SHANE GILLIS VUELVE A "SNL" TRAS SU DESPIDO ... Y no baja el tono de las bromas

Published | Updated

Shane Gillis finalmente subió al escenario de "Saturday Night Live" más de cuatro años después de ser contratado y luego despedido de SNL antes de su primer episodio, y los fans están bastante divididos sobre su actuación como anfitrión.

El comediante salió al escenario de Studio 8H en la ciudad de Nueva York para presentar el legendario programa de sketches, y apenas abordó el escándalo que hizo que lo despidieran en 2019, en cambio, lanzó un material que atrajo la ira de algunos fanáticos.

Shane comenzó: "La mayoría de ustedes probablemente no tienen idea de quién soy. Fui despedido de este programa hace un tiempo. No lo busquen, por favor. Si no saben quién soy, por favor, no lo busquen en Google."

Shane Gillis SEPTEMBER 2018
"ataque al estilo del barrio chino"

Siguió adelante sin abordar o disculparse por los comentarios que hizo en 2018 sobre las personas asiático-americanas.

En cambio, Shane decidió lanzar un nuevo conjunto de bromas que aparentemente enfurecieron a parte de su audiencia.

020624_shane-gillis_Audio-Template
INSULTOS Y CALUMNIAS DE SHANE

Interpretó varios minutos sobre el síndrome de Down antes de utilizar un par de palabras peyorativas que se han convertido en tabú en los últimos años. Puedes ver el clip por ti mismo para escuchar lo que dijo.

Shane parecía sentir la tensión en la sala, mencionando varias veces que pensaba que ciertos chistes conseguirían más risas y añadiendo que podía ver a la gente claramente no disfrutando de su set.

En todo caso, actuó en algunos sketches notables. En uno parodiaba las nuevas zapatillas deportivas de oro de Donald Trump, y en otro junto al miembro del elenco Bowen Yang, el primer asiático-americano a tiempo completo en el show que fue vocal cuando Shane fue despedido.

En cuanto a las reacciones de los fans, son bastante divididas. Solo tienes que buscar el nombre de Gillis en X. Algunas personas están, obviamente, criticando a Gillis por sus comentarios, mientras que otros están diciendo que les encantó su actuación irreverente.

ket-art-landscape
tmz investiga

¡Parece que solo hay una manera de resolver esto... háganos saber lo que piensa a continuación!

WENDY WILLIAMS LIFETIME SHOW DESTACA LOS PROBLEMAS Del consumo excesivo de alcohol

Published | Updated

Wendy Williams lo ha pasado realmente mal, y es más que evidente en el nuevo docu de Lifetime que acaba de estrenarse.

La ex presentadora de 59 años ha sido diagnosticada con afasia y demencia, el mismo diagnóstico que Bruce Willis. En el docu está claro que Wendy tiene problemas con el alcohol, donde se le puede ver tomando una botella entera de vodka.

El programa pone de relieve los efectos de la enfermedad, mostrando un comportamiento errático y frecuentes arrebatos a su personal.

Una de las partes más desgarradoras es cuando Wendy se muestra consciente de que está tratando con una enfermedad que está más allá de su control... se siente una terrible desesperanza.

La bebida fue un tema importante en el programa, con su manager expresando su preocupación al no saber cómo sacarla de la botella.

En el documental queda claro que Wendy está muy avanzada en su deterioro cognitivo.

El programa narra la progresión de la enfermedad. Su chofer da testimonios de lo que cómo Wendy comenzó a perder su capacidad para funcionar.

El programa fue filmado desde agosto de 2022 hasta abril de 2023.

Un juez ha creado una tutela sobre las finanzas de Wendy, aunque los documentos están sellados, por lo que no hay detalles.

ket-art-landscape
tmz investiga

La segunda parte del programa de Lifetime se emite el domingo.

Wendy Williams Lifetime Show Highlights Struggles, Excessive Drinking

Published | Updated

Wendy Williams has really gone through it, and it's more than apparent in the new Lifetime doc that just aired.

The 59-year-old former talk show host has been diagnosed with aphasia and dementia ... the same diagnosis as Bruce Willis. In the doc, it's clear Wendy has alcohol issues, downing an entire bottle of vodka.

