Danny Masterson Judge Declares Mistrial After Hung Jury

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LEAVING THE COURT

Danny Masterson was all smiles after leaving the courtroom, holding hands with his actress wife, Bijou Phillips, who was also grinning.

The actor was peppered with questions about the trial as he walked away from the courthouse, but he just smiled and kept it moving.

Danny and Bijou had a pep in their step ... and he clearly looks happy with the trial result.

His trial attorney Philip Cohen tells TMZ ... "l am so thankful for the incredible care and commitment that the jurors showed in this case. This trial was about nothing other than the credibility of the three accusers and that credibility could only be determined by comparing, contrasting and focusing on the ever evolving statements given by the women."

He adds, "The vote count says it all and it is a true testament to our justice system that the jurors were able to see through all the inflammatory noise and focus solely on what was truly important."

Danny Masterson's rape trial has come to an end ... a judge has declared a mistrial after a hung jury.

Masterson was in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday waiting to hear a verdict, when the jury announced it deadlocked. The judge then declared a mistrial.

The jury began deliberations 2 weeks ago after 4 weeks of testimony from alleged victims. They had a break because of Thanksgiving, and two jurors were replaced on Monday with alternates after testing positive for COVID.

It's unclear if prosecutors will decide to try the actor again.

He was facing a maximum sentence of 45 to life behind bars if found guilty of the charges.

As we reported, Masterson was charged back in 2020 with 3 counts of rape, with the alleged victims claiming the incidents occurred between 2001 and 2003 ... right in the middle of the run of his sitcom, "That '70s Show."

Masterson's former attorney, Tom Mesereau, told TMZ at the time ... "Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify."

The actor pled not guilty to the charges ... and while he never testified in his own defense, he and his legal team maintained that the incidents either didn't happen or were consensual.

Originally Published -- 3:41 PM PT

Will Smith to Trevor Noah Oscars Slap Was Bottled Rage ... Let's Be Nice to Each Other

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THAT'S NOT ME

Will Smith says the Oscars slap on Chris Rock was an explosion of anger that was years in the making ... but also seemed to partially put the blame back in CR's court.

The actor was on "The Daily Show" with Trevor Noah Monday and once again tried breaking down what led up to him storming the stage to strike Chris across the face during the live broadcast. He says flat out ... it stemmed from rage going back to his childhood.

Will explains how he went back to being the little boy who used to watch his father beat his mother, and that he was going through things that night ... which erupted in violence.

He also makes a plea to the audience, telling them to be nice to each other ... because you never know another person's troubles, which almost felt like an excuse for the slap -- before WS explicitly noted, it doesn't justify his behavior.

Trevor, who admits some bias as Will's pal, ate it up.

Trevor says he doesn't believe what Will did is a reflection of who he really is -- and in the end, puts a bow on the convo by saying everyone makes mistakes. Will got emotional.

The reason he's going around talking about it again is because he's on a press run for his new movie, "Emancipation," which may well see him in contention for another award next year.

Of course ... the question of whether it's too soon for Will to make a comeback is top of mind, but he's forging on with his 2023 Oscar campaign anyway -- asking Hollywood to forgive and forget. The flick comes out in December.

'Die Hard' Star Clarence Gilyard Dead at 66 ... Played Evil But Funny Theo

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Clarence Gilyard, the actor who played the wisecracking computer hacker in the film, "Die Hard," has died.

Gilyard passed away after a long battle with an unspecified illness, according to media reports. His death was announced Monday by the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he had worked since 2006 as a Fine Arts professor.

His 30-year career in Hollywood landed him major roles in popular TV series, from the '80s and '90s ... notably, "Matlock," and "Walker, Texas Ranger." He worked with stars like Andy Griffith and Chuck Norris. He also scored his first big screen role as Sundown in "Top Gun."

