Breonna Taylor Boyfriend Reaches $2 Mil Settlement To Close Louisville Lawsuits
Breonna Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, has settled 2 lawsuits against the city of Louisville over the botched raid at his apartment that took her life more than 2 years ago.
Walker's attorneys say he'll get $2 million from Louisville over his state and federal suits filed against the city. One of his lawyers, Steve Romines, said Breonna's death would "haunt Kenny for the rest of his life."
He added, "He will live with the effects of being put in harm’s way due to a falsified warrant, to being a victim of a hailstorm of gunfire and to suffering the unimaginable and horrific death of Breonna Taylor."
Kenneth claimed the police violated his rights by not announcing themselves in 2020 when they busted into his home, and that they used excessive force in gunning down Breonna. Remember, whether the cops actually knocked or not was the subject of much scrutiny.
After insisting they knocked and announced themselves several times, a handful of Louisville PD officers breached the premises ... and Kenneth opened fire, believing an intruder was trying to get into the home. When one officer was hit, they shot back and killed Breonna.
The issue of "no-knock" warrants fell under a microscope in the wake of all this -- while the officers did, in fact, obtain such a warrant ... they say they knocked anyway, but Walker has maintained all along he didn't hear a peep and was simply protecting himself.
None of the officers involved has been criminally charged in direct connection to Breonna's death -- only for conduct related to the case, like wanton endangerment. Walker was charged with attempted murder at first, but that was dropped.
Breonna's death sparked mass protests all over the country at a time when several other high-profile police shootings were also in the public eye.
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Takeoff Alleged Murderer Wants Cheaper Bail ... Vows to Live with Parents
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Takeoff's alleged murderer, Patrick Xavier Clark, wants a taste of freedom at a discount ... asking a judge to reduce his bail so he can afford to get out from behind bars.
According to legal docs obtained by TMZ, Clark filed a motion in Texas Monday to reduce his $2 million bail ... his attorney, Carl Moore, says it's too much for his client to afford.
The alleged gunman wants a reduction to $100K, which he thinks he can pull together with the help of a professional bondsman. If granted, Clark says he'll stay with his parents, where he says he's always lived.
His legal team also says he'll wear a GPS monitor and abide by any curfew that may be imposed by the judge. Clark is also willing to surrender his passport and says he'll willingly follow any "no-contact" order with respect to certain people.
Takeoff was shot and killed outside a Houston bowling alley in November. Clark was arrested and charged with the murder of the Migos rapper.
TMZ broke the story -- Clark has already asked a judge for $5K to hire a private investigator ... claiming he's financially unable to cover the costs on his own. He said it was necessary to hire a P.I. for his defense in order to properly prepare his defense.
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Grant Wahl Body Returned To United States ... Days After Tragic World Cup Death
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Soccer reporter Grant Wahl's body was repatriated to United States soil on Monday ... two days after his shocking death at the World Cup in Qatar.
Department of State spokesperson Ned Price confirmed the news during press briefings just now ... saying U.S. ambassador Timmy Davis has been in constant communication with Wahl's family, and the embassy has been working nonstop to help fulfill their wishes in the days following the journalist's passing.
Price said an embassy consular officer accompanied Wahl's body and possessions to the U.S.
Officials told the AP Wahl's body was taken to JFK airport in New York.
World Cup Reporter Grant Wahl Dead At 49 Days After Detainment For LGBTQ+ Shirt
As we previously reported, 49-year-old Wahl died after collapsing in the press box while attending the Argentina vs. the Netherlands match on Friday.
Emergency responders treated Wahl at the stadium for nearly 30 minutes before rushing him to a nearby hospital.
Wahl stated earlier in the week he was battling a bad case of bronchitis ... referring to his cough as a "death rattle."
Wahl's brother, Eric, posted an emotional video to Instagram after his passing ... claiming he believed foul play was involved due to Grant wearing a pro-LGBTQ+ shirt to the U.S. national team's first match last month.
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"I do not believe my brother just died," Eric said on Friday. "I believe he was killed."
Wahl was briefly detained prior to the contest ... claiming security told him his shirt was "not allowed."
A cause of death has not been revealed.
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21 Savage Couldn't Enjoy Drake Performance ... Missing Thug, Gunna & Takeoff!!!
