'1000-LB Sisters' Tammy Slaton Husband Caleb Willingham Dead At 40
10:41 AM PT -- Tammy just released a statement regarding Caleb's passing, writing, "I am devastated to share the news of my husband’s passing. He was my best friend and I loved him dearly.
"When I met Caleb he became my guardian angel and now he really is watching over me. Our families appreciate everyone’s sympathy and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Caleb Willingham, best known as the husband of "1000-Lb. Sisters" star Tammy Slaton, has died.
His stepmom, Shirley Willingham, confirmed the sad news to TMZ ... but couldn’t provide further details or a cause of death.
As you might know, Caleb -- nicknamed "Killa K" or "Double K," was an infrequent, yet much-beloved character on the reality show alongside Tammy chronicling their constant battle with weight. In 2022, the two met at a rehab facility in Ohio, where they underwent treatment for obesity and they tied the knot that same year.
Weeks later, Slaton told People mag, "Our wedding day was perfect, there was so much love in the room. I literally married my best friend."
But The Sun reported the couple split in May because Caleb was not following his diet, and Tammy was reportedly getting set to file for divorce.
Caleb was 40.
RIP
Originally Published -- 6:05 AM PT
Lisa Vanderpump Raquel's Contract Negotiations??? Don't Ask Me!!!
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Lisa Vanderpump's not getting into the middle of the contract negotiations going on between Raquel Leviss and Bravo ... at least not publicly.
We got Lisa at TomTom Restaurant & Bar in West Hollywood, and we asked her where things stand between Raquel and the network ... and the whole conversation played out in front of the TMZ Celebrity Tour!!!
Lisa was very chatty about the final days of her flagship eatery, Pump Restaurant Lounge, but she playfully tried to leave once our photog asked her about Raquel's contract discussions and 'VPR' filming a new season.
TMZ broke the story ... Raquel and Bravo recently started negotiating her new deal, but the clock is ticking because "Vanderpump Rules" is already filming the new season, fresh off her cheating scandal with Tom Sandoval.
While Lisa is mum on dollar demands and contract details, she says a return date is squarely up to Raquel, who we've been told is getting close to leaving the mental health facility she's called home for more than 2 months.
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Lisa says it's also going to be up to the other 'VPR' stars on how they welcome Raquel back into the fold after the Scandoval ... pointing out, they clearly all do their own thing already and don't necessarily listen to her.
'VPR' had just finished shooting at the restaurant when we got Lisa ... and she's also responding to former cast member Jax Taylor, who recently slammed her role on the show.
Kim Zolciak Misses the Target ... Sued For Stiffing Dept. Store
More alleged financial issues for Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann ... Target says she hasn't paid a relatively puny credit card bill, so now they're going after her in court.
According to new legal documents, obtained by TMZ, the bank which handles credit cards for Target claims the former 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star failed to pay off a $2,482.24 balance.
Target National Bank claims Kim opened a credit card at the retailer way back in 2007, but says she only recently defaulted on the payments ... claiming she hasn't made a payment since September, when she paid $500.
In the docs, the bank says it's demanded payment from Kim ... but she's failed to settle the bill.
Kim and Kroy, who are going through a nasty divorce, allegedly owe tons of money ... including an alleged $1 million to the IRS.
TMZ broke the story ... Kroy was sued just this week for allegedly failing to pay back a line of credit he used at a casino in the Bahamas, and he's also being sued for allegedly missing lease payments on a Rolls-Royce.
Target's going after Kim for the entire unpaid balance ... plus interest.
Raquel Leviss Finally Negotiating to Return to 'Vanderpump Rules'
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"Vanderpump Rules" is already shooting Season 11, but the person who is the centerpiece of all the drama -- Raquel Leviss -- just began negotiating with Bravo this week, and there are complications in sealing the deal ... TMZ has learned.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Bravo, production and Raquel's team began talking about a new contract just 3 days ago. We don't know the specifics of what was discussed, but it's standard operating procedure in the entertainment biz to make salary item #1.
Whatever terms they have already discussed, it appears none were deal-breakers, because the negotiations are continuing.
Now the problems.
Our sources say Bravo did not want to even begin negotiations while Raquel was getting treatment in the mental health facility she's called home for more than 2 months.
Raquel Leviss in Mental Health Facility After Tom Sandoval Affair Exposed
The reality -- if Bravo jumps the gun, makes a deal and brings her back too early, they could face legal peril if she backslides.
