YG Felony Robbery Case Dismissed

Published

YG is off the hook for an alleged robbery in Sin City ... his criminal case was just dismissed on the morning of jury selection.

Sources close to the rapper tell TMZ ... YG settled out of court with the alleged robbery victim, and the guy was no longer interested in cooperating with prosecutors in the criminal case.

TMZ broke the story ... YG was facing a felony robbery charge for allegedly yanking a dude's chain off his neck in a 2018 altercation at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, before making off with the diamond-laced pendant.

We're told YG maintained he never stole the chain from the man, though he admitted the bling snapped off when the two were in a fight.

YG’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, tells TMZ … "Justice was served expeditiously, we would've had the same result if the case went to trial."

It's not the first time something like this has happened ... as we first told you back in January, prosecutors in Los Angeles declined to file charges against him because there wasn't enough evidence to link him to another alleged robbery.

French Montana Accused of Ripping Off Lyrics in 'Handstand' ... Threatened with Lawsuit

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French Montana could be getting dragged to court soon 'cause a rapper is accusing him of stealing his lyrics ... and, he is demanding French settles it soon, or else.

'Hot Boys' rapper Turk had his lawyers fire off a demand letter to French Montana's lawyer, claiming French ripped some of their client's lyrics for his 2021 song, "Handstand".

According to the letter, obtained by TMZ ... Tab Virgil Jr., aka Turk, claims French lifted lyrics from his group's 1999 hit, "I Need A Hot Girl" without permission ... and say, FM's track with the stolen lyrics has already scored more than 17 million views on YouTube.

In case you didn't know, The Hot Boys was a hip hop group formed in the '90s ... the members were Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile, and Turk.

The song, "I Need A Hot Girl", was a huge hit for the group and even appeared on Billboards Hot 100.

In French Montana's song, Doja Cat and Saweetie join him to sing "I need a project b****, a hood rat b****. One don't give a f*** and say she took that d***". These are close to the exact lyrics Turk claims he wrote and performed in the throwback song.

A source with direct knowledge tells us French had actually purchased the beat and the hook with the understanding all was clear. However, there must've been some sort of confusion ... nonetheless, we're told French's team is already working to rectify the situation.

Turk's attorney, Paul M. Aloise Jr. of the Brooks LeBoeuf law firm, says they're willing to settle out of court ... so hopefully all will be resolved soon.

Amber Heard Testimony On-The-Stand 'Pose' Seems Real ... 'Ripley,' 'Coke' Moments BS

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Amber Heard's testimony has been accused of being contrived, lifted and, strangely, drug-laced -- but it seems only 1 of these might be close to true ... and the proof's in the video.

Here's the deal ... AH was on the stand for two days this week, detailing the alleged abuse she claims she suffered at the hands of Johnny Depp. Each day of testimony ran for several hours -- but rabid JD fans picked apart three specific moments that they say are damning.

First, a moment from Thursday's testimony where Amber is describing a time when Johnny was detoxing ... during which, she holds a tissue to her face for an extended period of time -- apparently aware she's being photographed right then and there -- and seemingly poses.

The clip going around on social media felt sorta doctored, but we found it in the raw feed -- and, indeed, Amber does look to hold this pose for what sounds like a camera flash.

People have criticized her for this -- perhaps rightly so -- but even more Twitter warriors have made what we would consider wildly outlandish claims that are far more sinister ... namely, that Amber was allegedly doing bumps of "cocaine" on the witness stand Thursday.

You've probably seen this clip making the rounds too -- it shows Amber blowing/wiping her nose with a handkerchief ... and people believe they see something more nefarious.

We'll be honest ... this claim is absurd on its face, and nothing more than people reaching to connect dots that simply aren't there. Depending on what side you're on in this case, you'll probably see what you want to see ... but there's no smoking gun here whatsoever.

Finally, there's the 'Talented Mr. Ripley' claim ... which boils down to folks alleging that Amber lifted a part of her testimony Wednesday straight from the movie, and straight from Gwyneth Paltrow's character, Marge. As it turns out, that claim was also total BS.

A now-viral side-by-side quote was being circulated that suggested Amber had literally repeated lines from the movie, word for word, but after someone tracked down the actual video ... her real testimony was far from what GP said on film. Once again ... reaching.

