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"FBOY Island" star Jarred Evans is reimagining the old adage "nice guys finish last" ... 'cause in the end, co-star CJ Franco chose him and their relationship's on 🔥🔥🔥.

Jarred tells TMZ ... he and CJ are most definitely still in a relationship since the HBO Max reality dating show finale aired 2 weeks ago, though the show was filmed in March and April in the Cayman Islands.

We're told, for now, Jarred and CJ are trying the whole long-distance thing. She's visiting him in Miami very soon. They've sporadically posted stuff on social media since the finale, but Jarred tells us that's all going to change soon ... vowing to post more on TikTok with CJ and pictures of them together.

Jarred makes it clear ... he and CJ are still very happy together. But, have they exchanged the 3 words every person in a relationship wants to hear? Not yet ... but Jarred did reveal a move to L.A. is imminent. Get ready, CJ!!!

For the uninitiated ... CJ had an up-and-down relationship with Casey Johnson, dubbed the "FBOY." When Casey got the boot from the show ... fans had a feeling she would still pick him. Nevertheless ... Jarred "the nice guy" entered the pic and CJ chose him.

The prize? Well, besides the blossoming relationship ... Jarred and CJ split the $100k pot. We're told he used it for his high-end tea company called Le Bon Thé.

Carole Baskin's closing the door on Joe Exotic's former zoo for good -- or at least for 100 years -- by selling the property with the stipulation it can't become a zoo again for a century ... and the owners can have nothing to do with 'Tiger King.'

A judge granted Carole's Big Cat Rescue sanctuary control over Joe's former Oklahoma exotic animal park in Wynnewood back in mid-2020 ... to satisfy the $1 million judgment she won against him in their notorious trademark lawsuit.

Carole previously vowed to sell the property on the condition the new owners would not use it as a zoo, and according to legal docs obtained by TMZ ... she did just that.

We got the paperwork showing Big Cat Rescue sold the property formerly known as Joe Exotic's G.W. Zoo for $140k in June to Francisco and Nelly Vazquez.

According to the deed, the Vazquez's are expressly barred from using the land to house exotic animals of any kind -- or as a zoo, wildlife park or menagerie -- for 100 years ... but there's more.

The new owners also can't name any new business on the property after anything related to its 'Tiger King' past ... including Joe Exotic, G.W. Zoo, anything with the word "tiger" or "big cat."

Our photog got Carole and her husband Howard out in Santa Monica where they were promoting a documentary, "The Conservation Game," and they confirmed the sale of the property and even had a suggestion of what it could be used for.

L.A. Clippers rookie Jason Preston has made his first big purchase after becoming a pro baller ... and it's not a house or a car -- but a new iPhone!!

The 22-year-old former Ohio Bobcats star was the Clips' #33 overall pick in the NBA Draft last month ... which secured him a 3-year, $4.4 million deal.

So, naturally, when we ran into the hooper out at LAX this week, we had to ask if he's treated himself to anything nice after making it big time ... and he dished on his favorite new toy.

"This phone," Preston said while showing off the new gadget. "I had an iPhone 7 before. I got a 12 now."

BTW -- the 6-foot-4 guard shot 43% from midrange and averaged 9 points and 4.8 assists per game during Summer League play ... and said he was able to chop it up with new teammates Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who were there to support their rookies.

"They've been great!"

Of course, if you haven't heard of Preston's story, it's pretty incredible -- he averaged 2 points a game during his senior year of high school and nearly pursued a career in journalism before enrolling at a prep school, where he blossomed into a baller.

He later joined Ohio, where he had huge games against some notable basketball programs in the country ... impressing the Clippers so much, they took him with their first second-round pick.

Erika Jayne's estranged husband's legal problems are now an even bigger problem for her -- she's been sued for $25 million by the trustee handling Tom Girardi's law firm's bankruptcy case.

According to the suit ... "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star's accused of knowingly allowing Girardi's firm to pay for her expenses for 12 years, so the trustee now wants her to pay it all back.

The "XXPEN$IVE" singer's company, EJ Global, allegedly used her estranged husband's firm to cover her American Express bill, pay assistants and have a glam squad ... all totaling up to the whopping $25 mil.

The trustee suing Jayne says that even if she claims to have not been aware of Girardi's financial issues, "it would be a miscarriage of justice if [she] was allowed to simply walk completely free of owing over $25,000,000 to the Estate."

