TMZ TV Recap Wendy Williams' Tragic Diagnosis Taylor, & The Zoo, Adrian Peterson

Published | Updated

We're finally at the finish line in the week at TMZ -- but our TV topics are only ramping up.

BANNER

TMZ Live

022224_tmz_live_wendy_williams.01_02_07_12.Still021
LIFE-CHANGING DIAGNOSIS

Starting on 'TMZ Live,' Harvey and Michael talked about a tough subject in the tragic diagnosis of Wendy Williams -- namely, the fact she now has aphasia and dementia.

Amid a lot of rumors and speculation -- not to mention a new documentary from Lifetime chronicling Wendy's recent struggles -- her team came out this week with the heavy news ... and safe to say, Wendy fans everywhere are expressing their well-wishes at this time.

TMZ on TV

On 'TMZ on TV,' the gang talked about Taylor Swift's latest trip to the Sydney Zoo -- only this time she had Travis Kelce with her ... this after a long flight all the way across the world.

She'd scoped the place out just the day prior ... so yeah, she was playing tour guide here.

TMZ Sports

Finally on 'TMZ Sports,' Babcock and Mojo talked Adrian Peterson's claims about his trophies.

Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!

Kelly Rowland Look, I'm Not Talking 'Today' Exit ... But I Love Hoda & Co.!!!

Published | Updated
022224_kelly_roland-kal 02/22/24
DODGING QUESTIONS

Kelly Rowland is passing on an opportunity to explain exactly what happened on the "Today" show ... and as she makes clear here, she only wants to discuss her new movie.

The singer was directly asked about her recent "Today" controversy during an interview Wednesday with WGN News in Chicago -- where she was plugging her upcoming movie, "Mea Culpa" ... and based on this alone, you can tell she ain't gonna spill the beans.

The news anchor asks Kelly if she can clear up what happened on "Today" -- because, as he notes, there's all these different reasons out there as to why she bailed on cohosting the show. Remember, some suggested she was actually peeved over Beyoncé questions.

Anyway, Kelly sticks to her guns here ... and kinda dug her heels in on refusing to talk about it -- and we'll be honest, it's kinda awkward. Check it out ... she says straight up, nah.

Kelly explains that she's not going to talk about it because she wants to keep the spotlight on her new Netflix film ... though she does say she loves the "Today" show and Hoda Kotb.

Like we said ... it's bizarre that continues to refuse to just address the elephant in the room. In fact, you could argue that her trying to ignore it is only making the legend grow -- and at this point, it seems to be all anyone wants to talk about ... even though she insists on just promoting. On its face, her strategy seems to be backfiring ... but she's not cluing into this.

022124-kelly-rowland-today-kal 2/15/24
KEEP IT MOVIN'

While Kelly's not getting into the deets -- we did get to the bottom of this ourselves ... as we first told you, the true reason why she bolted from the "Today" set was, in fact, the dressing room thing. Namely, her not being satisfied with NBC's rinky-dink rooms to get prepped.

Some have accused her of being a diva -- but Hoda and co. appear to be falling on the sword for Kelly ... profusely apologizing and begging her to come back, while also publicly acknowledging their dressing rooms do actually suck. It's been a little cringe to watch, TBH.

022124_hoda_kotb_apology_kal 2/20/24
Kelly Come Back!

Of course, Hoda and them have since invited Kelly back ... and they're hoping for a whole do-over, with refurbished and upgraded dressing rooms ready for the Destiny's Child alum.

Based on what Kelly's saying here ... it sounds like she might, perhaps, take 'em up on it.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

We'll see if more hosts keep pressing Kelly on this issue -- so far, it sounds like she ain't gonna bend, and she ain't gonna talk.

Wendy Williams Diagnosed with Aphasia & Dementia ... Same Disorder as Willis

Published | Updated

Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with aphasia and dementia -- the same disorder Bruce Willis has -- and the news comes ahead of a new doc chronicling her recent troubles.

The news came down Wednesday from her care team, who blasted out a press release with what they characterized as a very personal update ... which they say is an effort to bat down rumors and speculation about her health.

Her team says everyone already knows she struggles with Graves' Disease and Lymphedema -- but they say others started to wonder what was going on in moments when Wendy would lose her train of thought or act erratically ... and now, they say it's because of this condition.

They write, "In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)."

Her team here also says this ... "Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine."

They add, "Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires."

