Conservative Ben Shapiro Target of Death Threats ... FBI Makes Arrest

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9:15 PM PT -- We've learned 3 agencies -- the FBI, Secret Service and Kent PD -- teamed up to nab the suspect Wednesday during a traffic stop in Kent, WA.

The man is being held in a federal detention center, and will have his initial court appearance at 2 PM PT Thursday in federal court in Seattle.

Ben Shapiro, the conservative talk show host and editor of The Daily Wire, was the target of serious death threats and the suspect has just been arrested ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us, Shapiro, who frequently appears on cable news shows and has a hugely popular podcast, filed a police report with the LAPD. We're told the threats were not just against Shapiro but his family as well. He's married with one daughter.

We're told the Department got in touch with the FBI and created a joint task force to hunt down the culprit.

Our sources say a man was arrested Wednesday in Washington state for making the threats.

We're told these threats were "extremely serious" ... not just someone blowing off steam.

Shapiro recently created a stink when he suggested on his radio show that Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar has "a lot of the same opinions about Jews that the white supremacist had in that manifesto." He was referring to the attack at the San Diego-area synagogue in which the shooter killed a woman and injured several others.

Originally Published -- 2:50 PM PT

Ice Cube Expects Big Things From Lamar Odom ... With The BIG3

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Ice Cube sees big things in store for Lamar Odom ... telling TMZ sports he thinks L.O. will return to glory in the BIG3 league this season.

Hours before the 2019 BIG3 Draft kicks off in Las Vegas, Cube was raving about the huge stars he's locked up for the upcoming season -- most notably Lamar Odom.

As we previously reported ... Odom has been training his ass off in hopes of playing pro basketball again. We're told he's looking pretty good in the gym.

Now it's time to see if a BIG3 team still believes in Odom when the draft goes live at 7 PM PT.

"A lot of people counted him out, but not us," Cube said. "I think he's gonna be our comeback player of the year."

Cube is also excited about Royce White, a former first-round NBA Draft pick who ended up playing up overseas because of conflicts with NBA teams over the treatment of his mental illness.

White was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder -- which was a problem when it came to traveling for away games. But White is still incredibly talented and hopes to showcase his skills in the BIG3.

Jenelle Evans My Husband Shot and Killed Our Dog

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3:20 PM PT -- Jenelle spoke with US Weekly about the incident, saying, "He just took her and shot her in the woods, about two acres away from the house."

As we reported, local law enforcement said they won't act on the killing until Jenelle comes to them to report the crime ... one source we spoke to said media reports and social media postings aren't enough to trigger an investigation.

Jenelle also told US, "At this time, we are dealing with this rough situation. I want to focus on what's best for me and my kids."

9:45 AM PT -- Police went to Jenelle and David's house Tuesday night to perform a welfare check on Ensley. Officers found everyone, including Ensley, was okay.

As for the dog -- a law enforcement source tells TMZ ... David told cops Nugget was alive, although he would not let them see the dog. We're told cops have no evidence showing anything happened to the dog.

The Columbus County Sheriff's Dept. says it's contacted Animal Control, but as far as any further investigation from cops ... our source says Jenelle would need to make a report on her own. We're told officers won't act on "sensationalized media reports or social media posts." The source said it's irrelevant to cops what Jenelle says on IG.

Meanwhile, PETA says it hopes charges are filed against Eason if it's true he shot Nugget. They say, "People who abuse animals typically don't stop there."

"Teen Mom" star Jenelle Evans is heartbroken over the death of her dog, which was shot and killed by her husband ... who is defending his disturbing move in the name of protecting his family.

David Eason admits he killed the family's French bulldog, Nugget, because it bit the couple's 2-year-old daughter, Ensley. He shared a video that appears to show the dog snapping at Ensley as she's moving closer to its face for a kiss.

David explained his decision to put the dog down, saying ... "I dont give a damn what animal bites my baby on the face... whether it be your dog or mine, a dog is a dog and I dont put up with that s**t at all."

A photo of Ensley's face after the incident shows a red mark, but there's no apparent break in her skin.

Eason added ... "I'm all about protecting my family, it is my lifes mission. Some people are worth killing or dying for and my family means that much to me. You can hate me all you want but this isnt the first time the dog bit Ensley aggressively. The only person that can judge weather or not a animal is a danger to MY CHILD is ME."

Jenelle doesn't seem to be on the same page as her husband at all. She just shared a photo of Nugget sitting in the car with her, along with a message suggesting she believes they should have simply trained the dog to stop biting.

She wrote ... "Nugget... I'm crying everyday. I love you so much and I'm so sorry. I'm speechless," and added, "You still had a lot to learn and a lot to grow from your lessons."

Jenelle says she's heartbroken and distraught, and there are reports she fled their home after the incident.

