Harlem Globetrotters 13,000 Ft. Slam From The Sky!!! Highest Dunk Ever!!!

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BEAT THAT, VINCE CARTER

It's World Trick Shot Day ... and you know who's pumped about that?? The Harlem Globetrotters, which completed the HIGHEST DUNK EVER in honor of the holiday!!

The video is bananas ... Globetrotter legend Hammer Harrison jumped out of a freakin' airplane from 13,000 feet to attempt the record-breaking rim shaker ... and flew all the way down to land the dunk.

Not only is skydiving insane (props to the pro controlling the parachute), but Hammer managed to keep his focus to successfully complete the shot.

But, think about it ... WHAT IF HE MISJUDGED THE LANDING AND HIT HIS HEAD ON THE BACKBOARD?!?!?!

The Globetrotters made World Trick Shot Day an official holiday 4 years ago, so obviously they had to go big. 13,000-feet big to be exact.

Harrison also celebrated the big day last year by jumping off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, which was the previous highest slam dunk record at 855 feet. Equally bananas.

"We work on trick shots every day, though the skydive trick shot is not one of them," Harrison said of the jump.

"We practice them because it’s such a thrill for us, and for our fans. Our fans give us such great feedback when we post them. We love getting the chance to see what they can do, too."

Cool shot. Mad props. Still just 2 points.

Papa John Founder I Ate 40 PJ Pizzas in 30 Days, and it Sucks Now!!! I Like Shaq, Though

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Papa John's founder says his former pizza chain ain't the same without him -- but the way he got to that conclusion is a little troubling ... and kind of a heart attack waiting to happen.
eat your heart out

Papa John's founder says his former pizza chain ain't the same without him -- but the way he got to that conclusion is a little troubling ... and kind of a heart attack waiting to happen.

John Schnatter sat down with WDRB in Kentucky to discuss how his life's changed since getting ousted from the company last year following his n-word controversy. The big takeaway -- he's pigging out on PJ pizza, and bitter as hell about his exit.

Schnatter says he's eaten more than 40 pies over the last 30 days to sample how the taste has changed since he's left. According to him, they simply don't have the same magic as when he was in charge.

He goes on to say he feels his coworkers were out to get him last year by allegedly releasing audio of him saying the n-word in a private conference call. He also vows for a day of reckoning -- but more importantly, he weighs in on Shaq being hired.

As we reported, the big man was tapped to join the Papa John Board of Directors this year. Despite Schnatter's firing for shamelessly using the n-word -- he says he's a fan of Shaq getting involved ... with a caveat.

Warning to Schnatter: If the bitterness in your heart doesn't kill ya, your clogged arteries might. Lay off the pizza, bruh. We get your point ...

Lewis the Koala Dies from Injuries 1 Week After Fire Rescue

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The koala that was saved from massive wildfires in Australia in a dramatic viral video has sadly succumbed to his injuries from the blaze.

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital made the decision to put down the marsupial -- named Ellenborough Lewis -- after inspecting his wounds and burns and determining he would not be able to recover.

The hospital had already been providing Lewis substantial pain relief and had previously warned it was considering putting him to sleep if his injuries were not treatable and were causing suffering.

After euthanizing the koala, the hospital said its "number one goal is animal welfare, so it was on those grounds that this decision was made."

Lewis shot to internet fame last week in a video showing motorist Toni Doherty running from her car in New South Wales to rescue him as the fires burned all around them. She named the koala after one of her grandkids.

Recent bushfires have tragically claimed the lives of more 350 koalas, according to animal experts, and have raised concerns about Australia's koala population ... which is already considered endangered.

A GoFundMe started by the koala hospital has currently raised over $1.7 million in aid.

Lewis was estimated to be around 14 years old.

RIP

Dwayne Haskins Selfie Fan Claps Back At Critics ... 'For Once Prioritize The Fans!!!'

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The guy who took a selfie with Dwayne Haskins while the QB was supposed to be on the field is telling critics to shut the hell up, saying it's about time the Redskins put their fans first!

"I think it is important to, at least for once, prioritize the fans," Jaime López-Verduzco tells TMZ Sports.

Jaime Lopez
CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT

If you missed it ... Haskins finally led the Redskins to a win over the Lions on Sunday -- but the QB's been under fire because he missed the final snaps of the victory to take selfies with fans.

In fact, legendary Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann said of the whole incident, "That’s unprofessional & wrong."

But, when we spoke with the guy whose iPhone caused all the drama ... he told us straight-up he thinks the criticism is BS.

"The Redskins are unfortunately losing fans by the day," Jaime says. "Dwayne took the time to make sure that didn't happen ... Let's give the man credit where it's due."

