Vanessa Bryant 'Devastated' Sheriff's Deputies Took Photos of Crash Victims' Remains

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Vanessa Bryant is heartsick over revelations some L.A. County Sheriff's deputies took photos of the remains of Kobe Bryant and other victims at the crash site and wants them punished.

Vanessa's lawyer says on the day of the crash, Vanessa went to the Sheriff's Department and requested the crash site be designated a no-fly zone so photogs would be kept at bay. The attorney says it was of "critical importance" to Vanessa to protect the dignity of all the victims.

Helicopter Crash Scene
GOING THROUGH THE WRECKAGE - NTSB VIDEO

The attorney calls it "inexcusable and deplorable" and "an unspeakable violation of human decency."

As we reported, some deputies took photos at the crash site and shared them with various people inside and outside the department. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ a deputy trainee went to a bar several days after the crash and, in an attempt to impress a woman, he showed her the photos of remains. The bartender overheard the conversation and was so indignant he filed an online complaint with the Sheriff's Dept.

The lawyer says, "Mrs. Bryant is grateful to the individual who filed an online complaint exposing these acts of injustice."

The lawyer adds "Sheriff Alex Villanueva assured us all measures would be put in place to protect the family's privacy, and it is our understanding that he has worked hard to honor those requests."

As we reported, days after the crash top brass at the Dept. told deputies who took the photos to come to the substation and delete the photos, and if they did this no action would be taken. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the Sheriff did not order an internal affairs investigation until the L.A. Times contacted the Dept. and inquired about the photos.

The lawyer says Vanessa wants "the harshest possible discipline, and that their identities be brought to light, to ensure that the photos are not further disseminated."

Amanda Knox Space-Themed Wedding ... Costumes Very Much of This World

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Amanda Knox walked down the aisle after legally tying the knot almost 2 years ago -- and while an intergalactic ceremony was promised ... it looked more earthly than anything.

The one-time convicted felon -- who was later acquitted of murder -- said "I do" again Saturday to hubby Christopher Robinson at a wedding with friends and loved ones out in Washington State. We'd been told the theme was supposed to be space/'Star Wars.'

By the looks of the guests' costumes ... it doesn't seem like either came through. Check it out -- the folks here look like an odd mix of Egyptian rulers and 18th century Euro royalty.

Then again, maybe this is from some obscure space movie/show/book that we're simply not familiar with -- there's no shortage of out-of-this-world content to choose from.

Regardless, it's good to see Amanda and Chris came full circle with their love for the other-worldly. Remember ... they got engaged with a full-blown 'E.T.' recreation, so they clearly dig the sci-fi scene.

Congrats to the space cadet couple!!!

'Bachelorette' Alum Chad Johnson Taken to Hospital for Evaluation ... Says Ex Destroyed His Life

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UPDATE

7:14 AM PT -- 3/1 -- Johnson just posted this, presumably talking about Annalise Mishler ... "You timed this entire thing. You started posting dancing videos. You started marketing your nudes. You did all of this thinking it would help you get recognition. All you had to do was hug me. You destroyed my life and it didn't even workout for you."

UPDATE

12:28 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Chad Johnson has been taken to a hospital by authorities out of fear he may be a danger to himself. We're told cops who responded to his home Saturday morning on a welfare check determined he needed to be taken in for further evaluation.

UPDATE

It's unclear if this would constitute a 5150 psychiatric hold, but for now ... it looks like the powers that be wanna get him checked out in the confines of a hospital to make sure he's okay. We're also told no injuries on Chad were reported by officers on the scene.

Chad Johnson is continuing to freak out his fans and followers on social media -- less than 24 hours after cops checked on him for a possible suicide threat.

The ex-'Bachelorette' star posted two new videos on his Instagram story overnight -- one of which shows him sitting at a table and blaring Billy Joel's "Piano Man" song, with what appears to be the cord he showed off on his door yesterday and a lone bottle cap.

Another video that follows shows Chad seemingly talking to someone from behind a door, with him quickly saying ... "I have no choice." Of course, these new clips come on the heels of Friday's terrifying post, which depicted what looked like a makeshift hanging contraption.

He captioned that photo, "it'll be okay." Cops told us they went out to his San Fernando home on a welfare check yesterday, but determined no imminent threat on his life.

The scary moment comes just a few days after he was arrested for domestic violence and robbery after he allegedly got physical with his ex-girlfriend, Annalise Mishler. Chad addressed the situation the following day, denying he'd put hands on her while also apologizing.