Originally Published -- 7:13 AM PT

Marie Osmond Replacing Sara Gilbert on 'The Talk'

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Marie Osmond is joining "The Talk" ... replacing Sara Gilbert, but not without a little controversy, TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the show tell us, Marie has signed on for the gig and the big announcement will go down live on "The Talk" this coming Tuesday. Marie has guest hosted on the show before, and we're told when she was on the ratings spiked.

That said, there's a little grumbling with a few of the women. We're told they feel a better replacement for Sara would have been someone younger and edgier ... not the 59-year-old singer. But, the bosses laid down the law, and Marie is a go.

Marie and brother Donny have a residency at the Flamingo hotel in Vegas, which runs through November. She'll have to do double duty, flying back and forth from Vegas to L.A. during the run. She's doing 5 shows a week with Donny, so there will be LOTS of flying.

Marie's no stranger to talk shows. She and Donny had one from 1998-2000.

Michael Blackson Eddie Murphy Thinks I'm Funny!!! Call Me About 'Coming To America 2'

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Michael Blackson is chilling on cloud nine -- in a real comfy robe too -- because Eddie Murphy, one of his childhood icons, is interested in putting him in the "Coming to America" sequel.

Michael joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" to talk about the big news Eddie broke to us ... that he's considering casting Blackson because he's African -- straight outta Ghana -- and because he's funny.

MB says just having Eddie mention him as a potential actor in the movie is a dream come true. Having a legendary comedian publicly voice his approval is another huge feather in Michael's cap, and you can see the excitement he's feeling

However, there's one more important thing Blackson's waiting to see happen.

As you know ... Eddie dropped Michael's name unsolicited when we asked him if he was open to casting real African actors for the movie, an idea Akon first mentioned to us.

Michael's seen the clip of Eddie, and tells us it would be an incredible coincidence if he lands the role ... especially after his childhood experiences with the OG "Coming to America."

It's kinda funny ... Michael tells us why Eddie's character caused problems for him when he was growing up in New Jersey, and he's got an idea for how they can even the score.

Michael even says he would turn around from the gates of heaven to do this movie ... so c'mon Eddie, what are you waiting for?!?

Robert Kraft Ordered to Face Judge In Person ... In Spa Case

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Robert Kraft has been ordered to appear in court IN PERSON in his prostitution case -- and it's all going down in 3 weeks.

Kraft has been sending his legal team to Florida over the past few months to battle it out with prosecutors in his place ... in an effort to block officials from releasing the graphic footage from inside the spa.

Kraft's legal team have been grilling investigators over the past few days -- and Wednesday, they made their closing arguments as to why the video should never see the light of day.

As we previously reported, cops say they have graphic surveillance footage from inside the massage room at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida showing the 77-year-old New England Patriots owner receiving sexual acts from two spa employees.

Kraft has already apologized publicly for his actions -- but he's entered a not guilty plea in his solicitation case and plans to fight the charges. His attorneys have argued the footage was illegally obtained PLUS the release of the video would taint a potential jury pool and ruin his chances for a fair trial.

On Wednesday, the judge said he would make a decision soon that would impact the fate of the video -- and set a hearing date for May 21 ... ordering Kraft to appear in person.

Unclear why he wants Kraft to attend since the hearing is only listed a "calendar call" -- which generally just a status update in a case.

It would be the first time Kraft would appear in court for this case -- something he's clearly been trying to avoid since the information went public back in February.

Meanwhile, Kraft has been spotted all over the country since the case broke -- most recently, he was seen in Beverly Hills over the weekend.

Remy Ma Turns Herself in to Cops ... Facing Assault Charge

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4:30 PM PT -- Remy has officially bailed out ... but she didn't have much to say to our camera.

3:41 PM PT -- Remy just saw the judge -- and her bail was set at $1,500 -- she's expected to post that shortly. Remy's attorney, Dawn Florio, claimed all of the accusations made by Taylor are a lie. For instance, Taylor allegedly claimed the attack happened at 9:30 PM and Florio says there's video proof Remy Ma was at home at that time.

Florio also argued it was suspicious Taylor lawyered up with a civil attorney immediately after the attack.

The judge also ordered a protective order, meaning Remy is not to have any contact with Taylor ... Remy will also have an 8 PM curfew.

It took a couple weeks, but Remy Ma is in police custody for allegedly punching Brittney Taylor at a concert last month.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the rapper surrendered to cops Wednesday, flanked by her attorney. We're told she's been booked for misdemeanor assault.

As we reported ... the "Love & Hip Hop New York" star claimed Remy punched her in the right eye while backstage during the Pretty Lou Benefit Concert at Irving Plaza near Union Square on April 16.

While police were investigating the incident, Taylor geared up to file a civil suit against Remy by requesting cops preserve all evidence of the alleged assault, including surveillance footage.