Jaime tells us he hasn't had the opportunity to speak with Dwayne since the infamous pic ... but he says he's hoping to catch up with the QB at the Redskins' next home game on Dec. 15.

As for his plans for the selfie ... Jaime tells us he's trying to frame it with a Haskins jersey -- and have Dwayne sign them both at the game next month!!!

"Hopefully, I won't bother him during the game," Jaime says. "I'll make sure I wait until after."

Good call.

T.I. on 'Red Table Talk' Discusses Virginity Check ... Everyone Took My 'Joking' Literally

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T.I. is ready to discuss what he revealed about keeping tabs on his daughter's virginity -- and he's doing it with the best in the biz for this type of thing ... Jada Pinkett Smith.
CLARIFYING MISCONCEPTIONS

T.I. is ready to discuss what he revealed about keeping tabs on his daughter's virginity -- and he's doing it with the best in the biz for this type of thing ... Jada Pinkett Smith.

The rapper and his wife, Tiny, sat down with Jada, and her mom Adrienne, for a 'Red Table Talk' Monday to chat about what T.I. dished on the "Ladies Like Us" podcast a couple weeks ago, where he said he tags along with his now 18-year-old, Deyjah, to the gynecologist each year ... supposedly for the sole purpose of ensuring her hymen isn't broken.

T.I. NOVEMBER 2019
Dad's in charge

Jada and co. grilled him pretty hard about it on their new episode, and they got right into what T.I. dubbed "hymengate." Diving in, T.I. says what he shared was totally misconstrued -- especially when it comes to deets he says he never actually spoke himself.

For example, T.I. says he never said he was in the room when Deyjah was getting these procedures done -- he was simply privy to the results. T.I. also clarifies that they only did this on a couple occasions, when Deyjah was 15 or 16 years old. It ain't still happening.

Further, T.I. says Deyjah's mother was there with him during these checkups -- and more importantly ... he wasn't doing any of this out of malice, but just from a place of love and protection.

Jada and Adrienne, explained why some might've perceived his actions as super controlling -- and even suggested a mother, not a father, should guide a daughter through their sexual journey.

T.I. stuck to his guns, saying he wants to shelter his daughter. He also made the argument that in a day and age when black women are often discarded by their families and society, T.I. insists he wanted the opposite for his fam.

It should also be noted that T.I. said his daughter was only upset with him for revealing their family business, and it sounds like she's the one who encouraged him to address it again.

FWIW, T.I.'s original argument for doing this was he was exercising his right as a parent to raise his kids how he wanted. He also argued he was looking out for Deyjah's best interest -- something he says more people wish their folks did growing up.

At the time, 'LLU' hosts Nazanin and Nadia chuckled along with T.I. as he recounted this story ... but later got serious in a statement. They said that their laughter in no way undermined their true feelings of support for women's autonomy over their bodies.

T.I. himself had been pretty tight-lipped since the podcast and ensuing backlash ... until his comments to Jada.

Adnan Syed Supreme Court Says No New Trial ... Life Sentence Upheld for 'Serial' Subject

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It looks like the "Serial" book on Adnan Syed's case has officially been closed by the Supreme Court ... which just denied him a new trial.

The convicted murderer, whose case was famously scrutinized on the viral podcast, was shot down by the highest court in the land after several unsuccessful appeals in lower courts.

A Maryland state court reopened Syed's case in 2015 after new info came to light on the podcast -- namely, that his original lawyer didn't question a key witness who would have corroborated the Syed's alibi and possibly gotten him acquitted.

The witness, Asia McClain, spoke on "Serial" and said that she had seen Syed in the school library at the time he was allegedly supposed to be murdering the victim.

However, the state appealed and successfully argued that a different lawyer would not have changed the facts of the murder case -- which they believe definitively prove Syed did, in fact, strangle high schooler Hae Min Lee in 1999.

He'd been handed down a life sentence, but after taking it all the way to the Supreme Court ... it seems like he's run out of options. Seems.

Syed's attorney, C. Justin Brown, said they were "deeply disappointed" with the Supreme Court's decision, and insisted this was not the end.

The Rock & Danny DeVito 'Jumanji' Wedding Crashers in Mexico ... Pretty 'Unforgettable'

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AN UNFORGETTABLE SURPRISE

The Rock and his new 'Jumanji' costar, Danny DeVito, did their best Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson south of the border -- but, truthfully, it's hard to say if it's an ad or for real.

Case in point ... Dwayne Johnson's video from Sunday -- he and Danny elaborately ducked in on someone's wedding down in Cabo San Lucas and crooned to the crowd. It's sooo well-produced ... like a short film or something ... it feels like it was staged.