Wendy's team goes on to say that they're revealing this about Wendy in hopes of raising awareness of these conditions she's been afflicted with -- but to also protect her from fervent gossip that's sure to kick up anew this weekend with the release of this new Lifetime doc.

022224_tmz_live_wendy_williams.01_02_07_12.Still021
LIFE-CHANGING DIAGNOSIS

The team finishes with this update on WW herself ... "Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way."

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

On its face, it sounds like Wendy's team might be at odds with some of her family members -- who've been making the rounds with the media, speaking on what they perceive is happening. They've recently expressed concern about people in Wendy's inner circle.

JOE EXOTIC Going WILD OVER MGK'S NEW Body Tat Tiger, Meth & He's Mine!!!

Published | Updated

Machine Gun Kelly's new blackout tattoo has really done it for Joe Exotic ... 'cause the 'Tiger King' star is apparently pretty into it ... and pretty into him too.

The Netflix star openly pined for MGK on X Wednesday -- from his account, no less -- by sharing a snap of the rapper showing off his upper torso inking along with the flirtatious message ... "A tiger and a bit of meth, I can make MGK gay."

In the pic's caption, Joe wrote: "Anyone remember that line from Tiger King? @machinegunkelly." As if his head-over-heels infatuation wasn't obvious, he shared another MGK snap meme, adding ... "Once you go Tiger King you'll forget about the Fox."

Yup, looks like Joe might have a bit of a crush here.

Joe -- who's currently behind bars -- already appeared to manifest their relationship and personally pleaded with the "Bad Things" hitmaker to help him get the hell outta prison.

He added an extra text caption over one of the memes, writing ... "Now that we're practically a new item. Help me get the hell out of here."

So ... he's kinda begging Kelly for prison help too now, something he's been throwing out there lately with certain celebs.

Unfortunately for Joe, MGK most likely won't be down to explore anything romantic -- as we all know, he's in a pretty committed relationship with Megan Fox.

Also, MGK explained on IG that his new tat was for spiritual purposes, and he wanted to steer clear of chaos from his life -- which probably won't mesh well with Joe's colorful and wild ways.

Joe might have to keep looking for his partner in crime ... MGK probably ain't interested.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

Hang in there, JE ...

HODA KOTB BUMMED BY KELLY ROWLAND Bailing ... Down for a 'Today' Redo!

Published | Updated

Hoda Kotb is letting bygones be bygones after Kelly Rowland stormed off the "Today" set last week -- in fact, she's ready to bury the hatchet even further with a whole redo!

The morning news host told ET Wednesday that despite the disappointment of having Kelly bail ... she's willing to give it another shot ... explaining that she's been texting with Kelly since Thursday to get her to come back for a future hosting date.

022124_hoda_kotb_apology_kal 2/20/24
Kelly Come Back!

Hoda seems to know Kelly on a personal level ... adding she's one of the NBC show's all-time favorites, and that there's no one more gracious or graceful than her. So, it definitely sounds like Hoda's not holding this against Kelly whatsoever.

So far, no word on whether KR will give the "Today" show another go ... but if she does, they're clearly gonna have to touch up all their dressing rooms and give her their best one.

In Kelly's defense ... HK's other cohosts -- Jenna Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie -- also admitted their dressing rooms suck, and need to be worked on. They also explained that they're in an old, historic building ... and that it shows.

In fact, JBH joked in this ET interview that she's gonna be doing all the re-wallpapering 'cause she loves a bit of interior design. Unclear if it's actually gonna happen or not though.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

We broke the story ... sources told us Kelly and her team weren't feeling her dressing room's vibe from the jump during last week's appearance ... and that they ended up bolting from the studio after a game of musical dressing rooms, as none of them were up Kelly's standards.

There were other reports she left over a Beyoncé grilling by Savannah -- but we know that just wasn't the case.

022124-kelly-rowland-today-kal 2/15/24
KEEP IT MOVIN'

Bottom line ... if Kelly does come back, it sounds like Hoda and co. are gonna have to roll out the red carpet and give her the VIP treatment she demands -- and it seems they're inclined to do that the way all the "Today" talent is talking about this in the aftermath.

George Floyd Daughter's Mother Calls 'Scandoval' Comparison 'Stupid' Tom's Alive, George Isn't!!!