We got a call into West Valley office of the LAPD to see if they're dropping in on Chad again in light of this new disturbing information. We're told officers were on the scene this AM for a possible welfare check, but no further details are known at this time.

Originally Published -- 2/29 -- 10:53 AM PT

'Love is Blind' Stars Legally Married More Than a Year Umm ... SPOILER ALERT???

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The 2 "Love Is Blind" couples that got married on the season finale didn't do it just for cameras ... they're legit, 'cause we got receipts.

This is where we drop those magic words -- SPOILER ALERT -- just in case ya haven't gotten to the big finish yet for the Netflix series.

If you did, then you know Matt Barnett and Amber Pike, and Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed all said "I do". Of course, y'know how reality TV works ... sometimes they do things just for show -- but that's not the case here. We checked with the Fulton County Court in Atlanta, and a rep tells us they do indeed have marriage records for BOTH couples.

Matt and Amber got married on November 13, 2018. Cameron and Lauren followed 3 days later. We know what you're thinking -- considering the marriages are a shot in the dark, we also checked divorce records and came up with nada.

As rabid fans of the hit Netflix show know by now ... Matt, Amber, Cameron and Lauren were the only couples who agreed on marriage when the highly-anticipated season finale dropped. Sorry, Mark Cuevas.

Anyway, there's a reunion slated for March 5, which is likely when the foursome will reveal they've been real-life married people.

Mazel tov!!! Twice.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Gunning For Mixed Boxing & MMA Fight ... With Floyd Mayweather

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Khabib Nurmagomedov says he's down to fight Floyd Mayweather ... but The Eagle is floating the idea of a mixed boxing/MMA match!!

"Like maybe 11 rounds boxing, 1 round MMA," Khabib tells TMZ Sports.

Of course, Khabib and Floyd have flirted heavily with the idea of a fight for years ... with Nurmagomedov's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, telling us TBE has been "begging" for a scrap.

In fact, Ali says they even got a $100 MILLION offer from some powerful Saudis to put on the fight in the Middle East!!

But, talks haven't advanced between the two sides ... and when we asked Khabib about it this week -- he says it's because he straight-up doesn't want a boxing-only matchup.

"If he want to fight, come to UFC!" Khabib says. "This is real fight. You know, I'm not boxer. I'm not, like, just wrestler. I'm MMA fighter."

If the two somehow do agree to a bout ... Khabib is VERY confident he'll emerge victorious -- insisting 43-year-old Floyd is just too damn old.

"He almost like my father's age, you know?" Khabib says. "I don't understand how I'm going to punch his face."

By the way, Khabib also sent a message to Dana White ... telling the UFC honcho he needs to find an opponent for his buddy and rising UFC star, Islam Makhachev, as soon as possible!

Vic Mensa Good News and Bad News ... in Brass Knuckles Case

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Vic Mensa was hit with the ol' good news and bad news sitch in his brass knuckles case and TBH ... it was more good than bad.

The good news ... he was NOT charged with felony possession of brass knuckles. The bad news ... Vic WAS charged with possession of brass knuckles ... this according to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office.

Vic was officially charged this week and pled not guilty. As we first reported, Vic was busted last month in Glendale after cops pulled him over for making an unsafe turn.

Cops patted him down and found the brass knuckles in Vic's pants pocket. Remember, while they're legal in most states ... brass knuckles are banned in Cali.

Now let's get down to brass tacks ... if convicted, Vic faces up to a year in county jail.

Rebel Wilson Good Genes or Good Docs?!

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Rebel Wilson's good looks are pitcher perfect!

Here is a 21-year-old version of the "Pitch Perfect" star rockin' her curly hair at a scholarship event in Sydney, Australia back in 2002 (left).

And, 18 years later ... the now 39-year-old -- will be celebrating her 40th birthday this coming week -- was recently spotted all dressed up and out on the town in Los Angeles earlier this week (right).

Wilson has spent the last year releasing several new projects, she was featured in the film "Cats" as well as the Oscar-nominated film, "Jojo Rabbit." She also starred in a new Australian television drama, "Les Norton".

She's got it goin' on!

The question is ...

Greg Oden Gives Money Advice To Athletes ... It's My Job Now!!!

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Greg Oden
AT YOUR SERVICE

Listen up, super-rich athletes!! NBA star-turned-financial adviser Greg Oden is here to give you some solid pointers on how to keep from turning into a super-broke athlete!!

(We're looking at you Boris Becker!)