The trustee's asking the court to order her to pay it all back to the estate, plus interest ... according to Page Six

As we reported ... Girardi's moved into a senior living facility amid his legal issues, health issues, divorce, being disbarred and being forced to auction off a lot of stuff from his law offices to cover his debts

Folks are donating air miles to fly refugees -- like those in Afghanistan -- out of harm's way ... and celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Phoebe Bridgers have supercharged the effort that now boasts 200 million miles!!!

Celebs are helping raise awareness for a non-profit called Miles4Migrants, which pools airline miles for refugees around the globe, and in the wake of the chaos in Afghanistan, the donations are piling in.

Miles4Migrants tells TMZ ... in the past week, the program's seen a whopping 222 million frequent-flyer miles pour in ... a staggering figure that dwarfs the 168 million miles raised in the first 5 years of the program's existence.

Jennifer and Phoebe are among the celebs encouraging their fans and followers to donate airline miles ... and we're told the 222 million miles donated could get more than 15,000 refugees on planes, including many Afghans.

As you know ... there's a rush to get folks out of Afghanistan, and there have been some heart-wrenching scenes playing out at airports across the country.

While much of the focus is on Afghanistan, and rightfully so, we're told the donated frequent-flyer miles will also benefit refugees in other countries and asylum-seeking families separated by war, persecution and disaster.

We learned 2 things about 2 Chainz as he made his way into a club last night -- he doesn't carry cash ... and he doesn't f*** with candy.

The rapper was heading into The Highlight Room at the Dream Hollywood hotel late Wednesday night when he was approached by some kids selling candy ... and he politely declined.

2 Chainz explained to the youngins he doesn't have a bankroll on him or he'd just give them some cash, but after they offered him the candy anyway ... he still turned it down.

If ya don't know ... 2 Chainz began gardening and growing his own healthy food in recent years, and candy clearly doesn't fit into his diet.

He was cool with the kids selling the sweets though, telling them to keep doing what they're doing ... because it's better than doing anything illegal.

"Cobra Kai" fans may soon be able to stay in the famous mansion featured on the show, because the new buyer's got plans to make it happen ... via Airbnb.

Our real estate sources tell us ... the 9,214-square-foot home -- which is actually located in the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, GA and not Encino, CA -- just went under contract for $2.4 million ... though it's still in the process of closing.

When it does, we're told the anonymous buyer will turn the 6-bed, 6.5-bath Villa Flora mansion into a luxury Airbnb where devoted "Cobra Kai" fans can stay ... with plenty of room on the 1.1-acre lot to practice their karate moves.

It's interesting -- a few months ago Jamie Foxx showed interest in purchasing the property, but he didn't pull the trigger. Whoever did got a good deal ... more than $200k below asking price.

Rachel Nichols is out of a TV hosting gig, but not the big paycheck that comes with it -- 'cause TMZ Sports has learned the network will honor Nichols' deal, and continue to pay her.

Nichols -- who's been with ESPN since 2004 -- was removed from the network's NBA coverage on Wednesday ... and saw her show, "The Jump" canceled.

Question is, with all her current responsibilities taken away, what's the veteran TV host and reporter's future with ESPN?

The answer ... well, no decision has been made.

Our ESPN sources tell us that while Nichols was solely concentrating on the NBA, the network has not yet decided whether they will use her in another capacity.

We're told Nichols' contract doesn't expire anytime in the near future -- and rather than try and find a way out from underneath the lucrative deal -- ESPN has decided to continue to pay the star TV anchor.

Of course, Nichols was at the center of an explosive controversy back in June ... when the NY Times released audio of Rachel venting to a top PR consultant about fellow ESPN employee, Maria Taylor.

Nichols was heard blasting ESPN for attempting to move her aside to make way for Taylor -- a Black woman -- in light of the current racial climate and the network's "crappy longtime record on diversity," as Nichols phrased it on the recording.

As for Taylor, she turned down a big-money offer from ESPN, and left for NBC.

Nichols acknowledged the move on social media, writing ... "Got to create a whole show and spend five years hanging out with some of my favorite people, talking about one my favorite things."

"An eternal thank you to our amazing producers & crew — The Jump was never built to last forever but it sure was fun. More to come..."

ESPN recently charged Senior VP Dave Roberts with overseeing their NBA coverage. We're told the decision was ultimately made by Roberts.

On Wednesday, Roberts issued a short statement on the shakeup, saying both sides "mutually agreed that this approach regarding our NBA coverage was best for all concerned."

Roberts continued ... "Rachel is an excellent reporter, host and journalist, and we thank her for her many contributions to our NBA content."

