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R. Kelly didn't buy an acquittal in 2008 by paying off the alleged child victim and her family ... so says that family.

Attorney Christopher Brown, who represents the family, tells TMZ ... the claims made by Michael Avenatti suggesting the victim did not testify in the trial because the family received a $2 million payoff for their silence are "false and have no basis in reality."

Brown adds ... "The victim and her family have been contacted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Chicago and are cooperating with the investigation of R. Kelly."

As we reported ... Kelly is due in court Tuesday for a bond hearing in his federal sex crimes case. On Monday, Avenatti -- who says he reps 3 of the alleged victims in the new federal indictments -- alleged Kelly got off in his 2008 child porn case by paying the family off.

Avenatti called the 2008 acquittal bogus, saying ... "R. Kelly bought his acquittal. He bought this victim and their parents and ensured that the truth was never told to that jury in 2008."

The family clearly refutes these allegations.

As we reported ... Kelly was arrested last week in Chicago and is facing federal charges for multiple sex crimes including child pornography, racketeering and obstruction of justice.

Nipsey Hussle was praised by the LAPD as a peacemaker in the wake of his death -- a hero of sorts in his community for trying to stem gang violence -- but it turns out the very same police department was secretly investigating Nipsey for possible criminal prosecution for alleged gang activity.

The probe was centered around Nipsey's Marathon Clothing store in South L.A., as a possible hub for gang activity ... this according to The New York Times.

It's a stunning development, because the LAPD was both investigating Nipsey and embracing him at the same time. He was set to meet the LAPD Police Chief the day after he was murdered, to discuss gang violence.

What's more ... a few years before his death, the City of Los Angeles was trying to pressure Hussle's landlords to evict Nipsey from Marathon Clothing ... this according to The NYT. As it turned out, Nipsey bought the building with some investors.

Although the City can no longer prosecute Nipsey, the City continues to investigate Nipsey's business partners.

Nipsey was a member of the Rollin' 60s Crips back in the day, but disavowed gang life and worked heroically to stem gang violence and even worked with former gang members who got out of prison to help get them back up on their feet.

The outlet reports that city officials suspected the strip mall where his clothing store was located -- which Nipsey owned along with a bevy of investors -- was a hotbed for gang members, and that the exact type of violence that took the MC's life was rampant there.

You'll recall the LAPD Commissioner Steve Soboroff stood shoulder to shoulder with Mayor Eric Garcetti, Chief of Police Michel Moore and other L.A. City Officials to discuss a planned summit Nipsey had coordinated with them to curb gang violence.

R. Kelly's alleged sex slaves should not be in danger of going hungry or becoming homeless anytime soon -- even with the singer behind bars -- but they claim someone's cut them off from Kelly's funding.

Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary have built up a nice nest egg during their time with Kelly by working as his assistants ... according to sources connected to the women and Kelly -- and they should have plenty of money to hold them over for awhile.

We're told while they were Kelly's live-in "girlfriends," they also helped him by handling bookings and other business matters, and he paid them for it. He also gave them a weekly stipend and they were able to save much of that cash because he paid for everything anyway.

Their problem has been getting access to that money. Their attorney, Gloria Schmidt, tells us one of Kelly's staffers typically gives Azriel and Joycelyn cash -- but she says since his arrest that staffer's gone MIA.

One thing they don't have to worry about is a roof over their heads. Our sources say Kelly's Chicago condo in Trump Tower is all paid up through the end of the year, so the women can live rent-free for several months.

We broke the story ... both women responded to reports they'd been evicted by recording a video showing them hanging out inside the home, telling everyone they're living there free and comfortably, as always.

The vid came 3 days after Kelly was busted in Chicago on 2 new federal indictments, including charges for multiple sex crimes, racketeering and obstruction of justice.

Both Azriel and Joycelyn's families have expressed concern for their daughters, with Joycelyn's parents saying they haven't been able to get in touch with her.

As we reported, it's no secret where they will be Tuesday -- not only will they attend Kelly's bond hearing in federal court in Chicago, but they are planning to hold a news conference afterward with their attorney, Gloria Schmidt.

Drake Bell thinks Austin Butler has all the right features to play Elvis Presley on the big screen ... but his biggest challenge will be singing like the king of rock 'n roll.

