'Storage Wars' Jarrod's D.V. Case Leaves Job in Limbo ... Network Investigating

Published | Updated

"Storage Wars" star Jarrod Schulz's days might be numbered on the popular reality TV series ... it all depends on what the network determines after conducting its own investigation following his domestic violence charge.

TMZ broke the story ... Schulz is accused of pushing his ex, Brandi Passante, during a heated argument in late April while she was hanging with friends in a bar. The Orange County D.A.'s Office hit him with 1 count of misdemeanor domestic violence battery for the alleged incident.

Sources close to "Storage Wars" production tell us ... A&E found out about Jarrod getting charged when our story broke, and immediately launched a probe to gather information and speak to those involved.

We're told the network is currently investigating, and though Schulz happened to be off this week's filming schedule ... it's not expected he'll return to shoot segments until A&E concludes its review.

Our sources say once that happens, a decision will be made about his future with the show. We've spoken to multiple other main cast members who say if the allegations of domestic violence are true ... they don't believe he should return.

We're also told the cast has been uneasy with the situation between Jarrod and Brandi, long before the recent allegations.

Given the fact they split over 2 years ago, and some have described their relationship as "messy" -- many connected to the show think this should be the tipping point for the network to cut ties.

Donald Trump Sued 'China Virus' Hurts Chinese Americans

Published | Updated

Donald Trump is getting dragged into court for using the term "China virus" ... a new lawsuit says the former President caused a lot of harm to Chinese Americans with the phrase.

Trump's getting sued by the Chinese American Civil Rights Coalition ... and they're pissed over him constantly referring to COVID-19 as "Chinese virus," "Wuhan virus" and "Kung Flu" while he was in office.

052021_donald_trump_china_virus_kal 10/10/20
INFLAMMATORY LANGUAGE

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the CACRC claims Trump's use of the derogatory terms contributed to the recent rise in violence against Chinese and Asian Americans ... and they claim he should have known better.

As you know ... Trump infamously crossed out "corona virus" in the text of a March 2020 speech and replaced it with "Chinese virus" ... and the CACRC claims he shouldn't have used the term because it’s not entirely clear where the virus actually originated.

In the suit, the CACRC says Trump's constant use of "China virus" was essentially a dog whistle to his legions of supporters, and they claim it has harmed Chinese Americans.

Trump's being sued for defamation and infliction of emotional distress ... and the CACRC wants Trump to cough up $1 for every Asian American and Pacific Islander living in the United States -- roughly $22.9 million. The organization says it will use the money to establish a museum showcasing the history and contributions of AAPI to the U.S.

Lori Loughlin & Mossimo Giannulli Nos Vamos a Cabo!!! ... Judge Signs Off on Trip

Published | Updated

Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli can officially break out the tequila ... 'cause a federal judge is approving their request to travel to Mexico for a family fiesta.

TMZ broke the story ... Lori and Mossimo had requested permission to travel to San Jose del Cabo to spend time with family from June 16 to June 21. Their argument, in a nutshell, is they've been playing by the rules since their release from prison.

In docs, obtained by TMZ, Lori says she's paid her $150k fine as well as her community service requirement. Mossimo also told the judge he's remained in compliance with the terms of his term of supervised release.

Mossimo also said he satisfied his $250k fine and is actively working on completing his community service. It seems playing by the rules has its rewards ... 'cause the judge signed off on their requests. So, ADIOS!!!

As you know ... Lori finished her 2-month prison sentence in December and flew back home on a private jet. Her hubby got sprung a little early from prison last month and completed his sentence in home confinement. And now ... deuces✌🏽.

Jana Kramer Divorce Sets Parenting Plan with Mike Caussin ... She'll Pay Child Support

Published | Updated

Jana Kramer's been named the primary residential parent of her 2 kids in her divorce with Mike Caussin ... but we’ve learned she's agreed to keep dishing out the dough.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the country singer will have primary residential custody of the ex-couple's children -- 5-year-old Jolie and 2-year-old Jace -- 240 days out of the year ... while the former NFL tight end gets them 125 days.

So, Jana gets more parenting time, but she’s also agreed to pay Mike $3,200 per month in child support because her income is $166k monthly while his is only $8k ... according to the docs.

In addition, Kramer's agreed to pay her estranged husband $592,400 as part of their property settlement ... but she doesn't have to fork over any spousal support.

As you may know ... the country and former "One Tree Hill" star announced her split from Caussin in April after nearly 6 years of marriage, saying it was time. She wrote ... "I've fought y'all. I've loved hard. I've forgiven. I've put the work in. I've given everything I have, and now I have nothing else to give."

