Stormy Daniels 2 Cops Fired Over 2018 Strip Club Arrest

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Two police officers who busted Stormy Daniels during her 2018 strip club gig in Ohio are outta work for what police now admit was a bogus arrest.

The Columbus Police Department announced its decision Thursday after it found officers Steven Rosser and Whitney Lancaster violated rules when they arrested Stormy on 3 counts of illegal sexually oriented activity. The department also said the officers lied during an internal investigation about the basis for their sting operation.

As you might remember, Columbus PD hauled in Stormy for motorboating an undercover cop. Ohio has strict laws on touching strippers. Stormy's attorney at the time, Michael Avenatti, accused officers of setting her up and alleged the arrest was politically motivated -- she'd gone public about her alleged affair with Donald Trump.

City officials ultimately determined Ohio's no touching law should have only applied to regular performers and NOT Stormy, a guest performer.

031218_stormy_kal MARCH 2018
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Stormy's charges were dropped within 24 hours, but she later sued the department and won a $450,000 settlement. The controversy also resulted in the police department disbanding its controversial vice squad following a federal corruption investigation.

The federal probe determined Rosser lied about the purpose of the strip club sting ... saying he was searching for an underage stripper. The search never happened, and instead, they arrested Stormy. Two other officers were suspended for the arrest.

'The Wolf of Wall Street' Jordan Belfort Sues Producers ... This Time, I Got Scammed!!!

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Try not to choke on the irony, but the real-life 'Wolf of Wall Street' -- who infamously fleeced investors for roughly $200 million -- is now suing the film's producers, claiming they lied and screwed HIM over.

Jordan Belfort is going after Red Granite Pictures and its CEO, Riza Aziz, for fraud ... claiming he had no idea they financed the film with stolen money from the Malaysian government. In the suit, Belfort says the political scandal Aziz is wrapped up in, is tainting the rights to his story ... which he sold to Red Granite.

Aziz allegedly embezzled $248 mil from a Malaysian government-run development fund.

Belfort sold the production company the rights to his memoir and the sequel, "Catching the Wolf of Wall Street," but he claims the scandal is keeping him from cashing in even more.

For example, despite the massive success of the Leonardo DiCaprio movie directed by Martin Scorsese ... Belfort says -- in docs obtained by TMZ -- Red Granite has "since refused to further exploit the goldmine of an asset to the benefit of Belfort, despite its contractual obligations."

Tom Sizemore Busted for DUI and Drug Possession

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Three weeks into 2020, and for Tom Sizemore it's looking a lot like 2019 -- he's been arrested for DUI, and it could impact one of his many prior cases.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the troubled actor was busted Thursday morning around 2:30 AM in Glendale, CA after cops pulled him over a traffic violation. We're told Tom showed signs of being under the influence and after searching him, cops say they found narcotics on him. He was booked for DUI as well as possession of a controlled substance.

This is nothing new with Tom. He was busted for drugs almost exactly a year ago in Burbank, CA, but caught a HUGE break in that case. As part of his plea deal, Tom avoided jail but he needed to keep his nose clean for a year. If a judge finds he violated the terms of the deal, Tom could go straight to jail.

You'll might recall, the "Black Hawk Down" and "Saving Private Ryan" actor was also arrested for domestic violence in 2016 ... and there were a handful of other charges prior to that, too.

While he's avoided any long stretch behind bars, Tom's luck might be running out.

Kodak Black Off to Kentucky Prison ... See Y'all in Summer 2022!!!

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Kodak Black can start marking the days off his calendar -- if that's allowed in federal prison -- because we've just learned when he'll be released.

Kodak will be free again on or about Aug. 14, 2022 -- according to the feds. He could get out a few days earlier because the 14th falls on a Sunday. It's federal policy to let inmates out early if their release date falls on a weekend.

The rapper also knows the Bluegrass State will apparently be his home until then. Kodak's currently being transferred to a federal prison in Oklahoma City -- a temporary stop before one more transfer. His attorney says he'll end up in a federal pen in Kentucky.

Kim Kardashian Sued That's a Sweet Shot of You & Kanye ... But Ya Stole it From ME!!!

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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West got love for each other -- as they've declared on social media posts like this one -- but now she's got a lawsuit too.

This tender moment between the Wests ended up on Kim's Instagram -- back in October 2018 -- and while more than 2.2 million people liked it, one professional photographer hates it to the point he's suing Kim.