Taylor's attorney, Sanford Rubenstein, tells TMZ that this is real life, not reality TV, and that Brittney is a victim. He stresses that Brittney "has confidence in our system of justice and will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities."

Originally Published -- 12:31 PM PT

Jim Belushi & Wife We're Not Divorcing!!!

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Jim Belushi just pulled a 180 on his divorce case, filing for it to be dismissed in court ... TMZ has learned.

Jim filed legal docs requesting the case to be dismissed and the judge has signed off on it ... this according to court records. As we reported back in March 2018 ... Jim's wife, Jennifer Sloan, filed for divorce after almost 20 years of marriage.

She had previously cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their separation. They had already had an existing custody arrangement in place for their 17-year-old son, Jared.

Seems that's all behind them now. Congrats? We've reached out to Jim's rep ... so far, no word back.

Tom Brady Works Out With UCLA Receivers ... Who Needs Gronk?!?

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Tom Brady's BFF, Rob Gronkowski, is retired ... so TB12's taking his hunt for new offseason workout partners to UCLA!!!

The G.O.A.T. joined the Bruins for an impromptu throwing sesh Wednesday morning ... and seems the Patriots QB enjoyed it -- he smiled and took pics with all the guys afterward.

Of course, this is becoming an annual thing for the NFL superstar ... just 12 months ago, Brady was in town and ran an entire workout with the Bruins' offense.

This week's sesh seemed much less formal ... but UCLA studs like Chase Cota were still jacked up for the day anyway.

"Got to work with THE GOAT today," the Bruins receiver said ... "What an opportunity, go Bruins!"

By the way ... UCLA continued the tradition of throwing some shade at USC for the star-studded workout -- tagging their pictures once again with, "#OnlyAtUCLA."

BUUUUUUUUUUUURN!!!

Ben Stiller Senate Testimony's Making Me Nervous But, Refugees Need Me!!!

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Ben Stiller is on Capitol Hill with a stomach full of butterflies ... admitting to us he's nervous to go before lawmakers and testify on the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

We got Ben before he went in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday to try to convince legislators to help out Syrian refugees ... and the actor told us he couldn't help but feel nervous about his big moment.

Ben's the goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, and he's pleading with countries who host refugees to help ensure long-term support for displaced people.

This is his first time testifying on Capitol Hill ... so you can understand why Ben's anxious about pleading his case in front of a bunch of Senators.

Well, he has had some experience testifying, but we're guessing his hilarious 'SNL' skit -- playing Michael Cohen testifying on the Hill -- doesn't really compare to the real deal.

Let's just hope he doesn't slip into Cohen mode. Ben did tell us one of his classic roles could come in handy, though, during this testimony.

Go get 'em, Derek Ben!

Raz B Arrested for Domestic Violence ... Claims Self Defense

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10:15 AM PT -- Sources close to Raz tell TMZ ... the singer and his GF got into an argument that turned physical when she attacked him, and Raz's side claims he was defending himself.

We're told the girlfriend informed a family member about the altercation, which led to cops being called and Raz B being arrested. Raz insists he did not purposely strike or choke her.

Law enforcement sources tell us police will be investigating to see what led to the altercation, and some evidence may include surveillance footage because it happened in a parking lot area.

Dispatch audio describing the alleged assault mentions a female being strangled by the ramp of a Macy's store.

Raz B's behind bars and is facing a domestic violence charge in Minneapolis ... TMZ has learned.

According to the Hennepin County jail ... the B2K singer was arrested for domestic assault by strangulation early Wednesday morning. Our sources say the victim was Raz's girlfriend, and cops say they took photos of her alleged injuries as evidence.

Raz is currently being held without bail. B2K has a concert scheduled for Wednesday night at the Target Center in Minneapolis as part of their reunion tour.

As we told you last month ... Raz decided to continue on with the highly anticipated tour after announcing he was quitting just a few days into it. He told us he was scared for his safety and feeling unappreciated, but was going to stick it out anyway.

The tour's got 10 more stops left and is scheduled to end in Las Vegas in late May ... but Raz B's involvement is now in jeopardy.

Originally Published -- 8:21 AM PT

Steph Curry Dislocated Finger Looks Like a Lightning Bolt

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Two things in this photo ...

1) Check out the pic of Steph Curry's gnarly dislocated finger from Tuesday night's playoff game against the Houston Rockets ... pretty sick, right?

2) Did you also know Steph Curry has a Hebrew tattoo on his left hand?

Wanna know what it says? When read phonetically, it's pronounced "Curry."

As for the finger ... seems the Golden State Warriors training staff popped it back in and taped it up ... and of course, he went back to hitting shots like nothing was wrong.

The Warriors ended up winning the game 115 to 109 ... with Curry dropping 20.

Now, the Warriors are up in the series 2-0.

