COACHELLA 2024 SLOWEST TICKET SALES IN A DECADE!! ... What's the Deal?!?

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It may soon be farewell to the giant ferris wheel, scorchin' desert heat, and Vanessa Hudgens' boho style -- that is ... if this year's Coachella ticket sales are any indication.

As it turns out ... people aren't all that interested in Coachella this year. In fact, 2024 marks the slowest ticket sales in a decade -- this according to SFGate, which cites some troubling stats for Goldenvoice and co.

Long story short ... passes for this year's Coachella just aren't selling like they used to -- and you can verify that yourself by just going to their site, where you can snap up tix right now.

Yes, they're very much still up for grabs 5 days after hitting the market --  a total shock, especially cause it would sell out within minutes in previous years. Now, you can just go to their homepage and buy just about whatever ticket package you want, at your leisure.

Interestingly, this site is also letting people purchase up to 8 tickets this year compared to only 2 in previous years -- so it looks as though festival organizers are practically begging people to splash some cash on them ... at least that's how it feels anyway.

Though they never had this issue before ... fans famously waited hours in virtual queues to get their hands on coveted wristbands in years gone by -- despite the steep prices.

This is very strange ... 'cause Coachella tix are usually such a hot commodity -- selling out in 40 mins in 2015 and 4 hours in 2022. So, the fact that passes for the second and third tier of the first weekend are still up for grabs days later says a lot about the festival's popularity.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Remember ... the likes of the Doja Cat, No Doubt, and Lana Del Rey are headlining this year -- and while they aren't the biggest stars out there, they still have a massive fanbase ... so it's hard to say if they, specifically, are the reason behind the sluggish sales.

Still, some are attributing this slump to the lackluster lineup -- there have been lots of complaints.

Simply put, looks like Coachella's losing its appeal in a sea of cooler new festivals ... for one reason or another.

Time will tell if they end up selling out as it gets closer to April -- but at this rate ... probably not.

Kevin Spacey Heading To Horror Con After Acquittal ... Social Media Users Object

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Kevin Spacey's getting back into the public eye after his acquittal in London last summer ... and a lot of people are none too happy about it -- which they're making quite clear.

Here's the deal ... the controversial actor's scheduled to appear at Mad Monster Party 2024 in North Carolina next month -- a three-day convention dedicated to all things horror/pop culture. Other stars like Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Taryn Manning, Jason Patric and more are attending the event as well.

Clearly, organizers are jazzed at KS' inclusion ... touting his accolades and selling pro photo-ops for big money -- no selfies allowed at the autograph table. If you want a pic, you'll have to shell out $225.

The photo opportunities are themed too ... Friday, Feb 16 they'll set one up for "The Usual Suspects"-type pic, Saturday's for "Se7en" and Sunday, Feb. 18 will see Kevin take "House of Cards" pics -- basically, Spacey's greatest hits.

Now, it didn't take long for people to voice their outrage ... with a good handful of folks saying in unequivocal terms they find the organizers reprehensible for giving Spacey a platform after all of the allegations leveled against him. Just check their comments.

In essence, a lot of fans don't seem to care Kevin was acquitted last year on a host of charges -- as we previously reported, Spacey was found not guilty of nine total counts based on a host of sexual assault allegations in a London court last year after a lengthy trial.

He's also been sued in New York for a different alleged sexual assault ... a massage therapist is claiming the 64-year-old made unwanted and inappropriate sexual advances toward him during three 90-minute sessions back in 2016.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

The two-time Academy Award winner's never been convicted of a crime for any of the allegations brought against him ... and he's denied any and all wrongdoing, FWIW.

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THE RIGHT OUTCOME

It'll be interesting to see how many fans want to take a pic with Spacey next month ... or if any protests will spring up in NC.

Stay tuned ...