Of course, the #1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft has taken his talents to the finance world ... and he's working to help his fellow pro athletes GROW their money instead of blowing it (like Boris Becker!).

We spoke with G.O. at the Kenny Smith All-Star event in Chicago about his new career ... and he says he LOVES his job.

"It's amazing," Oden tells us. "I'm an athlete adviser for a financial education company ... the company is called Edyoucore, it's based out in Baltimore and I enjoy it."

There are countless stories of players going from making millions to bankruptcy ... and Oden -- who made $24 million in his career -- is hoping to put an end to the problem.

We put Oden on the spot and asked for a quick tip for any athletes watching ... and he gave us a nugget!!

"Be engaged. Pay attention where all your money is going."

And if you're wondering why we keep referencing Boris Becker -- the former tennis star is LEGENDARY for blowing his fortune.

In fact, during his 2017 bankruptcy case in England, a court official said the former tennis star had racked up a "historic debt."

At the time, Becker's rep John Briggs begged for mercy ... saying, "He is not a sophisticated individual when it comes to finances."

Harsh, right?

Celebs Piggin' Out Happy Pig Day!

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It's pig day and there really is no better way to celebrate this wacky holiday than to share some snaps of piggies hoggin' up famous feeds!

From stars such as Khloe Kardashian and Nick Lachey to Jessica Burciaga and Anthony Anderson these celebs have helped some sweet snouts get a good whiff of their lavish life.

In honor of this big day we're sharing some of the best pig appreciation pics with you ... Dive right into our gallery of celebs pigging out to see all the famous faces making some new four-legged friends!

These guys are far from boar-ing!

Kobe Bryant Crash Site Pics Sheriff's Dept. Attempted Cover-Up Come Clean & You're Safe

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Deputies who responded to Kobe Bryant's helicopter crash site and took pictures of the remains were given a secret way out without repercussion ... TMZ has confirmed.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... in the days after the crash, top brass at the department was aware some of their lower-level deputies had snapped shots of the scene as well as of the remains found, and were showing them to people in and out of the department.

We're told a message was relayed to the Lost Hills substations and possibly others as well ... if you got Kobe pics -- come in, come clean and delete them. Do that, and you won't be punished. That's essentially the directive we're told was handed down by commanding officers.

What's even more concerning is the fact our sources say this attempt to get rid of the damning evidence was all being done on the hush-hush, and it was only when the L.A. Times came around asking about this scandal that the department launched a formal inquiry.

We've learned the Sheriff's Dept. learned that some deputies took pics of remains days after the crash ... this after a sheriff's trainee went to a bar and thought he could impress and pick up a woman by showing her the photos. Sources say a bartender overheard this and was so irate, he contacted the Sheriff's and lodged a formal complaint.

It's clear ... the Sheriff's Dept. kept everything under wraps until it became obvious its cover was about to be blown.

On Friday, the department issued a statement saying, in part, that top dog Alex Villanueva was "deeply disturbed at the thought deputies could allegedly engage in such an insensitive act." They go on to say, "A thorough investigation will be conducted by the department, with the No. 1 priority of protecting the dignity and privacy of the victims and their families."

The one thing the Sheriff has not explained ... why was this so secretive and why was punishment circumvented until the department realized the secret could no longer be kept?

Tom Brady Awkward Nervous Smile ... As Edelman Says 'He's Coming Back'

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Tom Brady's coming back for another year with the Patriots -- or so says Julian Edelman, even though Tommy's face tells a much different story.
READ MY LIPS!!!

Tom Brady's coming back for another year with the Patriots -- or so says Julian Edelman, even though Tommy's face tells a much different story.

The two Pats stars were at the Syracuse-UNC basketball Saturday and while sitting next to Jimmy Fallon ... JE started (jokingly?) telling someone below them that TB was definitely coming back. You can read his lips pretty clearly, but read Tom's darting eyes more so.

He's got this forced, awkward grin on -- which to us says, "Hahaha, shut up, dude, 'cause you know I'm definitely not." ORRR, it could be, "Bruh, you're not supposed to say that out loud. Simmer down, Jules!" Watch to the end too ... Tom mouths something back.

The whole thing is a little cringe-worthy, TBH -- very Larry David-esque.

Now, here's the truth ... we still don't know what Tom's gonna do, but what we do know -- he's taking meetings with other teams and seems to seriously be considering bailing. He'd probably make a lot more money elsewhere, and an irreparable rift seems to have formed between him and Belichick.

