There's rampant animal mistreatment at the 'Tiger King' zoo -- this according to federal authorities -- but Jeff Lowe says the findings are misleading and unfair.
The USDA recently completed an investigation into the GW Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma, and faulted the zoo for not providing proper veterinary care for the lions, tigers and bears. Lowe calls BS on the USDA's report, though ... and claims it's out to get him.
Here's some of what inspectors found according to the report -- a 16-week-old lion cub named Nala was lethargic, depressed, and so thin she wouldn't get up from a sitting position even after prompting. The cub was immediately removed from the park and taken to a vet.
Lowe claims Nala was actually rescued from Tim Stark -- who was also featured on the 'Tiger King' series -- and the zoo spent a fortune trying to nurse her and others back to health.
Other examples of neglect -- according to the report -- include 2 geriatric wolves suffering from arthritis. The USDA says the zoo was "not following the instructions of the veterinarian to provide medication and bedding for the wolves."
The inspectors also say there was also a grizzly bear found to be extremely thin and a black bear that appeared to be underweight ... and both bears reportedly exhibited heightened aggression.
But, Jeff claims the report doesn't acknowledge that "many of the animals that we house here are at the end of their lives and suffer from arthritis and do lose some weight toward the end of their days."
He insists the wolves are receiving treatment and the bears are in their proper weight class, and claims they were recently deemed in good shape by local authorities and the Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.
Finally, the USDA claims the charred remains of a 17-year-old tigon, along with a dead tiger, were discovered in a large pile of primarily wood debris in the back of the park. The report says, "There is a foul odor of decomposing flesh and many flies are present on the boards and surrounding areas."
Lowe did not address the dead animals, but maintains the GW Zoo has weekly vet visits and prior to this report ... received 5 clean inspections from the USDA.
He tells us he thinks the 'Tiger King' documentary painted a poor picture of the zoo. Lowe claims all of the incidents listed by the USDA in its June 22 report have since been corrected.
As we reported ... a whistleblower's photos of lions suffering from flystrike in June were released to PETA, who sounded the alarm and got authorities involved.
The "Big Brother All-Stars" are one step closer to becoming house guests once again ... they're in quarantine and their reality TV fates hinge on COVID-19 testing.
Production sources for season 22 tell TMZ ... a number of potential contestants arrived Tuesday in Los Angeles, where they're being sequestered and tested for the novel coronavirus as they await clearance to enter the 'Big Brother' house.
We're told the quarantine and testing process will take 2 weeks, and contestants will need a negative test before being allowed inside the house.
Our sources say 'BB' has a core list of returning contestants and an alternate list, just in case All-Stars from the core cast are forced to drop out due to a positive coronavirus test.
Here's who we know is quarantining in Hollywood so far ... season 19 winner Josh Martinez, season 8 runner-up Daniele Donato, season 18 alum Paulie Calafiore, season 18 winner Nicole Franzel, season 20 runner-up Tyler Crispen, three-time contestant Janelle Pierzina, season 14 winner Ian Terry, season 12 winner Hayden Moss and season 20 alum Bayleigh Dayton.
It should be smooth sailing once contestants are in the house's bubble-like atmosphere ... but getting cleared to enter is the biggest hurdle.
Joe Exotic's old 'Tiger King' zoo might have human remains buried there after all -- at least that's what Jeff Lowe thinks -- and some cadaver dogs are allegedly pointing there.
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Jeff contacted the same company that visited the GW Exotic Animal Park a couple weeks back for a second opinion, and this time FOUR cadaver dogs came and gave a positive alert.
We're told the hounds -- 4 different dogs at 4 different times -- picked up the scent of human remains ... once again, by the alligator pit.
Our sources say the company swears by the accuracy of its dogs and believes the local sheriff's deputies didn't take this seriously earlier in the month, and handled the excavation incorrectly to boot.
We broke the story ... 2 cadaver dogs were previously brought to the zoo as part of an episode of Zak Bagans' "Ghost Adventures" and picked up a scent near the same gator pit.
However, law enforcement found no human remains -- just some animal bones that appeared to be the skeleton of small animal with a tail -- and considered the matter closed.
