Attorney Drew Findling Young Thug, Gunna's Case a 'Racist Reach' Where's Tarantino RICO?

Published | Updated
060322-attorney-drew-findling-kal
IT'S FLAT-OUT RACIST

Young Thug and Gunna will be locked up at least until January 2023, but attorney Drew Findling is calling BS on the entire Georgia RICO case that put them behind bars in the first place.

Findling, known as the "Billion Dollar Lawyer" for his work with several industry heavyweights, was in ATL when he ripped the entire operation to take down YSL as racist.

Drew says he firmly believes the justice system routinely violates rappers' 1st Amendment rights by targeting their lyrics -- something he says law enforcement ignores when it comes to other art forms ... such as big-screen violence from filmmakers, like Quentin Tarantino, for example.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

His point was on display Thursday during Young Thug's latest hearing ... when prosecutors noted the lyrics "Smith & Wesson 45, put a hole in his heart/Better not play with me, killers, they stay with me" from Thug and Juice WRLD's collab, “Bad Boy.”

Drew knows a thing or two about rappers' legal drama, having successfully repped Gucci Mane, Offset and DaBaby in the past.

He also reps YFN Lucci, who was part of the reason Thug was denied bond.

The Fulton County D.A. has classified Thug's YSL as a deep-rooted murderous gang and cited the attempt on Lucci's life in prison as a prime example.

To quote YSL defendants Thug, Gunna and Yak Gotti, it's time to take it to trial. It appears they'll all be in jail until next year when that begins.

Johnny Depp's Lawyer Traveling with Boyfriend ... Getting Celeb Treatment!!!

Published | Updated

This should erase any doubts Johnny Depp's lawyer Camille Vasquez is now a legal rock star -- after the big victory, she and her BF are getting selfie and interview requests just like the celebs she represents.

Camille and her beau Edward Owen were heading to the airport Thursday from their hotel in Virginia, and before getting into their car, she stopped to take a couple of snaps with one of her fans. Paparazzi were also firing off some questions, trying to get a response from her -- emphasis on "trying."

Mums the word on what's next for her ... same goes for her thoughts on Amber Heard's possible appeal.

Seems like she's more focused on finally getting home after a 6-week trial, and rightfully so -- she and her team won the public over throughout the long legal battle.

Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.

Of course, being out with her BF further disproves the online theory that JD and CV are an item. As we reported, sources connected to Camille told us it's nothing more than fan fiction from social media.

We're told everyone on Depp's team is buttoned up, but they've all gotten very close to their client -- it's become both a professional relationship and a friendship.

Johnny Depp You Have All Yours, I've Got 4 & 7/8!!! Cracks Severed Finger Joke 😂

Published | Updated
060322_johnny_depp_fingers_kal
MISSING A BIT

Johnny Depp still knows how to make his fans laugh ... cracking a joke about his disfigured hand -- the one with that missing chunk -- following his big win in court.

Johnny was signing a bunch of autographs Thursday night in Newcastle, England when he leaned down to one of the kids in the crowd, pointed at their hand, and had a laugh comparing the number of fingers they have.

060322_johnny_depp_fans_kal
MAN OF THE PEOPLE

"You have five, I have four and seven-eighths. Mad."

Of course, he's joking about his own claim, and trial testimony, that Amber Heard sliced off a good chunk of his finger with a vodka bottle while fighting in Australia.

As you know, Johnny's been spending time overseas with pal Jeff Beck as the verdict rolled in, and the support for Johnny has been overwhelming -- with a wall of fans straining Thursday night against barricades, trying to get to Depp.

060322_johnny_depp_shocked_kal
STATE OF SHOCK

Johnny's been all smiles since the jury awarded him just over $10 mil in damages ... saying it feels like they "gave me my life back." While he's staying tight-lipped when talking to his fans about the verdict, he admits he's still reeling from it.

