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9:30 AM PT -- Attorney Gloria Allred tells us she is representing the woman from Texas, but would not comment further on the case.

Mally Mall had his home raided and searched because police are investigating allegations of multiple sexual assaults and human sex trafficking, along with alleged importation of exotic animals ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ, but the music producer says the principal accuser is an extortionist.

Sources connected with the investigation tell us, the LAPD SWAT informed supporting officers, the raid was triggered by allegations of "multiple rapes and human sex trafficking, as well as firearms on the premises." They added they also believe, "he was illegally importing exotic species into California for people working in the entertainment industry."

As for the alleged rapes and alleged human trafficking, sources involved in the investigation tell TMZ, a woman claimed back in January, Mally Mall flew her out from Texas after seeing her fitness videos on social media. She says she was staying at his home and he drugged and raped her and locked her in a room.

The woman claimed she stayed another day and had intercourse with him a second time because she felt she had to be "submissive." The following day she says she developed a rash and went to a hospital where a nurse called the cops after observing vaginal trauma.

Sources close to Mally Mall say everything was consensual and they were partying together the entire weekend. They add the woman was in no hurry to leave his home. He also says he has voicemails and texts proving she was trying to squeeze money out of him.

We're told the woman has been in touch with various authorities, including the sex unit in the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division. Our sources say cops believe there are at least 3 women who have come forward with similar allegations of rape.

As for the exotic animals, law enforcement sources tell us, Mally Mall's social media posts showing the various creatures triggered the interest of the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. We're told 3 animals were seized in Tuesday's raid ... 2 monkeys and a Serval cat.

Our sources say the initial search warrant was issued on March 21 but was never executed, and police went back to a judge a week later to get an extension that allowed them to conduct Tuesday's raid.

Mally Mall was NOT arrested but rather detained and released, however, cops tell us the investigations are ongoing.

Mally Mall's lawyer, Steve Sadow, tells TMZ, "If they had real evidence, they would have arrested him. They don't have evidence. It's bogus. Period."

Owning a HUGE piece of John Lennon history has never been easier -- assuming you can get a little help from your friends ... and your friends are filthy rich.

The folks over at Gotta Have Rock and Roll are set to auction off the piano Lennon used to write The Beatles' eighth studio album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." Fans looking to score the iconic upright piano are gonna need a small fortune ... it's expected to fetch upwards of $1.2 MILLION!!!

This is the same piano Lennon stored and used at his famous Kenwood house on St. George's Hill estate in Weybridge, England. Legend has it, he had at least 2 pianos at the crib but this particular one was his fave.

The piano itself is a piece of history ... it dates back to 1872!! It's a product of John Broadwood & Sons, which was founded in 1728 and whose previous customers include a couple of dudes named Mozart and Beethoven.

The instrument has a plaque that says, "On this piano was written: A Day in the Life, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Good Morning, Good Morning, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite and many others. John Lennon. 1971."

The online-only auction starts April 10 and ends April 19. Minimum bid is a whopping $575k.

Quick point of reference -- the piano Lennon used to write "Imagine" sold back in 2000 for an insane $1.7 MILLION ... to George Michael.

5:05 PM PT -- The spider monkey that was seized from another residence was taken from Swae Lee's crib. We're told the Cotton-top Tamarin listed in the search warrant for Mally's place was not found at his home.

3:45 PM PT -- Mally Mall tells TMZ he was never taken into custody ... never arrested. He was just detained at his home while police searched and then released him. Although law enforcement says the search warrant was for exotic animal possession and human trafficking, he and his lawyer say the allegations are bogus. His attorney, Steve Sadow, tells TMZ, "If they had real evidence they would have arrested him. They don't have evidence. It's bogus. Period."

12:05 PM PT -- Capt. Foy tells us a Serval cat was also seized from the property and a spider monkey that allegedly belonged to Mall was seized from another property in Los Angeles.

10:45 AM PT -- LAPD officers have arrested Mally and others, it appears.

9:40 AM PT -- Capt. Patrick Foy of CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife tells TMZ they've seized a Cotton-top Tamarin monkey from Mally's home. He says their investigation began 8-9 months ago when they started getting tips about photos of Mally with the monkey.

It appears Mally posted a video of the monkey back in January of 2018 when he was hanging out with Rae Sremmurd rapper Swae Lee.

9:10 AM PT -- We've learned the raid is part of a double-barreled investigation ... for human trafficking and trafficking of exotic animals.

Law enforcement tells us LAPD's Robbery/Homicide division, in conjunction with CA Fish & Wildlife, served the search warrant.