So, you ask ... why did they begin negotiating THIS week? The answer -- because our sources say, Raquel will leave the facility "soon." That gives production the green light to start the negotiations.
Now here's the practical problem ... the longer 'VPR' rolls cameras, the harder it's gonna be to integrate Raquel into the storylines. No one wants to pressure her to come back too early, but they want a show with lots of drama. A source connected to the show tells us ... production is ready when she is ready.
Stay tuned ...
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Lamar Odom I'm Super Worried Bam Ditched Detox ... But I Know How to Get His Attention
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Lamar Odom is worried for Bam Margera ... worried he's keeping bad company.
As we first reported ... Bam was detoxing in San Diego earlier this month with Lamar's help, but he left early, and given Bam's track record, Lamar is concerned.
Lamar clearly thinks Bam is hanging with the wrong crowd, saying, "Who you surround yourself with is critical. We are the company we keep."
Bam actually stayed with Lamar last weekend after leaving the detox center, but he bounced and Odom thinks that's more than problematic.
Lamar thinks there's a card his friends and family can play that could get Bam's attention ... namely his ability to see is son, Phoenix.
Remember, Bam threatened to smoke crack until he died if he couldn't see his kid, so that could be a pressure point that works.
Lamar says he's going to try and track Bam down and encourage him to go to rehab at the Odom Recovery Group.
Stay tuned ...
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Tom Sandoval Here's Why He's MIA From 'VPR' ... Shooting FOX's 'Special Forces'!!!
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Tom Sandoval is out this week shooting his TV show ... but it's NOT "Vanderpump Rules!"
Multiple sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Sandoval has been in New Zealand shooting Season 2 of FOX's "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test."
As brutal as social media has been to Tom in the wake of Scandavol, it's nothing like what he's enduring in the bitter New Zealand cold. A group of diverse celebs try to survive brutal conditions and impossible challenges. A team of ex-Special Forces members put the celebs through their paces, until they give up or fail, one by one.
Season 1, which debuted earlier this year, became the top-rated unscripted series of 2022-2023.
Season 11 of "VDP Rules" started shooting Wednesday, but Tom was MIA. He's expected to start shooting when he returns. And he thinks New Zealand was tough!!!
BTW ... Sandoval's not the only one who participated in a competition show ... Tom Schwartz competed on another FOX show, "Stars on Mars."
No word on how Tom did on Special Forces.
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Ariana Madix Filming New 'Vanderpump Rules' Season ... Raquel Still MIA
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Ariana Madix is back in front of the cameras once again ...spotted for the first time filming for the latest season of "Vanderpump Rules."
AM was out in Los Angeles Wednesday as 'VPR' began shooting for season 11, shooting a scene with Katie Maloney as they shopped at BTS Thrift Store.
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Sources connected to the show tell TMZ ... they filmed for about 3-4 hours, browsing for some items to put in their new sandwich shop, Something About Her in West Hollywood, which we're told will be a big part of their storyline this season.
Our sources say while filming, they picked up some fine china, glassware, and other cute knickknacks for the shop.
Hours later, we're told Lisa Vanderpump, her husband Ken Todd, Tom Schwartz and James Kennedy filmed late in the evening at TomTom in West Hollywood.
TMZ broke the story, there's still no word on if Raquel Leviss, who Tom Sandoval cheated on Ariana with, will be coming back to the show. Sources tell us production and Raquel's team are working on getting her back to the show and filming, but she's still at a mental health facility.
Regardless, it's obvious Scandoval will still be a hot topic on the show -- with or without her.
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Kim Kardashian Breaks Down Over Ye's Antisemitism ... I Miss The Old Kanye
Kanye West's behavior, both publicly and behind the scenes clearly tore his estranged wife, Kim Kardashian, and their family apart ... as evidenced in scenes recorded right around the time of his antisemitic attacks.
In a preview for next week's episode of "The Kardashians" Kim sobs in Khloe Kardashian's arms -- explaining the Kanye of today is not the one she married back in 2014 -- and she'd do anything to try and get the old version of Kanye back.
While the preview doesn't specify exactly which Kanye incident led to Kim's breakdown, the timing of other events in the episode line up with when Kanye launched his online attacks, including a tweet where he claimed he was going "death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE."
