Jussie Smollett Chicago PD Launches Internal Investigation
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EXCLUSIVE
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Cops working the Jussie Smollett case allegedly had seriously loose lips, and now the police force is launching an internal investigation.
Chicago PD tells us its Chief of Detectives opened the investigation out of concerns the force was leaking like a sieve. CPD adds there's been a ton of "inaccurate" info in the media, and they want to know who's putting it out there.
A police spokesman tells TMZ ... "When there are allegations of information being leaked, an internal investigation has been opened and we are also looking at our vulnerabilities."
Smollett's attorney, Mark Geragos, blasted the police during a CNN appearance saying the leaks were a thinly veiled attempt to skewer the actor.
Worth noting ... the Smollett case also caused upheaval at the hospital where he was treated after the alleged attack. Dozens of staffers were reportedly fired for looking at his records without authorization.
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Ye, Cudi & Ty Dolla $ign Sued 'Kids See Ghosts' Used My Voice ... Where's My Cut, Bros?
Kanye West's hit collab with Ty Dolla $ign and Kid Cudi left out another featured artist ... at least according to the guy suing all 3 rap stars for stealing his voice.
"Kids See Ghosts" dropped back in June 2018 ... big hit for Ye and co. -- but the song doesn't open with any of their voices. A guy named Ronald Oslin Bobb-Semple says the first voice you hear is his. It's a portion of a 45-minute presentation Ronald's been performing around the world for decades now ... according to the suit.
Ronald says his presentation is a tribute to Marcus Garvey, the historic pioneer for black rights in the Americas. In the suit, he points out Ye, Cudi and Ty have received accolades and "substantial profits" from "Kids See Ghosts" -- but he hasn't seen a dime.
He says it's time for all 3 men to pay the piper, and yeah ... Ronald's the piper.
He's suing for his fair cut of the 'Ghosts' profits.
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Kiefer Sutherland We Have Obama Ties on 'Designated' ... No Need for the Real Deal
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EXCLUSIVE
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Kiefer Sutherland plays POTUS on his TV show, but says he doesn't need an actual President -- like say, Barack Obama -- to consult on it ... he already has the next best thing.
"Designated Survivor" -- which stars Kiefer as the Prez -- just jumped from ABC to Netflix, and you know Obama already has a production deal with the streaming service. So, we asked Kiefer at LAX if there's any chance they'd hook up.
Believe it or not, he took a hard pass, but only because 44's already had a huge impact on 2 seasons of 'Designated.' Turns out, one of Kiefer's costars worked for the Obama administration. Check out the clip if you don't know which one.
As for how season 3 on Netflix will be different -- he gives one hint: they aim to please.
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Kanye West Sued EMI Shoots Down 'Servitude' Claim ... Your Contract's Legal in NY!!!
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EXCLUSIVE
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Kanye West's attempts to get out of his contract with EMI are ridiculous, legally speaking, and he knows it -- especially because he's signed multiple extensions ... at least, according to the record label.
EMI is now suing Kanye in federal court over his publishing deal. According to the suit, Ye signed the contract in 2003, and received "tens of millions of dollars" from EMI as a result. The label says some of that money was paid to him after he signed 7 different modifications and/or extensions to the deal.
The twist here is that EMI says the contracts are clear that NY laws govern the deal. That's important because as we reported ... West sued EMI in California, claiming the contract amounts to "servitude" because it's a personal services contract lasting more than 7 years.
He's right ... in Cali, it would be. But, EMI points out in its lawsuit, NY State is a different story ... there's no such 7-year rule there. Plus, EMI is shooting down Kanye's claim the deal is a personal services contract.
EMI wants the court to declare the contracts are valid, and Kanye's gotta stick to it. The label also wants the court to block Kanye's lawsuit.
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MLB's Tom Seaver Diagnosed with Dementia
Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver has been diagnosed with dementia and "has chosen to completely retire from public life" ... his family announced Thursday.
Seaver -- a World Series champ, 13-time All-Star and 3-time Cy Young winner -- played in the majors from 1968 to '86 ... and was a first-ballot entry into Cooperstown.
"Tom will continue to work in his beloved vineyard at his California home" the statement says ... explaining that he will no longer make public appearances.
"The family is deeply appreciative of those who have supported Tom throughout his career, on and off the field, and who do so now by honoring his request for privacy."
Seaver is one of the greatest to ever wear a Mets jersey -- he had his No. 41 jersey retired in 1988 and was given the nicknames "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise" during his playing days.
Seaver also played for the Reds, White Sox and Red Sox ... raking in 311 wins.
"We join Tom in sending warmest regards to everyone."
