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Jenelle Evans and David Eason are in the nation's capital on business, but there's NO gridlock for them -- they're dodging D.C. traffic, and having fun while they're at it ... on scooters.

Sources close to Jenelle tell TMZ ... the couple's spending some time in Washington D.C. because she's attending meetings about her upcoming cosmetics line. She's meeting with potential distributors -- the launch is set for August -- and Thursday, David was clearly along for the ride.

The duo was cruising around on rented electric scooters near the National Mall with David leading the way.

Jenelle and David's D.C. excursion's probably a little easier to pull off than normal, because they still don't have their 3 children ... as they continue fighting to regain custody. This is the first time we've seen them in public someplace other than the North Carolina courthouse where they've had court-monitored visits with the kids.

As you know ... the couple's custody issues began last month after David shot and killed the family dog. Since then we've learned police have been going to their home with alarming frequency.

TMZ broke the story ... there were 25 emergency calls to their home over the course of a year -- something that certainly can't help their child custody case.

Melissa Rycroft's mysterious illness in the Dominican Republic is triggering an investigation from the Nickelodeon Hotel & Resort in Punta Cana ... where the 'Bachelor' alum was vacationing with her family.

The Nickelodeon Resort tells us they've been in touch with Melissa ... and our sources say the hotel hired an outside firm to review the resort's cleaning and sanitary practices, to see if there's any link to Melissa's strange illness.

Sources close to Melissa tell TMZ ... the former "Dancing With The Stars" contestant NEVER left the resort the ENTIRE time she was on the island. It's uncertain what's caused her sickness.

Several Americans have been falling ill and dying in the D.R. recently, but Melissa is the first to get sick at the Nickelodeon Resort.

We're told Melissa was taking extra precautions by staying clear of the mini bar in her hotel room and staying away from tap water ... though she DID have a few drinks from the bar cart and imbibed at various bars on the property.

It's interesting ... Melissa is the ONLY one in her family feeling ill, and her husband was only drinking beer, so her camp thinks it's plausible tainted alcohol could be the culprit.

Melissa got slimed at the hotel but has since deleted a picture she shared on her social media. She got sick on her second day of vacay, started feeling better, but then experienced other symptoms, including cramps.

Other sources tell us ... the Nickelodeon Resort is FREAKING OUT and lots of people are canceling their reservations, though it's unclear if news of Melissa's mysterious illness is the reason for the cancellations, or simply the general hysteria involving tourist deaths on the island.

The Nickelodeon Resort says they're still treating this as an isolated incident. The hotel adds it's taking "all possible measures to ensure a safe and healthy vacation environment, exceeding preventative measures and enforcing strict sanitation protocols."

To say Irv Gotti's ecstatic to finally unveil Kanye West's new track on his show would be a severe understatement ... Irv's damn near losing his mind!!!

The Murder Inc. Records honcho joined "TMZ Live" on Thursday, and was visibly hyped about season 2 of his BET series "Tales" ... because it features new music from Ye. The track "Brothers" serves as the soundtrack for the episode ... and it's also the basis for the 2-hour episode's storyline.

Check out the clip ... Irv says the idea to work on this project was conceived back in October 2017. Way back then, Gotti hinted he and Kanye had "something enormous" coming ... but no one knew.

Irv captioned the post, "2 crazy. Out of the box thinkers. That only thinks about serving the world!! Hahah. Stay tuned. Great great great meeting of the minds."

And, here they are ... on the verge of dropping the new track AND a TV episode. Irv dished on what it was like to produce with Kanye and what he learned from a guy he says is "largely misunderstood."

Matt Lauer did not have a single special moment on "Today" during his 20-year run as cohost of the show ... at least according to the producers of an anniversary montage.

NBC released a highlight video Thursday in honor of its morning program celebrating 25 years in the famed indoor/outdoor Studio 1A ... but Lauer's nowhere to be seen.

Check it out ... the 5 and half minute vid opens with Savannah Guthrie talking about the big move to 1A in 1994, and features clips and interviews with several other "Today" stars like Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, Lester Holt, Craig Melvin, Jenna Bush, Carson Daly and of course Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel.

