Chris Christie I'm Hospitalized With COVID-19

Published
UPDATE

3:04 PM PT -- Christie is in the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19 ... he says he checked himself into Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey and has mild symptoms.

UPDATE

Christie says ... "In consultation with my doctors, I checked myself into Morristown Medical Center this afternoon. While I am feeling good and only have mild symptoms, due to my history of asthma we decided this is an important precautionary measure."

UPDATE

He adds ... "I am thankful for our hardworking medical professionals and look forward to coming home soon."

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is the latest Trump loyalist to test positive for the coronavirus.

Christie just announced, “I just received word that I am positive for COVID-19. I want to thank all of my friends and colleagues who have reached out to ask how I was feeling in the last day or two,” adding, “I will be receiving medical attention today and will keep the necessary folks apprised of my condition.”

Christie spent time with Trump preparing for last Tuesday's debate against Joe Biden. He was also at what is increasingly looking like a super-spreader event -- the White House Rose Garden ceremony a week ago where Trump's SCOTUS nominee was unveiled. At least 8 people who were at the event now have COVID.

As we reported, Trump's doctor just made a stunning revelation ... that Trump tested positive 72 hours ago ... that would mean he was positive Wednesday and Thursday and exposed hundreds of people -- including those who attended a fundraiser -- to the virus.

Originally published -- 9:24 AM PT

Donald Trump Was On Oxygen Friday ... According to Report

Published | Updated
UPDATE

12:07 PM PT -- Trump was on oxygen Friday at the White House before taking Marine One to Walter Reed ... according to a report from CBS.

UPDATE

It's interesting ... Dr. Conley said Trump was not on oxygen today or Friday, which is in square contradiction to the CBS report.

UPDATE

11:30 AM PT -- Dr. Conley is clarifying Trump's coronavirus timeline, saying the President was first diagnosed Thursday evening and claiming he misspoke when he said Trump was diagnosed 72 hours ago, which would have been Wednesday.

UPDATE

In a statement, Dr. Conley says ... "This morning while summarizing the President's health, I incorrectly used the term 'seventy two hours' instead of 'day three' and 'forty eight hours' instead of 'day two' with the regards to his diagnosis and the administration of polyclonal antibody therapy."

UPDATE

He adds ... "The President was first diagnosed with COVID-19 on the evening of Thursday, October 1st and had received Regeron's antibody cocktail on Friday, October 2nd."

UPDATE

Worth noting ... Dr. Conley's clean-up statement actually misspells Regeneron. Rough day for him.

UPDATE
UPDATE

For his part, Trump's Twitter account claims he's "feeling well" and gives a shoutout to the doctors, nurses and staff at Walter Reed.

Donald Trump's doctors just gave the low down on his condition, but the chief doctor dropped some alarming information, including Trump tested positive way before he revealed it, exposing hundreds of people to COVID.

Dr. Sean Conley said Trump was diagnosed 72 hours ago ... well, that would be Wednesday. That's stunning, because Trump was active Wednesday and Thursday ... remember, he held a fundraiser with hundreds of people. He did not reveal he was COVID positive until late Thursday.

Dr. Conley just said Trump's doing "very well," adding he does not have a fever anymore and is up and about in his hospital suite.

What Dr. Conley wouldn't answer -- if Trump has been on oxygen. He kept repeating Trump's not on oxygen "right now," but he repeatedly ignored reporters' questions as to whether he was on oxygen earlier. He finally said he was not on oxygen Thursday or Friday, but he simply would not say if Trump was ever on oxygen.

There was a gaggle of doctors and nurses at the news conference, but they dodged a number of questions, including how high Trump's temperature was.

Dr. Conley said Trump's symptoms were mild. -- nasal congestion, cough, a temperature, and lethargy. He says Trump is in his suite working, telling doctors, "I feel like I could walk out of here today."