Kevin Spacey Se dirige a una convención de horror tras ser absuelto... La gente de redes se opone

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Kevin Spacey está volviendo al ojo público después de su absolución en Londres el verano pasado y un montón de gente no está demasiado contenta, y lo están dejando muy claro.

Esta es la cuestión, el controvertido actor tiene previsto aparecer en la fiesta Mad Monster Party 2024 en Carolina del Norte el próximo mes, una convención de tres días dedicada a todo lo relacionado con la cultura pop y el terror. Otras estrellas como Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Taryn Manning, Jason Patric y más asistirán al evento.

Claramente, los organizadores están entusiasmados con la inclusión de Kevin Spacey, promocionando sus elogios y vendiendo sus fotos por mucho dinero. No se permiten selfies en la mesa de autógrafos. Si quieres una foto, tendrás que desembolsar 225 dólares.

Las oportunidades fotográficas también son temáticas. El viernes 16 de febrero será inspirada en "The Usual Suspects", el sábado en "Se7en" y el domingo 18 de febrero, con Kevin para "House of Cards". Básicamente, todos los grandes éxitos de Spacey.

Ahora, no pasó mucho tiempo para que la gente expresara su indignación, con un buen puñado de personas diciendo que encuentran censurables a los organizadores por darle una plataforma a Spacey después de todas las acusaciones formuladas en su contra. No hay más que ver sus comentarios.

En esencia, a muchos fans no parece importarles que Kevin fuera absuelto el año pasado de una serie de cargos. Como informamos anteriormente, el año pasado Spacey fue declarado inocente en un tribunal de Londres, después de un largo juicio, de un total de nueve cargos basados en una serie de acusaciones de agresión sexual.

También ha sido demandado en Nueva York por un supuesto asalto sexual diferente. Un terapeuta de masajes está alegando que el hombre de 64 años hizo insinuaciones sexuales no deseadas e inapropiadas hacia él durante tres sesiones de 90 minutos en 2016.

El dos veces ganador del Oscar nunca ha sido condenado por un delito por cualquiera de las acusaciones presentadas en su contra y ha negado cualquiera y todos los delitos.

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El resultado correcto

Será interesante ver cuántos fans quieren tomarse una foto con Spacey el próximo mes o si surgirá alguna protesta en North Carolina.

Manténganse en sintonía ...

Kayla Harrison Signs W/ UFC Fighting Holly Holm At 300

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UPDATE

10:26 AM PT -- Kayla Harrison's opening up about her move to the UFC.

"When I started competing, my goal was to be the best…the Olympic champion of #MMA. The @UFC presents me with the opportunity to be just that. It’s been an amazing journey to reach this point, and I’m grateful for every step along the path," Harrison wrote on social media.

"The highs and lows have all shaped me and made me an even better version of myself. God’s timing is perfect, and I am sure of one thing: My time is now. Let’s goooooo! 🦄"

Kayla Harrison is on the move ... one of the most accomplished women in combat sports history is signing with Dana White's promotion, and will fight fellow legend Holly Holm at UFC 300!

White made the big announcement late Tuesday night, explaining 33-year-old Harrison, a 2x Olympic gold medalist and 2x PFL champion, to an exclusive deal ... ending 16-1 KH's tenure with Professional Fighters League -- where she was one of the promotions faces since her signing in 2018.

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TWO OF THE BADDEST

As for the details of the fight with 42-year-old Holm -- a former UFC and boxing champ -- it'll go down on the highly anticipated April 13 card in Las Vegas.

FYI, UFC 300, a milestone event for the promotion, will also feature Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway ... with more big fights surely on the way.

Holly's no stranger to big fights ... she was the first to beat Ronda Rousey (KO, 2015), and has faced everyone from Amanda Nunes to Valentina Shevchenko.

The Harrison-Holm fight will be contested at 135 lbs. ... significantly lighter than the 155 lb. division where Kayla has primarily fought.

The winner of the Harrison-Holm fight will almost certainly thrust themselves into the title picture. Holm is already the 5th-ranked bantamweight, and she's beaten the (newly crowned) champ Raquel Pennington twice, in 2015 and 2020.