The montage leaves out Lauer, though, who took over for Gumbel back in 1997 and remained there until November 2017 ... when he was fired by NBC for sexual misconduct.

As you know, Lauer's accused of sexually harassing multiple female NBC staffers during his time with the network, along with specific allegations of exposing himself, giving sex toys as gifts, and having a button under his desk to lock the door without getting up.

The scandal is still clearly on the minds of "Today" honchos who decided to keep him out of the "special" tribute. Interestingly, Ann Curry -- who had issues with Lauer and claims she told NBC brass he was a problem back in 2012 -- was also left out of the montage.

Halsey claiming an "existential crisis" over the "Black Mirror" episode starring Miley Cyrus, has people connected with the Netflix hit show laughing their asses off ... TMZ has learned.

If nothing else ... Halsey provided some entertainment for 'Mirror' producers when she shared her reaction to the episode about a character named "Ashley O" -- played by Miley. If you missed it, Halsey tweeted, "Black Mirror episode about a pop star named Ashley with colorful hair. Existential crisis: Engage."

She went on to point out her real name is Ashley and joked, "If I die they killed me."

TMZ has seen emails between production execs connected with the much buzzed about episode and they say Ashley O is obviously not based on Halsey. They note that even before shooting the episode ... writers had publicly said they wanted "someone like Miley" to play the character, but never dreamed MC would do it.

In the email chain, one production exec says 'Mirror' co-creator and writer Charlie Brooker was "only vaguely aware" of Halsey. The exec goes on to say, "and if we get asked about it in an interview we'll cheerily confirm that."

Sources connected to the show tell us the Ashley O story was always intended as a metaphor for the careers of young pop stars such as, obviously Miley, but also Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and even Whitney Houston.

So, as one 'Mirror' exec in the email chain put it, "I think most people can see it's a shameful desperate attempt at self-promotion."

Bottom line, we're told ... Ashley O ain't Halsey, and Halsey ain't Ashley O.

Evelyn Lozada's flirty tweet to Rob Kardashian started as a joke, but now she's dead serious ... she'd go on a date with him.

Evelyn joined "The Breakfast Club" Thursday where she revealed the origin of the sexually explicit tweet that went down on Father's Day. ICYMI ... Evelyn tweeted Rob "has a big sausage." His reply didn't leave much to the imagination. The tweets were later deleted.

Lots to unpack here ... for starters ... the "Basketball Wives" star admits to DJ Envy and Angela Yee she's NEVER seen Rob's package. Evelyn explains exactly how the tweet came about. Long story short ... Rob dared her to do it. She took the bait and here we are.

That didn't stop Envy and Angela from straight-up asking MLB star Carl Crawford and NFL star Chad Johnson's ex if she'd be down to get down with Rob. Evelyn says if his mom can date younger why can't Rob date older? Evelyn's 43 and Rob's 32.

Kendall Jenner's alleged stalker has gone off the radar -- with cops and his family -- and his whereabouts is unknown ... officials are afraid he's trying to get back to L.A. and Kendall.

38-year-old Canadian citizen John Ford was deported from the U.S. earlier this month after ICE arrested him in New Mexico. You'll recall, LAPD arrested him last fall after he scaled a hill and made it onto Kendall's property ... more than once.

Now, we're told Ford's family members in Toronto -- who were supposed to keep tabs on him -- say they have no idea where he is. The last communication law enforcement had with Ford was when they dropped him at the Toronto airport, but he's gone completely MIA since then.

That's a problem for a number of reasons -- not the least of which includes any attempt to return to KJ's place in Bev Hills. Our sources say Kendall and her team are on high alert and prepared to act if need be.

We're told it would be near impossible for Ford to reenter the country at border checkpoints since law enforcement's looking out for him -- however, if he attempts to get in illegally ... all bets are off.

Authorities ask that if he's spotted, people call their local law enforcement.

No ... this is not the right way to "come on down" to Bob Barker's house.

The legendary 'Price is Right' host's manager tells TMZ ... the crash went down Tuesday outside his Hollywood Hills home. The vehicle slammed into the perimeter wall, but didn't get close to the house -- the 95-year-old former game show host was safely inside.

Law enforcement sources tell us the car was involved in a collision on the street, and the impact sent it flying into Barker's wall.