There are reports a source with knowledge of Trump's health disputed the doctor's assessment, saying his condition was far more serious and he is by no means out of the woods.

Originally Published -- 9:10 AM PT

'Mean Girls' Reunion It's October 3rd!!! One Month Left To Vote

Published

October 3rd is "Mean Girls" Day and the stars of the movie are getting back together for a surprise virtual reunion ... and helping rock the vote.

Tina Fey, Rachel McAdams, Lindsay Lohan, Tim Meadows and Amanda Seyfried are among the cast members sitting down for the reunion, and they're reminding folks there's one month left to vote ... and the clock's ticking.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Katie Couric joined the fun, moderating the reunion and filling in for Amy Poehler by dressing in character as Regina George's mom. Ya gotta see Katie nail a few of Mrs. George's famous lines.

Tina teased the reunion Friday in a special video encouraging folks to make sure they are registered to vote and to request a mail-in ballot. She also challenged fans to volunteer as poll workers.

Aside from voting, the 'Mean Girls' cast takes turns sharing their favorite memories from being on set, examining the teen comedy's pop culture impact and of course, dropping their character's famous movie quotes.

Check it out ... we gotta say it's pretty grool ... and fetch!!!

Rose Garden Massacre Super-spreader Event Could Put SCOTUS Nom in Jeopardy

Published | Updated

It's looking increasingly like Donald Trump's Rose Garden event a week ago where he unveiled his Supreme Court nominee was ground zero for what is increasingly looking like a super-spreader COVID event, and ironically, it could sink Trump's SCOTUS nominee.

So far, people attending the event who have tested positive for coronavirus include President Trump, Melania Trump, Senator Mike Lee, Senator Thom Tillis, Kellyanne Conway, Hope Hicks and Univ. of Notre Dame President Rev. John Jenkins.

As you know, almost no one was wearing masks or social distancing as Judge Amy Coney Barrett was introduced by President Trump.

The problem for Trump ... now 2 Republican Senators must isolate while they recover from the virus. If they're sidelined for Barrett's confirmation vote, the Republicans could fall short of a majority to confirm.

The ripple effect of the event is staggering. A number of people in the West Wing, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, were front and center at the event. So far, they've tested negative, but Hicks and others were all over the West Wing last week in close, narrow quarters. Beyond that, Trump went to a fundraiser in New Jersey Thursday with hundreds of people in attendance, and at the time he knew Hicks had tested positive and he had close interactions with her. Now the people at the event are being tested.

Here's what's trending on twitter ... #RoseGardenMassacre.

Kanye West On the Ballot for Veep

Published | Updated

Kanye West is on the California ballot ... as a VICE PRESIDENTIAL candidate.

The mail-in ballots are being mailed out, and Ye's on the American Independent Party. The A.I.P.'s presidential candidate is Roque "Rocky" De La Fuente Guerra.

So how, you ask, can Kanye be both the presidential candidate for the Birthday Party and the vice presidential candidate for the American Independent Party?  Well, from what we can see, it's entirely possible/likely Kanye didn't consent to the nom, but then again ...

As we reported, Ye's pick for Veep on the Birthday ticket is Michelle Tidball. She has not publicly said if she's down with the nom.

Oh, and if you're wondering who Roque is ... he's the owner of De La Fuente car dealerships. He has lots of cash and some political ambition. He ran for Prez as a Democrat years ago, and then switched parties to Independent in 2016. He's challenged Senator Dianne Feinstein ... in fact, he's run for U.S. Senate in 9 different states at the same time.

2020 folks ... 3 months and counting.

Cam Newton Tests Positive for COVID-19 ... Pats vs. Chiefs Postponed

Published
UPDATE

9:03 AM PT -- The Patriots vs. Chiefs game has officially been postponed, according to the NFL. The league is hoping to reschedule to either Monday or Tuesday.

