'RHOA' Star Peter Thomas Set to be Freed from Jail ... Settles Bad Check Case

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'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Peter Thomas is THIS close to getting sprung from a Florida jail ... following his arrest for allegedly writing a bad check in Louisiana.

TMZ broke the story ... Peter was busted Friday after getting off a plane at Miami Intl. Airport. The arrest stemmed from an outstanding warrant in Louisiana, where he was wanted for allegedly writing a $4k check that bounced.

But now, the St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney's Office tells TMZ ... Peter's resolved the matter after his attorney paid the guy $4k. Because he squared away the debt, the D.A.'s Office will not move forward with the case.

We're told Peter is still in custody in Miami but the D.A.'s in the process of notifying the Sheriff's Office, and Peter will soon be set free. Peter's attorney, Keith A. Doley, tells TMZ, "This appears to have been a very big misunderstanding on several people's part and It was not a malicious intent on Mr. Thomas’ end."

Peter -- who infamously pulled a knife on Kenya Moore's ex, Matt Jordan, back in 2017 -- told us the allegations were false and he had no doubt he'll be acquitted from any wrongdoing.

Looks like he was right.

Luke Perry Son Breaks Silence On Dad's Death ... 'My Heart Is Broken'

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Luke Perry's son just broke his silence on his father's recent passing, reflecting on their time together and promising to carry on his legacy ... while understandably admitting his heart's broken.

Jack Perry just shared a photo from one of his wrestling matches on Instagram Wednesday, in which his dad's proudly watching in the background.

Jack, who wrestles under the name "Jungle Boy," thanked his father for supporting him and inspiring him ... in a heartfelt tribute to his father.

Jack says, "I've learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won't be here for. I'll miss you every day that I walk this earth."

TMZ broke the story ... Luke died Monday after suffering a massive stroke at his Los Angeles home last week. His reps says Jack was among the family, friends and loved ones at his side when he passed.

Jack adds he's going to do everything he can to make his father proud and carry on his legacy.

Charles Barkley Rips Kyrie Irving Most Miserable Person I've Ever Seen

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Kyrie Irving is the most miserable superstar athlete EVER ... so says Charles Barkley, who CAN'T BELIEVE how big of a baby the Celtics PG has been this season.

Kyrie's been super moody the last few weeks as Boston's season has slowly crumbled away from the NBA Championship dreams it had in the preseason.

In fact, while he was walking into TD Garden last week and photogs were snappin' pics of him, he said loudly, "I’m not gonna miss any of this sh*t when I am done playing."

NBA commish Adam Silver was asked about the star's sensitive feelings -- and others in the NBA who have seemed less than thrilled with this season -- and he stuck up for his guys.

"Part of it is a direct product of social media," Silver said ... "I think those players we're talking about, when I meet with them, what strikes me is that they are truly unhappy."

Enter Barkley ... who not only went scorched earth on Silver's take -- he went off on Kyrie too!!!

"I think that's probably the stupidest thing I've ever heard Adam say," Barkley said on ESPN's "Get Up!"

"That's the stupidest thing I ever heard any commissioner say. Listen ... these guys are making $20, $30, $40 million a year. They work 6, 7 months a year. We stay at the best hotels in the world. They ain't got no problems. That's total bogus."

Barkley added, "Let me tell you something else, Kyrie Irving ... I've never seen a person so miserable."

Charles says K.I. has absolutely ZERO right to be upset with his life ... saying he's a millionaire, he's famous, he's a superstar, he's got a ring AND he's in movies.

"He's got to be one of the most miserable people I've ever seen."

Barkley's advice for Kyrie was simple ... DEAL WITH IT!!! -- 'cause as an NBA superstar, that's just the way life goes.

"Dude, we're paying you $40 million a year! You ain't never going to get away from this!!!"

R. Kelly Loses It In Interview ... Gayle King Explains Her Poise

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3/6 9:20 AM PT -- We got Gayle Wednesday leaving CBS Studios in NYC just hours after the network released her explosive one-on-one interview with R. Kelly. Our photog asks her point blank if she feels like R. Kelly was telling her the truth, and more importantly ... whether she thought she was in danger when he stood up and started shouting.

