Larsa Pippen, Marcus Jordan PDA-Packed Miami Beach Trip ... Yeah, We're Dating

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UPDATE

11:14 AM PT -- TMZ Sports is told Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan are, in fact, dating ... and their relationship turned romantic around a month ago.

UPDATE

Sources say they're really into each other ... and have been spending a ton of time together in Miami.

Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan appear to have scrapped their friendship for a full-blown romance -- the two were closer than ever during a day at the beach this weekend.

Scottie Pippen's ex-wife and Michael Jordan's 31-year-old son enjoyed the sun in South Beach on Sunday ... with Larsa sporting a tiny, black bikini and Marcus going with a black backwards Jordan Brand hat and patterned trunks.

48-year-old Larsa has previously insisted she's just friends with MJ ... but they sure looked like a couple as he wrapped his arm around her during the beach day.

The two also got really cuddly while getting some shade under an umbrella ... with witnesses saying they were making out at one point.

If they're really just buddies, they certainly don't mind showing affection for each other in public -- as TMZ Sports previously reported, Larsa was spotted kissing MJ's neck at Rolling Loud in NYC back in September.

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

The two were first spotted together in Miami earlier that month ... in what appeared to be a double date at a Japanese restaurant. We were told at the time they were just friends who were hanging out with people in their same social circle ... although things certainly appear to have gotten more serious since then.

Larsa was married to Scottie for 23 years ... and they have four kids together.

Originally Published -- 9:30 AM PT

Nick Carter Honors Aaron with Mental Health Donation ... Launches Fund with Sister

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Nick Carter and his sister Angel are honoring their late brother Aaron by paying it forward ... raising money for a children's mental health charity.

Nick's rep tells TMZ ... Nick and Angel have started a fund where fans looking to pay tribute to Aaron can donate, in lieu of flowers, and the money will go to a children's mental health organization.

We're told the fund benefits a group called On Our Sleeves: The Movement for Children's Mental Health, and it's a cause Nick's championed for years ... even serving as an ambassador.

On Our Sleeve's mission is to provide every community in America with access to free, evidence-informed educational resources, to break stigmas about child mental health as well as educating families and advocates.

We're told donations will fund educational content, lesson plans for schools and activities for schools and organizations.

Nick's camp says ... "By honoring Aaron, you help Nick, Angel, and their family's commitment of helping others."

TMZ broke the story ... Aaron was found dead earlier this month in his bathtub. The cause of death has not been determined pending toxicology results.

Gisele Bündchen Vacay in Costa Rica with Jiu-Jitsu Teacher ... Weeks After Tapping Out with Tom

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Gisele Bündchen is getting super close to a handsome MMA teacher ... and sources connected to the former couple -- Tom Brady and Gisele, that is -- are questioning the timing.

The guy is Joaquim Valente, a jiu-jitsu instructor who lives in Miami. Gisele has known him for at least a year and a half. She took lessons from him, and then signed her 2 kids up for lessons as well.

Gisele and Joaquim were out to dinner in Costa Rica Saturday, with her kids, Benjamin and Vivian. It's especially interesting, because Tom and Gisele made Costa Rica their vacation spot during the off-season.

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Gisele and Joaquim did a super sexy photo shoot together more than a year ago for Dust Magazine ... presumably about the art of jiu-jitsu.

Gisele has posted her fondness for Joaquim's MMA teaching skills, saying it gave her confidence and empowerment.

A source connected to Gisele tells TMZ GB and JV are not dating, noting many friends were present in Costa Rica. The source says there were 6 adults and 8 kids at the get-together.

Another source close to the ex-couple is not buying it, asking why this Miami guy is in Costa Rica with her. This source added, "It always seemed weird she just one day abruptly ended the marriage."

Page Six was the first to report on Joaquim and Gisele.

Stay tuned ...

100-Year-Old Man Happy Bday Dad, Enjoy the Strippers!!!

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A father in Texas has a daughter who truly loves him ... because she took him to see some strippers to celebrate a century on Earth.