It would seem people's hatred for Amber Heard -- which is very much a real thing -- is blurring their objectivity, and in some cases ... spreading fake news. To that, we say ... stop.

WWE Legend Tammy Sytch 'Sunny' Busted Over Fatal DUI Crash ... 75-Y-O Reportedly Killed

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Tammy Sytch -- also known as "Sunny," in the ring -- is behind bars over a fatal car crash from last month that cops say was caused by her being under the influence.

The former WWE star was arrested Friday night and hauled off to the Volusia County Jail -- where she was booked on a number of charges ... including felony DUI manslaughter, the most serious of the offenses. She was also rung up on 8 other charges, most being DUI related.

One charge she was booked on accuses her of driving on a suspended/revoked license, and then causing great bodily harm and/or death as a result. Her bond is set at over $220k total.

You'll recall ... this all ties back to an awful accident police say Sytch caused in late March -- although it's unclear why she's just being arrested for this now, more than a month later.

In any case ... the story is tragic. According to a traffic crash report, obtained by TMZ Sports, cops claim Sytch was traveling down a highway at a high rate of speed when she slammed into the back of another vehicle on the road that was stopped at a traffic light.

The driver was taken to a hospital but died from their injuries. That victim is reported to be 75-year-old Julian Lasseter.

Sytch is facing serious prison time if convicted on these new charges. Mind you, the former wrestler has been arrested for drinking and driving at least 6 different times before this.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Trial Court Making Sure They're Kept Apart ... Staggered Entrances, Exits

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Johnny Depp and Amber Heard won't be bumping into each other on their way in and out of court ... measures are in place to keep the exes separated as the defamation trial unfolds.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Johnny and Amber's entrances and exits are arranged by court deputies, who work with their security teams to stagger timing to make sure they don't see each other.

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CHEERS FOR JOHNNY

When court breaks for lunch, we're told Johnny and Amber are taken to opposite ends of the courthouse ... with deputies escorting them to their own secure areas away from the public.

The separation is taken super seriously ... in this clip from Amber's testimony Thursday, you see deputies stand between Johnny and Amber to make sure they don't get close to one another as they are shuffled off for a lunch break.

While there's been rampant speculation Johnny and Amber made eye contact in that moment, sources close to Amber tell us they didn't lock eyes.

As you know ... the trial is now on a break until May 16, when Amber will be back on the stand for more questioning from her attorney, Elaine Bredehoft, and then cross-examination.

During the weeklong break, Amber is not allowed to consult with any of her attorneys -- per the judge -- because she's still in the middle of her testimony ... we're told she'll use the break to get some rest, while also spending time with her family, including her sister, who's been staying with Amber during the trial.

The reason for the break ... the judge is going to a legal conference. Johnny and Amber knew about it going in and the trial was scheduled around the judge's prior obligation. Closing arguments will take place May 27 and then the jury will begin deliberations.

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"HE'S GOING TO KILL ME NOW"

There's been plenty of explosive testimony from both Johnny and Amber. During her time on the stand, cameras showed Johnny eating gummies, doodling on paper and even appearing to snicker at her testimony. People close to Amber tell us they find Johnny's courtroom behavior rude and insensitive to Amber and the court.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for Amber said, "Mr. Depp's behavior in this trial has been as pitiful as it was in their marriage."

Meanwhile, Johnny's team has bashed Amber's testimony as the "performance of her life."

We reached out to the Sheriff's department in charge of security at the courthouse, but they had no comment.

Blac Chyna Suspect in Battery Investigation ... Allegedly Kicked Woman in Stomach (NEW VIDEO)

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UPDATE

6:46 AM PT -- 5/7 -- Check out the video which shows the aftermath of the alleged attack. At around 1:15 you hear the alleged victim say, "Did you feel good when you kicked me in my fat-ass stomach?" It sounds like Blac Chyna denies it.

Blac Chyna is under criminal investigation for battery ... and the alleged victim claims BC damaged her phone and kicked her in the stomach.

LAPD sources tell TMZ ... Blac Chyna is named as the suspect in a battery report filed Friday, and cops are investigating.

The alleged victim, Sequoya King, tells TMZ ... she and Chyna got into a verbal dispute which turned physical.

King says the alleged incident went down early Friday morning at a bar in Los Angeles ... where King says Chyna took her phone out of her hand and slammed it to the ground, damaging it. She also claims BC kicked her in the stomach, causing her to fall down.