Published | Updated

Tom Sandoval's comparison between George Floyd's murder and his cheating scandal's not just drawing ire from fans ... it's also pissing off the mother of George's young daughter.

Roxie Washington, -- who shares 10-year-old Gianna with George -- tells TMZ ... she's not super familiar with "Vanderpump Rules" and doesn't even know who Tom Sandoval is ... she does say he has to be off his rocker to compare his own personal issues to Floyd's death.

ICYMI ... Sandoval sat down for an interview with the New York Times where he said, "I’m not a pop-culture historian really but I witnessed the O.J. Simpson thing and George Floyd and all these big things, which is really weird to compare this to that, I think, but do you think in a weird way it’s a little bit the same?"

Well, Roxie tells us she finds Sandoval's comment flat-out stupid ... adding he and his ex-GF, Ariana Madix, are still alive ... so him trying to compare his situation to George's just isn't reasonable, nor is it even in the same ballpark.

Even though she's not familiar with "Scandoval" ... Roxie says from what she can gather -- Tom's a grown-ass man who's just gone through a breakup ... not a child -- like her daughter, whose dad isn't coming home.

RW didn't just blast TS for comparing his situation to George's death either -- adding Nicole Brown Simpson's dead too, so she finds it just as disrespectful for Sandoval to invoke her name as well.

Roxie says Tom needs to go repeat that "dumb s***" in a mirror ... telling us his comment reflects horrible things Gianna hears from some classmates. She also says this is on the same level of absurdity as comments Kanye West made in the past. So, yeah ... she's kinda comparing Tom to that.

101622-kanye-west-george-floyd-kal 10/15/22
CHAUVIN DIDN'T KILL FLOYD

Remember ... in 2022, Kanye claimed Floyd died from a drug overdose/preexisting conditions, and Roxie threatened to sue KW on behalf of her daughter -- though it's unclear if she ever filed a lawsuit.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

FWIW ... Tom apologized for his remarks, calling the comparison "inappropriate and ignorant" -- but, Roxie says she's not accepting his apology explaining she and her daughter have been affected in a major way by this and people need to watch what they say in the future.

TMZ TV Recap Brady Calls BS on Gisele's New Love Kelly Rowland 'Today,' Marshawn Lynch

Published | Updated

We're almost at the finish line in the week, but TMZ's just getting started on our TV shows!

TMZ Live

Let's start at 'TMZ Live,' where Harvey and Courtney discussed news of Gisele Bundchen and Joaquim Valente being together as a couple ... which has apparently been going on since June 2023 -- something people close to Tom Brady are calling bull crap on.

Take a look to see what we mean ... apparently, folks in his world are insisting they've been hooking since at least 2021 -- which, if true, is ... well, a little messy to say the least.

TMZ on TV

On 'TMZ on TV,' the gang talked about Kelly Rowland and this wild story about her storming off the set of the 'Today' show after apparently not liking the quality of her dressing room.

There was some debate on whether she was right or wrong ... strong feelings on this one.

TMZ Sports

022124_tmz_sports_kal
STRIKING A DEAL

Finally on 'TMZ Sports,' Mojo, Edward and Lucas talked about Marshawn Lynch's DUI deal.

Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!

Jimmy Kimmel I'm Probs Quitting My Late Night Gig ... But Not For A Couple Years

Published | Updated

Jimmy Kimmel seems to be announcing the end of his long-running late-night show -- but don't worry if you love him on TV ... 'cause it's not exactly going off the air tomorrow.

The comedian/talk show host spoke with the L.A. Times about his upcoming role as Oscars host next month ... and while discussing that, he touched on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" -- his hit show that's graced ABC for over 20 years.

Kimmel said he's considering what comes next in his career -- and added he thinks, at least right now, his current contract to host the show will be his last. He didn't definitively say he was leaving his late-night seat ... but that's certainly the feeling here.

Jimmy joked he hates to keep saying he's going to retire ... 'cause he keeps on signing up for the next go-around. This time though, he's got more than two years left on his deal -- and Jimmy says that's "enough."

Jimmy-Kimmel-Live-audio-1 AUGUST 2023
RUMINATING ON RETIREMENT

This isn't the first time Kimmel's mentioned retirement ... in August on "Strike Force Five" -- the podcast he hosted with several fellow late-night hosts -- Jimmy said he was "intent on retiring" before the writers' strike began, but the time off convinced him to stay on.

