MJ Accuser Wade Robson Rips Netflix Over Chappelle Special ... Stop Shaming Victims!!!
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2:11 PM PT -- John Branca, the co-executor of the MJ estate, tells us, "Wade’s accusations emerged only after his book failed and we turned him down for a job with our Las Vegas show 9 years ago. He couldn’t get a job until HBO and Dan Reed hired him."
He continues, "He’ll say anything to avoid answering the question of why people like Dave Chappelle don’t believe him or to address the factual holes and inconsistencies in this one sided documentary that did not interview a single person other than the two guys and their families, who are in it for the money."
Michael Jackson accuser Wade Robson is blasting Netflix for its decision to air a new Dave Chappelle comedy special defending MJ against allegations of molestation ... Wade says the streaming service is trivializing sexual abuse.
Wade is going scorched-earth on Dave and Netflix, telling TMZ this content in a Netflix special serves to "shame victims," and is "disgusting, irresponsible and inexcusable."
Robson says Netflix is just as guilty as Dave for trivializing and condoning sexual abuse ... because the streaming service provided Chappelle a massive platform.
In his new comedy special, 'Sticks & Stones,' DC straight-up says of Wade and James, "I don't believe these motherf***ers" after rehashing their allegations from the HBO documentary "Leaving Neverland" in graphic detail.
Wade, who says he doesn't care if Chappelle believes him or not, adds in his strong response ... "1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18, and considering their actions, Dave Chappelle, Netflix, and the Michael Jackson Estate, who have recently supported Chappelle’s views, are part of the problem. I believe we can and should do better than this.”
Sources close to Wade and James tell TMZ ... both accusers feel Netflix is essentially condoning what Chappelle is espousing in his special -- that if you're a celebrity, it's OKAY to sexually assault a child.
However, lots of people enjoyed Chappelle's special and are praising Dave for pushing the envelope ... like comedian Donnell Rawlings, who says the people up in arms are forgetting one crucial element -- DAVE'S MAKING A DAMN JOKE!!!
We reached out to Netflix ... no word back, so far.
Originally published -- 11:40 AM PT
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Kevin O'Leary Video is Smoking Gun in Fatal Boat Crash ... 2nd Victim Dies from Injuries
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9:00 AM PT -- 8/28 -- The woman who was critically injured in the accident has died, according to Ontario Police. 48-year-old Susanne Brito passed away on Tuesday as a result of her horrific injuries.
Police also revealed the other fatality was Gary Poltash, a 64-year-old man from Florida. Three other passengers were injured, but treated and released from a hospital.
8:04 AM PT -- 8/28 -- Sources connected to Kevin tell TMZ, the "Shark Tank" star says there is video that captures the area of the lake where the collision occurred, and he is looking to get the video enhanced to prove the navigation lights on the other boat were NOT on. Kevin believes this will exonerate his wife and him. However, sources connected to the other boat owner insist the navigation lights on that boat WERE on at the time of the collision.
8:10 PM PT -- O'Leary tells TMZ, "Late Saturday night I was a passenger in a boat that had a tragic collision with another craft that had no navigation lights on and then fled the scene of the accident. I am fully cooperating with authorities."
He goes on ... "Out of respect for the families who have lost loved ones and to fully support the ongoing investigation, I feel it is inappropriate to make further comments at this time. My thoughts are with all the families affected."
A rep for O'Leary tells TMZ Kevin's wife was driving the boat at the time of the crash, and she was administered a DUI test that night and passed. He also says a third person was in Kevin's boat and was injured -- she went to the hospital, received stitches and left.
O'Leary's rep wanted to clarify ... it was the other boat that fled the scene. As we reported below, a source connected to the owner of that other boat said it was Kevin's boat that fled.
Kevin O'Leary's boat was involved in a crash in Ontario, Canada that left one man dead, and a woman critically injured ... TMZ has learned.
The accident happened on Lake Joseph late Saturday, around 11:30 PM when a smaller boat -- owned by O'Leary -- rammed into a larger boat ... going directly over its bow and striking a male passenger in the head, killing him instantly.
A source connected to the owner of the larger boat tells TMZ ... they told police after impact there was enough light to ID the people on O'Leary's boat -- and the owner said it was O'Leary and his wife. We cannot confirm it was Kevin and his wife.
