Reality TV

One mystery contestant on "The Masked Singer" isn't looking to make any more friends ... pissing off fellow masked celebs with maybe the biggest entourage ever.

Backstage sources at 'TMS' tell us ... in the past 6 seasons, they've never seen a contestant show up with a crew this big. Usually, celebs roll solo at rehearsals to avoid revealing their identity, but this person seems unconcerned, opting to bring a massive group with them!

Friends, managers, beauty and hair team, family members... this contestant rolls deep.

We've also learned that the sheer size of this celebrity's entourage has pissed off other contestants backstage ... one contestant in a trailer close to them complained to producers about the noise coming from the giant posse ... turning relaxing downtime into a giant headache.

Our sources won't reveal which contestant rolls with the giant entourage -- not wanting to give away who this might be -- so fans will have to come to their own conclusions for the time being.

The newest 'Bachelorette' star is trading her pom-poms for roses ... 'cause Gabby Windey is a former Denver Broncos cheerleader!!

The 31-year-old current ICU nurse was announced as one of the costars for the next season of the ABC dating show ... after getting her heart broken by ex-NFL hopeful Clayton Echard in the final week.

Windey -- who handled the dumpster-fire ending of her relationship with Clayton like a champ -- spent several seasons on the Broncos sidelines ... joining the squad in 2015 before leaving in 2021.

On top of being a pro cheerleader, Gabby also worked on the frontlines as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of course, Gabby is sharing the title of 'Bachelorette' with Rachel Recchia, who was also crushed by Clayton's lack of transparency at the end of his season.

As it turns out, Rachel also has a cheerleading background -- she was a member of the squad during her time at Ohio University.

In case you weren't following the season, Clayton was "intimate" with both Gabby and Rachel during fantasy suites ... which led the third finalist, Susie Evans, to break things off with him and go home.

Clayton then admitted to Gabby and Rachel he was in love with all three finalists and fought to keep them on board ... before eventually admitting his heart was ultimately with Susie and breaking up with the other two women at the SAME TIME (yeah, bad).

As it turns out, Susie eventually reached back out to Clayton after the show ended ... and now they're happily together.

Rachel and Gabby, on the other hand, will now try their luck with the show again ... this time, being on the other side of things.

The season airs later this year ... we'll be "cheering" for love.

Joanna Krupa has skin in the game over Ukraine seeing how she has roots in neighboring Poland ... which is where her husband has gone to help, and where she'll join as well.

We talked to the model/ex-'Housewives' star Tuesday in Malibu about her send-off message to hubby, Douglas Nunes, who recently flew to Poland to help Ukrainian refugees flee the country as Russia continues to invade.

It sounds like Douglas felt compelled to get over there and lend a hand ... and based on what his wife says  ... it seems like his assistance will go a long way, especially for orphaned kids in need of transport and animals in desperate straits.

You can tell this hits home for Joanna, who says she's incredibly proud of her people for stepping up ... by opening their doors to Ukrainians looking for safe haven.

There's also this ... sounds like JK will trade places with her husband soon. She'll wait for Douglas to come back so he can take care of their young daughter.

Shanna Moakler is indeed trying to repair her relationship with her ex-bf after his domestic violence arrest, and she's calling in Dr. Drew for some professional help.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ … Shanna and Matthew Rondeau will soon begin counseling sessions with the former "Loveline" host, and it became a priority for them once they found out she's pregnant.

We're told the exes haven't met with Dr. Drew in person yet, but they've already had initial conversations by phone. They believe talking through their issues is the healthiest approach, knowing it's the mature thing to do ... and necessary considering they'll eventually have to co-parent.

As we reported, Shanna and Matthew were spotted in Rhode Island over the weekend. Rumors were flying about them getting back together even though eyewitnesses told us they weren't showing affection during their time out together.

As for what they've been discussing ... we're told it's not a romantic reunion. Our sources say they're primarily seeking Dr. Drew's help due to Shanna's 4th pregnancy. Remember, she announced it by saying she had "a very difficult week, but I'm taking everything day by day."