Johnny Depp Giving Fans What They Want!!! Stops for Crazed UK Crowd

Published

Johnny Depp is the most popular man in England ... is what you'd have to assume once you see the insane scene outside his latest rock star gig.

An absolute wall of fans pressed up against barricades in Newcastle, England Thursday night, desperately trying to get a piece of Depp after his latest appearance with guitar great Jeff Beck.

You can see security struggling to keep the crowd at bay.

Johnny's been congratulated everywhere he's been in the U.K. since Wednesday's verdict in his defamation case against his ex-wife, Amber Heard, but this scene takes the cake -- and for the first time, he stopped to engage with fans.

JD signed several autographs and took selfies before security whisked him away, but he's definitely heading to his hotel feeling like he just left an award show or movie premiere from his Hollywood heyday.

As we've reported, Johnny says it feels like the "jury gave me my life back." If the same is true for his career, these UK crowds could be a preview of what's to come for him.

Fitness Trainer Breaks Tooth Dunking ... At LeBron James' 'Hustle' Movie Premiere

Published
060222-quan-bailey-kal
SAY CHEESE

A fitness trainer tried to do his best LeBron James impression at the King's "Hustle" movie premiere on Wednesday -- attempting to throw down a sweet dunk -- but he came up just short on the landing, and broke his tooth on the hoop's stanchion!

Quan Bailey was on hand in L.A. for the screening of LBJ's new flick -- which stars Adam Sandler -- and he decided to show off on a makeshift court set up near the Westwood Regency Village Theatre.

Bailey threw down one dunk with ease ... but as he finished another alley-oop one, he misjudged his landing -- and slammed his face on the structure holding up the rim!

Bailey immediately knew something was wrong ... grabbing at his grill, before realizing he had a bloody lip and a broken tooth.

Bailey, though, was a good sport about it all ... and even joked on his social media page afterward, "First man to break a tooth at a Hollywood movie premiere ... That one hurt lol."

Bailey said on Thursday morning his mouth was still in pain, but he managed to get some training in ... and added that he's trying to get to a dentist to fix the tooth later in the afternoon.

"We're making it happen!" he said.

Johnny Depp Fist-Pumps & Cheers for Verdict At Every Stop in U.K.

Published | Updated

Pretty ironic, but Johnny Depp's got to be feeling like a conquering hero in England ... where he's been celebrated everywhere he's been since the verdict.

Johnny was waving to cheering crowds Thursday morning outside his hotel in Newcastle, and it looks like security had to shield him from all of the fans as he made his way inside.

Make no mistake, he's feeling like a big winner over his ex-wife Amber Heard -- he even pumped his fist as he turned to walk into the hotel lobby.

This is the kinda public response he's been getting since right after Wednesday's verdict. He was similarly celebrated as he left a pub.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

What's interesting about this is less than 2 years ago, Depp suffered a pretty devastating legal loss in England when a judge ruled against him in a libel lawsuit against a U.K. tabloid that called him a "wife-beater."

Cut to today, after an American jury overwhelmingly believed Johnny did NOT physically abuse Amber -- and now he's feeling tons of British love.

To the victor go the spoils, as they say.

LeBron James LeBillionaire!!! ... Joins 3 Comma Club

Published | Updated

LeBron James just became the first active NBA player to have not 1, not 2, not 3, but 9 zeroes in his net worth -- the Lakers superstar is officially a billionaire.

The 37-year-old 4-time champ reached the milestone after making a whopping $121.2 million in 2021, according to Forbes ... joining Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as the only other hoopers to rake in that kinda coin.

Bron has made more than $387 million on the court, but the majority of his money has come from the business side.

As the outlet points out, James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment is worth around $300 million, his stake in Fenway Sports Group is worth $90 million and his 10% share of the Blaze Pizza brand has blown up to a whopping $30 million.

Oh yeah, and the dude has a LIFETIME contract with Nike ... which Mav previously hinted was a billion-dollar deal for decades to come.

That's not even scratching the surface of LeBron's success off the court ... but the accomplishment is truly something -- Jordan reportedly didn't become a billionaire until 2014.

