Kim & Pete Welp, It's Official ... We're on the Gram

If there was any doubt that Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson were the real deal, question it no more ... because they're now Instagram official.

Kim just posted a series of photos with the caption, "Whose car are we gonna take!?" Within the images are a couple of the lovebirds, including one where the two are on the floor about to kiss and another where they're all smiles.

While it may seem shocking, this is actually the first time Kim's posted Pete on her public Instagram page.

BTW, Kanye claimed he was the one who bought the coat Kim's wearing for her before her appearance on SNL ... so these pics might sting.

Of course, we've seen the pair all over the U.S. and even dropping into other countries, but the social media posting apparently brings things to a new level.

The timing of the photos is interesting, though likely not completely coincidental -- it was just last week when Kim was declared legally single. She and Kanye will still need to work out child custody and property division ... but as we told you, custody likely won't be an issue.

Pete had an Instagram page of his own for a brief moment, but it's since been deleted ... will be interesting to see if Kim graces his page if and when he returns.

Russian Embassy Claims Influencer Staged maternity hospital attack pictures ... She Gives Birth

UPDATE

3:19 PM PT -- New images from European news source NEXTA claim to show Podgurskaya with her newborn baby ... further proving how outlandish the Russian claims truly are.

UPDATE

Russia is ridiculous ... Putin now claims the photo of a pregnant Ukrainian influencer who was injured in the bombing of a maternity hospital is a fake, and it's triggered worldwide outrage.

Beauty blogger Marianna Podgurskaya was called out by the Russian embassy in London as nothing more than an actor ... claiming to play it up for the camera in aftermath photos at the hospital in Mariupol.

While Podgurskaya is not yet confirmed as the woman in the pictures, she's based in Mariupol and posted an image of her pregnant belly a week ago online.

Russia’s embassy posted photos of Wednesday’s destruction, featuring a giant “FAKE” stamp on the pics. When people on Twitter pointed out the pregnant woman escaping with blood dripping from her face, the embassy said it was just Podgurskaya with realistic make-up.

The embassy's attempted to back its claim by saying the photos were taken by a “famous propagandist photographer” — who is actually an award-winning war photographer covering the war for the Associated Press.

The embassy stuck to its guns -- even after ridicule -- saying, “she could not be in the maternity house at the time of the strike, as it has long been taken by the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion who told all the staff to clear the place.”

Twitter yanked the posts after the British government expressed outrage.

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DEVASTATING DESTRUCTION
Twitter / @ZelenskyyUa

The attack on the maternity hospital was brutal ... President Zelensky released a video showing the aftermath on Twitter, calling it an absolute atrocity and a genocide.

He called for NATO and/or the U.S. to institute a no-fly zone over his country, saying ... "Close the sky right now! Stop the killings! You have power but you seem to be losing humanity."

Ukrainian officials have confirmed that a young girl was among three people who died in the attack that also injured 17 others.

Originally Published -- 7:06 AM PT

Gabby Petito's Parents Sue Brian Laundrie's Parents ... Claim They Tried to Help Son Get Away!!!

UPDATE

1:24 PM PT -- Laundrie family attorney, Steven Bertolino, tells TMZ, "As I have maintained over the last several months, the Laundrie‘s have not publicly commented at my direction which is their right under the law. Assuming everything the Petitos allege in their lawsuit is true, which we deny, this lawsuit does not change the fact that the Laundries had no obligation to speak to Law Enforcement or any third-party including the Petito family. This fundamental legal principle renders the Petito’s claims to be baseless under the law."

The parents of Gabby Petito want justice for their daughter -- suing the parents of her killer, Brian Laundrie -- for allegedly knowing more about Gabby's death than they let on.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Gabby's parents say Chris and Roberta Laundrie knew their son had murdered Gabby and believed they were in the process of helping him leave the country.

The docs also mention Gabby's autopsy revealed she'd suffered blunt force injuries to both her head and neck ... additional details from the fact she had been strangled to death.

The lawsuit, filed by Gabby's dad, Joseph Petito, and mom, Nichole Schmidt claim after her death, Brian used Gabby's phone to send text messages ... making it seem like she was still alive.

Gabby's parents say in one of the texts allegedly sent to Schmidt by Laundrie from Gabby's phone, he referred to Gabby's grandfather by his real name, Stan, something she would never have done.

The lawsuit claims Brian was using Gabby's phone up until at least August 30 -- 3 days after she was murdered -- to communicate with Schmidt, saying there was poor cell service in Yosemite.

