Angels Pitcher Tyler Skaggs 27-Year-Old Found Dead In Texas ... 'No Foul Play Suspected'
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7:30 PM PT -- Our police sources tell us at this time there are no signs of suicide.
2:28 PM PT -- The Southlake Police Dept. in Texas says cops were called to the Hilton hotel at 2:18 PM about an "unconscious male in a room."
The Southlake PD adds, "Officers arrived and found the male unresponsive and he was pronounced deceased at the scene."
"At this time, no foul play is suspected. This investigation is ongoing and we will release pertinent information as it is available."
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs was found dead in Texas on Monday morning, the team has announced.
The 27-year-old had just pitched against the Oakland As on Saturday. The team is currently in Texas to play the Rangers.
Details surrounding his death are unclear. Major League Baseball has cancelled Monday night's game as a result.
The Angels issued a statement saying, "It is with great sorrow that we report Tyler Skaggs passed away earlier today in Texas."
"Tyler has, and always will be, an important part of the Angels Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Carli and his entire family during this devastating time."
Phillies superstar Bryce Harper has shared his condolences ... saying, "By far the nastiest prep arm I ever faced. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler's family! Gone too soon!"
Cleveland Indians ace Trevor Bauer added ... "We came up together. We won together. We laughed and celebrated together. Today, we all lose and mourn together."
"Your memory, your love for life, everything that made you, you, will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew you. Rest In Peace brother. We love you."
Angels superstar Mike Trout spoke out about his teammate, saying "Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carli and their families."
"Remembering him as a great teammate, friend, and person who will forever remain in our hearts... we love you, 45."
Skaggs posted a picture with his teammates on Sunday after touching down in Texas for the Angels' series against the Rangers.
Skaggs was drafted by the Angels in the 1st round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2012 for the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he played until 2013. He later returned to the Angels where he's played ever since (he missed the 2015 season due to surgery).
Originally Published -- 2:00 PM PT
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Irv Gotti Rap Ready to Accept Lil Nas X's Sexuality ... Who Cares He's Gay?!?
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Lil Nas X is not going to be ostracized by the rap community simply for coming out ... at least according to record executive and producer Irv Gotti, who says times are a changin'.
We got the Murder Inc. Records honcho in New York City and ask him about the industry's reaction to the rapper announcing he's gay. Irv tells us it ain't that big of a deal ... not these days, anyway.
some of y’all already know, some of y’all don’t care, some of y’all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y’all to listen closely to c7osure. 🌈🤩✨ pic.twitter.com/O9krBLllqQ
— nope (@LilNasX) June 30, 2019 @LilNasX
As we first reported ... the 20-year-old "Old Town Road" sensation felt inspired to tell the world his truth Sunday night after performing in front of a MASSIVE crowd in England, going on social media on the last day of Pride month to announce he's gay.
Irv, who's produced tons of hits for hip-hop titans over the past 25 years, says it would've been much harder for Lil Nas X to come out back in the day ... but now, it's not too shocking.
Check out our clip ... Irv explains why rap is finally ready to embrace Nas for who he is.
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David Eason and Jenelle Evans In-Law Locked My Kid In A Bedroom!!! ... Calls 911
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David Eason made a 911 call claiming his mother-in-law locked his 2-year-old daughter in a bedroom and couldn't get the door open ... and he asked dispatch to also get child services involved.
According to dispatch audio obtained by TMZ ... David says Jenelle Evans' mother, Barbara, locked their little girl, Ensley, in a room so she could take a shower. David claims Barbara was unable to get the door open and Ensley was freaking out.
David was not at Barbara's home when he made the call ... but says Jenelle's 9-year-old son, Jace, is the one who told him what happened when Ensley was locked in. Jace also lives with Barbara.
David also asks the dispatch operator to file a report with child protective services ... but the operator says David needed to do that independently. We don't know if he followed through and called CPS.
A source tells us Barbara was eventually able to get Ensley out on her own.