Mally's had several issues with exotic animals in the past. The Health Dept. launched an investigation when he brought a monkey to Ace of Diamonds strip club -- and he also gifted a monkey and an ocelot to Justin Bieber.

As for the human trafficking ... there were allegations in Nevada he was involved in an escort service.

LAPD is raiding hip-hop producer Mally Mall's home in the San Fernando Valley, and cops are going in heavily armed ... TMZ has learned.

A SWAT team surrounded the 'Love and Hip Hop' star's home early Wednesday morning before moving in to serve a search warrant. Our sources tell us the operation was in progress since before sunrise ... as cops prepped for the raid.

There are a ton of officers out there. More than 8 patrol cars, and at least one armored van are lining the block. It's unclear why cops are raiding Mally's place. We've confirmed he is home though.

Mally's been through this at least once before. Back in 2014, the FBI raided his Las Vegas home as part of a federal human trafficking investigation.

Britney Spears has been admitted to a mental health facility ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to Britney tell TMZ she has been distraught over her dad's illness ... something we're told is quite serious and not getting better.

Jamie Spears has now had 2 surgeries to correct major issues with his intestines and colon. The second surgery was recent but he's been suffering complications. Jamie's issues started late last year after his colon spontaneously ruptured.

As you know, Britney put her Vegas residency on hold to care for her dad, and we're told she's been having a really hard time. Britney posted a photo with the words, "Fall in love with taking care of yourself, mind, body, spirit" along with the caption, "We all need to take a little time for a little 'me time.'"

Our sources say Britney checked herself into the facility about a week ago where she will live for 30 days.

It was back in November when Spears announced her Las Vegas show, Britney: Domination, would be put on ice to deal with her dad's health issues ... saying, "A couple of months ago, my father was hospitalized and almost died. We're all so grateful that he came out of it alive, but he still has a long road ahead of him. I had to make the difficult decision to put my full focus and energy on my family at this time."

As TMZ reported, Britney has been under a conservatorship since 2008 for issues relatied to her mental health.

As for how her dad's illness is affecting her ... remember, Jamie saved Britney's life by stepping in back in 2007 when he said he feared he would wake up one morning and get a call from the coroner.

Nelly will NOT face criminal charges for an alleged sexual assault in the UK, and it appears it's because the accuser's no longer talking to cops.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Nelly will no longer be questioned, and police have told him no further action will be taken. While the investigation is not officially closed, we're told detectives are not actively investigating. If new information comes to light, Essex Police could review it and go from there ... but, as of now, Nelly's off the hook.

As for the why? The accuser's attorney, Karen Koehler, tells TMZ ... "We told the Essex police we would no longer participate in their shoddy investigation and shifted our focus to the federal lawsuit where we will wait on the judge to decide that outcome." The accuser filed a lawsuit as Jane Doe back in November.

We broke the story ... Nelly's accuser put Essex Police on blast claiming they dragged their feet on the case while treating her like a suspect instead of a victim. She accused him of masturbating in front of her and forcing his penis in her mouth after one of his concerts in 2017.

Nipsey Hussle was in the middle of a good deed right before he was gunned down in front of his store ... where he was trying to help out an old friend who just got out of prison.

Sources connected to Nipsey tell TMZ ... the reason he was at his Marathon Clothing store Sunday is because he was trying to hook up his ex-con pal with some new gear so he could look good before meeting up with his own family and friends later in the day.

We're told Nipsey's friend had just walked out of the pen after 20 years behind bars.

Our sources say Nipsey didn't notify his team or his primary security guard he'd be going to the store solo -- it was a spur of the moment thing ... we're told no one in his camp was aware he'd left home.

Nipsey's friend is one of the other two people who were injured in Sunday's shooting -- we're told the third guy was the friend's nephew, who drove him to Marathon Clothing.

We broke the story ... a man walked up on Nipsey and co. and fired multiple rounds before fleeing in a waiting car. The shooter circled back to shoot Nipsey multiple times, not to mention kicking him in the head before leaving. Nipsey died from his wounds.

Police have identified 29-year-old Eric Holder as the suspected gunman -- who they finally brought into custody Tuesday after a 2-day manhunt.

Nipsey Hussle's alleged murderer, Eric Holder, is going to be behind bars for a long time, and he'll be there all alone -- 'cause cops are afraid he'll be offed in jail.

As you know, LAPD picked up Holder from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department station in Lakewood Tuesday and took him to a police station in South L.A. -- and law enforcement sources tell us he's currently being held in solitary confinement.

We're told police refuse to let Holder mingle with the general population, because they believe he's a target. As it is, cops were in a race to arrest him before someone on the street took him out. Our sources also say he'll remain in solitary once he's transferred to L.A. County Jail while awaiting trial.