King says the incident began after Chyna got upset because she believed she was being recorded by people in the bar. King says BC accused her of using her phone to record, an allegation she denied.

According to King ... they got into an argument and Chyna took her phone from her hand, smashed it down on the ground and charged at her, kicking her in the stomach. King says Chyna's friends pulled her away and got her into a car.

The battery allegations against Chyna come on the heels of her losing a $100 million defamation suit against the Kardashians, in a trial that focused on the alleged violence BC inflicted on Rob.

Remember ... we caught up with Chyna the day after she lost her suit, and she seemed in good spirits, saying her time in court was fun.

We reached out to Chyna's legal team ... so far no word back.

Originally Published -- 5/6 6:30 PM PT

Snoop Dogg's Son Cordell Broadus' Car Stolen ... Cops Track It Down

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Snoop Dogg's son, Cordell Broadus, got his brand new whip jacked ... but the car was recovered pretty quickly ... this according to cops who were hot on the trail.

LAPD sources tell TMZ ... Cordell's 2022 BMW X6 was jacked Wednesday in L.A. We're told a tracking company located it, passed the info on to the LAPD and cops rushed to retrieve it.

Officers found the BMW and took the alleged carnapper into custody.

As for how the car was stolen ... we're told someone left the keys in the car, making it an easy steal.

The alleged culprit already had an active warrant and was booked on a charge from that incident -- burglary of a motor vehicle. Cops say they found stolen items in Cordell's BMW. The D.A. will now decide whether to charge the guy.

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As we reported, the former Bruin was one of the most sought-after high school football players in 2015 ... but backed out of playing at UCLA to pursue other passions. He's since become an entrepreneur, opened up his own production company, and is the father of 2.

Ezra Miller 911 Call They 'Hit Me in the Head with a Chair!!!'

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Open your home to "The Flash" star Ezra Miller, and next thing ya know there's total chaos and you're dodging flying chairs ... at least that's what their most recent alleged victim told a 911 operator.

During the 911 call, a woman claims Ezra hit her in the head with a chair and then fled the property on Hawaii's big island. She says she'd offered up her home to them, and insisted she'd been very nice to Ezra.

You can hear how distressed she was, urging cops to show up and find Ezra before they could escape.

As we reported, the 29-year actor was arrested for second-degree assault last month after officers responded to the incident at a private residence in Pāhoa. Cops say Ezra got annoyed after being asked to leave, and that's when he allegedly hurled the furniture. The woman ended up with a half-inch cut to her forehead.

Of course, this isn't Ezra's first run-in with the law, in Hawaii. They were arrested another time, in March, for disorderly conduct in a karaoke bar.

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TROUBLE IN PARADISE

Weeks before that incident, they were physically blocked from getting into another bar.

The furniture tossing case is still under investigation.

Gabby Petito's Mom Files Wrongful Death Suit ... Against Brian Laundrie's Estate

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Gabby Petito's mother, Nichole Schmidt, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the estate of her daughter's deceased killer, Brian Laundrie ... seeking around $30k in damages.

Laundrie's family attorney, Steven Bertolino, tells TMZ … the filing of the wrongful death lawsuit by the Petito family was fully expected and most likely will not be defended.

He says, "The Petitos will have gained nothing more than a piece of paper that tells them what everyone already knows - which is that Brian was responsible for Gabby’s death as indicated by the FBI."

According to the lawsuit ... Laundrie killed Gabby and her parents had to cover funeral and burial expenses. They also claim they've suffered a loss of care and comfort from their daughter.

As for why only $30k, when they could have sued for 7-figures for the murder of their daughter, we're guessing it's because the funds just aren't there.

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K-9 ON THE CASE

As we reported ... Gabby's parents sued Brian Laundrie's parents, claiming they were aware their son murdered their daughter before Brian's body was found in October.

As you know, Laundrie and Petito had been traveling cross-country, during the summer, in Petito's van ... before her family reported her missing.

Dave Chappelle Attacker Pleads Not Guilty ... Bail Set at $30k

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The man who charged at Dave Chappelle onstage will have to come up with $30,000 bail before he gets out of a jail cell.