One week before that surprising news, Matthew had been arrested for felony domestic violence for allegedly getting physical with Shanna during an argument. He posted a hate-filled rant before cops hauled him in, calling Shanna a cheater and saying he'd never get back with her.

"90 Day Fiance" star Ben Rathbun is spending time behind bars after getting busted for drunk driving in Michigan.

According to online records ... Rathbun was booked early Tuesday morning for OUI (operating while under the influence of alcohol) and driving with a suspended license.

Details of what led up to Ben's arrest are currently unclear, but records indicate his bond has been set at $10,000.

Ben's story on season 5 of '90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days' has been an interesting one ... the 52-year-old father of 4 met his 22-year-old girl friend, Mahogany, online. Many believed Mahogany -- who hails from South America -- was catfishing Ben ... but when they actually met, it turned out she was the real deal.

Unclear if Mahogany was with Ben, or even in the country at the time of his arrest, but reports as recent as last month say the two are still dating.

"Alaskan Bush People" star Bear Brown has been arrested for domestic violence and is now in the Okanogan County Jail ... as the show kicks off its 13th season.

34-year-old Solomon Isaiah Freedom Brown -- AKA "Bear" -- was booked Friday for 4th-degree domestic violence. He was released Monday without bail.

Brown married Raiven Adams in January of this year, after getting engaged in August 2019. Just 2 weeks after their engagement he said they "made the difficult decision to part ways as a couple."

The day after their split, they announced Adams' pregnancy, and decided to give their relationship another shot. They separated again, before reconciling once more. Brown held his son, River, for the first time at 6 months old.

"Alaskan Bush People" is currently in its 13th season on the Discovery Channel ... the show follows the Brown family that considers themselves a "wolf pack" -- isolating themselves from civilization for months at a time, attempting to survive in the wilderness.

The Sun was first to report the arrest.

We have reached out to Bear's reps, Discovery Channel, and the Sheriff's Office that made the arrest ... so far, no word back.

Here's Stephanie Matto hosting a giveaway you just don't see every day ... she's doling out jars full of her farts to dozens of folks at a strip club.

The "90 Day Fiancé" star was back on her gravy train Saturday night at Larry Flynt's Hustler Club in New York City, where she gifted fart jars to the first 20 folks to walk in the door.

Stephanie paired her fart jars with never-before-seen risqué polaroid photos and rose petals ... and she even took the stage to grab the mic and say a few words.

Sorry, no pole dancing ... Stephanie makes her living by farting in jars.

Remember ... Stephanie started the hustle last year and she told us in December she had already banked $100,000 by bottling up her natural gas and selling it online.

We're told Stephanie pocketed over $10,000 for her strip club appearance ... and she was also pushing her latest venture, a fart jar NFT venture.

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard are feeling anxious about her pregnancy ... because they're both fighting COVID-19 after testing positive for the virus.

The couple tells TMZ ... they are both concerned about Jill battling the virus while she's expecting, in part because of all the unknowns and shifting science.

The way Jill and Derick see things ... they're still unsure about the long-term effects of COVID, particularly for pregnant women, and while scientists are making strides in understanding the virus, the continuous developing nature of the pandemic makes things stressful.

What's more, the couple tells us Jill suffered a miscarriage last year ... meaning she's more on edge about this pregnancy ... and adding a COVID diagnosis to the mix only heightens their anxiety.

Jill and Derick, who both tested positive for the virus Thursday, tell us they are working with their doctor to ensure Jill and the baby are safe ... but the main health concerns for pregnant women like Jill are being more susceptible to developing blood clots and potentially not providing enough oxygen to the baby.

The couple says Jill, who is due to give birth in July, is taking baby aspirin to try and prevent blood clots ... and they're monitoring the baby's heart rate and keeping track of how many times the baby is kicking per day.

Jill and Derick tell us they are both fully vaccinated ... and they believe the mild symptoms they are experiencing could have been much worse without the shots.

While the couple tells us dealing with a COVID case, particularly right now, is disappointing ... Jill's thankful she didn't catch it during her first trimester, when she was dealing with a lot of morning sickness.