BTW, if there's any doubt about him seeing the light of day before his trial ... a judge set Holder's bail early Wednesday morning at $7,040,000.

As we reported ... Holder -- who goes by the street name, Shitty Cuz -- was located and captured in the Lakewood area Tuesday, where he was cuffed by cops and later ID'd by the LAPD.

JR Smith will permanently honor the late Nipsey Hussle everywhere he goes ... getting an insanely realistic tattoo of the slain rapper on his leg!!

The heavily-tatted NBA star showed off the fresh ink job on Wednesday ... posting a pic of his new art of Nipsey's face on his right leg.

Nipsey was shot and killed outside his L.A. clothing store on Sunday. Names like LeBron James, Odell Beckham and Russell Westbrook have posted tributes honoring the late rapper.

"Praying for your family bro!" Smith said on Sunday. "WE GOT TO STOP KILLING EACH OTHER MAN THE SH*T SAD!!"

Smith went one step further with the body art route to show respect for the Grammy-nominated artist ... hitting up Ink Studio in NYC for the job.

The finished product is sick ... and don't be surprised if more athletes follow suit.

Miley Cyrus climbed a tree for the Gram -- and now, she's been taken to task for it.

The singer slipped into a floral onesie Tuesday and perched herself in a Joshua tree. Good fun, right? Not exactly ... because the Joshua is a protected species in California -- and as soon as Miley posted a few pics of her tree climbing ... a lot of her followers started blasting her for arboreal adventures.

One user wrote, "Joshua trees are dying out because of their fragility, and folks climbing on them isn't helping curb that. Delete this before more damage is done."

Joshua trees are currently endangered, and what's more ... they have shallow roots that can't withstand extra weight -- ya know, like a human hanging from them.

Posing with or on Joshua trees is a major fad right now among the young and "free-spirited" ... although most of 'em get grilled for it, just like Miley. There's actually a social media account dedicated to the cause called @joshuatreehatesyou.

Russell Westbrook was playing for Nipsey Hussle when he went OFF in his historic performance on Tuesday night ... dedicating his 20-20-20 game to the slain rap star.

The NBA MVP became the first player to have 20 points, 20 assists and 20 rebounds in a game since Wilt Chamberlain (in 1968) in the Thunder's 119-103 win over the Lakers ... and he explained the symbolic meaning to the milestone.

"20 plus 20 plus 20 .... they know what that means," Brodie told Jason Terry on the TNT broadcast. "That's for my bro. Rest in peace, Nipsey." Brodie said after the game.

Of course, Westbrook is referencing Nipsey's Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips gang.

Brodie, who grew up in the L.A. area and was close to Nipsey ... and knew firsthand how important he was to the community.

"Grateful to play the game, but that wasn't for me, man. That was for my bro, man. That was for Nipsey."

"I'm just thankful to go out there and compete at a high level, man. Thankful to have these teammates. Thankful and humbled to go out there and play the game I love."

Westbrook also showed tribute to Nipsey with his clothing choice before the game, rocking a blue "Crenshaw" shirt, as well as writing a message on his shoes.

Brodie finished the game with 20 points, 20 assists and 21 rebounds.

Nick Cannon is looking for the next castmate to join his 'Wild 'N Out' crew, and that special someone could be you ... if ya got what it takes!!!

Honchos at MTV tell TMZ ... Nick's ready to start touring the country searching for the show's next star, and he's looking for funny people who can freestyle rap, rhyme, crack jokes and light up the room.

Sound like you??? Well, all ya gotta do is send Nick a video, photo and a reason why you'll be perfect for season 14. The submission deadline is April 17, and you must be at least 18 years old to apply.

MTV tells us casting producers will be inviting select candidates to audition in New York City, Los Angeles and Atlanta in front of Nick.

Hell yes, Meek Mill needs to get his own statue in Philadelphia, a la "Rocky Balboa" ... so says Rep. Dwight Evans who's giving the rapper praise for all Meek's done to transform the criminal justice system.

We got Pennsylvania's Congressman on Capitol Hill hours after Meek's Tuesday news conference introducing new legislation aiming to reform the state's probation and parole system.

As we reported, Meek, 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin and CNN's Van Jones -- who is also CEO of REFORM Alliance -- joined politicians to propose House Bill 1925.

Rep. Evans -- who's district includes Meek's southwest Philly neighborhood -- says the bill is commendable for several reasons. For starters, it provides hope for people who've given up on the system. He also admires Meek's determination to continue putting the spotlight on the problem ... even though he's long since put his case behind him.