However, we've spoken to Kevin about the accident and he said he was following police protocol and would not comment. As for what the protocol is ... we're told cops will not release any names involved in the accident unless criminal charges are filed.
We're told O'Leary's boat immediately left the scene of the accident -- but it was towed to the marina on Monday by a salvage boat with police onboard ... who've seized it for forensic testing.
Multiple sources tell us a critical element of this investigation is whether the larger boat had its lights on ... so people on O'Leary's boat could see it at the time of impact.
Kevin appears to have at least 2 boats on the lake. While it's unclear which was in the wreck, a witness described it as a wakeboarding boat. Kevin's posted a pic of his "BatBoat" and bragged about using it for "surfing" on the lake.
Our source says there were a total of 8 people on the larger craft. The fatality is reportedly a 64-year-old man from Florida ... while the injured woman is a 48-year-old Canadian citizen. She is reportedly on a ventilator with significant brain damage.
Cops haven't said if alcohol was involved.
Kevin and his wife have a lake house in the area, and they've posted several photos from the home, and on the lake.
He wrote of the property on Instagram, "I call this the “Wedge” it’s a natural phenomenon of nature located where our lake house home is situated! Just beautiful!"
Originally Published -- 5:52 PM PT 8/27
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Alyson Stoner Missy Elliott's 'Work It' ... I Didn't Know What Her Song Meant!!!
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Missy Elliott knows how to put her thing down flip it and reverse it ... but Alyson Stoner says she didn't know the sexual significance behind "Work It" until long after she starred in the music video.
We got Alyson out at LAX after she got back from her highly-regarded dance routine with Missy at the VMAs ... and the dancer and former Disney Channel actress told our guy she was kept in the dark about the song's true meaning for years.
💃@AlysonStoner showed the world that SHE'S 👏 STILL 👏GOT 👏 IT👏 during @MissyElliott's Video Vanguard performance at the #VMAs pic.twitter.com/06moCiGmJS
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) August 27, 2019 @vmas
Alyson, now 26, first danced to Missy's provocative hit 17 years ago ... and she says their reunion onstage at the VMAs is easily one of the best moments in the history of the award show.
But, it wasn't until she was older when Alyson says she figured out what Missy was talking about in the lyrics. Kudos to the person who finally filled her in.
It's pretty wild ... Alyson tells us she nearly skipped her audition back in the day because of her sister and parents. But, thanks to a last-minute change of plans, she tried out for a spot in the music video and got the part.
Sounds like divine intervention.
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Leslie Jones Leaving 'SNL' ... Career's Taking Off!!!
Leslie Jones is moving on from her role on "Saturday Night Live" ... because she's got a ton of other gigs coming on the horizon!!!
Sources close to the show tell TMZ ... Leslie is NOT returning for season 45 of 'SNL' and it's all her decision.
Fact is ... Leslie's got a lot more on her plate now, thanks in no small part to her time as one of the biggest stars on 'SNL' -- where her personality, wit and skits made her a hot commodity in Hollywood.
As we've reported ... Leslie's already filming the 'Coming to America' sequel with Eddie Murphy ... and even though he's going to host 'SNL' this season for the first time in 35 years, she won't be there to enjoy it as a cast member.
Also on deck for Leslie ... she's signed on with Netflix for a comedy special, and we're told she's got some more movie projects in the works.
It's the end of the road for Leslie and 'SNL' ... and she had an amazing run over 5 seasons ... but sometimes, the grass just looks greener elsewhere.
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Abby Lee Miller Rips Lara Spencer ... Don't Show Up at The Ballet, Bitch!!!
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Lara Spencer better not show her face at any ballet any time soon ... so says Abby Lee Miller, who thinks the GMA anchor's rip on Prince George's dance lessons should make her persona non grata.
The "Dance Moms" star tells TMZ ... Spencer's on-air ridicule last week of the 6-year-old Prince for liking ballet ... is straight-up sexist. As a result, Abby says Spencer might wanna steer clear of "The Nutcracker" this holiday season.
Abby is joining the chorus of boos that have been raining down on Lara ever since she poked fun at Prince William and Kate Middleton's eldest. However, Abby says Spencer can make amends IF she cuts a fat check to help boys and underprivileged children get dance lessons.
