'Rust' Shooting Alec Baldwin Sued by Halyna Hutchins' Family for Wrongful Death ... Claim Basic Gun Safety Rules Violated

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THE REENACTMENT
UPDATE

4:28 PM PT -- Alec just posted a photo with a message, assumingly about his situation, with a sign that says, "Everything is Going to be Alright."

UPDATE

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Alec Baldwin is now a defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Halyna Hutchins.

In the lawsuit, lawyers for the family list what they say are the lapses in safety on the "Rust" set ... lapses they claim led to the cinematographer's death.

Among the alleged lapses ... live ammo on the movie set. The suit also claims other shortcomings ... the crew failed to treat the gun as if it were loaded.

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TRIGGER PULLED

As for Baldwin, the suit claims he was only 4 feet from members of the crew and reached across his body and used his right hand to grab the revolver holstered on his left side, drew the revolver with a cross draw movement and aimed it directly at Hutchins while drawing back the hammer.

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HOLDING ALEC RESPONSIBLE
TMZ.com

The suit claims, "He released the revolver's hammer, and -- BAM -- defendant Baldwin fired the revolver." Baldwin said in an interview he did not pull the trigger, but at a news conference Tuesday the Hutchins' lawyer said "I think it's clear what happened. Alec had the gun in his hand, he shot it -- Halyna was killed. The gun cannot fire unless the trigger is engaged and the hammer is back."

The suit says Baldwin never checked the gun himself for ammo before using it.

The suit also talks about cost-cutting measures and, a few days before Hutchins' death, a local camera operator made safety complaints to the producers that there had been 3 unsafe weapons discharges and the set was "super unsafe."

The unit production manager responded "with callous sarcasm," according to the lawsuit, saying the accidental discharges were "awesome" and "sound[ed] good."

Among the cost-cutting measures ... the hiring of inexperienced armorers, requiring the armorer to split time as an assistant props master, establishing and aggressively adhering to unreasonably rushed production schedules.

In addition to Baldwin, the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and the assistant director, David Halls, are being sued, among many others ... including various production companies. The company that provided the ammunition is also a defendant.

The suit, filed by Hutchins' husband and son, asks for unspecified damages, including punitive damages. They're repped by L.A.-based Panish, Shea, Boyle, Ravipudi LLP.

While Baldwin himself has denied culpability -- pointing the finger elsewhere -- Hutchins' family had been slow to indicate who they think is actually responsible, until now.

Others have been much more willing to assign blame early in the process ... including a "Rust" gaffer, Serge Svetnoy, who sued AB, the armorer and others for what he called a reckless and negligent display of movie-making.

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NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY
ABC

As you know, there have been different accounts of what exactly went down. Everyone agrees they were in the middle of setting up a shot, with Halyna and director Joel Souza framing up Alec for what was going to be a scene featuring the gun.

Svetnoy claims Alec had no business aiming the gun at Halyna and Joel -- but Alec himself argues differently, saying he was simply following their instructions ... and didn't even pull the trigger. He says when he let go of the cocked hammer ... the pistol fired unexpectedly.

He also says he never knew there was live ammo in the chamber, which has become a huge issue for investigators -- namely, how the hell did real bullets make it onto the film set???

Baldwin's hinted he feels head armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and assistant director Dave Halls should bear responsibility for the fatal accident. Meanwhile, Hannah's pointed the finger in Alec's direction, claiming he didn't respond to her request for him to take safety lessons ... and she allegedly wasn't informed the star would be handling a gun on that fateful day.

Not to be forgotten ... there's a looming criminal investigation off in the distance that's still underway in New Mexico, where authorities have yet to exclude anyone, including Baldwin, of potential charges as they continue to look into what exactly happened.

As all of that has been playing out ... Halyna's loved ones have been grieving.

She leaves behind a husband, Matt, and a young son. She was just 42.