Check out her answer -- she says she thinks R. Kelly has "selective amnesia." And, it sounds like there's a reason why she was able to remain so poised when R. Kelly lost his s***.

3/6 8:35 AM PT -- We spoke with Joycelyn Savage's father, Tim Savage, in Atlanta who says after watching the interview, he fears for his daughter's life. He also says the behaviors exhibited by Kelly during his sit-down with Gayle are clear signs of an abuser.

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TALKING WITH JOYCELYN

The Savage family also spoke with Joycelyn after their presser and they all crowded around the phone to speak with her. Joycelyn, however, insisted she is exactly where she wants to be, and does not consider herself a victim.

3/6 6:08 AM PT -- CBS just aired the part of the interview where Kelly gets up and shouts ... he yells he's fighting not only for his own rights, but to have a relationship with his kids too. There were also claims Kelly was abused as a child, and that's why this has all happened ... Kelly denies it.

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I SEE THROUGH THE TEARS

Attorney Michael Avenatti ain't buying Kelly's emotional interview. Remember, Avenatti uncovered the new sex tapes which led to prosecutors charging Kelly last month -- and Tuesday night he told us the singer's only crying crocodile tears now ... 'cause he's going to prison.

R. Kelly was distraught talking about the recent allegations against him and pleading for people to believe he's innocent ... shouting, "I'm fighting for my f***ing life!"

Kelly sat down with Gayle King Tuesday in his first interview since he was arrested on 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse. King presses Kelly on the recent allegations, and clearly hits a soft spot when asked if Kelly has ever held women against their will.

The singer explodes, looking directly into the camera and urging viewers to believe it's all lies. Kelly points to his past -- cases in which he's been accused of inappropriate sexual acts -- as proof he'd never commit a crime again, knowing all eyes were on him.

At one point, Kelly begins to sob, saying, "I'm fighting for my f***ing life!"

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

As we reported ... Kelly was taken into custody February 22 in Chicago and spent several days behind bars before coming up with his $100,000 bail. Upon his release, the singer hit up a local McDonald's. He's also still on the hook for nearly $200,000 in child support.

The full interview will air Wednesday morning on "CBS This Morning."

Originally published -- 4:09 PM PT

Tristan Thompson Back For Seconds ... With Mystery Chick

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Tristan Thompson appears to be moving on from Khloe Kardashian AND Jordyn Woods ... because the NBA star is going back for seconds with his mystery chick in New York City.

Tristan was hanging with the same woman from last week's dinner at Carbone in NYC, and Tuesday night the pair hit up Nobu for more good eats.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in town again to play the Brooklyn Nets, so Tristan is taking advantage of the NBA schedule to log some more quality time with his mystery boo. And, he's gotta love being far away from the drama he triggered last month, when he was caught making out with Jordyn at a house party in Los Angeles.

It's interesting ... we got TT walking into the team hotel with 2 Starbucks cups Tuesday afternoon, and hours later he and this stunning brunette emerged for another night on the town.

Someone's definitely thirsty.

Ryan Seacrest to Blac Chyna Leave Me Outta Your Drama w/ Kardashians!!!

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Ryan Seacrest's got a message for Blac Chyna ... her mess with the Kardashians has nothing to do with him so leave him the hell alone.

Ryan's legal team has filed new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, explaining why he should NOT be forced to sit down for a deposition by Blac Chyna's team. As we've reported ... BC sued the Kardashian klan claiming they threatened to yank 'KUWTK' from E! if the network didn't cancel "Rob & Chyna."

BC's fight has now spilled onto Ryan's table ... first by going to his company asking for tons of docs. Ryan's team says it provided more than 800 pages to prove he's not directly connected to her case.

But, she's not taking the hint. Ryan's team argues BC trying to depose him is an attempt to harass and burden him. Ryan's legal team is also adamant ... Ryan has zero relevant testimony to offer.

