Jake Paul Calabasas Crib Raided, Guns Seized Raid Involves Scottsdale Protests

UPDATE

3:06 PM PT -- It appears almost certain Wednesday's raids in Calabasas and Vegas have to do with Jake's Scottsdale arrest. Armani Izadi -- a longtime collaborator and former friend of Jake's -- owns the Vegas home that was raided by the FBI. Izadi was also arrested with Jake in Scottsdale.

UPDATE

2:08 PM PT -- The FBI has just played its hand -- partially -- and revealed the raid is somehow in connection with Jake getting arrested in Scottsdale during a George Floyd protest. The FBI tells TMZ, "The FBI is investigating allegations of criminal acts surrounding the incident at Scottsdale Fashion Square in May, 2020."

UPDATE

Jake was in the mall and arrested for trespass and was charged with a criminal misdemeanor, but the City Attorney has dropped the case -- it appears at the behest of the FBI -- and the more serious investigation has taken precedence.

UPDATE
JAke Paul 5/30/20
TAKIN' TO THE STREETS
UPDATE

12:37 PM PT -- It appears the FBI have seized weapons from Jake Paul's Calabasas home -- firearms, specifically ... this based on aerial footage of the scene from ABC 7.

UPDATE

Law enforcement officials were spotted walking down Jake's driveway, with what appear to be rifles and perhaps shotguns in hand -- two per person, from what we can see here.

UPDATE

BTW, a second raid happened nearly 300 miles away from the one that was just executed at Jake's Calabasas home -- in Sin City no less ... at a house that's tangentially connected to JP.

UPDATE
Jake Paul Manager 8/5/20
MOVIN' IN
TMZ.com
UPDATE

Federal agents descended upon the famous Graffiti Mansion in Las Vegas Wednesday, which is said to be owned by Armani Izadi ... who -- at one point -- was good buddies with Jake. In fact, the two of them were seen hanging out as recently as early July, getting into shenanigans together.

UPDATE

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

UPDATE

We got video of some people being led out of the mansion in cuffs -- hard to tell who they are, but it doesn't appear like Aramani or Jake are among them in this clip. Our law enforcement sources also tell us this raid is in connection to the L.A. property search.

UPDATE

12:21 PM PT -- Jake's attorney, Richard Schonfeld, tells TMZ, "We understand that a search warrant was executed at Jake's Calabasas home this morning while Jake was out-of-state. We are still gathering information and will cooperate with the investigation."

UPDATE

9:01 AM PT -- Whatever the feds were looking for at Jake Paul's home apparently required a lot of backup and manpower ... because a small militia left his pad in armored trucks.

UPDATE

Check out this footage we got of federal agents and the vehicles they arrived in rolling out after they completed their business -- it looks like a mini military parade, with several guys wearing SWAT and/or tactical gear hanging off the sides ... in addition to whoever was inside.

UPDATE

By our count, there seems to have been at least 20 people or so on the ground executing the search warrant -- which makes ya wonder what the hell Jake might be mixed up in, if anything at all.

UPDATE

Still, no word if arrests were made or if any property or evidence was seized. We're working on getting some answers as to why all this firepower was sent.

080520_jake_paul_kal 8/5/20
CHAOS IN CALABASAS
TMZ.com

Jake Paul's L.A.-area home is the scene of an early morning FBI raid ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Jake's house in Calabasas is currently being searched by the feds -- and that a search warrant has been issued to do so. We don't know why or what the authorities are looking for, but we do know agents are on the ground, taking a look around.

We know Jake draws a lot of attention with his YouTube stunts, which are often documented on camera -- some of which have landed him in hot water, legally before. The raid isn't a prank gone wrong though ... we know it's real this time.

It's unclear if Jake himself is home right now.

Originally Published -- 7:24 AM PT

J Lo & A-Rod VIP Tour of Citi Field As Part of Plan to Buy NY Mets

Ya don't buy a car without checkin' under the hood, right?

And, if you're Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez, ya don't buy a pro baseball team without checking out the stadium!

