Coachella Stagehand Dies While Setting Up ... Weekend Before Festival

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4:29 PM PT -- Goldenvoice issued a statement about the worker who died Saturday, saying ... "Today, Goldenvoice lost a colleague, a friend, a family member. Our friend fell while working on a festival stage. It is with heavy hearts and tremendous difficulty that we confirm his passing. He has been with our team for 20 years in the desert and was doing what he loved. He was a hard-working and loving person that cared deeply about his team. As our lead rigger, he was responsible for the countless incredible shows that have been put on at the festival. We will miss him dearly."

There's already a death on Coachella's doorstep one week before the festival officially gets underway ... TMZ has learned.

A worker died Saturday morning at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA while he was helping set up one of the many stages at the venue. Eyewitnesses on the ground tell us the guy was climbing the stage scaffolding to do some rigging ahead of opening day next Friday.

It's unclear exactly how or why, but we're told the man fell about 60 feet to the ground -- as he wasn't clipped in, meaning he had no safety harness attached to a cable to prevent him from plummeting.

An Indio Police spokesperson confirms that a call was placed around 9:30 AM PT Saturday to report an industrial accident on the Coachella Concert grounds for somebody who'd fallen near the staging area. Police and fire units responded, but we're told the victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

The IPD rep says the exact circumstances surrounding the man's death is under investigation.

Coachella appears to have carried on without very many fatalities up until 2014, when a female festival goer died of a drug overdose ... which is believed to be one of the first -- if not, the only -- deaths to occur in Coachella's two-decade history.

We've reached out to Goldenvoice -- which puts on Coachella each year -- for comment ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 1:12 PM PT

Nipsey Hussle Memorial Service Thursday at Staples Center

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The family of slain rapper Nipsey Hussle will give him a spectacular memorial service at the gold standard for L.A. venues -- the Staples Center ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us, the service will take place Thursday morning at the 21,000 seat venue. We're told tickets will be available for the event through a website. Only ticket holders will gain admission.

Our sources say there was a meeting Wednesday with Nipsey's family and honchos from Staples. LAPD officials were also present in the meeting to help plan logistics and security for the event.

It's a massive undertaking to plan such a major event in less than a week. Staging equipment must be rented, and the rental companies have already been contacted. We've learned ushers who work at Staples have already been asked to reserve the day so they can work.

The turnaround for the venue will also be quick -- the final Clippers game for the regular season is the night before.

Staples has a history of serving as the backdrop for many of the biggest events in Hollywood. As you know, the Michael Jackson memorial was held there in 2009.

Sublime Bassist Eric Wilson Injured In ATV Accident ... Broke Arm, 4 Ribs

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Sublime bassist Eric Wilson was seriously injured in an ATV accident on his California ranch ... sustaining a broken arm and 4 ribs -- his manager tells TMZ.

Manager Cheez tells us Wilson was working on his avocado ranch when his ATV rolled over ... crushing him. Rescue responded and rushed him to a hospital near San Diego.

We're told Wilson went into the operating room and the surgery lasted nearly 5 hours.

The accident occurred Thursday and he's still in the hospital, but he's expected to recover and be released early next week.

Back in the '90s, Sublime was an ultra-popular band, with massive hits like "Santeria" and "What I Got." The band broke up in 1997 after its lead singer, Bradley Nowell, died from an overdose. Wilson still tours with Sublime with Rome -- same band, new singer.

As for why he was on the ATV ... he was working on his 20-acre avocado ranch in Bonsall, CA, near San Diego.

WWE Superstar Seth Rollins Rips Brock Lesnar Nobody Wants You In WWE!!!

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IN IT FOR HIMSELF

Seth Rollins says Brock Lesnar is SELFISH and everyone is sick of him ... and 'cause of that, NOBODY wants him in WWE.

TMZ Sports talked to Rollins -- who's fighting Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 35 -- in NYC Friday night ... and there is absolutely ZERO love between the 2 superstars.