Chyna begs to differ ... saying Ryan congratulated Rob with a tweet on the pickup of a second season. Ryan's team says BC's team has failed to articulate how Ryan's single tweet directly connects him to personally being involved in the show.

And, get this ... for wasting his time with this legal mess, Ryan wants her to fork over $2,460 for his troubles.

Mario Batali Giving Up His Restaurants ... Following Sexual Assault Allegations

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Stick a fork in Mario Batali, he's done ... the celebrity chef is surrendering all of his restaurants in the wake of the various sexual assault allegations against him.

The Bastianich family and some of Mario's other partners bought out his stake in his eateries ... this according to The New York Times.

The sudden fire sale means Mario will no longer profit from his 16 remaining restaurants ... and he's also reportedly in the process of selling his shares in Eataly -- a fast-growing chain of Italian supermarkets.

We broke the story ... in January, NYPD closed two sexual assault cases against Mario without filing charges.

The NYPD probe started after a woman came forward on "60 Minutes" last May claiming Mario sexually assaulted her in 2005 at his Spotted Pig restaurant.

Another woman filed a police report in March 2017, claiming Batali raped her on Jan. 29, 2004 at his West Village eatery.

Soon after the allegations surfaced, several of the restaurants under his company closed their doors.

Batali confirmed the news to TMZ by saying, "I have reached an agreement with Joe (Bastianich) and no longer have any stake in the restaurants we built together. I wish him the best of luck in the future."

Kylie Jenner & Jordyn Woods More Time Needed ... To Heal the Wounds

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Kylie Jenner's not ready to take Khloe Kardashian's lead and open the door to forgiveness for her ex-bestie, Jordyn Woods ... at least, not yet.

Sources close to both women tell TMZ ... their relationship is far from being repaired because they've barely communicated with each other since Tristan Thompson cheated by kissing Jordyn.

We're told Jordyn still hasn't picked up all her stuff from Kylie's guest house or made arrangements to do so -- partly because of the silent treatment, but also because Kylie's been dealing with her own issues with Travis Scott.

Our sources say Kylie has been hanging with other friends at her pad -- many of whom joined her for that roller skating party with KJ's sisters. No, Jordyn didn't get an invite.

For those holding out hope for a reconciliation, there's some encouraging news. We're told the ex-BFFs have texted a bit, and as we reported ... Khloe slightly extended an olive branch Saturday, tweeting that Tristan was to blame -- not Jordyn.

Woods did take some blame for her role in the scandal last week on her "Red Table Talk" interview ... but denied outright cheating with Tristan.

It might have helped mend the fences with the Kardashians a little bit, but for now ... Kylie needs more convincing.

Steve Harvey Will Smith as Serena's Dad? ... Hell Yeah!!!

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CAN'T GO WRONG WITH WILL

Skin color controversy be damned, Steve Harvey thinks Will Smith would be the PERFECT guy to play Serena Williams' dad on the big screen.

There's a new movie being shopped around about Richard Williams -- Serena and Venus' father -- and it appears Will Smith is the #1 choice to play the #1 dad.

But, there's been a major backlash from people who say Will's complexion is too LIGHT to match the real Richard ... and critics are already calling for potential producers to find a more dark-skinned actor.

Steve Harvey doesn't see it that way ... telling TMZ Sports the beloved entertainer can do no wrong.

"Hell yeah, Will Smith is a good choice for everything."

Smith hasn't officially signed on to the project or even commented about it publicly. The project is only in the "spec script" stage.

However, there's been a push on social media for other actors to get the lead role -- suggested names have included Don Cheadle, Forest Whitaker and even Usher.

We asked what Harvey thought about the latter ... and it's safe to say he ain't buyin' it.

"Come on, man."

As for the biopic ... Deadline reports its working title is "King Richard" and will tell the story of how the world's most famous tennis parent raised the 2 sisters from the streets of Compton to international tennis superstardom, despite Richard having no real tennis experience of his own.

Venus and Serena both went on to become the #1 ranked tennis players in the world ... sitting #1 and #2 on the all-time women's tennis career earnings list.