In her divorce filing, she cited "inappropriate marital conduct, irreconcilable differences and adultery" as the reason for ending her marriage to the former football player.

'Tiger King' Park Feds Seize 68 Cats from Jeff Lowe

Published | Updated

Nearly 70 cats from Jeff Lowe's "Tiger King" Park alleged to be endangered and abused have been seized by the feds.

The massive operation corralled 68 animals, including lions, tigers, lion-tiger hybrids and a jaguar from Jeff's zoo in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The feds say the seizure was part of an ongoing probe for Endangered Species Act violations.

According to the feds ... the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conducted 3 inspections of the park since mid-December 2020, and during those inspections, the Lowes "received citations for failing to provide the animals with adequate or timely veterinary care, appropriate nutrition" and shelter that allows for normal behavior and protects them from bad weather.

What's more ... the feds say Lowe was supposed to employ a qualified veterinarian and establish a program of veterinary care that meets the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act, but Lowe's been found in contempt after months of non-compliance with court orders requiring him to do so.

The feds say they'll work "to ensure that [the animals] go to responsible animal preserves where they can be safely maintained rather than exploited."

TMZ broke the story ... the feds descended on Jeff's park earlier this week with a search warrant. During the raid ... Jeff was told to stay inside his house or he'd be arrested.

This week's raid had been the second time this month the feds had shown up. Jeff said they showed up a few weeks ago to haul several of his hybrid big cats -- animals he claimed were not protected under the Endangered Species Act.

'Black Ink Crew' Ceaser Sues Baby Mama ... I'm No Child Abuser!!!

Published | Updated
UPDATE

4:05 PM PT -- Ceaser's legal team is scheduled to hold a press conference Thursday about the lawsuit, but Crystal's attorney has a big problem with it going down. Seth D. Schraier tells us that because Crystal has a temporary restraining order against Ceaser that not only prohibits him from contact, but also from any type of harassment or family offense.

UPDATE

Schraier believes that in holding a press conference, Ceaser could violate the order and will ask for an immediate court conference if it takes place.

Ceaser Emanuel -- the founder of 'Black Ink Crew' -- is taking his baby mama to court over claims she made that he abused their daughter ... which he says is a downright lie.

The 'BIC' chief just sued Crystal Torres for reiterating a claim their now 17-year-old daughter, Cheyenne, made earlier this year -- that her father had pulled her out of the shower sometime last year and beat her.

Ceaser denied that characterization -- he insists he only "disciplined" Cheyenne -- but now, he's taking legal action over it too ... filing a lawsuit for defamation against Crystal for publicly claiming Ceaser was a child abuser. The suit even points to remarks Crystal made this week on social media, which he says ruined his rep and cost him A LOT of money.

Crystal went on a rant Monday addressing the "lies" she insists Ceaser is spreading about the situation. According to his lawsuit, Ceaser says that's just the latest example of her defaming him.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Ceaser says Crystal's IG post(s) and subsequent interviews around that time are inflammatory and flat-out wrong. Caeser says he even offered Crystal a letter from the GA Fulton County Dept. of Family & Children Service clearing his name ... so she would quit publicly blasting him.

He says, despite that evidence, she continued to smear him -- hence the lawsuit.

Ceaser says he lost out on lots of endorsement deals, not to mention having to put his massive VH1 reality show on pause due to an internal investigation -- which he says also cost him.

Adding insult to injury, he says his real-life work with the community and underserved kids came to a halt -- 'cause folks falsely assumed he was actually guilty.

Now, he says he has no other recourse but to seek damages against Crystal for ruining his good name. We've reached out to Crystal ... she refused to comment.

Originally Published -- 11:51 AM PT

johnny depp Sues ACLU Over Heard Donation ... Did She Really Pay You?!?

Published | Updated

Johnny Depp is fighting tooth and nail to uncover whether his ex, Amber Heard, actually donated millions of dollars to charity like she said she would ... suing the actual org who was supposed to get to the money to get to the bottom of it.

JD just sued the ACLU in an effort to obtain financial documents as he seeks to undo a judge's ruling in London late last year ... which concluded The Sun hadn't defamed him with their 2018 "wife-beating" headline.

That's where this ACLU drama comes in. Johnny and his legal team are attempting to prove Amber perjured herself in court when she claimed she donated $7 million total to the ACLU and Children's Hospital L.A. -- something she agreed to do as part of their divorce settlement.

Remember, it was in August 2016 when the ACLU put out a release thanking Amber for pledging to donate half of her $7 million settlement. A few months later, the organization announced Heard had donated $350,000 directly ... but Depp's team believe it was Elon -- whom Heard was dating at the time -- who paid that and anything else donated in her name.

