TMZ.com Home

This is spooky, even for Zak Bagans ... he's the new owner of John Wayne Gacy's prison art, a potentially haunted haul which includes a creepy Killer Clown self-portrait.

The "Ghost Adventures" star tells TMZ ... he bought a bunch of the serial killer's paintings from prison, along with some letters Gacy sent to his stepdaughter ... and the clown themes are not unexpected but still striking.

Infamously known as the Killer Clown, Gacy was executed back in 1994 after being convicted of murdering 33 young men and boys in the '70s, burying most of the corpses in a crawl space under his Chicago-area home.

As you can see, Gacy painted himself as a clown while behind bars and sent the self-portrait to his stepdaughter, Tammy Hoff, along with letters decorated with clown stickers.

Zak tells us Tammy, who lives near his Haunted Museum in Vegas, recently contacted him about selling the items. Zak says Tammy lived with Gacy in Illinois during the murders, but didn't know her stepfather was a serial killer.

In addition to the weird art and letters, Zak also bought one of the last Polaroids Gacy snapped, plus his last pack of cigarettes before being executed.

Vince Young won't have to spend any more time behind bars over his DWI case stemming from a 2019 arrest ... TMZ Sports has learned the case has now been dismissed after the ex-NFL QB completed a diversion program.

We broke the story ... 37-year-old Vince was arrested on Feb. 4 in Fort Bend County, Texas last year after police officers say he was drunk driving at around 4:30 AM.

Cops say Young slurred his speech, bombed field sobriety tests and emitted a strong odor of alcohol during the stop.

Young was initially hit with a DWI charge over the incident ... but prosecutors eventually reduced the charge to misdemeanor obstruction of a highway after Young and his attorney successfully fought it in court.

Still, Young was facing up to 180 days in jail over the Class B misdemeanor ... but court records show the case was dismissed on Aug. 25.

According to court docs ... Young "completed a pretrial intervention program supervised by the probation department," which led to the dismissal.

It's not Young's first drunk driving case ... remember, back in 2016, he pled no contest to a DUI charge and was sentenced to 18 months probation.

Here's a shocker for 54 percent of the country ... President Trump opened a Bible (that's not the shocker), signed his name in it, and now the good book could now be worth nearly $40k. There it is.

Yes, as Trump would almost certainly put it, you can now buy your "favorite President's" favorite book ... which our sources tell us he autographed during a very turbulent week in the nation, and particularly in Washington, D.C.

We're told he signed it at the White House during the first week of June, just a couple of days after he'd ordered federal law enforcement to fire pepper spray and rubber bullets at peaceful George Floyd protesters ... just to clear a path for him to St. John's Episcopal Church.

You'll recall he posed there for a now-infamous photo op with a Bible ... although that's not the one he signed.

The autographed Bible is going up for sale through the memorabilia company, Moments In Time -- and they're hawking this slice of Trump history for a cool $37,500.

Just the way God intended.

We kid, but Trump's critics might be expecting a lightning strike, because although he's often declared the Bible is his favorite book -- he's declined to name a favorite chapter or verse ... or even weigh in on the Old vs. New Testament debate.

Presidents have a long history of signing Bibles, but the practice has historically been done when presenting it as a gift with a spiritual message written inside.

Clifton Lyles and Team Onyx want another shot at the 'World's Toughest Race' ... they're seeking redemption next year in Patagonia, and they've got a plan to finish what they started.

Here's the deal ... Team Onyx represented the United States in the reality racing show reboot on Amazon, 'Eco-Challenge Fiji,' winning over viewers as the first team comprised entirely of African-Americans and LGBTQ allies. The Bear Grylls hosted show saw 66 teams from 30 countries racing to the finish.

But, about halfway through the grueling race -- which requires paddling, sailing, climbing, swimming, mountain biking, canyoning, rafting and more -- Team Onyx was forced to drop out after team captain Clifton fell off his mountain bike and into a ditch, cracking his helmet and ending up in the hospital with a concussion.

