Bob Saget Authorities Believe He Hit Headboard Cops Certain No Foul Play

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UPDATE

9:18 AM PT -- A judge has granted Bob's family the temporary restraining order it requested to block the release of photos from the scene in his hotel room.

Bob Saget's death is creating a mystery for many experts, who wonder how he suffered such a severe skull fracture ... and what exactly he hit -- but authorities are firm on what didn't happen, and they think the injury was caused by something connected to the bed.

As we've reported, Bob died from a brain bleed after hitting his head on something. Sources with direct knowledge of the investigation tell us the Medical Examiner and police are clear there was no foul play, and they're certain the blow to his head had to happen in the hotel.

We're told the injury to his head was severe enough that they're sure he could not have made the 2-hour drive from Jacksonville to the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando.

But, here's the mystery ... some medical experts say the skull fracture is consistent with being hit by a bat, or falling as far as 30 feet. Obviously, that kind of fall didn't happen, but as for Bob being struck -- we're told the electronic front door lock to his hotel room shows no one else entered the room. Once Bob entered, the next time the door opened was when hotel staff found him in the afternoon.

Our sources say the authorities say it's most likely Bob struck a portion of the bed's headboard that is not padded. We're told it's wood, and the best guess is he hit his head. Since he was under the covers, they believe he quickly lost consciousness. What's interesting ... although authorities on the scene felt the headboard scenario was the most likely, the Medical Examiner never mentioned it.

Rather, the M.E. theorizes it was an "unwitnessed fall backwards."

We're told the authorities who discovered Bob's body did not see a bruise on his head. We're told the bruise was only discovered during the autopsy.

Saget's family has filed a lawsuit in Orange County, Florida to block the release of photos from the hotel room -- because under Florida law police could go public with the images.

Originally Published -- 8:06 AM PT

Columbus Short Charged with 2 Misdemeanors For Domestic Violence Case

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Prosecutors are officially going after Columbus Short following his arrest for domestic violence ... TMZ has learned.

You'll recall, the ex "Scandal" star was arrested earlier this month after cops were called to his home over an argument he had with his wife -- one that allegedly got physical.

His case was initially presented for potential felony charges to the L.A. County D.A., but it was subsequently kicked down to the City Attorney, who charged him with 2 misdemeanor counts -- one for domestic violence and one for child endangerment.

We're told Columbus got hit with child endangerment because the incident allegedly took place in front of a child.

Cops say Short didn't have any marks or bruises, although he claimed his wife had punched him in the face. Police did notice his wife had a minor injury, which we're told was a scratch on her finger -- and she told cops she got it when Columbus tried to snatch her phone.

Short was previously arrested for domestic violence in 2018, and ended up spending 34 days behind bars.

He also got into trouble over a bar fight back in 2014 that left someone with a broken nose.

A source close to Short tells us ... he's battled addiction issues in the past, and is taking each day at a time. We're told his family is his priority as he focuses on getting back on track with his sobriety.

We reached out to Columbus, and he had no comment.

'Bel-Air' Star Jordan L. Jones It's Crazy, I Got Will's Stamp of Approval!!! Loving Reboot's New Spin

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We'd like to take a minute just sit right there, there's a reboot in town -- "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" ... and one of its stars says a lot's changed.

Jordan L. Jones plays the role of Jazz in the new show, "Bel-Air," and says it is drastically different in a great way. He joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live" to break down the advice he got from Jazzy Jeff, who originally played his character ... and his goosebumps moment with Will Smith.

As you've probably heard ... this "reimagining" of the '90s hit has all the same characters, but the twist is, it's not a comedy. It's based on director Morgan Cooper's short film from several years ago, and as Jordan explained ... they had a ton of creative freedom to put their own spin on it.

Of course, the OG actors came back to help guide and give creative direction. Jordan says it was a dream come true to get kudos from Will. In fact, he called it a "crazy" moment ... so, you gotta see him reveal exactly what big Willie told him.

The first 3 episodes of "Bel-Air" are already streaming on Peacock, and a new episode drops every Thursday. BTW, Jazzy Jeff also gave Jordan some solid advice about bringing his character back to life.

Watch the clip ... very cool moment for a young actor getting his moment to shine!!!