Nichols reportedly has about a year remaining on the deal ... and will likely have no trouble finding work when her current deal expires.

Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner are inching closer to the move-in date that will make them next-door neighbors, as construction crews work to finish their custom mansions.

We've obtained pics showing the progress that's been made in and around the modern farmhouses Khloe and Kris are building a stone's throw from each other in Los Angeles.

There's still a lot of work to be done, but the massive estates are taking shape. Both structures now have roofs that will include solar panels ... and both places will have massive pools.

The lot is essentially being subdivided in 2. It once had a single family home on the entire property, but when a developer bought it in 2012, he razed the house. It sat vacant for years ... that is until Khloe and Kris each plunked down north of $10 million for the properties and began construction.

When all is said and done ... Khloe's home -- the darker of the two -- will have 8 bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms and 18,000 square feet. Kris' palace is similar at 17,000 square feet.

You'll recall Kris was PISSED after claiming on 'KUWTK' a shady contractor stole the deeds to the houses and while the legal mess got sorted out, construction came to a screeching halt.

Jermall Charlo has been arrested ... after cops say the boxing superstar melted down at a bar and stole money from a waitress, TMZ Sports has learned.

The alleged incident all went down in San Antonio on July 16 -- the day before Charlo's brother, Jermell Charlo, fought Brian Castaño to a draw at AT&T Center.

According to police documents, Jermall was with a large party at the Texas bar when the waitress presented the group with the bill.

In the docs, cops say Jermall handed over his credit card and ID ... but the card was declined despite three attempts to run it.

When the waitress came back to Jermall asking for another form of payment ... the 31-year-old allegedly snapped.

Police say surveillance video shows Jermall "being very animated" and appearing to "be upset and yelling" at the waitress and two other managers on the scene.

In the video, according to cops, Jermall can then be seen taking away two bill collection binders from the waitress and stealing everything from the inside of them.

Cops say one of the binders had Jermall's ID in it ... while the other had "cash payment made by another customer" that the waitress had been serving previously in the night.

In the docs, cops say witnesses claim Jermall then told the bar's employees, "I will f*** you alls s*** up."

Cops say Jermall and his crew then stormed out of the bar -- "pushing their way past the employees" -- and then got into a limousine bus and left.

In the docs, the waitress told cops she suffered a minor leg injury while Jermall's crew ran into her while leaving the bar.

Arrest warrants were ultimately issued for Jermall over the incident ... and we're told the fighter turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday morning.

We're told Jermall is already in the process of posting bond.

We've reached out to the Charlos' camp for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Jermall is one of the biggest stars in boxing ... he's piled up a 32-0 record with 22 knockouts and is currently the WBC middleweight champ.

Here's the best video you'll see all day ... Drew Brees surprised a walk-on Purdue softball player with a special NIL deal -- and her reaction was priceless!!!

Emilee Cox was on the line with Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux CEO Brandon Landry ... when Brees -- who co-owns the Walk-On's parent company -- jumped in to break some great news to the softball player.

The NFL legend and former Boilermakers star helped explain to Emilee she'd be the recipient of this week's "Walk-On of the Week" honor -- and she lost her mind!!!

"Oh, my gosh!" said Cox, a Purdue infielder. "I'm shaking. I'm literally shaking! Oh, my gosh. Can you see how red I just got?!?"

Brees congratulated her on the award -- which is a big deal for a walk-on, 'cause it'll come with cash and other perks that'll help Cox pay her tuition and other school bills.

"Emilee, I've heard so much about you," Drew said on the call. "Congratulations!"

Cox continued to freak out, and it was all amazing to watch.

Landry then explained to Brees that Cox was such a huge Purdue fan, she turned down other schools' offers to take a walk-on spot with the Boilermakers -- something Brees loved.

"Great work, Emilee," Drew told the rising junior. "So happy for you and keep representing everything that's great about Purdue."

Emilee finished the call by thanking Brees again ... adding, "I did not expect this tonight!"

Soccer star Harry Kane is channeling his inner Wolf of Wall Street -- 'cause he says he's NOT LEAVING Tottenham ... this, after reports of a full-court press from Manchester City.

Of course, the 28-year-old striker has been affiliated with Tottenham since 2004 ... and has been on the senior squad since 2009.

But, there were rumblings the English national team captain could bail for greener pastures this summer ... with Man City's Pep Guardiola publicly admitting the club wanted Kane.