Clifton tells TMZ ... Team Onyx already applied for 'Eco-Challenge' season 2, which is set to film sometime next year in Patagonia, and they've got their eyes on a top 25 finish.

Clifton's already got his team training hard, adding a mountain guide to give them an edge ... and he says they're taking extra precautions to avoid another mountain biking accident by wearing special helmets to guard against concussions.

Australian actress Ada Nicodemou is best known for playing the hare-raising hottie, Dujour (also known as The White Rabbit) -- who helps lure Neo from his dark and dingy hacker-home to go out to a rave -- in the epic 1999 action movie, "The Matrix."

Ada Nicodemou was cast alongside an awesome group of actors like Matt Doran as the squeaky programmer, Mouse, Robert Taylor as the butt-kicking sentient, Agent Jones, Carrie-Anne Moss as the gun-totting Trinity, Rowan Witt as the mind-melting prodigy, Spoon Boy ... and of course, Keanu Reeve as the chosen one, Neo.

Kevin Dobson -- a veteran actor best known for his roles on TV dramas and soaps -- has reportedly died of a heart attack.

Dobson -- a star on the classic '70s detective show "Kojak" along with the primetime soap opera "Knots Landing" in the '80s and early '90s -- died Sunday ... according to the United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County. He's an Army vet who once served as Chairman of the council.

Kevin broke into acting in 1968 when he landed a role on "One Life to Live," which set him on a path loaded with regular TV roles ... including "The Doctors," "Mod Squad" and "Emergency!"

He became a more recognizable face after starring alongside Telly Savalas as Det. Bobby Crocker on "Kojak." Then, in 1982, he scored his most notable role as Mack MacKenzie on the CBS drama, "Knots Landing" ... which earned him 5 Soap Opera Digest Awards.

He'd go on to appear on several other popular soaps like "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "Days of Our Lives," along with a handful of films.

Dobson most recent credits include guest spots on "House of Lies" and "Anger Management." He's also set to appear in the TV series "12 to Midnight" next year.

Kevin's survived by his wife and their 3 children. He was 77.

Being a "Karen" has no expiration date, because an old woman proved she could play the role with the best worst of them when she freaked out over kids using sidewalk chalk and made a racist comment toward their father.

The unlucky dad shared video of his contentious encounter with the angry lady and her husband, which seems to have gone down this weekend in California.

It starts with elderly "Karen" -- who has barged into the father's garage -- shouting "You son of a bitch!" at him after he tells the couple to report him to the homeowner's association where they live.

Sounds like she must be pissed about something egregious right? Nope ... turns out, it's all over the guy's children using sidewalk chalk on what he says is a public street within their complex.

Regardless, the old woman -- sounds like her real name is Caroline -- is incensed ... so much that her husband can't get her to walk away without further incident.

That's too bad, because the "Karen" decides to make a racist comment about the dad having "slanted eyes" and questions whether he really lives there and is married to the mother of the kids.

After another couple minutes of jawing at the father and threatening to make his kids clean up the chalk, the guy insists they get the hell out of his garage ... but "Karen" gets in one last kick.

The man claims he finally had to brandish a knife to get the husband to escort his old lady out.

A Florida corrections deputy has been placed on leave after going on the attack against a 17-year-old at a juvenile center ... and it's all on video.

The teenager, Terrance Devon Reed III, was taken to the hospital after the violent altercation with Sarasota County Deputy Neil Pizzo last week. The surveillance footage shows Reed sitting on a bench with his arms tucked in his shirt when Pizzo marches toward him.

As Reed stands up and takes his arms out, the deputy immediately goes for his throat. A struggle ensues before Pizzo throws Reed to the ground, but at no point does the teenager appear to fight back.

Another deputy jumps in to try to wrangle Reed's feet, and that's when Pizzo strikes the teen on the back of the head multiple times. Reed's then cuffed and helped to his feet ... but not before suffering abrasions to his head.