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Rande Gerber & Cindy Crawford Son Presley Charged with DUI
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EXCLUSIVE
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Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford's son, Presley Gerber, has officially been charged with DUI after being arrested for drunk driving earlier this year.
The L.A. District Attorney's Office filed charges Thursday against the 19-year-old model -- one count of DUI and another of driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 ... both misdemeanors. If convicted, Presley faces up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine ... but the judge will usually cut a first offender some slack.
TMZ broke the story ... Presley was arrested for DUI right after New Year's Day, when cops say they pulled him over early in the morning for speeding through Beverly Hills in his Tesla. Cops say he reeked of booze, and busted him after he failed a field sobriety test.
Seeing how Presley's only 19, California law is much more strict when it comes to drinking and driving. Anything at or above .01 will get ya arrested.
Presley's lawyer, Scott Spindel, told us at the time of the arrest that his client took the allegations seriously and would take the necessary steps to deal with them.
Although young, the kid has already made a name for himself in the modeling world -- having done campaigns for Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana as well as Vogue.
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'Tanked' Star Heather King Arrested for Domestic Violence ... Allegedly Slapped, Kicked Wayde
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EXCLUSIVE
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The husband and wife stars of "Tanked" got into a nasty fight at home that ended with him getting roughed up and her in handcuffs ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us ... Heather King was arrested Wednesday in Las Vegas after she allegedly slapped her husband, Wayde, in the face and kicked him in the stomach twice during a heated argument.
We're told cops were called to their house and noticed visible redness on the right side of Wayde's stomach. He also told police when Heather drove away, he was hanging out the window of her car.
Our sources say Heather admitted to cops she slapped Wayde, but only because he wouldn't let her leave a room -- and she also denies dragging him with her car.
Heather was booked for misdemeanor domestic violence, and has been released from custody.
The couple's Animal Planet show follows Acrylic Tank Manufacturing, an aquarium company in Vegas owned by Wayde and his brother-in-law, Brett Raymer. Brett is Heather's bro, and she's the accountant.
The show has installed incredible fish tanks and aquariums into the homes of several celebs ... like Tracy Morgan, Alyssa Milano, Shaq, Neil Patrick Harris, Betty White, David Hasselhoff, Howie Mandel, and Ludacris.
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Jim Ross Leaving WWE 'I Need to Move On'
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Breaking News
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GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY ... Jim Ross is leaving WWE.
The 67-year-old legend made the announcement on "The Jim Ross Report" podcast on Thursday -- explaining he'll be leaving the company later this month when his contract expires.
"My WWE contract after 26 years will expire on Friday, March 29," Ross said.
"And, after talking a couple of weeks ago with Vince McMahon, we have mutually agreed I need to move on."
While noting the move is on good terms, Ross suggested powerful people in the organization clearly wanted him out.
"I still think I can do play-by-play even though others that may surround Vince think I can't."
Ross says he's leaving the company "with great thoughts, very positive."
"I've made a lot of money, Vince is amazing to Jan and myself. He set us up for life financially, of which I can never repay him."
"I'm 67, I still feel I can get the job done doing wrestling play-by-play, and I want to explore that opportunity and possibility," Ross said.
So, what's next for Ross? There are rumblings he will sign with the new AEW wrestling organization -- but nothing is official at this point.
Ross has been calling matches for WWE since the early '90s and has been part of the company's biggest moments.
After calling The Undertaker's match at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, he signed a 2-year contract to call special events for WWE. The last time he was on-air was back in April to work the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.
Ross has been a key part of WWE for decades -- and famously came up with Stone Cold Steve Austin's nickname, "The Texas Rattlesnake."
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Dak Prescott's Pit Bull Could Be Put Down ... Over Neighbor Attack
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Dak Prescott's pit bull is possibly facing the death penalty after attacking a neighbor in Frisco, Texas last week ... TMZ Sports has learned.
Prescott's dog, Icon, was quarantined last Monday after it escaped from the Dallas Cowboys QB's home and attacked a woman who was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for her injuries.
Icon was supposed to be held in quarantine for 10 days -- which means it was scheduled to be released today -- but there's been a change of plans due to the seriousness of the incident.
Law enforcement tells us ... the case has been referred to the City of Frisco Municipal Court for a hearing to determine if the dog will be, or should be classified as a "dangerous dog."
If found to be dangerous, we're told there are multiple options on how to deal with it -- one of the options is euthanasia.
One official tells us the goal is to work with all parties for an amicable resolution -- but putting the dog to sleep is a real possibility. Another option could be removing the dog from city limits.
Unclear when the hearing is set to take place -- but we're told the dog will remain in quarantine until the outcome is decided.
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Michael Cohen Sues Trump Org. ... You Flipped on Me, Financially!!!