What's more ... Gabby's parents say they believe it was on August 28, a day after her murder, when Brian told his parents what had happened. The lawsuit alleges it was that same day when the Laundries contacted an attorney ... and hired him a few days later.

Gabby's parents say prior to her disappearance, they had a pleasant relationship with the Laundries, but as the situation got worse, Brian's mom allegedly blocked Gabby's mom's cellphone as well as her account on Facebook.

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K-9 ON THE CASE
Fox 13 Tampa Bay

While the docs don't get into detail on exactly how ... they read, " ... Christopher Laundrie and Roberta Laundrie were keeping the whereabouts of Brian Laundrie secret, and it is believed were making arrangements for him to leave the country."

Gabby's parents say they suffered emotional distress, and are asking for an unspecified amount in damages.

Originally Published -- 11:46 AM PT

Daymond John Biden Exec Order Means Crypto here to stay!!!

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HERE TO STAY!!!
TMZ.com

President Biden's latest executive order is a big "W" for those in the crypto world, and a clear indicator everyone should, if nothing else, start learning what it's all about ... according to Daymond John.

The "Shark Tank" star joined us Friday on "TMZ Live" for his "Follow the Money" segment ... giving us his take on Biden's greenlight for feds to study risks and benefits of cryptocurrency. Daymond says the bottom line is ... it's really good news.

He says the news legitimizes crypto, and should get more people to invest. Even further, he believes Biden's interest in creating a digital U.S. dollar will protect all Americans.

Although, the prez did not announce any regulations of cryptocurrency ... Daymond says they'll be necessary to prevent investors from getting hurt or scammed.

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IT'S A DOGE-EAT-DOGE WORLD
TMZ.com

Already, 16% of Americans have invested in crypto, and he says that number will increase greatly in the next 10 years.

BTW ... some crypto coins, like Bitcoin, soared 5-8% after Biden's order.

'BACHELORETTE' ALUM CLINT ARLIS Died By Suicide

Clint Arlis, one of the contestants on season 11 of "The Bachelorette," died by suicide ... TMZ has confirmed.

According to the coroner's report, obtained by TMZ, cops found Clint dead in his parent's Illinois home back in January, he was found hanging in a bedroom closet.

The report says officers found a note left behind on Clint's bedroom dresser ... and his parents told investigators he had been experiencing paranoia and thought people were watching him.

According to the docs, Clint's parents told police his struggles with paranoia began after he had a legal issue with a friend, and he had recently moved back with his parents to get back on his feet after having some difficulties living on his own in Texas.

Page Six was first to report the cause of death.

The report says Clint's parents also told investigators he was having relationship issues with his girlfriend of 4 years ... and he was taking experimental medications as part of a clinical trial for alopecia, with his dosage increasing.

As we reported ... Clint's sister broke the news of his death back in January, but at the time, there was no cause of death.

It's heartbreaking ... the docs say Clint's father told cops he was the one who found Clint hanged in the closet, with the dad searching the house for his son when Clint didn't come downstairs in the morning.

Clint, who was only 34, competed against Nick Viall on 'Bachelorette' is remembered for his slogan ... "Villains gotta vill."

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.

Jussie Smollett Held In Protective Custody ... Cameras On His Cell 24/7

UPDATE

11:49 AM PT -- A rep for the Cook Co. Sheriff's Office tells us Smollett's cell will be monitored by security cameras as well as an officer with a body-worn camera. They tell us Jussie will be able to have time outside of his cell in common areas, where he can watch tv and use the phone -- but other inmates will not be in the common area at that time.

UPDATE

They tell us, "The safety and security of all detained individuals, including Mr. Smollett, is the Sheriff’s Office’s highest priority."

Jussie Smollett will be held in protective custody -- as requested -- while serving his time behind bars.

Judge James Linn ordered the actor's 150-day jail sentence, and specified he'll serve it under protective custody. According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Judge Linn says Smollett and his team requested the protection.

The goal of protective custody is to protect an inmate from any form of harm while they serve their time.

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STICKING TO HIS GUNS
WGN

Smollett was immediately taken into custody following Thursday's sentencing. A rep for Cook County Sheriff’s office told us Smollett was given a medical and mental health assessment by Health services, as well as a security assessment upon getting locked up.

As we reported, Smollett erupted after his sentence -- which also included 30 months of felony probation, $120K in restitution and $25K in fines -- was handed down ... reiterating he isn't a suicidal person, and if something happens to him while he's in custody, he wants the world to know he didn't do it to himself.

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SEND ME ALONG WITH HIM
WGN

Jussie's maintained his innocence the entire time -- even after being found guilty -- and still insisted he did not hire the Osundairo brothers, Abel and Ola, to stage the "attack" on a chilly Chicago night.