Harrison's signing could also set up the long-talked-about super fight with Nunes ... who seems open to the possibility of returning to the Octagon after retiring last year.

But, first things first ... "The Preacher's Daughter" at UFC 300!

Originally Published -- 7:22 AM PT

WWE Strikes $5 Billion Deal With Netflix 'RAW' Moving To Streaming

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UPDATE

TMZ Sports talked to WWE Hall of Famer, Eric Bischoff, about the implications of the $5 billion Netflix/WWE deal ... and how it could change professional wrestling moving forward.

Bischoff, of course, was an executive at WCW, effectively taking on Vince McMahon in the 90s during the Monday Night Wars.

Bischoff ultimately joined WWE ... where he worked for decades in numerous positions.

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LEADING FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT

WWE fans are going to get real familiar with Netflix and chill on Monday nights soon ... 'cause the wrestling org. just struck a massive deal with the streaming giant to bring "RAW" to the platform in 2025.

The two companies reached a 10-year, $5 BILLION agreement Tuesday to make it all happen ... and both sides said in statements they're thrilled.

"This deal is transformative," TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro said. "It marries the can’t-miss WWE product with Netflix’s extraordinary global reach and locks in significant and predictable economics for many years."

Added Netflix honcho Bela Bajaria, "By combining our reach, recommendations, and fandom with WWE, we’ll be able to deliver more joy and value for their audiences and our members."

"RAW" -- which currently airs on USA Network -- hasn't strayed from cable TV since its inception back in 1993 ... and, according to the WWE, it's been a massive success there, bringing in more than 17 million unique viewers throughout a given year.

But, clearly, both sides think the move to streaming will grow it even further ... with WWE president Nick Khan calling Netflix "the ideal long-term home for Raw’s live, loyal, and ever-growing fan base."

The move will officially place in January '25.

SOFIA VERGARA 'MY BOOBS & BODY MADE ME FAMOUS!' ... Sorry, Not Sorry!!

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Sofia Vergara ain't apologizing for being hot ... saying it's absurd to think her giant breasts and amazing figure weren't the reason behind her fame.

The actress says her looks were her passport to the world as a young model at 20 ... telling Spanish newspaper El País feeling bad about the hand that fed her won't cut it -- especially cause she's still a massive name decades later at 51.

Sofia says she learned to play to her strengths early on ... after realizing boys started giving her attention and treating her differently.

Though, she says if you're only fixating on her boobs, then that's a you problem ... cause her bubbly personality is behind her longevity in the entertainment business.

Sofia says she's not performing brain surgery ... so the worst someone can do is say she looks ugly and can't act -- which she can stomach and continue moving things along.

She's aware there are women who are younger, prettier, have bigger breasts, and a better figure than her now ... but she ain't sweating it cause she's demonstrated her staying power -- especially with the career risks she takes.

Netflix's upcoming series "Griselda" is one such risk ... the usually glam Sofia morphs into the gritty titular lead -- a real-life story based on the leader of one of the most profitable drug cartels in history.

The shift to such a dramatic role comes on the heels of the huge shift in Sofia's personal life -- she split from Joe Manganiello after 7 years of marriage last year over their differences in wanting kids ... he does, she doesn't.

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"Griselda" is already getting early critical acclaim, so it's true what Sofia says ... she ain't solely banking on those good looks anymore; it's her talent that shines.

We covered it all on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Sofía Vergara Mis tetas y mi cuerpo me hicieron famosa... Sorry, not sorry

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Sofía Vergara no se disculpa por ser sexy y está diciendo que es absurdo pensar que sus grandes pechos y su increíble figura no fueron la razón detrás de su fama.

La actriz dice que su aspecto era su pasaporte de entrada al mundo a los 20 como joven modelo y le dijo al diario español El País que sentirse mal por la mano que le dio de comer no tiene sentido, pues sigue siendo un gran nombre, incluso a los 51 años.