Whoopi Goldberg Lovin' 'The View' From Here, Folks ... Returns for 'Tough Conversations'

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Whoopi Goldberg is back on "The View," and there are no sour grapes, at least outwardly, over her suspension -- and she's vowing she won't shy away from "tough conversations."

The talk show host was sitting in her chair again Monday, and right off the bat ... she addressed the elephant in the room, telling the audience she was grateful to return after her suspension.

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THE CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS

Whoopi says the convos they have on TV are challenging ones, and they don’t always get into them as eloquently as they’d sometimes like. Still, she says that won’t deter them from tackling tough topics, ‘cause that’s what they’ve all been hired to do.

Whoopi didn’t harp too much on her 2-week timeout, but did say she appreciated everyone who reached out -- which apparently included some surprising calls or messages -- and in the same breath said she’d done a lot of listening too.

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I WAS WRONG

You’ll recall ... she got benched after suggesting the Holocaust wasn’t about race, which got tons of backlash. While trying to apologize, she sorta doubled down ... and ABC chief Kim Godwin forced her to sit out for a little while to reflect on the whole thing.

Seems WG is taking it all in stride.

Super Bowl Celebs Jam Into SoFi Kanye, Drake, The Rock, J Lo, Bey, etc.

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There was only one game in town for celebs Sunday night in L.A. ... yeah, you guessed it.

So, let's go through a partial list ....  Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Kanye, Olivia Rodrigo, Charlize Theron, Kevin Hart, The Rock, Matt Damon, the Biebers and Kendall Jenner were front and center.

But wait, there's more ... Ellen DeGeneres, Devin Booker, Floyd Mayweather, Keke Palmer, Drake, Adam Devine, Sophie Turner, Joe Jonas, Martha Stewart, The Weeknd, Prince Harry, Tyga, YG, Antonio Brown, Will Farrell, Ryan Reynolds, Sean Penn, Chris Tucker, Tracy Morgan, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Mark Wahlberg, Nelly, 2 Chainz, Steph Curry, Michael Strahan and Shawn Mendes. Oh yea, Jay Z and Beyonce also showed.

And, that doesn't even include the Halftime performers.

Check out the gallery ... good luck L.A. Health Dept, which requires masks indoors ... because there wasn't a mask in sight.

'Jeopardy!' Champ Amy Schneider I quit my day job!!! ... Excited for the Future

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THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

"Jeopardy!" champ Amy Schneider is now flush with cash, so she essentially went all country -- as in "take this job and shove it!!!"

Amy's way too polite to say "shove it," but she is indeed quitting her job as a software engineer. She tells us the whole "Jeopardy!" experience has been life-changing, and that includes employment.

She assumed the interactions and business discussions she was having during her run would fade away once she was dethroned. As she put it ... "That turned out to be completely incorrect."

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END OF AN ERA

She says the emails and meetings have made it clear ... there's more out there! She's also enjoying the life of a newly-minted celeb.

Amy went on to share what career avenues she's mulling over .... writing a book and podcasting are at the top of her list. She also says she's looking for anything educational because that clearly has served her well.

Amy was on a hot winning streak -- racking up $1.3 million over 40 episodes! It all came to an end when she went up against Rhone Talsma and lost during Final Jeopardy.

BTW ... she addresses the buzz that Ken Jennings was getting nervous she might break his record.

Dr. Oz on PA Senate Race I'm Not Trump, OK??? But My Star Will Probs Get Defaced

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CANDIDATE FIRST, CELEBRITY SECOND

Dr. Oz just got his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- but because he dived into politics as a Republican ... he thinks his spot on the boulevard will get the Trump treatment.

We talked to the daytime TV legend -- who's now running for an open U.S. Senate seat out of Pennsylvania -- amid his WOF ceremony Friday, and talked shop about his race ... and the implications it carries for how his star might be dealt with publicly.

Check it out ... Oz addresses the obvious comparison many will draw between Donald Trump and himself -- namely, being a celeb-turned-GOP politician.

Because of this ... he says flat-out, his star may get defaced between now and the finish line -- but he suggests if that does happen, it'll be done without merit -- 'cause he's his own man with his own views ... and the only thing he shares with Trump at this point is a party.