The City of Chicago has also sued Jussie in a separate civil action over the resources spent investigating his claims, which is being pegged at $130,000.

Originally Published -- 9:37 AM PT

Johnny Knoxville Sweet Revenge, Ya Jackass!!! Shares WWE Star Sami Zayn's # Using Plane Banner

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A LITTLE PAYBACK

Johnny Knoxville just got back at Sami Zayn for blowing up his phone and talking crap on Thursday ... by sharing the WWE Superstar's phone number for all of Los Angeles to see!!

TMZ Sports just obtained video of the "Jackass" star executing his latest stunt on Friday ... explaining his actions in a hilarious video.

"So yesterday, Sami Zayn got my personal phone number and was texting and stalking me all day," Knoxville says.

"So today, for my birthday, I am flying his phone number over Los Angeles. 407-574-1532. See ya at WrestleMania, Shnookums."

Of course, Zayn and Knoxville have been beefing for months -- and it came to a head last week when JK cost Zayn a WWE title.

Knoxville has previously challenged Zayn to a match at WrestleMania, which Sami had denied, saying Johnny has no business being in WWE.

But, that all changed when Knox personally helped Ricochet beat Zayn for the Intercontinental title ... with Sami calling out the stuntman and demanding a fight in Dallas next month at AT&T Stadium.

The prank was a huge success -- as Zayn already tweeted about his phone ringing off the hook.

Word of advice to Zayn -- come at the king of stunts, you best not miss.

Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Contract Makes Me Untouchable

Alec Baldwin says his "Rust" contract makes him judgment proof in the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins ... and he goes on to blame her for the fatal incident.

Baldwin's lawyers filed an arbitration claim, alleging his deal shields him from any financial responsibility in connection with Hutchins' death. What's more ... the lawyers say Baldwin's legal fees must be covered by the production as well.

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THE REENACTMENT

But that's not all. In the docs, Baldwin says Hutchins is the one who told him how to position the gun, saying, "She directed Baldwin to hold the gun higher, to a point where it was directed toward her. She was looking carefully at the monitor and then at Baldwin, and then back again, as she gave these instructions."

The lawyers go on ... "In giving and following these instructions, Hutchins and Baldwin shared a core, vital belief: that the gun was 'cold' and contained no live rounds."

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TRIGGER PULLED

The attorneys also say Baldwin asked Hutchins if she wanted him to pull back the hammer ... the lawyers say Hutchins responded in the affirmative.

And, there's this ... the docs reference Baldwin's interactions with Hutchins' husband, Matthew shortly after the shooting. When Hutchins hugged Baldwin, the actor's lawyers say Hutchins said, "I guess we're going to go through this together."

That relationship blew up after Baldwin sat down with ABC News and not only absolved himself of responsibility, but blamed Halyna.

The docs say it's not the actor's responsibility to check a gun for live ammo ... the lawyers say it's the armorist's job.

As for liability because of Baldwin's Executive Producer title, the lawyers say his contract indemnifies him. Besides, the lawyers say, Baldwin was just a creative E.P.

As we reported, there were numerous safety concerns on the set, to the point some of the crew staged a walk-off.

Matthew Hutchins and his son are suing Baldwin and others for wrongful death.

Supreme Brawl Fight Erupts In Manhattan, During Clothing Collab Release

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BRAWLIN' OVER BURBERRY

There's clearly a massive desire for the new collab between Burberry and Supreme ... so much so, shoppers trying to get the gear erupted into a massive brawl.

It all went down in Manhattan, as customers waited to snag some items from the brands' latest release. It's not clear exactly how the it all started, but it's obvious how it all ended ... fighting, shouting ... and utter chaos.

Check it out for yourself … one video shows a guy who is clearly pissed, shouting, "I'm still standing right here."

In another video, you can see fists thrown and more people pile on, while others hold their places in line.

One observer noted on Twitter that the brands made the collection first-come, first-serve ... so there was bound to be some drama.

Luckily, the NYPD says there were no serious injuries ... just lots of sick gear.

Cat-Tastrophe Two Death Row Dogs Spared ... After Alleged Cat Killing

Two dogs have been sprung from death row after allegedly killing a neighbor's cat ... this after a legal battle that lasted more than a year.

A 2-year-old pit bull named Odin, and a 6-year-old Akita mix named Lucy were caught back in January 2021 next to a dead cat named Big Boy. Animal control officers came and took the dogs to a shelter, and began legal proceedings to euthanize the pooches.

