Lady Gaga Apologizes for Collab w/ R. Kelly Pulling Song From iTunes
Lady Gaga's sorry she ever worked with R. Kelly, saying she's going to pull their 2013 track from iTunes and other streaming services as an act of solidarity with the women he allegedly abused.
Gaga spoke out against Kelly early Thursday morn, saying the claims against him are "absolutely horrifying and indefensible" ... and she stands behind the women 1000%.
She says her single with Kelly, called "Do What U Want (With My Body)," came at a dark time in her life -- when her thinking was "explicitly twisted" because she was dealing with the trauma of being a sexual assault survivor herself.
Lady Gaga says she's grown and gotten help since then, and vows going forward to "continue to support women, men and people of all sexual identities, and of all races, who are victims of sexual assault."
She plans to remove the 2013 collab with Kelly online and adds ... "I'm sorry, both for my poor judgment when I was young, and for not speaking out sooner." Interestingly, since posting her plan to pull the track, it's been purchased and streamed way more. Seems like people are getting their last licks.
As you know ... Gaga's statement comes on the heels of major controversy involving Lifetime's docuseries, "Surviving R. Kelly," in which he's accused of sexual abuse, pedophilia and predatory behavior.
She'd been mum on the subject until now and taken some heat for it ... especially since she's very much in the public eye right now with all the awards season buzz for "A Star is Born."
In fact, Gaga won Best Actress at the National Board of Review Awards Wednesday night in NYC ... and spoke out against Kelly hours later.
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Cristiano Ronaldo Submitting DNA In Vegas Rape Case ... Cooperating with Cops
1:22 PM PT -- Ronaldo's attorney, Peter S. Christiansen, tells TMZ Sports, "Mr. Ronaldo has always maintained, as he does today, that what occurred in Las Vegas in 2009 was consensual in nature, so it is not surprising that DNA would be present, nor that the police would make this very standard request as part of their investigation."
Cristiano Ronaldo has been asked to submit a DNA sample as part of the police investigation into his Las Vegas rape case ... and we're told he plans on cooperating 100%.
As we previously reported, the Las Vegas Metro PD has reopened the investigation into claims made by Kathryn Mayorga ... that CR7 sexually assaulted her in his hotel room back in 2009.
Mayorga went to cops back in '09 but didn't identify Ronaldo by name out of fear of retaliation.
Just a few months ago, Mayorga filed a new lawsuit against the soccer star saying Ronaldo and his team of "fixers" coerced her into signing a settlement at the time -- and paid her $375k in exchange for her silence.
When that lawsuit went public, cops said they would reopen the case now that they had the name of the alleged assailant and, as part of the renewed investigation, they went to Ronaldo within the last week and asked for a DNA sample as part of standard sexual assault investigation protocol.
Our Ronaldo sources tell us the 33-year-old continues to deny all wrongdoing and plans on cooperating with investigators to prove his innocence.
Originally Published -- 6:16 AM PT
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Ashley Judd Judge Throws Out Sexual Harassment Claim ... Against Harvey Weinstein
Harvey Weinstein just won a big victory ... a court just dismissed Ashley Judd's sexual harassment claims against him.
Ashley claimed Weinstein shut her out of "Lord of the Rings" after she turned down his sexual demands. She says he blacklisted her from movie roles, including Peter Jackson's enormous franchise as retaliation. She sued under the legal theory ... "sexual harassment in professional relationship."
A federal judge just ruled Judd and Weinstein did not have a relationship that fell within the law. Specifically, the judge said a producer/actress relationship was not covered under the law.
But, there's more. The law was changed in 2018 to cover such relationships, but the judge said it could not be applied retroactively.
Judd can still litigate her defamation claim.
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R. Kelly STD Criminal Case Closed in Dallas ... Alleged Victim to Refile in NYC
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12:16 PM PT -- We've learned the alleged victim says the incident occurred in New York City and she will personally fly from Texas to Manhattan "in the near future" to file a fresh police report.
The alleged victim's lawyer, Lydia Agu, tells us before she began representing her, the alleged victim was advised to file a police report in the state where she lived. Although Dallas PD tells us they closed the case because there was "no criminal element," Agu says this is purely a jurisdictional issue because the alleged crime took place in NYC.
Agu says her client will fly to NYC and file with the NYPD's Special Victims Unit. Agu filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of her client -- against R. Kelly -- in May.
R. Kelly will not be charged for allegedly giving a woman an STD after cops in Dallas closed their investigation ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us ... Dallas PD looked into allegations the singer gave an anonymous young woman an STD after allegedly holding her captive as a sex slave in 2017. We're told no charges will be brought against Kelly in connection to the case .. although, it's unclear why they reached that conclusion.