Gioacchino "Jack" Poma recently celebrated 100 trips around the Sun, and to mark the special occasion, his daughter Dina took her dad to a Dallas gentlemen's club, The Lodge.

Jack's daughter says her father loves two things in life ... women generally and boobs specifically ... so a strip joint made perfect sense for his 100th bday.

Dina says her father hadn't been to a strip club since his youth ... and when he showed up to The Lodge Halloween night, he was like a kid in a candy store.

The dancers were awestruck Jack's daughter would take him to the club ... but she says her dad only gets one life, so he should enjoy it while he can.

Sounds like it was a two-way street ... we're told the dancers adored Jack, with one feeding him pepper pasta as others brought out the birthday cake.

It's hilarious ... Dina was guiding her father around the dancers, cautioning Jack gets a little out of hand when he's excited.

Jack deserved the night out ... his wife died 12 years ago, and he had been seeing another woman ever since, but last year she died as well.

The folks who own the club tell us Jack's welcome back anytime ... they loved hosting his birthday bash!

Daughters, take notes.

John Aniston 'Days of Our Lives' Star Dead at 89

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John Aniston, the award-winning soap opera star and Jennifer Aniston's dad, has died ... she announced it Monday morning.

Jen said in her emotional post that her father passed away on Friday, November 11. She says, "Sweet papa ... You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace - and without pain."

John famously played Victor Kiriakis on "Days of Our Lives" for nearly as long as his daughter's been alive. He joined the soap cast in 1970 and remained on the show right up until his death. In fact, his final credited show is listed as Friday.

Noting that he passed on 11/11, Jennifer says, "You always had perfect timing. That number will forever hold an even greater meaning for me now. I'll love you till the end of time 💔"

As Friday was Veteran's Day, it's worth noting John served in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer in the 1950s.

After 52 years with 'Days,' he earned the Daytime Emmy Awards' Lifetime Achievement trophy in 2022. He also won Soap Opera Digest awards in 1986 and 2001.

John was born in Greece, and before his TV fame, he acted in several dozen theater productions. He's also had roles in "The West Wing," "Star Trek: Voyager," "Mission: Impossible" and "Kojak."

He and "Kojak" star Telly Savalas were best friends, and John even picked him to be Jennifer's godfather.

John is survived by Jennifer, his son Alexander and his wife Sherry Rooney.

He was 89.

RIP

Margot Robbie Disney Yanks 'Pirates' Movie ... Olive Branch for Johnny???

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Margot Robbie won't be sailing off in a 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie after all ... which could be a good sign for Johnny Depp.

The actress revealed her would-be 'POTC' film is dead at Disney in a new interview with Vanity Fair. Margot explained they'd been developing an idea with her as a lead for a few years now, but at this point ... she says it's been killed.

As for why ... all MR said was, "I guess they don't want to do it." It's interesting ... earlier this year an OG producer on the 'Pirates' franchise, Jerry Bruckheimer, said 2 'Pirates' scripts were in active development at the Mouse House, including one with Margot.

He also left the door open for a possible reunion with Depp, although he noted JD wasn't attached at that time. Since then, the guy's been successful in court and is attempting a career comeback -- and based on his milestones thus far, you could argue he's achieving it.

No official word on Disney and Johnny linking back up for more Jack Sparrow -- a partnership that grossed the studio upwards of nearly $2 billion -- but, the fact they're scrapping the Margot idea entirely might be a signal they're musing about another JD installment.

That, or maybe they're just done with mythical pirates in general. Probably not, though.

Jeff Bezos & 'Partner' Lauren Dolly Parton's So Awesome ... We're Giving Her $100M!!!

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Jeff Bezos is handing off a HUGE chunk of his cash to Dolly Parton ... and he's doing so with Lauren Sanchez right by his side -- and ICYMI, she's not his GF, she's his partner.

Jeff and Lauren sat down with CNN ... announcing Dolly as the recipient of this year's Bezos Courage and Civility Award -- funneling $100M to her, which will go toward her various charities.