Kane put the rumors to rest on Twitter earlier Wednesday ... saying, "It was incredible to see the reception from the Spurs fans on Sunday and to read some of the messages of support I've had in the last few weeks. 👏⚽"

"I will be staying at Tottenham this summer and will be 100% focused on helping the team achieve success. #COYS"

NFL star Michael Thomas says his offseason training program was severely disrupted by some nightmare landlords in L.A. ... and now, he's suing, looking for more than $1 MILLION in damages.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, the New Orleans Saints wide receiver says he agreed to rent a mansion in the Bel-Air area from Feb. 4 to April 5.

The place was awesome -- it had six bedrooms, eight bathrooms and an incredible gym, media room and pool.

Thomas claims the deal with the owner was simple ... he says he agreed to pay $60,000 a month in rent, as well as a $60,000 deposit.

Thomas says the owner promised to leave the NFL player alone too ... allowing him to train for the 2021 season without any interruptions.

Thomas claims he paid $120k for the two-month rental term, and also paid the $60k security deposit in full just before moving in.

But, Thomas says after he moved in, there was nothing but drama with the place.

The 28-year-old says there were issues with the pad's pool, garage doors and kitchen appliances. Thomas also says reps from the place "repeatedly" showed up to the home unannounced, interrupting Thomas' workouts.

To make matters worse, Thomas says the mansion's owner refused to give back any portion of his $60k security deposit after he moved out in April.

Thomas is now suing for breach of lease and more, and is asking for more than $1,000,000 in damages.

It's all VERY interesting ... considering the drama currently going down with Thomas and his Saints team.

Reportedly, New Orleans wanted Thomas to have surgery on his injured ankle following the 2020 season ... right around the time the receiver began renting the Bel-Air mansion.

But, Michael opted to try to heal the injury on his own ... and allegedly didn't communicate much -- if at all -- with the Saints during that process.

The baby from Nirvana's famous "Nevermind" album art is all grown up ... and now he's suing the band for child sexual exploitation.

A man named Spencer Elden claims he's the naked baby famously pictured in a swimming pool on Nirvana's groundbreaking 1991 album cover ... and he's suing the band, its surviving members and Kurt Cobain's estate, 30 years after the album dropped.

According to a new federal lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Elden claims he could not consent to his image being used on the album art way back in the day, because he was only a 4-month-old baby ... and says his legal guardians didn’t consent to it either.

Elden's going even further ... in his suit, he claims the image is actually child pornography. He also claims the band made a promise to cover his genitals with a sticker but it was never incorporated on the album cover.

According to the docs, Elden claims Kurt, Dave Grohl and the rest of the band failed to protect and prevent him from being sexually exploited ... and he says having his naked baby body plastered on a famous album caused him to suffer lifelong damages.

Elden's going after the band, Kurt's estate and others for damages ... and he wants them to each cough up at least $150,000.

We reached out to reps for Nirvana and Kurt's estate ... so far, no word back.

Well that was fast -- OnlyFans has reversed course and will no longer be banning sexually explicit content on its platform starting October 1 ... after outcry from its creators and the general public.

The content subscription service -- where many sex workers make their living -- just made the announcement, saying ... "Thank you to everyone for making your voices heard. We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse creator community and have suspended the planned October 1 policy change."

As we reported ... OnlyFans blamed its planned porn ban on conflicts with banking partners and payout providers -- suggesting they'd no longer do business with the site due to the sexual content -- but it seems those issues have been resolved.

OnlyFans adds that it "stands for inclusion and we will continue to provide a home for all creators."

That's definitely good news to creators like Maitland Ward -- who called the porn ban a "cowardly" -- and Courtney Tillia -- a former teacher who's become an OnlyFans star -- who can keep raking in the big bucks for the foreseeable future ... and keep making their subscribers happy.

Matt Damon is tired of playing hardball - the dude wants out of California ... and is offering his house at a significant discount toward that end.

Matt slashed the asking price of his massive Pacific Palisades mansion -- which sat on the market since January at $21 million. Now, he’s taken $3.1 mil off the top ... and is listing it for $17.9 mil.

Here’s hoping the reduction helps, ‘cause the dude and his fam seem to wanna get a move on with their lives in NYC -- where they recently snapped up a luxury duplex ... and where they seem to be restarting.

The house itself is a beaut -- and at $17.9M ($3 million more than what MD paid in 2013) ... it's a gotta have, right?

The house has 7 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, and all the special touches you can imagine. There’s a climate-controlled wine cellar, a wine-tasting room, a massage room, a private gym, a pool and even a children’s den.