However, the pics of their wedding crashing cameo seem pretty candid ... so maybe it wasn't a stunt, and did in fact happen spontaneously.

Check it out ... DD and DJ were celebrating their recently completed week full of interviews promoting 'Jumanji.' It appears they heard the wedding party going down nearby, and decided to crash. Yep, just like it was written in a movie script.

Then comes what looks to be the real-life moment when they pop into the ceremony through the back kitchen with a mic in hand, and they belt out Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable." The wedding guests couldn't get enough and ate it up.

The 2 actors had some kind words for the happy couple afterward and took some pics with the whole wedding party.

Aaaaand ... cut!!!

Kim Kardashian West SKIMS Will Be My Billion $$ Baby

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Kim Kardashian West is confident her SKIMS Solutionwear brand will revolutionize its industry ... and customer response has indicated it's on pace to become Kim's billion-dollar brand.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us Kim's massive restock release on Wednesday was actually more successful than the initial launch ... netting millions in just minutes. We're told that over a million people were on the wait list for the restock, and that almost instantly ... the most popular sizes and styles sold out.

Like we said, nearly the entire new batch of SKIMS left the digital shelves like hot cakes, and Kim issued an apology to those who were once again left empty-handed.

We're being told part of the reason it takes a while to get more SKIMS products out to the world is because Kim and co. produce their own fabric that is exclusive to the line -- which is why SKIMS-wear is so unique and somewhat difficult to churn out at the rate people want it.

Kim's cosmetic and perfume collections have also generated a massive response this year, and  SKIMS has been so successful, there's been a push for a male line.

Our sources say there's plenty more to come from SKIMS -- Kim also released body tape -- and they'll continue to introduce new products.

If SKIMS does hit the billion-dollar mark, she'll join some very familiar company. Kanye's Yeezy brand with ADIDAS is valued at over a billion ... and Kylie was named the youngest self-made billionaire by Forbes earlier this year. Kylie also just sold 51% of her cosmetics brand for $600 million.

With Christmas quickly approaching, we're told Kim and team are gearing up for yet another massive push, and aren't expecting anything less than a total sell out.

Elon Musk Net Worth Plummets By $768 MILLION ... After Tesla Cybertruck Fiasco

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SHATTERING EXPECTATIONS
UPDATE

5:31 PM PT -- While Elon's net worth might've taken a hit, he can hopefully rest assured that his new Cybertruck is already proving to be a hit with one of the biggest names in music.

UPDATE

We got Lil Uzi Vert Saturday, and asked what he made of Tesla's futuristic new ride -- this, of course, as Uzi was getting into his own behemoth of a vehicle that was very Cybertruck-esque.

UPDATE
Lil Uzi Vert
I'LL TAKE IT, BUT ...
UPDATE

Check it out -- LUV tells us he's already planning to cop the Cybertruck, despite its not-so-indestructible windows. There's a catch though ... he says he won't pay a dime for it, and has a pretty good reason as to why.

UPDATE

Don't feel so bad, EM -- Uzi loves it, and that's gotta mean something for the market.

Elon Musk takes risks -- and his latest cost him dearly.

Tesla's share price plunged by 6% since the close of the market Friday ... and that takes $768 million out of Musk's pocket.

There's little doubt ... the reversal of fortune is tied to Thursday night's unveiling of the Cybertruck at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, CA.  As we reported, Elon -- who billed his latest creation as indestructible -- wowed the crowd at first by taking a sledgehammer to the truck's door with no ensuing damage. But, then ... the chief designer took a metal ball and tossed it at one of the truck's windows and it shattered. He tried again with even less force with the same result.

Eva Longoria Tesla Sub
THE TRUCK TANKED

It's unclear if the failed demonstration is the only reason for the stock plunge. The design of the truck has met with mixed reviews. As you can see and hear ... Eva Longoria's not a fan.

As for Elon ... fear not. Even with the hit his estimated worth is $23.6 billion. What's interesting ... there are 40 people in the world richer than that.

Originally Published -- 7:03 AM PT

Elon Musk Tesla Truck Unveiling Disaster NOT FAKE ... Elon and Ball Thrower Upset

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SHATTERING EXPECTATIONS
UPDATE

2:01 PM PT -- Multiple Tesla-connected sources tell TMZ, the failed demonstration was not fake. A number of people think it was all designed for a viral social media moment, but we've learned that's not the case at all. We're told both Elon and Franz von Holzhausen -- Tesla's chief designer and ball thrower -- were confident going in that the glass would not shatter. After the glass shattered sources say both Elon and Franz were "upset, bewildered and dumbfounded."

