'Gossip Girl' Star Michelle Trachtenberg Dead At 39

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UPDATE

10:55 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Michelle Trachtenberg’s body may have rejected the liver transplant she received within the last year, causing complications. We're told Michelle's mother found her.

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died.

Police sources confirmed the shocking news to TMZ, though the exact cause of her death remains unclear. We're told police and paramedics responded to a call for a woman in cardiac arrest, and found Michelle unresponsive. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

A separate source tells us the actress had received a liver transplant recently ... meaning within the last year. At this point, police reportedly believe she died of natural causes.

We're told Michelle was out with friends Thursday night of last week at Sartiano's in NYC.

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In recent months, she had posted photos where fans felt she appeared gaunt and frail.

TikToker I Was Never Going to Kill Elon Musk ... And My Taxes Are Paid!!!

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TikToker Sarah C. Roberts is setting the record straight about her viral Elon Musk assassination video ... telling TMZ she never had plans to off the DOGE leader -- and that her taxes have in fact been paid.

The woman who went viral for joking someone should "X" Elon -- a play on him renaming Twitter to the single-letter moniker -- says she regrets "trying to make stupid jokes on the Internet" and she doesn't condone any violence.

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TIME TO PAY

Sarah tells TMZ she was simply expressing her frustrations with the economy on TikTok, and realizes it wasn't funny. She adds ... "I thought it was protected under free speech but I certainly learned my lesson."

'RHOBH' Alum Teddi Mellencamp More Tumors Removed Than Originally Expected ... Fight Far From Over

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Teddi Mellencamp says doctors removed more tumors from her brain than originally expected ... a big win -- though she admits it's just the beginning.

The reality star put out a health update on her Instagram story Wednesday ... saying she was grateful for all the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who helped make her surgery and recovery process successful.

Mellencamp says she wants to be transparent about her health journey ... and, she says she actually had four tumors removed by surgeons -- more than she originally expected.

Don't Let It Go! Disney Deals Frozen, Moana and More!

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TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page.

You can spread a little Disney magic any time of the year with these fun finds!

Whether you're shopping for a special occasion ... or just want to treat the little one in your life ... they're guaranteed to love these goodies featuring their favorite Disney characters.

From enchanting LEGO sets to a brand new Frozen bike, Disney has something that's sure to create a lasting memory.

LEGO Disney The Enchanted Treehouse Buildable

Young Disney fans are sure to love this LEGO The Enchanted Treehouse Set.

Sylvester Stallone Yo Adrian, We Did It For Charity ... VIP Experience & Cars Raise $1M

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Sylvester Stallone's not just the "Tulsa King" ... he's the king of giving too -- 'cause an experience with Sly and a couple luxury sportscars donated by a local dealer made a heavyweight stack of cash for a great cause.

The veteran Hollywood actor partnered with Nick Dossa of Vegas Auto Gallery -- a luxury dealership in the city -- to donate some high-priced items for the Power of Love Gala.

Dossa donated two cars -- the 2024 Lotus Emira -- to the auction ... a high-performance sports car that retails for close to six figures. While he originally planned to donate just one car, the bidding got so competitive he felt compelled to give one to each of the top two bidders.

Guess Whose Washboard Abs!

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Can you guess which Hollywood hottie put his washboard abs on full display in this eye-popping photo?

This famous fan favorite's bearing it all in a pink tracksuit ... leaving the front open -- a total slam dunk for his fans who are obsessed with his chest.

Based on his social pages, the sexy singer is known to flash an ab or two and he's gonna ride that trend till he "can't no more!"

Don't you be a meanie once you call this star by his name ... scroll through all the pics to show your love for this hell-raiser.

And, once you think you've landed on who this hot hunk is, test your skills by guessing more shirtless men in the gallery above!

'Buffy' Star James Marsters Michelle Trachtenberg Was A Beautiful Soul ... We Lost Her Too Soon!!!

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Michelle Trachtenberg was a wonderful person who died much too young ... so says her "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" costar.

We spoke with James Marsters -- a veteran actor who played punk vampire Spike in 97 episodes of the hit TV show -- and, he says his heart is heavy today because of the loss of Michelle.

Marsters says the world has "lost a beautiful soul" and remembers Michelle as being "fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person."

Erik and Lyle Menendez Gov. Newsom Could Make Judge's Approval Irrelevant for Freedom

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Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to ask the California Board of Parole to review the Erik and Lyle Menendez matter could make next month's up-to-now critical resentencing hearing all but irrelevant.

As we reported, Newsom has asked the Parole Board to conduct a "risk assessment investigation" ... this on the heels of TMZ's "2 Angry Men" podcast in which Erik and Lyle appeared by phone to talk about what they've done with their lives behind bars for 35 years.

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The Board will effectively conduct a parole hearing, in which they will assess whether the Menendez brothers pose an unreasonable risk to public safety. By doing so, the Board will necessarily review how Erik and Lyle have conducted themselves in prison.

Bebe Rexha ... Curves On Blast In Dubai!

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Bebe Rexha? More like Bebe Sex-ha -- 'cause the singer is turning up the heat in Dubai, serving looks hotter than the desert sun!