Brittney Taylor has been ordered to stay the hell away from the woman she allegedly beat during a wild brawl in her luxury Manhattan apartment complex.

A judge in New York has signed off on a temporary order of protection against the 'Love & Hip Hop' star. Brittney must now stay away from the woman, and if she's got any firearms, she's gotta turn them over to cops.

The temporary order of protection will stay in effect through December 14.

According to cops, Brittney hurled a cell phone at the woman, striking her in the forehead during their weekend melee. Police say Brittney also scratched up the woman's neck.

Bella Thorne is firing back at Whoopi Goldberg after she seemingly shamed Bella for having nude photos on her phone, on the cloud, or anywhere.

In a series of super emotional posts Tuesday, Bella tearfully blasted Whoopi ... who took the stance on "The View" that celebs who take nude photos are just asking for trouble with hackers and, essentially, said they should know better.

Bella said Whoopi's comment only inflames a painful situation. She also suggested Whoopi's lack of sympathy toward young people who get exposed this way is part of the reason people commit suicide after their nudes are leaked.

In case you missed it ... Bella's Twitter was hacked last week, and over the weekend she posted a series of topless photos in order to beat her alleged hacker to the punch. She says the person was attempting to extort her with the racy pics.

Whoopi, Meghan McCain, Sunny Hostin and Joy Behar debated the issue in Monday's episode of "The View" ... and their convo clearly triggered Bella.

Decluttering guru Marie Kondo -- who rose to fame with the Netflix series 'Tidying Up' -- stole her famous folding technique ... at least, that's the claim of another celeb organizer who wants her due credit.

We got Linda Koopersmith -- aka "The Beverly Hills Organizer" -- out Monday in Hollywood, and she went off about the agony of watching Kondo reap the benefits of an organizing technique she says she actually invented YEARS ago.

Check out the clip ... Linda brings receipts. She says what Kondo has dubbed the KonMari Method is the same upright fold she's done on TV shows through the '90s. Koopersmith -- who counts Jennifer Lopez and Khloe Kardashian among her many celebrity clients -- says she unveiled the method in 2003 on the Style Network's "Clean House" show.

She says she also included it n her 2005 book, "Beverly Hills Organizer's Home Organizing Bible."

What's more ... Koopersmith says she's uploaded videos on YouTube, all date stamped long before Kondo rose to stardom. Kondo's Netflix series was an instant hit and her book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' has sold millions.

And, in case you're wondering ... Koopersmith doesn't want an apology, nor does she even plan to sue. But, she does have one request of Kondo. Watch.

Bill Cosby's dishing out parenting and life advice to his fellow inmates ... no joke.

Bill's rep, Andrew Wyatt, says the famous inmate's a busy man behind bars with as many as 4 lectures per week. He's been doing this for around 3 months ... with crowds that often swell to more than 100 fellow prisoners.

Cosby's pitch ... that the inmate's lead by example for their kids and stay outta prison in the future. Cosby's urging the inmates to re-bond with their kids immediately upon getting out. Cosby's clearly trading on his all-American dad image from "The Cosby Show" ... and it's resonating with the prisoners.

Cosby works most with a group called "Man Up" -- inmates set for parole -- talking life lessons, keeping out of trouble and not getting locked up again.

We're told Cosby's also lecturing on finding work post-prison, giving them tips on interviewing techniques. He also lectures on substance abuse -- tips on how to stay clean. As you know, Cosby was convicted of drugging Andrea Constand, as well as aggravated indecent assault, for which he got a 3 to 10-year sentence.

And, he's mixing in his life lessons with comedy, which is laced through the lectures.

Cosby got skewered on social media for his Father's Day tweet for calling himself "America's Dad" ... but the comedian truly embraces the title in prison.

Mitch Pileggi was only 42 years old when he gained fame for playing FBI's assistant director, Walter Skinner, in the '90s supernatural show "The X-Files" on FOX.

Mitch Pileggi shared the science fiction show with stars like Gillian Anderson as the skeptical agent Dana Scully, David Duchovny as the credulous agent Fox Mulder and William B. Davis as the super secret, Smoking Man.

Pileggi went on to roles on both of the break out paranormal films "The X-Files" (1998) and a decade later in "The X-Files: I Want To Believe" (2008).