The show highlights the effects of the disease, showing erratic behavior and frequent outbursts at her staff.

One of the most heartbreaking parts of the doc ... there were moments where Wendy is aware she is dealing with an illness that is beyond her control, and it all feels hopeless.

The drinking was a big issue in the show, with her manager expressing concern that he doesn't know how to get her off the bottle.

It's clear from the doc Wendy is well down the road of cognitive decline.

The show chronicles the progression of the disease, with her driver talking about what he saw as Wendy lost her ability to function.

The show was filmed from August, 2022 to April, 2023.

A judge has created a guardianship over Wendy's finances, although the documents are sealed, so no details.

ket-art-landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Part 2 of the Lifetime show airs Sunday.

Director Werner Herzog Vi 30 minutos de "Barbie"... Barbie Land podría ser el infierno

Published

En "Barbie", puede parecer que los ciudadanos de Barbie Land están pasándolo increíble, pero en realidad están viviendo una pesadilla infernal, al menos según un legendario director de cine.

022424_piers_morgan-kal
¿Barbie land o el infierno?

El actor y director Werner Herzog, conocido por su papel como The Client en "Mandalorian", se sentó junto a "Piers Morgan Uncensored" a principios de esta semana, y no se anduvo con rodeos al momento de hablar de la película.

Werner admitió que solo vio unos 30 minutos de la película nominada al Oscar, pero su teoría es que Barbie Land no es un país de las maravillas, sino más bien un sitio con un clima mucho más caliente.

Herzog dijo: "No tengo una respuesta, pero tengo una sospecha. ¿Es posible que el mundo de Barbie sea un infierno? Y, con una entrada al cine, como público puedes presenciar el infierno lo más cerca posible".

Piers le dijo a su invitado que vio toda la película y cree que Werner dio en el clavo.

Las palabras de Werner son quizá la crítica más impactante a la película, que ha encantado al público de todo el mundo y ha recibido muchos premios. Este año opta a ocho premios de la Academia y ha recaudado más de mil millones de dólares en taquilla, lo que no es precisamente una tortura para los espectadores.

Sin embargo, no es que Barbie vaya a ganar todos los premios de esta temporada. Quedó completamente excluida en los BAFTA y solo ganó dos de los nueve Globos de Oro a los que optaba.

Por lo tanto, parece que "Barbie" no está poniendo exactamente a los críticos por las nubes, aunque llamar infierno a la película podría ser ir demasiado lejos.

PARA SU INFORMACIÓN, "Barbie" es candidato a cuatro nominaciones a los premios SAG, que comienza en tan solo unas horas, así que tendremos que esperar y ver si el gremio le otorga sus laureles a la película.

ket-art-landscape
TMZ investiga

Pero si Herzog se sale con la suya, "Barbie" podría vivir otra noche decepcionante.

Director Werner Herzog Watched 30 Minutes of 'Barbie' ... Barbie Land Might Be Hell!!!

Published | Updated

Barbie Land's citizens might look like they're having a great time in "Barbie," but it turns out they're actually living a hellish nightmare ... at least according to one legendary film director.

022424_piers_morgan-kal
BARBIE LAND OR HELL ?

Actor/director Werner Herzog -- known for his role as The Client in 'Mandalorian' -- sat down on "Piers Morgan Uncensored" earlier this week when the biggest flick of 2023 came up ... and Herzog didn't mince words when it came to the movie.

Werner admitted he only watched about 30 minutes of the Oscar-nominated film ... but he's theorizing Barbie Land isn't a magical wonderland -- but somewhere with a much hotter climate.

Herzog said, "I don't have an answer, but I have a suspicion. Could it be that the world of 'Barbie' is sheer hell? And, for a movie ticket, as an audience you can witness sheer hell as close as it gets?"

Piers told his guest he's actually seen the whole flick, and he thinks Werner's spot on when it comes to his assessment.

Werner's words are perhaps the most shocking indictment of the film that's charmed worldwide audiences and received a lot of awards buzz. It's up for eight Academy Awards this year and made over $1 billion at the box office ... not exactly torturing viewers.