Our sources say Jeff and co. want officials to come by again for a more thorough investigation ... because the cadaver dog owners are doggone serious something's up.
As we reported, sources connected to Joe say he scattered ashes from several bodies on the property -- because the people who died wanted it that way -- but that's it.
Tamar Braxton was seething mad with her TV network bosses leading up to her apparent suicide attempt -- that's what her boyfriend claimed during his 911 call.
According to the recorded call Tamar's boyfriend, David Adefeso, explained to the dispatcher ... the singer had been having trouble with WeTV -- and he explained how the issues came to a head before last Thursday before he found her unresponsive in their hotel room.
According to David's 911 call -- made Thursday night from the Ritz Carlton in downtown L.A. -- Tamar also left a note before her apparent attempt to take her own life, and he claims she was mixing alcohol with medication she uses to treat anxiety and depression.
Tamar's reality show, "Braxton Family Values," airs on WeTV and she's reportedly been upset with producers for using her childhood trauma -- alleged assaults and rape -- to boost ratings.
As we reported ... EMTs found Tamar unconscious inside her room when they arrived, and she was rushed to the hospital. She's since improved to stable condition.
The rest of the 911 call was super emotional and scary ... and at one point, Tamar's boyfriend started crying.
Heather McDonald and former 'RHOC' star Jim Bellino are on the same page, legally speaking -- they've settled his lawsuit against her ... TMZ has learned.
According to a joint statement released by Jim and Heather ... they've "reached a settlement of the dispute on mutually satisfactory terms." The joint statement also says Heather "never intended to cause any of the damage" to Jim's reputation or that of his business.
Jim, the ex-husband of 'RHOC' star Alexis Bellino, sued the comedian in June 2019, claiming she "shamelessly dished and peddled unsubstantiated gossip" about his divorce with Alexis on an episode of Heather's podcast, "The Juicy Scoop."
Heather, who used to appear on "Chelsea Lately" before starting her podcast, previously secured a victory in the defamation suit back in March, when a judge granted her motion to dismiss the lawsuit ... but Jim appealed.
The terms of their settlement are confidential ... so, it's unclear if any money changed hands. We're told Jim filed earlier this month to withdraw his appeal, but a judge still has to sign off.
Teresa Giudice is heartbroken for the New Jersey judge who sent her and her hubby to prison ... after what appears to be a targeted murder at the judge's home.
The 'RHONJ' star's attorney, James Leonard, tells TMZ ... Teresa was "devastated" by the news this weekend -- namely, that a gunman disguised as a FedEx employee made his way into Judge Esther Salas' home and shot and killed her son. Judge Salas' husband was also shot but survived.
Leonard says, "Knowing Teresa the way I do, I think if she were to have an opportunity to see Judge Salas, I think she would hug her and pray with her." He doesn't believe his client will attend the funeral but says Judge Salas and her family are in Teresa's thoughts.
He adds, "This is such a horrific tragedy, I know that the entire legal community is shocked and devastated and praying for Judge Salas and her family."
Judge Salas, who was not injured in the gunman's attack, presided over Teresa and Joe Giudice's criminal cases back in the day -- sentencing her to 15 months in prison, and Joe to 41 months behind bars.
The judge was also just assigned a class action suit against a bank that loosely involves Jeffrey Epstein.
Kanye West's off-the-rails campaign stop Sunday in North Charleston, South Carolina may not only hurt Ye politically, he has concerned, upset and alarmed many of his friends and the Kardashians ... sources connected to Kanye tell TMZ.
Our sources say those around him believe Kanye is in desperate need of professional help and is in the middle of a serious bipolar episode, but he won't listen to them.
We're told they also believe Kanye is tanking some of his businesses, if not all of them, with rants like when he went on about Harriet Tubman, claiming she did not free slaves. His family and friends know comments like these are the things that trigger boycotts.
Suffice it to say ... we're told the family is upset that Kanye talked about Kim's first pregnancy and how they discussed abortion, something he says he wanted. Then he blurted out that Kim might divorce him for saying that, but even if she does, he'd thank her for having North.