Isaiah Lee made his first appearance in an L.A. courtroom Friday morning to face 4 misdemeanor charges -- and he looked very much worse for wear following the beatdown he got at the Hollywood Bowl.

Lee's right arm was in a cast and a sling when he entered the courtroom and entered a not guilty plea on all charges. He was represented by a public defender who told the judge, Lee had suffered a broken arm -- something that was painfully obvious as he was being hauled out of the Bowl on a stretcher.

If he's able to come up with bail, Lee will be under a protective order ... requiring him to stay at least 100 yards away from the Hollywood Bowl, Dave and any other venue at which the comedian performs.

As we reported, the L.A. County D.A., George Gascon, passed on felony charges for Lee and punted the case to the City Attorney, who charged Lee with possession of a weapon with intent to assault and unauthorized access to the stage area during a performance.

If convicted, he'd face no more than 18 months in county jail ... but most likely far less than that.

Nicki Minaj Dad's Killer Pleads Guilty to 2 Charges Faces Jail Time

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The man who killed Nicki Minaj's father, Robert Maraj, in a hit-and-run has pleaded guilty.

Charles Polevich pled guilty to one count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting and one count of tampering with physical evidence ... both felonies.

He was facing up to 7 years behind bars on the felony count alone, but it looks like he won't get nearly that long of a sentence. Judge Howard Sturim committed to sentencing Polevich to no more than one year in jail, along with community service and suspension of his driver's license.

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As we reported ... Robert Maraj died at the age of 64 ... after being struck in a hit-and-run accident back in February 2021.

Nicki later opened up about the tragedy on her website saying ... "I can say it has been the most devastating loss of my life." She added, he was very loved and will be very missed.

Polevich is due back in court August 3 for his sentencing.

Heather McDonald Livid Chappelle Attacker Dodged Felony ... Who Will Protect Comedians?!!

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The Dave Chappelle attacker has opened a dangerous can of worms for comedians around the world, but especially in Los Angeles -- where the controversial District Attorney just rejected felony prosecution -- and one famous comedian worries the decision could lead to more violent, even fatal encounters.

Heather McDonald is outraged Chappelle's attacker, 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, won't be charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon.

McDonald blames L.A. County District Attorney, George Gascón, whom she believes should be recalled. Gascón has faced heavy criticism and has butted heads with the LAPD for his lax punishments and low bond figures for criminals. Our LAPD sources say they're outraged by the decision to kick the case to the L.A. City Attorney for misdemeanor prosecution.

Heather says she feels she'll have to take show security into her own hands to protect her from Chappelle copycats ... so she's offering free VIP tickets to cops who will enjoy the show and offer a measure of protection.

Heather says, "Unlike, Dave Chappelle, I travel alone and do not have private security or ten strapping male friends hanging out backstage when I perform."

For what it's worth, she says she'll be voting for L.A. Mayor candidate Rick Caruso in the upcoming election ... Caruso has promised to be tough on crime, although he has no power over the D.A.

Comedian Michael Yo has a different view ... that the attacker got punished enough thanks to a pummeling from Chappelle's team. Yo is confident audiences and comedians alike are sick of people interrupting shows, and will now take matters into their own hands ... dishing out beatings for trouble makers.

As we reported, Lee was charged with battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorized access to the stage area during a performance and commission of an act that delays the even or interferes with the performer ... all misdemeanors.

Dave Chappelle Attacker Charged with Multiple Crimes ... Including Possession of Weapon with Intent to Assault

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UPDATE

5:28 PM PT -- Of course, everyone's been wondering how in the world Lee, or anyone, gets into the Hollywood Bowl with a weapon. A spokesperson for the venue is finally speaking out, saying they are "reviewing our existing procedures both internally and with the assistance of outside experts so we can continue to provide a safe and secure environment."

UPDATE

Additionally, they've already increased the number of security personnel on-site for events.

Dave Chappelle's attacker may have escaped felony prosecution, but the L.A. City Attorney has thrown the book at him, but because it's a misdemeanor it's only a paperback.

City Attorney Mike Feuer has charged Isaiah Lee with battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorized access to the stage area during a performance, and commission of an act that delays the event or interferes with the performer. These are all misdemeanor crimes, and the punishment is way lighter than a conviction on a felony.

The 23-year-old could face jail time, but because of overcrowding, COVID, etc., it's unlikely he'll serve much time if any.