Gilyard's breakout role was playing Theo in the OG "Die Hard." Theo was the sardonic tech wizard who took over a Los Angeles skyscraper with terrorists and hacked into a vault, attempting to steal $640 million in bearer bonds. In one scene, the terrorists bomb an LAPD vehicle and Theo famously cackles, "Oh my god, the quarterback is toast!"

UNLV Dean Nancy J. Uscher remembered Gilyard this way ... "It is with profound sadness that I share this news. His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments."

Uscher went on ... "His generosity of spirit was boundless - he was always ready to contribute to projects and performances however possible."

Gilyard was 66.

RIP

Jason Momoa Shutters Farmers Market For Filming ... Hawaii Vendors Frustrated

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UPDATE

1:45 PM PT -- 11/30 -- The manager of the land, Sam Keli'iho'omalu, tells TMZ ... they gave Kaimu Farmer's Market 3 months' notice for when the land would be used for filming for "Chief of War" and two locations where they could have the market, but they declined. The land belongs to the state and Sam says Jason went through the right process to get permission for production from the state of Hawaii. Sam claims local Hawaiian's are in full support of Jason Momoa and the "Chief of War" film.

UPDATE

10:44 AM PT -- The manager of the market tells us the production crew is not reimbursing the market or the vendors for the time off, saying, "We have not been in conversation with them at all as they are leasing the property from the property managers just as we lease the property for the Saturday market. We were told about 6 weeks ago that the property manager was not allowing us to hold the market on the 3rd of December and about 3 weeks ago informed us that we would not be using the property for the 3rd or the 10th. We were not given a choice."

UPDATE

They continue, "It hits us farmer's the worst because we now have no venue to sell eggs, for instance. The chickens keep laying whether we have a market or not."

Jason Momoa's new series is not a hit in Hawaii ... folks there are upset a local farmers market is being shut down due to filming, and they're taking it out on the actor.

Jason's filming an Apple TV+ production called "Chief of War" on Hawaii's big island, and the Kaimu Farmer's Market appears to be one of the casualties.

The farmer's market is only open on Saturdays and the 76 vendors were informed the market area will be closed for two consecutive Saturdays in December ... with the market saying it's because Jason's film crew requested the area for filming.

The Facebook page for the Kaimu Farmer's Market is being flooded with comments about the announcement, with vendors expressing frustration about being unable to sell their goods because of the movie, especially so close to the holidays.

Folks are ripping Jason, blaming him for taking away their livelihoods during the biggest time of the year and blasting him for being "out of touch."

Vendors are also seeking compensation, with some wanting the film crew to pony up some dough for lost revenue. It's unclear if the studio or production company is compensating the owners of the market, but typically they would get something.

We've reached out to Jason's camp, the studio and Kaimu Farmer's Market.

Originally Published -- 11/28 9:38 AM PT

'Eric The Trainer' Fleishman Celebrity Trainer Dead At 53

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Eric Fleishman, AKA "Eric The Trainer," famed celebrity trainer, unexpectedly died at the age of 53 on Thanksgiving, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Fleishman passed Thursday morning at his home in Glendale, CA.

Eric served as a personal trainer to many big stars in TV, movies and the music industry, working with everyone from Def Leppard, Journey, Fall Out Boy, and Nickelback to Kirstie Alley, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Ethan Suplee and Jason Priestley, amongst many others.

Many of his celeb clients also counted Eric as a friend.

But, Fleishman didn't only work with the famous and wealthy ... he also trained the people who keep Los Angeles safe. Law enforcement.

Eric, over his 3+ decade career in fitness, also worked with LAPD, L.A. Sheriff's Academy, California Highway Patrol and numerous SWAT teams across the county.

Fleishman originally got into the business after being inspired by fitness and health pioneer, Jack Lalanne.

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PUMPIN' IRON

During COVID lockdowns, Eric gathered his famous friends and held a benefit concert that raised thousands of dollars for the Feeding America charity.

Fleishman is survived by his wife Alysia and son Henry.

Rest in peace.