On the podcast, Jimmy said whenever he's not working he starts to miss it ... and he reiterated that point to the L.A. Times saying he sees himself pursuing a bunch of hobbies in retirement rather than taking it easy post-'Kimmel Live!'

Looks like Jimmy's got a whole bunch planned for his future without his show ... an easier move for him to make since he claims he's never wanted to be a star. Instead, Kimmel maintains he likes taking part in other people's projects, making hosting ideal for him.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

So enjoy the show while it lasts 'Kimmel' fans ... sounds like it'll come to an end before you know it.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

TMZ TV Recap Taylor Swift at War with Jet Tracker ... Donnell Rawlings, K.C. Shooting Update

Published | Updated

It's hump day at TMZ -- and while we're only halfway there ... we're full throttle on all our TV shows!

TMZ Live

Starting on 'TMZ Live' ... we talked about the legal war brewing between Taylor Swift and her private jet tracker, Jack Sweeney, who just fired the latest arrow across the bow at her.

Taylor's team started this fight by threatening legal action if this young guy kept posting her locations across the world -- but now, his own lawyers are firing back ... saying he ain't doing anything illegal -- and that if they have a bone to pick, they better start getting specific.

TMZ on TV

Over at 'TMZ on TV,' we dove in on Donnell Rawlings' spat with fellow comedian Corey Holcomb at the Laugh Factory this weekend ... where they got into a huge shouting match.

A lot of insults were hurled back and forth ... and in the end, Donnell held his ground.

TMZ Sports

022024_tmz_sports_kal
NEW INFORMATION IN KANSAS CITY

Finally on 'TMZ Sports,' we talked about new updates in the Kansas City shooting case.

Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!

'90 Day Fiance' Stars Colon Cancer Fundraiser Nixed ... As Doubts Arise from Fans

Published | Updated

A "90 Day Fiance" couple pissed people off by backtracking on a cancer announcement and seemingly trying to fundraise off it -- something the platform they used shut down quickly.

Here's the deal ... Brandan and Mary Denuccio -- who got hitched after appearing on '90DF: The Other Way' last year -- told their followers over the weekend that Mary had colon cancer ... something they came out with pretty definitively at first, without any doubt.

As part of the announcement -- in which they said flat out that Mary had been diagnosed with colon cancer after experiencing symptoms for years -- they also asked for donations for a fundraiser they started ... which they said would go toward surgery she'd need to remove it.

Soon ... the doubters started coming out of the woodwork and questioning their claim online, which resulted in Brandan and Mary slightly changing the wording of the cancer diagnosis -- making it seem like she hadn't actually gotten any official word from a doctor just yet.

Before long their entire fundraising campaign was halted -- and the whole thing came down.

At the time, the only message that was up on the page read ... "GoGetFunding has been requested or required to stop this campaign." Now, though, we have a bit more clarity.

At first, it was unclear if the campaign -- which, by all accounts, had only raised about $1,300 or so before it was nixed -- was halted by Brandan and Mary themselves ... or the company, but a rep for GoGetFunding tells TMZ ... they're the ones who actually pulled the plug.

We're told the company was quickly flagged by users about the fact it was suspicious -- and after doing some digging on it ... GGF felt enough evidence existed to yank it all down.

Now, in terms of what happened to people's money -- as far as those who donated -- GoGetFunding says the donations were received via PayPal for this campaign ... and no funds passed through their site, so there's no way for them to refund anyone specifically.

GGF goes on to say that they advised anyone who donated and who contacted them afterward for help to dispute any charges/withdrawals with their banks -- and to report any suspicious activity to the police if they felt it rose that level. Unclear if anyone did.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

As far as what Brandan and Mary have to say about it all now ... they actually tell us they were the ones who stopped the GoGetFunding campaign because people were inundating them with hate. Mary adds, "I know i announced i have colon cancer. It’s just im so scared that time because i was in pain and i got all the symptoms. But we are still going back and forth to the hospital and have do all the laboratory requested by the doctors."

Mary tells us she's not going to post anymore about this, as she's very stressed right now.

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

DONNELL RAWLINGS COREY HOLCOMB's GUILTY OF OWN JOKE! Defends Laugh Factory Spat

Published
022024-donnell-rawlings-kal
COULDN'T LET IT SLIDE

Donnell Rawlings is defending his Laugh Factory beef with fellow comic Corey Holcomb ... telling us that while he could've gone about it differently, his rival reeks of hypocrisy.