Lauren's referred to as Bezos' partner in the interview. And, when he speaks about his charitable efforts he talks about how "we" are donating money.

They have been inseparable for the last 3 years, traveling the world and essentially living together. Lauren revealed she's planning on blasting into space on Bezos' Blue Origin rocket next year, and it's gonna be an all-female crew.

Bezos says he's going to give the majority of his vast fortune away during his lifetime. That's something that's trending with billionaires these days, much to the chagrin of some of their offspring!!!

Elon Musk Beams Into Business Conference ... Immersed In Darkness and Burning Candles

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The life of Elon Musk is so strange ... even he is perplexed by it, and obviously amused!!

Twitter's new honcho beamed into the B20 business conference in Indonesia Monday ... and was engulfed in darkness and surrounded by burning candles.

Musk was asked about his $44 billion purchase of Twitter and how he's managing it all with Tesla and his other companies.

The world's richest man was shockingly transparent ... "I have too much work on my plate -- that is for sure. I am really working the absolute most amount that I can work from morning 'til night, 7 days a week ... this is not something I recommend, frankly."

Then things really got weird. During a long pause, Musk began looking around and smiling, seemingly baffled. "I don't know what else to say ... but it is um ... and I just look at this video and it's so bizarre."

Musk began laughing hysterically, ending with ... "I'm sitting in the dark surrounded by candles ... it's so bizarre."

As we reported ... Musk has been trying to get his bearings at Twitter ever since he acquired the company in late October. He fired thousands of employees to offset major losses caused by a downturn in ad sales, or so he says. Musk has also seen a flood of fake accounts appear on the social media platform -- which was exactly what he was attempting to stop.

Even more worrisome, President Biden has said Musk's foreign business ties should be investigated to make sure everything is on the up and up.

Now that's no laughing matter, Elon!!

'RHOSLC' Star Jen Shah Blowout Public Argument!!!

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10:39 AM PT -- A source close to Jen Shah tells TMZ she was leaving dinner with friends when two strangers started hurling homophobic slurs. The source says Jen was reacting to the strangers, who are not seen in the video.

Jen Shah's sentencing in her fraud case isn't the only thing she's on edge about these days -- the 'Real Housewife' absolutely lost it during an explosive argument, screaming and cussing on the streets of Salt Lake City.

TMZ obtained this intense footage of Jen and 4 other people having a blowout in downtown SLC ... and you hear Jen scream several times, "F*** YOU!!!"

We're told this heated showdown happened around 9:50 PM on November 5 ... as they say Saturday night's alright for fighting! It's unclear what sparked the dispute, or who the other combatants are, but there's some clear chatter about someone's husband.

There's also one person, not Jen, who hurls a homophobic slur a few times.

You could understand why Jen might be wound pretty tight -- she's about to find out her punishment after copping a plea deal in her fraud case.

As we reported ... Jen went before a federal judge in July and pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. As part of her plea deal, the feds dropped one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, but she could still get up to 14 years behind bars.

At the end of the Saturday night argument, Jen stormed off and our law enforcement sources say cops were not called to the scene.

Originally Published -- 12:45 AM PT

Mike Pence Emotional Over Trump's Jan 6 'Courage' Tweet

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Mike Pence says Donald Trump's characterization of him as a coward on January 6th was reckless and made him angry ... and he got emotional talking about it.

The former Veep talked about that dark time with ABC's David Muir, and when Muir read back the ex-Prez's tweet as the insurrection was unfolding ... you can see MP get visibly upset, seemingly searching for the right words.

Eventually, he found them ... saying Trump's suggestion that he lacked the courage to do what was necessary to avoid a "steal" couldn't be more off the mark. Pence told his daughter, who was also at the Capitol, it takes more courage to uphold the law than to break it, which is what DT wanted him to do.

As Pence speaks, you see him incessantly tapping his foot ... itself a show of emotion.

Remember, Pence was overseeing the certification of the 2020 election on Jan. 6 ... when at some point in the day, in the middle of their session, hundreds of rioters came barreling through Capitol doors and windows, causing lawmakers to hide in fear.