Originally Published -- 9:45 AM PT

Kim Kardashian Pretty in Pink Amid Kanye Drama

Kim Kardashian's simply opting to go pretty in pink as the ugliness with Kanye West rages on, OR it's all so stomach-churning ... she's got Pepto on the brain.

Kim dressed head-to-toe in Balenciaga while running errands Monday around L.A. with North and Penelope Disick -- who both followed her lead with pink and red outfits, respectively. Musta been a Valentine's day thing.

Check out the gallery ... Kim was popping with her bright pink jacket, and matching sweater and matching thigh-high boots.

We're gonna go out on a limb and say she's firmly in the pink!

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love is in the air
BACKGRID

Her family time comes on the heels of Kim's romantic weekend in NYC with boyfriend Pete Davidson ... as we told you, the couple got a jump on the holiday with a date night sealed with a kiss.

Kanye, meanwhile, has been ranting and spreading nasty rumors about Pete on social media ... but it sounds like he's finally changing his tune.

Ye just posted a sort-of-apology for posting Kim's text messages ... and said he's working on his communication, moving away from ALL CAPS and taking accountability, saying ... "Sharing screen shots was jarring and came off as harassing Kim."

Kanye also sent Kim a truckload of roses on Monday, but she was out in L.A. looking like a pink flower herself.

Prince Harry MVP Treatment w/ Rams After SB LVI

Prince Harry got some serious MVP treatment from the L.A. Rams following the team's Super Bowl victory ... even getting to touch the sport's most coveted prize.

The official Rams account just posted these photos of the Duke of Sussex getting an up-close-and-personal look at the Lombardi Trophy after L.A. won the game. The attached caption ... “Feelin’ like royalty.”

In the pics, you see Harry in the Rams locker room, checking out the hardware alongside team owner Stan Kroenke and others, while laughing it up ... sans any face coverings.

We should say, however, while seated in the stands with his cousin, Princess Eugenie, he was indeed wearing a mask. But it seems like when he was behind the scenes and undetected, or so he thought, he ditched the cloth as well ... like countless others were already doing.

Like we told you ... as it stands, the rule in L.A. County is that everyone is supposed to mask up indoors ... even though California at large has already lifted the mandate. Despite this, a good majority of folks at the game -- famous or not -- didn’t give a hoot ... and enjoyed themselves with their mugs set free.

Harry's a big England soccer fan ... so the Rams game wasn't exactly the football he's used to!

'Bel-Air' Star Jordan L. Jones It's Crazy, I Got Will's Stamp of Approval!!! Loving Reboot's New Spin

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FRESH PRINCE, FRESH START
TMZ.com

We'd like to take a minute just sit right there, there's a reboot in town -- "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" ... and one of its stars says a lot's changed.

Jordan L. Jones plays the role of Jazz in the new show, "Bel-Air," and says it is drastically different in a great way. He joined us Tuesday on "TMZ Live" to break down the advice he got from Jazzy Jeff, who originally played his character ... and his goosebumps moment with Will Smith.

As you've probably heard ... this "reimagining" of the '90s hit has all the same characters, but the twist is, it's not a comedy. It's based on director Morgan Cooper's short film from several years ago, and as Jordan explained ... they had a ton of creative freedom to put their own spin on it.

Of course, the OG actors came back to help guide and give creative direction. Jordan says it was a dream come true to get kudos from Will. In fact, he called it a "crazy" moment ... so, you gotta see him reveal exactly what big Willie told him.

The first 3 episodes of "Bel-Air" are already streaming on Peacock, and a new episode drops every Thursday. BTW, Jazzy Jeff also gave Jordan some solid advice about bringing his character back to life.

Watch the clip ... very cool moment for a young actor getting his moment to shine!!!

Rams Parents Hilariously Hungover At Disney ... After Super Bowl

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DOWN BAD AT DISNEY
@kbstafford89 / Instagram

The happiest place on Earth was the most hungover place on Earth on Monday ... 'cause the Los Angeles Rams' visit to Disneyland looked absolutely miserable for everyone who drank the night away after the Super Bowl.