That's what J-Rod did on Wednesday -- getting a VIP tour of Citi Field in Queens as part of their plan to buy the team.

J Lo -- sporting a flowing white sundress -- led the charge with A-Rod and a few other businessy-lookin' dudes.

As we previously reported, the power couple has been gunning to buy the team for months -- and recently linked up with some rich partners to add to their ownership group.

The most recent addition to Alex and Jen's team is Mike Repole -- who co-founded BodyArmor and Vitaminwater. He's rich and also a life-long Mets fan.

They had previously brought on a dream team of current and former NFL ballers including Travis Kelce, Brian Urlacher, Joe Thomas, and DeMarco Murray.

There are two NBA stars in the group as well -- Washington Wizards beast Bradley Beal and Denver Nuggets center Mason Plumlee.

J Lo and A-Rod had previously tried to buy the Mets for around $1.5 billion -- but it didn't exactly work out since the Wilpon family (which owns the team) was hoping to get around $2.5 billion.

Hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen was the front-runner to buy the team -- he's loaded and has already made a $2 billion bid, according to the NY Post.

But, ESPN says the Wilpons would prefer to sell to Lopez and Rodriguez if they can come closer to the top bid.

Clearly, they're fighting like hell to make it happen -- don't count 'em out!!!

McDonald's Child Allegedly Chokes On Mask ... Fried into Chicken Nuggets

A mom and daughter in England are not loving their McDonald's Chicken McNuggets -- they claim the little girl bit into the food and got a mouthful of face mask!!!

The not-so-Happy Meal was reportedly served Tuesday at a McDonald's in a London suburb. Laura Arber, the upset mother, claims her 6-year-old daughter, Maddie, started making choking noises after chowing down on the McNuggets.

Laura claims she put a finger down her daughter's throat to make her throw up the food, which she says was speckled with blue. Mom says she did some more investigating, puzzled by what her daughter was eating, tearing into the Chicken McNuggets with her fingers to discover parts of a blue surgical face mask.

Laura posted video showing what appears to be more blue face mask parts inside other Chicken McNuggets her daughter had not yet eaten ... and it's really gross.

McDonald's corporate office has since apologized for the incident ... and mom says her little girl is fine.

'American Ninja Warrior' Champ Charged with Child Sex Crimes ... Dropped by NBC

UPDATE

12:09 PM PT -- 8/5 NBC has announced it has severed ties with Drechsel in wake of the allegations. The network said, "We are shocked and disturbed to learn about the charges alleged against Drew Drechsel. 'American Ninja Warrior' is a family show that has inspired countless people, and we will not let the actions of one contestant tarnish the hard work and amazing stories of so many."

UPDATE

"Moving forward, the 'American Ninja Warrior' brand will sever all ties with Mr. Drechsel, including his appearance on future seasons of the show."

Drew Drechsel, the reigning "American Ninja Warrior" champ, is now facing federal charges for luring an underage girl for sex.

Last year's 'ANW' winner allegedly began a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl in New Jersey back in 2015 ... according to legal docs, obtained by TMZ. Drechsel, nicknamed the Real Life Ninja, was arrested Tuesday at his home in Saint Cloud, FL.

The feds say the alleged victim contacted cops in NJ in June 2019 and told them she started having sex with Drechsel when she was 15 and he was 26. She claims they first met in 2014 after an 'ANW' contestant event, exchanged numbers and began texting each other.

In the docs, the alleged victim claims Drechsel invited her to his gym in Hamden, CT as a 15th birthday present, and they had sex after his girlfriend left the gym. She told police she informed her mother about the encounter the very next day.

The mother alleges Drechsel didn't deny having sex with her daughter when confronted, but claimed he did not know the girl's age.

According to docs, the alleged victim also told cops she met Drechsel multiple times outside a NJ gym and had sex with him when she was 15 to 17 years old.

The feds say she told them Drechsel frequently asked her to Skype him while she was naked, and they allegedly found child pornography on Drechsel's cell phone ... along with his requests for her to delete their text messages.