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For some reason, Muir pressed Pence about what he thought Trump could've possibly been doing at the White House that whole time -- Pence had no idea because he wasn't there. Pence told Muir he'd have to take that one up with Trump himself.

There's not much ambiguity here ... Pence has not only broken ties with Trump, he has contempt for him. It's especially stunning because during Trump's presidency Pence was his #1 cheerleader.

Funny how inciting a mob to do harm to someone can tank an alliance.

Derek Jeter I Want Aaron Judge Back In Pinstripes Hopeful Yanks Re-Sign Star

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STAY TUNED

Like millions of Yankees fans ... Derek Jeter tells TMZ Sports he's super hopeful his old squad is able to keep Aaron Judge in Pinstripes -- and re-sign the superstar this offseason.

Jeets didn't mince words when we got him out in NYC this week ... explaining he "of course!" wants the outfielder back at Yankee Stadium for 2023 and beyond.

The problem? It's unclear if that'll actually happen.

Judge, of course, is a free agent ... and after turning down a monster contract offer from the Yankees before the 2022 season began, some believe he could be looking elsewhere in the coming weeks and months.

Jeter told us he isn't sure where things stand in the negotiations between Judge and the Yankees -- or where else in the MLB the star could end up.

But, watch the clip ... he sure seems to be wishing Judge stays put.

After Judge's historic '22 season -- it's not hard to see why the former shortstop believes the Yankees should stop at nothing to get him back ... the dude hit 62 home runs, and batted .311!!

MLB free agency fully kicks off in the next couple days and weeks -- we'll all find out soon enough if it'll end with Judge back in NY ... and Jeter with a smile on his face.

MacKenzie Scott Huge Donation To Columbus Schools ... Helping Minority Students Excel

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MacKenzie Scott's $2.5M donation to an Ohio high school -- which largely serves minority students -- is being put to good use, by giving the high schoolers a big jumpstart on their college credits.

Metro Early College Middle & High School in Ohio isn't your typical school -- its curriculum focuses on STEM (science, tech, engineering and mathematics) ... while providing students the opportunity to take classes at nearby colleges and intern at local businesses during the school day.

Meka Pace, the superintendent of Metro tells TMZ ... while the school has a lot to offer, it can get expensive. Metro typically spends $350K/year on enrolling 84% of its students in university classes. MacKenzie's donation will allow more students to take college classes.

That's not all, MacKenzie's contribution will help with transportation ... the kids need to go from school to their internships and back, something that's been a big obstacle in the past.

FYI -- MacKenzie just gifted millions of dollars to several nonprofits in Ohio ... including a $6.5M donation to the Columbus Urban League.

Unclear what her connection is to the state of Ohio ... but Pace says she's humbled MacKenzie took notice of the school's commitment to excellence.

As you know, MacKenzie donated billions to charity following her divorce from Jeff Bezos back in 2019 ... and it looks like there's no end in sight!

Singer Keri Hilson 'Memba her?!

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R&B singer Keri Hilson was 25 years old when she put her name on the map and on the top of the music charts back in 2007. After signing with rapper and music producer Timbaland, Keri was hitting the ground stage running!

Keri definitely made her mark on the mid-2000s after being featured on Timbaland's track "The Way I Are" and continued to make big waves with hit songs "Knock You Down" and "Pretty Girl Rock." She worked with industry icons including Lil Wayne, Usher and Ciara.

'My name is Keri, I'm so fly, it's a lil' bit scary!'

Guess what she looks like now!

Elon Musk's Twitter Mocks U.S. Senator Re: Verification ... Gov. Probe Coming???

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Elon Musk may have just put his own foot in his mouth regarding his new baby, Twitter -- because he pissed off a U.S. Senator ... who has the power to investigate him, officially.

The Chief Twit got into a digital squabble Sunday with Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts ... this after the lawmaker sent EM an official letter asking for an explanation on why so many people have been able to impersonate others on Twitter, including Markey himself.