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PUTTING AMERICA FIRST

We asked what he'd have to say to would-be voters wary of electing another celeb in the wake of what many consider a not-so-great run with DT at the helm ... and Oz tells us his record, as a doctor and then as a media personality, speaks for itself -- especially on facts.

As you may have heard ... Oz's campaign is kinda controversial, and he hasn't been embraced by nearly as many celebs as one might've thought would come out in his corner. That's okay though, so says Mehmet ... because he says the issues/his solutions are what will convince the people of Pennsylvania to get behind him come November.

It'll be a tough road ahead, but Oz is ready to undertake it head-on ... nasty as it may get.

Kanye West Brings Kim K Look-Alike to 'Jeen-Yuhs' Biopic Screening

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ALL SMILES AT SCREENING

Kanye West showed up Friday night for a screening of the Netflix doc on his life ... and there was no Julia Fox, no Kim Kardashian, but there WAS someone else.

Ye showed up at L.A.'s new hot spot -- Mother Wolf restaurant -- with Chaney Jones to watch the new Netflix show, "Jeen-Yuhs," who lots of folks say has jacked Kim's look. Lots of celebs showed up for the screening, including DaBaby, Taraji P. Henson, Quavo, Roddy Ricch and Jason Lee.

Kanye was chill, wearing a black leather jacket and a hoodie. He took a bunch of photos with guests and chatted everyone up.

As for Chaney ... she wore the Kardashian-esque super-tight bodysuit, along with gloves, boots and yes, black sunglasses.

Kanye's still waiting for Billie Eilish to apologize for supposedly shading his pal, Travis Scott, at her concert last week. The apology isn't coming, because Billie has talked about stopping shows when someone is in distress long before the Astroworld tragedy. Ye says if she doesn't apologize, he won't headline at Coachella.

Stay tuned ...

Bill Maher Karma is Such BS Don't Congratulate Me on Whoopi's Suspension

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Bill Maher went in hard Friday night, using Whoopi Goldberg as an example of how America has become a hateful, spiteful country that celebrates a misinformed view of karma.

The 'Real Time' host railed on the concept of karma, saying it's bulls*** to begin with -- no such thing -- but the lore of karma was actually a positive, zen-type thing, but we've made it a thing of revenge.

Bill's phone was filled with texts after Whoopi was suspended, with friends telling him how happy they were that karma hit her hard. Bill lashed out at his buds, saying yeah, Whoopi has gone after him for his views on COVID and other stuff, but that's called free speech.

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I WAS WRONG

He also says she's wrong on COVID and was wrong when she talked about race -- the thing that got her benched for 2 weeks -- but that's called disagreement. As he says, she has a right to speak, and the cure for misinformed speech is more speech. And, as he hilariously mused, Whoopi has a rock-solid defense -- "F*** it, it's 11 AM!"

As Bill puts it, "The View" suspending Whoopi for her views is like firing Pat Sajak for selling a vowel.

Watch the full clip ... as he challenges your view on karma.

Zendaya Tussauds Stands by Wax Figure ... Despite Strong Kylie Vibes

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The internet is going wild about Zendaya's new homage at Madame Tussauds -- ripping it for looking more like another famous face ... but the museum is standing its ground!

Madame Tussauds London unveiled the wax figure this week of the "Euphoria" star, and it has Twitter extremely divided (what else is new?) -- some say it's spot on, and others claim MT did her dirty, because it seems more like a Kylie Jenner tribute.

But, now Madame Tussauds is firing back with receipts ... claiming the statue is correct, by the numbers at least. A spokesperson says, "Our talented artists created our new Zendaya figure using measurements and references taken during her 2015 sitting."

The spokesperson added, "We understand that when fans are incredibly passionate they might feel differently, until they have had the chance to see it up close."

Translation: See it in person before ya judge.

For now, though, fans are teeing off on social media with comments like ... "The wax version of Zendaya looks like she wants to speak to the manager."

The Kylie comments are coming in hot too, and TBH ... we get it. Once you think it, it's hard NOT to see it.

The museum says it's gotten lots of positive reactions too -- and, for the record, Tussauds in Hollywood unveiled an actual Kylie wax figure way back in 2017.

Deion Sanders Doctor Feared He Could Lose Leg ... During Foot Injury Battle

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Deion Sanders' foot issues were actually MUCH worse than people thought ... 'cause at one point, doctors feared the Hall of Famer could lose his leg.