Still, it's not like Barbie's winning every award this season ... it was completely shut out at the BAFTAs and only won two of the nine Golden Globes awards it was up for.

So, it seems "Barbie" isn't exactly putting the critics in a heavenly mindset ... but to call parts of the movie hell might be taking it a bit too far.

FWIW ... "Barbie" is up for four SAG Award nominations with the show kicking off in just a few hours, so we'll have to wait and see if the guild gives the movie its laurels.

ket-art-landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

If Herzog gets his way though ... "Barbie" might be in for another disappointing night.

Busta Rhymes Seemingly in Physical Altercation ... With Rapper Nizzle Man

Published | Updated

Busta Rhymes seemingly got into an altercation at a club last night ... with fellow rapper Nizzle Man, appearing to draw much of his ire.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Here's the deal ... video of a melee leaked to the popular IG account The Shade Room, and it seems to show Busta getting right in Nizzle Man's face.

Nizzle Man appears to have fallen down the stairs -- whether he tripped or was pushed is unclear -- and Busta's running right after him, grabbing the guy by the wrist to have a word with him.

Not clear exactly what went down ... but BR's not happy with the dude one bit, berating him as a couple other guys drag the 23-year-old rapper down a corridor away from the action.

A few people make to follow after Nizzle and Busta, but several others who look like event security step in front and block them from going any further.

We've checked ... doesn't look like their any pre-standing beef between the two MCs as far as we can tell.

022324_french_montana-kal_v2
LEARNED TO HUSSLE FROM TAYLOR

This all reportedly went down at French Montana's album release party in NYC ... the mixtape, "Mac & Cheese 5 (Versions)" is a gigantic project with over six hours of content packed into it -- and French told us all about it in a recent interview.

ket-art-landscape
TMZ INVESTIGATES

We've reached out to Busta's team for comment ... so far, no word back.

We covered it all on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Kevin Durant Confronts Fan Who Called Him a 'Bitch'

Published | Updated

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant had a pregame exchange with two fans ahead of Thursday night's game ... confronting the Mavericks supporters after being called a "bitch."

The whole exchange was captured on video ... showing KD running out of the tunnel for warmups -- but coming to a screeching halt after hearing the word hurled his way.

Durant quickly approached the two fans -- who appeared to have great seats for the game -- and they went back and forth for a good 30 seconds before the two-time NBA champ waved his hand in disgust and rejoined his teammates.

Of course, the NBA has a history of kicking heckling fans out of games at a player's request ... and it appeared the pair of Dallas backers were about to be escorted out of American Airlines Center before Durant returned to the scene and intervened.

It's unclear what was said between Durant and the fans ... but according to reporter Jonah Javad, the hooper saved them from getting the boot.

As for the game, Durant finished with 23 points and six rebounds ... but the Suns fell to the Mavs, 123-113.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

So despite the pregame spat, those two fans probably went home happy.

'Love Is Blind' Jeramey Lutinski Alleged Ex-Fiancée Speaks Out ... He Responds to Clarify

Published | Updated

udpate

2/23 -- 7:54 AM PT -- Jeramey hopped on IG to clarify this whole ex-fiancée thing -- and he noted he was NOT engaged when he joined the show ... nor was it a secret while they were filming.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

He explained it all in a lengthy video ... apparently feeling the need to clear this up even before the reunion episode.

Jeramey Lutinski's looking for love on this season of "Love Is Blind" -- but a woman online has been blasting him as not being forthcoming ... claiming she's his ex-fiancée.

Here's the deal ... Jeramey hit viewers' TV screens on Valentine's Day, and while fans were watching the drama play out in the pods and beyond, it turns out JL might've been hiding some key details about his life -- at least that's what Brittani Mcliverty and her mom have been suggesting on social media.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Brittani's mother, Jenni, has been sounding off online over the past several days -- claiming Jeramey was previously engaged to her daughter, with whom she says he shared a home ... an alleged detail that hasn't come out in the 9 episodes of the show that have aired so far.

The supposed evidence she's putting out there ... a picture of Jeramey lookin' real cozy with a woman -- who Jenni says is Brittani -- sporting a big ol' rock on her ring finger. The implication here is that he was engaged to her ... and that the timeline for when he actually applied for 'LiB' might've bled into his time with Brittani.