Elon Musk has a smashing success on his hands, and we mean that in the worst way possible because his new Tesla Cybertruck -- billed as shatterproof -- shattered moments after he unveiled it.

We'll say this ... if Elon isn't firing a handful of people right now, he's going soft. On Thursday at SpaceX HQ in Hawthorne, CA ... he pulled back the curtain on the Cybertruck, and had a staffer throw a metal ball at the driver side windows to prove the near-indestructibility of its "armor glass."

It couldn't have gone worse as both windows shattered. Elon seemed to vamp to find a silver lining, saying ... "It didn't go through. That's a plus side."

It was reminiscent of some of SpaceX's early Falcon 9 rocket disasters. 'Memba this one? Juuuuust a bit outside of the landing pad, and into the drink!

To be fair, the Falcon 9 works like a charm now, so maybe that bodes well for the Cybertruck's future, but calling its introduction an embarrassment is an enormous understatement.

In fact, it went sooooo badly, it smells of a setup. The question -- was Elon in on it, just to make sure the new Cybertruck unveiling went viral? OR, was Elon set up by prankster employees?

If it's the latter, like we said ... someone's looking into unemployment benefits right now.

Originally Published -- 6:44 AM PT

Courteney Cox to Paparazzo Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! ... For Saving My Dogs' Lives

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Courtney Cox
A NEW FRIEND

Courteney Cox is filled with gratitude and can't stop thanking the photographer who ran out onto treacherous Pacific Coast Highway and saved her 2 pooches.

Courteney was leaving Giorgio Baldi restaurant Thursday night in Santa Monica and ran into the photog who scooped up her 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels after they bolted from her Malibu mansion onto the PCH.

Mind you ... Courteney profusely thanked the photog Wednesday after he handed off the dogs to her, but the appreciation was in full bloom at Giorgio Baldi. Matter of fact -- watch the video closely -- she definitely hands him something that seems to be a cash reward.

The photog is really gracious ... making it clear he didn't want anything in return for saving her dogs -- not even a photo.

Courteney was curious ... since the photog jumped out of his car who got video of the incident? As we reported, the photog had a dashcam that captured the action. You just never know what's gonna happen ...

Jason Derulo Bulging with Pride Over 'Anaconda' Pic

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Jason Derulo let the cat out of the bag about what he's packing down below, and he's making it clear there was no Photoshop involved ... he's just blessed.

We got the singer and "Cats" star leaving Hyde Lounge in L.A. in the early morning hours Friday, and asked him about his recent Instagram shot flaunting his chiseled physique and his, um ... well, take a look.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Jason tells us when he posted the pic -- which he says was taken months ago in Bali -- he didn't expect it to become his most popular. Unclear if he expected it to get flooded with lustful comments and eggplant emojis, but ya gotta think so ... especially when he replied to a fan asking “What animal are you hiding in your pants?” by answering, “Anaconda.”

Anyway, according to Rum Tum Tugger, the photo in his nut huggers is 100 percent real and natural ... and he has his Haitian heritage to thank for his impressive endowment.

His parents should be proud.

'Jeopardy!' Champ Brad Rutter I'm Slight Fave Over Ken Jennings In 'GOAT' Tourney, Here's Why ...

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Brad Rutter says he came out on top in previous battles with fellow "Jeopardy!" champ Ken Jennings thanks to a little luck, but Ken got the biggest break of all ... from the TV gods.

Rutter -- the highest money winner of all time on the game show -- joined "TMZ Live" Thursday to talk about his storied rivalry with Jennings ... which is set to be renewed on the upcoming 'Greatest of All Time' tournament.

Brad reminds us his past matchups with Ken were very close and could have gone either way, but points out that you make your own luck too. So, yeah ... fair to say he's suggesting he's a LITTLE better, and that's why he's slightly favored over Jennings.

Despite their history, and the fact Rutter's never lost a match (to a human, anyway), Jennings is the more famous of the 2 "Jeopardy!" champs.

Why? Brad has a pretty solid explanation -- face time equals fame ... and Ken was lucky to get more of it.

It's all in good fun, of course ... Brad tells us he and Ken are friends outside the show, and a very notable butt-kicking they both received brought them closer together. Like we said, Brad's undefeated ... if you don't count robots.

Rutter also says Alex Trebek is doing an astounding job hosting the game show despite dealing with pancreatic cancer ... and marvels how he seems to be getting better.

"Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time" will air in January, and it should be noted -- recent phenom James Holzhauer will be the third champion looking to take the title from Brad and Ken.

Alex: This.
Everyone: What is great television?