Johnny believes the judge bought Amber's charitable deeds and it worked against him in the final ruling, so he wants the truth to surface about where that money actually went ... and who it came from. If it turns out she didn't fork over the loot, he believes it could help his second defamation case here in the United States.

Depp thinks Heard only donated around $450k total from her own pocket in the end -- and he claims the ACLU has refused to play ball and turn over docs on the issue. So, now, he wants a judge to step in and make it happen with the slam of a gavel.

Johnny is moving mountains to figure this out -- trying to firm up his forthcoming legal case here in the States. But, you gotta ask ... if the org got the money either way, what's the big deal???

T.I. & Tiny LAPD Investigating Alleged Sexual Assault ... While Vegas Case Closes

Published | Updated

T.I. and Tiny allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted a woman in 2005 and the LAPD is looking into her claims ... while authorities in Las Vegas tell us they have closed a case involving similar allegations against the couple.

According to a police report obtained by TMZ ... the L.A. accuser, identified as a Jane Doe, claims sometime in early 2005 she met the rapper and his wife at a club, and says she accepted a drink from Tiny after already having a couple others.

The woman told LAPD detectives she was then invited back to their hotel room along with 2 other women, but soon it was just her alone with T.I. and Tiny.

She claims T.I. and Tiny persuaded her to go to the bathroom and take a shower with them. After the shower, she alleges T.I. led her to the bed, turned on a porn flick and asked her to rub oil on him. She says Tiny soon joined in and then she claims T.I. came from behind and stuck his toes in her vagina.

According to the report ... the woman claims T.I. told her he was going to get a condom but she said she felt sick and went to the bathroom to throw up. She claims she blacked out soon after, but when she woke up the next morning ... her vagina was sore and had a burning sensation.

Though the LAPD is reportedly investigating the couple for alleged sexual assault, their attorney says they have not been contacted by the LAPD.

As for the allegations in Las Vegas ... another woman claimed she was drugged and sexually assaulted after meeting Tiny at the airport and being invited to hang out with the couple.

However, officials tell us since the alleged incident went down in 2010, and was just reported to the Las Vegas Metropolitan PD earlier this month ... it falls outside the statute of limitations -- so the case has been closed.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As we've reported, sexual assault allegations have been mounting against the couple, and T.I. was even sued for defamation by a woman who claims he trashed her reputation when he denied her allegations.

Marilyn Manson Sued You Bragged About Raping Women

Published | Updated
UPDATE

2:59 PM PT -- A member of Manson's team vehemently denies any accusations of assault.

Marilyn Manson treated his former assistant like crap and bragged to her about getting away with raping women -- that's her claim in a new lawsuit, anyway.

The shock rocker is being sued by Ashley Walters for sexual assault, battery and harassment and she's making some disturbing allegations. According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Walters claims Manson once told her during a video shoot he "loved when girls looked like they had just been raped."

In the suit, Walters also claims Manson would regularly direct drug-fueled fits of rage towards her, and she says he even boasted about getting away with rape. She also claims he told her he wanted to kill women he was seeing.

Manson's former assistant claims the alleged harassment started the moment she first met Manson in person in May 2010, saying he invited her to his West Hollywood home, requested she take off her top and pinned her on a bed ... trying to kiss her before biting her ear and forcing her hand down his pants.

In docs, Walters claims when Manson ended his relationship with "Game of Thrones" star Esme Bianco in June 2011, Esme told her to get out of his house because Esme thought Manson "would be dangerous." As we reported, Esme has filed her own lawsuit against Manson for sexual assault.

In the suit, Walters claims Manson became enraged and fired after finding out she'd been hanging out Esme. She alleges he rehired one week later, and eventually began berating her and made her work for 48 hours straight ... including standing for 12 hours on a chair without moving while snapping pictures of him.

She says Manson eventually fired her for good in October 2011 but continued to physically and verbally threaten her.

We reached out to Manson's camp ... so far, no word back.

Originally published -- 2:35 PM PT

rick ross Man Who Cops Chased to Mogul's Home ... Dies in Custody

Published | Updated

The guy who led cops on a wild chase that landed on Rick Ross' front door has died while in custody.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation tells TMZ ... 40-year-old Chaka Stewart was found unresponsive in his cell Saturday at the Clayton County Jail in Georgia. We're told a guard and a medic who were making the evening rounds noticed Stewart lying there, and they attempted life-saving measures when they realized something was seriously wrong.