UPDATE

Also worth noting, the Chiefs practice squad QB Jordan Ta'amu has also tested positive. In theory, Ta'amu works close with starting QB Patrick Mahomes, whose fiancee is pregnant.

The NFL's COVID problem is getting worse -- Cam Newton has tested positive for coronavirus and will not play this weekend.

The New England Patriots QB was supposed to lead his team against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, but the positive test obviously will end those plans.

Newton tested positive on Friday night -- and according to the team, he immediately entered self-quarantine. The team says no other players or staffers who came in close contact with Cam have tested positive at this point.

The game was supposed to be one of the marquee matchups for the NFL this weekend -- it's being marketed as Cam Newton vs. Patrick Mahomes, two massive stars.

Now, 31-year-old Newton will likely begin a lengthy quarantine process -- and we assume he'll be tested daily (maybe multiple times a day) for the foreseeable future.

Newton is far and away the biggest NFL star to test positive for COVID since the season began. During the preseason, multiple superstars including Ezekiel Elliott and Von Miller had it.

Just last week, several players and staffers from the Tennessee Titans tested positive for COVID -- forcing the NFL to postpone their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, originally scheduled to go down on Sunday.

As for Sunday's game, the Patriots have issued a statement saying, "We are in close consultation with the NFL, as well as our team independent doctors and specialists, and will follow their guidance regarding our scheduled trip to Kansas City and game against the Chiefs."

"The health and safety of our team, as well as our opponent, are of highest priority."

ESPN's Dianna Russini says the Patriots players were sent home from the team facility Saturday morning -- and told to stay by their phones regarding travel plans to KC.

Russini also claims she spoke with multiple Patriots players who are all "very concerned" about the situation.

Story developing ...

Originally published -- 8:21 AM PT

'Saturday Night Live' Scrambling After Trump's COVID News ... But Not Scrapping

Published | Updated

The "Saturday Night Live" cast and host, Chris Rock, are trying like hell to keep up with the constantly changing news about President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis ahead of the season premiere.

Leading up to Saturday's Season 46 kickoff, the first Presidential debate was the big story we all expected to see lampooned, but that all changed early Friday morning with the President and First Lady testing positive.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... writers and producers are now trying to figure out how to address the topic, and what adjustments, if any, have to be made the cold open or Rock's opening monologue.

We're told it's a very fluid situation, but 'SNL' wants to be sensitive ... and our sources say meetings and discussions were going on late into Friday night.

The good news -- for 'SNL' cast and crew anyway -- is we're told production and the writing staff isn't making drastic changes to what they had planned. Of course, you can expect to see the President's health addressed during the "Weekend Update" segment.

Our sources say the episode still won't shy away from the debate or campaign battles. Aside from Rock hosting, the premiere's heavily anticipated because Jim Carrey is taking on the role of Joe Biden, while Maya Rudolph returns as Kamala Harris.

If that wasn't enough for ya ... Megan Thee Stallion is the musical guest.

Lots of big attractions, and the news is just making it way more interesting ... for viewers AND the cast and crew too.

'Tiger King' Zookeepers Make Commercial Debut Todd Bridges Goes Exotic!!!

Published
100220-tiger-king-kal
NEW KING IN TOWN

Here's a couple of Joe Exotic's former zookeepers making their first dive into commercials ... a hilarious 'Tiger King' spoof with Todd Bridges as their old boss!!!

Saff Saffery and John Reinke -- who were featured in 'Tiger King' and used to care for the big cats at Joe's GW Zoo -- star in the ad for Insurance King, opposite the "Diff'rent Strokes" star doing his best Exotic impression.

100220-tiger-king-ka2l
THE INSURANCE KING

The 'Tiger King' references are everywhere ... from the tiger roars, to Todd dropping infamous Joe quotes and rocking his signature mullet. Oh, and eagle-eyed viewers will notice the Insurance Company logo, which usually features a lion, swapped out for a tiger wearing a crown.

