Diana Ross TSA Closes Pat-Down Probe ... Claims it's Much Ado About Nothin'
Diana Ross' gripe about an alleged overly handsy TSA agent doesn't warrant any action or change -- according to the agency, which closed its investigation into her complaint.
A TSA honcho tells TMZ ... airport security personnel on the ground there at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International conducted an investigation into Ms. Ross' description of what she says went down over the weekend, when she claimed she felt "violated" by a pat-down.
TSA reviewed surveillance footage and interviewed the officers involved with Diana's screening -- which happened after she went through a body scanner machine -- and says everything was kosher.
The TSA official says, "Protocols for resolving alarms during Advanced Imaging Technology screening were correctly followed," adding that TSA procedures are designed to protect all travelers from potential threats to aviation system.
You'll recall ... Diana took to social media to complain about what she felt was an "over the top" search, which left her feeling violated.
Diana says the female TSA agent had told her she was just doing her job, and it looks like her bosses agree with her. The agency had asked Diana to reach out and elaborate on the incident -- but it's unclear if TSA ever spoke to her during the investigation.
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Britney Spears Gets Restraining Order ... Against Ex-Manager
5/8 11:47 AM PT -- A judge just granted the restraining order ... Lutfi must stay 200 yards away from the singer and her family and must not make any disparaging statements about Spears.
In court docs -- obtained by TMZ -- Lutfi claims he hasn't made any direct contact with Britney since 2009. However, he says he recently contacted Lynne through phone calls and "non-confrontational" texts. Lutfi also says he offered Lynne financial assistance if she decided she wanted to challenge the conservatorship in court, but insists he wasn't trying to bribe her.
In the docs, Lutfi says Britney disparaged him by making negative comments about him in a recent Instagram video.
Britney Spears' mental health is at risk and it's all because her ex-manager, Sam Lutfi -- with whom she has a dark past -- is harassing her, her parents, and stirring up her fans ... this according to new legal docs.
Britney's requesting protection from Lutfi -- she filed for a restraining order against him Tuesday in L.A. County Superior Court. According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Lutfi's been firing off texts to Britney's mother, Lynne Spears, and posting "disparaging and threatening comments" on social media -- which include calling for the public to "raise hell" to free Britney.
Translation: He's the one instigating followers of the #freebritney movement.
In docs, Brit's lawyers say Lutfi sent Lynne a text last week, calling her out for not getting involved in Britney's conservatorship and decisions about the singer's mental health treatment. In a completely bizarre move, they claim Lutfi offered Lynne $1,000 to "disrupt and take over" the conservatorship. Lynne refused the money.
Lutfi has also threatened to release "trunks" of old personal items of Brit's from when he was her manager in the early 2000s ... according to the docs. The Spears family has long blamed Lutfi for taking Brit down the bad path that ended with her 2008 mental breakdown.
Brit's lawyers say Lutfi's recent activity has a negative effect on her. As they put it, his "vigilante action, bribes and release of private information" is a clear attempt to derail the actions of the conservatorship.
They say the restraining order is needed to "prevent future harm and further psychological trauma."
If granted, Lutfi would have to stay 200 yards away from Britney, Lynne and Jamie Spears ... as well Brit's kids, her boyfriend and her sister. Also, he would be banned from all contact -- by phone, text or email -- with them.
Originally Published -- 5/7 2:00 PM PT
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'Nashville Flipped' Star Dead at 38
12:21 PM PT -- The network from his 2-season show tells TMZ, "The DIY Network family is sorry to hear about the passing of Troy Dean Shafer, a dedicated, driven entrepreneur and restoration expert who was admired by everyone who worked on the series."
They conclude, "We continue to extend our deepest condolences to Troy's family and friends during this difficult time."
"Nashville Flipped" star Troy Shafer died unexpectedly at the age of 38 ... according to his brother.
Troy's brother, Tim, tells us the TV star died in his sleep on April 28. We're told the entire family is in shock because Troy didn't have any known medical conditions.
The coroner's office in Erie, PA confirms an autopsy was not performed on Troy's body, but a toxicology report will be finalized in the coming weeks.
Troy was laid to rest last week, at a very small private burial for his family.
Troy rose to fame by saving, restoring and flipping dozens of historic homes in Nashville ... with a film crew from the DIY Network following him around. Troy and his team specialized in customizing historic properties to fit the design of a certain era.
