Jay-Z I Demand a Black Arbitrator To Handle Roc Nation Logo Dispute
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EXCLUSIVE
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4:00 PM PT -- The judge has granted the TRO, staying the arbitration until the next court date. Spiro tells TMZ that the order "is a victory for everyone."
To paraphrase Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" ... Jay-Z wants to see some black faces on a list of potential arbitrators to handle a legal battle over his company's logo, and until he does ... TMZ has learned he wants to pump the brakes on the case.
According to docs, obtained by TMZ, Jay-Z's lawyers are requesting a restraining order that would put an immediate halt to the lawsuit Iconix Brand filed against him. In the docs, Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, says they've been given a deadline of Nov. 30 to choose an arbitrator in the case, but the list of candidates they've been given is, quite frankly, too lily white.
TMZ broke the story ... Iconix Brand says it paid $204 million for merchandising rights for the Roc Nation logo. Iconix sued Jay because the logo got slapped on a bunch of MLB gear without its permission. Both sides have agreed to handle the dispute in arbitration, rather than open court.
However, Jay's legal team is clearly concerned the lack of diversity could hurt their chance of getting a fair shake in the case.
In the docs, they say they initially got a list of 200 potential arbitrators, NONE of whom were African-American. After they complained, they got a new list of 6 arbitrators "of color," but one of them is a partner at the law firm repping Iconix ... a clear conflict of interest.
Jay-Z's team wants the restraining order so they can determine if the other candidates have similar conflicts. Bottom line ... they need more time and more black arbitrators.
Originally Published -- 7:38 AM PT
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Travis & Kylie 'Hubby' & 'Wife' Time After Stormi Cheers MSG Gig
After Travis Scott wowed the Madison Square Garden crowd -- which included his baby girl -- he got in some QT with Kylie Jenner. Just another Tuesday night for the fam.
The couple was spotted together after Travis rocked MSG as part of his Astroworld tour, and from the looks of it ... no one enjoyed his performance more than their 9-month-old daughter, Stormi. Seriously, she could barely contain herself.
Travis shared the stupidly cute vid of Stormi giggling and bouncing as she watched him on a monitor backstage. She almost seemed to be matching his moves as he performed "Quintana."
Before the show, Kylie posted a pic referring to Travis as her "hubby" ... adding more fuel to rumors they might have secretly wed.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
As we reported ... Travis called Kylie "my beautiful wife" at a show last week in Houston.
Could just be cute nicknames for each other, but then again ... secret marriages are kinda the in thing -- as in Cardi B and Offset ... and Justin and Hailey.
Just sayin'.
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Denzel Washington Early XMAS for Valet!!!
Denzel Washington doesn't give a damn it's still November ... dude's already in the spirit of giving.
The Oscar-winning actor was leaving Madeo Tuesday night in Bev Hills where he was flanked by his family ... including his son and "Ballers" star John David Washington.
We ask Denzel about Amari Cooper and the Cowboys -- huge game at home coming up against the Saints -- but as you can see in this video, and unbeknownst to us, Denzel was being a smooth operator.
Denzel tells the paps to watch their backs but little did we know he was also looking out for someone else's back ... the valet guy!!! Our camera didn't catch it but it's clear from these pics Denzel pre-planned on giving the valet guy a $100 tip ... folding Benjamin Franklin before handing it to him.
Way to set an example, Denzel.
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Conor McGregor 6-Month Driving Ban In Ireland ... Over Speeding Incident
Conor McGregor will be living the chauffeur life for a while -- the UFC star's driver's license has been suspended for 6 MONTHS in Ireland over a 2017 speeding incident.
McGregor arrived to court Wednesday morning -- in a SHARP looking suit -- in County Kildare, Ireland to face the judge in a case where he was accused of doing 95 mph in a 60 in a blue Range Rover.
Aside from having his driving privileges revoked, McGregor was also hit with an $1,100 fine.
During the hearing, McGregor reportedly apologized to the court -- but the judge was upset and asked why Conor wasn't charged for a more serious crime, considering how dangerously the UFC star was driving.
After the hearing, McGregor told media including the Irish Mirror, "I gotta drive safer."
Funny, the punishment for speeding seems to be more harsh than Conor's punishment for throwing a steel dolly at a bus in Brooklyn earlier this year.
4/5/18
Remember, in the case Conor was sentenced to 5 days of community service, ordered to pay for the damages and complete an anger management course.
As for the driving ban, too bad for McGregor -- his fleet of cars is sick ... dude drives everything from Lamborghinis to Rolls-Royces ... even giant Proper 12 semi-trucks.
Good thing he can afford a driver ...
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Rihanna, Yasiel Puig 10 Gang Members Charged In L.A. Celeb Burglaries
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Breaking News
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The L.A. celebrity burglary ring is WAY bigger than we thought -- officials say a total of 10 gang members were a part of the group targeting stars like Rihanna, Yasiel Puig and LeBron James.
Officials had previously arrested 4 people in connection to the crime wave -- after video captured a couple of guys breaking into Puig's home and raiding his bedroom.