Sofía dice que aprendió a jugar con sus puntos fuertes desde el principio, después de darse cuenta de que los chicos comenzaron a prestarle atención y tratarla de manera diferente.

Ahora, dice que si solo se fijan en sus tetas es un problema porque su personalidad burbujeante es la está detrás de su longevidad en el negocio del entretenimiento.

Sofia dice que ella no está practicando cirugía cerebral, así que lo peor que alguien puede decirle es que se ve fea y no puede actuar, cosa que ella puede soportar y seguir adelante.

Es consciente también de que hay mujeres que son más jóvenes y bonitas, que tienen pechos más grandes y una mejor figura que ella, pero no está sudando por ello, pues ha demostrado su poder de permanencia, especialmente con los riesgos que toma en su carrera.

La próxima serie de Netflix "Griselda" es uno de esos riesgos. La glamurosa Sofía se transforma en la protagonista, una historia basada en la vida real de la líder de uno de los cárteles de droga más rentables de la historia.

El cambio a un papel tan dramático llega justo después del gran cambio en su vida personal. Después de 7 años de matrimonio, Sofía se separó de Joe Manganiello el año pasado por sus diferencias sobre querer tener hijos. Él quería y ella no.

"Griselda" ya ha sido aclamada por la crítica, así que es verdad lo que dice Sofía, ya no se trata solo de su belleza; es su talento el que brilla.

Madonna Sued For Late Concert Starts ... Blatant False Advertising!!!

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1/24/23 -- Madonna's management and Live Nation tell TMZ ... "Madonna's just completed, sold out 2023 Celebration Tour in Europe received rave reviews. The shows opened in North America at Barclays in Brooklyn as planned, with the exception of a technical issue December 13th during soundcheck. This caused a delay that was well documented in press reports at the time. We intend to defend this case vigorously."

Madonna performed last night in NYC at Madison Square Garden. It was the second night of 3 sold out shows at the venue.

Madonna may have to learn a lesson in punctuality the hard way ... two men just filed a class action against her for starting her concerts late.

According to the docs obtained by TMZ ... Michael Fellows and Jonathan Hadden are leading the charge against the legendary pop star and concert organizer Live Nation claiming they owe big damages after shows scheduled to start at 8:30 PM ET didn't end up starting until 10:30 PM.

According to the lawsuit, the late starts constitute a "wanton exercise in false advertising, negligent misrepresentation, and unfair and deceptive trade practices."

The plaintiffs are suing for unspecified damages and taking aim at all three nights Madonna showed up late to Barclays Center in December -- but they say Madonna has a long-documented history of not starting on time (more on that later).

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I LOVE NEW YORK!!!

Another interesting note ... the plaintiffs acknowledge Madonna had a health issue which caused the concert to be pushed from July to December but don't think that's a sufficient excuse for kicking off the actual shows 2 hours late.

These guys also list their pricey tickets ... listing the dollar-amounts at $155.90 and $292.50, respectively. In their mind, that's money down the drain considering how late Madge was.

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MADONNA'S MAGICAL PERFORMANCE

Remember... a serious bacterial infection put Madonna in the hospital, and sources told us she was fighting a fever for about a month before she finally collapsed. Obviously the tour was postponed ... finally kicking off in October.

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FASHIONABLY LATE

We knew people were pissed about Madonna's tardiness BTW ... when the NYC shows went down back in December, fans took to social media to voice their displeasure at waiting for the Queen of Pop. (FWIW, a source at the time told us the delay was due to sound issues.)

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BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

If you think Madonna's sweating the lawsuit, think again ... cause this ain't the first time she's been sued over her late starts!! She was sued back in 2019 and in 2020 for pulling up late to her shows and -- in the case of the 2019 suit -- Madonna gave a G.O.A.T.ed response you gotta hear to believe.