The dogs owners, Nola Lowman and her son, William Dillon Jr., hired lawyers ... who argued Odin and Lucy just came upon the cat and the probability was that a coyote killed the feline.

They pointed to not just one but 4 cat attacks in the area ... which suggested a serial animal killer was on the loose.

Authorities didn't see it their way, and ruled the 2 dogs were considered "vicious." That's a critical word, because under Maryland law animals that are labeled "vicious" must be euthanized.

According to The Washington Post, the dogs were impounded for more than a year, as lawyers racked up a $25,000 bill trying to appeal the decision.

A few weeks ago, a judge reversed the death sentence, saying the dogs had no history of aggressiveness. The judge didn't find the dogs innocent ... rather, the label "vicious" was replaced with the label "dangerous."

So, the 2 danger dogs have been spared and are back at home.

Steph Curry Surprises 10-Year Old w/ Tix To Game ... After Viral Video Of Her Crying

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SURPRISED BY STEPH
@msinger/The Denver Post

Steph Curry is back in the good graces of 10-year-old Warriors fan PJ O'Byrne -- who was crushed when the 3x champ didn't play in the game she recently attended -- hooking up the young girl with some free courtside tix to see him hoop!

PJ originally received tickets to see Golden State play the Denver Nuggets back in December for her birthday, but a COVID-19 outbreak forced the game to be postponed.

It was rescheduled for Monday in Denver, but Steph didn't travel with the team and ultimately missed the game ... leaving one of his biggest fans, PJ, visibly devastated.

O'Bryne -- who was holding a "Go Warriors! MVP Steph Curry" sign in anticipation of seeing her favorite player hit the court -- was in tears when she received the news that #30 wasn't playing.

Well, Steph and the Warriors org. made things right ... providing the girl and her family tickets to Thursday's game against the Nuggets, giving Steph an opportunity to apologize in person.

Before tipoff, Curry made his way over to O'Bryne and her family (they had great seats) ... and briefly chatted with PJ, who was crying ... only this time, tears of joy.

The Nuggets also provided her with MVP jerseys.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

PJ got to see a heckuva performance too. Steph didn't just drop 34 points ... he also surpassed 20,000 total career points, and led the Warriors to a thrilling comeback victory over the Nuggets, 113-102.

After the game, Curry told reporters, "It's what the NBA is all about. Our fans are everything. I told her I appreciate the support and love. I know she was upset on Monday, and we got to make it up to her."

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Slams Jussie Smollett ... 'Maybe This Will Be a Lesson to Others'

Jussie Smollett's courtroom outburst isn't landing for Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot ... who is praising his 5-month jail sentence, condemning him for staging a hate crime and hoping his case is a warning to others.

After Jussie's sentencing, where he shouted he's innocent and left with a fist in the air, Mayor Lightfoot was totally unswayed, saying ... "The city feels vindicated in today's ruling that he is being held accountable and that we will appropriately receive restitution for his actions."

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STICKING TO HIS GUNS
WGN

She also reminded everyone what that restitution will cover -- "The malicious and wholly fabricated claim made by Mr. Smollett resulted in over 1,500 hours of police work that cost the city over $130,000 in police overtime."

In other words, the Mayor's certain Smollett got exactly what he deserves at Thursday's sentencing.

Judge James Linn gave the ex-"Empire" actor 150 days in prison, 30 months of probation, a $25k fine and restitution of over $120k.

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THE FULL CUT
TMZ.com

You'll recall ... Jussie told police he was the victim of a racist homophobic attack, back in 2019. He claimed 2 white men called him slurs, poured chemicals on him and put a noose around his neck.

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TOOLS FOR THE CRIME
TMZ.com

Of course, brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo, who are Black, told cops the actor paid them to stage the entire "attack."

Smollett denied that, but the jury found him guilty of five counts of 6 counts for lying to police.

Travis Scott Quit Using Charity to Polish Your Image!!! Astroworld Families Want Judge to Shut Him Up

UPDATE

11:53 AM PT -- Spokesperson for Travis, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, tells us, "Hilliard’s bogus allegations fly in the face of logic. Travis’s support of charitable causes has been on-going for years to help underprivileged young people graduate without debt, explore creative fields and overcome mental health challenges."

Travis Scott's announcement about his new charitable project is a blatant attempt to clean up his image after the Astroworld tragedy ... at least according to some of the plaintiffs, who want the judge to stop him from tooting his own horn.

Family member of Ezra Blount, the 9-year-old killed in the Astroworld crush, are pissed about Travis launching his Project HEAL initiative ... or at least they don't think he should be allowed to publicize it through the media. As we reported, Travis announced this week he'd be pouring $5 million into several charitable efforts.