We're told he was pronounced dead at the jail. Our law enforcement sources say Stewart was alone in his cell, and no foul play is suspected. An autopsy is underway to figure out what happened.

Stewart's mother, Jacqueline Gordon, confirmed her son is the man who was arrested outside Rick's Georgia estate last week -- where cops say he crashed his truck and was carrying a firearm ... only to finally be apprehended at gunpoint following what was described as a crazy pursuit through the streets.

She says she last spoke to her son Friday, and claims he told her he was being mistreated behind bars. Gordon alleges Stewart said he was being beaten -- unclear if he was blaming officials or other folks behind bars -- wasn't allowed to shower and was confined to his cell for 23 hours a day.

Gordon also claims one of the deputies told Stewart he'd never be getting out of there ... while also asserting Georgia authorities have been ducking her and her inquiries.

We've reached out to the Clayton County Sheriff's Office for comment ... so far, no word back.

Danny Masterson Claims Leah Remini Worked with LAPD Threatened to Put Them on Blast If They Screwed Up

Published

Danny Masterson claims Leah Remini was pushing the LAPD to get him prosecuted in his rape case ... and threatened to put them on blast if they dropped the ball.

In docs, obtained by TMZ, Masterson claims Leah's meddling in his case was so outrageous she had an LAPD detective named Becker, who allegedly moonlighted as her bodyguard, making calls about his rape case.

In docs, Masterson claims this police officer/bodyguard "had a history of trying to influence LAPD investigations" at Leah's direction. Masterson claims when the cop contacted Austin PD in 2016 about Jane Doe 3's police report, the Austin PD detective was so taken aback by it she wrote in her report "Becker has no professional investigative interest in this report, as he does not investigate sexual assault cases. It is later revealed he is Leah Remini’s close friend.'"

Masterson claims Leah personally made phone calls to the lead investigator on the case and that the LAPD actively encouraged her to participate in the investigation. And, get this ... Masterson claims a detective on the case went as far as telling her she's "vital to the investigation."

Masterson also claims Leah discussed telling the Jane Doe stories on her TV show, "Scientology and the Aftermath." He claims she had spoken to the girls and had intentions of putting them on her series.

The collusion runs so deep, Masterson claims, Leah wanted to attend the DA's interviews of the women, and he alleges the Deputy DA played ball for a while ... before things went south between Leah and prosecutors.

In the docs, Masterson claims Leah threatened the prosecution with a negative PR campaign, saying, "I told [Det.] Reyes from the beginning, ‘I’m telling you, if you screw this up I’m putting you and the whole LAPD on Blast. Not because I want to, but because they deserve to be heard.’ And you can’t keep being in business with the Church of Scientology because you have no balls.”

As we reported, Masterson claimed Leah's anti-Scientology campaign is the driving force behind the accusations in his rape case.

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

Gwyneth Paltrow Goop Sued ... Your 'Vagina' Candle Blew Up!!!

Published | Updated
UPDATE

8:23 AM PT -- A rep for Goop tells us, "We’re confident this claim is frivolous and an attempt to secure an outsized payout from a press-heavy product. We stand behind the brands we carry and the safety of the products we sell. Here, Heretic—the brand that supplies the candle— has substantiated the product’s performance and safety through industry standard testing."

A man who says he bought a "This Smells Like My Vagina" candle from Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop company claims it could have killed him when it exploded ... and he's now filed a class-action lawsuit about it.

According to the legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the guy suing is a Texas resident named Colby Watson, and he says he purchased the 10.5-ounce 'Vagina' candle online in January.

Watson claims he lit the candle for the first time in February and placed it on his nightstand -- a level surface -- and insists there was nothing close to touching the candle and no open windows or drafts in his bedroom.

Watson claims, after burning for "an estimated three hours or less," the candle became engulfed in high flames and exploded soon afterward ... and the room was filled with smoke.

Watson alleges the candle also left a black burn ring on his nightstand and says the jar is charred and black.

According to the docs, Watson acknowledges the candle comes with a "limited warning" on Goop.com -- including cautioning not to burn the candle for more than 2 hours at a time -- but he says that warning is insufficient.

Watson claims Goop fails to warn that the candle could cause significant injuries when it explodes, and he calls the 'Vagina' candles "inherently dangerous."

He's suing Paltrow's company for breach of warranty and products liability and is trying to put together a class seeking damages exceeding $5 million. We reached out to Goop ... no word back yet.