"The Challenge" star Jordan Wiseley is finding more ways to make an impact on the ground in Ukraine ... distributing much-needed supplies brought over the border from Poland.

Check out these images from Ukraine, where Jordan and his actor roommate Kevin Pasdon are making a daily trek across the border to aid the humanitarian efforts underway.

Jordan's routine includes loading up vans with boxes full of supplies ... driving the goods in from Poland and handing them out to the Ukrainians, who are having their cities and towns shelled by the Russians.

Remember ... Jordan and Kevin flew to Poland earlier this month with the goal of helping out in Ukraine, but they didn't have a plan ... and they quickly found work transporting supplies, thanks in part to their U.S. passports, which allow them to cross the border with ease.

As you see in the videos, the folks in Ukraine are desperate to get their hands on whatever supplies they can ... and Jordan's working hard to unload the boxes and distribute essential items, like food and blankets.

They have started a fundraising campaign for donations that will go towards Ukrainian aid for both military and humanitarian relief.

Lisa Barlow says Jennie Nguyen should get another opportunity to star alongside her on "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" ... despite an unceremonious exit.

We got Lisa this week at LAX and asked her about her former 'RHOSLC' castmate Jennie, who was fired by Bravo after some of her allegedly racist social media posts resurfaced from a couple years back.

Lisa says she hasn't heard much from Jennie besides one text, but she hopes she's all good ... and adds that Nguyen's firing has been "hard" on all of the SLC 'housewives.'

Our photog asked if Jennie should get another crack at reality TV, and Lisa told us she's all for giving folks second chances.

Jennie came under fire for her 2020 Facebook posts and re-shares many viewed as attacking Black Americans because the photos and memes were critical of the BLM movement.

Andy Cohen and several 'housewives' condemned the posts, but it sounds like Lisa is having a tough time turning her back on a former friend.

Lisa might be in a forgiving mood, because she's embroiled in her own controversy -- a hot mic incident from a recent 'RHOSLC' episode where she ranted about castmate Meredith Marks.

Lisa was heard branding her former BFF Meredith a "f**king piece of s*** garbage wh**e" ... with Lisa also alleging Meredith "f***ed half of New York."

Things are really heating up between 'Joe Millionaire' star Steven McBee and his new lover, Calah Jackson ... cause we're told they're gonna be shacking up in his new home.

ICYMI, Steven chose Calah and gave her a promise ring on the season finale, and he's already making an even bigger commitment by dropping $772,565 on a Kansas City, MO love nest.

Our sources say, Steven bought the place in his name, but the couple's decided to move in together. It's a bigger move for Calah -- she's from Dallas -- but they won't be too far from Steven's family in the rural town of Gallatin, MO.

We're told, the house is still under construction, but should be finished by the end of this month. These photos -- taken by photographers Mark and Cyndi McCombs -- of a replica model give you an idea of what their new pad will look like.

From the looks of it, it'll be pretty nice and they'll have lots of space in their 4 bedroom, 4 bath pad. It's a sweet "starter" home for the couple, but then again ... he's a millionaire.

The lovebirds seems to be having better luck than the other Joe on the show. As we've told you, Kurt has already split from Amanda, who he picked in the finale.

Traci Braxton, the sister of Toni Braxton, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Traci's Husband Kevin Surratt tells TMZ ... "We have come to a time where we must inform the public that after a year of privately undergoing a series of treatment for Esophageal cancer our beloved Traci Braxton has gone on to glory."

We're told Traci's sisters, mom and friends were by her side when she passed.

Traci appeared on the family's reality show, "Braxton Family Values." She was an actress, best known for "Sinners Wanted." She also appeared in "There's a Stranger in my House" and "Chaaw." She recorded a hit song, "Last Call," that rose to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. She also recorded "Broken Things" featuring her sisters, Toni, Towanda and Trina.

As you know, Traci has famous sisters ... Toni, Towanda, Tamar and Trina.

The family has experienced other recent tragedies. Her niece, Lauren Braxton, died from a heroin and fentanyl OD back in 2019 at age 24.