Roseanne Barr Not All Women Are #MeToo Hos ... Here's What Victims Should Do

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Roseanne Barr's struggling to find the right words to clarify her controversial comments about the #MeToo movement, but what she told us about victims probably won't help smooth things over.

We got Roseanne at LAX Tuesday night ... she tells us she didn't mean to imply ALL women who claim they've been sexually assaulted are hos, but added ... there are some who aren't describing reality in their allegations.

Roseanne says rational thinkers get it, but she believes she's being targeted and taken out of context. Then she drops this -- "I think there's a lot of women that shouldn't be going to their boss's hotel room at 3 AM for career advice, and if your daughters don't know that much you better educate them. That's not what you do."

She also asserts that sexual assault victims should go to police immediately -- not 15 years later -- but says this doesn't apply to kids ... and there are different rules for Hollywood women. Watch the clip and decipher.

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#METOO... COMING FOR YOU TOO

As we reported ... Roseanne stirred up the controversy this weekend on Candace Owens' podcast when she suggested women who don't run out of the room when powerful men try to take advantage of them are doing sexual favors for Hollywood gigs, and "ain't nothing but a ho."

BTW -- Roseanne also tells us she misses her TV show and wants it back, and believes she'll get justice someday. In the meantime ... she says nobody's going to shut her up.

Clearly.

Tyga Time's Up to Pay Up ... Warrant Issued in Injured Fan Case

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1:39 PM PT -- A rep for Tyga tells TMZ, that, "Due to a last minute work obligation Tyga was traveling and was forced to miss his debtor's exam. The judge issued the bench warrant for the sole purpose of ensuring Tyga will sit for the next Debtor's exam."

Tyga's a wanted man after failing to appear for court in a case that goes back years ... because the judge has had enough.

According to new legal docs ... a bench warrant was issued for the rapper's arrest because he has yet to fork over the money he owes to a concertgoer who got injured at one of his shows more than 6 years ago, and missed a hearing to deal with it.

Tyga was allegedly served properly for an order to appear but didn't do it, so the judge wants him picked up and set his bail at $250k.

The warrant stems from his music company being sued years ago by Shyanne Riekena, who won judgment against it for injuries sustained when a light stand came crashing down on her, leaving a 4-inch gash on the top of her head.

Shyanne sued in 2015 and was awarded about $235k, but that amount swelled with interest to around $250k in 2017.

Apparently, Tyga still hasn't squared up and missed the hearing about his debt ... so now he's in more trouble. P.S., if this sounds familiar ... it's because the same thing went down in this case last year.

As we reported, Tyga's had other financial issues lately ... involving some repo men.

We reached out to him ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 8:40 AM PT

Machine Gun Kelly Pete & Kate Banging ... 'I Love That S***'

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BEST FRIEND-APPROVED

Machine Gun Kelly says it took him all of 15 seconds to realize Kate Beckinsale is a good match for his buddy, Pete Davidson ... and their 20-year age gap makes perfect sense to him.

MGK gave us his official seal of approval Tuesday night as he was leaving The Nice Guy in WeHo. He told us, "I love that s**t" ... as soon as we brought up his homie's new bae.

As it turns out ... MGK's a big fan of older women too.

As you know, PD and KB have been hitting the town together a lot lately ... including this past weekend when they were spotted smoochin' at a Rangers game in NYC, and also hitting up the 'SNL' cast party.

As for why Kelly thinks Kate's good for Pete, it's pretty simple ... he pins it to the "rad" factor. He also says he knows why, lately, Kate's had a thing for much younger guys -- even though it hasn't always ended well.

Yes, MGK's biased, but check out his take.

Paris Jackson Still Believes Michael's Innocent Despite 'Leaving Neverland'

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Paris Jackson isn't swayed by the allegations levied against her father in "Leaving Neverland" -- and firmly believes Michael Jackson was not a child molester.

Sources close to Paris tell TMZ ... she hasn't seen the explosive new documentary, and contrary to reports, she was not offered the chance to see it before it premiered at Sundance.

We're also told she's not the least bit torn or conflicted about its content -- Wade Robson and James Safechuck's graphic description of their alleged molestation at Jackson's hands.