As we've reported ... David and Jenelle lost custody of her 3 kids after he shot and killed the family dog, and Barbara is looking after 2 of them.
In another recent 911 call obtained by TMZ ... Jenelle asked police to conduct a welfare check at Barbara's home. Jenelle says she had called Barbara to check on her kids and heard lots of screaming and yelling in the background. She says Barbara hung up and wouldn't answer her calls.
No shortage of drama in this family.
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WNBA's Brittney Griner Praises Lil Nas X for Coming Out ... 'Takes a Lot of Bravery'
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WNBA superstar Brittney Griner says it's "AWESOME" that Lil Nas X has come out as gay -- telling TMZ Sports, "I think it's real big!"
28-year-old Griner is openly gay -- she's engaged to longtime girlfriend Cherelle Watson -- and knows first hand how tough it can be to come out when you're a big star under the microscope.
But, the 5-time WNBA All-Star says she's especially impressed with the "Old Town Road" artist for not letting homophobes and negative gay stereotypes (especially in the hip-hop world) stop him from going public about his sexuality.
"I just think it's awesome he did that," Griner says ... "takes a lot of bravery."
Griner says it's 2019 and people should be able to love who they want to love and be who they want to be without fear of a backlash ... and she thinks Lil Nas X is helping to achieve that goal.
"I think it's real big ... kudos to him."
Lil Nas X came out via a social media post on June 30 -- the last day of Gay Pride month -- and we're told he was inspired to do so after such a positive experience performing at the Glastonbury Music Festival in England, which is known for its inclusivity.
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Supermodel Carol Alt 'Memba Her?!
New York born Carol Alt was only 22 years old (and 5' 10") when she shot to stardom after she was featured on the cover of the 1982 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in a sexy red one-piece swimsuit on a beach along the Kenya coast.
Carol Alt went on to become one of the most in hundreds of magazine as including Vogue, Harper's, Bazaar, Elle and Cosmopolitan, as well as, scoring sought after ad campaigns like Cover Girl, Hanes, Givenchy and Diet Pepsi.
Alt also has an extensive acting career that includes screen time on "Private Parts," "Wings" and "Thunder in Paradise."
Guess what she looks like now at 58 years old!
TMZ Live Taylor Swift Rips Scooter Braun ... Over Deal for Early Songs
HERE'S THE RUNDOWN
- LIL NAS X COMES OUT AS GAY AFTER GLASTONBURY PERFORMANCE
- MTV TEEN MOM'S JENELLE EVANS: MY KIDS ARE IN DANGER
- HONEY BOO BOO: MAMA JUNE CAN'T ACCESS MY MONEY!
- ROCK LEGEND MOVES MUSIC FESTIVAL FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
'L&HH' Star Milan Christopher Lil Nas X Coming Out ... Will Save LGBT Lives
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Lil Nas X coming out is going to have a ripple effect that will save the lives of LGBT youth across the country ... so says Milan Christopher.
We got the ex-"Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood" star in Los Angeles and ask his thoughts on the rapper revealing he's gay. Milan says it's going to be an inspiration for kids and teens who are being bullied because of their sexuality.
some of y’all already know, some of y’all don’t care, some of y’all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y’all to listen closely to c7osure. 🌈🤩✨ pic.twitter.com/O9krBLllqQ
— nope (@LilNasX) June 30, 2019 @LilNasX
TMZ broke the story ... the 20-year-old "Old Town Road" rapper became inspired to share his truth with the world on Sunday after performing with Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus in front of a HUGE crowd in England, hopping on Twitter on the final day of Pride Month to say he's gay.
Milan -- who is gay -- tells us Nas' surprise announcement is going to be a life saver, because he says the suicide rates for LGBT teens are through the roof, and a successful celeb coming out as gay will send a strong message to kids.
Check out or clip ... Milan explains why 'OTR' is now an aha moment for some in our society.
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Taylor Swift Old Music Surges After Scooter Beef ... Doesn't Help Her Though
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Taylor Swift's VERY public war with Scooter Braun over rights to her masters has backfired for the singer -- 'cause people are playing those old tracks ... which only helps her enemy.