It's curious he mentioned divorce ... it's usually a topic married folk don't say out loud unless it's been discussed. Whether it was or not ... between Kanye's Forbes interview and Sunday's rally ... you gotta think it puts a strain on the relationship.
BTW ... we're told there's not much concern that Kanye's comments will adversely affect Kim's businesses. We're told their money is separate and her and Kanye's brands are distinguishable.
Finally, we're told his family and friends are also upset because they feel Kanye is a distraction to what is a very important election.
Master P has a simple, but controversial, solution to Nick Cannon's problems ... and firmly believes he should not have apologized for his anti-Semitism.
The No Limit mogul was in Bev Hills when we asked him about the fallout from Nick espousing the anti-Semitic remarks made by Professor Griff and Minister Farrakhan. Master P repeatedly took a pass on addressing the "hurtful and divisive" words Nick admits he used -- but did say, "I hate that Nick Cannon apologized. He shouldn't have did that."
His explanation for that is, basically -- Nick wouldn't have to say he's sorry if he didn't have to worry about losing jobs. Watch the clip. That's what he says.
Of course, that dangerous theory suggests anyone who owns their own business or TV show, should be able to say anything they want ... without consequence.
Remember, Nick said Griff was "speaking truth" when he said, back in 1989, Jews were responsible for spreading most of the world's wickedness -- and even Cannon now acknowledges that stance was horribly anti-Semitic
As you know ... the backlash against Cannon began when he made anti-Semitic remarks on his podcast, got called out, and then dropped by ViacomCBS. About 24 hours later, he changed his tune after speaking with Rabbi Abraham Cooper and issued a seemingly sincere apology to the Jewish community.
Interestingly, the 'Masked Singer' host says that move resulted in Black people turning on him ... calling him a sellout for taking back his comments and deleted that episode of his podcast.
Master P says if Nick's a good person who has good intentions, there's no need to apologize.
Again, that's not how Nick feels, but this vid is a clear illustration of what he said about his own community giving him flak.
'Love & Hip Hop' star Mariahlynn claims her ex and his new GF beat the crap out of her and a pal with a bat and blade, leaving them bloodied and battered ... this according to cops.
Law enforcement sources tell us the reality star filed a police report this past week alleging she and a good friend of hers were ambushed by Mariahlynn's former boyfriend, whom she says had invited her over to his place in the Bronx to hash things and make peace.
We're told Mariahlynn described an incredibly horrific sequence of events to police ... she said as soon as she and the woman she was with arrived at the ex-boyfriend's apartment, they were immediately jumped by both him and his new girlfriend, who allegedly pulled out a blade and even used a bat to beat the two women before they escaped.
Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... Mariahlynn was punched in the face, kicked in the back of her leg, dragged by the hair and held down so the other woman could pile on. We're told Mariahlynn's friend was beaten with the bat and brutally attacked too.
We’re told Mariahlynn has multiple contusions, a fractured leg, a cut face and a black eye. TMZ obtained photos of injuries Mariahlynn claims resulted from the alleged beatdown -- as you can see, they're gnarly.
Our law enforcement sources noted visible injuries to Mariahlynn and her friend -- listing the alleged crimes as felonious assaults. We're told neither the ex-boyfriend nor his alleged accomplice has been arrested -- NYPD cops are currently investigating.
We attempted to reach Mariahlynn's ex, but were unable.
"Mob Wives" star Drita D'Avanzo wants the judge in her husband's federal gun case to cut him a little slack come sentencing, and she fired off a handwritten letter to make her case.
Drita wrote to Judge Kovner, pleading with him to show leniency on Lee D'Avanzo because he's a caring family man who needs to come home to his wife and kids.
In the handwritten letter, obtained by TMZ, Drita says Lee is an amazing father to their children who "never missed a soccer game and was very involved in our kids school work and any activities they were involved in. He is a family man and is missed!"
Drita adds ... Lee "has a family that is fully supporting him and hoping he comes home soon!"
Acting Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Seth D. DuCharme prosecuted the case against Lee, and the sentencing hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Based on the penal code and the probation department's recommendations D'Avanzo could get anywhere from about 3 to 6 years ... it's totally up to the judge. So, we'll see if Drita's letter had makes a difference.