John Singleton Mom in Possession of Will ... $35 Mil on the Line

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John Singleton had a plan in place for his death, because TMZ has learned he left a will, and that's a monumental development in what appears to be a family war that erupted while he lay dying in the hospital.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ, John's mother, Shelia Ward, is in possession of the will and it will soon be filed with the probate court. Shelia handled all of John's business affairs, which includes the last will and testament.

As we reported, last week Cleopatra, one of John's 7 children, accused Shelia of trying to corral his assets and squeeze out his kids. Cleopatra launched her attack after Shelia filed legal docs last week to get a temporary conservatorship while John was unable to make decisions. The legal fight ended when John died.

If the 51-year-old, famed director had died without a will, Shelia would get nothing from his reported $35 million estate, because under California law the assets would be divided equally among his 7 children. But, since there's a will, John decides who gets what, and who gets nothing.

Given the business relationship between John and Shelia, it's a safe bet she's the executor of the will, which surely would not please Cleopatra.

It's unclear when John signed the will, but it's not out of the question someone might try and mount a challenge that the will should be invalid because of undue influence or mental incapacity -- this came up after Michael Jackson died. Important to note ... most of these challenges fail.

Sen. Lindsey Graham 'Trump is a F***ing Idiot' ... FBI Staffer's Words, Not Mine

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Lindsey Graham just provided some major viral content at William Barr's Senate Judiciary hearing on the Mueller report, by saying out loud -- and uncensored -- "Trump is a f***ing idiot."

The Senator wasn't expressing his own opinion about President Trump, but rather reading text messages between former FBI employees, Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, at Wednesday's hearing.

In the full exchange, Graham pulled from Strzok's texts to Page, saying ... "I am riled up. Trump is a f***ing idiot, is unable to provide a coherent answer. I can’t pull away. What the f*** happened to our country??!?!"

Graham followed up his comment -- which aired live on TV -- by saying, "Sorry to the kids out there." The FCC might want an apology too.

The Judiciary Committee is questioning Attorney General Barr about the findings of special counsel Robert Mueller's report ... after a Mueller letter stated Barr's summary of his report "did not fully capture the context, nature, and substance” of his investigation.

As for Strzok and Page ... their relationship and feelings about Trump have been a hot topic, and used by the president's supporters to argue the FBI was biased against him.

Graham's making sure we don't forget.

2:15 PM PT -- We got the Senator out after his profanity-laced moment earlier Wednesday, and he doubled down on the quote, and why it was important for everyone to hear.

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NOT MY WORDS

Originally Published -- 8:45 AM PT

Travis Scott Hennessy Slurpee, Tattoos for My 28th Bday!!!

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Even Travis Scott's birthday shindigs know how to get into SICKO MODE ... where else ya gonna find a party with a Hennessy Slurpee machine and tattoo station?!

The rapper celebrated turning 28 on Tuesday night at Universal Studios where Kylie Jenner hosted a gas station-themed birthday party. Kendall, Kim, Kanye and a bunch of others turned up ... as Travis looked in awe walking into a room decorated to look exactly like a gas station all about him.

The coolest part ... definitely the Hennessy Slurpee machine. There was also a Nike booth and Travis' Jordan 1s were hanging all over the party. Travis and Kylie were all lovey-dovey before and after inking their bodies. You gotta check out the vid ... it was truly an epic party.

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AFTER-PARTY MODE

After the bash ... the crowd made their way over to Bootsy Bellows in WeHo where tons of other celebs came out. Quavo, 21 Savage, G-Eazy and NFL star Todd Gurley were among the attendees.

Legendary birthday parties ... it's kinda the Kardashian-Jenner's thing.

Rick Schroder Arrested for Felony Domestic Violence ... 2nd Time in 30 Days

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10:46 AM PT -- The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has declined to prosecute Rick for his April 2 arrest due to lack of sufficient evidence. The investigation into this morning's arrest is still ongoing.

Rick Schroder is in jail after an early morning bust for allegedly striking his girlfriend ... and it's the second time cops have hauled him in for alleged domestic violence.

Cops got a call around 12:43 AM for a domestic incident at the "NYPD Blue" and "Silver Spoons" star's home. When they arrived they spoke to him and his girlfriend -- and shortly after that, Schroder was arrested for felony domestic violence ... according to our law enforcement sources.

The fact he was booked for a felony typically means the victim had visible marks of some kind. We're told Schroder's girlfriend refused medical treatment on the scene.

Turns out, the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. made almost the exact same arrest 30 days ago. Our sources say Schroder was taken into custody on April 2 ... also for felony domestic violence.

We're told deputies went to his home -- again, a little after midnight -- after he allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face as she tried to leave their home.

Schroder bailed out after that arrest. He is currently in custody for this morning's arrest, and we're told his bail this time is set at $50,000.

We've reached out to Schroder's reps ... no word back yet.

Originally published -- 6:00 AM PT