"He's not in it for anybody but himself. So, Brock Lesnar, he will tell you to your face that he is in this industry, he's in any industry, for himself to make his own money,"

"That's not what I'm about. I'm about giving back to a business I love, that has given me so much."

Still, Seth says even though Lesnar's a jerk ... he's a massive draw for fans.

"He's a box office attraction and everybody knows that. The problem is, he knows that as well, and he takes advantage of it every step of the way. So, he doesn't contribute to the locker room. He doesn't give anything back."

That's why, according to Rollins ... Lesnar -- who is an AMAZING athlete -- is persona non grata in the organization.

"I admire Brock Lesnar from a fighters perspective, from an athletes perspective. He's incredible. The way he trains for his fights. His mindset going in. He's a specimen unlike any other, and that's why he's able to do what he does."

"But, he doesn't inspire people, man. And, you need a champ who does that."

Will Rollins be that guy? We'll find out Sunday.

Gabrielle Union to Paul Pierce You're Not Better Than D-Wade ... And That's The Truth, PP

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Dwyane Wade hasn't responded to Paul Pierce's bold claim that he had a better career than the Heat vet -- but he might not need to ... 'cause Gabrielle Union's got it handled.

Wade's wifey took to Twitter Saturday to put the retired Boston Celtic-turned broadcaster in check after he went on national TV Friday night to say he had a stronger run in the NBA than the Flash of Miami -- while also going on to speculate he'd have more championships under his belt if he had the help Dwayne had through the years, like LeBron and Shaq.

Paul got obliterated on social media, 'cause the fact is ... D-Wade has, for the most part, a better resume all-around than PP -- more All-NBA Teams, First Teams, All-Defensive Teams, more PPG and on and on. Plus, Dwyane has more ships ... period.

Gabrielle chimed in with her own two cents as well, saying Paul was obviously wrong for so many reasons but went on to point to what she saw as a larger issue ... hatin' just to shine.

Mrs. Wade-Union wrote, "[W]hat I find most troublesome is this idea of a man trying to diminish another man that looks like him, was raised like him, in order to shine a tad brighter. Sh*t isnt entertaining, it's sad."

Dwyane probably doesn't need to utter a peep after that evisceration. Truth hurts ...

Charlotte Flair I'm The Queen ... Ronda & Becky Will Bow Down

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BOW DOWN TO THE QUEEN

Charlotte Flair is WWE royalty and Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch ain't ... and by the end of their triple threat match at WrestleMania, both Ronda and The Man will "bow down."

That's according to Charlotte ... who told TMZ Sports the other 2 WWE Superstars are NOTHING compared to her.

"I think both of them are gonna bow down to the Queen, and I've done more in the last 7 years than they've done combined."

The crap talk leading up to the WM35 main event has been INTENSE ... and there's a lot on the line for all 3 women.

Earlier this week, Ronda told us the match was a "do-or-die moment" for her.

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DO-OR-DIE MOMENT

Lynch was a guest on "TMZ Live" the following day ... and responded to Rousey's comments -- saying she thinks Ronda will actually QUIT WWE if she loses Sunday night.

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I CAN TAKE A BEATING

It wasn't all crap talk ... Flair also talked about her reaction when she learned she'd be headlining WM ... and the significance of the 1st all-female main event.

"Obviously wanting to let all the girls know this wouldn't happen without them. There's so much depth in our division. And, then obviously the women of the past," Flair says.

"Yes, the 3 of us get to main event Mania. But, the message on Sunday is so much bigger than what's happening."

Jussie Smollett Silent Over City of Chicago Lawsuit ... Career on the Line

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Jussie Smollett was a man of no words as he left an office building Friday in the San Fernando Valley.

Jussie was leaving the Warner Center in Woodland Hills in the PM when he was asked about the civil lawsuit the City of Chicago intends to file against him to recover the $130k cost of investigating the alleged attack.

The Empire actor's lawyer, Mark Geragos, went on and on how the City was maliciously defaming his client, suggesting they would file a lawsuit of their own, but Jussie was mum.

Jussie's in a box on this one ... he has been so strong proclaiming his innocence, settling with the City for ANY amount would be off script, despite the fact a settlement is often made to minimize the enormous costs of trial.