As we reported, the woman filed a police report in 2018 claiming she'd met Kelly in Dallas the year before. She claimed he restrained her, plied her with alcohol and drugs ... and gave her an unspecified STD.
Her attorney, Lee Merritt, had said the woman planned to file a civil suit against Kelly as well.
Kelly, meanwhile, is currently being investigated by the Fulton County District Attorney's Office in GA -- and the State Attorney in Chicago has made a plea for any witnesses or victims to come forward.
We've reached out to Merritt for comment ... so far, no word back.
Originally Published -- 10:49 AM PST
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D.L. Hughley Playing R. Kelly Tunes a 'Tough Call' ... But Here's What I Think
D.L. Hughley is clearly struggling with the idea of muting R. Kelly ... because he likes Kelly's music, but can't look past the actions of someone he calls a "talented pedophile."
We got D.L. Wednesday at LAX and he has a hard time saying he's never going to listen to R. Kelly's music again. He admits it's a "tough call." That said, he quickly adds he won't be buying any more of Kelly's work.
As for "Surviving R. Kelly" ... D.L. says no one should be shocked by the Lifetime series, considering most people already knew about the allegations surrounding the R&B star.
Still, if nothing else, he knows the docuseries has created an inner struggle for some people who've loved Kelly's catalog of hits. He's got some advice for those people. Just watch ... for D.L., it comes down to one word.
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R. Kelly Cops Patrol Alleged 'Sex Cult' Music Studio
Cops paid a visit to R. Kelly's recording studio in Chicago, which has been featured on Lifetime's docuseries as an alleged "sex cult" base where the singer held girls captive.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... officers dropped by Kelly's westside music studio Tuesday evening, but it appeared to be vacant.
We're told there was no call to police that triggered the visit ... cops went to check out the spot because it's gotten so much publicity from "Surviving R. Kelly." The docuseries portrayed the location as a hub for Kelly's alleged sexual abuse of women.
Interestingly, there was reportedly a party there Tuesday night, on what was Kelly's 52nd birthday. Our sources say cops had no knowledge of the event. We're told officers will continue to patrol the area.
On 'Surviving' ... the parents of one of Kelly's alleged victims, Azriel Clary, go to the R&B singer's studio and throw rocks at it, trying to get her to come outside. The studio is currently listed for sale.
As we reported ... Chicago prosecutors are urging R. Kelly victims to come forward, and we're told at least one victim and the families of 2 others are doing just that ... and believe they have sufficient evidence to prosecute him.
State Attorney Kim Foxx says all witnesses or alleged victims can call (773) 674-6492.
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Cristiano Ronaldo Denies New Allegations From 'Celeb Big Brother' Star
Cristiano Ronaldo has called in his lawyers after a British reality star made serious allegations against him on social media this week ... and we're told CR7 adamantly denies all wrongdoing.
Jasmine Lennard -- a UK fashion model who starred on the British version of "Celebrity Big Brother" -- went off on Ronaldo on Twitter ... claiming they dated for 10 years, during which she was subjected to emotional abuse and threats.
Lennard claims she recently watched "Surviving R. Kelly" and was inspired to speak out against Ronaldo ... and feels compelled to help Kathryn Mayorga, the woman who is suing Cristiano for rape.
We're told the soccer star views Lennard's allegations as "false and defamatory" and his lawyers are already handling the situation.
As we previously reported, Ronaldo is being sued by Mayorga -- who claims Ronaldo raped her in a Las Vegas hotel room back in 2009. She had initially filed a police report describing the alleged crime -- but didn't identify Ronaldo by name.
In her lawsuit, Mayorga says she later accepted a $375,000 payment in exchange for her silence -- but now, she wants that agreement voided.
The Las Vegas Metro Police Dept. has also reopened the Mayorga case -- though no charges have been brought against the soccer star.
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R. Kelly Victims, Families to Contact Chicago Prosecutor ... We Have Evidence to Nail Him
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At least 1 alleged victim of R. Kelly and families of 2 other alleged victims spoke Tuesday night, planning to present Chicago prosecutors with what they believe is sufficient evidence to prosecute the singer for sexual abuse and other crimes ... TMZ has learned.
We're told a family member of one of the alleged victims was the leader on the efforts, and he will put together an evidence packet for the Cook County State Attorney. As we reported, State Attorney Kim Foxx said Tuesday afternoon she was "sickened" by the Lifetime docuseries, "Surviving R. Kelly" and asked anyone who was a victim or has information about a victim to come forward.
An attorney for another alleged victim -- who does not live in Chicago -- made it clear she was going to contact the appropriate authorities on behalf of her client.
Those behind the efforts said they were fanning out to find other victims who would join their united front before presenting their cases to the State Attorney.