Drechsel -- who won $1 million on 'ANW' -- remains in custody after a judge found him to be a flight risk and danger to the community. U.S. Marshals are transporting him from Florida to NJ, where he'll stand trial.

Originally published -- 8/4 2:28 PM PT

Rep. Jim Clyburn on Trump He Won't Leave Office Quietly ... Military Might Have to Kick Him Out!!!

Jim Clyburn
TRUMP'S NOT JOKING
TMZ.com

Rep. Jim Clyburn's adamant that President Trump is dead serious about remaining in office -- whether or not he wins the election -- and says it's not out of the question that military leaders will have to remove him from The White House.

The South Carolina congressman and third-ranking Democrat in the House made headlines this week when he responded to Trump's call to delay the November election by saying ... "I feel very strongly that he is Mussolini. Putin is Hitler."

Clyburn's sticking to that, and in our "TMZ Live" interview he compared Trump's tactics to those of a fascist leader ... who wants to remain that way for life. He says there have been talks about Trump refusing to leave, and there will be more as the election gets closer.

He points out Trump has already stated this in the past "jokingly," but Clyburn believes he means it ... and history has shown what can happen if it's not taken seriously. Coincidentally, Trump just tweeted a campaign video suggesting he's not joking either.

So, what happens if Trump loses, but refuses to accept it? Rep. Clyburn admits he doesn't have the answer yet -- it would be unprecedented after all -- but it's clear ... lots of people on the Hill are plenty worried.

White House
NOT IN MY HOUSE
AP

Clyburn tells us he believes government officials and military leaders have already seen how Trump has misused and abused his power -- with his use of force to dispel peaceful protesters in Lafayette Park for a photo op coming to mind -- so they'll be ready.

And, if they need ideas on how to get Trump out of the WH ... they already know tear gas and rubber bullets work pretty well, don't they?

Beirut Explosion Video of Bride Taking Wedding Pics Shows Blast

This is heartbreaking ... a beautiful bride draped in a stunning white gown was in the middle of taking her wedding pics when Beirut was decimated by an atomic-like explosion, and it was all caught on video.

The 27-second video taken Tuesday starts with the camera zooming in on the happy bride, but within seconds the blissful moment turns into utter horror as 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate explodes ... obliterating Lebanon's capital and killing hundreds.

You can see in the video the videographer runs for cover as does the bride and the rest of the party. It doesn't appear any of them were seriously hurt. It's unclear how close this party was when the massive blast occurred, but its impact was still felt as it destroyed surrounding buildings.

As we reported ... Lebanon's prime minister, Hassan Diab, said the 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate had been sitting unsecured for 6 years in a port warehouse. Here's a little context ... the Oklahoma City bombers used 2 tons of ammonium nitrate in 1995 ... killing 168.

The death toll from the Beirut explosion has now reached at least 135 and at least 5,000 injured. Hundreds, if not thousands, are still unaccounted for as Beirut, already teetering on the edge of economic collapse, figures out how to recover from yet another devastation.

Disney World Sued I Was Arrested for Having CBD Oil ... No Way to Treat Grandma!!!

CBD Grandma Arrested
LAYIN' DOWN THE LAW

The grandmother who claims she was arrested at Disney World's Magic Kingdom for having CBD oil in her bag is following through with her threat to sue ... for a huge payday.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump just filed suit against Disney, the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Department on behalf of Hester Burkhalter. The 69-year-old North Carolina grandma claims she was busted by Mouse House security for carrying a bottle of CBD oil.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Hester says she was arrested and detained by cops at Disney World in April 2019 -- even though she claims the CBD oil was purely for medical purposes related to her arthritis, and didn't contain THC.

The grandmother says she was handcuffed in front of her 8 and 10-year-old grandchildren, and says the entire ordeal was traumatizing for the little ones.

In the docs, grandma says she panicked while being placed in the back of a police car and began vomiting, but was denied medical attention and subjected to a miserable 15-hour ordeal. Hester says she was further humiliated because cops allegedly made her strip down at the jail for a cavity search.