You see, a WaPo reporter recently did what a ton of others have done lately -- changing their profile names/pics and pretending to be another public figure. In this case, the journo was assuming Markey's identity to prove a point ... and the Senator wants some answers.

Markey was firm ... accusing Elon of putting profits over Twitter's integrity, to which the man in question fired back, "Perhaps it is because your real account sounds like a parody?"

He followed up by poking fun at the fact that Sen. Markey has a mask in his profile pic, but the legislator wasn't in a kidding mood. He appeared to threaten Elon with the prospect of Senate hearings if he didn't get his house in order ... beyond just Twitter, in fact.

Markey wrote in response, "One of your companies is under an FTC consent decree. Auto safety watchdog NHTSA is investigating another for killing people. And you’re spending your time picking fights online. Fix your companies. Or Congress will."

Elon left it there, but he started to get mocked as well by other reporters and pundits ... many of whom noted that he just might've screwed himself into a subpoena to testify -- seeing how Markey sits on a few key subcommittees that oversee exactly what Elon dabbles in in the private sector ... like Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Co. and now Twitter.

Markey is on subcommittees for communication, media, and broadband; consumer protection, product safety and data security; space and science; plus, transportation. Doh!

Jon Voight Still Riding on the Trump Train ... After Midterm Elections

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Donald Trump is becoming public enemy #1 in the Republican Party after being blamed for the midterm election results -- but Jon Voight's sticking by him ... for whatever that's worth.

The actor posted a new video Sunday addressed to the American people ... and it's pretty ominous. He decries the wins Democrats secured and suggests there's malfeasance afoot -- echoing false election denial claims propagated by the ex-Prez and his staunch supporters.

JV is one of those diehards, it seems, because he says DT is the only one who can restore truth and justice in this country again ... and he says that'll happen when he's back in office.

FWIW, Trump hasn't officially announced he's running for President again in 2024 -- but has stopped short of saying it for well over a year now. He's also got some big announcement on Tuesday ... which may, in fact, be him throwing his hat in the ring once more.

It's a little weird to see just how down the rabbit hole Jon finds himself -- he talks about a looming third world war, linking it to our domestic politics. His whole speech here is strange.

Regardless of what Trump and his holdout cronies might say ... the voters are making their voices heard at the ballot box. Thus far, Dems will retain control of the Senate -- and even though the House might go to Republicans, it'll probably be a slim majority.

Some are saying it's the end of the Trump era, but Jon's got his ears covered on that one.

UFC Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson ... Dead at 38

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Anthony "Rumble" Johnson has died ... this according to several prominent figures in the MMA community.

The former UFC fighter reportedly passed away this weekend after battling an undisclosed disease he's apparently been dealing with for quite a while. Unclear what it might be, though ... the rest of the details surrounding his death have yet to be released.

UFC's Michael Chiesa sent out a post for condolences, writing ... "RIP Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. One of the most prolific KO artists our sport has ever seen. My prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy."

Other MMA fighters and journalists also posted tons of tributes for the guy ... the news seems to have shocked just about everyone, as Rumble's been out of the spotlight for a while.

One notable remembrance came from Daniel Cormier, who faced Rumble in the Octagon a couple different times. He writes, "Rest Easy my brother. For a guy who struck fear in so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person. From random text to check ins during loss. What a person he was, Rumble will be missed. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. Horrible news."

What DC's referring to is the fact that Rumble was notorious for his sheer strength and force -- which translated to brutal knockouts that he'd often put on display in his prime. One good punch could put a guy to sleep, and he certainly had a rep for trying to prove that in bouts.

His record was incredible in its day ... 23 wins, 17 of which were by KO or TKO. He only had 6 losses. Rumble competed in several UFC events over the years -- dating back to 2006 -- but he never won a title. For a while, he was ranked #1 in his weight class, pre-retirement. He parted ways with the UFC intermittently, but officially cut ties in 2020 to join Bellator MMA.

Rumble fought at different levels ... middleweight, welterweight, light heavyweight and eventually heavy in his later years. He had the most success in the latter classes.

He was 38.

RIP