We monitored Amazon's 'Movers and Shakers' music chart all day Monday -- following Taylor lashing out at Scooter Sunday for buying Big Machine Label Group, and the rights to all her old albums as a result -- and it looks like folks were craving some OG Taylor.
Four of her old albums -- which were produced under a Big Machine contract -- saw significant spikes in CD purchases ... with a couple of them even climbing to the top spots on the 'M&S' list. Taylor's debut album, "Taylor Swift" peaked at #3 Monday in digital sales -- up 471% --and her fourth studio album, "Red," peaked at #4 -- up 433%.
Two of her other Big Machine albums -- "Fearless" and "1989" -- saw surges of 221% and 88%, respectively.
You'd think that'd be great news for Taylor -- but it really benefits one Scooter Braun the most, seeing how his company now owns the rights to all those songs.
Long story short ... Scooter's guaranteed to see the most cash flow from the surges, which might not have even happened had Taylor kept her gripes to herself. As you know ... she didn't do that, and it's divided the music industry (and Hollywood, it seems) in the fallout.
In other music news, Lil Nas X saw some MAJOR surges as well since coming out as gay. His smash hit, "Old Town Road (Remix)," was up 600% on the 'Movers and Shakers' list!!!
Talk about betting on being true to yourself, huh?
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Beth Chapman Ashes Spread in Waikiki Waters During Private Paddle-Out
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There was a private and secret send-off for Beth Chapman in Hawaii that only Dog the Bounty Hunter and his family knew was happening ... TMZ has learned.
Sources directly connected to the family tell us ... this past weekend, Dog and his children spread some of Beth's ashes and flowers in Hawaii's Waikiki waters and bid her aloha in the state she loved and called home for many years.
As we reported ... the family paid respects to Beth Saturday with a public memorial service at Fort DeRussy Beach Park, attended by Dog and his family. During that event, a group also boarded an outrigger vessel and paddled out without Dog on board, and we've now learned why.
Our sources say during the paddle-out -- when everyone was distracted by the final ride -- Dog and his kids quietly walked away, boarded a private boat and headed out to sea to spread the ashes. This was one of Beth's final wishes.
We're told the family didn't spread all the ashes -- they saved some ashes, possibly for another service Dog is planning for Beth's native home state of Colorado.
TMZ broke the story ... Beth died last week at a Honolulu hospital, days after she had been placed in a medically-induced coma. She had been battling cancer for a long time.
She was 51.
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YG Says He & Crew Will 'Stay Dangerous' ... After Slim 400 Shooting
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Slim 400 wasn't meant to die after being shot multiple times this weekend -- so says his good pal, YG.
The Compton rapper -- and good friend of Slim -- was leaving LAX Monday, where he gave us an update on how his friend was doing after being gunned down Friday night.
He says he hasn't had a chance to see him yet, but lets us know straight-up -- guys from '400' crew don't go down easily. He also explains what he and his boys are gonna do now going forward as far protecting themselves ... check it out, sounds like a warning shot.
As far as how serious this shooting was, we've learned Slim 400 took 9 bullets to his body -- and based on where they hit, it's a miracle he's expected to be on his own two feet again.
Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Slim is still in critical but stable condition as he recovers in a hospital after being gunned down Friday night in Compton. We're told doctors found he'd actually been shot 9 times, as opposed to 8 ... as we'd previously been told.
This is where he was struck, per our sources -- his upper and lower back (multiple areas), his face (jaw area, specifically) and the top of his head, which caused some internal bleeding that was dealt with in surgery. Again ... absolutely stunning the guy survived.
There's also this ... we're being told Slim's jaw has been wired shut as a result of the facial gunshot wound. Our sources say he's still heavily sedated at this point, but is expected to make a full recovery in the coming weeks.
TMZ broke the story ... Slim was rushed to the hospital after the attack. No word on what led up to the shooting or who the culprits might be, but cops are investigating.
