TMZ.com Home

The man in charge of Aretha Franklin's funeral, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, wants her fans around the world to know one thing -- get ready for church.

The pastor told us he's well aware he'll have a star-studded congregation during Friday's funeral, including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Whoopi Goldberg, and President Clinton ... to name just a few. But he says the focus still has to be squarely on the Queen of Soul.

Bishop Ellis plans to celebrate her life in a respectful, godly manner. After all, she grew up musically and spiritually in her father's Baptist church -- and while superstar singers will perform during the service, Ellis says it's not going to be a concert.

He gave us a preview of his sermon, and the pressure that comes with overseeing an icon's funeral.

As we first reported, Jennifer Hudson will sing "Amazing Grace" as part of Friday's star-studded service at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.

It starts at 10 AM ET, and we'll be streaming it live on TMZ.

Lil Pump was pulled over by cops in Miami because he was a young, hispanic man driving an expensive car -- in other words, he was profiled ... so says the rapper's attorney.

LP's lawyer, Brian Bieber (no relation to Justin), tells TMZ that his client's arrest Wednesday appears to be yet another classic case of profiling -- as Pump was doing nothing wrong on the road ... other than allegedly driving without a driver's license, of course.

Bieber says cops initially told his client they pulled him over for an illegal turn but later changed their story and said they pulled him over because he had expired tags.

Bieber says cops simply saw a young, successful hip-hop artist driving a very expensive Rolls-Royce in broad daylight ... and decided to initiate a traffic stop in search of something wrong -- even though he says Pump hadn't done a thing to warrant such action.

We broke the story ... Lil Pump was cuffed and hauled off to jail after Miami PD says it discovered the license plate on his Rolls-Royce actually belonged to a Mini Cooper. When they asked for a license, cops say Pump told them he'd never obtained one.

John McCain is finally getting his due respect from President Trump -- his body is being flown to Washington D.C. on an aircraft that had to be approved by POTUS.

The late Arizona senator's casket was loaded onto one of the jets known as Air Force 2 -- which is often designated for the VP or First Lady's travel. As you know, 45 will not be attending McCain's service in D.C. ... reportedly because McCain wanted it that way.

Still, Trump announced earlier this week he had greenlit military transport for McCain, saying, "At the request of the McCain family, I have also authorized military transportation of Senator McCain’s remains from Arizona to Washington, D.C., military pallbearers and band support, and a horse and caisson transport during the service at the United States Naval Academy."

Prior to the statement, Trump was being incredibly stubborn on publicly speaking about McCain's passing ... refusing to answer questions about the Senator, and even briefly returning the White House flag to full-staff. It was eventually lowered back to half-staff.

There was no love lost between Trump and McCain. Then-candidate Trump mocked McCain's military service, saying he was not a war hero because he'd been captured in Vietnam.

A memorial service was held for McCain Thursday in Arizona, where a lot of people spoke in remembrance of the political maverick ... including a teary-eyed Joe Biden. McCain will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda Friday before another memorial service Saturday.

It's a hugely significant ruling ... an arbitrator just threw out the NFL's motion to dismiss Colin Kaepernick's collusion lawsuit, and that now paves the way for a full-blown trial in which NFL owners will have to testify under oath.

The NFL had filed legal docs alleging Kaepernick's legal argument -- that NFL owners conspired to keep him out of the league -- was baseless and without evidence. The arbitrator disagreed, concluding there was sufficient evidence present in the former QB's legal docs to allow his case to go forward.

Part of the evidence the arbitrator considered -- several NFL owners have been deposed in the case including Dallas Cowboys honcho Jerry Jones, Texans owner Bob McNair and Ravens Steve Bisciotti.

Now Kaepernick's lawyers, Mark Geragos and Ben Meiselas, will have an opportunity for a trial and put the owners under oath. The end game -- proving they talked, conspired and colluded to keep Colin off the field. If that is proven, the entire NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement could be in jeopardy.

Dr. Phil's not buying what Piers Morgan is selling when it comes to his hot take on Cosmo UK putting plus-size model Tess Holliday on its cover.

The Doc was on "TMZ Live" and praised Tess Holliday for not only challenging society's mold of body image, but also for getting recognized by Cosmo for doing so.

As we reported ... Piers blasted Cosmo for making 33-year-old Tess a cover model. He called the choice a "load of old baloney" given Britain's "ever-worsening obesity crisis."

Dr. Phil says Piers, who is a friend of his, is essentially body shaming when he says it's wrong to recognize Tess in magazines.

She's firing back at Piers too, saying ... "To everyone saying I'm a burden to the British health care system, I'm American so you don't have to worry about my fat ass. Worry about what horrible people you are by whining about how me being on the cover of a glossy magazine impacts your small minded life."

Mic drop.

For the first time in his life, Tekashi69 came face-to-face with his family members in Mexico ... and greeted them with warm hugs and cold hard cash.

Tekashi's down in Mexico before he jets off to Europe for the remainder of his tour. The rapper made a quick stop to visit his aunt and uncle, who he says he's only spoken with over the phone. Tekashi's mother left Mexico before he was born and ended up in NYC.