The altercation reportedly began after Reed -- who was previously arrested and charged with contempt of court, probation violations and cocaine possession -- became uncooperative in a police lineup.

That, of course, doesn't justify the violence by the deputy, and Sheriff Tom Knight says he's disappointed in what he saw and Pizzo's failure to de-escalate the situation.

Knight says he placed the deputy on administrative duty while an internal investigation is conducted.

Labor Day has a certain sadness to it this year for those still feeling the sting of the tragic loss of Mac Miller ... who died 2 years ago today.

Miller's receiving an outpouring of love as friends, fans and peers in the music biz remember the late rapper with tributes on social media, including Mustard, Wale, Juicy J, Souly Had and many more.

Mac died at just 26 on September 7, 2018 at his home in Studio City, CA. The rising hip hop star's death was ruled an accidental overdose due to mixed drug toxicity.

The news of Miller's passing hit hard for his fans and loved ones, including his ex-girlfriend, Ariana Grande ... whose relationship with the rapper was highly publicized.

The months following Mac's death were loaded with tributes from celebs in the entertainment industry and culminated with his 'Celebration of Life' concert in October 2018.

He'd also go on to be nominated for Grammy posthumously for his "Swimming" album, and later release "Circles" in 2020.

As Souly Had said -- Mac left the world with a catalog full of inspiration ... and people all over the world are feeling it today. RIP.

Cardi B and Candace Owens are in an epic feud, with Candace calling Cardi an "illiterate rapper" who isn't worthy of interviewing Joe Biden ... thing is, Owens just doesn't get it.

Owens blasted Cardi for her recent sit down with Biden ... specifically, Cardi's question about what Biden would do about Black men dying in America. Owens thinks Biden should have fired back that, according to her, most Black men don't die at the hands of cops but rather other Black men.

Apparently, Owens doesn't think there's an issue with systemic racism in police departments, nor does she address the long list of Black men and women who have died at the hands and knees of cops ... sometimes over minor offenses and sometimes over no offenses at all.

Owens just can't wrap her head around Cardi interviewing a Presidential candidate ... she just can't understand why Biden didn't, as she put it, sit down with "intellectual" black people.

Here's what she's missing. Cardi has a huge following and can do more to get out the vote that the people Owens mentions, including herself. On top of that, she may not care for Cardi's interview, but lots of others did. Maybe she thinks Cardi was just too effective.

At one point during the back and forth, Cardi posted a vid from the Hamptons of her sister, Hennessy, getting harassed because she and her friend are an Afro-Hispanic gay couple.

Owens says Cardi is "uneducated when it came to politics." For her part, Cardi says Trump supporters have gone after her, encouraging people to set her house on fire.

2020 politics ... it ain't pretty.

"Guardians of the Galaxy" star Michael Rooker just revealed his struggle with coronavirus ... and it was real bad.

Rooker, who also stars in "The Walking Dead" and the upcoming "Suicide Squad," says the virus took over his body. He said, almost clinically, "...there ain't a whole heck of a lot one can do externally, to fight off COVID-19 once it has gotten into your body," adding, "And I have to let y'all know it has been quite a battle."

He said he's been isolating in an Airstream during his illness. And, he said he decided not to take "any extra medicines or vitamins or supplements" while he was trying to recover. His reasoning ... "I felt if my immune system was not already prepared for this battle, loading up with all this extra stuff would only do me damage as kidneys and life would have been gravely stressed."

Michael proudly posted his negative test results, saying, "So, just so y’all know the end result of all those daily battles has come to an end," Rooker shared. "My body has won the WAR! Covid put up a pretty good fight... but bottom line, it ended up getting its ass knocked out! buy [sic] my immune system .. 1,2, punch to the head, 2 body shots and a left hook right upper-cut ... "End of story"

Kanye West held what could be his most ambitious Sunday Service yet, when the whole gang walked on water during the event.