Before he was a reality TV star, Troy moved to Nashville with dreams of pursuing a career in music ... but he eventually realized his construction background and talent for restoring historic homes was his big ticket, so he started his home renovation business, Nashville Flipped.
He grew up in Erie, Penn., and graduated from Penn State University.
Troy was 38.
RIP
Originally Published -- 11:52 AM PT
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R. Kelly Ponies Up $62k in Back Child Support
R. Kelly avoided another trip to the slammer ... by ponying up ALL of the back child support he owed to his ex-wife, Drea Kelly.
The disgraced singer appeared in court Wednesday in Cook County and forked over $62k. He currently is supposed to pay just over $20k per month to Drea. Wednesday's payment covers March, April and May.
Kelly's Crisis Manager, Darrell Johnson, tells TMZ that after paying the principal balance of the child support, his client has also put June, July, and August payments in an escrow account, and he "now looks forward to clearing his name in and being cleared of all charges in the near future."
However, during Wednesday's child support hearing ... Kelly was informed he still owes Drea $32k in interest on child support.
Additionally, Drea is now requesting he cover educational expenses for their 21-year-old daughter, Joann ... who goes by Buku Abi. Kelly's attorney asked the court for proof that she's enrolled.
As we reported ... Kelly was sprung from jail back in March after a benefactor covered his $161,633 tab for back child support. After he was released, Kelly went back to court to ask the judge to lower the $20k amount, claiming he could no longer afford it.
That hearing was scheduled for Wednesday but in the meantime ... he's still on the hook for $20k+ per month.
Problem was ... Kelly fell behind AGAIN on child support payments.
As we first reported ... Kelly stopped writing checks after claiming his ex trashed him to their kids ... the move that ultimately landed him in Cook County jail.
Kelly later booked a 1-hour nightclub gig in Illinois last month that earned him $22k -- which Drea was totally cool with for obvious reasons -- but as it turned out, he never forked over the dough to get square with her.
Of course, child support's only ONE of Kelly's worries these days as he waits to stand trial on 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving underage girls.
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LaVar Ball BBB Is BBBACK! ... With Plans to Expand
LaVar Ball is NOT folding the Big Baller Brand -- in fact, it's the opposite -- he's expanding BBB with plans to make it bigger than ever, TMZ Sports has learned.
LaVar has had some big problems with BBB recently -- claiming cofounder Alan Foster stole a FORTUNE from the company and his son, Lonzo Ball.
Lonzo was so pissed he sued Foster for more than $2 mil and later covered up the BBB tattoo on his arm ... which many people considered a death blow to the brand. In the wake of the chaos, the BBB website was also taken down.
But now, we've learned LaVar is in the process of building a new BBB team with plans to get back into the sportswear game and expand into other markets as well. He's already made some key hires.
Our sources tell us LaVar and his team are currently working on a battle plan and hope to get everything up and running again very soon.
LaVar launched Big Baller Brand back in 2017 -- selling ZO2 sneakers for a whopping $495 per pair. A bunch of influential celebs snatched up the shoes including Jay-Z who bought 3 pair.
Lonzo Ball was drafted by the L.A. Lakers later that year with the #2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
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Jenelle Evans, David Eason Tapped for 'Marriage Boot Camp'
1:17 PM PT -- WE tv finally got back to us, and it sounds like the network is trying to distance itself from the "Marriage Boot Camp" folks who reached out to Jenelle's peeps, because a spokesperson just said, "WE tv has no plans to cast Jenelle Evans on Marriage Boot Camp."
Jenelle Evans isn't missing a beat after getting booted from "Teen Mom 2" ... because we've learned she's already been approached by "Marriage Boot Camp," and our sources say she and her husband, David Eason, will be doing the show.
Our sources say the folks at "Marriage Boot Camp" have been trying to get Jenelle and David on the show for 2 years, but MTV -- which produces "Teen Mom 2" -- has always said no. We're told one MTV exec even warned her not to do 'Boot Camp' because it would ruin her image.
But, now the decks are cleared, and we're told Jenelle and David are both game.
And, that's not the end of it ... we're told Jenelle is going to New York City next week to meet with producers of other shows. It's uncertain if networks are interested in a package deal -- Jenelle and David -- or just Jenelle alone, but it's a safe bet everyone wants both.