It's unclear if what this Jenni woman claims is true -- Jeramey himself hasn't explicitly addressed her allegations ... and considering the show's currently airing, he probably won't.

Jenni has also gone on to claim that Jeramey and Brittani sold their home around the same time -- which lines up with a detail about his life that Jeramey actually did share on the show ... telling the woman he got engaged to, Laura, the exact same thing.

BTW ... the alleged fiancée here ain't sittin' on the sidelines either. She's dropped a few comments on one of Laura's IG posts, asking her point blank if Jeramey ever mentioned her -- and telling her and Sarah Ann, another contestant on the show, to DM her for more info.

Jeramey's sorta in the middle of a complicated situation on the show right now ... 'cause he ended things with Sarah Ann in the pods -- someone he seemed to have a connection with -- to propose to Laura ... basically dumping one for the other.

Now, Jeramey's made a cryptic statement in the past 24 hours. He took to Instagram to decry all the hate he and his castmates are getting this season.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

One noteworthy line ... "Everyone will get their chance to speak when the time is right. Until then we all get it." He might just be waiting for his opportunity to speak out ... but that won't happen until they film the reunion episode -- which won't be for a little while.

We should note ... Jenni and Brittani aren't saying Jeramy was engaged while on the show, but they are claiming he was engaged shortly before getting on there -- insisting he broke things off with Brittani at the end of 2022. If true, he's not technically doing anything wrong.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Anyway, the season finale's set for next Wednesday ... and we're sure all of this will be addressed then.

Originally Published -- 2/22 -- 2:56 PM PT

MEL GIBSON QUERÍA PROTAGONIZAR "LA LISTA DE SCHINDLER" Pero era demasiado famoso

Published | Updated

Mel Gibson estaba en la lista de candidatos para el papel protagonista de "La lista de Schindler", pero a pesar de su interés, el director nunca iba a elegirlo.

Cuando los productores estaban haciendo el casting para el papel principal de la icónica película de 1993, el nombre de Mel salió a relucir, según el agente de Hollywood y cofundador de CAA Michael Ovitz, que ayudó a hacer la película.

Ovitz dijo a The Hollywood Reporter que Mel estaba interesado en el proyecto y su agente trató de conseguirle el papel, pero dice que el director -Steven Spielberg- estaba buscando una estrella "no cinematográfica" como protagonista.

Mel era, y sigue siendo, un gran nombre en Hollywood y en 1993 acababa de protagonizar su tercera película "Arma Letal" y ya tenía un montón de créditos populares a su nombre.

Finalmente, Liam Neeson fue elegido para el papel de Oskar Schindler y ayudó a la película a ganar 7 Oscars en la entrega de premios de 1994, incluyendo Mejor Película.

La ironía, es que informamos por primera vez sobre los comentarios racistas y antisemitas de Mel durante su arresto por conducir ebrio en 2006. Así que es extraño que fuera considerado para esta película en ese entonces... que es, obviamente, sobre el Holocausto.

costner_promo_kal
tmz investiga

Es justo preguntarse si Steven siente que esquivó una bala con Mel.

Mel Gibson Wanted To Star In 'Schindler's List' ... But He Was Too Famous

Published | Updated

Mel Gibson was on the shortlist for the leading role in "Schindler's List" ... but despite his interest, the director was never going to pick him.

When the producers were casting the lead role in the iconic 1993 movie, Mel's name came up ... according to Hollywood agent and CAA co-founder Michael Ovitz, who helped make the film.

Ovitz told The Hollywood Reporter Mel was interested in the project and his agent tried to land him the part ... but he says director Steven Spielberg was looking for a "non-movie" star as his leading man.

Mel was, and still is, a huge name in Hollywood ... and by 1993 he had just starred in his third 'Lethal Weapon' movie ... and already had a bunch of popular credits to his name.

Ultimately, Liam Neeson was cast as Oskar Schindler ... and he helped the film win 7 Oscars at the 1994 award show, including Best Picture.