We got Donnell on "TMZ Live" Tuesday ... where he tells us the spat ensued 'cause he wanted to shield himself from CH's allegations that anybody in comedy who's done 3 movies or more has had to perform fellatio on someone in the biz -- something he outright denies.

DR also notes that according to IMDB, Corey himself has performed in 4 movies ... telling us he's literally guilty of his own joke. In other words, the attack itself didn't make sense.

In hindsight, Donnell admits he shouldn't have yelled at Corey, but he wanted to protect his integrity and those in comedy who've done over 3 movies.

He also had fury built up from Corey taking shots at his good friend Dave Chappelle for years ... so he also felt the need to stick up for him, too, 'cause he's loyal to his pals.

In general, Donnell doesn't understand the need for comics to create controversy by taking shots at others ... something that's been happening quite a lot lately in epic fashion.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

He makes it clear to us that there's no bashing in his new special "Chappelle's Home Team - Donnell Rawlings: A New Day." Basically, he's trying to say that you don't need to drag someone down to come out on top -- and for that, we salute him.

JON STEWART I SAID WHAT I SAID ABOUT BIDEN!!! Blasts 'DS' Return Backlash

Published
022024_jon_stewart_kal 1/19/24
THE REVIEWS ARE IN

Jon Stewart is standing by his roasting of Joe Biden in the opening monologue for his 'Daily Show' return last week ... while also mocking everyone who clutched their pearls.

In his second show back for the Comedy Central series Monday night, JS managed to find humor in even the most savage of online messages ... noting that those on X get worked up on anything at the drop of a dime -- even telling labradoodles to "go f*** themselves." So yeah, he's not exactly gonna be crying over the criticism.

011324_jon_stewart-kal
VERY BASIC THINGS

Ex-MSNBC star Keith Olbermann and Mary L. Trump particularly took offense to Stewart's roasting of Biden and Donald Trump -- the latter even going as far as to label him "a potential disaster for democracy" as seen in the tweets displayed on the screen.

But JS fired back at the absurdity of the outrage surrounding his monologue ... "It was one f***ing show! It was just one f***ing show! It was 20 minutes. I did 20 minutes in one f***ing show! But I guess, as the famous saying goes: 'Democracy dies in discussion.'"

He sarcastically concluded ... "It was never my intention to say out loud what I saw with my eyes and then brain. I can do better!"

You'll recall ... JS marked his 'DS' return by discussing the upcoming 2024 election -- in particular, his biting commentary was aimed at POTUS' age and mental state.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

JB's opponent wasn't let off the hook so easily -- Trump was also roasted for being unable to remember basic stuff ... which is a pretty key trait to have if you're running the country.

Nonetheless, Stewart's message advocating for new blood in politics is loud and clear.

'Boy Meets World' Will & Rider Claim Ex-Guest Star ... Twisted Child Molestation Claims

Published | Updated

Two actors from 'Boy Meets World' say they now have a warped view of a guest star from their show ... after the guy was later convicted on a child molestation charge.

Rider Strong and Will Friedle tackled this issue head-on alongside fellow costar Danielle Fishel on their 'Pod Meets World' podcast Monday -- where they discussed Brian Peck, an actor who was convicted on child sexual abuse charges back in the early 2000s.

At the time, he was accused of molesting an unidentified Nickelodeon child actor and ended up taking a plea deal and serving over a year behind bars. He's now set to be featured in this new documentary about the ugly underbelly of Nick that's airing in March.

Welp, as it turns out ... Rider and Will say they also knew this guy back in the day since he acted on their own show a couple times -- and even though he literally only guest-starred on two 'BMW' episodes with very minor roles, the actors now say he was deeply embedded into their lives ... and it's left them feeling creeped out and uneasy all these years later.

As they look back now, Will and Rider say his eagerness to be good pals with 'em back then -- hanging out with them a lot after work, apparently -- was wildly inappropriate and weird ... but at the time, they say they didn't suspect anything.

When allegations against him first surfaced in the early aughts -- which ultimately landed him in court -- Will and Rider say they bought Peck's story of falling victim to "jail bait" ... and even went to bat for the guy as he appeared before a judge, 'cause they believed him.

They say they now realize how twisted their relationship with this guy was ... and both express shame and regret for ever affiliating themselves with him, even as young adults.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

We've reached out to Peck for comment ... so far, no word back.