The singer was putting those curves on full display -- rocking everything from skintight bombshell dresses to barely-there bikinis. And trust, she’s looking so darn good … check it out for yourself.

Bebe's all about serving body confidence -- flaunting her curves, soaking up the sunshine, and, of course, striking the perfect pose with that booty popped to the sky for maximum effect!

'RHOP' Star Karen Huger Sentenced to Prison

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Karen Huger will serve a year in prison after being found guilty of DUI ... TMZ has confirmed.

"The Real Housewives of Potomac" star was in a Maryland court Wednesday, where she was sentenced to two years in prison, with a year suspended ... meaning she'll only actually serve a year maximum.

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The State's Attorney's Office tells TMZ ... Karen will pay $2,900 in fines. She cannot drive at all for a year after her release. She also received 5 years of supervised probation upon release with interlock (once she’s allowed to drive again). If there are no violations it becomes unsupervised after 3 years.

Michelle Trachtenberg 'Gossip Girl' Costar Ed Westwick Pays Tribute After Death

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Michelle Trachtenberg’s untimely death at 39 has sent shockwaves through her fans and colleagues -- and her former "Gossip Girl" costar Ed Westwick has posted a tribute to the star.

In a heartfelt post on his IG Story Wednesday, Ed shared a pic of Michelle as Georgina Sparks from the popular teen drama series ... captioning it, "So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg."

He added "sending prayers" with the prayer hand and a white heart emoji.

Bhad Bhabie vs. Alabama Barker Who'd You Rather?! (Blonde Babes Edition)

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All beef aside, there's no denying the blonde hair and beautiful curves of Bhad Bhabie and Alabama Barker ... both of these stars may be serving similar aesthetics, but which singer-rapper is comin' out on top?

These pretty pics come from Bhad Bhabie and Alabama's respective social media accounts ... with BB donning a breezy white top and Alabama rockin' an animal print bodysuit. Both photos brought the double-taps from their followers, but there can only be one winner here!

Bhad Bhabie and Alabama aren't the only celebs duking it out ... Take a scroll through our TikTok's Hottest Stars Who'd You Rather?!

Now, go on and cast your vote:

Who'd You Rather?!

Gov. Gavin Newsom Checking Menendez Brothers for 'Risk' to Public 1st Step to Possible Release

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ASSESSING THE BROTHERS

Governor Gavin Newsom is ordering an investigation into whether Erik and Lyle Menendez are fit to return to public life ... TMZ has learned, and he says it's a critical first step before he, or anyone else, can decide if they get out of prison.

This is a major, unexpected development in the Menendez brothers' fight for freedom. It seemed the Governor was going to take a back seat until the courts ruled on Erik and Lyle's fate, but all that has now changed.

The CA Gov. tells us, he's directing the Board of Parole Hearings to conduct a "risk assessment investigation" on the Menendez bros., which he says is their version of a "parole hearing" -- but before the Board weighs in, a "Comprehensive Risk Assessment" must be done.

Monica Lewinsky Jay Leno's Jibes Were Brutal!!! 'Tonight Show' Digs Did Damage

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Call Her Daddy

Monica Lewinsky came in hot against Jay Leno ... calling him out as one of the people who went after her the hardest when her affair with former U.S. President Bill Clinton went public in the '90s.

In her "Call Her Daddy" podcast tell-all, Monica told host Alex Cooper about a study done after Leno retired ... revealing she made the list of his top 10 targets during his time hosting "The Tonight Show."

What’s worse, Monica pointed out she was the only non-public figure on the list, making it clear that being the punchline of Leno’s jokes, broadcast to the nation, was a whole new level of cruelty for her.

Sean Loeffler MMA Fighter Charged With Sexual Abuse While On Parole ... After Domestic Violence Prison Stint

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MMA fighter Sean Loeffler has been charged with sexual abuse and more in Lincoln County, Oregon ... nearly a year after he pleaded guilty to domestic violence-related charges and was given a two-year prison sentence.

Documents obtained by TMZ from Lincoln County Circuit Court show Loeffler has been formally charged with sexual abuse in the first and second degrees, plus two counts of unlawful sexual penetration in the first degree.

The indictment sets a wildly uncomfortable picture, alleging the female victim "was incapable of consent by reason of mental incapacitation or physical helplessness" and was subject to the professional coach and trainer touching her vaginal area, as well as performing oral sex on her.

Donald Trump One Way to Fix Gaza ... New Trump Hotel & Resort!!!

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Donald Trump has already said Gaza would be better off if the U.S. simply takes it over ... and, now he's using A.I. to imagine what it would be like as one of his splashy resorts.

The U.S. president posted a bizarre video to Truth Social Tuesday night which begins with images of war-torn Gaza -- a region that has experienced months of bombing by Israel -- before it transforms into his idea for its future ... "Trump Gaza."

Watch the video for yourself ... it's full of picturesque beaches, high-rises -- and a lot of Elon Musk trying different foods and dancing while money literally falls from the sky. There's even some bearded belly-dancers, and it's all set to a dance club beat.