We got the "Drake & Josh" star in New York City after news broke Austin got the nod to play EP in Baz Luhrmann's movie about the icon. Drake, a self-proclaimed Elvis fanatic, says it's going to be a tough call whether his fellow Nickelodeon alum should attempt to really sing Elvis classics, or just lip-sync.

He's a bit of an expert on the topic, because Drake rattled off several other actors who were in Austin's shoes -- Kevin Spacey as Bobby Darin, Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury and Taron Egerton as Elton John.

Vocal abilities aside ... Drake says he's glad Austin got the part -- beating out Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, Harry Styles, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and a last minute push from G-Eazy -- because he's got the right look.

Drake's a little bummed he never got a casting call though ... and ya gotta see his Elvis impersonation!

R. Kelly's alleged sex slaves will be right behind the embattled singer Tuesday in federal court when he goes before a judge in his new sex crimes case, and they even plan to address the media.

Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary will present a united front during Kelly's bond hearing ... according to Gloria Schmidt, the attorney for the women.

After the hearing, we're told they, along with Schmidt, will hold a news conference to react to whatever happens inside the courtroom. As we've reported ... Kelly was arrested last week in Chicago on a new round of federal charges, including sex trafficking, obstruction of justice and racketeering.

Federal prosecutors in NY also want him there to face the 2nd federal indictment -- and they've made it clear to the court, they want Kelly held in custody through his trial.

Amid all the allegations they're Kelly's brainwashed sex slaves ... Joycelyn and Azriel continue to publicly support the singer -- just as they did back in February when they walked hand-in-hand into court. They sat in the first row, reserved for friends and family, during that bond hearing for his arrest on sexual abuse charges in Cook County.

If you think you saw Vanessa Hudgens walking with Elvis Presley in L.A. Monday afternoon, you're sorta dead-on ... since her BF is about to step into the king's blue suede shoes.

The former Disney star was hand in hand with Austin Butler on the heels of the big Hollywood casting news -- he's playing Elvis in an upcoming biopic, and beat out heavy hitters like Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller and Harry Styles.

The decision to go with Austin caught some folks by surprise -- fact is, he's relatively unknown compared to his competition, but looks at these pics and it's easy to see why he was tapped for the role. Dude's got the hair and the look working!

His appearance and acting skills obviously impressed director Baz Luhrmann and co. enough to land the potentially career-changing gig.

As for Vanessa, she wrote on social media Monday that she was "OVERRRR THE F***ING MOOOOOOOOONNNNN" for her man, with whom she's been with since 2011.

BTW, just 'cause you might not have heard of Austin before today ... that doesn't mean he's a hound dog in the acting game. He's been in the biz since 2006, having appeared in numerous hit series like 'Ned's Declassified,' "Zoey 101," "Life Unexpected," "Switched at Birth," "The Carrie Diaries," "The Shannara Chronicles" and tons of other shows and movies.

R. Kelly's alleged sex slaves or, as they would say, girlfriends, are setting the record straight on where the hell they've been since the singer was arrested -- and they say ... nothing's changed.

A rep for Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary tells TMZ ... the women were sitting comfortably in R. Kelly's Chicago apartment inside Trump Tower on Sunday afternoon when they recorded this video ... addressing claims they'd been evicted from the premises following Kelly's arrest for 2 federal indictments.

In the clip -- obtained by TMZ -- Azriel does most of the talking and says they're fine and dandy, and living comfortably inside R. Kelly's pad.

They even give a glimpse of the view from the high-rise, showing off the Chicago skyline. Azriel says they're at the "Trump" ... and adds it's the same place they've been for years.

However, she insists they move freely and come and go as they like, attempting to knock down the notion they're being held against their will. This part seems to be a direct message to their parents -- who've been vocally and publicly concerned for years now.

They go on to thank R. Kelly's fans for the ongoing support amid his new legal battles.

The video comes on the heels of Kelly's rearrest in Chicago on new federal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking and obstruction of justice. Of course, that's on top of the state charges he's been facing in Cook County, IL.

Joycelyn and Azriel's parents relayed that they were concerned for their daughters, whose whereabouts since Kelly's arrest had been unknown until now. There had been reports they were kicked out of Kelly's place ... but they claim they've always been there through the whole ordeal.

As we reported, Joycelyn's father confronted Kelly's spokesperson during a news conference, demanding to know his daughter's whereabouts. We're told Joycelyn and Azriel are denying the alleged suicide pact some family members thought had been formed.