Matthew Stafford's wife, Kelly, posted video of how it REALLY looks to hit up Disneyland fresh off celebrating a championship ... showing all the young kids having a blast -- and the parents riding the struggle bus (in this case, the Merry-Go-Round).

FYI -- the Staffords have 4 kids under 5 years old. Can you imagine rounding up the bunch with a splitting headache?!?

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A MAGICAL CELEBRATION
Rams/Instagram

Of course, it's tradition for newly-crowned champs to hit up Disney ... but as we reported, the Rams were partying it up with Gunna until around 4 AM after the game.

Somehow, Matthew, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald were able to throw on a smile for the festivities ... with the trio getting the parade treatment.

The trio joined Mickey Mouse for the event ... hangin' on a Rams float waving at hundreds of fans while traveling through the confetti-filled theme park.

Donald even got to meet his fellow Donald -- Donald Duck -- and Cooper posed for some pics with some superheroes.

The fun doesn't end here -- the Rams get to celebrate again with another parade in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Rest up, Rams ... and drink some Pedialyte.

Prince Andrew Settles Sexual Abuse Lawsuit ... With Epstein Victim Giuffre

Prince Andrew settled a lawsuit with a woman who claimed the royal had sex with her when she was a minor.

According to new legal docs, the Duke of York and Virginia Giuffre reached an out-of-court settlement after she brought suit against Andrew.

As we reported ... Giuffre claims Andrew had sex with her 3 times when she was still a minor -- in London, New York and the Virgin Islands -- but he categorically denied the allegations.

In the docs, Prince Andrew's legal team says he intends to make a "substantial donation" to Giuffre's charity in support of victims' rights. There are no specific financial details included in the docs.

There's a photo of Prince Andrew, Giuffre and Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell ... though Andrew says he doesn't recall taking the pic.

In the docs, Andrew says he regrets his association with Epstein and commends Giuffre and other survivors for their bravery in standing up for themselves and others.

The Duke's legal team says Andrew "pledges to demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims."

Simone Biles & Jonathan Owens We're Engaged!!!

UPDATE

9:25 AM PT -- Zo Frost -- the celeb jeweler who made the ring for the couple -- tells TMZ Sports ... Owens actually approached him several months ago to get the piece made.

UPDATE

Zo Frost says the two worked closely on the project, adding that Owens handpicked the diamond himself.

UPDATE

"He wanted to add a special touch to the ring by adding a halo around the oval diamond," Zo Frost said of the details in the ring. "The center stone is a 3 carat oval diamond with F color and VVS2 clarity."

Simone Biles is officially engaged ... her boyfriend, Houston Texans safety Jonathan Owens, proposed to her on Valentine's Day -- and she said yes!!

Owens just posted pictures of the big moment, saying Biles "really had no clue what was coming."

The football player also shared a video and pics of the ring he used to ask the question with -- and it's spectacular.

In the pics, you can see Biles was thrilled over it all, smiling ear-to-ear and showing off her new diamond-clad hand.

Biles also commented on it all, saying it was "THE EASIEST YES."

"I can’t wait to spend forever & ever with you," she said, "you’re everything I dreamed of and more! let’s get married FIANCÉ."

Biles and Owens began dating in 2020 and have been inseparable ever since. Owens was super supportive of her during her low moments at the Olympics, and Biles has been spotted regularly at his football practices and games over the past couple years.

Congrats!!

Originally Published -- 7:14 AM PT

Valentine's Day Celebs Boo'd Up ... Gunna & Chloe, Justin & Hailey and More

You are not alone ... the annual obligatory Valentine's dinner is a thing celebs gotta do too -- it's just that folks like Chris Pratt, Justin Bieber and Gunna hit more expensive restaurants.

Among the couples spotted out getting their V-Day on were Anthony Davis and his wife at Giorgio Baldi ... while relatively new boos Gunna and Chloe Bailey hit BOA Steakhouse.

Nothing screams we're official like that Feb. 14 dinner date!!!