Ezra's father and mother have filed docs asking the judge to amend the gag order put in place last month ... to specifically block Travis from making such announcements, which they feel will taint the potential jury pool in their lawsuits against Travis.

The dad, Treston Blount, calls Project HEAL nothing more than a "highly sophisticated marketing campaign." He points out Travis and his team issued a "look at me" press release to all TV and print media in Harris County, Texas ... the exact place from which the jury will be selected.

Here's the twist, though ... Travis' legal team feels it's Blount's attorney who violated the gag order by publicly disparaging Travis for Project HEAL. In their response, they say Travis was merely continuing his "long history of giving back to his hometown" -- however, Blount's attorney characterized it as Travis trying to say, "Look at me, I'm a good guy."

Ezra's family and other plaintiffs want the gag order to block all parties in the case -- not just the lawyers -- from making public comments that could sway the jury pool. Alternatively, they want the judge to lift the gag order altogether ... so everyone's on a level playing field.

President Biden No More Russian Vodka or Caviar!!! ... 'I'm Revoking Russia's Trade Status'

President Biden is continuing to tighten the screws on Russia, announcing a ban on Vodka, caviar and diamonds imported from the country.

On Friday, 46 announced that he -- along with the nations that make up the EU and G7 -- will revoke Russia's "most favored nation" trade status ... allowing the U.S. and other allies to impose higher tariffs on Russian imports.

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RUSSIAN RESTRICTIONS

The downgrade will also put a ban on Russian vodka, certain seafood and Russian diamonds.

We should note, Russian vodka makes up a small percentage of vodkas on the shelves in the U.S. ... a few Russian-made brands include Russian Standard, Beluga Noble Russian Vodka and Beluga Noble Russian Gold Vodka.

Back in 2019, Russia was the 26th largest goods trading partner of the U.S. ... the majority of those goods being Russian oil and gas -- which Biden banned earlier this week.

As far as this new ban goes ... of course, congress will have to sign off before it is official ... but it's almost certain to happen.

James Harden Gets Over Awful Loss ... With Travis Scott, Lil Baby Hangout

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BLOWOUT BASH

Not even a 29-point loss to his former team could stop James Harden from getting in some quality time with Travis Scott, Meek Mill and Lil Baby ... 'cause the Sixers superstar went out with the his rapper friends right after the game.

The Beard had a less-than-stellar performance against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday ... scoring 11 points and going 3-17 from the field.

But, the bad night only lasted on the hardwood, 'cause the 32-year-old was spotted out celebrating a friend's birthday out in NYC at Sei Less restaurant shortly after the L ... and everyone was all smiles.

The trio of bros were spotted singing and cheering as cake with sparklers was delivered to their friend.

La Flame and Lil Baby were also courtside for the lopsided contest at the Wells Fargo Center ... but appeared to be in great spirits nonetheless.

It was a rare public outing for Scott, who's remained pretty lowkey since the Astroworld Festival tragedy.

Of course, Harden and Lil Baby are really close -- they were together for Paris Fashion Week during the offseason, and drop insane amounts of money on each other for their birthdays.

James is also tight with Travis -- they've partied together in the past ... and the former MVP even starred in his music video for "way back" in 2017.

As for Harden and the Sixers, they have a few days off until they gotta hit the court again ... so go ahead and party in the meantime!!

'FLIP OR FLOP' Even Tarek & Christina Agree ... Perfect Time to End It!!!

Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack being on the same page is a rarity these days, but the exes, and their HGTV bosses, are in lockstep about pulling the plug on "Flip or Flop" ... TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with the situation tell us ... Tarek and Christina's contracts for the show were up, but talks had already begun for a new season when the former couple had second thoughts about their 11th season.

Our sources say the decision had nothing to do with any specific incident or flop in ratings -- all parties involved just wanted to end the series on a high note.

It doesn't hurt that Tarek and Christina each have solo projects now with the network. Translation: Neither really needs "Flip or Flop" now that she's got "Christina on the Coast" and he has 'Flipping 101.'

Our sources point out ... working with an ex is not always ideal, and that's proven true for them. Remember, TMZ broke the story when Tarek lost it on Christina during a shoot last July. We were told he snapped because she was telling him it was time to start filming.

As you know, the exes announced they were splitting in December 2016, but still signed on for the next season of the show that made them famous. Tarek filed for divorce the following month, which was finalized a year later.

In their personal lives, both have since remarried -- Christina's even divorced and engaged again -- and now, to quote Fleetwood Mac ... they can go their own ways professionally too.