Ice Cube is offering an olive branch to Lamar Odom ... sorta ... telling the guy he can come back and try out for the BIG3 again next year -- if he can get his ass in shape. 

Remember, Cube and the BIG3 gave Odom his walking papers last week -- essentially saying he wasn't physically ready to compete with the rest of the players in the 3-on-3 basketball league. 

Odom had shot back and said he KNEW he wasn't in peak physical condition but had been working out in the gym with the hopes of being in game shape by Week 4. 

Now, Cube is sending a message back to Odom ... telling the former NBA superstar the door isn't closed on a BIG3 comeback, but he needs to prove he can hang. 

"Next year, he can come try out," Cube said at LAX ... while offering this piece of advice -- "Get in shape!"

It seems unlikely that Odom -- who's turning 40 in November -- will take Cube up on his offer but the guy has overcome worse odds ... like when he survived that drug overdose!! 

Here's the best "thanks for winning the World Cup" gift EVER ... Jennifer Lopez brought USWNT star Carli Lloyd onstage -- and proceeded to give her a SEXY lap dance!!!

It all went down Friday night at J Lo's It's My Party Tour stop in New York City ... when the "Medicine" singer called for security to get Lloyd to the stage.

When Carli got up under the lights ... things took a very sensual turn -- 'cause Jennifer, pushing hair out of Lloyd's face, said, "I've got a little present for you."

"Are you ready for this? I don't know if you're ready for this."

Unclear if Lloyd was ever ready ... but J Lo sure brought it anyway -- dancing ALL UP ON Carli to Jeremih's "Birthday Sex"!!!

There was twerking, touching, hair flips and vigorous dancing ... and, yeah, good times were had by all.

Lloyd seemed to enjoy the moment, and tweeted about it all afterward, "A first for everything" with a crying emoji.

Of course, the dance is just the latest epic moment for Lloyd this month ... she won the World Cup, partied at a parade in NYC last Wednesday and even hit up the ESPYs with her squad hours later.

Oh, and Procter & Gamble just announced it'd be pitching in to help Lloyd and the USWNT get a big pay raise!

Every blockbuster fight needs a big-time promoter ... and Floyd Mayweather tells TMZ Sports he's the guy for Justin Bieber's potential fight against Tom Cruise!!

As we previously reported ... there have been serious talks about setting up a fight between the 25-year-old singer and the 57-year-old movie superstar after Biebs playfully tweeted about wanting a piece of TC last month. 

Dana White -- who was tagged in Bieber's initial post about the dream fight -- has said he'd be down to make it happen and predicts it would be the biggest fight in UFC history.

Enter Mayweather -- who says he wants NOTHING to do with training either celeb for the possible fight ... but wants EVERYTHING to do with the money involved.

"If they bring me in as a promoter, then I can talk about it. But until then, I gotta stay in my lane. Gotta stay in my business."

Remember, Mayweather used to be super tight with Justin Bieber -- he even let the pop star walk him to the ring for a few of his fights. Floyd even trained Bieber to box at one point.  

But, the two had a falling out back in 2017 ... and haven't really spoken since. 

Floyd didn't back Justin when we spoke with him ... but he didn't exactly praise him either. 

Soulja Boy skipping a gig might prove costly ... 'cause he's now being sued.

William Hicks claims Soulja was a no-show after he booked the rapper to perform back in April in Birmingham, AL. According to legal docs obtained by TMZ ... promoter Hicks says he paid Soulja a deposit of nearly $9k up front.

Hicks, however, claims moments before Soulja was supposed to perform, the rapper's manager texted him saying he wasn't gonna make it 'cause he missed his flight. According to docs ... Hicks wasn't buying the excuse, claiming Soulja was partying in Vegas and performing there instead.

As we first reported ... Hicks fired off a legal letter to Soulja's team back in April demanding repayment or face a lawsuit. Hicks never got his money so he called out Soulja on social media, prompting this response from the rapper:

According to the lawsuit ... Hicks says Soulja sent him a video apologizing for skipping out on the gig but Hicks wanted the rapper to publicly apologize. Hicks says Soulja refused, which is odd since an apology video can be found on YouTube.

For his part, sources close to Soulja say he was in negotiations with Hicks, and they were trying to work out an agreement. However, communication stopped when Soulja was arrested, and was sentenced to 240 days behind bars.