As for Meek getting immortalized in bronze -- Evans says it's a move his constituents can get behind.

Fact is, the city already embraced his track, "Dreams and Nightmares" as an unofficial anthem during the Eagles' Super Bowl run ... while Meek was still locked up.

7:20 PM PT -- The woman who drove the getaway car spoke with LAPD detectives Tuesday and was allowed to go free ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ. We've learned the woman went to cops Tuesday and after interviewing her they let her leave. Our sources say the woman could be arrested and/or charged at some point in the future.

One source connected to the case tells us, "Sometimes you have to give a little to get a lot." Translation -- if she talks, she walks.

As we reported, TMZ spoke with a woman who was connected to the ownership of the vehicle and told us she drove the getaway car, but did not know what Holder had done.

3:30 PM PT -- Holder's been transferred to LAPD custody now. He's being held without bail for Nipsey's murder.

2:25 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, murder suspect Eric Holder is in custody. The man arrested early Tuesday afternoon is in fact Holder, who is suspected of murdering Nipsey Hussle. The woman who is the suspected getaway driver reportedly turned herself in.

1:35 PM PT -- A man matching Eric Holder's description has reportedly been captured in the L.A. suburb of Bellflower.

Law enforcement sources tell us L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. deputies nabbed him around 12:53 PM in the 9000 block of Artesia Blvd.

We're told he's been detained for now, and LAPD is responding to make a positive ID. Dispatch audio TMZ has obtained identifies a "possible 187 suspect," meaning homicide suspect. They then confirm they have a detainee in custody, matching Holder's description.

9:33 AM PT -- The LAPD's presser just wrapped, and a number of details in the Nipsey murder case were revealed. One of the most intriguing was an email that either Nipsey himself or someone at Roc Nation sent to L.A. Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff, which he read publicly.

As we reported, Nipsey wanted to get together with the police to work on ways to prevent gang violence in his neighborhood.

The email read, "Our goal is to work with the department to help improve communication, relationships and work toward changing the culture and dialogue between LAPD and the inner city. We want to hear about your new program and your goals for the department, as well as how we can help stop gang violence."

Soboroff says the meeting will happen in honor of Nipsey whenever his family and Roc Nation are ready to do it.

LAPD Police Chief Michel Moore says he doesn't believe Nipsey's murder -- allegedly carried out at the hands of Eric Holder -- was gang-related per se ... in that it wasn't a conflict between rival gangs. Moore says there was a personal dispute between them.

Chief Moore urged Holder to surrender, and anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

8:00 AM PT -- The LAPD will hold a news conference at 8:30 AM PT to reveal developments in the case. We will be live streaming.

Cops think they have the guy who murdered Nipsey Hussle ... because they just named him as a suspect and apparently have issued an arrest warrant.

The LAPD says, "Eric Holder is wanted for the homicide in the shooting of Nipsey Hussle. He was last seen in a 2016 white 4 door Chevy Cruze, CA license plate 7RJD742. Anyone with information related to his whereabouts or this deadly shooting is urged to contact South Bureau Homicide at 323 786-5100."

Lauren London is speaking out for the first time since Nipsey Hussle was shot to death ... and she says she's lost without the father of her child.

Lauren just posted a heartfelt tribute to Nipsey on Instagram ... telling the world, "I am completely lost. I've lost my best friend, my sanctuary, my protector, my soul ... I'm lost without you. We are lost without you babe. I have no words."

Lauren had been dating the rapper for several years, and they share a son together. Earlier this year they collab'd with GQ for a super cute photo shoot, which sure looked like engagement pics.

We broke the story ... Nipsey was gunned down outside his store Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, and the L.A. County Coroner says he died from gunshot wounds to his head and torso.

Nipsey's murder suspect, Eric Holder, was taken into police custody Tuesday afternoon, and he's being held without bail.

Taylor Swift got another unwanted visitor at her Rhode Island home when a police pursuit ended with a stolen car smashing into her front gate.

Police in Hopkinton, RI confirmed to TMZ ... the high-speed chase started around 1 AM after an officer tried to conduct a traffic stop and the vehicle took off. We're told officers pursued the car, and the driver eventually lost control and plowed into the main entrance gate at Taylor's estate.

We're told the singer was not home at the time of the crash, and neither was anyone else.

Police say the teenage driver has been charged with reckless driving, felony receiving stolen goods, obstructing an officer and driving on a suspended or denied license. No bail has been set.

Taylor's had a lot of issues at this beachfront pad -- including one guy who was busted trying to swim through rough ocean water to get on the property and another who showed up on her doorstep proposing marriage.