LeBron -- who had a tough childhood with his mother, Gloria, after she gave birth to him at just 16 years old -- previously spoke about his desire to make a billion in his lifetime ... so it's gotta feel good to be the King.

Congrats!!

Johnny Depp Social Media Support Measured in Billions!!! ... Left Amber in the Dust

Published

Johnny Depp's monumental win was based on the conclusions of 7 jurors ... but BILLIONS of others may have influenced that decision.

Pretty much everyone, including Amber Heard's lawyer, concedes it was impossible for jurors to turn a blind eye to the flurry of activity on TikTok and other social media platforms chronicling the trial.

Now get this ... the #JusticeforJohnny had more than 19 BILLION views on TikTok. By contrast, #JusticeforAmberHeard had a relatively meager 81 million views.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

No doubt, jurors did NOT believe Amber Heard and her claims of domestic violence against Johnny, and the social media support for their conclusions undeniably made them feel comfortable about embracing their conclusions.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

After the verdict, Johnny and Amber posted their reactions, and again ... it was lopsided. Johnny received more than 16 million likes, while Amber's support was a relative anemic 300,000.

BTW ... Johnny has 22.7M Instagram followers, to Amber's 5M.

This trial marked a sea change in media coverage of trials. Social media was undeniably more powerful, influential and omnipresent than traditional media. No contest.

'Top Gun' Star Miles Teller Feels Need For Speed At MLB Game ... Throws Perfect 1st Pitch Fastball!!!

Published

Take notes, 50 Cent, Dr. Fauci and Steve Aoki ... Miles Teller showed exactly how a first pitch should be done on Wednesday -- throwing a perfect strike before the Phillies game!

The "Top Gun: Maverick" star was at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for the Phils' "Top Gun" night ... and the team allowed him to toe the rubber for the game's ceremonial first pitch.

And, Teller didn't disappoint while on the mound -- ripping a fastball right down the middle to Phillies legend Ryan Howard!!!

Of course, the throw shouldn't surprise many ... 35-year-old Teller is a huge baseball guy -- and has previously said he might have picked a pro career on the diamond over an acting one if given the choice back in high school.

Teller told local media after the throw that he used some advice from Phillies star Nick Castellanos to complete the toss -- explaining the outfielder told him, "let it eat."

Seems the first pitch was good luck for the Phillies, 'cause they went on to win the game over the SF Giants, 6-5.

Sue Bird's TOGETHXR Sues The Rock's XFL ... Change Your Logo!!!

Published | Updated

Sue Bird's TOGETHXR company has made good on its threats ... its now filed a lawsuit against The Rock's XFL over the league's rebranded logo less than a month after initially claiming it was way too similar to theirs.

The lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, was filed on Wednesday -- nearly four weeks after Bird and her fiancée, Megan Rapinoe, threatened to get lawyers involved following the XFL's creation of a new "X" logo.

In the lawsuit, TOGETHXR -- a media org. co-founded by Bird, Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim and Simone Manuel -- says the football league's logo, which was debuted on April 6, looks and feels "confusingly similar to TOGETHXR's brand and logo."

They included in the docs a side-by-side of the logos ... and said they made "repeated attempts" to contact the XFL and its legal team over it all.

But, in the docs, attorneys for TOGETHXR said the XFL has "failed to acknowledge that it has tread on TOGETHXR's rights" -- and now, they want a court to step in and force the league to stop using the X logo ... plus damages.

Bird and Rapinoe initially brought up their gripe with the logo on April 7 ... with the two star athletes sending loud-and-clear messages to Dwayne Johnson on social media.

"Welp. This is awkward," Rapinoe said in a tweet. "Only thing @TheRock and @XFL2023 are gonna be cookin up is a response to the Cease and Desist and an ENTIRE new brand ID. @togethxr got this on [lock] boys."