The felony charges against NFL receiver Kenny Stills and 'Real Housewives' star Porsha Williams stemming from a Breonna Taylor protest in Kentucky have been dropped ... prosecutors say.
But, they're not in the clear just yet.
Stills and Williams were just 2 of the 87 people arrested on Tuesday for demonstrating on the front lawn of the home of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
The group was chanting for justice for Taylor -- they want the police officer who killed her to be arrested and charged with crimes.
All 87 people were initially charged with felony intimidating a participant in a legal process -- and 2 lesser misdemeanors.
The felony charge is a big deal -- if convicted, people face a minimum of 1 year behind bars ... and up to 5 if the judge wants to make a point.
But, on Friday, Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell says he is DROPPING the felony for all 87 people, effective immediately.
"After careful review of the law, I am dismissing the felony charge of Intimidating a Participant in the Legal Process against the protestors arrested on Attorney General Cameron's property on July 14, 2020."
"While we do believe the LMPD had probable cause for the charge, in the interest of justice and the promotion of the free exchange of ideas, we will dismiss that charge for each protestor arrested this past Tuesday."
The bad news for Stills, Williams and the 85 other people -- O'Connell says the misdemeanor charges are still in play ... at least for now.
"We continue to review the misdemeanors and violations for prosecution at a later date."
Kenny -- who plays for the Houston Texans -- issued a statement after his arrest -- saying, "Arrested for peacefully protesting. While Breonnas Taylor’s murderers are still out on the street."
"Big Brother" is on its way back -- 'rona be damned -- but it's not just the all-star cast that will be quarantining together to make it happen ... the crew must too.
Sources close to production of season 22 tell TMZ ... the people working on the popular reality competition will be taking a page out of the NBA's book, and staying in a bubble.
We're told the crew members will reside in RVs by the set -- otherwise known as the 'Big Brother' house -- but will be swapped out monthly.
Our sources say the system will work like this -- one month on for the crew, then 2 weeks off followed by 2 weeks in quarantine ... then back on. A typical 'BB' season lasts around 3 months.
Those familiar with the show know ... although the 'Big Brother' Houseguests don't directly interact with the people running the show ... the crew must still enter the house to haul in supplies, make repairs, and set up the competitions.
So, it's just as important for the cast to remain safe and take every COVID-19 precaution as the cast.
As we first told you ... CBS is busting out some of its All-Star Houseguests from seasons past for the upcoming season, which is tentatively scheduled to begin shooting later this summer after already being delayed.
Julie Chen Moonves is set to return as host. We don't know if she's part of the bubble.
The 'Tiger King' star's been cashing in doing Cameo vids for a bit now, but her latest submission -- a birthday shout-out to a fan named Charlotte -- is ... well, priceless.
Carole -- joined by her husband Howard -- kicks off the video message with her tagline, "Hey all you cool cats and kittens," before saying they're "here with the crip mates" to wish Charlotte a happy bday.
And, then it gets REALLY interesting.
Watch for yourself ... pretty sure 50 Cent's "In Da Club" has never been done like this. And it probably shouldn't be ever again.
Carole charges $199 per Cameo request ... worth every penny??
8:42 AM PT -- 7/15 Here's Porsha's mug shot. The Louisville Metro Department of Corrections tells us Porsha was released on her own recognizance Wednesday at 3:02 AM.
UPDATE
6:27 PM PT -- Louisville PD tells TMZ ... the Kentucky AG requested cops remove the protesters because they were trespassing on his property.
UPDATE
We're told the protesters were given the opportunity to leave and were told they would be breaking the law by staying on the property, and they chose not to leave.
UPDATE
Louisville PD says 87 people were arrested and charged "due to their refusal to leave the property and their attempts to influence the decision of the Attorney General with their actions."
Porsha Williams was on the front lines Tuesday of a Breonna Taylor protest in Louisville ... and left handcuffed in the back of a police van.
The 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star was arrested during a massive demonstration outside the home of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who has yet to file criminal charges against the Louisville cops involved in Breonna's death.
As you can see ... Porsha was hauled away from Cameron's home, with her wrists in zip ties, as protesters chanted Breonna's name. Louisville PD tells us Porsha was cited for criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and intimidating a participant in legal process.