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TAKING LEGAL ACTION

It's interesting ... L.A. District Attorney George Gascón made quick work of rejecting the case, saying Lee's conduct did not rise to the level of a felony. When you look at the 4 charges the City Attorney has filed, it seems he has a different opinion of the severity of the crime.

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BOO'D AND BROKEN

City Attorney Feuer seems to subtly shade Gascón, saying, "My office takes protecting public safety extremely seriously." If he's convicted, Lee faces a potential maximum sentence of 18 months in county jail and/or a $4,000 fine.

Our LAPD sources say the Dept. is royally pissed that Gascón rejected the case and kicked it to the City Attorney. Gascón has been controversial since taking office ... rejecting many cases that were traditionally prosecuted.

Originally Published -- 4:51 PM PT

Johnny Depp Bashes Amber Heard's Testimony 'Performance Of Her Life'

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UPDATE

11:37 AM PT -- A source close to Amber tells TMZ ... "Beneath all his smirks/smiles, there is the serious matter of abuse. Behind all his laughter, there is the serious matter of violence against women. Beyond all his lawyer's misdirecting and misleading, there is only one pivotal question: Does Amber Heard ... or any woman who speaks out ... have the right of Freedom of Speech as enshrined in the First Amendment?"

Johnny Depp's team is trying to tear apart Amber Heard's testimony ... claiming it's nothing more than performance art.

Johnny's spokesperson tells TMZ ... their prediction during opening statements has now come to fruition ... that Amber has been "preparing to give the performance of her life in this trial." They now say their prediction was dead-on accurate.

They claim her stories of abuse have evolved with "new and convenient details" as time goes on. By contrast, they say Johnny's "recollections have remained exactly the same throughout the 6 painful years since her first allegations were made."

They also say the upcoming cross-examination from Johnny's team will be telling, as Depp's attorneys zero in on alleged inconsistencies in her stories. As you know, Amber wrapped up day 2 of her testimony ... where she told the jury he called her a "nagging bitch" and a "c***."

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"HE'S GOING TO KILL ME NOW"

Amber also claimed Johnny once penetrated her with a glass bottle during one of his alleged violent outbursts.

She also said he threatened to kill her multiple times ... once over Christmas on his island in the Bahamas. She alleges he said he'd end her life if she ever embarrassed him in front of his kids again.

42 Dugg Arrested No-Show for 6 Mo. Prison Sentence ... Could Get Years Now!!!

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42 Dugg's patented "Free Dem Boyz" slogan now applies to himself as well. The Detroit rapper -- who's signed with Lil Baby and Yo Gotti -- was reportedly arrested the moment he got off a plane from Memphis.

Dugg, whose government name is Dion Hayes, failed to turn himself in to a West Virginia federal prison camp last month to serve a 6-month sentence for illegal firearm possession ... according to The Detroit News.

The 27-year-old rising star, who was just named to XXL's 2021 Freshman list, hasn't exactly been living like a man on the run. In April, he released his joint album "Last Ones Left" with Collective Music Group labelmate EST Gee, and has been shooting plenty of music videos for it.

Like Pooh Shiesty -- who just got a 63-month sentence -- such legal drama could disrupt what was shaping up to be a promising rap career.

Story developing ...

Dave Chappelle Attacker Catches a Break ... No Felony Charges

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Dave Chappelle's attacker seemingly committed a crime, but it won't be enough to charge him with a felony ... so says the district attorney.

The L.A. County D.A.'s Office made the announcement Thursday, saying they've turned the case over to the city attorney, adding, "After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined that while criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct."

Our LAPD sources tell us they pushed for a felony charge when they submitted their findings, but the D.A. clearly disagreed.  There has been a war brewing between the LAPD and L.A. County D.A. George Gascón, who has decided not to file charges in cases traditionally have been filed.

As we reported, Isaiah Lee was arrested and booked for assault with a deadly weapon after the attack. Law enforcement sources tell us he pointed a replica gun with a knife attached to the barrel at the comedian as he rushed the stage.

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BOO'D AND BROKEN

Lucky for Dave, his team jumped into immediate action, restraining the attacker and pummeling him in the process.

The attacker was seen getting loaded into an ambulance shortly after the attack behind The Hollywood Bowl ... his face was badly damaged and his arm was apparently broken.