The Rock, who's not being sued individually, has yet to respond to the claims ... but was pumped over the logo when the league first announced it, saying, "X represents the INTERSECTION OF DREAMS & OPPORTUNITY. To all our XFL players, coaches, fans; You bring the dreams - we'll bring the opportunity. Now LFG!"

Bam Margera Skate Park Fall Caught On Video ... Shouts Out in Pain!!!

Published | Updated

Bam Margera's fall at a skate park -- which has his wrist currently in a cast -- was painfully and very clearly captured on video newly obtained by TMZ ... and just watching the wipeout is gonna make ya go ... ouch!!!

Bam's tumble went down at the Hobbit Skate Park in Delray Beach, FL ... as you can see, the trick he tried to land didn't work out as planned, slamming him to the ground, right wrist first.

The "Jackass" star tells us it was a trick he hadn't tried in over a year, and it ended with his arm bending backward and bones nearly breaking his skin.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As we reported, Bam just completed 1 year of alcohol and drug treatment, so he's biting the bullet and refusing all painkillers as he recovers from the broken wrist.

053122_bam_margera-practice
BEFORE THE FALL

Bam says he was in an AA meeting across the street from the skate park and hopped on his board during a 30-minute break ... and the rest, as they say, is disastrous history.

Johnny Depp Wins Defamation Lawsuit Amber Wins Defamation Countersuit

Published | Updated
UPDATE

4:52 PM PT -- By the way ... Tuesday, Fox Network will air a TMZ documentary on the trial -- "Johnny vs. Amber: From Love to Hate," which chronicles how they met, how the relationship deteriorated, the trial and their future. It's on Fox Network Tuesday at 9 PM ET.

UPDATE
UPDATE

1:44 PM PT -- Depp's legal team just left the courthouse to thunderous applause, even though their client wasn't there ... it's clear to see where the crowd's loyalty stood.

UPDATE
UPDATE

12:23 PM PT -- The jury just found unanimously in favor of Johnny Depp on his lawsuit, that Amber Heard calling him a sexual abuser was defamation. The jury further found Heard's accusations in the Washington Post were malicious. The jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.

UPDATE

Now here's the thing ... Amber won her defamation countersuit and was awarded $2 million. The defamation was based on Johnny's lawyer accusing Amber and her friends of concocting a story for the cops under the direction of her lawyer and publicist.

UPDATE
060122_depp_heard_verdict_hugs_kal
HUGS ALL AROUND
UPDATE

The judge reduced the $5 million punitive damage award for Johnny, because Virginia law caps punitive damages in these cases at $350,000.

UPDATE

Net result -- Amber owes Johnny $8,350,000.

UPDATE

12:06 PM PT -- It appears the jury has ruled in favor of either Amber, Johnny or both on their defamation claims because the judge just instructed the jury to go back and determine damages. We await the verdict and will continue the live stream.

UPDATE
060122-depp-heard-verdict-jury-kal
AWAITING THE VERDICT

The Johnny Depp-Amber Heard case is about to reach the finish line with a decisive winner, or maybe two potential losers -- and TMZ is streaming the announcement at 12 PM PT.

The jury reached its verdict Wednesday in Fairfax, VA -- where they've been deliberating for the past few days after a month-plus long trial ... with lots of twists and turns, but more importantly -- a mountain's worth of evidence and testimony.

They heard closing arguments on Friday, which saw attorneys for Depp and Heard plead their cases one last time in dramatic fashion. Camille Vasquez and co. told jurors to use their common sense, as did AH's lead lawyer, Ben Rottenborn -- albeit with a different spin.

Rottenborn said a decision against Amber will have devastating effects on DV victims -- sending a message to those who choose to speak their truths, but don't have the most convincing documentation of their trauma ... a category in which Amber seemed to fall.

052722-depp-heard-trial-heard-kal
THINK OF THE VICTIMS

Indeed ... while both Johnny and Amber had ample audio recordings of one another amid explosive fights -- it would appear only Johnny explicitly caught AH admitting to hitting him.