If Jussie goes for it in a trial, he risks a judge proclaiming he faked the alleged attack ... something that could be devastating to his career. And remember, in a civil lawsuit, the standard of proof -- more likely than not -- is way lower than in a criminal trial -- beyond a reasonable doubt.

Stephanie McMahon Love To Sign Gronk & Conor McGregor ... To WWE

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SHOWCASING THE BEST

Stephanie McMahon has her sights set on Conor McGregor and Rob Gronkowski ... telling TMZ Sports she would LOVE to get both sports superstars in the WWE ring.

We talked to McMahon -- Vince's daughter AND WWE honcho -- Friday night in NYC ... and asked her if there was anyone outside the WWE fam (like Conor or Gronk) she'd be interested in signing to the organization.

"Anybody who has a real big personality. I'd love to have Gronk in the ring. Conor McGregor, huge personality," McMahon told us.

"It's really about bringing in the biggest personalities with the best athletic ability."

We followed up ... asking if there have been any conversations between WWE and Gronk or Conor.

"We are always having conversations."

So, yea ... definitely wasn't a no.

That wasn't all ... Stephanie also talked about the 1st all-female main event at WrestleMania -- and she made it crystal clear there's 1 simple reason Ronda, Becky, and Charlotte are headlining -- they're the best.

"It's not about women having this opportunity because of a movement. It's about these 3 women, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey being the biggest stars in WWE right now with the best storyline, the best characters," McMahon says.

"They are the main event because they've earned it, and that's what our audience is most interested in seeing."

Logan Paul Video Games are Producing Addicts ... Worse than Alcohol or Drugs

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This is Logan Paul like you've never heard him before ... almost sounding like a parent who is worried Gen X is producing a population of addicts in the grips of something more dangerous than drugs or alcohol.

We got Logan in Bev Hills Friday night leaving Mastro's, and he couldn't be more down with Prince Harry, who wants to put the brakes on Fortnite.

Logan confesses, he too was once an addict ... addicted to another video game, and it took over his life.

It doesn't end there. Logan worries VR is going to f*** up kids 20 and younger, who will no longer be able to separate fantasy from reality.

Lori Loughlin What, Me Worry?!? ... Out and About with Daughter

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Lori Loughlin looked like she didn't have a care in the world as she yukked it up with her daughter, Isabella, Friday afternoon, but there's no doubt this is all for the sake of appearance.

Lori and Isabella were out and about in Bev Hills and were all smiles and laughs as they waited for the valet to bring their car around.

It's anything but a fun time in their lives these days. Lori and hubby Mossimo Giannulli face felony charges for allegedly paying a $500k bribe to get Isabella and Olivia Jade into USC by hook or crook.

Prosecution sources tell TMZ, any plea bargain they strike will have a prison recommendation attached, although it's ultimately up to the judge.

Olivia Jade, who clearly didn't really want to go to college, reportedly isn't speaking to her parents she's so pissed off and distraught over the whole mess.

We haven't seen Olivia Jade with her parents since the scandal broke last month. There are 50 indictments and counting.

A-Rod I Do's at Yankee Stadium ... Hmmmm

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DESTINATION WEDDING

A-Rod hit up his go-to lunch place Friday PM, and as he left our photog planted a seed in his mind for a wedding venue.

J Lo's fiance chowed down at Nello in NYC and laughed at our suggestion ... Yankee Stadium might be an awesome place for a wedding. Something tells us they could easily fill the stadium.

And, speaking of baseball, A-Rod's undaunted by the struggling Yanks and Red Sox, essentially saying it's a marathon and not a sprint.

As for the 7-2 Seattle Mariners, well, we asked but a big 'ol car door got in the way.