Other famous lovebirds out in the L.A. area included:

Meanwhile, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen were seen grabbing lunch in Beverly Hills. Nice and romantic, right? Well, Chrissy also zinged her Valentine pretty good by revealing the less-than-gushing card John gave her.

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She joked (we think) ... "I guess he saves it all for the songs."

BTW, Craig's in WeHo was another hot spot last night ... where we saw Lizzo did dinner with a mystery/masked man. Nothing wrong with a side of intrigue to go with your romance!

Prince Harry Joins Throng of Maskless Celebs at Super Bowl

Prince Harry had a mask on at some point during the Super Bowl, but he ditched it at another point and joined a VERY large crowd of celebrities and others who flaunted COVID protocols ... and, real talk, the rules are looking increasingly ridiculous.

As for those who joined Harry in the easy-breathing sections ... Kendall Jenner, Drake, The Rock, LeBron, The Weeknd, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Charlize Theron, Kanye, Kevin Hart, Matt Damon, Floyd Mayweather, Martha Stewart, Michael Strahan, Olivia Rodrigo, Shawn Mendes, Ben and Jen, Joe Jonas, 2 Chainz, Nelly, Ellen DeGeneres & Portia, Rebel Wilson ... we could go on and on.

As we reported, the L.A. County Health Dept. warned everyone who attended ... wear a mask or else. They even said they were going to make sure people didn't pull a popcorn trick ... eating a bucket slowly without a mask.

The reality ... there was no popcorn police, nor should there be. Even L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti -- who ridiculously defended not wearing a mask a few weeks back at the same venue by saying he held his breath -- was out there again without a mask, and this time he was clearly inhaling and exhaling as he chatted up some folks.

California lifted its mask mandate Monday, but L.A. County is not following suit and still requires masks indoors ... something, at this point, has clearly become a joke.

Travis Scott Parties with Kim K Look-Alike ... And No Ye in Sight!!!

UPDATE

8:16 AM PT -- 2/16 -- A source close to Travis tells us he doesn't know Chaney, and wasn't there to party with her ... they just both happened to be under the same roof, "a total coincidence."

Chaney Jones is definitely in Kanye West’s orbit -- but after this latest outing with Travis Scott, you kinda wonder ... who's she really with, anyway???

The IG model/Kim K look-alike was spotted leaving a Dave & Buster’s very early Monday morning in L.A., where TS was also in attendance for a Super Bowl after-party that went late into the night. Rappers Gunna, Lil Baby, Swae Lee and their entourages were all in tow as well.

Travis seemed to be heading out solo, ditto for Chaney. Neither of them was spotted together upon exiting. The interesting thing, of course, is that there’s no Ye in sight here -- and he’s definitely the dude she’s been linked to a lot lately ... at least on the surface.

As you know, CJ has crashed two different events Kanye was also attending -- an album listening party and a movie screening. And, although the two of them have never been photographed together, most people assume she’s someone Ye is seeing at the moment.

And yet ... here she is without him in the mix, seemingly cozying up to Travis and co.

Travis has been out on the town quite a bit lately, despite the fact he just welcomed a new baby with Kylie Jenner ... who’s been at home with the kid. As you know, his name is Wolf -- and he's all of 13 days old now.

Speaking of Trav's baby mama, she proudly showed off a wild flower arrangement he appears to have gotten her for Valentine’s Day.

Originally Published -- 2/15 7:01 AM PT

'TINDER SWINDLER' SIMON LEVIEV I Can Make it in Hollywood ... Trust Me!!!

Simon Leviev is looking to turn his "Tinder Swinder" fame into a legit career, because he wants to break into Hollywood.

Sources close to Simon tell TMZ ... he's already signed with a talent manager, and wants to write a book, star on a dating show and host a dating podcast. Yeah, no shocker ... the guy's got big plans.

Simon's new Hollywood manager is Gina Rodriguez with Gitoni Inc, and we're told they've already discussed a bunch of plans to parlay his newfound Netflix fame into profit and an entertainment career.