The irony here ... we first reported on Mel's racist and antisemitic comments during his 2006 DUI arrest. So it's wild that he was considered for this film back then -- which is obviously all about the Holocaust.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Fair to wonder if Steven feels like he dodged a bullet with Mel.

HANNAH GUTIERREZ-REED COMIENZA EL JUICIO POR HOMICIDIO INVOLUNTARIO Declaraciones de apertura

Published

El juicio por homicidio involuntario de Hannah Gutiérrez-Reed comenzó el jueves, y tanto la fiscalía como la defensa han revelado sus pasos en la batalla judicial, con la fiscalía echándole la culpa directamente a Hannah mientras que la defensa apunta a un fallo institucional más amplio.

La armera de "Rust" -que fue acusada de homicidio involuntario en la muerte de la directora de fotografía Halyna Hutchins- apareció en un tribunal de Nuevo México, y las declaraciones de apertura se llevaron a cabo no hace mucho tiempo.

La fiscalía comenzó todo el juicio diciendo que creen que fue culpa de Gutiérrez-Reed la ronda que mató a Hutchins en el primer lugar.

Los fiscales dicen que Hannah no siempre se adhiere a los protocolos de seguridad en el set y afirman que no se ofreció a mostrarle a los actores las rondas dentro del arma o tener el arma inspeccionada delante el proceso, un protocolo que los fiscales insisten que se suponía que debía seguir.

Hannah no siguió los protocolos de acuerdo a la fiscalía, la cual afirma que van a proporcionar varios testigos que declararán que Guiterrez-Reed no realizaba adecuadamente sus funciones.

Dicen que regularmente dejaba armas y municiones tiradas por el plató e incluso permitió que munición real se abriera paso en el set. Incluso afirman que Hannah no podía reconocer una ronda en vivo.

Los abogados de Hannah dicen que se le encomendó la tarea de múltiples puestos de trabajo en el set cuando ella tenía solo 24 años -tanto armera como asistente de utilería- lo cual es mucho de que ocuparse. Su equipo afirma que la edad de Hannah y su relativo anonimato la convierten en el chivo expiatorio ideal para la tragedia.

111623_alec_baldwin_rust_kal
"NO QUIERO DISPARAR HACIA TI"

También dicen que hizo bien su trabajo, señalando que incluso le pidió al director de producción más días de armera, porque estaba dividiendo el tiempo entre los puestos de trabajo y quería centrarse en sus responsabilidades. Sus abogados dicen que su solicitud fue denegada en última instancia por la producción.

042522_hannah_gutierrez_rust_armorer_kal_1 10/21/21
"el peor día de mi vida"

Además, la defensa dice que la OSHA -una agencia gubernamental encargada de la salud y la seguridad en los lugares de trabajo- encontró numerosos errores en la producción en general, los cuales no se le pueden adjudicar solo a Reed. La defensa añadió que OSHA multó a la producción, y fue una de las más grandes en la historia de Nuevo México.

020323-jason-bowles-kal 2/3/23
fuera de sus labores

Alec Baldwin también fue mencionado, con Hannah diciendo que violó la regla más básica de seguridad de armas: no apuntes un arma a alguien a menos que quieras disparar. Dicen que o bien tenía el dedo en el gatillo o tiró de él, pero de cualquier manera, no fue culpa de Hannah.

costner_promo_kal
tmz investiga

Se supone que el juicio durará hasta el 8 de marzo y seguramente va a estar lleno de giros y vueltas.

Manténgase en sintonía...

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Begins ... Opening Statements

Published | Updated

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's manslaughter trial kicked off Thursday, and both the prosecution and defense have revealed their hands for the court battle ... with the prosecution laying the blame squarely on HGR while the defense is pointing to a broader institutional failure.

The "Rust" armorer -- who was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins -- appeared in a New Mexico court, and the opening statements took place not long ago.

The prosecution started the whole trial by first saying they believe it was Gutierrez-Reed's fault the live round that killed Hutchins ended up on set in the first place.

Prosecutors say Hannah didn't always adhere to safety protocols on set ... for example, they claim she didn't offer to show the actors the rounds inside the weapon or have the gun inspected in front of them -- a protocol prosecutors insist she was supposed to follow.