As for notable guests ... Kim Kardashian showed up. Hard to read the tea leaves, but it seems relevant, because of his self-described marital issues. But, there she was ... flying to Atlanta for the service.

Pastor Joel Osteen delivered the sermon and spoke about Jesus walking on water and how he gave Peter permission to follow suit. They all took it to heart, because after the sermon Ye, Joel and the choir all walked on H20, although not exactly.

The service was held on a lake near Pinewood Studios in ATL.

This fight proves beyond a shadow of a doubt ... the Joker's wild.

Check out the insane brawl at Joker's Bar and Grill in Maryland, where COVID didn't get its ass kicked -- it's alive and well -- but some bar patrons sure did, as they piled on top of each other and pounded away.

It's unclear what triggered the fight, but you hear lots of screaming as a scuffle starts in the back and then all hell breaks loose.

There's a dude pinned down on the pool table with 7 bar patrons surrounding him. Hard to tell, but it looks like he's being choked.

You also hear glass shattering ... almost like in a western flick. Once the glass goes, there's fighting all over the bar. Someone eventually orders everyone to stop, and it's crazy, because they are still fighting as they move toward the door.

Maryland has been hit hard by COVID -- over 112,883 cases and 3,660 deaths.

Bruce Williamson Jr., the lead singer of the Temptations, has died from coronavirus.

Bruce died Sunday night at a hospital in Vegas after battling COVID.

Williamson's son posted an emotional tribute ... "There's no words in the world that can express how I feel right now I love you Daddy thank you for being awesome thank you for being loving thank you for being Who You Are I pray to God and we will meet again. I love you Daddy R.I.H KING WILLIAMSON"

Bruce became a Temptation back in 2006 and sang with the group until 2015. He performed with the group in concert and on TV.  He also sang lead on the Temps albums, "Back to the Front," and "Still Here."

He once said he did "more in six months of being a Temptation than many artists have done in a lifetime."

Of course, Bruce was not an original member of the Temptations, which produced a string of Motown hits including "My Girl," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and "Get Ready."  But, he certainly sang those songs and many other Temptations hits.

Bruce was born in Compton and cut his teeth on music by singing gospel in Church.

Bruce was 49.

The Mayor of San Francisco is livid at a thousand people who attended a rager Saturday night to commemorate what would have been Burning Man's 34th event.

You wouldn't know there was a pandemic by looking at the scene ... crowds squeezed together with partygoers in wild outfits, as music blares and lights flash.

There were also a number of bonfires ... something that is prohibited and really irresponsible given the terrible air quality from the raging California wildfires.

Mayor London Breed was enraged, saying, “This was absolutely reckless and selfish,” Breed tweeted. “You are not celebrating. You are putting people's lives at risk. You are putting our progress at risk. No one is immune from spreading the virus.”

Joe Exotic's team is heading back to our nation's capital for another shot at getting the Tiger King pardoned by President Trump ... and this time, they got an in at the White House.

Sources tell TMZ ... Joe's squad of attorneys and advocates will be flying to Washington D.C. Wednesday to hand-deliver a copy of their official pardon request to a contact they have at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The hope it seems ... to get the pardon request in front of Trump, and we're told Eric Love -- who's leading the team -- has a contact within the White House, so it would seem this might be their best chance yet to get DT to listen.

Not just that, but it would appear the Joe Exotic squad has more Trump allies than just one -- here's a photo of Eric with Brad Parscale, 45's head of digital operations for his campaign. Eric and the team met Brad in Texas recently, but also ... he's not the contact they have at the White House. Still, knowing BP can't hurt their odds!

Remember, Love and co. rolled up to D.C. a few months ago in a huge bus with a 'Pardon Joe Exotic' wrap. It doesn't appear that venture was all that successful -- Trump hasn't pardoned the guy after all -- but we know Joe's on Trump's radar.