As of 6:30 PM Central Time, the State Attorney had received no calls from alleged victims. The phone number is (773) 674-6492.
As for the two women who are still living with R. Kelly -- Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary -- we're told they are hiring lawyers in an attempt to stop their parents from their efforts to reclaim their daughters and get them out of the singer's house. The parents have been leading the charge against R. Kelly and believe he's brainwashed their daughters.
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Mario Batali Off the Hook In NYC Sexual Assault Cases
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Mario Batali will not be charged for 2 alleged sexual assaults in NYC ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.
We're told the NYPD has closed both cases against Batali after investigators couldn't find any witnesses or evidence supporting claims made by the accusers.
We broke the story ... a woman filed a police report last March claiming she was raped by Batali on Jan. 29, 2004 at his West Village eatery.
NYPD was also investigating Batali for sexual misconduct after a woman came forward on "60 Minutes" claiming he sexually assaulted her in 2005 at his Spotted Pig restaurant.
We reached out to the NYPD and the Manhattan D.A. ... both declined to comment.
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Common on R. Kelly Black Community Failed Survivors But, That Ends Now!!!
Common is copping to turning a blind eye to the allegations about R. Kelly abusing women ... saying he and the entire black community should have put a stop to it long ago.
We got the rapper/actor out Tuesday at LAX where he said he's guilty of not coming to the rescue of Kelly's alleged sex slaves. He also calls it a systemic failure when it comes to how society values black women and makes no bones about it -- if the alleged victims were white instead of black, there would have been more outrage.
Common -- who's from Chicago, just like Kelly -- is done giving him a pass. As you know, there's been a ton of backlash since the "Surviving R. Kelly" 6-part series -- Tank blasted Kelly and Daymond John explained why he thinks Kelly should kill himself.
Add Common to the list of people who think Kelly needs to face consequences, starting right now.
But, he's also saying Kelly fans -- himself included -- shoulder some blame for letting the singer's alleged criminal behavior go unchecked.
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R. Kelly Alleged Sex Slaves at 2016 Concert ... Free Will or Stockholm Syndrome??
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Video of 3 women featured in the "Surviving R. Kelly" docuseries shows them front row at one of his concerts, but it's not necessarily what it seems.
TMZ obtained this footage from an October 2016 show in New Jersey. You can see Joycelyn Savage, Dominique Gardner and Azriel Clary standing next to each other in clear view of Kelly while he's onstage.
The women were dancing and cheering ... Azriel even gave Kelly a high five. The woman who recorded the clip shouts, "Tell your father come over here" ... because she thought the girls were young, we're told. FWIW, all of them were 18 or older at that time.
Loved ones for all 3 appeared on 'Surviving,' claiming Kelly held them against their will. Looking at the video, one could say they were thoroughly -- and voluntarily -- enjoying themselves at the concert.
However, one could also say it's textbook Stockholm Syndrome ... where victims develop a connection to their captor, but it's really a psychological defense to survive an ordeal.
If you watched 'Surviving,' you know Dominique's mother convinced her to flee from Kelly. Joycelyn and Azriel are still living with him.
Joycelyn has told us time and again on camera that she's fine. Meanwhile, Azriel's family has reported her as a missing person.
Worth noting, the woman who shot the concert footage says R. Kelly noticed her recording and repeatedly asked his security to remove her. She says they eventually did ... without explanation.
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Kevin Spacey's Brother Claims Kevin's Become Their Dad ... The 'Creature' Who Molested Us
Kevin Spacey was allegedly molested by his father -- and it's something he first endured, but later enjoyed before becoming a monster himself ... at least that's what his brother is claiming.
Randy Fowler went on 'The Drew and Mike' podcast out of Detroit hours after Spacey appeared in a Massachusetts courthouse for arraignment in his sexual assault case.
Randy, Kevin's estranged older brother, says they were both molested by their dad. Randy says he was able to escape it in early adulthood but, apparently, Kevin didn't. Randy says Kevin stuck around the family home for years to come and claims he morphed into their father, who Randy calls the "creature."
Kevin pled not guilty to felony indecent assault and battery in the Mass. case.
As for his brother's allegations -- we've reached out to Spacey's attorney for comment, but no word back yet.
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'The Bachelor' Season Premiere Colton's Virginity Top of Mind
As if the new 'Bachelor' didn't already know he was a virgin, his suitors (and the show at large) constantly reminded him during the season premiere ... and it got old fast.
Colton Underwood's journey got started Monday night, and as he was meeting the lovely ladies who'll be vying for his heart ...and apparently his crotch. His virginity was on the minds in the mouths of almost every girl. It was awkwardly charming at first, but quickly became a tired gag.