1 of the initial 4 suspects is apparently off the hook (the mother of one of the other suspects) but now 7 new men all between the ages of 18 and 25 have been arrested and charged with various crimes.
The charges include everything from criminal street gang conspiracy to 1st degree residential burglary and home invasion robbery.
In total, cops say the burglary crew hit more than 24 homes -- and had at least 12 more rich and famous targets in their sights, including Viola Davis.
The key to solving the case ... cops say a neighbor of NFL star Robert Woods had called police to report a robbery at his house. Cops located the suspect and, during the arrest, they found items connected to the other high profile cases.
In total, cops say the group stole more than $1 MILLION in property -- including $50,000 cash, watches, purses and a vehicle. Cops say one of the suspects also had a firearm.
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Swae Lee Make Me The First Black Spider-Man!!!
Swae Lee already has his musical touch on the new 'Spider-Man' movie -- but he's not just gonna stop there -- the Rae Sremmurd rapper wants to actually BE the Marvel superhero.
We got a half-naked Lee in NYC Tuesday night -- where it hit a low of 15 degrees -- leaving Rockefeller Center ... but the temps didn't seem to bother him at all. Swae's all over the soundtrack for the newest Spidey flick, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" ... so we asked, what about a black Spider-Man?
Lee was all over the idea ... promoting himself as the perfect candidate for the role.
Check out the clip for some of Swae's impressive fight moves.
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Michael Blackson to Kim K Don't Blame Ecstasy, Thank Ray J And His Famous Genitals!!!
Michael Blackson thinks Kim Kardashian should quit blaming ecstasy and spend way more time sucking up to Ray J for his sizable role in launching her celebrity.
We got the comedian at LAX Tuesday and asked him about Kim claiming she was high on ecstasy when she and Ray shot their infamous sex tape, and in a word ... he's disappointed.
Michael thinks it's wrong for her to make it seem like the drug is the only reason she banged Ray J on cam, because that doesn't give enough credit to Ray's family jewels.
As we first reported ... sources close to Ray J insist Kim never touched ecstasy during the taping of their sex tape. Michael thinks it's a bit fishy for Kim just now mentioning the drug ... so many years after doing the deed.
Don't worry though, Ray's not getting the short end of the stick -- Michael dishes plenty of props to "d**k and balls!"
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Jesse Ventura Considering Presidential Run 'Trump Will Not Have a Chance!'
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EXCLUSIVE
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Jesse Ventura says he's seriously thinking about running for President of the United States in 2020 -- and says Donald Trump should be scared ... because it would be an ass-kicking!!!
"The [Green Party] has shown some interest," the 67-year-old former Governor of Minnesota told us at LAX ... "I haven't made a decision yet because it's a long time off."
But ... here's where things get good.
"If I do do it, Trump will not have a chance," Ventura says.
"For one, Trump knows wrestling. He participated in two Wrestlemanias. He knows he can never out-talk a wrestler, and he knows I'm the greatest talker wrestling's ever had."
"So, if I go for it he's history, and he knows it!"
That's not all ... Ventura says he's also been keeping his body in great shape and showed us his "6-pack" abs to prove it.
In fact, "The Body" pointed out that Wrestlemania is rumored to be coming to Minneapolis next year -- and says if WWE was smart, they'd call him up to participate.
Bottom line -- Ventura could have a very busy 2019.
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Pauly D Check Out My New Bling ... $500k Mirror Image!
Pauly D is shining brighter than a summer day on the Jersey shore, now that he's immortalized his mug with an insane custom piece of jewelry.
We're told Pauly co-designed a custom DJ Pauly D face pendant with Avi, the owner of Pristine Jewelers in NYC ... and it took about 3 months to create!
Check out the gallery ... the 36-carat pendant is a direct copy of Pauly's famous look, complete with his blowout and diamond earrings! The face bling hangs on a tri-color Cuban link chain, dripping with more than 48 carats of rose, yellow and white diamonds.
Pauly didn't stop fist pumping there -- he also got a matching tri-color Cuban link bracelet, bringing the total value of his new accessories to $500,000.
No doubt about it, PD's jeweler gives good face.
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Eva Longoria Two Houses for the Price of One?!? a STEAL at $9.8 Mil!!!
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EXCLUSIVE
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Eva Longoria is no longer a 'Desperate Housewife,' but she's definitely desperate to get you in her home ... stat.
The actress is unloading this incredible pad in the Hollywood Hills. It'll cost ya a pretty penny at $9.8 million ... but, considering Eva just dropped the price by $1.2 million ... it's quite the bargain. Some houses have all the bells and whistles ... this one has extra houses. Seriously.
There are 2 houses on the nearly 3 acres -- a 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom country house and a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom French villa on the other side. There's also 2 standalone studios and a charming cottage that makes for a perfect wine tasting and storage room.
It's almost got ya wondering why Tom Cruise unloaded it to Eva back in 2015. In any event ... the pads feature panoramic views, a resort-like pool and even a storybook bridge.