'POWER RANGERS' JASON DAVID FRANK Struggled with MENTAL HEALTH, DEPRESSION ... Close Friend Says

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Jason David Frank was beloved for playing the hero on-screen -- but according to a friend, his true heroism happened in real life as he battled mental health issues for years.

Mike Bronzoulis, a prized MMA fighter and one of Jason's closest friends, tells TMZ ... since they became friends in 2010, Jason was always open with him about bouts of depression and mental health struggles -- though he kept it private from most people.

Mike says Jason had multiple family members die from suicide, and his mother also died a few years ago after battling cancer. These deaths took a heavy toll on him ... despite having tons of friends and getting love from thousands of fans, he often felt very lonely.

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Jason kept a very busy schedule, but through all of it tried to find peace by motivating his fans ... whether it be meeting in person or posting videos on social media.

Mike says he last spoke to Jason roughly a week before his death. He even got a voicemail from Jason ... saying he needed to talk, and he was going through a lot. Mike didn't realize Jason left that voicemail until after he died.

As we reported, Jason died by suicide after getting into a heated argument with his wife in a Texas hotel.

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Mike tells us he and Jason's other friends will always remember him as an incredibly giving person ... but one who also wrestled with inner demons.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Jay Leno Nothin' Buggy About Me!!! Cruisin' L.A., Performing at Comedy Club

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Jay Leno clearly lives by the credo ... if you get injured doing what you love, you gotta get back in the buggy!!!

Jay, who was seriously burned when a fuel leak on a 1907 steamer triggered a fire that burned his face and hands, was back at it again Saturday, taking a spin in a vintage Bentley on the streets of L.A.

Some of the burns are apparent ... you see the scarring on his right hand. Jay suffered both second and third-degree burns.

Jay jumped in his Tesla a few days ago and went back to the Grossman Burn Center in West Hills ... cookies in hand to thank the medical staff for treating him.

The comedian then beelined it to a Chick-fil-A for a sandie.

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JAY'S STILL JOKIN'

It's pretty remarkable ... it seemed impossible Jay would bounce back so quickly, but people we know who are close to him were never in doubt.

We were told he'd be back onstage in a week or 2 and that's exactly what's gonna happen. Jay's scheduled to perform at The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach in the L.A. area on Sunday. It's a sold-out show.

Can't keep a good man down!

Kathryn Hahn Legally Changing Kids' Names ... Put Some Hahn on That!!!

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Kathryn Hahn and her hubby Ethan Sandler want name changes for their 2 kids ... and it's all about giving Mama her due.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Kathryn and Ethan filed a petition last week in Los Angeles ... looking to add "Hahn" as a second middle name before the last name "Sandler" for both 16-year-old Leonard and 13-year-old Mae.

Meaning the teens would now be going by Leonard Henry Hahn Sandler and Mae Marie Hahn Sandler! The couple didn't get specific about why they wanted the change for their teenagers.

Another celeb recently went through the name change process -- TMZ broke the story, Aaron Paul, whose last name is actually Sturtevant, was lookin' to officially get his last name changed to Paul a few weeks back.

His wife Lauren also wanted to make the switch -- and they both wanted to change their child's name to Ryden Caspian Paul.

'White Lotus' Season 2 Hotel ... Americans Swarm Online for a Peek

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The hotel featured in the second season of "The White Lotus" is as gorgeous in real life as it is on TV -- something Americans are itching to see for themselves.

A rep for San Domenico Palace in Taormina -- a 5-star Four Seasons Hotel & Resort on the eastern coast of Sicily -- tells TMZ, ever since the new season of 'WL' hit HBO last month, management has seen a tremendous spike in traffic from U.S. markets.

We're told there's been a 70% increase in searches/site visits since Season 2 dropped.

Even though there's high interest, there hasn't been a measurable boost in reservations. And, the timing isn't great ... the resort, which opened just a little more than a year ago, is just about to close for the season.

The hotel is playing the long game ... the rep says management is quite sure the HBO hit will give the resort a major boost.