Porsha was one of hundreds of people arrested at the protest, along with 'Love & Hip Hop' star Yandy Smith and reality TV star and activist Tamika Mallory.
As you know ... Kentucky's AG has been under fire for posting pictures of his engagement party instead of drilling down on the case. With no arrests or charges in the case ... protests have continued in and around Louisville.
It's been more than 4 months since 3 Louisville cops served a no-knock warrant -- at the wrong address, mind you -- shooting and killing Breonna in her own home.
Tyra Banks is moving from judging the catwalk to hosting in the ballroom ... the OG top model is taking over MC duties for "Dancing With the Stars."
Just a day after ABC dropped Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews leading into season 29, TMZ has learned the former supermodel is strutting her way into that role.
In addition to smizing in front of the camera, Tyra will also be an Executive Producer of the show. We've learned she was in talks with the network long before ABC cut ties with Tom and Erin.
On Monday, Tom announced the show would be continuing without him, and said his 15 years hosting were the "most unexpected gift of my career." ABC and BBC released their own statement about Tom and Erin's departures ... saying the show is embarking "on a new creative direction."
Sources close to Tom tell TMZ the news came as quite a shock to him, and he was only informed of his departure this week.
The pair had been co-hosting together since 2010, after Erin was a contestant on the show -- but now, as Daily Mail first reported, the "America's Next Top Model" creator will be stepping into that glittery, disco-balled arena.
7:52 PM PT -- Nick Cannon has been dropped by ViacomCBS after he made anti-Semitic comments on his podcast.
UPDATE
The announcement came Tuesday afternoon, amidst a downpour of outrage and backlash toward the 'Wild n' Out' star after he made very controversial claims on his podcast that many considered deeply troubling and downright hateful.
UPDATE
Turns out, Viacom agreed. They severed ties on Tuesday, stating, “ViacomCBS condemns bigotry of any kind and we categorically denounce all forms of anti-Semitism."
UPDATE
"We have spoken with Nick Cannon about an episode of his podcast ‘Cannon’s Class’ on YouTube, which promoted hateful speech and spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him."
UPDATE
In the same podcast in which Nick suggested white people were "a little less" than darker-skinned people, he also stated, "You can’t be anti-Semitic when we are the Semitic people.”
UPDATE
He went on “When we are the same people who they want to be. That’s our birthright. We are the true Hebrews.”
UPDATE
Cannon issued his own non-apology on Monday, stating, "Anyone who knows me knows that I have no hate in my heart nor malice intentions. I do not condone hate speech nor the spread of hateful rhetoric."
UPDATE
He then invited people to step up and go toe-to-toe. "I encourage more healthy dialogue and welcome any experts, clergy, or spokespersons to any of my platforms to hold me accountable and correct me in any statement that I’ve made that has been projected as negative."
UPDATE
Viacom is the parent company of MTV, home to Cannon's 'Wild n' Out' gig, and also home to Nickelodeon, where Cannon got his start in the '90s.
Nick Cannon's under fire for comments he made about melanin, white people and why they became "savages" long, long ago -- and some are even calling him a "black supremacist."
"The Masked Singer" host has recently been accused of spewing anti-Semitism on his podcast, "Cannon's Class," but now it's this brief clip from his June 30 episode with Professor Griff -- formerly of Public Enemy -- that has people riled up.
Nick said that the power of melanin -- or lack thereof -- made white people "a little less" than darker-skinned people ... and claims this deficiency leads to fear.
He was speaking anthropologically -- meaning the very first white people in modern-day Europe -- but went on to say white people's fear made them lack compassion and ultimately ... become evil.
Nick then referred to these white people of the past as "savages," "barbaric" and added ... "They're the ones that are actually closer to animals, they're the ones that are actually the true savages."
Now, some people are calling him out for the remarks, including black British rapper Zuby, who tweeted, "Nick Cannon has gone full black supremacist. This is 100% certified racist."
Cannon's controversy comes on the heels of allegations of being an anti-Semite and spreading anti-Jewish theories on his podcast ... so rough week so far.