Originally Published -- 1/18/24 10:42 AM PT

Cher's Son Elijah Look, I Don't Need Conservatorship ... Plenty Reasons Why!!!

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Cher's son Elijah Blue Allman is doubling down against the conservatorship his famous mom is seeking to control his estate ... he says he's cleaning up his act.

In new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Elijah and his wife, Marieangela King, lay out the reasons why he doesn't need his mom to step in as conservator of his estate ... and he’s taking shots at Cher and leveling some pretty serious accusations in the process.

Elijah claims he's now sober, paying his bills and is committed to managing the quarterly payments he gets from the trust set up by his late father, legendary musician Greg Allman.

As we reported ... Cher claims she's concerned her son has substance abuse and mental health problems and can't manage the money he gets from the trust ... but here he says that's just not true.

Elijah's wife goes a step further in the docs ... alleging Cher essentially orchestrated a kidnapping of Elijah and had him held at a Mexican rehab facility against his will.

In the docs, Marieangela claims Elijah was brought to Mexico in October and told by a doctor Cher hired that he would be doing holistic alternative therapy ... but she claims it was actually a "makeshift prison-type facility known as the 'Baja Rehab' where he was being held against his will."

Marieangela claims she traveled daily from L.A. County to Rosarito "to rescue Elijah from the captivity his mother arranged." She says Elijah "was held captive" there for 2 months until Mexican federal agents escorted him out and dropped him off at the border.

For her part, Cher has vehemently denied the kidnapping allegations.

Elijah's wife also takes some shots at Cher in the docs ... she says she's known Cher for 11 years and says the singer is "categorically unfit to serve" as Elijah's conservator.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Marieangela claims Cher doesn't drive, doesn't make her own food or dress herself, and has told Marieangela she's "manic depressive."

While Elijah's giving his reasons why he doesn't need a conservatorship, there's a court hearing set for March 6 to determine whether Cher will be appointed conservator anyway.

Stay tuned.

Rams' Demarcus Robinson Sues L.A. Hotel After Robbery ... You Failed To Protect Me!!!

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Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is suing an L.A.-area hotel ... after he says the establishment didn't do enough to protect him during a terrifying robbery in its lobby last year.

The 29-year-old claimed in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County last week that the incident happened at the Lexen Hotel in North Hollywood at around midnight on Oct. 20, 2023.

Robinson claims he entered the facility through a side entrance after pulling into the parking garage ... but when he made his way into the lobby, two masked men pulled guns on him and threatened to murder him.

In the suit, Robinson says the men took nearly $150,000 worth of stuff off of his person during the encounter ... including a luxury diamond watch and two diamond chains.

Robinson claims the hotel didn't have security guards outside the hotel or in the lobby -- adding that employees who were working at the front desk at the time didn't call authorities until after the suspects had fled the area.

Robinson's suing the place for negligence and more ... seeking at least $149,500 in damages ... plus punitives.

Robinson played in 16 regular season games for the Rams this year. He also logged snaps in the team's lone playoff game earlier this month against the Lions, recording three catches for 44 yards.

Robinson did it all despite saying in his suit he suffered "an emotional toll" from the October incident at the hotel.

Chris Brown Quavo Feud Still Alive ... I Didn't Choose Paris Seating!!!

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Chris Brown and Quavo have been at odds for years over their mutual connection to Karrueche Tran ... which is why Chris is so pissed about an awkward moment at Paris Fashion Week.

Here's the deal ... CB and Quavo were plopped right next to one another Sunday at the Rhude Menswear Fall/Winter '24 showcase -- and yes, they were definitely uncomfortable with the situation, evidenced by their body language.

The clip of them sitting there and squirming went viral, but then Chris chimed in as everyone cracked jokes about it -- he commented, "Can't pick who u sit by. F*** all that growth s***."

