes the famous words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
Pretty amazing!
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Bruce's Beach Finally a Plan in Place ... Restoring Land to Black Family
Finally .... it looks like the black family whose descendants were terrorized by the KKK and screwed over by L.A. County will be getting their land back.
There's now a detailed plan to restore ownership rights to the Bruce family, whose land was taken out from under them in 1929. L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn has been leading the charge, declaring, "I am committed to getting this done and setting an example for governments nationwide for how we can begin to right the historic injustices committed against African Americans in this country."
ICYMI ... back in 1912 Charles and Willa Bruce bought a parcel of land in Manhattan Beach for $1,225. They bought some adjacent lots and then turned the properties into a beach resort for Black families ... something that didn't exist along the shores of L.A. County.
The resort didn't sit well with some racist white residents, who harassed the members and vandalized the property. The KKK got involved and terrorized resort members.
The government was right behind the racists and used its power of eminent domain to condemn the property in 1929, claiming they needed it to build a park. And, that was the end of the resort and the Bruce family lost the property.
The land actually sat vacant for decades ... finally, in 1960, the County realized it had a legal problem, because the whole park-plan looked like a ruse, so they turned the area into a park.
In a hollow gesture, in 2006 the County renamed the area "Bruce's Beach" to somehow appease the Bruce family.
Well, now -- thanks largely to Supervisor Hahn -- there's a plan in place to return the land to the Bruce family. The plan was released earlier in the week and requires the County to assess the property value, figure out who's entitled to the land and restore it to them. The County also has to figure out where to put the lifeguard station that's sitting on the property.
Justice delayed is justice denied ... but that doesn't mean a wrong still cannot be righted.