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A$AP Rocky Swedish Beatdown ... Tosses Dude During Street Brawl!!!
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JULY 2019
6:09 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ police are actively investigating the fight after a police report was filed. They have spoken with the alleged victim, witnesses on scene, and investigators are also reviewing video.
At this time police do not have any suspects.
A$AP Rocky and his crew pummeled a guy in Sweden, leaving him battered and bloodied in the street ... according to witnesses on the scene.
TMZ obtained video that starts with the rapper having an intense convo with a couple of guys at Max restaurant in Stockholm Sunday night ... allegedly over Rocky breaking a pair of their headphones earlier.
Our sources say the 2 young men kept following AR and threatened to call the cops over the headphones. We're told someone stepped in to translate the argument between the 2 parties, and Rocky delivered this message -- stop following us ... or else.
Apparently, that's when another woman interrupted the convo, and accused one of the 2 men of grabbing her ass earlier. Witnesses say that's when A$AP and his crew decided to throw down.
The video shows Rocky -- in a white hoodie and green shorts -- absolutely toss one of the guys like a ragdoll. You can also hear someone smash a bottle during the fight. Three other men, apparently on Rocky's side -- jumped in and joined the beatdown, punching and kicking the guy.
Our sources say Rocky and his crew then took off, leaving the guy knocked out on the ground. An ambulance and cops showed up shortly after and took statements from witnesses.
Law enforcement sources tell us officers are looking into various fights that went down Sunday night in the center of Stockholm, but they had no info about A$AP Rocky being involved.
Sources close to A$AP Rocky's team tell us he and his friends were only responding to "an assault."
Originally Published -- 7/01 11:19 AM PT
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Kareem Hunt Video with Cops After 'Small Argument' with Friend
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JUNE 2019
TMZ Sports has obtained video of NFL star Kareem Hunt talking with several police officers this weekend in Cleveland after a night of partying after an alleged "small argument" with a friend.Â
Here's what we know so far ... the Cleveland Browns running back went to the Barley House party spot on Saturday night with a bunch of friends and stayed late into the evening.
Right after he left, SOMETHING happened -- and several cops went over to speak with the 23-year-old. He wasn't arrested. Wasn't detained. He left without incident.
But, a witness tells TMZ Sports ... Hunt was involved in a physical altercation with another man before the cops came over. The witness wasn't sure if it was a "real" fight or if he was just horsing around with a buddy.
At one point, one of the officers can be heard on video telling Kareem, "I saw him push you."
Barley House owner Bobby George told WKYC3 that Hunt was involved in a "small argument with one of his friends ... People blew it out of proportion."
We reached out to the Cleveland PD but despite the video, they have no record of the interaction -- "There wasn't a police report or any calls that we have located."
Either way, it's notable considering Hunt had publicly stated he was seeking help for alcohol and anger management in the wake of TMZ Sports posting video showing him in a 2018 physical altercation with a woman.
We reached out to Hunt's rep for comment -- but so far, no word back.
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Steve Aoki Hey Kawhi, Come to L.A. And, Let's Break A Pizza Record!!!
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Steve Aoki can't offer Kawhi Leonard a max NBA contract -- but he's got the next best thing -- free pizza for life and a record-breaking pizza party for the Finals MVP.
Steve's Pizzaoki shop in Venice unveiled a massive mural of Kawhi in a Lakers' jersey over the weekend outside the restaurant. The mural features Kawhi clutching a massive NBA Championship Trophy and has become a huge attraction in the area.
Steve tells us, if Kawhi decides to sign with The Lakers -- and join LeBron James and Anthony Davis -- he will personally throw a massive pizza party outside The Staples Center.
However, this won't be just your average pizza party ... Steve says he'll invite the masses in an attempt to break some world records.
Aoki's also promisiong Kawhi free pizza for life at any of his 12 Pizzaoki locations around Los Angeles.
Sounds like a deliciously easy decision to us!