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Breaking News
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Michael Cohen says Donald Trump left him and high dry the second things got hot, and went back on a promise to cover all of Cohen's legal fees related to the Mueller investigation.
Cohen just filed a lawsuit against the Trump Organization for more than a million bucks -- money he says was supposed to be paid to his lawyers. In the suit, Cohen says shortly after he was first subpoenaed, Donald's co. agreed to cover all of his attorney's fees.
That was in July 2017, and Cohen says all seemed to be going well. In October, his attorneys got a check for $137,460 from the Trump Org. -- and that continued until May 2018. He says Trump's company eventually covered $1.7 million of his legal expenses.
But, when Trump's former right-hand man flipped in June 2018 ... the relationship soured. Funny how that goes. Trump started distancing himself from Cohen. In fact, Cohen recalls his former boss saying in June, "I haven't spoken to Michael in a long time. He's not my lawyer anymore."
According to the suit, the well ran dry that same month ... and Cohen says a total of $1,037,868 remains unpaid to his high-powered law firm. Most attorneys frown upon working for free, and Cohen says they indeed pulled out ... which hurt his case.
Remember, he was sentenced to 3 years in prison for tax fraud and campaign finance violations.
He's suing the Trump Org. for the outstanding legal tab, plus a little something for himself ... aka damages.
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R. Kelly Hasn't Contacted Fam Since 2017 ... Despite Claim He's Trying
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EXCLUSIVE
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7:45 AM PT-- Kelly directly addressed his failure to pay child support during his CBS interview ... and is blaming his ex-wife, Drea. He claims her "lies" about his abuse are the very reason he can't make money to pay her.
R. Kelly's lying through his teeth when he says he's trying to have a relationship with his children, because he's had a chance to for years and ignored it.
Sources close to the situation are calling BS on some of Kelly's antics with CBS News ... particularly the part of about "trying to have a relationship with my kids." We're told the singer hasn't even tried to reach out to his 3 children with his ex-wife, Drea Kelly, since 2017.
As we reported ... the singer went ballistic during his interview with Gayle King, and at one point screamed he was only trying to repair ties with his kids and didn't care about his career.
Our sources say that's all for show -- after all, we're told he changed his number and never gave it to Drea.
Speaking of Drea ... she maintains she's open to Kelly reconnecting with their children, who are adults now -- which is somewhat surprising, considering how she ripped into him in the "Surviving R. Kelly" docuseries.
Kelly's daughter, Buku Abi, also says she and her siblings have been estranged from their father for years. Although, she called him a "monster" ... Kelly, ironically, chalks that up to brainwashing from Drea.
Either way, Kelly has definitely come up short with his kids when it comes to child support ... which is why he was arrested again Wednesday. As we reported, he'll need to fork over more than $161k to Drea to be released.
We're told when he appeared before the judge, his legal team pitched a payment plan option ... but it didn't fly.
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Jason Priestley Honors Luke Perry ... 'Goodnight Sweet Prince'
9:50 AM PT -- Luke's "Riverdale" costar, Camila Mendes, has also shared a touching tribute, saying ... "he took care of us all. an authentic man who took pleasure in offering us his guidance and wisdom. his presence was healing; he had the ability to make you feel comfortable and at ease within seconds of seeing him."
She added ... "we lost a dear friend. my heart hurts for his family and anybody who had the pleasure of knowing him. rest in peace, luke. although you’re no longer around to wrap me in the warmth of your hug, i can still remember what it felt like. whenever i think of you, i will remember that feeling."
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9:15 AM PT -- Another one of Luke's former '90210' costars, Tiffani Thiessen, has shared a tribute to him as well. She says he welcomed her with open arms when she joined the well-established show, took her under his wing and made her feel like part of his TV family.
Tiffani adds ... "He was sincere, sweet, warm, kind, professional and funny as all heck. And most of all, the definition of a gentleman. Luke, our world has a hole in it now that you aren’t here. But heaven definitely gained you as an angel."
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Jason Priestley just broke his silence on the passing of Luke Perry ... with a touching tribute to his late friend and former costar.
The "Beverly Hills, 90210" star penned an emotional tribute on Instagram Thursday ... saying Luke was taken from this world far too soon. He wrote, "It's taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this ... My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared."
He added, "Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon... and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today... if you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well."
Jason's thoughtful tribute came a few days after Luke died from a massive stroke he'd suffered 5 days earlier. Their characters -- Brandon Walsh and Dylan McKay -- were close friends on the '90s teen drama, and that friendship continued offscreen.
Jason's tribute comes on the heels of "Riverdale" also honoring Luke after resuming production. Wednesday night's episode -- the first to air since Luke's passing -- closed with an "In Memoriam" tribute.