Of course, Johnny wasn't left looking like an angel by any means -- the infamous kitchen rampage tape was played in court, which shows him throwing a fit and slamming cabinets ... all while pouring himself a "mega pint" of wine, and finally catching Amber recording him.

There were also vile texts Johnny sent about Amber, which were shown to the jury as well. Plus, Johnny's history of substance abuse was put under the microscope ... something he owned up to. And, then there are Amber's alleged injury photos, of which there were several.

Amber also got some of her friends to testify on her behalf, claiming they saw the alleged injuries after the fact ... and would often rush to console her after a blowout fight with JD.

Speaking of one of those fights, a memorable moment -- and a total W for Team Johnny -- came when his ex, Kate Moss, took the stand virtually to bat down a rumor that Amber invoked when she was testifying about an alleged staircase tussle, where she said she thought Johnny would throw her sister down ... like he'd allegedly done to KM.

That turned out to be total BS though, as Kate herself said there was no truth to that story -- and it seemed to hurt Amber's credibility, as did other testimony ... a la the ACLU "pledge."

4/20/22
CRUEL AND GROTESQUE

There was also the matter of feces that was addressed early and often ... which made for a ton of meme fodder and jokes online, and almost always at the expense of Amber. As you know, Johnny seems to believe either she and/or a friend left it behind in their bed.

But, Amber herself denied it under oath -- blaming one of their teacup Yorkies, who she said had bowel issues ever since eating some of Johnny's weed. The jury is still out on that one.

All the same, it's clear this trial and all the public backlash against Amber took its toll on her -- she cried throughout this trial, but was especially passionate toward the end ... saying she just wanted to get on with her life, and that she's been left virtually broken from all this.

Now, this matter is going to be settled once and for all in the form of a jury. Even if Amber wins, some feel like she'll be more hurt than Johnny going forward. Time will tell.

Johnny Depp I've Got My Life Back!!! After Defamation Case Win

Published | Updated
UPDATE

4:57 PM PT -- Johnny's looking every bit the victor, and getting lots of love from the public. Just as the verdicts were announced, he was at a pub in the English town of Newcastle Upon Tyne with guitarist Jeff Beck and others.

UPDATE

On the way out, fans cheered and high five'd him like a conquering hero.

Johnny Depp has a new lease on life after being awarded more than $10 million in his defamation case against Amber Heard ... telling the world he's "truly humbled" by the jury's decision.

In a lengthy statement following his win Wednesday, Depp says, "Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed. All in the blink of an eye."

He continues, "False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me ... And six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled."

As we reported, a jury found Heard's op-ed titled, "I spoke up against sexual violence — and faced our culture’s wrath" defamed the actor, and awarded him $10.35M in damages. Heard was awarded $2M in compensatory damages of her own.

Depp's statement continues, "My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought."

052722-depp-heard-trial-heard-kal
THINK OF THE VICTIMS

He says, "From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me. I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that."

Depp also gives love to his fans, many of whom were outside the court, saying, "I am, and have been, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and the colossal support and kindness from around the world. I hope that my quest to have the truth be told will have helped others, men or women, who have found themselves in my situation, and that those supporting them never give up. I also hope that the position will now return to innocent until proven guilty, both within the courts and in the media."

Offering thanks to those involved in the case, "I wish to acknowledge the noble work of the Judge, the jurors, the court staff and the Sheriffs who have sacrificed their own time to get to this point, and to my diligent and unwavering legal team who did an extraordinary job in helping me to share the truth."

Finally, he says, "The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun. Veritas numquam perit. Truth never perishes."

Depp vs. Heard Jury Reaches Verdict

Published | Updated

The jury has come to a conclusion on who's telling the truth and who's lying in Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard, and they will read their verdict at 3 PM Eastern time.

This was day 3 of deliberations, and the jury informed the judge just minutes ago they have reached a verdict.