Even worse ... the virgin gimmicks quickly escalated from a chat to full-blown costumes just to land the joke. One girl popped a "cherry" balloon in front of Colton, another teased him with a real peach, and yet another took away his "V" card in a corny magic trick.
But, Alex D. of Boston took the cake (and the award for worst contestant thus far) by creeping out of the limo in a human-size sloth suit and lurching over to him in slow-mo ... staying committed to the whole sloth thing the entire way through.
It was cringeworthy to say the least. Fact is ... Colton's more than just his virginity -- here's hoping the producers of the show realized that before it's too late.
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R. Kelly's Ex-Alleged Sex Slave I Challenge Mr. Kelly ... To Take a Live Lie Detector Test!!!
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One of R. Kelly's alleged victims is putting out a challenge to the singer if he is, in fact, telling the truth -- take a lie detector test ... and do it live on national television.
We spoke with Asante McGee -- one of the women who made allegations against Kelly on "Surviving R. Kelly" -- and she tells us the first thing that needs to happen to save other girls she claims are trapped in his clutches is simple ... folks need to wake the hell up.
She says his longtime fans must stop supporting and pull the shudders back to see what's really going on -- and, after that, hold him accountable for his alleged crimes.
Then, Asante pivots to her big request ... that R. Kelly undergo a polygraph on TV, where the results can be seen live ... and no funny business can go down.
Remember ... Asante was one of the first targets of a now-defunct Facebook page, "Surviving Lies," which painted her as a liar with "evidence" it claimed proved she'd told conflicting stories about Kelly.
Facebook removed the page entirely, shortly after it went up.
As for her challenge? Your move, Robert.
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'Shark Tank' Star Daymond John I Watched R. Kelly Series with My Daughters ... That's Why I'm So Pissed!!!
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R. Kelly really should off himself in the wake of the Lifetime docuseries, but he should wait until after he gets sent to prison ... so says Daymond John, who clearly has strong feelings about this.
In what might be the harshest take yet on "Surviving R. Kelly" ... the "Shark Tank" star absolutely tore into the R&B singer Sunday, tweeting Kelly should kill himself -- but not before being convicted for his alleged crimes. He joined us on "TMZ Live" to explain his anger.
Daymond, who has 3 daughters, tells us the docuseries struck a nerve, and he couldn't help but react in such a strong manner -- namely, suggesting Kelly take his own life.
Watching #SurvivingRKelley . I am so sick to my damn stomach! Hey @rkelly , please don’t take your life now that we all know how fucking disgusting you are. Thats way too easy! Make amends with the victims and the families, serve your time and then kill yourself while in jail.
@TheSharkDaymond
According to Daymond ... the punishment fits the (alleged) crimes. He says based on what he saw on Lifetime, Kelly must've poured millions of dollars in covering his tracks for all these years. Daymond also says this is the final straw for Kelly in his eyes ... and he needs to atone one way or another.
Check out his take ... it's definitely one that isn't easy to swallow, which is something a lot of celebs are dealing with in the wake of the docuseries. Daymond touches on race here too, speculating on whether this alleged cover-up would've gone on for so long for white victims.
He also credits the #MeToo movement for spurring this outpouring of confessions, and encourages more people to come forward and share their stories.
For the record ... R. Kelly has denied all the allegations against him thus far.
Originally Published 9:26 AM PT
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Kim Kardashian Celebrates Cyntoia Brown ... Granted Clemency
Kim Kardashian is making a huge difference in prison reform once again, playing a key role in helping to get clemency for Tennessee inmate Cyntoia Brown.
Cyntoia, imprisoned for 15 years for killing a man who was allegedly using her as a sex slave when she was 16, has just been granted clemency by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. She's set to be released on parole supervision Aug. 7.
Kim recruited her attorney -- Shawn Holley -- to help Cyntoia's clemency campaign, which started garnering tons of publicity after KK and other celebs like Rihanna, LeBron James and Snoop Dogg started bringing attention to her case.
Holley offered support, resources and called the District Attorney's Office on Cyntoia's behalf.
After being granted clemency Monday following a long legal battle, Cyntoia issued a statement saying, "I am thankful for all the support, prayers, and encouragement I have received.
I am thankful to my lawyers and their staffs, and all the others who, for the last decade have freely given their time and expertise to help me get to this day. I love all of you and will be forever grateful.
With God's help, I am committed to live the rest of my life helping others, especially young people. My hope is to help other young girls avoid ending up where I have been."
As you know, Kim went to the White House last summer to meet with President Trump and talk clemency and prison reform. She also played a major role in freeing Alice Marie Johnson and Matthew Charles ... both people she mentioned to Trump during their meeting.