Action Bronson I'm Ready For My Wrestling Career!!! ... 'Storylines Galore'

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READY TO RUMBLE

Action Bronson's time in the squared circle wasn't just a one-time thing -- the rap star tells TMZ Sports he's ready for his next wrestling opportunity ... saying there's "storylines galore" just waiting for him!!!

The "Subzero" MC recently made his debut with All-Elite Wrestling this year at Grand Slam ... teaming up with Hook to beat Matt Menard and Angelo Parker in an awesome match.

Bronson was legit impressive in the showdown -- throwing dudes over his shoulder and slamming them to the canvas in the entertaining appearance.

But, AB tells us the September event was just the beginning -- 'cause he's waiting by the phone for his next shot.

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"I'm ready to go," Bronson said at LAX. "I'm always ready."

When we asked if this is a new career to add to his resume, Bronson says it's something he'd love to do ... but the clock is ticking.

"I'm an old man, bro. I'm an old man. But, I still got some good athleticism in me. Seven more years of athleticism if I play my cards right. I'm telling you."

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Bronson says he doesn't have one specific opponent in mind ... adding, "I see storylines galore. I feel like there's a storyline for the next 10 years with me."

BTW -- Action Bronson has been losing a ton of weight recently through boxing and weightlifting ... and he tells us the mindset he has when it comes to getting right.

Keep it up, big fella -- and see you in the ring soon???

Actress Keyla McNeely Dahmer Show's Educational ... Learn from the Horror

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Keyla McNeely says she's proud of her work in the Jeffrey Dahmer series even though some folks are upset over it ... because she thinks there are important lessons to learn.

We got Keyla, who plays Dorothy Straughter in the Dahmer docuseries, at LAX, and she pointed out what she believes are some useful takeaways.

Keyla says she knows lots of folks who didn't know a thing about Dahmer, his crimes or his victims before the docuseries exploded on Netflix ... and says the show shines a light on racial and homophobic bias from cops, which she believes is still present.

As folks who had the stomach to watch "Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" know, there's a narrative about police ignoring obvious clues when it involved gay and/or Black people.

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ANIMAL OBSESSION

As we reported ... some of the families of Jeffrey's victims think Netflix painted a sympathetic image of the serial killer, and some of the survivors are calling BS on Dahmer's father Lionel telling Dr. Phil he missed the warning signs with his son.

In any event, Keyla says the Dahmer story needs to be told ... if for no other reason than to educate and prevent something similar from happening again.

Al Roker Misses First Thanksgiving Parade in 27 Years ... Watches From Home After Hospital Stay

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Al Roker was MIA from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in nearly THREE DECADES ... and it's all because of his recent health issues.

Earlier this month ... Al was taken to a hospital to be treated for blood clots in his legs and lungs. He was discharged Thursday morning, but he didn't feel up to hosting the world-famous parade so he decided to watch it on TV from his kitchen.

As you know, Al's been a TV host for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for the past 27 years. During the "Today" show broadcast, Al's cohosts sent their well wishes to the iconic weatherman.

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Al posted a video to his Instagram, showing him leaving the hospital and referencing the Thanksgiving Day Parade. He said he was thankful to be heading home in time for some turkey.

Meanwhile back on the ground, Flavor Flav got super into Paula Abdul's live performance.

Mariah Carey also took the mic, singing her classic holiday hit, "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

Valerie Bertinelli Officially Single ... Divorce Finalized

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Valerie Bertinelli is officially single, because her divorce with Tom Vitale was just finalized ... with some money changing hands, and a get the hell out order issued.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, a judge signed off on their dissolution as of Tuesday ... so they're both unattached in the eyes of the law. While there was a prenuptial agreement, Valerie still has to shell out a bit to her now ex-husband of 11 years.

Per the terms of the settlement, Valerie has been ordered to pay Tom $2.2 million as a onetime cash-out. In return, Tom must vacate their Malibu home by the end of the year (to the day) or else start to pay rent there at fair market value for the time he's there, starting Jan. 1.