Hannah not following protocols was common on set according to the prosecution, which claims they'll provide several witnesses who will testify about Gutierrez-Reed not adequately performing her duties.

They say she regularly left guns and ammo just lying around the set ... and even allowed live ammo to make its way on set. They even claim Hannah couldn't recognize a live round when it was sitting in her lap.

In Hannah's defense, her lawyers say she was tasked with multiple jobs on set when she was just 24 -- both armorer and prop assistant -- which was a lot to ask her to do. Her team claims Hannah's age and relative anonymity make her an ideal scapegoat for the tragedy.

111623_alec_baldwin_rust_kal
"I DON'T WANT TO SHOOT TOWARDS YOU"

And, they're also saying she did her job well ... noting she even asked the production manager for more armorer days -- because she was splitting time between jobs and wanted to focus on her responsibilities in that domain. Her lawyers say her request was ultimately denied by the production.

042522_hannah_gutierrez_rust_armorer_kal_1 10/21/21
"WORST DAY OF MY LIFE"

In addition, the defense says OSHA -- a government agency in charge of health and safety for workplaces -- found numerous mistakes in the production overall that can't just be pinned on Reed individually. The defense added OSHA fined the production ... a fine they say was one of the largest in New Mexico's history.

020323-jason-bowles-kal 2/3/23
RIPPED FROM HER DUTIES

Alec Baldwin was also mentioned ... with Hannah's layers saying he violated the most basic gun safety rule -- don't point a gun at someone unless you want to shoot them. They say he either had his finger on the trigger or pulled it ... but either way, it wasn't Hannah's fault.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

The trial's supposed to run through March 8 ... filled with what we imagine will be a ton of twists and turns.

Stay tuned ...

Johnny Manziel I Lost 40 Lbs After Leaving Browns ... 'Strict Diet Of Blow'

Published | Updated

Johnny Manziel says he withered from 210 pounds all the way down to 170 just months after his NFL career ended ... explaining his body morphed due to "a strict diet of blow."

The former Heisman Trophy winner opened up about his struggles following his Cleveland playing days during a recent, two-hour interview with Shannon Sharpe.

In the chat on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast ... Manziel admitted he was at nearly rock bottom once he had failed the Browns in 2015 at 23 years old -- so he turned to the Las Vegas party scene to pick him up.

Apparently, his trip to Sin City included a lot of cocaine ... something he says changed his figure into an unrecognizable one.

"At that point in time, man," Manziel said, "I would look in a mirror and I didn't see myself any different than when I was in Cleveland. Until I stepped on a scale at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, I didn't realize I had lost 40 pounds at all."

"I remember these pictures came out," he continued. "I was like, 'Damn. What am I doing? Ah, whatever, we'll figure that out later. Let's go again.'"

Manziel said in addition to coke, he was also using OxyContin and Percocets.

022224_johnny_manziel_lebron_kal
Even My Hero Couldn't Help

Johnny Football went on to lament other parts of his life in his talk with Sharpe -- including his strained relationship with LeBron James.

After Cleveland had drafted the Texas A&M QB, LeBron signed him to his agency ... and throughout his time with the Browns, Manziel said the NBA superstar tried to take him under his wing. But, while battling poor play and subsequent depression, he said he pushed the hooper away.

"LeBron would text me every week to come over to the house and watch a game or play poker with the boys and just tried to be there," Manziel said. "And I was so depressed for the first time in my life that even my biggest role model and inspiration in my life couldn't get me out of bed to come and hang out with him."

Manziel added that he still feels to this day he let the future basketball Hall of Famer down.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Fortunately for the 31-year-old, he told Sharpe he's done a lot of growing over the last decade ... and is now, "the happiest I've ever been in my life."

AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile Cell Phone Outage Nightmare ... Tons Of Customers Pissed

Published | Updated

A multitude of AT&T customers are probably yanking out their hair after the company announced their network crashed, killing cell phone usage in many areas around the country.

Upwards of 73,000 AT&T clients were cut off from making mobile calls and sending text messages following the nationwide outages that began Thursday around 5 AM ET. This comes on the heels of AT&T's temporary outages over the last few days, including a 911 blackout in some parts of the southeastern United States.