The shocking detail was revealed in a trailer for the next 6 episodes of Sanders' "Coach Prime" doc with Barstool Sports and SMAC Productions ... showing the Jackson State play-caller in excruciating pain during a hospital visit.

Sanders has previously opened up about the complications he experienced after going under the knife to fix a dislocated toe ... but previously did not disclose much more details.

Now, we know just how serious it was.

"A lot is still to be determined, but he's gonna have a procedure done a little later today," the doctor says in the clip.

"You could lose your leg."

BTW -- Sanders still doesn't know exactly how it happened ... but has been documenting a lot of the process on social media.

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CAME FOR THE "HURT"

The next batch of episodes of Sanders' show will drop starting Feb. 22 ... and will also feature the past football season and an inside look at how JSU landed top recruit Travis Hunter.

"'Coach Prime' is back and I'm ELATED to share this project with you all because WE DON'T HOLD BACK," Sanders says.

"All season, we've been getting questions about what really went down at Jackson State this fall ... We're going to clear up the rumors, set the record straight and always keep it 100% with you."

The extended trailer for "Coach Prime" will drop during Barstool's Super Bowl Live Stream on Sunday.

"I PROMISE you will get nothing but the TRUTH in this action-packed, all-access look at our CHAMPIONSHIP program," Prime added. "Get ready and put your seatbelts on. I BELIEVE!"

Joel McHale Sorry 'Golden Girls' ... You're All Wet Trashing Betty White

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Joel McHale has made a compelling case that Betty White was not the person Bea Arthur and Rue McClanahan claimed she was ... a case so compelling it would have impressed Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.!!!

As we reported, the director of "The Golden Girls" said Bea and Rue used to call Betty the c-word during the run of the show .... and even Betty acknowledged they didn't like her.

Well, Joel says it's all a numbers game, because no one made similar comments on other shows on which Betty was featured, including 'Mary Tyler Moore,' "Password," 'SNL' and "Community."

Joel has first-hand knowledge, because Betty shared the screen with him on "Community," and he says she was delightful. In other words, he's saying Bea and Rue are outliers.

BTW ... Joel's a man of the people!!! We got him at LAX on the airport shuttle.

Jamie Lynn Spears Get Me on a Mic ... for New Podcast!!! Part of Hollywood Return

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Jamie Lynn Spears is getting into phase 3 of her return to the entertainment industry ... making moves to start a new podcast, where no topics will be off-limits.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Jamie Lynn has a grand plan for her entertainment return and her next step is launching a podcast. What's interesting about that -- especially for her sister, Britney Spears -- is that we're told no topics are off the table for JLS, and she could discuss everything from her career to her childhood ... but unclear if she she will choose to discuss Britney.

As we've reported ... the sisters have been feuding, on social media and in person, over recent interviews where Jamie Lynn talked about Britney.

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WE TRIED TO HELP HER

We're told Jamie Lynn's strategy to return to work has been releasing her book, returning to acting and hosting a podcast. She's already done the first 2 ... and our sources say she's wanted to start a podcast for years.

Our sources say, the pod will feature guests and JLS wants it to be an open discussion, where folks feel they have a safe place to talk.

As you know, her controversial memoir, "Things I Should Have Said," made bestseller lists ... and she's also acting on the No. 1 new show on Netflix, "Sweet Magnolias."

Unclear when the podcast will drop, or what the title will be -- we're told it's in the early stages of development, but it's another piece to the puzzle for Jamie Lynn ... at least professionally.

'Cheer' Star Jerry Harris Pleads Guilty in Child Porn Case

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UPDATE

3:09 PM PT -- Jerry's attorneys released a statement on his behalf, saying he wants to "take responsibility for his actions and publicly convey his remorse for the harm he has caused the victims in this case." They go on to say that Jerry himself was sexually abused while competing in cheer as a child, so "that perversely made him believe that this sexual conduct was normal when it's not."

UPDATE

His lawyers say he's been in therapy and mental health treatment behind bars. They say by pleading guilty, "Jerry will spend the rest of his life making amends for what he has done."

Jerry Harris has pleaded guilty in his child pornography case .... TMZ has learned.