He added, "N**** not finna fumble my bag for little n*****." In other words, he wasn't gonna make a big stink, or start a fight, over getting placed -- seemingly by coincidence -- next to Quavo.

As he notes, there are bigger issues to worry about -- y'know, like getting paid!

In case you're unfamiliar, Quavo dated Karrueche in 2017 -- not long after CB broke things off with her, following a tumultuous relationship -- and Chris certainly didn't like it back then.

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ABOUT TO FIGHT?

In fact, we'd been told at the time that he was fuming over this ... and felt like the Migos rapper had outright betrayed him. They've traded jabs back and forth since then -- almost coming to blows after the 2017 BET Awards.

Anyway, Chris is making a couple things clear -- yes, he still doesn't like Quavo, but also ... he's a grown-up who's able to control his emotions.

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TMZ INVESTIGATES

Quavo's been quiet about their Paris run-in.

David Tutera 'My Fair Wedding,' Now My Divorce Hubby Files to End It

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David Tutera is famous for having planned celebrities' weddings over the years -- but now, he's gonna have to plan his divorce ... 'cause his husband's throwing in the towel.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Joey Toth just signaled in court that he wants a dissolution of his marriage -- citing irreconcilable differences ... and also listing the date of their separation as the same day he filed for divorce -- and that would be today.

There are a few things Joey wants right off the bat in his petition -- for starters, he wants David to be ordered to pay spousal support to him ... and for a judge to make it so David himself can't receive any alimony from Joey.

As far as their kids -- the couple shares two young children, aged 4 and 10 -- Joey has some thoughts on that too ... but on that front, he's more open to sharing. Joey is asking for joint legal and physical custody.

One last thing ... he's asking for is David being ordered to pay his attorney fees. The other interesting thing worth noting is the fact Joey actually filed for divorce from David in 2020 -- this after they got hitched in 2017 -- but he withdrew that at the time, per court records.

Sounds like things have gotten rocky again, 'cause he's pulling the plug officially.

Tough break for a guy whose whole life has been organizing people's happiest days. Better luck next time, we suppose ...

Bre Tiesi I'm Coming Back To 'Selling Sunset' ... I Walked, Money Talked!!!

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Bre Tiesi is sharing her reasons for coming back to "Selling Sunset" after walking off the set in last season's finale ... and it sounds like money's a deciding factor.

We got the model/real estate agent Friday leaving The Oppenheim Group office in West Hollywood ... and our photog asked Bre why she's back on the Netflix series.

Remember ... Bre stormed off at the end of Season 7, and as recently as November she was undecided about returning for a third season, complaining about her pay.

Paparazzi saw Bre arriving to set earlier in the day, and when we got her leaving, she told us "maybe the money's a little different" ... and she also didn't want to leave the rest of the ladies on the 'Selling' cast.

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BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

Fact is ... the women do have a lot of fun on the show, and the girl talk is hard to beat ... like the time last season when Bre bragged about banging Michael B. Jordan.

Speaking of famous exes ... we also asked Bre about her baby daddy Nick Cannon saying he has no plans for a 13th baby.

No complaints from Bre! She says she doesn't want another kid, with or without Nick -- in fact, she even explained why she's a one-and-done mom.

'RHOM' STAR JULIA LEMIGOVA Ride Like 'The Real Housewives' ... Classic Mustang For Sale

Published

Julia Lemigova is trading in the horsepower in her classic Mustang for goat power ... and one lucky buyer -- with a whole lot of cash -- can benefit from a sweet new ride.

"The Real Housewives of Miami" star is selling her vintage 1966 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback ... a car decked out in gorgeous maroon paint with a heck of a lot of features and just 12,486 miles on it.

The car's got a 289 V8 engine, vintage air conditioning, custom aluminum wheels -- that look just like the OGs -- and a custom grill, parchment pony interior, wood steering wheel, retro sound custom stereo and fold-down rear seat ... talk about a blast from the past!