Verizon and T-Mobile customers were also hit with service interruptions, but not as hard as AT&T. About 4,000 customers reported cell phone outages for Verizon, while around 1,900 T-Mobile customers reported a lack of service.

People started reporting the outages on the website, "DownDetector," which tracks telecommunication issues throughout the U.S. Initially, the number of reported AT&T outages fell during the 5 AM hour, only to spike again in the 7 AM hour.

In San Francisco, the Department of Emergency Management issued a public announcement, saying that its 911 center was functioning.

However, in their statement posted to X, the officials suggested that AT&T customers use a landline or a rival phone service to get through to them if the mobile network was down.

They also wrote, “We are aware of an issue impacting AT&T wireless customers from making and receiving any phone calls (including to 911). We are actively engaged and monitoring this.”

People online are making comparisons to Julia Roberts' Netflix film "Leave The World Behind," which follows a family dealing with the reality of a country-wide blackout crisis.

So far, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have not officially commented on what triggered the outages ... but AT&T says they're currently working on customer complaints.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

One thing's for sure ... Americans won't stand for no cell phone service. Get that s*** up and running, pronto!

Tim McKyer Three-Time SB Champ Arrested ... After Alleged Hit And Run

Published | Updated

Former San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tim McKyer -- who won three Super Bowls in his NFL career -- was arrested in Florida this week ... after he was accused of crashing into multiple parked cars before fleeing the scene.

According to police documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, McKyer allegedly slammed his Tesla into five vehicles on Sunday in a Riviera Beach parking garage.

Cops wrote in the docs all five rides -- which were parked at the time -- had visible damage, with some left totally "inoperable."

Police say their investigation revealed that after wrecking the cars ... McKyer backed his Tesla into an open space on a different floor of the garage -- before he left without making anyone aware of the damage he had caused.

According to the docs, Riviera Beach Police Dept. officers made contact with McKyer a short time later ... and they claim he showed signs of inebriation -- namely, cops say he reeked of alcohol and struggled with his balance.

McKyer was taken into custody for leaving the scene of an accident with property damage ... and transported to a nearby hospital. While there, cops say he admitted he was the only one who had driven his Tesla that evening.

McKyer was ultimately arrested and booked on five total charges of hit and run.

Records show he's due in court for a hearing on the matter on March 4.

McKyer played in the NFL for 12 years ... helping Joe Montana and John Elway win Super Bowls in '89, '90 and '98. He logged snaps in 170 total games ... piling up 470 combined tackles and 33 interceptions.

LAS VEGAS Creepy Crawlers Discovered at Vegas Hotels ... Don't Let the Bed bugs Bite!!!

Published | Updated

Las Vegas' most popular tourist resorts need to strip those sheets STAT ... 'cause a massive outbreak of bed bugs has been discovered over the last few months.

The creepy crawly pests have been found at Encore, the Venetian, the Mirage and the Excalibur Hotel and Casino ... after Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) inspectors were called in to check things out -- this according to health records cited by 8 News Now. So, you may wanna reconsider plans if you've got a stay booked at any one of those hotels.

The last bed bug discovery was in December when one of Encore's specifically trained bed bug-sniffing dogs discovered a live bed bug in a room when a guest filed a complaint. Thankfully, the room was taken out of service pronto.

Before that, the teeny-weeny parasites were discovered in rooms at the other three resorts up and down the Strip in September and October.

According to the Nevada Resort Association, the outbreak affected only four rooms across the four hotels, and they described the incidents as "extremely rare and isolated occurrences." They add members are taking swift action in accordance with health and safety requirements.

It's unclear how the blood-sucking bed bugs made their way to the resorts and if there's a link between them all -- but they all lie within a 4-mile stretch of one another ... and one thing about bed bugs is they do love to hitchhike through luggage and clothing, so the spread could've been facilitated that way.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

This ain't the first time Vegas has been under siege by bed bugs ... they were previously discovered at seven other popular hotels between 2022 and 2023. The spots they hit up at the time were Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Circus Circus, Palazzo, Tropicana, MGM Grand, and Sahara.

So yeah, basically, what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas if bed bugs have anything to do with it!!