And, we have more info on why Jenelle got fired from "Teen Mom 2." As we reported, David killing the family dog was the last straw, but now we know what a problem it created for MTV. We're told Briana DeJesus, who also appears on "Teen Mom 2" was shooting in Florida and 2 restaurants refused to allow the show to film because the restaurant owners were so upset over the dog killing.
We're also told there were similar problems in other states as well.
Short story ... Jenelle has lost 6 figures after getting fired from MTV, but she's still marketable.
We've reached out to "Marriage Boot Camp," so far, no word back.
Originally published -- 8:16 AM PT
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'Big Brother' Christmas Abbott Cops Plea in Felony Case ... No Jail for Car-Smashing Rampage
Former "Big Brother" star Christmas Abbott struck a pretty sweet deal in her criminal mischief case -- she has a hefty bill to pay ... but won't spend any time behind bars.
Abbott -- who finished third on season 19 of 'BB' back in 2017 -- has been sentenced to 12 months probation and 25 hours of community service for a violent altercation with her baby daddy's girlfriend last year.
As we reported ... Christmas was arrested in November for the August 2018 incident, in which she drove to a Tampa gym to confront the woman and ended up flying off the handle and ramming into her car in the parking lot.
The only reason Abbott wasn't hauled in on the spot ... she was 8 months pregnant at the time. She turned herself after she gave birth to a son in October.
Christmas took a plea to a lesser charge -- misdemeanor criminal mischief -- and along with probation and community service ... she's on the hook for $1,357.95 in restitution and must complete an anger management class.
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Ezekiel Elliott Paying for Murdered Football Star's Funeral
Ezekiel Elliott is covering funeral expenses for an 8th grade football star who was shot and killed by a stray bullet last weekend while leaving a party in St. Louis, sources confirm to TMZ Sports.
14-year-old Jaylon McKenzie was at a house party following a school dance late Saturday night when a fight broke out involving other people.
As McKenzie and others walked outside to leave the home, he was struck by a stray bullet and died at a nearby hospital a short time later, according to the Illinois State Police.
McKenzie was a rising star on the field, dominating as a running back, WR and defensive back. He reportedly had scholarship offers from the University of Missouri and University of Illinois.
He was also spotlighted by Sports Illustrated when he was 13 as a teen athlete to watch.
So, when Ezekiel Elliott -- who grew up in St. Louis -- heard about his passing, we're told the NFL star felt compelled to help McKenzie's family by paying for the funeral costs.
McKenzie's mother, Sukeena Gunner, spoke with the Belleville News-Democrat about Zeke helping out.
"For him to reach out to me was unbelievable," Gunner said ... "Jaylon loved Ezekiel Elliott. He talked about him all the time."
"Just for him to reach out to me and help me in this difficult time leaves me speechless."
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R. Kelly Judge Grants Him a 2nd Chance In Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
R. Kelly just got a small victory in the sexual abuse lawsuit, which he'd lost by not responding -- 'cause the judge is giving him a do-over in court ... TMZ has learned.
As we first told you ... R. Kelly's new attorneys filed a motion in Cook County asking a judge to throw out the default judgment entered against the singer back in April when he didn't show up to fight the claims he'd allegedly sexually abused Heather Williams at age 16.
R. Kelly's lawyers argued he was confused and overwhelmed when he got served the court papers in jail. More importantly, they said he's illiterate, and didn't know what he was reading.
Looks like the judge bought that, and vacated the default judgment... which now means he can fight the lawsuit on its merits. Kelly's attorneys, Zaid Abdallah and Raed Shalabi tell us ... "We’ve never been part of a criminal case where an alleged victim has filed a civil case during a criminal proceeding."
They characterize the judge's decision as a "big win for Mr. Kelly" ... however, he's really just won a battle. The war still has to be waged in court.
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Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Here's Archie!!!
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Breaking News
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9:05 AM PT -- If you're the betting type, and the type who loves a long shot ... you might have just cashed in big time. Ladbrokes, an online betting site, had Archie odds set at 100/1. Congrats if you just came up.
And the Palace wants to make it clear ... his name is Archie, NOT Archibald.
BTW ... the middle name of Harrison is quite fitting. The root of the name is Henry's son, and Henry is Harry's actual birth name. So, there ya go.
8:42 AM PT -- Welp, it's official. Baby Sussex is now Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
What a mouthful.