21 Savage couldn't fully enjoy the moment he and Drake had performing during Lil Baby's friends and fam concert inside State Farm Arena over the weekend.
The "Her Loss" co-star surprised his hometown audience during Drake's performance of their song "Rich Flex" -- and nailed his cameo but after the show, he admitted he was lamenting the absence of several ATL superstars.
Despite Future, Chris Brown, Lil Yachty and several other high-profile rappers turning out for Lil Baby's extended birthday bash ... 21 said the event didn't feel the same without the incarcerated YSL members Young Thug and Gunna and added an extra heartbreak for Lil Keed and Takeoff ... who both died this year.
Takeoff's Migos brother Offset has also been coping with the pain ... recently dedicating The Jackson 5's "Never Can Say Goodbye" to the slain star while performing at the SteppinOut Music Festival in Bengaluru, India on Sunday.
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The bittersweet moments haven't slowed down 21's hustle this year; he and Drake's album went nearly Gold in its first week with over 400k sold ... and he has several appearances on the reigning No. 1 album this week ... Metro Boomin's "Heroes & Villains."
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Chad Atkins Paw Works Cofounder Dead at 44
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Chad Atkins, the cofounder of Paw Works -- one of L.A.'s leading animal rescue organizations -- has died.
The organization announced the shocking news Sunday about its leader, calling him "a truly incredible person who devoted his entire existence to saving animals."
Paw Works says Chad "passed unexpectedly from heart failure" while at home. Further proving his dedication to animals, he had recently planned to open a low-cost spay and neuter clinic.
Paw Works is continuing to honor Chad by opening up the clinic as he wished ... and it's asking for donations to help continue his life's work. All the folks who worked with Chad say they can hear him saying, “It’s time, let’s get back to our mission.”
In the span of Chad's animal rescue career, the org says "he managed to save many humans with his compassion, sassy wit, smile and unconditional devotion."
MAY 2021
TMZ has had the honor of working closely with Chad and Paw Works each year leading up to the Puppy Bowl to help promote animal adoption.
FEBRUARY 2022
Chad is survived by his son, Sebastian, and his husband, Bryan Diaz. He was 44.
RIP
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Khalid al-Misslam Photographer Dead ... While Covering World Cup
Another tragedy has struck the 2022 FIFA World Cup ... Qatari photographer Khalid al-Misslam suddenly passed away while covering the famous soccer event on Saturday.
A local Qatari outlet reports al-Misslam -- who worked for Al Kass TV -- collapsed during the Saturday games and died later in the local hospital.
The cause of his death is unknown at this time.
"Al-Misslam, a Qatari, died suddenly while covering the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022," the Gulf Times said.
"We believe in Allah's mercy and forgiveness for him and send our deepest condolences to his family."
Of course, al-Misslam's death is chilling ... because he's not the only person who has died. A popular American soccer journalist passed away over the weekend at the World Cup.
CBS Sports' Grant Wahl also collapsed ... while working the Netherlands-Argentina match at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Friday. He passed away after being transported to the hospital by Uber.
The 49-year-old was battling bronchitis but CBS News reports the death to be a heart attack.
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But, Grant's brother, Eric, believes there was foul play. He says Grant was receiving death threats after wearing a shirt in Qatar supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Wahl had also been critical of the Qatari government.
Wahl's untimely death has devastated a lot of people ... including LeBron James who said Grant, who wrote his first Sports Illustrated cover story, was "always pretty cool to be around."
R.I.P.
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NBA Champion Paul Silas Dead At 79 ... LeBron's First Coach
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Three-time NBA champion Paul Silas, who was LeBron James' first professional coach, has died. He was 79 years old.
Longtime Boston insider Bob Ryan shared the news on Sunday ... writing, "I am very sad to report that the Great Paul Silas has died at age 79. To watch him play was a joy. To be his friend was an honor."
Silas, whose coaching career began in 1980 with the San Diego Clippers, was an accomplished player in his own right before coaching LeBron's Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003-04.
Long before Silas was a head coach, he was a 2-time All-Star and was selected to 5 All-defensive teams.
Paul also won three championships with the Boston Celtics in 1974, 1976, and 1979.
Hall of Famer Magic Johnson shared his condolences on Twitter ... writing, "RIP to Hall of Famer, 3X NBA Champion, and my guy Paul Silas."