We're told Simon's idea for a potential dating show includes women competing for his love ... and he's interested in sharing dating dos and don'ts on a potential podcast.

As you know ... Simon's the subject of the new Netflix documentary in which women -- and law enforcement -- claim he flaunted a lavish lifestyle to women on Tinder, and once he got them hooked, he would convince them to "loan" him money.

When they did, he'd ghost them and allegedly make off with their dough.

Almost like a Ponzi scheme, the Netflix doc claims Simon would use one woman's funds to wine and dine the next, and so on. All told, Simon allegedly swindled over $10 million from his alleged victims before his 2019 arrest.

So, why in the world would anyone trust him -- in or out of Hollywood???

Our sources say Simon is claiming the Netflix show got him all wrong, and he's looking to clear his name. It'll be an uphill battle, for sure -- but as you know if you've seen 'Swindler' -- that's never stopped him before.

Julia Fox Strutting Past Kanye ... Walked for NYFW on V-Day

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Valentine's Day Vogue
TMZ.com

No Kanye, no problem!!! That's the attitude Julia Fox is carrying straight into New York Fashion Week where she worked it on a runway ... fresh off her split from the rapper.

Julia slipped into the Laquan Smith Fall/Winter line to do some catwalk modeling Monday night in Lower Manhattan -- and the gig just happened to come a few hours after she and Ye officially broke up.

As you can see in the photo, the "Uncut Gems" star wore a black cut-out dress, paired with statement silver earrings and bangles ... with her hair in a sleek tight bun.

Of course, the show fell on Valentine's Day -- but bae or no bae, it seems Julia already had some big plans in the works. Apparently, the after-party played a few Kanye hits ... but, our sources say, she did not stay for it.

Julia's NYFW catwalk is another thing to add to her portfolio which already included modeling campaigns for Coach and Diesel.

As we've told you, Julia appeared to be unfazed by her break up with Ye ... as we've told you, she went on IG and basically said "she came up" from the short-lived fling and now there's no hard feelings.

Maybe she's got a point -- she was still in the spotlight last night, after all.

When it comes to moving on from an old relationship, Ye might wanna take notes from Julia.

Trey Songz Dismiss Sexual Assault Suit, Judge ... There's Witness Tampering Afoot!!!

UPDATE

2:23 PM PT -- Mitchell has responded to the allegations made by Trey and his team, saying, "I unequivocally denounce the allegations pled in Defendant Songz’s motion which is a desperate attempt to shift the narrative from his abhorrent and egregious behavior."

UPDATE

She continues, "These allegations were filed back in May 2021 with the Florida bar and NO ACTION was undertaken by the bar due to inconsistent testimony and no evidence. Defendant and his attorneys are dangerously close to the line of a defamation lawsuit if they continue with their knowingly false, libelous and defamatory statements against Plaintiff’s counsel."

UPDATE

Finally, Mitchell tells us, "This is nothing more than bullying and an attempt to silence counsel and the many victims who have been assaulted by Defendant Songz and will be vigorously defended in court. I will further be exonerated as I was when this allegation was previously made by Defendant Songz’s prior attorney.”

Trey Songz is being sued by a woman for sexual assault in Miami, and now he wants a judge to toss the case ... because he says her attorney tried paying off a key witness.

The singer filed new legal docs in response to a recent lawsuit filed by Jauhara Jeffries -- who alleges he violated her while partying with him during New Year's Eve, 2017.

She claims as she was dancing on a couch at E11VEN nightclub -- this following a shindig thrown by Diddy that she and Trey had attended earlier in the night -- Trey allegedly slipped his finger into her vagina without her consent.

Here’s the thing ... in new paperwork filed by Trey’s attorneys, obtained by TMZ, the singer insists there’s an unnamed witness who’s at the center of this whole thing ... and who can actually clear TS’s name.