Prosecutors did not pursue charges and closed the case against her -- Hester claims cops even tested the CBD oil and found no trace of THC -- but she says she's filing suit because she still feels traumatized.

In her suit, Hester is alleging assault and battery, false arrest and imprisonment, defamation, emotional distress, and more ... and she wants more than $18 million in damages plus additional damages for her husband and other family members.

'RHOA' Star Kandi Burruss Celebrates Hubby's Bday ... With Strippers in Glass Boxes!!!

080520-Kandi-kal
BIRTHDAY DOLL

Kandi Burruss knows how to have a good, old-fashioned, booty-shakin' time ... even during a pandemic.

The 'Real Housewives' star threw a birthday bash for her husband, Todd Tucker, at the Bowlmor in Atlanta ... but no one was looking at bowling pins. Instead, Kandi brought in strippers, and did so COVID-safely, we might add.

Check it out ... dancers were brought in to strip down for Todd -- but they were encased in glass boxes, ya know ... for distancing and whatnot. It's creative, we'll give 'em that.

Not only that, but it looks like just about everyone who attended was wearing some type of face covering -- so they were mindful during their partying, more so than a lot of bozos we've seen raging this year.

Unclear if 'RHOA' cameras were rolling for the shindig -- but our guess is ... they probably were. Remember, production for the show recently picked up again, and safety guidelines are in place to keep everyone healthy. Looks like the cast is taking those directives to heart, but still having fun.

Gotta love the creativity!

Rayshard Brooks Ex-Cop Who Fired Fatal Shot Sues ... I Want My Job Back!!!

Garrett Rolfe, the ex-Atlanta cop who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks during his arrest in a Wendy's parking lot, thinks he never should've been canned ... he's suing to get his job back.

Rolfe is suing Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the city's interim police chief Rodney Bryant, claiming his June 13 firing -- which came the day after Rayshard was killed -- violates city policy and his constitutional right to due process.

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Rolfe points out Rayshard violently resisted arrest before the fatal shooting -- and explains, "within the scope and course of his duties" he used force.

The ex-cop says his firing, which was announced by the mayor and then-Atlanta police chief Erika Shields, violated a law that he claims required proper investigation, notice, and a hearing before firing him.

Rolfe, who is charged with felony murder and is currently out on bond, is gunning to be reinstated to the police force and wants back pay and benefits.

Meanwhile, Rayshard's widow, Tomika Miller, is supporting a motion from the Fulton County District Attorney asking a judge to revoke Rolfe's bond.

Tomika says she's hurt Rolfe allegedly took a beach vacation to Florida without permission.

'Audrie & Daisy' Daisy Coleman Dead at 23 by Suicide

Daisy Coleman -- one of the teenage girls featured in "Audrie & Daisy," the Netflix documentary about multiple rape cases -- has died by suicide ... according to her mother.

Daisy's mom, Melinda, says her daughter took her own life Tuesday night. Her body was discovered after Melinda called the police to do a welfare check.

Melinda says ... "She was my best friend and amazing daughter. I think she had to make it seem like I could live without her. I can’t. I wish I could have taken the pain from her!"

Daisy was 14 years old in January 2012 when she was allegedly raped at a Missouri house party after being plied with alcohol ... though no one was ever convicted.

The 2016 Netflix doc followed Daisy and members of her family as they dealt with the trauma of her alleged assault, and the hostile reaction of their community.

Daisy's mom says, "She never recovered from what those boys did to her and it’s just not fair. My baby girl is gone." The family coped with another tragedy just last year when Daisy's younger brother was killed in a car accident.

"Audrie & Daisy" also focused on the sexual assault of Audrie Pott in September 2012 in California. Audrie died by suicide 10 days later.

Following her rape case, Daisy co-founded the organization SafeBAE with the mission of ending sexual assault among middle and high school students and helping survivors. The org says it is devastated by her death and has "suffered an irreplaceable loss."

Daisy was 23.