Reaction to the project has been intense and passionate -- on both sides -- with even the almost universally beloved Oprah catching flak for her interview with the accusers.

The Jackson family as a whole has been outspoken about their anger over the documentary -- and Tito's son, Taj Jackson, told us he thinks Robson's making it all up for revenge.

Interestingly, Paris' mom, Debbie Rowe, is also avoiding it. Our sources say she doesn't see a point in watching 'Neverland' because Michael's been dead for years.

Fair to say, Michael's family is taking a united stance.

Lil Jon Pepsi's Ad's Gotten Outta Control ... But It's OOookaaay!!!

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LEAVE ME ALONE, OKAY!

Pepsi's doing to Lil Jon what Dave Chappelle once did to him in 2004 -- ruining Lil Jon's life ... but in the best way possible!!!

We got the rapper/producer Tuesday at LAX and wondered what life's been like since Pepsi aired its commercial on Super Bowl Sunday, widely considered one of, if not THE, best ads for SB LIII. The ad features Steve Carell, Cardi B and Lil Jon putting a hilarious spin on whether Pepsi's okay.

Since the commercial aired, Lil Jon says there's been no shortage of strangers coming up to him and repeating his famous line. When our photog got him out, the rapper told us he got at least 10 "Oookaaays" at the airport that morning.

LJ says it was bad a long time ago. Remember when Chappelle spoofed Lil Jon's line in his famous 2004 skit? The rapper said the skit alone changed his life forever ... ditto with Pepsi.

Lil Jon says Pepsi's ad has aired a bunch of times since the Super Bowl and the feedback's been insane. But, check it out ... he says it's all good 'cause he knows fans are just showing him love. Not to mention, it's not like he did the spot for free.

Jon proved he's a good sport by teaching our photog how to properly grunt "Oookay!!"

Mike Tyson Punch Video Is Several Years Old ... Sorry.

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Sorry to be the spoiler, but that awesome video of Mike Tyson teaching some guys how to throw a ferocious punch combination at a bar ain't new.

In fact, it was shot YEARS ago -- and it was all for a movie that's already been released.

Several major media outlets ran with the video as brand new footage of a 52-year-old Tyson looking like a beast. He does look great, but he sure as hell wasn't 52 when this was shot.

Look, it's still amazing footage -- but a rep for Tyson tells us Mike was only throwing those combos as part of his role in the 2017 action flick "China Salesman" ... which also stars Steven Seagal.

Mike's rep doesn't recall the exact date the footage was shot but production wrapped up in August 2016 -- so, it was obviously before that date.

The big clue ... in the clip, Mike is wearing his costume from the movie.

Plus, 52-year-old Tyson recently appeared on the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast and said that he's stopped weightlifting and fight training altogether -- and hasn't in years -- because it "reactivates my ego" and makes him feel violent.

Instead, we're told Tyson ONLY focuses on cardio training -- with the goal to stay healthy (not dangerous) for his new podcast, "Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson" ... a weed-inspired show.

Of course, it's a natural transition for Tyson, who recently got into the pot business with Tyson Ranch -- and plans to open his own marijuana ranch to the public later this year.

Young Dolph Not Mad at Crooks Who Robbed Me ... Too Blessed to Stress!!!

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Young Dolph's got a lesson for ya in cutting losses and counting blessings -- 'cause he actually has some well-wishes for the punks who jacked a small fortune from his car.

The Memphis MC told us why he's isn't mad about the nearly $500k worth of goods he lost in the smash-and-grab heist last week. We saw him at LAX, and he couldn't have been more chill ... telling us, he's simply "too blessed and highly favored" to give a damn about material stuff.

Considering how much he lost, we wouldn't blame him if he was pissed -- but he genuinely seems at peace with it.

As we reported ... burglars smashed a window on his G-Wagon Friday while Dolph was in a restaurant. They made off with cash, electronics and jewelry ... including a $230k watch.

Dolph's already hatched a plan to rebound ... and it involves more spending. He also has a message for the suspects who are still at-large -- and it's a nice one!!!