Saeed Bolden says he's the guy who snapped the loving shot, and therefore he owns it. According to the suit, obtained by TMZ, Bolden says he never gave KKW permission to use it, nor did she pay him to use it ... so he wants a little something for his trouble.

For sure, it's a rare pic ... Kanye's smiling, after all. The photo was snapped at Nas' album release party, which Kanye produced.

As for how much the pic is worth? Bolden doesn't name a price -- he's suing for any profits Kim's made off the post, plus punitive damages.

Oddly, he's also suing Kim's shapewear line, Skims Body. because he claims it shares Kim's IG account ... though the solo Skims account never posted the photo.

Aerosmith Joey Blocked from Band Rehearsal by Security Guards

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UPDATE

4:19 PM PT -- We've obtained video from over the weekend showing Joey arrive at an Aerosmith Grammy rehearsal in L.A. only to be turned away by two security guards. The guards make it clear, they were given the orders to refuse Joey's entry by the other 4 members of the band.

UPDATE

Joey says he was given a rehearsal schedule from the band on January 18 and flew to L.A. the next day ... that's where the video picks up.

UPDATE

Joey tells TMZ, "The band waited until January 15th to tell me that they weren’t letting me play at the awards ceremonies this week. I can hold my head high knowing that I did the right thing – to fight for my right to celebrate the band’s success that I have dedicated the better part of my life to helping build."

UPDATE

He continues, "The band’s offer to allow me to participate in this week’s MusiCares and Grammy celebrations for red carpet photo ops only, is appreciated; however, with a fill-in drummer playing on stage at two events honoring our collective musical contributions, it is extremely hurtful to me. I am a professional musician who is eager to return to my rightful place with Aerosmith."

UPDATE

2:36 PM PT -- A rep for Aerosmith tells us the band won't be commenting as they consider it a family matter.

Aerosmith's drummer, Joey Kramer, got shut down in court ... after a judge ruled against him rejoining the band for its upcoming Grammy performance.

The judge said Joey didn't make a convincing enough case for playing with bandmates when they take the stage for Sunday's award show, and also for Saturday night's MusiCares gala.

In his ruling, the judge seemed to agree with Aerosmith's stance that Joey's just too rusty for a live performance at this point. He said, "Given that Kramer has not played with the band in 6 months and the dearth of available rehearsal time before the upcoming performances, Kramer has not shown a realistic alternative course of action sufficient to protect the band's business interests."

Wendy Williams Divorce is Official

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Wendy Williams is officially a single lady -- cue Beyonce -- this according to new legal docs obtained by TMZ.

The TV host's final judgment got the judge's stamp of approval Tuesday in New Jersey. The docs include some interesting tidbits about who gets what.

The Livingston, NJ house she and Kevin Hunter put up for sale is eventually gonna be split down the middle -- 50/50. Wendy gets to keep a crib they have in Florida, where her mom lives. Kevin, meanwhile, gets to keep the proceeds from another house he owned and recently sold in Morristown, NJ.

The docs say they each owned equal shares of their production company, and apparently Kevin is going to sell off his part of it to Wendy. She'll be the sole owner, but she's paying him a lump sum, plus a severance package. The amounts are confidential.

Robert De Niro Ex-Asst. Threatened to Spill Dirt on Me

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Robert De Niro's lawsuit against his ex-assistant is getting nastier -- he now claims she made veiled threats against him, if he didn't ante up on her demands.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the famed actor says Graham Chase Robinson sent him an email in August 2019 claiming she would disclose personal info about him. He insinuates it's no coincidence she sent that when she did, because just days later he sued her for misusing the company credit card and binge-watching "Friends" on the job.

He also claims that in a separate email Robinson threatened to write a memoir containing personal information about De Niro if, again, her demands weren't met. In the docs, De Niro doesn't specify Robinson's alleged demands.

What's more ... De Niro claims Robinson only counter-sued him in October -- alleging harassment and discrimination -- because he called her out for her work misconduct.

De Niro denies making sexually-charged comments and, as we first reported, De Niro's attorney, Tom Harvey, called the allegations "beyond absurd."

De Niro, however, does admit leaving her the angry voicemail ... which Robinson had included in her lawsuit.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Sues Hillary for Defamation ... I'm No Russian Agent!!!

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard just slapped a lawsuit on Hillary Clinton, claiming the former Secretary of State attacked her character simply because Tulsi refused to back her in 2016.