Nevertheless ... Hicks is suing for breach of contract and the money he's out ... to the tune of $13,487.85. As we reported, Soulja got out of jail on Sunday -- so ya win some, ya lose some.

The time is quickly approaching for Soulja Boy to turn his swag on again ... he's getting out of jail way early.

According to jail records ... the rapper's set to be released today, after just a little more than 3 months locked up, despite being sentenced to 240 days for a probation violation. Do the math ... that's 146 days of early freedom.

The L.A. Sheriff's Dept. tells us Soulja is getting sprung early thanks to a combination of good behavior, time served and overcrowding.  

We broke the story ... SB was hit with a sentence of 240 days in jail and 265 days of community service for violating his probation in April.  

The judge said he failed to do his court-ordered community service and even conspired to falsify evidence saying he had completed it ... on top of feds finding ammunition at his home in February, another big no-no.

The good news -- while Soulja was locked up, his kidnapping case was rejected by prosecutors.

So, today is sort of a win-win ... crank that!!!

Cardi B and Offset's daughter, Kulture, reached a milestone last week, turning 1, and her party did not disappoint.

Cardi and Offset rented out a huge venue Saturday in NYC, and theme was "Onederful Birthday" for the modest price of $400,000!!!

Tons of people showed ... lots of friends and fam. The party was briefly interrupted by the City's power outage -- the lights went off and the AC stopped -- but with the help of a generator an hour later they were all able to party on.

The dessert table was lit ... unbelievable sweets. Check them out.

The characters on Kulture's birthday cake were from the Netflix show, "Word Party" ... they're the same characters on the chain Offset and Cardi got for Kulture after dropping a cool $100k.

There was all sorts of stuff for kids, including a Build-A-Bear Workshop.

The remaining Beatles reunited Saturday night -- if only for a shining moment -- when Paul McCartney brought Ringo Starr up onstage at an epic concert.

Paul wrapped his Freshen Up world tour at Dodger Stadium, and brought Ringo out for an amazing rendition of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Helter Skelter."

58,000 people went nuts, as the 77-year-old McCartney invited his famed bandmate -- 2 years his senior -- onto the stage, and they sounded amazing.

Speaking of amazing ... McCartney performed a 38-song set. He paid tribute to George Harrison, singing "Something," and to John Lennon, singing "Here Today."

McCartney had lots of surprises ... he brought out "Eagles" guitarist Joe Walsh as well.

R. Kelly's behind bars thanks in large part to his own inner circle -- enablers and ex-employees who handed the feds videos of Kelly having sex with underage girls, according to the attorney for multiple alleged victims.

Gerald Griggs -- who represents Joycelyn Savage's family among others -- tells TMZ the federal investigation run by the Northern District of Illinois uncovered over 20 videos of Kelly engaged with minors.

Both Griggs and our federal law enforcement sources tell us the tapes show multiple victims ... and prosecutors confirmed with multiple witnesses the girls were underage. Griggs says several of Kelly's enablers -- past and present -- flipped and turned over the tapes to investigators. He says those videos were exactly what the feds needed to secure indictments for sex crimes, including child pornography.

We broke the story last month ... an ex-employee testified the singer regularly recorded his sexual encounters with underage girls, and believed the feds got their hands on some of that video.

As we reported ... Kelly was arrested Thursday after a federal grand jury handed up a 13-count indictment, including 4 counts of producing child pornography and 2 counts of receiving child pornography.

Of course, he's facing another 5-count federal indictment out of the Eastern District of NY which includes racketeering and 4 violations of the Mann Act. Prosecutors in Brooklyn want to keep Kelly locked up until his trial too.

Meanwhile, Joycelyn's parents say they're desperately trying to get in touch with her and get her help ... and won't feel any vindication over Kelly's arrest until they do.

Shawn Mendes certainly insinuated he was not dating Camila Cabello, but who's you gonna believe ... him or your lyin' eyes???

Check out this vid of Shawn and Camila making out at Dottie's True Blue Cafe Friday in San Francisco.

It did seem all too coincidental that Shawn and Camila were all over each other at the exact time they released their song, "Senorita," but they seem to be all over the place -- L.A., SFO, etc, and they're all over each other!!!

Shawn's in San Fran because he's got a concert at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum tonight and tomorrow. He's currently touring the U.S.

We're guessing he's comping Camila.