The way Abby sees it, Lara's mockery is a slap in the face to Prince George and kids around the globe who love to dance. She adds ... it's comments like this that bully young boys and make it hard for them to enter a dance studio in the first place.
As you know, Spencer's on-air apology didn't sit well with many fans, and clearly, you can count Abby in that group.
We don't get to say this often (or ever), but we've got genuine ballet beef!!!
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Clayton Endicott III on 'Benson' TV Show 'Memba Him?!
New York-native Rene Auberjonois started his illustrious television career as the elitist chief of staff, Clayton Endicott III, in the early '80s "Soap" spin-off, "Benson."
Rene Auberjonois aired alongside a hilarious group of stars including James Noble as the Governor, Eugene X, Inga Swenson as the German, Gretchen Kraus, Missy Gold (Tracey Gold's younger sister) as the Governor's daughter, Katie Gatling, and of course Robert Guillaume as Benson himself!!!
Auberjonois received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1984 but lost to Pat Harrington Jr. as Dwayne Schneider on "One Day at a Time."
Some of Rene's other epic acting credits include the weird-looking Odo on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and Paul Lewiston on the legal comedy "Boston Legal."
Guess what he looks like now!!!
More 'Memba Thems!
Ex-'Shahs of Sunset' Star Lilly's Husband Files for Divorce
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2:12 PM PT -- According to the divorce docs -- obtained by TMZ -- Mir does not list an official date of separation. He cites irreconcilable differences as the reason for the couple's split. He also wants the court to terminate any ability to award spousal support to Lilly.
One of the former stars from "Shahs of Sunset" is being knocked down a few pegs in the hierarchy, 'cause her husband wants a divorce.
Lilly Ghalichi's husband, entrepreneur Dara Mir, just filed court docs, seeking a divorce from his wife of just 2 years. They got in May of 2017, and Lilly put up an intricately-made video of their traditional Persian wedding on YouTube.
She wrote of her nuptials at the time ... "I wanted to share something special with you guys, so I decided to share my wedding video. It was the most incredible day of my life, I wish I could marry my husband a million more times."
Lilly went on to say of her husband and matrimony, "I hope you guys enjoy our video, and I hope you all have your fairy tale wedding one day." This didn't age well, did it?
Anyway, Lilly and Dara have at least one kid together, so custody might be something they need hash out further down the road. Presumably, they also have some shared assets and/or property that'll have to be divvied up as well.
Lilly appeared on 'Shahs' for two seasons between 2012 and 2014. She had an on-again, off-again relationship with a guy named Ali, from whom she clearly moved on after her time on the show.
Back to the drawing board.
Originally Published -- 11:35 AM PT
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Eddie Murphy I'm Hosting 'SNL' ... First Time in 35 Years
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Eddie Murphy is going back to his roots to do what most people thought would NEVER happen -- he's hosting "Saturday Night Live."
'SNL' just announced Eddie will be hosting the December 21 episode ... his first time doing so in 35 years!!! It's huge news for Eddie who rose to fame as a standout 'SNL' regular back in the day. He was so big, he even stepped up to host in 1982 when someone canceled at the last minute.
The episode Eddie's hosting is typically the big blowout before the holiday break ... so count on loads of laughs, and probably lots of guest appearances.
Returning to 'SNL' is the next piece in Eddie's return to the limelight. We broke the story ... Eddie is locked in talks with Netflix for an undisclosed number of comedy specials, with negotiations hovering around $70 MILLION for the deal.
As you know ... he's also making a long-anticipated big screen return with the 'Coming to America" sequel. He's already been spotted on set in Georgia in full regalia as Prince Akeem.
Gotta hand it to Eddie ... dude knows how to mount a major comeback!!!
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Mama June Neighbors Say ... You're Trashy & We've Had It!!!
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Mama June's house is a mirror image of her real life -- a shambles ... and neighbors are PISSED.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Mama June's neighbors in Hampton, Georgia are fuming because her house is giving the neighborhood a trashy reputation. TMZ's obtained pics showing the evidence ... a huge dumpster truck on her front lawn is the biggest non-attraction.