Tekashi and his relatives are clearly emotional ... embracing and exchanging some friendly words. His aunt also gives 6ix9ine a tour of her home. Her famous nephew didn't leave her empty-handed.

He counted out what appears to be several thousand dollars, and handed it to her. Not a bad parting gift.

If there's one blonde bombshell you fantasize about getting in the ring with, may we present to you Barbie Blank.

The former WWE superstar is a total knockout!

Barbie -- who used to wrestle under the name Kelly Kelly -- left the dollhouse for a beach day in Venice ... and you've GOT to check out her sexy shots in a white-hot bikini. It burns so good!

Barbie plays in the sand, splashes in the water and shows off her assets.

And ... this Barbie is REAL!!!

After leaving WWE, Barbie became one of the main cast members on "WAGS" -- since she married ex-NHL star Sheldon Souray. The two separated last October.

Gwyneth Paltrow isn't some stuck up Hollywood elitist, she's just like the rest of us ... 'cause she'd rather think about sex than listen to her friends' boring stories!!!

She's also hip to memes!!!

Gwyneth became an IG meme Wednesday, and her surprising response showed her funny -- and humble -- side. Seriously, who saw that coming???

The man behind the meme, Tucker Bellingrath aka @gaybestfriend, tells us he was SPEECHLESS when Gwyneth responded to his post, and he's glad she doesn't take herself too seriously.

It makes sense why Gwyneth's willingness to play along caught Tucker and everyone else by surprise. This is an Oscar-winning actress, for goodness sake!!!

2:20 PM PT -- Heather has been officially charged.

Heather Locklear will be slapped with 3 new charges stemming from her arrest when she allegedly attacked a cop and an EMT.

TMZ broke the story ... Locklear was arrested back in June after EMTs and cops responded to her home on a disturbance call. They arrived to a heavily intoxicated Locklear who allegedly punched a cop and EMT while they tried to load her onto a gurney. She was never charged in this incident ... but that changes today.

Heather will be charged with 1 misdemeanor count of interfering with a law enforcement officer and 2 counts of misdemeanor battery for allegedly attacking the first responders.

You'll recall ... Heather was also arrested in February for felony domestic violence as well as battery on a cop ... this after getting into a fight with her boyfriend at her home. She was charged with 5 criminal offenses in that case, and Thursday afternoon, the 3 new counts for the June incident will be added to the complaint.

After an incident in June where she allegedly choked her dad and hit her mom, and the arrest in June, Heather was committed to a hospital on a 5150 psychiatric hold. After her release she went to rehab.

The EMT she kicked? Well, he lawyered up ... claiming he suffered a serious injury during the ordeal.

Originally Published -- 8/30/2018 12:08 PM PDT

Toccara Jones can't believe Piers Morgan so blatantly body shamed a plus-size model and tried to mask it as a health concern ... saying someone can be big AND healthy.

The ex-"America's Next Top Model" contestant says she's been shamed herself for not having an "ideal" figure, and believes only Tess Holliday knows what's best for her in terms of overall health. Translation: Piers has NO biz wading into a very personal topic for Tess.

And, even if Tess would be considered "unhealthy" by society's standards, Toccara says she's approaching her well-being from a positive place ... which is what really matters.

Joe Biden got choked up remembering his friend and "brother" John McCain as friends, family and admirers gathered to celebrate his life at a memorial service Thursday.

Biden took the floor at North Phoenix Baptist Church and spoke of McCain's honesty, determination and dedication. He even referred to McCain as his brother ... mentioning a lot of "family fights." Biden also served as a pallbearer for the service.

The late senator's family and friends -- along with local and tribal officials as well as civic leaders from across the state -- attended ... and 1,000 seats were made available to the public.

After the motorcade arrived, the Arizona National Guard retrieved the casket and placed it in front of the church.

Later Thursday, McCain's casket will be transported to D.C. where family, friends, colleagues and staff will pour into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for a private ceremony honoring McCain's life. When the formal ceremony ends, the public will have a chance to also pay their respects. Doors to the public open at 2 PM ET and are slated to stay open until 8 PM ET.

McCain's National Memorial Service will be held Saturday at 10 AM ET at the Washington National Cathedral. Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush -- both former political rivals of McCain -- are set to deliver eulogies at his request.

Actor Warren Beatty, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen were also pallbearers.

President Trump will not attend McCain's funeral after being made persona non grata, and McCain's former running mate in 2008, Sarah Palin, has also reportedly not been invited.

Since his death, heartfelt tributes from celebrities and fellow politicians have poured in for McCain ... including from Sen. Lindsey Graham, who told us he vows to do better to honor his friend.

There's also been a push to rename the Russell Senate Office Building the McCain Senate Office Building, spearheaded by Sen. Chuck Schumer.

On Wednesday morning, the Arizona Army National Guard carried McCain's casket into the AZ State Capitol Museum rotunda for a private ceremony for family and colleagues ... including remarks by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.

McCain's wife, Cindy, and daughter, Meghan, were both very emotional at the sight of his casket.

The late Senator was the third person to lie in the rotunda in the last 40 years ... Arizona state Senator Marilyn Jarrett and Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens were the others.