092920_tiger_king_sub_kal
JUST LIKE OLD TIMES

As we first told you ... Saff and John reunited for the first time in 3 years this week in Rockford, IL, celebrating Carole Baskin's 'DWTS' exit and meeting Todd ahead of the commercial shoot.

Saff, John and Todd put in some serious work ... all told, they shot 5 different commercials for Insurance King, and they even took shots at Carole!

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Published | Updated

Donald Trump's COVID diagnosis has sent the campaign and The White House into a crisis, and the new audio of the Grand Jury proceedings in the Breonna Taylor case is disturbing. So we gotta ask ...

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?

Published

Don't let these two almost identical images of Hugh Jackman overwhelm you ... Just take a moment to look around, and you should be able to spot a few sneaky switches that have been made to this tricky pic!

The "X-Men" actor was seen out and about while in New York City earlier this week ... and we have made some changes to this photo! Give it your best inspection and see if you have what it takes to figure out what the difference is between these two super similar snaps!

**HINT there are THREE differences in the above photographs!**

Boxer Sergey Kovalev Gets Probation Over Alleged Attack On Woman, Dog

Published | Updated

Sergey Kovalev pled guilty Friday in a criminal case stemming from an alleged violent incident with a woman and dog in 2018 ... and the boxing star will now have to spend the next 3 years on probation, TMZ Sports has learned.

Kovalev was accused of punching a woman in Big Bear, Calif. back in June '18 ... after the alleged victim claimed she turned down his sexual advances.

The woman, Jamie Frontz, said the two had met at a boxing gym-opening party ... and began kissing at her rental cabin shortly after.

But, she says when she pulled away from the fighter after feeling like he was too aggressive ... he became violent.

Frontz says Kovalev kicked her dog ... and then later socked her in the face.

In an interview with TMZ Sports about the incident, Frontz claimed the punch caused a broken nose, a concussion and facial lacerations.

Kovalev was eventually arrested and hit with a felony assault charge ... and faced YEARS behind bars.

But, according to court docs, Kovalev cut a deal with prosecutors Friday ... and got the felony charge dropped.

In exchange, 37-year-old Sergey pled guilty to misdemeanor fighting/noise/offensive words ... and was sentenced to 3 years probation.

Kovalev was also ordered to serve a 2-day jail sentence ... but he received credit for time served and won't spend any more time behind bars.

Court docs also show Kovalev must attend/complete an anger management program, as well as pay $220 in court fees.

We've reached out to the boxer's attorney for comment ... but, so far, no word back yet.

Frontz's civil case against Kovalev, meanwhile, appears to be ongoing. She sued the former champ seeking the $650,000 she claims he agreed to pay her in the wake of the incident.

Incubus Drummer Jose Pasillas Pardon Me, Your Bike Wrecked My Wrist!!! Sues Bike Co. Over Crash

Published

Incubus co-founder and drummer Jose Pasillas took a nasty spill on his bike thanks to a defective handlebar, and it's wreaked havoc on his wrist and his career ... so he claims in a new lawsuit.

According to the legal docs obtained by TMZ ... Pasillas bought a brand new Specialized S-Works Tarmac bicycle from a high-end California bike company, Specialized Bicycle Components, near the end of 2015.

About 3 years later on Jan. 24, 2019 ... he says he was out for a ride on the bike on Mulholland Highway in Calabasas, when out of nowhere the right handlebar broke.

According to the docs ... the handlebar "disintegrated" and caused the front wheel and the bars to turn sharply, which threw the drummer over the top with his shoes still clipped into the bike pedals.

Pasillas claims he was traveling approximately 25 MPH when he got thrown and landed on the road mostly on his hands -- which he says took the brunt of the fall -- but also on his left shoulder and knees.

The Incubus drummer claims he sought immediate medical care and learned he had a broken wrist, which he says required surgery to repair.