We're told neighbors reached out to the Homeowners Association to complain about the massive list of violations. That dumpster truck on her front lawn? We're told it's been there for at least a week. There are several trash cans filled to the brim and trash strewn everywhere.
There's more ... a broken window is boarded up ... making it look like the house is abandoned. There's also an AC unit mounted on a window ... a huge no-no, according to the HOA.
The garage door is still dented from when Mama June's BF, Geno, slammed into it with an SUV. As we first reported ... Mama June had a garage sale earlier this month and her behavior was pretty bizarre, to say the least.
As we told you ... Honey Boo Boo's not moving back to her home until Geno's gone. And maybe until the house is in tip top shape.
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'AGT' Semi-Finalist Fiddlin' Fave, Tyler Butler-Figueroa ... Big Bucks on the Line
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The 11-year-old violinist for who Simon Cowell hit the golden buzzer on "America's Got Talent" is onto the semi-finals, and his next performance could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars ... TMZ has learned.
Tyler Butler-Figueroa is not only Simon's pick to win it all this season, but the young leukemia survivor has impressed the judges and become a fan fave with his visionary violin work and energy ... and he's on the cusp of landing a huge recording deal.
According to Tyler's semi-finalist contract -- obtained by TMZ -- if he wins 'AGT,' he'll score a $100,000 advance on his first album, with the possibility of making another $100k in bonuses based on sales. Plus, he'll get royalties on the music.
If he DOESN'T win ... he only gets a $25k advance. The good news -- win or lose, it's all about sales. If people are buying Tyler's album, he can still make up to $100k in bonuses.
And, there's this -- according to the contract, if Tyler goes on to make a second, third, fourth or fifth album with his label, his earning potential's the same regardless of how he finishes on 'AGT' ... up to a $275k advance if he gets to album #5.
Seems like he's already a big winner.
Tyler advanced to the semis earlier this week after nailing "Don't You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia. This, of course, after he wowed Simon with his talent -- and his story -- in the auditions round.
Good luck, kid!!!
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'Black Ink Crew' Alex Robinson Sues Costars Ceasar, Teddy You Owe Me $1M for Brutal Beatdown!!
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"Black Ink Crew" star Alex Robinson is coming after the boss and a member of his family ... suing for $1 million over a vicious beating caught by VH1 cameras.
According to new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... Robinson is suing "Black Ink Crew" star Ceasar Emanuel and Emanuel's costar/cousin, Teddy Ruks, for battery ... claiming they jumped him back in October 2018.
In docs, Robinson says they physically attacked him and struck him with a closed fist over and over. He also claims the beatdown left him with permanent pain and disability. He wants more than a million bucks.
The bad blood between Alex and Ceasar reached a boiling point last season during a pre-wedding party for a coworker. Long story short ... you see Ceasar pummel Alex while Teddy comes from behind and joins the attack. A brawl erupts ... leaving Alex with a HUGE bump on his head.
It didn't end there ... just days later, cameras followed Alex being rushed to the hospital where doctors told him he suffered significant tendon and ligament damage to his back.
Fast forward a few episodes ... Ceasar admits on camera hiring a P.I. to follow Alex to determine if he was faking the injury. Ceasar said the P.I. confirmed the injuries were real, and he felt terrible about practically putting Alex out of business ... since he can no longer sit and tattoo anymore. Ceasar said he was told Alex can't even pick up his son anymore.
We've reached out to Ceasar and Teddy ... so far, no word back.
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Sofia Richie I'm 21 Now ... And Dancin' My Ass Off!!!
Sofia Richie had the 21st birthday just about any 21-year-old would want ... a Vegas blowout.
Sofia and a bunch of her friends partied hard at the XS nightclub on the Strip, and it looked like a blast.
Scott Disick was there, but took a back seat to the action as Sofia danced wildly with friends. She went onstage with The Chainsmokers and just kept dancing.
There was the obligatory cake -- in this case, 6 tiers.
Sofia got some pretty awesome presents earlier in the day. Scott presented her with an Aston Martin and a Range Rover. Yep, 2 whips. When the cars were safely garaged, they jetted off to Vegas. Kylie was waiting at the airport where they all boarded the private jet.