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IT'S OFFICAL

The parties have agreed that rent for such a property oughta be $50K/month and/or $1,666/day. Likewise, for each day Valerie is late in paying Tom his dough, he gets an extra free day at the crib. As for spousal support ... they've each waived their right to it.

When it comes to splitting up their other assets, their prenup already took care of it. Val and Tom are also going to take care of their attorney fees. The couple never had any children.

Still no word on where exactly things went wrong, but it's all over now ... they're both out.

Jason David Frank Karate Schools to Remain Open ... In Wake of Sudden Death

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Jason David Frank's martial arts legacy will live on through his students — who'll continue to train at his academy … TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us .... Jason's Rising Sun Karate school will continue operating, with no plans for a shutdown in the wake of his death. We're told Sam Sprague -- who co-founded Rising Sun with Jason in the 2000s, and who's also a senior instructor -- will carry on the torch.

Our sources tell us everyone from students to staff at RS is devastated over the loss of Jason … but insist they’ll stay open and honor Jason's memory by passing on his teachings.

Rising Sun has three locations between California and Texas -- 2 in the former, and 1 in the latter. The school teaches a technique called Toso Kune Do ... which is a mash-up of several fighting styles, and one that Jason crafted himself.

We're told the Rising Sun community plans to honor Jason in some capacity company-wide, but there aren't many details at this point.

When word of Jason's passing surfaced, Rising Sun posted a tribute to him — saying they'd lost a master instructor, a student and a friend … adding he'd be sorely missed.

TMZ broke the story … the "Power Rangers" star died by suicide this weekend, news that rocked his former costars and the internet alike.

He was 49.

'RuPaul's Drag Race' Eureka O'Hara Allow Us to Be Human Beings ... Enough Fear Tactics!!!

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Drag queen Eureka O'Hara says discrimination and propaganda are behind the recent attacks on gay bars ... and she wants the hateful rhetoric to stop, because queer people aren't going away, ever.

We got the "RuPaul's Drag Race" star Tuesday at LAX, and our photog asked what can be done to prevent these types of attacks, like the gay nightclub massacre in Colorado Springs.

Eureka says people with ill will towards queer people need to be educated, especially on the trans community -- she says the LGBTQ agenda has nothing to do with straight people or their kids, they just want to live their lives like everyone else and coexist.

As we reported ... Richard Fierro, an Army vet subdued the gunman who killed 5 people Saturday night at Club Q -- charging the shooter and pulling him down to the ground until other club-goers stepped in to help.

Eureka says trans and queer people have been forced to defend themselves forever, and refuse to just take it when someone comes after them.

In addition to 'Drag Race' ... Eureka also stars on HBO's drag series "We're Here," and suggests people sit down with their families to watch the upcoming third season to not only get educated on trans people, but also relate with them.

Bottom line for Eureka ... "Allow us to be f***ing human beings and live our lives!!!"

Jay Leno Headin' Back to My Garage & Comedy Just 10 Days After Car Fire!!!

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Jay Leno can't stop, won't stop -- unbelievably, he's back on the open road less than 2 weeks after he was severely burned in a car fire, and his first stop ... the same garage where it happened.

Tuesday, the comedian drove himself -- still visibly scarred on his face and hand -- to his Burbank garage where he keeps most of his famous car collection.

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JAY'S STILL JOKIN'

He briefly chatted with photogs as he pulled in at the gate ... tellin' them he'll back onstage telling jokes as soon as this weekend.

He also jokes around about a much-needed BBQ. Too soon, Jay!!!

As you know, Leno was working on a vintage car that had a clogged fuel line when he got sprayed with gasoline, which then ignited and set him on fire. Luckily, his friend was there at the time to extinguish the flames, and save Jay's life.

Jay was released from the Grossman Burn Center Monday, where he underwent 9 days of treatment. He seemed to be in great spirits in photos alongside the staff ... and this new video confirms he's continuing an amazing recovery.

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NOT MISSING A BEAT