'NYPD Blue' Star Bonnie Somerville Busted For DUI

Published | Updated

Bonnie Somerville, famous for playing a detective on "NYPD Blue," had a run-in with real cops on the opposite coast ... police in L.A. say she was drunk behind the wheel.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... cops were getting calls around 10 PM Sunday night for a car stopped in traffic on the 405 near Inglewood, and when officers arrived, they say they found Bonnie pulled off on the right shoulder in a Mercedes-Benz.

Our sources say Bonnie told cops she simply ran out of gas, but officers say she reeked of booze and ended up bombing a field sobriety test.

We're told Bonnie, who played Det. Laura Murphy in the final season of "NYPD Blue," was cited for DUI and later released.

We reached out to Bonnie's camp ... so far no word back.

'TIGER KING' ZOOKEEPER ERIK COWIE BUSTED FOR DUI AFTER CRASH

Published

Erik Cowie, one of the "Tiger King" stars who you saw caring for the zoo's exotic animals, was driving drunk when he crashed into another car ... at least according to cops.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Cowie was busted for DUI in Oklahoma after cops say they responded to a two-car collision on an interstate highway.

We're told Cowie was driving one of the cars involved in the accident last month, and responding officers say he reeked of booze and bombed field sobriety tests.

Our sources say he admitted to having 2 beers before getting behind the wheel, and his blood alcohol content came in at 0.11.

Our sources also say, Cowie was put in handcuffs on the spot, and taken to jail where he was booked for driving under the influence. He's already entered a guilty plea and will be sentenced on May 25.

Fortunately, law enforcement says no one in either vehicle was injured in the crash.

'Love & Hip Hop' Star Mo Fayne Pleads Guilty in PPP Loan Fraud Case ... Faces 151 Months in Prison

Published

Rapper Mo Fayne's looking at serious time behind bars -- but less than he might have gotten -- after cutting a plea deal in his PPP loan fraud case.

The "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" star pled guilty to 6 counts of federal bank fraud after prosecutors say he funded a lavish lifestyle during the pandemic with a Paycheck Protection Program loan. Y'know ... the ones intended to help employees and small businesses hit hard by COVID.

In docs, obtained by TMZ, Fayne was ordered to forfeit nearly $100k from several bank accounts as well as 8 of his 2015 Kenworth T680 trucks. Yes, he bought EIGHT trucks!!!

In exchange for his plea, the feds dropped 14 other charges and agreed to recommend Fayne get a 151-month prison sentence -- about 12.5 years -- and that's prosecutors going easy on him! Before the deal, he was staring down a possible max of 30 years.

As we reported ... Fayne was accused of using a PPP loan of over $2M to buy $85,000 worth of jewelry and pay off a bunch of personal debts, including child support.

Mo's been locked up since December for violating the terms of his bond, but he's now asking to be let out before the judge issues his sentence in September.

He argues he's NOT a threat to flee or a danger to the community. What's more ... Fayne says he wants out so he can see his doctor to treat a shoulder injury that required surgery last year, but was put on hold due to the pandemic.

Fayne also says, due to his history of asthma and use of an inhaler, he's in a high-risk group to contract COVID-19 while behind bars -- but that argument will probably be DOA in court. The feds have said all inmates will be offered vaccines.

If that argument doesn't work ... Fayne also says he wants to help his 18-year-old daughter prepare for college, and organize his day-to-day household affairs before beginning his long stint in prison.

Carole Baskin's Missing First Husband Famed Attorney Investigating Don Lewis' Disappearance

Published | Updated

A former prosecutor and super lawyer who reps celebs like Jay-Z and Mick Jagger now has a new client -- the family of Carole Baskin's first husband who wants him to crack the case.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Alex Spiro has been retained by the family of Don Lewis to investigate his disappearance back in 1997.

Our sources say Spiro's goal is to get to the bottom of the Lewis mystery before "Tiger King 2" drops.

Spiro has the chops to figure out what happened to Lewis. As a prosecutor, he was involved in the case of serial killer Rodney Alcala. He's also investigated the cold case of Robert Durst's first wife. His client list is long and impressive. Aside from Jay-Z and Mick, Spiro's clients include DeMarcus Cousins, Charles Oakley, Thabo Sefolosha and Julian Edelman.

We're told he's in the gathering evidence phase and has already interviewed a key witness who turned over information our sources call "key."

The Sheriff in the area where Don was last seen is convinced he was killed and has been investigating, but so far, no results.

Our sources say Lewis' family wants Spiro to identify a possible murderer and turn the information over to prosecutors.

As you know by now, a lot of people think Carole Baskin was involved in Don's disappearance ... something she has strongly and consistently denied. Don's assistant told TMZ the day he disappeared he told her he was filing for divorce and moving out of the country.

We reached out to Spiro, who declined to comment.