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Chloe Grace Moretz Obsessed Fan on Her Doorstep ... Cops Nab Him at House
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Chloe Grace Moretz and her family are reeling after a total stranger rolled up to her crib, and brazenly knocked on the front door looking for a face-to-face with the actress.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the man showed up outside Chloe's L.A.-area home a little before midnight Sunday night. He'd apparently driven there, parked outside, hopped her front entrance gate, and walked right up to her door knockin' ... asking if Chloe was home.
We're told members of Chloe's family told the guy to beat it, and that they were calling the police. Our sources tell us Chloe was not home at the time of the incident.
Turns out, the alleged visitor didn't go far -- when cops showed up, they found the man sitting inside his car, just chillin', and waiting outside Chloe's house. We're told he was arrested for misdemeanor trespassing.
As of Monday, we're told the man is still in custody on $1,000 bail.
This isn't the first time Chloe's had to deal with bizarre run-ins -- she got a permanent restraining order against an alleged stalker in late 2017 ... and had to call cops on another guy who tried offering her cookies earlier that same year.
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Lil Nas X Inspired to Come Out as Gay After Overwhelming Reception at UK Concert
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Lil Nas X was overwhelmed with the love he felt from his UK concert Sunday night, and that inspired him to tell the world his truth.
The 20-year-old "Old Town Road" star had just performed with Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus in front of 180,000 people in Glastonbury, England ... he's never seen the likes of a crowd like that and was stunned by the reception.
When you've got more than horses in the back 👀@MileyCyrus just brought out @LilNasX and @billyraycyrus for the surprise #Glastonbury2019 moment we never knew we needed 🤠pic.twitter.com/KmVBO0RuXk
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) June 30, 2019 @BBCR1
Sources directly connected to the rapper tell TMZ, after leaving the stage he tweeted a series of declarations ... all but saying he's gay. The post was oblique, with Nas saying things like, "some of y'all already know, some of y'all don't care, some of y'all not gone fwm no more."
However, our sources say he absolutely intended this as his way of coming out. We're told he was "tired of being closeted." He did not tell anyone -- Miley, Billy Ray or anyone else in advance -- that he was about to tell the world he's gay.
Our sources say ... Nas realizes there's a chance he might alienate part of his fan base, but he says his music crosses many genres, so it's not like he's beholden to country, hip-hop, etc.
We're told he wanted to tell everyone he's gay, but his hesitation is that he doesn't want to become "the poster child for the LGBTQ community" ... at least not yet. He's 20 years old and has only been famous for a few months, and as one source put it, "Everything's happening so fast his head is spinning. He may become a leader in gay rights, but not quite yet."
Our sources also say Lil Nas X feels he can be a role model for other young people who are scared to come out. He believes this will not hurt his career and will give others inspiration.
As for Miley and Billy Ray, we're told they're "thrilled" he's come out and they fully support him.
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Jenelle Evans My Kids Aren't Safe With My Mom ... As Long As My Brother's Around
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Jenelle Evans believes her kids are at great risk while under the care of her mother, Barbara, and it's all because of Evans' erratic brother, Colin, who has a lengthy history with the cops.
Police records -- obtained by TMZ -- show police have had at least 8 interactions with Colin since February. Colin has called to report stalkers at his home, possible break-ins, trespassers and made claims someone was putting chemicals in his water. He has even listed David as a possible suspect in the reports ... though no evidence seemed to support David's involvement.
6/4/19
There's also a report of a woman who claims Colin approached her and claimed she was taking photos of him and his house ... the woman was only taking photos in the woods. Police advised Colin to leave people alone.
Police have also responded to Barbara's home several times over the last few months ... including a disturbance call where a family member had thrown items in the home and issued threats.
Our sources say David and Jenelle will stop at nothing to get their kids back, and believe the dangers of being with Barbara and possibly around Colin are much greater than anything they'd face at home.
David and Jenelle are due back in court Monday for more custody hearings ... we're told David is expected to give testimony for the first time.