Mally Mall & Swae Lee Exotic Pets Won't Be Returned Serval Cat, Spider Monkey Finding New Homes

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Mally Mall and Swae Lee can always visit the L.A. Zoo if they want to see jungle cats and monkeys ... because there's little to no chance they're getting their exotic pets back.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... after Mally's Serval cat and Swae's spider monkey were seized in Wednesday's SWAT raids, the animals were immediately taken to special facilities. We're told Mally and Swae will ONLY get the animals back if they had legal reasons to possess them -- such as owning a zoo or an animal educational facility -- and that's just not the case here.

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MALLY'S JAN 2018 POST

Even if Mally and Swae had a legit reason for housing the Serval cat and spider monkey, we're told they would still need to apply for permits to get the animals back, but those applications would be blocked because of their history.

Mally's had tons of issues with exotic animals in the past ... the Health Dept. launched an investigation when he brought a capuchin monkey to the Ace of Diamonds strip club, and he once gifted Justin Bieber a monkey and an ocelot.

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FOLLOWING COMMANDS

We broke the story ... 40 SWAT team members, armed to the teeth, raided Mally's home Wednesday morning, executing search warrants for exotic animal possession and human trafficking. Swae's home was also raided.

As it stands, we're told the Serval cat and spider monkey seized in the raids are being housed in facilities that are permitted to possess each type of animal, with the capability of providing proper care and adequate caging.

Maybe just a house cat next time?!?

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

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The murder of Nipsey Hussle resonated with TMZ users like few other stories, and Joe Biden's had a week, right? So, we gotta ask ...

Debra Tate Take Your Olive Branch & Shove It!!! Rips Director Of Hilary Duff's Sharon Tate Movie

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Debra Tate is unmoved by the olive branch extended by the director who cast Hilary Duff to play her sister, Sharon Tate, in a horror movie ... because Debra says it's just an attempt to cover his ass.

Debra, who started blasting Daniel Farrand's independent film from the jump, tells TMZ ... the director only reached out to her AFTER the movie was complete, sending her a letter explaining what he was trying to express in "The Haunting of Sharon Tate."

Debra strongly feels the director's email was too little, too late ... and she's calling BS on his intentions, because she doesn't think it's the least bit earnest. What's more, Debra tells us she's convinced Daniel only reached out to make himself look better after she totally slammed his work.

It's a stark contrast to Debra's interactions with Quentin Tarantino, who cast Margot Robbie to play Sharon in his Charles Manson flick, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." Debra sat down for a 1-on-1 with Tarantino BEFORE production wrapped, reading the script and even being invited on set.

Hilary's movie just hit theaters, and Debra's warning moviegoers to spend their money elsewhere ... 'cause Debra says it's extremely exploitative and socially irresponsible, taking Sharon's life and spinning it for a new generation on the 50th anniversary of her violent death.

Debra, who was 16 when Manson's cult followers murdered her sis, also says the film is extremely hurtful and hateful ... and she thinks the director's just out to make a quick buck off her family's tragedy.

Debra's not alone in her critique ... the movie's getting horrible reviews.

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

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Don't let these two almost mirror images of Ashley Graham blast you down ... shoot your shot and see if you can figure out the differences between these gameday photos!

**HINT -- There are THREE differences in the photographs above!**

Metta World Peace LaVar Ball Should Be NBA Head Coach ... Seriously

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COACHING MATERIAL

Metta World Peace has the perfect post-Big Baller Brand career move for LaVar Ball ... saying that LaVar should turn his focus to the NBA ... AS A HEAD COACH.

Metta is serious, he told our guy LaVar has everything he needs to be an NBA head coach, so much so that Metta would've been down to go to battle for him.

"He should go through the NBA's head coaching program, I would play for him."

Metta told our guy he thinks it's obvious LaVar wants to coach -- remember he's coached his sons in the summer for years -- and thinks it could really happen if Ball can handle one thing.

"As long as he can take criticism from his players, I think he should go through the program and be a coach."

We talked to LaVar recently, and he says he's not looking for a new gig, saying the Big Baller Brand is still alive, despite Lonzo covering his tattoo, and his manager tossing out his merch.

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NOT PART OF THE FAM

Still though, if the NBA came calling you'd have to imagine LaVar would answer ... LOUDLY ... like he does everything else.