RIP

Migos Rapper Takeoff Denies Rape Allegation

UPDATE

2:55 PM PT -- Takeoff is adamantly denying the allegations made by the woman. His attorney, Drew Findling, tells TMZ, "We have reviewed the allegations and have similarly done our own due diligence. What has become abundantly clear is that the allegations made against Takeoff are patently and provably false. The claims and statements made regarding this lawsuit indicate that the plaintiffs’ representatives have not spoken with relevant witnesses or reviewed available evidence."

UPDATE

He continues, "Takeoff is renowned for his artistic talent as well as his quiet, reserved and peaceful personality. In this instance, those known personality traits have made him a target of an obvious exploitative money grab. As his counsel, we are well aware and well versed on the importance of civil and criminal prosecution of true sexual assaults. This is not one of those situations."

UPDATE

1:38 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources confirm the LAPD is investigating Takeoff for the incident.

Takeoff's just been sued by a woman claiming he raped her at a party in L.A.

The woman, who's filed the lawsuit as a Jane Doe, claims the Migos rapper made her extremely uncomfortable at an L.A. party back in June before he raped her in the bedroom of the person she says invited her to the party.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the woman claims Takeoff stared at her while at the party and that made her extremely uncomfortable. She also claims he offered her weed later in the evening, but she snubbed him.

In the suit, she says things went south after that -- she claims she was going upstairs with the man who invited her to the party when Takeoff, who was coming down the steps, got pissed. She says Takeoff and the man got into an argument, prompting her to go into the man's bedroom to wait it out.

She alleges that's when Takeoff entered the bedroom and started touching her buttocks. She claims she very clearly refused his advances, but Takeoff then flipped her over face-down, pulled down her clothing and raped her. She claims after he finished he immediately left the room.

After getting over the initial shock, the woman claims she went to a nearby hospital the same day where she claims hospital staff observed physical evidence of forceful rape. She claims hospital staff notified LAPD.

She's suing for sexual battery, assault, emotional distress and more and wants damages.

We've reached out to Takeoff for comment, so far no word back.

Originally Published -- 9:32 AM PT

Michelle Obama Dealing with 'Low-Grade Depression' ... Partly Blames Trump

Michelle Obama
FEELING DOWN
The Michelle Obama Podcast

Michelle Obama's struggling through 2020 -- she just revealed she's "dealing with what she calls some form of "low-grade depression" ... partly brought on by President Trump's actions.

The former First Lady dropped a new episode of her podcast on Spotify Wednesday, and while discussing mental health with former NPR anchor Michele Norris -- said she's got the blues "not just because of the quarantine but because of the racial strife, and just seeing this administration watching the hypocrisy of it, day in and day out, is dispiriting."

During the chitchat, Michelle talked about nationwide civil unrest and Trump's response to it -- and said it's all bringing her down. She added, "I don't think I'm unusual in that."

Michelle was describing what millions of us have been feeling over the last few months -- "I have to say, that waking up to the news, waking up to how this administration has or has not responded, waking up to yet another story of a Black man or Black person somehow being dehumanized or hurt or killed or falsely accused of something, it is exhausting. And, it has led to a weight that I haven't felt in my life in a while."

As for how she's managing the "low-grade depression" ... she's finding a way to stay connected with friends and family.

Kim and Kanye Holed up in Island Fortress .... To Avoid Paparazzi

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West wanted an appropriate setting to try and save their marriage, and we've learned, when they jumped on that private jet with their kids, they flew to a tropical island outside the country to take a trip that's very different from every other.

The Kardashians are famously photographed everywhere they go, but on this trip, it's designed specifically so there will be NO PHOTOS.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ, the fam is staying in what is described as a "fortress" ... an estate that is so remote it's virtually impossible for trespassers to get close.

It's interesting ... there is total radio silence as to how the vacation is going. As we reported, this could be the final test on the marriage. They have had relatively little contact over the last few months, and Kanye's pronouncements at the South Carolina campaign rally and on twitter clearly didn't help.