Silas had a 69-77 record in two seasons at the helm with LeBron and Co.
Magic continued ... "Paul made a huge contribution to the game of basketball and will be sorely missed! Cookie and I send our prayers and condolences to the entire Silas family."
RIP to Hall of Famer, 3X NBA Champion, and my guy Paul Silas. Paul made a huge contribution to the game of basketball and will be sorely missed! Cookie and I send our prayers and condolences to the entire Silas family 🙏🏾❤️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 11, 2022 @MagicJohnson
Paul's son, Stephen Silas, followed in his father's footsteps ... becoming an NBA head coach with the Rockets in 2020.
R.I.P.
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Georgia Holt Cher's Mom Dead at 96
Cher is mourning the loss of her mother, Georgia Holt, who'd been battling illness for several months.
Cher announced the sad news late Saturday, simply saying ... "Mom is gone."
Mom is gone😔
— Cher (@cher) December 11, 2022 @cher
Georgia's been ill for a while now -- back in September, Cher tweeted, "Sorry I've Been Mia. Mom's Been Sick Off & On. She Just Got Out Of Hosp. She Had Pneumonia."
It did seem like she was making a turn for the better, because Cher also told fans her mother was "getting better" and was able to go home.
No word yet on Georgia's cause of death.
The phrase "she got it from her mama" could have been coined for Cher and Georgia ... who never looked anywhere close to her age.
Cher honored Georgia with the 2013 Lifetime documentary, "Dear Mom, Love Cher."
The film chronicled Georgia's childhood growing up in Arkansas, her 6 marriages and her show biz career. Long before Cher came along, her mother was a singer, model and actor. Sound familiar?
Georgia was 96.
RIP
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Aaron Carter Fiancée Hurt by His Mom's Accusation ... All Good Before He Died
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Aaron Carter's mother accused his fiancée of causing his death, but Melanie Martin says not only is that not true … it’s also downright hurtful based on the reality.
Melanie tells TMZ … posts publicly shared by Aaron's mom, Jane Schneck, last week -- in which she outright accused MM of killing her son -- are completely contradictory to what she says was a fairly good relationship with Jane before Aaron passed.
While he was alive, Melanie says Jane would often thank her for having Aaron’s best interest at heart -- and that she explicitly expressed to her that she knew how much Melanie loved Aaron.
One example … Melanie says while she was helping Aaron get his teeth fixed -- Jane was singing her praises and called her a good woman. It's because they used to have that kind of relationship that Melanie says Jane's attacks are so hurtful.
Despite that, Melanie tells us she doesn't hold the posts, which have since been deleted, against Jane -- she knows everyone in Aaron's life is grieving in their own way.
There's also this … Melanie says after Jane's posts, an assistant for Aaron’s sister, Angel, called her directly to apologize, and to let her know they were taken down.
Melanie also says she's been invited to the memorial the family will hold next year to spread Aaron's ashes.
For what it's worth, Melanie points out she was one of the few people still actively trying to help Aaron when he died -- and says she too is still mourning the loss.
Melanie wants to make peace with Jane, because she tells us it's still her hope for Prince, her son with Aaron, to meet his grandma after Christmas -- as they'd planned to do before Aaron was found dead at his home last month.
As for Jane, she tells TMZ what she meant by "Melanie did it" is that Melanie drove him to madness, but adds the family doesn't want a war with her -- just what's best for Prince. In her mind, that means Melanie getting custody.
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Michael Buffer Heartbroken Over Mills Lane's Death 'One Of The All-Time Greats'
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Legendary boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer says he's heartbroken over the passing of Mills Lane ... telling TMZ Sports the fight ref was "one of the all-time greats."
Lane passed away on Tuesday morning ... after he had been in hospice. His son, Tommy Lane, told the Reno Gazette Journal that Mills had taken "a significant decline in his overall situation" recently and died while surrounded by his family.
Just days after his passing, Buffer remembered Mills as a solid dude who he'd miss.
"I worked with him many times," Buffer said at LAX. "For me, I always just loved the way he would say, 'Let's get it on!' through the instructions in the middle of the ring."
"He was a great guy."
Buffer also told us he enjoyed Mills on his court show, "Judge Mills Lane."