His other classic credits include being cast on "The A-Team," "Falcon Crest," "Dragnet," "Dallas," "Basic Instinct," "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "ER."

Bernie McGee -- one of the stars of "Seeking Sister Wife" -- has died from a heart attack according to his wife Paige, who's blaming her brother for causing the stress she believes killed Bernie.

Paige confirmed to TMZ ... Bernie was riding his bicycle Saturday when he overheated and felt ill, and he called her to come pick him up. She says by the time she arrived, EMTs were already working on him ... and she knew it was very bad.

Paige says the coroner told her Bernie died from heat stroke and a heart attack ... but she believes her brother, Patrick Marble, was the biggest factor in his death.

We broke the story ... Paige's bro accused the reality TV couple of harassing him, and they were arrested in March on stalking charges. Paige says the arrest greatly upset Bernie because it happened in front of their sons, and he never got over it.

Their court date for the case was approaching, and Paige says it had a terrible effect on Bernie, saying ... "the stress of going to court this coming Wednesday with fear of 1 year in jail wore on Bernie."

Paige claims, ultimately, her brother's actions led to her husband suffering a heart attack, saying ... "Patrick's constant lies and attacks against us caused this!"

She adds, "YOU KILLED MY HUSBAND AND I HOPE YOU BURN IN HELL!!!!!"

Patrick tells TMZ, due to Bernie's passing, he is dropping the stalking charges against Paige pronto. He says he last spoke to her a few weeks ago to try to resolve things. Paige says she doesn't have a relationship with her brother and never has.

Bill Cosby's Father's Day tweet left most thinking it was a PR stunt from his team, but we've learned it came from the Cos himself ... who spoke it into existence from behind bars.

Cosby's rep, Andrew Wyatt, tells TMZ ... Bill called from prison Sunday night, wanting to get a Father's Day message out to the public from his official social media accounts. Wyatt says Bill dictated through the phone exactly what he wished to say.

Wyatt says Bill does this often -- he's on with his team via phone calls or face-to-face about 3 to 4 times a month.

This time, Cosby's message -- which was published to both Twitter and Instagram -- read, "Hey, Hey, Hey...It's America's Dad...I know it's late, but to all the Dads... It's an honor to be called a Father, so let's make today a renewed oath to fulfilling our purpose -- strengthening our families and communities."

An old video of Cosby during a CBS Black History Month special was attached to the posts. In the clip, he discusses how mass incarceration has affected black men and broken up tons of families in the process. He says, "America invented the cruelest slavery in the history of the world because it broke up black families. After slavery was over, America kept breaking up the black man’s family and that’s some awful history to teach."

As you might imagine, Coby's posts caught some backlash. Apparently, people don't wanna hear from a convicted predator -- that kinda seems to be the consensus all around. Remember, he was found guilty in 2018 of drugging and molesting Andrea Constand.

What also pissed people off was Cosby playing up his old unofficial title as America's TV dad, but Wyatt tells us everyone's got it twisted ... 'cause BC was just going off of what he's hearing from the yard. Wyatt says Cosby has relayed that lots of other inmates refer to him as "their dad" and that he was simply running with that for the tweet/IG.

"Little Women: Atlanta" star Ashley "Minnie" Ross says she had just 1 beer when she got busted for DUI.

According to a police report obtained by TMZ ... cops in Chattanooga, Tennessee were notified Thursday just before 3 AM of a female slumped over in the driver's seat of an SUV. When cops responded, they woke up the 4'3'' reality star and immediately smelled booze on her breath.

When asked if she had any drinks earlier that night, cops say Minnie told them she had just 1 beer. She was instructed to get outta the car and given a series of field sobriety tests, which she bombed ... swaying and using her arm for balance.

She was asked to recite the alphabet from letter E and stop at W ... but Minnie stopped at Z. She was asked to count backward from 69 and stop at 39 but she stopped at 1.

Despite the very detailed police report ... a source close to Minnie says she passed all of the field sobriety tests and she was texting -- not asleep at the wheel -- when cops showed up.

Minnie was placed under arrest for DUI and taken to Hamilton County Jail without incident. She was later released on bail.