It was also in the middle of Kanye's attack on Jewish people that their divorce, which she filed in February 2021, was finalized ... so there's also a chance she's sobbing over the weight of the entire situation.
Remember, Kanye faced a TON of hate after his comments about the Jewish community -- after his shocking tweet, he tried clarifying, telling Piers Morgan he only wished harm on Jewish people that did him dirty in the music industry ... which really didn't help.
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He went on to deny parts of the Holocaust on Alex Jones' "Infowars," bizarrely claiming to love Hitler -- digging the hole even deeper.
What was most frightening about the whole thing was the minority of people who supported Ye in the wake of his comments, including a group of people over an L.A. freeway performing a Nazi salute and hanging a banner reading, "Kanye is right about the Jews."
Ye was dropped from brands left and right -- including millions in losses from Adidas -- and was even named "Antisemite of the Year" by watchdog group StopAntisemitism ... so it's easy to see the pain and frustration Kim was facing during the downfall.
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Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Niece Defends Epic Reality Meltdown ... My Unc Ain't Trippin'!!!
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Tom Hanks had a relative go on national TV and melt down in dramatic fashion -- but the woman herself has no shame to her game ... and she says her uncle doesn't either.
We talked to Carly Reeves -- Tom and Rita Wilson's niece -- on "TMZ Live" Wednesday ... this after her freak out for the ages was caught on camera and aired Monday on a new ABC show called "Claim to Fame," which is all about finding who's related to a celeb.
Unfortunately for her, Carly was found out in episode one ... and when she got the boot, she didn't take it particularly well -- with her exit playing out in a full-blown temper tantrum.
You gotta see it for yourself ... she's cursing, hurling insults at fellow contestants and blasting showrunners for what she believes was a raw deal in exposing her connection to TH.
In the aftermath of this explosion of rage, Carly caught a lot of flak online -- with many people calling her entitled, overly dramatic and a bit of a drama queen/crybaby ... and some felt it, perhaps, even reflected poorly on Tom and Rita -- who are the real stars here.
Welp, we asked Carly about all of that ... and her response was essentially -- I am what I am, and this was what it was. As she explains to us, her emotions here were raw and authentic ... and she wasn't hamming it up for the cameras.
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Carly does regret the way things played out in hindsight, but all things considered ... she says she's not ashamed -- because this is simply who she is sometimes ... something she says her famous uncle and aunt were well aware of when they cosigned her appearance.
As for how Forrest Gump reacted ... sounds like it ain't no thing for Tommy boy. She says this isn't gonna hurt his image -- and that's probably accurate. He's proven to keep it pretty real himself in recent years ... including his rare flash of anger at fans bombarding his wife.
When it comes to Carly's future ... something tells us she's got a career in the making for reality TV. All that drama is a network's dream come true -- and she's open for business.
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Kroy Biermann Sued Over Unpaid Credit From Casino Trip ... Allegedly Owes Over $52K
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Kroy Biermann took out a line of credit for a gambling trip in the Caribbean and never paid the money back ... at least according to a new lawsuit.
The former reality TV star and NFL player is being sued by Sky Warrior, which apparently handles the credit lines at the famous Baha Mar Casino in the Bahamas.
According to the suit, obtained by TMZ, Kroy obtained a $100,000 line of credit for use at Baha Mar Casino in advance of a November 2021 trip, and he ended up using $52,500 to gamble.
Sky Warrior claim Kroy agreed to pay back any money he gambled and promised that he had the money in his SunTrust bank account ... but they say he drew $52,500 in chip markers at the casino and didn't repay the amount before leaving.
The suit alleges Kroy still hasn't settled up ... and Sky Warrior say they have been unable to get the money from Kroy's bank account.
It's more financial trouble for Kroy ... he and estranged wife Kim Zolciak allegedly owe the IRS north of $1 million, he's being sued for allegedly missing lease payments on a Rolls-Royce and he's claimed Kim has a gambling problem in their nasty divorce.
Sky Warrior is going after Kroy for the $52,500 they say he owes ... plus interest and attorney's fees.
Kroy's attorney, Marlys A. Bergstrom, had no comment.
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Kim Zolciak Family Friend Defends Her ... Blasts Kroy After Accusing Her Of Kidnapping Son
Kim Zolciak's family friend, who was accused by Kroy Biermann of kidnapping their son, is speaking out ... claiming Kroy's getting desperate in his attempt to keep custody of his kids.