"One of the all-time greats, without a doubt," Buffer said. "Popular, and knew what he was doing."
Mills reffed for decades, and worked alongside Buffer at popular fights for years in the '90s.
He gained national fame for the way he reffed the infamous Mike Tyson vs. Evan Holyfield ear-biting fight in 1997. He later starred on MTV's popular "Celebrity Deathmatch" show.
He was 85 years old.
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Grant Wahl World Cup Reporter Dead At 49 ... Days After Detainment Over LGBTQ+ Shirt
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9:02 PM PT -- LeBron James shared kind words about Grant Wahl, who wrote the NBA superstar's first Sports Illustrated cover story when he was a high school phenom at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary ... remembering the reporter as a special person.
"First of all, my condolences go out to his family," James said after the Laker game. "Very fond of Grant and having that camera shoot -- me being a teenager and him covering that -- it was a pretty cool thing, and he was always pretty cool to be around."
"It's a tragic loss," he added. "It's unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was. I wish his family the best and may he rest in paradise."
7:53 PM PT -- CBS News is reporting, citing sources familiar with the situation, that Grant Wahl suffered a heart attack at the stadium.
Wahl stated on a podcast Thursday that he had contracted bronchitis while covering the World Cup ... which forced him to take several days off from reporting.
Wahl said he had visited the medical clinic several times due to being under the weather ... but had been feeling better.
6:59 PM PT -- Grant Wahl's wife, Celine, just released a statement on his passing ... saying, "I am so thankful for the support of my husband @GrantWahl's soccer family & of so many friends who've reached out tonight."
CBS Sports journalist Grant Wahl -- one of the most respected soccer reporters in the country -- died while covering the World Cup, his brother announced Friday. He was 49 years old.
Grant was in Qatar when he passed ... and Eric Wahl believes foul play was involved, as he claims the reporter was receiving death threats over wearing a rainbow shirt in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
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Eric says Grant had zero health issues ... explaining in a heartbreaking Instagram video, "I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed."
As we previously reported, Wahl was detained for nearly 30 minutes after World Cup security on Nov. 21 ... after he showed up to Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Qatar for the United States' first tournament game against Wales.
To show his support for the LGBTQ+ community in a country where homosexuality is illegal, he wore a shirt with a soccer ball and a rainbow pattern.
At the time, Eric praised his brother and denounced soccer's governing body ... saying, "Shame on @FIFA for losing all control over this corrupt World Cup."
Grant was live-tweeting the Argentina vs. Netherlands game just hours ago ... with his last post coming at 1:05 PM PT.
Eric says he spoke with Grant's wife, Celine, who says he collapsed at the stadium and was given CPR before being Ubered to a hospital, where he died.
Eric added Celine has spoken to Ron Klain, President Joe Biden's chief of staff, as well as the White House.
U.S. Soccer released a statement on Wahl's passing ... saying, "The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl."
"Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game."
"As important, Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all."
Grant's last article on his Substack focused on Qatari officials' apathy toward the rash of migrant worker deaths surrounding the World Cup ... saying, "They just don't care."
Originally Published -- 6:35 PM PT
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YG & Lil Wayne We Miss Our Dawgs!!! New Track Pays Tribute To Slim 400
YG is honoring his late friend Slim 400 with help from Lil Wayne on a new sobering track on the one-year anniversary of his murder.
The song "Miss My Dawgs" borrows a script from Wayne's 2004 'Carter 1' track with the RIP vibes and features both rap stars rapping fondly of the lost loved ones using big crimson energy.
YG posts up next to a hearse throughout the black-and-white visual as splices of Slim 400 footage pepper the clip. The video ends with a throwback photo of YG, Slim, Wayne and Meek Mill ... harking back to the good times.
Slim was shot and killed on December 9, 2021 in Inglewood after being confronted in the driveway of a residence.
TMZ Hip Hop broke the story over the summer ... Inglewood police arrested a man and woman in connection to Slim 400's death and charged them with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon and accessory after the fact, respectively.
YG showed Wayne his appreciation for the collab by gifting him with a diamond-encrusted 4Hunnid label chain ... and fans can anticipate hearing the song live.
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The Bompton rapper is going on The Red Cup Tour next year with OhGeesy, Kalan.FrFr and his 4Hunnid artists Day Sulan and D3szn!!!