TMZ TV Recap Taylor Slams Alwyn Inadvertently ... Billie Hates TikTok, Breece Hall Airport

Published | Updated

We're starting off the week strong at TMZ -- but not nearly as strong as our TV segments.

TMZ Live

Kicking things off on 'TMZ Live,' Harvey and Charlie tackled what amounted to a fairly startling confession from Taylor Swift in Australia this past weekend ... namely, that she was apparently "lonely" while she was dating Joe Alwyn during the pandemic.

The admission came out during a performance, and she made it clear ... she was just with her cat during those years, which is ... alarming to say the least.

TMZ on TV

On 'TMZ on TV,' the gang talked about Billie Eilish throwing shade at TikTokers who attended the People's Choice Awards ... apparently with the feeling of, they ain't really A-listers, y'all.

Her remarks got caught on camera ... and it wasn't well-received by all the young'ns.

TMZ Sports

Finally, on 'TMZ Sports, Babcock and Mojo discussed Breece Hall's unpleasant airport run-in.

Check your local listings for when TMZ is on in your area or catch up on past episodes!

Matthew Perry Fans Bash BAFTA Awards For Ignoring Actor ... Show's Executives Respond

Published | Updated

Fans of Matthew Perry slammed the BAFTA Awards over their perceived snub of the late actor, prompting the show's executives to respond to all the backlash.

The fury began Sunday night after the 2024 British Academy Film Awards aired a four-minute In Memoriam segment showing images of actors who passed away over the last year, including Carl Weathers, Tina Turner, Chaim Topol, Michael Gambon and Richard Roundtree.

As the photos flashed on screen, actress Hannah Waddingham performed onstage, singing a rendition of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time."

It was a wonderful celebration of these famous and talented people ... the only problem was Perry was not among those honored.

His fans were upset, expressing their frustrations on the social media app, X.

One person fumed, “No mention of Matthew Perry in the #BAFTAs memorial?! Bad form."

Another wrote, "Hannah Waddingham's voice is so beautiful. It's a shame BAFTA left Matthew Perry off the list though."

A third grumbled, "No Matthew Perry in the #BAFTAs memorium?? Feels a tad disrespectful. Did they just forget?"

Other Perry supporters noted the actor was not just known for his role on the TV sitcom, "Friends," but he also had a long and successful movie career.

BAFTA senior execs responded to one angry X user, writing, “Matthew Perry will be remembered in this year’s TV Awards ceremony.” They also attached a link to Perry's tribute on the BAFTA website, highlighting his TV and film work.

TMZ broke the story ... Perry's assistant found his body last October floating in a hot tub at his L.A. area home. The coroner performed an autopsy, concluding Perry died from the "acute effects of ketamine," an anesthetic used to treat depression. Drowning was listed on the autopsy report as a secondary cause of death.

Perry was 54.

JOHN WAYNE GACY VICTIM'S SISTER BLASTS NEW SERIES Why Dredge Up Sad Past?!

Published

John Wayne Gacy, the notorious "Killer Clown," is set to be the subject of a new Peacock limited series -- news announced this week that's appalled one of his victims' family members.

Lorie Sisterman, sister of James Haakenson, who was identified as Gacy's 24th victim in 2017, 40 years after he went missing, tells TMZ she's not supportive of the project in any way, shape, or form ... and doesn't understand the need to rehash old wounds and drudge up a hurtful past.

To add insult to injury, she tells us no one reached out to her about the scripted series ... which is based on Peacock's 2021 docuseries "John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise."

Lorie reiterates the series should be off-limits 'cause there are people alive who are still grieving over Gacy's actions. You'll remember ... he was executed in '94 after being convicted of murdering 33 young men and boys during the '70s, burying most bodies under his Chicago-area home.

Among those grieving are members of Gacy's family ... and Lorie notes the new series isn't fair to them either -- especially for his children, who changed their names to start a new life.

Lorie also addresses the Hollywood treatment given to true crime stories, noting that the Evan Peters-starring Netflix series "Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" would've been equally as horrible for the victims' families.

costner_promo_kal
TMZ INVESTIGATES

She didn't watch the 2022 show ... but she's worried JWG will be put up on a pedestal like Dahmer.

All in all, Lorie says that even decades later, Chicago's trying to move on from the evil tragedy ... but this new series is a massive setback for them.