The "Cheer" star was in Chicago Federal court Thursday where he entered the plea to 2 charges -- receiving child porn using interstate commerce and traveling over state lines with intent to illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

Harris had been under investigation by the FBI for allegedly soliciting minors for sex back in May 2019. The feds say Jerry requested sexually inappropriate photos from teen boys, which they sent to him.

The judge told Harris sentencing guidelines call for him to get up to 50 years in prison -- but it's ultimately up to the judge who will announce Harris' sentence in a June 28 hearing.

Jerry rose to fame in Season 1 of the popular Netflix series ... but things quickly took a turn for the worse, when he was arrested in Illinois for child pornography in Sept. 2020.

According to the criminal complaint, Jerry was 19 at the time and the alleged victims were 13.

The feds claim the teens' parents say Harris had contacted both of them online and repeatedly asked for pornographic photos and videos.

Harris allegedly started contacting the boys back in December of 2018.

The alleged victims provided law enforcement with screenshots of exchanges with Harris via Snapchat and text messages, among other evidence.

Harris was ultimately charged with producing child pornography. He's still dealing with a civil lawsuit from the 2 alleged victims ... who claim he groomed them into sending the nude photos and he demanded sexual acts.

Originally Published -- 12:14 PM PT

Bob Saget Medical Examiner Says Death Caused from Blunt Head Trauma

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UPDATE

11:47 AM PT -- We just got the full autopsy report, which lists the following injuries ... abrasion of the posterior scalp, subgaleal hemorrhage, linear fracture of the base of the skull, comminuted fractures, subdural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage and contusions.

UPDATE

As we reported, Bob recently had COVID and the test results were positive at the time of death. The report concludes Bob must have fallen backwards and hit the back of his head.

Bob Saget died from blunt force trauma to the head ... this according to the Orange County Florida Medical Examiner.

TMZ has obtained the conclusions from the M.E., who said, "It is my opinion that the death of Mr. Saget was the result of blunt head trauma. His injuries were most likely incurred from an unwitnessed fall."

TMZ broke the story Wednesday ... sources with knowledge tell us he went to sleep after hitting his head and never woke up, dying from a brain bleed.

The M.E. went on to say, "A toxicology analysis did not reveal any illicit drugs or toxins. The manner of death is accident."

We broke the story ... Bob was found dead in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando earlier this month, and the original operating theory was he died of either stroke or a heart attack.

We've been told authorities don't know what object Bob hit with his head, but the back of his head featured an obvious bruise ... and officials think Bob didn't know how badly he was injured.

Bob was buried at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills.

Bob's family says ... "As we continue to mourn together, we ask everyone to remember the love and laughter that Bob brought to this world, and the lessons he taught us all: to be kind to everyone, to let the people you love know you love them, and to face difficult times with hugs and laughter."

Originally Published -- 11:29 AM PT

Betty White 'Golden Girls' Star Bea Arthur Called Her 'C' Word

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BEHIND-THE-SCENES SHADE
The Originals with Andrew Goldman/Los Angeles Magazine

Well, this is shocking ... Betty White was beloved by so many people, but some of her 'Golden Girls' castmates are not among them.

Joel Thurm, the casting director for the hit show, opened up on "The Originals" podcast and revealed this ... "Literally Bea Arthur, who I cast in something else later on, just said, 'Oh, she's a f***ing c***," adding, "I heard it with my own ears."

He went on to say another castmate, Rue McClanahan also referred to Betty using the c-word.

As for why there was such tension on the set, Thurm gave a few examples. He says Estelle Getty began losing her memory and needed help remembering her lines ... "And she would write the lines on her hand." Thurm says, "Betty White would make fun of her in front of the live audience ... That may seem like a minor transgression, but it really does get to you ... I have no idea how Estelle Getty felt, but I know the other 2 did not like [Betty] at all."

There have been stories about Bea disliking Betty, but lots of folks in the media said it was jealousy on Bea's part -- because Betty snagged a Best Actress Emmy -- and because Betty joked with "The Golden Girls" audience between scenes, while Bea was focused on her lines.

Betty actually addressed the issue back in 2011, saying, "Bea had a reserve. She was not fond of me. She found me a pain in the neck sometimes. Sometimes if I was happy, she'd be furious."

That all said, Betty was beloved by many/most inside and outside of show biz.