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Helen Slayton-Hughes 'Parks And Rec' Actress Dead At 92
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Helen Slayton-Hughes, known most recently for her role as Ethel Beavers on "Parks and Recreation," has died.
Helen's family shared the news Thursday, saying, "Helen passed away last night. Her pain has ended but her fierce spirit lives on. Thank you for the love and support of her and her work. Rest sweet one." The cause of death has yet to be revealed.
'Parks and Rec' fans remember Helen as Ethel, the court stenographer at Pawnee's city hall that had a brutal and hilarious attitude. She worked alongside Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza in a handful of episodes during the show's run ... and her character even agreed to get adopted by Chris and Aubrey's characters as their grandma.
Helen had been working in show biz for decades, appearing in a laundry list of projects ... including 'Power Rangers,' "The West Wing," "NYPD Blue," "Malcolm in the Middle," "That's So Raven," "Arrested Development," "My Name Is Earl," "Desperate Housewives," and "New Girl."
She was 92.
RIP
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Tina Turner Son Ronnie Turner Dead At 62 ... Tina Pays Tribute
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12:30 PM PT -- Tina Turner just posted a message about Ronnie, saying, "Ronnie, you left the world far too early. In sorrow I close my eyes and think of you, my beloved son."
Tina Turner and her family have just suffered another devastating loss, her son Ronnie has died ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they received a 911 call Thursday morning from a person who said Ronnie was outside their home and having a hard time breathing. A few minutes later, he wasn't breathing at all.
Paramedics rushed to the San Fernando Valley address -- where bystanders were attempting CPR -- but the efforts didn't work, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
It's currently unclear what led to Ronnie's medical emergency, but we know he's had health issues for years, including cancer.
It was back in 2018 when Tina's oldest son, Craig, died by suicide. Tina gave birth to Craig before she met Ike, but he adopted Craig once they wed.
As for Ronnie, he too made a name for himself in Hollywood -- as an actor in "What's Love Got to Do With It" in the '90s.
Ronnie was 62.
RIP
Originally Published -- 8:15 AM PT
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'My Big Fat Fabulous Life' Barbara 'Babs' Thore Dead At 76
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Barbara "Babs" Thore, known to many as Whitney's mom on "My Big Fat Fabulous Life," has died.
Whitney broke the news to fans Thursday ... saying her mom died Wednesday "just as the credits rolled on her favorite movie." She says the time she passed -- 10:32 PM -- was also the exact time Whitney was born back in 1984.
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Whitney says her mom suffered from cerebral amyloid angiopathy ... an unfortunately untreatable condition that can cause brain bleeding, strokes and dementia. She says Babs had been having strokes since 2017.
She goes on to share her love for her mom, and her pain about the tragic loss -- she ends the post directed at the fans, "We are unbelievably thankful that we've been able to share her with you and it is our hope that her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and happiness for the rest of your lives ... I love you, mommy."
Fans of the show remember Babs in all 10 seasons of the TLC show ... as the series progressed, a portion of the show began focusing on her health struggles with her condition.
The 10th season saw Babs' road to recovery, and release from the hospital after suffering one of her strokes. TLC has yet to announce whether the hit series will return for the 11th season.
Babs is survived by Whitney, as well as her son, Hunter, and her husband, Glenn.
She was 76.
RIP
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Onlyfans Model Court Doubts Self-Defense Claim ... Denied Bond in Murder Case
Courtney Clenney, the OnlyFans model accused of murdering her boyfriend, has been denied bond ... mostly because the court doesn't buy her claim that she killed him in self-defense.
According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, a Florida judge isn't allowing Clenney to be released on bond while she awaits trial -- saying her description of how her BF, Christian Obumseli, got his fatal stab wound "is not supported by the evidence."
Specifically, the judge didn't buy Clenney's claim that she threw a knife at Obumseli from more than 10 feet away ... noting the medical examiner's testimony indicated the wound was too deep and required more pressure than could have been applied from throwing the blade.
The judge also ruled that releasing Clenney was not warranted because there are worries Clenney could leave the country ... noting she's got a ton of cash to do so if she wanted.
As we reported, Clenney was charged with second-degree murder in August -- 4 months after the incident went down -- and was arrested in Hawaii.