In case you lost track, Scott and Sofia have been dating for about 2 years. They seem super serious ... she even hangs out with his kids, and she and Kourtney clearly get along. They've even all gone on vacay together.
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Ex-'Big Brother' Star Corey Brooks Sexy Guts Galore!!! In Beach MMA Sesh
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Corey Brooks couldn't fight his way to the top spot in the "Big Brother" house, but he's fully prepared to whoop someone's ass in the Octagon ... or he will be soon.
The former season 18 contestant -- he finished in 4th place, BTW -- hit up Santa Monica Beach for some MMA sparring. Shirtless, of course, because when you've got washboard abs like Corey's ... ya flaunt 'em! Who's gonna complain?
The MMA workout's also no gimmick. For starters, it's one of Corey's preferred workouts -- he's been doing it for years. And, even though a UFC contract's not likely in his future, these pics leave no doubt about his athleticism.
In fact, he was a pitcher at Texas A&M and he's also a baseball coach for elite young players in his hometown of Dallas.
Talk about a jack(ed) of all trades -- Corey's also a fashion model and the director of a Dallas-based real estate firm. In other words, not just a pretty face.
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Eddie Money Diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer
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Seventies and 80s hitmaker turned reality TV star Eddie Money is in the battle of his life ... TMZ's learned the rocker's been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer.
The "Take Me Home Tonight" singer makes the stunning revelation during season 2 of his reality show, "Real Money" ... according to sources connected to the show.
We're told Eddie got the dire news late last year, during a regularly scheduled checkup with his doctor.
The cancer started in Eddie's esophagus but, sadly, it spread to other parts of his body. You can see in this clip, he's determined to keep his loved ones in the loop as he deals with the diagnosis.
We're told Eddie didn't take a break from shooting his family's show after getting the news -- and he's continued touring almost nonstop while getting treatment.
You'll recall he was forced to take a break from the road for other health issues -- a minor heart valve procedure in May, and he caught pneumonia in July. We're told neither issue was related to the cancer.
Our sources say Eddie won't shy away from discussing his treatments while cameras are rolling for "Real Money."
We're pulling for ya, Money.
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Terrence Howard Ripped by Judge ... Fork Over $1.3 Mil to Your Ex-Wife!!!
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Terrence Howard's success heading into the final season "Empire" just bit him in the ass -- or should we say the wallet -- because a judge is ordering him to give his ex-wife a huge chunk of his TV earnings.
Michelle Ghent scored a 7-figure W Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court when the judge said enough is enough, and ruled Terrence must pay her $1.3 million. About $263k of that is reportedly back spousal support -- and another $1.05 million is based on the fact he's pulling in big money.
Terrence is reportedly now making north of $250k per episode of "Empire." Michelle and Terrence's money battles have been dragging on since 2013 -- and, by comparison, he was only hauling in somewhere around $120k per episode in 2015, when the show debuted.
TMZ broke the story, Michelle filed docs last year requesting her ex pay her more than $900k in back spousal support, so today's ruling -- first reported by the NY Daily News -- is a massive legal victory for her.
There's more bad news on the horizon for Terrence -- Michelle's attorneys fees.
On Friday, the judge said the fees looked "reasonable" and set a hearing for next week to determine exactly how much he'll have to pay -- but Michelle says the tab is expected to be more than $1 million.
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Boris Kodjoe Squat's Happening??? Fitness Challenge at TMZ
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Boris Kodjoe brought his new fitness app to life at the TMZ office to show how simple it can be to improve your health, but we proved to be tough customers.
The "Station 19" star dropped in Friday with his brother, Patrick, on "TMZ Live" to promote KOFIT, the health and wellness app he launched this summer with his wife, Nicole Ari Parker, along with his bro and his wife.
Boris lays it all out -- this app's perfect for both busy folks on the go or people who feel intimidated going to the gym ... and it only takes 5 minutes a day to get in good shape.
Still, the prospect of squeezing in some basic exercises at the office proved too much for TMZ Sports producer, Michael Babcock ... but Boris is a great salesman.
The Kodjoe bros corralled a couple other TMZ staffers for squats and desk push-ups to show that the workout's so easy ... even a Babcock can do it.
Check out KOFIT wherever you get your apps.