Of course, another major selling point is its previous owner ... JL's got the car up for $42,500, and she doesn't really wanna part with it -- but she tells TMZ she needs the space for hay and animal food now that her goat, Elvis, is staying with her a few nights a week.

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Julia tells us she loved the idea of riding around South Beach with her wife, tennis legend Martina Navratilova, in the passenger seat ... but found she's more of a pickup truck girl instead.

Not only is she not getting enough miles out of it, but Lemigova says it's taking up space -- space she needs to store Elvis' hay and animal food since he's staying with the couple a few nights a week now ... he used to stay full-time at their farm but apparently he's more of a house goat now.

Don't worry animal lovers ... JL and MN have arranged temporary accommodations for their happy friends while they unload the car -- so he's not out wandering the streets of Miami.

Potential owners beware -- the car's got a manual transmission which Julia tells us she learned to drive while still living in Europe -- so you'd better know how to drive a stick!!!

Sounds like a fantastic deal for one lucky driver ... one might even say the Greatest Of All Time 🐐.

Michael Jackson Estate Beefing With Vegas Tribute Show

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update

2:27 PM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... The Micheal Jackson estate hasn't tried to shutdown "MJ Live" during its run in Nevada due to state laws protecting impersonator shows. However, Michael's estate is now taking action because they view the show as low class and don't want it running in states like California, New York and others. Plus, the estate is already behind "MJ: The Musical" which is currently on Broadway.

A Michael Jackson tribute show in Las Vegas says the late singer's estate is trying to shut down their show ... and now they're duking it out in court.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the folks behind the "MJ Live" show at the Tropicana claim the Michael Jackson estate recently began sending cease and desist letters threatening them with legal action over the show, claiming it's using the estate's trademarks without permission.

Thing is ... "MJ Live" claims they've been doing their thing for well over a decade -- performing for over 2.5 million people -- and the estate has only recently started making legal threats. In other words, they're suggesting this came out of nowhere ... unjustly.

In the docs, "MJ Live" says the act is going on the road and Michael's estate is trying to shut down shows scheduled at venues in California, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, the tribute show points out the estate is starting up a tour of its new Broadway show, "MJ: The Musical" ... suggesting the timing of the legal beef may be related to the estate trying to cash in with their own MJ show.

They even go so far as to claim that the MJ estate is actually the one infringing on their own intellectual property with "MJ: the Musical" ... basically arguing, they were their first doing their own thing -- and that their brand as "MJ Live" has established its own reputation/brand.

Anyway, the "MJ Live" producers want a judge to declare that the art they use to promote their show doesn't infringe on the estate's trademarks because their artwork is distinct and causes no confusion to the public.

A rep for MJ's estate tells TMZ, "This lawsuit -- including the claim that this impersonator show somehow owns a ‘trademark’ in ‘MJ,’ a trademark owned by Michael Jackson’s Estate and long associated with Michael and his Estate -- is beyond frivolous. The Estate, as always, will vigorously defend all intellectual property rights of Michael Jackson."

Originally Published -- 1:27 PM PT

Las Vegas Raiders We're Sticking With Antonio Pierce ... Hiring Ex-NFLer As H.C.

Published

The Las Vegas Raiders didn't have to look far to fill their head coaching position -- the team is expected to take the "interim" off Antonio Pierce's title ... and make him their next head coach.

According to multiple reports, the Raiders are currently finalizing a deal with the former Washington and Giants linebacker ... this after going 5-4 as the leader of the sidelines in the 2023-24 campaign.

A ton of players on the roster made it clear they wanted Pierce in charge next season ... and it sounds like they'll get their wish Friday afternoon.

Of course, Pierce took over after Josh McDaniels was fired on Halloween night ... helping the team get back on track following a 3-5 start.

It's one less job opening in the NFL ... as the Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks continue their search for their next head coaches.

It's believed Jim Harbaugh and Bill Belichick are expected to take two of those gigs ... with both guys staying busy with interviews this past week.