Ariana Grande Makes Her Pick for Prez ... Bernie Sanders is 'MY GUY'!!!

Published

If Bernie Sanders wins the Democratic nomination for President ... he might have this endorsement from one of the biggest pop stars in the world to thank.

Ariana Grande just shared a couple photos with the 78-year-old Vermont Senator, thanking him for hitting up her concert in Atlanta Tuesday night and "making my whole night and for all that you stand for !"

She went on to say she's doing her best to register young voters and has already gotten more than 20k sign-ups at her shows. She added ... "i will never smile this hard again promise."

From the looks of it ... Bernie might not either!!!

Sanders is in town for tonight's fifth primary debate, which will feature 10 contenders for the Democratic nomination. Not that he needs the energy boost ... but ya gotta think a plug from Grande will provide one anyway.

BTW -- this isn't the first time Ariana and Bernie have had a noteworthy connection ... last month she posted "baby how u feelin" on Twitter, and he replied by tweeting he's ready to fight for Medicare for All.

She replied, "screaming" ... as many of her fans and Bernie fans are now, as well.

Lyft Driver Brutally Attacks Female Passenger Other Drivers Kick His Ass

Published
UPDATE

12:50 PM PT -- The woman who says she was beaten and tossed around by a Lyft driver recounted her experience to us, and it's harrowing to hear firsthand from the alleged victim herself.

UPDATE
Alessandra Starr Ward
MY SIDE OF THE STORY
UPDATE

Actress Alessandra Starr Ward came on "TMZ Live" Wednesday to give a blow-by-blow account of what exactly happened to her in that car, and what led up to it. She told us that she was innocently playing a song from her phone, and when the driver demanded she turn it off ... things spiraled out of control and allegedly became violent.

UPDATE

Alessandra --  who pretty clearly has a black eye here -- says the Lyft driver then pulled her out of the vehicle and tossed her around like a rag doll until a few good men stepped in to stop the mayhem. It also sounds like Alessandra didn't even get a chance to finish her 911 call.

UPDATE

Check it out ... we ask if she's planning to hit up Lyft for some answers on this, and she tells us she and her family already have, but so far ... have only gotten crickets in response.

A Lyft driver pulled a female passenger out of his car, and allegedly started to attack her -- kicking off a chain reaction of fights with concerned passersby.

TMZ got a hold of this WILD surveillance video recorded Tuesday afternoon in L.A., and it starts with the car -- which has the Lyft emblem in the back window -- parked curbside along busy Melrose Avenue. Then the male driver hops out, and pulls a young woman from the seat behind him and starts dragging her out of the vehicle while tossing her stuff out at the same time.

The woman, actress Alessandra Starr Ward, tells TMZ the whole thing started when she started playing a song called "Te Bote" from her phone. The driver demanded she turn it off, she refused, and they started arguing. He allegedly threatened to boot her from the car, and she told him she'd call police if he did.

In the clip, you can see Alessandra fighting back, but the driver pushed her down and knocked her over. Drivers in other cars saw it unfolding and a few guys stopped to help.

That's when it really hit the fan ... several guys teamed up on the Lyft driver, who continued fighting back, and in the scuffle ... Alessandra got knocked down again. It took one guy putting the Lyft driver in a chokehold to finally calm things down.

We're told nearby police officers were flagged down, and cited the Lyft driver for misdemeanor battery. As for Alessandra, she says she went to the hospital and was diagnosed with a concussion. She also says she has bruises all over her body, a sprained ankle and a black eye.

She tells us Lyft needs to vet its drivers, as this shouldn't happen to anyone. It's unclear if she plans to pursue legal action against the rideshare company.

Originally Published -- 9:21 AM PT

Dog the Bounty Hunter Nope, He's Not Dead ... Look, 'I'm Alive!'

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Dog the Bounty Hunter wants it known -- he's NOT dead like the Internet might have you believe ... and we got our hands on a good old-fashioned "proof of life" photo to back it up.

The reality TV star took this hilarious photo of himself Tuesday holding a handmade "I'm Alive!" sign in one hand and that day's Denver Post to prove he is, in fact, still with us. We're told this was in response to a fake death story that was going around on Facebook.

Tons of fans were flooding Dog's social media with condolences and "RIP" posts, and our sources say Dog's team even reached out to him to make sure he was all good.

We're told Dog was on his way to a workout when his phone started blowing up and he first heard about the hoax -- which claimed he'd died because his grief over his late wife, Beth Chapman, caused a flare-up of his recent heart problems.

Again ... NOT TRUE!!! Dog is doing well and nowhere near the grave. Shout out to Prez Trump, but THIS is actual fake news.