We broke the story ... last week Kim flew to Wyoming to see Kanye, and the reunion was tearful and tense.

We're told this will not be a quick trip.

Vanessa Bryant Against Venue Change in Helicopter Suit ... Kobe Is Loved Everywhere

"There is no county line at which Kobe Bryant’s celebrity suddenly evaporates."

That's Vanessa Bryant's key argument as to why the court should REJECT a requested venue change in her wrongful death lawsuit -- claiming Kobe's legacy expands way beyond L.A.

As we previously reported, Island Express Helicopters and the estate for pilot Ara Zobayan had asked the court to move the case from L.A. to Orange County, arguing they couldn't get a fair trial in the city where the Lakers star played NBA ball for 20 years.

Now, Vanessa is firing back ... saying she lawfully selected L.A. as her venue because that's where the January 26th helicopter crash occurred -- and she's digging in her heels to keep it there.

Not only does Vanessa point out the Bryants have lived in Orange County for nearly 20 years and Kobe's "popularity there is just as strong as anywhere else" -- but she also claims it really doesn't matter where you go, Kobe is beloved all over the U.S.

"Defendant fails to acknowledge the extent to which Kobe Bryant’s legacy penetrates American culture," Vanessa's attorney states in new court docs obtained by TMZ Sports.

"There is no county line at which Kobe Bryant’s celebrity suddenly evaporates. Public esteem for Kobe Bryant is a fact of American life."

Vanessa is right about Kobe's popularity -- when he passed away back in January, tributes poured in from all over the world ... including Italy and Japan.

A massive Kobe mural even went up in Gradiška, Bosnia and Herzegovina!

As for the venue change, that's now up to a judge to decide.

Stay tuned ...

Tinker Bell Fairy-Like Figure Seen on Ring Cam ... Clap If You Believe!!!

Be on the lookout for Peter Pan's shadow rummaging through your kids' bedroom at night, because it seems like Tinker Bell is following close behind ... based on what we see here.

Check out this wild video that's almost too good to be real -- it shows what appears to be a fairy-like figure hovering around outside a home at night ... shining bright with yellow light in the dead of night, and whose tiny human legs are depicted quite clearly. Storytime!

No, but seriously ... assuming this isn't altered, ya gotta wonder what the hell this thing is. It sorta looks like Tinker Bell -- except, ya know ... she's only real when you go to Disneyland, or Neverland we suppose. But, based on this -- maybe she's reached the homeland 🤷🏽‍♂️

Watch it a few times and decide for yourself -- is it a giant firefly, or is it a magical little person with wings who can sprinkle dust and make you fly??? Hey, it's 2020, who the hell knows?

Do us a favor though -- if you run into this bugger here, make sure you remember to think happy thoughts and aim for the second star on the right. And, clap if you believe, of course.

Staples NJ Woman Busted ... Allegedly Attacked Elderly Woman Over Masks

080220_mask_attack_kal
TAKEN DOWN HARD
Hackensack PD

There is justice after all, at least in the case of the woman who viciously attacked an elderly woman inside a store ... all over -- you guessed it -- masks.

25-year-old Terri Thomas was arrested in Hackensack, NJ for aggravated assault after video surfaced, allegedly showing her attack the lady at a STAPLES who'd asked her to pull up her mask over mouth.... which sent Thomas into a rage.

The surveillance video shows the assault clear as day -- cops say it depicts Thomas circling back to the woman -- a 54-year-old who recently had a liver transplant. The older woman tries to fend her off with her cane, but it backfired.

The suspect grabbed the woman's cane and tossed her like a rag doll ... leaving the woman on the ground and writhing in pain as the suspect stormed out, mask half hanging off her mug. Cops say the woman suffered a fractured leg and required surgery.

Racist Liquor Store Rant
RILED UP RACIST

We've been seeing these types of face-offs way too often lately -- people telling others they should follow safety guidelines and wear face coverings, only to be cussed out, accosted, threatened, and in some cases ... outright injured for doing the right thing.

Let the strange times roll.