Emmy Rossum -- arguably the leading star of the TV show "Shameless"-- just announced her departure after nine seasons ... but didn't give any clear reason why.

The actress -- who plays William H. Macy's daughter, Fiona Gallagher, on the Showtime hit series -- posted a lengthy statement on Facebook Thursday, saying she was leaving her role after season 9 ... which begins airing next month. She's been on since it first aired in 2011.

Emmy says being part of the crew gave her a sense of family and continuity that she hadn't experienced as a working actor beforehand, and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to play such a well-known character ... adding "the last eight years have been the best of my life."

Still, she doesn't offer a clear explanation of why she's leaving the show -- but does say not to think of her as gone ... but "just think of me as moving down the block."

There was a big controversy a couple years back when Emmy demanded equal pay to Macy -- which eventually got resolved privately. She reportedly held up production for the next season before coming to terms with Warner Bros. Television on a new deal.

Unclear if this sudden exit has anything to do with that, but one thing's for sure ... Fiona's gonna have to get written out somehow if they want the Gallaghers to keep on living in dysfunction.

2:05 PM PT -- According to witness reports, the Queen of Soul has changed outfits yet again for day 3 of her memorial tour. Today, day 3 has her ensconced in a rose-gold custom knit suit with pink beaded lace.

Day 1 showed Aretha in a tea-length red dress made of lace, with matching leather high heels. Day 2 she was reportedly dressed in a powder blue dress and matching shoes.

Aretha Franklin's casket is going on display at an entirely new location -- which has more of a personal connection than before -- ahead of what's set to be an epic memorial concert.

The Queen of Soul was moved to her late father's former house of worship -- where it all started for Aretha -- at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, as she's set to lie in repose for more public viewing before a star-studded lineup takes the stage in her honor tonight.

As you can see, lines were still forming around the block to catch a glimpse of Aretha and say final goodbyes to the music icon. We imagine it'll be an open-casket viewing, just like it was at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

As we reported ... 22 acts are set to perform later Thursday in a memorial concert for Aretha, where folks like the Four Tops, Johnny Gill, Ron Isley and others are on the bill. Another concert's taking place Friday at her funeral, with acts like Ariana Grande and Stevie Wonder.

Aretha died earlier this month from pancreatic cancer. She was 76.

Aretha Franklin's service will include both songs of her own and religious hymns -- with Jennifer Hudson set to perform "Amazing Grace" -- TMZ has learned.

We've obtained the production sheet for some of Thursday and Friday's services that lists several of the musical acts and the songs they'll perform.

Jennifer Hudson -- "Amazing Grace"

Faith Hill -- "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"

Ariana Grande -- "Natural Woman"

Stevie Wonder -- "The Lord's Prayer"

Fantasia Barrino -- "Precious Lord"

Hudson's performance has been highly anticipated since she'll play Aretha in an upcoming biopic, and this is the first time we've seen her in possible Aretha mode. Biopic producer Harvey Mason Jr. told us Aretha was upbeat and excited about the project just a week before her death.

Ceremonies for Aretha kicked off Tuesday at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History with thousands showing up for her public viewing. The Queen of Soul arrived in a golden casket.

Thursday's event, "A People's Tribute to the Queen," at Chene Park will feature at least 22 musical acts including -- Four Tops, Johnny Gill, Ron Isley -- the event starts at 6 PM ET and will be live streamed here on our website.

Friday's funeral -- featuring Hudson and others -- will be held at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit and will start at 10 AM ET. We will also be live streaming that on TMZ.com.

The cop who arrested T.I. outside the guard shack of his gated community talked major trash about the rapper and his level of fame ... and it was all captured on the officer's body cam.

TMZ obtained the footage from the Henry County officer who busted T.I. for public drunkenness and simple assault of the security guard back in May. The video shows the officer talking to the guard, who had refused to let T.I. enter when he didn't have his key.

The guard's supervisor tells the cop, "That's T.I., the rapper." The cop repsonds, "He thinks his s**t don't stink" and then laughs. The supervisor agreed with the officer.

TMZ broke the story, T.I. says the guard -- who was eventually fired over the incident -- had also cursed out Tiny when she called to say it was okay to let her husband enter their gated community.

T.I. was heated about the arrest and argued with cops after they took him into custody. He's been charged with 3 misdemeanors ... but most likely won't face any jail time if convicted.

Charlie Sheen admits there's a good chance he WILL be on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" now that Denise Richards is a cast member, but the conditions gotta be juuust right.

The ex-"Two and a Half Men" star was in Malibu Thursday when he seemed to confirm he'll, at the very least, make an 'RHOBH' cameo -- although, based on his coy response, we'd say he's still negotiating terms.

For now, Charlie would only gives us a preview of how one of his scenes might play out on the show. He's got a few caveats, but still ... sounds like he'd embrace a bit of the reality show world.

Kyle Richards -- who's also on the show -- told us last week Charlie could very well make an appearance. He and Denise share custody of their two daughters ... and they're often hot and cold with each other.

In other words ... get ready for WINNING TV, baby!