The current presidential Democratic candidate and Congresswoman claims in new court docs that Clinton was out to ruin her campaign this year ... and took deliberate steps to torpedo her chances. Specifically, Tulsi mentions the "Russian asset" comment HC made.

Hillary Clinton
THEY HAVE AN EYE ON HER

You'll recall ... Hillary said on a podcast, "She's the favorite of the Russians. They have a bunch of sites and bots and other ways of supporting her so far."

Quality Control CEO 'Pee' Lira Galore Says He's a Menace ... Wants Restraining Order

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Quality Control Music's CEO Pierre "Pee" Thomas is threatening and unpredictable, even when he's in a courtroom ... so claims his baby mama, Lira Galore, who wants a judge to keep him away from her.

Lira filed docs seeking a temporary protective order against Pee because of what she calls his "menacing behavior" last week during a court hearing in their custody battle for 9-month-old, Khaleesi.

As you'll recall ... Galore accused Thomas of violent abuse last month, claiming he beat her during her first 8 months of pregnancy with his child. She's seeking at least $15 million for her injuries.

Lira says in new docs that because of the past alleged violence, she's terrified of Pee ... and says his antics in court only intensified her fear. She claims Thomas kept trying to speak to her, including approaching her in an "intimidating nature" and attempted to get her phone number.

Aerosmith We Still Want Joey at Grammys ... He Just Can't Perform

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UPDATE

3:38 PM PT -- We just obtained a statement from Aerosmith, saying, "We would be doing a disservice to Joey, to ourselves and to our fans to have him play without adequate time to prepare and rehearse. Compounding this, he chose to file a lawsuit on the Friday night of the holiday weekend preceding the Grammys with total disregard for what is our limited window to prepare to perform these important events."

UPDATE

The statement continues, "Given his decisions he is unfortunately unable to perform but of course we have invited him to be with us for both the Grammys and our MusiCares honor. We are bonded together by much more than our time on stage."

UPDATE

12:09 PM PT -- Our Aerosmith sources say the group tried actively for months to get Joey back -- and would have loved to have had him join the Grammy performance -- but he just couldn't get it together in time and left the band with no other choice.

UPDATE

10:54 AM PT -- Joey tells TMZ, "Being prohibited from playing with a band that I have given 50 years of my life to supporting, is beyond devastating. This is not about money. I am being deprived of the opportunity to be recognized along with my peers, for our collective, lifetime contributions to the music industry. Neither the MusiCares’ Person of the Year Award nor the Grammys’ Lifetime Achievement honors can ever be repeated."

UPDATE

He continues, "I hope our fans can understand that all I’m trying to do is get back to playing with the band that they love – and that’s Aerosmith with all five original members. The greatest magic and success of Aerosmith happens when all the band’s founding members are together in the house."

UPDATE

Finally, Joey says, "To be removed from my rightful place on stage to celebrate our success – a success that acknowledges my own life’s work, is just plain wrong."

UPDATE

9:48 AM PT -- Sources close to the band tell TMZ, Kramer was given multiple opportunities to rejoin the group over the last several months, but always backed out. We're told Joey finally recorded a tape for Steven, Joe, Tom and Brad to hear earlier this month, but they didn't feel his drumming was up to par.

UPDATE

Our sources say it's no coincidence Joey filed the suit against the band now ... they're scheduled to play the Grammys, and Joey clearly wanted some TV time.

UPDATE

Even though there's conflict, we're told the group -- including Joey -- is a brotherhood, and the door is still open for him to rejoin in the coming months ... as long as his drumming skills return to full potential.

UPDATE

Joey's legal team made a request Monday to get a judge to allow him to rehearse with Aerosmith, but no final decision was made ... the case will be heard again Tuesday.

Aerosmith's drummer Joey Kramer -- who's been with the band since it formed in 1970 -- is being kicked around like a rag doll by the other members, who are unfairly blocking him from rejoining the band before some once-in-a-lifetime events ... according to a new lawsuit.

Tekashi 6ix9ine Will Serve Out Sentence in Prison!!! Judge Denies Home Request

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UPDATE

4:08 PM PT -- Tekashi's girlfriend just shared a seemingly recent pic of the two and a motivational message to her BF. She compares his crimes to Sammy the Bull, saying, "Sammy the Bull kills 19 people and gets 5 years. You kill no one and get 2 years. This s**t is so f****d up."