All of Queen Elizabeth's descendants take the family name Mountbatten-Windsor -- which is a combination of the Queen's official last name, and Prince Phillips' surname.
The long wait to see the royal baby is over ... but the wait to learn his name continues.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made an appearance outside of Windsor Palace with their newborn son and the royal couple was all smiles as they introduced their baby to the world.
When asked how the baby has been, Meghan told reporters, "He has the sweetest temperament. He's really calm."
"I wonder who he gets that from," Prince Harry responded with a smile as he cradled "Baby Sussex" in his arms. Meghan called them her "two best guys in the world."
The couple plans to bring the baby to meet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reveal royal baby son for the first time at Windsor Castle #BabySussex https://t.co/YczSko0Zaw pic.twitter.com/GJJvmPBcC2
@thehill
In the days leading up to the big reveal, oddsmakers in the UK were taking bets on what names the couple might choose ... with Spencer a strong favorite. Spencer was the maiden name of Princess Diana, Harry's mother.
Other names heavily favored included the more traditional Alexander, James, Arthur and Philip.
Oddsmakers were uncertain if the couple would go with a traditional name ... or buck tradition and go their own way as they have in other ways. For now ... everyone waits. As we reported ... Meghan gave birth at 5:26 AM Monday, London time to a healthy baby boy weighing in at 7 lbs. 3 oz.
Harry announced the happy news, telling the media he was thrilled and in awe over what women go through during childbirth. He said they were still thinking about the name even though they had some extra time, and also ... he couldn't stop smiling.
Kensington Palace revealed in October 2018 that Harry and Megs were expecting ... just about 5 months after their star-studded wedding ceremony.
The couple's kiddo is 7th in line to the throne, right behind his father.
Originally Published -- 5:04 AM PT
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Kim Kardashian Wanted by Inmates ... Please, Hear Us Out & Get Us Out!!!
Kim Kardashian is more popular in prisons than ever -- and that's saying a lot -- because scores of inmates are reaching out now that word is out she can offer non-violent offenders a path to freedom.
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Kim and her team of high-powered attorneys are now inundated with letters, calls, emails and social media messages from people who are incarcerated, or the relatives of prisoners. We're told they're all seeking help to get released.
It's no secret why. TMZ broke the story ... Kim successfully helped release 17 inmates in the last few months by funding the 90 days of Freedom campaign -- which is spearheaded by lawyers Brittany K. Barnett and MiAngel Cody of the Decarceration Collective.
The people they've been helping are inmates who were serving unduly long prison sentences -- many of them life -- for low-level drug offenses.
Barnett and Cody are utilizing the newly signed First Step Act as grounds for the releases.
We're told Kim receives hundreds of letters each week -- not to mention the flood of letters and calls made to the attorney's offices as well -- and those numbers don't even come close to the social media tags Kim gets.
To be clear, this is not a rubber stamp process. On the contrary, our sources say Kim is setting aside time each night to sift through many of the inmates' stories -- and Brittany and MiAngel are doing the same. If Kim sees a case she feels strongly about, she brings to the team for further research.
When Kim started her mission, inmates referred to her as "The Princess of Prison Reform" ... we're told that nickname has stuck too.
TBH, since our post about Kim and the 90 Days of Freedom ... our own office phones have been blowing up with people trying to get in touch with her for prison help.
Safe to say ... she's opened the floodgates now.
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NBA's Brandon Jennings Hey, Ayesha Curry 'Stop Trippin', You're Beautiful!!!'
Ex-NBA star Brandon Jennings COULDN'T BELIEVE the comments Ayesha Curry made about being jealous of the attention her husband gets from the opposite sex.
And, now ... Jennings has a message for Steph Curry's wife -- stop trippin'!!!
You know the backstory ... Ayesha went on "Red Table Talk" and admitted she's "bothered" by the lack of attention (in a desirous way) from men over the years while she watches groupies throw themselves at Steph.
"I don't have any of that," Ayesha said ... "I have zero -- this sounds weird -- but, like, male attention, and so then I begin to internalize it, and I'm like, 'Is something wrong with me?'"
Jennings -- who now runs his own Tuff Crowd clothing line -- was so shocked by the comments, he had to discuss out outside of Joey in Woodland Hills, CA.
"She said guys don't lust over her enough ... why would you want to lust over a woman who's married?"