As you know, they will decide both Johnny's claim that Amber allegedly defamed him, and Amber's countersuit alleging basically the same thing.

Although Johnny is suing for $50 million and Amber double that, vindication could be even more important to both of them.

Amber will be in court for the reading of the verdict. Johnny will not. A source close to Johnny tells TMZ, "Due to previously scheduled work commitments made before the trial, Mr. Depp will not be physically present for today's 3 PM verdict and will be watching from the United Kingdom."

053122_johnny_depp_guitar_kal 5/30/22
JOHNNY AND JEFF JAM OUT

A rep for Amber is bashing Depp's decision, telling us, "Your presence shows where your priorities are. Johnny Depp plays guitar in the UK while Amber Heard waits for a verdict in Virginia. Depp is taking his snickering and lack of seriousness on tour."

As we reported, Johnny has been doing concerts for the last 3 days in the U.K. with Jeff Beck. He presumably will do more concerts there before returning to the U.S.

TMZ will live stream the verdict.

Amber Heard Petition to Boot Her Off 'Aquaman 2' Reaching All-Time Record!!!

Published

Bad news for Amber Heard -- even before the jury's verdict -- millions upon millions of 'Aquaman' fans have already decided they want her cut from the sequel, and they're signing a petition in near-record numbers.

As it stands, the petition has more than 4.4 million signatures ... well on its way to hitting 4.5M signatures, which would make it one of the most signed in Change.org's history.

The online document claims the Johnny Depp vs. Heard trial has exposed her as a domestic abuser, making her unfit to be on screen in the Jason Mamoa-led sequel.

As you know, it was reported Heard's character, Mera, only has about 10 minutes of screen time in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," but it looks like 4.4 million people think that's 10 minutes too much.

Of course, the Change.org petition carries no actual weight -- Amber has a contract, and will almost certainly remain in the film -- but studios might pay attention to the backlash when it comes to future Amber-related casting decisions.

Meanwhile, the jury deciding Amber's legal fate asked the judge Tuesday for guidance on how to handle Johnny's defamation claims -- in particular, the headline of Heard's Washington Post op-ed.

Deliberations continue today at the Fairfax County Courthouse in Virginia.

Kate Moss Hits Up Royal Albert Hall ... To Catch Live Johnny Depp Gig👀

Published | Updated

Kate Moss will do more than just beam in virtually for Johnny Depp -- she'll even show up for him in the flesh ... so long as he's in her town, that is.

The supermodel and former girlfriend of the actor -- who's in the middle of waiting for a verdict with his other ex, Amber Heard, here in the States -- paid a visit to London's Royal Albert Hall Tuesday night ... where she watched JD shred on his guitar with Jeff Beck.

There were rumblings earlier in the week that Johnny had invited KM to catch one of his gigs while he was across the pond -- and wouldn't you know it ... she took him up on it!

You can see Kate heading out after the show Tuesday in photos obtained by DM -- where she seemed to be by herself with just a bodyguard in tow ... no sign of Johnny or really anyone else around her as the night wrapped up. Still, it's fascinating to see her out here.

Of course, Kate testified on Johnny's behalf last week during rebuttals -- this after Amber had invoked Kate's name the week prior when describing a fight she had with JD in 2015.

Johnny's team later got Amber to admit she only said that based on a rumor she'd apparently heard -- one in which JD supposedly pushed Kate down some stairs while they were dating in the '90s -- but KM herself shut that down and then some with her video deposition.

Not only did she deny that ever happened ... she actually made Johnny sound fantastic by saying he came to her aid and cared for her after she'd injured herself at the time.

It was pretty incredible that Kate was willing to do this for Johnny after all these years -- in fact, her doing so actually sparked online re-shipping between the two from fans online ... who wanted to see them back together, and who felt there was still something there.

We thought that sounded silly when it'd bubbled up on the bird app -- but after this, we're not so sure ... maybe there is actually an old flame that could be rekindled at this point.

That, or they're just on really, really good terms ... which is possible too.