Elise, who says she's the one who took 12-year-old KJ to the rodeo earlier this month, spoke out on Instagram Wednesday, denying the kidnapping claims from Kroy -- backing up the story Kim initially told the Alpharetta Police dispatcher.
Elise blasts Kroy, saying he's "desperately trying to control every move to ensure he gets full custody and child support so he falsely accused me of kidnapping KJ so he can appear as the only parent who takes the kids out."
She ends her post by asking for people to pray for Kim and her kids -- adding they'll need it to "navigate Kroy's narcissistic, controlling behavior."
As we reported, in the 911 call audio, obtained by TMZ, Kim told the dispatcher she gave KJ permission to go to the rodeo with his friend, with Elise chaperoning the outing. Sources told us Kroy doesn't trust Elise and had no idea Kim let their kid go with her.
What's more, sources said Kroy asked Elise over the phone to bring KJ back, but she allegedly hung up on him. Kim then told cops Kroy threatened to file kidnapping charges against her friend ... although our sources say he never filed.
We covered the drama on a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.
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Larsa Pippen & Marcus Jordan Relationship Bad For OnlyFans Biz ... Subscribers Aren't Happy!!!
OnlyFans business isn't what it used to be for Larsa Pippen ... 'cause the reality star says her subscribers aren't happy ever since she started dating Marcus Jordan.
The convo popped up during Pippen and Jordan's Q and A with fans on their new podcast, "Separation Anxiety" ... when one supporter asked Michael Jordan's son how he felt about his GF's OnlyFans page.
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"I don't have a problem with it," the 32-year-old said Tuesday. "As long as it makes you happy, you enjoy it ... and look, I think it's a source of income for you."
"I would never want to block your success or well-being."
Pippen -- who previously told Andy Cohen she made $200k within a few weeks from just one subscriber on her OnlyFans -- admitted their love life hasn't really been "good for business" ... as her fans dislike her new relationship with Jordan.
"Literally, the people that write me on there are like not happy that I'm in a relationship with you, but it's fun," Larsa said.
Despite Jordan being okay with her making content on the subscription-based social media platform, Pippen said she wouldn't hesitate to pull the plug if he ever changed his mind.
"I mean, listen it's fun and as long as you don't mind -- like for me it's fun and it's cool, whatever, but if you didn't like it, I would definitely turn it off," Pippen said. "I'd shut it down!!"
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Adele Trashes Tom Sandoval ... What Does He Do Again???
Adele is just like the rest of us -- piling onto Tom Sandoval with her Vegas audience ... even though she's kinda just figuring out the backstory and pertinent details as she goes.
The singer was back to bantering with the crowd Monday, only this time she wasn't talking subs ... she was going on about "Vanderpump Rules." Specifically, Adele wanted to know who the guy that cheated was ... and what exactly he does for a living.
It's a fair Q. Folks who don't watch the show -- but who might've heard about the drama regardless -- have probably been asking the same thing ... and Adele got some answers from ticket holders. Well, sorta ... people weren't all that helpful in painting a clear picture.
Adele polled one fella in the audience, and he simply blurted out ... "He's trash." She jokingly agreed, but clearly wanted her question answered -- and he told her Tom's a server who's trying to be a singer now. That's not *entirely* accurate ... but Adele seemed satisfied.
For those unfamiliar ... Tom is a local restaurant/business owner in L.A. who mingles with the 'Vanderpump' staff as a bartender. He's been part of the cast since pretty much the beginning, and yes -- he is indeed in a band ... and he does, in fact, sing.
While Adele didn't seem privy to any of that info ... she's certainly heard about him pulling a fast one on his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix, by hooking up with her best friend and fellow castmate, Raquel Leviss -- which blew up in his face earlier this year after we broke the news on the affair.
As we've reported ... there's been a lot of mud-slinging in the aftermath, but now -- Bravo's ready to do it all over again. Only problem is they haven't signed Raquel for the new season just yet ... as she remains at her mental health facility ... and they're starting production on Wednesday. Obviously, they want her back.
Time will tell if she inks a deal ... but it'll also be interesting to see if the 'Scandoval' has actual legs. This thing's starting to feel fully squeezed -- and there might be some fatigue.
Tom's down to run it back, though ... the guy's signed on to come back, so despite the figurative beating he's taken these past few months -- it seems the paycheck's worth it.