As you know ... "Riverdale" has dedicated the rest of the show to Luke, who played Archie's dad on the hit CW series. The show's executive producer referred to Luke as "Our heart, always."
Jason echoed that sentiment ... "The candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long.... you burned oh, so brightly Luke... Goodnight Sweet Prince."
Originally Published -- 7:03 AM PT
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Tristan Thompson Not 'Dating' Mystery Hottie ... Met Through Teammate
Tristan Thompson isn't moving on from Khloe Kardashian just yet, because he's NOT dating the hot chick he's been hanging with in NYC, but they are getting to know each other through a mutual friend ... one of his NBA teammates.
We've learned Tristan's new friend is Karizma Ramirez ... and sources close to her tell us they met last week through Jordan Clarkson.
As you know, Tristan and Karizma were photographed inside Nobu in NYC Tuesday night ... after being spotted together last week at another dinner in the Big Apple. That sparked dating rumors, obvi, since it came directly on the heels of Khloe kicking Tristan to the curb.
But, the sources close to her say Karizma and TT are insisting there's nothing romantic going on between them.
We're told they've only hung out at the 2 dinners, which were both group situations -- where Tristan was flying solo, and Karizma was Jordan's guest.
We got Tristan out in New York last week, but he was silent on Khloe and his cheating scandal with Jordyn Woods.
As for Karizma, we're told she's NOT dating Jordan either, they've known each other forever through his family. BTW, she used to kick it with Chris Brown, but nothing serious.
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Queen Elizabeth Check Me Out On Instagram ... I Don't Do Hashtags
Queen Elizabeth's first ever post on Instagram is blowing up which is totally impressive ... considering it's just a boring old, OLD letter.
QE2 didn't even remember to add #latergram or #throwbackthursday when she hit the share button. Naturally, there was plenty of royal fanfare for the moment ... they had an actual ceremony for it at London's Science Museum, and she got cheers and applause when a right proper English dude announced, "It's worked perfect."
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As for what the Queen posted to The Royal Family's account ... it's an 1843 letter written by computer pioneer and mathematician Charles Babbage to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert.
The Queen wrote in her caption ... "In the letter, Babbage told Queen Victoria and Prince Albert about his invention the 'Analytical Engine' upon which the first computer programmes were created by Ada Lovelace, a daughter of Lord Byron."
(*EYEROLL*) Can't wait to see her #MCM.
The monarch signed off like a real newbie, Elizabeth R -- and already has nearly 60k likes. Start the countdown to her first flat tummy tea deal.
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Jack Osbourne Officially Divorced
Jack Osbourne is officially a single man again -- a judge just greenlit his divorce from Lisa Stelly.
According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Jack and Lisa's divorce case is now closed ... the judge signed off Tuesday on their agreement. It's been nearly a year since Lisa initially filed for divorce from Jack -- and there's been a lot that's happened between them since then.
Jack allegedly punched Lisa's new boyfriend, Michael Gabel, when he tried intervening in an argument Jack and Lisa were having a few months after she took their split to court. A battery report was taken, but Michael refused to press charges against Jack.
Sources familiar with the situation told us at the time that Jack thought he and Lisa were on track to repair their relationship, and the new BF showing up threw him. Jack was spotted back at the house a few days after the attack and he left without incident that time.
Based on what we've seen from Lisa and Jack in the recent past, things should be just fine now as they continue to co-parent. They have 3 young kids together.
We broke the story ... Jack and Lisa settled their divorce back in the summer, with Jack agreeing to pay her a sizable cash payout and significant child support. They're going to share joint custody of the kids.
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Taylor Swift Rooftop Break-in!!! NYC Burglar Returns
3/8 6:30 AM PT -- A judge set Alvarado's bail at $30,000 cash or $75,000 bond.
A guy who's clearly Taylor Swift-obsessed is in custody after going full cat burglar, allegedly ... he was busted after climbing onto her roof and kicking in a door, and it's not his first time on the premises.
Law enforcement tells TMZ ... Roger Alvarado managed to get on the roof of Taylor's Tribeca pad early Thursday morning -- around 2 AM -- but once he busted down a door to gain entry her alarm system sounded. We're told Taylor's security team reacted immediately, calling cops to the scene.
Alvarado was arrested on the scene, which has gotta feel like deja vu for him. NYPD nabbed him last April at this same residence. You might recall, this is the guy who actually took a shower in Taylor's pad before he was busted last year.
In December, he pled guilty to attempted burglary and criminal contempt. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail -- and was credited with time served since he'd been behind bars since the original April arrest -- and 5 years probation.
Taylor was not home at the time, and Alvarado is still in custody.