Jennings says it's human nature to want to be desired by the opposite sex, but when it comes to Ayesha -- it's hard to watch her complain because she has "the best life."
Jennings points out that Ayesha is rich as hell, has a faithful husband, a beautiful family and an incredible career as a chef ... so, don't trip!
There's more ... Brandon also talks about his future basketball career. He's only 29 and feels he's got LOTS of game left.
Check out the clip and see where he wants to play next.
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Justin Bieber Paparazzo I Ran Over ... It's His Own Damn Fault
Justin Bieber says the photog he ran over and injured has no one to blame but himself ... and his fellow paparazzi.
As we reported, a paparazzo is suing Bieber for serious injuries he suffered in July, 2017, when Justin was pulling away from the place he goes to church in Bev Hills, and creamed the guy.
07/26/17
The photog says he suffered permanent disabilities along with emotional scars. The injuries include a torn meniscus and a screwed up kneecap.
Bieber just filed his answer to the lawsuit, and says it was caused by the negligence of the photographer along with his cohorts who were trying to snap a shot as the singer drove away.
You see in the video ... Justin initially creeps forward in his truck but then seems to lurch ... and that's when he makes contact with the photog.
The photog, William Wilson, crumbled to the ground. Bieber got out and tried to help him before paramedics arrived and took Wilson to the hospital.
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Mama June Dumped by Lawyer on Crack Case ... Says She's Gone Dark
Mama June and her boyfriend are in the market for a new lawyer in their crack cocaine arrests ... 'cause the one they had is done trying to defend 'em since they won't even talk to him.
George B. Bulls II filed a request to be taken off the case, and the judge signed off on it. Bulls says ever since June and her BF, Geno Doak, were busted back in March ... he's made several attempts to contact his clients, but to no avail.
Bulls says aside from June and "Cracky Bear" NOT communicating with him ... he claims they've "failed to comply" with their attorney/client agreement.
You'll recall ... the couple was busted for possession of crack cocaine and paraphernalia -- including a needle and a pipe -- while at an Alabama gas station.
While they're not talking to their now ex-attorney, June and Geno still appear to be thick as thieves. Just a few days after their arrests ... they were trying to hit the jackpot at a casino ... and they've been spotted there multiple times since.
They're gonna need some winnings for a new retainer.
3/16/19
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Camille Kostek Lands SI Swimsuit Cover ... 'I'm So Happy!!!'
Camille Kostek is having a pretty great 2019 -- she's officially a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover girl now ... and she lost her mind when she found out!
The former New England Patriots cheerleader -- who's also dating Rob Gronkowski -- was informed about the cover by the editor, MJ Day ... and immediately began bawling!
It's actually a really cool, raw moment.
A Star Is Born. Here's the moment Camille Kostek found out she was on the cover of #SISwim 2019. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/medd8lJArK
@SI_Swimsuit
Kostek first started working with SI back in 2017 -- and she's always talked about how modeling for the mag was a career goal. Congrats on the cover!!!
There are three versions of the SI Swimsuit Edition cover -- the other two feature Tyra Banks and soccer superstar Alex Morgan.
SI has also said the 2019 edition will feature other major female athletes including UFC star Paige VanZant.
As for Kostek, she just wrapped up a big weekend in Vegas celebrating Gronk's retirement from the NFL ... where the two danced their faces off and smashed cake by a Vegas pool.
Camille has also credited Gronk for sticking with modeling and being proud of her body when modeling agencies tried to pressure her into losing weight.
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'Varsity Blues' Ringleader Still Living Large ... I Still Got Skin in the Game
Rick Singer, the man who pulled all the strings in the massive college admissions bribery case, is living the Porsche lifestyle while the clients he ratted out face years in prison.
Shirtless Rick was chillin' at a public pool Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Florida ... when a staffer from C13Originals spotted him and fired off questions ... but the mastermind was impenetrable.
As we reported ... Rick copped a plea to racketeering conspiracy, tax conspiracy, money laundering and obstruction of justice. He faces a maximum of 65 years in prison, but he'll get way less for turning on those from who he richly profited.
Rick, who raked in more than $25 mil from wealthy parents like Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, has already been forced to forfeit millions ... but he's still got a fancy set of wheels.
Rick booked it with 2 paddleboards strapped to the roof of his fancy ride. We're guessing Olivia Jade won't be his plus one.