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'Vanderpump Rules' Starting Up Production For New Season ... Raquel Still Not Locked In
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"Vanderpump Rules" is gearing up for another season ... but TMZ has learned Raquel Leviss still hasn't committed to joining the cast and crew for another round of drama.
Sources connected to the show tell us the Bravo series is slated to go back into production for season 11 Wednesday.
Raquel, however, still hasn't said if she'll be along for the ride. We're told both production and Raquel's team are working hard to get her on the show, but she's still at her mental health facility, which continues to be her priority. We're told she has been at the facility for more than two months.
As for the rest of the "VPR" cast, we're told they're all coming back ... which includes Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix.
In case you didn't know, Raquel seemed on the fence about locking in for another season during last season's reunion -- telling Andy Cohen, "I don't know. It's in question right now. I want to."
She wasn't at the mental health facility at the time of the taping of the reunion, however ... which is where her mind might've changed.
TMZ broke the "Scandoval" story back in March, and the crew scrambled to capture the fallout of Raquel's affair with Tom soon after ... with an explosive fight between Tom and his ex Ariana going down during the season finale.
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Kim Zolciak Calls 911 on Kroy ... Says He's Threatening Kidnapping Charges!!!
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Kim Zolciak called the cops on her estranged husband, Kroy Biermann, earlier this month -- and it was all because he allegedly accused Kim's friend of kidnapping their young son.
TMZ obtained audio from the 911 call Kim placed on June 16 in Alpharetta, GA. In her chat with the dispatcher, Kim says she's stressed out about her husband flipping out ... claiming he accused her friend of trying to kidnap their son.
The backstory is a little murky ... but essentially, KZ explains that she'd signed off on her girlfriend to take her son on a playdate. However, based on Kim's description, it sounds like when Kroy caught wind of this, he lost it and threatened to file a kidnapping report against the woman who was picking up their son.
Kim says this caused not only her friend to freak out, but also left Kim's son in tears ... and Kim tells the dispatcher she's going to pick up her son. It's a strange call -- obviously, it doesn't seem to be an emergency -- something Kim acknowledges herself.
BTW ... Kim also accuses Kroy of stealing her bag, which she says is full of divorce docs.
Based on police records, it appears nothing came of this at the time. Kim ends the call by telling the operator she'd call them back if she needs further assistance -- but, on its face, she seems to have just wanted to put this on the cops' radar ... which is exactly how the police noted it in their write-up. They didn't follow up on this address in the aftermath.
Now, when it comes to Kroy's side of things ... sources tell us this was just a case of bad communication. We're told Kroy had no idea their son, KJ, had gotten the green light to go to a rodeo with his friend/their mom. Our sources tell us Kroy's deeply distrustful of the woman who took KJ -- for reasons unexplained -- which is why he was on edge.
We're told when Kroy learned KJ was under the supervision of this woman -- he called her up, but apparently felt like he wasn't getting his point across. At one point, our sources say Kroy demanded she brings KJ back ... she allegedly hung up on him -- which is what led to him threatening to file kidnapping charges over it. He never did, though.
Kroy, we're told, also denies stealing any bag from Kim. The divorce gets nastier.
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Kylie & Travis Not Back Together ... Get Along as Co-Parents
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Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott certainly have a history -- with two kids to prove it -- but they're not working on getting back together ... and are happily co-parenting their little ones.
Sources close to the former couple tell us Kylie's primarily the one with 5-year-old Stormi and 1-year-old Aire -- they both live at Kylie's house -- but Travis can see the kiddos as much as he wants.
Travis spent his Father's Day with Stormi in London -- so she's jet-setting with Dad as well.
Fans speculated Travis and Kylie might be working on their relationship when both were at Stormi's pre-k graduation earlier this month ... but our sources say it was solely to support their daughter.
Obviously, Kylie's fam has played a big part in helping with Stormi and Aire -- but Travis' family sees the kids as much as possible ... and also attended Stormi's graduation.
As far as we know, Travis isn't currently dating anyone new -- though he's popped up at a couple of SZA's shows on her European tour. Kylie's been tied to Timothée Chalamet, grabbing food and hanging out at each other's places, but there's no indication things have gotten super serious.
Kylie and Travis have split and gotten back together in the past ... so there's a chance it happens again, but our sources say this time it feels more permanent.