Kevin Dees from The Agency is the listing agent.
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'60s Singer Connie Francis 'Memba Her?!
Connie Francis shot to stardom in the late '50s and early '60s with classic songs like "Who's Sorry Now," "Lipstick On Your Collar" and "Stupid Cupid." Guess what she looks like now!
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TMZ Live Ray J Calls Out Kim For Sex Tape Ecstasy Claim
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Beto O'Rourke I Had Bigger Dreams than Being President ... I Wanted to be the 5th Beatle
Beto O'Rourke's long and winding road never lead to The White House ... but he did imagine himself as one of the Beatles.
We got the guy everyone's talking about -- including Barack Obama -- as a likely contender for the Democratic nomination for Prez in 2020.
As he traversed the terminal at Reagan National in D.C., our photog asked if he ever had dreams of becoming Commander in Chief, and he was quick to answer.
As for Obama recently hyping Beto -- saying the almost Senator reminded him of himself -- O'Rourke gave his best, "Aww shucks."
Check out his answer when our photog asks him squarely if he'll run. It's open to interpretation.
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Dog the Bounty Hunter Beth's Throat Cancer has Returned
4:05 PM PT -- Sources tell TMZ, doctors who performed the surgery discovered her throat cancer has returned. Doctors say it's too early to give a prognosis, but it's serious. They're currently evaluating treatment options.
2:01 PM PT -- A source tells us Beth's surgery has just ended, and she's now being taken into recovery. We're told her family will have a better idea of how the procedure went shortly.
Beth Chapman -- wife of Dog the Bounty Hunter -- has been rushed to surgery to remove a life-threatening blockage in her throat ... TMZ has confirmed.
Sources tell us it became difficult for Beth to breathe overnight and she was rushed to Cedars-Senai Medical Center early Tuesday morning ... where doctors discovered a large mass in her throat.
Our sources say Beth was just put under anesthesia within the last 30 minutes and her emergency surgery is about to begin.
We saw Dog and Beth leaving Craig's in West Hollywood Monday night -- both seemed to be in great spirits -- with an interesting take on Tekashi69's bail situation. Clearly, things took a turn for the worse once they got home.
Beth underwent surgery last year to remove a cancerous tumor in her throat, which seemed to work.
After her initial cancer diagnosis, Beth told RadarOnline.com, "I've stared down the devil more than once in my life but I've never faced a real life or death decision. My life has never been easy, and I surely don't expect it to start now. Still, I've never been a victim and I won't let cancer beat me."
The family's attorney, Andrew Brettler, tells us Beth's condition is serious and everyone is hoping for the best outcome.
We're told Dog is by Beth's side at the hospital, and more family is on the way.
Originally Published -- 11:50 AM PST
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UFC's Rachael Ostovich Cleared to Fight Paige VanZant ... 'Fight Back On!'
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Breaking News
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Great news for Rachael Ostovich -- the fighter has been cleared to get back in the Octagon after her domestic violence incident ... and now her fight with Paige VanZant is BACK ON!
TMZ Sports broke the story ... Ostovich was hospitalized with a broken orbital bone and other injuries after a violent Nov. 18 incident with her husband, Arnold Berdon, who is also an MMA fighter.
Berdon was arrested and charged with felony assault -- he's pled not guilty. Family members have told us he will argue he was defending himself. Ostovich has obtained a restraining order against him.
Initially, it seemed Ostovich's injuries were so severe, she wouldn't be able to fight again in January -- but she got a second opinion which gave her the go-ahead to take the bout.
Now, Ostovich's manager, Brian Butler-Au, says Rachael has been cleared to fight again and WILL compete against VanZant on January 19 in Brooklyn.
As for Paige, she's fired up about the news -- tweeting, "FIGHT STILL ON!!!!! I couldn’t be more great full to @rachaelostovich."
"Yes we are going to war with each other in the cage, but I stand by her side with her ongoing battle at home. Let’s put on a fight and show these people how strong we are. #GirlPower #UFC."
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Tyrese No More Covering Childcare Costs While Ex is 'Living Life'
A judge is siding with Tyrese, ruling there are limits when it comes to his ex-wife demanding he cover childcare costs ... especially if her activities aren't work-related.
According to docs, obtained by TMZ, the judge ruled Norma Gibson can't expect Tyrese to reimburse her for babysitters to watch their 11-year-old daughter, Shayla ... if Norma's running "non-work errands" or running her household.
As we first reported, Tyrese was pissed about childcare bills Norma was running up -- especially one particular day in August -- when she admitted she was merely "living life." He was also upset that, in his view, she wasn't making an effort to get a steady job.
In the docs, the judge lays out what qualifies as work activities for Norma -- including developing her life coaching biz, working on her book or pursuing her art. The court says if she requires childcare while doing any of those things ... she can put that on Tyrese's tab.
Tyrese had demanded a detailed, even itemized, accounting of how Norma spends her time. The judge basically said that's not a bad idea -- recommending, but not ordering, Norma to "maintain a diary of time spent on work."