UPDATE

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Tekashi 6ix9ine's life might be in danger behind bars, but the judge still isn't letting him out to serve his sentence at home.

A federal judge just denied Tekashi's motion to serve his 24 months under home confinement. In his decision, Judge Paul Engelmayer said doing the time behind bars is "necessary in this case ... [to] reflect the seriousness of his crimes."

In his request, Tekashi said he feared for his life because the facility where he's currently being held is filled with Bloods -- y'know, the people he snitched on to get his shortened sentence.

The judge said he's well aware the private jail where Tekashi's being held doesn't have all the rehabilitative programs of some other facilities. He added, granting the rapper's request would "eliminate the remaining prison component of his sentence in favor of lesser forms of confinement."

Meghan Markle Threatens Lawsuit Over Pics in Canada ... Testing New Legal Waters

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Meghan Markle's already fuming mad over one aspect of her new life in Canada -- she's ready to sue over paparazzi shots of her and Archie hiking.

Lawyers for Prince Harry and Meghan fired off a cease and desist letter Tuesday to British media outlets saying legal action will be taken if they publish or purchase the pics of Meghan, Archie and 2 pups out for a walk on Vancouver Island.

The letter implies there's definitely going to be a lawsuit coming because the photos are already out there. Multiple outlets posted the pics in question on Monday ... and they're still up today.

The cease and desist letter says, "There are serious safety concerns about how the paparazzi are driving and the risk to life they pose" -- a clear reference to Princess Diana's tragic death in Paris.

'Pete's Dragon' Screenwriter Bamboozled by My Own Children!!! They Tricked Me into Screwing Over My Wife

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The guy who helped create the children's movie, "Pete's Dragon" claims he got screwed over by his own kids when they pulled the wool over his eyes to line their own pockets.

Malcolm Marmorstein's now battling 2 of his 4 kids in court over his living trust ...which he claims they duped him into altering so his wife will be left out in the cold after he dies. Malcolm, who's 91, says his boys, Mitchell and Wayne, picked him up ... took him to meet with lawyers and shoved a stack of papers in his face.

Malcolm Marmorstein
"I MUST DO THIS"

He says he naturally trusted his sons and happily gave them his John Hancock -- only to later discover what he signed changed the way his money will be divvied up among his heirs. Even shiftier, he claims the new document forces Barbara, his wife of 14 years, to get the hell out of her home a year after Malcolm dies.

Harvey Weinstein 'Stealth Jurors' Have Infiltrated My Trial

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Harvey Weinstein says he's been had by jurors who are pretending to be impartial when in fact they want him locked up and the key thrown away.

Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, filed legal docs Friday to further support his motion for a change of venue ... claiming the 12-person jury was comprised of "stealth jurors" who lied during the jury selection process, claiming they could be clean slates when it came to hearing evidence when in fact they held secret prejudices.

The lawyer cites examples of 2 prospective jurors who claimed impartiality but later revealed their feelings on social media. One wrote, "Goodbye Jury Duty. And goodbye Harvey Weinstein. I hope they convict you on all counts...I was told not to talk about the trial if I was a juror...I don't know if it's my past as a lawyer or my past at Disney but I'm free for the next 4 years- unlike Harvey!"

The other prospective juror also took to Facebook, writing, "Ok that was my time on the Weinstein case. Do I get paid? I don't get up before 5 for free. Harvey you cant [sic] act for sh*t with that walker you made it look like a prize on The Price is Right. Also they're gonna crucify you."

The judge has not made a final ruling on the defense motion for a change of venue, but Aidala believes that the issue is "moot" since a 12-person jury has been picked. Opening arguments are set for this week

Vic Mensa Arrested for Felony Possession ... of Brass Knuckles!!!

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Vic Mensa's learning a tough lesson about Cali life -- a little weed is legal, but a little piece of metal could land you in prison ... at least if you're talking brass knuckles. And, we are.

The rapper/punk rocker was riding a motorcycle in Glendale, CA earlier this month when police saw him make an unsafe turn ... according to law enforcement sources.

An officer pulled over Vic, and at some point during the stop, patted him down. We're told the officer found the brass knuckles in Vic's pants pocket.

Here's the thing -- while the "fist-load weapon" is considered legal in most states for self-defense purposes ... they're banned in California. Bad news for Vic.

Cops booked him for felony possession of brass knuckles, and he was later released after posting $20,000 bond.

He did catch a small break in that cops decided not to ticket him for the alleged unsafe turn.