Stay, go ... the people at the game didn't appear to care all that much, 'cause both Tom and Julian got booed when their mugs showed up on the jumbotron, even though Jimmy got a lot of love.

Considering they're in Bills country, we imagine the folks there want him the hell out of their lives for good.

Waka Flocka Flame I Was Wack in My Heyday, Man ... But At Least I Was Real!!!

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Waka Flocka is bringing self-awareness and self-deprecating humor to a whole new level -- saying he was a wack rapper at the peak of his career ... but honest nonetheless.

The hip-hop star was chopping it up with the team at Everyday Struggle, where he made the startling declaration ... that he was wack, he knows he was wack and probably should've stopped rapping way earlier than he actually did. His words, folks ... not ours.

Check out his explanation for yourself ... WFF says he made a massive amount of money around 2012 -- $30 million, apparently -- and says he'd achieved what he'd set out to do in the rap game ... which is to get rich. He insists he didn't need to keep going.

It's funny ... the Everyday crew tries to convince him otherwise -- that he's not wack and actually contributed a lot to the game -- but he remains firm, explaining his hip-hop idols are hardcore lyricists like Nas, KRS-One and others. He says he's simply not near them.

His one saving grace, according to him, was his ability to keep it real. Waka says people probably respected that more than his rapping ability.

Waka might be a little too hard on himself here -- fact is ... the dude put out tons of songs that landed on the Billboard charts, and while they weren't the most lyrically complex ... they were fun as hell for what they were -- and enjoyed by many.

In fact,  we're gonna 'No Hands' ride ourselves out of here on that note. #WakaNotWack

Billie Jean King Sharapova's Legacy Isn't Tainted ... She Owned Up to It

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Billie Jean King
SHE'S GOT MY LOVE

Billie Jean King says Maria Sharapova's tennis legacy isn't going to be harmed one iota by her doping scandal -- and it's all because of one simple thing she did ... tell the truth.

We got the tennis legend Saturday in NYC and asked for her thoughts on Maria announcing last week that she was stepping away from the sport, which she dominated for several years. According to BJK, MS is going down as an all-time great ... despite the ding for doping.

Check it out ... Billie says the fact Maria came out right away and addressed the situation head on back in 2016 took a lot of guts, and it's clear she owned up to it sincerely.

You'll recall ... Maria tested positive in 2016 for meldonium, which had very recently been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned substance list. She said she'd been taking it for years due to a medical condition, and didn't know it'd been deemed a doping agent.

After being suspended from playing for at least a year, she returned to tennis in the following years and found varying degrees of success before hanging it up. Her streak prior to that, however, is what Billie Jean seems certain Maria will forever be remembered for.

She also talks about what may lie ahead for Maria post-tennis, and wishes her all the best.

It's interesting ... Maria has already appeared on 'Shark Tank' as a guest panelist, and she did pretty well in that capacity. Something tells us she'll be just fine going forward.

Bernie Sanders Boards the Wrong Private Jet ... Case of Campaign Brain

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Bernie Sanders is on the go all the time -- which seems to have given him a momentary case of a campaign brain fart as he accidentally boarded the wrong jet.

The Democratic front-runner was spotted Saturday making his way off of a private Gulfstream between campaign stops in South Carolina and Massachusetts -- the latter being where he held a rally at Boston Common ahead of Super Tuesday.

Fact is ... the S.C. primary looks like it's gonna go to Joe Biden, as he's well ahead of everyone else in the latest polls. Looks like Bernie's cutting his losses and moving on.

As for this little mix-up here, it's kinda funny. Bernie's been flying all over the country for different campaign events -- so the guy's definitely busy and has a preoccupied mind at the moment. Mistakes like this (getting on the wrong Gulfstream) are bound to happen.

Some have criticized Sanders for flying private at all -- seeing how he rails against billionaires and elites. In fact, earlier this month ... he was spotted boarding a private aircraft while Liz Warren got on her own jet as they both flew back to D.C. from different locations just 36 minutes apart. The implication ... they coulda flown together, spared the air, etc.

Down in South Carolina, someone alleged he had as many as three Gulfstreams to himself to get somewhere just a couple hours away. Unclear if that's true, but here's something to keep in mind.

Most of, if not all, the candidates fly private at some point -- so if you critique one ya gotta do 'em all. And while BS spent the most for private air travel in the last quarter of 2019, he's also bought carbon offsets to balance things out -- as have others. Pick your poison 🤷🏽‍♂️