The reason ... they say this witness was with them all at the club, and not only emphatically denies being assaulted herself, but also says she did not witness Trey assault anyone. What's more, per the docs, the witness claims she was approached by Jeffries' lead attorney in a bid to try and get her to change her story.

Trey's lawyer, Jeffrey Neiman, says this witness claims Jeffries' lawyer, Ariel Mitchell, wanted her to get on board as a co-plaintiff to strengthen the claims against Trey and possibly score a larger settlement.

Trey's team says the witness told them Mitchell offered a payout between $100k-$200k, depending on how high she could get Trey and co. to settle.

The witness apparently told Mitchell to kick rocks, adding she wouldn't lie for any amount of money ... and was only interested in telling the truth. According to the docs, the truth is that she never saw anyone get sexually assaulted during the night in question.

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Interestingly enough, Ariel Mitchell is the same attorney who is representing another one of Trey's accusers, Dylan Gonzalez, who says the singer raped her in Vegas.

Trey's team feels Mitchell engaged in serious misconduct warranting a dismissal.

Originally Published -- 6:31 AM PT

Tyrese Gibson Selling Mansion For $2,500,000 ... Transformer Included!!!

Tyrese Gibson sure knows how to sweeten a deal, and it's paying off for him ... to the tune of nearly $2.5 million.

The actor/singer has accepted an offer on his Woodland Hills, CA mansion -- and while it has 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 5,225 sq ft. of luxury ready-made for entertaining ... the real unique jewel is in the backyard.

Tyrese has one of his 'Transformers' costars -- it's actually a Bumblebee replica -- posted up next to the lounge and firepit.

He originally bought the house for a mere $1.385 million, shortly after it was built in 2010 -- so, it seems his purchase really paid off. He had originally listed it in early 2021.

It has some really cool features -- besides the transformer -- including 25+ ft. ceilings, a huge kitchen, an indoor movie theater and a recording studio.

It gets even better outside -- the backyard has another kitchen, a bar and a Benihana style grill.

Yeah, Tyrese thought of everything ... dude even put a beauty salon spa back there!!!

For the record, Tyrese did offer to include the transformer in the deal, IF the buyer wanted him and we are told the buyer is getting Bumblebee! The house is in escrow, so it's not a done deal just yet.

Jason Oppenheim of Oppenheim Group represented the buyer and the seller.

Kodak Black Leaves Hospital Using Walker ... After Getting Shot

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BACK ON HIS FEET
TMZ.com

Kodak Black is out of the hospital after being shot in the leg ... and he very clearly needs help getting around.

Check out this video TMZ obtained, showing Kodak leaving Cedars-Sinai Monday afternoon in Los Angeles ... as you can see, he's using a walker and moving pretty slowly.

Kodak's also got a ton of bodyguards around him as he climbs into the back of a black SUV ... and for good reason.

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TMZ.com

As we reported, Kodak was among 4 people hit with bullets in a shooting that broke out early Saturday morning following Justin Bieber's after-party at the Nice Guy.

Remember, Kodak was struck in the leg and taken to the hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

Now Kodak's been discharged and it looks like he's being extra cautious ... and not just with his injured leg.

'American Idol' Contestant David Oliver Willis, Arrested for LSD Possession

David Oliver Willis, who repeatedly appeared on "American Idol," has been arrested, after police found LSD in his car ... TMZ has learned.

According to docs obtained by TMZ ... David was pulled over last Friday in Lake County Florida for a malfunctioning headlight.

The officer says they could smell marijuana billowing from the car and proceeded to search the vehicle. Cops say they found a grinder and baggies containing several small squares of paper that tested positive for LSD.

Officers say David admitted to smoking weed with a friend prior to driving ... but claimed the LSD did not belong to him.

Because he was the only person in the vehicle during the stop, officers arrested Willis and booked him for possession of a controlled substance (LSD) ... a third-degree felony. He's due back in court next month.

As you might recall, David has had a long run with "American Idol." He appeared on season 12, season 13, and he came back for season 14.

He became a quarterfinalist his first season.

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