Pasillas claims he suffered severe injuries and has needed continuous medical treatment since the crash. What's worse -- Jose says his ability to drum for Incubus has been impacted and he's lost money because of it.

He's suing for negligence over the allegedly defective handlebar and wants reimbursement for his medical costs and other damages, including lost earnings.

We reached out to the bike company ... no word back yet.

Ex-NBA Star Stephen Jackson On Justice, George Floyd 'I Wish I Could Get My Twin Back'

Published | Updated

Ex-NBA star Stephen Jackson says his fight for social justice is just getting started ... telling TMZ Sports it's become his mission to be there for those who need help following the death of his friend, George Floyd.

Jackson made his presence known shortly after Floyd's death in May ... speaking out in hopes of bringing awareness to the cause.

We spoke with Stack about his new calling on Thursday ... and he says he's been called to make an impact on society.

"What I do know is, is that I'm leading with my heart and I'm doing what God wants me to do," Jackson tells us.

"I didn't ask to be in this position, I wish I could get my twin back. It is what it is."

Jackson says his new journey has made him realize there are more people who need his help ... and he's up for the task.

"So, it's become my passion and I've been embracing it. I know I'm doing God's work. So, wherever it takes me, I'll find out how I'm doing sometime soon."

Jackson -- who was close friends with Floyd -- was one of many to speak out and demand justice by calling for the arresting officers to be prosecuted ... but he says it's not the only incident he will speak out on.

"But, it's more important to me to do something bigger than myself ... I'm the person that stands on loving everybody and I have every race following me. and I'mma continue to make noise and do what's right."

'Mean Girls' Cast 'Memba Them?!

Published

It's 'Mean Girls' day and there's no better way to celebrate October 3rd than to check up on Aaron Samuels and the rest of the fetch cast!

Most of these famous faces could be recognized as just a few of the characters that felt personally victimized by Regina George in the famous teen comedy, 'Mean Girls' ... The film stars Rachel McAdams, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Lindsay Lohan and plenty of others!

Scroll through our gallery of the cast and see what these grool guys and gals look like now compared to the film.

It's not Wednesday, but wear pink anyways!

President Trump Moving to Walter Reed Hospital ... For COVID-19 Treatment

Published | Updated
UPDATE

5:00 PM PT -- The President's experienced shortness of breath and a mild fever on Friday ... according to sources with direct knowledge. We're also told he insisted on wearing a suit for that video he tweeted and for his brief trip to Walter Reed.

UPDATE

One source who's had interactions with him in the last week told TMZ ... President Trump had not been feeling well for a couple of days prior to Thursday. That's important because it would increase the possibility others around POTUS were exposed to the virus.

UPDATE

3:36 PM PT -- Trump posted a video thanking everyone for their support and saying, "I think I'm doing very well, but we are going to make sure that things work out."

UPDATE
UPDATE

3:22 PM PT -- Trump just boarded Marine One, wearing a mask, and is currently in the air on his way to Walter Reed.

UPDATE

President Trump will be flown to Walter Reed Military Hospital for continued treatment for COVID-19.

The White House just announced the President will be flown to the renowned Bethesda, MD facility on Friday afternoon. It's a dramatic turn, considering the administration previously said he was "fatigued" and experiencing "mild symptoms."

The Marine One helicopter has already landed on the South Lawn at the White House ... ready to transport Trump.

The White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany says, "Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the President will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days.”

Sources connected to the White House tell us the move is primarily because they want an added level of safety for the President, considering he's high risk due to his age and weight.

We're told his illness was obvious Friday during conference calls, and he was unusually quiet. There were early signs Thursday night when he called in to Sean Hannity's show on Fox News around 9:30 PM Eastern time -- he sounded like he had low energy and a case of the sniffles.

100220_donald_trump_hannity_kal
HOURS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS

We're told, at that point, Trump already suspected he had COVID-19 ... although, he didn't announce his test results on Twitter until almost 1 AM Eastern time.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 2:34 PM PT