The last time we saw Traci she was joking and laughing with our cameras on the streets of NYC in April 2019.

Traci leaves a husband, Kevin Surratt and a child.

She was 50.

RIP

Omeretta The Great may be done with "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta," but she's not giving up on love ... in fact, she's looking forward to happily ever after with her boo, who is currently serving a 27-year sentence in prison.

The Atlanta-bred rapper sat down on the "It's Tricky with Raquel Harper" podcast and opened up about her future plans with Tabyron Rashad Smith ... her fiancé.

Omeretta says the two are actually engaged and will probably get married while he's in jail and they'll have another ceremony when he's released. She has his name tattooed on her but says they have bigger plans when he's free -- like having kids and starting a family.

ICYMI ... Smith was convicted of robbing nine Asian-owned businesses throughout Georgia in October and November, 2017. He's serving 27 years behind bars ... so if he serves the full sentence he'll be 51 and she'll be 50.

According to the DOJ ... Smith and his co-conspirator, Dravion Sanchez Ware terrorized, threatened and injured victims during their spree.

President Biden's latest executive order is a big "W" for those in the crypto world, and a clear indicator everyone should, if nothing else, start learning what it's all about ... according to Daymond John.

The "Shark Tank" star joined us Friday on "TMZ Live" for his "Follow the Money" segment ... giving us his take on Biden's greenlight for feds to study risks and benefits of cryptocurrency. Daymond says the bottom line is ... it's really good news.

He says the news legitimizes crypto, and should get more people to invest. Even further, he believes Biden's interest in creating a digital U.S. dollar will protect all Americans.

Although, the prez did not announce any regulations of cryptocurrency ... Daymond says they'll be necessary to prevent investors from getting hurt or scammed.

Already, 16% of Americans have invested in crypto, and he says that number will increase greatly in the next 10 years.

Clint Arlis, one of the contestants on season 11 of "The Bachelorette," died by suicide ... TMZ has confirmed.

According to the coroner's report, obtained by TMZ, cops found Clint dead in his parent's Illinois home back in January, he was found hanging in a bedroom closet.

The report says officers found a note left behind on Clint's bedroom dresser ... and his parents told investigators he had been experiencing paranoia and thought people were watching him.

According to the docs, Clint's parents told police his struggles with paranoia began after he had a legal issue with a friend, and he had recently moved back with his parents to get back on his feet after having some difficulties living on his own in Texas.

Page Six was first to report the cause of death.

The report says Clint's parents also told investigators he was having relationship issues with his girlfriend of 4 years ... and he was taking experimental medications as part of a clinical trial for alopecia, with his dosage increasing.

As we reported ... Clint's sister broke the news of his death back in January, but at the time, there was no cause of death.

It's heartbreaking ... the docs say Clint's father told cops he was the one who found Clint hanged in the closet, with the dad searching the house for his son when Clint didn't come downstairs in the morning.

Clint, who was only 34, competed against Nick Viall on 'Bachelorette' is remembered for his slogan ... "Villains gotta vill."

Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack being on the same page is a rarity these days, but the exes, and their HGTV bosses, are in lockstep about pulling the plug on "Flip or Flop" ... TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with the situation tell us ... Tarek and Christina's contracts for the show were up, but talks had already begun for a new season when the former couple had second thoughts about their 11th season.

Our sources say the decision had nothing to do with any specific incident or flop in ratings -- all parties involved just wanted to end the series on a high note.

It doesn't hurt that Tarek and Christina each have solo projects now with the network. Translation: Neither really needs "Flip or Flop" now that she's got "Christina on the Coast" and he has 'Flipping 101.'

Our sources point out ... working with an ex is not always ideal, and that's proven true for them. Remember, TMZ broke the story when Tarek lost it on Christina during a shoot last July. We were told he snapped because she was telling him it was time to start filming.

As you know, the exes announced they were splitting in December 2016, but still signed on for the next season of the show that made them famous. Tarek filed for divorce the following month, which was finalized a year later.